JP7784648B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a washing tub and a tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub.

In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a filter made of a mesh member is housed in the tank. The mesh member is positioned between the top opening of the tank and the discharge port.

International Publication No. 2019/039141

However, in washing machines that have a tank for storing liquid, there is a need for the liquid to be steadily supplied from the tank to the washing tub.

Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to solve the above problem and provide a washing machine that can stably supply liquid to the washing tub.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a washing tub rotatably mounted within a housing, a first tank containing a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub, a first automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to a first connector provided on the first tank, and a first mesh portion provided inside the first tank, positioned upstream of the first connector and inclined relative to the bottom surface of the first tank, and having a plurality of through-holes, the apex of the first mesh portion being set at a predetermined height or below.

This disclosure provides a washing machine that can stably supply liquid to the washing tub.

Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic front view of a washing machine Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit A perspective view of a part of the automatic feeding unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cross section of an automatic feeding unit; A perspective view of the tank and the liquid agent supply device Diagram showing the inside of the tank Diagram showing the inside of the tank A perspective view of a filter member Schematic diagram of the mesh part A perspective view of a filter member Cross-sectional view of a filter member Tank cross section Enlarged cross-section of the tank Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Schematic cross-sectional view of the tank near the filter member Enlarged cross section of the mesh Enlarged cross section of the mesh Schematic cross-section of the tank Schematic cross-section of the tank Graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of liquid in each tank and the sensor output value in Modification 1 Schematic diagram of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic diagram of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Perspective view of the tank Perspective view of the tank Top view showing the internal structure of the tank A perspective view showing the internal structure of the tank A perspective view showing the internal structure of the tank Tank cross section A perspective view of a filter member

(Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, washing machines equipped with a liquid agent dispenser that automatically dispenses a liquid agent and a filter that filters out foreign matter were known.

The inventors of the present invention have discovered a problem: when automatically dispensing liquid agent in a washing machine equipped with a filter that separates the internal space of the liquid agent tank, if a highly viscous liquid agent is filtered or if the filter has a fine mesh, the resistance to the liquid as it passes through the filter increases, and there is a risk that the amount of liquid agent dispensed into the washing tub will be less than the specified amount. The inventors of the present invention have also discovered a problem: particularly when the mesh portion is located at the top of the tank, air is likely to flow downstream of the mesh portion, making it more likely that the amount of liquid agent dispensed will be less than the specified amount.

To solve these problems, the inventors of the present invention have come up with the subject matter of this disclosure.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of matters that are already well known or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
A washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is a washer/dryer having an automatic liquid dispenser function. In this specification, the liquid is a liquid used to wash laundry 15 such as clothes. The liquid may include a detergent, a fabric softener, and a neutral detergent.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a washing tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connecting flow path 8, a water inlet 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit C.

<Case>
The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

<Outer tank>
The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member disposed inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water. The outer tub 3 may also be referred to as a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a cylindrical portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined relative to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 has an opening 33 connected to the connecting flow path 8 for water flow and a drain port 35 for draining water from the outer tub 3 to the outside.

In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is referred to as the front-to-rear direction M (Fig. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane containing the central axis V0 is referred to as the width direction K (Fig. 2). The front-to-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a central side K2 toward the central axis V0.

<Washing tub>
The washing tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatably disposed around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and accommodates laundry 15 such as clothes. The washing tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum or an inner tub. A number of through-holes 40 are formed in the washing tub 4. The through-holes 40 connect the washing tub 4 and the outer tub 3, allowing the wash water and detergent to move from the washing tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The washing tub 4 further has openings 41 at positions facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 31 in the outer tub 3.

<Drive unit>
The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the washing tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the washing tub 4.

<Automatic insertion unit>
The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid agent from a tank that stores the liquid agent into the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. The automatic dosing unit 6 supplies an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 during the washing process, rinsing process, etc., depending on, for example, the amount and type of laundry 15. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4.

The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C (Figure 3), liquid agent dispensing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (Figure 4), and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

As shown in Figure 2, the automatic dispensing unit 6 is located inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tub 3, and has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tub 3.

<Connection flow path>
The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer tank 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer tank 3.

<Water inlet>
1 , the water supply port 10 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply port 10 is provided on the top of the housing 2.

<Drain valve>
The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains the water stored in the outer tub 3 through a drain port 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided at the bottom of the housing 2.

<Control unit>
The control unit C is a component that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit C may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program and a processing circuit (not shown) that corresponds to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

Next, the components of the automatic insertion unit 6 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the automatic insertion unit 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the automatic insertion unit 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the automatic insertion unit 6.

<Case>
3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that make up the automatic dosing unit 6. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has an inclined shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34, which is schematically shown by a dotted line.

As shown in FIG. 4, the back surface 57 of the case 61 is connected to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a connection flow path 8, and a sensor 90.

<Tank>
The case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C lined up in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents used in the washing and rinsing processes. For example, the tank 62A stores a neutral detergent, the tank 62B stores a fabric softener, and the tank 62C stores a detergent. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are detachable from the case 61. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be removed from the liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C by pulling them toward the front surface 56 and then lifting them out.

As shown in FIG. 5, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have depths L1, L2, and L3, which increase in order as the distance from the top to the deepest part. Here, the deepest parts of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C, which connect to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, respectively. In addition, in this embodiment, because the top surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape, the volumes of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order according to depths L1, L2, and L3.

Here, tank 62 is a general term for tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, liquid agent supply device 63 is a general term for liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, and connection part 76 is a general term for connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C.

<Liquid drug supply device>
Returning to Figure 4, the liquid agent supply device 63 is a device that sucks a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tank 62 and discharges it into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supply device 63 is, for example, a volumetric pump. Each liquid agent supply device 63 is connected to a connection part 76 (Figure 5) of the tank 62 in the front-rear direction M via the back surface 57 of the case 61. The liquid agent supply devices 63 are lined up in the width direction K and arranged in a stepped manner according to the depth of the tank 62.

<Liquid agent discharge flow path>
The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 ( FIG. 1 ) through the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to the liquid agent supply device 63. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends from upstream to downstream, inclined downward with respect to the horizontal plane.

The structure of the tank 62 will now be described in detail. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tank 62 and the liquid agent dosing device 63. Figures 7A and 7B show the interior of the tank 62.

As shown in Figure 6, the tank 62 comprises a main body 87 and a lid 88. The main body 87 is a box-shaped container that forms a front surface 91 and a back surface 92. The top of the main body 87 is open and is covered by a removable lid 88. The lid 88 further has a small lid 88A that can be opened and closed.

In Figures 7A and 7B, the main body 87 is indicated by dotted lines. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the main body 87 houses the filter member 65 and the float 94, and is provided with a connection portion 76.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the filter member 65 is disposed above the connection portion 76 in the tank 62 and allows the liquid to pass through in the direction of gravity. When viewed from the perspective of the flow of the liquid (arrow A), the filter member 65 is located upstream of the connection portion 76. The filter member 65 functions to filter out foreign matter from the liquid flowing from the tank 62 toward the connection portion 76, preventing the foreign matter from flowing into the liquid dosing device 63. Examples of foreign matter include lint, hair, dust, sand, and solid particles added to the liquid. Regarding the size of the foreign matter, if the foreign matter is particulate, the diameter of the particles may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.2 mm or more.

The filter member 65 is also provided in close contact with the inner wall of the tank 62. In this embodiment, the filter member 65 is in close contact with the inner wall that defines the corner of the tank 62 over the entire outer periphery.

The float 94 is rotatably mounted on the back surface 89 of the lid 88, which faces the bottom surface of the main body 87. The float 94, in conjunction with a sensor 90 (Figure 4) mounted on the back surface 57 of the case 61, is configured to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the tank 62. Because the float 94 has buoyancy relative to the liquid, it rotates in response to the rise and fall of the liquid level. The sensor 90 detects the position of the float 94 and calculates the liquid level based on the detected information. The sensor 90 is, for example, a proximity sensor that detects the magnetic field generated by the float 94. The control unit C (Figure 1) of the washing machine 1 calculates the remaining amount of liquid contained in the tank 62 from the calculated liquid level.

The connection part 76 is located at the deepest part of the back surface 92 and includes a check valve 68 and a connection port 69. The check valve 68 prevents the backflow of the liquid from the liquid injection device 63. The connection port 69 is an outlet for the liquid.

Next, the structure of the filter member 65 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8, 9, 10A, and 10B. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the filter member 65 with the packing 93 removed. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one mesh portion 66. Figure 10A is a perspective view of the filter member 65. Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the filter member 65 taken along line X-X in Figure 10A.

As shown in Figure 8, the filter member 65 has a mesh portion 66, a frame portion 67, and a packing 93. The mesh portion 66 is a member that has multiple through holes 66a that penetrate from the front to the back and allows the liquid agent to pass through. Therefore, the mesh portion 66 performs the filtering function of the filter member 65. The frame portion 67 is a member that supports the mesh portion 66 and secures it to the tank 62. The packing 93 is attached to the outer periphery of the frame portion 67 and is a member that ensures a tight seal between the frame portion 67 and the inner wall of the tank 62.

The mesh portion 66 is a plate-shaped member. In this embodiment, the filter member 65 has four mesh portions 66 formed on the same plane.

As shown in FIG. 9, the multiple through holes 66a are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the through-hole direction F1. The multiple through holes 66a may be arranged regularly or randomly. In this embodiment, the through holes 66a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in two directions that are approximately perpendicular to each other in a plan view.

The opening size of the through hole 66a may be set depending on the specifications, structure, operation, etc. of the liquid agent supply device 63. For example, if the liquid agent supply device 63 is a volumetric pump, the through hole 66a may be rectangular in shape, with each side measuring 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less in plan view. For example, the through hole 66a may have a pair of sides measuring 0.18 mm and a pair of sides measuring 0.27 mm. Alternatively, the through hole 66a may have a pair of sides measuring 0.17 mm and a pair of sides measuring 0.09 mm. This structure can promote the passage of a liquid agent with a viscosity of 5000 mPa·s or less, while inhibiting the passage of foreign matter.

Returning to Figure 8, the frame portion 67 has a frame portion 81, a wall portion 82, and a flat portion 83. The frame portion 81 is connected to the outer periphery of the mesh portion 66 and maintains the shape and arrangement of the mesh portion 66 relative to the frame portion 67. The wall portion 82 extends from the top and side edges of the frame portion 81 along the side of the tank 62 (e.g., upward). The flat portion 83 extends from the bottom edge of the frame portion 81 along the bottom surface of the tank 62.

The wall portion 82 extends to the height of the tank protrusion 62b (Figure 11) provided on the tank 62. The flat portion 83 extends to the position of the tank recess 62c (Figure 11) provided on the tank 62. As shown in Figure 10A, the wall portion 82 is formed with a recess 82a that is recessed toward the front side M1, and the flat portion 83 is formed with a protrusion 83a that protrudes downward. The recess 82a engages with the tank protrusion 62b, and the protrusion 83a engages with the tank recess 62c, securing the filter member 65 to the tank 62.

As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the frame portion 67 further defines a groove 67a. The groove 67a is formed continuously around the outer periphery of the wall portion 82 and the flat portion 83.

As shown in Figure 10B, the gasket 93 is placed in the groove 67a and fixed to the filter member 65.

The mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 may be formed as separate members. For example, the frame portion 67 may be formed by injection molding, and the mesh portion 66 may be insert molded into the molded frame portion 67. Alternatively, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 may be separable.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 may have different thicknesses. The thickness of the mesh portion 66 may be smaller than the thickness of the frame portion 81. Here, the thickness of the mesh portion 66 refers to the maximum distance between the front and back surfaces perpendicular to the penetration direction F1 in which the through holes 66a extend.

Next, the arrangement of the filter member 65 in the tank 62 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 62.

As shown in Figure 11, when the float 94 is at its lowest point, the filter member 65 is spaced apart from the float 94.

The mesh portion 66 is also arranged at an incline downward toward the front side M1 relative to the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62. Furthermore, the mesh portion 66 is also arranged at an incline downward toward the front side M1 relative to the liquid level S (horizontal plane) of the liquid agent. For example, the angle φ of the mesh portion 66 relative to the horizontal is between 3° and 45°, and preferably between 15° and 45°. In this embodiment, the angle θ of the bottom surface 60 relative to the horizontal is 7°, and the angle φ of the mesh portion 66 is 22°.

Here, we will explain in more detail the positional relationship between the filter member 65 and the liquid level S.

First, when the liquid agent contained in the tank 62 is used, the liquid level H of the liquid surface S decreases. Furthermore, when the user refills the tank 62 with liquid agent, the liquid level H rises. Here, the liquid level H refers to the vertical distance from a certain position on the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62 to the liquid surface S. In this embodiment, the periphery of the filter member 65 is shown as an example of a certain position on the bottom surface 60, but this is not limiting.

As the liquid level height H fluctuates, the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set to be below the predetermined liquid level height H.

Here, apex P2 of mesh portion 66 is the portion of mesh portion 66 that defines the uppermost through-hole 66a. In other words, apex P2 is the portion of mesh portion 66 that is the shortest distance from the liquid level S when tank 62 is filled with liquid. In this embodiment, because mesh portion 66 is an inclined plate-like member, apex P2 is the portion of mesh portion 66 adjacent to the back surface 92 of tank 62. Because apex P2 is below the predetermined liquid level height H, the entire mesh portion 66 is lower than the predetermined liquid level height H.

The predetermined liquid level H is the height of the liquid level S of the liquid agent that is set in advance according to the structure or volume of the tank 62. In embodiment 1, the predetermined liquid level H may be the liquid level H when the amount of liquid agent contained in the tank 62 becomes low, i.e., the "low remaining amount" state.

"Low amount remaining" corresponds, for example, to the amount of liquid remaining when the volume of the liquid is 20% or less of the volume of the tank 62. Furthermore, "low amount remaining" corresponds, for example, to the amount of liquid used in one to five washing operations. In this case, the amount of liquid used in a washing operation depends on the washing course being performed, and may therefore be an average or maximum value taking into account the type of washing course.

The predetermined liquid level H corresponds to the liquid level H corresponding to the timing at which the "low level" notification or display is given to the user. When the "low level" notification or display is given, the user is prompted to refill the liquid. Therefore, the predetermined liquid level H in embodiment 1 corresponds to the refill liquid level H1 corresponding to the timing at which the tank 62 is refilled with the liquid.

Furthermore, when a user who sees the "Low Level" message refills the liquid agent in the tank 62, the liquid level H will rise to or exceed the refill liquid level H1. Therefore, the refill liquid level H1 is the lowest liquid level H expected when using the washing machine 1 immediately before refilling.

The liquid level height H may be detected directly, for example, by a liquid level sensor. Alternatively, the liquid level height H may be calculated indirectly based on other parameters related to the liquid level height H. In embodiment 1, a magnetic field that changes depending on the distance between the float 94 and the sensor 90 is described as an example of the other parameters.

The liquid level height H is calculated indirectly based on the voltage value that changes as the float 94 rotates. Detection of the liquid level height H by the float 94 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tank 62.

As shown in FIG. 11, the float 94 has a first arm 95, a second arm 97, a float portion 98, and a magnet storage portion 96. The first arm 95 is a rod-shaped member rotatably attached to the lid 88 around the rotation axis V2. The second arm 97 is connected to the first arm 95 in a bent state relative to the first arm 95. The float portion 98 is provided on the second arm 97 and is a member that has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent. The magnet storage portion 96 is formed on the first arm 95 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first arm 95. The magnet storage portion 96 stores a magnet 99 that is detected by the sensor 90.

As shown in Figure 12, the magnet 99 has a first magnetic pole 99A and a second magnetic pole 99B, and the magnetic poles 99A and 99B generate a magnetic field that is detected by the sensor 90. The sensor 90 includes a Hall IC that detects magnetic flux density and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the magnetic flux density passing through the Hall IC.

The float portion 98 (Figure 11) moves up and down together with the liquid level S, causing the first arm 95 and second arm 97 to rotate integrally in response to the movement of the float portion 98, changing the distance D between the sensor 90 and the magnet 99. The change in distance D causes a change in the voltage value output from the sensor 90; specifically, as the distance D decreases, the voltage value decreases. Using this relationship, the liquid level height H can be indirectly calculated based on the voltage value.

As the wash cycle continues, the liquid in the tank 62 is used, and the liquid level S and float portion 98 gradually approach the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62. As the float portion 98 descends, the float 94 rotates, and the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90, reducing the distance D and increasing the magnetic flux density detected by the sensor 90. As a result, the voltage value output by the sensor 90 decreases, and a decrease in the liquid level height H is calculated.

When the liquid in the tank 62 has decreased sufficiently, the replenishment liquid level H1 is calculated.

In embodiment 1, once the replenishment liquid level height H1 is calculated, the control unit C notifies the user that the liquid level is low and that replenishment of the liquid is necessary. Examples of notification methods include displaying text or graphics on a display provided on the washing machine 1, playing audio through a speaker, or sending a notification via a smartphone application.

The user can add liquid to the tank 62 by removing the lid 88 or opening the small lid 88A. This action causes the liquid level S to rise above the replenishment liquid level height H1.

Now, with reference to Figures 13A to 13D, the relationship between the liquid level S and the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 will be explained in more detail. Figures 13A to 13D are enlarged cross-sectional views of the tank 62.

As shown in Figure 13A, when the liquid level S is higher than the apex P2, the mesh portion 66 is buried in the liquid. In other words, the mesh portion 66 is not exposed to the air.

By operating the liquid agent supply device 63 (Figure 6), the liquid agent is sucked out of the tank 62 and discharged toward the outer tank 3 (arrow W1). The liquid agent passes through the mesh section 66 (arrow W2) to replenish the amount sucked out.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13B, when the liquid level height H falls below peak P2, the upper part of the mesh portion 66 becomes exposed to air. Air then passes through the exposed part of the mesh portion 66 and flows into space X1 downstream of the mesh portion 66 (arrow R1).

When the liquid is dispensed in this state, as shown in Figure 13C, the liquid is sucked out of the tank 62 (arrow W1), reducing the amount of liquid in the space X1. This causes more air to flow into the empty space in the space X1 (arrow R1). This creates a difference in the liquid level height H between the upstream and downstream sides of the mesh section 66.

As more liquid is dispensed, as shown in Figure 13D, the remaining amount of liquid in space X1 becomes low or no liquid remains. This makes it easier for air to flow from space X1 through connection port 69 into liquid dispenser 63 (Figure 6) (arrow R2). In other words, a continuous air passage is easily established through space X1 from upstream of mesh portion 66 to liquid dispenser 63. In this state, even though liquid remains in tank 62 upstream of mesh portion 66, air may be sucked out of tank 62 instead of liquid and supplied to outer tank 3.

In the present disclosure, when the liquid level S drops to the replenishment liquid level height H1, the user is prompted to replenish the liquid. Therefore, once the liquid is replenished, the liquid level S is maintained at or above the replenishment liquid level height H1. Because the apex P2 is set to be below the replenishment liquid level height H1, it becomes easier to maintain the mesh portion 66 submerged in the liquid.

The state shown in Figure 13C will now be described in more detail. The difference in liquid level height H is due to the difference in viscosity between air and the liquid. Generally, the viscosity of air is lower than that of the liquid. Furthermore, when the fluid passes through the mesh portion 66, a pressure loss occurs, and the magnitude of the pressure loss depends on the viscosity of the fluid. Specifically, the pressure loss of the air is smaller than the pressure loss of the liquid. Therefore, the air passes through the mesh portion 66 preferentially over the liquid, resulting in a difference in liquid level height H.

Next, the effect of the inclination of the mesh portion 66 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 14A to 14D. Figures 14A and 14B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the tank 62. Figures 14C and 14D are enlarged cross-sectional views of the mesh portions 66 and 106.

When liquid is poured into an empty tank 62, multiple bubbles 101 may form downstream of the mesh sections 66, 106, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

As shown in Figure 14A, when the mesh portion 66 is tilted relative to the liquid surface S, multiple bubbles 101 gather at the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 (arrow B1) and form one large bubble 102. Compared to the small bubbles 101, the large bubble 102 is less susceptible to downward resistance due to viscous resistance and surface tension. This makes it easier for the bubble 102 to escape above the mesh portion 66 (arrow B2).

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14B, when a horizontal mesh section 106 is provided in the tank 62, multiple air bubbles 101 are dispersed throughout the entire mesh section 106. The dispersed small air bubbles 101 are more likely to encounter downward resistance, making it difficult for the air bubbles to escape from below the mesh section 106.

The liquid agent passing through the openings of the mesh portions 66, 106 can be considered a fluid flowing through the capillary portions. The openings of the mesh portions 66, 106 are defined by the walls 66b, 106b, and the liquid agent passing through the mesh portions 66, 106 is subjected to a resistance force, i.e., capillary force, from the walls 66b, 106b in the direction opposite to the flow direction. The capillary force increases with the length of the walls 66b, 106b in the direction of gravity.

As shown in Figures 14C and 14D, when the thickness of mesh portions 66, 106 is constant, the length L4 of wall portion 66b along the direction of gravity is shorter than the length L5 of wall portion 106b along the direction of gravity. Therefore, the resistance force that the liquid receives from mesh portion 66 is smaller than the resistance force that the liquid receives from mesh portion 106. Therefore, it is easier for the liquid to pass through mesh portion 66 than through mesh portion 106.

As described above, by positioning the mesh portion 66 at an angle, it becomes easier for the air bubbles 101 to escape and for the liquid to pass through. As a result, the area downstream of the mesh portion 66 is filled with the liquid, allowing a more stable amount of liquid to be sucked out of the tank 62.

The above explanation uses tank 62C as a representative of tank 62. However, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, tanks 62A and 62B have different depths relative to tank 62C, and therefore the replenishment liquid level heights may differ. Figure 15A is a schematic cross-sectional view of tank 62A, and Figure 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view of tank 62B.

For example, tanks 62A and 62B may each have a replenishment liquid level height H21 and a replenishment liquid level height H22 that are different from replenishment liquid level height H1. In this embodiment, the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set to be equal to or lower than the smallest replenishment liquid level height H21 among replenishment liquid level heights H1, H21, and H22. This allows the same filter member 65 to be used in tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of this disclosure.

The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment has a mesh portion 66, and the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set to be below the replenishment liquid level height H1.

Because apex P2 is lower than the replenishment liquid level height H1, appropriate replenishment makes it easier to maintain the mesh portion 66 submerged in the liquid. When the mesh portion 66 is submerged in the liquid, it becomes difficult for air to pass through the mesh portion 66 and flow into the downstream space X1. This prevents a difference in liquid level H from forming between the upstream and downstream sides of the mesh portion 66, reduces the amount of liquid in space X1, and prevents air from flowing into the liquid agent dispenser 63 through space X1. This prevents air from being sucked into the liquid agent dispenser 63, allowing the liquid agent to be steadily dispensed into the outer tub 3 and washing tub 4.

It also prevents a user from mistakenly realizing that liquid remains in the tank 62 upstream of the mesh section 66 but that the liquid has not been poured into the outer tank 3, which would lead to a malfunction of the sensor 90 or the like.

[effect]
The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can achieve the following effects.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the washing tub 4, the tank 62 (first tank), the liquid agent dispenser 63 (first automatic liquid agent dispenser), and the mesh portion 66 (first mesh portion). The washing tub 4 is rotatably mounted within the housing 2. The tank 62 contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub 4. The liquid agent dispenser 63 is connected to a connection portion 76 (first connection portion) provided on the tank 62. The mesh portion 66 is provided inside the tank 62 and is positioned upstream of the connection portion 76, inclined relative to the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62, and has a plurality of through-holes 66a. The apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set to a predetermined height or below.

With this configuration, the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set at a predetermined height or below, making it easier to keep the mesh portion 66 covered in the liquid. This reduces the likelihood of a difference in the liquid level height H between the upstream and downstream sides of the mesh portion 66. This prevents air from being sucked into the liquid dispenser 63, allowing the liquid to be stably dispensed into the outer tub 3 and washing tub 4.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62 is provided with a float 94 (first float) that has buoyancy relative to the liquid agent, and a sensor 90 (first sensor) that detects the float 94. When the float 94 is positioned at the replenishment liquid level H1 (first replenishment liquid level), the sensor 90 notifies the user that it is time to replenish the liquid agent into the tank 62. The apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set below the replenishment liquid level H1.

This configuration makes it easier to maintain the mesh portion 66 covered in liquid by properly refilling. This prevents air from being sucked into the liquid dosing device 63, allowing for more stable dosing of the liquid into the outer tank 3.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a frame portion 67 that supports the mesh portion 66.

This configuration allows the position of the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 in the tank 62 to be maintained. Furthermore, if necessary, the inclination of the mesh portion 66 can be changed by modifying the structure of the frame portion 67. This increases the design freedom of the filter member 65.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the frame portion 67 has a flat portion 83 that fits along the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62.

This configuration makes it easy to increase the slope of the mesh portion 66 while lowering the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67 are formed separately.

This configuration allows the mesh portion 66 and frame portion 67 to be formed using different processes or materials, improving the design flexibility of the filter member 65. For example, the mesh portion 66 can be formed by insert molding into a pre-formed frame portion 67. A material that is easy to form a fine mesh into the mesh portion 66 can be selected, while a high-strength material can be selected for the frame portion 67. This type of processing makes it possible to further inhibit the passage of foreign matter while maintaining the strength of the filter member 65.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the thickness of the mesh portion 66 is smaller than the thickness of the frame portion 67.

This configuration allows the opening size of the mesh portion 66 to be reduced while suppressing an increase in pressure loss compared to when the thickness of the mesh portion 66 is greater than the thickness of the frame portion 67.

In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 further includes a tank 62B (second tank) that contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub 4 and has a different depth from the tank 62C (first tank). The washing machine 1 includes a liquid agent dispenser 63B (second automatic liquid agent dispenser) that connects to a connection 76B (second connection) provided on the tank 62B. The washing machine 1 further includes a mesh portion 66 (second mesh portion) that is provided inside the tank 62B, is positioned upstream of the connection 76B, and is inclined relative to the bottom surface of the tank 62B, and has a through-hole 66a. The tank 62B is provided with a float 94 (second float) that is buoyant with respect to the liquid agent, and a sensor 90 (second sensor) that detects the position of the float 94. The sensor 90 notifies the user when the float 94 is positioned at a replenishment liquid level H22 (second replenishment liquid level), which is different from the replenishment liquid level H1, indicating that it is time to refill the tank 62B with the liquid agent. The apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is below the replenishment liquid level H22.

With this configuration, even when the washing machine 1 has multiple tanks 62, appropriate refilling makes it easier to keep the mesh portion 66 covered in liquid. This prevents air from being sucked into the multiple liquid dispensers 63, allowing the liquid to be stably dispensed from the multiple tanks 62 into the outer tub 3.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the mesh portion 66 of each tank 62B, 62C is common.

This configuration reduces the manufacturing costs of the washing machine 1.

In this embodiment, the mesh portion 66 is described as a plate-shaped member, but is not limited to this. For example, the mesh portion 66 may be formed along a curved surface such as a concave or convex surface.

In this embodiment, the mesh portion 66 is described as being arranged with a downward inclination toward the front side M1 relative to the bottom surface 60 of the tank 62, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mesh portion 66 may be arranged with a downward inclination toward the rear side M2 relative to the bottom surface 60.

In this embodiment, the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set lower than the smallest replenishment liquid level height H21 among the replenishment liquid level heights H1, H21, and H22, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the mesh portion 66 or the height of the apex P2 may be changed to match the replenishment liquid level heights H1, H21, and H22 of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively. Furthermore, at least two of the replenishment liquid level heights H1, H21, and H22 may be equal.

In this embodiment, it has been described that the voltage value output from the sensor 90 decreases as the distance D between the sensor 90 and the magnet 99 decreases, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first magnetic pole 99A and the second magnetic pole 99B may be swapped and the magnet 99 may be positioned in the opposite direction so that the voltage value increases as the distance D decreases.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the predetermined liquid level H corresponds to the replenishment liquid level H1 that corresponds to the timing of refilling the tank 62 with the liquid agent, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Variation 1 described below, the predetermined liquid level H may be the float lift-up water level in each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C.

[Modification 1]
16 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of liquid agent in each of the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C ("remaining amount of liquid agent") and the output value of the voltage output by the sensor 90 ("sensor output value") according to Modification 1. The horizontal axis represents the remaining amount of liquid agent, and the vertical axis represents the sensor output value.

As shown in Figure 16, remaining amount transition lines L11, L12, and L13 start from starting points S1, S2, and S3, respectively. Because the capacity of tanks 62C, 62B, and 62A increases in that order, the starting points S1, S2, and S3 of the corresponding remaining amount transition lines L11, L12, and L13 are located on the left side of the page in that order (largest remaining amount).

As described above, when the remaining amount of liquid decreases due to the operation of the liquid dosing device 63, the magnet 99 approaches the sensor 90 and the sensor output value decreases (monotonically decreases). As the remaining amount of liquid decreases, the float 94 reaches its lowest point (lower limit point) and the movement of the magnet 99 stops. The remaining amount of liquid continues to decrease as the liquid dosing device 63 is operated, but because the distance between the magnet 99 and the sensor 90 does not change, the sensor output value remains constant.

As shown in Figure 16, the points at which the float 94 reaches its lowest point and stops are designated as float stop water levels E1, E2, and E3.

The control unit C determines whether the float stop water levels E1 to E3 have been reached based on the "rate of change" of the sensor output value. Specifically, the control unit C determines whether the rate of change is less than a predetermined threshold, and if it determines that it is less than threshold A1, it detects that the float stop water levels E1, E2, and E3 have been reached. If the amount of liquid remaining in the tank 62 when the float 94 reaches its lowest point is known in advance, it is possible to accurately estimate the amount of liquid remaining by detecting that the float stop water levels E1 to E3 have been reached.

When the control unit C detects that the float stop water level E1-E3 has been reached, it starts counting the amount of liquid dispensed. For example, it starts counting the operating time of the liquid dispenser 63 as a parameter representing the amount of liquid dispensed.

When the count related to the amount of liquid medicine dispensed reaches a predetermined count number, the control unit C causes the display unit 84 to display "Low amount remaining" (low amount remaining display line), indicating that the amount of liquid medicine remaining is low.

In Figure 16, the area to the left of the low level indicator line is divided into multiple areas. Each area behaves differently when it detects that the float stop water level E1, E2, or E3 has been reached.

The area where the sensor output value is lower than threshold A2 is the "count start area." In the count start area, counting of the amount of liquid dispensed begins when it is detected that the float stop water level E1, E2, or E3 has been reached. Furthermore, since the float rises from the float stop water level E1, E2, or E3 when the tank 62 is refilled with liquid, the float stop water level E1, E2, or E3 in the count start area can be defined as the float rise water level.

The area where the sensor output value is higher than threshold A2 and lower than threshold A3 is the "abnormality detection area." In the abnormality detection area, when it is detected that the float stop water levels E1, E2, and E3 have been reached, the amount of liquid dispensed is not counted, and an error is issued indicating that the state of the float 94 is abnormal.

Areas where the sensor output value is higher than threshold A3 are "non-determination areas." No abnormality detection is performed in non-determination areas.

In variant 1, the apex P2 of the mesh portion 66 is set below the float stop water levels E1, E2, and E3. This configuration prevents the mesh portion 66 from affecting the water level in the "abnormality detection area." Specifically, it prevents a decrease in discharge rate due to air inflow into the "abnormality detection area," preventing erroneous abnormality detection. This allows the user to be accurately notified of abnormalities such as pump failure or stuck float.

(Embodiment 2)
A washing machine 251 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

Figures 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams of a washing machine 251 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the washing machine 251 has an automatic dosing unit 206.

Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the structure of the tank 271 provided in the automatic dispensing unit 206. More specifically, inside the tank 271, the filter member 265 is positioned below the check valve 268.

Figures 18A and 18B are perspective views of tank 271. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, tank 271 is a box-shaped container and includes a main body 287 having a front surface 291 and a back surface 292. The top of main body 287 is covered with a lid 288.

As shown in Figure 18A, the front surface 291 is provided with a remaining amount display window 293 made of a transparent material. Scale lines 294 aligned vertically are printed on the remaining amount display window 293. The minimum scale line 294A indicates the timing for refilling. The user can see the liquid level of the liquid in the tank 271 through the remaining amount display window 293, and can check the remaining amount of liquid by comparing it with the scale line 294. Instead of the scale line 294 consisting of multiple lines, only a refill mark indicating the water level to be refilled may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 18B, a pump 273 for sucking out the liquid is provided on the back surface 292. The pump 273 is connected to a discharge port 278 provided on the back surface 292, and sucks out the liquid from the tank 271 through the discharge port 278. The pump 273 is a volumetric pump and supplies a predetermined volume of liquid to the washing tub 4.

Figures 19A to 19C show the internal structure of the tank 271. As shown in Figures 19A to 19C, the main body 287 contains a filter member 265 and an elbow member 276. As shown in Figure 19B, the liquid contained in the tank 271 passes through the filter member 265 and flows into the pump 273 via the elbow member 276 (see arrow A).

As shown in Figures 19B and 19C, the filter member 265 is arranged along the inner bottom surface 272 of the tank 271. The filter member 265 divides the space of the tank 271 into an upper space 201 and a lower space 202 that includes the inner bottom surface 272 of the tank 271. The volume of the upper space 201 is larger than the volume of the lower space 202, and in embodiment 2, is 30 times or more the volume of the lower space 202.

The filter member 265 functions to filter out foreign matter from the liquid agent flowing from the upper space 201 to the lower space 202 (see arrow A).

Above the filter member 265, an elbow member 276 is provided to allow the liquid to flow from the lower space 202 into the pump 273.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the elbow member 276 is a pipe member extending between a suction port 277 for sucking the liquid agent from the lower space 202 and a discharge port 278 connected to the pump 273. The elbow member 276 may also be referred to as a suction pipe section. The elbow member 276 forms a flow path therein through which the liquid agent passes. Operation of the pump 273 causes the liquid agent to flow through the flow path from the suction port 277 toward the discharge port 278.

The elbow member 276 has a first portion 276A extending diagonally upward from the suction port 277 and a second portion 276B extending laterally toward the pump 273. The first portion 276A and the second portion 276B are connected to each other and form a bend. The end of the first portion 276A forms the suction port 277 and passes through the filter member 265. The end of the second portion 276B forms the discharge port 278 and passes through the back surface 292 of the tank 271. Because the elbow member 276 is bent from the inner bottom surface of the tank 271 toward the side surface (back surface 292), it has a bulky shape.

The second section 276B has a built-in check valve 268. The check valve 268 can prevent backflow of the liquid from the pump 273 to the tank 271.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tank 271 showing the arrangement of the filter member 265. As shown in Figure 20, the filter member 265 is inclined relative to the horizontal inner bottom surface 272. The filter member 265 is inclined downward from the rear surface 292 to the front surface 291. As a result, the first side 281A of the filter member 265 along the front surface 291 contacts the inner bottom surface 272, and the second side 281B of the filter member 265 opposite the first side 281A contacts the rear surface 292 at a position higher than the first side 281A. In other words, the apex of the filter member 265 (and the apex P21 of the mesh portion 266 described below) is located near the rear surface 292. In embodiment 2, the apex of the filter member 265 is lower than the minimum scale 294A.

Because the filter member 265 is tilted downward toward the front surface 291, the filter member 265 does not obscure the liquid level visible through the remaining liquid level indicator window 293 (Figure 3) provided on the front surface 291.

The inclination angle θ2 of the filter member 265 is, for example, 15° or less, and preferably 2° to 5°.

The suction port 277 is aligned with the underside of the inclined filter member 265. In other words, the suction port 277 does not protrude into the lower space 202, but is located flush with the underside of the filter member 265. Alternatively, the suction port 277 may protrude downward below the underside of the inclined filter member 265.

A flange portion 295 is provided on the outer periphery of the end of the first portion 276A that forms the suction port 277. The underside of the flange portion 295 faces the upper surface of the filter member 265, pressing the filter member 265 against the inner bottom surface 272 of the tank 271. In addition, because the first portion 276A extends diagonally downward, the first portion 276A biases the filter member 265 downward and toward the front surface 291.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the filter member 265. As shown in Figure 21, the filter member 265 has a mesh portion 266 and a frame portion 267. The mesh portion 266 and the frame portion 267 correspond to the mesh portion 66 and the frame portion 67, respectively, in embodiment 1. An opening 284 is formed in the frame portion 267, and the filter member 265 is formed by insert-molding the mesh portion 266 into the opening 284. In addition to the opening 284 for providing the mesh portion 266, the frame portion 267 has a connection opening 285 to which the elbow member 276 is connected. The connection opening 285 connects the elbow member 276 to the lower space 202, allowing the pump 273 to suck out the liquid agent from the lower space 202.

The user pours liquid into the tank 271. As the liquid is used in the washing process, the height of the liquid level S21 in the tank 271 gradually decreases.

In the present disclosure, when the liquid level S21 drops to the minimum scale line 294A, the user is prompted to refill the liquid. Therefore, when the liquid is refilled, the liquid level S21 is maintained above the minimum scale line 294A. Because the apex P21 of the mesh portion 266 is set below the minimum scale line 294A, it becomes easier to maintain the mesh portion 266 submerged in the liquid.

In the washing machine 251 according to embodiment 2, the elbow member 276 is positioned above the filter member 265. This eliminates the constraint of accommodating the discharge port 278 of the elbow member 276 in the lower space 202, allowing the filter member 265 to be positioned lower in the tank 271. This allows the filter member 265 to remain covered in the liquid agent for a longer period of time. This reduces the amount of room for air to enter the lower space 202, preventing the pump 273 from sucking air out of the tank 271 instead of the liquid agent. This allows for a stable supply of liquid agent to the washing tub 4.

[effect]
The washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment can achieve the following effects.

As described above, in the washing machine 251 of this embodiment, the (first tank) is provided with a minimum scale line 294A (liquid agent refill line) that corresponds to the timing of refilling the liquid agent. The apex P21 of the (first mesh portion) is set to a height equal to or lower than the minimum scale line 294A.

This configuration makes it easier to keep the mesh portion 266 covered in the liquid by properly refilling the liquid. This prevents air from being sucked into the pump 273, allowing the liquid to be more stably dispensed into the washing tub 4.

In the first aspect, the washing machine comprises a washing tub rotatably mounted within the housing, a first tank containing the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub, a first automatic liquid dispenser connected to a first connector mounted on the first tank, and a first mesh portion mounted inside the first tank and positioned upstream of the first connector at an angle relative to the bottom surface of the first tank, with a plurality of through-holes, the apex of the first mesh portion being set at a predetermined height or below.

In the second aspect of the washing machine, the first tank is provided with a liquid agent refill line that corresponds to the timing of refilling the liquid agent, and the predetermined height is the height of the liquid agent refill line.

A third aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the first aspect, except that the first tank is provided with a first float that is buoyant with respect to the liquid agent and a first sensor that detects the first float, and the first sensor notifies the user that it is time to refill the first tank with liquid agent when the first float is positioned at a first refill liquid level, and the predetermined level is the first refill liquid level.

A fourth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the first or third aspect, in which the first tank is provided with a float having buoyancy relative to the liquid agent and a magnetic body, and a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body, and the predetermined height is the height of the liquid surface when the rate of change of the output value of the magnetic sensor is smaller than a threshold value.

A fifth aspect of the washing machine is a washing machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a frame portion that supports the first mesh portion.

A sixth aspect of the washing machine is the fifth aspect of the washing machine, in which the frame portion has a flat portion that conforms to the bottom surface of the first tank.

A seventh aspect of the washing machine is a washing machine according to the fifth or sixth aspect, in which the first mesh portion and the frame portion are formed separately.

In the eighth aspect of the washing machine, in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the thickness of the first mesh portion is smaller than the thickness of the frame portion.

A ninth aspect of the washing machine is the washing machine of the third aspect, further comprising: a second tank that contains the liquid to be supplied to the washing tub and has a depth different from that of the first tank; a second automatic liquid dispenser that connects to a second connection part provided on the second tank; and a second mesh part that is provided inside the second tank and is arranged upstream of the second connection part and is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the second tank and has through holes. The second tank is provided with a second float that is buoyant with respect to the liquid, and a second sensor that detects the position of the second float. When the second float is positioned at a second replenishment liquid level that is different from the first replenishment liquid level, the second sensor notifies the timing of refilling the second tank with liquid, and the apex of the second mesh part is below the second replenishment liquid level.

In the washing machine of the tenth aspect, the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are the same as those of the washing machine of the ninth aspect.

While the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

The washing machine disclosed herein can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid dispensing, making it useful as a domestic washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a domestic drum washing machine or a top-loading washing machine).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 washing machine 2 housing 3 outer tub 4 washing tub 5 drive unit 6 automatic dispensing unit 8 connecting flow path 10 water supply port 11 drain valve 61 case 62 tank 63 liquid agent dispensing device 64 liquid agent discharge flow path 65 filter member 66 mesh portion 67 frame portion 68 check valve 76 connection portion 87 main body 88 lid 90 sensor 94 float 95 first arm 96 magnet storage portion 97 second arm 98 float portion 99 magnet K width direction M front-rear direction H liquid level H1 refill liquid level P2 apex

Claims (9)

A washing tub rotatably provided in a housing;
A first tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub;
a first automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to a first connection portion provided on the first tank;
a first mesh portion provided inside the first tank, disposed upstream of the first connection portion and inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the first tank, and having a plurality of through holes;
Equipped with
the vertices of the first mesh portion are set to a predetermined height or less,
The first tank is provided with a float having a floating portion that is buoyant with respect to the liquid agent and a magnetic body that is spaced apart from the floating portion ,
Further, a magnetic sensor is provided to detect the magnetism of the magnetic body.
The floating portion descends to a lower limit point,
When the floating portion reaches the lower limit, the rate of change of the output value of the magnetic sensor becomes smaller than the threshold value,
The predetermined height is a height of a liquid surface passing through a part of the floating portion at the lower limit point ,
The first mesh portion has an angle of 45° or less with respect to the horizontal. The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame portion supporting the first mesh portion. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the frame portion has a flat portion that conforms to a bottom surface of the first tank. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the first mesh portion and the frame portion are formed separately. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the first mesh portion is smaller than the thickness of the frame portion. A washing tub rotatably provided in a housing;
A first tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub;
a first automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to a first connection portion provided on the first tank;
a first mesh portion provided inside the first tank, disposed upstream of the first connection portion and inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the first tank, and having a plurality of through holes;
Equipped with
the vertices of the first mesh portion are set to a predetermined height or less,
The first tank is provided with a first float having buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent,
Further provided is a first sensor for detecting the first float,
the first sensor notifies the timing of refilling the first tank with the liquid agent when the first float is positioned at a first refill liquid level;
the predetermined height is the first replenishment liquid level height,
the first mesh portion has an angle of 45° or less with respect to the horizontal,
a frame portion that supports the first mesh portion; and an annular gasket that is provided on the frame portion and seals a gap between the frame portion and an inner wall of the first tank,
the frame portion has a wall portion extending upward from an upper edge of the first mesh portion along a side surface of the first tank,
The wall portion is provided with a groove recessed in the front-rear direction in which the packing is placed . A second tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub and has a depth different from that of the first tank;
a second automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to a second connection portion provided on the second tank;
a second mesh portion provided inside the second tank, disposed upstream of the second connection portion and inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the second tank, and having through holes;
the second tank is provided with a second float having a floating portion that is buoyant with respect to the liquid agent and a magnetic body that is spaced apart from the floating portion ;
a second sensor that detects the magnetism of the magnetic body of the second float ;
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the apex of the second mesh portion is equal to or lower than the height of the liquid level passing through a part of the floating portion of the second float at the lower limit point . The washing machine according to claim 7 , wherein the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are common to each other. A washing tub rotatably provided in a housing;
A first tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the washing tub;
a first automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to a first connection portion provided on the first tank;
a first mesh portion provided inside the first tank, disposed upstream of the first connection portion and inclined with respect to a bottom surface of the first tank, and having a plurality of through holes;
Equipped with
The first tank is provided with a float having a floating portion that has buoyancy with respect to the liquid agent and a magnetic body,
Further, a magnetic sensor is provided to detect the magnetism of the magnetic body.
The floating portion descends to a lower limit point,
The vertices of the first mesh portion are
the floating portion is lower than a first surface of the magnetic body that faces the magnetic sensor when the floating portion is located at the lowest point, and is lower than a part of the floating portion at the lowest point;
The change rate of the output value of the magnetic sensor is set to a value equal to or lower than the liquid level when the change rate is smaller than the threshold value,
the first mesh portion has an angle of 45° or less with respect to the horizontal,
The first connection portion extends in a front-to - rear direction intersecting with a height direction.