JP7402263B2 - Laundry treatment liquid tank and washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment liquid tank and a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that automatically supplies laundry processing liquid to a washing tub from a tank that stores washing processing liquid such as detergent and fabric softener.

Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-158600

However, since the tank in the washing machine described in Cited Document 1 is not sealed, there is a possibility that the washing liquid in the tank will constantly come into contact with the outside air, causing deterioration over time such as hardening due to oxidation. There is. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can suppress deterioration over time of laundry processing liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners.

A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a washing machine main body, a washing tub installed in the washing machine main body for washing laundry, and at least one tank installed in the washing machine main body for storing a washing processing liquid. A supply unit that supplies the washing treatment liquid stored in the tank to the washing tub, and a pressure adjustment mechanism that suppresses a decrease in pressure inside the tank.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a washing treatment liquid supply section in the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a washing treatment liquid supply section in FIG. 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing processing liquid supply part of a 1st modification. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing changes due to pressure in the space of the detergent tank in FIG. 5; It is a figure which shows an example of the washing processing liquid supply part of a 2nd modification. 8 is a diagram showing changes due to pressure in the space of the detergent tank in FIG. 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing processing liquid supply part of a 3rd modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the washer/dryer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes, for example, a washing tub 102 inside a washing machine main body 101.

The washing tub 102 includes, for example, a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body 120 having an opening 121 on the entire surface of one end, a rotating drum 103 housed in the bottomed cylindrical body 120, and a washing tub provided in the bottomed cylindrical body 120. A drain port 122 is provided for draining the water inside 102. Further, the washing tub 102 is configured, for example, by a plurality of support legs 123 (only one is shown) provided on the bottom surface of the washing machine main body 101, so that the opening 121 side faces upward and the axis is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane. It is elastically supported while maintaining an inclined posture.

The rotating drum 103 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical body that has a slightly smaller diameter than the washing tub 102 and has an opening 130 on the entire surface of one end. The opening 130 of the rotating drum 103 is connected to the end of the output shaft 140 of the drum motor 104 provided at the center of the bottom of the washing tub 102, for example, so as to be substantially concentric with the opening 121 of the washing tub 102. The rotating drum 103 is driven by a drum motor 104 to rotate around an output shaft 140 inside the washing tub 102 . For example, a large number of small holes 132 are formed through the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103 over the front surface thereof. Further, on the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the rotating drum 103, for example, a plurality of baffles 133 are protruded at equal intervals in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction. In addition, in FIG. 2, only a part of the small hole 132 and one baffle 133 are illustrated in order to avoid complicating the drawing.

The drain port 122 is connected to a drain hose 127 via a drain pipe 124. Washing water and the like after washing in the washing tub 102 is drained to the outside via a drain pipe 124 and a drain hose 127. Further, a drain valve 126 is provided between the drain pipe 124 and the drain hose 127. By opening and closing this drain valve 126, water storage and drainage in the washing tub 102 are controlled.

The washing machine main body 101 has, for example, a door 110 for loading laundry on the front, an operation panel 115 on the upper part of the front, a washing processing liquid supply part 160 on the upper part, and a water source connected to a water supply source such as tap water on the rear part of the upper surface. A connection port 150 is provided.

The operation panel 115 includes, for example, an operation section for various operations and a display section for various displays. In the washing machine 100, a series of processes such as a washing operation, a dehydration operation, etc. are executed by the operation of the operation control unit according to the operation of the operation panel 115.

The washing treatment liquid supply unit 160 includes, for example, an openable/closable lid 161 on the top surface. At least one laundry treatment liquid tank is provided at the bottom of the lid 161. In FIG. 1, as an example, a detergent tank 162 and a softener tank 163 are provided as laundry processing liquid tanks. Detergent tank 162 has a capacity to hold an amount of liquid detergent for multiple washes. Softener tank 163 has a capacity to hold an amount of liquid softener for multiple washes. Further, detergent tank 162 and softener tank 163 are removably installed in washing machine main body 101. Note that details of the washing treatment liquid supply section 160 will be described later.

The water source connection port 150 is connected to the washing tub 102 via, for example, a water supply valve 151 and a main water pipe 152. The water supply valve 151 is, for example, a multiple electromagnetic valve having a plurality of water supply outlets. The water supplied from the water supply source via the water source connection port 150 is supplied to the main stream together with the laundry treatment liquid supplied from the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163, for example, by switching the water supply outlet by the water supply valve 151. The water is supplied to the washing tub 102 via a water pipe 152.

For example, a door 110 is provided on the front surface of the washing machine main body 101 (left side in FIG. 2) so as to be openable and closable. Further, a loading port 111 is provided for loading laundry into the washing tub 102 (rotating drum 103) when the door 110 is opened. Furthermore, when the door 110 is closed, it closes the opening 121 of the washing tub 102.

The washing operation in the washing machine 100 is performed, for example, by supplying washing water into the washing tub 102 (rotating drum 103) into which laundry is loaded, and driving the drum motor 104 to tumble the rotating drum 103. . The laundry in the rotating drum 103 is immersed in the washing water that has entered the rotating drum 103 through the small holes 132, is repeatedly lifted up by the baffle 133 and falls, and when it falls, it is struck against the inner wall of the rotating drum 103, thereby being washed. be done. Although the washing operation of the washing machine 100 has been described, the washing machine 100 may be equipped with a heater, a blower fan, etc., and may have a function as a dryer that dries the laundry in the washing tub.

Next, details of the washing treatment liquid supply section 160 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram for conceptually explaining an example of the washing treatment liquid supply section 160 in the washing machine of this embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the laundry processing liquid supply section 160 includes a detergent tank 162, a softener tank 163, a pump 301, and a valve 302. The detergent in the detergent tank 162 and the softener in the softener tank 163 are supplied to the washing tub 102 via the pump 301. Pump 301 sucks, for example, detergent from detergent tank 162 or fabric softener from fabric softener tank 163 and supplies it to washing tub 102 . This pump 301 is preferably configured to suck a predetermined amount of laundry treatment liquid from each tank. For example, the amount of washing treatment liquid can be adjusted by the driving time of the pump 301.

The type of washing treatment liquid supplied to the washing tub 102 is switched by a valve 302. Further, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the valve 302 is used as a valve for switching the type of washing processing liquid, but the invention is not limited to this. A corresponding valve may be provided for each tank, and the washing processing liquid can be changed by opening and closing these valves. It may be configured to switch.

Further, the washing processing liquid supplied to the washing tub 102 is mixed with water supplied from a water source via the water source connection port 150 and the water supply valve 151, for example, in a path from the pump 301 to the washing tub 102. It has become. Thereby, the washing treatment liquid is supplied to the washing tub 102 in a diluted state. In this embodiment, water is supplied downstream of the pump 301 via the water source connection port 150; however, the present invention is not limited to this; for example, water may be supplied upstream of the pump 301 or upstream of the valve 302. It may be configured to supply water. In this case, the pump 301 and valve 302 can be flushed with water.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are used as tanks for storing laundry processing liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of tanks may be one or more. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of types of detergent and/or fabric softener are held in different tanks so that the type of detergent and fabric softener to be used can be selected according to the user's preference.

Note that the operations of the pump 301, the valve 302, the water supply valve 151, etc. are controlled by, for example, a control section (not shown).

Next, the detergent tank 162 will be explained in more detail. Note that the fabric softener tank 163 has the same configuration as the detergent tank 162, so a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a washing treatment liquid supply section. As shown in FIG. 4, the detergent tank 162 in the washing treatment liquid supply section includes, for example, a main body 401 with an open top and a lid 402 for closing the opening. For example, a sealing rubber (sealing portion) 403 is provided around the entire circumference of the portion of the lid 402 that contacts the main body 401, so that the inside of the main body 401 (the inside of the detergent tank 162) is sealed. A detergent 404 is stored in the main body 401, and a space 405 is formed above the stored detergent 404. This detergent 404 is supplied to the main body 401 by, for example, the user opening the lid 402. Note that a rib may be provided on the inner wall of the main body 401 to indicate the maximum amount of detergent to be supplied to the main body 401 by the user.

Further, the main body 401 includes a connecting portion 406 for connecting to the pump 301 or the like via a valve 302 provided in the washing machine main body 101, for example. The connecting portion 406 is connected to a connecting portion provided on the washing machine main body 101, for example. The connecting portion 406 is provided with, for example, a check valve, and communicates with the detergent tank 162 and the pipe 409 leading to the valve 302 and pump 301 when connected to the connecting portion on the washing machine main body 101 side. Furthermore, when the connection between the connection part 406 and the connection part on the side of the washing machine main body 101 is released and the detergent tank 162 is removed from the washing machine main body 101, the check valve of the connection part 406 closes, so that the detergent tank Detergent 404 is prevented from leaking from 162.

Then, by opening the valve 302 and operating the pump 301 with the connection part 406 connected to the connection part on the washing machine main body 101 side, the detergent 404 stored in the detergent tank 162 is supplied to the washing tub 102. be done. In the above, a case has been described in which the detergent 404 in the detergent tank 162 is supplied by the pump 301. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detergent tank 162 is provided above the washing tub 102 without the pump 301, and the valve 302 is opened. In this case, the detergent 404 may be supplied to the washing tub 102 by its own weight.

When the detergent 404 in the detergent tank 162 is supplied to the washing tub 102, the detergent 404 decreases while the detergent tank 162 is sealed, so the pressure in the detergent tank 162 decreases (becomes negative pressure). Therefore, for example, the lid body 402 includes a communication hole (flow path) 407 that communicates with the outside of the detergent tank 162 and the space 405 inside the detergent tank 162, and a check valve (pressure adjustment mechanism) 408 that opens and closes this communication hole 407. is formed. This check valve 408 is normally closed to seal the interior of the detergent tank 162, but opens when the internal pressure of the detergent tank 162 is lower than the external pressure.

In this way, the check valve 408 normally keeps the detergent tank 162 in a sealed state to prevent fresh air from flowing into the space 405 into the detergent 404, thereby suppressing deterioration over time such as hardening due to oxidation of the detergent 404. can do. moreover. Since the check valve 408 opens only when the internal pressure of the detergent tank 162 is low, the detergent 404 is prevented from being pulled back toward the detergent tank 162 due to the internal pressure of the detergent tank 162, and the detergent 404 is smoothly supplied to the washing tub 102. can be done.

In addition, although the example in which the communication hole 407 and the check valve 408 were provided in the lid body 402 was given above, the communication hole 407 and the check valve 408 may be provided in the main body 401, for example, without being limited to this. In this case, the communication hole 407 is preferably provided above the liquid level of the detergent 404 stored in the main body 401, for example, near the lid 402. In some cases, a small hole may be made in the lid 402 or the main body 401 to adjust the pressure inside the main body 401. In such a small hole, for example, almost no air flows into the space 405 when the pressure in the space 405 is normal, and air flows into the space 405 only when the pressure in the space 405 is negative.

According to the washing machine of this embodiment, since the interior of the detergent tank is sealed, deterioration over time such as hardening due to oxidation of the detergent can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the pressure inside the detergent tank decreases and becomes negative pressure due to the detergent in the detergent tank being supplied to the washing tub, the pressure inside the detergent tank is maintained at almost constant level due to the check valve installed in the lid. In other words, it is possible to suppress the pressure in the detergent tank from decreasing. Therefore, when the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank to the washing tub, it is possible to suppress the detergent from being returned to the detergent tank side due to the above-mentioned negative pressure, and the detergent can be smoothly supplied to the washing tub.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be replaced with a structure that is substantially the same as the structure shown in the above-described embodiment, a structure that has the same effect, or a structure that can achieve the same purpose. It's okay. For example, it may be configured as in the following modified example.

For example, it may be configured as in the first modification. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a washing treatment liquid supply section of a first modification. In the detergent tank 162 according to this modification, the check valve 408 in the above embodiment is replaced with a first airtight packing (pressure adjustment mechanism) 501.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first hermetic packing 501 moves or deforms depending on the pressure in the space 405 in the detergent tank 162 to adjust the pressure in the space 405. More specifically, the first sealing packing 501 is, for example, a hemispherical rubber body. When the pressure in the space 405 is normal pressure (at normal pressure), the first sealing packing 501 is brought into close contact with the lid 402 at the communication hole 407 provided in the lid 402 due to an upward biasing force, and communicates with the lid 402, for example. The hole 407 is closed to seal the space 405.

On the other hand, when the pressure in the space 405 is negative (at the time of negative pressure), the first sealing packing 501 resists the upward biasing force and moves downward due to the negative pressure in the space 405, or is deformed. do. As a result, the first airtight packing 501 is released from close contact with the lid 402 at the communication hole 407, so that air outside the detergent tank 162 flows into the space 405 as shown by arrow A. Then, when the pressure in the space 405 becomes normal pressure, the first sealing packing 501 returns to the normal pressure state, that is, it comes into close contact with the lid 402 at the communication hole 407 provided in the lid 402, and communicates with the lid 402. Hole 407 is closed to seal space 405.

In this way, the pressure in the space 405 can be adjusted by the first airtight packing 501, which has a simpler configuration than the check valve 408, and similarly to the above embodiment, the detergent stored in the detergent tank 162 ages. Deterioration can be suppressed and the detergent 404 can be smoothly supplied from the detergent tank 162 to the washing tub 102.

Further, for example, it may be configured as in the second modified example. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a second modified example of a washing treatment liquid supply section. In the detergent tank 162 in the washing processing liquid supply section according to this modification, the communication hole 407 and the check valve 408 in the above embodiment are deleted, and the sealing rubber 403 is inserted into the second sealing packing (pressure adjustment mechanism, sealing part) 701. It has been changed to .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second sealing packing 701 is deformed by the pressure in the space 405 in the detergent tank 162 to adjust the pressure in the space 405. More specifically, the second sealing packing 701 includes, for example, a base portion 801 and a retracting portion 802, and is provided in a groove portion 803 provided over the entire circumference of the lid body 402. The base 801 is fixed to the groove 803 of the lid 402. The retracting portion 802 is provided so as to extend from the base 801 toward the main body 401 when the main body 401 is closed with the lid 402 . Further, the retracting portion 802 is configured to have a thinner vertical thickness in the direction extending to the main body 401. The second airtight packing 701 is made of, for example, a rubber-like material, and when the main body 401 is closed with the lid 402, the retractable portion 802 is brought into close contact with the main body 401 due to the elastic force of the second airtight packing 701 itself. It is supposed to be done.

When the pressure in the space 405 is normal pressure (normal pressure), the retracting portion 802 comes into close contact with the main body 401 due to the elastic force of the second sealing packing 701 itself, and seals the space 405. Note that there is a gap where the main body 401 and the lid 402 directly contact each other, so that air can pass into the space 405, and if the second airtight packing 701 is not present, the space 405 cannot be sealed. It is difficult. Further, the retracting portion 802 may be provided, for example, on the entire circumference of the groove portion 803 similarly to the base portion 801, or at least one may be provided on a portion of the base portion 801 provided so as to fill the groove portion 803.

On the other hand, when the pressure in the space 405 is negative (at the time of negative pressure), the retracting portion 802 in the second sealing packing 701 is pulled by the negative pressure in the space 405 against the elastic force and deforms downward. As a result, the close contact between the drawing part 802 and the main body 401 is released, and as shown by arrow B, air outside the detergent tank 162 flows into the space 405. Then, when the pressure in the space 405 becomes normal pressure, the retracting portion 802 in the second sealing packing 701 returns to the normal pressure state, that is, comes into close contact with the main body 401 to seal the space 405.

In this way, the second airtight packing 701, which has a simpler configuration than the check valve 408, can adjust the pressure in the space 405, that is, suppress the pressure in the space 405 from decreasing. Similarly, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the detergent stored in the detergent tank 162 over time, and to smoothly supply the detergent 404 from the detergent tank 162 to the washing tub 102.

Furthermore, for example, it may be configured as in the third modified example. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a third modified example of a washing treatment liquid supply section. In the detergent tank 162 in the washing processing liquid supply section according to this modification, the communication hole 407 and the check valve 408 in the above embodiment are removed, and the check valve (pressure adjustment mechanism) provided in the washing machine main body 101 from the main body 401 )902.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main body 401 of the detergent tank 162 in this modification example has a pressure adjustment connection part 901 for connecting to a check valve 902 provided in the washing machine main body 101, for example. The pressure adjustment connection part 901 is connected, for example, to a pressure adjustment connection part provided on the washing machine main body 101 side. For example, the pressure adjustment connection part 901 is provided with a check valve, and when connected to the pressure adjustment connection part on the washing machine main body 101 side, the piping (flow path) from the detergent tank 162 to the check valve 902 )903. Furthermore, when the pressure adjustment connection part 901 and the pressure adjustment connection part on the washing machine main body 101 side are disconnected and the detergent tank 162 is removed from the washing machine main body 101, the check valve of the pressure adjustment connection part 901 By closing, the space 405 in the detergent tank 162 is kept sealed. This pressure adjustment connection part 901 is preferably provided, for example, above the liquid level of the detergent 404 stored in the main body 401, for example, near the lid 402.

When the pressure adjustment connection part 901 is connected to the pressure adjustment connection part on the side of the washing machine main body 101, the check valve 902 opens when the space 405 is under negative pressure, similar to the check valve 408 described above. closes at normal pressure. Note that, for example, the first sealing packing 501 may be provided instead of the check valve 902.

In this way, by providing the check valve 902 in the washing machine main body 101 instead of the detergent tank 162, the detergent tank 162 can have a simpler configuration. Thereby, the pressure in the space 405 can be adjusted, that is, the pressure in the space 405 can be prevented from decreasing, and similarly to the above embodiment, deterioration of the detergent stored in the detergent tank 162 can be suppressed over time. , the detergent 404 can be smoothly supplied from the detergent tank 162 to the washing tub 102. Furthermore, if a plurality of tanks are provided, for example, by connecting piping from each tank to the check valve 902, the pressure of each tank can be adjusted using one check valve 902. Note that, of course, a check valve 902 corresponding to each tank may be provided.

Note that in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user opens the lid 402 and supplies the detergent 404 to the main body 401, but for example, the lid 402 may be provided with an input section for supplying the detergent 404 or the like. . For example, the input unit is an openable/closeable lid, and is configured to have a sealing portion that tightly contacts the lid and the lid body 402 to seal the interior of the detergent tank 162 when the lid is closed. As this sealing portion, the sealing rubber 403, the second sealing packing 701, etc. can be employed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the detergent supplied from the detergent tank and the softener supplied from the softener tank are directly supplied to the washing tub. After the detergent or fabric softener is stored in a provided supply section, water may be supplied from a water source to this supply section and detergent or softener may be supplied to the washing tub. Further, separate supply sections may be provided for detergent and softener. With this configuration, mixing of the detergent and the softener can be suppressed.

Furthermore, a configuration may be provided in which a path for introducing detergent into the washing tub from the detergent tank and a path for introducing the detergent into the washing tub from the softener tank are provided so that the detergent is introduced into the washing tub through separate routes. Thereby, it is possible to suppress mixing of detergent and softener that are used at different times.

Furthermore, for example, as the check valve 408, the valve 302, the water supply valve 151, and the check valve 902, an on-off valve that controls opening and closing, such as a solenoid valve, is adopted, and when the pump 301 is operated by the control unit, The opening and closing of each on-off valve may be controlled according to the operation of the pump 301, such as opening each on-off valve.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention has a structure that is substantially the same as the structure shown in the above embodiment, a structure that has the same effect, or a structure that can achieve the same purpose. You can also replace it with

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Washing machine, 101 Washing machine main body, 102 Washing tub, 103 Rotating drum, 104 Drum motor, 110 Door, 111 Inlet, 115 Operation panel, 120 Bottomed cylinder, 121 Opening, 122 Drain port, 123 Support legs, 124 Drain pipe, 126 Drain valve, 127 Drain hose, 130 Opening, 132 Small hole, 133 Baffle, 140 Output shaft, 150 Water source connection port, 151 Water supply valve, 152 Main water pipe, 160 Washing liquid supply section, 161 Lid, 162 Detergent tank, 163 Softener tank, 301 Pump, 302 Valve, 401 Main body, 402 Lid, 403 Sealing rubber, 404 Detergent, 405 Space, 406 Connection, 407 Communication hole, 408 Check valve, 409 Piping, 501 First Airtight packing, 701 Second airtight packing, 801 Base, 802 Lead-in portion, 803 Groove, 901 Pressure adjustment connection, 902 Check valve, 903 Piping

Claims (4)

A laundry processing liquid tank that is removably installed in a washing machine and has a capacity to hold an amount of washing processing liquid that can be used for washing multiple times,
The laundry processing liquid tank includes a main body with an open upper part for storing the washing processing liquid, a lid for closing the opening, and a first sealing part provided at a portion where the main body and the lid come into contact. and,
The lid body is provided with an input part for inputting the washing treatment liquid,
The input section includes an openable/closeable lid and a second sealing section that brings the lid and the lid into close contact when the lid is closed ,
At least one of the first sealing part and the second sealing part has a base and a retraction part,
The base is fixed to a groove provided along the entire circumference near the outer edge of the lower surface of at least one of the lid and the lid,
The retracting portion is formed to extend from the base in an outer circumferential direction,
The retracting portion is configured to have a thickness thinner in the vertical direction than the base portion,
Laundry treatment liquid tank. The main body has a connection part for connecting to the washing machine,
The connecting portion allows communication between the inside of the main body and the piping of the washing machine when the laundry processing liquid tank is attached to the washing machine, and a connection portion that allows communication between the inside of the main body and the piping of the washing machine when the washing processing liquid tank is removed from the washing machine. is provided with a check valve that shuts off the inside of the main body and the piping of the washing machine;
The laundry treatment liquid tank according to claim 1 . The laundry treatment liquid tank according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least one of the lid and the lid is provided with a small hole that communicates the inside and outside of the laundry treatment liquid tank. accommodating the laundry treatment liquid tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ;
A lid that can be opened and closed is provided above the laundry treatment liquid tank.
washing machine.

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