CN113802338A

CN113802338A - Clothes treating device

Info

Publication number: CN113802338A
Application number: CN202110444207.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 椎桥贞人; 西村博司
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2020-06-17
Filing date: 2021-04-23
Publication date: 2021-12-17
Also published as: JP2021194360A

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for: a clothes treating device capable of compactly accommodating a leg for making a box stand by itself on the box side. The present invention relates to a clothes treatment device having a cartridge for storing a clothes treatment agent for treating clothes, the cartridge comprising: the cassette comprises a cassette main body constituting a main body of the cassette, and a leg portion for making the cassette main body self-supporting, wherein the leg portion is provided slidably with respect to the cassette main body.

Description

Clothes treating device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus.

Background

In recent years, a washing machine, which is an example of a laundry treatment apparatus for applying a predetermined treatment to laundry, has been developed which includes an automatic loading unit for storing laundry treatment agents such as detergent and softener in a cassette for automatic loading in advance in multiple servings in order to satisfy a user's desire to improve convenience, and automatically loading a required amount of the laundry treatment agents from the cassette into a water tub by the automatic loading unit during operation. In such a washing machine, for example, when the laundry treatment agent is supplied to the cartridge, the cartridge detached from the washing machine is required to be self-standing in a stable state. Therefore, a structure for making the box detached from the washing machine stand alone in a stable state is considered. For example, patent document 1 discloses a structure including an auxiliary leg for making a box stand by itself in a stable state.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2002-159788

However, in the conventional configuration, the auxiliary leg is configured to: is rotatably supported outside the inclined portion of the lower portion of the cartridge. Thereby, the structure is as follows: even in a state where the auxiliary leg is accommodated in the box side, the auxiliary leg and the support portion for supporting the auxiliary leg are located outside the box, and therefore, a space for accommodating the auxiliary leg or the support portion needs to be provided on the box accommodating portion side. Therefore, the size of the box storage portion is increased, and the size of the entire washing machine is increased.

Accordingly, the present embodiment provides: a clothes treating device capable of compactly accommodating a leg for making a box stand by itself on the box side.

Disclosure of Invention

The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention is a laundry treatment apparatus including a box for storing a laundry treatment agent for treating laundry, the box including a box main body constituting a main body of the box, and a leg portion for making the box main body stand by itself, the leg portion being provided to be slidable with respect to the box main body.

According to the above configuration, the leg portion for making the box stand by itself can be compactly housed in the box side.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional side view schematically showing an example of the structure of a washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of the water supply unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical front view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the cartridge storage unit and its peripheral portion according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state in which the softener cartridge is mounted in the cartridge storage unit.

Fig. 4 is a vertical front view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the cartridge storage portion and its peripheral portion according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state in which the softener cartridge is detached from the inside of the cartridge storage portion.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the softener box according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the housing position.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the softener box according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the self-standing position.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the leg according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge body of the softener cartridge according to embodiment 1 from the front side.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the cartridge body of the softener cartridge according to embodiment 1 from the rear side.

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the lock portion of the softener box according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state where the leg portions slide to the storage position.

Fig. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the lock portion of the softener box according to embodiment 1, and showing an example of a state where the leg portions slide to the self-standing position.

Fig. 12 is a front view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the soft agent box according to embodiment 1, and shows an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the self-standing position.

Fig. 13 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the softener box according to embodiment 2, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the storage position.

Fig. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the soft agent box according to embodiment 2, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the self-standing position.

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the softener box according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 16 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the softener box according to embodiment 3, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the storage position.

Fig. 17 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the softener box according to embodiment 3, and showing an example of a state in which the leg portions are slid to the self-standing position.

Fig. 18 is a vertical rear view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the lock portion of the softener box according to embodiment 3, and showing an example of a state where the leg portions are slid to the housed position.

Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional rear view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the lock portion of the softener box according to embodiment 3, and showing an example of a state where the leg portions slide to the self-standing position.

Description of the reference numerals

In the drawings, 1 denotes a washing machine (laundry treatment apparatus), 3 denotes a washing tub (laundry treatment tub), 11 denotes an automatic loading unit, 16 denotes a softener cartridge (cartridge), 20 denotes a cartridge housing unit, 22 denotes a swelling unit (pressing unit), 101 denotes a cartridge main body unit, 101B denotes a guide rail unit, 101C denotes a lock unit, 102 denotes a foot unit, 102B denotes a corner unit, 110 denotes a grip unit, 111 denotes an outflow hole, 200 denotes a lock unit, and 303 denotes a lock unit.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the laundry treatment apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, substantially the same components in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(embodiment 1)

The washing machine 1 illustrated in fig. 1 is an example of a laundry treatment apparatus capable of performing a predetermined treatment on laundry, and in this case, the predetermined treatment is performed by at least a washing treatment, a rinsing treatment, and a spin-drying treatment. In addition, the washing machine 1 is: a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the spin basket extends in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

The washing machine 1 includes a washing tub 3 for washing laundry inside a rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2 constituting an outline of the outer shape. The washing tub 3 is an example of a laundry treatment tub, and is configured to: a rotatable drum having a cylindrical shape with a bottom is provided inside a water tank having a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The drum has a plurality of small holes in its circumferential wall and a baffle plate for pushing up the laundry is provided on its inner circumferential surface. The front opening of the cleaning tank 3 is openable and closable by a door 5 provided on the front surface of the outer box 2. The user can load laundry into the washing tub 3 and take laundry out of the washing tub 3 through the front surface opening portion of the washing tub 3 by opening the door 5.

Further, the washing machine 1 includes: a water supply part 4 for supplying water into washing tub 3, and a drain part 6 for draining water in washing tub 3 to the outside of the washing machine. The water supply unit 4 is configured to: a water supply valve unit 10 and the like described later are provided in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source, not shown, such as a water pipe, to washing tub 3. Further, the drain portion 6 is configured to: a drain valve 7 and the like are provided in the middle of a drain path extending from the bottom of washing tub 3 to the outside of the washing machine. Water is supplied into washing tub 3 through water supply unit 4 in a state where drain valve 7 is closed, whereby a predetermined amount of water is stored in washing tub 3. In addition, by opening the drain valve 7, the water inside the washing tub 3 is drained to the outside of the washing machine via the drain path.

As illustrated in fig. 2, the water supply unit 4 is configured to: a water supply valve unit 10, an automatic input unit 11, a water supply cartridge 12, and the like are provided in the middle of a water supply path extending from a water source, not shown, to the washing tub 3. An inlet of the water supply valve unit 10 is connected to a water source, not shown, such as a water pipe. The water supply valve unit 10 has at least 2

water supply valves

10a and 10 b. The water supply valve 10a is an example of a manual water supply valve, and is connected to the water filling cartridge 12 via a manual supply path 13 a. The water supply valve 10b is an example of an automatic water supply valve, and is connected to the water filling cartridge 12 via an automatic supply path 13 b. Hereinafter, the water supply valve 10a is referred to as a manual water supply valve 10a, and the water supply valve 10b is referred to as an automatic water supply valve 10 b. The outlet of the water filling box 12 is connected to the washing tub 3 via a water supply hose 14.

The automatic loading unit 11 includes a detergent box 15 and a softener box 16. The detergent box 15 and the softener box 16 are detachably provided to the water supply unit 4. Specifically, the detergent box 15 and the softener box 16 are detachably provided in the box housing portion 20 constituting the water supply unit 4.

The detergent box 15 can store therein a laundry treating agent for multiple times of operation, and in this case, a detergent for washing the laundry stored in the washing tub 3. On the other hand, the softener box 16 can store therein a plurality of times of operation of the laundry treatment agent, and in this case, the softener can be stored for softening the laundry stored in the washing tub 3.

The detergent box 15 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b via a detergent metering pump 17. The detergent metering pump 17 is constituted by: the piston is driven by an actuator such as a motor or an electromagnetic valve, for example, to thereby suck and discharge the liquid. The detergent metering pump 17 sucks a predetermined amount of detergent from the detergent box 15, and at this time, sucks the detergent in an amount used for 1 operation, and sends out the sucked detergent into the automatic supply path 13 b. The detergent fed into the automatic water supply path 13b is introduced into the water filling cartridge 12 together with the water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10. The detergent introduced into the water filling box 12 is supplied into the washing tub 3 through the water supply hose 14 together with the water similarly introduced into the water filling box 12. Accordingly, the detergent is automatically fed from the detergent box 15 into the washing tub 3. The detergent metering pump 17 is not limited to a device that sucks the liquid, and may be a device that presses the liquid, for example.

The softener cartridge 16 is connected to the automatic supply path 13b via a softener metering pump 18. The softener metering pump 18 is constituted by: the piston is driven by an actuator such as a motor or an electromagnetic valve, for example, to thereby suck and discharge the liquid. The softener metering pump 18 sucks a predetermined amount of softener, which is an amount used for 1 suction operation at this time, from the softener box 16, and sends out the sucked softener into the automatic supply path 13 b. The softener fed into the automatic water supply path 13b is introduced into the water filling cartridge 12 together with the water supplied from the automatic water supply valve 10b of the water supply valve unit 10. The softening agent introduced into the water pouring box 12 is supplied into the washing tub 3 through the water supply hose 14 together with the water similarly introduced into the water pouring box 12. Thereby, the softener is automatically fed from the softener box 16 into the washing tub 3. The softener metering pump 18 is not limited to a device that sucks liquid, and may be a device that presses liquid, for example.

The manual feed cartridge 12a is accommodated in the water filling cartridge 12 so as to be attachable and detachable. The manual input cartridge 12a includes: a not-shown manual detergent input unit into which detergent is manually loaded by a user, and a not-shown manual softener input unit into which softener is manually loaded by a user. The detergent contained in the manual detergent supply portion or the softener contained in the manual softener supply portion is supplied into washing tub 3 through water supply hose 14 together with water injected into water injection case 12 from water supply valve unit 10 through manual supply path 13 a.

In the water supply unit 4 configured as described above, the manual supply path 13a includes: a supply path for supplying a laundry treatment agent such as detergent or softener, which is manually loaded by a user, into the washing tub 3. The automatic supply path 13b includes: a supply path for supplying the laundry treating agent such as detergent or softener, which is automatically supplied by the automatic supply unit 11, into the washing tub 3.

As illustrated in fig. 3 and 4, the cartridge accommodating portion 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, and in this case, is provided above the water filling cartridge 12 constituting the water supply unit 4. An opening 21 having a substantially rectangular opening is provided in an upper portion of the cassette housing portion 20. The bottom of the cartridge storage section 20 communicates with the inside of the water injection cartridge 12.

The detergent box 15 and the detergent box 16 are detachably mounted in the box housing portion 20 through the opening 21. In this case, the detergent box 15 is fitted to the opposite side of the washing tub 3 in the box accommodating portion 20. On the other hand, the softener box 16 is mounted on the cleaning tank 3 side in the box housing portion 20. Here, a bulging portion 22 bulging upward is provided in a portion of the bottom portion of the cassette housing portion 20 on the cleaning tank 3 side. By providing such a bulging portion 22 at the bottom of the cassette housing portion 20, the cassette housing portion 20 can be disposed in a state as close as possible to the cleaning tank 3 side. As will be described in detail later, the bulging portion 22 functions as an example of a pressing portion.

Also, the bottom of the softener box 16 is formed as: a shape in which a part thereof is recessed so as to follow the shape of the bulge portion 22. That is, a recess 16a recessed upward is provided in the bottom of the softener box 16. The recess 16a is provided on the washing tub 3 side in the bottom of the softener box 16. Further, a portion of the bottom of box main body 101 opposite to recess 16a, that is, a portion opposite to cleaning tub 3 is formed as follows: the lower surface thereof is a flat portion 16 b.

Next, among the above-described detergent box 15 and the above-described softener box 16, a configuration example of the softener box 16 will be described in more detail. As illustrated in fig. 5 and 6, the softener box 16 includes: a box main body 101 constituting a main body of the softener box 16, and a leg 102 for making the box main body 101 and further the entire softener box 16 stand on a plane such as a floor surface. As will be described in detail below, the foot 102 is configured to: is slidable in a predetermined direction, in this case, in the vertical direction, with respect to the cartridge main body 101.

The cassette main body 101 is formed in a rectangular container shape having a long shape as a whole. The cassette main body 101 is provided with: an opening portion having a substantially rectangular opening is provided, and the lid member 103 is detachably attached to the opening portion. The lid member 103 is provided at its front portion with: a supply port for supplying the laundry treating agent, which is a softening agent at this time, into the box main body 101 is openable and closable by a supply port cover 104.

The leg 102 is provided on a side surface of the cartridge main body 101, in this case, a side surface extending in the longitudinal direction among a plurality of side surfaces constituting the cartridge main body 101, in other words, a surface constituting one end surface in the short-side direction of the cartridge main body 101. In this case, the leg 102 is provided with: of both sides of the cartridge main body 101 in the short direction, the surface on the cleaning tank 3 side in a state where the softener cartridge 16 is mounted in the cartridge accommodating portion 20. In addition, the leg portion 102 is provided at: the side surface of the cartridge main body 101 is provided with: among the plurality of side surfaces constituting the cartridge main body 101, one side surface extending in the longitudinal direction, in other words, is provided with: flush with a surface constituting one end surface of the cartridge main body 101 in the short side direction.

As illustrated in fig. 7, the leg portion 102 includes: a leg body 102A constituting a body of the leg 102. The leg main body 102A is configured to: a plane along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 101. The lower end of the leg body 102A is horizontally bent toward the cartridge body 101.

Further, the leg portion 102 includes: 2 corners 102B located at both ends of the leg main body 102A in the longitudinal direction, in other words, 2 corners 102B are located at both ends of the box main body 101 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the 2 corners 102B are integrally provided to the leg main body 102A. The 2 corners 102B are arranged: corresponding to both ends of the cartridge main body 101 in the longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, as illustrated in fig. 8 and 9, 2 rail portions 101B are provided on both end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 101 so as to correspond to the corner portions 102B. The guide rail portions 101B linearly extend in the vertical direction on both end surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 101, and support the corner portions 102B of the leg portions 102 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the foot 102 is configured to: the entire unit is slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the cassette main body 101. In addition, the foot 102 is provided: can slide between a storage position where the cassette main body 101 is stored on the cassette main body 101 side, which is the upper side, and a self-standing position where the cassette main body 101 stands by itself. Fig. 5 illustrates a state in which the leg 102 slides to the housed position. Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the leg 102 slides to the self-standing position.

As illustrated in fig. 10 and 11, an elastically deformable portion 102C is provided at a corner portion 102B of the leg portion 102. The elastically deformable portion 102C is formed integrally with the corner portion 102B, and the elastically deformable portion 102C is formed in a plate spring shape that can be elastically deformed. On the other hand, the cartridge main body 101 includes locking portions 101C on both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction thereof, in other words, the locking portions 101C on the surface having the guide rail portion 101B. In this case, the lock portion 101C is provided in a middle portion of the guide rail portion 101B. The lock portion 101C has a plurality of, in this case, 2

lock protrusions

101D and 101E. These locking

projections

101D and 101E are provided with: the guide rail portion 101B is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion.

As illustrated in fig. 11, the elastically deformable portion 102C is locked to the lower side of the locking projection 101E in a state where the leg portion 102 slides to the self-standing position. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the self-standing position. When the leg 102 slides from the self-standing position to the storage position, the following operation is performed.

That is, in the process of sliding the leg portion 102 from the self-standing position to the housed position, the elastically deforming portion 102C of the leg portion 102 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 101E from the lower side to the upper side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastically deformable portion 102C returns to its original shape so as to reach the upper side beyond the locking projection 101E. Accordingly, the locked state in which the leg portion 102 is locked at the self-standing position is released, and the leg portion is slidable toward the storage position. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastic deformation portion 102C elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 101D from the lower side to the upper side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastically deformable portion 102C returns to its original shape so as to reach the upper side beyond the locking projection 101D. Accordingly, as illustrated in fig. 10, the leg portion 102 is locked at the storage position in a state where the elastic deformation portion 102C is locked to the upper side of the locking protrusion 101D.

In this way, the elastically deformable portion 102C is locked to the upper side of the locking projection 101D in a state where the leg portion 102 slides to the storage position. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the storage position. When the leg 102 slides from the storage position to the self-standing position, the following operation is performed.

That is, in the process of sliding the leg portion 102 from the storage position to the self-standing position, the elastically deforming portion 102C of the leg portion 102 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 101D from the upper side to the lower side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastically deformable portion 102C returns to its original shape to reach the lower side beyond the locking projection 101D. Accordingly, the locked state in which the leg 102 is locked at the storage position is released, and the leg 102 is slidable toward the self-standing position. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastic deformation portion 102C elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 101E from the upper side to the lower side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastically deformable portion 102C returns to its original shape so as to reach the lower side beyond the locking projection 101E. Accordingly, as illustrated in fig. 11, the leg portion 102 is locked at the self-standing position in a state where the elastic deformation portion 102C is locked to the lower side of the locking protrusion 101E.

In a state where the leg 102 slides to the self-standing position, the lower end surface of the leg 102 is located at: substantially the same height position or the same height position as the lower end surface of the flat portion 16b constituting a part of the bottom of the softener box 16. Accordingly, the cartridge main body 101 and the softener case 16 can be self-standing by the lower end surface of the flat portion 16b in the bottom surface of the cartridge main body 101 and the lower end surface of the leg portion 102 sliding to the self-standing position.

The leg 102 slid to the self-standing position can be slid to the storage position by applying a load of a predetermined value or more from the outside. That is, when a load of a predetermined level or more is applied from below to above to the lower end surface of the leg portion 102 that has slid to the self-standing position, the leg portion 102 tries to slide toward the storage position side due to the load. As the leg portion 102 is slid toward the storage position, the elastic deformation portion 102C is pressed by the locking projection 101E and elastically deformed, and the locked state at the self-standing position is released. That is, the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 102C is set to a magnitude that is elastically deformed by applying a load of a predetermined magnitude or more from below to above to the lower end surface of the leg portion 102.

Here, as described above, the bulging portion 22 is provided in the cassette housing portion 20. When the user pushes the soft agent case 16 in the case housing portion 20 from above downward in a state where the leg portion 102 is locked at the self-standing position, the lower end portion of the leg portion 102 abuts against the bulging portion 22, and is pushed upward by the bulging portion 22. That is, the bulging portion 22 presses the leg portion 102 slid to the self-standing position from the self-standing position toward the storage position. At this time, if the force applied by the user to press the soft agent case 16 exceeds the magnitude of the load equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the leg 102 slid to the self-standing position can be slid to the storage position. That is, the user can automatically slide the leg portion 102 slid to the self-standing position to the storage position by the pressing action of the bulging portion 22 by pressing the soft agent case 16 into the case storage portion 20.

Further, by appropriately changing, for example, the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 102C, the amount of projection or the shape of the locking projection 101E, or the like, it is possible to adjust: the magnitude of the load that can slide the leg 102 slid to the self-standing position to the housed position. Further, the elastic force of the elastic deformation portion 102C can be adjusted by appropriately changing, for example, the size, thickness, shape, and the like of the elastic deformation portion 102C.

As illustrated in fig. 12, the softener box 16 includes: a hand grip 110 for a user to hook when, for example, the softener box 16 is removed. In this case, the hand grip 110 is configured to: is located at an upper position of the front surface of the cartridge main body portion 101. The gripper portion 110 projects forward from an upper portion of the front surface of the cassette main body 101. In addition, the gripper portion 110 is formed such that: the upper surface of the box body is in an open rectangular frame shape. The bottom surface of the gripper portion 110 is closed, and a part of the bottom surface thereof has a flow hole 111. The outflow holes 111 are: holes for allowing the laundry treating agent existing in the grip part 110 to flow to the outside of the grip part 110. For example, when the softener is supplied into the softener box 16 through the supply port, a part of the softener may enter the hand grip 110 due to hand vibration of the user or the like. In this way, even if the softening agent enters the grip 110, the softening agent can be flowed out of the grip 110 through the outflow hole 111.

In this case, the outflow hole 111 is provided at: the upper portion of the guide rail 101B on the bottom surface of the gripper 110 is located away from the portion immediately above. In addition, the outflow hole 111 is provided at: the bottom surface of the gripper 110 is located on the opposite side of the guide rail 101B, that is, on the opposite side of the cleaning tub 3. This makes it difficult for the liquid flowing out of the outflow hole 111 to flow to the rail portion 101B.

According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, in the detergent box 16, the leg portions 102 are provided slidably with respect to the box main body portion 101. According to this configuration, unlike a conventional cassette having a rotatable auxiliary leg, the leg 102 for allowing the software cartridge 16 to stand by itself can be compactly housed on the cassette main body 101 side.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the leg 102 is provided on the side surface of the box main body 101. According to this configuration, the leg 102 is provided without greatly affecting the internal volume of the cartridge main body 101. Accordingly, the leg 102 can be compactly housed in the case main body 101 with little or no reduction in the internal volume of the softener case 16.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the leg 102 is provided at: among the plurality of side surfaces constituting the cartridge main body 101, a surface extending in the longitudinal direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide: the long leg portions 102 corresponding to the dimension of the cartridge main body 101 in the longitudinal direction make it possible to stabilize the self-standing of the software cartridge 16 by the leg portions 102.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the foot 102 is provided: flush with the side of the cassette body 101. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid: the leg 102 protrudes in a step shape from the side surface of the cartridge main body 101, and the leg 102 can be provided and a flush side surface can be formed, so that the external appearance of the softener cartridge 16 can be prevented from being impaired. In addition, the leg portions 102 can be provided outside the cartridge main body 101, and the size of the entire softener cartridge 16 can be suppressed from increasing. The cartridge main body 101 may have a stepped shape, for example, to ensure strength or to suppress warpage. Therefore, by providing the leg portion 102 with such a stepped shape, it is possible to further easily realize: the leg 102 is flush with the side surface of the cartridge main body 101.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the softener box 16 is configured to: the cassette main body 101 can be self-supported by the lower end surface of the flat portion 16b constituting a part of the bottom surface thereof and the lower end surface of the leg 102 sliding to the self-supporting position. According to this configuration, even if the portion other than the flat portion 16b in the cartridge main body 101 is recessed, the softener cartridge 16 can be made self-standing. Thus, the recess 16a can be provided in the bottom of the detergent box 16 without difficulty, and the detergent box 16 and the box accommodating portion 20 can be brought closer to the washing tub 3 by the recess 16a, thereby achieving downsizing.

In addition, according to washing machine 1, leg 102 is provided on washing tub 3 side in box main body 101. According to this configuration, the leg portion 102 can support the recess 16a provided on the washing tub 3 side in the bottom portion of the detergent box 16, and the detergent box 16 can be stably supported while the recess 16a is provided.

Further, according to washing machine 1, leg portions 102 have corner portions 102B corresponding to both end portions in the longitudinal direction of box main body 101, and box main body 101 has: the corner portion 102B is supported as a slidable rail portion 101B. That is, the foot 102 is supported: both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof are slidable with respect to the cartridge main body 101. According to this configuration, even if the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the leg 102 is increased, the leg 102 can be stably supported so as to be slidable at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Further, since the dimension of the leg portion 102 in the longitudinal direction can be increased, the support of the softener box 16 by the leg portion 102 can be further stabilized.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cartridge main body 101 includes, on the face having the guide rail 101B: a locking portion 101C for locking the leg portion 102 at the storage position and the self-standing position. According to this configuration, the leg 102 can be locked in the vicinity of the rail 101B that supports the leg 102, and a more stable locked state can be achieved. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the lock portion 101C is provided in the rail portion 101B, a more stable locked state can be achieved.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the outflow hole 111 for flowing out the laundry treatment agent existing in the gripper portion 110 is provided in: the position of the upper portion of the escape guide 101B in the grip 110. According to this configuration, even if the laundry treatment agent flows out from the outflow hole 111, the laundry treatment agent is less likely to flow to the guide rail portion 101B, and therefore, it is possible to avoid: the guide rail portion 101B is soiled with the laundry treatment agent, or the laundry treatment agent adheres to the guide rail portion 101B. Accordingly, the foot 102 can be maintained in a slidable state while preventing the laundry treatment agent from remaining in the grip 110.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the leg 102 that slides to the self-standing position is configured to: the slide member can slide to the storage position by applying a load of a predetermined level or more from the outside. According to this configuration, by applying a load of a predetermined value or more from the outside, the leg 102 that has slid to the self-standing position can be easily slid to the storage position, and it is possible to realize: a structure with good use convenience.

Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cartridge housing portion 20 includes: and a bulging section 22 for pressing the leg section 102 slid to the self-standing position toward the storage position. According to this configuration, as the soft agent case 16 is pushed into the case housing portion 20, the leg portion 102 slid to the self-standing position is pushed by the bulging portion 22, and the leg portion 102 can be slid to the housing position. Accordingly, the user can automatically receive the leg portion 102 in the receiving position by pressing the software cartridge 16 into the cartridge receiving portion 20 while keeping the state in which the leg portion 102 is slid to the self-standing position, and can mount the software cartridge 16 in the cartridge receiving portion 20.

(embodiment 2)

As illustrated in fig. 13 and 14, the cassette main body 101 includes the lock portion 200 on a side surface thereof, and in this case, the lock portion 200 is provided on a side surface of the cassette main body 101 extending in the longitudinal direction and on one end surface of the cassette main body 101 in the short direction. As illustrated in fig. 15, the lock unit 200 includes: a locking recess 201 provided on the cartridge main body 101 side, and a locking block 202 provided on the leg 102 side.

The locking recess 201 is: a rectangular recess is recessed in a side surface of the cassette main body 101. In this case, the locking recess 201 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge main body 101. Further, a wall portion 201a extending in the vertical direction is provided inside the locking recess 201. A plurality of, in this case, 2 locking holes 201b and 201c are provided in the wall portion 201 a. These locking holes 201b and 201c are provided with: the wall portion 201a is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion.

The locking piece 202 is provided with: the leg main body 102A of the leg 102 is movable back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the leg 102. In this case, the locking piece 202 is provided with: the locking recess 201 on the cartridge main body 101 side is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of the leg 102. The locking piece 202 is biased toward one direction in the longitudinal direction of the leg portion 102, in this case, the wall portion 201a side, by a biasing member 20 such as a coil spring. Further, at one end of the locking piece 202, which is an end on the wall portion 201a side in this case, there are provided: a pin 202a protruding toward the wall 201 a. Further, an operation element 204 provided on the front surface side of the leg main body 102A of the leg 102 is coupled to the locking block 202. The user can move the locking block 202 along the longitudinal direction of the leg 102 by operating the operating element 204.

In a state where the leg portion 102 is slid to the self-standing position, the pin 202a of the locking block 202 biased toward the wall portion 201a side is inserted into the locking hole portion 201 c. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the self-standing position. When the leg 102 slides from the self-standing position to the storage position, the following operation is performed. That is, the user moves the locking piece 202 to the side opposite to the wall portion 201a against the biasing force of the biasing member 203 via the operating element 204. Accordingly, the pin 202a of the locking block 202 is pulled out from the locking hole 201c, and the locked state in which the leg 102 is locked at the self-standing position is released, and the locking block is in a state of being slidable toward the storage position. Then, the user slides the leg 102, whose locked state in the self-standing position is released, to the storage position. Then, the locking block 202 is biased toward the wall portion 201a by the biasing force of the biasing member 203, and the pin 202a of the locking block 202 is inserted into the locking hole portion 201 b. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the storage position.

In this way, in a state where the leg portion 102 is slid to the accommodating position, the pin 202a of the locking block 202 biased toward the wall portion 201a side is inserted into the locking hole portion 201 b. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the storage position. When the leg 102 slides from the storage position to the self-standing position, the following operation is performed. That is, the user moves the locking piece 202 to the side opposite to the wall portion 201a against the biasing force of the biasing member 203 via the operating element 204. Accordingly, the pin 202a of the locking block 202 is pulled out from the locking hole 201b, and the locked state in which the leg 102 is locked at the storage position is released, and the locking block is in a state of being slidable toward the self-standing position. Then, the user slides the leg 102, whose locked state at the storage position is released, to the self-standing position. Then, the locking block 202 is biased toward the wall portion 201a by the biasing force of the biasing member 203, and the pin 202a of the locking block 202 is inserted into the locking hole portion 201 c. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the self-standing position.

According to washing machine 1 of embodiment 2, box main body 101 includes, on its side surface, in this case, on a side surface extending in the longitudinal direction: a locking portion 200 for locking the leg portion 102 at the storage position and the self-standing position. That is, since the side surface of the elongated box main body 101 extending in the longitudinal direction thereof has a relatively large margin in terms of space, the locking portion 200 for locking the leg portion 102 can be provided without difficulty. In addition, since a space for disposing the lock portion 200 can be sufficiently secured, the degree of freedom in designing the lock portion 200 can be remarkably improved.

(embodiment 3)

As illustrated in fig. 16 and 17, the cartridge main body 101 includes a plurality of, in this case, 2 rail portions 301 on a side surface thereof, and in this case, 2 rail portions 301 on a side surface of the cartridge main body 101 extending in the longitudinal direction and on one end surface of the cartridge main body 101 in the short-side direction. The rail portion 301 linearly extends in the vertical direction on the side surface of the cassette main body 101. On the other hand, the leg portion 102 includes a plurality of, in this case, 2 elastically deformable portions 302 corresponding to the rail portion 301 on the side of the cartridge main body portion 101.

The elastic deformation portion 302 is formed integrally with the leg main body portion 102A of the leg 102, and the elastic deformation portion 302 is formed in a plate spring shape that can be elastically deformed. On the other hand, as illustrated in fig. 18 and 19, the cassette main body 101 includes a lock portion 303 on a surface having the guide rail portion 301. In this case, the lock portion 303 is provided at a midway portion of the rail portion 301. The locking portion 303 has a plurality of, in this case, 2

locking projections

304a and 304 b. These locking

projections

304a, 304b are provided: the guide rail portion 301 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion.

As illustrated in fig. 19, in a state where the leg portion 102 slides to the self-standing position, the elastic deformation portion 302 is locked to the lower side of the locking protrusion 304 b. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the self-standing position. When the leg 102 slides from the self-standing position to the storage position, the following operation is performed.

That is, in the process of sliding the leg portion 102 from the self-standing position to the housed position, the elastically deforming portion 302 of the leg portion 102 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 304b from the lower side to the upper side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastically deformable portion 302 moves upward beyond the locking projection 304b and returns to its original shape. Accordingly, the locked state in which the leg portion 102 is locked at the self-standing position is released, and the leg portion is slidable toward the storage position. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastic deformation portion 302 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 304a from the lower side toward the upper side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the storage position, the elastically deformable portion 302 moves upward beyond the locking projection 304a and returns to its original shape. Accordingly, as illustrated in fig. 18, the leg portion 102 is locked at the storage position in a state where the elastic deformation portion 302 is locked to the upper side of the locking protrusion 304 a.

In this way, the elastically deformable portion 302 is locked to the upper side of the locking projection 304a in a state where the leg portion 102 is slid to the storage position. Accordingly, the leg 102 is locked at the storage position. When the leg 102 slides from the storage position to the self-standing position, the following operation is performed.

That is, in the process of sliding the leg portion 102 from the storage position to the self-standing position, the elastically deforming portion 302 of the leg portion 102 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 304a from the upper side to the lower side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastically deformable portion 302 moves downward beyond the locking projection 304a and returns to its original shape. Accordingly, the locked state in which the leg 102 is locked at the storage position is released, and the leg 102 is slidable toward the self-standing position. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastic deformation portion 302 elastically deforms so as to go over the locking projection 304b from the upper side to the lower side. When the leg 102 further slides toward the self-standing position, the elastically deformable portion 302 moves downward beyond the locking projection 304b and returns to its original shape. Accordingly, as illustrated in fig. 19, the leg portion 102 is locked at the self-standing position in a state where the elastic deformation portion 302 is locked to the lower side of the locking protrusion 304 b.

According to the washing machine 1 of embodiment 3, the box main body 101 includes, on its side surface, in this case, a side surface extending in the longitudinal direction: a locking portion 303 for locking the leg portion 102 at the storage position and the self-standing position. That is, since the side surface of the elongated box main body 101 extending in the longitudinal direction thereof has a relatively large margin in terms of space, the locking portion 303 for locking the leg portion 102 can be provided without difficulty. In addition, since a space for providing the lock portion 303 can be sufficiently secured, the degree of freedom in designing the lock portion 303 can be remarkably improved.

(other embodiments)

The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as desired without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the washing machine 1 may be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments. In addition, in the embodiments, the exemplified configuration example of the softener box 16 can be applied to other boxes such as the detergent box 15.

The leg 102 is not limited to the configuration in which the leg main body 102A and the corner 102B are integrally provided, and may be provided in a configuration modified as appropriate. For example, the leg 102 may be configured to: consisting of a plurality of separate and independent corner portions 102B. The leg 102 may be configured such that the plurality of corners 102B are connected by a rod-shaped member. On the other hand, the composition is as follows: the leg 102 is provided slidably with respect to the cassette main body 101, and is capable of making the cassette stand by itself, and various configurations can be applied.

The configuration of the leg 102 is not limited to the configuration that is slidable on the side surface of the cassette main body 101, and for example, the configuration may be such that: is slidable in and out of a hole provided in the cartridge main body 101.

The box is not limited to the detergent box 15 for storing detergent or the softener box 16 for storing softener, and for example, various boxes may be suitably used as long as they are boxes for storing various treatment agents for performing a certain treatment on laundry, such as a deodorant box for storing deodorant, a disinfectant box for storing disinfectant, a bleach box for storing bleach, and the like. The plurality of cassettes provided in the water supply unit 4 may be cassettes for storing the same type of treatment agent, or may be cassettes for storing different types of treatment agents. In addition, the washing machine 1 may be configured to: the water supply unit 4 may be provided with 1 cartridge, or may be provided with a plurality of 3 or more cartridges. The metering pump 17 for detergent and the metering pump 18 for softener are not limited to a device for sucking liquid, and may be a device for squeezing liquid, for example.

The present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the spin basket extends in the vertical direction. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to a washing machine having no drying function. The present embodiment is applicable to various kinds of clothes treatment apparatuses as long as the apparatuses can perform some kind of treatment on clothes, such as deodorization, sterilization, bleaching, and the like.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These new embodiments may be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the present invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A clothes treatment device having a cartridge for storing a clothes treatment agent for treating clothes,

the box is provided with: a box main body constituting a main body of the box, and a leg portion for making the box main body stand by itself,

the leg portion is provided slidably with respect to the box main body portion.

2. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the foot part is arranged on the side surface of the box main body part.

3. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the foot is configured to: flush with the sides of the cartridge body.

4. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the box is self-supporting via the bottom surface of the box main body and the leg portions.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 4,

also comprises a clothes treating groove for accommodating clothes,

the leg portion is provided at the laundry treating tub side in the box main body portion.

6. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the leg portions have corner portions corresponding to both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the box main body,

the box main body portion has a rail portion that slidably supports the corner portion.

7. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 6,

the leg portion is provided to be slidable between a storage position where the leg portion is stored on the cassette main body portion side and a self-standing position where the cassette main body portion is allowed to stand by itself,

the cassette main body portion has, on a surface having the guide rail portion: and a locking portion that locks the leg portion at the housing position and the self-standing position.

8. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 6,

the box main body portion has, on a side surface thereof: and a locking portion that locks the leg portion at the housing position and the self-standing position.

9. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8,

the box main body part is provided with a hand grip part for hooking a hand of a user,

the grip portion has: an outflow hole for allowing the liquid existing in the hand grip to flow out,

the outflow hole is arranged at: a position in the hand grip avoiding an upper portion of the guide rail portion.

10. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the leg portion slid to the self-standing position is slidable to the housing position by applying a load of a predetermined value or more from the outside.

11. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10,

further comprises a cassette storage part for storing the cassette,

the cassette housing section includes: and a pressing portion that presses the leg portion slid to the self-standing position toward the housing position.