JP7341862B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a detergent tank is removably attached inside a housing. In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, an opening and a lid for opening and closing the opening are provided in the upper part of the housing. The detergent tank is attached inside the opening of the casing with the lid opened, that is, inside the casing.

International Publication No. 2019/039140

However, according to the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the detergent tank is installed inside the casing, so when the user refills the detergent tank with detergent, the user has to remove or attach the detergent tank from the casing. It's hard to do. An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a detergent tank can be easily attached to and removed from a housing.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a water tank for storing washing water, a casing housing the water tank, and at least one laundry processing liquid tank for storing washing processing liquid to be supplied to the water tank. and the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank protrudes from the surface of the casing and is removably attached to the casing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure for conceptually explaining an example of each route of automatic washing operation and manual washing operation in the washing machine of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of a detergent tank and a softener tank mounted on a mounting section, and a manual detergent input section in a washing machine according to an embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an example of composition of a detergent tank and a softener tank concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a state in which the detergent tank according to the embodiment is mounted on a mounting section. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a composition of a detergent tank and a loading part concerning modification 1 of an embodiment. It is a side view showing an example of composition of a laundry treatment liquid tank concerning modification 2 of an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the laundry treatment liquid tank shown in FIG. 8; It is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the washing processing liquid tank concerning modification 3 of an embodiment. It is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the washing processing liquid tank concerning modification 4 of an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of laundry processing liquid tanks according to Modification 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of laundry processing liquid tanks according to Modification 5 of the embodiment. It is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the washing processing liquid tank concerning modification 6 of an embodiment. It is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the washing processing liquid tank concerning modification 7 of an embodiment. It is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the washing processing liquid tank concerning modification 8 of an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of laundry processing liquid tanks according to Modification 9 of the embodiment.

Embodiments according to one aspect 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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 101, a water tank 102 housed inside the housing 101, a laundry processing liquid tank 160 provided in the housing 101, and a housing A manual detergent dispenser 119 provided on the body 101 is provided.

As an example, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 will be described as being capable of performing two types of washing operations: an automatic washing operation in which the washing operation is performed automatically, and a manual washing operation in which the washing operation is performed manually. The automatic washing operation is, for example, a washing operation in which the washing machine 100 starts the washing operation without waiting for an instruction from the user when a preset time comes. On the other hand, the manual washing operation is a washing operation in which the washing operation is started after receiving an instruction from the user, for example, by pressing an operation button or the like.

The housing 101 surrounds the water tank 102. The housing 101 has an upper surface part 101a provided above the water tank 102, a bottom surface part 101b provided below the water tank 102, a front surface part 101c provided in front of the water tank 102, and a rear part from the water tank 102. It has a back part 101d provided on the back side, and side parts 101e and 101f provided on both sides of the water tank 102 with the water tank 102 in between. For example, the top surface portion 101a covers the top of the water tank 102, and the bottom surface portion 101b covers the bottom of the water tank 102. Further, for example, the front surface portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the back surface portion 101d, and the side surface portion 101f each stand upright from the bottom surface portion 101b, are lined up in this order, and cover the lateral periphery of the aquarium 102.

Furthermore, the housing 101 includes a mounting section 117 for mounting the washing treatment liquid tank 160. For example, the mounting portion 117 has a shape that is recessed from the surface of the casing 101 into the inside of the casing 101. For example, the mounting portion 117 is provided on the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. That is, the mounting portion 117 is provided so as to be recessed into the interior of the housing 101 from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. Note that the mounting portion 117 may be provided at a position other than the top surface portion 101a of the housing 101.

In this embodiment, the laundry processing liquid tank 160 will be described as an example of a tank that stores detergent and the like used during automatic washing operation. Note that detergent and the like stored in the laundry processing liquid tank 160 may be used during manual washing operation.

The washing treatment liquid tank 160 protrudes from the surface of the casing 101 and is detachably attached to the casing 101. That is, the washing treatment liquid tank 160 is removably mounted on the mounting section 117. The laundry treatment liquid tank 160 accommodates the laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tank 102. Laundry treatment liquids are chemicals used in laundry, such as detergents and fabric softeners.

The washing machine 100 only needs to have at least one laundry treatment liquid tank 160. As an example, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a detergent tank (laundry treatment liquid tank 160) as at least one laundry treatment liquid tank 160. It will be described as having a fabric softener tank (washing liquid tank) 162 and a fabric softener tank (washing liquid tank) 163. The detergent tank 162 has a capacity to store enough liquid detergent to wash the clothes multiple times. The fabric softener tank 163 has a capacity to store liquid fabric softener in an amount sufficient for washing multiple times.

Note that the number of washing processing liquid tanks 160 (detergent tank 162 and softener tank 163) that washing machine 100 has is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Moreover, when the laundry processing liquid tank 160 has a plurality of tanks, the capacities of the tanks may be the same or different. Details of this washing treatment liquid tank 160 will be described later. Moreover, when the laundry processing liquid tank 160 has a plurality of tanks, the types of detergent processing liquids in each tank may be the same or different.

The manual detergent input unit 119 is, for example, a tank that stores detergent and the like used during manual washing operation or automatic washing operation. The manual detergent dispenser 119 is housed inside the housing 101 so that it can be attached to and removed from the housing 101 . The manual detergent input unit 119 is a container provided separately from the laundry processing liquid tank 160 and for accommodating detergent to be supplied to the water tank 102. For example, detergent is stored in the manual detergent input unit 119 by the user each time the user manually operates the washing machine 100 to perform laundry. The detergent contained in the manual detergent dispenser 119 may be liquid or powder. Note that the manual detergent input section 119 may be provided as desired and may be omitted. Details of the manual detergent dispenser 119 will be described later.

Warning 1 Water tank 102 is a tank for storing washing water when washing machine 100 performs washing operation. Washing water is a liquid in which washing processing liquids such as detergents and fabric softeners are dissolved in water. The water tank 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 water tank 102 provided in the bottomed cylindrical body 120. A drain port 122 is provided for draining water inside. Further, the water tank 102 is configured such that the opening 121 side faces upward and is placed on a horizontal surface (the installation surface of the washing machine 100 It is elastically supported while maintaining an inclined posture with its axis tilted with respect to a plane (parallel to the surface).

The rotating drum 103 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical body that has a slightly smaller diameter than the water tank 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 water tank 102, for example, so as to be substantially concentric with the opening 121 of the water tank 102. The rotating drum 103 is driven by a drum motor 104 to rotate around an output shaft 140 inside the water tank 102 . For example, a large number of small holes 132 are formed in the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103 so as to penetrate the entire 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. Wash water and the like after washing in the water tank 102 are 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 water tank 102 are controlled.

The casing 101 further includes, for example, an input port 111 for loading laundry, a door 110 for opening and closing the input port 111, and an operation button for receiving operating instructions for the washing machine 100 from a user. It includes a panel 115 and a water source connection port 150 that is connected to a water supply source such as water supply. For example, the input port 111 and the door 110 are provided on the front part 101c of the housing 101, and when the door 110 is opened, the laundry is thrown into the water tank 102 (rotating drum 103) through the input port 111. be done. Further, when the door 110 is closed, the opening 121 of the water tank 102 is closed. For example, the door 110 is opened when a door open button 113 is pressed. Although FIG. 1 shows an example of the door 110 having a circular shape, the door 110 may have a shape other than the circular shape (for example, a rectangular shape, etc.).

For example, the operation panel 115 is provided adjacent to the front side of the upper surface portion 101a so that the user can easily operate the operation panel 115. Further, the water source connection port 150 is provided at the rear end of the upper surface portion 101a on the opposite side to the direction in which the operation panel 115 is approached.

The operation panel 115 includes, for example, an operation section for various operations and a display section for displaying various images. In the washing machine 100, a series of processes such as a washing operation and a spin-drying operation are executed by the control section 5 (see FIG. 3) controlling the operation of each section according to the operation of the operation panel 115.

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

A washing operation in the washing machine 100 is performed, for example, by supplying washing water into a water tank 102 (rotary drum 103) into which laundry is placed, and driving the drum motor 104 to tumble the rotary 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 also function as a dryer that dries the laundry in the water tank.

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of routes for automatic washing operation and manual washing operation in washing machine 100 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, washing machine 100 includes, for example, a control section 5 and a detergent supply mechanism 300. The detergent supply mechanism 300 includes a first path 311, a first valve 302 and a pump 301 provided in the first path 311, a water supply path 321, and a second valve 151 provided in the water supply path 321. , and a second route 322.

At least one first valve 302 and one pump 301 are provided between the detergent tank 162 and softener tank 163 and the water tank 102, respectively. At least one second valve 151 is provided between the water source connection port 150 and the water tank 102. In this embodiment, at least one second valve 151 is provided between the water source connection port 150 and the first path 311.

The control unit 5 is an information processing device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like that controls the operation of each part of the washing machine 100. For example, the operations of the pump 301, the first valve 302, the second valve 151, etc. are controlled by the control unit 5.

When performing an automatic washing operation, for example, the control unit 5 controls opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151, and controls the operation of the pump 301, when a pre-stored set time comes. Further, when performing a manual washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151, and controls the operation of the pump 301, based on the instruction signal obtained from the operation button. do.

The first path 311 is a path for supplying the washing processing liquid from the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 to the water tank 102 during automatic washing operation. The first path 311 has tank connection parts 312a and 312b, which are ends connected to the detergent tank 162 and softener tank 163, and a water tank connection part 313, which is an end connected to the water tank 102. In this embodiment, the tank connection part 312a is connected to the detergent tank 162, and the tank connection part 312b is connected to the softener tank 163. Note that the number of tank connecting portions 312a and 312b in the first path 311 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of washing treatment liquid tanks 160. Details of how the tank connection parts 312a and 312b are connected to the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 will be described later.

The water supply route 321 is a route for supplying water from the water source connected to the water source connection port 150 to the aquarium 102 . For example, the water supply route 321 is connected to the first route 311.

When the washing machine 100 performs automatic washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the second valve 151 so that a water supply path 321 from the water source connection port 150 to the water tank 102 via the second valve 151 is formed.

When the washing machine 100 performs a washing operation in an automatic washing operation, the detergent in the detergent tank 162 and the softener in the softener tank 163 are supplied to the water tank 102 through the first path 311 via the pump 301. The pump 301 sucks, for example, detergent from the detergent tank 162 or softener from the softener tank 163 and supplies it to the water tank 102. Pump 301 is preferably configured to suck a predetermined amount of laundry treatment liquid from each laundry treatment liquid tank 160. 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 water tank 102 is switched by the first valve 302. Further, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the first valve 302 is used as a valve for switching the type of washing processing liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a corresponding valve may be provided for each washing processing tank, and the opening and closing of these valves It may be configured such that the washing treatment liquid is switched between the two.

Furthermore, the washing processing liquid supplied to the water tank 102 is connected to a water supply path 321 that passes from the water source through the water source connection port 150 and the second valve 151 in the middle of the first path 311 from the pump 301 to the water tank 102. It is designed to be mixed with water. As a result, the washing treatment liquid becomes diluted washing water, which is supplied to the water tank 102 through the water tank connection part 313. Note that in this embodiment, water is configured to be supplied downstream of the pump 301 via the water source connection port 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be configured to supply water upstream. In this case, the pump 301 and the first 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 washing processing liquid tanks 160 may be one or more. Good too. For example, a plurality of types of detergent and/or fabric softener may be held in different tanks so that the user can select the type of detergent and fabric softener to be used according to his/her preference.

Further, the manual detergent input section 119 is provided, for example, in the second path 322 leading from the second valve 151 to the water tank 102.

When the washing machine 100 performs a manual washing operation, the control section 5 controls the second path 322 to be formed from the water source connection port 150 to the water tank 102 via the second valve 151 and the manual detergent input section 119. Control valve 151.

When the washing machine 100 performs a manual washing operation, the water supplied from the water source to the manual detergent dispenser 119 through the water source connection port 150 and the second valve 151 is mixed with the detergent stored in the manual detergent dispenser 119. When mixed with water, it becomes washing water. Then, washing water is supplied to the water tank 102 from the manual detergent input section 119.

In this way, according to the washing machine 100 as explained using FIG. There is. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, in which the washing tank is attached inside the casing, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 to the casing 101. Therefore, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 162 to and from the housing 101 to replenish liquid detergent, and also easily attach and detach the detergent tank 163 to the housing 101 to replenish the softener. It can be attached and detached. In this way, washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

In addition, as described above, according to the washing machine 100, the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of the housing 101. Therefore, unlike the case where the detergent tank is installed inside the casing as in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, it is also possible to replenish the detergent tank 162 with detergent without removing the detergent tank 162 from the casing 101. can. Further, the softener tank 163 can be replenished with the softener without removing the softener tank 163 from the housing 101. Also from this point of view, washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

Further, as described above, according to the washing machine 100, the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of the housing 101. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, in which the detergent tank is attached inside a housing, the capacities of the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 can be increased. Therefore, according to the washing machine 100, the number of times the user replenishes the detergent tank 162 with detergent and the softener tank 163 with softener can be reduced. Also from this point of view, washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

Further, for example, in the washing machine 100, the casing 101 is not provided with a lid or the like that covers the parts of the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 that protrude from the surface of the casing 101, and the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are A portion of each agent tank 163 protruding from the surface of the housing 101 is exposed. As a result, unlike the case of opening the lid when removing the detergent tank provided inside the casing of the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the user can easily remove the lid without opening or closing the lid. , the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 can be attached to and detached from the housing 101.

Note that, for example, in the washing machine 100, the housing 101 may be provided with an openable/closable lid that covers the portions of the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 that protrude from the surface of the housing 101.

Further, for example, in the washing machine 100, the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 so as to protrude from the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. In other words, for example, the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are attached to the casing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of the casing 101 in order to increase the size of the washing machine 100 in the height direction. As a result, the detergent tank and the fabric softener tank protrude from one of the side surfaces of the casing, or from the front or back surface of the washing machine 100 in the width direction (side surface portion). 101e and the side surface portion 101f), and the length in the depth direction (the direction from one of the front surface portion 101c and the back surface portion 101d toward the other). can do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an increase in the area required for installing the washing machine 100 and to increase the convenience of easily attaching and detaching the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 from the casing 101.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 mounted on the mounting section 117, and the manual detergent input section 119 in the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 4, the upper surface portion 101a around the mounting portion 117 is not illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the manual detergent dispenser 119 includes a decorative board 119a and a manual dispense case (container) 119b. The manual input case 119b is a container for storing detergent, and has an open top. The decorative plate 119a is attached to the front end of the manual input case 119b. For example, the decorative board 119a is configured to be flush (a continuous plane) with the front surface portion 101c around the decorative board 119a when the manual detergent dispenser 119 is housed inside the housing 101. The decorative board 119a also has a handle portion that is held by the user in order to store the manual detergent dispenser 119 into or remove it from the housing 101. Then, the manual detergent dispenser 119 is attached to the housing 101 by sliding it from the front side of the housing 101, inserting it into the interior of the housing 101, for example.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, in the washing machine 100, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 in which the washing tank is attached inside the housing, the washing machine 100 has a detergent tank 162 and a softener tank 163. is attached to the housing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of the housing 101. Therefore, since the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 are made to protrude from the surface of the casing 101, a space can be secured inside the casing 101, which is a limited space.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, for example, in the washing machine 100, the manual detergent input section 119 is located below the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 (in other words, below the mounting section 117), and 101 in a removable manner. In other words, the manual detergent dispenser 119 is installed inside the casing 101 so that the detergent tank 162, the softener tank 163, and the manual detergent dispenser 119 are arranged in two stages, upper and lower. Thereby, the manual detergent dispenser 119 can be provided inside the housing 101, separately from the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163, without increasing the size of the housing 101.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163 according to the first embodiment. The detergent tank 162 has, for example, a main body 162a with an open top, a lid 162b for closing the opening of the main body 162a, and a supply nozzle part 162c for supplying the detergent in the main body 162a to the outside. Further, for example, a transparent window portion 162d that transmits visible light is provided on the side surface of the main body 162a. The main body 162a is a container that stores detergent filled inside by the user. It is preferable that the inside of the main body 162a be sealed by attaching the lid 162b to the main body 162a.

The supply nozzle portion 162c has, for example, a through hole penetrating the main body 162a and a check valve provided in the through hole, and has a columnar shape that protrudes outward or inward from the main body 162a. The supply nozzle section 162c is connected to the mounting section 117 as described later when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117. As an example, in this embodiment, the supply nozzle portion 162c is provided so as to protrude outward and downward from the bottom surface of the main body 162a.

The softener tank 163 has, for example, a main body 163a with an open top, a lid 163b for closing the opening of the main body 163a, and a supply nozzle (not shown) for supplying the detergent in the main body 163a to the outside. . Further, for example, a transparent window portion 163d that transmits visible light is provided on the side surface of the main body 163a. The main body 163a is a container that stores the softener filled inside by the user. It is preferable that the inside of the main body 163a is sealed by attaching the lid 163b to the main body 163a.

The supply nozzle portion (not shown) has, for example, a through hole penetrating through the main body 163a and a check valve provided in the through hole, and has a columnar shape that protrudes outward or inward from the main body 163a. The supply nozzle part 162c is connected to the mounting part 117 as described later when the softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting part 117. As an example, in this embodiment, a supply nozzle portion (not shown) is provided so as to protrude outward and downward from the bottom surface of the main body 163a.

For example, the bottom surfaces of the main bodies 162a and 163a gradually slope downward from the front to the rear. Note that the main bodies 162a and 163a may have other shapes, for example, they may have a shape that stands on their own when the main bodies 162a and 163a are removed from the mounting portion 117 and placed on the floor or the like.

In the detergent tank 162, the window 162d may be provided on at least a portion of the main body 162a and the lid 162b. In other words, at least a portion of the main body 162a and the lid 162b may be transparent. Thereby, the main body 162a and the lid 162b may be entirely transparent.

Moreover, it is preferable that the window portion 162d is provided on a side surface of the main body 162a. In other words, it is preferable that a part of the side surface of the main body 162a is transparent. This makes it easy to visually check the level of detergent in the main body 162a, that is, the remaining amount of detergent.

Further, it is preferable that the window portion 162d is provided at a portion where the detergent tank 162 protrudes from the surface of the housing 101 and is exposed when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting portion 117. In other words, at least a portion of the detergent tank 162 that is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 is preferably transparent. Thereby, the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 162 can be visually confirmed while the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117.

In the softener tank 163, the window 163d may be provided in at least a portion of the main body 163a and the lid 163b. In other words, at least a portion of the main body 163a and the lid 163b may be transparent. Thereby, the main body 163a and the lid 163b may be entirely transparent.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the window portion 163d is provided on a side surface of the main body 163a. In other words, it is preferable that a portion of the side surface of the main body 163a is transparent. This makes it easy to visually confirm the liquid level of the softener in the main body 163a, that is, the remaining amount of the softener.

Further, the window portion 163d is preferably provided in a portion where the softener tank 163 protrudes from the surface of the housing 101 and is exposed when the softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117. In other words, it is preferable that at least a portion of the softener tank 163 that is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 is transparent. Thereby, with the softener tank 163 mounted on the mounting portion 117, the remaining amount of softener in the softener tank 163 can be visually confirmed.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the surface of the main body 162a on which the window portion 162d is provided and the surface of the main body 163a on which the window portion 163d is provided may be different from each other. For example, in FIG. 5, the window portion 162d is provided on the side surface of the main body 162a, and the window portion 163d is provided on the front surface of the main body 163a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the window portion 162d is preferably provided on a surface of the main body 162a and the lid body 162b that is different from the surface facing the softener tank 163. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the window portion 163d is preferably provided on a surface of the main body 163a and the lid body 163b that is different from the surface facing the detergent tank 162.

In addition, each washing processing liquid tank 160 may be further attached with identification information such as a QR code (registered trademark) that can identify each washing processing liquid tank 160 individually. Thereby, it is possible to manage each washing processing liquid tank 160, such as managing the type of washing processing liquid stored inside each washing processing liquid tank 160.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a state in which the detergent tank 162 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the mounting section 117. The state in which the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Note that the state in which the softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117 is the same as the state in which the detergent tank 162 is mounted in the mounting portion 117, so the description will be omitted as appropriate.

The mounting portion 117 has, for example, a shape that is recessed from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a toward the inside of the casing. The mounting portion 117 includes a bottom surface 117a, a front side surface 117b erected on the front side of the bottom surface 117a, a rear side surface 117c erected on the rear side of the bottom surface 117a, and a side surface of the bottom surface 117a. It has both side surfaces (not shown in FIG. 6) erected on each of both sides.

Further, the mounting portion 117 is connected to the supply nozzle portion 162c of the detergent tank 162, and is connected to a tank connection portion 312a having a shape that fits into the supply nozzle portion 162c, and a supply nozzle portion (not shown) of the softener tank 163. and a tank connection part (not shown) having a shape that fits with the supply nozzle part. For example, the mounting portion 117 includes tank connection portions corresponding to the number of laundry processing liquid tanks to be mounted, which are connected to the supply nozzle portions of the respective washing processing liquid tanks and are shaped to fit with the respective supply nozzle portions. For example, each supply nozzle section such as the supply nozzle section 162c is provided on the bottom surface 117a of the mounting section 117.

The bottom surface 117a is a bottom surface that is recessed from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a into the housing, and is a surface on which a washing treatment liquid tank 160 such as a detergent tank 162 is mounted. For example, the bottom surface 117a has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of the main body 162a of the detergent tank 162 so that the detergent tank 162 is stably installed when the detergent tank 162 is mounted.

For example, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 117a has a shape that gradually slopes downward from the front side surface 117b to the rear side surface 117c. Thereby, the detergent tank 162 is stably installed on the bottom surface 117a.

Furthermore, by forming the bottom surface 117a into a shape that gradually slopes downward from the front side surface 117b to the rear side surface 117c, the user can place the detergent tank 162 inside the mounting section 117 when mounting the detergent tank 162 on the mounting section 117. It can be mounted in the mounting portion 117 by sliding it on the bottom surface 117a from the front side to the rear side. Thereby, even if the weight of the detergent tank 162 increases due to the increased capacity of the detergent tank 162, the user can easily mount the detergent tank 162 on the mounting section 117.

When the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, the supply nozzle section 162c is connected to the tank connection section 312a. Thereby, the supply nozzle portion 162c in the detergent tank 162 and the first path 311 communicate with each other. Further, the other washing treatment liquid tanks 160 also communicate with the first path 311 by connecting respective supply nozzle parts (not shown) to tank connection parts (not shown) that fit therewith.

In addition, for example, the shape in which the supply nozzle part of each washing processing liquid tank 160 and each tank connection part fit may be made different for each washing processing liquid tank 160. As a result, the supply nozzle part of the fabric softener tank 163 is connected to the tank connection part 312a that should be connected to the supply nozzle part 162c of the detergent tank 162, and the supply nozzle part of the laundry processing liquid tank 160 is incorrectly connected to the tank. This can prevent the parts from being connected.

Here, when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, it is preferable that at least half of the height H1 of the detergent tank 162 is accommodated inside the mounting section 117, that is, inside the casing 101. . Here, the height H1 of the detergent tank 162 is the maximum height of the main body 162a and the lid 162b excluding the supply nozzle portion 162c. Thereby, the detergent tank 162 can be stably mounted on the mounting section 117. Similarly, it is preferable that half or more of the height of the other laundry processing liquid tanks 160 other than the detergent tank 162 is accommodated inside the mounting section 117, that is, inside the housing 101.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent tank 162A and a mounting portion 117A according to Modification 1 of the embodiment. The washing machine 100 (FIG. 1 etc.) may include a detergent tank 162A in addition to or in place of the detergent tank 162 (FIG. 6 etc.). Further, the washing machine 100 (FIG. 1, etc.) may include a mounting section 117A in addition to or in place of the mounting section 117 (FIG. 6, etc.).

The detergent tank 162A has a configuration in which the supply nozzle portion 162c is provided not on the bottom surface of the main body 162a but on the rear side surface, due to the structure of the detergent tank 162. The other configuration of detergent tank 162A is similar to detergent tank 162.

The mounting portion 117A has a configuration in which the tank connection portion 312a is provided on the rear side surface 117c instead of the bottom surface 117a from the configuration of the mounting portion 117. The other configuration of the mounting section 117A is the same as that of the mounting section 117.

According to the detergent tank 162A and the mounting section 117A, when the detergent tank 162A is inserted into the mounting section 117A from the front side of the mounting section 117A and mounted, the user inserts the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162A into the mounting section 117A. It is easy to position it with respect to the tank connection part 312a. This allows the user to easily connect the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162A to the tank connection section 312a of the mounting section 117A.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a washing treatment liquid tank 160B according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the washing treatment liquid tank 160B shown in FIG. 8. The washing machine 100 (FIG. 1 etc.) may include a laundry treatment liquid tank 160B in addition to or in place of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the washing treatment liquid tank 160B includes a main body 160Ba and a supply nozzle portion 160Bc. The main body 160Ba is not open in other parts (for example, the upper surface) other than where the supply nozzle section 160Bc is provided, such as the top surface, and is sealed by providing the supply nozzle section 160Bc, for example.

The supply nozzle part 160Bc supplies the washing processing liquid inside the main body 160Ba to the outside, and also functions as a lid. For example, the supply nozzle part 160Bc has a through hole penetrating the main body 160Ba and a check valve provided in the through hole, and has a columnar shape that projects outward from the main body 162Ba. The supply nozzle portion 160Bc has a shape that fits into a tank connection portion to be connected in the mounting portion 117 (FIG. 6, etc.). In FIGS. 8 and 9, the supply nozzle part 160Bc is provided on the bottom of the main body 160Ba, but the supply nozzle part 160Bc may be provided on the side or top of the main body 160Ba. Good too.

FIG. 10 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of the washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to the third modification. FIG. 11 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of a washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to modification 4. FIG. 12 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of the washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to the fifth modification. FIG. 13 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of the washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to the fifth modification. FIG. 14 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of a washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to modification 6. FIG. 15 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of a washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification Example 7. FIG. 16 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of a washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification Example 8. FIG. 17 is a top view showing an arrangement pattern of a washing treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 9. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 17, a plurality of washing treatment liquid tanks 160 may be arranged in various positions in the mounting section 117, or, for example, two or more detergent tanks 162 may be arranged. Two or more softener tanks 163 may be arranged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a gap 167 for inserting a finger may be provided between the adjacent detergent tank 162 and the softener tank 163, and the two may be mounted on the mounting section 117. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, by curving the shapes of the adjacent detergent tanks 162 and fabric softener tanks 163, for example, a finger can be inserted between the adjacent detergent tanks 162 and fabric softener tanks 163. It may be mounted on the mounting portion 117 with a gap 168 provided therefor.

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

100 Washing machine, 101 Housing, 101a Top part, 101b Bottom part, 101c Front part, 101d Back part, 101e Side part, 101f Side part, 102 Water tank, 117/117A Mounting part, 119 Manual detergent dispenser, 119b Manual dispenser Case (container), 151 2nd valve, 160/160A/160B Laundry treatment liquid tank, 162/162A Detergent tank (laundry treatment liquid tank), 163 Softener tank (laundry treatment liquid tank), 167/168 Gap

Claims (8)

A water tank for storing washing water,
a casing housing the water tank;
at least one laundry treatment liquid tank for accommodating the laundry treatment liquid supplied to the water tank;
The housing includes an upper surface portion provided above the water tank, and a mounting portion recessed into the interior of the housing from the upper surface portion and mounting the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank,
The at least one laundry treatment liquid tank is removably attached to the mounting portion of the housing so as to protrude from the surface of the upper surface of the housing ,
The mounting portion has a tank connection portion connected to the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank, and a bottom surface on which the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank is placed is inclined downward toward the tank connection portion. Washing machines, including sloped surfaces . The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank that protrudes from the surface of the casing is exposed. 3. The container according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage container located below the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank, detachably attached to the housing, and configured to store detergent to be supplied to the water tank. washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank exposed from the surface of the casing is transparent. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of a side surface of the at least one washing treatment liquid tank is transparent. the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank is a plurality of laundry treatment liquid tanks;
According to any one of claims 1 to 5 , the plurality of laundry treatment liquid tanks are attached to the casing with a gap for inserting a finger between the adjacent laundry treatment liquid tanks. Washing machine as described. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least half of the height of the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank is housed inside the casing. Further, at least one first end portion is connected to the at least one laundry treatment liquid tank, a second end portion is connected to the water tank, and a third end portion is connected to the at least one first end portion to the second end portion. It has at least one first valve provided in the middle of one path, a water source connection port connected to a water source, and at least one second valve provided in the middle from the water source connection port to the first path. a detergent supply mechanism;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a valve control means for controlling opening and closing of the at least one valve.

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