Washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine includes a water tank for storing washing water, a housing for accommodating the water tank, and at least one washing liquid container for accommodating washing liquid supplied to the water tank. The at least one washing liquid container protrudes from a surface of the housing and is detachably mounted on the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2019 / 039140 discloses a washing machine with a detergent container detachably mounted inside the housing. In the washing machine described in International Publication No. 2019 / 039140, the housing is provided with an opening and a lid for opening and closing the opening. Furthermore, the detergent container is mounted within the opening of the housing when the lid is opened, i.e., within the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, according to the washing machine described in International Publication No. 2019 / 039140, since the detergent container is mounted inside the housing, it is difficult for the user to remove the detergent container from the housing or to mount the detergent container on the housing when adding detergent to the detergent container. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the detergent container can be easily attached and detached from the housing.

[0004] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a water tank for storing washing water, a shell for accommodating the water tank, and at least one washing liquid container for accommodating washing liquid supplied to the water tank, wherein the at least one washing liquid container protrudes from the surface of the shell and is detachably mounted on the shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a diagram for conceptually explaining an example of each route of the automatic washing operation and the manual washing operation in the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a detergent container and a softener container mounted on a mounting portion and a manual detergent dispensing portion in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a detergent container and a softener container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 6It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a state in which the detergent container according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a mounting portion.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the structure of the detergent container and the mounting portion according to Modification 1 of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 8 It is a side view showing an example of the structure of the cleaning liquid container according to Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 9 Yes Figure 8 A perspective view of an example of the structure of the cleaning liquid container shown.

[0014] Figure 10 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 3 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 11 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 4 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 12 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 5 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 13 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 5 of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 14 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 6 of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 15 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 7 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 16 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 8 of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 17 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of cleaning liquid containers according to Modification 9 of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 101 , a water tank 102 accommodated in the housing 101 , a washing liquid container 160 provided on the housing 101 , and a manual detergent dispenser 119 provided on the housing 101 .

[0024] As an example, this embodiment will describe two types of washing operations: automatic washing operation, in which washing machine 100 can automatically perform a washing operation, and manual washing operation, in which washing machine 100 can manually perform a washing operation. Automatic washing operation, for example, starts washing machine 100 at a preset time without waiting for a user instruction. On the other hand, manual washing operation starts washing operation after receiving a user instruction, such as by pressing an operation button.

[0025] Housing 101 surrounds water tank 102. Housing 101 includes an upper portion 101a positioned above water tank 102, a bottom portion 101b positioned below water tank 102, a front portion 101c positioned in front of water tank 102, a back portion 101d positioned on the back side behind water tank 102, and side portions 101e and 101f positioned on either side of water tank 102, with water tank 102 sandwiched between them. For example, upper portion 101a covers the upper portion of water tank 102, and bottom portion 101b covers the lower portion of water tank 102. Furthermore, for example, front portion 101c, side portion 101e, back portion 101d, and side portion 101f are positioned upright relative to bottom portion 101b, arranged in sequence, and surround the sides of water tank 102.

[0026] The housing 101 also includes a mounting portion 117 for mounting the cleaning liquid container 160. For example, the mounting portion 117 is recessed from the surface of the housing 101 toward the interior of the housing 101. For example, the mounting portion 117 is provided on the upper portion 101a of the housing 101. That is, the mounting portion 117 is provided so as to be recessed from the surface of the upper portion 101a of the housing 101 toward the interior of the housing 101. Alternatively, the mounting portion 117 may be provided at a location other than the upper portion 101a of the housing 101.

[0027] In this embodiment, the washing liquid container 160 is described as a container for storing detergents used in automatic washing operation in advance as an example. In addition, the detergents stored in the washing liquid container 160 can also be used in manual washing operation.

[0028] The cleaning liquid container 160 protrudes from the surface of the housing 101 and is detachably mounted on the housing 101. Specifically, the cleaning liquid container 160 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 117. The cleaning liquid container 160 contains the cleaning liquid supplied to the water tank 102. The cleaning liquid is a liquid used for washing, such as detergent and softener.

[0029] Washing machine 100 only needs to have at least one washing liquid container 160. However, in this embodiment, as an example, washing machine 100 includes a detergent container (washing liquid container) 162 and a softener container (washing liquid container) 163 as at least one washing liquid container 160. Detergent container 162 has a capacity to store liquid detergent in an amount sufficient for multiple washes. Softener container 163 has a capacity to store liquid softener in an amount sufficient for multiple washes.

[0030] The number of washing liquid containers 160 (detergent container 162 and softener container 163) included in washing machine 100 is not limited to two and may be one or three or more. Furthermore, if washing liquid container 160 comprises multiple containers, the capacities of each container may be the same or different. Details of washing liquid container 160 will be described later. Furthermore, if washing liquid container 160 comprises multiple containers, the types of detergents in each container may be the same or different.

[0031] The manual detergent injection unit 119 is a container for storing detergents used in manual washing operations or automatic washing operations in advance. The manual detergent injection unit 119 is detachably accommodated inside the housing 101. The manual detergent injection unit 119 is a container for containing detergents supplied to the water tank 102 and is provided separately from the washing process liquid container 160. For example, each time a user manually operates the washing machine 100 to wash, detergent is stored in the manual detergent injection unit 119 by the user. The detergent stored in the manual detergent injection unit 119 can be liquid or powder. In addition, the manual detergent injection unit 119 can be arbitrarily provided or omitted. The manual detergent injection unit 119 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The water tank 102 is a tank for storing washing water when the washing machine 100 is performing a washing operation. Washing water is a liquid obtained by dissolving a washing treatment liquid such as detergent and softener in water. The water tank 102 includes, for example, a large-diameter bottomed cylinder 120 having an opening 121 on the entire surface of one end, a rotating drum 103 housed in the bottomed cylinder 120, and a drain port 122 provided in the bottomed cylinder 120 for draining water from the water tank 102. In addition, the water tank 102 is elastically supported, for example, by a plurality of support legs 123 (only one is shown) provided on the bottom portion 101b of the housing 101, with the opening 121 facing upward, and maintaining an inclined posture with the axis tilted relative to a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the installation surface of the washing machine 100).

[0033] The rotating drum 103 is, for example, a cylinder with a bottom and a slightly smaller diameter than the water tank 102 and 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 bottom center of the water tank 102, for example, roughly concentrically with the opening 121 of the water tank 102. Furthermore, the rotating drum 103 is driven by the drum motor 104 to rotate around the output shaft 140 inside the water tank 102. On the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103, for example, a plurality of small holes 132 are formed in a manner that extends over the entire surface and penetrates. In addition, a plurality of baffles 133 are protruding from the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103, and the plurality of baffles 133 are equally spaced in the circumferential direction and extend along the axial length direction. In addition, in order to avoid complication of the drawings, Figure 2 Only a portion of the aperture 132 and one baffle 133 are shown.

[0034] Drain port 122 is connected to drain hose 127 via drain pipe 124. Washing water and other items after washing in water tank 102 are discharged to the outside through drain pipe 124 and drain hose 127. A drain valve 126 is provided between drain pipe 124 and drain hose 127. The opening and closing of drain valve 126 controls the storage and drainage of water in water tank 102.

[0035] The housing 101 also includes, for example, an inlet 111 for inserting laundry, a door 110 for opening and closing the inlet 111, an operation panel 115 provided with operation buttons for receiving user instructions for operating the washing machine 100, and a water source connection port 150 connected to a water supply source such as a tap water pipe. For example, the inlet 111 and the door 110 are provided on the front portion 101c of the housing 101. When the door 110 is opened, laundry is inserted into the water tank 102 (rotating drum 103) through the inlet 111. In addition, when the door 110 is closed, the opening 121 of the water tank 102 is closed. For example, the door 110 is opened by pressing the door opening button 113. In Figure 1Although an example of a circular door 110 is shown in FIG, the shape of the door 110 may be a shape other than a circle (for example, a square).

[0036] The operation panel 115 is provided adjacent to the front side of the upper portion 101a so that the user can operate it easily. The water source connection port 150 is provided at the rear end of the upper portion 101a opposite to the direction in which the operation panel 115 is approached.

[0037] The operation panel 115 includes, for example, an operation unit for various operations and a display unit for displaying various images. In the washing machine 100, the control unit 5 (see Figure 3 ) By controlling the actions of each part, a series of processes such as washing and dehydration operations are performed.

[0038] Water source connection port 150 is connected to water tank 102, for example, via a second valve 151 and a main water distribution pipe 152. Second valve 151 is, for example, a multi-type solenoid valve having multiple water supply outlets. Second valve 151 switches the water supply outlets, and water supplied from the water supply source, for example, along with laundry treatment liquid supplied from detergent container 162 and softener container 163, is supplied to water tank 102 via main water distribution pipe 152.

[0039] The washing operation in washing machine 100 is performed, for example, by supplying washing water to a water tank 102 (rotating drum 103) containing laundry, and driving drum motor 104 to cause rotary drum 103 to tumble. The laundry in rotary drum 103 is immersed in the washing water, which enters rotary drum 103 through small holes 132. The laundry is repeatedly lifted and dropped by baffle 133, and is washed by being struck against the inner wall of rotary drum 103 during the drop. While the washing operation of washing machine 100 has been described, washing machine 100 may also include a heater, a blower fan, and the like, and may also function as a dryer to dry the laundry in the water tank.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a diagram for conceptually explaining an example of each route of the automatic washing operation and the manual washing operation in washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, washing machine 100 includes control unit 5 and detergent supply mechanism 300. Detergent supply mechanism 300 includes first path 311, first valve 302 and pump 301 provided in first path 311, water supply path 321, second valve 151 provided in water supply path 321, and second path 322.

[0042] At least one first valve 302 and pump 301 are respectively provided between the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 and the water tank 102. 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.

[0043] The control unit 5 is an information processing device composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like that controls the operation of each unit of the washing machine 100. For example, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the pump 301, the first valve 302, the second valve 151, and the like.

[0044] During an automatic washing operation, for example, when a pre-stored set time is reached, the control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151 or the operation of the pump 301. Furthermore, during a manual washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151 or the operation of the pump 301 based on an instruction signal obtained from an operation button.

[0045] The first path 311 is a path for supplying washing liquid from the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 to the water tank 102 during automatic washing operation. The first path 311 includes container connecting portions 312a and 312b, which serve as ends connected to the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163, and a water tank connecting portion 313, which serves as an end connected to the water tank 102. In this embodiment, the container connecting portion 312a is connected to the detergent container 162, and the container connecting portion 312b is connected to the softener container 163. The number of container connecting portions 312a and 312b in the first path 311 only needs to correspond to the number of washing liquid containers 160. The connection of the container connecting portions 312a and 312b to the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 will be described in detail later.

[0046] The water supply path 321 is a path for supplying water from a water source connected to the water source connection port 150 to the water tank 102. For example, the water supply path 321 is connected to the first path 311.

[0047] When the washing machine 100 performs the automatic washing operation, the controller 5 controls the second valve 151 to form a water supply path 321 from the water source connection port 150 to the water tank 102 via the second valve 151 .

[0048] When washing machine 100 performs a washing operation in an automatic washing mode, detergent in detergent container 162 and softener in softener container 163 are supplied to water tank 102 via first path 311 via pump 301. For example, pump 301 draws detergent from detergent container 162 or softener from softener container 163 and supplies the detergent to water tank 102. Pump 301 is preferably configured to draw a predetermined amount of washing liquid from each washing liquid container 160. For example, the amount of washing liquid can be adjusted by the driving time of pump 301.

[0049] The type of washing liquid supplied to the water tank 102 is switched by the first valve 302. In this embodiment, the first valve 302 is used as a valve for switching the type of washing liquid. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A corresponding valve may be provided for each washing container, and the washing liquid may be switched by opening and closing these valves.

[0050] Furthermore, the washing process liquid supplied to the water tank 102 is mixed with water by connecting to the water supply path 321, which runs from the water source through the water source connection port 150 and the second valve 151, along the way from the pump 301 to the water tank 102. This dilutes the washing process liquid into the washing water, which is then supplied to the water tank 102 through the water tank connection portion 313. In this embodiment, water is supplied downstream of the pump 301 via the water source connection port 150. However, this is not limiting. For example, water may be supplied upstream of the pump 301 or upstream of the first valve 302. In this case, the pump 301 and the first valve 302 can be flushed with water.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 are used as an example to store the washing liquid. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of washing liquid containers may be one or more. For example, multiple types of detergents and / or softeners may be stored in different containers, allowing the user to select the type of detergent and softener to be used according to their preference.

[0052] In addition, for example, manual detergent dispenser 119 is provided in second path 322 extending from second valve 151 to water tank 102 .

[0053] When washing machine 100 performs manual washing operation, controller 5 controls second valve 151 to form second path 322 . Second path 322 extends from water source connection port 150 through second valve 151 and manual detergent dispenser 119 to water tank 102 .

[0054] When washing machine 100 performs a manual wash operation, water supplied from a water source via water source connection port 150 and second valve 151 to manual detergent dispenser 119 is mixed with detergent contained in manual detergent dispenser 119 to become wash water. Wash water is then supplied from manual detergent dispenser 119 to water tank 102.

[0055] In this way, the figure reference Figure 1 As described in Patent Document 1, for example, washing machine 100 includes detergent container 162 and softener container 163 protruding from the surface of housing 101 and removably mounted thereto. Unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, where the detergent container is mounted inside the housing, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 can be easily attached and detached from housing 101. Consequently, the user can easily attach and detach detergent container 162 to housing 101 to replenish liquid detergent, and can easily attach and detach softener container 163 to housing 101 to replenish softener. Thus, washing machine 100 improves user convenience.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, in washing machine 100, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 protrude from the surface of housing 101 and are mounted on housing 101. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, which mounts the detergent container inside the housing, detergent can be added to detergent container 162 without removing it from housing 101. Furthermore, softener can be added to softener container 163 without removing it from housing 101. In this respect, washing machine 100 also improves user convenience.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, in washing machine 100, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 are mounted on housing 101, protruding from the surface. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, where the detergent containers are mounted inside the housing, the capacity of each of detergent container 162 and softener container 163 can be increased. Consequently, in washing machine 100, the user can reduce the number of times they need to refill detergent container 162 or softener container 163. In this respect, washing machine 100 also improves user convenience.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, in washing machine 100, housing 101 is not provided with a cover or the like to cover the portions of detergent container 162 and softener container 163 that protrude from the surface of housing 101. The portions of detergent container 162 and softener container 163 that protrude from the surface of housing 101 are exposed. Therefore, unlike the situation where a cover is opened when removing a detergent container disposed inside the housing, as in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a user can easily attach or detach detergent container 162 and softener container 163 to or from housing 101 without opening or closing a cover or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, in washing machine 100 , housing 101 may be provided with an openable and closable cover that covers portions of detergent container 162 and softener container 163 that protrude from the surface of housing 101 .

[0060] Furthermore, for example, in washing machine 100, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 are mounted on housing 101 so as to protrude from upper surface 101a of housing 101. In other words, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 are mounted on housing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of housing 101, thereby increasing the height of washing machine 100. This prevents an increase in the width (from side 101e or side 101f toward the other) or depth (from front 101c or back 101d toward the other) of washing machine 100, compared to a case where the detergent container and softener container protrude from one of the two side surfaces of the housing, or from the front or back surface. This prevents an increase in the area required for installation of washing machine 100 while increasing convenience, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of detergent container 162 and softener container 163 from housing 101.

[0061] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 mounted on the mounting portion 117 and the manual detergent dispensing portion 119 in the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 , description of the upper surface portion 101a around the mounting portion 117 is omitted.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the manual detergent input part 119 includes a decorative plate 119a and a manual input box (storage container) 119b. The manual input box 119b is a container for storing detergent, and has an upper opening. The decorative plate 119a is mounted on the front end of the manual input box 119b. For example, when the manual detergent input part 119 is housed inside the housing 101, the decorative plate 119a is configured to form the same plane (continuous plane) as the front part 101c around the decorative plate 119a. In addition, the decorative plate 119a has a handle portion that the user holds by hand in order to store the manual detergent input part 119 inside the housing 101 or remove it from the housing 101. And, for example, the manual detergent input part 119 slides from the front side of the housing 101 and is inserted into the interior of the housing 101, thereby being mounted on the housing 101.

[0063] Here, as Figure 1 As shown, in washing machine 100, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 in which a detergent container is mounted inside the housing, detergent container 162 and softener container 163 are mounted on housing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of housing 101. Therefore, since detergent container 162 and softener container 163 protrude from the surface of housing 101, the internal space of housing 101, which is limited, can be ensured.

[0064] Therefore, if Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, for example, in washing machine 100, manual detergent dispenser 119 is detachably mounted below detergent container 162 and softener container 163 of housing 101 (in other words, below mounting portion 117). In other words, manual detergent dispenser 119 is mounted inside housing 101, so that detergent container 162 and softener container 163 and manual detergent dispenser 119 form two layers, one above the other. Therefore, manual detergent dispenser 119 can be installed separately from detergent container 162 and softener container 163 within housing 101 without increasing the size of housing 101.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the detergent container 162 and softener container 163 involved in the first embodiment. For example, the detergent container 162 includes a main body 162a with an upper opening, a lid 162b for closing the opening of the main body 162a, and a supply nozzle 162c for supplying the detergent within the main body 162a to the outside. Furthermore, for example, a transparent window 162d that transmits visible light is provided on the side of the main body 162a. The main body 162a is a container for storing detergent filled by the user. Preferably, the interior of the main body 162a is sealed by attaching the lid 162b to the main body 162a.

[0066] Supply nozzle 162c, for example, has a through hole extending through main body 162a and a check valve disposed therein. It is cylindrical and protrudes outward or inward from main body 162a. When detergent container 162 is mounted on mounting unit 117, supply nozzle 162c is connected to mounting unit 117 as described below. In this embodiment, supply nozzle 162c protrudes downward and outward from the bottom surface of main body 162a.

[0067] For example, the softener container 163 includes a main body 163a with an upper opening, 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. Furthermore, for example, a transparent window 163d is provided on the side of the main body 163a, which allows visible light to pass through. The main body 163a is a container for storing the softener filled by the user. The interior of the main body 163a is preferably sealed by attaching the lid 163b to the main body 163a.

[0068] The supply nozzle portion (not shown) has, for example, a through-hole extending through the main body 163a and a check valve disposed within the through-hole. It is cylindrical and protrudes outward or inward from the main body 163a. When the softener container 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117, the supply nozzle portion 162c is connected to the mounting portion 117 as described below. In this embodiment, the supply nozzle portion (not shown) is configured to protrude downward and outward from the bottom surface of the main body 163a.

[0069] For example, the bottom surface of main body 162a, 163a gradually tilts downward from front to rear.In addition, the shape of main body 162a and 163a can be other shapes, for example, main body 162a and 163a are taken off from carrying portion 117 and are placed on the floor etc., main body 162a and 163a can be independent shapes.

[0070] In detergent container 162, window 162d only needs to be provided on at least a portion of main body 162a and lid 162b. In other words, at least a portion of main body 162a and lid 162b only needs to be transparent. Thus, main body 162a and lid 162b can be entirely transparent.

[0071] In addition, it is preferable to provide window portion 162d on the side of main body 162a. In other words, it is preferable that a portion of the side of main body 162a is transparent. This makes it easy to visually confirm the liquid level of the detergent in main body 162a, that is, the remaining amount of detergent.

[0072] Furthermore, when detergent container 162 is mounted on mounting portion 117, window portion 162d is preferably provided in the portion of detergent container 162 that protrudes from the surface of housing 101. In other words, preferably, at least a portion of the portion of detergent container 162 that is exposed from the surface of housing 101 is transparent. This allows the remaining amount of detergent in detergent container 162 to be visually confirmed when detergent container 162 is mounted on mounting portion 117.

[0073] In the softener container 163, the window 163d only needs to be provided on at least a portion of the main body 163a and the cover 163b. In other words, at least a portion of the main body 163a and the cover 163b only needs to be transparent. Thus, the entire main body 163a and the cover 163b can be transparent.

[0074] In addition, the window portion 163d is preferably provided on a side surface of the main body 163a. In other words, a portion of the side surface of the main body 163a is preferably transparent. This makes it easy to visually check the level of the softener in the main body 163a, that is, the remaining amount of softener.

[0075] Furthermore, when the softener container 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117, the window portion 163d is preferably provided in the portion of the softener container 163 that protrudes from the surface of the housing 101. In other words, preferably, at least a portion of the portion of the softener container 163 that is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 is transparent. This allows the remaining amount of softener in the softener container 163 to be visually confirmed when the softener container 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in , the surface of the main body 162a provided with the window portion 162d and the surface of the main body 163a provided with the window portion 163d may be different from each other. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the window portion 162d is provided on one side surface of the main body 162a, and the window portion 163d is provided on the front side surface of the main body 163a.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the window portion 162d is provided on a surface of the main body 162a and the cover 162b that is different from the surface facing the softener container 163. Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the window portion 163d is provided on a surface of the main body 163a and the cover 163b that is different from the surface facing the detergent container 162.

[0078] Furthermore, each cleaning liquid container 160 may be provided with individual identification information such as a QR code (registered trademark) that can be identified. This allows for management of each cleaning liquid container 160, such as by managing the type of cleaning liquid stored in each cleaning liquid container 160.

[0079] Figure 6 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a state where the detergent container 162 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the mounting portion 117. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the state of the detergent container 162 after being mounted on the mounting portion 117 will be described. In addition, since the state of the softener container 163 after being mounted on the mounting portion 117 is the same as the state of the detergent container 162 after being mounted on the mounting portion 117, the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] The mounting portion 117 is, for example, a shape that is recessed from the surface of the upper portion 101a toward the interior of the housing. The mounting portion 117 includes a bottom surface 117a, a front side surface 117b that is vertically provided on the front side of the bottom surface 117a, a rear side surface 117c that is vertically provided on the rear side of the bottom surface 117a, and two side surfaces ( Figure 6 (not shown in the figure).

[0081] Furthermore, the loading section 117 includes a container connection portion 312a that is connected to the supply nozzle portion 162c of the detergent container 162 and is shaped to fit with the supply nozzle portion 162c, and a container connection portion (not shown) that is connected to the supply nozzle portion (not shown) of the softener container 163 and is shaped to fit with the supply nozzle portion. For example, the loading section 117 includes a container connection portion 312a that is connected to the supply nozzle portion 162c of the detergent container 162 and is shaped to fit with the supply nozzle portion 162c, and a container connection portion (not shown) that is connected to the supply nozzle portion (not shown) of the softener container 163 and is shaped to fit with the supply nozzle portion. For example, the loading section 117 includes container connection portions that are connected to the supply nozzle portions of each of the washing process liquid containers, corresponding to the number of washing process liquid containers loaded, and are shaped to fit with each supply nozzle portion. For example, each supply nozzle portion, such as the supply nozzle portion 162c, is disposed on the bottom surface 117a of the loading section 117.

[0082] Bottom surface 117a is recessed from the surface of upper portion 101a toward the interior of the housing and is the surface on which cleaning liquid container 160, such as detergent container 162, is mounted. For example, bottom surface 117a has a shape corresponding to the bottom surface of main body 162a of detergent container 162, so that detergent container 162 can be stably positioned when mounted.

[0083] For example, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 117a is shaped to gradually slope downward from the front side surface 117b to the rear side surface 117c. Thus, the detergent container 162 is stably placed on the bottom surface 117a.

[0084] Furthermore, because bottom surface 117a is configured to be gradually inclined downward from front side surface 117b to rear side surface 117c, when a user places detergent container 162 on placement portion 117, detergent container 162 can slide on bottom surface 117a from the front to the rear of placement portion 117, thereby being placed within placement portion 117. Thus, even if detergent container 162 becomes heavier due to its increased capacity, the user can still easily place detergent container 162 on placement portion 117.

[0085] Since detergent container 162 is mounted on mounting portion 117, supply nozzle portion 162c is connected to container connection portion 312a. Thus, supply nozzle portion 162c in detergent container 162 communicates with first path 311. Furthermore, other detergent liquid containers 160 are also connected to first path 311 via container connection portions (not shown) that engage with respective supply nozzle portions (not shown).

[0086] Furthermore, for example, the shapes of the fittings between the supply nozzles of each washing liquid container 160 and the container connecting portions may be different for each washing liquid container 160. This can prevent erroneous connections between the supply nozzles of the washing liquid container 160 and the container connecting portions, such as connecting the supply nozzle of the softener container 163 to the container connecting portion 312a that should be connected to the supply nozzle 162c of the detergent container 162.

[0087] When the detergent container 162 is mounted on the mounting portion 117, preferably, at least half of the height H1 of the detergent container 162 is contained within the mounting portion 117, i.e., within the housing 101. Here, the height H1 of the detergent container 162 refers to the maximum height of the main body 162a and the lid 162b, excluding the supply nozzle 162c. This allows the detergent container 162 to be stably mounted on the mounting portion 117. Similarly, at least half of the height of the cleaning liquid containers 160 other than the detergent container 162 is preferably contained within the mounting portion 117, i.e., within the housing 101.

[0088] Figure 7 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the structure of detergent container 162A and mounting portion 117A according to Modification 1 of the embodiment. Figure 1etc.) in addition to the detergent container 162 ( Figure 6 In addition to or in place of the detergent container 162, the washing machine 100 ( Figure 1 etc.) in addition to the mounting portion 117 ( Figure 6 In addition to or in place of the mounting portion 117, a mounting portion 117A may be provided.

[0089] Detergent container 162A is similar to detergent container 162 in structure, except that supply nozzle 162c is provided on the rear side surface instead of the bottom surface of main body 162a.

[0090] Mounting portion 117A is configured in accordance with the configuration of mounting portion 117, with container connection portion 312a being provided on rear side surface 117c rather than bottom surface 117a. The remaining configuration of mounting portion 117A is the same as that of mounting portion 117.

[0091] According to detergent container 162A and mounting portion 117A, when detergent container 162A is inserted from the front side of mounting portion 117A into mounting portion 117A for mounting, the user can easily position supply nozzle portion 162c of detergent container 162A relative to container connecting portion 312a of mounting portion 117A. Thus, the user can easily connect supply nozzle portion 162c of detergent container 162A to container connecting portion 312a of mounting portion 117A.

[0092] Figure 8 It is a side view showing an example of the structure of the cleaning liquid container 160B according to the second modification. Figure 9 Yes Figure 8 The washing machine 100 ( Figure 1 In addition to or in place of the cleaning liquid container 160 , a cleaning liquid container 160B may be provided.

[0093] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cleaning liquid container 160B includes a main body 160Ba and a supply nozzle 160Bc. The upper portion of the main body 160Ba, other than the supply nozzle 160Bc, is not open and is sealed by the supply nozzle 160Bc.

[0094] The supply nozzle 160Bc not only supplies the cleaning solution in the main body 160Ba to the outside, but also functions as a cover. For example, the supply nozzle 160Bc has a through hole that passes through the main body 160Ba and a check valve provided in the through hole. The supply nozzle 160Bc is a columnar shape that protrudes outward from the main body 162Ba. The supply nozzle 160Bc is connected to the mounting portion 117 ( Figure 6 The shape of the container connection part connected in the container. Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the supply nozzle portion 160Bc is shown as an example provided on the bottom portion of the main body 160Ba, but the supply nozzle portion 160Bc may be provided on the side portion or the upper portion of the main body 160Ba.

[0095] Figure 10 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the third modification. Figure 11 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the fourth modification. Figure 12 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the fifth modification. Figure 13 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the fifth modification. Figure 14 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the sixth modification. Figure 15 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the seventh modification. Figure 16 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the eighth modification. Figure 17 It is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of the cleaning liquid container 160 according to the ninth modification.

[0096] like Figures 10 to 17 As shown, a plurality of washing liquid containers 160 may be arranged at various positions of the mounting portion 117 , for example, two or more detergent containers 162 may be arranged, or two or more softener containers 163 may be arranged.

[0097] In addition, if Figure 16 As shown, a gap 167 for inserting a finger, for example, may be provided between the adjacent detergent container 162 and the softener container 163, and the detergent container 162 and the softener container 163 may be mounted on the mounting portion 117. Figure 17 As shown, by bending the shapes of adjacent detergent containers 162 and softener containers 163 , a gap 168 , for example for inserting a finger, can be provided between adjacent detergent containers 162 and softener containers 163 , so that the detergent containers 162 and softener containers 163 can be mounted on the mounting portion 117 .

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, a configuration that exhibits the same function and effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: have: a water tank for storing washing water; a housing containing the water tank; at least one washing treatment liquid container for receiving the washing treatment liquid supplied to the water tank, The housing includes: an upper portion disposed above the water tank; and a carrying portion recessed from the upper portion toward the interior of the housing and carrying the at least one washing treatment liquid container. The at least one washing liquid container protrudes from the surface of the upper portion of the housing and is detachably mounted on the mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a bottom surface on which the at least one cleaning liquid container is mounted, a front side surface located in front of the bottom surface, and a rear side surface located in rear of the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes an inclined surface that inclines downward from the front side surface toward the rear side surface. A container connecting portion connected to the at least one washing liquid container is provided on the rear side surface of the mounting portion.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein In the at least one washing liquid container, a portion protruding from the surface of the upper portion of the housing is exposed.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A storage container is further provided on the housing below the at least one washing liquid container and is detachably mounted thereon for storing detergent supplied to the water tank.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the at least one washing liquid container, at least a portion of a portion exposed from the surface of the upper portion of the housing is transparent.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the at least one washing process liquid container, at least a portion of the side surface is transparent.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one washing treatment liquid container is a plurality of washing treatment liquid containers, The plurality of washing liquid containers are mounted on the mounting portion, and gaps for inserting fingers are provided between adjacent washing liquid containers.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: More than half of the height of the at least one washing treatment liquid container is accommodated inside the housing.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It is equipped with a detergent supply mechanism and a valve control unit; The detergent supply mechanism further comprises at least one first end connected to the at least one washing liquid container, a second end connected to the water tank, at least one first valve provided on the way of a first path from the at least one first end to the second end, a water source connection port connected to a water source, and at least one second valve provided on the way from the water source connection port to the first path; The valve control unit controls the opening and closing of the at least one valve.

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