Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a laundry treating apparatus which, in a configuration in which a tank is provided with a replenishing port and a lid, can suppress overflow of a laundry treating agent in the tank from between the lid and the replenishing port, and solidification of the laundry treating agent in the tank due to aeration through a gap between the lid and the replenishing port. The laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment includes a laundry treating tub that houses laundry; a tank that stores a laundry treating agent that treats the laundry; and an automatic feeding portion that feeds the laundry treating agent stored in the tank into the laundry treating tub, the tank including a replenishing port for replenishing the laundry treating agent into the interior, a lid that opens and closes the replenishing port, and a seal member that seals between the lid and the replenishing port in a closed state in which the lid occludes the replenishing port.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a laundry treating apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, in a washing machine as one example of a laundry treating apparatus that implements a prescribed treatment on laundry, in order to respond to a user's desire for improved convenience, a configuration is developed that is provided with an automatic feeding portion that stores a plurality of amounts of a laundry treating agent such as a detergent, a softener, or the like in a tank for automatic feeding in advance, and automatically feeds a necessary amount from the tank into a tub during operation (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-74081 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In a washing machine provided with such an automatic feeding function, the tank is provided with a replenishment opening for replenishing the inside with a laundry treating agent, and a lid that opens and closes the replenishment opening. Therefore, there is a risk that the laundry treating agent in the tank will spill out between the lid and the replenishment opening, or that the laundry treating agent in the tank will solidify due to ventilation through a gap between the lid and the replenishment opening, and creative research is required to solve such problems.

[0008] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a laundry treating apparatus that, in a configuration in which a tank is provided with a replenishment opening and a lid, can inhibit a situation in which laundry treating agent in the tank spills out between the lid and the replenishment opening, or laundry treating agent in the tank solidifies due to ventilation through a gap between the lid and the replenishment opening.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with a laundry treating tub that houses laundry, a tank that stores a laundry treating agent that treats the laundry, and an automatic feeding portion that feeds the laundry treating agent stored in the tank into the laundry treating tub, the tank being provided with a replenishment opening for replenishing the inside with a laundry treating agent, a lid that opens and closes the replenishment opening, and a seal member that seals between the lid and the replenishment opening in a closed state in which the lid occludes the replenishment opening.

[0011] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to inhibit a situation in which laundry treating agent in the tank spills out between the lid and the replenishment opening, or laundry treating agent in the tank solidifies due to ventilation through a gap between the lid and the replenishment opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of a washing machine of the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an upper portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of an automatic feeding device and its peripheral portion of the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional front view schematically showing a configuration example of a water injection box of the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of the water injection box of the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing a configuration example of a water supply valve unit of the present embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a rear portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment (No. 1).

[0020] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the rear portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment (No. 2).

[0021] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the rear portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment (No. 3).

[0022] Figure 10 FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the rear portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment (No. 4).

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the rear portion of the washing machine of the present embodiment (No. 5).

[0024] Figure 12 FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the automatic feeding device of the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 13 FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a box body in which a tank of the present embodiment is accommodated (No. 1).

[0026] Figure 14 FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the box body in which the tank of the present embodiment is accommodated (No. 2).

[0027] Figure 15is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a case body in which a tank main body portion of the present embodiment is housed.

[0028] Figure 16 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the case body of the present embodiment from a bottom surface side.

[0029] Figure 17 is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of the automatic feeding device of the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the detergent tank of the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of the detergent tank of the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the softener tank of the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of the softener tank of the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of the detergent tank and the softener tank of the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 is a perspective view schematically showing a case in which the detergent tank is loaded and unloaded in the case body of the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 24 is a front view schematically showing a configuration example of the softener case body of the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of the tank of the present embodiment.

[0038] Figure 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of a replenishment port of a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0039] Figure 27 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a rear portion in the tank of the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 28 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration example of a rear portion in the tank of the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 29 is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of a case body in which a tank of a modification example of the present embodiment is housed.

[0042] Figure 30is a side view schematically showing a configuration example of a tank of a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0043] Figure 31 is a front view (1) schematically showing a configuration example of a tank of a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0044] Figure 32 is a front view (2) schematically showing a configuration example of a tank of a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0045] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0046] In the drawing, 1 denotes a washing machine (laundry treating apparatus), 2 denotes an outer case, 3 denotes a tub (laundry treating tub), 6 denotes a machine room, 100 denotes an automatic feeding device (automatic feeding portion), 101 denotes a cartridge housing portion, 102 denotes a cartridge, 102A denotes a hooking portion, 103 denotes a detergent tank (tank), 104 denotes a softener tank (tank), 105 denotes a detergent metering pump (pump), 106 denotes a softener metering pump (pump), 108 denotes a mixing portion, 122, 123 denote visual confirmation windows, 125 denotes a stopper, 126 denotes a protruding portion (occlusion promoting portion), 129 denotes a groove portion, 130 denotes a convex portion (locking portion), 131 denotes an abutting portion, 132 denotes a cartridge side protruding portion (positioning portion), 140, 150 denote tank main body portions, 141, 151 denote cover portions, 142, 152 denote supply openings, 143, 153 denote gripping portions, 144, 145 denote hooking portions, 146, 156 denote recessed portions, 147, 157 denote tank side protruding portions (positioning portions), 148, 158 denote pump connecting portions (connecting portions), 149, 159 denote covers, 160, 170 denote bearing portions, 160a, 170a denote air holes, 161, 171 denote sealing members, 164, 174 denote protruding portions, 164a, 174a denote convex portions (positioning portions), 164b, 174b denote claw portions (locking portions), 165, 175 denote one-way valves, 167, 177 denote cap portions, 167a, 177a denote recessed portions (positioning portions), 167b, 177b denote claw hole portions (locking portions), 168, 178 denote suction pipe portions, 200 denotes a water filling cartridge, 203 denotes a manual detergent feeding portion (manual feeding portion), 204 denotes a manual softener feeding portion (manual feeding portion), 300 denotes a water supply valve unit, 303a denotes a water supply opening (mixing portion water supply opening), 304 denotes a mixing portion water supply path, 305 denotes a bath water pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a laundry treating apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1The illustrated washing machine 1 is a so-called longitudinal axis type washing machine in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub extends in the vertical direction. The washing machine 1 is one example of a laundry treating apparatus capable of performing a prescribed treatment on laundry, in this case, a washing treatment of washing laundry, a rinsing treatment of rinsing laundry, a dehydration treatment of dehydrating laundry, and the like, and has a tub 3 inside an outer case 2 constituting the outer shape of the apparatus main body. The tub 3 is one example of a laundry treating tub that houses laundry, and is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper portion. Inside the tub 3 is rotatably provided an unillustrated rotating tub that is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper portion. Further, at the bottom of the rotating tub is rotatably provided an unillustrated pulsator for agitating laundry inside the rotating tub and water inside the tub 3. Further, at the upper portion of the tub 3 is provided an unillustrated balance ring for suppressing vibration of the tub 3. Further, an inner lid can or can not be provided at the upper surface opening of the tub 3.

[0048] The outer case 2 is configured with the top cover 2B attached to the upper portion of the outer case main portion 2A that is a substantially rectangular box shape with an open upper portion. At the substantially central portion of the top cover 2B is provided a laundry inlet / outlet 4 for taking in and out laundry. This laundry inlet / outlet 4 is opened and closed at the upper portion of the outer case 2 by a lid 5 that is configured to be rotatable. Further, the washing machine 1 has a mechanical chamber 6 at the rear portion of the outer case 2. In this case, the mechanical chamber 6 is positioned at a position behind the laundry inlet / outlet 4 in the space inside the top cover 2B. Inside the mechanical chamber 6 are housed various constituent elements of the drive system, such as an automatic dosing device 100, a water injection box 200, a water supply valve unit 300, and the like. The automatic dosing device 100 is one example of an automatic dosing portion, and is a device used to automatically dose a prescribed amount of a laundry treating agent into the tub 3 together with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300, for example, at the time of a known cleaning operation of cleaning laundry.

[0049] Next, a configuration example inside the mechanical chamber 6 will be described in detail. As Figure 2 As illustrated, the mechanical chamber 6 is formed with a horizontally long space extending in the left-right direction of the outer case 2 behind the laundry inlet / outlet 4. Inside the mechanical chamber 6 are arranged in the lateral direction of the outer case 2 the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection box 200, and the water supply valve unit 300. Further, inside the mechanical chamber 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged to the side of the water injection box 200, in this case, to the right when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. Further, inside the mechanical chamber 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged to a position that is more forward than the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection box 200. In this case, the water supply valve unit 300 is positioned as a whole at a position that is more forward than the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection box 200. Further, the water supply valve unit 300 can also be configured so that at least a portion thereof is positioned more forward than the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection box 200.

[0050] In addition, in the mechanical chamber 6, the water injection box 200 is disposed at a position between the automatic drop device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2. In other words, the water injection box 200 is disposed in a manner of being sandwiched by the automatic drop device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2. In addition, a water level sensor 400 is also accommodated in the interior of the mechanical chamber 6. In this case, the water level sensor 400 is accommodated in a space on the side of the water supply valve unit 300, in this case, the right side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. The water level sensor 400 is connected to an unillustrated air trap provided at the lower portion of the tub 3 via an air pipe, and is capable of sensing the water level in the tub 3 based on sensing of the pressure of air in the air trap which varies according to the water level in the tub 3.

[0051] Next, a configuration example of the automatic drop device 100 will be described in detail. As illustrated, Figure 3 The automatic drop device 100 is disposed at a position on the left side in the rear portion in the top cover 2B, more specifically, on the left side in the mechanical chamber 6.

[0052] The automatic drop device 100 is provided with a box body accommodating portion 101 which is a substantially rectangular box shape with an open front face. This box body accommodating portion 101 is firmly fixed to a bottom plate 6a which is, for example, made of metal and constitutes the bottom face of the mechanical chamber 6, for example, by screw fastening or the like. Thereby, the box body accommodating portion 101 is provided so as to be immovable with respect to the main body portion of the washing machine 1. The open portion of the front face of the box body accommodating portion 101 is fixed to the rear wall portion of the laundry inlet / outlet 4, and is open toward the front in the rear wall portion of the laundry inlet / outlet 4. In detail, as will be described later, a box body 102 which is a substantially rectangular box shape with an open upper face is accommodated in the box body accommodating portion 101 in a manner of being extractable in the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. In addition, a plurality of tanks, in this case, a detergent tank 103 and a softener tank 104, are detachably accommodated in the box body 102.

[0053] In the detergent tank 103, as one example of a laundry treatment agent, a detergent for washing laundry in the tub 3 is stored. The detergent tank 103 is a substantially rectangular container-shaped treatment agent tank which is sized and shaped so as to be capable of storing a quantity of detergent for a plurality of runs within the interior thereof. Supply of detergent into the detergent tank 103 can be performed by opening a supply port 142 provided at the upper portion of the tank 103. On the other hand, in the softener tank 104, as one example of a laundry treatment agent, a softener for performing softening treatment on laundry in the tub 3 is stored. The softener tank 104 is a substantially rectangular container-shaped treatment agent tank which is sized and shaped so as to be capable of storing a quantity of softener for a plurality of runs within the interior thereof. Supply of softener into the softener tank 104 can be performed by opening a supply port 152 provided at the upper portion of the tank 104.

[0054] Further, the automatic dispensing device 100 is provided with a detergent metering pump 105 and a softener metering pump 106 at the rear of the box housing portion 101. The detergent metering pump 105 is, for example, a pump configured to suck and deliver a liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor, a solenoid, or the like. The detergent metering pump 105 sucks a prescribed amount, in this case, an amount for one cycle, of detergent from the detergent tank 103 housed in the box housing portion 101, and delivers the sucked detergent into the automatic dispensing path 107 from a delivery outlet 105a. The delivery outlet 105a is disposed downwardly from the lower portion of the detergent metering pump 105.

[0055] The softener metering pump 106 is, for example, a pump configured to suck and deliver a liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor, a solenoid, or the like. The softener metering pump 106 sucks a prescribed amount, in this case, an amount for one cycle, of softener from the softener tank 104 housed in the box housing portion 101, and delivers the sucked softener into the automatic dispensing path 107 from a delivery outlet 106a. The delivery outlet 106a is disposed downwardly from the lower portion of the softener metering pump 106.

[0056] The detergent metering pump 105 and the softener metering pump 106 are both one example of a driving mechanism controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1.

[0057] The automatic dispensing path 107 constitutes a water supply path for automatic dispensing that is connected to the water injection box 200 from the water supply valve unit 300 via a mixing portion 108. The mixing portion 108 is provided at a position below the detergent metering pump 105 and the softener metering pump 106 at the rear of the automatic dispensing device 100. A space is provided inside the mixing portion 108, and this space is equipped as a mixing chamber for mixing a laundry treatment agent supplied from the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300. Further, a plurality of, in this case, two connection ports 108a, 108b that communicate with the mixing chamber inside are equipped at the upper portion of the mixing portion 108. The connection ports 108a, 108b are disposed upwardly from the upper portion of the mixing portion 108.

[0058] One of the connection ports 108a is connected to the delivery outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105, and the other connection port 108b is connected to the delivery outlet 106a of the softener metering pump 106. Thus, the detergent delivered from the delivery outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108a, and the softener delivered from the delivery outlet 106a of the softener metering pump 106 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108b.

[0059] Further, the mixing section 108 has an upstream side connecting section provided on the upper side and a downstream side connecting section provided on the lower side. The upstream side connecting section is connected to the water supply valve unit 300 via an upstream side connecting path 109. Further, the downstream side connecting section is connected to the water injection box 200 via a downstream side connecting path 110. Water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows into the mixing chamber of the mixing section 108 from the upstream side connecting path 109 via the upstream side connecting section, and thereafter flows out into the water injection box 200 from the downstream side connecting path 110 via the downstream side connecting section.

[0060] In the process in which water thus supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows to the water injection box 200 via the mixing section 108, in the mixing chamber of the mixing section 108, water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 is mixed with laundry treatment agent supplied from the detergent metering pump 105 and the softener metering pump 106. Thus, the water injection box 200 is supplied with water mixed with laundry treatment agent. Then, the water containing laundry treatment agent supplied to the water injection box 200 is supplied into the tub 3 from the water injection box 200.

[0061] As described above, the automatic dosing device 100 is configured, for example, to be able to automatically dose a prescribed amount of laundry treatment agent, for example, one cycle, into the tub 3 together with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 at the time of a known washing operation for washing laundry.

[0062] Next, a configuration example of the water injection box 200 will be described in detail. The water injection box 200 is mainly a constituent element for injecting water into the tub 3. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated, the water injection box 200 has a substantially rectangular box-shaped box body housing section 201 that is open at the front. The box body housing section 201 is securely fixed to a bottom plate 6a, for example, made of metal, that constitutes the bottom surface of the mechanical chamber 6, for example, by screw fastening or the like. The front open section of the box body housing section 201 is fixed to the rear wall section of the laundry inlet and outlet 4, and is open toward the front at the rear wall section of the laundry inlet and outlet 4. A substantially rectangular box-shaped box body 202 that is open at the upper surface is housed in the box body housing section 201 in a manner so as to be able to be drawn out in the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. Further, a plurality of manual laundry treatment agent dosing sections, in this case, a manual detergent dosing section 203 and a manual softener dosing section 204 are integrally provided in the box body 202.

[0063] The manual detergent dosing section 203 is one example of a manual dosing section for dosing detergent by hand by a user. Further, the manual softener dosing section 204 is one example of a manual dosing section for dosing softener by hand by a user.

[0064] The upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200 is an inclined surface inclined in a manner of descending from the rear toward the front. Further, a plurality of flow paths through which water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows are formed in the upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200, such as a detergent flow path for supplying water to the manual detergent dropping portion 203, a softener flow path for supplying water to the manual softener dropping portion 204, a bath water flow path for flowing through bath water, and the like. That is, the water supply valve unit 300 is also connected to the water filling box 200, and is configured to be able to supply water to the water filling box 200 as well.

[0065] Further, water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows through the flow paths of the upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200 to be supplied to the manual detergent dropping portion 203 or the manual softener dropping portion 204 inside the water filling box 200. Then, the water supplied to the manual detergent dropping portion 203 or the manual softener dropping portion 204 dissolves the detergent inside the manual detergent dropping portion 203 or the softener inside the manual softener dropping portion 204. Then, the water in which the detergent or the softener is dissolved inside the water filling box 200 is supplied from the water filling box 200 to the tub 3. In this way, the washing machine 1 is configured to be able to supply the laundry treatment agent manually dropped by the user to the tub 3 together with water as well.

[0066] Next, a configuration example of the water supply valve unit 300 will be described in detail. The water supply valve unit 300 is mainly a configuration element for supplying water to the automatic dropping device 100 and the water filling box 200. As Figure 6 For example, the water supply valve unit 300 is configured to integrally have a plurality of, in this case, three water supply valves 301, 302, 303. These water supply valves 301, 302, 303 are supplied with water from a water source such as a tap, not shown.

[0067] Among them, the water supply valve 301 is a water supply valve for supplying water to the manual detergent dropping portion 203 inside the water filling box 200, and a water supply port 301a thereof is connected to the detergent flow path provided in the upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200. Further, the water supply valve 302 is a water supply valve for supplying water to the manual softener dropping portion 204 inside the water filling box 200, and a water supply port 302a thereof is connected to the softener flow path provided in the upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200. Further, the water supply valve 303 is a water supply valve for supplying water to the mixing portion 108, and a water supply port 303a thereof is connected to the upstream side connecting portion of the mixing portion 108 via the mixing portion water supply path 304 and the above-described upstream side connecting path 109. The water supply port 303a of the water supply valve 303 is one example of the mixing portion water supply port.

[0068] The mixing portion water supply path 304 is a configuration element for connecting the water supply port 303a of the water supply valve 303 to the mixing portion 108. In this case, as Figure 5As illustrated, the water supply path for the mixing section 304 passes between the manual detergent input section 203 and the manual softener input section 204 through the upper surface 205 of the water filling box 200. In addition, the water supply path for the mixing section 304 passes through the water filling box 200 in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2. In addition, the water supply path for the mixing section 304 does not bend or curve within the water filling box 200, but extends in a straight line.

[0069] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a publicly known bath water pump 305 is provided in the vicinity of the water supply valve unit 300. The bath water pump 305 sucks bath water stored in, for example, a bathtub provided outside the washing machine 1 and supplies the bath water to the bath water flow path of the water filling box 200. Then, the bath water supplied to the water filling box 200 is supplied to the manual detergent input section 203 to dissolve the detergent in the manual detergent input section 203. Then, the bath water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied from the water filling box 200 to the tub 3. In this way, the washing machine 1 can also supply the laundry treatment agent manually input by the user to the tub 3 together with the bath water. Figure 2 In addition, in the mechanical room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged in the front-rear direction of the outer cabinet 2. In addition, the bath water pump 305 is arranged on the front side of the water supply valve unit 300. In this case, the bath water pump 305 is located on the front side of the water supply valve unit 300 as a whole. In addition, the bath water pump 305 can also be arranged so that at least a part thereof is located on the front side of the water supply valve unit 300.

[0070] Next, a configuration example of the automatic input device 100, particularly a configuration example of the box housing section 101, the box 102, the detergent tank 103, and the softener tank 104 will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the automatic input device 100 is configured so that the box 102 is housed in the box housing section 101 in a drawable manner.

[0071] As illustrated, the automatic input device 100 is configured so that the box 102 is housed in the box housing section 101 in a drawable manner. Figures 7 to 12 In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the box 102 has a box main body section 120 having a substantially rectangular box shape with an open upper surface. The box main body section 120 is configured to be capable of housing a plurality of, in this case, the above-described detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104. In addition, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are capable of being housed in the box main body section 120 in the lateral direction.

[0072] Figures 13 to 15 In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the box 102 has a box main body section 120 having a substantially rectangular box shape with an open upper surface. The box main body section 120 is configured to be capable of housing a plurality of, in this case, the above-described detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104. In addition, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are capable of being housed in the box main body section 120 in the lateral direction.

[0073] ​A front wall portion 121 is provided at the front of the cartridge main body portion 120. The upper end of the front wall portion 121 is higher than the upper end of the cartridge main body portion 120. Further, visual confirmation windows 122, 123 are provided at the both end portions in the lateral direction of the front wall portion 121. The visual confirmation windows 122, 123 both penetrate the front wall portion 121 in the front-rear direction. Further, the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 in this case have a rectangular shape that is long in the up-down direction. Of these, the visual confirmation window 122 is a visual confirmation window for confirming the remaining amount of detergent housed in the detergent tank 103 inside the cartridge main body portion 120. On the other hand, the visual confirmation window 123 is a visual confirmation window for confirming the remaining amount of softener housed in the softener tank 104 inside the cartridge main body portion 120.

[0074] Further, guide rail portions 124 extending in a straight line are provided at the both side surfaces in the lateral direction of the cartridge main body portion 120 in the extraction direction of the cartridge 102. In this case, the guide rail portions 124 are provided in a straight line in such a way as to follow the upper end of the cartridge main body portion 120.

[0075] Further, as Figure 16 The cartridge 102, for example, is provided with a hook portion 102A. In this case, the hook portion 102A is provided at the lower portion of the front wall portion 121. Further, the hook portion 102A is provided at the central portion in the lateral direction in the lower portion of the front wall portion 121. Further, the hook portion 102A is provided in the shape of a rectangular recess that is long in the lateral direction.

[0076] Further, a plurality of, in this case two, protrusion portions 126 are provided at the bottom surface of the cartridge 102, in this case the bottom surface of the cartridge main body portion 120, at the front side. The protrusion portions 126 are provided at the both sides in the lateral direction of the hook portion 102A. The front surface of the protrusion portion 126 is formed in the shape of a flat surface that follows the front wall portion 121. Further, the rear side of the front surface of the protrusion portion 126 is an inclined portion that is inclined in such a way as to gradually rise from the front toward the rear. Further, in this case, the inclined portion is composed of a plurality of ribs extending in the front-rear direction. The protrusion portion 126 thus configured functions as one example of a closure promoting portion, as will be described in detail later.

[0077] As Figure 17The illustrated stopper 125 is provided on the guide portion 124 of the cartridge 102. In this case, the stopper 125 is provided on the rear side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 124. More specifically, the stopper 125 is provided on the lower side of the guide portion 124. In addition, the stopper 125 is provided on the position on the rear side of the rear ends of the supply ports 142, 152 in the state in which the tanks 103, 104 are accommodated in the cartridge 102. In addition, the stopper 125 is provided on the position on the rear side of the rear ends of the lids 149, 159 in the state in which the tanks 103, 104 are accommodated in the cartridge 102. In addition, the stopper 125 is configured as a flat wall portion orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide portion 124, that is, the withdrawal direction of the cartridge 102 with respect to the cartridge accommodation portion 101. In addition, the guide portion 124 of the cartridge 102 does not have a stopper or a component corresponding to a stopper on the portion on the rear side of the stopper 125 on the lower side thereof.

[0078] On the other hand, a groove portion 129 extending in a straight line is provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the cartridge accommodation portion 101 in the direction in which the cartridge 102 is withdrawn. A protrusion portion 130 formed in a convex shape toward the upper side is provided on the front end portion of the groove portion 129. The protrusion portion 130 is one example of a locking portion. If the cartridge 102 is withdrawn from the cartridge accommodation portion 101, the stopper 125 on the cartridge 102 side is locked from the rear side to the protrusion portion 130 on the cartridge accommodation portion 101 side at the position at which the amount of withdrawal becomes a predetermined amount. Thus, the amount of withdrawal of the cartridge 102 from the cartridge accommodation portion 101 is limited at the predetermined amount at which the stopper 125 is locked to the protrusion portion 130.

[0079] In addition, in the locked state in which the stopper 125 is locked to the protrusion portion 130, that is, in the state in which the amount of withdrawal of the cartridge 102 from the cartridge accommodation portion 101 is the predetermined amount, the tanks 103, 104 cannot be taken out of the cartridge 102. That is, in the locked state in which the stopper 125 is locked to the protrusion portion 130, a portion of the tanks 103, 104, in this case, the rear portion, is accommodated in the interior of the cartridge accommodation portion 101. In addition, in the locked state in which the stopper 125 is locked to the protrusion portion 130, the distance D1 from the upper end of the front portion to the lower end of the rear portion of the portion of the tanks 103, 104 accommodated in the cartridge accommodation portion 101 is greater than the distance D2 from the bottom surface of the cartridge 102 to the upper surface of the cartridge accommodation portion 101. Thus, in the locked state in which the stopper 125 is locked to the protrusion portion 130, if the tanks 103, 104 are intended to be taken out of the cartridge 102, the upper surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 interfere with the upper surface of the cartridge accommodation portion 101, and thus, the tanks 103, 104 cannot be taken out of the cartridge 102.

[0080] Furthermore, a contact portion 131 is provided on the guide rail portion 124 of the housing 102. In this case, the contact portion 131 is located rearward from the center of the guide rail portion 124 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the contact portion 131 is located on the upper side of the guide rail portion 124. In addition, the contact portion 131 is located at the rearmost end of the guide rail portion 124. Furthermore, the contact portion 131 is formed in an upward convex shape. When the guide rail portion 124 is slidably received within the groove portion 129, the front end of the contact portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129.

[0081] In particular, the abutment portion 131 also abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129 when the amount of the box body 102 withdrawn from the box body receiving portion 101 is a predetermined amount. This prevents the box body 102 from tilting downwards due to its own weight and the weight of the cans 103 and 104 contained within it. Furthermore, it prevents the box body 102 from falling out of the box body receiving portion 101 due to its own weight.

[0082] Here, the distance D3 between the stop 125 on the box body 102 side and the abutment portion 131 on the box body receiving portion 101 side becomes longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the box body receiving portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. With this configuration, when the box body 102, in a state where the amount withdrawn from the box body receiving portion 101 is a predetermined amount, tilts forward in a downward manner, the abutment portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129, thereby sufficiently resisting the downward movement. This further reliably suppresses the box body 102 from falling off. Alternatively, the washing machine 1 may be configured without the abutment portion 131. With this configuration, when the amount withdrawn from the box body receiving portion 101 is a predetermined amount, the box body 102 is inclined to tilt forward in a downward manner, thus making it easy to remove the box body 102 from the box body receiving portion 101.

[0083] Next, examples of the configuration of detergent container 103 and fabric softener container 104 will be described in more detail. For example... Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As illustrated, the detergent can 103 is a combination of a can body 140 and a cover 141. The can body 140 constitutes the main body of the detergent can 103, and as shown... Figure 15 As illustrated, it is a roughly rectangular container with an open upper surface. An internal space for storing detergent is provided inside the main body 140. A cover 141 is detachably mounted on the upper part of the main body 140, closing the opening on the upper surface of the main body 140. Figure 22 As illustrated, the cover 141 has a filling port 142 for replenishing detergent into the interior of the detergent tank 103, and more specifically into the interior of the tank body 140. In this case, the filling port 142 has a generally rectangular opening on the front side of the cover 141.

[0084] The detergent tank 103 has a holding portion 143. The holding portion 143 is recessed in a concave shape toward the inner side in a semicircular shape at a side surface of the tank main body portion 140, which is a surface forming the outer shape of the detergent tank 103, in this case. In addition, the holding portion 143 extends in a straight line between one end and the other end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140, which is a surface forming the outer shape of the detergent tank 103, in this case. More specifically, the holding portion 143 extends in a straight line without being bent or curved between the upper end and the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140. In other words, the upper end of the holding portion 143 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140, and the lower end reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140. In addition, the holding portion 143 is provided at a side of the supply port 142 provided at the cover portion 141. In addition, the holding portion 143 can be provided at a position deviated from the side of the supply port 142 provided at the cover portion 141, for example, a position on the front side or the rear side of the side of the supply port 142.

[0085] The holding portion 143 is provided at one of the mutually opposed surfaces in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer shape of the tank main body portion 140. In this case, the holding portion 143 is provided at the surface on the inner side, that is, the softener tank 104 side in a state in which the detergent tank 103 is accommodated in the box body 102. In addition, the detergent tank 103 can be provided with the holding portion 143 at the other of the mutually opposed surfaces in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer shape of the tank main body portion 140, that is, the surface on the outer side, that is, the side opposite to the softener tank 104 in a state in which the detergent tank 103 is accommodated in the box body 102, in this case. In addition, the detergent tank 103 can be provided with the holding portion 143 at both of the mutually opposed surfaces in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer shape of the tank main body portion 140.

[0086] In addition, as Figure 15 illustrated, the holding portion 143 is provided so as to press the side surface of the tank main body portion 140 inward without changing the plate thickness thereof. Thus, in the tank main body portion 140, the detergent can be stored also in the peripheral region including the front and the rear of the holding portion 143.

[0087] In addition, the detergent tank 103 is further provided with a hooking portion 144. In this case, the hooking portion 144 is provided at the tank main body portion 140 constituting a part of the detergent tank 103, and more specifically, is provided in the holding portion 143 provided at the tank main body portion 140. The hooking portion 144 is a constituent element by which the fingers of the user can be hooked when the detergent tank 103 is taken out of the box body 102. The hooking portion 144 is provided in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the direction in which the holding portion 143 extends. In addition, the hooking portion 144 is provided at an intermediate portion of the holding portion 143, and in this case, is provided at a position on the upper side from the central portion in the vertical direction.

[0088] As Figure 20 well asFigure 21 As illustrated, the fabric softener container 104 is composed of a container body 150 and a cover 151, with the container body 150 forming the main body of the fabric softener container 104, such as... Figure 15 As illustrated, it is a generally rectangular container with an open upper surface. A space for storing fabric softener is provided inside the main body 150. A cover 151 is detachably mounted on the upper part of the main body 150, closing the opening on the upper surface of the main body 150. Figure 22 As illustrated, the cover 151 has a refill port 152 for replenishing fabric softener into the interior of the fabric softener container 104, and more specifically, into the interior of the container body 150. In this case, the refill port 152 has a generally rectangular opening on the front side of the cover 151.

[0089] The fabric softener container 104 has a handle 153. The handle 153 is concave in a semi-circular shape on the surface forming the outer contour of the fabric softener container 104, which in this case is the side of the container body 150. Furthermore, the handle 153 extends in a straight line between one end and the other end of the side of the container body 150 on the surface forming the outer contour of the fabric softener container 104. More specifically, the handle 153 does not bend or curve between the upper and lower ends of the side of the container body 150, but extends in a straight line. In other words, the upper end of the handle 153 reaches the upper end of the side of the container body 150, and the lower end reaches the lower end of the side of the container body 150. Additionally, the handle 153 is located to the side of the refill port 152 provided on the cover 151. Alternatively, the gripping part 153 may be located at a position offset from the side of the supply port 152 provided on the cover part 151, for example, at a position further forward or backward than the side of the supply port 152.

[0090] The handle 153 is provided on one of the transversely opposing surfaces of the outer contour of the can body 150. In this case, the handle 153 is provided on the inner side, i.e., the detergent can 103 side, when the fabric softener can 104 is housed in the box 102. Alternatively, the handle 153 may be provided on the other transversely opposing surface of the outer contour of the fabric softener can 104, i.e., on the outer side, i.e., the side opposite to the detergent can 103, when the fabric softener can 104 is housed in the box 102. Alternatively, the handle 153 may be provided on both transversely opposing surfaces of the outer contour of the fabric softener can 104.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 15The holding portion 153 is configured to press the side surface of the can body portion 150 inward without changing the thickness of the plate. Thus, the holding portion 153 can store the softener in the can body portion 150.

[0092] In addition, the softener tank 104 is provided with a hooking portion 154. In this case, the hooking portion 154 is provided in the can body portion 150 that constitutes a part of the softener tank 104, and more specifically, in the holding portion 153 provided in the can body portion 150. The hooking portion 154 is a component that can hook the user's finger when the softener tank 104 is removed from the case body 102. The hooking portion 154 is configured as a flat plate orthogonal to the direction in which the holding portion 153 extends. In addition, the hooking portion 154 is provided at a position in the middle of the holding portion 153, and in this case, at a position above the central portion in the vertical direction.

[0093] In addition, the detergent tank 103 has a recessed portion 145 that is recessed inward in a semicircular shape at a position in the cover portion 141 corresponding to the upper side of the holding portion 143. In this case, the hooking portion 144 is provided directly below the recessed portion 145. In addition, the softener tank 104 has a recessed portion 155 that is recessed inward in a semicircular shape at a position in the cover portion 151 corresponding to the upper side of the holding portion 153. In this case, the hooking portion 154 is provided directly below the recessed portion 155.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the detergent tank 103 has the holding portion 143 and the recessed portion 145 at a surface opposite to the other tank, and in this case, the softener tank 104. In addition, the detergent tank 103 has the holding portion 143 and the recessed portion 145 at a position opposite to the holding portion 153 and the recessed portion 155 of the softener tank 104 that is the other tank. In addition, the softener tank 104 has the holding portion 153 and the recessed portion 155 at a surface opposite to the other tank, and in this case, the detergent tank 103. In addition, the softener tank 104 has the holding portion 153 and the recessed portion 155 at a position opposite to the holding portion 143 and the recessed portion 145 of the detergent tank 103 that is the other tank.

[0095] According to this configuration, in a state in which the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are accommodated in the case body portion 120 of the case body 102, the holding portion 143 and the recessed portion 145 that are recessed in a semicircular shape and the holding portion 153 and the recessed portion 155 that are also recessed in a semicircular shape are in an opposing state, and a substantially circular space surrounded by the holding portion 143, the recessed portion 145, the holding portion 153, and the recessed portion 155 is formed. Thus, when the user removes the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 from the case body portion 120 of the case body 102, the user can insert a finger into the space and hook the finger to the hooking portion 144 and the hooking portion 154, and can easily remove the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104.

[0096] In addition, as Figures 18 to 21 illustrated, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are provided with recessed portions 146, 156 that are recessed inward. In this case, the recessed portions 146, 156 are provided at lower portions of front portions of the tank main body portions 140, 150 that constitute a part of the tanks 103, 104. In addition, the recessed portions 146, 156 are recessed in a rectangular shape. In addition, the recessed portion 146 is provided inward of the tank main body portion 140, in this case, the softener tank 104 side. In addition, the recessed portion 156 is provided inward of the tank main body portion 150, in this case, the detergent tank 103 side. In a state in which the tanks 103, 104 are installed within the cartridge body main body portion 120, these recessed portions 146, 156 are opposed in the lateral direction, and thus, a space in which the hooking portion 102A of the cartridge 102 can be accommodated is formed.

[0097] In addition, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 within the recessed portions 146, 156. The tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 are one example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude in a straight line shape from upper surfaces of the recessed portions 146, 156 toward the lower side. In addition, as Figure 23 illustrated, a clamping piece portion that can be elastically deformed is provided at a front end portion of the tank-side protruding portion 147. In addition, as Figure 24 illustrated, a clamping piece portion that can be elastically deformed is provided at a front end portion of the tank-side protruding portion 157. In addition, the protruding amount of the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 is smaller than the recessed amount of the recessed portions 146, 156, that is, the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 do not protrude downward more than the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104. That is, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 that protrude downward, and the entirety of the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 is accommodated within the interior of the recessed portions 146, 156, and thus, a configuration in which the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 are maintained as flat surfaces is obtained.

[0098] On the other hand, as Figure 23 illustrated, within the cartridge body main body portion 120, a plurality of, in this case, two cartridge-side protruding portions 132 are provided separately to the left and right behind the hooking portion 102A. The cartridge-side protruding portions 132 are one example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude in a straight line shape from a bottom surface of the cartridge body main body portion 120 toward the upper side. In addition, at front end portions of the cartridge-side protruding portions 132, bulging portions that bulge in a circular shape are provided in a manner that can be clamped by the clamping piece portions of the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157.

[0099] When cans 103 and 104 are installed inside the main body 120 of the box, the hook portion 102A of the box body 102 is received in an embedded manner within the space formed by the recesses 146 and 156. This positions the lower front portion of cans 103 and 104 using the hook portion 102A. Furthermore, the box-side protrusion 132 on the side of the box body 102 is clamped by the can-side protrusions 147 and 157 on the side of the cans 103 and 104. This further enhances the reliability of positioning the lower front portion of cans 103 and 104.

[0100] Furthermore, when the cans 103 and 104 are housed within the main body 120 of the box, the visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 are positioned to avoid the recesses 146 and 156, and in this case, to be laterally positioned outside the recesses 146 and 156. In the portions of the cans 103 and 104 where the recesses 146 and 156 are located, the laundry detergent is stored above these recesses, making it difficult to accurately reflect and display the remaining amount of laundry detergent in the cans 103 and 104. Therefore, by providing visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 corresponding to the positions avoiding the recesses 146 and 156, the remaining amount of laundry detergent in the cans 103 and 104 can be accurately reflected and displayed in the visual confirmation windows 122 and 123.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 14 As illustrated, with the cans 103 and 104 housed within the main body 120, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall of the main body 120 becomes lower than the upper surface of the cans 103 and 104 housed within the main body 120. Furthermore, the upper end of the rear wall 120a located at the rear of the main body 120 becomes lower than the lower end of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 located at the rear of the cans 103 and 104. The pump connection portions 148 and 158 protrude in a cylindrical shape from the rear of the cans 103 and 104. As described above, the housing 101 is configured to be immovable relative to the main body of the washing machine 1. Moreover, the pump connection portion 148 of the detergent can 103, along with the housing 102 housing the detergent can 103, is pressed into the housing 101 and connected to a (not shown) laundry detergent suction port of the detergent metering pump 105. Additionally, the pump connection 158 of the fabric softener can 104 is connected to the fabric softener suction port (not shown) of the fabric softener metering pump 106, as the can 102 containing the fabric softener can 104 is pressed into the can 101.

[0102] In this case, the rear wall portion 120a of the main body portion 120 is configured such that its upper end is at a height that is away from the lower end of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 of the tanks 103 and 104. Alternatively, the rear wall portion 120a of the main body portion 120 may be configured such that its upper end contacts the lower end of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 of the tanks 103 and 104.

[0103] Further, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are provided with lids 149, 159 that open and close the supply ports 142, 152. As Figure 25 As illustrated, the lids 149, 159 are provided with lid main body portions 149a, 159a and insertion portions 149b, 159b. The lid main body portions 149a, 159a are substantially rectangular plate-shaped and larger than the supply ports 142, 152. The side end portions of the lid main body portions 149a, 159a, in this case, the end portions of one side of the recessed portions 145, 145 in which the cover portions 141, 151 are provided, are located outside the portions that are most recessed in the recessed portions 145, 145 in a closed state in which the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152.

[0104] Further, a rotation shaft 149c, 159c that extends in the lateral direction is provided at the base end portion of the lid main body portion 149a, 159a. On the other hand, as Figure 22 illustrated, a bearing portion 160, 170 is provided at the rear portion of the supply port 142, 152. The rotation shaft 149c, 159c of the lid main body portion 149a, 159a is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 160, 170. Further, an air hole 160a, 170a that penetrates the cover portion 141, 151 and through which air can pass is provided in the bearing portion 160, 170.

[0105] The insertion portions 149b, 159b are substantially rectangular plate-shaped and larger than the supply ports 142, 152 and smaller than the lid main body portions 149a, 159a. The insertion portions 149b, 159b are portions that are inserted into the supply ports 142, 152 in the closed state in which the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152. Further, in the closed state in which the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152, the insertion portions 149b, 159b themselves do not directly contact the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142, 152. Furthermore, a seal 161, 171, for example, made of a rubber material or the like, is attached around the insertion portions 149b, 159b. The seal 161, 171 is provided with a seal main body portion 161a, 171a that is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the insertion portions 149b, 159b, and a seal piece portion 161b, 171b that extends outward from the seal main body portion 161a, 171a.

[0106] The seal members 161, 171 seal the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 in the closed state in which the lids 149, 159 occlude the supply ports 142, 152. More specifically, the seal members 161, 171 seal the gap formed between the side surface of the insertion portions 149b, 159b and the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152 in a manner that maintains the gap in a watertight state and an airtight state in the closed state in which the lids 149, 159 occlude the supply ports 142, 152.

[0107] Here, the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152 is a plane extending in the up-down direction in the upper portion, and is an inclined surface that gradually declines toward the inner side of the supply ports 142, 152 in the lower portion. Also, in the closed state in which the lids 149, 159 occlude the supply ports 142, 152, the seal member piece portions 161b, 171b of the seal members 161, 171 contact the portion of the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152 that is the upper portion, i.e., the portion that is a plane extending in the up-down direction.

[0108] In addition, the washing machine 1 can also be configured as illustrated in Figure 26 In this case, the entire surface of at least a portion of the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152, i.e., the rear surfaces 142a, 152a, is an inclined surface. According to this configuration, as the lids 149, 159 are rotated from the closed position in which the lids 149, 159 occlude the supply ports 142, 152 to the open position in which the lids 149, 159 open the supply ports 142, 152, the contact area of the seal member piece portions 161b, 171b of the seal members 161, 171 that contact the inclined surface of the supply ports 142, 152 gradually decreases. That is, in correspondence with the rotation of the lids 149, 159 to the open position side, the sealing strength of the seal members 161, 171 against the supply ports 142, 152 gradually decreases, and thus the lids 149, 159 can be easily opened without requiring a large force.

[0109] Furthermore, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the design can also be configured such that, with the covers 149 and 159 blocking the supply ports 142 and 152, the contact area between the seals 161 and 171 and the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the side of the covers 149 and 159 opposite to the rotation axes 149c and 159c (in this case, the front side) is smaller than the contact area between the seals 161 and 171 and the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the side of the covers 149 and 159 opposite to the rotation axes 149c and 159c (in this case, the rear side). According to this configuration, the contact area of ​​the seals 161 and 171 on the front end side (in other words, the free-rotation end side) of the covers 149 and 159 relative to the supply ports 142 and 152 can be reduced, thus weakening their sealing strength. Therefore, the covers 149 and 159 can be easily opened even without applying a large force to their front ends. Furthermore, this configuration can be achieved, for example, by providing the insertion portions 149b and 159b in the covers 149 and 159 that are biased to the rear, or by making the protrusion of the portion of the sealing piece portion 161b and 171b of the sealing pieces 161 and 171 less than the protrusion of the portion of the insertion portions 149b and 159b located at the front of the insertion portions 149b and 159b.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 8 As illustrated, when the box 102 is drawn out of the box housing 101 to a predetermined amount, the user can operate multiple containers housed within the box 102, in this case, a detergent container 103 and a fabric softener container 104. Specifically, as... Figure 9 As illustrated, when the box 102 is pulled out of the box housing 101 to a predetermined amount, it becomes part of the box 102, in this case, its rear is stored inside the box housing 101. Furthermore, in this state, the detergent container 103 and fabric softener container 104 stored inside the box 102 are able to have their lids 149 and 159 opened and closed. Thus, the user can open the lids 149 and 159 to replenish the fabric softener in the containers 103 and 104.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 7 As illustrated, the housing 102 is locked when it is housed at its deepest point within the housing receiving section 101 to prevent accidental extraction due to factors such as the weight of the housing 102 itself or vibrations during operation. Additionally, as... Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As illustrated, the box 102 can also be completely removed from the box housing 101. Next, an example of a configuration that enables this will be described. In addition, cans 103 and 104 can be removed from the box 102 by completely removing the box 102 from the box housing 101.

[0112] likeFigure 10 and Figure 11 As illustrated, a recessed portion 172 recessed downward is provided in the front portion of the bottom surface of the cartridge housing portion 101. The cartridge 102 is locked so as not to be pulled out of the cartridge housing portion 101 in a state where the cartridge 102 is housed to the deepest portion of the cartridge housing portion 101 by the front surface of the protruding portion 126 being caught in the front surface of the recessed portion 172. However, by pushing the cartridge 102 upward from this state by a certain amount, the protruding portion 126 is disengaged from the recessed portion 172, and the cartridge 102 can be pulled out of the cartridge housing portion 101. Also, as described above, if the amount of pulling out of the cartridge 102 from the cartridge housing portion 101 reaches a prescribed amount, the stopper 125 on the cartridge 102 side is caught in the protrusion 130 on the cartridge housing portion 101 side. Thus, the amount of pulling out of the cartridge 102 is limited to the prescribed amount. Then, if the cartridge 102 is lifted upward from this state so that the stopper 125 is disengaged from the protrusion 130, the cartridge 102 can be completely removed from the cartridge housing portion 101.

[0113] Then, when the cartridge 102 is installed in the cartridge housing portion 101 again, the cartridge 102 is inserted into the cartridge housing portion 101 while being lifted upward by a certain amount so that the stopper 125 on the cartridge 102 side is fitted into the rear side of the protrusion 130 on the cartridge housing portion 101 side. At this time, since the rear portion side of the protruding portion 126 is a sloped portion, this sloped portion abuts against the front end of the lower surface of the cartridge housing portion 101. Thus, as the cartridge 102 is pressed into the cartridge housing portion 101, the sloped portion of the protruding portion 126 travels while sliding on the front end of the lower surface of the cartridge housing portion 101, and thus the cartridge 102 can be assisted in being pushed upward. Then, if the cartridge 102 is further pressed into the cartridge housing portion 101, the protruding portion 126 is fitted into the recessed portion 172, and the cartridge 102 is locked in a state where the cartridge 102 is housed to the deepest portion of the cartridge housing portion 101.

[0114] By pressing the cartridge 102 into the cartridge housing portion 101 as above, the cartridge 102 can be installed in the cartridge housing portion 101 in a withdrawable manner. Also, when the cartridge 102 is installed in the cartridge housing portion 101 as above, in the case where the cartridge 102 houses the tanks 103, 104 therein, the cartridge 102 is pushed upward when the cartridge 102 housing the tanks 103, 104 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 101. Then, in conjunction therewith, the lids 149, 159 of the upper portions of the tanks 103, 104 are pressed into the closing direction of the closing supply ports 142, 152 in abutment against the upper surface of the cartridge housing portion 101. That is, the closing of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159 is facilitated. This closing-facilitating function of the lids 149, 159 is achieved based on the cartridge 102 being pushed upward and also based on the protrusion portion 126 being provided on the bottom surface of the cartridge 102. The protrusion portion 126 thus configured has the function of assisting the upward pushing of the cartridge 102 as above, and thus functions as one example of a closing-facilitating portion that facilitates the closing of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159.

[0115] In addition, as Figure 25 illustrated, in the interiors of the tanks 103, 104, hollow protrusion portions 164, 174 that protrude from the pump connection portions 148, 158 continuously to the inner sides of the tank main body portions 140, 150 are provided on the rear sides. In this case, the protrusion portions 164, 174 are configured in a cylindrical shape. The protrusion portions 164, 174 are not provided as a component element of the tank main body portions 140, 150, but are provided as a component element of the same component as the tank main body portions 140, 150. That is, the protrusion portions 164, 174 are provided in continuity with the tank main body portions 140, 150 integrally and without interruption, for example, by resin molding or the like.

[0116] The one-way valves 165, 175 are housed inside the protrusions 164, 174. In addition, force applying members 166, 176, for example, composed of springs or the like, are housed inside the protrusions 164, 174. The force applying members 166, 176 apply force to the one-way valves 165, 175 in the direction of the flow paths occluded in the protrusions 164, 174, in this case, the pump connecting portions 148, 158. Thus, the one-way valves 165, 175 inhibit the laundry treatment agent suctioned from the pump connecting portions 148, 158 toward the pumps 105, 106 from flowing back into the tanks 103, 104. In addition, when the one-way valves 165, 175 are pressed by the pressing force generated in association with the reciprocating movement of the pistons by the pumps 105, 106, the one-way valves 165, 175 move against the force applied by the force applying members 166, 176 in the direction of opening the flow paths formed in the protrusions 164, 174, in this case, the side opposite to the pump connecting portions 148, 158. Thus, the pumps 105, 106 can suction the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104. That is, in accordance with the tanks 103, 104, the one-way valves 165, 175 also reciprocate in the protrusions 164, 174 to open and close the flow paths in association with the reciprocating movement of the pistons by the pumps 105, 106. In association therewith, the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 is suctioned in conjunction with the driving of the pumps 105, 106.

[0117] In addition, the cap portions 167, 177 are installed in a state in which the one-way valves 165, 175 and the force applying members 166, 176 are housed in the protrusions 164, 174 at the front end portions of the protrusions 164, 174, that is, the opening ends opening in the tank body portions 140, 150. Thus, it is possible to prevent the one-way valves 165, 175 and the force applying members 166, 176 housed in the protrusions 164, 174 from coming out of the protrusions 164, 174.

[0118] The cap portions 167, 177 integrally have hollow suction pipe portions 168, 178 extending downward in a straight line from the tank body portions 140, 150. In this case, the suction pipe portions 168, 178 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the lower ends thereof extend to a height separated from the bottom surface of the tank body portions 140, 150.

[0119] In addition, as Figure 27 and Figure 28As illustrated, the upper portions of the protruding portions 164, 174 are provided with protrusions 164a, 174a protruding upward. In this case, the protrusions 164a, 174a are formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the upper portions of the cap portions 167, 177 are provided with recessed portions 167a, 177a recessed in a smooth circular arc shape toward the front end sides of the cap portions 167, 177. When the cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the protruding portions 164, 174, the protrusions 164a, 174a are fitted into the recessed portions 167a, 177a. Thus, the cap portions 167, 177 are positioned with respect to the protruding portions 164, 174 in a state in which the siphon portions 168, 178 protrude downward within the tank main body portions 140, 150. That is, the protrusions 164a, 174a and the recessed portions 167a, 177a cooperate with each other to function as one example of a positioning portion that positions the cap portions 167, 177 in a manner in which the siphon portions 168, 178 protrude downward.

[0120] In addition, the protruding portions 164, 174 are provided with claw portions 164b, 174b at both side portions in the left and right directions. The claw portions 164b, 174b protrude outward from the side surfaces of the protruding portions 164, 174. In addition, the cap portions 167, 177 are provided with claw hole portions 167b, 177b at both side portions in the left and right directions. When the cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the protruding portions 164, 174, the claw portions 164b, 174b are caught in the claw hole portions 167b, 177b. Thus, the cap portions 167, 177 can be caught and fixed to the protruding portions 164, 174. That is, the claw portions 164b, 174b and the claw hole portions 167b, 177b cooperate with each other to function as one example of a catching portion that catches the cap portions 167, 177 to the protruding portions 164, 174. Moreover, the claw portions 164b, 174b and the claw hole portions 167b, 177b that function as one example of the catching portion are provided at positions away from the protrusions 164a, 174a and the recessed portions 167a, 177a that function as one example of the positioning portion.

[0121] According to the washing machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the holding portions 143, 153 are provided on the surfaces that form the outer shapes of the tanks 103, 104. According to this configuration, the user can easily hold the tanks 103, 104 by hooking the fingers to the holding portions 143, 153, and thus, the user can easily perform the handling of the tanks 103, 104, such as the attachment and detachment operation with respect to the box body 102. In addition, the user can hold the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 with one hand, for example, and thus, further improvement in the convenience of use can be achieved.

[0122] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tank 103, 104 has the holding portion 143, 153 on one of the mutually opposing faces forming the outer shape of the tank 103, 104. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid the appearance of the tank 103, 104 from becoming complicated. Further, the tank 103, 104 can have the holding portion 143, 153 on both of the mutually opposing faces forming the outer shape of the tank 103, 104, and according to this configuration, it is possible to more easily hold the tank 103, 104.

[0123] Further, according to the washing machine 1, a plurality of tanks 103, 104 are detachably provided. Further, one of the tanks 103, 104 has the holding portion 143, 153 on the face opposing the other tank 104, 103. Further, one of the tanks 103, 104 has the holding portion 143, 153 at a position opposing the holding portion 153, 133 of the other tank 104, 103. According to this configuration, in a state in which the tank 103, 104 is accommodated in the case body 102, it is possible to form a substantially circular space surrounded by the holding portion 143 and the holding portion 153. Thus, when the user removes the detergent tank 103, the softener tank 104 from inside the case body main body portion 120 of the case body 102, it is possible to easily remove the detergent tank 103, the softener tank 104 by inserting a finger into the space. Further, it is possible to minimize the holding portions 143, 153 provided to each of the tanks 103, 104, and it is possible to minimize the reduction of the space inside the tank 103, 104 accompanying the formation of the holding portions 143, 153, in other words, the reduction of the storable amount of the laundry treatment agent.

[0124] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the holding portion 143, 153 extends between one end and the other end of the face forming the outer shape of the tank 103, 104, in this case, the upper end and the lower end. According to this configuration, it is possible to maximize the holding portion 143, 153, and it is possible to more easily hold the tank 103, 104.

[0125] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tank 103, 104 has a supply port 142, 152 for supplying the laundry treatment agent to the inside, and the holding portion 143, 153 is provided to the side of these supply ports 142, 152. According to this configuration, the user can further press the lid 149, 159 closing the supply port 142, 152 using the finger holding the holding portion 143, 153, and it is possible to inhibit the opening of the lid 149, 159 of the held tank 103, 104 and the spilling of the laundry treatment agent inside.

[0126] Further, the tank 103, 104 can also be configured to have the gripping portion 143, 153 provided at a position deviated from the side of the supply port 142, 152. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to reduce the opening area of the supply port 142, 152 in association with the formation of the gripping portion 143, 153. Thus, the opening area of the supply port 142, 152 can be ensured to be large, and the laundry treatment agent can be easily supplied.

[0127] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the gripping portion 143, 153 has a hooking portion 144, 145 for hooking the fingers of the user. According to this configuration, the user can easily take out the tank 103, 104 from the box body 102 by hooking the fingers to the hooking portion 144, 145.

[0128] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the hooking portion 144, 145 is provided to the tank main body portion 140, 150 constituting the main body portion of the tank 103, 104. According to this configuration, the user can take out the tank 103, 104 by hooking the fingers to the main body portion of the tank 103, 104, and the taking out of the tank 103, 104 can be stably performed.

[0129] Further, according to the washing machine 1, in the mechanical chamber 6, the automatic dispensing device 100, the water filling box 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2. Further, according to the washing machine 1, in the mechanical chamber 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged at a position more forward than the rear end of the automatic dispensing device 100 and the rear end of the water filling box 200. Further, according to the washing machine 1, in the mechanical chamber 6, the water filling box 200 is arranged between the automatic dispensing device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2.

[0130] Thus, by housing the automatic dispensing device 100, the water filling box 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 in the mechanical chamber 6 in the so-called lateral arrangement arrangement, it is possible to effectively utilize the limited space in the outer cabinet 2, and it is possible to easily house a plurality of constituent elements, in this case, at least the automatic dispensing device 100, the water filling box 200, and the water supply valve unit 300, compactly. Further, it is possible to suppress the overall size of the washing machine 1 from becoming large.

[0131] Further, according to the washing machine 1, since the water filling box 200 and the water supply valve unit 300 are not arranged behind the automatic dispensing device 100, it is possible to ensure the depth dimension of the automatic dispensing device 100 to be large at least. Thus, it is possible to realize the large size of the tank 103, 104 provided to the automatic dispensing device 100, and it is possible to increase the capacity of the tank 103, 104, that is, the storable amount of the laundry treatment agent.

[0132] Further, according to the washing machine 1, since the above-described arrangement is applied, for example, the relatively large constituent elements such as the automatic input device 100, the water injection box 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 can be easily and compactly accommodated inside the mechanical chamber 6 formed at the rear of the outer cabinet 2.

[0133] Further, the washing machine 1 is provided with a mixing section 108 that mixes the laundry treatment agent supplied from the tanks 103, 104 and the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 at the rear of the automatic input device 100. According to this configuration, the laundry treatment agent can be supplied into the tub 3 on the basis of being mixed with the water, and the water in which the laundry treatment agent is uniformly dissolved can be used to improve the washing performance of the laundry. Further, by arranging the mixing section 108, which is a relatively small constituent element, at the rear of the automatic input device 100, the space in the limited mechanical chamber 6 can be effectively used.

[0134] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 is provided with a dedicated water supply port 303a for supplying water to the mixing section 108. According to this configuration, water in a sufficient amount can be reliably supplied to the mixing section 108, and water in which the laundry treatment agent is sufficiently dissolved can be supplied into the tub 3.

[0135] Further, according to the washing machine 1, a mixing section water supply path 304 that connects the mixing section dedicated water supply port 303a to the mixing section 108 is provided. Further, the mixing section water supply path 304 passes between the upper surface 205 of the water injection box 200 and the manual detergent input section 203 and the manual softener input section 204. Further, the mixing section water supply path 304 penetrates the water injection box 200 in the lateral direction of the outer cabinet 2. Further, the mixing section water supply path 304 extends in a straight line without being bent or curved inside the water injection box 200.

[0136] That is, the mixing section water supply path 304 is configured so that the flow resistance thereof is as small as possible. Thus, water can be efficiently supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 to the mixing section 108, and the mixing of the laundry treatment agent and the water can be further promoted.

[0137] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged in the front-rear direction of the outer cabinet 2. Further, the bath water pump 305 is arranged at the front side of the water supply valve unit 300. According to this arrangement, the space in the limited outer cabinet 2 can be effectively used, and further, the bath water pump 305 can be easily accommodated.

[0138] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic feeding device 100 is provided with the case 102 having the hooking portion 102A to which the user's finger is hooked, the case 102 being configured to be able to be pulled out from the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeding device 100, and the tanks 103, 104 being able to be housed in the case 102. According to this configuration, the operation on the plurality of tanks 103, 104, such as the replenishment operation of the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104 and the attachment and detachment operation of the tanks 103, 104, can be performed at one time. That is, the user can perform various operations on the plurality of tanks 103, 104 by pulling out one case 102.

[0139] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion configuring the outer periphery of the case 102 is lower than the upper surface of the tank 103, 104 housed in the case 102. According to this configuration, the user easily holds the upper portion side of the tank 103, 104, and thus, the attachment and detachment of the tank 103, 104 with respect to the case 102 can be more easily performed. At this time, the user can perform the attachment and detachment by holding the holding portions 143, 153 of the tank 103, 104 or can perform the attachment and detachment by holding a portion other than the holding portions 143, 153.

[0140] Further, according to the washing machine 1, in a state in which a portion of the case 102, in this case, the rear portion is housed in the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeding device 100, the tank 103, 104 housed in the case 102 becomes a state in which the cover 149, 159 that opens and closes the replenishment port 142, 152. Thus, the user can replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tank 103, 104 even without completely taking out the case 102 from the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeding device 100.

[0141] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tank 103, 104 is provided with the tank-side protruding portion 147, 157 that positions the tank 103, 104 in the case 102. According to this configuration, the positional deviation of the tank 103, 104 in the case 102 can be suppressed, and the case 102 in which the tank 103, 104 is housed can be smoothly taken out and put in with respect to the case housing portion 101.

[0142] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic feeding device 100 is provided with the pump 105, 106 that sucks the laundry treatment agent from the tank 103, 104, and the tank 103, 104 is provided with the pump connection portion 148, 158 connected to the pump 105, 106. Further, the upper end of the rear wall portion 120a provided at the rear portion of the case 102 is lower than the lower end of the pump connection portion 148, 158. According to this configuration, the pump connection portion 148, 158 can be connected to the pump 105, 106 without contacting or interfering with the rear wall portion 120a of the case 102. Thus, the connection of the pump connection portion 148, 158 with the pump 105, 106 can be performed with high accuracy without causing the positional deviation.

[0143] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the box body 102 is provided with visual confirmation windows 122, 123 that enable visual confirmation of the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 housed in the box body 102. According to this configuration, the user can easily confirm the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 via the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 even without removing the tanks 103, 104 from the box body 102. Further, in this case, the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 are provided at the front wall portion 121 of the box body 102. Thus, the user can easily confirm the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 via the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 even without extracting the box body 102 from the box body housing portion 101.

[0144] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 have recessed portions 146, 156 at the lower portions thereof that are recessed toward the inside, and tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 are provided in the recessed portions 146, 156. According to this configuration, even with the tank-side protruding portions 147, 157 provided for positioning, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 can be maintained flat. Thus, the tanks 103, 104 can be stably placed on a floor surface or the like, and the replenishment of laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104 can be easily performed.

[0145] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 are provided at positions that avoid the portions where the recessed portions 146, 156 are located in the housed state in which the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the box body 102. According to this configuration, the accurate amount of laundry treatment agent can be confirmed via the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 at positions that avoid the recessed portions 146, 156 and the upper portions thereof in the tanks 103, 104 that do not accurately indicate the amount of laundry treatment agent. Further, it is preferable that the tank main body portions 140, 150 of the tanks 103, 104 be made of a transparent material or a translucent material. Thus, the user can more easily visually confirm the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104.

[0146] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protruding portions 164, 174 that protrude toward the inside of the tanks 103, 104, one-way valves 165, 175 housed in the protruding portions 164, 174, and cap portions 167, 177 that are attached to the open ends of the protruding portions 164, 174 in a state in which the one-way valves 165, 175 are housed in the protruding portions 164, 174. Also, the protruding portions 164, 174 are provided as the same components as the tanks 103, 104. According to this configuration, the hollow protruding portions 164, 174 that protrude toward the inside of the tanks 103, 104 can be provided in the tanks 103, 104 while leakage of laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104 is suppressed.

[0147] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cap portions 167, 177 are provided with hollow pipe portions 168, 178 which extend downwardly within the tubs 103, 104. According to this configuration, the cap portions 167, 177 having the pipe portions 168, 178 can be handled as a single component, and the number of components can be reduced compared to a case where the cap portions and the pipe portions are provided as different components. Further, the assembly can be improved.

[0148] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the protruding portions 164, 174 are formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, the washing machine 1 is provided with positioning portions which position the cap portions 167, 177 with respect to the cylindrical protruding portions 164, 174 in such a manner that the pipe portions 168, 178 extend downwardly within the tubs 103, 104. Further, the convex portions 164a, 174a and the concave portions 167a, 177a which constitute the positioning portions are provided at the upper portions of the protruding portions 164, 174 and the cap portions 167, 177. According to this configuration, when the cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the protruding portions 164, 174, the positioning portions can be visually confirmed from above, and thus the positioning of the cap portions 167, 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164, 174 can be easily performed.

[0149] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the claw portions 164b, 174b and the claw hole portions 167b, 177b which constitute the claw portions which allow the cap portions 167, 177 to be clamped to the protruding portions 164, 174 are provided at positions which avoid the convex portions 164a, 174a and the concave portions 167a, 177a which constitute the positioning portions. According to this configuration, the positioning of the cap portions 167, 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164, 174 can be performed with high accuracy, and the cap portions 167, 177 can be stably fixed to the protruding portions 164, 174, and thus the positional deviation of the cap portions 167, 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164, 174 after attachment can be suppressed.

[0150] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dispensing device 100 is provided with a stopper 125 which limits the amount of extraction of the cartridge 102 from the cartridge housing portion 101 to a predetermined amount. Further, the stopper 125 is provided at a position which is located on the rear side of the rear ends of the supply ports 142, 152 in the state where the tubs 103, 104 are housed within the cartridge 102. Further, the stopper 125 is provided at a position which is located on the rear side of the rear ends of the covers 149, 159 of the supply ports 142, 152 in the state where the tubs 103, 104 are housed within the cartridge 102. According to this configuration, even if the cartridge 102 is not completely removed from the automatic dispensing device 100, the user can supplement the laundry treatment agent into the tubs 103, 104 from the supply ports 142, 152.

[0151] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the pots 103, 104 are connected to the pumps 105, 106 in conjunction with the cartridge 102 being pressed into the cartridge housing portion 101 fixed immovably to the main portion thereof. That is, according to the washing machine 1, the cartridge housing portion 101 of the automatic feeding device 100 provided with the pumps 105, 106 is fixed immovably to the main portion of the washing machine 1, and thus, by pressing the cartridge 102 into the cartridge housing portion 101, the pots 103, 104 can be reliably connected to the pumps 105, 106.

[0152] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cartridge housing portion 101 is provided with the protrusion 130 for the stopper 125 to be latched at when the cartridge 102 is withdrawn from the cartridge housing portion 101 of the automatic feeding device 100 by a prescribed amount. According to this configuration, when the user withdraws the cartridge 102, it is possible to reliably limit the withdrawal amount thereof to the prescribed amount, and it is possible to inhibit the cartridge 102 from being withdrawn completely from the cartridge housing portion 101 by accident.

[0153] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the pots 103, 104 cannot be taken out of the cartridge 102 in the state where the stopper 125 is latched to the protrusion 130. According to this configuration, it is possible to inhibit the pots 103, 104 from deviating from or falling out of the cartridge 102 by accident.

[0154] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cartridge housing portion 101 is provided with the groove portion 129 extending in the direction in which the cartridge 102 is withdrawn, and the cartridge 102 is provided with the abutting portion 131 abutting against the upper surface of the groove portion 129. According to this configuration, in the state where the cartridge 102 is withdrawn from the cartridge housing portion 101, the abutting portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129, and thus it is possible to inhibit the cartridge 102 from falling out of the cartridge housing portion 101 due to its own weight.

[0155] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the distance D3 between the stopper 125 on the cartridge 102 side and the abutting portion 131 on the cartridge housing portion 101 side becomes longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the cartridge housing portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. According to this configuration, it is possible to further inhibit the cartridge 102 from tilting due to its own weight, and it is possible to more reliably inhibit the cartridge 102 from falling out of the cartridge housing portion 101.

[0156] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the seal 161, 171 is provided to seal between the cover 149, 159 and the supply port 142, 152 in the state where the cover 149, 159 closes the supply port 142, 152. According to this configuration, it is possible to inhibit the laundry treatment agent in the pots 103, 104 from overflowing between the cover 149, 159 and the supply port 142, 152, or the laundry treatment agent in the pots 103, 104 from solidifying due to ventilation drying through the gap between the cover 149, 159 and the supply port 142, 152.

[0157] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cover portions 141, 151 that constitute a part of the tanks 103, 104 are provided with air passable vent holes 160a, 170a. According to this configuration, even if the gap between the covers 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 is sealed by the seals 161, 171, the ventilation between the inside and outside of the tanks 103, 104 can be ensured, i.e., the inside of the tanks 103, 104 can be opened to the atmospheric pressure. Thus, the suction of the laundry treatment agent from the inside of the tanks 103, 104 to the pumps 105, 106 can be smoothly performed. Further, since the vent holes 160a, 170a are of a small opening area, the laundry treatment agent hardly or completely does not splash out from such vent holes 160a, 170a, and the laundry treatment agent inside the tanks 103, 104 hardly or completely does not dry and solidify due to the ventilation through the vent holes 160a, 170a.

[0158] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the vent holes 160a, 170a are provided in bearing portions 160, 170 that rotatably support the rotational shafts 149c, 159c of the covers 149, 159. According to this configuration, the vent holes 160a, 170a can be made less noticeable from the outside, and the deterioration of the appearance of the tanks 103, 104 in which the vent holes 160a, 170a are provided can be suppressed. Further, in the case where the laundry treatment agent adheres to the back surface of the covers 149, 159, the laundry treatment agent can be returned to the inside of the tanks 103, 104 from the vent holes 160a, 170a when the covers 149, 159 are opened. Further, in the case of the washing cover portions 141, 151, water can pass through the vent holes 160a, 170a, and thus the laundry treatment agent adhering to the bearing portions 160, 170 can be easily washed away. Thus, the laundry treatment agent can be prevented from sticking to the bearing portions 160, 170 and being unable to be removed.

[0159] Further, the washing machine 1 is preferably configured such that at least a part of the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152 is a slanted surface, and thus the contact area at which the seal piece portions 161b, 171b of the seals 161, 171 contact the slanted surface of the supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases as the covers 149, 159 rotate from the closed position that closes the supply port 142, 152 to the open position that opens the supply port 142, 152. Thus, the user can open the covers 149, 159 without a large force, and the improvement of the convenience of use can be achieved.

[0160] Further, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can be configured such that, in the state in which the lid 149, 159 occludes the supply port 142, 152, the contact area of the seal member 161, 171 on the side opposite to the rotation shaft 149c, 159c of the lid 149, 159 with the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152 is smaller than the contact area of the seal member 161, 171 on the side of the rotation shaft 149c, 159c of the lid 149, 159 with the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152. With this configuration, the user can open the lid 149, 159 without a large force, and the improvement of the convenience of use can be achieved.

[0161] Further, according to the laundry treating apparatus 1, the protrusion portion 126 that functions as an occlusion promoting portion for promoting occlusion of the supply port 142, 152 by the lid 149, 159 is provided on the bottom surface of the box body 102. According to this configuration, when the box body 102 in which the tank 103, 104 is accommodated is accommodated again in the box body accommodating portion 101, the protrusion portion 126 pushes the box body 102 upward. Thereby, the lid 149, 159 is pressed downward by the upper surface of the box body accommodating portion 101, and occlusion of the supply port 142, 152 by the lid 149, 159 can be promoted. Thereby, for example, when the box body 102 is accommodated in the box body accommodating portion 101 while occlusion of the supply port 142, 152 by the lid 149, 159 is not sufficient, the generation of a situation in which laundry treating agent is splashed from the tank 103, 104 into the box body accommodating portion 101 can be suppressed. Further, the generation of a situation in which laundry treating agent is splashed from the tank 103, 104 when the box body 102 is pulled out of the box body accommodating portion 101 can be suppressed. In particular, in the present embodiment, the lid 149, 159 is provided with the seal member 161, 171, and thus there is a risk that occlusion of the supply port 142, 152 by the lid 149, 159 becomes insufficient due to the elasticity of the seal member 161, 171. Therefore, by applying the configuration for promoting occlusion of the supply port 142, 152 by the lid 149, 159, this risk can be eliminated.

[0162] Further, the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0163] For example, as Figure 29The stopper 125 can also be positioned further forward than the center of gravity position P of the canisters 103, 104 in the state in which the canisters 103, 104 are housed in the box body 102, as illustrated. According to this configuration, the prescribed amount restricted by the stopper 125 can be shortened for the amount of extraction of the box body 102 from the box body housing portion 101, and the falling of the box body 102 due to gravity can be further reliably suppressed. The center of gravity position P of the canisters 103, 104 can be the center of gravity position in the state in which the canisters 103, 104 do not store the laundry treatment agent, or can be the center of gravity position in the state in which the canisters 103, 104 store the laundry treatment agent. The state in which the canisters 103, 104 store the laundry treatment agent can be a case in which the canisters 103, 104 store the maximum amount of the laundry treatment agent, or can be a state in which the canisters 103, 104 store less than the maximum amount of the laundry treatment agent.

[0164] In addition, as Figure 30 The holding portions 143, 153 can also be configured not to reach either the upper end or the lower end of the surface that forms the outer contour of the canisters 103, 104, as illustrated. In addition, the length of the holding portions 143, 153 can be set to, for example, 1 / 2 of the height dimension of the canisters 103, 104, or the like, and the length can be appropriately changed to implement. Figure 30 The configuration example illustrated is a configuration example in which the holding portions 143, 153 reach the upper end of the surface that forms the outer contour of the canisters 103, 104, but do not reach the lower end. In addition, the length of the holding portions 143, 153 can be set to, for example, 1 / 2 of the height dimension of the canisters 103, 104, or the like, and the length can be appropriately changed to implement.

[0165] In addition, as Figure 31 The holding portions 143, 153 can also be positioned in both of the surfaces that face each other in the vertical direction of the canisters 103, 104, as illustrated. In addition, although not illustrated, the holding portions 143, 153 can be positioned in only one of the surfaces that face each other in the vertical direction of the canisters 103, 104. In this case as well, the holding portions 143, 153 can be configured to reach the front end and the other end of the canisters 103, 104, or can be configured to extend halfway.

[0166] In addition, as Figure 32 The holding portions 143, 153 can also be positioned in both of the surfaces that face each other in the vertical direction of the canisters 103, 104, as illustrated. In addition, although not illustrated, the holding portions 143, 153 can be positioned in only one of the surfaces that face each other in the vertical direction of the canisters 103, 104. In this case as well, the holding portions 143, 153 can be configured to reach the front end and the other end of the canisters 103, 104, or can be configured to extend halfway.

[0167] In addition, the tank to which the present embodiment can be applied is not limited to the detergent tank 103 that stores a detergent, the softener tank 104 that stores a softener, and various kinds of tanks can be appropriately used as long as they are tanks that store a treatment agent that performs a certain treatment on laundry, such as a deodorant tank that stores a deodorant, a deodorant tank that stores a deodorant, a sterilizer tank that stores a sterilizer, a bleaching agent tank that stores a bleaching agent, and the like. In addition, the number of tanks is not limited to two, and can be one or three or more. In addition, in the case where a plurality of tanks are provided, the plurality of tanks can be tanks that store the same kind of treatment agent or tanks that store different kinds of treatment agents.

[0168] In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called transverse shaft type washing machine in which the rotational center axis of the drum extends in the horizontal direction or the inclined direction. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine that does not have a drying function. In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to various kinds of laundry treatment devices as long as they are devices that perform a certain treatment on laundry, such as deodorization, deodorization, sterilization, bleaching, and the like.

[0169] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the application. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the application, and are included in the scope of the application described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by, Possessing: a laundry treatment tub that accommodates laundry; a tank that stores a laundry treatment agent that treats laundry; and an automatic feeding portion that feeds the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tub, the tank possesses: a tank main portion that stores a laundry treatment agent inside; a replenishment port that replenishes the laundry treatment agent inside the tank main portion; a lid that opens and closes the replenishment port; a seal that seals between the lid and the replenishment port in a state in which the lid occludes the replenishment port; and a cover portion that occludes an opening of the tank main portion, the cover portion possesses an air passage hole through which air can pass, the air passage hole is provided to a bearing portion that supports a rotation axis of the lid so as to be rotatable.

2. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the replenishment port is an inclined surface, a contact area of the seal that contacts the inclined surface decreases in conjunction with the lid being rotated from an occlusion position that occludes the replenishment port to an opening position that opens the replenishment port.

3. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in a state in which the lid occludes the replenishment port, a contact area of the seal that contacts an inner surface of the replenishment port on a side of the lid opposite the rotation axis is smaller than a contact area of the seal that contacts the inner surface of the replenishment port on a side of the lid of the rotation axis.

4. The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further possessing: a box body that accommodates the tank; a box body accommodating portion that accommodates the box body in a drawable manner; and an occlusion promoting portion that is provided to a bottom surface of the box body and promotes occlusion of the replenishment port by the lid, the occlusion promoting portion promotes occlusion of the replenishment port by the lid by pushing the box body upward when the box body that accommodates the tank is accommodated in the box body accommodating portion. ​ ​

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