Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a laundry treatment device capable of improving the operability and convenience of a user by optimizing the configuration or structure of a treatment agent kit. The laundry treatment device of the present application includes an outer case formed in a box shape; a water tank provided in the outer case; a storage portion provided in the outer case and having an opening portion formed by opening a top surface portion side of the outer case; and a treatment agent kit formed in a container shape and stored in the storage portion in a detachable manner. The storage portion has a storage portion outlet leading to the water tank at a position not overlapping the treatment agent kit when viewed from above. The treatment agent kit has a surface portion constituting an outer periphery and a lower portion opening provided in a lower portion. The lower portion opening is provided at a position outside an area obtained by extending the storage portion outlet in a direction in which the storage portion outlet and the treatment agent kit are side by side when viewed from above in a state in which the treatment agent kit is stored in the storage portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, washing machines typically have a detergent dispenser inside the outer casing, where the user manually adds detergent for each wash cycle. In the case of front-loading washing machines, the detergent dispenser is sometimes located on the front of the outer casing and can be pulled forward. In the case of upright washing machines, the detergent dispenser is sometimes located inside the top cover and can be pulled forward.

[0003] Laundry detergents come in various types, such as detergents used in the washing process and fabric softeners used in the rinsing process. It is well known that detergent dispensers are configured with multiple dispensing sections to allow for the dispensing of multiple detergents. In this case, there is still considerable room for research and discussion regarding the configuration or structure of the detergent dispenser, for example, to improve user operability or convenience.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-011618 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a garment treatment device that optimizes the configuration or structure of the treatment cartridge to improve user operability and convenience.

[0008] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an outer box formed in the shape of a box; a water tank disposed inside the outer box; a receiving section disposed inside the outer box and having an opening formed by opening the top surface side of the outer box; and a processing agent box formed in the shape of a container and detachably housed in the receiving section. When viewed from above, the receiving section has a receiving section outlet leading to the water tank at a position that does not overlap with the processing agent box. The processing agent box has a surface forming an outer periphery and a lower opening disposed at the bottom. The lower opening is positioned in a region other than the area obtained by extending the receiving section outlet in a direction parallel to the processing agent box when viewed from above, with the processing agent box housed in the receiving section.

[0009] Based on the above structure, the operability and convenience for users can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1This is a perspective view that schematically shows the configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram that schematically shows the internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the receiving section when the lid component of the washing machine of the first embodiment is open.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a top view of the washing machine of the first embodiment, showing the storage section after removing the treatment agent box and the treatment agent box in the state with the cover component removed.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a top view of the receiving section of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the cover component removed, and the receiving section equipped with a treatment agent box and one other treatment agent box, and with the other treatment agent boxes removed.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a top view of the treatment agent box of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the treatment agent box of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 The washing machine of the first embodiment, in the state where the cover part is removed and the treatment agent box is installed, along... Figure 5 The schematic cross-sectional view of the housing shown by line A-A.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the receiving section of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, with the cover component removed, after the treatment agent box is assembled and the treatment agent box and other treatment agent boxes are removed.

[0019] Figure 10 The washing machine of the first embodiment, in the state where the cover part is removed and the treatment agent box is installed, along... Figure 5 The schematic cross-sectional view of the housing shown by line B-B.

[0020] Figure 11 The washing machine of the first embodiment, in the state where the cover part is removed and the treatment agent box is installed, along... Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the housing section shown by the C-C line.

[0021] Figure 12 The washing machine of the second embodiment, in the state where the cover part is removed and the treatment agent box is installed, along... Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the housing section shown by the C-C line.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 10…Washing machine (clothes handling device), 11…Outer casing, 111…Top surface, 12…Tank, 22…Water supply path, 221…First water supply path, 222…Second water supply path, 223…Third water supply path, 31…Containment section, 34…Opening, 37…Water inlet, 371…First water inlet, 372…Second water inlet, 373…Third water inlet, 38…Containment section outlet, 40…Detergent dispenser, 401…Detergent dispensing section, 402…Fabric softener dispensing section, 41…Front end, 42…Left side, 4 21…First left face (face, fourth face), 4211…Upper left face, 4212…Sloping part, 422…Second left face (face, third face), 43…Right face (face), 431…First right face (face, first face), 432…Second right face (face, second face), 44…Back part (face), 441…Upper back part (face), 442…Lower back part (face), 443…Step part (face), 45…Bottom, 46…Divider, 461…Standing part, 47…Lower opening, 48…Drain pipe, 49…Cap part, 50…Treatment tank, 60…Fourth water inlet (water inlet). Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0025] (First Embodiment)

[0026] First, refer to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment will be described below. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 10, which serves as a clothes handling device, includes: an outer casing 11, a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a rotating drum motor 14, a drainage mechanism 15, a control panel 16, a water supply mechanism 20, and a clothes handling agent dispensing mechanism 30. Additionally, Figure 1 In this design, the side of the washing machine 10 that is vertically lower is defined as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the surface that is vertically upper is defined as the upper side of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, the left-right direction when viewing the washing machine 10 from the front is defined as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal axis type with the rotation axis of the rotating drum 13 pointing horizontally, or an inclined axis type with the rotation axis pointing downwards and downwards towards the rear.

[0027] The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, such as a heat pump or heater type. The outer casing 11 is constructed as a rectangular box using components such as steel or resin, thus forming the outer shell of the washing machine 10. In this embodiment, the top surface 111 of the outer casing 11 is flat. The water tank 12 is disposed inside the outer casing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension device (not shown). The rotating tub 13 is rotatably disposed within the water tank 12. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotating tub 13 function as a washing tub for receiving laundry. A rotating tub motor 14 is provided outside the water tank 12. The rotating tub motor 14 is connected to the rotating tub 13 and drives the rotating tub 13 to rotate.

[0028] Figure 2 The drainage mechanism 15 shown has the function of draining water remaining in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 15 includes a drainage path 151 and a drain valve 152. The drainage path 151 is constructed, for example, of a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to the drain valve 152, and the other end is led out to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain valve 152 is constructed as a liquid-operated on / off valve capable of, for example, electromagnetic opening and closing. The drain valve 152 is positioned between a drain outlet 121 located at the bottom of the water tank 12 and the drainage path 151, and opens and closes the drainage path 151.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the control panel 16 is located on the front side of the top surface 111 of the outer casing 11. Although its detailed structure is not shown, the control panel 16 includes a power switch, a start button, and various operation buttons for setting the washing cycle. Alternatively, the power switch can be located separately from the control panel 16. When performing a washing cycle, the user can use the control panel 16 to select whether to automatically add detergent or manually add a single dose of detergent. Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the term "detergent" includes liquid or powdered detergents, fabric softeners, fabric softeners, and fragrances, it is not limited to any agent used in the washing cycle.

[0030] A water supply unit 20 is disposed above a water tank 12, for example, inside an outer casing 11. The water supply unit 20 receives water from an external water source, such as a tap, and supplies water to the water tank 12. For example, as... Figure 2As shown, the water supply mechanism 20 includes a connection port 21, a water supply path 22, and a water supply valve 23. The connection port 21 is located on the top surface 111 of the outer casing 11, protruding from the upper left corner. The connection port 21 is connected to an external water source via, for example, a flexible hose. The water supply path 22 is a path from the connection port 21 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The water supply valve 23 is a liquid-operated on / off valve capable of electromagnetic opening and closing.

[0031] The washing machine 10 can use tap water and bath water as external water sources. The washing machine 10 has a tap water connection port 211 and a bath water connection port 212 as connection ports 21. Additionally, the washing machine 10 has a first water supply path 221, a second water supply path 222, and a third water supply path 223 as water supply paths 22. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 has a first water supply valve 231 and a second water supply valve 232 as water supply valves 23.

[0032] The tap water connection 211 is connected to a tap faucet via, for example, a hose, and functions as an inlet to the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223. The bath water connection 212 is connected to a bathtub containing bath water via, for example, a hose and a water pump, and functions as an inlet to the second water supply path 222.

[0033] The first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223 are connected from the tap water inlet 211 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The first water supply path 221 is used during the washing process when detergent, for example, is added as a washing agent. The third water supply path 223 is used during the rinsing process when fabric softener, for example, is added as a washing agent. The second water supply path 222 is connected from the bath water inlet 212 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The second water supply path 222 is used during the washing process when detergent, for example, is added as a washing agent.

[0034] The first water supply valve 231 is, for example, a three-way valve, which opens and closes the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223. The second water supply valve 232 opens and closes the second water supply path 222. Alternatively, it can be configured as a separate, independent water supply valve that opens and closes the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223 respectively.

[0035] The detergent dispensing mechanism 30 is positioned, for example, midway through the water supply path 22, and has the function of introducing detergent into the water flowing through the water supply path 22, and supplying water containing detergent to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the treatment agent dispensing mechanism 30 is configured to include: a receiving section 31, a pump 32, a cover component 33, a treatment agent box 40, and a treatment agent reservoir 50.

[0036] The receiving section 31 is constructed in the shape of a box or container using resin or metal components, and has an opening 34 that opens upwards. The receiving section 31 is located in the upper part inside the outer casing 11. The upper end of the receiving section 31, i.e., the opening 34, is located below the top surface 111. In addition, the receiving section 31 is located on the left and right sides near the outer casing 11, specifically near the left side.

[0037] The receiving section 31 forms part of the water supply path 22. In this case, the outlet side of the water supply valve 23 is directly or indirectly connected to the receiving section 31 on the water supply path 22. Moreover, the receiving section 31 is directly or indirectly connected to the water tank 12. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 24 extends from the outlet side of each water supply valve 231, 232 to the receiving section 31. In addition, the water supply pipe 25 extends from the receiving section 31 to the water tank 12. That is, the water supply path 22 is configured to include, in sequence according to the water flow direction, the connection port 21, the water supply valve 23, the water supply pipe 24, the receiving section 31, and the water supply pipe 25.

[0038] The receiving section 31 includes a wall 35, a bottom 36, a water inlet 37, and a receiving section outlet 38. The wall 35 forms the outer periphery of the receiving section 31. The bottom 36 forms the bottom surface of the receiving section 31. The water inlet 37 is an opening formed in the wall 35, exposing the downstream end of the water supply pipe 24 towards the receiving section 31, and functions as an inlet of the receiving section 31 leading to the water supply path 22. The receiving section outlet 38 is an opening formed in the bottom 36, connected to the upstream end of the water supply pipe 25, and functions as an outlet of the receiving section 31 from the water supply path 22.

[0039] Pump 32, together with detergent tank 50, constitutes an automatic dispensing device that automatically supplies detergent to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 during operation. Pump 32 has the function of drawing a predetermined amount of detergent from detergent tank 50 during operation and dispensing the drawn detergent into the middle section of the water supply path 22. Accordingly, the detergent supplied to the middle section of the water supply path 22 can be supplied to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 together with the water flowing in the water supply path 22. Thus, the washing machine 10 can automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 during operation.

[0040] The cover component 33 is rotatably mounted on the outer casing 11 and is configured such that the opening 34 of the receiving portion 31 can be opened and closed by rotation, and it can be bent and rotated in a bent state. That is, as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3As shown, the cover member 33 is rotatably mounted on the top surface 111 of the outer casing 11 and is configured to open and close the opening 34 of the receiving portion 31. In this embodiment, the cover member 33 is configured to be able to be bent into at least two shapes. Moreover, the cover member 33 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 34 by rotating it while bent into at least two shapes.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the treatment agent box 40 and the treatment agent reservoir 50 are housed in the receiving section 31 in a detachable manner. The treatment agent box 40 and the treatment agent reservoir 50 are arranged adjacent to each other within the receiving section 31. The treatment agent box 40 can be positioned closer to the user standing near the front of the washing machine 10, while the treatment agent reservoir 50 can be positioned further away from the user. For example, the treatment agent box 40 and the treatment agent reservoir 50 can be arranged in a straight line in either the front-back or left-right direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the treatment cartridge 40 and the treatment tank 50 are housed within the receiving section 31 in a front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the treatment cartridge 40 is positioned closer to the user operating the washing machine 10 from the front side of the treatment tank 50. In other embodiments, when the treatment cartridge 40 and the treatment tank 50 are arranged in a left-to-right direction, the treatment cartridge 40 may be positioned closer to the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-to-right direction than the treatment tank 50, i.e., at the position of the user operating the washing machine 10 from the front side.

[0043] The treatment agent container 40 has the function of, for example, accepting the treatment agent for one operation manually added by the user before or at the start of operation, and supplying the added treatment agent to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 during operation. The treatment agent container 40 is, for example, made of resin, and is configured as a container that is elongated in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction and has an open top. In this embodiment, the treatment agent container 40 is generally formed as a rectangle that is elongated in the left-to-right direction.

[0044] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the detergent dispenser 40 is formed as a container that is recessed downwards. The detergent dispenser 40 has one or more dispensing sections 401 and 402, in this case, two. The user dispenses detergent into the detergent dispenser 40 through the openings at the top of the dispensing sections 401 and 402. The dispensing sections 401 and 402 receive the detergent dispensed manually by the user. The dispensing section 401 receives, for example, powdered or liquid detergent as the detergent. The dispensing section 402 receives, for example, liquid fabric softener as the detergent. The dispensing sections 401 and 402 are arranged side-by-side in the front-back or left-right direction. In this embodiment, the dispensing sections 401 and 402 are arranged side-by-side in the front-back direction, with the dispensing section 401 located further away from the user (i.e., deeper inside) and the dispensing section 402 located closer to the user (i.e., near the front).

[0045] The detergent tank 50 is configured to hold the amount of detergent needed for multiple runs. The detergent tank 50 is, for example, made of resin, and is rectangular in shape with an elongated front-to-back or side-to-side orientation. It is a hollow container capable of holding liquid detergent. The detergent tank 50 has sufficient capacity to hold the amount of detergent needed for multiple runs. While the capacity of the detergent tank 50 is not particularly limited, it is preferably set to at least several hundred mL to approximately 2 L, taking user convenience into consideration.

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the detergent tank 50 includes a tank body 51, a dispensing port 52, a cover 53, and a dispensing outlet 54. The tank body 51 forms the outer shell of the detergent tank 50 and is made of a synthetic resin such as plastic. The dispensing port 52 is formed on the upper part of the tank body 51 and opens upwards. The cover 53 is rotatably mounted to the tank body 51 and opens and closes the dispensing port 52. By opening the cover 53, the user can dispense detergent into the detergent tank 50 from the dispensing port 52.

[0047] The tank outlet 54 is an opening that penetrates a portion of, for example, the back of the tank body 51, and is the opening through which the detergent being drawn from the detergent tank 50 by the pump 32 passes. The pump 32 is located on the outside of the receiving portion 31, specifically at the rear of the receiving portion 31. The pump 32 has a connecting portion 321. The connecting portion 321 is formed as a tube penetrating the receiving portion 31 and connecting the interior of the receiving portion 31 to the pump 32. When the detergent tank 50 is assembled into the receiving portion 31, the connecting portion 321 is inserted into the tank outlet 54, thereby connecting the pump 32 to the interior of the detergent tank 50.

[0048] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the washing machine 10 includes one or more detergent dispensers 50, in this case, two. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a detergent dispenser 501 and a fabric softener dispenser 502 as detergent dispensers 50. The detergent dispenser 501 is used to store the amount of detergent needed for multiple runs, and in this case, it stores liquid detergent. The fabric softener dispenser 502 is used to store the amount of fabric softener needed for multiple runs, and in this case, it stores liquid fabric softener. The detergent dispensers 501 and 502 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction or the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, the detergent dispensers 501 and 502 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction, with the detergent dispenser 501 located far from the axis of the sink 12 (on the left side) and the detergent dispenser 502 located close to the axis of the sink 12 (on the right side).

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, the wall portion 35 of the receiving section 31 is configured to include: a front wall portion 351, a left wall portion 352, a right wall portion 353, and a back wall portion 354. The front wall portion 351 forms the front side surface of the receiving section 31. The left wall portion 352 and the right wall portion 353 form the left and right side surfaces of the receiving section 31. The back wall portion 354 forms the back side surface of the receiving section 31. One or more water inlets 37 are arranged side by side in the front of the right wall portion 353. With the treatment agent box 40 housed in the receiving section 31, the first water inlet 371 and the second water inlet 372 face the detergent dispensing section 401, supplying water to the detergent dispensing section 401. With the treatment cartridge 40 housed in the housing section 31, the third water inlet 373 faces the fabric softener dispensing section 402, supplying water to the fabric softener dispensing section 402. The first water inlet 371 forms part of the first water supply path 221. The second water inlet 372 forms part of the second water supply path 222. The third water inlet 373 forms part of the third water supply path 223.

[0050] The bottom portion 36 is configured to include: a first bottom portion 361, a second bottom portion 362, a raised portion 363, and a middle portion 364. The first bottom portion 361 forms the back side portion of the bottom portion 36. In this embodiment, the first bottom portion 361 is surrounded by a back wall portion 354 and left and right wall portions 352 and 353. The second bottom portion 362 forms the front side portion of the bottom portion 36. In this embodiment, the second bottom portion 362 is surrounded by a front wall portion 351 and left and right wall portions 352 and 353.

[0051] When viewed from above, the first bottom part 361 and the second bottom part 362 form inverted L-shapes and L-shapes respectively, interlocking to form a rectangle when viewed from above as a whole. In other words, the first bottom part 361 protrudes forward on the right side and is recessed backward on the left side. Similarly, the second bottom part 362 protrudes backward on the left side and is recessed forward on the right side. The first bottom part 361 and the second bottom part 362 slope downward from the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction, i.e., from right to left. At the right side of the first bottom part 361 and the second bottom part 362, that is, at the part where the boundary between the first bottom part 361 and the second bottom part 362 protrudes forward, the height of the first bottom part 361 from the floor surface is set to be lower than the height of the second bottom part 362 from the floor surface. On the left side of the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, that is, in the recessed part behind the dividing part between the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, the height of the first bottom 361 from the floor surface is set to be higher than the height of the second bottom 362 from the floor surface.

[0052] The raised portion 363 and the intermediate portion 364 connect the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362. The raised portion 363 protrudes upward from both the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, separating the space above the first bottom 361 from the space above the second bottom 362. The raised portion 363 extends to the left from the right wall portion 353, and its left end is located at a position away from the left wall portion 352. The width of the raised portion 363 in the left-right direction is set to approximately 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the width of the receiving portion 31 in the left-right direction. The raised portion 363 faces the forward-protruding portion of the first bottom 361 and the forward-recessed portion of the second bottom 362, separating them. That is, at the portion where the height of the first bottom 361 from the floor surface is lower than the height of the second bottom 362 from the floor surface, the raised portion 363 forms the boundary between the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362.

[0053] The middle portion 364 forms a wall extending vertically at the left end of the receiving portion 31, connecting the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362. The second bottom 362 is recessed downwards to the left of the left end of the raised portion 363, thereby setting the height of the second bottom 362 above the floor surface to be lower than the height of the first bottom 361 above the floor surface. The middle portion 364 extends upwards from the second bottom 362, with its upper end connected to the first bottom 361. In this embodiment, the middle portion 364 is curved and is formed to generally include a surface perpendicular to the front-back direction and a surface perpendicular to the left-right direction. That is, the middle portion 364 is configured to include a portion opposite to the front wall portion 351 of the receiving portion 31 and a portion opposite to the left wall portion 352.

[0054] A receiving portion outlet 38 is formed in the middle portion 364, extending through the middle portion 364 in the thickness direction. In this case, the receiving portion outlet 38 is provided in the middle portion 364 on a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction, that is, the portion opposite to the front wall portion 351 of the receiving portion 31. The left side portion of the second bottom 362, that is, the portion lower than the first bottom 361, is inclined in a manner that descends from the front end to the rear end, that is, toward the receiving portion outlet 38. This inclination angle can be set, for example, to 0.5° to 2°. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the left side portion of the second bottom 362 relative to the front-rear direction is set to approximately 1°.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the treatment agent tank 50 is housed above the rearward-protruding portions of the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362. The treatment agent box 40 is housed above the second bottom 362. The raised portion 363 separates the space for housing the treatment agent tank 50 and the space for housing the treatment agent box 40. The intermediate portion 364, including the storage compartment outlet 38, is located below the treatment agent tank 50 when the treatment agent tank 50 is housed in the storage compartment 31, specifically below the detergent box 501 housed on the left side.

[0056] like Figures 5-7 as well as Figures 9-11 As shown, the treatment agent container 40 has: a front surface 41, 42, 43, 44, a bottom 45, a partition 46, a lower opening 47, and a drain 48. The front surfaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 form the outer periphery of the container shape of the treatment agent container 40. The front surface 41 forms the front side surface of the treatment agent container 40. The left side surface 42 forms the left side surface of the treatment agent container 40. The left side surface 42 is configured to include a first left side surface 421 forming the left side surface of the dispensing part 401, and a second left side surface 422 forming the left side surface of the dispensing part 402. The right side surface 43 forms the right side surface of the treatment agent container 40. The right side surface 43 is configured to include a first right side surface 431 forming the right side surface of the dispensing part 401, and a second right side surface 432 forming the right side surface of the dispensing part 402. The back surface 44 forms the rear side surface of the treatment agent container 40.

[0057] The partition 46 divides the space within the container shape of the treatment agent box 40 in either the front-back or left-right direction, creating a dispensing section 401 and a dispensing section 402. In this embodiment, the partition 46 extends in the left-right direction, dividing the space within the treatment agent box 40 in the front-back direction. In this case, extending in the left-right direction means not only extending parallel to the left-right direction in a strict sense, but also extending in a direction that mainly includes a component of the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the partition 46 is inclined relative to the left-right direction. For example, the partition 46 is formed such that it is inclined relative to the left-right direction, with the right end closer to the outer side of the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 and closer to the front side than the left end. That is, the dispensing sections 401 and 402 are each formed into a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from above. In addition, the lower opening 47 is also formed into a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from above.

[0058] Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, the width W1 of the first left face 421 in the front-back direction is set to be smaller than the width W2 of the first right face 431 in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the width W3 of the second left face 422 in the front-back direction is set to be larger than the width W4 of the second right face 432 in the front-back direction. For example, the width W1 of the first left face 421 in the front-back direction can be set to approximately 2 / 3 to approximately 4 / 5 times the width W2 of the first right face 431 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the width W1 of the first left face 421 in the front-back direction is set to approximately 3 / 4 times the width W2 of the first right face 431 in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the width W4 of the second right face 432 in the front-back direction can be set to approximately 2 / 3 to approximately 4 / 5 times the width W3 of the second left face 422 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the width W4 of the second right face 432 in the front-back direction is set to be approximately 3 / 4 times the width W3 of the second left face 422 in the front-back direction.

[0059] Furthermore, the width W1 of the first left face 421 in the front-back direction is set to be greater than or equal to the width W4 of the second right face 432 in the front-back direction. Additionally, the width W2 of the first right face 431 in the front-back direction is set to be greater than or equal to the width W3 of the second left face 422 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the width W2 of the first right face 431 in the front-back direction is set to be the largest, followed by the width W3 of the second left face 422 in the front-back direction, then the width W1 of the first left face 421 in the front-back direction, and the width W4 of the second right face 432 in the front-back direction is set to be the smallest.

[0060] The first left face 421, the partition 46, the first right face 431, and the back face 44 form the outer periphery of the detergent dispensing part 401. The second left face 422, the front face 41, the second right face 432, and the partition 46 form the outer periphery of the fabric softener dispensing part 402.

[0061] Bottom 45 is formed as a container-shaped bottom surface of the treatment agent box 40. Bottom 45 is formed as a container-shaped bottom surface of at least one of the dispensing parts 401 or 402. In this embodiment, bottom 45 is formed as a container-shaped bottom surface of the dispensing part 402.

[0062] The lower opening 47 is an opening formed in the thickness direction at the lower part of the container shape of the dispensing part 401, communicating with the interior of the dispensing part 401 and the lower part of the dispensing part 401. The lower opening 47 has the function of allowing powdered or liquid detergent or injected water dispensed into the dispensing part 401 to flow down and to the outside of the detergent box 40, that is, downstream of the receiving part 31. In addition, although in this embodiment, the portion corresponding to the lower part, that is, the bottom, of the dispensing part 401 is generally open and becomes the lower opening 47, in other embodiments, it may be configured such that a bottom 45 is provided in the dispensing part 401, and the lower opening 47 is provided in a part of the bottom 45.

[0063] The drain cylinder 48 is formed as a hollow cylinder with openings at the top and bottom, and is configured to protrude upwards from the bottom 45 of the dispensing section 402. A cap component 49 is fitted onto the drain cylinder 48. The cap component 49 has an upper portion 491 formed as a plate, and a hollow, bottomed cylindrical portion 492 formed as a closed upper portion and an open lower portion, which is configured to allow the drain cylinder 48 to be inserted. The drain cylinder 48 and the cap component 49 together constitute a siphon mechanism. The siphon mechanism has the function of causing the liquid detergent or injected water dispensed into the dispensing section 402 to flow to the outside of the detergent box 40, i.e., downstream of the receiving section 31, according to the principle of a siphon tube.

[0064] The lower opening 47 is positioned near the water inlet 37, i.e., to the right, when viewed from above. The width of the lower opening 47 in the left-right direction can be set to, for example, approximately 1 / 3 to approximately 2 / 3 of the width of the treatment agent box 40 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the width of the lower opening 47 in the left-right direction is set to approximately 1 / 3 to approximately 2 / 3 of the width of the treatment agent box 40 in the left-right direction. The end of the lower opening 47 opposite to the water inlet 37, i.e., the left end, is located at the same level as the left end of the raised portion 363, or closer to the water inlet 37 than the raised portion 363, i.e., to the right. Here, "opposite to the water inlet 37" means the side opposite to the water inlet 37, i.e., the side away from the water inlet 37. That is, the lower opening 47 is located vertically above the right side of the second bottom 362, i.e., the portion higher than the first bottom 361. Therefore, when viewed from above, the lower opening 47 does not overlap with the outlet 38 of the containment section in the front-back direction. In other words, the lower opening 47 is located in an area other than the area where the outlet 38 of the containment section extends forward when viewed from above, and is closer to the water inlet 37 than the area where the outlet 38 of the containment section extends forward.

[0065] A portion of the detergent dispensed by the user into the dispensing unit 401 falls from the lower opening 47 to the second bottom 362. When the first water supply valve 231 or the second water supply valve 232 is opened, water is injected into the dispensing unit 401 through the first water inlet 371 or the second water inlet 372. The water flow washes away any detergent residue remaining in the dispensing unit 401 as it falls from the lower opening 47. The second bottom 362 is formed as an inclined surface that descends to the left, opposite to the water inlet 37. As a result, water or water containing detergent that reaches the second bottom 362 flows to the left, opposite to the water inlet 37. Furthermore, when the water or water containing detergent reaches the vicinity of the left end of the second bottom 362, which is lower than the first bottom 361, it flows toward the receiving outlet 38 due to the downward slope of the second bottom 362. That is, the water or water containing detergent flowing out of the lower opening 47 does not flow in a straight line to the receiving section outlet 38, but flows to the left and then changes direction by about 90° to flow to the rear.

[0066] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the drain cylinder 48 is positioned on the opposite side of the water inlet 37 of the treatment agent box 40 when viewed from above, that is, on the left side at this time. Additionally, the drain cylinder 48 is positioned to the left of the left end of the lower opening 47. The drain cylinder 48 is located vertically above the left portion of the second bottom 362, that is, above the portion lower than the first bottom 361.

[0067] Water or detergent flowing from drain pipe 48 falls down to the second bottom 362. In this case, the water or detergent-containing water flowing from drain pipe 48 falls to the left side of the second bottom 362, that is, the part lower than the first bottom 361. Thereafter, the water or detergent-containing water flows towards the receiving section outlet 38 along the downward slope of the second bottom 362.

[0068] Downstream of the containment section 31, water or water containing detergent flows toward the containment section outlet 38 in a direction orthogonal to the long axis of the detergent container 40. In this case, downstream of the containment section 31, water or water containing detergent flows toward the containment section outlet 38 in a front-to-back direction. Here, the term "direction orthogonal to the long axis of the detergent container 40" or "front-to-back direction" does not necessarily mean a direction or front-to-back direction that intersects at a strict 90° angle, but also includes a component that mainly includes the direction or front-to-back direction or the direction orthogonal to the long axis of the detergent container 40.

[0069] Figure 5 The area S extending the outlet 38 of the receiving section in the front-to-back direction is shown using a grid. The lower opening 47 of the dispensing section 401 is positioned so that it does not overlap with the area S obtained by extending the outlet 38 of the receiving section in the front-to-back direction when viewed from above. That is, the lower opening 47 of the dispensing section 401 is positioned outside the area S obtained by extending the outlet 38 of the receiving section in a straight line along the direction of water flowing towards the outlet 38 or following the direction of water flow when viewed from above. In this case, a user standing near the washing machine 10 will not be able to see the outlet 38 of the receiving section through the lower opening 47. In addition, as Figure 9 As shown, the containment outlet 38 is positioned so that it can be seen by the user when the treatment agent box 40 and the treatment agent tank 501 are removed.

[0070] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the height of the upper ends of water inlets 371, 372, and 373 above the floor surface is set below the height of the upper ends of the front portion 41, left portion 42, and rear portion 44 above the floor surface. That is, the front portion 41, left portion 42, and rear portion 44 extend to a position above the water inlets 371, 372, and 373. Therefore, the possibility of water injected from the water inlets 371, 372, and 373 into the dispensing portions 401 and 402 scattering outside the treatment agent container 40 is suppressed.

[0071] like Figure 7 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11As shown, the height of the upper ends of the front part 41, left part 42, and back part 44 of the treatment agent box 40 from the floor surface is set to be higher than the height of the upper end of the right part 43 from the floor surface. Therefore, when viewed as a whole, the treatment agent box 40 has a shape with the upper part cut off and recessed downwards at the right part 43 facing the water inlet 37. The height of the upper end of the right part 431 from the floor surface is set to be lower than the height of the upper end of the water inlet 37 from the floor surface, and the recessed shape of the right part 431 serves as a water supply port to each dispensing part 401, 402.

[0072] In this embodiment, the lower ends of the first water inlet 371 and the third water inlet 373 are positioned above the height of the upper end of the right side part 431 above the height of the floor surface. More specifically, the lower ends of the first water inlet 371 and the third water inlet 373 are positioned almost the same as the upper end of the right side part 431 above the floor surface. Therefore, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened to the first water supply path 221, water flowing to the first water inlet 371 through the water supply pipe 24 is injected into the dispensing unit 401 above the upper end of the first right side part 431. Similarly, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened to the third water supply path 223, water flowing to the third water inlet 373 through the water supply pipe 24 is injected into the dispensing unit 402 above the upper end of the second right side part 432.

[0073] On the other hand, the lower end of the second water inlet 372 is positioned below the height of the upper end of the right side 431 from the floor surface. That is, with the treatment agent container 40 housed in the receiving section 31, a portion of the second water inlet 372 is exposed, while another portion is covered by the treatment agent container 40. Therefore, when the second water supply valve 232 is opened to allow water to flow through the second water supply path 222, a portion of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 24 to the second water inlet 372 is injected into the dispensing section 401 above the upper end of the first right side 431. The remaining portion flows between the first right side 431 and the right wall 353 of the receiving section 31 and falls to the second bottom 362. At this time, water that is not injected into the dispensing section 401 from the second water inlet 372 will shake out or overflow along the outer surface of the right side 43 of the treatment agent box 40 or the wall 35 of the receiving section 31, rinsing the detergent adhering to the outside of the treatment agent box 40.

[0074] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 11As shown, the partition 46 has a raised portion 461. The raised portion 461 extends upward from the partition 46, dividing the space on the side of the dispensing portion 401 and the space on the side of the dispensing portion 402. The height of the lower end of the raised portion 461 above the floor surface is set to be approximately the same as the height of the upper end of the right side portion 43 above the floor surface. The height of the upper end of the raised portion 461 above the floor surface is set to be approximately the same as the height of the upper ends of the front portion 41, the left side portion 42, and the back portion 44 above the floor surface. That is, the height of the upper end of the raised portion 461 above the floor surface is set to be higher than the height of the upper ends of the water inlets 371, 372, and 373 above the floor surface. The raised portion 461 extends above the water inlets 371, 372, and 373. Therefore, when water is injected into the detergent dispensing section 401 from the first water inlet 371 or the second water inlet 372, the upright portion 461 can prevent water from entering the fabric softener dispensing section 402. Furthermore, when water is injected into the fabric softener dispensing section 402 from the third water inlet 373, the upright portion 461 can prevent water from entering the detergent dispensing section 401.

[0075] The upright portion 461 extends from the water inlet 37 side end of the treatment agent box 40, i.e., the right end at this time, to at least the center of the treatment agent box 40 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the position of the opposite side end of the water inlet 37 of the upright portion 461, i.e., the left end at this time, in the front-back direction, roughly overlaps with the position of the opposite side end of the water inlet 37 of the lower opening 47, i.e., the left end at this time.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a raised portion 462 extending in the left-right direction is also provided at the end opposite to the water inlet 37 of the partition 46, that is, at the left end. That is, the raised portions 461 and 462 are formed discontinuously from the right side 43 to the left side 42 with a gap. When a large amount of water is injected into the dispensing section 402 at once, and the drainage from the drain pipe 48 cannot keep up, the gap between the raised portion 461 on the right side and the raised portion 462 on the left side functions as an overflow portion for water to overflow into the dispensing section 401.

[0077] like Figure 8 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the back portion 44 of the treatment agent box 40 is configured to include: an upper back portion 441, a lower back portion 442, and a stepped portion 443. The upper back portion 441 forms the upper part of the back portion 44, and the lower back portion 442 forms the lower part of the back portion 44. The stepped portion 443 connects the upper back portion 441 and the lower back portion 442.

[0078] The lower end of the upper back portion 441 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper end of the right side portion 43. The upper end of the upper back portion 441 coincides with the upper end of the back portion 44. The upper back portion 441 extends approximately vertically upwards. The upper end of the lower back portion 442 is positioned at a height lower than the upper end of the right side portion 43. The lower end of the lower back portion 442 forms part of the end of the lower opening 47. The lower back portion 442 slopes downwards towards the front.

[0079] The step section 443 is tilted only slightly, descending from the side of the water inlet 37 towards the opposite side of the water inlet 37, that is, from right to left. Furthermore, the step section 443 is tilted forward. The angle of inclination of the step section 443 towards the front is set to be gentler than the angle of inclination of the lower rear section 442. Therefore, a portion of the water injected into the dispensing section 401 from the first water inlet 371 will flow along the left-right inclination of the step section 443 and reach the first left face 421.

[0080] The first left face 421 is configured to include an upper left face 4211 and an inclined portion 4212. The upper left face 4211 forms the upper part of the first left face 421. The inclined portion 4212 forms the lower part of the first left face 421. The upper left face 4211 extends substantially vertically upward. The height of the lower end of the upper left face 4211 above the floor surface is set at a position that is substantially lower than the height of the step portion 443 in the vertical direction from the height of the upper end of the right face 43 above the floor surface. The upper end of the upper left face 4211 coincides with the upper end of the left face 42.

[0081] The upper end of the inclined section 4212 is connected to the lower end of the upper left face 4211. That is, the height of the upper end of the inclined section 4212 above the floor surface is set to be approximately the same as the height of the lower end of the step 443 above the floor surface. The lower end of the inclined section 4212 forms part of the end of the lower opening 47. The inclined section 4212 is inclined in a manner that descends from the side opposite to the water inlet 37 towards the water inlet 37, that is, from the left to the right. Therefore, water that reaches the first left face 421 along the step 443 flows down the inclination of the inclined section 4212 and is discharged from the lower opening 47.

[0082] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes: an outer casing 11, a water tank 12, a receiving section 31, and a treatment agent container 40. The outer casing 11 is box-shaped. The water tank 12 is disposed inside the outer casing 11. The receiving section 31 is disposed inside the outer casing 11. It has an opening 34 formed by opening the top surface 111 side of the outer casing 11. The treatment agent container 40 is container-shaped and is disposed in the receiving section 31 in a detachable manner. The receiving section 31 has a receiving section outlet 38 leading to the water tank 12 at a position that does not overlap with the treatment agent container 40 when viewed from above. The treatment agent container 40 has surfaces 41, 42, 43, and 44 forming the outer periphery, and a lower opening 47 provided at the bottom. The lower opening 47 is positioned in the area outside the area obtained by extending the storage compartment outlet 38 when viewed from above, in the state where the treatment agent box 40 is housed in the storage compartment 31, in the direction where the storage compartment outlet 38 is parallel to the treatment agent box 40, that is, in the front-back direction at this time.

[0083] Accordingly, when viewed from above, the flow path from the landing point of the detergent and / or water from the lower opening 47 to the outlet 38 of the receiving section is not in a straight line. In this case, the outlet 38 of the receiving section is located behind the detergent box 40, and the water flows in a generally front-to-back direction through the outlet 38. The lower opening 47 is located in an area outside the area obtained by extending the outlet 38 of the receiving section forward when viewed from above, and is offset from the outlet 38 of the receiving section in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent small objects that fall from the lower opening 47 to the bottom 36 of the receiving section 31 from rotating unchangingly and passing through the outlet 38 of the receiving section into the water tank 12. In addition, even assuming that the small object falling from the lower opening 47 to the bottom 36 of the receiving section 31 rotates, compared to the case where the path from the landing point to the outlet 38 of the receiving section is in a straight line, since it takes time for the small object to reach the outlet 38 of the receiving section, the user will pick up the small object. Therefore, the washing machine 10 can improve the operability and convenience for the user.

[0084] The containment exit 38 is located behind the treatment agent container 40. The lower opening 47 is located at a position offset from the containment exit 38 in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0085] Therefore, while a user standing near the front of the washing machine 10 can observe the bottom 36 of the receiving section 31 through the lower opening 47, it can also be configured so that the outlet 38 of the receiving section cannot be observed through the lower opening 47. Thus, in the event that a user drops a small item through the lower opening 47, it can suppress the user's concern that the small item might fall into the sink 12 through the outlet 38 of the receiving section. Therefore, it can increase the user's sense of security.

[0086] In the case where the washing machine 10 is a front-loading washing machine as in this embodiment, the receiving part 31 needs to be positioned to avoid the cylindrical water tank 12 located at the center of the washing machine 10 as much as possible. Therefore, the receiving part 31 needs to be positioned on the side of the washing machine 10 near the left and right sides. In addition, since the closer it is to the side in the left and right directions, the greater the gap in the height direction between it and the water tank 12, the larger the size of the receiving part 31 can be. For example, when the receiving part 31 is positioned towards the left side of the washing machine 10, the more the receiving part 31 is positioned towards the left side, the greater the depth of the receiving part 31 can be designed. In this case, the capacity of the detergent tank 50 for the automatic dispensing device can be easily ensured. On the other hand, the detergent used as the washing agent is, for example, in powder form. Powdered detergent is more likely to dissolve and leave residue than liquid detergent. In order to suppress the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent, it is advisable to set the water inlet 37 on the left and right walls 352, 353 of the receiving part 31 to inject water from multiple directions. However, when the water inlet 37 is located on the left and right walls 352 and 353 of the receiving section 31, the water supply path 22 needs to be located on the left and right sides of the receiving section 31. In this case, the receiving section 31 needs to be positioned so that the width of the water supply path is left from the side of the washing machine 10 toward the center.

[0087] In this regard, the washing machine 10 has a water supply path 22 that supplies water from an external water source to the receiving section 31. The receiving section 31 has multiple water inlets 371, 372, and 373 that serve as inlets for water from the water supply path 22. The multiple water inlets 371, 372, and 373 are arranged in the left-right direction of the receiving section 31 on the right-side wall 353 of the washing machine 10, which is the center side at this time. The detergent dispenser 40 has a detergent dispensing section 401 and a fabric softener dispensing section 402 arranged side by side in the front-back direction. The detergent dispensing section 401 and the fabric softener dispensing section 402 each have a face 431 and 432 facing the water inlet 37. The width W2 of the first face 431 of the detergent dispensing section 401 facing the water inlet 37, which is the first right face 431 at this time, is set to be wider than the width W4 of the second face 432 of the fabric softener dispensing section 402 facing the water inlet 37.

[0088] Accordingly, by arranging all water inlets 371, 372, and 373 on the center side of the washing machine 10, the water supply path 22 can be configured to narrow towards the center of the washing machine 10. Therefore, the receiving section 31 can be positioned as close as possible to the side of the outer casing 11, i.e., closer to the left side. This increases the size of the receiving section 31, and furthermore, when the treatment tank 50 is housed within the receiving section 31, its capacity can be increased.

[0089] Furthermore, although it is possible to dissolve residual powdered detergent by narrowing the water inlets 371, 372, and 373 towards one side, the size of the water inlets 371 and 372 can be increased by increasing the width W2 of the first right-side portion 431 of the detergent dispensing unit 401 facing the water inlets 371 and 372. That is, because the configuration allows a large amount of water to flow out from the water inlets 371 and 372 at once, the dissolution and residue of powdered detergent can be suppressed. In addition, as an external water source, it is conceivable that bath water may also be used. Since the width W2 of the first right-side portion 431 of the detergent dispensing unit 401 facing the water inlets 371 and 372 is set relatively large, multiple water inlets 37 can be provided facing the first right-side portion 431, namely, a first water inlet 371 for tap water and a second water inlet 372 for bath water.

[0090] The fabric softener dispensing section 402, near the third face (i.e., the second left face 422) opposite the second face (i.e., the second right face 432 at this time), has a siphon mechanism consisting of a drain pipe 48 and a cap member 49. The width W3 of the third face (i.e., the second left face 422 at this time) in the front-back direction of the fabric softener dispensing section 402 is set to be greater than the width W4 of the second face (i.e., the second right face 432 at this time) in the front-back direction of the fabric softener dispensing section 402.

[0091] The fabric softener dispensing section 402's width, or depth, in the front-to-back direction gradually increases from the right side of the water inlet 37 towards the opposite side, or the left side. Conversely, the detergent dispensing section 401's width, or depth, in the front-to-back direction also gradually increases from the right side of the water inlet 37 towards the opposite side, or the left side. Therefore, compared to a case where the depth is set to a constant, the size of the cap component 49 can be increased. This makes it easier for the user to install and remove the cap component 49 during cleaning. Thus, the washing machine 10 improves user operability and convenience.

[0092] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fabric softener dispensing section 402 increases as it moves from the third water inlet 373 towards the opposite side of the water inlet 37, i.e., from the right side towards the left side. As the water flowing into the fabric softener dispensing section 402 from the third water inlet 373 approaches the opposite side of the water inlet 37, i.e., the left side, its flow rate gradually decreases. Therefore, it is possible to suppress situations where splashing from the fabric softener dispensing section 402 causes the area around the washing machine 10 to become wet, and where water seeps into the electrical structure, causing malfunctions. In addition, the depth of the detergent dispensing section 401 becomes narrower on the opposite side of the water inlet 37, i.e., the left side. Therefore, compared to a case where the depth is set to be constant, the possibility of small items falling through the lower opening 47 can be reduced. Thus, the washing machine 10 achieves improved user convenience.

[0093] Here, by miniaturizing the overall product or by placing both the detergent dispenser 40 and the detergent tank 50 within the receiving section 31, the size of the detergent dispenser 40 is reduced, making it easier to narrow the area of ​​the upper opening for user dispensing. In this case, especially when powdered detergent is dispensed into the detergent dispensing section 401, it may overflow onto the fabric softener dispensing section side.

[0094] In this regard, the detergent dispenser 40 has a raised portion 461 between the detergent dispensing section 401 and the fabric softener dispensing section 402, extending to a position higher than the upper ends of the water inlets 371, 372, and 373. The raised portion 461 extends from the first facet 431 (i.e., the first right facet 431 at this time) and the second facet 432 (i.e., the second right facet 432 at this time) of the detergent dispenser 40 facing the water inlets 371, 372, and 373, extending at least to the center of the detergent dispenser 40 in the left-right direction.

[0095] When the user adds detergent to the detergent dispenser 401, it naturally falls into the part closest to the wide water inlet 37, which is the right side of the center of the washing machine 10 at this time. Because a raised portion 461 is provided at least near the water inlet 37 in the detergent dispenser 40, the user can prevent detergent, especially powdered detergent, from scattering onto the fabric softener dispenser 402 when adding it to the detergent dispenser 401. Furthermore, a space wide enough for the user to insert their fingers is formed on both sides of the raised portion 461, i.e., in front of and behind the raised portion 461. Therefore, it is easy for the user to perform operations such as grasping the raised portion 461 to install or remove the detergent dispenser 40. Thus, the washing machine 10 improves user operability and convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the height of the upper end of the upright portion 461 above the floor surface is set to be approximately the same as the height of the upper end of the front portion 41, the left portion 42, and the back portion 44 above the floor surface, it is not limited to this. The height of the upper end of the upright portion 461 above the floor surface may also be set to be higher than the height of the upper end of the front portion 41, the left portion 42, and the back portion 44 above the floor surface. In addition, at least a portion of the upright portion 461 may also be set to be higher than the height of the upper end of the front portion 41, the left portion 42, and the back portion 44 above the floor surface.

[0097] The detergent dispensing section 401 has a stepped section 443 and a lower back section 442 on its rear side section 44 opposite to the upright section 461. The stepped section 443 extends from the first face section, i.e., the first right face section 431 at this time, to the fourth face section, i.e., the first left face section 421 opposite to the first right face section 431. The lower back section 442 is formed as an inclined surface that descends from the stepped section 443 toward the lower opening 47. When viewed from the side, the inclination angle of the stepped section 443 is set to be gentler than the inclination angle of the lower back section 442.

[0098] Accordingly, a portion of the water injected into the detergent dispensing section 401 from the water inlets 371 and 372 flows along the step section 443 to the surface opposite to the water inlet 37, which is now the first left surface 421. The water reaching the first left surface 421 can rinse away the detergent adhering to the first left surface 421. Therefore, detergent residue can be suppressed, and the washing machine 10 can improve user convenience.

[0099] Furthermore, the step portion 443 slopes downward from the side of the water inlet 37 toward the opposite side of the water inlet 37. As a result, water will flow more easily along the slope of the step portion 443 to the first left face 421 on the opposite side of the water inlet 37.

[0100] The fourth face, namely the first left face 421 at this time, is formed as an inclined portion 4212 that descends from a height position at least connected to the step portion 443 toward the lower opening 47. In this case, the upper end of the inclined portion 4212 is connected to the vicinity of the lower end of the step portion 443.

[0101] Accordingly, water that travels along the step portion 443 to the first left face 421 opposite to the water inlet 37 flows down the inclined portion 4212 to the lower opening 47 and is discharged from the lower opening 47 to the outside of the detergent dispenser 40. Thus, the washing machine 10 can smoothly discharge water from the detergent dispenser 401, thereby improving user convenience.

[0102] With the treatment cartridge 40 housed in the housing section 31, at least a portion of the plurality of water inlets 371, 372, and 373 are positioned such that the lower end of water inlet 372 is located below the upper end of the right side 43 of the treatment cartridge 40 facing the water inlet 37.

[0103] Accordingly, a portion of the water injected into the receiving section 31 from the water inlets 371, 372, and 373 flows into the detergent dispenser 40, while the remainder passes through the outside of the detergent dispenser 40 and reaches the bottom 36 of the receiving section 31. The water from inside the detergent dispenser 40 and the water from outside the detergent dispenser 40 then merge at the bottom 36 and are supplied to the water tank 12 from the receiving section outlet 38. The water from outside the detergent dispenser 40 washes away any detergent that has overflowed outside the detergent dispenser 40. Additionally, the water from outside the detergent dispenser 40 washes the water inlet 37 side of the bottom 36, i.e., the upstream side. This prevents the presence of detergent that has dissolved and remained in the detergent dispenser 40 or the receiving section 31. Therefore, the washing machine 10 improves user convenience.

[0104] (Second Implementation)

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 12 The second embodiment will now be described. Compared to the first embodiment, the washing machine 10 of the second embodiment replaces the first water inlet 371 with a fourth water inlet 60. While the fourth water inlet 60 differs from the first water inlet 371 in its vertical height, its other configuration and function are the same. With the detergent dispenser 40 housed in the housing 31, the fourth water inlet 60 faces the detergent dispensing unit 401 and supplies water to it. The fourth water inlet 60 forms part of the first water supply path 221.

[0106] like Figure 12As shown, the lower end of the fourth water inlet 60 is positioned below the floor surface, similar to the second water inlet 372. That is, with the treatment agent container 40 housed in the receiving section 31, a portion of the fourth water inlet 60 is exposed, while another portion is covered by the treatment agent container 40. Therefore, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened towards the first water supply path 221, and water flows into the first water supply path 221, a portion of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 24 to the fourth water inlet 60 is injected into the dispensing section 401 above the upper end of the first right side 431, and the remaining portion flows between the first right side 431 and the right wall 353 of the receiving section 31, falling to the second bottom 362. At this time, water that is not injected into the dispensing section 401 from the fourth water inlet 60 will shake out or overflow along the outer surface of the right side 43 of the treatment agent box 40 or the wall 35 of the receiving section 31, rinsing the detergent adhering to the outside of the treatment agent box 40. According to this embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be produced.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the lower end of the second water inlet 372 is positioned below the height of the upper end of the right face 431 from the floor surface. However, in other embodiments, the lower end of the second water inlet 372 may be positioned above the height of the upper end of the right face 431 from the floor surface. Furthermore, in the first or second embodiment, the lower end of the third water inlet 373 may be positioned below the height of the upper end of the right face 431 from the floor surface. That is, when there are multiple water inlets 37, at least one water inlet 37 is positioned below the height of the upper end of the right face 431 from the floor surface, while the lower ends of the other water inlets 37 are positioned above the height of the upper end of the right face 431 from the floor surface.

[0108] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment processing apparatus comprising: an outer casing formed in a box shape; a water tank disposed within the outer casing; a receiving section disposed within the outer casing and having an opening formed to open the top surface of the outer casing; a processing agent container formed in a container shape and detachably housed within the receiving section; and a water supply path for supplying water from an external water source to the receiving section. The treatment agent box has a lower opening located at the bottom. The receiving section has multiple water inlets that serve as inlets for water from the water supply path. The plurality of water inlets are located on the wall of the central side of the garment processing device in the left-right direction of the receiving section. The treatment kit has, side by side in the front-to-back direction, a detergent dispensing section and a fabric softener dispensing section. The detergent dispensing section and the fabric softener dispensing section each have a face facing the water inlet. The width of the first face of the detergent dispensing part facing the water inlet is set to be greater than the width of the second face of the fabric softener dispensing part facing the water inlet. The treatment cartridge has an upright portion extending to a position higher than the upper end of the water inlet between the detergent dispensing section and the fabric softener dispensing section. The detergent dispensing section has a stepped portion and a lower rear portion on its back side opposite to the upright portion. The lower rear portion forms an inclined surface that descends from the stepped portion.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the treatment cartridge housed in the receiving section, the lower end of at least one of the plurality of water inlets is positioned below the upper end of the surface of the treatment cartridge facing the water inlet.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fabric softener dispensing section has a siphon mechanism consisting of a drain tube and a cap component located near the third face section opposite the second face section. The width of the third face of the fabric softener dispensing part in the front-back direction is set to be greater than the width of the second face of the fabric softener dispensing part in the front-back direction.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving section has a second water inlet for bathing. The second water inlet faces the first face.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The upright portion extends from between the first and second faces of the treatment agent box facing the water inlet, at least to the center of the treatment agent box in the left-right direction.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The stepped portion extends from the first face to the fourth face opposite the first face. The inclined surface faces the lower opening, and when viewed from the side, the inclination angle of the stepped portion is set to be gentler than the inclination angle of the lower back portion.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the receiving section has an outlet leading to the water tank at a position that does not overlap with the treatment agent container. The treatment agent cartridge has a surface that forms the outer periphery of the treatment agent cartridge. The lower opening is located in an area other than the area obtained by extending the outlet of the receiving part in the direction parallel to the receiving part when viewed from above, with the treatment agent box housed in the receiving part.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes: A treatment agent tank, configured to hold the amount of detergent required for multiple operations, is removably housed within the receiving section; and An automatic dispensing device draws a predetermined amount of detergent from the treatment agent tank and automatically supplies it to the water tank. With the treatment agent box and the treatment agent container housed in the receiving part, the back part of the treatment agent box and the front part of the treatment agent container are adjacent to each other, and a portion of the upper part of the front part of the treatment agent container is exposed when viewed from the side of the treatment agent box.

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