Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which has devised a positional relationship between an automatic input part, a water pouring case and a water supply valve unit, and which can sufficiently secure the capacity of a tank.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: an outer case for constituting an outer contour; a clothing treatment tub provided inside the outer case, and for storing clothing; an automatic input part for inputting a clothing treatment agent stored in a tank into the clothing treatment tub; a water pouring case for pouring water in the water treatment tub; and a water supply valve unit for supplying water in the water pouring case and the automatic input part. The automatic input part, the water pouring case and the water supply valve unit are arranged side by side along the lateral direction of the outer case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a washing machine which is an example of a clothing treatment apparatus that performs a predetermined treatment on clothing, in order to meet the demand for improving the convenience of the user, a plurality of doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergents and fabric softeners are stored in advance in a tank for automatic feeding, and a configuration including an automatic feeding unit that automatically feeds a required amount from the tank into the water tank during operation has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a washing machine equipped with an automatic feeding function, it is required to devise the positional relationship of components other than the automatic feeding unit, such as the automatic feeding unit and, for example, a water injection case and a water supply valve unit, so that the capacity of the tank is not restricted within the limited space inside the outer box.

[0005] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a clothing treatment apparatus that devises the positional relationship of the automatic feeding unit, the water injection case, and the water supply valve unit so as to ensure a sufficient capacity of the tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The clothing treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an outer box that constitutes an outer shell, a clothing treatment tub provided inside the outer box for accommodating clothing, an automatic dosing unit for dosing a clothing treatment agent stored in a tank into the clothing treatment tub, a water injection case for pouring water into the clothing treatment tub, and a water supply valve unit for supplying water to the water injection case and the automatic dosing unit. The water injection case is disposed between the automatic dosing unit and the water supply valve unit in the lateral direction of the outer box. The direction in which water flows in the path from the water supply valve unit toward the automatic dosing unit is different from the direction in which water flows in the path from the automatic dosing unit toward the water injection case. The apparatus includes a mixing unit for mixing the clothing treatment agent supplied from the tank and the water supplied from the water supply valve unit. The water supplied from the water supply valve unit flows into the mixing unit from the path from the water supply valve unit toward the automatic dosing unit, and then flows out to the water injection case through the path from the automatic dosing unit toward the water injection case.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a clothing treatment apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical-axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotary tub extends in the vertical direction. The washing machine 1 is an example of a clothing treatment apparatus capable of performing predetermined treatments on clothing, in this case, a washing treatment for washing clothing, a rinsing treatment for rinsing clothing, a dehydration treatment for dehydrating clothing, etc., and includes a water tank 3 inside an outer box 2 that constitutes the outer shell of the apparatus main body. The water tank 3 is an example of a clothing treatment tank in which clothing is accommodated, and has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. Inside the water tank 3, a bottomed cylindrical rotary tub (not shown) with an open top is rotatably provided. Further, at the bottom of this rotary tub, a pulsator (not shown) for stirring the clothing inside the rotary tub and the water inside the water tank 3 is rotatably provided. Further, a balance ring (not shown) for suppressing the vibration of the water tank 3 is provided above the water tank 3. Note that an inner lid may or may not be provided at the upper surface opening of the water tank 3.

[0009] The outer box 2 has a configuration in which a top cover 2B is attached to the upper part of an outer box main body 2A having a substantially rectangular box shape with an open top. An article inlet / outlet 4 for taking in and out clothes is provided at substantially the center of the top cover 2B. This article inlet / outlet 4 is configured to be opened and closed by a lid 5 rotatably provided at the upper part of the outer box 2. Further, the washing machine 1 includes a machine room 6 located at the rear part of the outer box 2. In this case, the machine room 6 is provided at a position behind the article inlet / outlet 4 within the space in the top cover 2B. Inside the machine room 6, various drive system components such as an automatic dosing device 100, a water injection case 200, and a water supply valve unit 300 are accommodated. The automatic dosing device 100 is an example of an automatic dosing unit, and is a device for automatically injecting a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the water tank 3 together with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 during a well-known washing operation for washing clothes, for example.

[0010] Next, a configuration example inside the machine room 6 will be described in detail. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the machine room 6 forms a horizontally long space extending in the left-right direction of the outer box 2 behind the article inlet / outlet 4. Inside this machine room 6, the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side along the lateral direction of the outer box 2. Further, inside the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged on the side of the water injection case 200, in this case, on the right side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. Also, inside the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is located and arranged in front of the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200. In this case, the entire water supply valve unit 300 is located in front of the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200. Note that the water supply valve unit 300 may be arranged such that at least a part of it is located in front of the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200.

[0011] Also, in the machine room 6, the water injection case 200 is positioned between the automatic feeder 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2. In other words, the water injection case 200 is arranged in a manner of being sandwiched from the lateral direction of the outer box 2 by the automatic feeder 100 and the water supply valve unit 300. Note that a water level sensor 400 is further accommodated inside the machine room 6. In this case, the water level sensor 400 is accommodated in the space on the side of the water supply valve unit 300, in this case, the right space when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. The water level sensor 400 is connected to an air trap (not shown) provided at the lower part of the water tank 3 via an air tube, and is capable of detecting the water level in the water tank 3 based on detecting the pressure of the air in the air trap that varies according to the change in the water level in the water tank 3.

[0012] Next, a configuration example of the automatic feeder 100 will be described in detail. As also illustrated in FIG. 3, the automatic feeder 100 is positioned and arranged on the left side of the rear part inside the top cover 2B, more specifically, on the left side inside the machine room 6.

[0013] The automatic feeder 100 includes a case housing part 101 in a substantially rectangular box shape with an open front. This case housing part 101 is firmly fixed to, for example, a metal bottom plate 6a that constitutes the bottom surface of the machine room 6, for example, by screwing. Thereby, the case housing part 101 is provided immovably with respect to the main body part of the washing machine 1. The front opening part of the case housing part 101 is fixed to the rear wall part of the clothing entrance 4, and is open forward at the rear wall part of the clothing entrance 4. As will be described in detail later, a case 102 in a substantially rectangular box shape with an open top is accommodated in the case housing part 101 so as to be pullable along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. Further, a plurality of tanks, in this case, a detergent tank 103 and a softener tank 104, are detachably accommodated in this case 102.

[0014] In the detergent tank 103, as an example of a clothing treatment agent, a detergent for cleaning the clothing in the water tank 3 is stored. The detergent tank 103 is a substantially rectangular container-shaped treatment agent tank having a dimensional shape capable of storing detergents for a plurality of operations inside. The replenishment of the detergent into the detergent tank 103 can be performed by opening a replenishment port 142 provided at the upper part of the tank 103. On the other hand, in the fabric softener tank 104, as an example of a clothing treatment agent, a fabric softener for performing a softening treatment on the clothing in the water tank 3 is stored. The fabric softener tank 104 is a substantially rectangular container-shaped treatment agent tank having a dimensional shape capable of storing fabric softeners for a plurality of operations inside. The replenishment of the fabric softener into the fabric softener tank 104 can be performed by opening a replenishment port 152 provided at the upper part of the tank 104.

[0015] Further, the automatic dosing device 100 includes a detergent metering pump 105 and a fabric softener metering pump 106 behind the case housing portion 101. The detergent metering pump 105 is a pump configured to suck and send out a liquid by driving a piston by an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The detergent metering pump 105 sucks a predetermined amount, in this case, the amount of detergent for one operation, from the detergent tank 103 housed in the case housing portion 101, and sends out the sucked detergent into the automatic dosing path 107 from the outlet 105a. The outlet 105a is provided downwardly directed from the lower part of the detergent metering pump 105.

[0016] The fabric softener metering pump 106 is a pump configured to suck and send out a liquid by driving a piston by, for example, a motor or a solenoid. The fabric softener metering pump 106 sucks a predetermined amount, in this case, the amount of fabric softener for one operation, from the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case housing portion 101, and sends out the sucked fabric softener into the automatic dosing path 107 from the outlet 106a. The outlet 106a is provided downwardly directed from the lower part of the fabric softener metering pump 106.

[0017] The detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106 are both examples of driving means controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1.

[0018] The automatic feeding path 107 constitutes an automatic water supply path that connects from the water supply valve unit 300 via the mixing unit 108 to the water injection case 200. The mixing unit 108 is provided behind the automatic feeding device 100 and below the detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106. The mixing unit 108 has a space inside, and this space is provided as a mixing chamber for mixing the laundry treatment agent supplied from the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104 and the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300. Further, at the upper part of the mixing unit 108, a plurality, in this case, two connection ports 108a, 108b communicating with the internal mixing chamber are provided. The connection ports 108a, 108b are provided so as to point upward from the upper part of the mixing unit 108.

[0019] Among these, one connection port 108a is connected to the outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105, and the other connection port 108b is connected to the outlet 106a of the fabric softener metering pump 106. Therefore, the detergent derived from the outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108a, and the fabric softener derived from the outlet 106a of the fabric softener metering pump 106 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108b.

[0020] The mixing unit 108 also includes an upstream connection part provided above and a downstream connection part provided below. The upstream connection part is connected to the water supply valve unit 300 via the upstream connection path 109. The downstream connection part is connected to the water injection case 200 via the downstream connection path 110. The water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows into the mixing chamber of the mixing unit 108 from the upstream connection path 109 through the upstream connection part, and then flows out into the water injection case 200 from the downstream connection part through the downstream connection path 110.

[0021] In the process where the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows to the water injection case 200 via the mixing unit 108 in this way, in the mixing chamber of the mixing unit 108, the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 and the clothing treatment agent supplied from the detergent metering pump 105 or the fabric softener metering pump 106 are mixed. As a result, the water injection case 200 is supplied with water mixed with the clothing treatment agent. Then, the water containing the clothing treatment agent supplied to the water injection case 200 is supplied from the water injection case 200 into the water tank 3.

[0022] As described above, the automatic dosing device 100 is configured to be able to automatically dose, into the water tank 3, a predetermined amount of clothing treatment agent for one operation, for example, together with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300, during a well-known washing operation for washing clothes.

[0023] Next, a configuration example of the water injection case 200 will be described in detail. The water injection case 200 is mainly a component for pouring water into the water tank 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water injection case 200 includes a case housing portion 201 having a substantially rectangular box shape with an open front surface. This case housing portion 201 is firmly fixed, for example, by screwing, to a bottom plate 6a made of metal, for example, which constitutes the bottom surface of the machine room 6. The front opening portion of the case housing portion 201 is fixed to the rear wall portion of the clothing inlet / outlet 4 and is open forward at the rear wall portion of the clothing inlet / outlet 4. Inside this case housing portion 201, a case 202 having a substantially rectangular box shape with an open upper surface is accommodated so as to be pullable along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. Further, inside this case 202, a plurality of manual clothing treatment agent input portions, in this case, a manual detergent input portion 203 and a manual fabric softener input portion 204 are integrally provided.

[0024] The manual detergent input portion 203 is an example of a manual input portion for the user to manually input detergent. The manual fabric softener input portion 204 is an example of a manual input portion for the user to manually input fabric softener.

[0025] The upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear to the front. Also, on the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200, a plurality of flow paths for flowing water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 are formed, for example, a detergent flow path for supplying water to the manual detergent input section 203, a softener flow path for supplying water to the manual softener input section 204, a bath water flow path for flowing bath water, and the like. That is, the water supply valve unit 300 is also connected to the water injection case 200 and is configured to be able to supply water to the water injection case 200 as well.

[0026] Then, the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows through the flow path on the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200 and is supplied to the manual detergent input section 203 or the manual softener input section 204 inside the water injection case 200. Then, the water supplied to the manual detergent input section 203 or the manual softener input section 204 dissolves the detergent in the manual detergent input section 203 or the softener in the manual softener input section 204. Then, the water in which the detergent or softener is dissolved inside the water injection case 200 is supplied from the water injection case 200 into the water tank 3. In this way, the washing machine 1 is configured to be able to supply the clothing treatment agent manually input by the user into the water tank 3 together with water.

[0027] 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 component for supplying water to the automatic input device 100 and the water injection case 200. As also illustrated in FIG. 6, the water supply valve unit 300 has a configuration in which a plurality of, in this case, three water supply valves 301, 302, and 303 are integrally provided. Water is supplied to these water supply valves 301, 302, and 303 from a water source (not shown) such as a water supply, for example.

[0028] Among these, the water supply valve 301 is a water supply valve for supplying water into the manual detergent input section 203 of the water injection case 200, and its water inlet 301a is connected to the detergent flow path provided on the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200. Further, the water supply valve 302 is a water supply valve for supplying water into the manual fabric softener input section 204 of the water injection case 200, and its water inlet 302a is connected to the fabric softener flow path provided on the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200. Further, the water supply valve 303 is a water supply valve for supplying water to the mixing section 108, and its water inlet 303a is connected to the upstream connection section of the mixing section 108 via the water supply path 304 for the mixing section and the above-described upstream side connection path 109. The water inlet 303a of the water supply valve 303 is an example of the water inlet for the mixing section.

[0029] The water supply path 304 for the mixing section is a component for connecting the water inlet 303a of the water supply valve 303 to the mixing section 108. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section is passed between the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200, the manual detergent input section 203, and the manual fabric softener input section 204. Further, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section penetrates the water injection case 200 along the lateral direction of the outer box 2. Further, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section extends linearly inside the water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

[0030] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and the like, a well-known bath water pump 305 is provided in the vicinity of the water supply valve unit 300. The bath water pump 305 sucks the bath water stored in, for example, a bathtub provided outside the washing machine 1 and supplies it to the bath water flow path of the water injection case 200. Then, the bath water supplied to the water injection case 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 injection case 200 into the water tank 3. Thus, the washing machine 1 can also supply the clothing treatment agent manually input by the user into the water tank 3 together with the bath water.

[0031] In the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-rear direction of the outer box 2. Also, the bath water pump 305 is positioned in front of the water supply valve unit 300. In this case, the entire bath water pump 305 is located in front of the water supply valve unit 300. Note that the bath water pump 305 may be arranged such that at least a part of it is located in front of the water supply valve unit 300.

[0032] Next, a configuration example of the automatic dosing device 100, particularly the configuration examples of the case housing part 101, the case 102, the detergent tank 103, and the fabric softener tank 104, will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 12, the automatic dosing device 100 has a configuration in which a substantially rectangular box-shaped case 102 is slidably housed inside a substantially rectangular box-shaped case housing part 101.

[0033] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the case 102 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped case main body part 120 with an open top surface. Inside the case main body part 120, a plurality of, in this case, the above-described detergent tank 103 and fabric softener tank 104 can be accommodated. Also, inside the case main body part 120, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 can be accommodated side by side in the lateral direction.

[0034] A front wall part 121 is provided at the front part of the case main body part 120. The upper end of the front wall part 121 is higher than the upper end of the case main body part 120. Also, visual confirmation windows 122, 123 are provided at both lateral ends of the front wall part 121. Both of the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 penetrate the front wall part 121 in the front-rear direction. Also, in this case, the visual confirmation windows 122, 123 are in the shape of a vertically long rectangle. Among these, the visual confirmation window 122 is a visual confirmation window for confirming the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 103 housed in the case main body part 120. On the other hand, the visual confirmation window 123 is a visual confirmation window for confirming the remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case main body part 120.

[0035] Further, on both lateral sides in the lateral direction of the case main body 120, rail portions 124 extending linearly along the pulling-out direction of the case 102 are provided. In this case, the rail portions 124 are linearly provided along the upper end of the case main body 120.

[0036] Further, as also illustrated in FIG. 16, the case 102 includes a hanging portion 102A. In this case, the hanging portion 102A is provided at the lower part of the front wall portion 121. Further, the hanging portion 102A is provided at the central portion in the lateral direction among the lower part of the front wall portion 121. Further, the hanging portion 102A is provided in a rectangular concave shape that is long in the lateral direction.

[0037] Further, on the bottom surface of the case 102, in this case, on the bottom surface of the case main body 120, a plurality of, in this case, two protrusion portions 126 are provided on the front side. The protrusion portions 126 are provided on both lateral sides of the hanging portion 102A. The front surface of the protrusion portion 126 is formed in a planar shape along the front wall portion 121. Further, the rear side of the front surface of the protrusion portion 126 is an inclined portion that inclines so as to gradually rise from the front to the rear. In this case, the inclined portion is constituted by a plurality of ribs extending in the front-rear direction. The protrusion portion 126 configured in this way functions as an example of a closing promotion portion as will be described in detail later.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 17, a stopper 125 is provided on the rail portion 124 of the case 102. In this case, the stopper 125 is provided at a position rearward of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the rail portion 124. More specifically, the stopper 125 is provided on the lower side of the rail portion 124. Further, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the supply ports 142 and 152 in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case 102. Also, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the lids 149 and 159 in a closed state in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case 102. Further, the stopper 125 is configured as a flat wall portion orthogonal to the drawing direction of the case 102 with respect to the case accommodating portion 101, in other words, the longitudinal direction of the rail portion 124. Note that the rail portion 124 of the case 102 does not include a stopper or a component corresponding to the stopper in a portion on the lower side thereof rearward of the stopper 125.

[0039] On the other hand, a groove portion 129 extending linearly along the direction in which the case 102 is drawn out is provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the case accommodating portion 101. A convex portion 130 formed to protrude upward is provided at the front end portion of the groove portion 129. The convex portion 130 is an example of a locking portion. When the case 102 is drawn out from within the case accommodating portion 101, at a position where the drawn-out amount becomes a predetermined amount, the stopper 125 on the case 102 side is locked to the convex portion 130 on the case accommodating portion 101 side from the rear side. Thereby, the drawn-out amount of the case 102 from the case accommodating portion 101 is regulated at a predetermined amount where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130.

[0040] Note that in the locked state where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130, in other words, when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case housing portion 101 reaches a predetermined amount, the tanks 103 and 104 cannot be taken out from the case 102. That is, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130, a part of the tanks 103 and 104, in this case, the rear part, is housed inside the case housing portion 101. Further, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130, the distance D1 from the upper end of the front part to the lower end of the rear part of the portion of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case housing portion 101 is larger than the distance D2 from the bottom surface of the case 102 to the upper surface of the case housing portion 101. Therefore, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130, when attempting to take out the tanks 103 and 104 from the case 102, the upper surface of the tank 103 and 104 abuts against and interferes with the upper surface of the case housing portion 101, thereby preventing the tank 103 and 104 from being removed from the case 102.

[0041] Further, an abutting portion 131 is provided on the rail portion 124 of the case 102. In this case, the abutting portion 131 is provided at a position rearward of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the rail portion 124. More specifically, the abutting portion 131 is provided on the upper side of the rail portion 124. Further, the abutting portion 131 is provided at the rearmost end of the rail portion 124. Further, the abutting portion 131 is formed in a convex shape upward. The tip of the abutting portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129 in a state where the rail portion 124 is slidably housed in the groove portion 129.

[0042] In particular, the abutting portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129 even when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case housing portion 101 reaches a predetermined amount. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the case 102 from tilting so that the front part descends due to the weight of the case 102 itself and the weight of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case 102. As a result, it is possible to suppress the case 102 from falling off from the case housing portion 101 due to its own weight.

[0043] Here, the distance D3 between the stopper 125 on the case 102 side and the contact portion 131 on the case housing portion 101 side is longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the case housing portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. According to this configuration, when the case 102 in a state where the amount of extraction from the case housing portion 101 becomes a predetermined amount tries to tilt downward forward, the contact portion 131 comes into contact with the upper surface of the groove portion 129, and it becomes possible to sufficiently resist the downward movement. Therefore, the detachment of the case 102 can be more reliably suppressed. Note that the washing machine 1 may be configured not to include the contact portion 131. According to this configuration, when the amount of extraction from the case housing portion 101 becomes a predetermined amount, the case 102 tries to tilt downward forward, so that the case 102 can be easily removed from the case housing portion 101.

[0044] Next, a configuration example of the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the detergent tank 103 has a configuration in which a tank main body portion 140 and a cover portion 141 are combined. The tank main body portion 140 constitutes the main body portion of the detergent tank 103 and has a substantially rectangular container shape with an open upper surface as illustrated in FIG. 15. A space capable of storing detergent is provided inside the tank main body portion 140. The cover portion 141 is detachably attached to the upper portion of the tank main body portion 140 and closes the upper surface opening of the tank main body portion 140. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the cover portion 141 is provided with a replenishment port 142 for replenishing detergent inside the detergent tank 103, more specifically, inside the tank main body portion 140. In this case, the replenishment port 142 opens in a substantially rectangular shape on the front side of the cover portion 141.

[0045] The detergent tank 103 has a gripping portion 143. The gripping portion 143 is provided in a concave shape that recesses semi-circularly inward on the surface forming the outer contour of the detergent tank 103, in this case, on the side surface of the tank main body portion 140. Also, the gripping portion 143 extends linearly between one end and the other end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140, which is the surface forming the outer contour of the detergent tank 103. More specifically, the gripping portion 143 extends linearly between the upper end and the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 140 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the gripping 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. Further, the gripping portion 143 is provided laterally with respect to the supply port 142 provided in the cover portion 141. Note that the gripping portion 143 may be provided at a position deviated from the side of the supply port 142 provided in the cover portion 141, for example, on the front side or the rear side rather than the side of the supply port 142.

[0046] The gripping portion 143 is provided on one of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the tank main body portion 140. In this case, the gripping portion 143 is provided on the inner side, that is, the surface on the side of the softener tank 104, when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102. Note that the gripping portion 143 may be provided on the other of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the tank main body portion 140, in this case, on the outer side, that is, the side opposite to the softener tank 104, when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102. Also, the gripping portion 143 may be provided on both of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the tank main body portion 140.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the gripping portion 143 is provided so as to push the side surface of the tank main body portion 140 inward without changing its plate thickness. Therefore, in the tank main body portion 140, it is possible to store detergent in the peripheral region including the front and the rear of the gripping portion 143.

[0048] Further, the detergent tank 103 further includes a hanging portion 144. In this case, the hanging portion 144 is provided on the tank main body portion 140 that constitutes a part of the detergent tank 103. More specifically, it is provided within the gripping portion 143 provided on the tank main body portion 140. The hanging portion 144 is a component that allows a user's finger to be hooked when removing the detergent tank 103 from the case 102. The hanging portion 144 is provided in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the direction in which the gripping portion 143 extends. Also, the hanging portion 144 is provided in the middle portion of the gripping portion 143, in this case, above the central portion in the vertical direction.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the fabric softener tank 104 has a configuration in which a tank main body portion 150 and a cover portion 151 are combined. The tank main body portion 150 constitutes the main body portion of the fabric softener tank 104 and has a substantially rectangular container shape with an open upper surface as illustrated in FIG. 15. A space capable of storing the fabric softener is provided inside the tank main body portion 150. The cover portion 151 is detachably attached to the upper portion of the tank main body portion 150 to close the upper surface opening of the tank main body portion 150. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the cover portion 151 is provided with a replenishment port 152 for replenishing the fabric softener inside the fabric softener tank 104, more specifically, inside the tank main body portion 150. In this case, the replenishment port 152 opens in a substantially rectangular shape on the front side of the cover portion 151.

[0050] The softener tank 104 has a gripping portion 153. The gripping portion 153 is provided in a concave shape that is recessed semicircularly inward on the surface forming the outer contour of the softener tank 104, in this case, on the side surface of the tank main body portion 150. Further, the gripping portion 153 extends linearly between one end and the other end of the side surface of the softener tank 104, which forms the outer contour of the softener tank 104. More specifically, the gripping portion 153 extends linearly between the upper end and the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 150 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the gripping portion 153 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 150, and the lower end reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body portion 150. Also, the gripping portion 153 is provided laterally with respect to the replenishment port 152 provided in the cover portion 151. Note that the gripping portion 153 may be provided at a position deviated from the side of the replenishment port 152 provided in the cover portion 151, for example, on the front side or the rear side rather than the side of the replenishment port 152.

[0051] The gripping portion 153 is provided on one of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the tank main body portion 150. In this case, the gripping portion 153 is provided on the inner side, that is, the surface on the detergent tank 103 side when the softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. Note that the gripping portion 153 may be provided on the other of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the softener tank 104, in this case, on the outer side, that is, the side opposite to the detergent tank 103 when the softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. Also, the softener tank 104 may be provided with the gripping portion 153 on both of the surfaces facing each other in the lateral direction among the surfaces constituting the outer contour of the tank main body portion 150.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the gripping portion 153 is provided so as to push the side surface of the tank main body portion 150 inward without changing its plate thickness. Therefore, in the tank main body portion 150, it is possible to store the softener in the peripheral region including the front and rear of the gripping portion 153.

[0053] Further, the softener tank 104 is further provided with a hanging portion 154. In this case, the hanging portion 154 is provided on the tank main body portion 150 that constitutes a part of the softener tank 104. More specifically, it is provided within the gripping portion 153 provided on the tank main body portion 150. The hanging portion 154 is a component that allows a user's finger to be hooked when removing the softener tank 104 from the case 102. The hanging portion 154 is provided in a flat plate shape orthogonal to the direction in which the gripping portion 153 extends. Also, the hanging portion 154 is provided in the middle portion of the gripping portion 153, in this case, above the central portion in the vertical direction.

[0054] Also, the detergent tank 103 has a recess 145 that is recessed semicircularly inward at a position corresponding to above the gripping portion 143 in the cover portion 141. In this case, the hanging portion 144 is provided immediately below this recess 145. Further, the softener tank 104 has a recess 155 that is recessed semicircularly inward at a position corresponding to above the gripping portion 153 in the cover portion 151. In this case, the hanging portion 154 is provided immediately below this recess 155.

[0055] In this embodiment, the detergent tank 103 has the gripping portion 143 and the recess 145 on the surface facing another tank, in this case, the softener tank 104. Also, the detergent tank 103 has the gripping portion 143 and the recess 145 at positions facing the gripping portion 153 and the recess 155 of the softener tank 104, which is another tank. Further, the softener tank 104 has the gripping portion 153 and the recess 155 on the surface facing another tank, in this case, the detergent tank 103. Also, the softener tank 104 has the gripping portion 153 and the recess 155 at positions facing the gripping portion 143 and the recess 145 of the detergent tank 103, which is another tank.

[0056] According to this configuration, in a state where the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are housed in the case main body 120 of the case 102, the gripping portion 143 and the concave portion 145 that are recessed in a semicircular shape and the gripping portion 153 and the concave portion 155 that are also recessed in a semicircular shape face each other, and a substantially circular space surrounded by these gripping portions 143, concave portion 145, gripping portion 153, and concave portion 155 is formed. Thereby, when the user removes the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 from the case main body 120 of the case 102, the user can insert a finger into this space and hook the finger on the hanging portion 144 or the hanging portion 154, and can easily remove the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104.

[0057] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are provided with concave portions 146 and 156 that are recessed inward. In this case, the concave portions 146 and 156 are provided at the lower part of the front portion of the tank main bodies 140 and 150 that constitute a part of the tanks 103 and 104. Further, the concave portions 146 and 156 are concave portions that are recessed in a rectangular shape. Further, the concave portion 146 is provided inside the tank main body 140, in this case, on the side of the softener tank 104. Further, the concave portion 156 is provided inside the tank main body 150, in this case, on the side of the detergent tank 103. In a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are attached in the case main body 120, these concave portions 146 and 156 face each other in the lateral direction, thereby forming a space capable of accommodating the hanging portion 102A of the case 102.

[0058] In addition, the tanks 103 and 104 are provided with tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 within the recesses 146 and 156. The tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, they protrude linearly downward from the upper surface of the recesses 146 and 156. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 23, an elastically deformable clamping piece portion is provided at the tip of the tank-side protrusion 147. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 24, an elastically deformable clamping piece portion is provided at the tip of the tank-side protrusion 157. Further, the protruding amounts of the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 are smaller than the recess amounts of the recesses 146 and 156. That is, the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 do not protrude below the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104. That is, although the tanks 103 and 104 are provided with the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 that protrude downward, the entire tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 are housed inside the recesses 146 and 156, so that the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104 are maintained as flat surfaces.

[0059] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 23, inside the case main body portion 120, a plurality of, in this case, two case-side protrusions 132 are provided separately on the left and right, located behind the hanging portion 102A. The case-side protrusions 132 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, they protrude linearly upward from the bottom surface of the case main body portion 120. Further, a bulging portion that bulges in a circular shape is provided at the tip of the case-side protrusion 132 so that it can be clamped by the clamping piece portions of the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157.

[0060] When the tanks 103 and 104 are attached inside the case main body portion 120, the hanging portion 102A of the case 102 is fitted and housed in the space formed by the recesses 146 and 156. Thereby, the lower part of the front portion of the tanks 103 and 104 is positioned by the hanging portion 102A. Further, the case-side protrusions 132 on the case 102 side are clamped by the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 on the tanks 103 and 104 sides. Thereby, the positioning of the lower part of the front portion of the tanks 103 and 104 becomes more reliable.

[0061] Further, in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case main body 120, the above-described visual recognition windows 122 and 123 are provided at positions avoiding the above-described recesses 146 and 156. In this case, they are provided outside the recesses 146 and 156 in the lateral direction. In the portions of the tanks 103 and 104 where the recesses 146 and 156 are provided, the clothing treatment agent is stored above the recesses 146 and 156, and the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 cannot be accurately reflected and shown. Therefore, by providing the visual recognition windows 122 and 123 so as to correspond to positions avoiding the recesses 146 and 156, the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 can be accurately reflected and shown in the visual recognition windows 122 and 123.

[0062] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and the like, in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case main body 120, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion constituting the outer peripheral portion of the case main body 120 is lower than the upper surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104 accommodated in the case main body 120. Further, the upper end of the rear wall portion 120a provided at the rear portion of the case main body 120 is lower than the lower ends of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 provided at the rear portions of the tanks 103 and 104. The pump connection portions 148 and 158 project in a cylindrical shape rearward from the rear surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104. As described above, the case accommodation portion 101 is configured to be immovable with respect to the main body portion of the washing machine 1. Then, the pump connection portion 148 of the detergent tank 103 is connected to a clothing treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the detergent metering pump 105 as the case 102 accommodating the detergent tank 103 is pushed into the case accommodation portion 101. Also, the pump connection portion 158 of the softener tank 104 is connected to a clothing treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the softener metering pump 106 as the case 102 accommodating the softener tank 104 is pushed into the case accommodation portion 101.

[0063] In this case, the rear wall portion 120a of the case main body 120 is configured such that the height of its upper end is separated from the lower ends of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 of the tanks 103 and 104. Note that the rear wall portion 120a of the case main body 120 may be configured such that the height of its upper end comes into contact with the lower ends of the pump connection portions 148 and 158 of the tanks 103 and 104.

[0064] Further, the detergent tank 103 and the softener tank 104 are further provided with lids 149 and 159 for opening and closing the replenishment ports 142 and 152. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the lids 149 and 159 integrally include lid main body portions 149a and 159a and insertion portions 149b and 159b. The lid main body portions 149a and 159a are substantially rectangular plate-shaped and larger than the replenishment ports 142 and 152. The side end portions of the lid main body portions 149a and 159a, in this case, the end portions on the side where the concave portions 145 and 145 of the cover portions 141 and 151 are provided, are positioned outside the deepest recessed portions of the concave portions 145 and 145 in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the replenishment ports 142 and 152.

[0065] Further, rotation shafts 149c and 159c extending in the lateral direction are provided at the base end portions of the lid main body portions 149a and 159a. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 22, bearing portions 160 and 170 are provided at the rear portions of the replenishment ports 142 and 152. The rotation shafts 149c and 159c of the lid main body portions 149a and 159a are rotatably supported by these bearing portions 160 and 170. Note that ventilation holes 160a and 170a that penetrate the cover portions 141 and 151 and through which air can pass are provided in the bearing portions 160 and 170.

[0066] The insertion portions 149b and 159b are substantially rectangular plate-shaped, larger than the supply ports 142 and 152, and smaller than the lid main body portions 149a and 159a. These insertion portions 149b and 159b are the portions inserted into the supply ports 142 and 152 in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152. Note that in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152, the insertion portions 149b and 159b themselves are not in direct contact with the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152. And around these insertion portions 149b and 159b, packings 161 and 171 made of, for example, a rubber material are attached. The packings 161 and 171 integrally include packing main body portions 161a and 171a formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape so as to surround the peripheries of the insertion portions 149b and 159b, and packing piece portions 161b and 171b extending outward from these packing main body portions 161a and 171a.

[0067] The packings 161 and 171 seal the gap between the lids 149 and 159 and the supply ports 142 and 152 in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152. More specifically, the packings 161 and 171 seal so as to maintain the gap formed between the side surfaces of the insertion portions 149b and 159b and the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 in a watertight and airtight state in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152.

[0068] Here, the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 are a flat surface with the upper part extending in the vertical direction and an inclined surface inclined so that the lower part gradually descends toward the inner side of the supply ports 142 and 152. And in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152, the packing piece portions 161b and 171b of the packings 161 and 171 are in contact with the upper part of the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152, that is, the flat surface portion extending in the vertical direction.

[0069] Incidentally, as illustrated in Fig. 26, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that at least a part of the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152, in this case, the entire rear surfaces 142a and 152a, are inclined surfaces. According to this configuration, as the lids 149 and 159 rotate from the closed position where they close the supply ports 142 and 152 to the open position where they open the supply ports 142 and 152, the contact areas where the packing pieces 161b and 171b of the packings 161 and 171 contact the inclined surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 gradually decrease. That is, as the lids 149 and 159 are rotated toward the open position side, the sealing strength of the packings 161 and 171 against the supply ports 142 and 152 gradually decreases, so that the lids 149 and 159 can be easily opened without requiring a large force.

[0070] Also, although detailed illustration is omitted, in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152, the contact area where the packings 161 and 171 contact the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the side opposite to the rotation axes 149c and 159c of the lids 149 and 159, in this case, the front side, may be configured to be smaller than the contact area where the packings 161 and 171 contact the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the side of the rotation axes 149c and 159c of the lids 149 and 159, in this case, the rear side. According to this configuration, the contact area of the packings 161 and 171 against the supply ports 142 and 152 on the tip end side, that is, the rotation free end side, of the lids 149 and 159 can be reduced, and the sealing strength thereof can be weakened. Therefore, the lids 149 and 159 can be easily opened without applying a large force to the tip ends of the lids 149 and 159. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by shifting the insertion portions 149b and 159b of the lids 149 and 159 backward, or by making the protruding amount of the portion of the packing pieces 161b and 171b of the packings 161 and 171 located on the front side of the insertion portions 149b and 159b smaller than the protruding amount of the portion located on the rear side of the insertion portions 149b and 159b.

[0071] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 8, etc., when the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing portion 101 by a predetermined amount, the user can operate a plurality of tanks housed in the case 102, in this case, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing portion 101 by a predetermined amount, a part of the case 102, in this case, the rear portion is in a state of being housed in the case housing portion 101. And in this state, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case 102 are in a state where the lids 149, 159 can be opened and closed. Therefore, the user can open the lids 149, 159 and perform an operation of replenishing the clothing treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104.

[0072] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the case 102 is housed to the innermost part in the case housing portion 101, it is locked so as not to be unintentionally pulled out, for example, due to the self-weight of the case 102 or vibrations during operation. Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the case 102 can be completely removed from the case housing portion 101. Next, a configuration example that enables such a thing will be described. Note that the tanks 103, 104 can be removed from the case 102 by completely removing the case 102 from the case housing portion 101.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a recess 172 that is recessed downward is provided at the front portion of the bottom surface of the case housing portion 101. When the case 102 is housed up to the innermost portion within the case housing portion 101, the front surface of the protrusion 126 is locked to the front surface of the recess 172, so that the case 102 is locked so as not to be pulled out within the case housing portion 101. However, when the case 102 is slightly pushed upward from this state and the protrusion 126 is removed from within the recess 172, the case 102 can be pulled out from within the case housing portion 101. Then, as described above, when the amount of pulling out of the case 102 from within the case housing portion 102 reaches a predetermined amount, the stopper 125 on the case 102 side is locked to the convex portion 130 on the case housing portion 101 side. Thereby, the amount of pulling out of the case 102 is regulated to a predetermined amount. Then, when the case 102 is lifted upward from this state and the stopper 125 is removed from the convex portion 130, the case 102 can be completely removed from within the case housing portion 101.

[0074] And when the case 102 is attached again into the case housing portion 101, while lifting the case 102 slightly upward, the case 102 is inserted into the case housing portion 101 so that the stopper 125 on the case 102 side fits behind the convex portion 130 on the case housing portion 101 side. At this time, since the rear portion side of the protrusion 126 is an inclined portion, this inclined portion abuts against the front end of the lower surface of the case housing portion 101. Therefore, as the case 102 is pushed into the case housing portion 101, the inclined portion of the protrusion 126 slides on the front end of the lower surface of the case housing portion 101 and advances, so that the upward pushing of the case 102 can be assisted. Then, when the case 102 is further pushed into the case housing portion 101, the protrusion 126 fits into the recess 172, and the case 102 is locked in a state of being housed up to the innermost portion of the case housing portion 101.

[0075] By pushing the case 102 into the case housing portion 101 as described above, the case 102 can be detachably attached to the inside of the case housing portion 101. And, in this way, when attaching the case 102 to the inside of the case housing portion 101, if the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102, when the case 102 containing the tanks 103 and 104 is housed in the case housing portion 101, the case 102 is pushed upward. And, accordingly, the lids 149 and 159 on the upper parts of the tanks 103 and 104 are pushed into the closing direction of abutting against the upper surface of the case housing portion 101 and closing the supply ports 142 and 152. That is, the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159 is promoted. Such an action of promoting the closing of the lids 149 and 159 is realized based on the fact that the case 102 is pushed upward and also based on the fact that the protrusions 126 are provided on the bottom surface of the case 102. The protrusions 126 configured in this way have a function of assisting the upward pushing of the case 102 as described above, and thus function as an example of a closing promotion portion that promotes the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159.

[0076] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 25, inside the tanks 103 and 104, hollow protrusions 164 and 174 are provided on the rear side, continuously protruding inward from the pump connection portions 148 and 158 into the tank main body portions 140 and 150. In this case, the protrusions 164 and 174 are configured in a cylindrical shape. The protrusions 164 and 174 are not components provided as separate parts in the tank main body portions 140 and 150, but are components provided as the same parts as the tank main body portions 140 and 150. That is, the protrusions 164 and 174 are provided integrally and continuously with the tank main body portions 140 and 150 without interruption, for example, by resin molding or the like.

[0077] Inside the protrusions 164 and 174, check valves 165 and 175 are accommodated. Also, inside the protrusions 164 and 174, biasing members 166 and 176 composed of, for example, springs are accommodated. The biasing members 166 and 176 bias the check valves 165 and 175 in a direction to close the flow paths formed in the protrusions 164 and 174. In this case, the biasing members 166 and 176 bias the check valves 165 and 175 toward the pump connection parts 148 and 158. Thereby, the check valves 165 and 175 suppress the reverse flow of the clothing treatment agent sucked from the pump connection parts 148 and 158 to the pump 105 and 106 sides back into the tanks 103 and 104. Also, when the check valves 165 and 175 receive the pressing force generated as the pumps 105 and 106 reciprocate the pistons, the check valves 165 and 175 move in a direction to open the flow paths formed in the protrusions 164 and 174, in this case, to the side opposite to the pump connection parts 148 and 158, against the biasing force of the biasing members 166 and 176. Thereby, the pumps 105 and 106 can suck the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104. That is, according to the tanks 103 and 104, as the pumps 105 and 106 reciprocate the pistons, the check valves 165 and 175 also reciprocate within the protrusions 164 and 174 to open and close the flow paths. Along with this, the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 is sucked out in conjunction with the driving of the pumps 105 and 106.

[0078] Also, at the tip parts of the protrusions 164 and 174, that is, at the opening ends that open inside the tank main body parts 140 and 150, cap parts 167 and 177 are attached in a state where the check valves 165 and 175 and the biasing members 166 and 176 are accommodated inside the protrusions 164 and 174. Thereby, it is avoided that the check valves 165 and 175 and the biasing members 166 and 176 accommodated inside the protrusions 164 and 174 come off from inside the protrusions 164 and 174.

[0079] The cap parts 167 and 177 integrally include hollow straw parts 168 and 178 that linearly extend downward inside the tank main body parts 140 and 150. In this case, the straw parts 168 and 178 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and their lower ends extend to a height slightly separated from the bottom surfaces of the tank main body parts 140 and 150.

[0080] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, convex portions 164a and 174a that protrude upward are provided on the upper portions of the protruding portions 164 and 174. In this case, the convex portions 164a and 174a are formed in a columnar shape. On the other hand, on the upper portions of the cap portions 167 and 177, recessed portions 167a and 177a that are recessed in a smooth arc shape toward the tip side of the cap portions 167 and 177 are provided. When the cap portions 167 and 177 are attached to the protruding portions 164 and 174, the convex portions 164a and 174a fit into the recessed portions 167a and 177a. Thereby, the cap portions 167 and 177 are positioned with respect to the protruding portions 164 and 174 in a state where the straw portions 168 and 178 extend downward within the tank main body portions 140 and 150. That is, the convex portions 164a and 174a and the recessed portions 167a and 177a function as an example of a positioning portion that positions the cap portions 167 and 177 so that the straw portions 168 and 178 extend downward by cooperating with each other.

[0081] Further, the protruding portions 164 and 174 are provided with claw portions 164b and 174b on both the left and right side portions. The claw portions 164b and 174b protrude outward from the side surfaces of the protruding portions 164 and 174. Also, the cap portions 167 and 177 are provided with claw hole portions 167b and 177b on both the left and right side portions. When the cap portions 167 and 177 are attached to the protruding portions 164 and 174, the claw portions 164b and 174b are locked in the claw hole portions 167b and 177b. Thereby, the cap portions 167 and 177 can be locked and fixed to the protruding portions 164 and 174. That is, the claw portions 164b and 174b and the claw hole portions 167b and 177b function as an example of a locking portion that locks the cap portions 167 and 177 to the protruding portions 164 and 174 by cooperating with each other. And the claw portions 164b and 174b and the claw hole portions 167b and 177b that function as an example of the locking portion are provided at positions avoiding the convex portions 164a and 174a and the recessed portions 167a and 177a that function as an example of the above-described positioning portion.

[0082] According to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment exemplified above, concave gripping portions 143 and 153 are provided on the surfaces forming the outer contours of the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, the user can easily grip the tanks 103 and 104 by hanging their fingers on the gripping portions 143 and 153. Therefore, it is possible to easily handle the tanks 103 and 104, for example, perform the attachment / detachment operation with respect to the case 102. Further, the user can grip the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 with one hand, for example, and further improve the usability.

[0083] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103 and 104 have the gripping portions 143 and 153 on one of the surfaces facing each other among the surfaces forming the outer contours of the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid complicating the appearance of the tanks 103 and 104. Further, the tanks 103 and 104 may have the gripping portions 143 and 153 on both of the surfaces facing each other among the surfaces forming the outer contours of the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, it is possible to make it easier to grip the tanks 103 and 104.

[0084] Also, according to the washing machine 1, a plurality of tanks 103 and 104 are detachably provided. One of the tanks 103 and 104 is provided with gripping portions 143 and 153 on the surface facing the other tank 104 and 103. Further, one of the tanks 103 and 104 has the gripping portions 143 and 153 at positions facing the gripping portions 153 and 133 of the other tank 104 and 103. According to this configuration, in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case 102, a substantially circular space surrounded by the gripping portion 143 and the gripping portion 153 can be formed. Thereby, when the user removes the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 from the case main body portion 120 of the case 102, the user can easily remove the detergent tank 103 or the softener tank 104 by inserting a finger into this space. Further, the gripping portions 143 and 153 provided on the respective tanks 103 and 104 can be minimized, and a decrease in the space inside the tanks 103 and 104 due to the formation of the gripping portions 143 and 153, in other words, a decrease in the storage capacity of the clothing treatment agent can be minimized.

[0085] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the gripping portions 143 and 153 extend between one end and the other end of the surface forming the outer contour of the tanks 103 and 104, in this case, between the upper end and the lower end. According to this configuration, the gripping portions 143 and 153 can be provided as large as possible, and the tanks 103 and 104 can be more easily gripped.

[0086] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103 and 104 are provided with replenishment ports 142 and 152 for replenishing the clothing treatment agent inside, and the gripping portions 143 and 153 are provided at positions on the sides of these replenishment ports 142 and 152. According to this configuration, the user can press the lids 149 and 159 closing the replenishment ports 142 and 152 with the fingers gripping the gripping portions 143 and 153, and can prevent the lids 149 and 159 of the gripped tanks 103 and 104 from opening and the internal clothing treatment agent from spilling out.

[0087] Incidentally, the tanks 103 and 104 may be configured to have gripping portions 143 and 153 at positions offset from the sides of the supply ports 142 and 152. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to reduce the opening area of the supply ports 142 and 152 due to the formation of the gripping portions 143 and 153. Therefore, a large opening area of the supply ports 142 and 152 can be ensured, and it is possible to facilitate the replenishment of the laundry treatment agent.

[0088] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the gripping portions 143 and 153 have hanging portions 144 and 145 on which the user's fingers can be hooked. According to this configuration, the user can easily take out the tanks 103 and 104 from inside the case 102 by hooking their fingers on these hanging portions 144 and 145.

[0089] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the hanging portions 144 and 145 are provided on the tank main body portions 140 and 150 that constitute the main body portions of the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, the user can hook their fingers on the main body portions of the tanks 103 and 104 to remove them, and can stably remove the tanks 103 and 104.

[0090] Also, according to the washing machine 1, in the machine room 6, the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side along the lateral direction of the outer box 2. Also, according to the washing machine 1, in the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged in front of the rear ends of the automatic dosing device 100 and the water injection case 200. Also, according to the washing machine 1, in the machine room 6, the water injection case 200 is arranged between the automatic dosing device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2.

[0091] In this way, by housing the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 in the machine room 6 in a so-called side-by-side arrangement mode, the space within the limited outer box 2 can be effectively utilized, and a plurality of components, in this case, at least the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300, can be compactly housed without difficulty. Consequently, the enlargement of the entire washing machine 1 can be suppressed.

[0092] Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, since the water injection case 200 and the water supply valve unit 300 are not arranged behind the automatic dosing device 100, at least a sufficient depth dimension of the automatic dosing device 100 can be ensured. Therefore, the tanks 103, 104 provided in the automatic dosing device 100 can be enlarged, and the capacity of the tanks 103, 104, that is, the storable amount of the laundry treatment agent can be increased.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, by applying the above-described arrangement mode, relatively large components such as the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 can be compactly housed in the machine room 6 formed at the rear part of the outer box 2 without difficulty.

[0094] Also, the washing machine 1 is provided with a mixing unit 108 behind the automatic dosing device 100 for mixing the laundry treatment agent supplied from the tanks 103, 104 and the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300. According to this configuration, the laundry treatment agent can be mixed with water and then supplied into the water tank 3, and the washing performance of the laundry can be improved by the water in which the laundry treatment agent is uniformly dissolved. Also, by arranging the relatively small component, the mixing unit 108, behind the automatic dosing device 100, the space within the limited machine room 6 can be effectively utilized.

[0095] Moreover, 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 unit 108. According to this configuration, a sufficient amount of water can be surely supplied to the mixing unit 108, and the water in which the laundry treatment agent is sufficiently dissolved can be supplied into the water tank 3.

[0096] Further, according to the washing machine 1, a water supply path 304 for the mixing section for connecting a water supply port 303a dedicated to the mixing section to the mixing section 108 is provided. And this water supply path 304 for the mixing section is passed between the upper surface 205 of the water injection case 200, the manual detergent input section 203, and the manual softener input section 204. Also, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section penetrates the water injection case 200 along the lateral direction of the outer case 2. Further, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section extends linearly inside the water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

[0097] That is, the water supply path 304 for the mixing section is configured such that its flow path resistance is minimized as much as possible. Therefore, 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 water can be further promoted.

[0098] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-rear direction of the outer case 2. Also, the bath water pump 305 is arranged on the front side of the water supply valve unit 300. According to such an arrangement mode, the limited space inside the outer case 2 can be effectively utilized, and the bath water pump 305 can be accommodated without difficulty.

[0099] Also, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dosing device 100 includes a case 102 having a hanging portion 102A on which the user's finger can be placed, and this case 102 is configured to be pullable out from inside the case housing portion 101 of the automatic dosing device 100, and the tanks 103, 104 can be accommodated inside this case 102. According to this configuration, operations on the plurality of tanks 103, 104, for example, replenishment operations of the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104 and attachment / detachment operations inside the tanks 103, 104 can be performed at once. That is, the user can perform various operations on the plurality of tanks 103, 104 by pulling out one case 102.

[0100] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion constituting the outer peripheral portion of the case 102 is lower than the upper surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case 102. According to this configuration, the user can easily hold the upper side of the tanks 103 and 104, and thus can more easily attach and detach the tanks 103 and 104 to and from the case 102. At this time, the user may attach and detach the tanks 103 and 104 by holding the gripping portions 143 and 153, or may attach and detach the tanks 103 and 104 by holding portions other than the gripping portions 143 and 153.

[0101] Further, according to the washing machine 1, in a state where a part of the case 102, in this case, the rear portion is housed in the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeder 100, the lids 149 and 159 of the supply ports 142 and 152 of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case 102 can be opened and closed. Therefore, the user can supply the clothing treatment agent into the tanks 103 and 104 without completely removing the case 102 from the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeder 100.

[0102] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103 and 104 are provided with tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 for positioning the tanks 103 and 104 in the case 102. According to this configuration, displacement of the tanks 103 and 104 in the case 102 can be suppressed, and the case 102 housing the tanks 103 and 104 can be smoothly inserted into and removed from the case housing portion 101.

[0103] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic feeder 100 includes pumps 105 and 106 that suck the laundry treatment agent from within the tanks 103 and 104, and the tanks 103 and 104 include pump connection portions 148 and 158 that are connected to the pumps 105 and 106. The upper ends of the rear wall portions 120a provided at the rear of the case 102 are lower than the lower ends of the pump connection portions 148 and 158. According to this configuration, the pump connection portions 148 and 158 can be connected to the pumps 105 and 106 without contacting or interfering with the rear wall portion 120a of the case 102. Therefore, the connection between the pump connection portions 148 and 158 and the pumps 105 and 106 can be accurately performed without causing misalignment or the like.

[0104] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the case 102 includes visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 through which the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 housed within the case 102 can be visually confirmed. According to this configuration, the user can easily confirm the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 through the visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 without removing the tanks 103 and 104 from the case 102. Also, in this case, the visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 are provided in the front wall portion 121 of the case 102. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the remaining amounts of the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 through the visual confirmation windows 122 and 123 without pulling out the case 102 from within the case housing portion 101.

[0105] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103 and 104 have recesses 146 and 156 that are recessed inwardly at their lower portions, and tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 are provided within these recesses 146 and 156. According to this configuration, it is possible to maintain the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103 and 104 in a flat shape while providing the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 for positioning. Therefore, the tanks 103 and 104 can be stably placed on the floor surface or the like, and it is easy to replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103 and 104.

[0106] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the viewing windows 122 and 123 are provided at positions avoiding the portions where the concave portions 146 and 156 are located in the housing state where the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. According to this configuration, the accurate remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent can be confirmed through the viewing windows 122 and 123 at positions avoiding the concave portions 146 and 156 where the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104 is not accurately indicated and the upper portions thereof. The tanks 103 and 104 are preferably configured with at least the tank main bodies 140 and 150 made of a transparent material or a translucent material. Thereby, the user can more easily view the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103 and 104.

[0107] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103 and 104 include hollow protruding portions 164 and 174 protruding inward of the tanks 103 and 104, check valves 165 and 175 housed in the protruding portions 164 and 174, and cap portions 167 and 177 attached to the open ends of the protruding portions 164 and 174 in a state where the check valves 165 and 175 are housed in the protruding portions 164 and 174. The protruding portions 164 and 174 are provided as the same components as the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the clothing treatment agent from the tanks 103 and 104 while providing the hollow protruding portions 164 and 174 protruding inward of the tanks 103 and 104.

[0108] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cap portions 167 and 177 include hollow straw portions 168 and 178 extending downward in the tanks 103 and 104. According to this configuration, the cap portions 167 and 177 having the straw portions 168 and 178 can be handled as a single component, and the number of components can be reduced as compared with the case where the cap portion and the straw portion are provided as separate components. Also, the assemblability can be improved.

[0109] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the protruding portions 164 and 174 are configured in a cylindrical shape. The washing machine 1 includes a positioning portion that positions the cap portions 167 and 177 with respect to the cylindrical protruding portions 164 and 174 such that the straw portions 168 and 178 extend downward in the tanks 103 and 104. The convex portions 164a and 174a and the concave portions 167a and 177a that constitute this positioning portion are provided at the upper portions of the protruding portions 164 and 174 and the cap portions 167 and 177. According to this configuration, when attaching the cap portions 167 and 177 to the protruding portions 164 and 174, the positioning portion is easily visible from above. Therefore, the positioning of the cap portions 167 and 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164 and 174 can be easily performed.

[0110] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the claw portions 164b and 174b and the claw hole portions 167b and 177b that constitute the locking portion for locking the cap portions 167 and 177 to the protruding portions 164 and 174 are provided at positions avoiding the convex portions 164a and 174a and the concave portions 167a and 177a that constitute the positioning portion. According to this configuration, while accurately positioning the cap portions 167 and 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164 and 174, the cap portions 167 and 177 can be firmly fixed to the protruding portions 164 and 174, and displacement of the cap portions 167 and 177 with respect to the protruding portions 164 and 174 can be suppressed even after attachment.

[0111] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic feeder 100 includes a stopper 125 that regulates the pulling-out amount of the case 102 from the case housing portion 101 to a predetermined amount. The stopper 125 is provided on the rear side of the rear ends of the supply ports 142 and 152 in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is provided on the rear side of the rear ends of the lids 149 and 159 of the supply ports 142 and 152 in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. According to this configuration, the user can supply the clothing treatment agent into the tanks 103 and 104 from the supply ports 142 and 152 without completely removing the case 102 from the automatic feeder 100.

[0112] Further, according to the washing machine 1, as the case 102 is pushed into the case housing portion 101 that is immovably fixed to the main body portion, the tanks 103 and 104 are connected to the pumps 105 and 106. That is, according to the washing machine 1, since the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeder 100 including the pumps 105 and 106 is firmly fixed to the main body portion of the washing machine 1 in an immovable manner, by pushing the case 102 into this case housing portion 101, the tanks 103 and 104 can be surely connected to the pumps 105 and 106.

[0113] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the case housing portion 101 is provided with a convex portion 130 that is locked by the stopper 125 when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case housing portion 101 of the automatic feeder 100 reaches a predetermined amount. According to this configuration, when the user pulls out the case 102, the amount of the pull-out can be surely regulated to a predetermined amount, and it is possible to prevent the case 102 from being completely pulled out of the case housing portion 101 unintentionally.

[0114] Further, according to the washing machine 1, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is locked to the convex portion 130, the tanks 103 and 104 cannot be taken out from the case 102. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the tanks 103 and 104 from being accidentally detached from the case 102 or falling out of the case 102.

[0115] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the case housing portion 101 is provided with a groove portion 129 that extends in the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out, and the case 102 is provided with a contact portion 131 that contacts the upper surface of the groove portion 129. According to this configuration, in the state where the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing portion 101, by the contact portion 131 contacting the upper surface of the groove portion 129, it is possible to prevent the case 102 from falling out of the case housing portion 101 due to its own weight.

[0116] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the distance D3 between the stopper 125 on the case 102 side and the contact portion 131 on the case housing portion 101 side is longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the case housing portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. According to this configuration, it is possible to further suppress the case 102 from tilting due to its own weight, and it is possible to more reliably suppress the case 102 from falling out of the case housing portion 101.

[0117] Further, according to the washing machine 1, in a closed state where the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152, packing members 161, 171 for sealing between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 are provided. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 from spilling between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152, and it is possible to suppress the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 from drying and hardening due to ventilation through the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152.

[0118] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the cover portions 141, 151 constituting a part of the tanks 103, 104 are provided with ventilation holes 160a, 170a through which air can pass. According to this configuration, even if the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 is sealed by the packing members 161, 171, ventilation inside and outside the tanks 103, 104 can be ensured, that is, the inside of the tanks 103, 104 can be opened to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the suction of the clothing treatment agent from the inside of the tanks 103, 104 to the pumps 105, 106 can be smoothly performed. Since the ventilation holes 160a, 170a have a small opening area, it is almost or entirely impossible for the clothing treatment agent to jump out from such ventilation holes 160a, 170a, or for the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 to dry and harden due to ventilation through these ventilation holes 160a, 170a.

[0119] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the ventilation holes 160a and 170a are provided in the bearing portions 160 and 170 that rotatably support the rotation shafts 149c and 159c of the lids 149 and 159. According to this configuration, the ventilation holes 160a and 170a can be made less conspicuous from the outside, and deterioration of the appearance of the tanks 103 and 104 due to the provision of the ventilation holes 160a and 170a can be suppressed. Further, if a clothing treatment agent adheres to the back surfaces of the lids 149 and 159, when the lids 149 and 159 are opened, the clothing treatment agent can be returned from the ventilation holes 160a and 170a into the tanks 103 and 104. Further, when washing the cover portions 141 and 151, water can be passed through the ventilation holes 160a and 170a, so that it is easy to wash away the clothing treatment agent adhering to the bearing portions 160 and 170. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the clothing treatment agent from sticking to the bearing portions 160 and 170 and becoming impossible to remove.

[0120] Further, the washing machine 1 is configured such that, by making at least a part of the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 into inclined surfaces, as the lids 149 and 159 rotate from the closed position where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152 to the open position where the supply ports 142 and 152 are opened, the contact areas where the packing pieces 161b and 171b of the packings 161 and 171 contact the inclined surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 gradually decrease. Thereby, the user can open the lids 149 and 159 without applying a large force, and the usability can be improved.

[0121] Further, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that, in the closed state where the lids 149 and 159 close the supply ports 142 and 152, the contact area where the packings 161 and 171 contact the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the side opposite to the rotation shafts 149c and 159c of the lids 149 and 159 is smaller than the contact area where the packings 161 and 171 contact the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142 and 152 on the rotation shaft 149c and 159c sides of the lids 149 and 159. Also with this configuration, the user can open the lids 149 and 159 without applying a large force, and the usability can be improved.

[0122] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the bottom surface of the case 102 is provided with a protrusion 126 that functions as a closing promotion part for promoting the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159. According to this configuration, when the case 102 in which the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated is accommodated again in the case accommodation part 101, the protrusion 126 pushes the case 102 upward. As a result, the lids 149 and 159 are pushed downward by the upper surface of the case accommodation part 101, and the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159 can be promoted. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid the case 102 being accommodated in the case accommodation part 101 with the supply ports 142 and 152 insufficiently closed by the lids 149 and 159, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the clothing treatment agent jumps out from the tanks 103 and 104 in the case accommodation part 101. Also, when the case 102 is pulled out from the case accommodation part 101, the occurrence of a situation where the clothing treatment agent jumps out from the tanks 103 and 104 can be suppressed. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the lids 149 and 159 are provided with packings 161 and 171, there is a concern that, for example, the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159 may become insufficient due to the elasticity of the packings 161 and 171. Therefore, by applying a configuration for promoting the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159, such a concern can be eliminated.

[0123] Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and expansions can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0124] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the stopper 125 may be provided to be positioned in front of the center of gravity position P of the tanks 103 and 104 in a state where the tanks 103 and 104 are accommodated in the case 102. According to this configuration, with respect to the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case accommodating portion 101, the predetermined amount regulated by the stopper 125 can be shortened, and the dropping of the case 102 due to its own weight can be more reliably suppressed. Note that the center of gravity position P of the tanks 103 and 104 may be the center of gravity position in a state where no clothing treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103 and 104, or may be the center of gravity position in a state where a clothing treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103 and 104. Further, the state where a clothing treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103 and 104 may be a case where the maximum amount of the clothing treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103 and 104, or may be a state where a clothing treatment agent less than the maximum amount is stored.

[0125] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may be configured not to reach one end or the other end of the surface forming the outer contour of the tanks 103 and 104. Note that the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 30 is a configuration example in which the gripping portions 143 and 153 reach the upper end of the surface forming the outer contour of the tanks 103 and 104 but do not reach the lower end. Further, the length of the gripping portions 143 and 153 can be appropriately changed and implemented, for example, to be about 1 / 2 of the height dimension of the tanks 103 and 104.

[0126] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may be provided along the depth direction of the tanks 103 and 104, in other words, along the pulling-out direction of the case 102, instead of the height direction of the tanks 103 and 104. Note that also in this case, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may reach the front end and the other end of the tanks 103 and 104, or may be configured to extend halfway.

[0127] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may be provided on both of the surfaces facing each other in the vertical direction of the tanks 103 and 104. Although not shown, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may be provided on only one of the surfaces facing each other in the vertical direction of the tanks 103 and 104. Also in this case, the gripping portions 143 and 153 may reach the front end and the other end of the tanks 103 and 104, or may be configured to extend partway.

[0128] Also, the tanks applicable to the present embodiment are not limited to the detergent tank 103 for storing detergent and the softener tank 104 for storing softener. For example, various types of tanks can be appropriately adopted as long as they are tanks for storing a treatment agent for performing some treatment on clothing, such as a deodorant tank for storing a deodorant, a deodorizer tank for storing a deodorizer, a disinfectant tank for storing a disinfectant, a bleach tank for storing bleach, and the like. Also, the number of tanks is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be a plurality of three or more. Also, when a plurality of tanks are provided, the plurality of tanks may be tanks for storing the same type of treatment agent, or may be tanks for storing different types of treatment agents.

[0129] Also, the present embodiment can also be applied to a so-called horizontal-axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotary tub extends in the horizontal direction or the inclined direction. Also, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having a drying function. Also, the present embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine having no drying function. Also, the present embodiment can be applied to various clothing treatment devices as long as they are devices for performing some treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, disinfecting, and bleaching of clothing.

[0130] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0131] In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothes treatment apparatus), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tank (clothes treatment tank), 6 is a machine room, 100 is an automatic dosing device (automatic dosing unit), 101 is a case housing part, 102 is a case, 102A is a hanging part, 103 is a detergent tank (tank), 104 is a softener tank (tank), 105 is a detergent metering pump (pump), 106 is a softener metering pump (pump), 108 is a mixing part, 122 and 123 are viewing windows, 125 is a stopper, 126 is a protrusion (blocking promotion part), 129 is a groove part, 130 is a convex part (locking part), 131 is a contact part, 132 is a case-side protrusion (positioning part), 140 and 150 are tank main body parts, 141 and 151 are cover parts, 142 and 152 are replenishment ports, 143 and 153 are gripping parts, 144 and 145 are hanging parts, 146 and 156 are recesses, 147 and 157 are tank-side protrusions (positioning parts), 148 and 158 are pump connection parts (connection parts), 149 and 159 are lids, 160 and 170 are bearing parts, 160a and 170a are ventilation holes, 161 and 171 are packings, 164 and 174 are protrusions, 164a and 174a are convex parts (positioning parts), 164b and 174b are claw parts (locking parts), 165 and 175 are check valves, 167 and 177 are cap parts, 167a and 177a are recessed parts (positioning parts), 167b and 177b are claw hole parts (locking parts), 168 and 178 are straw parts, 200 is a water injection case, 203 is a manual detergent input part (manual input part), 204 is a manual softener input part (manual input part), 300 is a water supply valve unit, 303a is a water supply port (water supply port for mixing part), 304 is a water supply path for mixing part, 305 is a bath water pump.

Claims

[Claim 1] An outer box that forms the outer shell; a clothing treatment tub provided inside the outer box for storing clothing; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tub; A water injection case for injecting water into the laundry treatment tub; a water supply valve unit for supplying water to the water injection case and the automatic water supply unit; Equipped with The water injection case is disposed between the automatic injection unit and the water supply valve unit in a lateral direction of the outer box, A direction in which water flows in a path from the water supply valve unit to the automatic insertion unit is different from a direction in which water flows in a path from the automatic insertion unit to the water injection case, a mixing section for mixing the laundry treatment agent supplied from the tank with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit, A clothing processing device in which water supplied from the water supply valve unit flows into the mixing section from a path from the water supply valve unit to the automatic dispensing section, and then flows out into the water filling case via a path from the automatic dispensing section to the water filling case.

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