Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a technology idea regarding a clothing treatment device including a plurality of input parts where a clothing treatment agent is inputted which allows a clothing treatment agent in each input part to be supplied to a water tub without providing a water supply path to each of the plurality of input parts.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a first input part and a second input part where a clothing treatment agent is inputted respectively; a partition wall for partitioning the first input part and the second input part; and a water supply path for supplying water to the first input part. The partition wall has a communication part for communicating between the first input part and the second input part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a detergent dispenser into which detergent is dispensed and a fabric softener dispenser into which fabric softener is dispensed. The washing machine also includes a water supply path that supplies water to the detergent dispenser and a water supply path that supplies water to the fabric softener dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7399815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional washing machines, multiple input sections are provided with respective water supply passages, and therefore it is necessary to secure space for arranging these multiple water supply passages. However, the space inside the washing machine is limited. Therefore, in order to secure space for arranging the multiple water supply passages, for example, it is necessary to make the input section for the laundry treatment agent small. However, if the input section for the laundry treatment agent is made small, it becomes difficult to input the laundry treatment agent into the input section.

[0005] Furthermore, when an automatic supply device that automatically supplies laundry treatment agent stored in a tank to the water tub is installed, the space inside the washing machine becomes even more limited. Therefore, in order to secure space for arranging multiple water supply paths, it is necessary to reduce the capacity of the tank of the automatic supply device, for example, and if the capacity of the tank of the automatic supply device is reduced, the tank must be replenished with laundry treatment agent more frequently.

[0006] Therefore, this embodiment relates to a clothing treatment device having multiple input sections into which clothing treatment agents are input, and provides a technical solution that allows the clothing treatment agents in each input section to be supplied into the water tank without having to provide water supply paths for each of the multiple input sections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The clothing treatment device of this embodiment comprises a first input section and a second input section into which a clothing treatment agent is input, a partition wall separating the first input section from the second input section, and a water supply path for supplying water to the first input section, and the partition wall has a communication section that connects the first input section to the second input section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic cross section of an example of the configuration of a clothing treatment agent case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional front view showing an example of the configuration of a clothing treatment agent case according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a clothing treatment device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device capable of performing predetermined processes on clothing, in this case, at least a washing process for washing the clothing, a rinsing process for rinsing the clothing, and a dehydration process for dehydrating the clothing. The washing machine 1 is a so-called horizontal-axis drum washing machine, in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 2, washing machine 1 includes a water tub 3 inside a roughly rectangular outer box 2 that forms the outer shell of washing machine 1. Water tub 3 is an example of a clothing storage tub that stores clothes, and is elastically supported by, for example, a suspension (not shown). Water tub 3 is roughly cylindrical, has a closed back, and can store water inside.

[0011] A drum (not shown) is rotatably housed inside the water tub 3. The drum is generally cylindrical, with its rear surface generally closed. The peripheral wall and rear surface of the drum are provided with numerous small holes (not shown) that allow air and water to pass through. The inner surface of the drum is also provided with multiple baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes. The central axis of rotation of the drum, like the water tub 3, extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The drum can rotate forward and backward by a drum motor 4 provided on the rear surface of the water tub 3. A user can load or unload clothes into or from the water tub 3, or more specifically, the drum (not shown), by opening a door 5 provided on the front of the outer case 2.

[0012] Washing machine 1 also includes water supply unit 11 for supplying water into water tub 3. Water supply unit 11 includes water supply valve 13, water supply case 14, automatic supply device 15, and the like, along water supply path 12, which extends from a water source (not shown), such as a tap, to water tub 3. Automatic supply device 15 is configured to suck up laundry treatment agents stored in liquid detergent tank 21 and fabric softener tank 22 (described later) using a pump (not shown) or the like, and automatically supply the laundry treatment agents into water tub 3 via water supply case 14.

[0013] Washing machine 1 also includes drain unit 16 for draining water in water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Drain unit 16 is configured to include drain valve 18 and the like along drain path 17 extending from water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Washing machine 1 is configured so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in water tub 3 by supplying water from water supply unit 11 into water tub 3 with drain valve 18 closed. Washing machine 1 is configured so that water in water tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine via drain path 17 when drain valve 18 is opened.

[0014] Water injection case 14 is disposed directly below opening 2a provided on the top surface of outer casing 2. Opening 2a is formed in a long rectangular shape along the front-to-rear direction of washing machine 1. Opening 2a can be opened and closed by lid member 2b, which is provided so as to be pivotable in the vertical direction. Lid member 2b may be a foldable structure made up of two plate-like members, or a non-foldable structure made up of a single plate-like member. Figure 3 shows an example of the interior of water injection case 14 when lid member 2b is open to expose opening 2a.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, a liquid detergent tank 21 and a fabric softener tank 22 are removably housed within the water injection case 14. In this case, the liquid detergent tank 21 is a tank that stores liquid detergent, which is an example of a laundry treatment agent. The liquid detergent tank 21 can store enough liquid detergent for multiple runs. A refill port (not shown) is provided at the top of the liquid detergent tank 21 for refilling the liquid detergent into the liquid detergent tank 21, and a refill opening lid 21a that opens and closes the refill opening is provided so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0016] On the other hand, the fabric softener tank 22 is a tank that stores liquid fabric softener, which is an example of a laundry treatment agent. The fabric softener tank 22 can store enough fabric softener for multiple runs. A refill port (not shown) for refilling the softener tank 22 with fabric softener is provided at the top of the fabric softener tank 22, and a refill opening lid 22a for opening and closing the refill opening is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

[0017] The liquid detergent tank 21 and the fabric softener tank 22 are formed in a rectangular shape with a dimension along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1 that is longer than the dimension along the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 1. In this case, the liquid detergent tank 21 and the fabric softener tank 22 have the same dimension along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1, but the dimension along the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 1 is longer for the liquid detergent tank 21 than for the fabric softener tank 22.

[0018] The liquid detergent tank 21 and the fabric softener tank 22 are housed side by side in the left-right direction of the washing machine 1 at the rear side of the water supply case 14. In this case, the liquid detergent tank 21 is housed on the left side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1, and the fabric softener tank 22 is housed on the right side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. Note that the washing machine 1 may also be configured so that the liquid detergent tank 21 is housed on the right side and the fabric softener tank 22 is housed on the left side.

[0019] A laundry treatment agent case 100 is housed within the water injection case 14, positioned forward of the liquid detergent tank 21 and fabric softener tank 22. The laundry treatment agent case 100 is made of, for example, resin, and is configured to integrally include a liquid detergent dispenser 101, a fabric softener dispenser 102, and a powder detergent dispenser 103.

[0020] Liquid detergent dispenser 101 is an example of a first dispenser into which liquid detergent, which is an example of a laundry treatment agent, is dispensed, and a user can manually dispense liquid detergent into liquid detergent dispenser 101. Liquid detergent dispenser 101 has no holes or slits on its bottom or sides, and is in the shape of a bottomed container with an open top. Therefore, the liquid detergent dispensed into liquid detergent dispenser 101 is stored within liquid detergent dispenser 101.

[0021] The fabric softener dispenser 102 is an example of a first dispenser into which liquid fabric softener, which is an example of a laundry treatment agent, is dispensed, and a user can manually dispense fabric softener into this fabric softener dispenser 102. The fabric softener dispenser 102 does not have holes or slits on its bottom or side, and is in the form of a container with a bottom that is open on top. Therefore, the fabric softener dispensed into the fabric softener dispenser 102 is stored within the fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0022] The liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 are formed in a rectangular shape with a dimension along the left-right direction of the washing machine 1 longer than a dimension along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. In this case, the fabric softener dispenser 102 is longer than the liquid detergent dispenser 101 in the dimension along the left-right direction of the washing machine 1.

[0023] That is, the left end of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 has a wall shape extending along the front-to-rear direction. On the other hand, the left end of the fabric softener dispenser 102 is inclined so that the front end is located more to the left than the rear end, and because of this inclination toward the left, the dimension along the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 1 is longer than that of the liquid detergent dispenser 101. Furthermore, with respect to the dimensions of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 is longer than the fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0024] At the front side of water supply case 14, liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction of washing machine 1. In this case, liquid detergent dispenser 101 is provided at the rear side when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1, and fabric softener dispenser 102 is provided at the front side when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1. Note that washing machine 1 may also be configured such that liquid detergent dispenser 101 is provided at the front side and fabric softener dispenser 102 is provided at the rear side.

[0025] The powder detergent dispenser 103 is an example of a second dispenser into which powder detergent, which is an example of a laundry treatment agent, is dispensed, and the user can manually dispense powder detergent into this powder detergent dispenser 103. The front-to-rear dimension of the powder detergent dispenser 103 is the same as the dimension from the rear end of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 to the front end of the fabric softener dispenser 102. The left-to-right dimension of the powder detergent dispenser 103 is longer at the rear side than at the front side. The left-to-right dimension of the powder detergent dispenser 103 is shorter than the left-to-right dimension of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and shorter than the left-to-right dimension of the fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0026] A discharge hole 103a penetrating the bottom surface is provided in the bottom surface of powder detergent dispenser 103. Therefore, powder detergent dispensed into powder detergent dispenser 103 is not stored in powder detergent dispenser 103 but passes through discharge hole 103a and is discharged into water dispenser case 14. Discharge hole 103a is provided in the center of powder detergent dispenser 103 in the front-to-rear direction, but its position can be changed as appropriate.

[0027] The powder detergent dispenser 103 also includes inclined portions 103b that slope downward toward the discharge hole 103a. In this case, the inclined portions 103b are provided on both the front and rear sides of the discharge hole 103a. The inclination angle of the inclined portions 103b provided on the front side of the discharge hole 103a and the inclination angle of the inclined portions 103b provided on the rear side of the discharge hole 103a may be the same or different.

[0028] 4, the laundry treatment agent case 100 further includes an integral partition wall 104. The partition wall 104 separates the liquid detergent dispenser 101 from the powder detergent dispenser 103, and the fabric softener dispenser 102 from the powder detergent dispenser 103. In other words, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the powder detergent dispenser 103 are adjacent to each other with the partition wall 104 in between. The fabric softener dispenser 102 and the powder detergent dispenser 103 are also adjacent to each other with the partition wall 104 in between.

[0029] A plurality of overflow portions 104a and 104b, in this case two overflow portions 104a and 104b, are formed at the upper end of the partition wall 104. In this case, the overflow portions 104a and 104b are formed by cutting out rectangular shapes in the upper end of the partition wall 104. Note that the overflow portions 104a and 104b may also be formed by cutting out arc-shaped shapes in the upper end of the partition wall 104, for example.

[0030] Overflow section 104a is an example of a communication section, and provides water-permeable communication between liquid detergent dispenser 101 and powder detergent dispenser 103. Water overflowing from liquid detergent dispenser 101 passes through overflow section 104a and flows into the adjacent powder detergent dispenser 103. On the other hand, overflow section 104b is an example of a communication section, and provides water-permeable communication between fabric softener dispenser 102 and powder detergent dispenser 103. Water overflowing from fabric softener dispenser 102 passes through overflow section 104b and flows into the adjacent powder detergent dispenser 103.

[0031] 3, a water supply path 105 is connected to the water injection case 14. A liquid detergent dispenser water channel 105a and a fabric softener dispenser water channel 105b are formed in the water supply path 105. The liquid detergent dispenser water channel 105a can supply water directly from the water supply valve 13 into the liquid detergent dispenser 101. The fabric softener dispenser water channel 105b can supply water directly from the water supply valve 13 into the fabric softener dispenser 102. Note that a water supply path that directly supplies water into the powder detergent dispenser 103 is not connected to the water injection case 14.

[0032] 5, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 each include a siphon structure 106. The siphon structure 106 includes a cylindrical portion 106a extending in the vertical direction. The bottom surfaces of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 are inclined downward from the water supply path 105 side toward the powder detergent dispenser 103 side, with the portion on the powder detergent dispenser 103 side, in this case the left side, being the lowest.

[0033] Cylindrical portion 106a extends linearly upward from the lowest portion of the bottom of liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102, i.e., the portion on the powder detergent dispenser 103 side. The lower ends of overflow portions 104a and 104b are higher than the upper end of cylindrical portion 106a. A slight difference in height, such as a few millimeters, between the lower ends of overflow portions 104a and 104b and the upper end of cylindrical portion 106a is sufficient. The lower ends of overflow portions 104a and 104b may be at the same height as or approximately the same height as the upper end of cylindrical portion 106a.

[0034] The clothing treatment agent case 100 also has a cap member 107 detachably attached as a separate part. The cap member 107 integrally includes multiple cap portions 107a, in this case two cap portions 107a. The cap portion 107a covers the upper end of the cylindrical portion 106a and includes a cylindrical portion 107b that extends linearly downward. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 107b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 106a, for example, by several millimeters. The cylindrical portion 106a is inserted into the cylindrical portion 107b from below, and a water passage through which liquid can pass is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 106a and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 107b. The cylindrical portions 106a and 107b form a siphon structure 106 that exhibits the well-known siphon action.

[0035] Water is supplied from water supply path 105 into liquid detergent dispenser 101, into which liquid detergent has been dispensed, to form a mixture of liquid detergent and water in liquid detergent dispenser 101. When the supply of water from water supply path 105 continues and the water level of the mixture exceeds the upper end of tubular portion 106a, the mixture in liquid detergent dispenser 101 passes through tubular portion 106a and is discharged into water injection case 14, due to the so-called siphon principle, and is finally supplied to water tub 3.

[0036] Furthermore, water is supplied from water supply path 105 into fabric softener dispenser 102, into which fabric softener has been dispensed, to form a mixture of fabric softener and water in dispenser 102. When the supply of water from water supply path 105 continues and the water level of the mixture exceeds the upper end of tubular portion 106a, the mixture in dispenser 102 passes through tubular portion 106a and is discharged into water injection case 14, due to the so-called siphon principle, and is finally supplied to water tub 3.

[0037] The liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 equipped with such a siphon structure 106 have the following advantages. If a discharge hole were provided in the bottom surface of the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102, the liquid laundry treatment agent dispensed into the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102 would immediately be discharged through the discharge hole, preventing the liquid laundry treatment agent from being mixed with water and supplied to the water tub 3. This could result in the laundry treatment agent's effects, such as cleaning and softening, not being fully realized. However, in the washing machine 1, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 do not have a discharge hole in their bottom surface and are configured to store the liquid laundry treatment agent. Furthermore, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 are equipped with a siphon structure 106 that is excellent at discharging liquid. This allows the liquid laundry treatment agent to be sufficiently mixed with water in the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102, and the mixed liquid can be efficiently discharged from the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 by the siphon structure 106 and supplied into the water tub 3. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be fully effective.

[0038] Cap member 107 also has integrally formed extension portions 107c that extend from inside liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 into powder detergent dispenser 103. That is, cap member 107 is provided so as to straddle between liquid detergent dispenser 101 and powder detergent dispenser 103, and between fabric softener dispenser 102 and powder detergent dispenser 103. Cap member 107 is also provided so as to straddle above partition wall 104.

[0039] The cap member 107 also has an inclined portion 107d that slopes downward toward the center of the powder detergent dispenser 103. As shown in Fig. 3, the portion of the inclined portion 107d extending from the rear end to the center in the front-rear direction extends linearly along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. The front end of the inclined portion 107d slopes toward one side in the left-right direction of the washing machine 1, in this case, the left side.

[0040] The cap member 107 also has an integral rib 107e. The rib 107e protrudes upward like a wall between the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the powder detergent dispenser 103, and between the fabric softener dispenser 102 and the powder detergent dispenser 103. As shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the rib 107e from its rear end to its center in the front-to-rear direction extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1. The front end of the rib 107e is bent toward one side in the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 1, in this case, the left side.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the laundry treatment agent case 100 is integrally provided with an auxiliary water channel 108. In this case, the auxiliary water channel 108 is flat and extends in the left-right direction of the washing machine 1 behind the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the powder detergent dispenser 103. The height of the auxiliary water channel 108 is higher than the lower end of the overflow section 104a. It is sufficient that the difference in height between the auxiliary water channel 108 and the lower end of the overflow section 104a is a small difference of, for example, a few millimeters.

[0042] When the liquid level in liquid detergent dispenser 101 exceeds the height of the upper end of tubular portion 106a and further exceeds the height of the lower end of overflow portion 104a and thus exceeds the height of auxiliary channel 108, the mixed liquid in liquid detergent dispenser 101 also passes through auxiliary channel 108. The mixed liquid flowing on auxiliary channel 108 then flows into powder detergent dispenser 103 mainly from the rear side. This allows the powder detergent remaining in powder detergent dispenser 103, particularly on inclined portion 103b behind discharge hole 103a, to be washed away.

[0043] The washing machine 1 illustrated above includes a liquid detergent dispenser 101, a fabric softener dispenser 102, and a powder detergent dispenser 103, each of which receives a laundry treatment agent, a partition wall 104 separating the liquid detergent dispenser 101 from the powder detergent dispenser 103 and the fabric softener dispenser 102 from the powder detergent dispenser 103, and a water supply path 105 supplying water to the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the fabric softener dispenser 102. The partition wall 104 has an overflow portion 104a that connects the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the powder detergent dispenser 103. The partition wall 104 also has an overflow portion 104b that connects the fabric softener dispenser 102 and the powder detergent dispenser 103.

[0044] According to this configuration example, water can be supplied into powder detergent dispenser 103 by causing the mixed liquid to overflow from liquid detergent dispenser 101 through overflow portion 104a, and water can be supplied into powder detergent dispenser 103 by causing the mixed liquid to overflow from fabric softener dispenser 102 through overflow portion 104b. That is, washing machine 1 is provided with a path that indirectly supplies water from water supply path 105 to powder detergent dispenser 103 via liquid detergent dispenser 101. Washing machine 1 is also provided with a path that indirectly supplies water from water supply path 105 to powder detergent dispenser 103 via fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0045] Therefore, water can be supplied to powder detergent dispenser 103 without providing a water supply path that directly supplies water to powder detergent dispenser 103. As a result, in a washing machine 1 that includes multiple liquid detergent dispensers 101, fabric softener dispensers 102, and powder detergent dispensers 103 into which laundry treatment agents are dispensed, the laundry treatment agents in each of dispensers 101, 102, and 103 can be supplied to water tub 3 without providing water supply paths to all of these dispensers 101, 102, and 103, respectively.

[0046] Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, the liquid detergent dispenser 101 is provided with a siphon structure 106 that discharges the laundry treatment agent in the liquid detergent dispenser 101 by a well-known siphon action. The lower end of the overflow section 104a is higher than the upper end of the siphon structure 106. The fabric softener dispenser 102 is provided with a siphon structure 106 that discharges the laundry treatment agent in the fabric softener dispenser 102 by a well-known siphon action. The lower end of the overflow section 104b is higher than the upper end of the siphon structure 106.

[0047] If a configuration were considered in which the lower end of overflow portion 104b was lower than the upper end of siphon structure 106, there would be a concern that overflow would occur from overflow portions 104a and 104b before the liquid levels in liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 reached the upper end of siphon structure 106, preventing drainage from siphon structure 106. However, according to the exemplary configuration of the present disclosure in which the lower ends of overflow portions 104a and 104b are slightly higher than the upper end of siphon structure 106, drainage from siphon structure 106 can be reliably achieved before overflow from overflow portions 104a and 104b occurs.

[0048] In a configuration example in which the lower ends of overflow sections 104a, 104b are higher than the upper end of siphon structure 106, drainage from siphon structure 106 occurs before the liquid levels in liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 reach the lower ends of overflow sections 104a, 104b, which raises concerns that overflow from overflow sections 104a, 104b may not occur. However, in washing machine 1 of the present disclosure, the amount of water supplied per unit time to liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the amount of water supplied per unit time to fabric softener dispenser 102 are both set to be greater than the amount of water drained per unit time from siphon structure 106. Therefore, since the liquid level rises faster due to water supply into the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or the fabric softener dispenser 102 than it drops due to drainage from the siphon structure 106, the liquid level in the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or the fabric softener dispenser 102 can exceed the lower end of the overflow sections 104a, 104b even after drainage from the siphon structure 106 has begun, meaning that overflow occurs from the overflow sections 104a, 104b.

[0049] Furthermore, washing machine 1 is provided with cap member 107 that covers the upper end of siphon structure 106 provided in liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102. Cap member 107 has extension portion 107c that extends from liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 into powder detergent dispenser 103.

[0050] According to this configuration example, the cap member 107 can straddle and cover the space between the liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the powder detergent dispenser 103 and the space between the fabric softener dispenser 102 and the powder detergent dispenser 103. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid detergent or fabric softener from entering the powder detergent dispenser 103 when dispensing the liquid detergent into the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or dispensing the fabric softener into the fabric softener dispenser 102. Furthermore, when dispensing the powder detergent into the powder detergent dispenser 103, it makes it possible to prevent the powder detergent from entering the liquid detergent dispenser 101 or the fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0051] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, cap member 107 has inclined portion 107d that slopes downward toward the center of powder detergent dispenser 103. According to this configuration example, even if the powder detergent to be dispensed into powder detergent dispenser 103 heads toward liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102, inclined portion 107d can guide the powder detergent toward powder detergent dispenser 103. Therefore, when dispensing powder detergent into powder detergent dispenser 103, it is possible to prevent the powder detergent from entering liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0052] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, cylindrical portion 106a constituting part of siphon structure 106 extends upward from the lowest part of the bottom surface of liquid detergent dispenser 101 and the lowest part of the bottom surface of fabric softener dispenser 102. According to this configuration example, mixed liquid remaining at the bottom of liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102 can also be easily discharged by siphon structure 106, and therefore, mixed liquid can be prevented from remaining in liquid detergent dispenser 101 and fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0053] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, powder detergent dispenser 103 includes discharge hole 103a for discharging powder detergent dispensed into powder detergent dispenser 103, and inclined portion 103b that descends toward discharge hole 103a. According to this configuration example, powder detergent dispensed into powder detergent dispenser 103 can be guided toward discharge hole 103a by inclined portion 103b, and powder detergent can be prevented from remaining in powder detergent dispenser 103.

[0054] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, cap member 107 is provided with ribs 107e between liquid detergent dispenser 101 and powder detergent dispenser 103 and between fabric softener dispenser 102 and powder detergent dispenser 103. According to this configuration example, even if the liquid detergent being dispensed into liquid detergent dispenser 101 or the fabric softener being dispensed into fabric softener dispenser 102 heads toward powder detergent dispenser 103, ribs 107e can prevent the liquid detergent or fabric softener from entering powder detergent dispenser 103. Furthermore, even if the powder detergent being dispensed into powder detergent dispenser 103 heads toward liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102, ribs 107e can prevent the powder detergent from entering liquid detergent dispenser 101 or fabric softener dispenser 102.

[0055] This embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the first dispenser may be a dispenser into which a powdered clothing treatment agent is dispensed, rather than a liquid clothing treatment agent. Furthermore, the second dispenser may be a dispenser into which a liquid clothing treatment agent is dispensed, rather than a powdered clothing treatment agent. The number of first dispensers is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more. The number of second dispensers is not limited to one, but may be two or more. Furthermore, the communication portion is not limited to a notch, but may be, for example, a hole or a slit, as long as it allows water to pass between the first dispenser and the second dispenser. Furthermore, the cap member may be configured to have an inclined portion that descends toward the center of at least one of the first dispenser and the second dispenser. In short, as long as the configuration includes a water supply path that supplies water directly to the first input section, does not include a water supply path that supplies water directly to the second input section, and has a communication section that allows water to flow between the first input section and the second input section, the other components can be modified as appropriate.

[0056] This embodiment can be applied not only to so-called horizontal axis washing machines, but also to so-called vertical axis washing machines in which the rotation center axis of the spin tub extends in the vertical direction. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing treatment devices as long as they are capable of performing some kind of treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, sterilizing, and bleaching.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] In the drawings, 1 indicates a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 101 indicates a liquid detergent dispenser (first dispenser), 102 indicates a fabric softener dispenser (first dispenser), 103 indicates a powder detergent dispenser (second dispenser), 103a indicates a discharge hole, 103b indicates a sloped portion, 104 indicates a partition wall, 104a and 104b indicate overflow portions (communicating portions), 105 indicates a water supply path, 106 indicates a siphon structure portion, 107 indicates a cap member, 107c indicates an extension portion, 107d indicates a sloped portion, and 107e indicates a rib.

Claims

1. a first dispenser and a second dispenser into which a laundry treatment agent is dispensed, a partition wall separating the first input section and the second input section; a water supply path for supplying water to the first input portion; Equipped with The partition wall has a communication section that connects the first input section and the second input section.

2. The first dispenser includes a siphon structure that discharges the laundry treatment agent from the first dispenser, The laundry processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the lower end of the communication portion is higher than the upper end of the siphon structure portion.

3. The first input unit is a siphon structure for discharging the laundry treatment agent from the first dispenser; a cap member for covering an upper end of the siphon structure; Equipped with The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cap member has an extension portion that extends into the second input portion.

4. The first input unit is a siphon structure for discharging the laundry treatment agent from the first dispenser; a cap member for covering an upper end of the siphon structure; Equipped with The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cap member has an inclined portion that descends toward the center of at least one of the first input section and the second input section.

5. The first dispenser includes a siphon structure that discharges the laundry treatment agent from the first dispenser, The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the siphon structure portion extends upward from the lowest part of the bottom surface of the first input portion.

6. The second input unit is a discharge hole for discharging the clothing treatment agent in the second dispenser; a sloped portion that descends toward the discharge hole; The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

7. The first input unit is a siphon structure for discharging the laundry treatment agent from the first dispenser; a cap member for covering an upper end of the siphon structure; Equipped with The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cap member includes a rib between the first input section and the second input section.

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