Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a vertical washing machine that prevents a tank from unintentionally falling off from a tank housing part when the tank is pulled out.SOLUTION: The vertical washing machine includes a washing drum, a main body part for accommodating the washing drum, an upper cover part arranged on an upper side of the main body part, a tank (27) for storing a washing treatment agent to be automatically added into the washing drum, and a tank accommodating part (35) for accommodating the tank (27) in a manner of being capable of being pulled out forwards; The tank (27) has a housing part for storing the washing treatment agent and a cover part (271) provided in the housing part, and has a stopper structure for preventing the tank (27) from coming off from the tank housing part (35) in a drawn-out state where the tank (27) is drawn out from the tank housing part (35).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine having a washing tub. [Background technology]

[0002] A vertical washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing device includes, for example, a treatment agent tank that can store enough laundry treatment agent for multiple uses, and a tank housing section that is provided in the washing machine body and detachably houses the treatment agent tank (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-80918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the washing machine described above, there is a problem in that when the treatment agent tank is pulled out forward from the tank housing portion, the treatment agent tank may unintentionally fall off. The present invention aims to realize a vertical washing machine that prevents the tank from unintentionally falling out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The vertical washing machine of the present invention comprises a washing tub including a water tub and a rotating tub rotatably arranged within the water tub, a main body portion accommodating the washing tub, an upper cover portion arranged on the upper side of the main body portion, a tank for storing laundry treatment agent to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub, and a tank accommodating portion for accommodating the tank so that it can be pulled out to the front, wherein the tank accommodating portion is arranged on the upper cover portion, and the tank has a accommodating portion for storing the laundry treatment agent and a cover portion arranged on the accommodating portion, and has a stopper structure that prevents the tank from coming out of the tank accommodating portion when the tank is pulled out from the tank accommodating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the tank from unintentionally falling out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the washing machine with the lid open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction, seen from the front side. [Figure 4] This is a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction as seen from the right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper cover portion and the lid portion separated from each other. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the automatic feeding unit and its surroundings in an exploded state, seen from above. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view of the automatic insertion unit and its surroundings in an exploded state, seen from below. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the supply unit, as viewed from above the front side. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the supply unit, as seen from below and rearward. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a view of the manual insertion unit with the lid removed, as seen from above. [Figure 9B] 9B is a diagram of the manual insertion unit with the cover removed, and is a cross-sectional view of the AA section of FIG. 9A as seen from the arrow side. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the manual insertion unit with the cover removed, viewed from above the front side. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the manual insertion unit with the cover removed, viewed from below and rearward; [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a view of the water injection section from above. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a view from above showing the upper forming body removed, illustrating the insertion path. [Figure 12A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the water injection unit, seen from above on the front side. [Figure 12B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the water injection section, seen from below and rearward. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction of the automatic insertion unit and its surrounding area, as viewed from above on the front side. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank housing portion and the tank in a disassembled state, viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank housing portion and the tank in a disassembled state, as viewed from below and rearward; [Figure 16A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tank body with the filter removed, as viewed from above the front. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tank body with the filter removed, as viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the water injection unit and the automatic insertion unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a washing machine. [Figure 19A] 10 is a diagram illustrating the tank accommodation portion and the stopper structure of the tank, showing a state in which the tank side engaging portion engages with the rear regulating engaging portion. FIG. [Figure 19B] 10 is a diagram illustrating the tank accommodation portion and the stopper structure of the tank, showing a state in which the tank side engaging portion engages with the front restricting engaging portion. FIG. [Figure 19C] 10 is a diagram illustrating the stopper structure of the tank housing portion and the tank, showing a state in which the tank side engaging portion is engaged with the housing side engaging portion. FIG. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating removal of the tank from the tank housing portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second installation section of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third installation section of the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the mixing ratio and dosage of fabric softener in the third installation section. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 25]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing whether or not an additional function can be added to an operating program. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the number of times an operation unit (function button) is operated and additional function patterns. [Figure 27] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the setting contents of each operation course. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart of a control unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a first lid portion of a fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] 10 is a perspective view of the tank housing portion with the dummy tank and the lid removed, as viewed from above the front side. FIG. [Figure 31] 10 is a perspective view of the tank housing portion with the dummy tank and the lid removed, as viewed from below and rearward; FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a second lid portion of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 33A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank housing with the lid removed, seen from above the front side. [Figure 33B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tank housing with the lid removed, as viewed from below and rearward; [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a main block diagram of the fifth embodiment 1A. [Figure 35] 13 is a flowchart of the control unit of the fifth embodiment 1A. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a main block diagram of the fifth embodiment 2A. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart of the control unit of the fifth embodiment 2A. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart of a first modification of the fifth embodiment 2A. [Figure 39] 13 is a flowchart of Modification 2 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 40] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a setting unit according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment 2A. [Figure 41] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detergent treatment agent table according to Modification 3 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 42]13 is a flowchart of Modification 3 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 43] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detergent treatment agent table (before modification) according to Modification 4 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 44] 13 is a flowchart of Modification 4 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 45] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detergent treatment agent table (modified) according to Modification 4 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a setting unit according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 5 2A. [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detergent treatment agent table (before modification) according to Modification 5 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 48] 13 is a flowchart of Modification 5 of the fifth embodiment 2A. [Figure 49] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a detergent treatment agent table (modified) according to Modification 5 of Fifth Embodiment 2A. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the lid portion.

[0008] <Embodiment> 1. Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is a vertical type. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, washing machine 1 is provided with washing tub 11, motor 12 for rotating washing tub 11 etc., operation unit 13 for inputting and selecting an operation course for the washing process, display unit 14 for displaying the operation status of the washing process etc., water supply unit 15 (see Figure 5) for supplying water to washing tub 11, water injection unit 16 for pouring the supplied water into washing tub 11, drain unit 17 for draining water from washing tub 11, treatment agent injection unit for pouring laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener into water injection unit 16, setting unit 41 (see Figure 2) for setting the laundry treatment agent to be used in the operation course, control unit 261 (see Figure 18) for controlling motor 12, treatment agent injection unit (automatic injection means 28), etc. to perform the washing process etc., and a power supply unit for supplying power to driving means such as motor 12 and control unit 261, etc., in housing 18. A vertical type washing machine is a washing machine in which the central axis of washing tub 11 extends in the vertical direction or is tilted at a predetermined angle, for example, within 10 degrees, relative to the vertical direction.

[0009] The treatment agent dispenser includes an automatic dispenser 21 for automatically dispensing laundry treatment agents contained in multiple tanks 27, and a manual dispenser 23 for manually dispensing laundry treatment agents. The tanks 27 store laundry treatment agents for multiple washing runs. Washing machine 1 is equipped with bath water dispenser 25 (see FIG. 5) that sucks bath water and dispenses it into washing tub 11. Control unit 261 controls the amount and timing of dispense of automatic dispenser 21, and here is provided as circuit unit 26 in a circuit configuration together with the power supply unit. 1, the side where water supply unit 15 is located is defined as the rear side in the front-to-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-to-rear direction is defined as the left-to-right direction. The description will be given taking as an example a case where operation unit 13 and display unit 14 are located on the front side, sandwiching lid unit 182 for opening and closing opening 181a for inserting laundry, but they are not limited to this position. The left-to-right direction is based on the state viewed from the front side in the front-to-rear direction. For example, "A is located on one (other) side of direction B" includes the case where the center of A in direction B is located on one (other) side of the center of direction B of the washing machine, and the same applies to "A is (exists) on one (other) side of direction B." Also, for example, "A is located behind (to the left of) C" includes the case where the center of A in the front-to-back (left-to-right) direction is located behind (to the left of) the center of C in the front-to-back (left-to-right) direction, and the same applies to "A is (exists) behind (to the left of) C," and "on the front (right) side." Furthermore, "the rear (left) side of D" may include the rear (left) part of D and the rear (left side) of D. The main parts will be explained below.

[0010] 2. Main part (1) Washing tub Washing tub 11 includes water tub 111 for storing washing water, and rotary tub 113 rotatably supported within water tub 111.

[0011] (2) Housing The housing 18 includes a main body 180, an upper cover 181 provided on the upper side of the main body 180, and a lid 182 for opening and closing an opening 181a of the upper cover 181 for inserting and removing laundry. The main body 180 is box-shaped with an open top, and mainly houses the washing tub 11. When viewed from above, the main body 180 has a rectangular shape or a shape close to a rectangular shape. The top end of the main body 180 is located higher than the top end of the washing tub 11.

[0012] As shown in Figure 5, upper cover part 181 has opening 181a and is rectangular or nearly rectangular when viewed from above. Top wall part 181e is inclined downward toward the front, making it easier to put laundry into washing tub 11 and take it out of washing tub 11. The upper cover portion 181 has an inner wall portion 181f extending downward from the opening edge of the top wall portion 181e, and an outer wall portion 181g extending downward from the outer edge of the top wall portion 181e, and by utilizing the space between the inner wall portion 181f and the outer wall portion 181g, the operation portion 13 and display portion 14 are arranged at the front, the automatic insertion portion 21, manual insertion portion 23, tank 27, water supply portion 15, water pouring portion 16 and bath water insertion portion 25 are arranged at the rear, and the circuit unit 26 (see Figure 3) is arranged on the other side in the left-right direction (the right side). That is, the automatic feeding unit 21 and the tank 27 are located at the rear, and the manual feeding unit 23 is located on one side in the left-right direction (the left side), next to the tank 27 located at the end in the direction in which the multiple tanks 27 are lined up. This allows the automatic feeding unit 21, the tank 27, and the manual feeding unit 23 to be arranged in a limited space. In addition, at least one of the automatic dispensing unit 21 and the tank 27 is located at the rear, the manual dispensing unit 23 is located on one side in the left-right direction, and the bath water dispensing unit 25 is located on the other side in the left-right direction. This allows at least one of the automatic dispensing unit 21 and the tank 27, the manual dispensing unit 23, and the bath water dispensing unit 25 to be arranged in a limited space. Furthermore, at least one of automatic dispenser 21 and tank 27 is located at the rear, manual dispenser 23 and water supply unit 15 are located on one side in the left-right direction, bath water dispenser 25 is located on the other side in the left-right direction, water pouring unit 16 is located below at least one of automatic dispenser 21 and tank 27, and manual dispenser 23 is located in front of water supply unit 15. This allows automatic dispenser 21, manual dispenser 23, water supply unit 15, water pouring unit 16, and bath water dispenser 25 to be arranged in a limited space. Furthermore, because top wall 181e is inclined upward at the rear, the required amount of laundry treatment agent can be stored in automatic dispenser 21 and automatic dispenser 21. Automatic dispenser 21 and tank 27 are located at the rear, tank 27 is exposed to the washing tub 11 side, and automatic dispenser 21 is disposed near the rear side of tank 27. This improves the operability of tank 27 and also makes it easy to connect automatic dispenser 21 and tank 27. The upper cover portion 181 is provided with an opening for a faucet connection portion 151 for connecting to a water faucet, an opening for connecting to a bath water suction hose, an opening for adding laundry treatment agent to the manual insertion portion 23, and an opening 181d for inserting and removing the tank 27 of the automatic insertion portion 21.

[0013] 5, the lid part 182 has a lid portion 182a that opens and closes the opening 181a of the upper cover part 181, and a protruding portion 182b that protrudes rearward from the rear end of the lid part 182a, and the protruding portion 182b is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft 183 with a damper. The rotary shaft extends in the left-right direction and is located on the rear side of the upper cover part 181. As shown in Fig. 2, lid portion 182 is supported by a support portion in the open state. In other words, the support portion is maintaining means 184 for maintaining the open state of lid portion 182. Maintaining means 184 is a plate-like body, a so-called flap, and as shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 4, is housed in recess 182c of lid portion 182 so as to be openable and closable (its lower end portion is swingable). As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 5, the lid 182 and the retaining means 184 have a rotation structure that allows the retaining means 184 to rotate around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. Here, the retaining means 184, which is long in the left-right direction, has a protrusion 184a that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from one end in the short direction. The lid 182 has a through-hole 182d that penetrates outward in the left-right direction from a side surface that constitutes the recess 182c and is perpendicular to the left-right direction, or a recess that recesses outward. The rotation structure is provided on the lower end side when the cover 182 is in the upright position (as shown in FIG. 5) and the retaining means 184 is housed in the recess 182c. Lid 182 and retaining means 184 have a restricting structure that restricts retaining means 184 from moving from the closed state (housed state) to the open state (state in FIG. 2). The restricting structure is engagement portions 184b and 182e that engage with each other. The restricting structure is provided on the opposite side in the vertical direction to the pivoting structure, in this case, on the upper end side, when lid 182 is in the upright state (state in FIG. 5) and retaining means 184 is housed in recess 182c. The maintaining means 184 has an operating portion (finger hook portion) 184c that can be operated by the user to change the state from the closed state in which it is housed in the lid portion 182 to the open state. When lid portion 182 is opened, retaining means 184 rotates so that the other end side in the short direction (the upper end side when lid portion 182 is in the upright state (the state in FIG. 5) and retaining means 184 is housed in recess 182c) falls forward due to its own weight or operation by the user, and fits into groove portion 181b of upper cover portion 181. Note that a protrusion portion 181c is provided on the front side of groove portion 181b to prevent retaining means 184 from coming off groove portion 181b. Note that retaining means 184 may be configured to engage with recess 182c, or a biasing means may be provided that biases retaining means 184 to rotate toward recess 182c.

[0014] (3) Water supply section As shown in Figures 5 to 7, water supply unit 15 is disposed to the left of automatic insertion unit 21 and behind manual insertion unit 23. Water supply unit 15 is fixed via water supply base 33 to support frame 31 installed on the upper rear end of main body 180 of housing 18. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the water supply section 15 includes a faucet connection section 151, multiple (e.g., three) water channel sections 152, 153, and 154, a distribution section 155 that distributes water supplied from the faucet connection section 151 to each of the water channel sections 152, 153, and 154, and an on-off valve 156 provided in each of the water channel sections 152, 153, and 154. Water channel portion 152 is connected to automatic insertion portion 21 via hose 157, water channel portion 153 is connected to manual insertion portion 23 via hose 158, and water channel portion 154 is directly connected to manual insertion portion 23. Cylindrical water supply port 154a of water channel portion 154 is inserted into first inlet 231c of outer case 231, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. The distribution section 155 and the water channel sections 152, 153, 154 are configured by a resin box body having a water channel therein. The box body is fixed to the water supply base 33.

[0015] (4) Manual input section Manual dispenser 23 is provided inside upper cover 181 of housing 18. A user sets the detergent treatment agent to be used for one washing run in manual dispenser 23 for each wash, and when the washing run starts, water is supplied from water supply 15 and the detergent treatment agent is dispensed into washing tub 11. Manual throw-in unit 23 is located upstream of water injection unit 16 in the flow path of water supplied from water supply unit 15, and is located above water injection unit 16 in terms of vertical position (height). This allows water to flow more easily within manual throw-in unit 23, making it less likely for water to remain within manual throw-in unit 23. From another perspective, if manual throw-in unit 23 is located behind upper cover unit 181 in the front-to-rear direction with the height difference as described above, the height of the front side of upper cover unit 181 can be lowered, making it possible to make the unit more compact. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, manual insertion section 23 includes outer case 231, inner case 233 disposed within outer case 231 and temporarily accommodating laundry treatment agent, and lid 235 (see FIG. 6) that closes opening 231a of outer case 231. Note that lid 235 may be configured as upper cover section 181 instead of the manual insertion section.

[0016] Outer case 231 is box-shaped with opening 231a at the top end, and the side wall portion facing inner circumferential wall portion 181f of upper cover portion 181 is curved in an arc shape. Outer case 231 has first inlet 231c for tap water inflow in rear wall portion 231b, second inlet 231e for tap water inflow in side wall portion 231d on the outer side in the left-right direction (the side farther from washing tub 11), and outlet 231f for tap water outflow in bottom wall portion 231g. First inlet 231c is connected to water channel 154 of water supply unit 15, and second inlet 231e is connected to water channel 153, so that water is supplied from two independent paths. Second inlet 231e is provided with connector 238 for connecting to hose 158 (see FIG. 7) that connects to water supply unit 15. Hose 239 (see Figures 6 and 7) connected to outlet 231f of manual throw-in unit 23 is connected to second inlet 164a (tubular portion 162e) of manual throw-in path 164 of water pouring unit 16. Since there is a difference in height between manual throw-in unit 23 and water pouring unit 16, hose 239 preferably extends downward from manual throw-in unit 23 toward water pouring unit 16, but hose 239 may also be routed so that there is no difference in height in any part of hose 239 (so that part is horizontal). Note that a non-bendable pipe may be used instead of hose 239.

[0017] Inner case 233 has first container 233a for the treatment agent and second container 233b for the treatment agent in the front-rear direction. First container 233a is located on the rear side and has a larger dimension in the left-right direction than second container 233b. The first storage section 233a has an inlet 233e at the upper side of the rear wall section 233d, an outlet 233f at the upper side of the rear wall section 233d, outlets 233j and 233k in the side wall sections 233g and 233h, and an outlet 233n in the bottom wall section 233m. At least one of a detergent (liquid or powder) and a bleaching agent is poured into the first storage section 233a. When water is supplied, the treatment agent flows from the first storage section 233a through the outlets 233f, 233j, 233k, and 233n toward the outer case 231. The first inlet 231c is provided with a guide section 233o that guides the flowing water downward. The outlets 233f, 233j, 233k are provided in the side wall portions 233g, 233h and the rear wall portion 233d in order to prevent detergent from remaining on the peripheral walls. The second storage section 233b has an inlet 233q at the upper side of the side wall section 233p and outlets 233s and 233t in the side wall sections 233p and 233r, respectively. Fabric softener is poured into the second storage section 233b. The treatment agent is stored in the bottom wall section 233u. When water is supplied, water accumulates in the second storage section 233b and flows out from the inside of the cylindrical guide 237 toward the outer case 231. In other words, in order to discharge the treatment agent by utilizing the siphon effect, the guide 237 is provided in the second storage section 233b, covering from above the cylindrical section having an outlet at its upper end. The outlets 233s and 233t are provided in the side wall sections 233p and 233r to prevent the fabric softener from remaining on the peripheral walls. The lid 235 is attached so as to be able to open and close to the upper cover part 181. Here, the rear end part is supported so as to be able to rotate around a rotation axis in the left-right direction.

[0018] (5) Bath water inlet 6 and 7, the bath water inlet 25 is equipped with a pump 251, which is fixed in place on the pump support base 311 of the support frame 31. The sucked bath water is discharged to the water inlet 16 via a hose 253.

[0019] (6) Water injection section The water injection unit 16 is disposed between the water supply unit 15 and the washing tub 11 in the water flow path. Water injection section 16 is disposed above and behind washing tub 11. Water injection section 16 is provided across the left-right direction. Water injection section 16 is located below automatic dispenser 21 and tank 27. This allows the flow path between automatic dispenser 21 and the water injection section to be short.

[0020] (6-1) Route As shown in Fig. 7, water injection unit 16 is connected to water supply unit 15, manual injection unit 23, and bathwater injection unit 25. As shown in Fig. 11B, water injection unit 16 has separate automatic injection path 163 through which laundry treatment agent is injected from automatic injection unit 21, and manual injection path 164 through which laundry treatment agent is injected from manual injection unit 23. By separating automatic injection path 163 and manual injection path 164 in this way, automatic injection path 163 and manual injection path 164 become narrower than when the automatic injection path and the manual injection path are the same path, and water flowing through the paths has more force, making it possible to prevent water from remaining in the paths. Here, the water pouring section 16 further has a bath water pouring path 165 through which bath water flows. The automatic supply path 163 is connected to the automatic supply section 21, the manual supply path 164 is connected to the manual supply section 23, and the bath water supply path 165 is connected to the bath water supply section 25.

[0021] The automatic dispensing path 163 has a first path 163b which has a first inlet 163a through which water flows in from the water supply section 15 and which extends along the arrangement direction of the tanks 27 (here, the left-right direction), and a second path 163d which is connected to the first path 163b and has a first discharge outlet 163c for discharging the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub 11. The term "stretching along the A direction" includes stretching in the A direction, stretching in a direction parallel to the A direction, and stretching in a direction intersecting the A direction at an angle of 45° or less.

[0022] First path 163b extends from one side where water supply unit 15 is located to the other side, and first inlet 163a is located on one side. This allows the distance to water supply unit 15 to be shortened, and can be shortened when using a connector such as a hose. First path 163b has multiple inlets 163e formed along the left-right direction, through which laundry treatment agent is dispensed from automatic dispenser 21. In this example, there are four tanks 27, so there are four inlets to match the number of tanks 27. However, as long as there are two or more tanks 27, the number of inlets may be set according to the number, or there may be one inlet for two adjacent tanks 27. 17, the first path 163b has a bottom surface that is inclined so that one side is lower than the other side in the left-right direction. This allows water to flow smoothly through the first path 163b. Here, the vertical gap (vertical width) of the first path 163b becomes larger from one side to the other. Inlet 163e of water injection unit 16 is formed above first path 163b facing the vertical direction (perpendicular to the vertical direction), and detergent treatment agent is dispensed from outlet 282a by automatic dispensing means 28. As a result, the laundry treatment agent is dispensed into the water flowing smoothly through the path, and the dispensed laundry treatment agent can be flowed toward washing tub 11. Incidentally, outlet 282a is formed at the tip of tubular (e.g., cylindrical) discharge side connector 282.

[0023] The first path 163b is configured so that when water is supplied from the first inlet 163a, the water reaches at least one inlet 163e, into which the detergent treatment agent is dispensed. When water is supplied from the water supply unit 15, at least one of the multiple inlets 163e is submerged in water. Specifically, the flow rate of the water channel portion 152 of the water supply unit 15 connected to the first inlet 163a is increased, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first path 163b is reduced. As a result, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 17, it is possible to prevent the laundry treatment agent from adhering to at least one inlet 163e, thereby improving the hygiene of the inlet 163e. It is more preferable from a hygiene standpoint that water reaches as many inlets 163e as possible. By immersing the outlet 282a of the discharge side connection part 282 of the automatic dispensing means 28 in water, the laundry treatment agent adhering to the outlet 282a can be flushed away (washed away), and the outlet 282a and the inlet 163e can be prevented from being clogged with the laundry treatment agent. It should be noted that the first inlet 163a, the inlet 163e, and the third inlet 165a are shown in FIG. 11B so that their positions can be seen.

[0024] The second path 163d extends forward in the front-rear direction from the other end of the first path 163b in the left-right direction. Here, the second path 163d extends so as to approach one side in the left-right direction (the manual insertion path 164 side) as it moves forward. This allows a space to be formed in front of the first path 163b on the other side in the left-right direction. In other words, the left-right width of the front side of the water injection unit 16 can be shortened.

[0025] The manual feeding path 164 has a second inlet 164a through which the laundry treatment agent flows in and a second outlet 164b through which the laundry treatment agent is discharged into the washing tub 11. The manual feeding path 164 has a first path 164c having the second inlet 164a and extending in the left-right direction in front of the first path of the automatic feeding path 163, and a second path 164d communicating with the first path 164c and having the second outlet 164b. The second path 164d extends forward in the front-rear direction from the other end of the first path 164c in the left-right direction. Here, the second path 164d extends so as to approach the other side in the left-right direction (the second path 163d side of the automatic feeding path 163) as it moves toward the front. The second inlet 164a is located on one side in the left-right direction of the water injection unit 16. The second outlet 164b is located on the other side in the left-right direction compared to the second inlet 164a. The second outlet 164b is located on one side in the left-right direction compared to the first outlet 163c. This allows the first outlet 163c and the second outlet 164b to be provided in the left-right direction. When viewed from above, the automatic insertion path 163 is L-shaped or U-shaped, and the manual insertion path 164 is V-shaped. This allows the V-shaped manual insertion path 164 to be placed in an area of ​​the rectangular area formed by the L where the automatic insertion path 163 does not exist. In this way, the space inside the L-shaped or U-shaped automatic insertion path 163 can be used effectively.

[0026] The bath water input path 165 has a third inlet 165a through which bath water flows in from the bath water input section 25. The third inlet 165a corresponds to an example of the "inlet of the bath water input path" of Invention 4. The third inlet 165a is located on the other side in the left-right direction compared to the first path 163b of the automatic input path 163. The bath water input path 165 extends in the front-to-rear direction and merges with the second path 163d of the automatic input path 163. Therefore, the first outlet 163c also serves as the third outlet of the bath water input path 165. First discharge outlet 163c and second discharge outlet 164b are elongated holes extending in the left-right direction. This allows the discharge opening to be enlarged and the dimensions in the front-to-back direction to be reduced. First discharge outlet 163c and second discharge outlet 164b are located above washing tub 11.

[0027] (6-2) Pathway formation As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the water injection section 16 has a path formation body that forms paths such as an automatic input path 163, a manual input path 164, and a bathwater input path 165. The path formation body here integrally includes the automatic input path 163, the manual input path 164, and the bathwater input path 165. The path formation body has an upper forming body 161 and a lower forming body 162. The upper forming body 161 and the lower forming body 162 are integrated with screws or the like.

[0028] The upper forming body 161 has an upper plate-shaped portion 161a and an upper protruding portion that protrudes downward from the upper plate-shaped portion 161a. The upper protrusion has upper protrusion 161b which forms the upper part of the side wall of automatic input path 163, upper protrusion 161c which forms the upper part of the side wall of manual input path 164, and upper protrusion 161d which forms the upper part of the side wall of bath water input path 165. Upper plate-shaped portion 161a has, within the area surrounded by upper protrusion 161b, a first inlet 163a for water supplied from water supply portion 15 and an inlet 163e for laundry treatment agent dispensed from automatic dispenser 21. First inlet 163a and inlet 163e are formed by upwardly extending cylindrical portions 161e and 161f, respectively. Upper plate-shaped portion 161a has, within the area surrounded by upper protrusion 161d, a third inlet 165a for bath water supplied from bath water dispenser 25. Third inlet 165a is formed by upwardly extending cylindrical portion 161g.

[0029] The lower forming body 162 has a lower plate-shaped portion 162a and a lower protruding portion that protrudes upward from the lower plate-shaped portion 162a. The lower protrusion has lower protrusion 162b which forms the lower part of the side wall of automatic input path 163, lower protrusion 162c which forms the lower part of the side wall of manual input path 164, and lower protrusion 162d which forms the lower part of the side wall of bath water input path 165. The lower plate-like portion 162a has a second inlet 164a for water (tap water or tap water containing a laundry treatment agent) dispensed from the manual dispenser 23, located upstream of the area surrounded by the lower protruding portion 162c so as to connect to the area. The second inlet 164a is formed by a cylindrical portion 162e extending to one side in the left-right direction. The lower plate-shaped portion 162a has a first outlet 163c in an area surrounded by the lower protruding portion 162b. The lower plate-shaped portion 162a has a second outlet 164b in an area surrounded by the lower protruding portion 162c. The portions of lower plate portion 162a that make up automatic pouring path 163, manual pouring path 164, and bathwater pouring path 165 become lower as they move downstream in the water flow path. In Fig. 12A, the protrusions of lower protrusions 162b, 162c, and 162d are greater on the downstream side than on the upstream side of each path. This allows water to flow smoothly through automatic pouring path 163, manual pouring path 164, and bathwater pouring path 165.

[0030] (7) Tank The tank 27 has a storage section for storing the laundry treatment agent and a cover section provided for the storage section. The plurality of tanks 27 (four in this example) constitute a tank section. 13, the tank 27 includes at least a tank body 270 constituting the storage section and an upper cover body 271 constituting the cover section. The tank 27 here includes a suction pipe 272 for sucking the laundry treatment agent in the tank body 270, and a filter 273 for preventing dust and the like from being sucked into the suction pipe 272. The tank 27 is provided with a mounting fixture 274 on the tank body 270 for mounting the upper cover body 271 to the tank body 270. The mounting fixture 274 can also function as a handle, as will be described later. The tank 27 has a lid 275 on the upper cover 271 that covers an opening 271a for refilling the interior with laundry treatment agent.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the tank body 270 is box-shaped with an open top and includes a front chamber 276 and a rear chamber 277. The rear chamber 277 extends rearward from the top of the front chamber 276 and has a shape resembling a rotated "L" when viewed from the left and right. In other words, a rear bottom wall (rear bottom surface) 277a of the rear chamber 277 is higher than a front bottom wall (front bottom surface) 276a of the front chamber 276. The rear bottom wall 277a is inclined downward toward the front. This makes it difficult for laundry treatment agent to remain in the rear chamber 277. An automatic dispensing means 28 is disposed behind the front chamber 276 and below the rear chamber 277. A suction pipe 272 is attached to a rear wall portion 276b of the front chamber 276. The suction pipe 272 extends forward and then curves and extends downward. A base portion (a cylindrical portion extending forward) 272a of the suction pipe 272 is provided with an on-off valve 278 (see FIG. 13) that opens and closes in accordance with the attachment and detachment of the tank 27 to and from the tank accommodating portion 35. The suction pipe 272 is attached by using an attachment portion 272c that extends in the vertical direction, etc., from the rear end of the base portion 272a. The tank body 270 has, on the outer surface (front surface) of the front wall portion 270b, a plurality of vertical rib portions 270c extending in the up-down direction and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and horizontal rib portions 270e connecting the lower ends of the vertical rib portions 270c in the left-right direction.

[0032] 14 and 15, the tank 27 may have an expansion section 279 for expanding the internal space (increasing the liquid capacity). In this example, the expansion section 279 is provided in the fabric softener tanks 27C and 27D that store the first and second fabric softeners described below. The extension portion 279 protrudes rearward. In this case, the extension portion 279 protrudes rearward so as to straddle the rear wall portion 276b of the front chamber 276 and the rear bottom wall portion 277a of the rear chamber 277. The fabric softener tanks 27C and 27D have larger left-right dimensions than the detergent tanks 27A and 27B, and the extension portion 279 is provided on the side of the mounting portion 272c. Note that the tank housing portion 35 has a recessed portion 376 in the lower housing body 37 that corresponds to the extension portion 279 of the tanks 27C and 27D. This allows the amount of laundry treatment agent that can be stored in the tank 27 to be increased.

[0033] The filter 273 is provided so as to surround the suction pipe 272. Here, since one side wall portion (left side wall portion) 270a of the tank body 270 is used, the filter 273 has at least a front wall portion 273a, a side wall portion 273b on the other side, and an upper wall portion 273c. Here, an inclined wall portion 273d is provided between the upper wall portion 273c and the front wall portion 273a. A through-hole 273e for a laundry treatment agent is formed in the front wall 273a, the side wall 273b, and the upper wall 273c. The filter 273 is detachably provided, and a lower end portion of the front wall 273a and a rear end portion of the upper wall 273c are engaged with an engaging portion 276c of a front bottom wall (front bottom surface) 276a and a rear wall 276b of the front chamber 276. The engagement is achieved by inserting (sandwiching) the end portions of the front wall 273a and the upper wall 273c of the filter 273 between the pair of elastic pieces with the lower end of the front wall 273a fitted into a groove portion 276d of the front bottom wall 276a.

[0034] 14 and 15, the upper cover body 271 has a plate-shaped portion 271b and an opening 271a in front of the plate-shaped portion 271b. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be replenished with the tank 27 pulled out from the tank housing portion 35. The lid body 275 is configured to be openable and closable around a pair of protrusions on the rear side of the opening 271a in the upper cover body 271 as a rotation axis.

[0035] The mounting fixture 274 has a plate-shaped portion 274a, a pair of side plate portions 274b extending rearward from both the left and right ends of the plate-shaped portion 274a, and an engaging portion 274c formed at the upper end of the plate-shaped portion 274a and engaging with the engaged portion 271c of the upper cover body 271. The mounting fixture 274 is attached to the tank body 270 at the lower end of the side plate portion 274b so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis in the left-right direction. When the mounting fixture 274 rotates, the engaging portion 274c engages with the engaged portion 271c of the upper cover body 271. The upper cover body 271 is attached to the tank body 270 by engaging the engaging portion 271c at the front end with the engaging portion 274c of the attachment device 274 and by engaging the engaging portion 271d at the rear end (the elastic piece and the through hole formed in the elastic piece) with the engaging portion 270f of the tank body 270.

[0036] The wearing tool (handle) 274 has an edge 274e that forms an opening 274d for inserting a user's finger. Here, the opening 274d is provided in the plate-shaped part 274a. This makes it easy to pull out the tank 27. In addition, a space is formed between the front wall part 270b of the tank body 270 and the plate-shaped part 274a by the vertical rib part 270c, making it easy for a user to insert a finger. The tank body 270 is made of a transparent resin material, so that the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank 270 can be seen through the opening 274d of the attachment 274. In other words, the portion of the front wall 270b of the tank body 270 located behind the opening 274d of the attachment 274 can be considered a transparent window 270g. A scale may be provided on this window 270g to make it easier to see the remaining amount. "Transparent" here refers to a degree that allows the amount of stored laundry treatment agent to be seen. The multiple vertical ribs 270c of the tank body 270 are arranged so as not to overlap with the opening 274d, and when the attachment 274 is in the engaged state, the window 270g faces the opening 274d of the plate-shaped portion 274a. In the engaged state, the mounting fixture 274 is inclined so that it descends rearward as it moves upward. This allows the user to easily check the amount of detergent treatment agent in the tank 27 through the window 270g, even when the tank 27 is housed in the tank housing portion 35.

[0037] (8) Automatic liquid supply unit Automatic dispensing unit 21 is provided on the rear side of upper cover 181 of housing 18. Automatic dispensing unit 21 is located in the center in the left-right direction, and manual dispensing unit 23 and bathwater dispensing unit 25 are located on both sides of it in the left-right direction. This allows the wide space between main body 180 and washing tub 11, which is the rear corner part of main body 180, to be used effectively. In automatic dispenser 21, the user sets the detergent treatment agent to be used for multiple wash cycles, and when the wash cycle starts, water is supplied from water supply unit 15 and the laundry treatment agent is automatically dispensed into washing tub 11. More specifically, automatic dispenser 21 dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the water that is supplied and flows through automatic dispense path 163 of water injection unit 16. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, automatic dispensing unit 21 has automatic dispensing means 28 that dispenses laundry treatment agent from tank 27, which contains laundry treatment agent to be automatically dispensed into washing tub 11. Here, there are multiple tanks 27 (four in this case), lined up in the left-right direction. Detergent may be stored in all of the multiple tanks 27, or x (x = an integer greater than or equal to 1) tanks 27 of the multiple tanks 27 may store fabric softener, and the remaining y (y = an integer greater than or equal to 1) tanks 27 may store detergent. Automatic dispensing means 28 are provided for each tank 27, and there are a total of the same number of automatic dispensing means 28 as the tanks 27, lined up in the direction in which the tanks 27 are arranged. The tank 27 is housed in a tank housing section 35, and the tank housing section 35 is provided with an automatic feeding means 28.

[0038] 13, the automatic dispensing means 28 is provided in the tank housing section 35, positioned below the rear part of the tank 27. Specifically, it is positioned below (directly below) the rear bottom wall section 277a (rear chamber 277) of the tank 27. This allows the size of the automatic dispensing section 21 in the front-rear direction to be reduced while ensuring the storage amount of laundry treatment agent. A pump that sucks and discharges the laundry treatment agent can be used as automatic dispensing means 28. Automatic dispensing means 28 includes a suction side connector 281 that connects to suction pipe 272 of attached tank 27, a discharge side connector 282 that connects to water injection section 16, a cylinder 283 that communicates with suction side connector 281 and discharge side connector 282, a piston 284 that moves within cylinder 283, and a motor 285 that moves piston 284. As shown in Figure 14, the suction side connection part 281 extends from the upright wall part 371c of the lower housing body 37 of the tank housing part 35. The extension direction is opposite to the direction of movement of the tank 27 when the tank 27 is attached, specifically, forward. The suction side connection part 281 has an opening / closing pin 286 that opens and closes the opening / closing valve 278 (see Figure 13) of the tank 27 in accordance with the attachment and detachment of the tank 27.

[0039] Discharge side connecting part 282 extends toward water injection part 16. More specifically, as shown in Figure 17, it extends downward and connects (fits) with tubular part 161f (automatic feeding path 163) of water injection part 16. Here, a packing 288 is arranged between tubular part 161f and discharge side connecting part 282 to improve airtightness. Discharge side connecting part 282 is provided with an on-off valve 287 (see Figure 17) that opens and closes in accordance with the movement of piston 284. Cylinder 283 extends in the front-rear direction, and piston 284 moves back and forth by motor 285. When piston 284 moves rearward, it sucks in laundry treatment agent, and when it moves forward, opening valve 287 opens and discharges the laundry treatment agent. As shown in FIG. 17, on-off valve 287 is fixed by fixture 289 such as a snap ring at a position inward from the tip of each discharge side connecting portion 282. In other words, space 282c exists between discharge port 282b, which is the opening of on-off valve 287, and outlet 282a of discharge side connecting portion 282. It is configured so that water enters at least one of spaces 282c when water is supplied from water supply unit 15 to automatic feeding path 163 (first path 163b). As a result, when the water supply is stopped, water that has entered space 282c flows through outlet 282a of discharge side connecting portion 282 and inlet 163e of water pouring unit 16 to first path 163b (washing tub 11), so outlet 282a and inlet 163e can be kept clean, improving hygiene. It is preferable from a hygiene standpoint that water reaches as many spaces 282c as possible.

[0040] (9) Tank housing section The tank accommodating section 35 has a accommodating section that accommodates the tank 27 so that it can be taken in and out from the front side, and a cover section that is provided on the accommodating section. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the tank accommodating section 35 is provided on the rear side of the opening 181d of the inner circumferential wall section 181f of the upper cover section 181. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the tank housing 35 includes a lower housing body 37 that constitutes the housing body and an upper housing body 39 that constitutes the cover body. As shown in FIG. 13 , the tank housing 35 is located above (directly above) the water injection unit 16 and is fixed to the water injection unit 16. In this embodiment, the automatic dispenser 21 and the tank 27 are located above (directly above) the water injection unit 16. However, it is also possible to prevent the water injection unit 16 and the tank 27 from overlapping vertically by moving the water injection unit 16 backward or shortening the front-to-back width of the tank 27, shortening the front-to-back length of the rear chamber 277 of the tank 27, or eliminating the rear chamber 277. In this case, a separate flow path may be formed using a hose, pipe, nozzle, or a combination thereof connected to the water injection unit 16, allowing the water to be discharged into the rotating tub 113.

[0041] (9-1) Lower storage unit The lower housing body 37 has a support portion 371 that supports the bottom wall portion of the tank 27, side wall portions 372 provided at both ends of the support portion 371 in the arrangement direction of the tanks 27, and a rear wall portion 373 provided at the rear end of the support portion 371. The lower housing body 37 has positioning portions 374 on the support portion 371 that position adjacent tanks 27 in the arrangement direction. The positioning portions 374 are formed by rib portions that extend upward and in the front-to-rear direction. The support portion 371 has a front bottom wall portion 371a, a rear bottom wall portion 371b, and an erected wall portion 371c so as to face the front bottom wall portion 276a and the rear bottom wall portion 277a of the tank 27 and the rear wall portion 276b of the front chamber 276. The rear bottom wall portion 371b is located higher than the front bottom wall portion 371a, and the erected wall portion 371c connects the rear end of the front bottom wall portion 371a and the front end of the rear bottom wall portion 371b. The automatic dispensing means 28 is attached to the support portion 371 from the rear side so that the suction side connection portion 281 of the automatic dispensing means 28 extends therefrom. The upper ends of the side wall portion 372 and the rear wall portion 373 are flush with the upper surface of the tank 27 placed on the support portion 371 .

[0042] (9-2) Upper storage unit The upper housing body 39 has a top wall portion 391. When the upper housing body 39 covers the lower housing body 37, the top wall portion 391 and the upper surface of the tank 27 are closely opposed to each other. This reduces rattle (play) of the tank 27 in the up and down direction when the tank 27 is taken in or out. The upper housing 39 has bent portions 392 that bend downward from both the left and right ends and the rear end of the top wall portion 391. The upper housing 39 is attached to the lower housing 37 with the bent portions 392 abutting against the upper end of the outer surface of the lower housing 37. The attachment is performed by utilizing an engagement structure in which an engaging portion (an opening formed in the elastic piece portion) 393 of the upper housing 39 engages with an engaged portion (a convex portion) 376 of the lower housing 37. The tank housing portion 35 and the tank 27 have a stopper structure that prevents the tank 27 from coming out of the tank housing portion 35 when the tank 27 is pulled out from the tank housing portion 35 (pulled out state).

[0043] The stopper structure on the tank accommodating section 35 side is an accommodating side engaging portion 394 formed on the top wall portion 391 of the upper accommodating body 39, as shown in Figure 14 or Figure 15, and the stopper structure on the tank 27 side is a tank side engaging portion 271f formed on the upper cover body 271. The accommodation-side engaging portion 394 is configured by a front wall portion of a recessed portion 395 that is formed in the top wall portion 391 and recesses upward. The tank-side engaging portion 271f is provided so as to protrude upward within the recessed portion 395 of the top wall portion 391. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19C , in a state in which the tank 27 is accommodated in the tank accommodation portion 35 (a state in which the tank 27 is pulled out but not removed from the tank accommodation portion 35), the tank-side engaging portion 271f of the upper cover body 271 engages with the accommodation-side engaging portion 394 of the tank accommodation portion 35. More specifically, the front surface of the tank-side engaging portion 271f abuts against the front wall portion of the accommodation-side engaging portion 394. The stopper structure is provided at two locations on both the left and right sides for each tank 27. This allows the tank 27 to maintain a constant posture when pulled out.

[0044] The upper housing 39 has a guide structure that guides the movement of the tank 27 in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, it is configured with a recessed portion 395 that is recessed to correspond to the left-to-right width of one of the tank-side engaging portions 271f of the tank 27. There are two guide structures in the left-to-right direction corresponding to the two tank-side engaging portions 271f that are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction. This makes it possible to guide the movement of the tank 27 in the front-to-rear direction while reducing left-to-right rattle.

[0045] The upper accommodating body 39 has a restricting structure that restricts the attached tank 27 from coming off the tank accommodating portion 35 (the suction-side connecting portion 281g of the automatic dispensing means 28 from coming off the tank 27). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19A , the upper accommodating body 39 has an engaging portion (for convenience, referred to as a "restrictive engaging portion") 396 that engages from the front with (the front surface of) the tank-side engaging portion 271f of the attached tank 27. Here, since the tank-side engaging portion 271f is provided on the rear side of the tank 27, the restrictive engaging portion 396 is provided on the rear side of the recessed portion 395. For this reason, the restricting structure and the restrictive engaging portion are referred to as a rear restricting structure and a rear restrictive engaging portion. The rear restricting engagement portion 396 protrudes downward like a plate and is configured to be elastically deformable in the up and down direction, facilitating engagement and disengagement with the tank side engagement portion 281f.

[0046] The upper housing body 39 has a restricting structure that prevents the tank 27 from being pulled out just before the stopper structure functions when the tank 27 is pulled out from the tank housing portion 35. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19C , the upper housing body 39 has an engaging portion (for convenience, referred to as a "restrictive engaging portion") 397 that engages from the front with (the front surface of) the tank-side engaging portion 271f of the tank 27 that moves forward. Here, because the tank-side engaging portion 271f is provided on the rear side of the tank 27, the restrictive engaging portion 397 is provided on the front side of the recessed portion 395 and rearward of the housing-side engaging portion 394. For this reason, the restricting structure and the restrictive engaging portion will be referred to as a front restricting structure and a front restricting engaging portion, and will be distinguished from a rear restricting structure and a rear restricting engaging portion. The front restricting engagement portion 397 protrudes downward like a plate and is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction, allowing the tank side engagement portion 271f to pass through. When the tank-side engaging portion 271f of the tank 27 is engaged with the front restricting engaging portion 397, the tank 27 cannot be removed from the tank housing portion 35 (see <Attaching and Removing the Tank>), and the user can stably refill the detergent processing agent into the tank 27. The front restricting structure also serves as a restricting structure that restricts the tank 27 from moving rearward from a state in which the tank-side engaging portion 271f is positioned between the housing-side engaging portion 394 and the front restricting engaging portion 397.

[0047] (10) Operation and display unit The operation unit 13 includes a plurality of operation means operated by the user. The operation means may be, for example, a touch screen, buttons, etc. The operation means include a power button for turning the power on / off, a selection button for inputting or selecting an operation course, etc. The display unit 14 includes a plurality of display means for displaying the operation contents of the operation unit 13 by the user. For example, a touch screen, an LED, etc. can be used as the display means. The display means includes a power LED that indicates that the power is on, an operation LED that indicates the operation course, etc.

[0048] (11) Setting section As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 2, the setting unit 41 has an operation button (setting button) 411 for selecting a detergent treatment agent or tank 27 and setting the amount of detergent treatment agent to be added. Note that, for convenience, this is referred to as a dosage amount button 411 in order to distinguish it from other operation buttons. The setting unit 41 has a display means 412 for displaying the laundry treatment agent or tank 27 to be used and the dosage amount in conjunction with the operation of the dosage amount button 411. Note that, for convenience, this is referred to as a dosage amount display means 412 in order to distinguish it from other display means.

[0049] There are a plurality of dispense amount buttons 411 and dispense amount display means 412 corresponding to the plurality of tanks 27, four in this example. The type of laundry treatment agent to be stored in each of the four tanks 27 is predetermined. In other words, since the dispense timing differs depending on the type of laundry treatment agent, a dispense timing is associated with each tank 27. As shown in FIG. 3, facing the four tanks 27, the first tank 27 from the left stores a first detergent, the second tank 27 stores a second detergent, the third tank 27 stores a first fabric softener, and the fourth tank 27 stores a second fabric softener. As shown in FIG. 3, the first tank 27 from the left is the first detergent tank 27A, the second tank is the second detergent tank 27B, the third tank is the first fabric softener tank 27C, and the fourth tank is the second fabric softener tank 27D. The first detergent tank 27A corresponds to an example of the "first tank" of Invention 3, the first fabric softener tank 27C corresponds to an example of the "second tank" of Invention 3, and the second fabric softener tank 27D corresponds to an example of the "third tank" of Invention 3.

[0050] Also, as shown in Figure 2, the dosage amount button and dosage amount display means for the first detergent tank 27A or the first detergent are designated as a first detergent dosage amount button 411A and a first detergent dosage amount display means 412A, those for the second detergent tank 27B or the second detergent are designated as a second detergent dosage amount button 411B and a second detergent dosage amount display means 412B, those for the first softener tank 27C or the first softener are designated as a first softener dosage amount button 411C and a first softener dosage amount display means 412C, and those for the second softener tank 27D or the second softener are designated as a second softener dosage amount button 411D and a second softener dosage amount display means 412D. The first detergent dosage button 411A corresponds to an example of the "first operation button" of Invention 3, the first fabric softener dosage button 411C corresponds to an example of the "second operation button" of Invention 3, and the second fabric softener dosage button 411D corresponds to an example of the "third operation button" of Invention 3. When describing the amount buttons and amount display means, regardless of the type of laundry treatment agent or the tank 27, these will be referred to as "411" and "412".

[0051] There are multiple types of dosage amounts, for example, three types: "large," "standard," and "small." Each time the dosage amount button 411 is pressed, the dosage changes to "standard," "large," "small," or "not dispensed," and the dosage amount display means 412 has three LEDs 413 corresponding to "standard," "large," and "small." Note that when all three LEDs 413 are off, this indicates that no laundry treatment agent is dispensed. For example, to set the first detergent to be dispensed in a "large amount," the first detergent dosage amount button 411A corresponding to the first detergent is pressed. This causes the LED 413 indicating the dosage amount to be "standard" to light up. Next, by pressing the first detergent dosage amount button 411A, the LED 413 indicating the dosage amount to be "large" lights up. This allows the dosage amount of the first detergent to be set to "large." In this way, the laundry treatment agent to be used and the dosage amount to be dispensed can be set with a single operation button (dosage amount button 411). In addition, by operating the first softener dosage amount button 411C and the second softener dosage amount button 411D, both the first softener and the second softener are dispensed. For example, to dispense a "large" amount of the first fabric softener and a "small" amount of the second fabric softener, the first fabric softener dosage button 411C and the second fabric softener dosage button 411D are pressed. This causes the "standard" LEDs of the first fabric softener dosage display means 412C and the second fabric softener dosage display means 412D to light up. Next, by pressing the first fabric softener dosage button 411C once, the LED 413 indicating the "large" amount to be dispensed lights up, and by pressing the second fabric softener dosage button 411D twice, the LED 413 indicating the "small" amount to be dispensed lights up.

[0052] (12) Control unit As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 261 includes a memory 263 for storing programs and data for executing operation courses and for dispensing laundry treatment agents, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 263 for executing the programs of operation courses stored in the memory 263 and selected from the operation unit 13, and dispensing laundry treatment agents set in the setting unit 41, and a timer 264 for measuring the rotation time of the washing tub 11, etc.

[0053] <Attaching and removing the tank> The attachment and detachment of the tank will be described with reference to Figures 19A, 19B, 19C, 20, etc. First, since the tank 27 and the tank housing portion 35 have a stopper structure, the tank 27 cannot be removed from the tank housing portion 35 simply by moving it in the pull-out direction (toward the front). In other words, when the front bottom wall portion 276a of the tank 27 is abutted against the front bottom wall portion 371a of the tank storage portion 35, the tank side engagement portion 271f of the tank 27 is positioned above the underside of the front portion 391a (see Figures 19B and 19C) of the top wall portion 391 of the tank storage portion 35 (this enables the stopper function to function). The tank 27 and the tank accommodating portion 35 are configured so that the tank 27 can be removed when a predetermined operation is performed while the stopper structure is functioning (engaged state). The predetermined operation here is an operation in which, in the engaged state, the fulcrum is the space between the stopper structure and the front end of the tank 27, and the front end of the tank 27 serves as the point of upward force. More specifically, it is an operation of lifting the front end of the tank 27 upward as shown by arrow A in (state a) of FIG. 20. In other words, it is an operation of rotating the front side of the tank 27 upward as shown by arrow C in the same figure, with a rotation center B in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the removal direction (forward direction) and the up-down direction. Note that the rotation center B here is the front edge of the top wall portion 391 of the tank housing portion 35 (upper housing body 39). Note that the rotation center B also serves as a rotation fulcrum, which will be described later. As a result, the rear end of the tank 27 rotates downward as shown by arrow D in the same figure, and the stopper structure is disengaged as shown in (state b) of Figure 20. By pulling out the tank 27 in the direction of arrow E, the tank 27 can be removed from the tank storage section 35. The engaged state of the stopper structure here includes an engaged state in which the tank-side engaging portion 271f contacts the accommodation-side engaging portion 394, and a state in which the tank-side engaging portion 271f is positioned between the front restricting engaging portion 397 and the accommodation-side engaging portion 394. In other words, a disengaged state in which the tank 27 and the tank accommodation portion 35 are not engaged is a state in which the tank-side engaging portion 271f is positioned rearward of the front restricting engaging portion 397.

[0054] When the above-described predetermined operation is performed in the disengaged state, the rear end of the tank 27, here the lower end of the engagement portion 271d, interferes with the rear bottom wall portion 371b of the tank accommodating portion 35, as shown in (state c) of FIG. In other words, the rear bottom wall portion 277a of the tank 27, which forms the rear bottom surface, is higher than the front bottom wall portion 276a which forms the bottom surface of the front chamber 276, and when the stopper structure is engaged, the tank accommodating portion 35 has a rear bottom wall portion 371b which faces the rear end portion of the rear bottom wall portion 277a of the tank 27 in the vertical direction. In the engaged state of the stopper structure, if the point in front of the stopper structure of the tank housing portion 35 is set as the pivot point (here, the front edge of the top wall portion 391), then as shown in (state b) of Figure 20, the rear bottom wall portion 371b is located at a position away from (does not interfere with) the pivot trajectory of the rear end portion of the tank 27. In the disengaged state, if the point in front of the stopper structure of the tank housing portion 35 (here, the rear side of the front edge of the top wall portion 391) is set as the pivot point, then as shown in (state c) of Figure 20, the rear bottom wall portion 371b is located at a position on the pivot trajectory of the rear end portion of the tank 27. In other words, the tank 27 and the tank accommodating section 35 are configured so that when the tank 27 is lifted (rotated) upward in an engaged state and the rear end of the tank 27 is lowered (rotated downward), the rear end (i.e., the lower end) of the tank 27 does not interfere with the rear bottom wall 371b of the tank accommodating section 35, and when the tank 27 is lifted (rotated) upward in a disengaged state and the rear end of the tank 27 is lowered (rotated downward), the rear end (i.e., the lower end) of the tank 27 interferes with the rear bottom wall 371b of the tank accommodating section 35. The rear bottom wall portion 371b corresponds to an example of the "opposing portion" of the first invention.

[0055] Second Embodiment (1) Second setting section The setting unit 41 dispenses both the first and second fabric softeners by operating the first fabric softener dosage button 411C and the second fabric softener dosage button 411D, but as shown in Fig. 21, the second setting unit 1041 may include a mixing ratio button 1414 for determining the mixing ratio when mixing two fabric softeners as laundry treatment agents. The mixing ratio button 1414 corresponds to an example of the "mixing setting button" of invention 3. In this case, the display means includes a mixing LED 1415 that indicates that two fabric softeners are being mixed, tank display means 1416, 1417 that indicate the tanks 27C, 27D that store the fabric softeners to be mixed, and a mixing ratio display means 1418 that displays the mixing ratio of the tank fabric softeners. For example, when mixing the first and second fabric softeners in a ratio of "1:2," first, the first fabric softener dosage button 411C and the second fabric softener dosage button 411D are operated. This causes the mixing LED 1415, which indicates that mixing is about to take place, to light up, and the two tank display means 1416, 1417 display the identification information of the fabric softener tanks 27C, 27D to be used for mixing. Here, the identification information displayed is "1," which indicates the first fabric softener or first fabric softener tank 27C, and "2," which indicates the second fabric softener or second fabric softener tank 27D. Next, by repeatedly pressing the mixing ratio button 1414, the ratio can be changed, and the ratio is displayed on the mixing ratio display means 1418. In FIG. 21, the ratio of the first fabric softener to the second fabric softener is "1:2". Note that a mixing ratio of "1:0" may also be included in the concept of mixing. In this way, the fabric softener mixture ratio can be easily set by operating (repeatedly operating) one mixture ratio button 1414.

[0056] (2) Third setting section The second setting unit 1041 sets and dispenses the amounts of both the first and second softeners by operating the first softener dosage amount button 411C and the second softener dosage amount button 411D. As shown in FIG. 22, the third setting unit 2041, like the setting unit 41, determines the mixing ratio of the first and second softeners based on the number of times the first softener dosage button 2411C and the second softener dosage button 2411D are operated (pressed). The setting unit 2041 is provided with input amount display means 2412A to 2412D consisting of three LEDs 413 corresponding to the types of laundry treatment agents. As with the setting unit 41, the input amount display means 2412 lights up the LEDs 2413 corresponding to "less," "normal," and "more" depending on the number of times the input amount button 2411 is operated. Therefore, by operating the input amount button 2411, it is possible to select from four options: lighting up the LEDs 2413 for "less," "normal," and "more," and no lighting. As in the setting unit 41, the symbols of the input amount button 2411 and the display means 2412 are given "A" or the like corresponding to each laundry treatment agent. The setting unit 2041 determines the mixing ratio of the softener 1 and the softener 2 and the amount to be dispensed at that mixing ratio, as shown in FIG. 23, depending on the number of times the first softener dispense amount button 2411C and the second softener dispense amount button 2411D are operated. The reference total amount added is set to "100," and the main softener will be described below as the first softener.

[0057] When the first softener dosage amount button 2411C is operated and the "more" LED 2413 lights up, the amount of "115" is dispensed at the specified mixing ratio or the first softener alone (when the second softener dosage amount display means 2413D is not lit), and when the "less" LED 2413 lights up, the amount of "85" is dispensed at the specified mixing ratio or the first softener alone (when the second softener dosage amount display means 2413D is not lit). In other words, "more" and "less" of the first fabric softener refer to the total amount dispensed, which is more or less than the standard amount of "100." "More" means, for example, an A% increase (here, a 15% increase) of "100 x (100 + A) / 100" (here, "115"), and "less" means, for example, a B% decrease (here, a "15%" decrease) of "(100 x (100 - B) / 100)" (here, "85"),.

[0058] The second fabric softener is dispensed here as a secondary fabric softener. Therefore, when the second fabric softener dosage button 2411D is operated and the "standard" LED 2413 is lit, the ratio of the first fabric softener to the second fabric softener becomes 2:1 (first fabric softener:second fabric softener=2:1) ​​regardless of the dosage amounts of the first and second fabric softeners. When the "extra" LED 2413 is lit, the ratio of the first fabric softener to the second fabric softener becomes 1:1 (first fabric softener:second fabric softener=1:1), and the mixing ratio of the second fabric softener becomes higher than in the "standard" case. When the "less" LED 2413 is lit, the ratio of the first fabric softener to the second fabric softener becomes 3:1 (first fabric softener:second fabric softener=3:1), and the mixing ratio of the second fabric softener becomes lower than in the "standard" case. In other words, "more" or "less" of the second softener refers to the mixing ratio of the first and second softeners, which is a higher or lower ratio of the second softener compared to the standard mixing ratio of "2:1." "More" would be, for example, "1:1," where the mixing ratio of the second softener is high, and "less" would be, for example, "3:1," where the mixing ratio of the second softener is low.

[0059] If the first fabric softener LED 413 is not lit and the second fabric softener LED 2413 is lit, the first fabric softener is not dispensed, the ratio of the first fabric softener to the second fabric softener is 0:1 (first fabric softener:second fabric softener = 0:1), and only the second fabric softener is dispensed. If the first fabric softener LED 2413 is not lit and the second fabric softener "extra" LED 2413 is lit, only the second fabric softener is dispensed at "115", if the second fabric softener "standard" LED 2413 is lit, only the second fabric softener is dispensed at "100", and if the "less" LED 2413 is lit, only the second fabric softener is dispensed at "85". Conversely, if the LED for the second fabric softener is not lit and the LED 2413 for the first fabric softener is lit, the second fabric softener is not dispensed, the ratio of the first and second fabric softeners is 1:0 (first fabric softener:second fabric softener = 1:0), and only the first fabric softener is dispensed. If the LED for the second fabric softener is not lit and the "extra" LED 2413 for the first fabric softener is lit, only the first fabric softener is dispensed at a rate of "115", if the "standard" LED 2413 is lit, only the first fabric softener is dispensed at a rate of "100", and if the "less" LED 2413 is lit, only the first fabric softener is dispensed at a rate of "85".

[0060] By operating the first softener dosage amount button 2411C and the second softener dosage amount button 2411D once or multiple times, various mixing ratios and dosage amounts can be selected in accordance with the above-mentioned rules. For example, when the first softener dosage amount button 2411C is operated to turn on the "standard" LED 2413, and the second softener dosage amount button 2411D is operated to turn on the "standard" LED 413, the ratio of the first softener to the second softener becomes 2:1 (first softener:second softener=2:1), as shown in Fig. 23, and a total of "100" softeners at this mixing ratio are dispensed. This allows, for example, two fabric softeners to be dispensed in five ratios (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) and three dosage amounts (100, 115, 85), thereby increasing the variety of options available to users. In addition, since operation (selection) can be performed using the dispenser buttons corresponding to the number of types of fabric softener, the structure can be simple. Although the display means 2412 can be omitted, it is easier for the user to understand which one is selected if it is included.

[0061] Third Embodiment When a user uses the washing machine 1, the operation unit 3013 is used by the user to select a desired operation program from a plurality of operation programs. As shown in Fig. 25, there are eight types of operation programs: "Standard," "Favorite," "Quick," "Hand Wash," "Blanket," "Delicate," "Tub Clean," and "Tub Dry." Note that this is just an example, and it is not necessary to include all types, and other operation programs may also be included. The operating courses here include a first operating course for treating laundry and a second operating course for treating washing tub 11, and the second operating course includes "tub cleaning" and "tub drying." The washing machine of the third embodiment has a washing tub cleaning function and a drying function for drying the washing tub.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 27, "standard," which is an example of the first operation program, includes measuring the laundry, washing time of 7 minutes, rinsing twice, and spin-drying time of 6 minutes. "Tub cleaning," an example of the second operation course, is a course that washes away detergent and soap residue and black mold that have accumulated in the washing machine tub, and for example, bleach is added. The operation course is selected by using the course button 3131, as shown in Fig. 24. Specifically, the desired operation course can be selected by operating the course button 3131 a certain number of times. The display unit 3014 includes a display means (LED) 3141 that displays the course selected by operating the course button 3131. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 24, there are a plurality of LEDs 3141 (eight in this example) corresponding to the number of types of driving courses, and the LED 3141 of the driving course selected by operating the course button 3131 (a state in which the selection is not confirmed and can be changed) is configured to light up.

[0063] The washing machine executes an operation course selected from the plurality of operation courses. That is, the control unit receives the operation course selected by course button 3131 and controls the operation of the washing machine to execute the selected operation course. The washing machine can not only execute the above-mentioned multiple operating courses, but also execute an operating course by adding an additional function. That is, the washing machine has function button 3132 for selecting an additional function, and when an additional function is selected by function button 3132 in addition to the operating course selected by course button 3131, the control unit controls the operation by adding the selected additional function to the selected operating course.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 24, there are three additional functions: "soaking," "water-filled suzuki," and "air drying." Note that this is just an example, and it is not necessary to include all types, and other additional functions may also be included. "Soaking" refers to a soaking process for 30 minutes after water supply and before the washing process. Soaking in detergent dissolves dirt and improves cleaning power. "Water injection" is a process in which water is supplied to a specified water level during the rinsing process, and then rinsing is performed while water is being supplied. Rinsing while water overflows from the top of the washing tub improves rinsing performance. "Air drying" is a process in which, for example, after the spin-drying process, the dehydration is continued for an additional 180 minutes to dry small amounts of synthetic fibers. By adding a loosening process at regular intervals, uneven drying can be reduced. Depending on the user's settings, the air-drying time can be changed to, for example, 60 minutes. This improves the dehydration performance of clothes and shortens the drying time when drying indoors. For example, if the operating course is "standard" and "soak" and "air dry" are selected as additional functions, the laundry will be weighed, soaked for 30 minutes, then washed (7 minutes), rinsed (twice), and dehydrated (6 minutes), and then dried for 180 minutes.

[0065] The additional functions here are functions performed on laundry, and as shown in FIG. 25, are functions that cannot be added to the second operating course among the operating courses. The additional functions include a first additional function that can be added to the first operating course that processes laundry, and a second additional function that cannot be added to a specific course of the first operating course. Examples of the first additional functions are "soak" and "water-filled suzuki," and examples of the second additional functions are "air dry" when the specific courses of the first operating course are "hand wash" and "delicate." Note that "air dry," which belongs to the second additional functions, can be added to the "standard," "custom," "quick," and "blanket" courses of the first operating course.

[0066] Selection of additional functions is performed using function buttons 3132, as shown in FIG. 24, which allow selection of one or more additional functions from a plurality of additional functions. The display unit 3014 includes a display means (LED) 3142 that displays an additional function selected by operating the function button 3132. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 24, there are a plurality of LEDs 3142 (three in this example) corresponding to the number of types of additional functions, and the LED 3142 of the additional function selected by operating the function button 3132 (a state in which the selection is not confirmed and can be changed) is configured to light up. Furthermore, it is possible to select one additional function pattern from a plurality of types of additional function patterns by repeatedly operating (operating multiple times) one function button 3132. The additional function patterns are made up of a plurality of combinations in which one or more additional functions are selected from a plurality of additional functions, as shown in Fig. 26, for example, and the number of times the function button 3132 is repeatedly operated corresponds to the additional function pattern. For example, to select the patterns "soak" and "air dry," the user needs to operate the function button 3132 six times, as shown in Fig. 26. Note that the LEDs 3142 for all additional functions of the selected additional function pattern will light up depending on the number of operations. In this way, even if the function button 3132 is operated repeatedly, the LEDs 3142 for the corresponding additional functions on the display unit 3014 will light up, allowing the user to understand the selection.

[0067] As described above, there are cases where additional functions cannot be added depending on the operating program. The first operating program is selected, and additional functions are prevented from being selected for that operating program. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the control unit controls the selection of one of the first operating programs ("Yes" in step S101, "Yes" in step S102) and the selection of a second additional function that cannot be added by operating the function button 3132 to be disabled. More specifically, when an operation to select the second additional function is performed using the function button 3132 ("Yes" in step S103, "No" in step S104), the LED 3142 for the additional function does not light up (step S106), thereby disabling selection. Furthermore, since additional functions cannot be added to the second operating program, the control unit prevents the selection of additional functions when the function button 3132 is operated for the second operating program ("No" in step S102, step S107). More specifically, when the function button 3132 is operated ("Yes" in step S107), the notification means (speaker) emits a buzzer sound to notify the user (step S108).

[0068] <Fourth embodiment> (1) First lid Washing machine 1 includes tank housing section 35 that can accommodate M (for example, four) tanks 27. Tank housing section 35 here can accommodate a maximum of M tanks in a single row, and has housing space 4353 for M tanks 27 inside. Hereinafter, as an example of using N (a natural number of 1 or more) tanks 27 out of a maximum of M (a natural number of 2 or more) tanks 27, a case will be described in which "M" is "4", "N" is "2", and second detergent tank 27B and first fabric softener tank 27C are used as shown in Fig. 29. Note that second detergent tank 27B and first fabric softener tank 27C may also be simply referred to as "tanks 27B, 27C". As shown in Fig. 29, the tanks 27B and 27C are housed in a tank housing portion 4035. The second detergent tank 27B has the same structure as the second detergent tank 27B in the embodiment, and the first fabric softener tank 27C has the same structure as the first fabric softener tank 27C in the embodiment. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the tank housing section 4035 includes a lower housing body 4037 and an upper housing body 39, similar to the embodiment. The upper housing body 39 has the same structure as the embodiment, and the water supply section 15 and the water pouring section 16 are the same as the embodiment and can be used as is. Furthermore, the automatic dosing means 28 is provided in the tanks 27B and 27C, and its structure is the same as the embodiment. In this way, even when two tanks 27B and 27C are used, simply by changing the lower housing body 4037 of the tank housing section 4035, the tanks 27B and 27C, the automatic dosing means 28, the upper housing body 39, the water pouring section 16, the automatic dosing means 28, etc. can be used without changing them from the embodiment.

[0069] The tank accommodating portion 4035 has an opening 4351 through which the tanks 27B and 27C can be inserted and removed, and also has an accommodating space 4353 for accommodating the tanks 27B and 27C. Note that the accommodating space 4353 has an arrow at the end of a lead line leading thereto in order to distinguish it from the lower accommodating body 4037. 29 and 30, of the opening 4351 of the tank accommodating section 4035, an opening region 4351b other than an opening region 4351a for accommodating the tanks 27B and 27C is closed by the lid 4029. The lid 4029 constitutes the lid of Invention 6. Here, the two opening regions 4351a are covered, but in FIG. 30, the opening region on the right side is covered by the lid 4029, so the opening region 4351b is not visible. The lid 4029 is detachably attached to the dummy tank 4027. The dummy tank 4027 is disposed in the accommodation space 4353 of the tank accommodation portion 4035 via the opening region 4351b.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 30, the dummy tank 4027 has a shape similar to that of the tank 27. This allows the design of the tank 27 to be used, resulting in an inexpensive design. The dummy tank 4027 is fixed to an unused position in the tank housing section 4035, and its withdrawal is restricted. In other words, if the tank housing section 4035 has space capable of housing a maximum of M tanks, N tanks are configured to be withdrawable from the tank housing section 4035, and MN tanks are restricted from being withdrawn. These tanks whose withdrawal is restricted are dummy tanks 4027, and do not store detergent or fabric softener inside. When viewed from the left and right, the dummy tank 4027 has an inverted "L" shape with the upper part extending rearward and the front open. The dummy tank 4027 has at least a main body part 4271 located on the front side.

[0071] The dummy tank 4027 has a temporary fixing portion 4272 and a permanent fixing portion 4273 for temporarily and permanently fixing the dummy tank 4027 to the tank housing portion 4035 . The temporary fixing portion 4272 is composed of an engaging portion formed on the top wall portion 4271a of the main body portion 4271, and the engaging portion is composed of an elastic piece 4272a that can elastically deform in the vertical direction and a convex portion 4272b formed on the elastic piece 4272a, and the convex portion engages with the recessed portion 398 of the upper housing body 39 of the tank housing portion 4035. The fixing portion 4273 is composed of a through hole 4271d formed in a front-to-rear protrusion portion 4271c formed on the bottom wall portion 4271b of the main body portion 4271, and a screw (not shown) inserted through the through hole 4271d is threaded into a screw hole 4371e of a boss portion 4371d formed on the front bottom wall portion 4371a of the lower housing body 4037.

[0072] The dummy tank 4027 may have a protruding portion 4274 that is inserted into (fits into) the space above the support portion 371 (see FIG. 14) of the tank accommodating portion 4035. As shown in FIG. 31, the protruding portion 4274 corresponds to the rear chamber 277 (see FIG. 15) of the tank 27. The protruding portion 4274 is made up of an upper extending portion 4274a that extends rearward from the top wall portion 4271a of the main body portion 4271, a pair of left and right extending portions 4274b that extend downward from both left and right ends of the upper extending portion 4274a, and a rear extending portion 4274c that extends downward from the rear end of the upper extending portion 4274a and connects to the left and right extending portions 4274b. In addition, the upper extending portion 4274a of the protruding portion 4274 is provided with protruding portions 4274d spaced apart on both the left and right sides to prevent the dummy tank 4027 from rattling inside the tank accommodating portion 4035. The dummy tank 4027 has a guided portion 4271e on the bottom wall portion 4271b of the main body portion 4271 to be guided by the guide portion 4371c of the tank accommodating portion 4035. Here, the guide portion 4371c is configured as a groove extending in the front-rear direction, and the guided portion 4271e is configured as a protrusion extending in the front-rear direction and fits into the guide portion (groove) 4371c. Note that the tank 27 may also have a guided portion on the front bottom wall portion 276a of the front chamber 276.

[0073] The lid body 4029 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and closes the front opening 4027a of the dummy tank 4027. The lid body 4029 includes a front wall portion 4291, an upper wall portion 4292, and left and right wall portions 4293. The dummy tank 4027 and the lid 4029 have attachment portions (4271f, 4271g, 4295, 4296) for detachably attaching the lid 4029 to the dummy tank 4027. The lid 4029 is attached using an engagement structure in which an engagement protrusion engages with an engagement recess (or engagement hole). An engagement protrusion 4295 is formed on the upper wall portion 4292 of the lid body 4029, an engagement protrusion 4296 is formed on the front wall portion 4291 of the lid body 4029, an engagement hole portion 4271f is formed in the front portion of the top wall portion 4271a of the main body portion 4271, and an engagement hole portion 4271g is formed in the front portion of the bottom wall portion 4271b of the main body portion 4271. The cover 4029 has contact portions 4297 spaced apart from each other on the top and bottom, which contact the inner surfaces of the front left and right wall portions 4271h of the dummy tank 4027 to position it.

[0074] (2) Second lid Washing machine 1 includes tank housing section 35 that allows M (e.g., four) tanks 27 to be inserted and removed, but here, as shown in Figures 32, 33A, and 33B, a case will be described in which tanks 27 are not included and opening 4351 of tank housing section 4035 is closed by one lid 4030. Note that lid 4030 constitutes an example of the lid of Invention 6. The tank accommodating section 4035 is the same as in the fourth embodiment, and has at its front end an opening 4351 for accommodating the tank. Dummy tanks 4027 are arranged in the tank accommodating spaces on both the left and right sides of the opening 4351, among the tank accommodating spaces lined up in a row in the left-right direction, and lids 4030 are removably attached to the dummy tanks 4027.

[0075] The cover 4030 has a rectangular shape (here, a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction) when viewed from the front. The cover 4030 has a front wall portion 4301, an upper wall portion 4302, and left and right wall portions 4303. The lid body 4030 has mounting portions (4305, 4306) for detachably mounting to the dummy tanks 4027 on both the left and right sides of the tank housing portion 4035. The lid body 4029 here is mounted using an engagement structure in which an engagement protrusion engages with an engagement recess (or engagement hole). The cover 4030 has an engaging protrusion 4305 on the upper wall 4302 that engages with the engaging hole 4271f of the dummy tank 4027, and an engaging protrusion 4306 on the lower side of the front wall 4301 that engages with the engaging hole 4271g of the dummy tank 4027. The cover 4030 has reinforcing ribs 4307 on the rear surface of the front wall 4301 in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0076] Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the setting unit 41 for setting the laundry treatment agent to be used in the operation course has been described. In the fifth embodiment, a case where the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 27 is low will be described. The tank to be used in an operating course may be associated with the operating course in advance, for example, by using the laundry treatment agent in the first tank when the operating course is "first (e.g., standard)" and using the laundry treatment agent in the second tank when the operating course is "second (e.g., delicate)." Alternatively, it may be set in advance to use a predetermined tank, for example, the first tank, regardless of the content of the operating course. Furthermore, the tank to be used may be received from the user when the user sets the operating course.

[0077] <Fifth Embodiment 1A> 1. Configuration Washing machine 5001 includes at least washing tub 11, a plurality of tanks 27, automatic dispenser 21, and controller 5010, and when the remaining amount of the tank to be used, which is set to be used in the operation course, becomes low, the setting of the tank to be used is changed. The laundry treatment agent here is, for example, a detergent, a fabric softener (such as a fabric softener), etc., and can be applied when the remaining amount of at least one of the detergent and the fabric softener is low. Specifically, washing machine 5001 includes automatic dispensing control means 5013 that controls automatic dispensing unit 21 to dispense laundry treatment agent stored in a used tank into washing tub 11, remaining amount detection means 5021 that detects at least the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent stored in the used tank, change acceptance means 5025 that accepts the selection of a tank when remaining amount detection means 5021 detects an insufficient remaining amount, and change means 5015 that changes the setting to the tank accepted by change acceptance means 5025 as the used tank, and automatic dispensing control means 5013 dispenses laundry treatment agent stored in the used tank set by change means 5015 into washing tub 11. That is, when a shortage of the remaining amount in the tank to be used is detected, the tank accepted by the change accepting means 5025 is changed to the tank to be used (setting is changed), and the automatic dispenser 21 dispenses the detergent treatment agent into the tank to be used after the change. Washing machine 5001 is provided with notification means 5023 that notifies the user of the insufficient amount of remaining water when a low level of remaining water is detected in the tank being used, and operation control means 5011 that controls the operation of washing machine 5001 stops the operation of the relevant operating course when a low level of remaining water is detected in the tank being used, or resumes the operation of the stopped operating course when the setting of the tank being used is changed by change means 5015.

[0078] 34, washing machine 5001 here includes motor 12, operation unit 13, display unit 14, water filling unit 16, draining unit 17, automatic feeding unit 21, remaining amount detecting means 5021, notification means 5023, and setting unit 41 including change accepting means 5025, and these are controlled by control unit 5010. Note that notification means 5023 does not necessarily have to be provided, but it is easier to notify the user if notification means is provided. The control unit 5010 includes an operation control means 5011 for controlling the operation of the washing machine, for example, the operation for executing various washing courses, an automatic dispensing control means 5013 for controlling the automatic dispensing unit 21 to control the dispensing of laundry treatment agent stored in the usage tank into the washing tub 11, and a change means 5015 for changing the settings of the usage tank used in the operating course. The motor 12, operation unit 13, display unit 14, water injection unit 16, drainage unit 17, automatic injection unit 21, and setting unit 41 may have the same configuration as in the first embodiment or the other embodiments. The remaining amount detecting means 5021 may be a liquid level sensor that measures the liquid level in the tank 27, or a magnetic field sensor that detects the position of a float containing a magnet if the tank 27 contains such a float. Alternatively, it may be a concentration detecting sensor (concentration detecting means) that detects the concentration of the wash water, and the remaining amount may be determined to be insufficient when the turbidity of the wash water falls below a predetermined threshold. In other words, if the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed is less than a predetermined amount, the turbidity is low, and therefore it can be determined to be insufficient. Furthermore, when a turbidity detecting sensor is used, it is preferable to detect the turbidity between the start of dispensing laundry treatment agent in the operation course and the start of rotation of the washing tub 11. The notification means 5023 only needs to be able to notify the user, and can be implemented by, for example, emitting a buzzer sound from a speaker or lighting or flashing a warning LED. The change acceptance means 5025 can utilize, for example, the setting button 411 for the user to select the tank 27. When the notification means 5023 is in a state where it is notifying, the user can select the tank 27 by operating the setting button 411 corresponding to the tank 27 to be changed. The change means 5015 changes the tank 27 accepted by the change acceptance means 5025 as the tank to be used. Furthermore, when the change means 5015 changes the setting of the tank to be used, it may store the change in the memory 263. This makes it possible to prevent the tank 27 that has an insufficient remaining amount from being set as the tank to be used again when the next operating course is executed.

[0079] 2. Processing details The processing contents of the control unit 5010 will be described with reference to FIG. 35 along with an example in which a shortage of the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent is detected. The example here is a case where, as shown in Figure 3, there are four tanks 27, and from the left, the first tank 27A stores a first detergent, the second tank 27B stores a second detergent, the third tank 27C stores a first fabric softener, and the fourth tank 27D stores a second fabric softener, and while a wash course is running (for example, "standard" as shown in Figure 25), a low level of the first detergent in the first tank 27A, which was set as the tank to be used for that wash course, is detected, and the user uses (sets) the second tank 27B as the tank to be used. The operation control means 5011 starts by executing a program for operating the operation course (washing course), and after measuring the weight of the laundry, closes the drainage section 17, supplies water to the washing tub 11 from the water injection section 16, and instructs the automatic dispensing control means 5013 to dispense the detergent from the tank being used (first tank 27A) into the washing tub 11 (this is the ``treatment agent dispensing instruction'' in the figure). Upon receiving this instruction, the automatic supply control means 5013 acquires remaining amount information of the first tank 27A set as the tank to be used from the remaining amount detection means 5021 corresponding to that tank 27A (S501). The remaining amount information here is, for example, "NG" indicating that the remaining amount is insufficient, or "OK" indicating that the remaining amount is not yet low (not insufficient). In this example, the remaining amount information is "NG" because the remaining amount of the first tank 27A is low. In step S503, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates an insufficient amount ("NG") ("Yes" in the figure), the automatic dispensing control means 5013 turns on the notification means 5023 and waits for the user to select a tank to be changed to as the new tank. When the user performs a selection operation on the change acceptance means 5025 (setting button 411B) corresponding to the second tank 27B ("Yes" in S507 and S509), the change means 5015 changes the setting accepted by the change acceptance means 5025 to the second tank 27B as the tank to be used (S511), and turns the notification means 5023 to notification OFF (S513). Note that in S511, the change means 5015 may store the change content of the tank to be used in the memory (263). Then, the changing means 5015 outputs a signal (referred to as a "tank change signal") to the automatic dispensing control means 5013 indicating that the tank being used has been changed from the previous first tank 27A to the second tank 27B, and the automatic dispensing control means 5013 dispenses the second detergent (detergent treatment agent) stored in the second tank 27B (S515). Note that the changing means 5015 of the control unit 5010 is configured as software by the processing of step S511. In other words, the CPU (262) of the control unit 5010 executes a program stored in the memory (263), thereby realizing the processing of the changing means 5015.

[0080] On the other hand, when the automatic supply control means 5013 acquires the remaining amount information in step S501, it outputs the remaining amount information to the operation control means 5011. It should be noted that the operation control means 5011 may be configured to directly check the remaining amount in the tank 27. In response to this, if the received remaining amount information is "NG" ("Yes" in S517), the operation control means 5011 stops the operation of the operating course (washing course) (S519) and waits to receive a tank change signal from the change means 5015 (S521). In step S521, when the operation control means 5011 receives a tank change signal from the change means 5015 ("Yes"), it resumes the operation of the stopped operation course (washing course) (S523) and performs the next process of the operation course (for example, stopping the water supply) (S525). Although not included in this example, if the remaining amount information acquired in step S501 does not indicate a shortage of the remaining amount ("No" in the figure), the automatic dispensing control means 5013 proceeds to step S515 to dispense the laundry treatment agent (first detergent) from the tank being used (first tank 27A). Also, if the remaining amount information in step S517 does not indicate a shortage of the remaining amount ("No" in the figure), the operation control means 5011 proceeds to step S525 to perform the next process of the operating course. Furthermore, in the above example, the change means 5015 outputs a tank change signal to the operation control means 5011, but for example, the automatic input control means 5013 may be configured to output a tank change signal to the operation control means 5011 when a tank change signal is input from the change means 5015.

[0081] <Fifth Embodiment 1B> In the fifth embodiment 1A, when a remaining amount of detergent in the used tank is detected, a new tank is set as the used tank instead of the detected tank, but a new tank may also be added. A specific example is a case where, in the description of the fifth embodiment 1A, when a remaining amount of detergent in the first tank 27A is detected, a second tank 27B is added to the first tank 27A, and the two tanks 27A and 27B are set as the used tanks. That is, when a shortage of remaining amount is detected in the tank in use, the change means (5015) changes the setting to set the tank in use to the tank (27B) accepted by the change acceptance means (5025) in addition to the tank (27A) detected as having a shortage of remaining amount (step S511 in FIG. 35). This allows the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank that is detected as low to be used up. Also, as a temporary measure, the laundry treatment agent in the additional tank can be used primarily. Furthermore, when the next tank is refilled with the next detergent treatment agent, the remaining amount is low, so the mixing ratio with the laundry treatment agent being refilled can be reduced without cleaning the tank (when the laundry treatment agents being refilled are from different manufacturers, this prevents mixing of the different manufacturers' laundry treatment agents). In addition, when changing the setting to set multiple tanks (for example, the first tank 27A and the second tank 27B) as the tanks in use, the ratio of the laundry treatment agents dispensed from these multiple tanks (27A, 27B) may be changed. As a specific example, the detergent in the first tank 27A where a low level has been detected may be set to "low," and the detergent in the added second tank 27B may be set to "high," and a low amount of the first detergent may be dispensed from the first tank 27A, and a high amount of the second detergent may be dispensed from the second tank 27B. In other words, the change accepting means includes a ratio change accepting means that accepts a change in the ratio of laundry treatment agent to be added to the tank being used, and the automatic addition control means adds laundry treatment agent to the tank being used at the ratio accepted by the ratio change accepting means through operation by the user. This allows, for example, the user to dispense the treatment agent at a ratio that suits their preference. The ratio change receiving means can utilize, for example, the mixture ratio button 1414. By repeatedly pressing the mixture ratio button 1414, the ratio can be changed, and the ratio is displayed on the mixture ratio display means 1418.

[0082] <Fifth Embodiment 2A> 1. Configuration Washing machine 5003 includes at least washing tub 11, multiple tanks 27, automatic dispenser 21, and controller 5030, and when the remaining amount of the tank to be used, which is set to be used in the operation course, becomes low, the setting of the tank to be used is changed. Here, the same components and components that function in the same way as in the fifth embodiment 1A are designated by the same reference numerals as in the fifth embodiment 1A, and the description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when the same terms and reference numerals as those used in the components described in other embodiments are used, the components and functions are the same as those in the other embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. Washing machine 5003 includes automatic dispensing control means 5033 that controls automatic dispensing unit 21 to dispense laundry treatment agent stored in a usage tank into washing tub 11, remaining amount detection means 5021, and change means 5035 that changes the setting of the usage tank when remaining amount detection means 5021 detects that the usage tank is low in amount, and automatic dispensing control means 5033 dispenses laundry treatment agent stored in the usage tank set by change means 5035 into washing tub 11. That is, when a shortage of the remaining amount in the used tank is detected, washing machine 5003 (regardless of the user's operation) changes the (setting of) the used tank, and automatic dispenser 21 dispenses the detergent treatment agent into the changed used tank. Examples of tanks that will be changed include: (a) Change Example 1 The change unit 5035a changes the tank to one that stores the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank in which the remaining amount shortage is detected. Then, although not an essential configuration, the setting change may be stored in the memory 263. (b) Change example 2 The change unit 5035b changes the tank to the tank with the largest remaining amount among the tanks storing the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank in which the remaining amount shortage was detected. Although not an essential configuration, the setting change may be stored in the memory 263. (c) Change example 3 When a remaining amount is detected to be insufficient, the change unit 5035c changes the tank to another tank that was previously set as the tank to be used. Then, although not an essential configuration, the setting change may be stored in the memory 263. (d) Change Example 4 When a remaining amount is detected to be insufficient, the change unit 5035d changes the tank to be used in accordance with the order of the tanks to be changed. That is, the tank is changed to the tank that is higher in the order of the tanks to be changed. Then, although not a required configuration, the setting change may be stored in the memory 263. (e) Change Example 5 In this modification, the types of the same kind of laundry treatment agent include a first type (for example, delicates) and a second type (normal), and a type setting means is provided for identifying whether each of the multiple tanks is the first type or the second type. When the laundry treatment agent in the tank in which the remaining amount is detected to be low is the first type or the second type, the changing means 5035e changes the multiple tanks to one that is set to the same type as the tank in which the remaining amount is detected to be low. Although not an essential configuration, the setting change may be stored in the memory 263.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 36, washing machine 5003 of this embodiment includes motor 12, operation unit 13, display unit 14, water filling unit 16, draining unit 17, automatic feeding unit 21, remaining amount detection means 5021, and setting unit 41 (including type setting means in modified example 5), which are controlled by control unit 5030. The control unit 5030 includes an operation control means 5031 for controlling the operation of the washing machine, for example, the operation for executing various washing courses, an automatic dispensing control means 5033 for controlling the automatic dispensing unit 21 to control the dispensing of laundry treatment agent stored in the usage tank into the washing tub 11, and a change means 5035 for changing the settings of the usage tank used in the operating course.

[0084] 2. Processing details (1) Control Unit The processing performed by the control unit 5030 when a shortage of the remaining laundry treatment agent is detected will be described with reference to FIG. The operation control means 5031 starts by executing a program for operating the operation course, measures the weight of the laundry, closes the drain section 17, starts supplying water from the water injection section 16, and instructs the automatic dispensing control means 5033 to dispense the laundry treatment agent from the tank being used into the washing tub 11 (this is the "treatment agent dispensing instruction" in the figure). Upon receiving this instruction, the automatic supply control means 5033 acquires remaining amount information of the tank 27 set as the tank to be used from the remaining amount detection means 5021 corresponding to the tank 27 (S531). If the acquired remaining amount information indicates an insufficient amount ("Yes") in step S533, the automatic dispensing control means 5033 performs a change process (S535) to change the setting of the tank to be used, turns on (starts) the dispensing of detergent treatment agent stored in the changed tank to be used, and when the predetermined amount has been dispensed ("Yes" in S539), turns off (stops) the dispensing of treatment agent (S541), and reports (outputs) to the operation control means 5031 that the dispensing of laundry treatment agent has been completed ("Dispensing completion report" in the figure). In step S533, if the acquired remaining amount information is not insufficient ("No"), the process proceeds to step S537, and the supply of laundry treatment agent in the usage tank 27 that is detected as not insufficient is turned on (started).

[0085] (2) Change processing (change means) The change process (change means) corresponding to the above-mentioned change example will be described. The change means 5035 that performs the change process (S535) is configured as software. That is, the CPU (262) of the control unit 5030 executes a program stored in the memory (263), thereby realizing the process of the change means 5035. Note that the configurations and steps related to the first modification example are marked with "a", and similarly, the second, third, fourth, and fifth modifications are marked with "b", "c", "c", and "d".

[0086] (2-1) Change example 1 When the acquired remaining amount information indicates an insufficient amount ("Yes") in step S533 of Fig. 37, the automatic dispensing control means 5033a acquires all tank information (S5351a) as shown in Fig. 38. The tank information here is, for example, identification information of tank 27 and the type of laundry treatment agent stored in tank 27. In the first embodiment, detergent is stored in first and second tanks 27A and 27B, and fabric softener is stored in third and fourth tanks 27C and 27D, respectively, and the identification information of tank 27 and information on the type of laundry treatment agent stored in that tank 27 are stored in advance in the laundry treatment agent table. The automatic dispensing control means 5033a identifies (acquires) a tank that stores the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank in which the remaining amount shortage was detected from the acquired tank information (S5353a). Then, the automatic dispensing control means 5033a changes the setting of the used tank to the identified tank (e.g., the second tank 27B) (S5355). Then, although not essential, in S5357, the setting change in S5355 (change in the setting of the used tank item) is registered in, for example, the memory 263, and the process proceeds to step S537.

[0087] (2-2) Change example 2 37, if the acquired remaining amount information indicates an insufficient remaining amount ("Yes"), the automatic supply control means 5033b acquires all tank information and all tank remaining amounts (S5351b), as shown in Fig. 39. The tank information here is the same as in the first modification, and the remaining amounts in the tanks are acquired from the remaining amount detection means 5021, weight detection means for measuring the weight of the tank 27, etc. The automatic dispensing control means 5033b first identifies (acquires) the tank 27 that stores the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank 27 in which the remaining amount is detected to be low (S5353b) from the acquired tank information, and then identifies the tank with the largest remaining amount from the identified tanks (S5354b). Then, the setting of the tank to be used is changed to the identified tank 27 with the largest remaining amount (S5355). Then, although not essential, in S5357, the setting change in S5355 (change in the setting of the item of the tank to be used) is registered in the laundry treatment agent table, and the process proceeds to step S537.

[0088] In the first and second modifications, the laundry treatment agents stored in the tanks 27 are preset, for example, for the first and second tanks 27A and 27B to detergent, and for the third and fourth tanks 27C and 27D to fabric softener, but the laundry treatment agent stored in each tank may be selected by the user. In this case, the tanks (tank information) and the laundry treatment agents (treatment agent information) are associated with each other and registered (stored) in the memory 263.

[0089] (2-3) Change example 3 Washing machine 5003c has setting unit 2041a as shown in Fig. 40, and detergent is stored in first to third tanks 27A, 27B, and 27C. As shown in laundry treatment agent table Tc in Fig. 41, first tank 27A is set as the tank to be used, and it is preset so that when the tank to be used (first tank 27A) runs out of detergent, second tank 27B will be used as the tank to be used. The next tank to be used when the remaining amount is insufficient is registered in laundry treatment agent table Tc as the "tank for when there is a shortage" ("◯" is set in the item for the tank for when there is a shortage). In step S533 of FIG. 37, when the tank to be used (first tank 27A) is found to be low in amount ("Yes"), the automatic dispensing control means 5033c identifies (obtains) from the laundry treatment agent table Tc the tank 27 (second tank 27B) registered as the tank to be used in the event of a shortage, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 (S5351c). The automatic dispensing control means 5033c changes the setting of the tank to be used to the identified shortage tank 27. Then, although not essential, in S5357, the setting change in S5355 (change in the setting of the tank to be used) is registered in the laundry treatment agent table Tc, and the process proceeds to step S537. In the laundry treatment agent table Tc, as shown in Fig. 41, the "tank to be used" item for the first tank 27A is updated to "x", and the "tank to be used" item for the second tank 27B is updated to "o", and registered.

[0090] (2-4) Change example 4 Washing machine 5003d has setting unit 2041a as shown in Fig. 40, and detergent is stored in first to third tanks 27A, 27B, and 27C. As shown in laundry treatment agent table Td in Fig. 43, first tank 27A is set as the tank to be used, and information indicating the order of tanks to be changed when the tank to be used (first tank 27A) runs short ("tank change order" in the figure) is set and stored in advance. In this example, the first tank to be used is first tank 27A, and the order of change when there is a shortage is second tank 27B and third tank 27C. In step S533 of FIG. 37, when the automatic dispensing control means 5033d determines that the tank being used (first tank 27A) is low in amount ("Yes"), it identifies the tank with tank change order "1" (second tank 27B) from the laundry treatment agent table Td (S5351d), as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, and changes the setting of the tank being used to the identified tank with change order "1" (second tank 27B) (S5355). Then, although it is not a required configuration, the tank setting change (change in the setting of the tank used item) is registered in the laundry treatment agent table Td (S5357), and in the laundry treatment agent table Td, as shown in FIG. 45, the ``Tank used'' item for the first tank 27A is updated to ``X'', the ``Tank used'' item for the second tank 27B is updated to ``O'' and the ``Tank change order'' item is updated to ``X'', and the ``Tank change order'' item for the third tank 27C is updated to ``1'' (S5358), and the process proceeds to step S537. The order of change is the same as change 2, for example, if the order is changed in descending order of the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent.

[0091] (2-5) Change example 5 Washing machine 5003e capable of carrying out modified example 5 includes type setting unit 2041e for setting the type of laundry treatment agent of the same kind, as shown in Fig. 46, and when the type of laundry treatment agent is set by the user, it is stored in detergent treatment agent table Te, as shown in Fig. 47. This makes it possible to identify the kind and type of laundry treatment agent stored in tank 27. In this example, the following information is set for the first tank 27A: type "detergent" and type "first (type)", for the second tank 27B: type "detergent" and type "second (type)", and for the third tank 27C: type "detergent" and type "first (type)". Note that in this example, the first tank 27A is set as the tank to be used. As shown in Fig. 46, the detergent type is set by pressing a type setting button 5059 (A to D) to turn it ON or OFF, and is set by pressing the corresponding input button. In other words, a tank that is set ON and a tank that is set OFF are identified as different types, so they can be distinguished as a first type and a second type. Note that the type setting buttons 5059 (A to D) may light up (when ON) / go out (when OFF) in accordance with the pressing operation, or a display means provided separately from the type setting buttons 5059 (A to D) may light up / go out. In step S533 of FIG. 37, the automatic dispensing control means 5033d determines that the tank in use (first tank 27A) is low in amount ("Yes"), and identifies the type (first type) of laundry treatment agent stored in the currently used tank (S5351e), as shown in FIG. 48, and then identifies a tank (third tank 27C) that stores the same type (first type) of laundry treatment agent as the identified type (S5353e). Then, the setting of the tank to be used is changed to the identified tank (third tank 27C) (S5355), and the setting change (change in the setting of the tank to be used item) is registered in the detergent treatment agent table Te (S5357), and the process proceeds to step S537. As shown in Figure 49, the settings for the tanks used are updated (set) so that the "Tank Used" item for the first tank 27A is set to "X", and the "Tank Used" item for the third tank 27C is set to "O". In the above-mentioned modification example 5, two types of laundry treatment agents are set using three tanks 27A, 27B, and 27C, but they may all be set to the same type. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be used for a long period of time without having to be refilled with new laundry treatment agents.

[0092] <Fifth Embodiment 2B> In the fifth embodiment 2A, when a remaining amount of detergent in the used tank is detected, a new tank is set as the used tank instead of the detected tank, but a new tank may be added. As a specific example, in the description of the fifth embodiment 2A, when a remaining amount of detergent in the first tank 27A is detected, a second tank 27B may be added to the first tank 27A, and the two tanks 27A and 27B may be set as the used tanks. In other words, when a shortage of remaining amount is detected in the tank in use, the change means (5035) changes the setting so that the new tank (second tank 27B) is set as the tank in use in addition to the tank (first tank 27A) that is detected to be insufficient (step S535 in Figure 37). This allows the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank that has been detected as low in quantity to be used up. Also, when the next tank is refilled with the detergent treatment agent, the remaining amount is low, so the mixing ratio with the laundry treatment agent to be refilled can be reduced without having to clean the tank (when the laundry treatment agents to be refilled are from different manufacturers, mixing of the different manufacturers' laundry treatment agents can be avoided).

[0093] <Fifth embodiment 3B> When changing the setting to use multiple tanks (for example, the first tank 27A and the second tank 27B) as the tanks in use, as in the fifth embodiment 1B and the fifth embodiment 2B, the ratio of the laundry treatment agents dispensed from these multiple tanks (27A, 27B) may be changed. As a specific example, the detergent in the first tank 27A where a low level has been detected may be set to "low," and the detergent in the added second tank 27B may be set to "high," and a low amount of the first detergent may be dispensed from the first tank 27A, and a high amount of the second detergent may be dispensed from the second tank 27B. That is, the change receiving means includes a ratio change receiving means for receiving a change in the ratio of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the tank to be used, and the automatic dispensing control means dispenses laundry treatment agent into the tank to be used at the ratio accepted by the ratio change receiving means through operation by the user. This allows, for example, the user to dispense the treatment agent at a ratio that suits their preference. The ratio change receiving means can utilize, for example, the mixture ratio button 1414. By repeatedly pressing the mixture ratio button 1414, the ratio can be changed, and the ratio is displayed on the mixture ratio display means 1418.

[0094] <Modification> Although the embodiments have been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the following modifications may be used, for example: Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications may be combined, or the modifications may be combined with each other. Furthermore, examples not described in the embodiments and modifications, and design changes within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0095] (1) The multiple automatic dispensing means 28 are arranged along the line-up direction of the multiple tanks 27, but they do not have to be arranged along the line-up direction. As a first example, the multiple automatic dispensing means 28 may be arranged along the vertical direction and connected to the tanks 27 by hoses or the like. As a second example, the automatic dispensing means 28 on both sides in the left-right direction may be arranged below or above the automatic dispensing means 28 in the middle in the line-up direction. Furthermore, the automatic dispensing unit 21 and the tanks 27 may be arranged apart in the front-rear direction. (2) The automatic dispenser 21 is disposed at a central position in the left-right direction behind the upper cover 181, but may be disposed on one side, the center, or the other side in the left-right direction as long as it is on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. Similarly, the tank 27 is disposed at a central position in the left-to-right direction behind the upper cover 181, but may be disposed on a central position in the left-to-right direction as long as it is on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. (3) The tanks 27 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (arrangement direction), but may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, or may be arranged in two separate regions in the left-right direction. (4) Support portion 184, which supports lid portion 182 in the open state, is provided on lid portion 182, but may be provided on upper cover portion 181. In this case, it is preferable that a recess (groove portion 181b) for the end portion of support portion 184 be provided on lid portion 182. (5) The recess for the support portion 184 is formed by the groove portion 181b, but may also be formed by a pair of protrusions or between the protrusions. The recess may be one (one location) or multiple steps (multiple locations) spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. By providing multiple steps, the angle at which the lid portion 182 is opened can be selected.

[0096] (6) The recess for the support part 184 has a positioning function by fitting the end of the support part 184. For example, the end of the support part may be positioned by a magnet (magnetic force). (7) The pivoting structure between the cover 182 and the retaining means 184 is provided on the lower end side of one end in the lateral direction of the retaining means 184 when the retaining means 184 is housed in the recess 182c in the state shown in Figure 5, but it may also be provided on the upper side. In this case, the lower end side of the retaining means 184 can be pivoted forward and fitted into the recess. (8) The setting unit 41 can set the amount of detergent treatment agent to be dispensed in three ways: “more,” “standard,” and “less.” However, it may be possible to add “slightly more” or “slightly less” to make it five ways, or the number of ways may be other than three or five. (9) The setting unit 41 dispenses both the first and second fabric softeners by operating the first fabric softener dosage button 411C and the second fabric softener dosage button 411D, but it may also be configured to dispense both the first and second fabric softeners when both dosage buttons 411C, 411D are operated in accordance with a predetermined rule. (10) In Fig. 21, the mixing ratio of the first and second softeners is set using the mixing ratio button 1414, but the amounts of the first and second softeners to be dispensed may be set using the mixing amount button. In this case, the mixing amount button corresponds to an example of the "mixing setting button" of invention 3. (11) One input amount display means 412 has three LEDs 413 and lights up the LED 413 corresponding to the input amount, but it may also be a display means 1419 that displays a character corresponding to the input amount (for example, “standard”), as shown in Figure 21.

[0097] (12) In the third setting unit 2041, the input amount button 2411 is configured to be operated multiple times to light up the corresponding input amount display means 2412, but for example, it may be configured so that both selection and display are performed by pressing the input amount display means once. (13) In the third embodiment, the operating course is selected by operating the course button 3131 multiple times, and the corresponding display means 3141 is illuminated. However, for example, both the selection and the display may be performed by pressing the display means once. Similarly, additional functions are selected by operating the function button 3132 multiple times, and the corresponding display means 3142 is configured to light up, but it is also possible to perform both selection and display by pressing the display means once, for example. (14) In the embodiment and FIG. 21, the number of types of fabric softener is two, but it may be three or more. In this case, it is also preferable to provide operation buttons and display means corresponding to each softener and each tank storing the softener. Furthermore, when there are three or more types of fabric softener, a mixing button may be provided for setting when mixing two or more softeners, and after operating the mixing button, the amount button (operation button) may be operated to set the mixing ratio and amount.

[0098] (15) In the description of the first lid portion of the fourth embodiment, the tanks 27B and 27C are arranged in the middle of the storage space 4353 in the left-right direction, and both ends in the left-right direction are covered by the lid body 4029. When the accommodation space 4353 is viewed from the front, the two tanks may be at both ends in the left-right direction, or may be the first and second tanks from the right or left side in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the number of tanks used does not have to be two, and may be, for example, one or three. In this case, the arrangement of the tanks is also not particularly limited. (16) In the description of the second lid portion in the fourth embodiment, the opening 4351 of the storage space 4353 is covered by one lid body 4030. However, for example, one side in the left-right direction may be covered by the first lid body and the other side by the second lid body, or one side in the up-down direction may be covered by the first lid body and the other side by the second lid body. (17) In the fourth embodiment, when one tank is accommodated in a tank accommodation section capable of accommodating M tanks, the opening may be closed with one lid body or two lid bodies. (18) In the fourth embodiment, the lid bodies 4029, 4030 are detachably attached to the dummy tank 4027, but for example, they may be detachably attached to the tank accommodating portion 4035, or they may be detachably or non-detachably attached to the opening 181a of the upper cover portion 181. In this case, there is no need to provide the dummy tank 4027 in the tank accommodating portion 4035, so the dummy tank 4027 does not have to be provided, but even in this case, the dummy tank 4027 may be present in the tank accommodating portion 4035. Furthermore, although the lid bodies 4029, 4030 are detachably attached to the dummy tank 4027, they may be fixed non-detachably.

[0099] (19) In the fifth embodiment 1A, 1B, there is no specific description of associating the tank used (including the tank before the change and the tank after the change) with the operating course, but the association may be stored in a storage unit (e.g., memory 263). In other words, the washing machine is provided with a memory unit that stores association data associating an operating course with a tank to be used, and a memory control means that controls the memory unit, and when the setting of the tank to be used is changed by the change means, the memory control means updates the association data so as to associate the operating course with the changed tank to be used. This allows the detergent treatment agent to be smoothly dispensed in the operation course after a shortage of the remaining amount in the tank being used has been detected. (20) In the fifth embodiment 1B and 2B, one new tank is added to the tank that is running low on fuel. However, if there are two tanks in use and both tanks are running low on fuel, a new tank may be added, bringing the number of tanks in use to three. (21) In the embodiment, lid 182 for opening and closing opening 181d of housing 18 has a plate-like shape (a non-bendable structure). However, as shown in Fig. 50, lid 6182 may have a bendable structure including two lid members 6182A and 6182B. Here, the front lid member 6182A bends relative to the rear lid member 6182B by means of a hinge 6182C around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotation axis may also extend in the front-rear direction.

[0100] <<Invention>> The above-described embodiment and modifications include at least the following inventions. Each of the following inventions is not bound by the specific features or configurations of the embodiments of other inventions.

[0101] <Invention 1> 1. Prior art JP 2020-80918 A describes a vertical washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing device, which includes, for example, a treatment agent tank capable of storing multiple loads of laundry treatment agent, and a tank housing section provided in the washing machine body for removably housing the treatment agent tank.

[0102] 2. Problems that Invention 1 aims to solve In the above-described vertical washing machine, there is a problem in that when the treatment agent tank is pulled out forward from the tank housing portion, the treatment agent tank may unintentionally fall off. The present invention 1 aims to realize a vertical washing machine that prevents the tank from unintentionally falling out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out.

[0103] 3. Invention 1 (1) The first vertical washing machine A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; A main body that houses the washing tub; an upper cover portion provided on an upper side of the main body portion; A tank for storing laundry treatment agents to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub; a tank housing portion that houses the tank so that the tank can be pulled out toward the front; Equipped with The tank accommodating portion is provided in the upper cover portion, The tank has a storage section in which the laundry treatment agent is stored and a cover section provided on the storage section, The tank has a stopper structure that prevents the tank from coming out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out from the tank housing portion. This prevents the tank from accidentally falling out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out.

[0104] (2) The second vertical washing machine The second vertical washing machine is the first vertical washing machine, The stopper structure on the tank side is provided on the cover portion, In a state where the tank is accommodated in the tank accommodating portion, the stopper structure of the tank accommodating portion and the cover portion are engaged with each other. This prevents the tank from accidentally falling out of the tank housing portion when the tank is pulled out.

[0105] (3) The third vertical washing machine The third vertical washing machine is the first or second vertical washing machine, the tank has a rear bottom wall portion constituting a rear side bottom surface that is higher in height than a front bottom wall portion constituting a front side bottom surface; In an engaged state in which the stopper structure of the tank is engaged with the stopper structure of the tank accommodating portion, the tank accommodating portion has an opposing portion that faces the rear end portion of the rear bottom wall portion in the up-down direction, In the engaged state, the tank rotates around a pivot point forward of the stopper structure of the tank accommodating portion, and the opposing portion is located away from the rotation path of the rear end portion. This prevents the tank from easily falling off when pulled out due to the catch between the tank and the tank housing portion.

[0106] (4) The fourth vertical washing machine The fourth vertical washing machine is a first to third vertical washing machine, The tank has a handle portion on the front side and a transparent window portion on the rear side of the handle portion. This allows the amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank to be visually observed.

[0107] (5) The fifth vertical washing machine The fifth vertical washing machine is the fourth vertical washing machine, The handle has an edge that defines an opening for inserting a finger, The window portion is located opposite the opening portion. This allows the device to achieve both the function of visually checking the laundry treatment agent and the function of a handle with a simple structure.

[0108] <Invention 2> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-217179 discloses a vertical washing machine that includes a housing that houses a washing tub, a top plate provided on the top of the housing and having an opening that connects to the washing tub, and a lid that is rotatably supported on the top plate and opens and closes the opening.

[0109] 2. Problems that Invention 2 aims to solve In the above-mentioned vertical washing machine, when loading or unloading laundry such as clothes, if the lid moves in the closing direction during the process, it becomes less convenient, and if it is opened to its designed limit, it may hit furniture, walls, etc. The present invention 2 aims to realize a vertical washing machine that allows laundry to be easily loaded and unloaded.

[0110] 3. Invention 2 (1) The first vertical washing machine The first vertical washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; A main body that houses the washing tub; an upper cover portion provided on an upper side of the main body portion; a lid portion that rotates to open and close the opening for inserting laundry in the upper cover portion; a support portion for supporting the lid portion in an open state; Equipped with. This makes it easy to take laundry in and out.

[0111] (2) The second vertical washing machine The second vertical washing machine is the first vertical washing machine, the support portion is provided on either the lid portion or the upper cover portion, The other of the lid portion and the upper cover portion is provided with a recess into which an end of the support portion fits in a supported state. This allows implementation with a simple structure.

[0112] (3) The third vertical washing machine The third vertical washing machine is the first washing machine, the support portion is provided on either the lid portion or the upper cover portion, The other of the lid portion and the upper cover portion is provided with a positioning portion that positions the end of the support portion by magnetic force in a supported state. This allows implementation with a simple structure.

[0113] (4) The fourth vertical washing machine The fourth vertical washing machine is a first to third vertical washing machine, The support portion is rotatably provided on the lid portion or the upper cover portion. This makes it easy to implement.

[0114] <Invention 3> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157788 discloses an invention in which a detergent dispenser automatically dispenses liquid detergent into a washing and spin-drying tub that is rotatably provided inside an outer tub, and a first cleaning aid dispenser and a second cleaning aid dispenser automatically dispense a first cleaning aid and a second cleaning aid, the operations of which are controlled by a control means, and the control means drives the first cleaning aid dispenser and the second cleaning aid dispenser according to the washing course selected by a course setting means.

[0115] 2. Problems that Invention 3 aims to solve The washing machine has a problem in that the washing course and the laundry treatment agent to be used are predetermined and cannot be changed by the user. This problem occurs in drum-type washing machines in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally (including directions that intersect with the horizontal at an angle of 45 degrees or less), and in vertical washing machines in which the rotation axis extends vertically (including directions that intersect with the vertical direction at an angle of 45 degrees or less). Invention 3 aims to realize a washing machine that allows for greater freedom in selecting laundry treatment agents to be used in automatic dispensing.

[0116] 3. Invention 3 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; a plurality of tanks containing laundry treatment agents; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; an automatic insertion control unit that controls the automatic insertion unit; a setting unit for setting a laundry treatment agent to be used in an operation course; Equipped with The automatic dispensing control unit dispenses the laundry treatment agent set by the setting unit into the washing tub, The type of laundry treatment agent to be stored in each of the plurality of tanks is predetermined, The setting section has an operation button for each laundry treatment agent or tank. This allows for greater freedom in the selection of laundry treatment agents. Invention 3 is an invention that focuses on the addition of detergent treatment agents, and washing machines include drum-type and vertical-type washing machines.

[0117] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is the first washing machine, The amount of laundry treatment agent can be changed by repeatedly operating the operation button. This allows the number of operation buttons to be reduced.

[0118] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the first or second washing machine, The tank includes a first tank for storing a first detergent, a second tank for storing a first fabric softener, and a third tank for storing a second fabric softener, The operation buttons include a first operation button corresponding to the first tank or the first detergent, a second operation button corresponding to the second tank or the first fabric softener, and a third operation button corresponding to the third tank or the second fabric softener. This improves operability.

[0119] (4) The fourth washing machine The fourth washing machine is the third washing machine, When the first and second fabric softeners are set as laundry treatment agents to be used in an operation course by operating the second operation button and the third operation button, both the first and second fabric softeners are poured into the washing tub. This allows for greater freedom in the softener used.

[0120] (5) The fifth washing machine The fifth washing machine is the third washing machine, the setting unit has a mixing setting button for setting the amount or ratio of the first softener and the second softener to be mixed, When at least one of the first fabric softener and the second fabric softener is set as the laundry treatment agent to be used in the operation course by operating the second operation button and the third operation button, the automatic dispensing control unit dispenses at least one of the first fabric softener and the second fabric softener into the washing tub according to the setting content set by the mixed setting button. This allows for greater freedom in the mixing ratio of the softener to be used.

[0121] <Invention 4> 1. Prior art JP 2017-74080 A proposes that in a drum-type washing machine, in addition to a manual detergent storage case, an automatic dispensing device be provided that stores multiple doses of laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in the tank in advance, and that automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the water tub by driving a pump during the wash cycle. 2. Problems that Invention 4 aims to solve In the above-mentioned washing machines, when an automatic feeding device is installed in a vertical washing machine, there is a problem that it must be installed in a space that is smaller than that of a drum-type washing machine. Invention 4 is to realize a vertical washing machine that can be provided with an automatic feeding section even in a limited space.

[0122] 3. Invention 4 (1) The first vertical washing machine The first vertical washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; A main body that houses the washing tub; an upper cover portion provided on an upper side of the main body portion; an automatic dispenser that dispenses laundry treatment agents contained in a plurality of tanks into the washing tub; A manual dispenser into which one dose of laundry treatment agent is dispensed; A water supply unit that supplies water to the washing tub; A bath water input unit that absorbs bath water and inputs it into the washing tub; Equipped with The automatic water supply unit is located between the water supply unit and the bath water supply unit. This makes it possible to provide an automatic insertion unit even in a limited space.

[0123] <Invention 5> 1. Prior art In recent years, washing machines equipped with various functions have been developed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-222000 discloses a washing machine that allows users to select a plurality of courses by pressing a button. Each course may include its own unique operation. 2. Problems that Invention 5 aims to solve In the above-mentioned washing machine, there may be a case where a user wants to execute a first operating program that includes a unique first operation, but also wants to execute a unique second operation included in a second operating program that is different from the first operating program. In this case, if the user selects the first operating program, the second operation cannot be executed. Invention 5 aims to realize a washing machine that allows for greater freedom in selecting additional functions.

[0124] 3. Invention 5 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine is A washing machine capable of executing an operation course selected from a plurality of operation courses, a course button for selecting a driving course; Function buttons for selecting additional functions; an operation control unit that controls the operation of the washing machine; Equipped with When an additional function is selected by the function button in addition to the operation course selected by the course button, the operation control unit adds the selected additional function to the selected operation course and executes the operation. This allows for the realization of a washing machine that allows for greater freedom in selecting additional functions.

[0125] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is the first washing machine, The function button is a single button that can select one or more additional functions from a plurality of additional functions. This allows you to select one or more additional functions with a simple button operation.

[0126] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the first or second washing machine, The additional functions selectable by the function button include a first additional function that can be added to a first operating course among a plurality of operating courses, and a second additional function that cannot be added to the first operating course, The operation control unit controls the first operating program so that the second additional function cannot be selected by operating the function button. This makes it possible to prevent the second additional function, which cannot be added, from being selected in the first operating program.

[0127] (4) The fourth washing machine The fourth washing machine is a washing machine according to the first to third washing machines. Further, a notification unit is provided, The additional function is a function that cannot be added to a second operating program among the plurality of operating programs, The operation control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification when the function button is operated for the second operating program. This makes it possible to prevent the additional function from being selected in the second operating program, and to notify the user that the additional function cannot be selected in the second operating program.

[0128] (5) The fifth washing machine In the fifth washing machine, in the first to fourth washing machines The second operation program is a program for performing at least a process on the washing tub, The additional functions that can be selected by the function buttons are functions that are performed on laundry. This allows additional functions to be added to the laundry.

[0129] (6) The sixth washing machine The sixth washing machine is the fourth or fifth washing machine, The second operation course is a tub cleaning course for cleaning at least the washing tub or a tub drying course for drying at least the washing tub. This makes it possible to prevent the addition of additional functions at least in the tank cleaning or tank drying course.

[0130] (7) The Seventh Washing Machine The seventh washing machine is a washing machine according to the first to sixth washing machines. By repeatedly operating the function button, one additional function pattern can be selected from a plurality of additional function patterns, The plurality of types of additional function patterns are made up of combinations of one or more additional functions selected from a plurality of additional functions. This reduces the number of function buttons and simplifies the user's operation.

[0131] (8) The eighth washing machine The eighth washing machine is the seventh washing machine, the additional functions that can be selected by repeatedly operating the function button include a first additional function that can be added to a first operating program among a plurality of operating programs, and a second additional function that cannot be added to the first operating program; The plurality of types of additional function patterns are made up of combinations of one or more selected from the plurality of first additional functions. As a result, additional functions that cannot be added are excluded from the additional function patterns.

[0132] <Invention 6> 1. Prior art JP 2020-80918 A describes a vertical washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing device, which includes, for example, a treatment agent tank capable of storing multiple loads of laundry treatment agent, and a tank storage section provided in the washing machine body for removably storing multiple treatment agent tanks. 2. Problems that Invention 6 aims to solve In the case of the above-described washing machines, there are cases where it is desired to manufacture washing machines without a treatment agent tank or to manufacture multiple types of washing machines with different numbers of treatment agent tanks, but in such cases, the structures of the storage sections in which the treatment agent tanks are placed will differ. For this reason, there is a problem in that manufacturing multiple types of washing machines with different storage section structures increases manufacturing costs. Invention 6 aims to reduce costs when manufacturing multiple types of washing machines with different structures, such as with or without treatment agent tanks and the number of tanks.

[0133] 3. Invention 6 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; A main body that houses the washing tub; an upper cover portion provided on an upper side of the main body portion; A tank for storing a laundry treatment agent to be added to the washing tub; a tank accommodating section having an opening through which the tank can be inserted and removed and constituting a space capable of accommodating the tank; and a lid portion for closing at least a portion of the opening. This reduces the difference in structure due to the presence or absence of tanks and the number of tanks, thereby reducing costs when manufacturing multiple types of washing machines.

[0134] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is the first washing machine, The tank accommodating section can accommodate a maximum of M (a natural number equal to or greater than 2) tanks, and the opening has an opening area corresponding to the M tanks, The lid closes the opening area corresponding to MN tanks so that N (a natural number equal to or greater than 1) tanks smaller than M can be accommodated. This reduces the need for structural changes to the tank housing portion.

[0135] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the second washing machine, With the lids attached to the MN tanks, the MN tanks are fixed to the tank housing portion. This makes it possible to restrict the movement of the MN tank and reduce the load acting on the lid portion.

[0136] (4) The fourth washing machine The fourth washing machine is the first washing machine, The tank accommodating section can accommodate a maximum of M tanks, and the opening has an opening area corresponding to the M tanks, The lid closes the open areas corresponding to the M tanks. This reduces the need for structural changes to the tank housing portion.

[0137] (5) The fifth washing machine The fifth washing machine is a washing machine according to the first to fourth washing machines. A plurality of tanks are arranged in a row in the tank accommodating section, Of the plurality of tanks, MN tanks are fixed to the tank housing portion. This makes it easier to design where to place the space in the tank housing section to accommodate the tank containing the liquid agent.

[0138] <Invention 7> 1. Prior art JP 2020-80918 A describes a vertical washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing device, which includes, for example, a treatment agent tank capable of storing multiple loads of laundry treatment agent, and a tank housing section provided in the washing machine body for removably housing the treatment agent tank. 2. Problems that Invention 7 aims to solve In the above-mentioned vertical washing machine, there is a demand for increasing the storage capacity of the treatment agent tank. The seventh aspect of the present invention is to realize a vertical washing machine equipped with a tank having a large storage capacity. 3. Invention 7 (1) The first vertical washing machine The first vertical washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; A main body that houses the washing tub; an upper cover portion provided on an upper side of the main body portion; A tank for storing laundry treatment agents to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub; a tank accommodating section that accommodates the tank so that the tank can be pulled out to the front, The tank has a rear bottom wall portion that forms the rear bottom surface and is higher in bottom surface height than a front bottom wall portion that forms the front bottom surface, and has an expansion portion that expands the internal space. This allows for a larger storage capacity. (2) The second vertical washing machine The second vertical washing machine is the first vertical washing machine, The extension protrudes from the front side to the rear side. This allows the storage volume to be increased with a simple structure.

[0139] <Invention 8> 1. Prior art Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-157788 discloses a washing machine in which a detergent dispenser automatically dispenses liquid detergent into a washing and spin-drying tub that is rotatably provided inside an outer tub, and a first cleaning aid dispenser and a second cleaning aid dispenser automatically dispense a first cleaning aid and a second cleaning aid, the operations of which are controlled by a control means that drives the first cleaning aid dispenser and the second cleaning aid dispenser in accordance with a washing course selected by a course setting means. 2. Problems that Invention 8 aims to solve The washing machine described above has room for improvement in that it is not possible to deal with the case where the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent used in automatic dispensing is insufficient. The eighth aspect of the present invention is to realize a washing machine that can maintain the convenience of automatic dispensing even when the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining in the tank used for automatic dispensing is insufficient. The above problem occurs in both vertical washing machines and horizontal (drum type) washing machines.

[0140] 3. Invention 8 (1) First washing machine The first washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; a plurality of tanks containing laundry treatment agents (used for multiple cycles of operation); an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; an automatic supply control unit that controls the automatic supply unit to supply the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank that is set to be used in the operation course into the washing tub; a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in at least the use tank; a change acceptance means for accepting a selection of the tank when the remaining amount detection means detects a remaining amount shortage; a change means for changing the setting of the tank accepted by the change acceptance means to the tank to be used; Equipped with The automatic dispensing control section dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank set by the changing section into the washing tub. This makes it possible to prevent the convenience of automatic dispensing from being impaired even if the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank used for automatic dispensing is insufficient.

[0141] (2) Second washing machine The second washing machine is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; a plurality of tanks containing laundry treatment agents (used for multiple runs); an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; an automatic supply control unit that controls the automatic supply unit to supply the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank that is set to be used in the operation course into the washing tub; a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in at least the use tank; a change means for changing the setting of the tank to be used when the remaining amount detection means detects a shortage of the remaining amount in the tank to be used, The automatic dispensing control section dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank set by the changing section into the washing tub. This makes it possible to prevent the convenience of automatic dispensing from being impaired even if the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank used for automatic dispensing is insufficient.

[0142] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the first washing machine, An operation control means for controlling the operation of the washing machine; a notification means for notifying the user of the insufficient remaining amount when the insufficiency of the remaining amount is detected in the tank; Equipped with The operation control means stops the operation of the operating course when the remaining amount shortage is detected in the tank being used. This allows the user to be notified of the lack of remaining amount, and prompts the user to select a new tank to replace the tank that is running low, making it easier to deal with the lack of remaining amount quickly. Also, it is possible to prevent the operation course from proceeding when the amount of laundry treatment agent dispensed into the washing tub is low or when the selected treatment agent is not dispensed into the washing tub.

[0143] (4) The fourth washing machine The fourth washing machine is the third washing machine, When the setting of the tank to be used is changed by the change means, the operation control means resumes the stopped operation. This allows the operation course to be resumed without receiving any operation from the user. The operation control means may resume the stopped operation when the setting of the tank to be used is changed by the change means and a restart operation is performed.

[0144] (5) The fifth washing machine The fifth washing machine is a washing machine according to the second to fourth washing machines. The change means changes the tank to one that stores the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank in which the remaining amount shortage is detected. This allows the same type of laundry treatment to be dispensed without the user having to refill the tank with laundry treatment.

[0145] (6) The sixth washing machine The sixth washing machine is a washing machine according to the second to fifth washing machines. The types of laundry treatment agents of the same kind include a first type and a second type, a type setting means for identifying whether the plurality of tanks are of the first type or the second type, When the laundry treatment agent in the tank in which the remaining amount is detected to be insufficient is the first type or the second type, the change means changes the tank to one of the multiple tanks that is set to the same type as the tank in which the remaining amount is detected to be insufficient. This allows the same type of laundry treatment to be dispensed without the user having to refill the tank with laundry treatment. The types of laundry treatment agents include at least two types, for example, detergent and fabric softener. The "type" refers to the type of detergent treatment agent within the same type. The "type" can be identified by turning the type setting means (type setting button 5059) ON or OFF, so it may be used to distinguish between one detergent treatment agent and another detergent treatment agent within the same type based on the user's preference, or the first and second types may be the same type.

[0146] (7) The Seventh Washing Machine The seventh washing machine is a washing machine according to the second to sixth washing machines. The change means changes the tank to the tank with the largest remaining amount among the tanks storing the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank in which the remaining amount shortage has been detected. This allows the same type of laundry treatment to be dispensed multiple times without the user having to refill the tank with laundry treatment.

[0147] (8) The eighth washing machine The eighth washing machine is a washing machine according to the second to seventh washing machines. The remaining amount detection means is a turbidity detection means for detecting the turbidity of the wash water, When the value indicated by the turbidity detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the change means changes the tank to one storing the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank detected as being low in amount. This makes it possible to detect a shortage of the remaining amount in the tank without providing a detection means in the tank.

[0148] (9) The 9th Washing Machine The ninth washing machine is a washing machine according to the second to eighth washing machines. When a shortage of the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining in the tank to be used is detected, the changing means changes the setting so that in addition to the tank detected as being short of the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining, a tank containing the same type of laundry treatment agent as the tank detected as being short of the amount of laundry treatment agent remaining is set as the tank to be used. This allows the same type of laundry treatment to be dispensed without the user having to refill the tank with laundry treatment.

[0149] (10) The 10th washing machine The tenth washing machine is the first, third and fourth washing machines. When a remaining amount of the used tank is detected to be insufficient, the change means changes the setting to include the used tank set by the change means as the used tank in addition to the tank detected to be insufficient. This allows the laundry treatment agent to be dispensed without the user having to refill the tank with the laundry treatment agent.

[0150] (10A) Washing machine No. 10A The washing machine No. 10A is the washing machine No. 10. The change acceptance unit includes a ratio change acceptance unit that accepts a change in the ratio of the laundry treatment agent to be put into the use tank, The automatic dispensing control means dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the tank to be used at the ratio accepted by the ratio change accepting means. This allows you to dispense laundry treatments that suit your preferences.

[0151] (10B) Washing machine in 10B The washing machine No. 10B is the washing machine No. 9, The setting unit includes a ratio change receiving means for receiving a change in the ratio of the laundry treatment agent to be put into the use tank, The automatic dispensing control means dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the tank to be used at the ratio accepted by the ratio change accepting means. This allows you to dispense laundry treatments that suit your preferences.

[0152] (11) The 11th washing machine The 11th washing machine is a washing machine of the 1st to 10th B. a storage unit that stores association data that associates the operating course with the tank to be used; a storage control means for controlling the storage unit; Equipped with When the setting of the tank to be used is changed by the change means, the storage control means updates the association data so as to associate the operating course with the changed tank to be used. This eliminates the need to change settings for each driving course.

[0153] (12) First washing method The first washing method is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; a plurality of tanks containing laundry treatment agents (used for multiple cycles of operation); an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; an automatic supply control unit that controls the automatic supply unit to supply the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank that is set to be used in the operation course into the washing tub; a remaining amount detection means for detecting a remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in at least the usage tank, a change acceptance step of accepting selection of the tank when the remaining amount detection means detects a remaining amount shortage; a change step of changing the setting to the tank accepted in the change acceptance step as the used tank; and an automatic dispensing step in which an automatic dispensing control unit dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank set in the changing step into the washing tub. This makes it possible to prevent the convenience of automatic dispensing from being impaired even if the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank used for automatic dispensing is insufficient.

[0154] (13) Second washing method The second washing method is A washing tub including a water tub and a rotary tub rotatably provided within the water tub; a plurality of tanks containing laundry treatment agents (used for multiple runs); an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent into the washing tub; an automatic supply control unit that controls the automatic supply unit to supply the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank that is set to be used in the operation course into the washing tub; a remaining amount detection means for detecting a remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in at least the usage tank, a change step of changing the setting of the tank to be used when the remaining amount detection means detects a lack of remaining amount in the tank to be used; and an automatic dispensing step in which an automatic dispensing control unit dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the use tank set in the changing step into the washing tub. This makes it possible to prevent the convenience of automatic dispensing from being impaired even if the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tank used for automatic dispensing is insufficient. (14) The third washing method The first or second washing method includes the treatments performed by the washing machines of the third to eleventh aspects of the eighth invention.

[0155] <Other> Each invention focuses on the above-mentioned invention-specifying matters, and may or may not include the invention-specifying matters of other inventions. The same applies to inventions described in the specification other than inventions 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 washing machine 11 Washing machine 21 Automatic loading section 27 Tank 28 Automatic loading means 35 Tank housing 41 Setting section 180 Main body 181 Upper cover part 271f Tank side engagement part 394 accommodating side engagement part

Claims

1. A washing machine capable of executing an operation course selected from a plurality of operation courses, a course button for selecting a driving course; Function buttons for selecting additional functions; an operation control unit that controls the operation of the washing machine; Equipped with When an additional function is selected by the function button in addition to the operation course selected by the course button, the operation control unit adds the selected additional function to the selected operation course and executes an operation. washing machine.

2. the function button is a single button that can select one or more of a plurality of additional functions; The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The additional functions selectable by the function button include a first additional function that can be added to a first operating course among a plurality of operating courses, and a second additional function that cannot be added to the first operating course, The operation control unit controls the first operating program so that the second additional function cannot be selected by operation of the function button. The washing machine according to claim 2.

4. Further provided with a notification unit, The additional function cannot be added to a second operating course among the plurality of operating courses, The operation control unit causes the notification unit to notify when the function button is operated to select the additional function for the second operating program. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second operation program is a program for performing at least a process on the washing tub, The additional function is a function performed on laundry. The washing machine according to claim 4.

6. The second operation course is a tub cleaning course for cleaning at least the washing tub or a tub drying course for drying at least the washing tub, The washing machine according to claim 5.

7. By repeatedly operating the function button, one additional function pattern can be selected from a plurality of additional function patterns; The plurality of types of additional function patterns are formed by a combination of one or more selected from the plurality of additional functions. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the additional functions that can be selected by repeatedly operating the function button include a first additional function that can be added to a first operating program among a plurality of operating programs, and a second additional function that cannot be added to the first operating program, The plurality of types of additional function patterns are formed by combinations of one or more selected from the plurality of first additional functions. The washing machine according to claim 7.

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