Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a garment processing device that allows for the detachable attachment of multiple tanks while suppressing a reduction in tank capacity. [Solution] The garment processing device comprises a storage tank, a tank housing capable of housing a first tank and a second tank for storing a processing agent, and a liquid agent supply means for supplying the liquid agent stored in the first tank and the second tank to the storage tank. The first tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a first connection, and the second tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a second connection. The first tank is disconnected from the first connection by being pulled out in a drawer space located inside the tank housing along a first direction, and the second tank is disconnected from the second connection by being pulled out along a second direction which is different from the first direction. With the second tank connected to the second connection, at least a portion of the second tank is located in the drawer space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that realizes an improvement in the function of a configuration related to automatic liquid agent input. The washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an outer tub elastically supported in a housing, a first tank that stores a liquid agent supplied to the outer tub, and a second tank that stores a liquid agent supplied to the outer tub and is arranged side by side with the first tank. The depth of the second tank is greater than the depth of the first tank along the outer periphery of the outer tub.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Provided is a clothing treatment apparatus that can detachably attach a plurality of tanks while suppressing a decrease in the capacity of the tanks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The garment processing apparatus in this disclosure comprises a storage tank, a tank housing capable of housing a first tank and a second tank for storing a processing agent, and a liquid agent supply means for supplying the liquid agent stored in the first tank and the second tank to the storage tank, wherein the first tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a first connection, and the second tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a second connection, the first tank is disconnected from the first connection by being pulled out in a drawer space located inside the tank housing along a first direction, the second tank is disconnected from the second connection by being pulled out along a second direction which is different from the first direction, and at least a portion of the second tank is located in the drawer space when the second tank is connected to the second connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to attach more tanks in a detachable manner while suppressing a reduction in tank capacity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of this disclosure [Figure 2] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section in Plane II. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the treatment agent supply unit [Figure 4] Perspective view of the treatment agent supply unit [Figure 5] Perspective view of the tank housing [Figure 6] Plan view of the tank housing [Figure 7] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-section in Plane VII. [Figure 8] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-section in Plane VII. [Figure 9] This figure schematically shows a cross-section in Plan VII of Figure 3 relating to a modified example. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows a cross-section in Plan VII of Figure 3 relating to a modified example. [Figure 11]This figure schematically shows a cross-section in Plan VII of Figure 3 relating to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in a garment processing device that detachably housed multiple tanks containing a processing agent in a tank housing section, and automatically dispensed the processing agent from the tanks onto the garments. Some garment processing devices have a predetermined space inside the tank housing, and the tank is removed from the tank housing by moving the tank into this space.

[0009] However, the inventors discovered a problem in such garment processing equipment: when an additional tank is provided in the tank housing section, the capacity of the tank may be reduced in order to make the tank detachable. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides a garment processing apparatus that can detachably attach more tanks while suppressing a reduction in tank capacity.

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In the figures, the symbol FR indicates the front of the washing machine 1 in the state of being installed on the installation surface and being normally used, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the washing machine 1, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the washing machine 1. In the following description, each direction is a direction along the direction of the washing machine 1. In the washing machine 1 in the installed state, the vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0012] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Washing Machine] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 is an example of a clothing treatment apparatus that can perform treatments such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, and wrinkle removal on the object to be treated PO (FIG. 2) such as clothing. In the present embodiment, a drum-type washing and drying machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1.

[0013] The housing 10 is a member that houses each part of the washing machine 1. The housing 10 includes a front panel 10A that forms the front surface of the washing machine 1, side panels 10B and 10C that form each of the left and right side surfaces, a rear panel 10D that forms the rear surface, a top panel 10E that forms the top surface, and a bottom panel 10G that forms the bottom surface.

[0014] An opening 16 that communicates the inside and outside of the housing 10 is formed in the front panel 10A. A door 17 that covers the opening 16 is attached to the front panel 10A so as to be openable and closable. A top surface opening 9 that communicates the inside and outside of the housing 10 is provided in the top panel 10E. A cover 36 that covers the top surface opening 9 is attached to the top panel 10E so as to be openable and closable.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cut surface in plane II of FIG. 1. Plane II is a plane that is orthogonal to the left-right direction and intersects the treatment agent supply unit 13 and the storage tank 11. Note that FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the washing machine 1, and the installation positions and dimensions of each part of the washing machine 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 is provided with a storage tank 11 for containing the material to be processed, PO. The storage tank 11 comprises an outer tank 21 and an inner tank 22.

[0016] The outer tub 21 is a substantially cylindrical member with a space inside for storing washing water. The outer tub 21 may also be called a water tank. The outer tub 21 comprises a cylindrical portion 23 and a bottom portion 24 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 23. The central axis CA of the outer tub 21 is an axis that passes through the center of the bottom portion 24 and is inclined with respect to the installation surface.

[0017] In the outer tank 21, an opening 25 is provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 23, which connects the inside and outside of the outer tank 21. The storage tank 11 is positioned inside the housing 10 such that the opening 25 faces the opening 16 of the housing 10. The outer tank 21 has openings 20 and 26 that connect the inside and outside of the outer tank 21. The outer tank 21 is provided with an air intake port 28 and an exhaust port 29 that connect the inside and outside of the outer tank 21.

[0018] The inner tank 22 is a substantially cylindrical member housed inside the outer tank 21, with a space provided inside that can accommodate the material to be processed PO. The inner tank 22 is positioned so that its central axis is substantially the same as the central axis CA, and is rotatable with the central axis CA as its axis of rotation. The inner tank 22 may also be referred to as a drum. Multiple through-holes 34 are formed on the side surface of the inner tub 22. The through-holes 34 connect the inner tub 22 and the outer tub 21, allowing wash water to move between the inner tub 22 and the outer tub 21. An opening 35 is formed in the inner tub 22 at a position opposite to the opening 16 of the housing 10 and the opening 25 of the outer tub 21.

[0019] A drive motor 12 is provided in the storage tank 11. The drive motor 12 is a motor that functions as a drive unit to rotate the inner tank 22. The drive motor 12 is attached to the bottom 24 of the outer tank 21.

[0020] A heating and blowing unit 15 is provided inside the housing 10. The heating and blowing unit 15 blows hot air into the storage tank 11 to dry the material PO to be processed. The heating and blowing unit 15 comprises a heat pump device 30, a blower fan 31, and an air passage 33. The air passage 33 is formed by a tubular or duct-shaped member, with one end connected to the air intake port 28 and the other end connected to the exhaust port 29. A heat pump device 30 and a blower fan 31 are installed in the middle of the air passage 33. The heat pump device 30 includes, for example, a heating heat exchanger, a dehumidifying heat exchanger, a compressor, a throttling mechanism, and refrigerant piping. The blower fan 31 draws air from inside the storage tank 11 through the exhaust port 29 and sends the air through the heat pump device 30 towards the air intake port 28, thereby supplying air to the storage tank 11.

[0021] A water inlet 18 is formed at the top of the housing 10. The water inlet 18 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the storage tank 11 from outside the housing 10. The water inlet 18 is connected to the storage tank 11 via the water supply pipe 37, the treatment agent supply unit 13, and the connecting pipe 27. The water supply pipe 37 connects the water inlet 18 to the treatment agent supply unit 13. The connecting pipe 27 connects the treatment agent supply unit 13 to the opening 26 of the outer tank 21. Water supplied from outside the housing 10 via the water inlet 18 is sent to the storage tank 11 after a predetermined treatment agent is added by the treatment agent supply unit 13.

[0022] A drain pipe 39 is provided at the bottom of the housing 10. One end of the drain pipe 39 is connected to the opening 20 of the outer tub 21, and the other end of the drain pipe 39 extends to the outside of the housing 10. A drain valve 19 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 39. The drain valve 19 is a valve for draining the laundry water stored in the storage tub 11 to the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 20. The opening 20 functions as a drain outlet for draining the laundry water from the storage tub 11 to the outside.

[0023] A spray unit 14 is connected to the treatment agent supply unit 13. The spraying unit 14 comprises a treatment agent supply pipe 141, a pump 142, and a sprayer 143. The treatment agent supply pipe 141 forms a flow path that supplies the treatment agent contained in the treatment agent supply unit 13 to the sprayer 143, and one end is connected to the treatment agent supply unit 13. The pump 142 is provided in the middle of the treatment agent supply pipe 141, and the sprayer 143 is provided at the other end of the treatment agent supply pipe 141. The sprayer 143 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the opening 25 of the outer tank 21.

[0024] In the spraying section 14, the pump 142 is driven, creating negative pressure inside the treatment agent supply pipe 141, causing the treatment agent to flow in from the treatment agent supply unit 13. The sprayer 143 atomizes the treatment agent that has flowed into the treatment agent supply pipe 141 and sprays it into the inside of the containment tank 11. The sprayer 143 may atomize the treatment agent by applying pressure to it, or it may be designed to eject a gas along with the treatment agent, and the treatment agent may atomize the gas by applying pressure to it.

[0025] Thus, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment is designed to spray the treatment agent directly onto the object PO to be treated. Therefore, the washing machine 1 more effectively applies the treatment agent to the object PO. Furthermore, compared to a manual sprayer, the spray unit 14 can spray the treatment agent uniformly and easily onto the object PO to be treated, and can also spray the treatment agent onto multiple objects PO simultaneously. Moreover, compared to a manual sprayer, the spray unit 14 sprays the treatment agent within the storage tank 11, thus suppressing the diffusion of the treatment agent into the space in which the washing machine 1 is installed.

[0026] [1-1-2. Configuration of the treatment agent supply unit] The treatment agent supply unit 13 is a unit that supplies a predetermined amount of treatment agent to the storage tank 11. The treatment agent supply unit 13 is located inside the housing 10, above the outer tank 21. The treatment agent supply unit 13 is positioned so that its upper part faces the cover 36 provided on the housing 10. The treatment agent supply unit 13 comprises a tank housing section 40, a water supply valve 38, and a treatment agent supply device 60.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the treatment agent supply unit 13 from the front. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the treatment agent supply unit 13 from the rear. Figure 5 is a plan view of the treatment agent supply unit 13. In Figure 5, the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are shown by dashed lines. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the treatment agent supply unit 13 comprises a tank housing section 40 and a treatment agent supply device 60. The tank housing section 40 is a component that houses three main tanks 70 and sub-tanks 80 inside. Each of the main tanks 70 and sub-tanks 80 is detachably mounted from the tank housing section 40, and each of the main tanks 70 and sub-tanks 80 contains a processing agent.

[0028] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tank housing section 40 from the rear. In Figure 6, the inflow guide 46 is omitted. As shown in Figure 6, the tank housing section 40 comprises a front plate 42A forming the front, side plates 42B and 42C forming the left and right sides respectively, a rear plate 42D forming the rear, and a bottom plate 42G forming the bottom, forming an internal space S surrounded by these. The tank housing section 40 is provided with a housing opening 41 that opens the top surface of the tank housing section 40. The housing opening 41 connects the internal space S to the outside of the tank housing section 40. The front panel 42A is an example of an "opposing surface."

[0029] The tank housing section 40 is positioned close to the top panel 10E, so that in a plan view, the housing section opening 41 overlaps with the top opening 9. Therefore, the housing section opening 41 is covered by the cover 36, and when the cover 36 is opened, the internal space S and the outside of the housing 10 are connected by the top opening 9 and the housing section opening 41. By opening the cover 36, the user can attach and detach the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 from the tank housing section 40.

[0030] The internal space S is divided into a storage space S1 and a drawer space S2. The storage space S1 is located on the rear side of the tank storage section 40 and is sized to accommodate three main tanks 70. The withdrawal space S2 is located on the front side of the tank storage section 40, that is, on the front side of the storage space S1.

[0031] Multiple rib-shaped tank guides 44 are provided on the bottom plate 42G, positioned to overlap the storage space S1. In this embodiment, two tank guides 44 are provided so that their longitudinal direction extends along the front-to-back direction. In the tank storage section 40, the side plate 42B, the two tank guides 44, and the side plate 42C are arranged along the left-to-right direction with a predetermined distance between them.

[0032] The bottom plate 42G is provided with an insertion hole 43 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 42G. In this embodiment, the insertion hole 43 is provided at a position close to the corner formed by the front plate 42A and the side plate 42B. A spray connection part 50 is inserted through the insertion hole 43. The spray connection part 50 is formed in the shape of a joint such as a socket or plug having a predetermined length, and is provided with a flow path through which the treatment agent can be circulated.

[0033] When the spray connection section 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 43, one end of the spray connection section 50 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate 42G in the vertical direction by a predetermined length in the withdrawal space S2. One end of the treatment agent supply pipe 141 is connected to the other end of the spray connection section 50. When the spray connection part 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 43, it is positioned in the front-to-back direction closer to the front plate 42A than to the storage space S1. The spray connection section 50 corresponds to an example of the "second connection section".

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, a trough-shaped inlet guide 46 is provided at the upper end of the rear plate 42D. The inlet guide 46 extends along the front-rear direction, with its front end communicating with the internal space S and its rear end protruding to the rear of the rear plate 42D.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the rear plate 42D is provided with a plurality of through holes 45 that penetrate in the thickness direction of the rear plate 42D, a plurality of connection holes 47, and an outlet hole 49. Three through holes 45 are provided in the rear plate 42D, arranged side by side along the left-right direction. Two connection holes 47 are provided in the rear plate 42D, one of which is positioned closer to the side plate 42B than the insertion hole 45, and the other is positioned closer to the side plate 42C than the insertion hole 45. The outflow hole 49 is located in the rear plate 42D below the insertion hole 45 and the connection hole 47.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, a water supply valve 38 is attached to the rear plate 42D of the tank housing 40. A water supply pipe 37 is connected to the water supply valve 38, and the valve controls the inflow of water flowing from the water supply pipe 37. When the water supply valve 38 is opened, the water flowing from the water supply pipe 37 flows through the water supply valve 38 to the inflow guide 46, and then flows into the interior of the tank housing 40.

[0037] A treatment agent supply device 60 is attached to the rear plate 42D of the tank housing section 40. The treatment agent supply device 60 is equipped with, for example, a pump mechanism to draw the treatment agent from the main tank 70 and add the treatment agent to water supplied from outside the housing 10.

[0038] In this embodiment, the treatment agent supply unit 13 is equipped with three treatment agent supply devices 60, the same number as the main tank 70. As shown in Figure 5, the treatment agent supply device 60 includes a supply connection section 52. Similar to the spray connection section 50, the supply connection section 52 is formed in the form of a joint such as a socket or plug having a predetermined length, and is provided with a flow path through which the treatment agent can be circulated. Each of the supply connection parts 52 is inserted into each of the insertion holes 45, and in the storage space S1, one end protrudes forward from the rear plate 42D along the front-rear direction by a predetermined length. The supply connection section 52 corresponds to an example of the "first connection section".

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the pair of connection holes 47 are connected to each other by a supply pipe 54. Each of the treatment agent supply devices 60 is connected to a portion of the supply pipe 54. The other end of the connecting pipe 27 is connected to the outflow hole 49. The treatment agent supply device 60 and the sprayer 143 are examples of "liquid agent supply means".

[0040] [1-1-3. Main Tank and Sub-Tank Configuration] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section in plane IIV of Figure 3. Plane IIV is perpendicular to the left-right direction and intersects the spray connection part 50 and the supply connection part 52, which is located closest to the side plate 42B. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, both the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are containers formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. When each of the main tanks 70 and the sub-tanks 80 are housed in the tank housing section 40, they are placed on the bottom plate 42G of the tank housing section 40.

[0041] In this embodiment, each of the main tanks 70 contains one of the following: detergent, bleach, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc. The sub-tank 80 contains, for example, a liquid wrinkle-removing agent. The wrinkle-removing agent is a treatment agent that imparts a wrinkle-removing effect to the material to be treated, PO. Main tank 70 is an example of a "first tank." Sub-tank 80 is an example of a "second tank."

[0042] Furthermore, the types of treatment agents contained in each of the main tanks 70 and the sub-tanks 80 may be different from each other, or they may be partially or entirely the same. In addition, each of the treatment agents may be in either powder or liquid form.

[0043] An inlet is provided on the top surface of the main tank 70, connecting the inside and outside of the main tank 70, and an inlet is provided on the top surface of the sub-tank 80, connecting the inside and outside of the sub-tank 80. The user puts the treatment agent into the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 through these inlets. The inlet of the main tank 70 is closed by a removable lid 90, and the inlet of the sub-tank 80 is closed by a removable lid 92.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, a handle 74 is provided on the top surface of the main tank 70. The handle 74 protrudes upward from the top surface of the main tank 70, and in a plan view, its longitudinal direction extends along the front-to-back direction. A handle 84 is provided on the top surface of the sub-tank 80. The handle 84 protrudes upward from the top surface of the sub-tank 80, and in a plan view, its longitudinal direction extends along the front-to-back direction. Thus, the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are provided with a structure that allows the user to grasp them without reducing their capacity.

[0045] When each of the main tanks 70 and the sub-tanks 80 are housed in the tank housing section 40, in a plan view, both the handles 74 and 84 are positioned so that their longitudinal direction extends in the left-right direction. This makes it easy to grip each of the main tanks 70 and the sub-tanks 80 when attaching or detaching them in the washing machine 1. In addition, in a plan view, the longitudinal direction of the handle 74 extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main tank 70, while the longitudinal direction of the handle 84 extends in approximately the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the sub-tank 80. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the user can easily distinguish between the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 by visual inspection.

[0046] The main tank 70 is housed in the storage space S1 of the tank storage section 40 such that its longitudinal direction extends along the front-to-back direction in a plan view. The three main tanks 70 are arranged side by side along the left-to-right direction. That is, the three main tanks 70 are arranged in a direction that intersects the direction in which the supply connection section 52 extends. The sub-tank 80 is housed in the pull-out space S2 of the tank housing 40 such that, in a plan view, its longitudinal direction extends along the left-right direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, when the main tank 70 is housed in the storage space S1, it comprises a rear tank surface 71 facing the rear panel 42D, a front tank surface 79 facing the front panel 42A, and a bottom tank surface 77 that rests on the bottom panel 42G. In the main tank 70, the rear surface 71 and the front surface 79 are positioned opposite each other. The rear surface 71 forms the rear end of the main tank 70, and the front surface 79 forms the front end of the main tank 70.

[0048] A main tank connection portion 72 is provided on the rear surface 71 of the tank. The main tank connection portion 72 is located at the lower end of the rear surface 71 of the tank and is formed in a concave shape that is recessed into the interior of the main tank 70, extending from the rear surface 71 of the tank along the longitudinal direction of the main tank 70. A communication opening 73 is provided at the front end of the main tank connection portion 72 to connect the inside and outside of the main tank 70.

[0049] The main tank connection section 72 is equipped with a tank valve 76. The tank valve 76 is equipped with a valve body 78 that closes the communication opening 73. The valve body 78 closes the communication opening 73 by being biased from the inside of the main tank 70, for example, by a biasing member such as a spring.

[0050] When the main tank 70 is housed in the containment space S1, the supply connection part 52 is inserted into the main tank connection part 72. In this case, the valve body 78 is pressed against the tip of the supply connection part 52, and the valve body 78 moves away from the communication opening 73. As a result, the processing agent housed in the main tank 70 can flow to the supply connection part 52 through the communication opening 73. As a result, the main tank 70 is connected to the treatment agent supply unit 13.

[0051] When the sub-tank 80 is housed in the storage space S1, a sub-tank connection portion 82 is provided on the tank bottom surface 81 that abuts against the bottom plate 42G. The sub-tank connection portion 82 is located at the left end of the tank bottom surface 81 and is formed in a concave shape that extends from the tank bottom surface 81 along the vertical direction of the sub-tank 80, recessing towards the upper side of the sub-tank 80. A communication opening 83 is provided at the upper end of the sub-tank connection portion 82 to connect the inside and outside of the sub-tank 80.

[0052] The sub-tank connection section 82 includes a tank valve 86. The tank valve 86 includes a valve body 88 that closes the communication opening 83. The valve body 88 closes the communication opening 83 by being biased from the inside of the sub-tank 80, for example, by a biasing member such as a spring.

[0053] When the sub-tank 80 is housed in the withdrawal space S2, the spray connection part 50 is inserted through the sub-tank connection part 82. In this case, the valve body 88 is pressed against the tip of the spray connection part 50, causing the valve body 88 to move away from the communication opening 83. This allows the treatment agent contained in the sub-tank 80 to flow through the communication opening 83 to the spray connection part 50. As a result, the sub-tank 80 is connected to the treatment agent supply unit 13.

[0054] When the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are housed in the tank housing section 40, the front surface 79 of the main tank 70 is positioned closest to the sub-tank 80 and the spray connection section 50. In the front-rear direction, the distance Ls between the front surface 79 and the spray connection section 50 is greater than or equal to the length Lm of the portion of the supply connection section 52 that protrudes from the rear plate 42D into the housing space S1.

[0055] [1-2. Operation] The operation of washing machine 1, configured as described above, will be explained below. [1-2-1. Attaching and detaching the main tank and sub-tank] When the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are removed from the tank housing 40, the user pulls the sub-tank 80 out of the pull-out space S2 along the pull-out direction P2, which is the direction in which the spray connection part 50 extends. The pull-out direction P2 coincides with the vertically upward direction of the washing machine 1. The pull-out direction P2 coincides with the "second direction". This causes the spray connection part 50 to detach from the sub-tank connection part 82, and the sub-tank 80 is removed from the tank housing 40.

[0056] Thus, in the washing machine 1, the spray connection part 50 is provided to extend along the vertical direction, allowing the sub-tank 80 to be attached and detached along the vertical direction. For this reason, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 can be attached and detached without providing space in the tank housing part 40 for pulling out the sub-tank 80.

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section in plan IIV of Figure 3 when the main tank 70 is withdrawn. In Figure 8, the same parts as in Figure 7 are omitted from the explanation. Next, the user pulls the main tank 70 out of the storage space S1 along the pull-out direction P1, which is the direction in which the supply connection 52 extends, until the supply connection 52 is detached from the main tank connection 72. The pull-out direction P1 coincides with the front of the washing machine 1.

[0058] As a result, the front end of the main tank 70 is moved from the storage space S1 to the withdrawal space S2. That is, the withdrawal space S2 functions as a withdrawal space for the main tank 70. After this, the main tank 70 is removed from the tank storage section 40 by the user pulling it out of the internal space S along the withdrawal direction P2.

[0059] Thus, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 is positioned in the drawer space S2, which is the extension of the main tank 70. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 can be provided in the tank housing 40 without reducing the capacity of the main tank 70 and without increasing the size of the tank housing 40.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, in the tank housing section 40, the main tank 70, which is positioned adjacent to the side plate 42C, has the spray connection section 50 positioned in the withdrawal direction P1 of the main tank 70. As shown in Figure 7, when the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are housed in the tank housing section 40, the distance Ls in the front-rear direction between the front of the tank 79 and the spray connection section 50 is greater than or equal to the length Lm of the portion of the supply connection section 52 that protrudes from the rear plate 42D into the housing space S1. As a result, when the main tank 70 is pulled out in the washing machine 1, contact between the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 is suppressed. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 can be provided while the main tank 70 is in a position where it can be pulled out.

[0061] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 comprises a storage tank 11, a tank storage section 40 capable of accommodating a main tank 70 and a sub-tank 80 for storing a processing agent, a processing agent supply device 60 for supplying the liquid agent stored in the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 to the storage tank 11, and a sprayer 143. The main tank 70 is connected to the processing agent supply device 60 via a supply connection section 52, and the sub-tank 80 is connected to the sprayer 143 via a spray connection section 50. The main tank 70 is disconnected from the supply connection section 52 by being pulled out along the pull-out direction P1 into a pull-out space S2 located inside the tank storage section 40. The sub-tank 80 is disconnected from the spray connection section 50 by being pulled out along a pull-out direction P2 which is different from the first direction. When the sub-tank 80 is connected to the spray connection section 50, at least a portion of the sub-tank 80 is located in the pull-out space S2. As a result, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 is positioned in the drawer space S2, which is the extension of the main tank 70. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 can be provided in the tank housing 40 without reducing the capacity of the main tank 70 and without increasing the size of the tank housing 40.

[0062] As in this embodiment, when the main tank 70 is housed in the tank housing section 40, the supply connection section 52, the main tank 70, and the spray connection section 50 are arranged in that order, and the supply connection section 52 may have a length dimension Lm that is less than or equal to the distance Ls between the main tank 70 and the spray connection section 50 when connected to the supply connection section 52. According to this, when the main tank 70 is pulled out, contact between the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 is suppressed in the washing machine 1. For this reason, the washing machine 1 can be provided with a sub-tank 80 in a state where the main tank 70 can be pulled out.

[0063] As in this embodiment, the tank housing section 40 is located on the opposite side of the main tank 70, with the sub-tank 80 in between, and includes a front plate 42A that covers at least a portion of the sub-tank 80. The spray connection section 50 may be positioned closer to the front plate 42A than to the main tank 70. According to this, in the washing machine 1, when the main tank 70 is housed in the tank housing 40, the distance Ls between the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 becomes longer. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, when the main tank 70 is pulled out, contact between the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 can be more reliably prevented.

[0064] As in this embodiment, both the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are provided with handles 74 and 84. When the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are housed in the tank housing 40, the longitudinal directions of the handles 74 and 84 may both extend in the same direction. This makes it easier to grip each of the main tanks 70 and the sub-tank 80 when attaching or detaching them in the washing machine 1.

[0065] As in this embodiment, the spray connection portion 50 may extend along the vertical direction of the tank housing portion 40. According to this, in the washing machine 1, the spray connection part 50 is provided to extend along the vertical direction, so that the sub-tank 80 can be attached and detached along the vertical direction. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 can be attached and detached without providing space in the tank housing part 40 for pulling out the sub-tank 80.

[0066] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0067] [1-4. Variation 1] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section in plane IIV of Figure 3 in Modification 1. In Figure 9, the same parts as in Figure 7 are omitted from the explanation. As shown in Figure 9, in this modified washing machine 1, the main tank 70 is provided with a recess 171. The recess 171 is formed when the corner formed by the tank front surface 79, which forms the front surface of the main tank 70, and the tank bottom surface 77, which forms the bottom surface of the main tank 70, is recessed inward into the main tank 70.

[0068] The recess 171 is formed such that the distance between the upper end of the recess 171 and the bottom surface 77 of the tank is length dimension La, and the distance between the rear end of the recess 171 and the front surface 79 of the tank is length dimension Lc.

[0069] The length dimension La is formed to be greater than or equal to the length dimension Lo of the portion where the spray connection part 50 protrudes from the bottom plate 42G into the drawer space S2. The length dimension Lc is formed such that the combined length dimension of the tank front surface 79 and the distance Ls between it and the spray connection part 50 is greater than or equal to the length dimension Lm of the portion of the supply connection part 52 that protrudes from the rear plate 42D into the storage space S1. The length dimension Lc is formed to be greater than or equal to the distance Ln in the front-to-back direction between the front plate 42A and the spray connection part 50.

[0070] The width dimension of the recess 171 in the left-right direction is formed such that, in a front view, at the position where the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 overlap, it is greater than or equal to the width dimension of the spray connection part 50 in the left-right direction.

[0071] As a result, in the washing machine 1, even when the user pulls out the main tank 70 to the point where the front of the tank 79 abuts against the front plate 42A, the main tank 70 does not come into contact with the spray connection part 50, and the spray connection part 50 retracts into the recess 171. Therefore, the washing machine 1 can be equipped with a sub-tank while suppressing a reduction in the capacity of the main tank 70, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the main tank 70 from coming into contact with the spray connection part 50 when the main tank 70 is pulled out.

[0072] [1-5. Variation 2] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section in plane IIV of Figure 3 in modified example 2. In Figure 10, the same parts as in Figure 7 are omitted from the explanation. As shown in Figure 10, in this modified washing machine 1, the bottom plate 42G of the tank housing 40 comprises a first surface portion 147 that overlaps the housing space S1 in a plan view, and a second surface portion 149 that overlaps the drawer space S2 in a plan view. The second surface portion 149 is located below the first surface portion 147. The upper end of the spray connection portion 50 is located below the first surface portion 147.

[0073] As a result, in washing machine 1, even when the user pulls out the main tank 70, the main tank 70 is positioned above the spray connection part 50. Therefore, in washing machine 1, when the main tank 70 is pulled out, contact between the main tank 70 and the spray connection part 50 can be more reliably prevented. Furthermore, the spray connection portion 50 may be formed to extend not only in the vertical direction, but also in the left-right direction, or in other words, along the horizontal direction.

[0074] [1-6. Variation 3] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section in plane IIV of Figure 3 in modified example 3. In Figure 11, the same parts as in Figure 7 are omitted from the explanation. As shown in Figure 11, in the washing machine 1 of this modified example, the front surface 79 of the main tank 70 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes towards the rear as it goes from bottom to top.

[0075] On the rear surface 85 of the sub-tank 80, an inclined surface portion 87 is provided at the lower part of the rear surface 85, and a vertical surface portion 89 is provided at the upper part of the rear surface 85. The inclined surface portion 87 is formed in an inclined shape that slopes towards the rear at approximately the same angle as the front surface 79 of the tank, as it moves from bottom to top. The vertical surface portion 89 is formed in a planar shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction. When the main tank 70 and the sub-tank 80 are housed in the tank housing section 40, the front surface 79 of the tank and the inclined surface 87 come into contact with each other.

[0076] As a result, when the user connects the sub-tank 80 to the tank housing 40, the sub-tank 80 slides downward in the drawer space S2 with its inclined surface 87 in contact with the front of the tank 79. This causes the main tank 70 to be pushed towards the rear panel 42D by the sub-tank 80. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, the sub-tank 80 ensures that the main tank 70 is more securely connected to the tank housing 40.

[0077] Furthermore, the entire rear surface 85 of the sub-tank 80 may be formed in an inclined shape. Furthermore, the sub-tank 80 may be provided with an inclined surface portion 87 such that its upper part bulges out into the storage space S1.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the washing machine 1 is provided with three main tanks 70 and one sub-tank 80. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of main tanks 70 provided by the washing machine 1 may be two or fewer, or four or more. Similarly, the number of sub-tanks 80 provided by the washing machine 1 may be two or more. In this case, the washing machine 1 may be provided with at least one sub-tank 80 that contains the treatment agent sprayed by the spray unit 14, or the treatment agent sprayed by the spray unit 14 may not be contained in the sub-tank 80.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment 1, a drum-type washing machine 1 was used as an example, but the washing machine 1 may also be a top-loading type.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment 1, the washing machine 1 is said to be equipped with a heat pump device 30, but it is not limited to this, and may be equipped with a heater, for example.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment 1, a washing machine 1 was given as an example of a "clothing processing device." However, the "clothing processing device" is not limited to a washing machine 1, and may also be a dryer, a washing machine without a drying function, or a device in which clothes are placed on hangers and wrinkles can be smoothed out by shaking the placed clothes.

[0082] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and may be modified, replaced, added, or omitted within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

[0083] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0084] (Technical 1) A garment processing apparatus comprising: a storage tank; a tank housing capable of housing a first tank and a second tank for storing a processing agent; and a liquid agent supply means for supplying the liquid agent stored in the first tank and the second tank to the storage tank, wherein the first tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a first connection part, the second tank is connected to the liquid agent supply means via a second connection part, the first tank is disconnected from the first connection part by being pulled out in a drawer space located inside the tank housing along a first direction, the second tank is disconnected from the second connection part by being pulled out along a second direction which is different from the first direction, and at least a portion of the second tank is located in the drawer space when the second tank is connected to the second connection part. As a result, in the garment processing device, the second tank is positioned in the drawer space, which is the extension of the first tank. Therefore, in the garment processing device, the second tank can be installed in the tank housing without reducing the capacity of the first tank and without increasing the size of the tank housing.

[0085] (Technical 2) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein, when the first tank is housed in the tank housing, the first connection part, the first tank, and the second connection part are arranged in that order, and the first connection part has a length dimension that is less than or equal to the distance between the first tank and the second connection part when connected to the first connection part. According to this, in the garment processing device, when the first tank is pulled out, contact between the first tank and the second connection part is suppressed. Therefore, in the garment processing device, the second tank can be provided in a state where the first tank can be pulled out.

[0086] (Technical 3) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 2, wherein the first tank has a recess formed at the end adjacent to the second connection portion, and the recess is recessed in a direction away from the second connection portion by a length dimension greater than or equal to the difference between the length dimension of the first connection portion and the distance between the first tank and the second connection portion when connected to the first connection portion.

[0087] (Technical 4) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 2 or Technical 3, wherein the tank housing is located on the opposite side of the first tank with the second tank in between, and has an opposing surface portion that covers at least a part of the second tank, and the second connecting portion is provided at a position closer to the opposing surface portion than the first tank. According to this, in the garment processing device, when the first tank is housed in the tank housing, the distance Ls between the first tank and the second connection part becomes longer. Therefore, in the garment processing device, when the first tank is pulled out, contact between the first tank and the second connection part can be more reliably prevented.

[0088] (Technical 5) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein the second direction is the vertical direction of the tank housing, and the second connection portion is located below the lower end of the first tank when connected to the first connection portion. As a result, in the garment processing device, even when the user pulls out the first tank, the first tank is positioned above the second connection point. Therefore, in the garment processing device, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first tank from coming into contact with the second connection point when the first tank is pulled out.

[0089] (Technical 6) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 5, wherein the first tank and the second tank are both provided with contact surfaces, and are housed in the tank housing with each of the contact surfaces in contact with the first tank, and at least a portion of each of the contact surfaces is an inclined surface that slopes in a direction toward approaching the first connection as it moves away from the second connection along the second direction. As a result, the first tank is pushed towards the rear panel 42D by the second tank. Therefore, in the garment processing device, the first tank is more securely connected to the tank housing by the second tank.

[0090] (Technical 7) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 6, wherein both the first tank and the second tank are provided with handles, and the longitudinal direction of the handles extends in the same direction. This makes it easier to grip each of the first tanks and the second tank when attaching or detaching them in the garment processing device.

[0091] (Technical 8) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 7, wherein the second connecting portion extends along the vertical direction of the tank housing portion. According to this, in the garment processing device, the second connection part is provided to extend along the vertical direction, allowing the second tank to be attached and detached along the vertical direction. Therefore, in the garment processing device, the second tank can be attached and detached without providing space in the tank housing for the second tank to be pulled out. [Industrial applicability]

[0092] This disclosure is applicable to garment processing equipment that applies multiple types of processing agents to a garment. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to washing machines and clothes dryers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Washing machine 9 Top opening 10 cabinets 10A Front Panel 10B Side Panel 10C Side Panel 10D Rear Panel 10E Top Panel 10G Bottom Panel 11 Storage tank 12 Drive motor 13. Processing agent supply unit 14 Spray section 15 Heating and blowing section 16 Aperture 17 Doors 18 Water inlet 19 Drain valve 20 aperture 21 Outer tank 22 Inner tank 23 Cylinder part 24 Bottom 25 Aperture 26 Aperture 27 Connecting pipes 28 Air supply port 29 Exhaust vent 30 Heat pump system 31. Blower fan 33 Wind path 34 Through holes 35 Aperture 36 Cover 37 Water supply piping 38 Water supply valve 39 Drain pipe 40 Tank housing 41. Opening of the storage section 42A Front plate 42B Side plate 42C side plate 42D rear plate 42G bottom plate 43 Through hole 44 Tank Guide 45 Through hole 46 Inflow Guide 47 connection holes 49 Outflow hole 50 Spray connection part 52 Supply connection section 54 Supply piping 60 Treatment agent supply device 70 Main Tank 71 Rear of the tank 72 Main tank connection 73 Communication opening 74 Handle 76 Tank valve 77 Tank bottom 78 Valve body 79 Front of the tank 80 Sub-tank 81 Tank bottom 82 Sub-tank connection 83 Communication opening 84 Handle 85 Rear 86 Tank valve 87 Slope section 88 Valve body 89 Vertical surface section 90 Lid 92 Lid 141 Treatment agent supply piping 142 pumps 143 Spray machine 147 First side 149 Second side part 171 recess CA center axis La length dimension Lc length dimension Lm Length Dimension Ln distance Lo length dimension Ls distance P1 Pulling direction P2 Pulling direction PO processed materials S interior space S1 Containment Space S2 drawer space

Claims

1. Storage tank and A tank housing section capable of accommodating a first tank and a second tank for storing the treatment agent, A liquid supply means for supplying the liquid stored in the first tank and the second tank to the storage tank, Equipped with, The first tank is connected to the liquid supply means via the first connection part, The second tank is connected to the liquid supply means via the second connection part, The first tank is pulled out into a pull-out space located inside the tank housing along the first direction, thereby disengaging from the connection with the first connection. The second tank is pulled out along a second direction which is different from the first direction, thereby disengaging from the connection with the second connection. With the second tank connected to the second connection, at least a portion of the second tank is located in the draw-out space. Garment processing device.

2. When the first tank is housed in the tank housing section, the first connection section, the first tank, and the second connection section are arranged in that order. The first connection portion has a length dimension that is less than or equal to the distance between the first tank and the second connection portion when connected to the first connection portion. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first tank has a recess formed at the end adjacent to the second connection portion. The aforementioned recess is The length dimension of the first connecting part and The distance between the first tank and the second connection when connected to the first connection, A length dimension greater than the difference and recessed in the direction away from the second connection portion The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The tank housing is located on the opposite side of the first tank, with the second tank in between, and includes an opposing surface portion that covers at least a part of the second tank. The second connection portion is provided in a position closer to the opposing surface than the first tank. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The second direction is the vertical direction of the tank housing, The second connection portion is located below the lower end of the first tank when it is connected to the first connection portion. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first tank and the second tank are both equipped with contact surfaces, and are housed in the tank housing with their respective contact surfaces in contact with each other. At least a portion of each of the aforementioned contact surfaces is an inclined surface that, along the second direction, slopes toward the first connection as it moves away from the second connection. A garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. Both the first tank and the second tank are provided with handles. The longitudinal directions of the aforementioned handles all extend in the same direction. A garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The second connection portion extends along the vertical direction of the tank housing portion. A garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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