Clothes Processing Equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment apparatus having a function for automatically feeding a clothing treatment agent, capable of avoiding the increase in production cost with suppression of increase in the number of components.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus in the present embodiment comprises an apparatus main body that has an outer surface, a clothing treatment tub installed in the apparatus main body for accommodating clothing, a tank for reserving a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing, and an automatic injection unit for injecting the clothing treatment agent reserved in the tank into the clothing treatment tub. The tank has a supply port through which the clothing treatment agent is supplied into the tank. The surface of the tank having the supply port constitutes a part of the outer surface of the apparatus main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to meet the demands of users for improved convenience in washing machines, which are an example of a clothing treatment device that performs a specified treatment on clothing, a configuration has been developed that includes an automatic dispensing device that stores multiple doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in a tank for automatic dispensing, and automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the tub during operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-74081 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of washing machine with an automatic loading function is configured to include not only a tank housing section for housing a tank, but also a lid for opening and closing the opening of the tank housing section, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. Therefore, in conventional washing machines, the automatic loading function increases the number of parts, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0005] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a clothing treatment device that has an automatic clothing treatment agent dispensing function, while suppressing an increase in the number of parts, thereby avoiding an increase in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing treatment device of this embodiment comprises an apparatus main body having an exterior surface, a clothing treatment tub provided within the apparatus main body for containing clothing, a tank for storing clothing treatment agent for treating clothing, and an automatic dispensing unit for dispensing the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank into the clothing treatment tub, the tank having a supply port for replenishing the clothing treatment agent into the tank, and the surface of the tank having the supply port forms part of the exterior surface of the apparatus main body.

[0007] The clothing treatment device according to this embodiment includes a device main body having an exterior surface, a clothing treatment tank provided within the device main body for storing clothing, a number of tanks for storing clothing treatment agents for treating the clothing, an automatic dispensing unit for dispensing the clothing treatment agents stored in the multiple tanks into the clothing treatment tank, and a common cover for covering the multiple tanks. Each of the tanks has a supply port for supplying the laundry treatment agent into the tank, The common cover portion constitutes a part of the external surface of the device main body portion. At the same time, it functions as a common refill port cover for opening and closing the refill ports provided in the plurality of tanks. . [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of an upper part of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of an upper part of a washing machine according to a first embodiment, in which a tank is attached; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration example of an upper part of a washing machine according to a first embodiment, in which some tanks are removed and not attached; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of a tank according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a tank and its surrounding parts according to a second embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a tank and its surrounding parts according to a third embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a tank and its surrounding parts according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the laundry processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in the various embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) The washing machine 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 is a so-called vertical-axis type fully automatic washing machine in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub extends vertically. The washing machine 1 is an example of a clothes treating device capable of subjecting clothes to a predetermined treatment, in this case, a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes, etc. Inside the washing machine main body 2 constituting the outer shell of the washing machine 1, a clothes treating tub 2S capable of storing clothes is provided.

[0011] The clothing treatment tub 2S includes a water tub and a rotating tub. The water tub is a cylindrical tub with a bottom that is open at the top, and water can be stored therein. The rotating tub is a cylindrical tub with a bottom that is open at the top, and is provided inside the water tub so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. A pulsator for stirring the clothes and water in the rotating tub is provided at the bottom so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. A balance ring is provided at the top of the rotating tub to suppress vibration of the rotating tub. The water tub may be provided with an inner lid at its top opening, or may not be provided with an inner lid.

[0012] 2 and 3, one end of the washing machine main body 2, in this case the upper end, is formed by a top cover 4. A clothes opening (not shown) for inserting and removing clothes into and from the clothes treating tub 2S is provided in approximately the center of the top cover 4. In this case, the clothes opening is provided so as to penetrate approximately the center of the top cover 4 in the vertical direction.

[0013] The front part of the clothes opening is in the shape of a circular arc extending smoothly forward. The rear part of the clothes opening is in the shape of a plane extending in the left-right direction. The left and right sides of the clothes opening smoothly connect the circular arc-shaped front part and the flat rear part. This clothes opening is opened and closed by an outer lid 5 that is rotatably provided on the upper part of the washing machine main body 2. The outer lid 5 may be a single plate-shaped lid or a so-called folding lid.

[0014] The rotation shaft of the outer lid 5 is supported by a rotation shaft support part provided at the rear of the clothes entrance on the upper end surface of the top cover 4. The part of the upper end surface of the top cover 4 forward of the rotation shaft support part forms an inclined surface part 6 that slopes upward from the front side to the rear side of the washing machine 1. The part of the top cover 4 rearward of the rotation shaft support part forms a stepped surface part 7 having a step.

[0015] 1, the washing machine 1 includes a machine chamber 8 located at the upper rear part of the washing machine main body 2. In this case, the machine chamber 8 is provided behind a clothes entrance in the space inside the top cover 4. The machine chamber 8 is also provided below the stepped surface 7 in the space inside the top cover 4.

[0016] Various drive system components, such as a water injection case and a water supply valve unit (not shown), are housed inside the machine chamber 8. Also housed inside the machine chamber 8 is an automatic dosing device 9. The automatic dosing device 9 is equipped with a pump capable of sucking liquid, and is capable of supplying the sucked liquid, i.e., a clothing treatment agent, into the clothing treatment tub 2S via the water injection case.

[0017] Washing machine main body 2 is an example of an apparatus main body that constitutes the outer shell of the main body of washing machine 1, and has an exterior surface that is visible to a user when washing machine 1 is installed. In this case, washing machine main body 2 has at least a front surface 2A, a rear surface 2B, a left side surface 2C, a right side surface 2D, and a top surface 2F as exterior surfaces.

[0018] Among the exterior surfaces of the washing machine main body 2, the upper surface 2F includes the above-mentioned stepped surface portion 7. The stepped surface portion 7 includes an upper step surface portion 7A and a lower step surface portion 7B. The upper step surface portion 7A is provided in a portion of the stepped surface portion 7 that extends from the center to the front in the front-rear direction. The lower step surface portion 7B is provided in a portion of the stepped surface portion 7 that is rearward of the upper step surface portion 7A. The lower step surface portion 7B forms a step that is one step lower than the upper step surface portion 7A.

[0019] The washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of tanks 100, in this case two, on the stepped surface portion 7. The stepped surface portion 7 is provided with a plurality of tank housing portions 11, in this case two. The tanks 100 are removably mounted in the tank housing portions 11. The tank housing portions 11 are in the shape of a box with an open top. In this case, the dimension of each of the tank housing portions 11 along the front-rear direction of the washing machine main body portion 2 is longer than the dimension along the left-right direction. The two tank housing portions 11 are almost or completely the same in the front-rear direction, but have different dimensions in the left-right direction. The tank housing portion 11 with a larger dimension in the left-right direction is disposed on the central side in the left-right direction of the washing machine main body portion 2, and the tank housing portion 11 with a smaller dimension in the left-right direction is disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction of the washing machine main body portion 2, in this case the left side. The tank housing portion 11 is configured not to have a lid body for opening and closing its upper opening.

[0020] The washing machine 1 also includes two tanks 100 of different sizes. In this case, the two tanks 100 have almost or completely the same dimensions in the front-rear direction when housed in the tank housing 11, in other words, when mounted on the washing machine main body 2, but have different dimensions in the left-right direction. The tank 100 with the larger dimension in the left-right direction is disposed on the center side in the left-right direction of the washing machine main body 2, and the tank 100 with the smaller dimension in the left-right direction is disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction of the washing machine main body 2, in this case, on the left side.

[0021] The tank 100 is provided with an outlet (not shown) through which the laundry treatment agent inside flows out. When the tank 100 is accommodated in the tank accommodation section 11, the outlet is connected to the pump of the automatic dispensing device 9. This allows the automatic dispensing device 9 to suck up the laundry treatment agent inside the tank 100 using the pump.

[0022] A control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 can drive the pump of the automatic dispenser 9 at a predetermined timing in the operation course to be executed, for example, when water is supplied in the wash stroke or when water is supplied in the rinsing stroke, thereby sucking up the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank 100 and automatically dispensing it into the clothing treatment tub 2S. That is, the washing machine 1 is equipped with the automatic dispenser 9 as an example of an automatic dispenser.

[0023] As described above, the automatic insertion device 9 is provided inside the machine chamber 8 provided at the upper rear part of the washing machine main body 2. In other words, when the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine main body 2 is taken as the reference, the automatic insertion device 9 is provided behind the center of the washing machine main body 2 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0024] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the tank 100. The tank 100 is capable of storing a liquid clothing treatment agent therein. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the tank 100 includes a tank main body 101 and a tank cover 102.

[0025] The tank body 101 has a box-like shape with an open top, and is capable of storing a liquid clothing treatment agent inside. In this case, the tank body 101 is large enough to store enough clothing treatment agent for multiple operations. The clothing treatment agent is used to perform a predetermined treatment on clothing, such as a detergent that washes clothing and a fabric softener that softens clothing. The detergent is an example of a first clothing treatment agent, and the fabric softener is an example of a second clothing treatment agent.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom of the tank body 101 is provided with an inclined bottom surface 106. The inclined bottom surface 106 is provided at a portion of the bottom of the tank body 101 that is the rear side when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing 11. The inclined bottom surface 106 forms an inclined surface that slopes upward from the front side to the rear side of the washing machine body 2 when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing 11. The inclined bottom surface 106 is provided with a marking 105 for indicating the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 100. In this case, the marking 105 is provided in the form of a scale consisting of a plurality of lines.

[0027] The tank cover part 102 is detachably attached to the top opening of the tank main body part 101. The tank cover part 102 functions as a cover member that closes the top opening of the tank main body part 101. The tank cover part 102 is formed in a thin rectangular shape overall, but has a step in one part thereof, and as a result, the tank cover part 102 is configured to include an upper surface part 102A and a lower surface part 102B.

[0028] The upper step surface portion 102A is provided in a portion of the tank cover portion 102 that extends from the center to the front in the front-rear direction when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11. The lower step surface portion 102B is provided in a portion of the tank cover portion 102 that is rearward of the upper step surface portion 102A when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11. The lower step surface portion 102B forms a step that is one step lower than the upper step surface portion 102A. The height difference between the upper step surface portion 102A and the lower step surface portion 102B is approximately or completely the same dimension as the height difference between the upper step surface portion 7A and the lower step surface portion 7B in the step surface portion 7 described above.

[0029] 1, the tank cover portion 102 is provided with a supply port 103 for supplying the clothing treatment agent into the tank main body portion 101. In this case, the supply port 103 opens in a substantially rectangular shape. The entire supply port 103 is provided on the upper surface portion 102A of the tank cover portion 102. The supply port 103 has an opening area that is slightly smaller than the area of ​​the upper surface portion 102A.

[0030] The tank cover 102 also includes a refill lid 104 for opening and closing the refill port 103. In this case, the refill lid 104 is formed in a shape corresponding to the opening shape of the refill port 103, that is, in a substantially rectangular shape. The refill lid 104 is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction with the rear edge of the refill port 103 as the center of rotation. That is, the washing machine 1 is configured so that the rotation direction of the outer lid 5 and the rotation direction of the refill lid 104 are the same. In addition, a substantially rectangular recess 104a is provided in a portion of the refill lid 104 excluding the rotation tip and both left and right sides. The washing machine 1 may be configured so that the rotation direction of the outer lid 5 and the rotation direction of the refill lid 104 are different.

[0031] The tank cover portion 102 forms the upper surface of the tank 100 when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11. The tank 100 has a supply port 103 on the tank cover portion 102 that forms the upper surface when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11. When the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11, the surface of the tank 100 that has the supply port 103, in this case the surface formed by the tank cover portion 102, forms a part of the stepped surface portion 7 of the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2, in this case the upper surface 2F. At this time, the upper step surface portion 102A of the tank 100 is almost or completely flush with the upper step surface portion 7A of the stepped surface portion 7, and the lower step surface portion 102B of the tank 100 is almost or completely flush with the lower step surface portion 7B of the stepped surface portion 7.

[0032] In addition, refill port cover 104 in the closed state, which closes refill port 103, also constitutes a part of the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2, in this case, part of stepped surface portion 7 of top surface 2F. In this case, refill port cover 104 in the closed state constitutes a part of upper step surface portion 7A of stepped surface portion 7. In addition, refill port cover 104 in the closed state protrudes slightly upward from upper step surface portion 7A of stepped surface portion 7, but in terms of overall appearance, it is generally flush with upper step surface portion 7A of stepped surface portion 7.

[0033] According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the surface of the tank 100 having the supply port 103 constitutes a part of the rear step surface 7 of the upper surface 2F, which is the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, in a state in which the tank 100 is accommodated in the tank accommodation section 11, the surface of the tank 100 having the supply port 103 can function as a lid that closes the upper opening of the tank accommodation section 11. Therefore, according to the washing machine 1, it is possible to eliminate the need for a lid provided in the conventional configuration, that is, a lid for opening and closing the opening of the tank accommodation section. Therefore, according to the washing machine 1, while having an automatic feeding function of a laundry treatment agent, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and avoid an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0034] Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, a member constituting one surface of the tank 100 can be used as a member constituting the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2, so that an increase in the number of parts can be further suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, refill port lid 104 in a closed state with refill port 103 closed also constitutes part of rear step surface 7 of upper surface 2F, which is the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, refill port lid 104 that opens and closes refill port 103 can also be used as a member that constitutes the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2, making it possible to further suppress an increase in the number of parts.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the tank 100 can be attached and detached and the supply port lid 104 can be opened and closed without the need to open and close the lid body provided in the conventional configuration, thereby improving usability.

[0037] Moreover, the washing machine 1 is provided with a marker 105 that indicates the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 100. According to this configuration example, the user can easily visually check the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank 100 by comparing the height of the liquid level of the laundry treatment agent in the tank 100 with the line of the marker 105.

[0038] In this case, marker 105 is provided on a rear portion of the bottom of tank body 101 when tank 100 is housed in tank housing 11. Therefore, a user positioned at the front side of washing machine 1 can visually check marker 105 from the front of washing machine 1 without removing tank 100 from tank housing 11, and can easily visually check the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent in tank 100.

[0039] Also, while marker 105 is provided on the rear side of the bottom of tank body 101, refill port 103 is provided on the front side of the top of tank 100. Therefore, a user positioned at the front side of washing machine 1 can check marker 105 through refill port 103 from the front of washing machine 1 by opening refill port lid 104 while tank 100 is in the stored state, and thus can easily visually check the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in tank 100.

[0040] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the automatic dispenser 9 is provided behind the center in the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine main body 2 when the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine main body 2 is used as a reference. In other words, the washing machine 1 is configured such that the automatic dispenser 9 and the tank 100 are disposed together behind the center in the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, the distance between the automatic dispenser 9 and the tank 100 can be shortened as much as possible, and the laundry treatment agent in the tank 100 can be efficiently sucked up by the automatic dispenser 9.

[0041] The supply mouth 104 may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. According to this configuration example, the user can check the mark 105 through the supply mouth 104 without opening the supply mouth 104, that is, the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent in the tank 100 can be visually confirmed. In this case, the supply mouth 104 may be made entirely transparent or semi-transparent, or a part of it may be made transparent or semi-transparent. When a part of the supply mouth 104 is made transparent or semi-transparent, for example, only the recessed part 104a may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material, or a transparent or semi-transparent material may be fitted into a window part formed in a part of the supply mouth 104. When the supply mouth 104 is made entirely or partially transparent or semi-transparent, it may be colorless transparent or colorless semi-transparent, or colored transparent or semi-transparent.

[0042] In addition, the tank cover part 102 of the tank 100 may be formed from a material of the same color family as the stepped surface part 7 or a similar color family. According to this configuration example, when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing part 11, a sense of continuity and unity can be formed between the tank cover part 102 constituting the upper surface of the tank 100 and the stepped surface part 7, and the appearance of the washing machine main body part 2, particularly the appearance of the stepped surface part 7, can be improved. The supply port 104 of the tank 100 may also be formed from a material of the same color family as the stepped surface part 7 or a similar color family. In addition, when the supply port 104 is entirely or partially formed to be colored transparent or colored semi-transparent, it is preferable to form the supply port 104 as a colored transparent or colored semi-transparent material of the same color family as the stepped surface part 7 or a similar color family.

[0043] The tank 100 may also be configured such that at least one of the tank body 101 and the tank cover 102 is colorless and transparent or colored and transparent. According to this configuration example, when the tank 100 is removed from the tank housing 11, the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent stored inside can be easily confirmed from the outside. The tank 100 may also be configured such that at least one of the tank body 101 and the tank cover 102 is colorless and semi-transparent or colored and semi-transparent. According to this configuration example, when the tank 100 is removed from the tank housing 11, the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent stored inside can be easily confirmed from the outside.

[0044] Second embodiment 5, tank 100 includes grip portion 120. Grip portion 120 is a component that is gripped by a user when attaching or detaching tank 100 to or from tank housing portion 11, and is provided as an example of an auxiliary portion that assists in the attachment or detachment of tank 100 to or from washing machine main body 2.

[0045] The grip portion 120 is provided in a semicircular recess on the side of the tank cover portion 102, which is a surface that forms the outer shell of the tank 100. In this case, the grip portion 120 is provided at a position on the side of the rear portion of the supply port 103. The grip portion 120 may be provided forward of the side of the rear portion of the supply port 103. The grip portion 120 may also be provided at a position that is off the side of the supply port 103. The tank 100 may also be configured to have a hook portion below the grip portion 120 on which the user's fingers can be hooked. The tank 100 may also be configured to have the grip portion 120 on either one of the left or right side portions.

[0046] The grip portion 120 is entirely covered from above by the refill port lid 104 that closes the refill port 103. That is, when the refill port lid 104 is in a closed state where the refill port 103 is closed, the grip portion 120 is not visible from the outside and cannot be grasped by the user. When the refill port lid 104 is in an open state where the refill port 103 is open, the grip portion 120 is visible from the outside and can be grasped by the user. By opening the refill port lid 104, the user can grasp the grip portion 120 and easily store the tank 100 in the tank accommodating portion 11, and can easily remove the tank 100 from the tank accommodating portion 11.

[0047] According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the tank 100 is provided with a grip portion 120 that assists in attaching and detaching the tank 100 to and from the washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, the user can easily attach and detach the tank 100 by gripping the grip portion 120, thereby improving convenience. According to the washing machine 1, the grip portion 120 is covered by the refill port lid 104 that closes the refill port 103. According to this configuration example, the grip portion 120 can be hidden by the refill port lid 104 except when the tank 100 is being attached or detached. Therefore, while the grip portion 120 that assists the user in attaching and detaching the tank 100 is provided, it is possible to avoid the grip portion 120 impairing the appearance of the washing machine 1.

[0048] Third embodiment 6, tank 100 includes handle 130 and storage recess 131. Handle 130 is a component used by a user when attaching or detaching tank 100 to or from tank storage section 11, and is provided as an example of an auxiliary section that assists in attaching or detaching tank 100 to or from washing machine main body 2.

[0049] The handle 130 is provided at a position that is the upper part of the rear of the tank 100, i.e., on the lower surface portion 102B, when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11. The handle 130 is configured with legs 130L, 130R at both left and right ends.

[0050] The accommodating recess 131 is provided in a portion that becomes the upper rear portion of the tank 100, i.e., the lower surface portion 102B, when the tank 100 is accommodated in the tank accommodating portion 11. A left end portion 131L of the accommodating recess 131 extends from the rear surface of the tank 100 to the left side. Also, a right end portion 131R of the accommodating recess 131 extends from the rear surface of the tank 100 to the right side.

[0051] A leg 130L constituting the left end of the handle 130 is rotatably supported on a left end 131L of the accommodating recess 131. In addition, a leg 130R constituting the right end of the handle 130 is rotatably supported on a right end 131R of the accommodating recess 131. As a result, the handle 130 is configured to be rotatable between a accommodated position accommodated within the accommodating recess 131 and a non-accommodated position exposed to the outside of the accommodating recess 131.

[0052] That is, handle 130 cannot be grasped, i.e., cannot be used, by the user, when it is in a stored state in which it is stored within storage recess 131. On the other hand, handle 130 can be grasped, i.e., can be used, by the user, when it is in a non-stored state in which it is exposed to the outside of storage recess 131. By rotating handle 130 to the non-stored position, the user can grasp handle 130 and easily store tank 100 in tank storage section 11, and can easily remove tank 100 from tank storage section 11.

[0053] In addition, when handle 130 is housed in housing recess 131, the end face located on the upper side forms part of rear step surface portion 7 of top surface 2F, which is the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2. In other words, the end face of handle 130 that is on the upper side in the housed state is almost or completely flush with step surface portion 7. In this case, the end face of handle 130 that is on the upper side in the housed state forms part of lower step surface portion 7B of step surface portion 7.

[0054] According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the tank 100 is provided with a handle 130 that assists in attaching and detaching the tank 100 to and from the washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, the user can easily attach and detach the tank 100 by gripping the handle 130, improving convenience. According to the washing machine 1, the handle 130 constitutes a part of the rear step surface 7 of the upper surface 2F, which is the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2, in a state where the washing machine 1 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 131. According to this configuration example, the handle 130 can also be used as a member that constitutes the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2, except when the tank 100 is being attached or detached, and an increase in the number of parts can be further suppressed while improving convenience in attaching and detaching the tank 100.

[0055] Further, according to the washing machine 1, the handle 130 is provided on the lower surface portion 102B of the tank 100. This lower surface portion 102B is a portion located at the rear of the upper surface portion 102A when the tank 100 is housed in the tank housing portion 11, and is further a portion that is one step lower than the upper surface portion 102A. Therefore, particularly in the housed state in which the handle 130 is housed in the housing recess 131, the handle 130 can be made difficult to see from the user located in front of the washing machine 1. In other words, the handle 130 in the housed state can be hidden by the upper surface portion 7A. Therefore, even if the handle 130 is provided, it is possible to avoid the handle 130 impairing the appearance.

[0056] The washing machine 1 may be provided with a recess around the handle 130 in the stored state, the recess being at least large enough to allow the user's finger to be inserted therein. According to this configuration example, the user can easily remove the handle 130 from the storage recess 131 by inserting his or her finger into the recess, improving the operability of the handle 130. In addition, such a recess may be provided on the tank 100 side, on the stepped surface portion 7 side, or on both the tank 100 and the stepped surface portion 7.

[0057] (Fourth embodiment) According to the configuration example illustrated in Fig. 7, washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of tanks 400, in this case two tanks 400. A tank housing section 401 is provided on a rear stepped surface section 7 of an upper surface 2F, which is an external surface of washing machine main body 2. Tank housing section 401 has a box shape with an open top. Tanks 400 are provided detachably in common tank housing section 401.

[0058] Tank 400 is large enough to store enough clothing treatment agent for multiple runs. Tank 400 also has a supply port 403 on the surface that is the upper side when tank 400 is housed in tank housing 401. Supply port 403 is an opening for supplying clothing treatment agent to tank 400. In this case, supply port 403 opens in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0059] The washing machine 1 also includes a common cover part 410 that opens and closes the top opening of the tank housing part 401. The common cover part 410 is a common cover member that covers a plurality of tanks 400 (two tanks in this case) housed in the tank housing part 401. The common cover part 410 is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around the rear edge part of the top opening of the tank housing part 401 as the center of rotation. That is, the washing machine 1 is configured so that the rotation direction of the outer lid 5 and the rotation direction of the common cover part 410 are the same. Note that the washing machine 1 may be configured so that the rotation direction of the outer lid 5 and the rotation direction of the common cover part 410 are different.

[0060] In addition, in a closed state where the top opening of the tank housing portion 401 is closed, this common cover portion 410 constitutes a part of the rear stepped surface portion 7 of the top surface 2F which is the external surface of the washing machine main body 2. That is, in a closed state where the top opening of the tank housing portion 401 is closed, the surface of the common cover portion 410 is almost or completely flush with the stepped surface portion 7. The surface of the common cover portion 410 is the surface which becomes the upper side in the closed state where the top opening of the tank housing portion 401 is closed.

[0061] Moreover, a plurality of, in this case, two, protrusions 411 are provided on the rear surface of the common cover part 410. These protrusions 411 are formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the opening shape of the supply port 403 of the tank 400. Furthermore, a packing 412 is provided on the side of the protrusions 411. The protrusions 411 are adapted to fit into the supply port 403 of the tank 400 in a closed state in which the common cover part 410 closes the upper opening of the tank accommodating part 401. That is, the common cover part 410 also functions as a common supply port lid that opens and closes the supply ports 403 provided in the plurality of tanks 400.

[0062] Tank 400 also includes gripping portion 420. Grip portion 420 is a component that is gripped by a user when attaching or detaching tank 400 to or from tank housing portion 401, and is provided as an example of an auxiliary portion that assists in the attachment or detachment of tank 400 to or from washing machine main body 2.

[0063] The grip portion 420 is provided in a semicircular recess on the side surface that forms the outer shell of the tank 400 toward the supply port 403. The grip portion 420 is provided at a position on the side of the front portion of the supply port 403. The grip portion 420 may be provided rearward of the side of the front portion of the supply port 403. The grip portion 420 may be provided at a position that is off the side of the supply port 403. The tank 400 is configured to include a hanging portion 421 below the grip portion 420, on which the user's fingers can be hung.

[0064] Moreover, the gripping parts 420 are provided on the opposing left and right side surfaces of each tank 400 when the two tanks 400 are housed in the tank housing part 401. That is, when the two tanks 400 are housed in the tank housing part 401, the gripping part 420 of one tank 400 and the gripping part 420 of the other tank 400 face each other, and a substantially circular opening is formed by these two gripping parts 420.

[0065] Moreover, the grip portion 420 is entirely covered from above by the common cover portion 410 that closes the supply port 403. That is, in a closed state where the common cover portion 410 closes the supply port 403, the grip portion 420 is not visible from the outside and cannot be gripped by the user. In an open state where the common cover portion 410 opens the supply port 403, the grip portion 420 is visible from the outside and can be gripped by the user. By opening the common cover portion 410, the user can grip the grip portion 420 and easily store the tank 400 in the tank storage portion 401, and can easily remove the tank 400 from the tank storage portion 401.

[0066] According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the common cover part 410 covering the multiple tanks 400 constitutes a part of the rear step surface part 7 of the upper surface 2F which is the external surface of the washing machine main body 2 in the closed state where the upper opening of the tank housing part 401 is closed. According to this configuration example, the upper opening of the tank housing part 401 which houses the multiple tanks 400 can be closed by the common cover part 410, and therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed and an increase in manufacturing costs can be avoided. Moreover, the common cover part 410 can be utilized as a member which constitutes the external surface of the washing machine main body 2, and an increase in the number of parts can be further suppressed.

[0067] Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, the common cover part 410 also functions as a common supply port lid for opening and closing the supply ports 403 of the plurality of tanks 400, that is, the plurality of supply ports 403. According to this configuration example, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated supply port lid for opening and closing each of the plurality of supply ports 403, and therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be further suppressed.

[0068] According to the washing machine 1, the tank 400 includes a grip 420 that assists the user in attaching and detaching the tank 400 to and from the washing machine main body 2. According to this configuration example, the user can easily attach and detach the tank 400, improving convenience. According to the washing machine 1, the grip 420 is entirely covered by the common cover 410 that closes the upper opening of the tank housing 401. According to this configuration example, the grip 420 can be hidden by the common cover 410 except when the tank 400 is being attached or detached. Therefore, while the grip 420 that assists the user in attaching and detaching the tank 400 is provided, it is possible to avoid the grip 420 impairing the appearance of the washing machine 1.

[0069] Fifth embodiment According to the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the washing machine 1 is configured to include one tank 500. The washing machine 1 also includes a setting unit 501. The setting unit 501 is provided, for example, on an operation panel (not shown) included in the washing machine 1. The operation panel is provided, for example, on a portion of the top cover 4 that is forward of the clothing entrance / exit. The setting unit 501 is provided with at least a detergent setting button 502 and a fabric softener setting button 503. The detergent setting button 502 and the fabric softener setting button 503 are buttons that are manually operated by the user.

[0070] When the user has stored detergent in one tank 500, he or she manually operates the detergent setting button 502. When the detergent setting button 502 is operated, a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 sets the timing for driving the pump of the automatic dispenser 9 to, for example, "when water is supplied in the washing process." As a result, when water is supplied in the washing process, the detergent in the tank 500 is automatically dispensed into the laundry treatment tub 2S.

[0071] When the user has stored fabric softener in one tank 500, the user manually operates fabric softener setting button 503. When fabric softener setting button 503 is operated, a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of washing machine 1 sets the timing for driving the pump of automatic dispenser 9 to, for example, "when water is supplied during the rinsing process." As a result, when water is supplied during the rinsing process, fabric softener in tank 500 is automatically dispensed into laundry treatment tub 2S.

[0072] According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, it is possible to drive the automatic dispenser 9 at different times depending on whether detergent is stored in the tank 500 or fabric softener is stored in the tank 500. According to this configuration example, the number of tanks 500 mounted in the washing machine 1 can be reduced to one, further suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0073] Moreover, according to the washing machine 1, the space required for arranging the tank 500 can be reduced compared to a configuration including a plurality of tanks, and the washing machine 1 as a whole can be prevented from becoming large.

[0074] Alternatively, a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank may be provided separately, and the control device may be configured to automatically set different timings for driving the automatic dispenser 9 depending on whether the detergent tank is installed or the fabric softener tank is installed. This configuration example allows the dispense timing appropriate for the laundry treatment agent in the tank to be automatically set without the need for manual operation by the user, improving convenience.

[0075] Various methods can be used to distinguish between when a detergent tank is installed and when a fabric softener tank is installed. For example, an electronic tag storing information indicating that the tank is a detergent tank is provided in the detergent tank, and an electronic tag storing information indicating that the tank is a fabric softener tank is provided in the fabric softener tank, and the control device can distinguish the installed tank based on which electronic tag is detected. Also, the position of the magnet provided in the detergent tank and the position of the magnet provided in the fabric softener tank are made different, and the control device can distinguish the installed tank based on the position at which the magnet is detected. In addition, various methods can be applied as long as they can distinguish the installed tank.

[0076] (Other embodiments) In addition, this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the washing machine 1 can be configured by appropriately combining the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0077] Furthermore, washing machine 1 may be configured to include three or more tanks. In this case, too, a surface of each tank having a refill port may form part of the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2, or a common cover part covering the multiple tanks may form part of the exterior surface of washing machine main body 2.

[0078] Moreover, the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2 constituted by the surface of the tank having the refill port and the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2 constituted by the common cover part covering the multiple tanks are not limited to the stepped surface part 7 of the top surface 2F, and may be other parts such as the inclined surface part 6. Moreover, the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2 constituted by the surface of the tank having the refill port and the exterior surface of the washing machine main body 2 constituted by the common cover part covering the multiple tanks are not limited to the top surface 2F of the washing machine main body 2, and may be other surfaces, for example, the front surface 2A, the rear surface 2B, the left side surface 2C, and the right side surface 2D.

[0079] Furthermore, replenishing port cover 104 may have a flat shape without recessed portion 104a. According to this configuration example, flat replenishing port cover 104 without recessed portion 104a can form part of the external appearance of washing machine main body 2, making it easier to realize an external appearance with a sense of continuity and unity.

[0080] Moreover, the tank 100 may be configured to include a handle 130 as exemplified in the third embodiment, instead of the grip portion 120, or in addition to the grip portion 120. In this case, the handle 130 in the housed state may also be configured to be covered by the refilling port lid 104.

[0081] Moreover, the tank 400 may be configured to include the handle 130 as exemplified in the third embodiment, instead of the gripping portion 420, or in addition to the gripping portion 420. In this case, the handle 130 in the housed state may also be configured to be covered by the common cover portion 410.

[0082] Furthermore, the stepped surface portion 7 is not limited to a two-stage surface portion consisting of an upper stage surface portion 7A and a lower stage surface portion 7B, but may be a multi-stage surface portion having three or more stages. In this case, it is preferable that the surface of the tank 100 having the supply port 103 is also a multi-stage surface portion having three or more stages. This makes it possible to realize an external appearance with a sense of continuity and unity, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0083] Moreover, the washing machine 1 may be configured to have a stepless surface portion having no step, instead of the step surface portion 7. In this case, the surface of the tank 100 having the supply port 103 may also be a stepless surface portion having no step. This allows an external appearance with a sense of continuity and unity to be realized, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0084] In addition, the clothing treatment agent applicable to this embodiment is not limited to detergents and fabric softeners, and various treatment agents can be appropriately adopted as long as they can perform some treatment on clothing, such as deodorants, deodorants, disinfectants, bleaches, etc. In addition, when the washing machine 1 has multiple tanks, each tank may store a different type of clothing treatment agent, or the same type of clothing treatment agent may be stored in the multiple tanks. In addition, when the washing machine 1 has multiple tanks, each tank may have a different capacity or shape, or may be the same.

[0085] This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines of other types than vertical-axis washing machines in which the rotation axis of the spin tub extends vertically. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing processing devices that can perform some kind of processing on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, sterilizing, and bleaching the clothing.

[0086] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] In the drawings, 1 indicates a washing machine (clothing processing device), 2 indicates the washing machine main body (device main body), 2S indicates a clothing processing tub, 7B indicates the lower surface portion (step portion), 9 indicates an automatic dispensing device (automatic dispensing portion), 100 indicates a tank, 103 indicates a supply port, 104 indicates a supply port cover, 105 indicates a marker portion, 120 indicates a grip portion (auxiliary portion), 130 indicates a handle (auxiliary portion), 131 indicates a storage recess (storage portion), 400 indicates a tank, 403 indicates a supply port, 410 indicates a common cover portion, and 420 indicates a grip portion (auxiliary portion).

Claims

1. a device main body having an exterior surface; a clothing treatment tub provided in the device main body for storing clothing; A tank for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tub; Equipped with the tank has a refill port for refilling the tank with the laundry treatment agent, and is provided with an auxiliary part for assisting in attaching and detaching the tank to and from the device main body, and a storage part for storing the auxiliary part; a surface of the tank having the refill port constitutes a part of an external surface of the device main body; A clothing processing device in which the auxiliary unit also constitutes part of the external surface of the device main body when stored in the storage unit.

2. a device main body having an exterior surface; a clothing treatment tub provided in the device main body for storing clothing; A tank for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tub; Equipped with The tank has a supply port for supplying the laundry treatment agent into the tank, the supply port being provided in a tank cover portion that forms an upper surface of the tank; the tank cover portion includes a refill port cover that opens and closes the refill port, A clothing processing device in which at least the portion of the tank cover portion's surface having the refill port other than the refill port cover constitutes part of the exterior surface of the device main body.

3. a refill port cover for opening and closing the refill port, The clothing processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply opening lid also constitutes a part of the external surface of the device main body.

4. The clothing processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the supply opening is transparent or translucent.

5. The tank includes an auxiliary part that assists in attaching and detaching the tank to and from the device main body, The clothing processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the auxiliary portion is covered by the supply port cover that closes the supply port.

6. The tank includes an auxiliary part that assists an attachment / detachment operation of the tank to / from the device main body, and a housing part that houses the auxiliary part, The clothing processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the auxiliary unit constitutes a part of the external surface of the device main body when the auxiliary unit is housed in the housing unit.

7. The tank has a step portion that slopes downward at an upper portion of a rear portion of the tank when the up-down direction and the front-rear direction of the device body are used as references, The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary portion is provided on the stepped portion.

8. a device main body having an exterior surface; a clothing treatment tub provided in the device main body for storing clothing; A plurality of tanks for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tanks into the laundry treatment tub; A common cover portion for covering a plurality of the tanks; Equipped with Each of the tanks has a supply port for supplying the laundry treatment agent into the tank, The common cover part constitutes part of the exterior surface of the device main body and functions as a common refill port lid for opening and closing the refill ports provided on the multiple tanks.

9. Each of the plurality of tanks includes an auxiliary portion that assists in attaching and detaching the tank to and from the device main body, The clothing processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the auxiliary unit is covered by the common cover unit that closes the supply port.

10. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the tank is provided with a marker that indicates the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent stored in the tank.

11. The tank is capable of storing a first clothing treatment agent or a second clothing treatment agent as a clothing treatment agent, A clothing treatment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the timing for driving the automatic dispensing unit can be made different when a first clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank and when a second clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank.

12. A clothing processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the automatic inserting unit is located rearward of the center of the device main body in the front-to-back direction when the front-to-back direction of the device main body is used as a reference.

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