Clothing processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment apparatus in which an arrangement and a structure of a treatment agent case are optimized, and which can improve operability and convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment includes: an outer case 11 formed into a box shape; a water tub 12 provided inside the outer case 11; a storage part 31 which is provided inside the outer case 11 and has an opening part formed by opening a top surface part side of the outer case 11; and a treatment agent case 40 which is formed into a container shape and is detachably stored in the storage part 31. The storage part 31 has a storage part outlet communicating with the water tub 12, at a position where the outlet does not overlap with the treatment agent case 40 in plan view. The treatment agent case 40 has a surface part constituting an outer periphery and a lower opening provided at a lower part. In a state in which the treatment agent case 40 is stored in the storage part 31, the position of the lower opening is provided in a region other than a region defined by extending the storage part outlet in a direction in which the storage part outlet and the treatment agent case 40 are arranged in plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a washing machine in which a treatment agent case is provided inside an outer box, and a user manually inputs a washing treatment agent used for one washing operation every time of operation. In the case of a so-called drum type washing machine, the treatment agent case may be provided at the front portion of the outer box so as to be pullable forward. Further, in the case of a so-called vertical type washing machine, the treatment agent case may be provided inside the top cover so as to be pullable forward.

[0003] There are, for example, a plurality of types of washing treatment agents, such as a detergent used in a washing step and a finishing agent used in a rinsing step. The treatment agent case is known to be configured to be provided with a plurality of input portions so that a plurality of washing treatment agents can be input. In this case, there remains room for consideration for improving, for example, user operability and convenience with respect to the arrangement and structure of the treatment agent case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is provided a clothing treatment apparatus capable of optimizing the arrangement and structure of the treatment agent case to improve user operability and convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The clothing treatment apparatus according to the embodiment includes an outer box formed in a box shape, a water tank provided inside the outer box, a storage portion provided inside the outer box and having an opening formed by opening the top surface portion of the outer box, and a treatment agent case formed in a container shape and detachably accommodated in the storage portion. The storage portion has a storage portion outlet communicating with the water tank at a position that does not overlap the treatment agent case in a plan view. The treatment agent case has a surface portion constituting the outer periphery and a lower opening provided at the lower portion. The position of the lower opening is provided in a region other than the region where the storage portion outlet is extended in a direction in which the storage portion outlet and the treatment agent case are aligned in a plan view in a state where the treatment agent case is accommodated in the storage portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine 10 as a clothing treatment apparatus includes an outer box 11, a water tub 12, a rotary tub 13, a rotary tub motor 14, a drainage mechanism 15, an operation panel 16, a water supply mechanism 20, and a treatment agent input mechanism 30. In FIG. 1, the installation surface side of the washing machine 10, that is, the vertically lower side, is defined as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite to the installation surface, that is, the vertically upper side, is defined as the upper side of the washing machine 10. Also, the left-right direction when the washing machine 10 is viewed from the front is defined as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal-axis type drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub 13 is horizontal or an inclined-axis type drum washing machine in which the rotation axis slopes downward toward the rear.

[0010] The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function such as a heat pump type or a heater type. The outer case 11 is generally configured in a rectangular box shape by a member such as a steel material or a resin material, and constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 10. In the case of this embodiment, the top surface portion 111 of the outer case 11 is formed as a flat surface. The water tank 12 is disposed inside the outer case 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotary tub 13 is rotatably disposed inside the water tank 12. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13 function as a washing tub for accommodating laundry. The rotary tub motor 14 is provided outside the water tank 12. The rotary tub motor 14 is connected to the rotary tub 13 and rotates the rotary tub 13 by driving.

[0011] The drainage mechanism 15 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of discharging the water stored in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 15 includes a drainage path 151 and a drain valve 152. The drainage path 151 is constituted by, for example, a flexible drainage hose. One end thereof is connected to the drain valve 152, and the other end is led out to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain valve 152 is constituted by, for example, an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The drain valve 152 is provided between the drain port 121 provided at the bottom of the water tank 12 and the drainage path 151, and opens and closes the drainage path 151.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 16 is provided at the front side portion of the top surface portion 111 of the outer case 11. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 16 is provided with a power switch, a start key, and various operation keys for the user to set a washing operation course and the like. Note that the power switch may be provided separately from the operation panel 16. When executing a washing operation, the user can select and operate whether to automatically input a washing treatment agent or manually input a single-dose washing treatment agent using the operation panel 16. In this embodiment, the washing treatment agent is a concept including a liquid or powder detergent, a softening finishing agent, and a fragrance agent, but is not limited to these as long as it is a chemical used in a washing operation.

[0013] The water supply mechanism 20 is provided, for example, above the water tank 12 inside the outer box 11. The water supply mechanism 20 receives water from an external water supply source such as a water supply and supplies water into the water tank 12. The water supply mechanism 20 has, for example, a connection port 21, a water supply path 22, and a water supply valve 23 as shown in FIG. 2. The connection port 21 is provided on the top surface portion 111 of the outer box 11 so as to be exposed at the left back portion. The connection port 21 is connected to an external water source via, for example, a hose. The water supply path 22 is a path connecting from the connection port 21 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The water supply valve 23 is an on-off valve for liquids that can be opened and closed electromagnetically.

[0014] The washing machine 10 can use tap water and bath water as external water sources. The washing machine 10 includes a tap water connection port 211 and a bath water connection port 212 as the connection ports 21. Further, the washing machine 10 includes a first water supply path 221, a second water supply path 222, and a third water supply path 223 as the water supply path 22. Furthermore, the washing machine 10 includes a first water supply valve 231 and a second water supply valve 232 as the water supply valves 23.

[0015] The tap water connection port 211 is connected to, for example, a faucet of the water supply via a hose and functions as an inlet to the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223 of the tap water. The bath water connection port 212 is connected to a bathtub in which bath water is stored via, for example, a hose and a water intake pump and functions as an inlet to the second water supply path 222 of the bath water.

[0016] The first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223 connect from the tap water connection port 211 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The first water supply path 221 is a path used when, for example, a detergent is introduced as a washing treatment agent in the washing step. The third water supply path 223 is a path used when, for example, a finishing agent is introduced as a washing treatment agent in the rinsing step. The second water supply path 222 connects from the bath water connection port 212 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The second water supply path 222 is a path used when, for example, a detergent is introduced as a washing treatment agent in the washing step.

[0017] The first water supply valve 231 is, for example, a three-way valve that opens and closes the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223. The second water supply valve 232 opens and closes the second water supply path 222. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which individual water supply valves that respectively open and close the first water supply path 221 and the third water supply path 223 are provided.

[0018] The chemical agent injection mechanism 30 is provided, for example, in the middle of the water supply path 22 and has a function of introducing a washing chemical agent into the water flowing through the water supply path 22 and supplying the water containing the washing chemical agent into the water tank 12 and the rotary tank 13. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chemical agent injection mechanism 30 includes a housing portion 31, a pump 32, a cover member 33, a chemical agent case 40, and a chemical agent tank 50.

[0019] The housing portion 31 is formed in a box or container shape by a resin or metal member and has an opening 34 that opens upward. The housing portion 31 is provided in the upper part inside the outer box 11. The upper end of the housing portion 31, that is, the opening 34, is located below the top surface portion 111. Also, the housing portion 31 is provided closer to the left and right side surfaces of the outer box 11, and in this case, closer to the left side surface.

[0020] The housing portion 31 forms a part of the water supply path 22. In this case, the outlet side of the water supply valve 23 in the water supply path 22 is directly or indirectly connected to the housing portion 31. And the housing portion 31 is directly or indirectly connected to the water tank 12. In the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 24 extends from the outlet sides of the respective water supply valves 231 and 232 to the housing portion 31. Also, the water supply pipe 25 extends from the housing portion 31 to the water tank 12. That is, the water supply path 22 is configured to include, in this order in the direction of water flow, the connection port 21, the water supply valve 23, the water supply pipe 24, the housing portion 31, and the water supply pipe 25.

[0021] The storage section 31 has a wall section 35, a bottom section 36, a water injection port 37, and a storage section outlet 38. The wall section 35 forms the outer peripheral section of the storage section 31. The bottom section 36 forms the bottom surface of the storage section 31. The water injection port 37 is an opening formed in the wall section 35, exposes the downstream end portion of the water supply pipe 24 toward the storage section 31, and functions as an entrance of the water supply path 22 into the storage section 31. The storage section outlet 38 is an opening formed in the bottom section 36, to which the upstream end portion of the water supply pipe 25 is connected, and functions as an exit of the water supply path 22 from the storage section 31.

[0022] The pump 32 and the treatment agent tank 50 together constitute an automatic feeding device for automatically feeding the laundry treatment agent into the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13 during operation. The pump 32 has a function of sucking a predetermined amount of the laundry treatment agent from the treatment agent tank 50 during operation and feeding the sucked laundry treatment agent into an intermediate portion of the water supply path 22. Thereby, the laundry treatment agent supplied to the intermediate portion of the water supply path 22 is supplied into the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13 together with the water flowing in the water supply path 22. In this way, the washing machine 10 can automatically supply a predetermined amount of the laundry treatment agent into the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13 during operation.

[0023] The cover member 33 is rotatably provided on the outer case 11 to open and close the opening 34 of the storage section 31 by rotation, and is configured to be foldable and rotatable in a folded-out state. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cover member 33 is rotatably attached to the top surface portion 111 of the outer case 11 and is configured to be able to open and close the opening 34 of the storage section 31. In the present embodiment, the cover member 33 is configured to be foldable into at least two parts. And the cover member 33 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 34 by rotating in a state of being folded into at least two parts.

[0024] The treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 are detachably accommodated in the accommodation part 31 as shown in FIG. 3 and the like. The treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 are arranged adjacent to each other within the accommodation part 31. The treatment agent case 40 can be arranged on the side closer to the user who stands in front of the washing machine 10 to operate, and the treatment agent tank 50 can be arranged on the side farther from the user. For example, the treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 are arranged in a straight line in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction.

[0025] In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and the like, the treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 are accommodated side by side in the front-rear direction within the accommodation part 31. And the treatment agent case 40 is located at a position closer to the user who stands in front of the treatment agent tank 50, that is, in front of the washing machine 10. In other embodiments, when the treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the treatment agent case 40 can be arranged at a position closer to the user who stands in front of the washing machine 10, that is, on the center side of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction with respect to the treatment agent tank 50.

[0026] The treatment agent case 40 has a function of receiving the treatment agent used in one operation manually input by the user, for example, before operation or at the start of operation, and supplying the input treatment agent to the water tank 12 and the rotary tub 13 during operation. The treatment agent case 40 is made of resin, for example, and is configured in a rectangular container shape that is long in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction and has an open upper part. In this embodiment, the treatment agent case 40 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction as a whole.

[0027] The treatment agent case 40 is formed in a container shape that is recessed downward as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and the like. The treatment agent case 40 has one or more, in this case two, input parts 401 and 402. The user puts the laundry treatment agent into the treatment agent case 40 through the openings at the upper parts of the input parts 401 and 402. The input parts 401 and 402 receive the laundry treatment agent manually input by the user. The input part 401 receives the input of, for example, a powder or liquid detergent as the laundry treatment agent. The input part 401 receives the input of, for example, a liquid finishing agent as the laundry treatment agent. The input part 401 and the input part 402 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the input part 401 and the input part 402 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, with the input part 401 being at a position farther from the user, that is, on the back side, and the input part 402 being at a position closer to the user, that is, on the front side.

[0028] The treatment agent tank 50 is configured to be able to store an amount of laundry treatment agent used for multiple operations. The treatment agent tank 50 is made of, for example, resin, and is a hollow container in a rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, and can store a liquid laundry treatment agent. The treatment agent tank 50 has a sufficient capacity to store an amount of laundry treatment agent used in multiple operations. In this case, the capacity of the treatment agent tank 50 is not particularly limited, but considering the convenience of the user, it is preferably set to at least about several hundred mL to 2 L.

[0029] The treatment agent tank 50 has a tank main body 51, a tank inlet 52, a lid member 53, a tank outlet 54, etc., as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, etc. The tank main body 51 constitutes the outer shell of the treatment agent tank 50 and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as plastic. The tank inlet 52 is formed at the upper part of the tank main body 51 and opens upward. The lid member 53 is rotatably attached to the tank main body 51 and opens and closes the tank inlet 52. The user opens the lid member 53 and puts the laundry treatment agent into the treatment agent tank 50 through the tank inlet 52.

[0030] The tank outlet 54 is an opening provided through, for example, a part of the rear surface portion of the tank body 51, and is an opening through which the laundry treatment agent sucked out from the treatment agent tank 50 by the pump 32 passes. The pump 32 is provided outside the housing portion 31, in this case, behind the housing portion 31. The pump 32 has a connection portion 321. The connection portion 321 is formed in a tubular shape that penetrates the housing portion 31 and connects the inside of the housing portion 31 and the pump 32. When the treatment agent tank 50 is attached to the housing portion 31, the connection portion 321 is inserted into the tank outlet 54, and the pump 32 and the inside of the treatment agent tank 50 are connected.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the washing machine 10 includes one or more, in this case, two treatment agent tanks 50. In the case of this embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a detergent tank 501 and a finishing agent tank 502 as the treatment agent tanks 50. The detergent tank 501 is for storing an amount of detergent, in this case, liquid detergent, for use in a plurality of operations. The finishing agent tank 502 is for storing an amount of finishing agent, in this case, liquid finishing agent, for use in a plurality of operations. The treatment agent tank 501 and the treatment agent tank 502 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the treatment agent tank 501 and the treatment agent tank 502 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the treatment agent tank 501 is provided at a position farther from the axis of the water tank 12, in this case, on the left side, and the treatment agent tank 502 is provided at a position closer to the axis of the water tank 12, in this case, on the right side.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the wall portion 35 of the housing portion 31 includes a front wall portion 351, a left wall portion 352, a right wall portion 353, and a rear wall portion 354. The front wall portion 351 forms the front surface of the housing portion 31. The left wall portion 352 and the right wall portion 353 form the left and right side surfaces of the housing portion 31. The rear wall portion 354 forms the rear surface of the housing portion 31. In this case, one or a plurality of (in this case, three) water injection ports 37 are provided side by side in the front-rear direction at the front portion of the right wall portion 353. The first water injection port 371 and the second water injection port 372 face the detergent input portion 401 and supply water to the detergent input portion 401 in a state where the treatment agent case 40 is housed in the housing portion 31. The third water injection port 373 faces the finishing agent input portion 402 and supplies water to the finishing agent input portion 402 in a state where the treatment agent case 40 is housed in the housing portion 31. The first water injection port 371 constitutes a part of the first water supply path 221. The second water injection port 372 constitutes a part of the second water supply path 222. The third water injection port 373 constitutes a part of the third water supply path 223.

[0033] The bottom portion 36 includes a first bottom portion 361, a second bottom portion 362, a raised portion 363, and an intermediate portion 364. The first bottom portion 361 forms the rear side portion of the bottom portion 36. In the present embodiment, the first bottom portion 361 is surrounded by the rear wall portion 354 and the left and right wall portions 352, 353. The second bottom portion 362 forms the front side portion of the bottom portion 36. In the present embodiment, the second bottom portion 362 is surrounded by the front wall portion 351 and the left and right wall portions 352, 353.

[0034] The first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362 are each formed in an inverted L shape and an L shape in plan view, respectively, and are combined with each other to form a rectangle in plan view as a whole. In other words, the first bottom 361 protrudes forward on the right side and is recessed backward on the left side. Also, the second bottom 362 protrudes backward on the left side and is recessed forward on the right side. The first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362 are inclined downward from the central portion in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 toward the outside, that is, in this case, from the right side toward the left side. At the right-side portion of the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, that is, at the portion where the boundary portion between the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362 protrudes forward, the height position from the floor surface of the first bottom 361 is set lower than the height position from the floor surface of the second bottom 362. At the left-side portion of the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, that is, at the portion where the boundary portion between the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362 is recessed backward, the height position from the floor surface of the first bottom 361 is set higher than the height position from the floor surface of the second bottom 362.

[0035] The raised portion 363 and the intermediate portion 364 connect the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362. The raised portion 363 protrudes upward from the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362, and partitions the space above the first bottom 361 and the space above the second bottom 362. The raised portion 363 extends from the right wall portion 353 toward the left, and the left end portion of the raised portion 363 is provided at a position away from the left wall portion 352. The width of the raised portion 363 in the left-right direction is set to about 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the width of the accommodating portion 31 in the left-right direction. The raised portion 363 faces the portion that protrudes forward of the first bottom 361 and the portion that is recessed forward of the second bottom 362, and partitions between the two. That is, the raised portion 363 forms the boundary between the first bottom 361 and the second bottom 362 at the portion where the height position from the floor surface of the first bottom 361 is lower than the height position from the floor surface of the second bottom 362.

[0036] The middle part 364 forms a wall surface extending in the vertical direction at the left end of the accommodating part 31, connecting the first bottom part 361 and the second bottom part 362. The second bottom part 362 is recessed downward on the left side of the left end of the raised part 363. Therefore, the height position of the floor surface of the second bottom part 362 is set lower than the height position of the floor surface of the first bottom part 361. The middle part 364 extends upward from the second bottom part 362, and the upper end is connected to the first bottom part 361. In this embodiment, the middle part 364 is bent and is formed including a plane substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction and a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. That is, the middle part 364 is configured to include a part facing the front wall part 351 of the accommodating part 31 and a part facing the left wall part 352.

[0037] An accommodating part outlet 38 is formed in the middle part 364, penetrating the middle part 364 in the thickness direction. In this case, the accommodating part outlet 38 is provided in a part of the middle part 364 that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, that is, a part facing the front wall part 351 of the accommodating part 31. The left side part of the second bottom part 362, that is, the part lower than the first bottom part 361, is inclined so as to descend from the front end part to the rear end part, that is, toward the accommodating part outlet 38. This inclination angle can be set, for example, from 0.5° to 2°. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the left side part of the second bottom part 362 with respect to the front-rear direction is set to about 1°.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the treatment agent tank 50 is accommodated above the first bottom part 361 and a part protruding rearward of the second bottom part 362. The treatment agent case 40 is accommodated above the second bottom part 362. The raised part 363 separates the space for accommodating the treatment agent tank 50 and the space for accommodating the treatment agent case 40. The middle part 364 including the accommodating part outlet 38 is located below the detergent tank 501, which is accommodated in the left side in this case, of the treatment agent tank 50 in a state where the treatment agent tank 50 is accommodated in the accommodating part 31.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, FIGS. 9 to 11, etc., the treatment agent case 40 has a front surface portion 41, 42, 43, 44, a bottom portion 45, a partition portion 46, a lower opening 47, and a drain cylinder 48. The front surface portions 41, 42, 43, 44 form the outer peripheral portion of the container shape of the treatment agent case 40. The front surface portion 41 forms the front surface of the treatment agent case 40. The left front surface portion 42 forms the left side surface of the treatment agent case 40. The left front surface portion 42 includes a first left front surface portion 421 that forms the left side surface of the charging portion 401 and a second left front surface portion 422 that forms the left side surface of the charging portion 402. The right front surface portion 43 forms the right side surface of the treatment agent case 40. The right front surface portion 43 includes a first right front surface portion 431 that forms the right side surface of the charging portion 401 and a second right front surface portion 432 that forms the right side surface of the charging portion 402. The back surface portion 44 forms the rear surface of the treatment agent case 40.

[0040] The partition portion 46 partitions the space inside the container shape of the treatment agent case 40 in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction to divide it into the charging portion 401 and the charging portion 402. In the present embodiment, the partition portion 46 extends in the left-right direction and partitions the space inside the treatment agent case 40 in the front-rear direction. In this case, extending in the left-right direction does not strictly mean only extending parallel to the left-right direction, but means extending in a direction mainly including a left-right component. In the present embodiment, the partition portion 46 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction. For example, the partition portion 46 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction such that the right end portion, which is closer to the center in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10, is closer to the front side than the left end portion, which is closer to the outside in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. That is, the charging portion 401 and the charging portion 402 are each generally trapezoidal in plan view as a whole. Note that the lower opening 47 is also generally trapezoidal in plan view as a whole.

[0041] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the width W1 in the front-rear direction of the first left surface portion 421 is set to be smaller than the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first right surface portion 431. Also, the width W3 in the front-rear direction of the second left surface portion 422 is set to be larger than the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second right surface portion 432. For example, the width W1 in the front-rear direction of the first left surface portion 421 can be set to about 2 / 3 to about 4 / 5 times the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first right surface portion 431. In the present embodiment, the width W1 in the front-rear direction of the first left surface portion 421 is set to about 3 / 4 times the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first right surface portion 431. Also, the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second right surface portion 432 can be set to about 2 / 3 to about 4 / 5 times the width W3 in the front-rear direction of the second left surface portion 422. In the present embodiment, the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second right surface portion 432 is set to about 3 / 4 times the width W3 in the front-rear direction of the second left surface portion 422.

[0042] Note that the width W1 in the front-rear direction of the first left surface portion 421 is set to be equal to or greater than the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second right surface portion 432. Also, the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first right surface portion 431 is set to be equal to or greater than the width W3 in the front-rear direction of the second left surface portion 422. In the present embodiment, the width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first right surface portion 431 is the largest, followed by the width W3 in the front-rear direction of the second left surface portion 422, then the width W1 in the front-rear direction of the first left surface portion 421, and the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second right surface portion 432 is set to be the smallest.

[0043] The first left surface portion 421, the partition portion 46, the first right surface portion 431, and the back surface portion 44 form the outer peripheral portion of the detergent input portion 401. The second left surface portion 422, the front surface portion 41, the second right surface portion 432, and the partition portion 46 form the outer peripheral portion of the finishing agent input portion 402.

[0044] The bottom portion 45 forms the bottom surface of the container shape of the treatment agent case 40. The bottom portion 45 forms the bottom surface of the container shape of at least one of the input portion 401 or the input portion 402. In the present embodiment, the bottom portion 45 forms the bottom surface of the container shape of the input portion 402.

[0045] The lower opening 47 is an opening formed by penetrating the lower part of the container shape of the charging part 401 in the thickness direction, and communicates the inside of the charging part 401 with the lower part of the charging part 401. The lower opening 47 has a function of flowing down the powdered or liquid laundry treatment agent or the injected water charged into the charging part 401 and flowing it to the outside of the treatment agent case 40, that is, the downstream side of the storage part 31. In this embodiment, the entire part corresponding to the lower part, that is, the bottom of the charging part 401 is open to form the lower opening 47. However, in other embodiments, a bottom part 45 may be provided in the charging part 401, and a lower opening 47 may be provided in a part of the bottom part 45.

[0046] The drain tube 48 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with openings at both the top and bottom, and is provided so as to project upward from the bottom 45 of the charging part 402. A cap member 49 is attached to the drain tube 48. The cap member 49 has an upper part 491 formed in a plate shape and a cylindrical part 492 formed in a hollow bottomed cylindrical shape with the upper part closed and the lower part open, and the cylindrical part 492 is configured to be able to insert the drain tube 48. The drain tube 48 and the cap 49 member together constitute a siphon mechanism. The siphon mechanism has a function of flowing the liquid laundry treatment agent or the injected water charged into the charging part 402 to the outside of the treatment agent case 40, that is, the downstream side of the storage part 31, based on the principle of the siphon.

[0047] The lower opening 47 is provided near the water injection port 37 in a plan view, that is, on the right side in this case, of the treatment agent case 40. The width of the lower opening 47 in the left-right direction can be set, for example, to about 1 / 3 to about 2 / 3 of the width of the treatment agent case 40 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the width of the lower opening 47 in the left-right direction is set to about 1 / 3 to about 2 / 3 of the width of the treatment agent case 40 in the left-right direction. The end of the lower opening 47 on the side opposite to the water injection port 37, that is, the left end in this case, is at the same level as the left end of the raised portion 363 or is located closer to the water injection port 37 than the raised portion 363, that is, on the right side in this case. Here, the side opposite to the water injection port 37 means the side opposite to the water injection port 37, that is, the side away from the water injection port 37. That is, the lower opening 47 is located vertically above the right side portion of the second bottom 362, that is, the portion higher than the first bottom 361. Therefore, the lower opening 47 does not overlap with the accommodation part outlet 38 in the front-rear direction in a plan view. In other words, the lower opening 47 is provided in a region other than the region where the accommodation part outlet 38 is extended forward in a plan view, that is, in a region closer to the water injection port 37 than the region where the accommodation part outlet 38 is extended forward in this case.

[0048] A part of the laundry treatment agent put into the input part 401 by the user falls from the lower opening 47 to the second bottom 362. When the first water supply valve 231 or the second water supply valve 232 is opened and water is injected into the input part 401 through the first water injection port 371 or the second water injection port 372, the water washes away the laundry treatment agent remaining in the input part 401 and falls from the lower opening 47. The second bottom 362 forms an inclined surface that descends toward the side opposite to the water injection port 37, that is, the left side in this case. Therefore, the water that has reached the second bottom 362 or the water containing the laundry treatment agent flows generally toward the side opposite to the water injection port 37, that is, the left side in this case. And when the water or the water containing the laundry treatment agent reaches near the left end of the second bottom 362 where the second bottom 362 is lower than the first bottom 361, it flows toward the accommodation part outlet 38 along the inclination of the second bottom 362 that descends backward. That is, the water or the water containing the laundry treatment agent flowing out of the lower opening 47 does not flow straight toward the accommodation part outlet 38, but flows toward the left side and then changes its direction by about 90° and flows backward.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the drain tube 48 is provided on the side of the anti-backflow port 37 of the treatment agent case 40 in plan view, that is, on the left side in this case. Further, the drain tube 48 is provided on the left side of the left end of the lower opening 47. The drain tube 48 is located vertically above the left side portion of the second bottom 362, that is, the portion that is lower than the first bottom 361.

[0050] The water or the washing treatment agent flowing out from the drain tube 48 falls and reaches the second bottom 362. In this case, the water including the water or the washing treatment agent flowing out from the drain tube 48 falls on the left side portion of the second bottom 362, that is, the portion that is lower than the first bottom 361. Then, the water or the water containing the washing treatment agent flows toward the accommodation part outlet 38 along the inclination of the second bottom 362 that descends rearward.

[0051] In the downstream part of the accommodation part 31, the water or the water containing the washing treatment agent flows toward the accommodation part outlet 38 along the direction orthogonal to the major axis of the treatment agent case 40. In this case, in the downstream part of the accommodation part 31, the water or the water containing the washing treatment agent flows toward the accommodation part outlet 38 along the front-rear direction. Here, the direction orthogonal to the major axis of the treatment agent case 40 or the front-rear direction does not necessarily strictly mean the direction intersecting at an angle of 90° or only the front-rear direction, but means the direction mainly including the component in the direction orthogonal to the major axis of the treatment agent case 40 or the front-rear direction.

[0052] In FIG. 5, the region S obtained by extending the accommodation part outlet 38 in the front-rear direction is shown hatched. The lower opening 47 of the charging part 401 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the region S obtained by extending the accommodation part outlet 38 in the front-rear direction in plan view. That is, the lower opening 47 of the charging part 401 is provided in a region other than the region S obtained by linearly extending the accommodation part outlet 38 along the direction of the water flowing toward the accommodation part outlet 38 or along the direction against the water flow in plan view. In this case, a user standing in front of the washing machine 10 cannot visually recognize the accommodation part outlet 38 through the lower opening 47. As shown in FIG. 7, in the state where the treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent case 40 are removed, the accommodation part outlet 38 is provided at a position visible to the user.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the height positions of the upper ends of the water injection ports 371, 372, and 373 from the floor surface are set below the height positions of the upper ends of the front surface portion 41, the left surface portion 42, and the back surface portion 44 from the floor surface. That is, the front surface portion 41, the left surface portion 42, and the back surface portion 44 extend above the water injection ports 371, 372, and 373. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the water injected from the water injection ports 371, 372, and 373 from splashing outside the treatment agent case 40.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the height positions of the upper ends of the front surface portion 41, the left surface portion 42, and the back surface portion 44 of the treatment agent case 40 from the floor surface are set higher than the height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 43 from the floor surface. Therefore, as a whole, the treatment agent case 40 has a shape in which the upper part is notched on the right surface portion 43 facing the water injection port 37 and is recessed downward. The height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 431 from the floor surface is set below the height position of the upper end of the water injection port 37 from the floor surface, and the notched shape of the right surface portion 431 serves as a water supply port to the respective input portions 401 and 402.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the height positions of the lower ends of the first water injection port 371 and the third water injection port 373 from the floor surface are set to be equal to or higher than the height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 431 from the floor surface. More specifically, the height positions of the lower ends of the first water injection port 371 and the third water injection port 373 from the floor surface are set to be substantially the same as the height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 431 from the floor surface. Therefore, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened to the first water supply path 221 side, the water that has come to the first water injection port 371 through the water supply pipe 24 passes above the upper end of the first right surface portion 431 and is injected into the input portion 401. Further, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened to the third water supply path 223 side, the water that has come to the third water injection port 373 through the water supply pipe 24 passes above the upper end of the second right surface portion 432 and is injected into the input portion 402.

[0056] On the other hand, the height position of the lower end of the second water injection port 372 from the floor surface is set lower than the height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 431 from the floor surface. That is, in a state where the treatment agent case 40 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 31, a part of the second water injection port 372 is exposed and a part is covered by the treatment agent case 40. Therefore, when the second water supply valve 232 is opened and water flows into the second water supply path 222, the water that has reached the second water injection port 372 through the water supply pipe 24, part of it is injected into the charging portion 401 through above the upper end of the first right surface portion 431. The remaining part flows down to the second bottom portion 362 through between the first right surface portion 431 and the right wall portion 353 of the accommodation portion 31. At this time, the water that has not been injected into the charging portion 401 from the second water injection port 372 washes away the washing treatment agent adhering to the outside of the treatment agent case 40 by flowing down or overflowing along the outer surface of the right surface portion 43 of the treatment agent case 40 or the wall portion 35 of the accommodation portion 31.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 etc., the partition portion 46 has a rising portion 461. The rising portion 461 extends upward from the partition portion 46 and divides the space on the charging portion 401 side and the space on the charging portion 402 side. The height position of the lower end of the rising portion 461 from the floor surface is set to be generally the same as the height position of the upper end of the right surface portion 43 from the floor surface. The height position of the upper end of the rising portion 461 from the floor surface is set to be generally the same as the height positions of the upper ends of the front surface portion 41, the left surface portion 42, and the back surface portion 44 from the floor surface. That is, the height position of the upper end of the rising portion 461 from the floor surface is set higher than the height positions of the upper ends of the water injection ports 371, 372, and 373. The rising portion 461 extends upward beyond the water injection ports 371, 372, and 373. Therefore, the rising portion 461 suppresses water from entering the finish agent charging portion 402 side when water is injected into the detergent charging portion 401 from the first water injection port 371 or the second water injection port 372. Also, the rising portion 461 suppresses water from entering the detergent charging portion 401 side when water is injected into the finish agent charging portion 402 from the third water injection port 373.

[0058] The rising portion 461 extends from the end portion on the water injection port 37 side of the treatment agent case 40, that is, the right end portion in this case, to at least the central portion of the treatment agent case 40 in the left - right direction. In the present embodiment, the position of the end portion on the side opposite to the water injection port 37 of the rising portion 461, that is, the left end portion in this case, generally overlaps in the front - rear direction with the position of the end portion on the side opposite to the water injection port 37 of the lower opening 47, that is, the left end portion in this case.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rising portion 462 extending in the left - right direction is also provided at the end portion on the side opposite to the water injection port 37 of the partition portion 46, that is, the left end portion in this case. That is, the rising portions 461 and 462 are formed discontinuously with a gap therebetween from the right - hand surface 43 to the left - hand surface 42. The gap between the rising portion 461 on the right side and the rising portion 462 on the left side functions as an overflow portion that allows water to overflow to the input portion 401 side when a large amount of water is injected at once to the input portion 402 side and the drainage from the drainage cylinder 48 cannot catch up.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, etc., the back surface portion 44 of the treatment agent case 40 includes an upper back surface portion 441, a lower back surface portion 442, and a stepped portion 443. The upper back surface portion 441 forms the upper part of the back surface portion 44, and the lower back surface portion 442 forms the lower part of the back surface portion 44. The stepped portion 443 connects the upper back surface portion 441 and the lower back surface portion 442.

[0061] The height position of the lower end portion of the upper back surface portion 441 from the floor surface is set to be generally the same as the height position of the upper end portion of the right - hand surface 43 from the floor surface. The upper end portion of the upper back surface portion 441 coincides with the upper end portion of the back surface portion 44. The upper back surface portion 441 extends generally vertically upward. The height position of the upper end portion of the lower back surface portion 442 from the floor surface is set lower than the height position of the upper end portion of the right - hand surface 43 from the floor surface. The lower end portion of the lower back surface portion 442 forms a part of the end portion of the lower opening 47. The lower back surface portion 442 is inclined so as to descend forward.

[0062] The stepped portion 443 is slightly inclined so as to descend from the water injection port 37 side toward the anti-water injection port 37 side, that is, from the right side to the left side in this case. Also, the stepped portion 443 is inclined so as to descend toward the front. The inclination angle of the stepped portion 443 descending toward the front is set to be gentler than the inclination angle of the lower back surface portion 442. Therefore, a part of the water injected from the first water injection port 371 into the charging portion 401 advances along the stepped portion 443 according to the left-right direction inclination of the stepped portion 443 and reaches the first left surface portion 421.

[0063] The first left surface portion 421 is configured to include an upper left surface portion 4211 and an inclined portion 4212. The upper left surface portion 4211 forms the upper part of the first left surface portion 421. The inclined portion 4212 forms the lower part of the first left surface portion 421. The upper left surface portion 4211 extends substantially vertically upward. The height position of the lower end portion of the upper left surface portion 4211 from the floor surface is set to a position that is approximately lowered by the vertical height dimension H of the stepped portion 443 from the height position of the upper end portion of the right surface portion 43 from the floor surface. The upper end portion of the upper left surface portion 4211 coincides with the upper end portion of the left surface portion 42.

[0064] The upper end portion of the inclined portion 4212 is connected to the lower end portion of the upper left surface portion 4211. That is, the height position of the upper end portion of the inclined portion 4212 from the floor surface is set to be approximately the same as the height position of the lower end portion of the stepped portion 443 from the floor surface. The lower end portion of the inclined portion 4212 forms a part of the end portion of the lower opening 47. The inclined portion 4212 is inclined so as to descend from the anti-water injection port 37 side toward the water injection port 37 side, that is, from the left side to the right side in this case. Therefore, the water that has reached the first left surface portion 421 along the stepped portion 443 flows into the lower opening 47 according to the inclination of the inclined portion 4212 and is drained from the lower opening 47.

[0065] According to the present embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes an outer case 11, a water tank 12, a storage portion 31, and a treatment agent case 40. The outer case 11 is formed in a box shape. The water tank 12 is provided inside the outer case 11. The storage portion 31 is provided inside the outer case 11 and has an opening 34 formed by opening the top surface portion 111 side of the outer case 11. The treatment agent case 40 is formed in a container shape and is detachably accommodated in the storage portion 31. The storage portion 31 has a storage portion outlet 38 communicating with the water tank 12 at a position that does not overlap the treatment agent case 40 in plan view. The treatment agent case 40 has side surfaces 41, 42, 43, 44 constituting the outer periphery and a lower opening 47 provided at the lower part. The position of the lower opening 47 is provided in a region other than the region where the storage portion outlet 38 and the treatment agent case 40 are aligned in the direction in which the treatment agent case 40 is accommodated in the storage portion 31, that is, in the front-rear direction in this case, in plan view.

[0066] Accordingly, the flow path from the dropping point of the washing treatment agent and / or water from the lower opening 47 to the storage portion outlet 38 is not straight in plan view. In this case, the storage portion outlet 38 is provided behind the treatment agent case 40, and water flows toward the storage portion outlet 38 substantially in the front-rear direction. The lower opening 47 is provided in a region other than the region where the storage portion outlet 38 is extended forward in plan view and is offset from the storage portion outlet 38 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent small objects that have fallen from the lower opening 47 to the bottom portion 36 of the storage portion 31 from rolling straight through the storage portion outlet 38 and falling into the water tank 12. Further, even if a small object that has fallen from the lower opening 47 to the bottom portion 36 of the storage portion 31 rolls, it takes more time for the small object to reach the storage portion outlet 38 compared to the case where the path from the dropping point to the storage portion outlet 38 is straight, so the user can pick up the small object. Therefore, the washing machine 10 can improve the operability and convenience for the user.

[0067] The storage portion outlet 38 is provided behind the treatment agent case 40. The lower opening 47 is provided at a position offset from the storage portion outlet 38 in the left-right direction in plan view.

[0068] According to this, a user standing in front of the washing machine 10 can see the bottom 36 of the storage part 31 through the lower opening 47, but cannot see the storage part outlet 38 through the lower opening 47. Therefore, when a user drops small items downward from the lower opening 47, it is possible to suppress giving the user an anxiety that the small items may fall into the water tank 12 from the storage part outlet 38. Accordingly, the sense of security of the user can be improved.

[0069] Here, particularly when the washing machine 10 is a drum-type washing machine as in the present embodiment, the storage part 31 needs to be provided at a position that avoids the cylindrical water tank 12 provided at the center of the washing machine 10 as much as possible. Therefore, the storage part 31 needs to be provided closer to the side surface in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. Also, the closer it is to the side surface in the left-right direction, the larger the clearance in the height direction between the storage part 31 and the water tank 12 becomes, so the size of the storage part 31 can be increased. For example, when the storage part 31 is provided on the left side surface of the washing machine 10, the closer the storage part 31 is to the left side surface, the larger the depth of the storage part 31 can be designed. In this case, it becomes easy to secure the capacity of the treatment agent tank 50 for the automatic feeding device. On the other hand, there are also powdered washing treatment agents such as detergents. Powdered washing treatment agents are more likely to have undissolved residues than liquid ones, and in order to suppress undissolved residues of powdered detergents, it is conceivable to provide the water injection port 37 on the left and right wall parts 352, 353 of the storage part 31 and inject water from multiple directions. However, if the water injection port 37 is provided on the left and right wall parts 352, 353 of the storage part 31, it is necessary to provide the water supply path 22 on the left and right of the storage part 31. In this case, it is necessary to move the storage part 31 from the side surface of the washing machine 10 toward the center side by the width of the water supply path.

[0070] On the other hand, the washing machine 10 includes a water supply path 22 that supplies water from an external water source to the storage unit 31. The storage unit 31 has a plurality of water injection ports 371, 372, 373 that serve as inlets for the water from the water supply path 22. The plurality of water injection ports 371, 372, 373 are provided on the central side of the washing machine 10 in the left - right direction, i.e., on the right - hand wall portion 353 in this case. The detergent case 40 has a detergent input part 401 and a finishing agent input part 402 arranged in the front - rear direction, and has surface parts 431, 432 facing the water injection port 37 for the detergent input part 401 and the finishing agent input part 402 respectively. The width W2 of the first surface part, i.e., the first right - hand surface part 431, facing the water injection port 37 of the detergent input part 401 is set wider than the width W4 of the second surface part, i.e., the second right - hand surface part 432, facing the water injection port 37 of the finishing agent input part 402.

[0071] According to this, by providing all of the water injection ports 371, 372, 373 on the central side of the washing machine 10, the water supply path 22 can be provided in a narrowed - down manner on the central side of the washing machine 10. Therefore, the storage unit 31 can be provided as close as possible to the side surface of the outer box 11, i.e., to the left - hand side surface in this case. As a result, the dimensions of the storage unit 31 can be increased, and when a detergent tank 50 is provided in the storage unit 31, the capacity of the detergent tank 50 can be increased.

[0072] Furthermore, although there is a possibility that the powdered washing detergent may remain undissolved due to concentrating the water injection ports 371, 372, 373 on one side, by increasing the width W2 of the surface, i.e., the first right - hand surface part 431, facing the water injection ports 371, 372 of the detergent input part 401, the dimensions of the water injection ports 371, 372 can be increased. That is, since a configuration is adopted such that a large amount of water can flow from the water injection ports 371, 372 at once, the remaining undissolved powdered washing detergent can be suppressed. Also, it is assumed that not only tap water but also bath water can be used as the external water source. Since the width W2 of the first right - hand surface part 431 facing the water injection ports 371, 372 of the detergent input part 401 is set large, a plurality of water injection ports 37, i.e., the first water injection port 371 for tap water and the second water injection port 372 for bath water, can be provided facing the first right - hand surface part 431.

[0073] The finishing agent input section 402 has a siphon mechanism composed of a drain tube 48 and a cap member 49 near the third surface portion, that is, in this case, the second left surface portion 422, facing the second surface portion, that is, in this case, the second right surface portion 432. The width W3 in the front-rear direction of the third surface portion of the finishing agent input section 402, that is, in this case, the second left surface portion 422, is set to be larger than the width W4 in the front-rear direction of the second surface portion of the finishing agent input section 402, that is, in this case, the second right surface portion 432.

[0074] The width in the front-rear direction, that is, the depth, of the finishing agent input section 402 gradually increases from the water injection port 37 side, that is, in this case, the right side, toward the anti-water injection port side 37, that is, in this case, the left side. On the other hand, the width in the front-rear direction, that is, the depth, of the detergent input section 401 gradually decreases from the water injection port 37 side, that is, in this case, the right side, toward the anti-water injection port 37 side, that is, in this case, the left side. Therefore, compared with the case where the depth is set to be constant, the size of the cap member 49 can be increased. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to attach and detach the cap member 49 during cleaning or the like. Therefore, the washing machine 10 can improve the operability and convenience for the user.

[0075] Also, the cross-sectional area of the finishing agent input section 402 increases as it advances from the third water injection port 373 toward the anti-water injection port 37 side, that is, from the right side to the left side. The water injected into the finishing agent input section 402 from the third water injection port 373 gradually reduces its flow velocity as it advances inside the finishing agent input section 402 toward the anti-water injection port 37 side, that is, in this case, the left side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of splashing from the finishing agent input section 402 and wetting the periphery of the washing machine 10, or water getting on the electrical components and causing problems. Furthermore, since the depth of the detergent input section 401 becomes narrower on the anti-water injection port 37 side, that is, the left side, the possibility of small items falling out from the lower opening 47 can be reduced compared with the case where the depth is set to be constant. Therefore, the washing machine 10 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0076] Here, in order to make the entire product more compact, or by providing both the treatment agent case 40 and the treatment agent tank 50 within the housing portion 31, etc., the dimensions of the treatment agent case 40 become smaller, and the area of the upper opening into which the user inserts things tends to become narrower. In this case, especially when pouring powdered detergent into the detergent inlet 401, there is a possibility of spillage towards the fabric softener inlet side.

[0077] In contrast, the treatment agent case 40 has a rising portion 461 that extends to a position higher than the upper ends of the water inlets 371, 372, 373 between the detergent inlet 401 and the fabric softener inlet 402. The rising portion 461 extends at least to the center of the treatment agent case 40 in the left - right direction from between the first surface portion facing the water inlets 371, 372, 373 of the treatment agent case 40, that is, the first right surface portion 431 in this case, and the second surface portion, that is, the second right surface portion 432 in this case.

[0078] When the user pours detergent into the detergent inlet 401, it is natural to pour it into the portion near the wide water inlet 37, that is, the center side of the washing machine 10, which is the right side in this case. Since the rising portion 461 is provided at least in the portion of the treatment agent case 40 near the water inlet 37, when the user pours the washing treatment agent, especially powdered detergent, into the detergent inlet 401, scattering towards the fabric softener inlet 402 can be suppressed. Furthermore, on both sides sandwiching the rising portion 461, that is, in front of and behind the rising portion 461 in this case, a space wide enough for the user's fingers to fit is formed. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to perform operations such as pinching the rising portion 461 to detach the treatment agent case 40. Thus, the washing machine 10 can improve the operability and convenience for the user.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the height position of the upper end portion of the rising portion 461 from the floor surface is generally set to be the same as the height positions of the upper end portions of the front portion 41, the left side portion 42, and the back portion 44 from the floor surface, but it is not limited thereto. The height position of the upper end portion of the rising portion 461 from the floor surface may be set higher than the height positions of the upper end portions of the front portion 41, the left side portion 42, and the back portion 44 from the floor surface. Furthermore, in at least a part of the rising portion 461, the height position of the upper end portion from the floor surface may be set higher than the height positions of the upper end portions of the front portion 41, the left side portion 42, and the back portion 44 from the floor surface.

[0080] The detergent input portion 401 has a stepped portion 443 and a lower back portion 442 on the back portion 44 facing the rising portion 461. The stepped portion 443 extends from the first surface, that is, the first right surface portion 431 in this case, to the fourth surface facing the first right surface portion 431, that is, the first left surface portion 421 in this case. The lower back portion 442 forms an inclined surface that descends from the stepped portion 443 toward the lower opening 47. In a side view, the inclination angle of the stepped portion 443 is set to be gentler than the inclination angle of the lower back portion 442.

[0081] According to this, a part of the water injected from the water injection ports 371 and 372 into the detergent input portion 401 flows along the stepped portion 443 to the surface portion on the side of the anti-water injection port 37, that is, the first left surface portion 421 in this case. The water reaching the first left surface portion 421 can wash away the detergent adhering to the first left surface portion 421. Therefore, the remaining undissolved detergent can be suppressed, and the washing machine 10 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0082] Note that the stepped portion 443 is inclined so as to descend from the side of the water injection port 37 toward the side of the anti-water injection port 37. Therefore, the water can flow more easily along the inclination of the stepped portion 443 to the first left surface portion 421 on the side of the anti-water injection port 37.

[0083] The fourth surface, that is, the first left surface portion 421 in this case, forms an inclined portion 4212 that descends from at least the height position where it is connected to the stepped portion 443 toward the lower opening 47. In this case, the upper end portion of the inclined portion 4212 is connected near the lower end portion of the stepped portion 443.

[0084] As a result, the water that has reached the first left surface portion 421 on the side of the anti-water injection port 37 along the stepped portion 443 flows along the inclined portion 4212 to the lower opening 47, and is discharged from the lower opening 47 to the outside of the treatment agent case 40. Therefore, the washing machine 10 can smoothly discharge water from the detergent input section 401, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0085] With the treatment agent case 40 housed in the housing portion 31, at least a part of the plurality of water injection ports 371, 372, 373, in this case the water injection port 372, is set such that the position of the lower end portion is below the upper end portion of the surface portion (in this case the right surface portion 43) facing the water injection port 37 of the treatment agent case 40.

[0086] According to this, a part of the water injected into the housing portion 31 from the water injection ports 371, 372, 373 flows into the treatment agent case 40, and the remaining part reaches the bottom 36 of the housing portion 31 through the outside of the treatment agent case 40. The water that has passed through the inside of the treatment agent case 40 and the water that has passed through the outside of the treatment agent case 40 then merge at the bottom 36 and are supplied from the housing portion outlet 38 to the water tank 12. The water that passes through the outside of the treatment agent case 40 flushes away the washing treatment agent spilled outside the treatment agent case 40. Also, the water that passes through the outside of the treatment agent case 40 flushes away the upstream side, i.e., the side of the water injection port 37, of the bottom 36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing treatment agent remaining melted in the treatment agent case 40 or the housing portion 31 from adhering. Thus, the washing machine 10 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0087] (Second Embodiment) Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The washing machine 10 of the second embodiment includes a fourth water injection port 60 instead of the first water injection port 371 as compared with the first embodiment. The fourth water injection port 60 has a different height dimension in the vertical direction compared with the first water injection port 371, but the other configurations and functions are the same. The fourth water injection port 60 faces the detergent input section 401 and supplies water to the detergent input section 401 with the treatment agent case 40 housed in the housing portion 31. The fourth water injection port 60 constitutes a part of the first water supply path 221.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 12, the height position of the lower end of the fourth water injection port 60 from the floor surface is set lower than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface, similar to the second water injection port 372. That is, in the state where the treatment agent case 40 is accommodated in the accommodation part 31, a part of the fourth water injection port 60 is exposed and a part is covered by the treatment agent case 40. Therefore, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened to the first water supply path 221 side and water flows into the first water supply path 221, the water that has reached the fourth water injection port 60 through the water supply pipe 24 is partly injected into the charging part 401 through above the upper end of the first right side surface 431, and the remaining part flows down to the second bottom part 362 through between the first right side surface 431 and the right wall part 353 of the accommodation part 31. At this time, the water that has not been injected into the charging part 401 from the fourth water injection port 60 washes away the washing treatment agent adhering to the outside of the right side surface 43 of the treatment agent case 40 or the wall part 35 of the accommodation part 31 by dripping or overflowing. Also in this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved.

[0089] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the height position of the lower end of the second water injection port 372 from the floor surface is set lower than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface. However, in other embodiments, the height position of the lower end of the second water injection port 372 from the floor surface may be set to be equal to or higher than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface. Also, in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the height position of the lower end of the third water injection port 373 from the floor surface may be set lower than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface. That is, when there are a plurality of water injection ports 37, for at least one water injection port 37, the height position of the lower end from the floor surface is set lower than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface, and for the other water injection ports 37, the height position of the lower end from the floor surface may be set to be equal to or higher than the height position of the upper end of the right side surface 431 from the floor surface.

[0090] As described above, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0091] 10... Washing machine (clothes processing apparatus), 11... Outer box, 111... Top surface portion, 12... Water tank, 22... Water supply path, 221... First water supply path (water supply path), 222... Second water supply path (water supply path), 223... Third water supply path (water supply path), 31... Storage portion, 34... Opening, 37... Water injection port, 371... First water injection port (water injection port), 372... Second water injection port (water injection port), 373... Third water injection port (water injection port), 38... Storage portion outlet, 40... Treatment agent case, 401... Detergent input portion, 402... Finishing agent input portion, 41... Front portion (facial portion), 42... Left facial portion (facial portion), 421... First left facial portion (facial portion, fourth facial portion), 4211... Upper left facial portion, 4212... Inclined portion, 422... Second left facial portion (facial portion, third facial portion), 43... Right facial portion (facial portion), 431... First right facial portion (facial portion, first facial portion), 432... Second right facial portion (facial portion, second facial portion), 44... Rear facial portion (facial portion), 441... Upper rear facial portion (facial portion), 442... Lower rear facial portion (facial portion), 443... Step portion (facial portion), 45... Bottom portion, 46... Partition portion, 461... Upright portion, 47... Lower opening, 48... Drainage cylinder, 49... Cap member, 50... Treatment agent tank, 60... Fourth water injection port (water injection port)

Claims

1. An outer box formed in a box shape, A water tank provided inside the outer box, A storage portion provided inside the outer box and having an opening formed by opening the top surface portion of the outer box, A treatment agent case formed in a container shape and detachably accommodated in the storage portion, A clothing treatment apparatus comprising a water supply path for supplying water from an external water source to the storage portion, The treatment agent case has a lower opening provided at the lower portion, The storage portion has a plurality of water injection ports that serve as inlets for water from the water supply path, The plurality of water injection ports are provided on the wall portion on the center side of the clothing treatment apparatus in the left - right direction of the storage portion, The treatment agent case has a detergent input portion and a finishing agent input portion arranged side by side in the front - rear direction, and each of the detergent input portion and the finishing agent input portion has a surface facing the water injection port, The width of the first surface facing the water injection port of the detergent input portion is set wider than the width of the second surface facing the water injection port of the finishing agent input portion, The treatment agent case has a stepped portion that inclines toward the inside of the treatment agent case on the surface constituting the outer periphery of the treatment agent case, At least a part of the stepped portion is located below the water injection port, A part of the water injected from the water injection port flows along the stepped portion, Clothing treatment apparatus.

2. An outer box formed in a box shape, A water tank provided inside the outer box, A storage portion provided inside the outer box and having an opening formed by opening the top surface portion of the outer box, A treatment agent case formed in a container shape and detachably accommodated in the storage portion, A clothing treatment apparatus comprising a water supply path for supplying water from an external water source to the storage portion, The treatment agent case has a lower opening provided at the lower portion, The storage portion has a plurality of water injection ports that serve as inlets for water from the water supply path, The plurality of water injection ports are provided on the wall portion on the center side of the clothing treatment apparatus in the left - right direction of the storage portion, The treatment agent case has a detergent input portion and a finishing agent input portion arranged side by side in the front - rear direction, and each of the detergent input portion and the finishing agent input portion has a surface facing the water injection port, The width of the first surface facing the water injection port of the detergent input portion is set wider than the width of the second surface facing the water injection port of the finishing agent input portion, In a state where the treatment agent case is accommodated in the storage portion, at least one of the plurality of water injection ports is set such that the position of the lower end portion is lower than the upper end portion of the surface facing the water injection port of the treatment agent case. Clothing treatment device.

3. The finishing agent input section has a siphon mechanism composed of a drain tube and a cap member near a third surface portion facing the second surface portion, The width in the front-rear direction of the third surface portion of the finishing agent input section is set to be larger than the width in the front-rear direction of the second surface portion of the finishing agent input section The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage section has a second water injection port for bath water, The second water injection port faces the first surface portion, The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The treatment agent case has a rising portion that extends to a position higher than the upper end of the water injection port between the detergent input section and the finishing agent input section, The rising portion extends from between the first surface portion and the second surface portion facing the water injection port of the treatment agent case to at least the center in the left-right direction of the treatment agent case. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The detergent input section has a stepped portion and a lower back surface portion on the back surface portion facing the rising portion, The stepped portion extends from the first surface portion to a fourth surface portion facing the first surface portion, The lower back surface portion forms an inclined surface that descends from the stepped portion toward the lower opening, In a side view, the inclination angle of the stepped portion is set to be gentler than the inclination angle of the lower back surface portion. The clothing treatment device according to claim 5.

7. The storage section has a storage section outlet communicating with the water tank at a position that does not overlap with the treatment agent case in a plan view, The treatment agent case has a surface portion constituting the outer periphery of the treatment agent case, The position of the lower opening is provided in a region other than the region where the storage section outlet is extended in the direction in which the storage section outlet and the treatment agent case are aligned in a plan view when the treatment agent case is housed in the storage section. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A treatment agent tank configured to store an amount of laundry treatment agent for multiple operations and detachably housed in the storage section, An automatic input device that sucks a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent from the treatment agent tank and automatically supplies it to the water tank, The treatment agent tank has a handle portion, In a state where the treatment agent case and the treatment agent tank are housed in the storage section, the upper back surface portion of the treatment agent case and the handle portion are adjacent to each other, and a part of the handle portion is exposed when viewed from the treatment agent case side. The clothing treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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