Clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which has devised a positional relationship between an automatic input part, a water pouring case and a water supply valve unit, and which can sufficiently secure the capacity of a tank.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: an outer case for constituting an outer contour; a clothing treatment tub provided inside the outer case, and for storing clothing; an automatic input part for inputting a clothing treatment agent stored in a tank into the clothing treatment tub; a water pouring case for pouring water in the water treatment tub; and a water supply valve unit for supplying water in the water pouring case and the automatic input part. The automatic input part, the water pouring case and the water supply valve unit are arranged side by side along the lateral direction of the outer case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, in order to meet the demands of users for improved convenience, washing machines, which are an example of clothing treatment devices that perform predetermined treatments on clothing, have been developed with configurations that include an automatic dispensing unit 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 water tub during operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-74081 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In washing machines equipped with such an automatic dispensing function, it is necessary to devise creative solutions to the relative positions of the automatic dispensing unit and components other than the automatic dispensing unit, such as the water filling case and water supply valve unit, so that the tank capacity is not restricted within the limited space inside the outer box.

[0005] Therefore, this embodiment provides a clothing processing device that has been ingeniously designed with regard to the relative positions of the automatic insertion section, water injection case, and water supply valve unit, thereby ensuring sufficient tank capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing treatment device of this embodiment comprises an outer box forming an outer shell, a clothing treatment tank provided inside the outer box for storing clothing, an automatic dispenser for discharging clothing treatment agent stored in a tank to a mixing section, a water injection case for pouring water into the clothing treatment tank, and a water supply valve unit for supplying water to the water injection case and the mixing section, the outer box being configured with a top cover attached to the top of a rectangular box-shaped outer box main body with an open top, a clothing entrance / exit for putting in and taking out clothing provided in the center of the top cover, and a machine chamber provided behind the clothing entrance / exit in the space within the top cover, the machine chamber forming a horizontally elongated space extending in the left-right direction of the outer box behind the clothing entrance / exit, the automatic insertion unit, the water injection case, and the water supply valve unit are accommodated inside the machine room, The clothing treatment tank is a cylindrical container with a bottom and an open top, with a central axis of rotation extending vertically. The mixing section is located behind the automatic dispensing section and mixes the clothing treatment agent supplied from the tank with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit. The water supply case is positioned between the automatic dispensing section and the water supply valve unit in the horizontal direction, which is the left-right direction of the outer box. The direction in which water flows in the path from the water supply valve unit to the mixing section is different from the direction in which water flows in the path from the mixing section to the water supply case. The water supplied from the water supply valve unit flows into the mixing section from the path from the water supply valve unit to the mixing section, and then flows out into the water supply case via the path from the mixing section to the water supply case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an upper portion of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an automatic feeding device and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of a water injection case according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a water injection case according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a water supply valve unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a rear part of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (part 2) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the present embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view (part 3) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the present embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the present embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration example of the rear part of the washing machine according to the present embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) showing a schematic configuration example of a case that houses a tank according to the present embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view (part 2) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a case that houses a tank according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a case that houses the tank main body according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom side. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic cross section of an example of the configuration of an automatic feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a detergent tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a detergent tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a softener tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a fabric softener tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a case in which the detergent tank is attached to and detached from the case according to the embodiment; [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a fabric softener case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of a supply port according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear portion of the tank according to the present embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the rear portion of the tank according to the present embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a case that houses a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a front view (part 1) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment; [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a front view (part 2) schematically illustrating a configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a clothing treatment device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical-axis washing machine, in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically. The washing machine 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device capable of performing predetermined processes on clothing, in this case, a washing process for washing clothing, a rinsing process for rinsing clothing, and a dehydration process for dehydrating clothing. The washing machine 1 includes a water tub 3 inside an outer case 2 that forms the outer shell of the device body. The water tub 3 is an example of a clothing treatment tub that holds clothing and has a bottomed, cylindrical shape with an open top. A rotatable rotating tub (not shown) is provided inside the water tub 3, which is also cylindrical and bottomed and open at its top. A rotatable pulsator (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the rotating tub for agitating the clothing in the rotating tub and the water in the water tub 3. A balance ring (not shown) is provided at the top of the water tub 3 to suppress vibration of the water tub 3. An inner lid may or may not be provided on the top opening of the water tub 3.

[0009] The outer box 2 is configured with a top cover 2B attached to the top of an outer box main body 2A that is a generally rectangular box with an open top. A clothes opening 4 for loading and unloading clothes is provided in the approximate center of the top cover 2B. This clothes opening 4 is opened and closed by a lid 5 that is pivotally attached to the top of the outer box 2. The washing machine 1 also has a machine chamber 6 located at the rear of the outer box 2. In this case, the machine chamber 6 is located behind the clothes opening 4 within the space inside the top cover 2B. Various drive system components such as an automatic dispenser 100, a water supply case 200, and a water supply valve unit 300 are housed inside the machine chamber 6. The automatic dispenser 100 is an example of an automatic dispenser, and is a device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of clothing treatment agent into the water tub 3 together with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 during, for example, a well-known washing operation to wash clothes.

[0010] Next, an example of the configuration inside the machine chamber 6 will be described in detail. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the machine chamber 6 forms a horizontally elongated space extending in the left-right direction of the outer case 2 behind the laundry opening / closing port 4. Inside the machine chamber 6, the automatic dispenser 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side along the width of the outer case 2. Inside the machine chamber 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged to the side of the water supply case 200, in this case, to the right when viewed from the front of the washing machine 1. Inside the machine chamber 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged forward of the rear ends of the automatic dispenser 100 and the water supply case 200. In this case, the entire water supply valve unit 300 is located forward of the rear ends of the automatic dispenser 100 and the water supply case 200. Note that the water supply valve unit 300 may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof is located forward of the rear ends of the automatic dispenser 100 and the water supply case 200.

[0011] Additionally, within machine chamber 6, water injection case 200 is positioned between automatic dispensing device 100 and water supply valve unit 300 in the horizontal direction of outer casing 2. In other words, water injection case 200 is positioned between automatic dispensing device 100 and water supply valve unit 300 in the horizontal direction of outer casing 2. A water level sensor 400 is also housed within machine chamber 6. Water level sensor 400 is housed to the side of water supply valve unit 300, in this case, in a space to the right as viewed from the front of washing machine 1. Water level sensor 400 is connected via an air tube to an air trap (not shown) located below water tub 3, and is able to detect the water level in water tub 3 by detecting the air pressure in the air trap, which fluctuates in response to changes in the water level in water tub 3.

[0012] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the automatic dosing device 100. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the automatic dosing device 100 is located on the left side of the rear part of the top cover 2B, more specifically, on the left side of the machine chamber 6.

[0013] The automatic dispensing device 100 includes a case housing 101 having a generally rectangular box shape and an open front. The case housing 101 is firmly fixed, for example, by screws, to a metal bottom plate 6a that constitutes the bottom of the machine chamber 6. This makes the case housing 101 immovable relative to the main body of the washing machine 1. The open front of the case housing 101 is fixed to the rear wall of the clothes opening 4 and opens forward at the rear wall of the clothes opening 4. As will be described in detail later, a generally rectangular box-shaped case 102 having an open top is housed within the case housing 101 so as to be removable along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1. The case 102 also detachably houses multiple tanks, in this case, a detergent tank 103 and a fabric softener tank 104.

[0014] The detergent tank 103 stores detergent, an example of a clothing treatment agent, for washing the clothes in the tub 3. The detergent tank 103 is a treatment agent tank in the shape of a substantially rectangular container, sized and shaped to be able to store enough detergent for multiple runs. Detergent can be replenished into the detergent tank 103 by opening a supply port 142 provided at the top of the tank 103. On the other hand, the fabric softener tank 104 stores fabric softener, an example of a clothing treatment agent, for softening the clothes in the tub 3. The fabric softener tank 104 is a treatment agent tank in the shape of a substantially rectangular container, sized and shaped to be able to store enough fabric softener for multiple runs. Fabric softener can be replenished into the fabric softener tank 104 by opening a supply port 152 provided at the top of the tank 104.

[0015] Automatic dispensing device 100 also includes a detergent metering pump 105 and a fabric softener metering pump 106 behind case storage section 101. Detergent metering pump 105 is a pump configured to draw in and discharge liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. Detergent metering pump 105 draws in a predetermined amount of detergent, in this case an amount for one run, from detergent tank 103 housed in case storage section 101, and discharges the drawn-in detergent from outlet 105a into automatic dispensing path 107. Outlet 105a is provided so as to face downward from the bottom of detergent metering pump 105.

[0016] Fabric softener metering pump 106 is a pump configured to suck in and discharge liquid by driving a piston with, for example, a motor or a solenoid. Fabric softener metering pump 106 sucks in a predetermined amount of fabric softener, in this case an amount for one operation, from fabric softener tank 104 housed in case housing portion 101, and discharges the sucked fabric softener from outlet 106a into automatic dispensing path 107. Outlet 106a is provided at the bottom of fabric softener metering pump 106 and faces downward.

[0017] The detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106 are both examples of drive means controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1.

[0018] Automatic dispensing path 107 constitutes a water supply path for automatic dispensing that connects water supply valve unit 300 to water supply case 200 via mixing section 108. Mixing section 108 is located at the rear of automatic dispensing device 100, below detergent metering pump 105 and fabric softener metering pump 106. Mixing section 108 has an internal space that serves as a mixing chamber for mixing the laundry treatment agent supplied from detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104 with the water supplied from water supply valve unit 300. The upper part of mixing section 108 is provided with multiple (in this case, two) connection ports 108a and 108b that communicate with the internal mixing chamber. Connection ports 108a and 108b are provided facing upward from the top of mixing section 108.

[0019] Of these, one connection port 108a is connected to outlet 105a of detergent metering pump 105, and the other connection port 108b is connected to outlet 106a of fabric softener metering pump 106. Therefore, the detergent discharged from outlet 105a of detergent metering pump 105 is introduced into the mixing chamber from connection port 108a, and the fabric softener discharged from outlet 106a of fabric softener metering pump 106 is introduced into the mixing chamber from connection port 108b.

[0020] Mixing section 108 also has an upstream connection section provided above and a downstream connection section provided below. The upstream connection section is connected to water supply valve unit 300 via upstream connection path 109. The downstream connection section is connected to water injection case 200 via downstream connection path 110. Water supplied from water supply valve unit 300 flows into the mixing chamber of mixing section 108 from upstream connection path 109 via the upstream connection section, and then flows out from the downstream connection section via downstream connection path 110 into water injection case 200.

[0021] In this way, as the water supplied from water supply valve unit 300 flows through mixer 108 to water supply case 200, the water supplied from water supply valve unit 300 is mixed with the laundry treatment agent supplied from detergent metering pump 105 and fabric softener metering pump 106 in the mixing chamber of mixer 108. As a result, water mixed with laundry treatment agent is supplied to water supply case 200. The water containing laundry treatment agent supplied to water supply case 200 is then supplied from water supply case 200 into water tub 3.

[0022] As described above, the automatic dispensing device 100 is configured to automatically dispense a predetermined amount of clothing treatment agent, for example, for one operation, into the water tub 3 along with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 during, for example, a well-known washing operation to wash clothes.

[0023] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the water injection case 200. The water injection case 200 is a component that mainly pours water into the water tub 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water injection case 200 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped case housing 201 with an open front. This case housing 201 is firmly fixed, for example, by screws, to a metal bottom plate 6a that forms the bottom of the machine chamber 6. The open front of the case housing 201 is fixed to the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4 and opens forward at the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4. A substantially rectangular box-shaped case 202 with an open top is housed within the case housing 201 so as to be removable along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, multiple manual laundry treatment dispensers, in this case, a manual detergent dispenser 203 and a manual fabric softener dispenser 204, are integrally provided within the case 202.

[0024] The manual detergent dispenser 203 is an example of a manual dispenser for a user to manually dispense a detergent, and the manual fabric softener dispenser 204 is an example of a manual dispenser for a user to manually dispense a fabric softener.

[0025] Top surface 205 of water injection case 200 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear to the front. Also, top surface 205 of water injection case 200 is formed with a plurality of flow paths for flowing water supplied from water supply valve unit 300, such as a detergent flow path for supplying water to manual detergent dispenser 203, a fabric softener flow path for supplying water to manual fabric softener dispenser 204, and a bath water flow path for flowing bath water. In other words, water supply valve unit 300 is also connected to water injection case 200, and is configured to be able to supply water to water injection case 200 as well.

[0026] The water supplied from water supply valve unit 300 flows through a flow path on top surface 205 of water supply case 200 and is supplied to manual detergent dispenser 203 or manual fabric softener dispenser 204 within water supply case 200. The water supplied to manual detergent dispenser 203 or manual fabric softener dispenser 204 dissolves the detergent in manual detergent dispenser 203 or the fabric softener in manual fabric softener dispenser 204. The water in which the detergent or fabric softener has been dissolved within water supply case 200 is supplied from water supply case 200 into water tub 3. In this way, washing machine 1 is configured to be able to supply a clothing treatment agent manually added by the user into water tub 3 together with water.

[0027] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the water supply valve unit 300. The water supply valve unit 300 is a component that mainly supplies water to the automatic dosing device 100 and the water filling case 200. As shown in Fig. 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is configured to integrally include multiple water supply valves, in this case three water supply valves 301, 302, and 303. Water is supplied to these water supply valves 301, 302, and 303 from a water source (not shown), such as a water tap.

[0028] Of these, water supply valve 301 is a water supply valve for supplying water into manual detergent dispenser 203 of water dispenser case 200, and water supply inlet 301a is connected to a detergent flow path provided on top surface 205 of water dispenser case 200. Water supply valve 302 is a water supply valve for supplying water into manual fabric softener dispenser 204 of water dispenser case 200, and water supply inlet 302a is connected to a fabric softener flow path provided on top surface 205 of water dispenser case 200. Water supply valve 303 is a water supply valve for supplying water to mixer 108, and water supply inlet 303a is connected to the upstream connection part of mixer 108 via mixer water supply path 304 and the above-mentioned upstream connection path 109. Water supply inlet 303a of water supply valve 303 is an example of a mixer water supply inlet.

[0029] Mixing unit water supply path 304 is a component for connecting water supply port 303a of water supply valve 303 to mixing unit 108. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5, mixing unit water supply path 304 passes between top surface 205 of water injection case 200 and manual detergent dispenser 203 and manual fabric softener dispenser 204. Mixing unit water supply path 304 also passes through water injection case 200 in the lateral direction of outer box 2. Mixing unit water supply path 304 also extends linearly inside water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, a well-known bath water pump 305 is provided near water supply valve unit 300. Bath water pump 305 draws in bath water stored in a bathtub or other container provided outside washing machine 1 and supplies it to the bath water flow path of water supply case 200. The bath water supplied to water supply case 200 is then supplied to manual detergent dispenser 203, where it dissolves the detergent in manual detergent dispenser 203. The bath water with the dissolved detergent is then supplied from water supply case 200 into water tub 3. In this way, washing machine 1 can also supply a clothing treatment agent manually added by the user into water tub 3 along with the bath water.

[0031] In the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction of the outer casing 2. The bath water pump 305 is positioned in front of the water supply valve unit 300. In this case, the entire bath water pump 305 is positioned in front of the water supply valve unit 300. However, the bath water pump 305 may also be arranged so that at least a portion of it is positioned in front of the water supply valve unit 300.

[0032] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the automatic dispensing device 100, particularly the case storage section 101, the case 102, the detergent tank 103, and the fabric softener tank 104. As shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 12, the automatic dispensing device 100 is configured such that a substantially rectangular box-shaped case 102 is stored inside a substantially rectangular box-shaped case storage section 101 so that the case 102 can be pulled out.

[0033] 13 to 15, the case 102 includes a case main body 120 that is substantially in the shape of a rectangular box with an open top. The interior of the case main body 120 is configured to accommodate a plurality of tanks, in this case the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104. The interior of the case main body 120 is also configured to accommodate the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 lined up in the horizontal direction.

[0034] A front wall 121 is provided at the front of the case main body 120. The upper end of the front wall 121 is higher than the upper end of the case main body 120. Viewing windows 122, 123 are provided at both lateral ends of the front wall 121. Both of the viewing windows 122, 123 penetrate the front wall 121 in the front-to-rear direction. In this case, the viewing windows 122, 123 have a rectangular shape that is long in the up-down direction. Of these, the viewing window 122 is a viewing window for checking the remaining amount of detergent, which allows the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 103 housed in the case main body 120 to be visually confirmed. On the other hand, the viewing window 123 is a viewing window for checking the remaining amount of fabric softener, which allows the remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case main body 120 to be visually confirmed.

[0035] Furthermore, rails 124 are provided on both lateral sides of case main body 120, extending linearly along the direction in which case 102 is pulled out. In this case, rails 124 are provided linearly along the upper end of case main body 120.

[0036] 16, the case 102 is provided with a hanging portion 102A. In this case, the hanging portion 102A is provided on the lower part of the front wall portion 121. The hanging portion 102A is provided at the center in the horizontal direction of the lower part of the front wall portion 121. The hanging portion 102A is provided in the shape of a rectangular recess that is long in the horizontal direction.

[0037] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the case 102, in this case the bottom surface of the case main body 120, is provided with a plurality of protrusions 126 (two in this case) located on the front side. The protrusions 126 are provided on both lateral sides of the hanging portion 102A. The front surface of the protrusions 126 is formed in a flat shape along the front wall portion 121. The area behind the front surface of the protrusions 126 forms an inclined portion that gradually rises from the front to the rear. In this case, the inclined portion is formed by a plurality of ribs extending in the front-to-rear direction. The protrusions 126 configured in this manner function as an example of a closure promoting portion, as will be described in detail later.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 17 , a stopper 125 is provided on the rail portion 124 of the case 102. In this case, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the center of the rail portion 124 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the stopper 125 is provided on the lower side of the rail portion 124. The stopper 125 is also provided rearward of the rear ends of the supply ports 142 and 152 when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is also provided rearward of the rear ends of the lids 149 and 159, which are in a closed state when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is configured as a flat wall perpendicular to the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out relative to the case housing portion 101, in other words, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail portion 124. The rail portion 124 of the case 102 does not have a stopper or a component equivalent to a stopper at the rear of the stopper 125 on the lower side thereof.

[0039] Meanwhile, a groove 129 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the case housing portion 101, extending linearly in the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out. A protrusion 130 formed in an upwardly protruding shape is provided at the front end of the groove 129. The protrusion 130 is an example of a locking portion. When the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing portion 101, the stopper 125 on the case 102 side locks with the protrusion 130 on the case housing portion 101 side from the rear side at a position where the case 102 has been pulled out a predetermined amount. This restricts the amount of pulling of the case 102 out of the case housing portion 101 to the predetermined amount at which the stopper 125 locks with the protrusion 130.

[0040] In addition, in an engaged state in which stopper 125 is engaged with protrusion 130, in other words, in a state in which case 102 has been pulled out a predetermined amount from case housing portion 101, tanks 103, 104 cannot be removed from case 102. That is, in an engaged state in which stopper 125 is engaged with protrusion 130, a portion of tanks 103, 104, in this case, the rear portion, is housed inside case housing portion 101. In addition, in an engaged state in which stopper 125 is engaged with protrusion 130, a distance D1 from the upper end of the front portion to the lower end of the rear portion of the portion of tanks 103, 104 housed in case housing portion 101 is greater than a distance D2 from the bottom surface of case 102 to the upper surface of case housing portion 101. Therefore, when the stopper 125 is locked with the protrusion 130, if an attempt is made to remove the tanks 103, 104 from the case 102, the upper surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 will come into contact with the upper surface of the case storage section 101, causing interference, and thus the tanks 103, 104 cannot be removed from the case 102.

[0041] Further, abutment portion 131 is provided on rail portion 124 of case 102. In this case, abutment portion 131 is provided at a position rearward of the center portion of rail portion 124 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, abutment portion 131 is provided on the upper side of rail portion 124. Further, abutment portion 131 is provided at a position at the rearmost end of rail portion 124. Further, abutment portion 131 is formed in an upwardly convex shape. When rail portion 124 is slidably housed in groove portion 129, a tip end of abutment portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of groove portion 129.

[0042] In particular, contact portion 131 contacts the upper surface of groove portion 129 even when case 102 has been pulled out a predetermined amount from case housing portion 101. This prevents case 102 from tilting downward at the front due to the weight of case 102 itself and the weight of tanks 103 and 104 housed within case 102. This in turn prevents case 102 from falling out of case housing portion 101 due to its own weight.

[0043] Here, distance D3 between stopper 125 on case 102 side and abutment portion 131 on case housing portion 101 side is longer than distance D4 between the upper surface of case housing portion 101 and the upper surface of groove portion 129. With this configuration, when case 102 attempts to tilt downward forward after being pulled out a predetermined amount from case housing portion 101, abutment portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of groove portion 129, thereby sufficiently resisting the descent. This more reliably prevents case 102 from falling off. Note that washing machine 1 may be configured without abutment portion 131. With this configuration, case 102 attempts to tilt downward forward when the amount of pullout from case housing portion 101 reaches the predetermined amount, making it easier to remove case 102 from case housing portion 101.

[0044] Next, exemplary configurations of the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, the detergent tank 103 is configured by combining a tank main body 140 and a cover 141. The tank main body 140 constitutes the main body of the detergent tank 103 and, as illustrated in FIG. 15, has a generally rectangular container shape with an open top. A space capable of storing detergent is provided inside the tank main body 140. The cover 141 is detachably attached to the top of the tank main body 140 and closes the top opening of the tank main body 140. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the cover 141 has a refill port 142 for refilling the detergent into the inside of the detergent tank 103, more specifically, into the inside of the tank main body 140. In this case, the refill port 142 opens in a generally rectangular shape at the front side of the cover 141.

[0045] The detergent tank 103 has a grip portion 143. The grip portion 143 is provided in a semicircular recessed shape recessed inward on a surface forming the outer shell of the detergent tank 103, in this case, on the side surface of the tank main body 140. The grip portion 143 also extends linearly on the surface forming the outer shell of the detergent tank 103, in this case, on the side surface of the tank main body 140. More specifically, the grip portion 143 extends linearly between the upper and lower ends of the side surface of the tank main body 140 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the grip portion 143 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body 140, and the lower end of the grip portion 143 reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 140. The grip portion 143 is also provided to the side of a supply port 142 provided in the cover portion 141. The grip portion 143 may be provided at a position away from the side of the supply port 142 provided on the cover portion 141, for example, in front of or behind the side of the supply port 142.

[0046] The grip portion 143 is provided on one of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 140. In this case, the grip portion 143 is provided on the surface that faces the inner side when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102, i.e., the surface that faces the fabric softener tank 104. Note that the detergent tank 103 may also be provided with the grip portion 143 on the other of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 140, in this case, the surface that faces the outer side when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102, i.e., the surface that faces the fabric softener tank 104. Alternatively, the detergent tank 103 may be provided with the grip portion 143 on both of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 140.

[0047] 15, the grip portion 143 is provided so as to press the side surface of the tank main body 140 inward without changing the thickness of the tank main body 140. Therefore, it is possible to store detergent in the tank main body 140 in the peripheral areas including the front and rear of the grip portion 143.

[0048] The detergent tank 103 further includes a hanging part 144. In this case, the hanging part 144 is provided on the tank main body 140 that constitutes a part of the detergent tank 103, and more specifically, is provided inside a grip part 143 that is provided on the tank main body 140. The hanging part 144 is a component that allows the user's fingers to be hung on when removing the detergent tank 103 from the case 102. The hanging part 144 is provided in the shape of a flat plate that is perpendicular to the direction in which the grip part 143 extends. The hanging part 144 is provided in a mid-portion of the grip part 143, in this case, above the center in the up-down direction.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the fabric softener tank 104 is configured by combining a tank main body 150 and a cover 151. The tank main body 150 constitutes the main body of the fabric softener tank 104 and, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , has a generally rectangular container shape with an open top. A space capable of storing fabric softener is provided inside the tank main body 150. The cover 151 is detachably attached to the top of the tank main body 150 and closes the top opening of the tank main body 150. As illustrated in FIG. 22 , the cover 151 is provided with a refill port 152 for refilling fabric softener into the interior of the fabric softener tank 104, more specifically, into the interior of the tank main body 150. In this case, the refill port 152 opens in a generally rectangular shape at the front side of the cover 151.

[0050] The fabric softener tank 104 has a grip portion 153. The grip portion 153 is provided in a semicircular recessed shape recessed inward on a surface forming the outer shell of the fabric softener tank 104, in this case, on the side surface of the tank main body 150. The grip portion 153 also extends linearly on the surface forming the outer shell of the fabric softener tank 104, in this case, between one end and the other end of the side surface of the tank main body 150. More specifically, the grip portion 153 extends linearly between the upper and lower ends of the side surface of the tank main body 150 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the grip portion 153 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body 150, and the lower end of the grip portion 153 reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 150. The grip portion 153 is also provided to the side of a supply port 152 provided in the cover portion 151. The grip portion 153 may be provided at a position away from the side of the supply port 152 provided on the cover portion 151, for example, in front of or behind the side of the supply port 152.

[0051] The grip portion 153 is provided on one of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 150. In this case, the grip portion 153 is provided on the surface that faces the inside, i.e., the detergent tank 103, when the fabric softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. The grip portion 153 may be provided on the other of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 150, in this case, the surface that faces the outside, i.e., the surface opposite the detergent tank 103, when the fabric softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. The grip portion 153 may also be provided on both of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction and that form the outer casing of the tank main body 150.

[0052] 15, the grip portion 153 is provided so as to push the side surface of the tank main body 150 inward without changing the thickness of the tank main body 150. Therefore, it is possible to store fabric softener in the tank main body 150 in the peripheral areas including the front and rear of the grip portion 153.

[0053] The fabric softener tank 104 further includes a hanging portion 154. In this case, the hanging portion 154 is provided on the tank main body 150 that constitutes a part of the fabric softener tank 104, and more specifically, is provided inside a grip portion 153 that is provided on the tank main body 150. The hanging portion 154 is a component that allows the user to hang their fingers when removing the fabric softener tank 104 from the case 102. The hanging portion 154 is provided in the shape of a flat plate that is perpendicular to the direction in which the grip portion 153 extends. The hanging portion 154 is provided in a mid-portion of the grip portion 153, in this case, above the center in the up-down direction.

[0054] The detergent tank 103 also has a recess 145 recessed inward in a semicircular shape at a position on the cover part 141 corresponding to the upper part of the grip part 143. In this case, the hanging part 144 is provided directly below this recess 145. The fabric softener tank 104 also has a recess 155 recessed inward in a semicircular shape at a position on the cover part 151 corresponding to the upper part of the grip part 153. In this case, the hanging part 154 is provided directly below this recess 155.

[0055] In this embodiment, the detergent tank 103 has a grip portion 143 and a recess 145 on its surface facing another tank, in this case, the fabric softener tank 104. The detergent tank 103 also has the grip portion 143 and the recess 145 at positions facing the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 of the fabric softener tank 104, which is the other tank. The fabric softener tank 104 also has the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 on its surface facing the other tank, in this case, the detergent tank 103. The fabric softener tank 104 also has the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 at positions facing the grip portion 143 and the recess 145 of the detergent tank 103, which is the other tank.

[0056] According to this configuration, when detergent tank 103 and fabric softener tank 104 are housed in case main body 120 of case 102, semicircularly recessed grip portion 143 and recess 145 face semicircularly recessed grip portion 153 and recess 155, forming a substantially circular space surrounded by grip portion 143, recess 145, and grip portion 153, recess 155. As a result, when removing detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104 from case main body 120 of case 102, the user can insert their fingers into this space and hang their fingers on hanging portion 144 or hanging portion 154, making it easy to remove detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 are provided with recesses 146, 156 that are recessed inward. In this case, the recesses 146, 156 are located at the bottom of the front of the tank main body 140, 150 that constitutes part of the tank 103, 104. The recesses 146, 156 are rectangular recesses. The recess 146 is located inside the tank main body 140, in this case, on the fabric softener tank 104 side. The recess 156 is located inside the tank main body 150, in this case, on the detergent tank 103 side. When the tanks 103, 104 are attached to the case main body 120, the recesses 146, 156 face each other in the lateral direction, thereby forming a space capable of accommodating the hanging portion 102A of the case 102.

[0058] The tanks 103, 104 are also provided with tank-side protrusions 147, 157 in the recesses 146, 156. The tank-side protrusions 147, 157 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude linearly downward from the upper surface of the recesses 146, 156. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the tip of the tank-side protrusion 147 is provided with an elastically deformable clamping piece. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the tip of the tank-side protrusion 157 is also provided with an elastically deformable clamping piece. The protrusion amount of the tank-side protrusions 147, 157 is smaller than the recess amount of the recesses 146, 156. In other words, the tank-side protrusions 147, 157 do not protrude downward below the bottom surface of the tanks 103, 104. That is, although the tanks 103, 104 have tank-side protrusions 147, 157 that protrude downward, the entire tank-side protrusions 147, 157 are contained within the recesses 146, 156, so the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 are maintained flat.

[0059] 23, multiple, in this case two, case-side protrusions 132 are provided inside the case main body 120, positioned behind the hanging portion 102A, separated into left and right. The case-side protrusions 132 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude linearly upward from the bottom surface of the case main body 120. The tip of the case-side protrusion 132 is provided with a circular bulge that can be clamped by the clamping pieces of the tank-side protrusions 147, 157.

[0060] When the tanks 103, 104 are attached to the case main body 120, the hanging portion 102A of the case 102 is fitted into the space formed by the recesses 146, 156. This positions the lower front portions of the tanks 103, 104 in place by the hanging portion 102A. Furthermore, the case-side protrusion 132 on the case 102 side is sandwiched between the tank-side protrusions 147, 157 on the tanks 103, 104 side. This further ensures that the lower front portions of the tanks 103, 104 are positioned.

[0061] Furthermore, the above-mentioned viewing windows 122, 123 are provided at positions that avoid the above-mentioned recesses 146, 156 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case main body 120, in this case, are located laterally outboard of the recesses 146, 156. In the portions of the tanks 103, 104 where the recesses 146, 156 are provided, the clothing treatment agent is stored above the recesses 146, 156, and the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 cannot be accurately reflected or displayed. Therefore, by providing the viewing windows 122, 123 at positions that avoid the recesses 146, 156, the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 can be accurately reflected and displayed in the viewing windows 122, 123.

[0062] 14 and other examples, when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case main body 120, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall constituting the outer periphery of the case main body 120 is lower than the upper surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 housed in the case main body 120. The upper end of the rear wall 120a provided at the rear of the case main body 120 is lower than the lower ends of the pump connectors 148, 158 provided at the rear of the tanks 103, 104. The pump connectors 148, 158 protrude rearward in a cylindrical shape from the rear surfaces of the tanks 103, 104. As described above, the case housing 101 is configured to be immovable relative to the main body of the washing machine 1. When the case 102 housing the detergent tank 103 is pushed into the case housing 101, the pump connector 148 of the detergent tank 103 is connected to the laundry treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the detergent metering pump 105. In addition, the pump connection portion 158 of the fabric softener tank 104 is connected to a clothing treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the fabric softener metering pump 106 when the case 102 containing the fabric softener tank 104 is pushed into the case storage portion 101.

[0063] In this case, the rear wall 120a of the case main body 120 is configured to have a height such that its upper end is separated from the lower ends of the pump connecting portions 148, 158 of the tanks 103, 104. Note that the rear wall 120a of the case main body 120 may also be configured to have a height such that its upper end comes into contact with the lower ends of the pump connecting portions 148, 158 of the tanks 103, 104.

[0064] The detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 further include lids 149, 159 that open and close the refill ports 142, 152. As illustrated in FIG. 25 , the lids 149, 159 integrally include lid main bodies 149a, 159a and insertion portions 149b, 159b. The lid main bodies 149a, 159a are generally rectangular plates that are larger than the refill ports 142, 152. The side end of the lid main bodies 149a, 159a (in this case, the end on the side where the recesses 145, 145 of the cover portions 141, 151 are provided) is positioned outside the recessed portions of the recesses 145, 145 when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where the refill ports 142, 152 are closed.

[0065] Furthermore, pivot shafts 149c, 159c extending laterally are provided at the base ends of the lid main bodies 149a, 159a. Meanwhile, as illustrated in Figure 22, bearings 160, 170 are provided at the rear of the supply ports 142, 152. The pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lid main bodies 149a, 159a are rotatably supported by the bearings 160, 170. The bearings 160, 170 are provided with ventilation holes 160a, 170a that penetrate the cover portions 141, 151 and allow air to pass through.

[0066] The insertion portions 149b, 159b are generally rectangular plate-shaped and larger than the supply ports 142, 152, but smaller than the lid main bodies 149a, 159a. The insertion portions 149b, 159b are inserted into the supply ports 142, 152 when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where the supply ports 142, 152 are closed. Note that when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where the supply ports 142, 152 are closed, the insertion portions 149b, 159b themselves do not come into direct contact with the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142, 152. Gaskets 161, 171 made of, for example, rubber are attached around the insertion portions 149b, 159b. The packings 161, 171 are integrally provided with a packing main body 161a, 171a formed in an approximately rectangular frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the insertion portions 149b, 159b, and packing piece portions 161b, 171b extending outward from the packing main body 161a, 171a.

[0067] When the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state closing the supply ports 142, 152, the packings 161, 171 seal the gaps between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152. More specifically, when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state closing the supply ports 142, 152, the packings 161, 171 seal the gaps formed between the side surfaces of the insertion portions 149b, 159b and the inner surfaces of the supply ports 142, 152 so as to maintain a watertight and airtight state.

[0068] Here, the upper part of the inner surface of supply port 142, 152 is a flat surface extending in the vertical direction, and the lower part is an inclined surface that slopes gradually downward toward the inside of supply port 142, 152. When lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where supply port 142, 152 is closed, packing pieces 161b, 171b of packing 161, 171 are in contact with the upper part of the inner surface of supply port 142, 152, i.e., the flat portion extending in the vertical direction.

[0069] 26, washing machine 1 may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of supply port 142, 152 (in this case, rear surface 142a, 152a) is entirely inclined. With this configuration, as lid 149, 159 rotates from a closed position that closes supply port 142, 152 to an open position that opens supply port 142, 152, the contact area of packing pieces 161b, 171b of packing 161, 171 with the inclined surface of supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases. In other words, as lid 149, 159 rotates toward the open position, the sealing strength of packing 161, 171 with respect to supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases, making it easier to open lid 149, 159 without requiring a large force.

[0070] Furthermore, although not shown in detail, when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state in which the replenishing ports 142, 152 are closed, the contact area of the packings 161, 171 with the inner surface of the replenishing ports 142, 152 on the side opposite the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159 (in this case, the front side) may be smaller than the contact area of the packings 161, 171 with the inner surface of the replenishing ports 142, 152 on the side of the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159 (in this case, the rear side). This configuration can reduce the contact area of the packings 161, 171 with the replenishing ports 142, 152 on the tip end side of the lids 149, 159, i.e., the free pivot end side, thereby weakening the seal strength. This makes it easier to open the lids 149, 159 without applying a large force to the tip end of the lids 149, 159. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by shifting the insertion portions 149b, 159b of the lids 149, 159 toward the rear, or by making the amount of protrusion of the portions of the packing piece portions 161b, 171b of the packings 161, 171 located in front of the insertion portions 149b, 159b smaller than the amount of protrusion of the portions located behind the insertion portions 149b, 159b.

[0071] 8 and other examples, when the case 102 is pulled out a predetermined distance from the case housing 101, the user can operate the multiple tanks housed in the case 102, in this case, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the case 102 is pulled out a predetermined distance from the case housing 101, a portion of the case 102, in this case, the rear portion, is housed in the case housing 101. In this state, the lids 149, 159 of the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case 102 can be opened and closed. Therefore, the user can open the lids 149, 159 to refill the tanks 103, 104 with laundry treatment agent.

[0072] 7, when the case 102 is housed to the innermost part of the case housing portion 101, it is locked to prevent it from being unintentionally pulled out due to, for example, its own weight or vibrations during operation. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the case 102 can be completely removed from the case housing portion 101. Next, a configuration example that makes this possible will be described. The tanks 103 and 104 can be removed from the case 102 by completely removing the case 102 from the case housing portion 101.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a downwardly recessed recess 172 is provided at the front of the bottom surface of case housing portion 101. When case 102 is housed to the innermost portion within case housing portion 101, the front surface of protrusion 126 engages with the front surface of recess 172, thereby locking case 102 so that it cannot be pulled out of case housing portion 101. However, from this state, case 102 can be pulled out of case housing portion 101 by slightly pushing case 102 upward to disengage protrusion 126 from recess 172. Then, as described above, when case 102 has been pulled out of case housing portion 102 by a predetermined distance, stopper 125 on case 102 engages with protrusion 130 on case housing portion 101. This restricts the amount of case 102 that can be pulled out to the predetermined amount. Then, from this state, when the case 102 is lifted upward and the stopper 125 is removed from the protrusion 130, the case 102 can be completely removed from the case storage portion 101.

[0074] When reattaching case 102 to case housing 101, case 102 is lifted slightly upward and inserted into case housing 101 so that stopper 125 on case 102 fits into the rear side of protrusion 130 on case housing 101. At this time, because the rear side of protrusion 126 is inclined, this inclined portion abuts against the front end of the underside of case housing 101. Therefore, as case 102 is pushed into case housing 101, the inclined portion of protrusion 126 slides against the front end of the underside of case housing 101, thereby assisting in pushing case 102 upward. When case 102 is further pushed into case housing 101, protrusion 126 fits into recess 172, and case 102 is locked in its innermost position in case housing 101.

[0075] By pushing the case 102 into the case housing portion 101 in the above manner, the case 102 can be attached to the case housing portion 101 so as to be retractable therein. When attaching the case 102 to the case housing portion 101 in this manner, if the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102, the case 102 with the tanks 103, 104 housed therein is pushed upward when the case 102 is housed in the case housing portion 101. Accordingly, the lids 149, 159 on the tops of the tanks 103, 104 come into contact with the upper surface of the case housing portion 101 and are pushed in a closing direction to close the supply ports 142, 152. That is, the closing of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159 is promoted. This closing promoting action of the lids 149, 159 is achieved by the case 102 being pushed upward and by the protrusions 126 provided on the bottom surface of the case 102. The protrusion 126 configured in this manner has the function of assisting in pushing the case 102 upward as described above, and therefore functions as an example of a closure promoting portion that promotes closure of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159.

[0076] 25, a hollow protrusion 164, 174 is provided inside the tank 103, 104, located at the rear side, and continuing from the pump connection portion 148, 158 and protruding inward into the tank main body 140, 150. In this case, the protrusion 164, 174 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 164, 174 is not a component provided as a separate part on the tank main body 140, 150, but is a component provided as the same part as the tank main body 140, 150. In other words, the protrusion 164, 174 is provided integrally with the tank main body 140, 150 and continuously, without interruption, for example, by resin molding.

[0077] Check valves 165, 175 are housed inside protruding portions 164, 174. Also housed inside protruding portions 164, 174 are biasing members 166, 176, such as springs. The biasing members 166, 176 bias the check valves 165, 175 in a direction that closes the flow path formed in protruding portions 164, 174, in this case, toward pump connecting portions 148, 158. In this way, check valves 165, 175 prevent the clothing treatment agent sucked from pump connecting portions 148, 158 toward pumps 105, 106 from flowing back into tanks 103, 104. Furthermore, when the check valves 165, 175 are subjected to a pressing force generated by the reciprocating pistons of the pumps 105, 106, they move against the biasing force of the biasing members 166, 176 in a direction that opens the flow path formed in the protrusions 164, 174, in this case, in the direction opposite the pump connection parts 148, 158. This enables the pumps 105, 106 to suck out the laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104. That is, with the tanks 103, 104, as the pumps 105, 106 reciprocate their pistons, the check valves 165, 175 also move back and forth within the protrusions 164, 174, opening and closing the flow path. Accordingly, the laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104 is sucked out in conjunction with the operation of the pumps 105, 106.

[0078] Furthermore, cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the tip portions of the protrusions 164, 174, that is, the opening ends that open into the tank main bodies 140, 150, with the check valves 165, 175 and the biasing members 166, 176 housed within the protrusions 164, 174. This prevents the check valves 165, 175 and the biasing members 166, 176 housed within the protrusions 164, 174 from coming off from within the protrusions 164, 174.

[0079] The cap portion 167, 177 is integrally provided with a hollow straw portion 168, 178 that extends linearly downward within the tank main body 140, 150. In this case, the straw portion 168, 178 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its lower end extends to a height slightly spaced apart from the bottom surface of the tank main body 140, 150.

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, the upper portions of the protrusions 164, 174 are provided with convex portions 164a, 174a that protrude upward. In this case, the convex portions 164a, 174a are formed in a cylindrical shape. Meanwhile, the upper portions of the cap portions 167, 177 are provided with recessed portions 167a, 177a that are recessed in a smooth arc shape toward the tip of the cap portions 167, 177. When the cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the protrusions 164, 174, the convex portions 164a, 174a fit into the recessed portions 167a, 177a. As a result, the cap portions 167, 177 are positioned relative to the protrusions 164, 174 with the straw portions 168, 178 extending downward within the tank main body 140, 150. That is, the protrusions 164a, 174a and the depressions 167a, 177a cooperate with each other to function as an example of a positioning portion that positions the cap portions 167, 177 so that the straw portions 168, 178 extend downward.

[0081] The protrusions 164, 174 are provided with claw portions 164b, 174b on both left and right sides. The claw portions 164b, 174b protrude outward from the side surfaces of the protrusions 164, 174. The cap portions 167, 177 are provided with hole portions 167b, 177b on both left and right sides. When the cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the protrusions 164, 174, the claw portions 164b, 174b are engaged with the hole portions 167b, 177b. This allows the cap portions 167, 177 to be engaged and fixed to the protrusions 164, 174. In other words, the claw portions 164b, 174b and the hole portions 167b, 177b cooperate with each other to function as an example of an engaging portion that engages the cap portions 167, 177 with the protrusions 164, 174. The claws 164b, 174b and hole portions 167b, 177b, which function as an example of a locking portion, are provided at positions that avoid the convex portions 164a, 174a and concave portions 167a, 177a, which function as an example of the above-mentioned positioning portion.

[0082] The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment illustrated above has recessed grip portions 143, 153 on the surfaces forming the outer peripheries of the tanks 103, 104. This configuration allows the user to easily grip the tanks 103, 104 by hooking their fingers on the grip portions 143, 153, thereby facilitating handling of the tanks 103, 104, for example, attaching or detaching the tanks 103, 104 to or from the case 102. Furthermore, the user can grip the detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104 with, for example, one hand, further improving usability.

[0083] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, tanks 103, 104 have grip portions 143, 153 on one of the opposing surfaces that form the outer hull of tanks 103, 104. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the appearance of tanks 103, 104 becoming complicated. Tanks 103, 104 may also have grip portions 143, 153 on both of the opposing surfaces that form the outer hull of tanks 103, 104, and this configuration makes tanks 103, 104 even easier to grip.

[0084] Moreover, the washing machine 1 is provided with a plurality of detachable tanks 103, 104. One of the tanks 103, 104 has grip portions 143, 153 on a surface facing the other tank 104, 103. Furthermore, one of the tanks 103, 104 has grip portions 143, 153 at positions facing grip portions 153, 133 of the other tank 104, 103. With this configuration, when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102, a substantially circular space surrounded by the grip portions 143 and 153 can be formed. As a result, when the user removes the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104 from the case main body 120 of the case 102, the user can easily remove the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104 by inserting their fingers into this space. In addition, the gripping portions 143, 153 provided on each tank 103, 104 can be minimized, and the reduction in space within the tanks 103, 104 that results from forming the gripping portions 143, 153, in other words, the reduction in the amount of clothing treatment agent that can be stored, can be minimized.

[0085] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, gripping portions 143, 153 extend between one end and the other end, in this case, between the upper end and the lower end, of the surface forming the outer periphery of tanks 103, 104. With this configuration, gripping portions 143, 153 can be made as large as possible, making tanks 103, 104 even easier to grip.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with replenishing ports 142, 152 for replenishing the laundry treatment agent therein, and the grips 143, 153 are provided to the sides of the replenishing ports 142, 152. With this configuration, the user can use the fingers holding the grips 143, 153 to further press the lids 149, 159 that close the replenishing ports 142, 152, thereby preventing the lids 149, 159 of the held tanks 103, 104 from opening and spilling out the laundry treatment agent inside.

[0087] The tanks 103, 104 may be configured so that the grips 143, 153 are provided at positions that are off to the sides of the supply ports 142, 152. With this configuration, it is not necessary to reduce the opening area of the supply ports 142, 152 in order to form the grips 143, 153. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a large opening area for the supply ports 142, 152, making it easier to replenish the laundry treatment agent.

[0088] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, gripping portions 143, 153 have hanging portions 144, 145 on which a user can hang his / her fingers. With this configuration, a user can easily remove tanks 103, 104 from inside case 102 by hanging his / her fingers on hanging portions 144, 145.

[0089] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, hanging parts 144, 145 are provided on tank main bodies 140, 150 that constitute the main bodies of tanks 103, 104. With this configuration, a user can hook their fingers around the main bodies of tanks 103, 104 to remove them, and tanks 103, 104 can be removed stably.

[0090] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the automatic dosing device 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the outer casing 2 within the machine chamber 6. Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged forward of the rear end of the automatic dosing device 100 and the rear end of the water supply case 200 within the machine chamber 6. Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the water supply case 200 is arranged between the automatic dosing device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the horizontal direction of the outer casing 2 within the machine chamber 6.

[0091] In this way, by accommodating the automatic dosing device 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 in the machine chamber 6 in a so-called side-by-side arrangement, the limited space within the outer casing 2 can be effectively utilized to accommodate multiple components, in this case at least the automatic dosing device 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300, in a natural and compact manner. This in turn prevents the washing machine 1 from becoming too large overall.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply case 200 and the water supply valve unit 300 are not disposed behind the automatic dispensing device 100, so that at least the depth dimension of the automatic dispensing device 100 can be increased. Therefore, the tanks 103, 104 provided in the automatic dispensing device 100 can be increased in size, and the capacity of the tanks 103, 104, i.e., the amount of laundry treatment agent that can be stored, can be increased.

[0093] In addition, according to the washing machine 1, by applying the above-mentioned arrangement, relatively large components such as the automatic dispenser 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 can be accommodated compactly and easily inside the machine chamber 6 formed at the rear of the outer casing 2.

[0094] Furthermore, washing machine 1 is provided with mixer 108 behind automatic dispensing device 100, which mixes the clothing treatment agent supplied from tanks 103, 104 with the water supplied from water supply valve unit 300. With this configuration, the clothing treatment agent can be mixed with water before being supplied to water tub 3, and the water with the clothing treatment agent uniformly dissolved therein can improve the washing performance of the clothes. Furthermore, by locating mixer 108, which is a relatively small component, behind automatic dispensing device 100, the limited space within machine chamber 6 can be used effectively.

[0095] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, water supply valve unit 300 includes water supply port 303a dedicated to supplying water to mixing section 108. This configuration ensures that a sufficient amount of water can be supplied to mixing section 108, and that water in which the clothing treatment agent is sufficiently dissolved can be supplied into water tub 3.

[0096] Washing machine 1 is also provided with mixer water supply path 304 that connects mixer-dedicated water supply port 303a to mixer 108. Mixer water supply path 304 passes between top surface 205 of water injection case 200 and manual detergent dispenser 203 and manual fabric softener dispenser 204. Mixer water supply path 304 penetrates water injection case 200 along the lateral direction of outer box 2. Mixer water supply path 304 extends linearly inside water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

[0097] That is, the mixing section water supply path 304 is configured to minimize its flow resistance, thereby enabling efficient supply of water from the water supply valve unit 300 to the mixing section 108, further facilitating mixing of the laundry treatment agent with water.

[0098] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction of the outer casing 2. The bath water pump 305 is also arranged in front of the water supply valve unit 300. This arrangement makes effective use of the limited space within the outer casing 2, and also makes it possible to comfortably accommodate the bath water pump 305.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dispensing device 100 includes a case 102 having a hanging portion 102A on which the user's fingers can be hung, and the case 102 is configured to be removable from the case housing portion 101 of the automatic dispensing device 100, and the tanks 103, 104 can be housed within the case 102. This configuration allows operations on the multiple tanks 103, 104, such as replenishing the tanks 103, 104 with laundry treatment agent and attaching and detaching the tanks 103, 104, to be performed at the same time. In other words, the user can perform various operations on the multiple tanks 103, 104 by simply pulling out one case 102.

[0100] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion that forms the outer periphery of case 102 is lower than the upper surfaces of tanks 103, 104 housed in case 102. This configuration makes it easier for the user to hold the upper sides of tanks 103, 104, and therefore makes it easier to attach and detach tanks 103, 104 to and from case 102. Note that at this time, the user may attach and detach tanks 103, 104 by holding grip portions 143, 153 of tanks 103, 104, or by holding a portion other than grip portions 143, 153.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, when a part of the case 102, in this case the rear part, is stored in the case storage section 101 of the automatic dispensing device 100, the tanks 103, 104 stored in the case 102 are in a state in which the lids 149, 159 of the supply ports 142, 152 can be opened and closed. Therefore, the user can replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104 without completely removing the case 102 from the case storage section 101 of the automatic dispensing device 100.

[0102] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, tanks 103, 104 are provided with tank-side protrusions 147, 157 that position tanks 103, 104 within case 102. This configuration can prevent tanks 103, 104 from shifting position within case 102, and case 102 accommodating tanks 103, 104 can be smoothly inserted into and removed from case accommodating section 101.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dispensing device 100 includes pumps 105 and 106 that suck laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103 and 104, and the tanks 103 and 104 include pump connectors 148 and 158 that are connected to the pumps 105 and 106. The upper end of the rear wall 120a provided at the rear of the case 102 is lower than the lower end of the pump connectors 148 and 158. With this configuration, the pump connectors 148 and 158 can be connected to the pumps 105 and 106 without contacting or interfering with the rear wall 120a of the case 102. Therefore, the pump connectors 148 and 158 can be connected to the pumps 105 and 106 with high precision without causing misalignment or the like.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the case 102 is provided with viewing windows 122, 123 that allow the user to visually check the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 housed in the case 102. With this configuration, the user can easily check the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 through the viewing windows 122, 123 without removing the tanks 103, 104 from the case 102. In this case, the viewing windows 122, 123 are provided on the front wall 121 of the case 102. Therefore, the user can easily check the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 through the viewing windows 122, 123 without having to pull the case 102 out of the case housing section 101.

[0105] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, tanks 103, 104 have inwardly recessed portions 146, 156 at their bottoms, and tank-side protrusions 147, 157 are provided within recesses 146, 156. This configuration allows tank-side protrusions 147, 157 for positioning to be provided while maintaining the bottom surfaces of tanks 103, 104 flat. This allows tanks 103, 104 to be stably placed on the floor, etc., making it easier to replenish tanks 103, 104 with laundry treatment agent.

[0106] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the viewing windows 122, 123 are positioned to avoid the recesses 146, 156 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102. This configuration allows the user to accurately check the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent through the viewing windows 122, 123, avoiding the recesses 146, 156 and the area above them, where the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent is not accurately displayed. Preferably, at least the tank main bodies 140, 150 of the tanks 103, 104 are made of a transparent or translucent material. This allows the user to more easily see the remaining amount of laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protruding portions 164, 174 that protrude inwardly of the tanks 103, 104, check valves 165, 175 that are housed in the protruding portions 164, 174, and cap portions 167, 177 that are attached to the open ends of the protruding portions 164, 174 with the check valves 165, 175 housed in the protruding portions 164, 174. The protruding portions 164, 174 are provided as the same components as the tanks 103, 104. With this configuration, even when the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protruding portions 164, 174 that protrude inwardly of the tanks 103, 104, leakage of the laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104 can be prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, cap portion 167, 177 includes hollow straw portion 168, 178 extending downward within tank 103, 104. With this configuration, cap portion 167, 177 having straw portion 168, 178 can be handled as a single component, and the number of components can be reduced compared to when the cap portion and straw portion are provided as separate components. Also, ease of assembly can be improved.

[0109] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, protrusions 164, 174 are configured in a cylindrical shape. Washing machine 1 is provided with a positioning portion that positions cap portions 167, 177 relative to cylindrical protrusions 164, 174 so that straw portions 168, 178 extend downward within tanks 103, 104. Convex portions 164a, 174a and concave portions 167a, 177a that configure the positioning portion are provided on the upper portions of protrusions 164, 174 and cap portions 167, 177. With this configuration, when attaching cap portions 167, 177 to protrusions 164, 174, the positioning portion can be easily viewed from above, and therefore, positioning of cap portions 167, 177 relative to protrusions 164, 174 can be easily performed.

[0110] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, claw portions 164b, 174b and claw holes 167b, 177b that constitute the locking portion that locks cap portions 167, 177 to protrusions 164, 174 are provided at positions that avoid convex portions 164a, 174a and concave portions 167a, 177a that constitute the positioning portion. With this configuration, cap portions 167, 177 can be accurately positioned relative to protrusions 164, 174, while cap portions 167, 177 can be firmly fixed to protrusions 164, 174, and displacement of cap portions 167, 177 relative to protrusions 164, 174 can be suppressed even after attachment.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dispensing device 100 is provided with a stopper 125 that limits the amount by which the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing section 101 to a predetermined amount. Further, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the supply ports 142, 152 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102. Further, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the lids 149, 159 of the supply ports 142, 152 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102. With this configuration, the user can replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104 from the supply ports 142, 152 without completely removing the case 102 from the automatic dispensing device 100.

[0112] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, tanks 103, 104 are connected to pumps 105, 106 as case 102 is pushed into case housing 101, which is immovably fixed to the main body of washing machine 1. That is, according to washing machine 1, case housing 101 of automatic dosing device 100 equipped with pumps 105, 106 is firmly and immovably fixed to the main body of washing machine 1, so that by pushing case 102 into case housing 101, tanks 103, 104 can be reliably connected to pumps 105, 106.

[0113] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, case housing 101 is provided with protrusion 130 that engages stopper 125 when the amount of case 102 pulled out from case housing 101 of automatic dispensing device 100 reaches a predetermined amount. With this configuration, when a user pulls out case 102, the amount of pull-out can be reliably restricted to the predetermined amount, and case 102 can be prevented from being completely removed from case housing 101 unintentionally.

[0114] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, when stopper 125 is locked with protrusion 130, tanks 103 and 104 cannot be removed from case 102. This configuration makes it possible to prevent tanks 103 and 104 from unintentionally coming off or falling out of case 102.

[0115] Moreover, according to washing machine 1, case housing section 101 has groove section 129 extending in the direction in which case 102 is pulled out, and case 102 has abutment section 131 that abuts against the upper surface of groove section 129. With this configuration, when case 102 is pulled out from case housing section 101, abutment section 131 abuts against the upper surface of groove section 129, thereby preventing case 102 from falling out of case housing section 101 due to its own weight.

[0116] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, distance D3 between stopper 125 on case 102 side and contact portion 131 on case accommodating portion 101 side is longer than distance D4 between the upper surface of case accommodating portion 101 and the upper surface of groove portion 129. This configuration can further prevent case 102 from tilting due to its own weight, and can more reliably prevent case 102 from falling out of case accommodating portion 101.

[0117] Furthermore, washing machine 1 is provided with packings 161, 171 that seal between lid 149, 159 and replenishing port 142, 152 when lid 149, 159 is in a closed state closing replenishing port 142, 152. This configuration can prevent the clothing treatment agent in tank 103, 104 from spilling out from between lid 149, 159 and replenishing port 142, 152, and can prevent the clothing treatment agent in tank 103, 104 from drying out and hardening due to ventilation through the gap between lid 149, 159 and replenishing port 142, 152.

[0118] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the cover portions 141, 151 constituting part of the tanks 103, 104 are provided with vent holes 160a, 170a through which air can pass. This configuration ensures ventilation between the inside and outside of the tanks 103, 104, even if the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 is sealed with the packings 161, 171. This means that the interior of the tanks 103, 104 can be opened to atmospheric pressure. This allows for smooth suction of the laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104 to the pumps 105, 106. Because the vent holes 160a, 170a have a small opening area, there is little or no chance of the laundry treatment agent spilling out of the vent holes 160a, 170a or drying and hardening of the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 due to ventilation through the vent holes 160a, 170a.

[0119] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, air vents 160a, 170a are provided in bearings 160, 170 that rotatably support pivot shafts 149c, 159c of lids 149, 159. This configuration makes air vents 160a, 170a less noticeable from the outside, thereby preventing deterioration of the appearance of tanks 103, 104 due to the provision of air vents 160a, 170a. Furthermore, if a clothing treatment agent adheres to the back surface of lid 149, 159, the clothing treatment agent can be returned to tanks 103, 104 through air vents 160a, 170a when lid 149, 159 is opened. Furthermore, when washing cover 141, 151, water can pass through air vents 160a, 170a, making it easy to rinse away clothing treatment agent adhering to bearings 160, 170. This prevents the clothing treatment agent from becoming stuck to the bearing portions 160, 170 and becoming impossible to remove.

[0120] Furthermore, washing machine 1 may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of supply port 142, 152 is made into an inclined surface, so that the contact area of packing pieces 161b, 171b of packing 161, 171 in contact with the inclined surface of supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases as lid 149, 159 rotates from a closed position that closes supply port 142, 152 to an open position that opens supply port 142, 152. This allows the user to open lid 149, 159 without requiring much force, improving usability.

[0121] Furthermore, washing machine 1 may be configured so that, in a closed state in which lids 149, 159 close supply ports 142, 152, the contact area of packings 161, 171 with the inner surface of supply ports 142, 152 on the side opposite pivot shafts 149c, 159c of lids 149, 159 is smaller than the contact area of packings 161, 171 with the inner surface of supply ports 142, 152 on the side of pivot shafts 149c, 159c of lids 149, 159. This configuration also allows the user to open lids 149, 159 without requiring much force, improving usability.

[0122] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, protrusion 126 is provided on the bottom surface of case 102, which functions as a closure promoting portion that promotes closure of refill ports 142, 152 by lids 149, 159. With this configuration, when case 102 accommodating tanks 103, 104 is placed back into case housing 101, protrusion 126 pushes case 102 upward. As a result, lids 149, 159 are pushed downward by the upper surface of case housing 101, promoting closure of refill ports 142, 152 by lids 149, 159. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, case 102 being placed in case housing 101 with refill ports 142, 152 not being fully closed by lids 149, 159, and thus suppressing the occurrence of an incident in which the laundry treatment agent splashes out of tanks 103, 104 in case housing 101. It is also possible to prevent the clothing treatment agent from spilling out of the tanks 103, 104 when the case 102 is pulled out from the case storage section 101. In particular, in this embodiment, the lids 149, 159 are provided with the packings 161, 171, which raises concerns that the elasticity of the packings 161, 171 may prevent the lids 149, 159 from adequately closing the supply ports 142, 152. Therefore, by adopting a configuration that promotes the closing of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159, it is possible to eliminate such concerns.

[0123] It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29 , the stopper 125 may be positioned forward of the center of gravity P of the tanks 103, 104 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102. This configuration shortens the amount by which the stopper 125 restricts the amount by which the case 102 can be pulled out of the case housing 101, thereby more reliably preventing the case 102 from falling off due to its own weight. Note that the center of gravity P of the tanks 103, 104 may be the center of gravity when no laundry treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103, 104, or may be the center of gravity when laundry treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103, 104. Furthermore, the state in which laundry treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103, 104 may refer to a state in which the maximum amount of laundry treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103, 104, or a state in which less than the maximum amount of laundry treatment agent is stored in the tanks 103, 104.

[0125] 30, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be configured so as not to reach one end or the other end of the surface that forms the outer periphery of the tanks 103, 104. Note that the configuration example shown in FIG. 30 is an example in which the gripping portions 143, 153 reach the upper end of the surface that forms the outer periphery of the tanks 103, 104 but do not reach the lower end. The length of the gripping portions 143, 153 can be changed as appropriate, for example, to half the height of the tanks 103, 104.

[0126] 31, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be provided along the depth direction of the tanks 103, 104, in other words, along the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out, rather than along the height direction of the tanks 103, 104. In this case as well, the gripping portions 143, 153 may reach the front end and the other end of the tanks 103, 104, or may extend partway.

[0127] 32, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be provided on both of the surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 that face each other in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be provided on only one of the surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 that face each other in the vertical direction. In this case, too, the gripping portions 143, 153 may reach both the front end and the other end of the tanks 103, 104, or may extend partway.

[0128] Furthermore, the tanks applicable to this embodiment are not limited to the detergent tank 103 for storing detergent and the fabric softener tank 104 for storing fabric softener. For example, various types of tanks that store a treatment agent for performing some kind of treatment on laundry, such as a deodorizer tank for storing a deodorizer, a deodorizer tank for storing a deodorizer, a disinfectant tank for storing a disinfectant, or a bleach tank for storing a bleach, can be appropriately used. Furthermore, the number of tanks is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, when multiple tanks are provided, the multiple tanks may store the same type of treatment agent, or may store different types of treatment agents.

[0129] This embodiment can also be applied to a so-called horizontal axis type washing machine, in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing treatment devices that perform some kind of treatment on clothing, such as deodorizing, deodorizing, sterilizing, or bleaching.

[0130] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] In the drawing, 1 is a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tank (clothing treatment tank), 6 is a machine room, 100 is an automatic dispensing device (automatic dispensing section), 101 is a case storage section, 102 is a case, 102A is a hanging section, 103 is a detergent tank (tank), 104 is a fabric softener tank (tank), 105 is a detergent metering pump (pump), 106 is a fabric softener metering pump (pump), 108 is a mixing section, 122, 123 are sight windows, 125 is a stopper, 126 is a protrusion (closing promoting portion), 129 is a groove portion, 130 is a convex portion (locking portion), 131 is a contact portion, 132 is a case side protrusion (positioning portion), 140, 150 are a tank main body portion, 141, 151 are a cover portion, 142, 152 are a supply port, 143, 153 are grip portions, 144, 145 are hook portions, 146, 156 are recesses, 147, 15 7 is a tank side protrusion (positioning portion), 148, 158 are pump connection portions (connection portions), 149, 159 are lids, 160, 170 are bearing portions, 160a, 170a are vent holes, 161, 171 are packings, 164, 174 are protrusions, 164a, 174a are convex portions (positioning portions), 164b, 174b are claw portions (locking portions), 165, 175 are check valves, 167, 177 are cap portions, 167a, 177a indicate recessed portions (positioning portions), 167b, 177b indicate claw hole portions (locking portions), 168, 178 indicate straw portions, 200 indicates a water injection case, 203 indicates a manual detergent dispenser portion (manual dispenser portion), 204 indicates a manual fabric softener dispenser portion (manual dispenser portion), 300 indicates a water supply valve unit, 303a indicates a water supply port (water supply port for mixing portion), 304 indicates a water supply path for mixing portion, and 305 indicates a bath water pump.

Claims

1. An outer box that forms the outer shell; a clothing treatment tub provided inside the outer box for storing clothing; an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank to the mixing section; a water injection case for pouring water into the laundry treatment tub; a water supply valve unit for supplying water to the water injection case and the mixing section; Equipped with The outer box has a rectangular box-shaped outer box body with an open top and a top cover attached to the top of the outer box body, and a clothing entrance / exit for putting in and taking out clothing is provided in the center of the top cover, and a machine chamber is provided behind the clothing entrance / exit in the space within the top cover, The machine chamber forms a horizontally elongated space extending in the left-right direction of the outer box behind the clothing entrance, the automatic insertion unit, the water injection case, and the water supply valve unit are accommodated inside the machine room, The laundry treatment tub is cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom, and has a rotation axis extending vertically. the mixing unit is provided behind the automatic dispensing unit and mixes the laundry treatment agent supplied from the tank with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit; the water filling case is disposed between the automatic dispenser and the water supply valve unit in a horizontal direction that is a left-right direction of the outer box, The direction in which water flows in the path from the water supply valve unit to the mixing section is different from the direction in which water flows in the path from the mixing section to the water injection case, A clothing treatment device in which water supplied from the water supply valve unit flows into the mixing section from a path from the water supply valve unit toward the mixing section, and then flows out into the water injection case via a path from the mixing section toward the water injection case.

2. The laundry processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the water supply valve unit is disposed forward of the rear end of the automatic feed unit and the rear end of the water injection case.

3. The laundry processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water supply valve unit includes a water supply port for a mixing section for supplying water to the mixing section.

4. a mixing section water supply path connecting the mixing section water supply port to the mixing section; The water injection case has a manual injection section through which a user manually injects the laundry treatment agent, The laundry processing device according to claim 3, wherein the water supply path for the mixing section is passed between an upper surface of the water injection case and the manual insertion section.

5. a mixing section water supply path connecting the mixing section water supply port to the mixing section; The laundry processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the water supply path for the mixing section passes through the water injection case.

6. a mixing section water supply path connecting the mixing section water supply port to the mixing section; The laundry processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the water supply path for the mixing section extends linearly within the water injection case.

7. a bath water pump for supplying bath water to the water injection case; The laundry processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water supply valve unit and the bath water pump are arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction of the outer box.

8. The laundry processing device according to claim 7, wherein the bath water pump is disposed in front of the water supply valve unit.

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