washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine having a tank for accommodating a cleaning process liquid, easily detachable to a housing.SOLUTION: A washing machine (1) includes a water tank (20) for storing washing water, a housing (10) accommodating the water tank (20), and at least one tank (31) for accommodating a cleaning process liquid such as a liquid detergent and a softening agent to be supplied to the water tank (20). A tank (30) projecting from the housing (10) on the front side of the housing (10) in the front-back direction is detachably attached to the housing (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a detergent tank is detachably mounted inside a housing. The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has an opening and a lid for opening and closing the opening at the top of the housing. The detergent tank is attached inside the opening of the housing when the lid is open, i.e., inside the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 039140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the detergent tank is attached inside the housing, making it difficult for the user to remove and attach the detergent tank from the housing when refilling the detergent tank with detergent.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a tank for storing laundry treatment liquid is easily attached to and detached from a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a water tub for storing wash water, a housing that houses the water tub, and at least one tank for storing laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub, wherein the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at a front side in a front-rear direction of the housing and is detachably attached to the housing. The housing has an upper surface provided with an inlet for putting laundry into the water tub, and the at least one tank protrudes from the upper surface of the housing. There are. In order to solve the above problem, a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a water tub for storing wash water, a housing that houses the water tub, and at least one tank for storing laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub, wherein the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at the front side in the fore-and-aft direction of the housing and is detachably attached to the housing, and the at least one tank includes a first tank that houses a first laundry treatment liquid and a second tank that houses a second laundry treatment liquid, and the first tank and the second tank are positioned apart in the left-right direction. In order to solve the above problems, a washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a water tub for storing wash water, a housing that houses the water tub, and at least one tank for storing laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub, wherein the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at the front side in the fore-and-aft direction of the housing and is removably attached to the housing, the at least one tank extends rearward beyond the front end of the water tub, and the at least one tank has a rearward rear portion that is lower in height than its forward front portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine can be provided in which a tank for storing laundry treatment liquid can be easily attached to and detached from a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 as seen from directly above. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, showing only the top of the washing machine. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tank attached to the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a mounting portion of another washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as seen from the front. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the washing machine shown in Fig. 1, as seen from directly above. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA line in Fig. 2, showing only the upper part of the washing machine 1. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an example of a tank 30 attached to the washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 includes a water tub 20 for storing wash water, a housing 10 that houses the water tub 20, and at least one tank 30 for storing laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub 20.

[0012] In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 is described as being capable of performing two types of washing operations: an automatic washing operation in which washing is performed automatically, and a manual washing operation in which washing is performed manually. The automatic washing operation is a washing operation in which the washing machine 1 starts the washing operation without waiting for instructions from the user, for example, at a preset time. On the other hand, the manual washing operation is a washing operation in which the washing operation starts after receiving instructions from the user, for example, by pressing an operation button.

[0013] In this embodiment, the tank 30 stores laundry treatment liquid used in automatic and manual washing operations. The laundry treatment liquid is a liquid agent used in washing, such as a liquid detergent and a fabric softener.

[0014] The water tub 20 stores wash water when the washing machine 1 performs a wash cycle. The wash water is a liquid in which laundry treatment liquids such as liquid detergent and fabric softener are dissolved in water. As shown in FIG. 1, the water tub 20 is, for example, a large-diameter, bottomed cylinder having an opening 21 across the entire top end. The water tub 20 rotates around the axis at the center of the cylinder when driven by a motor (not shown). The water tub 20 is provided with a drain port (not shown) for draining the water inside the water tub 20.

[0015] The housing 10 is a box that surrounds the periphery of the aquarium 20. The housing 10 has a top surface 10a located above the aquarium 20, a bottom surface 10b located below the aquarium 20, and a front surface 10c located in front of the aquarium 20. The housing 10 also has a back surface 10d located on the back side behind the aquarium 20, and side surfaces 10e and 10f located on both sides of the aquarium 20.

[0016] Top surface portion 10a is provided with an inlet 11 for putting laundry into water tub 20. Inlet 11 is provided to face opening 21 of water tub 20. Bottom surface portion 10b covers the underside of water tub 20. Front surface portion 10c, side surface portion 10e, back surface portion 10d, and side surface portion 10f are each erected relative to bottom surface portion 10b and are lined up in order to cover the lateral periphery of water tub 20.

[0017] In the following description, the side of the washing machine 1 where the front portion 10c is located will be referred to as the front side (front portion) of the washing machine 1, and the side where the back portion 10d is located will be referred to as the rear side (rear portion) of the washing machine 1. The front and rear sides of the washing machine 1 and the front and rear sides of the housing 10 will be used interchangeably.

[0018] The housing 10 includes a mounting portion 13 for mounting the tank 30 on the front side in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 10. The mounting portion 13 has a shape recessed from the surface of the housing 10 toward the inside of the housing 10. As shown in an example in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting portion 13 may be provided on the top surface 10a. The mounting portion 13 is provided so as to be recessed from the surface of the top surface 10a of the housing 10 toward the inside of the housing 10. The mounting portion 13 may be provided at a position other than the top surface 10a as long as it is on the front side of the housing 10, and may be provided on the front surface 10c, for example.

[0019] Tank 30 is detachably mounted on mounting portion 13. Furthermore, tank 30 protrudes from housing 10, more specifically from the surface of housing 10, when attached to housing 10. In other words, tank 30 protrudes from housing 10 at the front side of housing 10 (front side of washing machine 1), and is detachably attached to housing 10.

[0020] In this specification, "detachable" means that a first object (here, the housing 10, the mounting portion 13, etc.) can be attached to a second object (here, the tank 30) by fitting, engaging, locking, or other methods, and can be attached to or detached from the first object (here, the tank 30) without using a tool such as a screwdriver.

[0021] In a configuration in which the tank 30 is attached to the rear of the washing machine 1, even if the tank 30 protrudes from the surface of the housing 10, attaching or detaching the tank 30 requires the user to stretch their arms and lean forward. This makes the task particularly difficult for short users. In contrast, with the above configuration, the user can attach or detach the tank 30 at a position close to their body without having to lean forward. This improves the ease of use of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, because the tank 30 is located at the front of the washing machine 1, tasks such as refilling the laundry treatment liquid into the tank 30 attached to the washing machine 1 can be easily performed. Furthermore, the remaining amount of laundry treatment liquid inside the tank 30 can be easily checked from a close position through a transparent window (not shown) formed on the side wall of the tank 30, for example.

[0022] When the tank 30 is provided on the front side of the washing machine 1, as in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mounting portion 13 may be provided on the front side of the top surface 10a of the housing 10, and the tank 30 may be provided so as to protrude from the top surface 10a. The tank 30 protrudes upward from the top surface 10a of the washing machine 1. This configuration has the advantage of making the space in front of the washing machine 1 larger.

[0023] Furthermore, when tank 30 is provided on the front side of washing machine 1, mounting portion 13 may be provided on front surface portion 10c, and tank 30 may be provided so as to protrude forward from front surface portion 10c.

[0024] Housing 10 is provided with lid 12 that opens and closes inlet 11 provided on top surface 10a. When lid 12 is opened, laundry is introduced into water tub 20 through inlet 11. As shown in examples in FIGS. 1 and 2, tank 30 may be provided in a position on top surface 10a of housing 10 that is not covered by lid 12 in the closed state. Note that FIG. 1 shows lid 12 in the open state, and FIG. 2 shows lid 12 in the closed state by a virtual line (two-dot chain line).

[0025] With this configuration, the tank 30 can be seen even when the lid 12 is closed, making it easy to check the state of the tank 30, such as the remaining amount of laundry treatment liquid.

[0026] The washing machine 1 may have at least one tank 30, but as shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 may have at least one tank 30 including a first tank 31 containing a first laundry treatment liquid and a second tank 32 containing a second laundry treatment liquid.

[0027] The first tank 31 and the second tank 32 may be at least partially different in color. With this configuration, the first tank 31 and the second tank 32 can be distinguished by color, and it is possible to prevent the first tank 31 and the second tank 32 from being filled with the wrong laundry treatment liquid.

[0028] In this case, the first tank 31 and the second tank 32 may be configured to have different colors in the portions exposed from the surface of the housing 10 when attached to the mounting portion 13. This improves the visibility of the first tank 31 and the second tank 32 when attached, and effectively prevents the first tank 31 and the second tank 32 from being filled with the wrong laundry treatment liquid when attached.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first tank 31 stores a liquid detergent, which is the first laundry treatment liquid, and the second tank 32 stores a fabric softener, which is the first laundry treatment liquid. Therefore, hereinafter, the first tank 31 will be referred to as the detergent tank 31, and the second tank 32 will be referred to as the fabric softener tank 32. When there is no need to distinguish between the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32 and it is sufficient to have at least one tank 30, the general term tank 30 will be used.

[0030] The detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32 have a capacity to store enough liquid detergent and fabric softener to perform multiple washes. The number of tanks 30 (detergent tank 31 and fabric softener tank 32) in the washing machine 1 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. When the tank 30 has multiple tanks, the respective tanks may have the same capacity or different capacities.

[0031] As shown in the example in FIGS. 1 and 2, washing machine 1 may also include hot air supply unit 40 that supplies hot air to water tub 20. Because cylindrical water tub 20 is installed inside housing 10, which is generally rectangular in top view, empty spaces are inevitably formed on the left and right sides of the front and rear sides of housing 10. Hot air supply unit 40 is installed by utilizing such empty spaces. In the example in FIGS. 1 and 2, hot air supply unit 40 is installed in the empty space on the right side of the rear side of housing 10. In this specification, left and right refer to left and right as viewed from the perspective of washing machine 1.

[0032] With respect to the hot air supply unit 40 arranged in this manner, the fabric softener tank 32 is installed on the front left side of the housing 10, diagonally opposite the hot air supply unit 40, and the detergent tank 31 is installed on the front right side of the housing 10. In other words, the fabric softener tank 32 is located farther from the hot air supply unit 40 than the detergent tank 31.

[0033] With this configuration, the fabric softener, which is more susceptible to deterioration due to heat than the liquid detergent, can be kept away from the hot air supply unit 40. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the fabric softener stored in the fabric softener tank 32.

[0034] 1 and 2, the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32 may be positioned apart in the left-right direction. In this example, the detergent tank 31 is installed on the front right side of the washing machine 1, and the fabric softener tank 32 is installed on the front left side of the washing machine 1.

[0035] In this way, by utilizing the empty spaces formed on the left and right sides of the front of the washing machine 1 to separate the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32, it is possible to increase the capacity of each of the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32.

[0036] Here, when the purpose is to increase the capacity of the tank 30, the tank 30 may be divided and arranged in the empty spaces formed on the left and right sides of the rear of the washing machine 1. Similarly, the tank 30 may be divided and arranged in the empty spaces formed in the front and rear of the left or right side of the washing machine 1.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in an example in FIGS. 1 and 2, housing 10 may include an operation panel (input unit) 41 that accepts instruction input to washing machine 1. Operation panel 41 is provided with operation buttons that accept operation instructions from a user to washing machine 1. Operation panel 41 includes, for example, an operation panel 41 for various operations and a display unit for displaying various images. In washing machine 1, a control unit (not shown) controls the operation of each unit in response to an operation on operation panel 41, thereby executing a series of processes such as a washing operation and a spin-drying operation.

[0038] 1 and 2, the operation panel 41 may be provided between the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32. With this configuration, the space above the operation panel 41 can be used as a working space when attaching and detaching the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32, and when refilling the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32 with laundry treatment liquid.

[0039] 1 and 2, the tank 30 may extend rearward beyond the front end of the water tub 20. With this configuration, the capacity of the tank 30 can be further increased.

[0040] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in an example in Fig. 4, the rear portion 30ab located at the rear of the tank 30 may be configured to be lower in height than the front portion 30aa located at the front of the tank 30. The view indicated by reference numeral 1001 in Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the tank 30 (32) viewed from above. The view indicated by reference numeral 1002 in Fig. 4 is a schematic side view seen from the direction of arrow Y1 in the view indicated by reference numeral 1001. The view indicated by reference numeral 1003 in Fig. 4 is a schematic front view seen from the direction of arrow Y2 in the view indicated by reference numeral 1001.

[0041] With this configuration, by lowering the height of the tank at the portion located around the lid portion 12, it is possible to increase the capacity of the tank while preventing the tank 30 from getting in the way when putting laundry in and out of the loading port 11.

[0042] Here, an example of the configuration of the tank 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The tank 30 has, for example, a tank body 30a having an opening on the top surface, a lid 30b for closing the opening of the tank body 30a, and a supply nozzle unit (liquid supply unit) 30c for supplying the laundry treatment liquid in the tank body 30a to the outside. The tank body 30a is a container for storing detergent filled therein by a user. A transparent window (not shown) that transmits visible light may be provided on the side wall of the tank body 30a.

[0043] The supply nozzle portion 30c has, for example, a through-hole penetrating the tank main body 30a and a check valve provided in the through-hole, and is in the shape of a column protruding outward or inward from the tank main body 30a. When the tank 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 13, the supply nozzle portion 30c is connected to a tank connecting portion (not shown) provided on the mounting portion 13.

[0044] 2, washing machine 1 may further include a water source connection port (not shown) connected to a water source such as a tap, and first to fourth water supply units 25-1 to 25-4 that supply water to water tub 20. The water source connection port is connected to first to fourth water supply units 25-1 to 25-4 via solenoid valve 26 and first to fourth water distribution pipes 23-1 to 23-4. Solenoid valve 26 is, for example, a multiple solenoid valve having a plurality of water supply outlets, and the plurality of water supply outlets are connected to first to fourth water distribution pipes 23-1 to 23-4.

[0045] First water supply unit 25-1 is provided on the rear side of washing machine 1. First water supply unit 25-1 is connected to a water source connection port via first water pipe 23-1 arranged on the rear side of washing machine 1.

[0046] Second water supply unit 25-2 is provided on the front right side of washing machine 1. Second water supply unit 25-2 is connected to the water source connection port by second water distribution pipe 23-2 that passes through the left side and front side of washing machine 1 and is drawn out to the front right side of washing machine 1. Supply nozzle 30c of detergent tank 31 is connected to second water distribution pipe 23-2 via a tank connection part of mounting part 13 on which detergent tank 31 is mounted.

[0047] Third water supply unit 25-3 is provided on the front left side of washing machine 1. Third water supply unit 25-3 is connected to the water source connection port via third drain pipe 23-3 that passes through the left side of washing machine 1 and is drawn out to the front side of washing machine 1. Supply nozzle 30c of fabric softener tank 32 is connected to third drain pipe 23-3 via a tank connection part of mounting part 13 on which fabric softener tank 32 is mounted.

[0048] Fourth water supply unit 25-4 is provided on the front left side of washing machine 1. Fourth water supply unit 25-4 is connected to the water source connection port via fourth water pipe 23-4 that runs along the left side of washing machine 1 and is drawn out to the front side of washing machine 1. Fourth water supply unit 25-4 is equipped with a shower function such as a shower head, and supplies water to water tub 20 in a shower-like manner.

[0049] Water supplied from the water source is selectively supplied to water tub 20 from first to fourth water supply units 25-1 to 25-4 by switching the water supply outlet with solenoid valve 26. When water is supplied to second water distribution pipe 23-2, it is supplied to water tub 20 together with liquid detergent supplied from detergent tank 31. When water is supplied to third water distribution pipe 23-3, it is supplied to water tub 20 together with fabric softener supplied from fabric softener tank 32. Furthermore, by supplying water to first water distribution pipe 23-1 and fourth water distribution pipe 23-4 simultaneously or alternately, the cleaning effect can be improved.

[0050] 3, washing machine 1 may further include sub-board 43 located behind operation panel 41 and main board 42 to which a higher voltage is applied than sub-board 43. Main board 42 is located behind sub-board 43, and main board 42 and sub-board 43 are arranged to be stacked in the vertical direction. Sub-board 43 may be equipped with sensor 47 that detects information related to tank 30.

[0051] As described above, the mounting portion 13 is recessed from the surface of the top surface 10a of the housing 10 toward the interior of the housing 10, so that the bottom of the tank 30 attached to the mounting portion 13 is located below the sub-board 43. Moreover, since the operation panel 41 is provided between the detergent tank 31 and the fabric softener tank 32, the sub-board 43 is positioned adjacent to the tank 30. Therefore, in terms of height and distance, the sensor 47 mounted on the sub-board 43 can read the liquid level of the laundry treatment liquid inside the tank 30, etc. In addition, a lower voltage is applied to the sub-board 43 than to the main board 42. Therefore, waterproofing measures and the like are simple, and the sensor 47 can be mounted without the need for heavy insulation.

[0052] The information about the tank 30 detected by the sensor 47 includes, for example, the presence or absence of the tank 30, the amount of laundry treatment liquid remaining in the tank 30, and the type of laundry treatment liquid. The sensor 47 is, for example, a detector that detects a float sensor 48 having a magnet inside the tank 30 to detect the amount of laundry treatment liquid remaining.

[0053] In this way, by mounting the sensor 47 that detects information about the tank 30 on the sub-board 43, the configuration for installing the sensor 47, such as wiring and securing an installation location, can be simplified, resulting in cost reduction. Note that the sensor 47 may be connected to the sub-board via a lead wire.

[0054] In this case, a water distribution pipe through which water flows may be provided in proximity to the main board 42 or the sub-board 43 to cool the main board 42 or the sub-board 43. For example, as shown in the example in FIG. 3 , the second water distribution pipe 23-2, which is disposed to pass beside the main board 42 and the sub-board 43, may be disposed so as to abut against the main board housing box 44 that houses the main board 42, thereby cooling the main board 42. Alternatively, the second water distribution pipe 23-2 may be disposed so as to abut against the sub-board housing box 45 that houses the sub-board 43, thereby cooling the sub-board 43. Alternatively, the second water distribution pipe 23-2 may be disposed so as to abut against both the main board housing box 44 and the sub-board housing box 45, thereby cooling both the main board 42 and the sub-board 43.

[0055] With this configuration, the heat absorption effect of the water flowing through second drain pipe 23-2 can be used to cool main board 42 or sub-board 43. Alternatively, first water supply unit 25-1, which supplies the largest amount of water during operation, may be provided at the front of washing machine 1, and first drain pipe 23-1 may be drawn out to the front of washing machine 1, so that main board 42 or sub-board 43 may be cooled by first drain pipe 23-1.

[0056] 1 and 3, the housing 10 may be divided into a lower housing 15 and an upper housing 14, with the upper housing 14 supporting the main board 42, sub-board 43, mounting portion 13, tank 30, and first to fourth drainage pipes 23-1 to 23-4. The lower housing 15 houses the water tank 20. The upper housing 14 is located above the lower housing 15 and is detachable from the lower housing 15.

[0057] With this configuration, when upper housing 14 is removed from lower housing 15, main board 42, sub-board 43, mounting portion 13, tank 30, and first to fourth drainage pipes 23-1 to 23-4, etc. are removed together with upper housing 14. This makes it easy to perform maintenance on the inside of lower housing 15 by removing upper housing 14, main board 42, sub-board 43, mounting portion 13, tank 30, and first to fourth drainage pipes 23-1 to 23-4, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, in this case, main board 42, specifically main board housing box 44 that houses main board 42, may be detachably attached to upper housing 14. This allows main board 42 to be removed while upper housing 14 remains attached, facilitating maintenance that requires removal of main board 42.

[0059] 1 and 2, when a plurality of tanks 30 are arranged on either side of the operation panel 41, the opening (see FIG. 4) formed on the top surface of the tank 30 for replenishing the laundry treatment liquid may be provided on the side closer to the operation panel 41. This configuration ensures a longer distance from the side of the washing machine 1 to the opening than a configuration in which the opening is located on the side farther from the operation panel 41. This makes it easier to replenishing the laundry treatment liquid to the tank 30 even if the washing machine 1 is placed with its side close to a wall.

[0060] In this case, the lid 30b (see FIG. 4) for closing the opening of the tank 30 may be of an openable / closable type having a fulcrum on the side farther from the operation panel 41, and may open on the side closer to the operation panel 41. With this configuration, the lid 30b does not get in the way, and the space above the operation panel 41 can be used to replenish the laundry treatment liquid into the tank 30.

[0061] Conversely, the lid 30b may be configured as an openable / closable type having a fulcrum on the side closer to the operation panel 41, and opening on the side farther from the operation panel 41. By configuring it in this way, the lid 30b can be used as a wall to prevent splashing when the laundry treatment liquid is replenished into the tank 30.

[0062] 5, mounting portion 13A may be provided so as to protrude upward from upper surface portion 10a of housing 10 and have guide portion 13Aa that surrounds the outside of tank 30. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting portion 13A of another washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The inner wall of the upper portion of the guide portion 13Aa is provided with a stepped portion 13Ab that is one step lower. That is, the inner wall has a first wall surface 13Aa1 and a second wall surface 13Aa2 that is provided above the first wall surface 13Aa1 and has a wider gap between it and the tank 30 than the first wall surface 13Aa1. The stepped portion 13Ab is formed between the first wall surface 13Aa1 and the second wall surface 13Aa2.

[0064] With this configuration, even if the laundry treatment liquid drips outside the tank 30 when the laundry treatment liquid is replenished into the tank 30, the laundry treatment liquid is stored to some extent in the step portion 13Ab. This prevents the laundry treatment liquid dripping outside the tank 30 from reaching the bottom of the mounting portion 13A, which is close to the arrangement position of the sub-board 43, which is a circuit component.

[0065] A water tank for storing water may also be provided in front of the washing machine 1. By storing water in a water tank provided in front of the washing machine, the center of gravity of the washing machine 1 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by using the water stored in the water tank for washing, the time required for water supply can be shortened.

[0066] 〔summary〕 A washing machine 1 according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a water tub for storing wash water, a housing that houses the water tub, and at least one tank for storing laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub, the at least one tank protruding from the housing at the front side in the fore-and-aft direction of the housing and being removably attached to the housing.

[0067] A washing machine 1 according to aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 such that the housing is located above the water tub and has an upper surface provided with an inlet for loading laundry into the water tub, and the at least one tank protrudes from the upper surface of the housing.

[0068] A washing machine 1 according to aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 2 such that the housing has a lid portion for opening and closing the inlet, and the at least one tank is provided in a position that is not covered by the lid portion when closed.

[0069] The washing machine 1 according to aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured in any one of aspects 1 to 3 above, such that the at least one tank includes a first tank containing a first laundry treatment liquid and a second tank containing a second laundry treatment liquid.

[0070] The washing machine 1 according to a fifth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the fourth aspect above, such that the first tank and the second tank are at least partially different in color.

[0071] A washing machine 1 according to a sixth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the fourth or fifth aspect above, further comprising a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air to the water tub, wherein the first tank is a detergent tank containing a detergent as the first laundry treatment liquid, the second tank is a fabric softener tank containing a fabric softener as the second laundry treatment liquid, and the fabric softener tank is located farther from the hot air supply unit than the detergent tank.

[0072] The washing machine 1 according to a seventh aspect of the present invention may be configured in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, such that the first tank and the second tank are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0073] The washing machine 1 according to an eighth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the seventh aspect, further comprising an input unit provided between the first tank and the second tank, for receiving an instruction input.

[0074] The washing machine 1 according to a ninth aspect of the present invention may be configured in any one of the first to eighth aspects, such that the at least one tank extends rearward beyond the front end of the water tub.

[0075] The washing machine 1 according to a tenth aspect of the present invention may be configured in the ninth aspect, such that the rear portion of the at least one tank is lower in height than the front portion thereof.

[0076] The washing machine 1 of aspect 11 of the present invention may be configured as in aspect 8 above, further comprising a sub-board located on the back side of the input section and a main board to which a higher voltage than that of the sub-board is applied, and the sub-board is equipped with a sensor that detects information about at least one of the tanks.

[0077] A washing machine 1 according to aspect 12 of the present invention may be configured as in aspect 11 above, further comprising a water distribution pipe to which the liquid supply section of at least one tank is connected and which supplies water from a water source to the water tub, and the water distribution pipe is arranged in close proximity to the main board or the sub-board and cools the main board or the sub-board.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 washing machine 10. Cabinet 10a Top part 10c Front part 11 Inlet 12 Lid 13, 13A mounting section 13Aa Guide part 13Aa1 First wall 13Aa2 Second wall 13Ab Step 14 Upper housing 15 Lower housing 20 aquarium 21 Aperture 23-1 1st water pipe 23-2 2nd water pipe (water pipe) 23-3 3rd water pipe 23-4 No. 4 water pipe 30 Tank 30a tank body 30aa front part 30ab rear part 30c Supply nozzle section (liquid supply section) 31 Detergent tank (first tank) 32 Fabric softener tank (second tank) 40 Hot air supply unit 41 Operation panel (input section) 42 Main board 43 Sub-board 47 Sensors

Claims

1. a water tank for storing washing water; a housing that houses the water tank; at least one tank for containing a laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub; the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at a front side in a front-rear direction of the housing and is detachably attached to the housing; the housing has an upper surface provided with an inlet for putting laundry into the water tub, The at least one tank protrudes from the top surface of the housing.

2. the housing has a lid that opens and closes the insertion port, The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tank is provided at a position that is not covered by the lid when the washing machine is closed.

3. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tank includes a first tank containing a first laundry treatment liquid and a second tank containing a second laundry treatment liquid.

4. 4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the first tank and the second tank are at least partially different in color.

5. A hot air supply unit is provided to supply hot air to the water tank. the first tank is a detergent tank that contains a detergent as the first laundry treatment liquid, the second tank is a fabric softener tank that contains fabric softener as the second laundry treatment liquid, The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the softener tank is located farther from the hot air supply unit than the detergent tank.

6. a water tank for storing washing water; a housing that houses the water tank; at least one tank for containing a laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub; the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at a front side in a front-rear direction of the housing and is detachably attached to the housing; the at least one tank includes a first tank containing a first laundry treatment liquid and a second tank containing a second laundry treatment liquid; The first tank and the second tank are positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, further comprising an input unit provided between the first tank and the second tank, for receiving an instruction input.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one tank extends rearward beyond a front end of the water tub.

9. a water tank for storing washing water; a housing that houses the water tank; at least one tank for containing a laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tub; the at least one tank protrudes from the housing at a front side in a front-rear direction of the housing and is detachably attached to the housing; the at least one tank extends rearward beyond the front end of the water tub; The washing machine wherein the at least one tank has a rear portion located at the rear that is lower in height than a front portion located at the front.

10. a sub-board located on the back side of the input unit; a main board to which a higher voltage is applied than to the sub-board, The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the sub-board is equipped with a sensor for detecting information relating to the at least one tank.

11. a water supply pipe connected to the at least one tank liquid supply unit and supplying water from a water source to the water tank; The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the drain pipe is provided in proximity to the main board or the sub-board to cool the main board or the sub-board.

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