Detergent dispenser and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a detergent charging device capable of preventing a failure in cleaning caused by the wrong attachment of containers.SOLUTION: A detergent charging device comprises: a detergent tank storing a detergent; a softener tank storing a softener; and a case body 100 having the detergent tank and the softener tank to be attached thereto. The case body 100 comprises: a first mounting part 109a having the detergent tank to be mounted thereon; and a second mounting part 109c having the softener tank to be mounted thereon. The first mounting part 109a is provided with a first service entrance 109b connected to the first discharge part of the detergent tank. The second mounting part 109c is provided with a second service entrance 109d connected to the second discharge part of the softener tank. The position of the first service entrance 109b in the first mounting part 109a and the position of the second service entrance 109d in the second mounting part 109c are mutually different dispositions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent into a washing machine, and a washing machine equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Washing machines equipped with a detergent dispenser for automatically dispensing detergent into a washing tub are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 044306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a water tub, a tank housing section, a tank that is detachably attached to the tank housing section and that houses a liquid agent, and a liquid supply device that supplies the liquid agent from the tank to the water tub.

[0005] Incidentally, when doing laundry, it is not uncommon to add multiple types of liquid agents, such as liquid detergent and fabric softener. For this reason, the washing machine described above also has two tanks (a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank) to accommodate the multiple types of liquid agents.

[0006] In recent years, for laundry liquids, the use of refillable liquids with simplified containers has been increasing due to environmental considerations, price reductions, and the like. Many of these refillable liquids are sold in the same volume (e.g., 500 mL) for both liquid detergent and fabric softener. Therefore, when refilling the liquid, it is desirable for the liquid tank to have a capacity large enough to use up the entire refill liquid in one go. Therefore, it is desirable for the detergent tank and the fabric softener tank to be the same size. However, if the detergent tank and the fabric softener tank were the same size, it would be difficult to distinguish between them, and there is a risk of them being installed in the wrong locations.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a detergent dispenser and a washing machine that can prevent washing failures caused by incorrect container installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The detergent dispenser of the present invention is a detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent into a washing machine, and comprises a first container for holding a first detergent, a second container for holding a second detergent, and a device main body to which the first container and the second container are attached, the device main body having a first mounting section on which the first container is placed, a second mounting section on which the second container is placed, and a main body discharge section from which the detergent to be dispensed into the washing machine is discharged, the first mounting section having a first inlet connected to a first discharge section of the first container, and the second mounting section having a second inlet connected to a second discharge section of the second container, the position of the first inlet within the first mounting section and the position of the second inlet within the second mounting section being arranged differently from each other.

[0009] In the detergent dispenser of the present invention, the first container and the second container may have the same capacity and have a unique portion that is shaped differently from its surroundings, and the unique portion of the first container and the unique portion of the second container may be arranged in positions that are mirror-inverted when viewed from above.

[0010] In the detergent dispenser of the present invention, the first container and the second container may be rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and the unique portion may be provided at at least one corner of the first container and the second container, and may have a different shape from the other corners.

[0011] In the detergent dispenser of the present invention, the first mounting portion may be shaped to correspond to the first container, and the second mounting portion may be shaped to correspond to the second container.

[0012] The detergent dispenser of the present invention may be configured to include a first container lid attached to the first container and covering the top surface, and a second container lid attached to the second container and covering the top surface, wherein the first container lid is shaped to correspond to the first container, and the second container lid is shaped to correspond to the second container.

[0013] In the detergent dispensing device of the present invention, the first container and / or the second container may have a small window that opens part of the top surface and a closing member that covers the small window, and a sealing member may be provided between the small window and the closing member to close the gap between them.

[0014] In the detergent dispenser of the present invention, the small window may be provided with a bottom surface facing portion that faces the bottom surface of the closing member, and the sealing member may be attached to the bottom surface facing portion and abut against the bottom surface of the closing member.

[0015] In the detergent dispenser of the present invention, the closing member may have an extension portion extending downward from the bottom surface, the small window may have a side facing portion facing the side of the extension portion, and the sealing member may be configured to be sandwiched between the extension portion and the side facing portion.

[0016] In the detergent dispenser according to the present invention, the sealing member may be attached to the extension portion.

[0017] In the detergent dispenser according to the present invention, the sealing member may be attached to the side surface facing portion.

[0018] A washing machine according to the present invention is characterized by including the detergent dispenser according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the first inlet and the second inlet are positioned differently from each other, so that if the first container and the second container are mixed up, they cannot be attached to the device body, thereby preventing washing failures due to incorrect attachment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a detergent dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a washing machine that uses a detergent dispenser. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the detergent dispenser with the back cover removed from the case body. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a portion of the case body with the manual insertion case removed. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram of a detergent dispenser for explaining a detergent dispenser operation. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is an enlarged top view showing the vicinity of the first and second mounting portions of the case body. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the detergent tank and the fabric softener tank. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the first tank body and the second tank body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of a sealing member in a first arrangement example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of a sealing member in a second arrangement example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of a sealing member in a third arrangement example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the basic configuration of a detergent dispenser 10 to which the present invention is applied and its operation when detergent is dispensed will be briefly described.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a detergent dispenser 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the detergent here refers to the detergent dispensed from the detergent dispenser 10 into the washing tub of the washing machine 1, and refers to powder detergent, liquid detergent, and laundry treatment agents such as fabric softener. Among detergents, liquid detergents and laundry treatment agents are sometimes called liquid agents. Note that while FIG. 2 illustrates a drum-type washing machine as the washing machine 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and the washing machine to which the present invention is applied may also be a vertical washing machine.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, detergent dispenser 10 has a case main body 100 (an example of a device main body) to which a detergent tank 110, a fabric softener tank 120, and a manual dispenser case 130 can be attached. Detergent tank 110 (an example of a first container) and fabric softener tank 120 (an example of a second container) are tanks for containing liquid agents to be automatically dispensed into the washing tub of washing machine 1, with detergent tank 110 containing liquid detergent (an example of a first detergent) and fabric softener tank 120 containing fabric softener, bleach, or the like (an example of a second detergent). Manual dispenser case 130 is a case for a user to manually dispense detergent, and has detergent dispenser 131 and fabric softener dispenser 132.

[0024] A valve mechanism 140 is attached to the rear of the detergent dispenser 10. The valve mechanism 140 has a water supply port 141 for allowing tap water to flow in to be supplied to the detergent dispenser 10. The valve mechanism 140 also has a plurality of electromagnetic valves inside, and by appropriately controlling the opening and closing of these plurality of electromagnetic valves, tap water can be supplied to the detergent dispenser 10 through different routes.

[0025] The detergent dispenser 10 is disposed inside the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 2 near the upper left side when viewed from the front side (the side where the door 2 is located). The detergent dispenser 10 may also be installed separately outside the washing machine 1. Lids 3 and 4 are disposed on the top surface of the washing machine 1. When the lid 3 is opened, the detergent dispenser section 131 and the fabric softener dispenser section 132 of the detergent dispenser 10 are exposed, allowing the user to manually dispense the detergent. The manual dispenser case 130 is configured so as not to be detachable from the detergent dispenser 10. When the lid 4 is opened, the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 are exposed, allowing the user to insert or remove the detergent tank 110 or the fabric softener tank 120 from the washing machine 1. The detergent tank 110 or the fabric softener tank 120 may be refilled while attached to the washing machine 1 or after removal. The detailed structures of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 and their surroundings will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0026] Furthermore, when the detergent dispenser 10 is attached to the washing machine 1, the water supply port 141 is exposed near the rear of the top surface of the washing machine 1. This allows the water supply port 141 to be connected to a water faucet with a hose, allowing it to receive a supply of tap water.

[0027] 3 is a rear view of the detergent dispenser 10 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the detergent dispenser 10 with the back cover 101 removed from the case body 100. As shown in FIG.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a liquid agent exchange chamber is provided on the back surface of the detergent dispenser 10, and a back cover 101 is attached to the liquid agent exchange chamber.

[0029] 4, a first groove 102 that becomes part of a first water supply path P1, which will be described later, and a second groove 103 that becomes part of a second water supply path P2, which will be described later, are formed on the back surface of case body 100. Note that although only grooves are formed on the back surface of case body 100, these grooves function as the cylindrical first water supply path P1 and second water supply path P2 by attaching back cover 101 to case body 100.

[0030] In first groove portion 102, an inlet 102a through which tap water flows in from valve mechanism 140 is provided at the upstream end of the water supply path, and an outlet 102b through which tap water (or a mixture of tap water and liquid detergent) flows out is provided at the downstream end. Similarly, in second groove portion 103, an inlet 103a through which tap water flows in from valve mechanism 140 is provided at the upstream end of the water supply path, and an outlet 103b through which tap water (or a mixture of tap water and fabric softener) flows out is provided at the downstream end. In addition, a check valve 104 connected to detergent tank 110 is provided midway in first groove portion 102, which prevents backflow from first water supply path P1 to detergent tank 110 or leakage from first water supply path P1 to the top surface of case body 100 when detergent tank 110 is not installed or is installed imperfectly. A check valve 105 connected to the fabric softener tank 120 is provided in the middle of the second groove portion 103, which prevents backflow from the second water supply path P2 to the fabric softener tank 120 or leakage from the second water supply path P2 to the top surface of the case body 100 when the fabric softener tank 120 is not installed or is installed imperfectly. The water and the mixture of liquid detergent flowing out from the outlets 102b and 103b both flow into the detergent input portion 131 of the manual input case 130.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a top view showing a portion of the case body 100 with the manual insertion case 130 removed.

[0032] 3 to 5, a main body discharge section 106 is provided on the bottom surface of the case body 100 directly below the detergent dispenser 131 of the manual dispenser case 130. Water flowing into the detergent dispenser 131 is supplied to the washing tub of the washing machine 1 through the main body discharge section 106. As will be described in detail later, water flowing into the fabric softener dispenser 132 of the manual dispenser case 130 is also supplied to the washing tub of the washing machine 1 through the main body discharge section 106.

[0033] Next, the detergent dispensing operation in the detergent dispenser 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the detergent dispenser 10 for explaining the detergent dispenser operation.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6 , the valve mechanism 140 separates the water supply path from the water supply port 141 into a third water supply path P3 and a fourth water supply path P4. The third water supply path P3 is connected to the first water supply path P1 on the case body 100 side, and the fourth water supply path P4 is connected to the second water supply path P2. The third water supply path P3 includes a solenoid valve 142 and a negative pressure pipe 144, arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. The fourth water supply path P4 includes a solenoid valve 143 and a negative pressure pipe 145, arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. The negative pressure pipes 144 and 145 can generate negative pressure in the fifth water supply path P5 by the Venturi effect. The negative pressure pipes 144 and 145 are connected by a fifth water supply path P5, which includes a flow meter 146. Note that the valve mechanism 140 in FIG. 6 does not show all of the water supply paths and solenoid valves.

[0036] The first water supply path P1 is provided with a check valve 107 downstream of the check valve 104 (specifically, downstream of the outlet 102b of the first groove portion 102). The second water supply path P2 is provided with a check valve 108 downstream of the check valve 105 (specifically, downstream of the outlet 103b of the second groove portion 103). Float valves are used as the check valves 107 and 108, and the check valves 107 and 108 are opened and closed by the water flows in the first water supply path P1 and the second water supply path P2, respectively. The first water supply path P1 and the second water supply path P2 merge further downstream and flow into the detergent dispenser 131 of the manual dispenser case 130, as described above.

[0037] First, we will explain the detergent dispensing operation (automatic liquid detergent dispensing operation) when a specified amount of liquid detergent is automatically dispensed from the detergent tank 110. In the first stage of this detergent dispensing operation, water is dispensed from the water supply port 141 while both solenoid valves 142 and 143 are open. Tap water flowing through the first water supply path P1 and the second water supply path P2 pushes up the check valves 107 and 108, which are float valves, to open them. This first stage of operation fills all of the first through fourth water supply paths P1-P4 with tap water and flows out to the detergent dispenser 131. At this time, both check valves 104 and 105 are closed, so no liquid flows from the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 into the first water supply path P1 and the second water supply path P2. Furthermore, there is almost no flow in the fifth water supply path P5.

[0038] When all of the first to fourth water supply paths P1 to P4 are filled with tap water by the first stage operation, the solenoid valves 142 and 143 are closed once, and the check valves 107 and 108, which are float valves, move down to close.

[0039] In the subsequent second stage, only solenoid valve 143 is opened to supply water from water supply port 141. This causes a flow from fourth water supply path P4 toward second water supply path P2, generating negative pressure in negative pressure pipe 145. This negative pressure causes tap water to flow in fifth water supply path P5 from negative pressure pipe 144 toward negative pressure pipe 145. Meanwhile, because solenoid valve 142 and check valve 107 are both closed, negative pressure also occurs within first water supply path P1, which opens check valve 104 and draws liquid detergent from detergent tank 110 into first water supply path P1.

[0040] The check valve 104 is held in a closed state by a spring (not shown) biasing its internal valve member toward the detergent tank 110, and opens when the valve member is pulled out by negative pressure from the first water supply path P1. The check valve 105 provided in the second water supply path P2 has the same configuration as the check valve 104.

[0041] In the second stage of operation, the same amount of liquid detergent as the tap water flowing through the fifth water supply path P5 is drawn from the detergent tank 110 into the first water supply path P1. Therefore, in the second stage, the flow rate of the tap water flowing through the fifth water supply path P5 is measured by the flow meter 146, and when the measurement value of the flow meter 146 reaches a specified value, the solenoid valve 143 is closed to end the second stage of operation. At the end of the second stage, the liquid detergent drawn from the detergent tank 110 remains only in the first water supply path P1 and does not flow into the fifth water supply path P5.

[0042] In the subsequent third stage, both solenoid valves 142 and 143 are opened again, and water is supplied from water supply port 141. As a result, a mixture of tap water and liquid detergent is sent from first water supply path P1 to detergent dispenser 131, and tap water is sent from second water supply path P2 to detergent dispenser 131. When a sufficient amount of water has been supplied to replace all of the water in first through fourth water supply paths P1-P4 with tap water, solenoid valves 142 and 143 are closed, and the automatic liquid detergent dispensing operation ends.

[0043] In the second stage of the automatic liquid detergent dispensing operation, a specified amount of liquid detergent is drawn from the detergent tank 110 into the first water supply path P1, but a maximum specified amount that can be drawn is set so that the drawn liquid detergent does not flow into the fifth water supply path P5. Therefore, if you want to add more than the maximum specified amount of detergent to the washing tub, you can perform the automatic dispensing operation multiple times.

[0044] The detergent dispensing operation (automatic fabric softener dispensing operation) when automatically dispensing a specified amount of fabric softener from fabric softener tank 120 can be performed in the same manner as the automatic liquid detergent dispensing operation. However, in the automatic fabric softener dispensing operation, only solenoid valve 142 is opened in the second stage. As a result, in the automatic fabric softener dispensing operation, negative pressure is generated in second water supply path P2, check valve 105 opens, and fabric softener is drawn from fabric softener tank 120 into second water supply path P2.

[0045] When manually dispensing detergent, the user dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent into detergent dispenser 131 of manual dispenser case 130. Water is dispensed at this time with both solenoid valves 142 and 143 open. When dispensing water with both solenoid valves 142 and 143 open, check valves 104 and 105 remain closed, so that only tap water is supplied to detergent dispenser 131. In other words, the tap water supplied to detergent dispenser 131 dissolves the detergent in detergent dispenser 131 while dispensing it into the washing tub.

[0046] Finally, when manually dispensing fabric softener, the user dispenses a predetermined amount of fabric softener into fabric softener dispenser 132 of manual dispenser case 130. However, the first through fourth water supply paths P1-P4 are not used for supplying water at this time, and water is supplied to fabric softener dispenser 132 through a separate water supply path. That is, valve mechanism 140 supplies water from water supply port 141 using other solenoid valves and water supply paths not shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, water is supplied to fabric softener dispenser 132 through third groove 151 formed on the back surface of case body 100. Third groove 151 is provided with inlet 151a through which tap water flows in and outlet 151b through which tap water flows out.

[0047] A drainage section with a siphon structure is formed on the bottom surface of fabric softener dispenser 132. Therefore, when the water level in fabric softener dispenser 132 reaches a predetermined height by supplying water to fabric softener dispenser 132, the mixture of tap water and fabric softener is drained from this drainage section and poured into the washing tub from main body discharge section 106.

[0048] FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view showing the vicinity of the first mounting portion 109a and the second mounting portion 109c of the case body 100. As shown in FIG.

[0049] The case body 100 is provided with a first mounting portion 109a and a second mounting portion 109c that are recessed downward.

[0050] The detergent tank 110 is placed on the first mounting portion 109a and attached to the case body 100. A first discharge portion 111c (see FIG. 9 described later) that discharges the detergent contained inside is provided on the bottom surface of the detergent tank 110 and is connected to a first inlet 109b provided in the first mounting portion 109a.

[0051] Furthermore, fabric softener tank 120 is placed on second mounting portion 109c and attached to case body 100. A second discharge portion 121c (see FIG. 9, which will be described later) that discharges the detergent contained inside is provided on the bottom surface of fabric softener tank 120, and is connected to second inlet 109d provided in second mounting portion 109c.

[0052] 7, the check valve 104 and the check valve 105 are omitted, but the first inlet 109b is provided with the check valve 104, and the second inlet 109d is provided with the check valve 105. The shapes of the first mounting portion 109a and the second mounting portion 109c when viewed from above will be described together with the shapes of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, which will be described later.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120, and FIG. 9 is a top view showing the first tank body 111 and the second tank body 121. As shown in FIG.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows the detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 removed from the case main body 100 and placed side by side, and the detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are structured to be self-supporting when placed on a stand such as a desk or table. Fig. 9 shows only the first tank body 111 and the second tank body 121 of the detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 shown in Fig. 8 as viewed from above. Note that in Figs. 8 and 9, the detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are in the same positional relationship as when they are attached to the case main body 100, and are placed side by side with their sides adjacent to each other. In the case main body 100, the first mounting portion 109a and the second mounting portion 109c are arranged adjacent to each other, and when viewed from above, the first mounting portion 109a and the second mounting portion 109c together form a large rectangular portion, and a side wall stands upright surrounding the integrated first mounting portion 109a and second mounting portion 109c.

[0055] The detergent tank 110 is made up of a first tank body 111, a first tank lid 112 (an example of a first container lid), a first handle 113, and a first small window cover 114 (an example of a closing member). Similarly to the detergent tank 110, the fabric softener tank 120 is made up of a second tank body 121, a second tank lid 122 (an example of a second container lid), a second handle 123, and a second small window cover 124 (an example of a closing member).

[0056] The first tank body 111 is a container in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the entire top surface is open. When viewed from above, the first tank body 111 has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. One of the four corners of the first tank body 111 (the upper right corner of the first tank body 111 in FIG. 9) has a smaller R value than the other corners, and is formed as a first unique portion 111b (corresponding to a unique portion) having a different shape.

[0057] The second tank body 121 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container with an open top surface, similar to the first tank body 111, and one of its four corners (the lower right corner of the second tank body 121 in FIG. 9) is a second unique portion 121b (corresponding to a unique portion) with a smaller R value than the other corners. For ease of explanation below, the first unique portion 111b and the second unique portion 121b may be collectively referred to as the unique portion.

[0058] The first unique portion 111b and the second unique portion 121b are provided at adjacent corners when attached to the case body 100. Furthermore, a first tank claw 111a for locking the first tank lid 112 is provided at the upper end of the first tank body 111 near the corner where the first unique portion 111b is provided (on the right short side of the first tank body 111 in FIG. 9). Similarly, a second tank claw 121a for locking the second tank lid 122 is provided at the upper end of the second tank body 121 near the corner where the second unique portion 121b is provided (on the right short side of the second tank body 121 in FIG. 9).

[0059] The detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 have the same capacity for liquid storage, which is approximately 600 mL in this embodiment. Therefore, the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 are approximately the same size, and the dimensions of corresponding parts are also approximately the same. However, the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 have different positions for the first unique portion 111b and the second unique portion 121b. When the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 are stacked vertically, the first unique portion 111b and the second unique portion 121b do not overlap in a top view. Furthermore, even if either tank is rotated, the unique portions may overlap but the lengths of their sides may not match, or the lengths of their sides may match but the unique portions may not overlap. In this embodiment, the first unique portion 111b and the second unique portion 121b are positioned in a mirror image when viewed from above.

[0060] The first placing portion 109a is shaped to correspond to the detergent tank 110, and the second placing portion 109c is shaped to correspond to the fabric softener tank 120. Specifically, the first placing portion 109a is shaped to follow the outline of the first tank body 111, and a first placing unique portion 109e is provided at a location corresponding to the first unique portion 111b. Similarly, the second placing portion 109c is shaped to follow the outline of the second tank body 121, and a second placing unique portion 109f is provided at a location corresponding to the second unique portion 121b.

[0061] Therefore, the detergent tank 110 cannot be placed on the first placement portion 109a unless the first unique portion 111b is aligned with the first placement unique portion 109e. Similarly, the fabric softener tank 120 cannot be placed on the second placement portion 109c unless the second unique portion 121b is aligned with the second placement unique portion 109f. Therefore, when attempting to place the fabric softener tank 120 on the first placement portion 109a, the second unique portion 121b hits the surrounding sidewall and interferes with placement. For the same reason, the detergent tank 110 cannot be placed on the second placement portion 109c.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 7, the first inlet 109b in the first mounting portion 109a and the second inlet 109d in the second mounting portion 109c are positioned differently from each other. Specifically, the second inlet 109d is located near the center of the second mounting portion 109c in a top view, and the first inlet 109b is located closer to one end (the left in Fig. 7) than the second inlet 109d. Alternatively, for example, they may be arranged in line symmetry with each other left and right or front and back in a top view, as long as they are not rotationally symmetrical in a top view. The first inlet 109b and the second inlet 109d each have a protrusion surrounding them.

[0063] A first discharge portion 111c is provided on the bottom surface of the first tank body 111, and the first discharge portion 111c is provided at a position overlapping with the above-mentioned first inlet 109b. Furthermore, a second discharge portion 121c is provided on the bottom surface of the second tank body 121, and the second discharge portion 121c is provided at a position overlapping with the above-mentioned second inlet 109d. If the first discharge portion 111c is not aligned with the first inlet 109b, the protrusions provided around it will interfere and the two will not be able to be connected, and the same relationship is established between the second inlet 109d and the second discharge portion 121c.

[0064] In this way, the position of first inlet 109b in first mounting portion 109a and the position of second inlet 109d in second mounting portion 109c are arranged to be different, so that when detergent tank 110 and fabric softener tank 120 are mixed up, they cannot be completely attached to case body 100, thereby preventing washing failures due to incorrect attachment. Examples of washing failures include dirt not being removed or detergent or fabric softener remaining due to the timing of adding detergent and fabric softener being reversed.

[0065] Furthermore, even if the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 have the same capacity and similar structure, by differentiating the positions of the unique portions, it is possible to prevent the containers from being mixed up. Furthermore, by providing the unique portions at corners where the difference in shape is easily distinguishable, the user can clearly visually recognize the difference in the positions of the unique portions. By matching the shapes of the first mounting portion 109a and the second mounting portion 109c to those of the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120, the user can intuitively understand the correct mounting locations. In this embodiment, both a configuration in which the first inlet 109b in the first mounting portion 109a and the second inlet 109d in the second mounting portion 109c are positioned differently and a configuration in which the unique portion is provided in the tank and the unique mounting portion is provided in the tank mounting portion are implemented. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of the configurations may be implemented.

[0066] The first tank lid 112 is shaped to fit the first tank body 111, and is provided with a first lid locking portion 112a at a position that overlaps with the first tank claw 111a. The first tank lid 112 can be locked to the first tank body 111 by hooking the first lid locking portion 112a onto the first tank claw 111a. A packing is sandwiched between the first tank lid 112 and the first tank body 111 to seal the gap. The type of packing is not particularly limited, and it may be attached so as to cover the outer periphery of the first tank lid 112, or may be attached along the upper edge of the first tank body 111.

[0067] Like the first tank lid 112, the second tank lid 122 is shaped to fit the second tank body 121, and has a second lid locking portion 122a provided at a position that overlaps with the second tank claw 121a. The second lid locking portion 122a is hooked onto the second tank claw 121a, thereby locking the second tank lid 122 to the second tank body 121. Also, gaps between the second tank lid 122 and the second tank body 121 are sealed with packing. In this way, by shaping the lids to fit the tanks (first tank body 111 and second tank body 121), it is easy to identify the corresponding tank lids (first tank lid 112 and second tank lid 122), and mixing up the tanks can be prevented.

[0068] The first tank lid 112 is configured to be easily detachable from the first tank body 111 by the user, and can be separated from the first tank body 111. When the first tank lid 112 is detached, the entire top surface of the first tank body 111 is exposed, which is suitable for, for example, cleaning the first tank body 111. Similarly, the second tank lid 122 can also be separated from the second tank body 121 by the user.

[0069] One end of the first handle 113 is fastened to one side surface (the front right surface in FIG. 8) of the first tank body 111, and the other end is fastened to the other side surface (the rear left surface in FIG. 8). The first handle 113 is configured to rotate around the fastened point as a fulcrum, but the range of movement is limited by the first lid locking portion 112a. When the first handle 113 is rotated, the portion extending from one end to the other end (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the grip) moves between the top and side of the detergent tank 110.

[0070] Similar to the first handle 113, the second handle 123 has one end locked to one side surface (the front right surface in FIG. 8) and the other end locked to the other side surface (the rear left surface in FIG. 8) of the second tank body 121. When the second handle 123 is rotated around the locked point, the range of movement is also limited by the second lid locking portion 122a.

[0071] For example, when the user holds the first handle 113 (second handle 123) and hangs the detergent tank 110 (fabric softener tank 120), the grip is located above the detergent tank 110 (fabric softener tank 120). Also, when the user moves the grip to the side of the detergent tank 110 (fabric softener tank 120), the top of the detergent tank 110 (fabric softener tank 120) opens, so the grip does not get in the way when filling the detergent tank 110 (fabric softener tank 120).

[0072] With the detergent tank 110 and the fabric softener tank 120 attached to the case body 100, the handle of the detergent tank 110 is configured to rotate away from the fabric softener tank 120 (toward the lower left in FIG. 8 ), but its movement is blocked by the first lid locking portion 112a on the side closer to the fabric softener tank 120 (toward the upper right in FIG. 8 ). Similarly, the handle of the fabric softener tank 120 rotates away from the detergent tank 110 (toward the upper right in FIG. 8 ), but its movement is blocked by the second lid locking portion 122a on the side closer to the detergent tank 110 (toward the lower left in FIG. 8 ). Therefore, the first handle 113 does not overlap the fabric softener tank 120, and the second handle 123 does not overlap the detergent tank 110, so operations such as pulling out the tank or refilling the detergent liquid are not hindered. Furthermore, when the first handle 113 and the second handle 123 are laid down (moved to the side of the tank), they move away from each other, which prevents the user from grabbing the handle of a tank other than the intended tank when they want to pull out one of the tanks.

[0073] The first tank lid 112 is partially open and has a first small window 112d (an example of a small window), and the first small window cover 114 covers the first small window 112d from above. One end of the first small window cover 114 is pivotally supported on the first tank lid 112 and is configured to rotate around the pivot point. The other end of the first small window cover 114 is provided with a first cover locking portion 114a for locking with the first tank lid 112. The first tank lid 112 is provided with a first cover recess 112b that is recessed downward from the surrounding area at a location corresponding to the first cover locking portion 114a, and the other end of the first small window cover 114 partially covers the upper side of the first cover recess 112b. The first cover recess 112b may be provided with a portion, such as a claw or protrusion, for hooking the first cover locking portion 114a. The user can insert a finger into the first cover recess 112b, hook the finger on the bottom surface of the first small window cover 114, and open it upward.

[0074] Similar to the first tank lid 112, the second tank lid 122 is provided with a second small window 122d (an example of a small window) that is partially open, and the second small window cover 124 covers the second small window 122d from above. The second small window cover 124 and the second tank lid 122 are provided with a second cover locking portion 124a and a second cover recess 122b, but since these have substantially the same configuration as the first cover locking portion 114a and the first cover recess 112b in the first small window cover 114 and the first tank lid 112, their description will be omitted. For ease of explanation, the first small window cover 114 and the second small window cover 124 will collectively be referred to as the small window covers, the first small window 112d and the second small window 122d will collectively be referred to as the small window, and the first tank lid 112 and the second tank lid 122 will collectively be referred to as the tank lid. The small window may be provided in the tank body instead of the tank lid. Also, if the tank body has a small window, a tank lid may not be provided.

[0075] The small window cover is pivotally connected at one end to the tank lid, allowing the small window to be easily opened and closed. The small window cover may be configured to be detachable from the tank lid. The user can refill the liquid by opening (or removing) the small window. In addition, it is preferable that the small window be kept closed under normal circumstances to prevent evaporation and oxidation of the stored liquid.

[0076] In this embodiment, a sealing member is provided between the small window and the small window cover to seal the gap between them. Providing a small window in the tank lid allows detergent to be filled without opening the tank lid, preventing the detergent from being exposed to air during filling. Furthermore, providing a sealing member between the small window and the small window cover prevents air from entering through the small window. Because the small window opens a portion of the tank body, the perimeter of the small window is shorter than the perimeter of the tank body. Therefore, when a sealing member is provided around the small window, the short overall length of the sealing member reduces frictional resistance, reducing the force required to open and close the small window cover. Next, first to third arrangement examples, in which the positions of the sealing members provided between the small window and the small window cover are different, will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the sealing member 115 in the first arrangement example.

[0078] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of the first small window cover 114 and the first tank lid 112 near the sealing member 115. The first small window 112d of the first tank lid 112 is provided with a bottom surface facing portion 112e that faces the bottom surface 114b of the first small window cover 114. The first sealing member 115 is attached to the bottom surface facing portion 112e and abuts against the bottom surface 114b of the first small window cover 114. The sealing member 115 is a packing made of, for example, rubber. The first small window cover 114 is formed to be slightly larger than the first small window 112d in top view, and a part of its outer periphery overlaps with the first tank lid 112. The bottom surface facing portion 112e is the portion where the first small window cover 114 and the first tank lid 112 overlap, and is provided continuously along the first small window 112d. The bottom surface facing portion 112e may be provided with, for example, protrusions or grooves to prevent the attached sealing member 115 from coming off. With this configuration, the first small window cover 114 is placed over the bottom surface facing portion 112e, and the sealing member 115 can be sandwiched and sealed by the pressure from above. Because the detergent tank 110 is sealed with the sealing member 115, evaporation and oxidation of the detergent contained therein can be suppressed, and deterioration, hardening, and the like can be prevented. Furthermore, because the sealing member 115 seals gaps, spillage can be prevented when the container is toppled.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the sealing member 115 in the second arrangement example.

[0080] The second arrangement example differs from the first arrangement example in that a side surface facing portion 112c is provided instead of the bottom surface facing portion 112e. An extension portion 114c extending downward from the bottom surface 114b is provided slightly inside the outer periphery of the first small window cover 114. The side surface facing portion 112c is the portion where the first small window cover 114 and the first tank lid 112 overlap, and is provided continuously along the first small window 112d. The side surface facing portion 112c faces the extension portion 114c and surrounds the outside with a gap from the extension portion 114c in top view. The sealing member 115 is attached to the extension portion 114c and is slightly thicker than the gap between the extension portion 114c and the side surface facing portion 112c. That is, when the first small window cover 114 is closed, the sealing member 115 is pressed against the extension 114c and the side surface facing portion 112c to seal the gap. In this way, by providing the extension 114c facing the first small window 112d, it is possible to ensure an attachment location for the sealing member 115 without increasing the size of the first small window cover 114 itself. Furthermore, when the first small window cover 114 is placed over the first small window 112d, the surface of the sealing member 115 provided between them slides, preventing a gap and reducing the force applied to the sealing member 115 itself, thereby preventing damage to the sealing member 115. The extension 114c may be provided with a groove or protrusion to prevent the sealing member 115 from coming off.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the position of the sealing member 115 in the third arrangement example.

[0082] The third arrangement example differs from the second arrangement example in that the sealing member 115 is attached to the side surface facing portion 112c of the first tank lid 112. In this case, the side surface facing portion 112c may be provided with a groove or a protrusion to prevent the sealing member 115 from coming off.

[0083] In the first to third arrangement examples described above, an example of a method for fixing sealing member 115 is engagement using grooves or protrusions, but this is not limited to this, and it may also be fixed by, for example, adhesion or fastening.

[0084] 10 to 12 describe the sealing member 115 provided between the first small window 112d of the detergent tank 110 and the first small window cover 114, but the sealing member 115 may also be provided between the second small window 122d of the fabric softener tank 120 and the second small window cover 124, and since it is arranged in the same manner as the sealing member 115 in the detergent tank 110, the description and drawings will be omitted.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims. Furthermore, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 washing machine 10 Detergent dispenser 100 Case body (example of device body) 109a First placement section 109b First entrance 109c Second placement section 109d Second entrance 110 Detergent tank (an example of a first container) 111 First Tank Body 111b First unique part (an example of a unique part) 112 First Tank Lid 112c Side facing part 112d First small window (an example of a small window) 112e Bottom facing part 114 First small window cover (an example of a blocking member) 115 Sealing member 120 Fabric softener tank (an example of a second container) 121 Second Tank Body 121b Second singular part (an example of a singular part) 122 Second Tank Lid 122d Second small window (an example of a small window) 124 Second small window cover (an example of a blocking member)

Claims

1. A detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent into a washing machine, a first container containing a first detergent; a second container containing a second detergent; an apparatus main body to which the first container and the second container are attached side by side; Equipped with the first container includes a first container lid that covers an upper surface of the first container; the second container includes a second container lid that covers an upper surface of the second container, The first container lid has a first locking portion that locks the first container lid to the first container, the second container lid has a second locking portion that locks the second container lid to the second container, A detergent dispenser device in which, when the first container and the second container are attached side by side to the device main body, the first locking portion is located on a second side surface that intersects with a first side surface of the first container that faces the second container, and the second locking portion is located on a fourth side surface that intersects with a third side surface of the second container that faces the first side surface of the first container, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion are adjacent to each other.

2. The first container further includes a first handle pivotally secured to the first container; The second container further includes a second handle pivotally engaged with the second container; the first engaging portion is located on the side of the first handle in a direction from the first container toward the second container, The detergent dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein the second engaging portion is located on a side of a position where the second handle is engaged in a direction from the second container toward the first container.

3. the first handle rotates within a range from a position along the side surface of the first container in a direction from the second container toward the first container to a position where the first handle comes into contact with the first locking portion, The detergent dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the second handle rotates within a range from a position along the side of the second container in a direction from the first container toward the second container to a position where the second handle contacts the first engaging portion.

4. The first container and the second container have a unique portion having a shape different from that of the surrounding area, A detergent dispenser as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first container and the second container are attached side by side to the device main body, the unique portion of the first container is located near the side of the first container adjacent to the second container, the unique portion of the second container is located near the side of the second container adjacent to the first container, and the unique portion of the first container and the unique portion of the second container are adjacent to each other.

5. When the first container lid covers the top surface of the first container, the first engaging portion is located near the unique portion of the first container, The detergent dispenser according to claim 4 , wherein when the second container lid covers the top surface of the second container, the second engaging portion is located near the unique portion of the second container.

6. A detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent into a washing machine, a first container containing a first detergent; a second container containing a second detergent; an apparatus main body to which the first container and the second container are attached side by side; Equipped with The first container comprises: a first handle rotatably engaged with the first container; a first locking portion that limits the range of movement of the first handle from a position where a side surface of the first container faces the first handle to a position where an upper surface of the first container faces the first handle; Including, The second container is a second handle rotatably engaged with the second container; a second locking portion that limits the range of movement of the second handle from a position where the side surface on the other side of the second container and the second handle face each other to a position where the top surface of the second container and the second handle face each other; Including, The one direction indicates a direction from the second container toward the first container when the first container and the second container are attached side by side to the device body. the other direction indicates a direction from the first container toward the second container when the first container and the second container are attached side by side to the device main body, A detergent dispenser device in which, when the first container and the second container are attached side by side to the device main body, the first locking portion is located on a second side surface that intersects with a first side surface of the first container that faces the second container, and the second locking portion is located on a fourth side surface that intersects with a third side surface of the second container that faces the first side surface of the first container, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion are adjacent to each other.

7. A washing machine comprising the detergent dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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