washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine having a detergent tank that is easily detachable to a housing.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises a water tank for storing washing water, a housing that accommodates the water tank, and at least one washing treatment liquid tank for accommodating a washing treatment liquid supplied to the water tank. The at least one washing treatment liquid tank protruding from the surface of the housing is detachably fixed to the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a detachable detergent tank is attached inside a housing. In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, an opening and a lid for opening and closing the opening are provided at the upper part of the housing. And the detergent tank is attached inside the opening of the housing with the lid open, that is, inside the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, since the detergent tank is attached inside the housing, it is difficult for the user to remove or attach the detergent tank when replenishing the detergent in the detergent tank. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a washing machine in which the detergent tank can be easily attached to and detached from the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a water tank for storing washing water, a housing housing the water tank, and at least two washing liquid tanks for storing washing liquid to be supplied to the water tank, wherein the housing includes an upper surface portion provided above the water tank, and a mounting portion recessed into the housing from the upper surface portion and for mounting the at least two washing liquid tanks side by side in the left-right direction, the washing liquid tank has a body with an open top and a lid for closing the opening of the body, the washing liquid tank is detachably attached to the mounting portion so as to protrude from the surface of the housing, and in the state in which the at least two washing liquid tanks are mounted on the mounting portion, in the left-right direction approaching The gap between the lids is in the left-right direction. approaching The width of the lid in the left-right direction from the front end to the rear end of the washing liquid tank is formed to be larger than the width of the main body in the left-right direction, so as to be smaller than the gap between the main bodies. Furthermore, the opposing surfaces of the lids that are close to each other in the left-right direction, and the opposing surfaces of the main bodies are both flat. . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example of a washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram conceptually illustrates examples of the paths for automatic washing and manual washing in the washing machine of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment, specifically the detergent tank and fabric softener tank mounted in the mounting section, and the manual detergent dispensing section. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a detergent tank according to the embodiment mounted on the mounting section. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the detergent tank and mounting section according to a modified example of the embodiment 1. [Figure 8]This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a laundry liquid tank according to a modified example of the embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a laundry processing liquid tank. [Figure 10] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to a modified example 3 of the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to a modified example 4 of the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to modified embodiment 5. [Figure 13] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to modified embodiment 5. [Figure 14] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to a modified example 6 of the embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to modified embodiment 7. [Figure 16] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to modified embodiment 8. [Figure 17] This is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry liquid tank according to modified embodiment 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the washing machine shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing 101, a water tank 102 housed inside the housing 101, a washing liquid tank 160 provided in the housing 101, and a manual detergent dispenser 119 provided in the housing 101.

[0009] As an example in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 will be described as being capable of performing two types of washing operations: an automatic washing operation that automatically performs a washing operation, and a manual washing operation that manually performs a washing operation. The automatic washing operation is, for example, a washing operation in which when a preset set time arrives, the washing machine 100 starts the washing operation without waiting for an instruction from the user. On the other hand, the manual washing operation is, for example, a washing operation in which the washing operation is started after receiving an instruction from the user, such as when an operation button or the like is pressed.

[0010] The housing 101 surrounds the periphery of the water tank 102. The housing 101 has an upper surface portion 101a provided above the water tank 102, a bottom surface portion 101b provided below the water tank 102, a front surface portion 101c provided in front of the water tank 102, a rear surface portion 101d provided on the rear side behind the water tank 102, and side surface portions 101e·101f provided on both sides of the water tank 102 via the water tank 102. For example, the upper surface portion 101a covers the upper part of the water tank 102, and the bottom surface portion 101b covers the lower part of the water tank 102. Also, for example, the front surface portion 101c, the side surface portion 101e, the rear surface portion 101d, and the side surface portion 101f are each erected with respect to the bottom surface portion 101b and arranged in order to cover the peripheral part on the side of the water tank 102.

[0011] Further, the housing 101 includes a mounting portion 117 for mounting the washing treatment liquid tank 160. For example, the mounting portion 117 has a shape that is recessed from the surface of the housing 101 into the housing 101. For example, the mounting portion 117 is provided on the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101. That is, the mounting portion 117 is provided so as to be recessed from the surface of the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101 into the housing 101. Note that the mounting portion 1(17 may be provided at a position other than the upper surface portion 101a of the housing 101.

[0012] In this embodiment, as an example, the washing treatment liquid tank 160 will be described as a tank for storing detergents and the like used during the automatic washing operation. Note that the detergents and the like stored in the washing treatment liquid tank 160 may be used during the manual washing operation.

[0013] The washing treatment liquid tank 160 protrudes from the surface of the housing 101 and is detachably attached to the housing 101. That is, the washing treatment liquid tank 160 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 117. The washing treatment liquid tank 160 stores the washing treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tank 102. The washing treatment liquid is a chemical used for washing, such as a detergent and a fabric softener.

[0014] The washing machine 100 may have at least one washing treatment liquid tank 160. As an example, in this embodiment, as at least one washing treatment liquid tank 160, the washing machine 100 will be described as having a detergent tank (washing treatment liquid tank) 162 and a fabric softener tank (washing treatment liquid tank) 163. The detergent tank 162 has a capacity to store a liquid detergent in an amount sufficient for multiple washes. The fabric softener tank 163 has a capacity to store a liquid fabric softener in an amount sufficient for multiple washes.

[0015] Note that the number of washing treatment liquid tanks 160 (detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163) of the washing machine 100 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Also, when the washing treatment liquid tank 160 has a plurality of tanks, the capacities of each may be the same or different. The details of the washing treatment liquid tank 160 will be described later. Also, when the washing treatment liquid tank 160 has a plurality of tanks, the types of the respective washing treatment liquids may be the same or different.

[0016] The manual detergent dispenser 119 is a tank for storing detergent, etc., used during manual or automatic washing cycles. The manual detergent dispenser 119 is housed inside the casing 101 and is detachably attached to the casing 101. The manual detergent dispenser 119 is a container for storing detergent to be supplied to the water tank 102, and is provided separately from the washing liquid tank 160. For example, detergent is dispensed into the manual detergent dispenser 119 by the user each time the user manually operates the washing machine 100 to perform a wash. The detergent stored in the manual detergent dispenser 119 may be liquid or powder. The manual detergent dispenser 119 may be provided at will and may be omitted. Details of the manual detergent dispenser 119 will be described later.

[0017] The water tank 102 is a tank for storing wash water when the washing machine 100 performs a washing cycle. The wash water is a liquid in which laundry processing solutions such as detergent and fabric softener are dissolved in water. The water tank 102 comprises, for example, a large-diameter bottomed cylindrical body 120 having an opening 121 across the entire surface of one end, a rotating drum 103 housed in the bottomed cylindrical body 120, and a drain port 122 provided in the bottomed cylindrical body 120 for draining the water inside the water tank 102. The water tank 102 is elastically supported by, for example, a plurality of support legs 123 (only one shown) provided on the bottom surface 101b of the housing 101, maintaining an inclined posture with the opening 121 facing upward and its axis tilted with respect to the horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the installation surface of the washing machine 100).

[0018] The rotating drum 103 is, for example, a bottomed cylindrical body that is slightly smaller in diameter than the water tank 102 and has an opening 130 across the entire surface of one end. The opening 130 of the rotating drum 103 is connected to the end of the output shaft 140 of a drum motor 104, which is located in the center of the bottom of the water tank 102, so as to be approximately concentric with the opening 121 of the water tank 102. The rotating drum 103 rotates inside the water tank 102 around the output shaft 140, driven by the drum motor 104. The peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103 is formed with, for example, numerous small holes 132 that penetrate the entire surface. Furthermore, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the rotating drum 103, for example, multiple baffles 133 are provided that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction and extend in the axial direction. Note that in Figure 2, only a portion of the small holes 132 and one baffle 133 are shown to avoid complexity in the drawing.

[0019] The drain outlet 122 is connected to the drain hose 127 via the drain pipe 124. The water used for washing clothes in the tank 102 is then drained to the outside via the drain pipe 124 and the drain hose 127. A drain valve 126 is provided between the drain pipe 124 and the drain hose 127. The opening and closing of this drain valve 126 controls the storage and drainage of water in the tank 102.

[0020] The housing 101 further includes, for example, an opening 111 for loading laundry, a door 110 for opening and closing the opening 111, an operation panel 115 equipped with operation buttons for receiving operation instructions from the user to the washing machine 100, and a water source connection port 150 for connecting to a water supply source such as a water tap. For example, the opening 111 and the door 110 are provided on the front part 101c of the housing 101, and when the door 110 is opened, laundry is loaded into the water tank 102 (rotating drum 103) through the opening 111. When the door 110 is closed, the opening 121 of the water tank 102 is closed. For example, the door 110 is designed to open when a door open button 113 is pressed. Figure 1 shows an example of a circular door 110, but the shape of the door 110 may be other than circular (for example, a rectangle).

[0021] The control panel 115 is provided adjacent to the front side of the top surface 101a, for example, to facilitate user operation. The water source connection port 150 is provided at the rear end of the top surface 101a, opposite to the direction approaching the control panel 115.

[0022] The control panel 115 includes, for example, an operating section for various operations and a display section for displaying various images. In the washing machine 100, the control unit 5 (see Figure 3) controls the operation of each part in response to the operation of the control panel 115, thereby executing a series of processes such as washing and spinning.

[0023] The water source connection port 150 is connected to the water tank 102 via, for example, a second valve 151 and a main water distribution pipe 152. The second valve 151 is, for example, a multi-channel solenoid valve having multiple water inlet outlets. The water supplied from the water source is then supplied to the water tank 102 via the main water distribution pipe 152, along with laundry processing liquid supplied from, for example, a detergent tank 162 and a fabric softener tank 163, by switching the water inlet outlets of the second valve 151.

[0024] The washing operation in the washing machine 100 is performed, for example, by supplying washing water into the water tank 102 (rotating drum 103) into which the laundry is placed, and driving the drum motor 104 to tumble the rotating drum 103. The laundry in the rotating drum 103 is immersed in the washing water that enters the rotating drum 103 through the small holes 132, and is washed by being repeatedly lifted and dropped by the baffle 133, and being slammed against the inner wall of the rotating drum 103 when it falls. Although the washing operation of the washing machine 100 has been described, this washing machine 100 may also have a heater, a blower fan, etc., and function as a dryer to dry the laundry in the water tank.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram that conceptually illustrates an example of the paths for automatic washing operation and manual washing operation in the washing machine 100 of this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the washing machine 100 includes, for example, a control unit 5 and a detergent supply mechanism 300. The detergent supply mechanism 300 includes a first path 311, a first valve 302 and a pump 301 provided in the first path 311, a water supply path 321, a second valve 151 provided in the water supply path 321, and a second path 322.

[0027] At least one first valve 302 and pump 301 are provided between the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 and the water tank 102. At least one second valve 151 is provided between the water source connection port 150 and the water tank 102. In this embodiment, at least one second valve 151 is provided between the water source connection port 150 and the first path 311.

[0028] The control unit 5 is an information processing device consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like that controls the operation of each part of the washing machine 100. For example, the operation of the pump 301, the first valve 302, the second valve 151, etc., is controlled by the control unit 5.

[0029] When performing an automatic washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151, and controls the operation of the pump 301, for example, when a pre-stored set time has been reached. Furthermore, when performing a manual washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 302 and the second valve 151, and controls the operation of the pump 301, based on instruction signals obtained from the operation buttons.

[0030] The first path 311 is a path for supplying laundry liquid from the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 to the water tank 102 during automatic washing operation. The first path 311 has tank connection parts 312a and 312b, which are ends connected to the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163, and a water tank connection part 313, which is an end connected to the water tank 102. In this embodiment, tank connection part 312a is connected to the detergent tank 162, and tank connection part 312b is connected to the fabric softener tank 163. Note that the number of tank connection parts 312a and 312b in the first path 311 should correspond to the number of laundry liquid tanks 160. Details of how the tank connection parts 312a and 312b are connected to the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 will be described later.

[0031] The water supply path 321 is a path for supplying water from a water source connected to the water source connection port 150 to the water tank 102. For example, the water supply path 321 is connected to the first path 311.

[0032] When the washing machine 100 performs an automatic washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the second valve 151 so that a water supply path 321 is formed from the water source connection port 150 through the second valve 151 to the water tank 102.

[0033] When the washing machine 100 performs an automatic washing cycle, the detergent in the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 163 are supplied to the water tank 102 via the pump 301 and the first path 311. The pump 301, for example, sucks detergent from the detergent tank 162 or fabric softener from the fabric softener tank 163 and supplies it to the water tank 102. It is preferable that the pump 301 is configured to suck a predetermined amount of laundry liquid from each laundry liquid tank 160. For example, the amount of laundry liquid can be adjusted by the operating time of the pump 301.

[0034] The type of laundry liquid supplied to the water tank 102 is switched by the first valve 302. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the first valve 302 is used to switch the type of laundry liquid, but the system is not limited to this, and a corresponding valve may be provided for each laundry tank, and the laundry liquid may be switched by opening and closing these valves.

[0035] Furthermore, the laundry treatment liquid supplied to the water tank 102 is mixed with water by connecting to a water supply path 321 that passes from a water source through a water source connection port 150 and a second valve 151 midway along the first path 311 from the pump 301 to the water tank 102. As a result, the laundry treatment liquid becomes diluted laundry water, which is supplied to the water tank 102 through the water tank connection port 313. In this embodiment, water is supplied downstream of the pump 301 via the water source connection port 150, but the system is not limited to this, and for example, water may be supplied upstream of the pump 301 or upstream of the first valve 302. In this case, the pump 301 and the first valve 302 can be washed with water.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was given in which a detergent tank 162 and a fabric softener tank 163 are used as tanks to store the laundry liquid, but the system is not limited to this, and the laundry liquid tank 160 may be one or more. For example, multiple types of detergent and / or fabric softener may be held in different tanks, allowing the user to select the type of detergent and fabric softener to use according to their preference.

[0037] Furthermore, the manual detergent dispenser 119 is provided, for example, in the second path 322 leading from the second valve 151 to the water tank 102.

[0038] When the washing machine 100 performs a manual washing operation, the control unit 5 controls the second valve 151 so that a second path 322 is formed from the water source connection port 150, through the second valve 151 and the manual detergent dispenser 119, to the water tank 102.

[0039] When the washing machine 100 performs a manual wash cycle, water supplied from the water source to the manual detergent dispenser 119 via the water source connection port 150 and the second valve 151 is mixed with the detergent contained in the manual detergent dispenser 119 to become wash water. Then, the wash water is supplied from the manual detergent dispenser 119 to the water tank 102.

[0040] As explained using Figure 1 and other figures, in the washing machine 100, for example, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 so that they protrude from the surface of the housing 101 and can be attached to the housing 101 in a detachable manner. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, where the washing tanks are installed inside the housing, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 to the housing 101. As a result, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 162 to the housing 101 to refill liquid detergent, and can also easily attach and detach the fabric softener tank 163 to the housing 101 to refill fabric softener. In this way, the washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

[0041] In addition, as described above, in the washing machine 100, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101, protruding from the surface of the housing 101. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, where the detergent tank is installed inside the housing, detergent can be refilled into the detergent tank 162 without removing the detergent tank 162 from the housing 101. Similarly, fabric softener can be refilled into the fabric softener tank 163 without removing the fabric softener tank 163 from the housing 101. From this point of view as well, the washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

[0042] Furthermore, as described above, in the washing machine 100, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101, protruding from the surface of the housing 101. Therefore, unlike the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, where the detergent tank is installed inside the housing, the capacity of both the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 can be increased. As a result, with the washing machine 100, the number of times the user needs to refill the detergent tank 162 with detergent or the fabric softener tank 163 with fabric softener can be reduced. From this point of view as well, the washing machine 100 can improve user convenience.

[0043] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, for example, the casing 101 is not provided with lids or the like to cover the parts of the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 that protrude from the surface of the casing 101, and the parts of the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 that protrude from the surface of the casing 101 are exposed. As a result, unlike when a lid is opened to remove the detergent tank which is located inside the casing, as in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the user can easily attach and detach the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 to the casing 101 without opening or closing any lids or the like.

[0044] For example, in the washing machine 100, the casing 101 may be provided with openable and closable lids that cover the portions of the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 that protrude from the surface of the casing 101.

[0045] Furthermore, in the washing machine 100, for example, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 such that they protrude from the top surface 101a of the housing 101. In other words, for example, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are attached to the housing 101 such that they protrude from the surface of the housing 101 in order to increase the height of the washing machine 100. This prevents an increase in the width (direction from one side 101e and side 101f to the other) or depth (direction from one front 101c and rear 101d to the other) of the washing machine 100 compared to cases where the detergent tank and fabric softener tank protrude from one of the sides of the housing, or from the front or rear. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the area required for the installation of the washing machine 100 and to increase the convenience of easily attaching and detaching the detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163 from the housing 101.

[0046] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1, including the detergent tank 162 and fabric softener tank 163 mounted on the mounting section 117, and the manual detergent dispenser 119. Note that in Figure 4, the upper surface 101a around the mounting section 117 is omitted from the description.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the manual detergent dispenser 119 comprises a decorative plate 119a and a manual dispenser case (container) 119b. The manual dispenser case 119b is a container for holding detergent and has an open top. The decorative plate 119a is attached to the front end of the manual dispenser case 119b. For example, when the manual detergent dispenser 119 is housed inside the housing 101, the decorative plate 119a is configured to be flush (continuous plane) with the front portion 101c surrounding the decorative plate 119a. The decorative plate 119a also has a handle portion that the user can hold to store or remove the manual detergent dispenser 119 from inside the housing 101. The manual detergent dispenser 119 is then attached to the housing 101 by sliding it in from the front side of the housing 101, for example.

[0048] Here, as shown in Figure 1, unlike washing machines in which the washing tank is mounted inside the casing as described in Patent Document 1, the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 are mounted on the casing 101 so as to protrude from the surface of the casing 101. Therefore, by having the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 protrude from the surface of the casing 101, space can be secured inside the casing 101, which is a limited space.

[0049] Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, for example, in the washing machine 100, the manual detergent dispenser 119 is detachably attached to the housing 101 below the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 (in other words, below the mounting section 117). In other words, the manual detergent dispenser 119 is installed inside the housing 101 so that the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163 and the manual detergent dispenser 119 are in two stages, one above the other. This makes it possible to provide the manual detergent dispenser 119 inside the housing 101, separately from the detergent tank 162 and the fabric softener tank 163, without increasing the size of the housing 101.

[0050] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent tank 162 and a fabric softener tank 163 according to Embodiment 1. The detergent tank 162 has, for example, a main body 162a with an open top, a lid 162b for closing the opening of the main body 162a, and a supply nozzle 162c for supplying detergent from the main body 162a to the outside. Also, for example, a transparent window 162d that transmits visible light is provided on the side of the main body 162a. The main body 162a is a container for storing detergent filled inside by the user. It is preferable that the inside of the main body 162a is sealed by attaching the lid 162b to the main body 162a.

[0051] The supply nozzle section 162c has, for example, a through hole that penetrates the main body 162a and a check valve provided in the through hole, and is columnar in shape, protruding outward or inward from the main body 162a. When the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, the supply nozzle section 162c is connected to the mounting section 117 as described later. As an example, in this embodiment, the supply nozzle section 162c is provided so as to protrude outward and downward from the bottom surface of the main body 162a.

[0052] The fabric softener tank 163 includes, for example, a main body 163a with an open top, a lid 163b for closing the opening of the main body 163a, and a supply nozzle (not shown) for supplying detergent from the main body 163a to the outside. Additionally, for example, a transparent window 163d that transmits visible light is provided on the side of the main body 163a. ​​The main body 163a is a container for storing fabric softener filled inside by the user. It is preferable that the lid 163b is attached to the main body 163a to seal the inside of the main body 163a.

[0053] The supply nozzle section (not shown) has, for example, a through hole that penetrates the main body 163a and a check valve provided in the through hole, and is columnar in shape, protruding outward or inward from the main body 163a. ​​The supply nozzle section 162c is connected to the mounting section 117 when the fabric softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting section 117, as described later. As an example, in this embodiment, the supply nozzle section (not shown) is provided so as to protrude outward and downward from the bottom surface of the main body 163a.

[0054] For example, the bottom surfaces of the main bodies 162a and 163a are gradually sloped downward from the front to the rear. The shape of the main bodies 162a and 163a may be other shapes; for example, they may be shaped to stand on their own when removed from the mounting section 117 and placed on the floor or the like.

[0055] In the detergent tank 162, the window portion 162d only needs to be provided on at least a part of the main body 162a and the lid 162b. In other words, at least a part of the main body 162a and the lid 162b only needs to be transparent. This means that the entire main body 162a and the lid 162b may be transparent.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferable that the window portion 162d is provided on the side of the main body 162a. In other words, it is preferable that a part of the side of the main body 162a is transparent. This makes it easier to visually check the liquid level of the detergent inside the main body 162a, that is, the amount of detergent remaining.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the window portion 162d is provided in the portion of the detergent tank 162 that protrudes and is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting portion 117. In other words, it is preferable that at least a portion of the detergent tank 162 that is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 is transparent. This makes it possible to visually check the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 162 when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting portion 117.

[0058] In the fabric softener tank 163, the window portion 163d only needs to be provided on at least a part of the main body 163a and the lid 163b. In other words, at least a part of the main body 163a and the lid 163b only needs to be transparent. As a result, the entire main body 163a and the lid 163b may be transparent.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the window portion 163d is provided on the side of the main body 163a. ​​In other words, it is preferable that a part of the side of the main body 163a is transparent. This makes it easier to visually check the liquid level of the fabric softener inside the main body 163a, that is, the remaining amount of fabric softener.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable that the window portion 163d is provided in the portion of the fabric softener tank 163 that protrudes and is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 when the fabric softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117. In other words, it is preferable that at least a portion of the fabric softener tank 163 that is exposed from the surface of the housing 101 is transparent. This makes it possible to visually check the remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 163 when the fabric softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting portion 117.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the surface of the main body 162a on which the window portion 162d is provided and the surface of the main body 163a on which the window portion 163d is provided may be different from each other. For example, in Figure 5, the window portion 162d is provided on the side surface of the main body 162a, and the window portion 163d is provided on the front surface of the main body 163a.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the window portion 162d is provided on a surface of the main body 162a and lid 162b that is different from the surface facing the fabric softener tank 163. Also, as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the window portion 163d is provided on a surface of the main body 163a and lid 163b that is different from the surface facing the detergent tank 162.

[0063] Furthermore, each laundry liquid tank 160 may be equipped with identification information, such as a QR code (registered trademark), that can identify each individual laundry liquid tank 160. This allows for management of each laundry liquid tank 160, such as managing the type of laundry liquid stored inside each tank.

[0064] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the detergent tank 162 mounted on the mounting section 117 according to this embodiment. The state in which the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. Note that the state in which the fabric softener tank 163 is mounted on the mounting section 117 is similar to the state in which the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, so the explanation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] The mounting section 117 is, for example, recessed into the housing from the surface of the top section 101a. The mounting section 117 has a bottom surface 117a, a front side surface 117b erected on the front side of the bottom surface 117a, a rear side surface 117c erected on the rear side of the bottom surface 117a, and side surfaces (not shown in Figure 6) erected on both sides of the bottom surface 117a.

[0066] Furthermore, the mounting section 117 has a tank connection section 312a that is connected to the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162 and is shaped to fit with the supply nozzle section 162c, and a tank connection section (not shown) that is connected to the supply nozzle section (not shown) of the fabric softener tank 163 and is shaped to fit with the said supply nozzle section. For example, the mounting section 117 has a number of tank connection sections equal to the number of laundry liquid tanks to be mounted, each connected to the supply nozzle section of each laundry liquid tank and shaped to fit with the respective supply nozzle section. For example, each supply nozzle section, such as the supply nozzle section 162c, is provided on the bottom surface 117a of the mounting section 117.

[0067] The bottom surface 117a is a recessed bottom surface extending from the surface of the top surface 101a into the interior of the housing, and is the surface on which a laundry liquid tank 160, such as a detergent tank 162, is mounted. For example, the bottom surface 117a has a shape that corresponds to the bottom surface of the main body 162a of the detergent tank 162, so that the detergent tank 162 is stably installed when it is mounted.

[0068] For example, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 117a has a shape that gradually slopes downward from the front side surface 117b to the rear side surface 117c. This allows the detergent tank 162 to be stably installed on the bottom surface 117a.

[0069] Furthermore, by making the bottom surface 117a gradually slope downward from the front side surface 117b to the rear side surface 117c, the user can load the detergent tank 162 into the mounting section 117 by sliding it along the surface of the bottom surface 117a from the front to the rear of the mounting section 117. As a result, even if the weight of the detergent tank 162 increases due to an increase in the capacity of the detergent tank 162, the user can easily load the detergent tank 162 into the mounting section 117.

[0070] When the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, the supply nozzle section 162c is connected to the tank connection section 312a. This connects the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162 to the first path 311. Similarly, the other laundry liquid tanks 160 also communicate with the first path 311 by connecting their respective supply nozzle sections (not shown) to tank connection sections (not shown) that fit into them.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the shape of the fitting between the supply nozzle portion of each laundry liquid tank 160 and the tank connection portion of each laundry liquid tank 160 may be made different for each laundry liquid tank 160. This prevents incorrect connections between the supply nozzle portion and tank connection portion of a laundry liquid tank 160, such as the supply nozzle portion of the fabric softener tank 163 being connected to the tank connection portion 312a that should be connected to the supply nozzle portion 162c of the detergent tank 162.

[0072] Here, when the detergent tank 162 is mounted on the mounting section 117, it is preferable that more than half of the height H1 of the detergent tank 162 is housed inside the mounting section 117, that is, inside the housing 101. Here, the height H1 of the detergent tank 162 is the greatest height of the main body 162a and lid 162b combined, excluding the supply nozzle section 162c. This allows the detergent tank 162 to be stably mounted on the mounting section 117. Similarly, it is preferable that more than half of the height of the other laundry liquid tanks 160 other than the detergent tank 162 is housed inside the mounting section 117, that is, inside the housing 101.

[0073] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the detergent tank 162A and the mounting section 117A according to modified embodiment 1. The washing machine 100 (Figure 1, etc.) may be equipped with a detergent tank 162A in addition to the detergent tank 162 (Figure 6, etc.), or in place of the detergent tank 162. The washing machine 100 (Figure 1, etc.) may also be equipped with a mounting section 117A in addition to the mounting section 117 (Figure 6, etc.), or in place of the mounting section 117.

[0074] Detergent tank 162A has a configuration similar to detergent tank 162, but with the supply nozzle section 162c located on the rear side of the main body 162a instead of the bottom. The other configurations of detergent tank 162A are the same as those of detergent tank 162.

[0075] The mounting section 117A has a configuration similar to that of the mounting section 117, but with the tank connection section 312a located on the rear side surface 117c instead of the bottom surface 117a. The other configurations of the mounting section 117A are the same as those of the mounting section 117.

[0076] With the detergent tank 162A and mounting section 117A, when the detergent tank 162A is inserted into the mounting section 117A from the front side, the user can easily position the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162A relative to the tank connection section 312a of the mounting section 117A. This allows the user to easily connect the supply nozzle section 162c of the detergent tank 162A to the tank connection section 312a of the mounting section 117A.

[0077] Figure 8 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160B according to Modification 2. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160B shown in Figure 8. The washing machine 100 (Figure 1, etc.) may be equipped with a laundry treatment liquid tank 160B in addition to the laundry treatment liquid tank 160, or in place of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160.

[0078] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the laundry liquid tank 160B has a main body 160Ba and a supply nozzle section 160Bc. The main body 160Ba is closed in parts other than the top surface where the supply nozzle section 160Bc is provided, and is sealed by the provision of the supply nozzle section 160Bc.

[0079] The supply nozzle section 160Bc supplies the washing liquid inside the main body 160Ba to the outside and also functions as a lid. For example, the supply nozzle section 160Bc has a through hole that penetrates the main body 160Ba and a check valve provided in the through hole, and is columnar in shape that protrudes outward from the main body 162Ba. The supply nozzle section 160Bc is shaped to fit with the tank connection section to which it is connected in the mounting section 117 (Figure 6, etc.). Figures 8 and 9 show an example in which the supply nozzle section 160Bc is provided on the bottom surface of the main body 160Ba, but the supply nozzle section 160Bc may also be provided on the side surface or top surface of the main body 160Ba.

[0080] Figure 10 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 3. Figure 11 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 4. Figure 12 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 5. Figure 13 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 5. Figure 14 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 6. Figure 15 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 7. Figure 16 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 8. Figure 17 is a top view showing the arrangement pattern of the laundry treatment liquid tank 160 according to Modification 9.

[0081] As shown in Figures 10 to 17, multiple laundry liquid tanks 160 may be arranged in various positions on the mounting section 117. For example, two or more detergent tanks 162 may be arranged, or two or more fabric softener tanks 163 may be arranged.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, a gap 167 for inserting a finger may be provided between adjacent detergent tanks 162 and fabric softener tanks 163, and the unit may be mounted on the mounting section 117. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the shapes of adjacent detergent tanks 162 and fabric softener tanks 163 may be curved to create a gap 168 for inserting a finger between adjacent detergent tanks 162 and fabric softener tanks 163, and the unit may be mounted on the mounting section 117.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same objectives. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 100 Washing machine, 101 Casing, 101a Top, 101b Bottom, 101c Front, 101d Rear, 101e Side, 101f Side, 102 Water tank, 117-117A Mounting section, 119 Manual detergent dispenser, 119b Manual dispenser case (container), 151 Second valve, 160-160A-160B Washing liquid tank, 162-162A Detergent tank (washing liquid tank), 163 Fabric softener tank (washing liquid tank), 167-168 Gap

Claims

1. A water tank for storing laundry water, A housing containing the aforementioned water tank, The system comprises at least two laundry treatment liquid tanks for containing the laundry treatment liquid to be supplied to the water tank, The housing includes an upper portion provided above the water tank, and a mounting portion that is recessed from the upper portion into the housing and mounts the at least two washing liquid tanks side by side in the left-right direction. The aforementioned washing liquid tank has a main body with an opening at the top and a lid for closing the opening of the main body. The washing liquid tank is detachably attached to the mounting portion so as to protrude from the surface of the housing. A washing machine in which, when the at least two washing liquid tanks are mounted on the mounting section, the width of the lids in the left-right direction from the front end to the rear end of the washing liquid tanks is formed to be greater than the width of the main body in the left-right direction, such that the gap between the lids that are close to each other in the left-right direction is smaller than the gap between the main bodies that are close to each other in the left-right direction, and the opposing surfaces of the lids that are close to each other in the left-right direction and the opposing surfaces of the main bodies are both flat.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the washing liquid tank is mounted on the mounting section, the main body constituting the washing liquid tank has a gap between it and the front surface of the mounting section, and a gap between it and the rear surface of the mounting section.

3. The mounting section includes a tank connection section that is connected to the washing liquid tank. The bottom surface of the mounting section is sloped downward toward the tank connection section. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom surface of the washing liquid tank is inclined downward toward the tank connection when mounted on the mounting section.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an openable and closable lid that covers a portion of the washing liquid tank protruding from the surface of the housing.

5. The system further includes a path for supplying the laundry liquid contained in the laundry liquid tank from the bottom of the mounting unit to the water tank, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aforementioned path extends downward and then bends backward.

6. The aforementioned washing liquid tank has a transparent window, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the window portion is provided on a surface different from the surface facing the washing liquid tanks that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction when the at least two washing liquid tanks are mounted on the mounting portion.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the window portion is provided on the lid.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the washing liquid tank is provided with identification information that can identify the type of washing liquid contained in the washing liquid tank.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two washing liquid tanks include two washing liquid tanks with their longitudinal direction oriented in the left-right direction.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least two washing liquid tanks include washing liquid tanks with different lengths in the left-right direction.

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