Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus including a cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, a detergent reservoir located within the cabinet, wherein the detergent reservoir includes a storage space to store a detergent and a detergent injection hole communicating with the storage space, and a detergent cover installed to the detergent injection hole, wherein the detergent cover includes a cover flange portion extending along a radial direction of the detergent cover and exposed to an outside of the detergent reservoir, and a vent path communicating the outside of the detergent reservoir with the storage space, wherein the vent path includes a first flow passage located at one face of the cover flange portion facing the detergent injection hole, and wherein the first flow passage is recessed into the one face of the cover flange portion and has an outer end located on an outer peripheral face of the cover flange portion to be open to the outside of the detergent cover.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the invention application filed on January 20, 2021, with application number 2021100739475 and title: Clothing Processing Equipment. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to garment processing equipment, and more specifically to garment processing equipment having a detergent supply unit. Background Technology

[0003] Garment handling equipment is used to remove dirt from clothing, bedding, and other items by placing them into a drum. Garment handling equipment can perform processes such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. Based on the method of placing clothing into the drum, garment handling equipment can be classified into top-loading garment handling equipment and front-loading garment handling equipment.

[0004] The garment handling equipment may include a housing that forms the exterior of the garment handling equipment, an outer tub housed within the housing, a drum rotatably mounted inside the outer tub for loading garments, and a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent to the drum.

[0005] When the washing water is supplied to the clothes inside the drum by the rotating drum of the motor, the dirt on the clothes can be removed by friction with the drum and the washing water.

[0006] The detergent supply unit has a detergent supply function to improve washing results. In this text, detergent refers to substances that enhance washing effects, such as fabric detergents, fabric softeners, and fabric bleach. Both powdered and liquid detergents can be used.

[0007] In one example, published document KR 10-2018-0090003A1 discloses a detergent supply unit included in a laundry processing device. The laundry processing device can be used as a detergent reservoir for the detergent supply unit, which can be retracted or extended by the user. A detergent storage unit for storing detergent can be provided within the detergent reservoir.

[0008] However, during the retraction and extension of the detergent reservoir into and out of the garment handling unit, detergent inside the reservoir can leak. When some detergent leaks to the outside of the reservoir during movement, hygiene of the detergent supply unit deteriorates and discomfort during use may occur.

[0009] Therefore, it is an important task to prevent accidental leakage of detergent from the detergent storage unit during its movement (i.e., retracting the detergent storage unit into the casing or extending the detergent storage unit from the casing). Summary of the Invention

[0010] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to provide a garment handling apparatus that can effectively improve the cleanliness and hygiene of the detergent supply section.

[0011] Furthermore, the purpose of embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a garment handling apparatus that can effectively suppress unnecessary leakage of detergent from the detergent storage unit while maintaining communication between the interior and exterior of the detergent storage unit.

[0012] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure aim to provide a garment processing apparatus that can effectively improve the structural stability and durability of the detergent storage section, and can effectively improve the convenience of using the detergent storage section.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a venting path that connects the interior and exterior of a detergent reservoir to each other, and provide a venting path structure to prevent detergent leakage through the venting path during the retraction and extension of the detergent reservoir.

[0014] The ventilation path can be defined in the detergent cap, which covers the detergent injection hole of the detergent reservoir and can extend in the radial direction of the detergent injection hole to minimize the leakage of detergent from the inside of the detergent reservoir to the outside.

[0015] Furthermore, the detergent cap may include a cap seal or a structure that is stably connected to the detergent reservoir, and simultaneously, an effective structure may be provided to provide a ventilation path through which the interior and exterior of the detergent reservoir can communicate with each other.

[0016] In one example, embodiments of this disclosure are intended to present a structure for securing the detergent storage section with rigidity and improving structural stability and durability while providing ventilation paths to suppress detergent leakage.

[0017] Leg reinforcement ribs may be formed on the support legs located at the bottom of the detergent storage section. Rear surface reinforcement ribs may be provided on the rear surface of the detergent storage section, on which the detergent dosage sensor can be mounted, thereby ensuring rigidity and improving the durability of the detergent storage section.

[0018] In addition, a detergent residue display indicating the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage compartment can be installed on the bottom surface of the detergent storage compartment, allowing users to easily check the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent storage compartment, thereby improving ease of use.

[0019] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus, comprising: a housing having a front opening defined therein; an outer tub disposed inside the housing; a drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub; a detergent reservoir retractable into the housing through the front opening, wherein detergent is stored in an internal space of the detergent reservoir; a detergent storage section having a detergent inlet hole defined therein communicating with the internal space of the detergent reservoir; and a detergent cap installed into the detergent inlet hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the detergent cap includes a venting path defined therein to communicate the exterior of the detergent reservoir with the interior space of the detergent reservoir, wherein the venting path has an outer end communicating with the exterior of the detergent reservoir, wherein the outer end is open and extends in the lateral direction of the detergent cap.

[0021] In embodiments of this disclosure, the outer end of the venting path is open and extends in the lateral direction of the detergent cap, such that the flow direction of detergent from the detergent storage space to the outside of the detergent injection hole is different from the opening direction of the outer end of the venting path. The flow of detergent leaking to the outside through the venting path can be effectively suppressed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the detergent reservoir is configured to retract into or extend from the housing through an opening, wherein the detergent storage portion is received in the detergent reservoir and inserted into the housing.

[0023] In one embodiment, the detergent cap includes a cap flange that extends in the circumferential direction along the detergent injection hole and protrudes to the outside of the detergent storage section, wherein the outer end of the venting path is recessed in the cap flange.

[0024] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cover flange is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the detergent injection hole, wherein the outer end of the ventilation path is recessed into the outer peripheral surface of the cover flange.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ventilation path includes a first flow channel defined in the cap flange, wherein the first flow channel extends radially along the detergent cap and has an outer end and an inner end communicating with the interior space of the detergent reservoir.

[0026] In one embodiment, the detergent storage section further includes a cover support surrounding the detergent injection hole and supporting the cover flange, wherein the first flow channel is recessed in the shape of a groove opening toward the cover support.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first flow channel includes a plurality of first flow channels recessed in one face of the cover flange and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the detergent injection hole.

[0028] In one embodiment, the device further includes a cover sealer positioned between a face of the cover flange and a cover support to seal between the cover flange and the cover support, wherein the cover support supports the cover flange via the cover sealer.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the open surface of the first flow channel facing the cap support is shielded by a cap seal. Therefore, the first flow channel for ventilation can be readily formed in the outer surface of the detergent cap, which may be advantageous in manufacturing.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device further includes a spacer rib received in the first flow channel and projecting from a recessed surface of the cover flange toward the cover seal, wherein the spacer rib spacees the cover seal from the recessed surface.

[0031] In one embodiment, the detergent cap further includes a cap body that is at least partially inserted into the detergent injection hole, wherein a cap flange extends from the cap body in the radial direction of the detergent injection hole and is located outside the detergent injection hole.

[0032] In one embodiment, the ventilation path includes: a first flow channel defined in the cap flange, wherein the first flow channel extends radially along the detergent cap and has an outer end and an inner end communicating with the interior space of the detergent reservoir; and a second flow channel defined in the cap body, wherein the second flow channel is connected to the inner end of the first flow channel to communicate the first flow channel with the interior space of the detergent reservoir.

[0033] In one embodiment, the second flow channel includes a vent space formed between the cap seal and the cap body, wherein the inner end of the first flow channel is connected to the vent space.

[0034] In one embodiment, the detergent cap further includes a sealer fixing portion spaced apart from the cap flange in a direction toward the interior space of the detergent reservoir and extending from the cap body in a radial direction, wherein the cap seal includes an inner insertion portion facing the cap body and inserted between the cap flange and the sealer fixing portion, wherein a vent space is defined between the inner insertion portion and the cap body.

[0035] In one embodiment, the seal retainer extends to surround the cover, wherein the vent has a slot recessed in the outer peripheral surface of the seal retainer toward the cover to communicate the vent space with the internal space of the detergent reservoir.

[0036] In one embodiment, the detergent reservoir includes a cap retaining flange spaced apart from a cap support and facing the interior space of the detergent reservoir and extending around a detergent inlet, wherein the detergent cap includes a cap retaining leg disposed on the bottom of the cap body, wherein the cap retaining leg is at least partially supported by the cap retaining flange to secure the detergent cap.

[0037] In one embodiment, the detergent storage unit further includes a cap connection portion that forms at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the detergent injection hole and connects the cap support and the cap fixing flange to each other, wherein the cap connection portion is spaced apart from the cap body so that the ventilation space and the internal space of the detergent storage unit are in communication with each other.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cover fixing leg includes: a leg extension extending from the cover body toward the interior space of the detergent reservoir; and a leg engagement protruding from the leg extension and supported on a face of the cover fixing flange facing the interior space of the detergent reservoir, wherein the cover fixing flange has a leg channel recess defined therein, and the leg engagement passes through the leg channel recess.

[0039] In one embodiment, the detergent reservoir has: a detergent injection port defined in the top surface of the detergent reservoir; a support leg projecting downward from the bottom surface of the detergent reservoir to support the detergent reservoir; and a support leg reinforcing rib projecting from each of the support legs and extending downward from the bottom surface of the support leg.

[0040] In one embodiment, the garment handling apparatus further includes a residual amount detection sensor mounted on the rear surface of a detergent reservoir and measuring the amount of detergent stored in the detergent reservoir, wherein the detergent reservoir has a rear surface reinforcing rib that protrudes rearward from its rear surface and extends through the mounting location of the residual amount detection sensor.

[0041] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus, comprising: a housing having a front opening defined therein; an outer tub disposed inside the housing; a drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub; a detergent reservoir retractable into the housing through the front opening, wherein the detergent reservoir has an internal space for receiving detergent therein and a detergent inlet port defined therein and communicating with the internal space; and a detergent cap fitted into the detergent inlet port.

[0042] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the detergent cap includes: a cap flange extending in a circumferential direction along the detergent injection hole and exposed to the outside of the detergent reservoir; and a venting path for communicating the outside of the detergent reservoir and the interior space of the detergent reservoir with each other, wherein at least a portion of the venting path is defined in the cap flange and extends in a radial direction along the detergent injection hole.

[0043] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus, comprising: a housing having a front opening defined therein; an outer tub disposed inside the housing; a drum rotatably disposed within the outer tub; a detergent reservoir retractable into the housing via the front opening, wherein the detergent reservoir has an internal space for receiving detergent therein and a detergent inlet port defined therein and communicating with the internal space; a detergent cap fitted into the detergent inlet port; and a cap seal configured to seal the detergent inlet port around at least a portion of the detergent cap.

[0044] In one embodiment of the third aspect, the detergent cap includes a venting path for communicating the exterior of the detergent reservoir and the interior space of the detergent reservoir with each other, wherein at least a portion of the venting path extends between the detergent cap and the cap seal.

[0045] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a garment handling apparatus, comprising: a housing having a front opening defined therein; an outer tub disposed inside the housing; a drum rotatably disposed within the outer tub; a detergent reservoir retractable into the housing through the front opening, wherein the detergent reservoir has an internal space for receiving detergent therein and a detergent inlet port defined therein and communicating with the internal space; and a detergent cap fitted into the detergent inlet port; wherein the detergent cap includes: a cap flange extending in a circumferential direction along the detergent inlet port and protruding to the outside of the detergent reservoir; and a venting path communicating the outside of the detergent reservoir and the internal space of the detergent reservoir with each other, wherein the venting path is at least partially disposed below the cap flange.

[0046] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a garment processing apparatus that can effectively improve the cleanliness and hygiene of detergent supply.

[0047] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may provide a garment processing device that can effectively suppress unwanted leakage of detergent from a detergent reservoir while allowing the interior and exterior of the detergent reservoir to communicate with each other.

[0048] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may provide a garment handling device that can effectively improve the structural stability and durability of a detergent reservoir, and can effectively improve the convenience of using the detergent reservoir. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings depict embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0050] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a top view of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a view of the detergent supply section of a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the detergent supply unit in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a view showing an opening defined in the housing of a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a view showing the detergent reservoir in a protruding state in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a top view of a detergent reservoir in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 8 This is an exploded view showing a detergent reservoir in a laundry processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a view showing the engagement protrusion and engagement elastic portion in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a view showing an anti-sagging elastic portion in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a view showing the anti-sagging protrusions and anti-sagging elastic portions in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a view showing a detergent cup attached to a detergent storage rack in a laundry handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a detergent cup in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of a detergent cup attached to a detergent storage rack in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 14 The view shown depicts the detergent cup detached from the detergent storage rack.

[0065] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of region C in the image;

[0066] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the rear end of a detergent cup attached to a detergent storage rack in a laundry handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 18 This is a view showing the detergent cup support leg of the detergent cup in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 19 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of region A in the image;

[0069] Figure 20 This is a view showing the bottom surface of a dispenser in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A magnified view of region D in the image;

[0071] Figure 22 This is a view showing the stop and the joint in a garment handling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 22 A view showing the connecting rod being pressed downwards;

[0073] Figure 24 This is an exploded perspective view of a detergent storage section in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 25 This is a view showing the gripping portion of the detergent storage section in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 26 This is a view of the cover member of the detergent storage section in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below.

[0076] Figure 27 It is a section taken along line BB. Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the detergent reservoir;

[0077] Figure 28 This is a top view of the detergent cap in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] Figure 29This is a side view of the detergent cap in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Figure 30 This is a rear view of the detergent cap in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view of a detergent cap connected to a detergent storage section in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 32 This is a view showing the detergent injection port of the detergent storage section in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] Figure 33 This is a view taken from below of a detergent storage section in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 34 This is a rear perspective view of the detergent storage section in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 35 This is a view showing the sensor inspection hole of the detergent storage section in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] Figure 36 This is a perspective view of a detergent reservoir connected to a detergent storage section in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] Figure 37 This is a view showing the interior of a dispenser in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser and detergent supply tank in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] Figure 39 This is a perspective view showing a detergent supply tank in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 40 This is a view showing the front spray tank of the detergent supply tank in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0090] Figure 41 This is a view showing the front spray tank and spray ribs of the detergent supply tank in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 42 This is a view showing a water supply hose connected to a dispenser in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] Figure 43 This is a view showing an outer tub connecting hose in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the dispenser and the outer tub are connected to each other.

[0093] Figure 44 This is a view showing the water supply surface of a dispenser in a garment handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0094] Figure 45 This is a view showing a water-repellent pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein convex and concave portions are arranged in a garment processing device;

[0095] Figure 46 This is a view showing a water-repellent pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a first concave portion and a second concave portion are arranged in a garment processing device;

[0096] Figure 47 This is a view illustrating a water-repellent pattern according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a first convex portion and a second convex portion are arranged in a garment handling apparatus; and

[0097] Figure 48 This is a view showing a water-repellent pattern in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein convex and concave portions extending along a first direction are arranged alternately to each other. Detailed Implementation

[0098] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can readily implement the embodiments.

[0099] However, this disclosure can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, for clarity of description, components unrelated to the description have been omitted from the drawings. Additionally, similar reference numerals are assigned to similar components throughout the specification.

[0100] Repeated descriptions of the same parts have been omitted here.

[0101] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "linked to" another component in this document, it may be directly connected to or linked to that other component, or there may be one or more intermediate components. On the other hand, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly linked to" another component in this document, there are no other intermediate components.

[0102] The terminology used in the detailed description is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0103] As used in this article, the singular forms “one” and “a” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0104] It should be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or combinations thereof.

[0105] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "and / or" includes multiple listed items or any combination of multiple listed items. In this specification, the term "A or B" may include "A", "B", or "both A and B".

[0106] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a garment processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view of the garment processing device 1 from above, and Figure 3 This is a top view of the detergent supply unit 100 of the garment processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] refer to Figure 1-3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment processing apparatus 1 includes a housing 10 having an opening 15 defined in its front surface, an outer tub 20 installed inside the housing 10, a roller 30 rotatably installed inside the outer tub 20, and a detergent supply unit 100 installed in the opening 15.

[0108] The garment processing equipment 1 may include a washing machine and a dryer. Garments are inserted into the washing machine for washing, rinsing, spin-drying, etc., while wet garments are inserted into the dryer for drying, etc.

[0109] Garment processing equipment 1 can be divided into top-opening garment processing equipment and front-opening garment processing equipment. Figure 1 A front-loading laundry handling device 1 is shown, but this is only for ease of description. Because this disclosure is not limited to front-loading washing machines, it can be applied to top-loading washing machines.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, the garment processing device 1 may have a housing 10 forming the exterior of the garment processing device 1. It may include an operating unit with a display that receives various control commands from the user and displays information about the operating status.

[0111] In addition, the housing 10 may include a door 40 mounted on its front surface. The door 40 may be pivotally mounted on the housing 10 to regulate the entry of clothing into the drum 30.

[0112] The housing 10 forms the exterior of the garment handling device 1. A space can be defined within the housing 10 to accommodate the various components constituting the garment handling device 1. A roller 30 for accommodating garments inserted through the door 40 can be installed within the housing 10.

[0113] Specifically, an outer tub 20 containing washing water and a drum 30 rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 20 to hold the clothes therein can be arranged within the housing 10. A balancer for compensating for eccentricity caused by rotation can be installed on one side of the drum 30.

[0114] The control unit may include various keys for controlling the operating status of the garment handling equipment 1 and a display for showing the operating status of the garment handling equipment 1. The door 40 may include a transparent component such as tempered glass, so that the interior of the housing 10 or the roller 30 can be visually identified.

[0115] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the garment handling device 1 may have an opening 15 defined on its front surface, and the detergent supply unit 100 may be disposed at the rear of the detergent opening 15 within the housing 10.

[0116] The position and shape of the opening 15 can be varied. Figure 1 An opening 15 is shown that opens forward from the front surface of the housing 10. The opening 15 may be defined in the edge region of the front of the housing 10, for example, on one side of the upper end of the front, so as to be parallel to the operating unit in the left-right direction.

[0117] The detergent supply unit 100 may be installed at the rear of the opening 15, which may be defined on one side of the upper part of the housing 10. The detergent supply unit 100 may include: a detergent reservoir 300 in which detergent is stored; a dispenser 200 located on the detergent reservoir 300 to supply water to the detergent reservoir 300; and a detergent supply tank 400 in which the detergent reservoir 300 is retracted into the housing 10. Figure 3 This is a top view of the detergent supply unit 100.

[0118] The detergent supply unit 100 is used to automatically supply detergent stored in the detergent reservoir 300 to the interior of the drum 30 during the washing operation. Detergent refers to a substance that can improve the washing effect of clothes, and may include liquid fabric detergent and liquid fabric softener.

[0119] Figure 4 The state of the detergent supply unit 100 after disassembly is shown. (As shown) Figure 4As shown above, the detergent supply unit 100 may include a dispenser 200, a detergent reservoir 300, and a detergent supply box 400.

[0120] Dispenser 200 can receive water from the outside and can supply water back to detergent reservoir 300 or detergent supply tank 400. Detergent used in the washing process, etc., is stored in detergent reservoir 300. Detergent reservoir 300 is housed and secured in detergent supply tank 400. Detergent supply tank 400 can receive water discharged from dispenser 200 or at least a portion of the detergent stored in detergent reservoir 300, and supply the received detergent water to outer tub 20, etc.

[0121] The detergent reservoir 300 stores detergent and can retract into the housing 10 or extend from the interior of the housing 10 through the opening 15 in the front-to-back direction. The detergent reservoir 300 may include a front handle 305, a detergent storage rack 390, a detergent storage section 310, and a detergent cup 700 located in the detergent storage rack 390.

[0122] In this disclosure, the front and rear directions can be defined based on the position of the opening 15 within the housing 10. For example, the direction from the inside of the housing 10 toward the opening 15 can correspond to the forward direction, and its opposite direction can be defined as the rearward direction.

[0123] In other words, the direction from the inside of the housing 10 toward the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 15 can be defined as a forward direction, and the direction from the opening 15 toward the inside of the housing 10 can be defined as a rearward direction.

[0124] That is, in this disclosure, even when the door 40 and the opening 15 are arranged on different surfaces of the housing 10, the front and rear can be defined around the opening 15.

[0125] Figure 4 This is an external view of the opening 15 of the housing 10 when the detergent reservoir 300 is fully extended. The dispenser 200 and the detergent supply tank 400 can be installed inside the housing 10 through the opening 15, and the detergent reservoir 300 can be retracted into or extended from the housing 10 through the opening 15.

[0126] Figure 5 This shows a view of the detergent reservoir 300 extending from the opening 15, as seen from the outside of the housing 10. As described below, Figure 5 The detergent reservoir 300 can be extended to a predetermined distance by the design.

[0127] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, with the detergent reservoir 300 retracted into the housing 10 through the opening 15, when the user grasps and pulls the handle 305, which is located on the front surface of the detergent reservoir 300 and protrudes outside the housing 10, the detergent reservoir 300, which is retracted into the opening 15, can move forward from its stacked state with the dispenser 200 and the detergent supply tank 400, and extend to protrude outside the housing 10. Similarly, when the user pushes the handle 305 backward, the detergent reservoir 300 can slide and insert into the opening 15.

[0128] In one example Figure 7 The detergent reservoir 300 is shown as viewed from above, and Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Exploded view of detergent reservoir 300.

[0129] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent reservoir 300 may include a detergent storage rack 390, a detergent storage section 310, a detergent container 340, and a detergent cup 700.

[0130] With the detergent storage section 310, detergent cup 700, etc., installed in the detergent storage rack 390, the detergent storage rack 390 can retract into the housing 10 and extend out of the housing 10 through the opening 15. The detergent storage rack 390 may have a length in the front-to-back direction, and its top surface may be as follows: Figure 8 The open design allows users to easily install the detergent storage unit 310, detergent cup 700, etc.

[0131] In various mobility schemes, the detergent storage rack 390 can be retracted into or extended from the housing 10 via the opening 15. For example, as will be described below, the detergent storage rack 390 can be mounted on a sliding rail 404 along which it slides, and the detergent storage rack 390 can be supported on the sliding rail 404 and retract and extend when slid by the user.

[0132] Furthermore, a handle 305 may be provided on the front surface of the detergent storage rack 390. The handle 305 may be configured such that its cross-section, when viewed from the front, is larger than that of the detergent storage rack 390 to cover the opening 15 and prevent the opening 15 from being exposed to the outside.

[0133] The detergent storage unit 310 may have a detergent storage space defined therein, in which detergent is stored. The detergent storage unit 310 may be installed so that it is detachable from the detergent storage rack 390, and the user may detach the detergent storage unit 310 as needed to wash or replace the detergent storage unit 310.

[0134] The detergent storage unit 310 can be mounted on the detergent storage rack 390 via the open top surface of the detergent storage rack 390, and multiple detergent storage units can be included as needed. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustration shows two detergent storage sections 310 arranged and mounted on a detergent storage rack 390 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] In one example, the detergent storage rack 390 includes a detergent container 340 in which detergent is contained. The detergent container 340 may be configured as part of the detergent storage rack 390. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the detergent container 340 may have a space defined therein, wherein the detergent is contained by a detergent receiving wall 640 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0136] The detergent container 340 contains detergent separate from the detergent storage section 310. In this disclosure, for ease of description, the detergent stored in the detergent storage section 310 is classified as a first detergent, the detergent stored in the detergent container 340 is classified as a second detergent, and the detergent contained in the detergent cup 700 (described later) is classified as a third detergent.

[0137] The first, second, and third detergents are categorized solely based on the objects in which they are stored, and their characteristics are not necessarily different. However, this disclosure has multiple areas where detergents can be stored, thus allowing users to use a variety of detergents.

[0138] The top surface of the detergent container 340 can be opened, allowing detergent to be injected into the detergent container 340. The detergent reservoir 300 is extended from the housing 10, for example, when the detergent reservoir 300... Figure 6 As shown, with the extension distance set, the user can inject detergent through the open top surface.

[0139] In one example, the detergent cup 700 is installed so that it can be separated from the detergent storage rack 390. Figure 7 A detergent cup 700 is shown attached to a detergent storage rack 390. Figure 8 A detergent cup 700, separate from the detergent storage rack 390, is shown.

[0140] The top surface of the detergent cup 700 is open, allowing detergent to be poured into it. The detergent poured into the detergent cup 700 can be defined as a third-category detergent. Users can pour the same or different detergents into the detergent storage section 310, the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700, and use the same or different detergents as needed.

[0141] For example, liquid detergent can be injected into detergent storage section 310, powdered detergent can be injected into detergent container 340, and fabric softener can be injected into detergent cup 700 as a type of detergent.

[0142] However, as mentioned above, the first detergent, the second detergent, and the third detergent do not necessarily have to be detergents with different properties. Therefore, the user can use the first, second, and third detergents as the same type of detergent, or store the detergent in only one of the detergent storage section 310, the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700.

[0143] The detergent cup 700 can be positioned adjacent to the detergent container 340. When the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 with an open top surface are positioned adjacent to each other, the user can easily separate and use the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 without using unnecessary space for the detergent container.

[0144] Furthermore, even when the detergent reservoir 300 is not fully extended, such as Figure 6 As shown, the detergent cup 700 adjacent to the detergent container 340 can also be easily exposed to the outside of the housing 10 along with the detergent container 340, and the user can conveniently inject detergent into the detergent cup 700, which can be advantageous.

[0145] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 are arranged to surround the detergent storage section 310. Therefore, space utilization can be optimized while using three different detergent-containing spaces.

[0146] Specifically, the detergent storage section 310 may have the largest possible detergent storage space. The detergent storage section 310 may be shaped to surround the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 so that even when the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 are arranged to use a second detergent and a third detergent that are different from the first detergent in the detergent storage section 310, a large space is ensured within the detergent storage rack 390.

[0147] Therefore, the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 can be arranged at the center of the detergent storage section 310 and surrounded by the detergent storage section 310. The detergent storage section 310 can have a structure that ensures maximum space even when the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 are arranged, while still being separated from the detergent storage rack 390.

[0148] For example, when the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 are arranged at the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390, the user must extend the detergent reservoir 300 completely outside the housing 10 in order to inject the second and third detergents into the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 of the detergent reservoir 300, respectively, which may cause inconvenience in use.

[0149] Additionally, when the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 are arranged at the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390, the user can use the detergent storage 300 by partially extending it from the housing 10. In this case, because the length of the detergent storage section 310 retracted into the housing 10 increases, separating the detergent storage section 310 may become inconvenient.

[0150] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 has a shape that extends generally along the longitudinal direction of the detergent storage rack 390, such that the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 are arranged at the center of the detergent storage section 310. Thus, even when the user extends the detergent storage 300 only partially, the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 are exposed to the outside of the housing 10, which facilitates the separation and use of the detergent storage section 310.

[0151] In one example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the detergent storage rack 390 can be configured such that the width W3 of the rear end 399 is smaller than the width W2 of the front end 398, and the detergent container 340 can be located at the center between the front end 398 and the rear end 399.

[0152] Specifically, the detergent storage rack 390 may have a shape in which the width of the detergent storage rack 390 decreases at least partially from the front end 398 to the rear end 399 along the longitudinal direction. Figure 7 The state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a width variation portion with a reduced width is formed between the back end 399 and the front end 398.

[0153] In embodiments of this disclosure, a space is defined between the rear end 399 and the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, as the width W3 of the rear end 399 is smaller than the width W3 of the front end 398. The space can be utilized in various ways. For example, water can be supplied to the space from the rear spray device 267 described later.

[0154] In the detergent storage rack 390, the detergent container 340 can be located between the front end 398 and the rear end 399. That is, the detergent container 340 can be located at the center of the detergent storage rack 390. The width W2 of the front end 398 in front of the detergent container 340 can be greater than the width W3 of the rear end 399 behind the detergent container 340.

[0155] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the width W3 of the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 may be smaller than the width W1 of the opening 15 of the housing 10, and the width W2 of the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390 may correspond to the width W1 of the opening 15.

[0156] Right now, Figure 5 The width W1 of the opening 15 shown can be greater than Figure 7 The width W3 of the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 shown can correspond to the width W2 of the front end 398. For example, the width W2 of the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390 can be the same as the width W1 of the opening 15.

[0157] Therefore, when the user inserts the detergent reservoir 300, which is completely separated from the housing 10, into the opening 15, free space is ensured between the detergent reservoir 300 and the opening 15, thereby improving convenience. The detergent reservoir 300, which retracts into the housing 10 and terminates therein, can be structurally and stably fixed within the opening 15.

[0158] Specifically, when the detergent dispenser 300 is inserted into the opening 15, the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 faces the opening 15 and moves toward it. Because the width W3 of the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 is less than the width W1 of the opening 15, free space is ensured between the detergent storage rack 390 and the opening 15. Furthermore, the user can easily insert the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 into the opening 15.

[0159] Furthermore, when the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390 is inserted into the opening 15, when the detergent storage rack 390 is retracted, the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390 is ultimately located on one side of the opening 15. Since the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390 has a width corresponding to (e.g., the same as) the width of the opening 15, connection stability can be improved.

[0160] In one example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the detergent storage rack 390 may have frame sidewalls 630 extending on both sides of the detergent reservoir 300 in the front-rear direction, respectively.

[0161] In addition, the frame sidewall 630 may include an upwardly projecting engagement protrusion 320 and an anti-sagging protrusion 520 that projects upward and is positioned in front of the engagement protrusion 320.

[0162] Specifically, the frame sidewall 630 may be located on both sides of the detergent storage rack 390 in the left-right direction. In this disclosure, the two sides in the left-right direction may be defined by the housing 10 defining the front-back direction, and the definition of the two sides in the left-right direction may also be shared by the dispenser 200, the detergent storage tank 300, the detergent supply box 400, etc.

[0163] For example, the two sides in the left and right directions can be defined based on the side of the housing 10, and the left and right directions can be directions transverse to the front and back directions on the same plane as the front and back directions (e.g., vertical directions).

[0164] The vertical direction can be defined based on the bottom and top surfaces of the housing 10, and can be a direction perpendicular to the ground. For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the bottom 401 of the dispenser 200, detergent reservoir 300, and detergent supply tank 400 can have a structure that is stacked in the vertical direction.

[0165] In this disclosure, the front-to-back direction of the detergent reservoir 300 is the same as the front-to-back direction of the dispenser 200 and the detergent supply tank 400, the left-to-right direction of the detergent reservoir 300 is the same as the left-to-right direction of the dispenser 200 and the detergent supply tank 400, and the vertical direction of the detergent reservoir 300 is the same as the vertical direction of the dispenser 200 and the detergent supply tank 400.

[0166] In one example, the frame sidewall 630 may extend in the front-rear direction of the detergent storage unit 300. That is, when the frame sidewall 630 extends from both sides of the detergent storage unit 390 in the front-rear direction, the frame sidewall 630 may be configured to shield the interior of the detergent storage unit 390 in the left-right direction.

[0167] The frame sidewall 630 may include an engaging protrusion 320 and an anti-sagging protrusion 520. The engaging protrusion 320 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 may be located in front of the engaging protrusion 320.

[0168] The engagement protrusion 320 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can protrude upwards. The upwardly protruding engagement protrusion 320 and anti-sagging protrusion 520 can have contact or pressure relationship with other components within the housing 10, and can be used in a variety of ways.

[0169] For example, the engagement protrusion 320 can be configured to provide a sense of resistance or damping to the user during the retraction and extension of the detergent storage rack 390. The anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be configured to prevent the detergent storage rack 390 from sagging downwards due to self-load or other factors during the retraction and extension of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0170] In one example Figure 9 The diagram shows an engagement elastic portion 220 and an engagement protrusion 320 arranged on a fixing portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The anti-sagging elastic part 510 provided on the fixing part is schematically shown, and Figure 11 The anti-sagging elastic part 510 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 arranged on the fixing part are shown.

[0171] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 11 Embodiments of this disclosure may further include a fixing portion disposed in the housing 10 and positioned above the detergent reservoir 300. The fixing portion may include an anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and an engagement elastic portion 220.

[0172] The anti-sagging elastic portion 510 is disposed at the front end of the fixing portion and protrudes downward, such that at least a portion thereof can overlap with the anti-sagging protrusion 520 in the front-back direction. The engaging elastic portion 220 is positioned behind the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and protrudes downward, such that at least a portion thereof can overlap with the engaging protrusion 320 in the front-back direction.

[0173] Specifically, the fixing part can be disposed inside the housing 10 and above the detergent reservoir 300 so as to face the top surface of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0174] In embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing part may be a dispenser 200 positioned on the detergent reservoir 300 to supply water to the detergent reservoir 300, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] Unlike the detergent reservoir 300, the fixing part, such as the dispenser 200, can be installed inside the housing 10 without retracting or extending through the opening 15, and can be set in a fixed state at a specific location.

[0176] The engagement protrusion 320 may be provided on the top surface of the frame side wall 630 of the detergent storage rack 390 facing the fixing part (e.g., dispenser 200). Figure 7 and Figure 8The location of the engaging protrusion 320 in the detergent reservoir 300 is schematically shown, while Figure 9 A engagement protrusion 320 in contact with the engagement elastic portion 220 is shown. The protruding shape of the engagement protrusion 320 can be varied.

[0177] The engaging elastic portion 220 may be provided on the fixing portion. The engaging elastic portion 220 may be formed to protrude downwards from the fixing portion toward the detergent reservoir 300. Figure 4 In this diagram, the dispenser 200 is configured as a fixed part, and the engaging elastic part 220 provided on the dispenser 200 is schematically shown. Figure 9 The engagement elastic portion 220 in contact with the engagement protrusion 320 is shown.

[0178] At least a portion of the engaging elastic portion 220 can overlap with the engaging protrusion 320 in the front-to-back direction. That is, the engaging elastic portion 220 can be positioned parallel to the engaging protrusion 320 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, during the retraction or extension process of the detergent reservoir 300, at least a portion of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be pressed and elastically deformed by the engaging protrusion 320.

[0179] The protruding shape of the engagement elastic portion 220 can be changed as needed. For example, the engagement protrusion 320 and the engagement elastic portion 220 can have a centrally protruding shape, so that the front and back sides have gentle slopes.

[0180] The elastic engagement portion 220 can be elastic and can be made of a material that can deform and recover, and can have higher elasticity than the engagement protrusion 320. Furthermore, the elastic engagement portion 220 can have higher elasticity than the material of the fixing portion.

[0181] Figure 9 The image shows the engaging elastic portion 220 and engaging protrusion 320 in a state where the detergent reservoir 300 is retracted into the opening 15, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 9 The engaging elastic portion 220 may be configured such that at least a portion (e.g., including a portion of the downwardly projecting end) overlaps with the engaging protrusion 320 along the front-back direction or the retraction direction of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0182] With the engagement protrusion 320 positioned in front of the engagement elastic portion 220 during retraction, the detergent reservoir 300 can move backward toward the engagement elastic portion 220 and can move backward past the engagement elastic portion 220.

[0183] In other words, during the retraction process, the engaging elastic portion 220 can be positioned to overlap with the engaging protrusion 320 in the vertical direction, and can be pressed and deformed by the engaging protrusion 320. The engaging elastic portion 220 pressed by the engaging protrusion 320 can deform, thereby reducing its protrusion height. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 320 can pass through the engaging elastic portion 220 and move backward.

[0184] like Figure 9 As shown, when the detergent reservoir 300 is fully retracted into the opening 15, the engagement protrusion 320 passes through the engagement elastic portion 220 and is positioned behind the engagement elastic portion 220. After the engagement protrusion 320 deforms the engagement elastic portion 220, the engagement elastic portion 220 can elastically recover as the engagement protrusion 320 passes through the engagement elastic portion 220.

[0185] The user can extend the detergent reservoir 300 from the opening 15 using the handle 305 and inject detergent into the detergent reservoir 300. The detergent reservoir 300, in which detergent is stored, can be retracted by sliding back to the opening 15. To this end, the user can identify the retraction status of the detergent reservoir 300 by the contact relationship between the engaging protrusion 320 and the engaging elastic portion 220.

[0186] For example, as the user grips the handle 305 and pushes the detergent reservoir 300 backward, the user perceives resistance generated by the contact between the engagement protrusion 320 and the engagement elastic portion 220, and a predetermined pressure is transmitted to the user. When the engagement protrusion 320 passes the engagement elastic portion 220, the force transmitted to the user decreases, and the user can recognize that the detergent reservoir 300 has reached the fully retracted state.

[0187] Furthermore, as the restoring force of the engagement elastic portion 220 is transmitted to the engagement protrusion 320, the engagement elastic portion 220 can provide a moving force to the engagement protrusion 320 to move the engagement protrusion 320, so that the engagement protrusion 320 retracts to the distal end of the opening 15 after passing through the engagement elastic portion 220.

[0188] Therefore, the user can retract the detergent reservoir 300 into the opening 15 while feeling a certain reaction force, and then feel a smooth and stable retraction when the reaction force disappears, instead being provided with the force that causes the retraction.

[0189] In one example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the engaging elastic portion 220 is detachably connected to the fixing portion. The engaging elastic portion 220 can be manufactured separately from the fixing portion and can correspond to an elastomer that deforms and recovers when pressed by the engaging protrusion 320.

[0190] Advantageously, the material of the engagement elastic portion 220 is more easily deformable and has higher elasticity than that of the fixing portion. In embodiments of this disclosure, such engagement elastic portions 220 are manufactured separately from the fixing portions; for example, it may be advantageous for the dispenser 200 to use a different material for the engagement elastic portion than the material of the fixing portion, which has high rigidity.

[0191] In the following description, for ease of description, the dispenser 200 will be described as corresponding to the fixing part according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. However, this is only for ease of description, and the fixing part is not limited to the dispenser 200.

[0192] The manufacture of the dispenser 200 may include a heat treatment process. In this case, the material of the dispenser 200 may be heat-treated to reduce elasticity and increase rigidity. When the elastic part 220 is formed together with the dispenser 200, the elastic part 220 may also be heat-treated to reduce elasticity.

[0193] That is, the embodiments of this disclosure are advantageous because when the engaging elastic portion 220 is manufactured separately from the dispenser 200 and is detachably coupled to the dispenser 200, changes in the properties of the material resulting from a series of molding processes included in the manufacture of the dispenser 200 can be avoided.

[0194] In one example, such as Figure 9 As shown, in the state where the detergent reservoir 300 is retracted into the opening 15, in the garment processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum protrusion of the engagement elastic portion 220 can be positioned in front of the maximum protrusion of the engagement protrusion 320, and the engagement elastic portion 220 can support the engagement protrusion 320 rearward.

[0195] The maximum protrusion point of the engagement elastic portion 220 refers to the point where the engagement elastic portion 220 protrudes the farthest in the vertical direction, and the maximum protrusion point of the engagement protrusion 320 refers to the point where it protrudes the farthest in the vertical direction from the detergent reservoir 300.

[0196] In the engagement protrusion 320, the inclined front pressing portion 352 can be positioned in front of the maximum protrusion, the flat pressing portion 352 can be positioned behind the maximum protrusion, and the rear pressing portion 352 can be positioned behind the flat pressing portion 352.

[0197] During the retraction of the detergent reservoir 300, the engaging elastic portion 220 can be pressed by the rear pressing portion 352 of the engaging protrusion 320. Thereafter, as the maximum protrusion of the engaging elastic portion 220 is supported on the flat pressing portion 352 of the engaging protrusion 320, the deformed state of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be maintained. Therefore, the reaction force of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be gradually provided during the retraction of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0198] When the maximum protrusion of the engagement protrusion 320 passes the maximum protrusion of the engagement elastic part 220, the front pressing part 352 of the engagement protrusion 320 supports the engagement elastic part 220 while the engagement elastic part 220 gradually recovers.

[0199] In the engagement elastic portion 220, the forward tilt portion can be positioned in front of the maximum protrusion point, and the rear tilt portion can be positioned behind the maximum protrusion point.

[0200] The forward-sloping portion can extend rearward from the front end of the engaging elastic portion 220, and as the forward-sloping portion moves further away from the front end, it can become closer to the detergent reservoir 300. That is, the forward-sloping portion can be formed to be inclined such that its protrusion height increases toward the point of maximum protrusion.

[0201] In one example, the rearward tilt can extend rearward from the frontward tilt and can be configured to move further away from the detergent reservoir 300 as the distance from the frontward tilt increases. That is, the rearward tilt can be formed to be tilted such that its protrusion height decreases rearward from the point of maximum protrusion.

[0202] As the detergent reservoir 300 retracts into the opening 15, the engaging protrusion 320 presses against the forward inclined portion to elastically deform the engaging elastic portion 220. With the detergent reservoir 300 retracted into the opening 15, the engaging protrusion 320 can contact and be supported by the rear inclined portion.

[0203] In one example, the forward slope may have a longer and smoother slope than the backward slope. Figure 15 This shows the state where the length L1 of the forward inclined section is greater than the length L2 of the rear inclined section.

[0204] Therefore, during the retraction of the detergent reservoir 300, the engaging elastic portion 220 can provide a reaction force with a relatively low rate of increase to the engaging protrusion 320, so that the retraction process is not disturbed, and during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, it can provide a reaction force with a relatively high rate of increase, so that unnecessary extension of the detergent reservoir 300 can be prevented.

[0205] When the detergent reservoir 300 is fully retracted into the opening 15, the engagement protrusion 320 can be pressed backward by the engagement elastic part 220, thus stably maintaining the retracted state of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0206] Furthermore, when the user extends the detergent reservoir 300, the reaction force caused by the engaging elastic part 220 can be immediately identified as the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 begins. Therefore, the user can effectively identify the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 and limit unnecessary extension of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0207] In one example, refer to Figure 9 In an embodiment of this disclosure, the dispenser 200 has a through-hole 215 opening toward the one side of the detergent reservoir 300. The central portion of the engaging resilient portion 220 can pass through the through-hole 215 and protrude toward the detergent reservoir 300.

[0208] The shape of the through hole 215 can be varied and can extend through the fixing part. The central portion of the engaging elastic part 220 can pass through the through hole 215 and protrude toward said one surface of the detergent reservoir 300. The maximum protrusion point of the engaging elastic part 220 can be positioned at the center.

[0209] When the engaging elastic portion 220 protrudes through the through hole 215 of the dispenser 200, the total protruding length of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be increased compared to the case where the engaging elastic portion 220 protrudes directly from the bottom surface of the dispenser 200, which may be advantageous for elastic deformation.

[0210] The elastic part 220 can be bent such that the central portion extending from the front and rear ends passes through the through hole 215. That is, the elastic part 220 can be configured to allow the strip member or straight member to be bent or folded.

[0211] Therefore, the elastic part 220 has an empty space on the side opposite to the contact surface of the engagement protrusion 320, so that the elastic part 220 can be easily deformed and elastically restored by pressing the engagement protrusion 320.

[0212] In one example, refer to Figure 9 In embodiments of this disclosure, the dispenser 200 (i.e., the retaining portion) may be formed behind the through-hole 215. The engaging elastic portion 220 may be positioned such that its rear end overlaps with the fastening groove.

[0213] The engaging elastic portion 220 can be penetrated by a fastening member 235, which is inserted into a fastening groove 233 and connected to the distributor 200. However, the fastening groove can be defined in front of the through hole 215, and the front end of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be connected to the fastening groove.

[0214] The fastening member 235 can connect the engagement elastic part 220 to the distributor 200 by passing through the end of the engagement elastic part 220 that overlaps with the fastening groove and is inserted into the fastening groove.

[0215] The fastening member 235 may have a length similar to that of a bolt, can be inserted into a fastening slot, and can be easily attached to and removed from the fastening slot. In one example, such as Figure 9 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure may further include a fastening part 230 and a cover 221.

[0216] The fastening portion 230 may be provided in the distributor 200 and protrude along the insertion direction of the fastening member 235, and the fastening groove may be defined at the center of the fastening portion 230. Since the fastening groove is defined in the fastening member 235 protruding from the distributor 200, the length of the fastening groove into which the fastening member 235 can be inserted can be easily ensured.

[0217] The cover 221 can be provided on the rear end of the engaging elastic portion 220. That is, the cover 221 can be provided at the end of the engaging elastic portion 220 that overlaps with the fastening groove.

[0218] The cover 221 may have a space defined therein, and its outer peripheral surface may be arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the fastener 230. That is, the fastener 230 may be engaged to be inserted into the cover 221.

[0219] In the cover 221 into which the fastening part 230 is inserted, the top surface can be penetrated by the fastening member 235. Therefore, when the fastening part 230 protruding from the dispenser 200 is inserted into the cover 221 and connected to the fastening part 230 by the fastening member 235, the cover 221 can have a stable connection structure with the fastening part 230.

[0220] In one example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the front end of the engaging elastic portion 220 can be configured to be slidable, and a cover 221 can be formed on the rear end of the engaging elastic portion 220. When the front end is configured to slide on the fixed portion, the amount of elastic deformation of the central portion can be increased. However, when the cover 221 of the engaging elastic portion 220 is provided on the front end, the rear end can be configured to be slidable.

[0221] When the engaging elastic portion 220 is pressed and deformed by the engaging protrusion 320, the slidable end of the engaging elastic portion 220 can slide away from the center of the engaging elastic portion 220 to satisfy the change in the protrusion height of the engaging elastic portion 220.

[0222] When the rear end is fixed and the front end forms a slidable sliding end 222 in the engagement elastic portion 220, a greater amount of deformation can be accepted during the extension process than during the retraction process of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0223] In other words, during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, the engaging elastic portion 220 can provide a greater reaction force to the engaging protrusion 320. Therefore, the reaction force is reduced during the retraction of the detergent reservoir 300, thereby providing a soft retraction feel.

[0224] The retaining force of the retracted detergent reservoir 300 can be increased, and the larger deformation of the engaging protrusion 320 can be accepted during the extension process, so that a larger reaction force can be provided during the extension and the detergent reservoir 300 can be maintained in a stable retracted state.

[0225] In one example, embodiments of this disclosure may further include a guide 238. The guide 238 may be disposed in the dispenser 200, and its central portion may be penetrated in the front-to-back direction by the front sliding end 222 of the engaging elastic portion 220.

[0226] The guide 238 surrounds the sliding end 222 of the engagement elastic portion 220 and fixes the position of the sliding end 222. In embodiments of this disclosure, the front end of the engagement elastic portion 220 does not deviate from the sliding area using the guide 238, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0227] In one example Figure 10 The diagram shows an anti-sagging elastic portion 510 as viewed from the outside of the dispenser 200 during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is an enlarged view of the anti-sagging elastic part 510 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520.

[0228] For your reference. Figure 4 The anti-sagging elastic part 510 of the dispenser 200 is schematically shown. Figures 7 to 8 The anti-sagging protrusion 520 is schematically shown. The anti-sagging protrusion 520 can extend rearward at a set distance from the anti-sagging elastic part 510, as described below.

[0229] An anti-sagging elastic portion 510 may be provided at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200. Furthermore, the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 may protrude toward the top surface of the detergent reservoir 300, similar to the engaging elastic portion 220, and may elastically deform and recover. An anti-sagging protrusion 520 may be provided on the top surface of the detergent reservoir 300 and may protrude toward the fixing portion.

[0230] During the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, when the center of gravity of the detergent reservoir 300 is located outside the opening 15 in the front-back direction, the front end of the detergent reservoir 300 will tilt downward due to its own load.

[0231] In embodiments of this disclosure, with the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 arranged, when the detergent reservoir 300 is extended by a set extension distance, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can prevent the detergent reservoir 300 from sagging by pressing the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and making close contact with the anti-sagging elastic portion 510.

[0232] In other words, the anti-sagging elastic part 510 can prevent the detergent reservoir 300 from sagging by pressing and supporting the anti-sagging protrusions 520 that overlap in the vertical direction. The set extension distance refers to the preset extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300, so that the user can conveniently use the detergent reservoir 300 even when the detergent reservoir 300 is not completely separated from the opening 15.

[0233] The anti-sagging elastic part 510 is positioned in the fixing part, for example at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200, to overlap with the anti-sagging protrusion 520 on the detergent reservoir 300 in the extended state, and is advantageous in providing elastic force.

[0234] The anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be configured to extend outwards from the front end of the detergent reservoir 300 by a set distance. That is, the extension distance by which the anti-sagging protrusion 520 and the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 physically overlap during the extension process corresponds to the set extension distance according to the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0235] like Figure 7 As shown, the separation distance P is from the front end of the detergent reservoir 300 to the anti-sagging protrusion 520. The corresponding distance P can correspond to the set extension distance according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0236] When the detergent reservoir 300 extends a set distance from the opening 15, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be positioned below the anti-sagging elastic part 510 and pressed and supported by the anti-sagging elastic part 510.

[0237] Users can identify the appropriateness of setting the extension distance by recognizing the resistance or reaction force generated by the anti-sagging protrusion 520 and the anti-sagging elastic part 510 overlapping each other during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0238] In embodiments of this disclosure, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 may be positioned in front of the engaging protrusion 320 and the engaging elastic portion 220. The anti-sagging elastic portion 510, located at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200, may be positioned in front of the engaging elastic portion 220.

[0239] During the retraction and extension of the detergent reservoir 300, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be positioned in front of the engaging elastic portion 220. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the anti-sagging protrusion 520 from unnecessarily contacting the engaging elastic portion 220.

[0240] In one example, as will be described below, the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250 may be arranged to limit the extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300 to a set extension distance. The engaging protrusion 353 may protrude from the detergent reservoir 300 toward a fixing part (e.g., dispenser 200), and the stop 250 may be disposed in the fixing part and protrude toward the detergent reservoir 300.

[0241] When the movement of the engaging protrusion 353 is restricted by the stop 250 during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 can be limited. Furthermore, when the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250 are in contact with each other, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be positioned below the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and pressed.

[0242] Refer again Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiments of this disclosure, the distance between the anti-sagging protrusions 520 respectively disposed on both sides of the detergent storage rack 390 can be greater than the distance between the engaging protrusions 320.

[0243] Specifically, in embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage rack 390 may be configured such that the width W3 of the rear end 399 is smaller than the width W2 of the front end 398, and the frame sidewall 630 may also be configured to correspond to the change in width of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0244] In one example, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 may be located in front of the engaging protrusion 320. Therefore, the distance between a pair of anti-sagging protrusions 520 respectively located on both sides of the detergent storage rack 390 may be equal to the width W1 of the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0245] Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 320 is located behind the anti-sagging protrusion 520. The distance between these engaging protrusions 320 may be equal to the width W3 of the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0246] In other words, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be arranged at a point having the same width W2 as the front end 398 of the detergent storage rack 390 on the frame sidewall 630, and the engaging protrusion 320 can be arranged at a point having the same width W3 as the rear end 399 of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0247] Therefore, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 and the engaging protrusion 320 do not overlap each other in the front-to-back direction and are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Therefore, the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 and the engaging elastic portion 220 are also configured to have different widths. Furthermore, unnecessary contact between the engaging protrusion 320 and the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 during the retraction and extension of the detergent reservoir 300 can be prevented.

[0248] In one example Figure 8 The detergent storage area 650 of the detergent storage rack 390 is shown, with the detergent cup 700 separated from the detergent storage rack 390. Figure 12 The detergent storage area 650 of the detergent storage rack 390 is shown, and the detergent cup 700 is attached to the detergent storage rack 390.

[0249] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 12 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage rack 390 may be provided with a detergent receiving wall 640 protruding upward from the bottom surface, and may define a detergent receiving area 650 surrounded by the detergent receiving wall 640.

[0250] In addition, a detergent container 340 may be formed in a portion of the detergent containing area 650, and a detergent cup 700 may be installed in the remaining portion.

[0251] The detergent receiving wall 640 may protrude upward from the bottom surface of the detergent storage rack 390 and may be integrally formed with the bottom surface of the detergent storage rack 390, or may be manufactured separately from the bottom surface and connected to the bottom surface.

[0252] When viewed from above, the detergent-containing wall 640 is formed as an annular ring, thereby defining a closed cross-section therein. This annular ring can be circular or polygonal. Figure 12 A detergent containment wall 640 forming a rectangular closed cross section is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] The detergent-containing area 650 surrounded by the detergent-containing wall 640 can be defined inside the detergent storage rack 390. That is, the internal space of the detergent storage rack 390 can be divided into the detergent-containing area 650 inside the detergent-containing wall 640 and the external space of the detergent-containing wall 640.

[0254] The detergent storage section 310 can be inserted into and installed in the space outside the detergent receiving wall 640 in the detergent storage rack 390. The detergent storage section 310 may include two detergent storage sections, which may extend in the front-rear direction and be arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The detergent storage rack 390 may extend in the front-rear direction across the center and has storage section fixing ribs for securing the detergent storage section 310 to the two sides.

[0255] Because the top surface of the detergent holding area 650 is open and the detergent holding area 650 is separated from the outside by the detergent holding wall 640, the detergent and other substances inside will not leak to the outside of the detergent holding wall 640.

[0256] like Figure 12As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 can be inserted into the detergent containing area 650. Therefore, a portion of the detergent containing area 650 can form a detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700 can be disposed in the remaining portion.

[0257] In other words, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container 340 are arranged together in a detergent-containing area 650 separated and defined by a detergent-containing wall 640. The detergent container 340 is configured such that the detergent-containing wall 640 prevents detergent leakage. Furthermore, the detergent cup 700 is separated from the detergent container 340 by its outer wall. Thus, while sharing the detergent-containing area 650, the detergent container 340 can be separated from the detergent.

[0258] Different detergents can be stored separately in the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700. For example, a second detergent can be stored in the detergent container 340, and a third detergent can be stored in the detergent cup 700. In embodiments of this disclosure, a detergent receiving wall 640 can be used to prevent detergent leakage from the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700, defining a sealed detergent receiving area 650.

[0259] Furthermore, even if the third detergent leaks through the open top surface of the detergent cup 700, the third detergent leaking from the detergent containing wall 640 will not leave the detergent containing area 650, which is effective in terms of the availability and manageability of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0260] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the detergent receiving wall 640 may include: detergent receiving sidewalls 643, respectively located on both sides of the detergent cup 700; and a detergent receiving front wall 641, configured to be forward-spaced from the front surface of the detergent cup 700 and connected to the detergent receiving sidewalls 643. Furthermore, in the detergent receiving area 650, the detergent container 340 may be disposed between the detergent receiving front wall 641 and the detergent cup 700. That is, the detergent container 340 may be located in front of the detergent cup 700.

[0261] Additionally, refer to Figure 8 The detergent storage rack 390 may also include a front stop 642 between the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container 340. The front stop 642 may extend in the left-right direction along the detergent storage container 300 to prevent the detergent cup 700 from moving forward.

[0262] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container 340 share the detergent holding area 650, and the front blocking part 642 is provided in the detergent holding area 650. Therefore, the detergent cup 700 installed in the detergent holding area 650 can be prevented from entering the detergent container 340 by moving forward.

[0263] The front stop 642 may extend along the left-right direction of the detergent reservoir 300. For example, the two ends of the front stop 642 may be connected to a pair of detergent-containing sidewalls 643 on both sides of the detergent cup 700.

[0264] In one example Figure 13 This is a 3D image of the detergent cup 700. Figure 14 A cross-sectional view is shown in which the detergent cup 700 is installed in the detergent receiving area 650. For reference, Figure 8 A detergent outlet 648 formed in the detergent containing area 650 is shown.

[0265] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 may have a cup discharge portion 705 through which the third detergent is discharged. Furthermore, a detergent outlet 648 for the second and third detergents may be formed on a detergent receiving bottom surface 647 in a detergent receiving area 650, the detergent receiving bottom surface 647 being surrounded by a detergent receiving wall 640.

[0266] The detergent outlet 648 is located below the cup discharge portion 705, and the front stop portion 642 is spaced upward from the detergent container bottom surface 647. Therefore, the detergent container 340 and the detergent outlet 648 can communicate with each other.

[0267] Specifically, the detergent cup 700 may have a cup discharge portion 705 at its bottom. Detergent (e.g., a third detergent) stored in the detergent cup 700 may be discharged to the outside of the detergent cup 700 through the cup discharge portion 705. The cup discharge portion 705 may have a downward-opening opening, allowing detergent to be discharged downward from the detergent cup 700.

[0268] Detergent outlet 648 may be formed in detergent containing area 650. Detergent outlet 648 may be disposed on detergent containing bottom surface 647 surrounded by detergent containing wall 640, may have a downward opening, and may allow detergent in detergent containing area 650 to flow to detergent supply tank 400.

[0269] The detergent outlet 648 may be located below the detergent cup 700. Therefore, the third detergent discharged from the detergent cup 700 to the detergent holding area 650 via the cup discharge section 705 can flow through the detergent outlet 648 to the outside of the detergent storage rack 390, i.e. towards the detergent supply box 400.

[0270] In one example, a front stop 642 extending at a portion between the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 may be spaced upward from the detergent receiving bottom surface 647. That is, the detergent container 340 may communicate with the detergent outlet 648 located below the detergent cup 700 via the front stop 642.

[0271] Therefore, the second detergent contained in the detergent container 340 can flow to the detergent supply tank 400 through the detergent outlet 648 located below the detergent cup 700.

[0272] Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, a detergent holding area 650 may be defined, in which detergent holding wall 640 prevents detergent from leaking to the outside, a detergent container 340 may be formed in one portion of the detergent holding area 650, and a detergent cup 700 may be installed in the remaining portion, and the second detergent in the detergent container 340 and the third detergent in the detergent cup 700 may flow together to the detergent supply tank 400 through a detergent outlet 648 formed in the detergent holding area 650.

[0273] Based on the fact that the detergent container 340 is connected to the detergent outlet 648 formed on the bottom surface 647 of the detergent container, the second detergent can flow out through the detergent outlet 648 simultaneously with the injection of the second detergent into the detergent container 340. Therefore, the second detergent can be a powdered detergent rather than a liquid detergent, and the third detergent in the detergent cup 700 can be a liquid detergent, such as a fabric softener. The detergent flowing to the detergent supply tank 400 can be supplied to the outer tub 20 through the detergent discharge hole 402 of the detergent supply tank 400, which will be described later.

[0274] In one example Figure 13 This shows the state where the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is provided on the detergent cup 700. Figure 14 The connecting rod 350 is shown positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710.

[0275] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 may include an anti-deviation protrusion 710 that protrudes in a direction parallel to the top surface of the detergent storage rack 390, and may also include an engaging rod 350 disposed on the detergent storage rack 390 and positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710 to limit upward deviation of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 and the detergent cup 700.

[0276] Specifically, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may protrude from the detergent cup 700 in a direction parallel to the top surface of the detergent storage rack 390 or the top surface of the detergent cup 700. For example, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may protrude in the front-back direction or in a direction transverse to the front-back direction. In addition, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may protrude from the side wall of the detergent cup 700.

[0277] The engaging rod 350 may be disposed on the detergent storage rack 390 and positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710 of the detergent cup 700 connected to the detergent storage rack 390. The engaging rod 350 may include an engaging protrusion 353 and may limit the extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300 from the housing 10 to a set extension distance. Details regarding limiting the extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300 by the engaging rod 350 will be described below.

[0278] The detergent cup 700 may be in the form of a cup, the interior of which is sealed except for the open top surface, and may be placed in a detergent holding area 650, etc. When the engaging rod 350 is positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710, it prevents the detergent cup 700 from separating upwards or deviating from the detergent storage rack 390 through the open top surface of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0279] The detergent reservoir 300, equipped with a detergent cup 700, can be disposed of by the user after being fully extended and detached from the housing 10 in the usage environment. During manufacturing and transportation, the detergent reservoir 300 can be separated from the housing 10 and handled separately.

[0280] When the detergent reservoir 300 is handled separately as described above, for example when the open top surface of the detergent storage rack 390 faces the ground, there is a possibility that the detergent cup 700 may separate from and deviate from the detergent storage rack 390 through the open top surface of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0281] Embodiments of this disclosure may have an anti-deviation protrusion 710 on the detergent cup 700 and an engaging rod 350 on the detergent storage rack 390 to prevent the detergent cup 700 from deviating.

[0282] As described above, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may be configured to protrude from the side wall of the detergent cup 700, and the connecting rod 350 may be provided on the detergent storage rack 390 and positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710.

[0283] Therefore, the connecting rod 350, positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710, can be positioned so as not to cover the open top surface of the detergent cup 700, thereby ensuring the usability of the detergent cup 700. Furthermore, the user can detach the detergent cup 700 while adjusting the movement of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 below the connecting rod 350.

[0284] Even when the open top surface of the detergent storage rack 390 faces the ground during the operation of the detergent reservoir 300, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 of the detergent cup 700 can be prevented from moving to the top surface of the detergent storage rack 390 by the engaging rod 350. Therefore, separation of the detergent cup 700 from the detergent storage rack 390 can be prevented.

[0285] In one example, refer to Figure 14 In embodiments of this disclosure, the engaging rod 350 may be disposed on the detergent receiving wall 640 and positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710. Since the detergent cup 700 is inserted into and mounted in the detergent receiving area 650, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is also located within the detergent receiving area 650. Therefore, the engaging rod 350 may have a shape extending from the detergent receiving wall 640, and at least a portion of the engaging rod 350 may be positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710.

[0286] Return to reference Figure 13 The detergent cup 700 is formed such that the width of the front end 701 is greater than the width of the rear end 702, which allows for the formation of a wider portion 703 that protrudes beyond the rear end 702 in the left-right direction of the detergent reservoir 300. Furthermore, an anti-deviation protrusion 710 can protrude rearward from the rear wall of the wider portion 703.

[0287] The detergent cup 700 can be defined as the front end 701 and the rear end 702 based on the point where the width differs. Alternatively, it can be understood that the portion with the same width as the front end 701 that extends rearward and the portion with the same width as the rear end 702 that extends forward are connected to each other at the center.

[0288] The wider portion 703 of the detergent cup 700 can be understood as a portion that protrudes beyond the rear end 702 in the left-right direction. That is, the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 may include the wider portion 703. When the wider portion 703 is removed from the detergent cup 700, the detergent cup 700 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0289] The anti-deviation protrusion 710 can be provided on the rear wall, which points in the rearward direction of the wider portion 703. That is, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 can be configured to protrude rearward from the rear wall of the wider portion 703.

[0290] Furthermore, the engaging rod 350 can be positioned offset from the open top surface of the detergent cup 700 and can extend from the detergent receiving wall 640 and be positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710. Therefore, when the detergent cup 700 simply moves the detergent storage rack 390 upwards, for example when the top surface of the detergent storage rack 390 faces the ground, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 can contact the engaging rod 350 to limit the deviation of the detergent cup 700.

[0291] In one example Figure 15 The following state is shown, in which the detergent cup 700 installed in the detergent storage rack 390 is in accordance with... Figure 14 The detergent storage rack 390 shown is detached. (As shown) Figure 15 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the front end 701 moves upward, the detergent cup 700 can be separated from the detergent storage rack 390.

[0292] Specifically, in the embodiments of this disclosure, because the anti-deviation protrusion 710 protrudes rearward from the detergent cup 700, the user can separate the detergent cup 700 from the detergent storage rack 390 by lifting the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 upward.

[0293] Furthermore, when the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is located at the front of the detergent cup 700, even if the anti-deviation protrusion 710 protrudes backward, the separation of the detergent cup 700 will be difficult because the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 cannot be lifted by the anti-deviation protrusion 710.

[0294] In one example, when the anti-deviation protrusion 710 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the detergent cup 700, the entire detergent cup 700 can be lifted upward because it is located in front of the anti-deviation protrusion 710. Therefore, the ability to prevent the detergent cup 700 from deviating is greatly reduced.

[0295] In embodiments of this disclosure, the wider portion 703 is formed by allowing the width of the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 to be greater than the width of the rear end 702, and the anti-deviation protrusion 710 protrudes rearward from the rear wall of the wider portion 703. Therefore, the detergent cup 700 can be arbitrarily separated by lifting the front portion of the anti-deviation protrusion 710. Simultaneously, since the rear wall of the wider portion 703 is located between the front and rear surfaces of the detergent cup 700, the ability to prevent the detergent cup 700 from unintentionally separating from the detergent storage rack 390 can be ensured.

[0296] In one example, such as Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the top surface 712 of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may be configured to tilt downward as the top surface 712 moves away from the rear wall of the wider portion 703.

[0297] As described above, the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is formed to protrude rearward from the detergent cup 700. In this way, when the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 is lifted upward, the detergent cup 700 can be separated from the detergent storage rack 390.

[0298] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, since the top surface 712 facing the engagement rod 350 of the offset anti-deviation protrusion 710 is formed to be inclined downward when the top surface 712 moves away from the rear wall of the wider portion 703, the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 corresponding to the portion in front of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is allowed to be lifted upward.

[0299] For example, when the entire detergent cup 700 moves toward the top surface of the detergent storage rack 390, even if the top surface 712 of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is formed to be inclined, the upward movement of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is restricted by the engaging rod 350, thus preventing the detergent cup 700 from deviating.

[0300] On the other hand, when the user lifts the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700, even if the front end 701 of the detergent cup 700 moves upward as the rear end 702 of the detergent cup 700 moves forward (e.g. Figure 15 As shown), because the top surface 712 of the anti-deviation protrusion 710 is inclined downward, the distance to the connecting rod 350 can be continuously ensured, and the assembly and disassembly of the detergent cup 700 can be facilitated.

[0301] In one example Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of region C in the image. Figure 16 A rear dividing protrusion 646 is shown in the detergent containing area 650.

[0302] refer to Figure 16 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent receiving wall 640 may include a detergent receiving rear wall 645 located behind the detergent cup 700, and the detergent receiving rear wall 645 may include a rear dividing protrusion 646 projecting toward the rear surface of the detergent cup 700 to separate the detergent receiving rear wall 645 and the rear surface of the detergent cup 700 from each other.

[0303] The rear partition protrusion 646 can project forward from the rear wall 645 of the detergent container. That is, the rear partition protrusion 646 can project from the rear wall 645 of the detergent container toward the detergent cup 700. Through the rear partition protrusion 646, the detergent cup 700 can be separated from the rear wall 645 of the detergent container by at least the protruding length of the rear partition protrusion 646.

[0304] A detergent cup 700 is installed in a detergent-receiving area 650, which is surrounded by a detergent-receiving wall 640, and the top surface of the detergent cup 700 is open. Liquid can leak through the open top surface of the detergent cup 700 if too much detergent is added during use or if water is supplied from the dispenser 200. The liquid can be water or detergent.

[0305] When the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container wall 640 are in close contact with each other, liquid leaking onto the open top surface of the detergent cup 700 can deviate from the detergent cup 700, pass over the detergent container wall 640, and infiltrate the outside of the detergent container area 650.

[0306] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, since the rear dividing protrusion 646 is provided to form a gap between the rear surface of the detergent cup 700 and the detergent receiving rear wall 645, the liquid leaking from the detergent cup 700 flows into the portion between the detergent cup 700 and the detergent receiving rear wall 645, thus preventing the detergent receiving area 650 from deviating.

[0307] Figure 17 A cross-section of a detergent cup 700 disposed in a detergent containing area 650 is shown, and Figure 17 This shows the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container rear wall 645 separated from each other by the rear partition protrusion 646. Figure 17 In the diagram, the path of the liquid is indicated by arrows. The liquid leaks through the open top surface of the detergent cup 700 and collects at the portion between the detergent cup 700 and the detergent container rear wall 645.

[0308] The rear dividing protrusion 646 may be in the form of a protrusion extending from the detergent receiving rear wall 645, or it may be in various forms, such as a rib extending parallel to the detergent receiving rear wall 645.

[0309] In one example, refer to Figure 16 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 may further include a rear partition rib 707 projecting from its rear surface, the rear partition rib 707 facing the detergent receiving rear wall 645 to face and contact the rear partition protrusion 646. Figure 13 The rear surface of the detergent cup 700 on which the rear dividing rib 707 is formed is shown.

[0310] The rear partition rib 707 may project rearward from the rear surface of the detergent cup 700. Furthermore, each rear partition rib 707 may be configured such that at least a portion of it faces the rear partition protrusion 646 in the retardation direction.

[0311] In other words, in the detergent cup 700, each rear partition rib 707 can contact each rear partition protrusion 646. The detergent cup 700 can also ensure a separation distance to the detergent-receiving rear wall 645 through the rear partition ribs 707, and can stably contact the rear partition protrusions 646. In addition, the rigidity of the rear surface of the detergent cup 700 can be effectively enhanced.

[0312] The rear partition rib 707 may extend in a direction parallel to the rear surface of the detergent cup 700. When the rear partition protrusion 646 is in the form of a rib extending in a direction parallel to the rear surface of the detergent cup 700, the rear partition rib 707 extends parallel to the rear partition protrusion 646, such that the entire rear partition rib 707 may face the rear partition protrusion 646.

[0313] Figure 16 A rear partition protrusion 646 and a rear partition rib 707 extending in the vertical direction are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0314] In one example Figure 18 The bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 is shown. (Reference) Figure 18 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cup 700 may further include a detergent cup leg 715.

[0315] The detergent cup leg 715 protrudes from the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 toward the detergent container bottom surface 647 to separate the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 from the detergent container bottom surface 647. That is, the detergent cup 700 is supported by the detergent cup leg 715, which allows the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 to be separated from the detergent container bottom surface 647, and ensures the separation distance between the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 and the detergent outlet 648.

[0316] Therefore, detergent discharged from detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 can effectively flow into detergent outlet 648.

[0317] In one example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the detergent cup leg 715 may also include a support leg reinforcing rib 716. The support leg reinforcing rib 716 may protrude from the detergent cup leg 715 and may be connected to the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700.

[0318] The detergent cup leg 715 can protrude downward from the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700, and the supporting leg reinforcing rib 716 can protrude from the detergent cup 700 in the left and right directions. Figure 18 The image shows a detergent cup leg 715 extending in the front-rear direction and a support leg reinforcing rib 716 protruding from the side of the detergent cup leg 715 in the left-right direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0319] The support leg reinforcing rib 716 can be connected to the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 together with the detergent cup leg 715. Therefore, the bottom surface area of ​​the detergent cup 700 where the load transferred to the detergent cup leg 715 is distributed can be increased, and the rigidity of the bottom surface of the detergent cup 700 or the detergent cup leg 715 can be improved.

[0320] In one example Figure 19 It shows Figure 7 A magnified view of region A in the image. Figure 20 The bottom surface of dispenser 200 is shown. Figure 21 yes Figure 20 An enlarged view of region D in the image.

[0321] also, Figure 22 The stop portion 250 and the engagement protrusion 353 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown in contact with each other.

[0322] refer to Figures 19 to 22 The embodiments of this disclosure may further include a stop portion 250 protruding downward from the fixing portion and an engagement protrusion 353 protruding upward from the top surface of the engagement rod 350.

[0323] Figure 19 A connecting protrusion 353 provided on the connecting rod 350 is shown. Figure 20 and Figure 21 A stop 250 is shown on the bottom surface of the dispenser 200.

[0324] The stop portion 250 can be configured to overlap with the engagement protrusion 353 along the front-rear direction of the detergent reservoir 300, and can be spaced forward from the front of the engagement protrusion 353 when the detergent reservoir 300 is retracted into the housing 10.

[0325] As the detergent reservoir 300 extends from the housing 10, the engagement protrusion 353 contacts the stop 250, thus limiting the extension distance.

[0326] Specifically, the stop 250 can protrude downward from the fixing part (e.g., distributor 200), and the engaging protrusion 353 can protrude upward from the engaging rod 350. The stop 250 and the engaging protrusion 353 can be arranged to overlap each other in the front-rear direction.

[0327] In other words, the engaging protrusion 353 provided on the detergent reservoir 300 can contact the stop 250 during the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 and can be restricted during movement. Since the movement of the engaging protrusion 353 is restricted by the stop 250, the extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300 can be limited.

[0328] With the detergent reservoir 300 fully retracted into the housing 10, the extension distance of the detergent reservoir 300, which restricts the movement of the engagement protrusion 353 by the stop 250, can correspond to the set extension distance of the present disclosure described above.

[0329] Therefore, with the detergent reservoir 300 fully retracted into the housing 10, the stop 250 can be arranged to be spaced forward from the engagement protrusion 353, and the separation distance between the stop 250 and the engagement protrusion 353 can correspond to the separation distance between the anti-sagging protrusion 520 and the anti-sagging elastic part 510, which corresponds to the above-mentioned set extension distance.

[0330] When the user extends the detergent reservoir 300 by grasping the handle 305 of the detergent reservoir 300 while it is retracted into the opening 15, and when the engaging protrusion 353 of the detergent reservoir 300 contacts the stop portion 250 of the dispenser 200, the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 can be restricted, and the user can use the detergent reservoir 300 extended by a set extension distance to store detergent.

[0331] In other words, when the engaging protrusion 353 is in contact with the stop portion 250, the anti-sagging protrusion 520 of the detergent reservoir 300 can overlap with the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 of the dispenser 200 in the vertical direction to prevent the detergent reservoir 300 from sagging.

[0332] The stop portion 250 and the anti-sagging elastic portion 510 can be arranged on the front end of the distributor 200 (i.e., the fixing portion). In this case, the engaging protrusion 353 and the anti-sagging protrusion 520 can be positioned parallel to each other in the left-right direction.

[0333] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250 are arranged, the user can easily extend the detergent reservoir 300 only by a set extension distance, so that the detergent supply unit 100 can be effectively utilized.

[0334] The stop portion 250 can be provided on the bottom surface of the dispenser 200 so as not to overlap with the aforementioned engagement elastic portion 220 and anti-sagging elastic portion 510 in the front-back direction. That is, the stop portion 250 can be provided to be spaced apart from the engagement elastic portion 220 and anti-sagging elastic portion 510 in the left-right direction.

[0335] The engaging protrusion 353 can be configured not to overlap with the engaging protrusion 320 in the front-back direction. For example, the engaging protrusion 320 can be provided on the side wall of the detergent storage rack 390, and the engaging protrusion 353 can be provided at the center of the detergent storage rack 390 in the left-right direction.

[0336] The shapes of the stop 250 and the engagement protrusion 353 can be varied. The stop 250 may have a flat surface facing and contacting the engagement protrusion 353, and the engagement protrusion 353 may also have a flat surface facing and contacting the stop 250.

[0337] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the engagement rod 350 may be configured such that the engagement rod 350 extends from the detergent containment rear wall 645 toward the wider portion 703, and its front end is positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710, forming a free end and being movable downward.

[0338] The connecting rod 350 can be located at the rear of the wider portion 703, can be positioned above the anti-deviation protrusion 710, and can extend from the detergent-containing rear wall 645 toward the wider portion 703.

[0339] In other words, the engaging rod 350 may have a rear end fixed to the detergent-receiving rear wall 645, and its front end facing the wider rear wall 703 may form a free end and be able to move downward in response to pressure. The engaging protrusion 353 may protrude upward between the front and rear ends of the engaging rod 350.

[0340] The engaging rod 350 elastically deforms, allowing the front end to move vertically relative to the rear end. This can be achieved by the user pressing the front end of the engaging rod 350.

[0341] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 The front end of the connecting rod 350 is pressed and moved downward. The detergent reservoir 300 may have a deformable space 359 defined below the front end of the connecting rod 350, wherein the front end of the connecting rod 350 can move downward.

[0342] The deformable space 359 may correspond to the portion behind the wider portion 703, and may also correspond to the portion immediately adjacent to the rear end 702 of the detergent cup 700. The anti-deviation protrusion 710 may be located in the deformable space 359, and the anti-deviation protrusion 710 may be spaced downward from the connecting rod 350 so as not to interfere with the downward movement of the front end of the connecting rod 350.

[0343] The connecting rod 350 may have a pressing portion 352 that can be pressed by a user on the top surface of the front end. The front end may be elastically deformable so as to move toward a deformation space 359 by the pressing force transmitted to the pressing portion 352. A groove may be defined in the pressing portion 352 to facilitate user pressing.

[0344] The width of the deformation space 359 can correspond to the width of the connecting rod 350. That is, the width of the wider portion 703 can correspond to the width of the connecting rod 350. When the front end of the connecting rod 350 is pressed and moved downward, the connecting protrusion 353 protruding upward from the connecting rod 350 also moves downward.

[0345] Therefore, as Figure 23 As shown, the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250 do not overlap each other in the front-rear direction, allowing the user to fully extend the detergent reservoir 300 from the interior of the housing 10.

[0346] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, with the engagement protrusion 353 in contact with the stop 250, the front end of the engagement rod 350, the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 15.

[0347] As described above, when the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250 are in contact with each other, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent reservoir 300 is in a state where it extends a predetermined distance. For this purpose, the front end of the engaging rod 350, the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 15.

[0348] Therefore, when the detergent reservoir 300 extends to the set extension distance determined by the design of the engaging protrusion 353 and the stop 250, the user can inject detergent into the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700 protrudes outside the housing 10. When needed, the user can press the front end of the engaging rod 350 protruding outside the housing 10 to move the engaging protrusion 353 downward and allow the detergent reservoir 300 to extend fully.

[0349] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the engaging rod 350 may include a bend 356 positioned behind the engaging protrusion 353 and bent in the vertical direction.

[0350] Figure 22 and Figure 23 A bend 356 is shown, which is bent to protrude downwards. The bend 356 can be formed in a bent or folded shape, allowing the front end of the connecting rod 350 to move easily in the vertical direction.

[0351] In other words, in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the pressing part 352 is pressed and the front end of the engaging rod 350 maintains its rigid shape, the bending part 356 can deform, so that the front end of the engaging rod 350 can move downward.

[0352] Unlike the front or rear end of the connecting rod 350, the bent portion 356 can be made of a highly elastic material, or it can be integrally formed with the front and rear ends as a whole of the connecting rod 350 and formed into a bent shape.

[0353] In one example, refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 In embodiments of this disclosure, the fixing portion or dispenser 200 may further include a guide protrusion 255. The guide protrusion 255 may have a smaller width than the stop portion 250 and extend rearward from the rear surface of the stop portion 250 to guide the front end of the engaging rod 350 below the stop portion 250.

[0354] The recessed groove 354, which is open in the front-to-back direction, is defined at the center of the engaging protrusion 353 in the left-to-right direction. During the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, when the guide protrusion 255 is inserted into the groove 354, the engaging protrusion 353 can contact the stop portion 250.

[0355] During the extension of the detergent reservoir 300, depending on the usage environment, the front end of the connecting rod 350, which protrudes forward to form a free end, may be unintentionally caught by the stop 250.

[0356] In this situation, the user becomes unable to extend the detergent reservoir 300 to the set extension distance, or the detergent reservoir 310 or detergent container 340 becomes unable to protrude to the outside of the detergent opening 15, which makes it difficult for the user to use the device.

[0357] Embodiments of this disclosure may include guide protrusions 255 and grooves 354 to prevent the front end of the engagement rod 350 from interfering with the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 by contacting the stop 250.

[0358] The guide protrusion 255 may have a smaller width than the stop portion 250, and the groove 354 may have a width corresponding to the guide protrusion 255. The engagement portion 353 may have a larger width than the recess 354.

[0359] The guide protrusion 255 extends rearward from the rear surface of the stop 250. Therefore, it can prevent the engaging rod 350 from being unintentionally positioned such that its front end overlaps with the stop 250.

[0360] For example, during the extension of the detergent storage section, the vertical height of the tip of the engaging rod 350 can be limited by the guide protrusion 255 before reaching the stop 250. Therefore, the tip of the engaging rod 350 that has reached the stop 250 is positioned by the guide protrusion 255 at a height lower than the vertical height of the stop 250, so that the tip of the engaging rod 350 does not contact the stop 250.

[0361] In one example, the groove 354 is defined at the center of the engagement protrusion 353, and the engagement protrusion 353 moves forward with the guide protrusion 255 inserted into the groove 354, such that the guide protrusion 255 is not restricted in its movement.

[0362] When the engaging protrusion 353 reaches the stop portion 250, the engaging protrusion 353, which has a width larger than the groove 354, overlaps and contacts the stop portion 250, which has a width larger than the guide protrusion 255. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 353 can fully contact the stop portion 250 and can limit the extension of the detergent reservoir 300 at a set extension distance.

[0363] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, as the guide protrusion 255 moves further away from the stop 250, the height of its protrusion from the fixing portion gradually decreases, so that its bottom surface can be inclined. Figure 20 and Figure 21 A guide protrusion 255 with a sloping bottom surface as viewed from below is shown.

[0364] When the bottom surface of the guide protrusion 255 is inclined such that its protruding length or height decreases rearward, the situation where the front end of the connecting rod 350 is unintentionally captured by the guide protrusion 255 and its movement is restricted can be effectively prevented. In addition, since the front end of the connecting rod 350 is naturally guided along the inclined bottom surface to a vertical height lower than that of the stop 250, the unintentional overlap of the connecting rod 350 can be effectively prevented.

[0365] In one example Figure 24 The decomposition state of the detergent storage section 310 is shown. Specifically, Figure 24 The cover member 330 and the outer casing 339 of the detergent storage section 310 are shown.

[0366] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 may include a pair of detergent storage sections, and the pair of detergent storage sections 310 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction and may extend along the front-back direction of the detergent storage unit 300.

[0367] A pair of detergent reservoirs 310 are recessed in a direction away from each other at their respective central portions between their respective front and rear ends, such that the detergent container 340 and the detergent cup 700 can be located in the space defined between their respective central portions. This arrangement of the detergent reservoirs 310, the detergent container 340, and the detergent cup 700 can be seen in... Figure 7 .

[0368] The front end of the detergent storage unit 310 may be a detergent injection unit 313, in which a detergent injection hole 312 is defined. Since the detergent injection unit 313 is formed at the front end of the detergent storage unit 310, detergent can be injected into the detergent injection hole 312 even when the user extends the detergent storage unit 300 beyond the aforementioned set extension distance.

[0369] The rear end of the detergent storage section 310 may be a detergent discharge section 317, which includes a detergent valve 380 from which detergent is discharged. Detergent (e.g., first detergent) in the detergent storage section 310 may be discharged from the detergent storage section 310 through the detergent valve 380.

[0370] The central portion of the detergent storage section 310 may be a connecting portion 315. That is, the connecting portion 315 may be the part that connects the detergent injection section 313 and the detergent discharge section 317, as will be described later. Furthermore, the width corresponding to the central portion of the connecting portion 315 may be smaller than the width of the front and rear ends, and may extend in the front-rear direction.

[0371] refer to Figure 27 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 may include a pair of detergent storage sections. The detergent storage sections 310 may extend in the front-to-back direction and may be arranged adjacent to each other in the left-to-right direction.

[0372] In one example, the respective central portions of the pair of detergent reservoirs 310 may be recessed in a direction away from each other. That is, the pair of detergent reservoirs 310 may be configured such that the sidewalls facing each other are far apart, such that the width of the central portion is smaller than the width of the front and rear ends.

[0373] Therefore, a partition space is defined between the central portions of the pair of detergent storage sections 310. This partition space can be a detergent holding area 650 within the detergent storage rack 390. A detergent container 340 and a detergent cup 700 can be arranged within the detergent holding area 650.

[0374] In embodiments of this disclosure, when the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 are arranged together with a pair of detergent storage sections 310, the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700 are positioned at the center of the detergent storage rack 390. Furthermore, the detergent storage sections 310 are arranged around the detergent container 340 and detergent cup 700, which allows for optimal use of the space in the detergent storage rack 390 and allows the user to conveniently utilize multiple separate detergent storage spaces.

[0375] Furthermore, the same or different detergents can be stored in the pair of detergent storage compartments 310. For example, the first detergent can be stored in the detergent storage compartment 310, the second detergent can be stored in the detergent container 340, and the third detergent can be stored in the detergent cup 700. Different first and second detergents can be stored separately in the pair of detergent storage compartments 310.

[0376] The detergent classification described above is for the purpose of describing or presenting one of the usage scenarios of the detergent reservoir 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not limited thereto. When using detergents as classified above, users can distinguish different types of detergents, such as liquid detergents, powdered detergents, fabric softeners, etc., and store the detergents separately in the aforementioned plurality of detergent storage spaces.

[0377] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 may include a housing 339 and a cover member 330, such as Figure 24 As shown. The housing 339 may have an open top surface and a detergent storage space defined therein, in which a first detergent is stored. In addition, a cover member 330 may be detachably attached to the housing 339 to cover the top surface of the housing 339.

[0378] The outer casing 339 and the cover member 330 may extend in the front-rear direction to correspond to the detergent storage rack 390. The cover member 330 may have a recess defined therein extending along its edge. The end of the side wall of the outer casing 339 may be inserted into the recess to be detachably coupled to the cover member 330. The detergent storage section 310 may retract into or extend from the opening 15 while being inserted into the detergent storage rack 390.

[0379] In one example Figure 25 The detergent reservoir front wall 641 is shown as viewed from the rear with the detergent reservoir 310 inserted. The front end of the detergent reservoir 310, that is, a portion of the detergent injection section 313 of the detergent reservoir 310, may be located in front of the detergent reservoir front wall 641.

[0380] Figure 26 This is a view of the cover member 330 on one side of the detergent injection section 313 in the detergent storage section 310, viewed from below. Figure 27 The cut along line BB is shown. Figure 7 The cross-section of the detergent reservoir 300 in the middle. Figure 27 The shape of the gripping part 332 protruding from the detergent storage section 310 is shown.

[0381] refer to Figures 25 to 27Embodiments of this disclosure may further include a gripping portion 332 that protrudes rearward from the protrusion, the protrusion protruding in the left-right direction from the center portion at the front end of the detergent storage portion 310.

[0382] As described above, the detergent storage section 310 is configured such that the detergent injection section 313 corresponding to the front end has a wider width than the connecting section 315 corresponding to the center. Therefore, the detergent injection section 313 may have a protrusion that is more prominent in the width direction than the connecting section 315.

[0383] The protrusion may be located in front of the detergent-receiving area 650, i.e., the front wall 641 of the detergent-receiving area. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may also include a gripping portion 332 projecting rearward from the protrusion.

[0384] When the gripping part 332 protrudes rearward from the protrusion, the gripping part 332 can be located in the detergent containing area 650, that is, on the open top surface of the detergent container 340.

[0385] The shape of the gripper 332 can be different. As will be described below, the shape of the gripper 332 may include the shape of a flange extending from the detergent storage section 310. When the gripper 332 is formed on the detergent storage section 310, the front end of the detergent storage section 310 can be lifted by gripping the gripper 332 during the process of separating the detergent storage section 310 connected to the detergent storage rack 390.

[0386] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the gripper 332 may extend from the cover member 330 toward the top surface of the detergent container 340, which is parallel to the top surface of the housing 339, and may have a protrusion 331 that projects downward at its rearwardly extending end.

[0387] Specifically, such as Figure 26 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the cover member 330 may include a flange 333. The flange 333 may extend from the top surface of the housing 339 along the top surface of the detergent container 340.

[0388] In other words, the flange 333 may correspond to a protrusion of the cover member 330 that extends parallel to the top surface of the housing 339. The flange 333 may be formed entirely or only on a portion of the edge of the cover member 330.

[0389] The flange 333 can extend from the cover member 330 beyond the detergent-receiving front wall 641 and the detergent-receiving side wall 643. Furthermore, a gripping portion 332 can be included in the flange 333. As described above, the gripping portion 332 can extend to the top surface of the detergent container 340 beyond the detergent-receiving front wall 641.

[0390] In one example, the grip portion 332 may be provided with a protrusion 331 that projects downward from the extension end of the flange portion 333. When the grip portion 332 is configured as part of the flange portion 333, the grip portion 332 is configured to project from the top surface of the housing 339.

[0391] The user can grip the grip portion 332 to separate the cover member 330 from the detergent storage portion 310. The grip portion 332 protrudes parallel to the top surface of the outer casing 339, allowing the user to easily grip the grip portion 332.

[0392] Figure 27 A cross-section of the grip portion 332 is shown, on which a protrusion 331 is formed. The protrusion 331 extends from the top surface of the housing 339 to be positioned on the open top surface of the detergent container 340 and protrudes downward.

[0393] The gripping part 332 may have a downwardly protruding protrusion 331 for advantageous gripping by the user. That is, when the user grips the gripping part 332, the fingers are gripped by the downwardly protruding protrusion 331, allowing the user to effectively grip the gripping part 332.

[0394] The gripper 332 is positioned above the detergent container 340 and prevents the detergent contained in the detergent container 340 from splashing to the outside. Specifically, the detergent storage section 310 and the detergent container 340, together with the detergent storage rack 390, extend from or retract into the detergent opening 15. In the detergent container 340, the top surface of the detergent container 340 is opened by the movement generated in the process, and the detergent inside may splash outward due to inertia or impact.

[0395] When the flange portion 333 and the grip portion 332 of the cover member 330 extend over the detergent container 340, embodiments of the present disclosure can block the flow of detergent that is scattered or splashed from the auxiliary detergent container 340 and prevent detergent leakage.

[0396] In addition, because the gripping part 332 has a protrusion 331 that protrudes downward at its extended end, the protrusion 331 helps to suppress the movement of detergent splashed from the detergent container 340.

[0397] For example, detergent splashes directed toward the gripper 332 cannot be scattered outward by the extended surface of the gripper 332 and return to the detergent container 340, but can still have a relatively high speed during the return process. Therefore, the returned detergent can trigger another scattering of detergent by applying an impact force to the detergent in the detergent container 340 or by applying kinetic energy to the detergent in the detergent container 340.

[0398] However, in the embodiments of this disclosure, as the protrusion 331 is provided downwardly on the gripping portion 332, the protrusion 331 of the gripping portion 332 further inhibits the flow of detergent that does not leak outward through the extended surface of the gripping portion 332, thereby greatly reducing the speed of the detergent. Therefore, in the process of the scattered detergent returning to the detergent container 340, the power can be greatly reduced and a stable return can be caused.

[0399] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage portion 310 may be positioned in front of and beside the detergent container 340, the flange portion 333 may be positioned in front of and on the side of the top surface of the detergent container 340, and the grip portion 332 may be formed in front of the flange portion 333 positioned in front of the detergent container 340.

[0400] The detergent storage section 310 may include a plurality of detergent storage sections, and the plurality of detergent storage sections may be respectively disposed in front of and beside the detergent container 340. Alternatively, at least one surface of the detergent storage section 310 may be curved, such that one of the detergent storage sections may be positioned in front of and beside the detergent container 340.

[0401] The flange 333 may have a gripping portion 332 formed on the front side of the detergent container 340. Therefore, the gripping portion 332 can more effectively prevent detergent from splashing forward of the detergent container 340.

[0402] The detergent reservoir 300 moves in the front-to-back direction within the opening 15, making it easy for the detergent to splash forward. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively suppress detergent leakage by providing the gripping portion 332 on the front of the detergent container 340 on the flange portion 333 located on the front and side of the top surface of the detergent container 340.

[0403] Furthermore, when the detergent reservoir 300 extends beyond a set extension distance or is fully extended from the housing 10, the user grips the grip portion 332 positioned on the front of the detergent container 340. Therefore, the cover member 330 can be effectively separated from the housing 339 of the detergent reservoir 310, which is advantageous.

[0404] In one example Figure 24 A detergent cap 720 is shown attached to the cap member 330. Figure 28 A view of the detergent cap 720 described above is shown. Figure 29 The detergent cap 720 is shown as viewed from the side. Figure 30 The detergent cap 720 is shown as viewed from below.

[0405] In one example Figure 31 A cross-section of the detergent cap 720, which is connected to the cap member 330 of the detergent storage section 310, is shown. Figure 32 A view of the detergent inlet 312 of the detergent storage section 310 as seen from the outside is shown.

[0406] refer to Figures 28 to 32 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage unit 310 includes a detergent inlet 312 defined therein and communicating with an internal detergent storage space. A detergent cap 720 may be attached to the detergent storage unit 310 such that the detergent inlet 312 is covered.

[0407] The internal detergent storage space of the detergent storage section 310 is open through the detergent injection hole 312. The user can inject detergent into the detergent storage space through the detergent injection hole 312. The position and shape of the detergent injection hole 312 can be changed. Figure 24 The image shows a state in which the detergent injection hole 312, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is defined in the cover member 330. The detergent injection hole 312 may be located at the front end of the detergent storage section 310, i.e., the detergent injection section 313 of the detergent storage section 310.

[0408] In one example, refer to Figure 31 and Figure 32 The detergent reservoir 310 may include a cap support 760. The cap support 760 may surround the detergent inlet 312 and support at least a portion of the detergent cap 720.

[0409] Figure 31 and Figure 32 A cap support 760 is shown, which is arranged to support at least a portion of the detergent cap 720 upward, such as the cap flange 726, which will be described later according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0410] The cap support 760 may be integrally formed with the cap member 330, or it may be manufactured separately and attached to the cap member 330. The cap support 760 may have an annular shape surrounding the detergent inlet 312. The annular shape may have a closed cross-section corresponding to the shape of the cross-section of the detergent inlet 312. For example, Figure 32 A cap support 760 with a circular ring shape is shown, corresponding to a detergent injection hole 312 with a circular cross-section.

[0411] The cover support 760 may correspond to a portion of the outer surface of the cover member 330, or may be configured to form a step from the outer surface of the cover member 330 to have a different height than the outer surface. Figure 31 and Figure 32 A cover support 760 is shown, which is spaced apart from the outer surface of the cover member 330 toward the detergent storage space.

[0412] In one example, the detergent cap 720 may include a cap body 723, a cap flange 726, and a venting path. At least a portion of the cap body 723 (e.g., an end of the cap body 723) may be inserted into the detergent inlet port 312. The shape of the cap body 723 may vary. The cross-sectional shape of the cap body 723 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the detergent inlet port 312. For example, Figure 28 The cap 723, which has a circular cross-section, is shown inserted into the detergent injection hole 312.

[0413] However, the cross-sectional shape of the cover 723 does not necessarily have to match the cross-sectional shape of the detergent inlet 312. The length of the cover 723 can be varied and can be configured such that when the detergent cover 720 is vertically connected to the detergent reservoir 310, as... Figure 31 As shown, at least a portion (e.g., its lower end) can be inserted into the detergent storage section 310.

[0414] The cap flange 726 may extend from or protrude from the cap body 723 in the radial direction of the detergent inlet 312 to extend along the outer periphery of the detergent cap 720. The cap flange 726 may be configured to expose to the outside of the detergent reservoir 310 and may be positioned on and supported by the cap support 760.

[0415] The cross-sectional shape of the cover flange 726 can correspond to that of the cover support 760. Figures 28 to 30 A cover flange 726 having an approximately circular annular shape is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, as... Figure 31 As shown, when the cap flange 726 is supported on the cap support 760 of the detergent storage section 310, the detergent cap 720 can remain connected to the detergent storage section 310.

[0416] In one example, a venting path may be defined within the detergent cap 720 to communicate the detergent storage space within the detergent storage section 310 and the exterior of the detergent storage section 310. The venting path may include a first flow channel 730 and a second flow channel, wherein the second flow channel may include a venting space 747 and a slot 749.

[0417] The ventilation path can be defined to communicate with the exterior of the detergent storage section 310 and the detergent storage space. The outer end 732 of the ventilation path communicating with the exterior of the detergent storage section 310 can be open and extend through the outer edge of the detergent cap 720. That is, the outer end 732 of the ventilation path can be defined to extend in the lateral direction of the detergent cap 720.

[0418] Furthermore, the detergent cap 720 may include a cap flange 726 and a venting path extending in the circumferential direction along the detergent inlet hole 312 and exposed to the outside of the detergent reservoir 310. At least a portion of the venting path may be defined in the cap flange 726 and extend in the radial direction along the detergent inlet hole.

[0419] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may include a detergent cap 720 and a cap seal 740. The cap seal 740 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the detergent cap 720 to seal the detergent inlet port 312. At least a portion of a venting path may extend between the detergent cap 720 and the cap seal 740.

[0420] In addition, at least a portion of the ventilation path may extend along the outer surface of the detergent cap 720 to communicate the exterior of the detergent storage section 310 with the detergent storage space.

[0421] Specifically, the first flow channel 730 may be defined in the cover flange 726. The first flow channel 730 may extend radially in the cover flange 726. The outer end 732 of the first flow channel 730 facing the opposite side of the cover 723 (i.e., facing outward) may open radially at the cover flange 726, and the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 facing the cover 723 may communicate with the detergent storage space.

[0422] The first flow channel 730 may be defined as a hole defined within the cover flange 726 or a groove defined in the outer surface of the cover flange 726. In the first flow channel 730, an outer end 732 and an inner end 731 communicate with each other. When the outer end 732 opens outward from the cover flange and the inner end 731 communicates with the detergent storage space, the detergent storage space communicates with the outside and is ventilated through a venting path including the first flow channel 730.

[0423] Figure 28 The detergent cap 720 is shown as viewed from above, and the first flow channel 730 defined in the cap flange 726 is formed by... Figure 28 The dashed lines in the text indicate this. Furthermore... Figure 29 The first flow channel 730 is shown as viewed in the radial direction along the detergent injection hole 312, i.e., the direction of extension of the first flow channel 730.

[0424] refer to Figure 29 The outer end 732 of the first flow channel 730 is open in the radial direction, and the inner end 731 can communicate with the detergent storage space while facing the cover 723. The arrangement in which the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 and the detergent storage space are connected to each other can be changed.

[0425] For example, the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 may be open on one side of the cover 723, and the inner end 731 may communicate with the detergent storage space through a partition space defined between the cover 723 and the cover member 330 of the detergent storage section 310. This space may constitute at least a portion of the second flow channel.

[0426] Alternatively, a hole or groove open toward the detergent storage space may be defined within the cover 723, and the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 may communicate with the hole or groove within the cover 723 to communicate with the detergent storage space.

[0427] Figure 30 A first flow channel 730 is shown, which is in the form of a groove defined in the bottom surface of the cover flange 726, as described below according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The outer end 732 of the ventilation path may be defined in the cover flange 726.

[0428] The outer peripheral surface of the cap flange 726 may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the detergent inlet hole 312. The outer end 732 of the venting path may be located on the outer peripheral surface of the cap flange 726. The inner peripheral surface of the detergent inlet hole 312 may represent the surface of the detergent storage section 310 surrounding the detergent inlet hole 312, and may include the cap connection portion 763, which will be described later. The outer peripheral surface of the cap flange 726 may correspond to a surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the detergent inlet hole 312.

[0429] Embodiments of this disclosure have a first flow channel 730 defined in a detergent cap 720 that shields a detergent injection hole 312 and extends radially along the detergent injection hole 312 to communicate with the outside of the detergent storage space, thereby minimizing leakage of detergent stored in the detergent storage space to the outside through the first flow channel 730.

[0430] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure also include a detergent reservoir 300 that retracts into and extends from the housing 10 via the opening 15. A detergent reservoir 310 may be installed in the detergent reservoir 300 and may be inserted into the housing 10.

[0431] The detergent storage section 310 is installed in the detergent storage rack 390 and retracts into and extends out of the housing 10. During retraction and extension, the detergent storage section 310 moves in the front-to-back direction. As a result, a flow is generated in the detergent within the detergent storage section 310, causing the detergent to be exposed to the outside through the flow channel (i.e., the first flow channel 730).

[0432] For example, detergent flowing in the front-to-back direction may impact the inner surface of the detergent storage section 310 and rise or scatter. As described above, the detergent flowing upward or scattering can leak to the outside through the first flow channel 730.

[0433] However, embodiments of this disclosure have a first flow channel 730 defined in the detergent cap 720, and the first flow channel 730 extends in the radial direction along the detergent injection hole 312. Therefore, even if the detergent in the detergent storage space flows upward or scatters, leakage to the outside through the first flow channel 730 extending in the radial direction can be minimized.

[0434] Furthermore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the first flow channel 730 is defined in the flange 726 of the detergent cap 720. Therefore, even with the first flow channel 730 defined, the leakage of detergent to the outside can be minimized even though an opening area directly facing the detergent storage space is not defined in the vertical direction.

[0435] For example, the cap flange 726 does not substantially overlap with the detergent injection hole 312 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first flow channel 730 defined in the cap flange 726 may generally not overlap with the detergent injection hole 312 in the vertical direction.

[0436] Therefore, when the first flow channel 730 is defined in the flange 726 of the detergent cap 720, there is no area that is vertically open to the detergent storage space in the relationship between the first flow channel 730 and the detergent injection hole 312. Thus, leakage of detergent rising or scattering from the interior of the detergent storage space to the outside through the first flow channel 730 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0437] In one example, refer to Figures 29 to 31 In embodiments of this disclosure, the first flow channel 730 may be defined in a face of the cover flange 726 facing the cover support 760 and may have a recessed shape away from the cover support 760. That is, the first flow channel 730 may be defined as a groove shape opening toward the cover support 760.

[0438] Specifically, the first flow channel 730 may be in the form of a groove defined in a face of the cover flange 726 facing the cover support 760. Figure 31 The illustration shows a state in which the detergent cap 720 is downwardly connected to the detergent inlet 312 and the first flow channel 730 is defined in the bottom surface of the cap flange 726 facing the cap support 760.

[0439] The first flow channel 730 may have the shape of a recessed groove in a direction away from the cap support 760, i.e., in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the detergent cap 720. Therefore, the first flow channel 730 extending in the radial direction of the detergent injection hole 312 may have a surface facing the cap support 760 forming an open surface.

[0440] Figures 29 to 31 The state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the first flow channel 730 is defined in the shape of a groove defined in the bottom surface of the cover flange 726, recessed upward and extending in a radial direction when its bottom surface is opened.

[0441] When the first flow channel 730 has the shape of a groove, the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 can be opened from the side of the cover 723 toward the space between the cover 723 and the cover support 760, and can communicate with the detergent storage space.

[0442] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the first flow channel 730 may include a plurality of flow channels, and the plurality of flow channels may be spaced apart from each other in the cap flange 726 along the circumferential direction of the detergent injection hole 312. The number of the first flow channels 730 may vary, and the plurality of flow channels may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the detergent injection hole 312. For example, the plurality of first flow channels 730 may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0443] Figure 28 and Figure 30 The illustration shows an embodiment according to the present disclosure, in which two first flow channels 730 are arranged on opposite sides of the detergent cap 720 relative to the cap 723.

[0444] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first flow channel 730 includes a plurality of flow channels, which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, even if one of the flow channels is blocked by a foreign object or deformation of the detergent cap 720 or cap support 760, the remaining flow channels can maintain ventilation between the detergent storage space and the outside.

[0445] In one example Figure 29 and Figure 31 A cap seal 740 disposed on a detergent cap 720 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 29 and Figure 31In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cap 720 may further include a cap seal 740, which may be located between said one face of the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760 and extend to surround the cap body 723 to seal the portion between the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760. Furthermore, in at least a portion of the first flow channel 730, the open face facing the cap support 760 may be shielded by the cap seal 740.

[0446] The cap seal 740 may have an annular shape similar to that of the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760. The detergent inlet 312 and the cap body 723 may be located at the center of the cap seal 740. The cap seal 740 may be disposed between the face of the cap flange 726 facing the cap support 760 and the cap support 760. Therefore, the portion between the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760 can be sealed by the cap seal 740, preventing detergent leakage.

[0447] Furthermore, the cover seal 740 can be used as a support between the cover flange 726 and the cover support 760, and allows the cover flange 726 to be stably supported on the cover support 760. That is, the cover flange 726 is supported by the cover support 760 through the cover seal 740, thereby improving the stability of the support structure.

[0448] The cap seal 740 can be formed separately from the cap body 723, or it can be attached to the cap body 723. The cap seal 740 can be made of a material with higher elasticity and greater deformability than the cap body 723 or the cap flange 726. Therefore, the cap seal 740 can be compressed and deformed between the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760 to seal the portion between the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760.

[0449] In one example, in a first flow channel 730 having a groove shape, the open surface faces the cap seal 740. At least a portion of the open surface can be shielded by the cap seal 740 in the radial direction.

[0450] In one example, refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 In embodiments of this disclosure, the first flow channel 730 may receive an anti-adhesion rib 737. The anti-adhesion rib 737 may protrude from the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730 toward the cap seal 740 and extend in the radial direction to separate the cap seal 740 from the concave surface 735.

[0451] As described above, the first flow channel 730 may have a groove shape, the groove shape having an inner concave surface recessed in a direction away from the cover support 760 (e.g., in the upward direction in the first flow channel 730), and an outer open surface.

[0452] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The diagram shows a first flow channel 730 defined in the bottom surface of a cover flange 726 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first flow channel 730 has an upwardly recessed concave surface 735, and the bottom surface of the first flow channel 730 forms an open surface.

[0453] The anti-adhesion rib 737 can protrude from the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730 toward the cap seal 740. The anti-adhesion rib 737 can extend in the radial direction like the first flow channel 730 and can be positioned between the cap seal 740 and the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730.

[0454] When the detergent cap 720 is connected to the detergent storage section 310, the cap seal 740 is subjected to compressive force between the cap flange 726 and the cap support 760. Therefore, a portion of the cap seal 740 may contact or adhere to the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730.

[0455] As described above, when the cap seal 740 contacts the concave surface of the first flow channel 730, the first flow channel 730 is partially blocked in the longitudinal direction, and ventilation between the detergent storage space and the outside may be impeded.

[0456] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure may have an anti-adhesion rib 737 protruding from the concave surface of the first flow channel 730, and may prevent the cap seal 740 from contacting or adhering to the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730 through the anti-adhesion rib 737.

[0457] Figure 29 The anti-adhesion rib 737 is shown as protruding from the concave surface 735 of the first flow channel 730 when viewed in the radial direction, i.e., in the direction of extension of the anti-adhesion rib 737 and the first flow channel 730. Figure 30 The anti-adhesion rib 737 is shown as viewed through the open surface of the first flow channel 730.

[0458] In one example, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cap 720 may further include a sealer fixing portion 745. The sealer fixing portion 745 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the cap flange 726 toward the detergent storage space, protrude radially from the cap body 723, and extend to surround the cap body 723.

[0459] The sealing part 745 may have the shape of a protrusion or flange protruding from the cover 723. Figure 30A seal fixing portion 745 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which has an annular flange shape protruding from the cover body 723.

[0460] The sealing portion 745 may be spaced apart from the cover flange portion 726, and may be positioned closer to the detergent storage space than the top cover flange portion 726. (Reference) Figure 31 In the embodiments disclosed herein, the detergent cap 720 can be inserted downward and fixed in the detergent injection hole 312, and the sealing fixing part 745 can be spaced downward from the cap flange part 726.

[0461] The cap seal 740 can be fixed between the cap flange portion 726 and the sealer fixing portion 745. Furthermore, the cap seal 740 may include an inner insertion portion 742. The inner insertion portion 742 can be inserted into and fixed in the portion between the cap flange portion 726 and the sealer fixing portion 745.

[0462] An inner insertion portion 742 may be formed in the inner portion of the cover body 723 facing the cover sealer 740. The inner insertion portion 742 of the cover sealer 740 may face the cover body 723 and may be inserted into and fixed in the portion between the cover flange portion 726 and the sealer fixing portion 745.

[0463] In one example, such as Figure 31 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the ventilation path may include a first flow channel 730 and a second flow channel. The first flow channel 730 may be defined within the cap flange 726 and may include an outer end 732 of the ventilation path and may extend radially, and may have an inner end 731 communicating with the detergent storage space. The first flow channel 730 may be defined within the cap flange 726. The first flow channel 730 may be defined in the outer surface of the cap flange 726, for example, one side of which extends from the cap flange 726 toward the detergent storage space.

[0464] The second flow channel can communicate with the first flow channel 730 and the detergent storage space. The second flow channel can be defined within the cover 723 and can be connected to the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730, allowing the first flow channel 730 to communicate with the detergent storage space. The second flow channel can be defined within the cover 723. The second flow channel can be defined within the outer peripheral surface of the cover 723. The second flow channel can be defined to include a vent space 747, a slot 749, and a space defined in the cover fixing leg.

[0465] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the inner insertion portion 742 may be spaced apart from the cover 723, such that a ventilation space 747 may be defined between the inner insertion portion 742 and the cover 723. Furthermore, the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 may communicate with the ventilation space 747, and the ventilation space 747 may communicate with the detergent storage space.

[0466] The inner insertion portion 742 in the portion between the insertion flange portion 726 and the sealing portion 745 of the cap sealer 740 can be configured to be spaced apart from the cap body 723. The ventilation space 747 defined between the inner insertion portion 742 and the cap body 723 can communicate with the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 and simultaneously with the detergent storage space.

[0467] For example, such as Figure 31 As shown, one side of the first flow channel 730 facing the detergent storage space from its inner end 731 can be open. That is, one side of the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 facing the ventilation space 747 can correspond to the open side communicating with the ventilation space 747.

[0468] The ventilation space 747 can communicate with the detergent storage space in various ways, such as through the shape of the cover 723 or an opening defined in the sealing part 745. Therefore, the detergent storage space is connected to the ventilation space 747, the ventilation space 747 is connected to the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730, and the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730 is connected to the outer end 732 that opens to the outside of the detergent cover 720. Thus, air can be shared between the detergent storage space and the outside.

[0469] In one example, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a slot 749 recessed toward the cover 723 to open the ventilation space 747 toward the detergent storage space can be defined in the sealer fixing portion 745, and the first flow channel 730 can communicate with the detergent storage space through the ventilation space 747 and the slot 749.

[0470] The slot 749 of the seal fixing part 745 can be recessed from the outer periphery of the seal fixing part 745 towards the center of the cover 723 or the detergent injection hole 312. One side facing the vent space 747 and the other side facing the detergent storage space of the slot 749 can both be open. Therefore, the vent space 747 can communicate with the detergent storage space.

[0471] The depth of the groove 749 recessed radially along the detergent injection hole 312 can be greater than the depth of the inner insertion portion 742 inserted into the portion between the cap flange portion 726 and the seal fixing portion 745. That is, the exposed area of ​​the detergent storage space that is exposed towards the vent space 747 along the insertion direction of the detergent cap 720 can be defined by the groove 749.

[0472] In embodiments of this disclosure, air outside the detergent storage unit 310 can flow into the detergent storage space through the first flow channel 730, the ventilation space 747, and the slot 749. Figure 31 In the embodiments of this disclosure, the airflow passage between the detergent storage space and the detergent storage section 310 is indicated by arrows.

[0473] In one example Figure 32 A cover support 760 and a detergent injection hole 312 are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 32 The cover fixing flange 765 connected to the cover support 760 is shown.

[0474] like Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 may further include a cap retaining flange 765. The cap retaining flange 765 may extend to surround the detergent injection port 312 and may be spaced apart from the cap support 760 toward the detergent storage space.

[0475] In addition, the detergent cap 720 may include a cap retaining leg. The cap retaining leg is supported by a cap retaining flange 765, so that the detergent cap 720 can be secured in the detergent injection hole 312.

[0476] A cap retaining leg may be formed on the lower part of the cap body 723, and at least a portion thereof (e.g., the leg joint 753 described later) may be supported on the cap retaining flange 765, thereby fixing the detergent cap 720.

[0477] The cover fixing leg may include a leg extension 751 and a leg engagement 753. The leg extension 751 may extend from the cover body 723 toward the detergent storage space. The leg engagement 753 may protrude radially from the leg extension 751 to the outside of the cover body 723 and may be supported on a surface of the cover fixing flange 765 facing the detergent storage space.

[0478] Specifically, the cap retaining flange 765 may have an approximately annular shape and may be spaced apart from the cap support 760 toward the detergent storage space. For example, when the detergent cap 720 is inserted and attached downward from the top surface of the detergent storage section 310, the cap retaining flange 765 may be spaced downward from the cap support 760.

[0479] Furthermore, the size and shape of the cap fixing flange 765 can vary. For example, the outer diameter of the cap fixing flange 765 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the cap support 760. As will be described below, the cap fixing flange 765 can be connected to the cap support 760 via a cap connector 763. The cap connector 763 can be spaced apart from the cap body 723 to communicate between the ventilation space 747 and the detergent storage space.

[0480] Figure 32 A cover fixing flange 765 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The cover fixing flange 765 is disposed downwardly spaced from the cover support 760 and located inside the cover support 760 along the radial direction of the detergent injection hole 312.

[0481] The leg extension 751 can extend from the cover 723 of the detergent cap 720 toward the detergent storage space. The leg extension 751 may have the shape of a rod or post protruding from the cover 723 toward the detergent storage space, and may include multiple leg extensions.

[0482] Additionally, the support leg extension 751 may extend from the side of the cover 723 or from the end of the cover 723 facing the detergent storage space toward the detergent storage space. (See reference) Figure 30 and Figure 31 In embodiments of this disclosure, the leg extension 751 may extend downward from the lower part of the cover 723 and may extend from the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the cover 723.

[0483] The leg engagement portion 753 can be formed to protrude outward from the leg extension portion 751 along the radial direction of the detergent injection hole 312. That is, the leg engagement portion 753 can protrude from the leg extension portion 751 toward the cover fixing flange 765. (Reference) Figure 30 and Figure 31 In embodiments of this disclosure, the leg joint 753 may protrude outward from the lower end of the leg extension 751.

[0484] In the leg joint 753, one surface facing the cover flange 726 can contact and be supported on the cover fixing flange 765. The leg joint 753 can contact one surface of the cover fixing flange 765 facing the detergent storage space. The direction in which the leg joint 753 is supported by the cover fixing flange 765 can be the same as the direction in which the detergent cover 720 is inserted.

[0485] That is, the leg joint 753 is supported in the insertion direction by the cover fixing flange 765, and the cover flange 726 is supported in the opposite direction to the insertion direction by the cover support 760, so that the detergent cover 720 can be fixed and connected to the detergent storage section 310.

[0486] refer to Figure 31 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent cap 720 can be inserted downward into and connected to the detergent inlet 312. The support leg extension 751 can extend downward from the bottom surface of the cap body 723, and the support leg engagement 753 can protrude radially outward from the lower end of the support leg extension 751 into the detergent inlet 312. Furthermore, the top surface of the support leg engagement 753 can contact and be supported on the bottom surface of the cap fixing flange 765, which is downwardly spaced from the cap support member 760.

[0487] In one example, when the leg extension 751 extends from the cover 723 toward the detergent storage space, airflow channels can be defined on both sides of the leg extension 751. That is, in embodiments of this disclosure, the ventilation space 747 defined between the cover seal 740 and the cover 723 can be opened toward the detergent storage space through the slot 749 of the seal fixing portion 745, and can communicate with the detergent storage space through the leg extension 751.

[0488] exist Figure 31 In the image, the airflow path from the outside of the detergent storage section 310 toward the detergent storage space is indicated by arrows. (Reference) Figure 31 Air from outside the detergent storage compartment 310 can be introduced into the detergent storage space through the outer end 732 of the first flow channel 730, the inner end 731 of the first flow channel 730, the ventilation space 747 between the cap seal 740 and the cap body 723, the slot 749 of the seal fixing part 745, and both sides of the support leg extension 751. This air inflow channel is the same as the air outflow path from the detergent storage compartment 310.

[0489] In one example, such as Figure 31 and Figure 32 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent storage section 310 may further include a cap connection portion 763. The cap connection portion 763 extends from the cap support 760 toward the detergent storage space, surrounds the cap body 723, and connects the cap support 760 to the cap fixing flange 765. The cap connection portion 763 may be spaced apart from the cap body 723 in the radial direction.

[0490] Specifically, in embodiments of this disclosure, the cover connection 763 can be extended from one side of the cover support 760 facing the detergent storage space (e.g., Figure 31 The bottom surface of the cover support 760 extends toward the detergent storage space.

[0491] The cap connection 763 may extend from the inner end or inner diameter portion of the cap support 760 facing the cap body 723 into the detergent storage space. The cap connection 763 may have the shape of a rod or beam. Figure 32 A cover connection portion 763 having a cylindrical shape and extending downward from the cover support 760 is shown as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0492] A cylindrical or annular cap connecting portion 763, the length of which is parallel to the insertion direction of the detergent cap 720, can be configured to surround the cap body 723. A cap retaining flange 765 can be connected to one end of the cap connecting portion 763 facing the detergent storage space, and a cap support 760 can be connected to the other end of the cap connecting portion 763. The cap retaining flange 765 can be configured to be spaced apart from the cap support 760 via the cap connecting portion 763 toward the detergent storage space.

[0493] In one example, the inner peripheral surface of the cover connector 763 may be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 723. That is, the cover connector 763 may be spaced apart from the cover body 723 located at the center. Air may flow through the space between the cover connector 763 and the cover body 723.

[0494] In one example, such as Figure 32 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the cover fixing flange 765 may have a leg channel groove 767 defined therein, which is recessed in the radial direction away from the leg extension 751.

[0495] The leg channel groove 767 is open along the insertion direction of the detergent cap 720. When the cap 723 is inserted into the detergent injection hole 312, the leg fixing part can pass through the leg channel groove 767.

[0496] During the connection and disconnection of the detergent cap 720, the leg channel groove 767 may correspond to the inlet of the leg joint 753. The leg channel groove 767 may be recessed from the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cap fixing flange 765 away from the cap body 723, and may have a slotted shape in which one side facing the detergent storage space and the other side on the opposite side are open.

[0497] The shape of the cross-section of the support leg channel groove 767 can correspond to the shape of the cross-section of the support leg joint 753, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the support leg channel groove 767 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the support leg joint 753. During the process of attaching the detergent cap 720 to the detergent inlet 312, the support leg joint 753 can pass through the open one and the other side of the support leg channel groove 767 and can be inserted into the detergent storage space.

[0498] The user inserts the detergent cap 720 into the detergent injection hole 312 by placing the leg joint 753 of the detergent cap 720 onto the leg channel groove 767 of the cap fixing flange 765. With the leg joint 753 having passed through the leg channel groove 767, the detergent cap 720 can rotate in the circumferential direction of the detergent injection hole 312, so that the leg joint 753 can be supported on the cap fixing flange 765.

[0499] In one example Figure 33 The bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from below, is shown. Figure 33 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, in the detergent storage section 310, the detergent injection hole 312 may be defined in the top surface, a support leg 771 may be provided, the support leg protrudes downward from the bottom surface to support the detergent storage section 310, and a support leg reinforcing rib 773 may be arranged that protrudes from the support leg 771 parallel to the bottom surface and connects to the bottom surface.

[0500] In embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 7 As shown, the detergent injection hole 312 can be defined in the top surface of the detergent storage section 310, and the support leg 771 can be formed on the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310. The support leg 771 can support the detergent storage section 310 relative to the bottom surface of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0501] The support leg 771 can protrude downward from the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310. Figure 33 and Figure 34 A support leg 771 is shown disposed on the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310. The protruding height of the support leg 771 can be determined in various ways as needed, and the shape of the support leg 771 can also be determined in various ways.

[0502] Figure 34 A support leg 771, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown protruding downward from the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the detergent storage section 310 (i.e., the front-to-back direction of the detergent reservoir 300).

[0503] In one example, a leg reinforcing rib 773 may be arranged on the support leg 771, and the leg reinforcing rib 773 may protrude from the support leg 771 in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310. The leg reinforcing rib 773 may have a shape that extends downward from the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 together with the support leg 771.

[0504] In other words, the support leg reinforcing rib 773 can be connected to the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 and the support leg 771. Figure 34A leg reinforcing rib 773 protruding in the left-right direction from the side of a support leg 771 extending in the front-rear direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0505] The load of the detergent storage section 310 and the detergent (e.g., first detergent) stored in the detergent storage section 310 can be transferred to the support leg 771. When the support leg reinforcing rib 773 is arranged on the support leg 771, the rigidity of the support leg 771 and the bottom surface of the support leg 771 protruding from the detergent storage section 310 can be enhanced.

[0506] In one example Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the rear end of the detergent storage section 310, viewed from below. Figure 34 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a residual amount detection sensor 610 for detecting the residual amount of first detergent can be mounted on the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310, and the sensor terminal 612 of the residual amount detection sensor 610 can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310.

[0507] As described above, the residual amount detection sensor 610 can be installed on the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310, and the residual amount detection sensor 610 can detect the residual amount of detergent stored in the detergent storage section 310.

[0508] For example, the residual amount detection sensor 610 can detect whether the residual amount of detergent in the detergent storage section 310 is less than a predetermined reference residual amount. The reference residual amount may correspond to the minimum amount of detergent for which the laundry processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can perform the washing process.

[0509] The residual amount detection sensor 610 can be of various types. For example, the residual amount detection sensor 610 may include electrodes disposed within the detergent storage section 310. The presence or absence of detergent and the residual amount can be identified based on the current or voltage of the electrodes.

[0510] The residual amount detection sensor 610 may be integrally formed with or separately formed and connected to the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310. The residual amount detection sensor 610 may include sensor terminals 612, and the measured value of the residual amount detection sensor 610 may be transmitted to a controller located in the housing 10 via the sensor terminals 612.

[0511] The sensor terminal 612 can be configured to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310. Therefore, when the detergent storage section 310 is retracted into the housing 10 in the state of being inserted into the detergent storage rack 390, the receiving terminals pre-provided in the housing 10 and the sensor terminal 612 can be connected to each other.

[0512] Figure 34 The illustration shows an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a residual amount detection sensor 610 is arranged to form at least a portion of the rear surface of a detergent storage section 310, and the sensor terminal 612 of the residual amount detection sensor 610 protrudes rearward from the upper end of the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310.

[0513] In one example Figure 35 The rear end of the detergent storage section 310, i.e., the detergent discharge section 317 as viewed from above, is shown. (See diagram below.) Figure 35 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the sensor inspection hole 614 that exposes the residual amount detection sensor 610 from the inside can be defined at the rear end of the detergent storage section 310.

[0514] The sensor inspection hole 614 may be defined at the rear end of the top surface of the detergent storage section 310. That is, the sensor inspection hole 614 may be defined at the rear end of the cover member 330 of the detergent storage section 310. The sensor inspection hole 614 may be located in front of and near the residual amount detection sensor 610, so that the residual amount detection sensor 610 in the detergent storage section 310 may be exposed to the outside.

[0515] Furthermore, a plug can be attached to and obscure the sensor inspection hole 614. The plug can be configured such that at least a portion of the plug is detachable from the sensor inspection hole 614. The user can identify the residual amount detection sensor 610 within the detergent storage section 310 by removing the plug from the sensor inspection hole 614.

[0516] The residual amount detection sensor 610 may have a device for measuring the amount of detergent stored, such as an electrode. The electrode may be located inside the detergent storage section 310. When detergent or other foreign matter residues adhere to the residual amount detection sensor 610 during use, the function of the residual amount detection sensor 610 will deteriorate.

[0517] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure define a sensor inspection hole 614 at the rear end of the detergent storage section 310. The user can identify the residual amount detection sensor 610 or insert a cleaning device to clean the residual amount detection sensor 610 through the sensor inspection hole 614.

[0518] Refer again Figure 34 In embodiments of this disclosure, a rear surface reinforcing rib 616 that protrudes rearward and extends through the mounting portion of the residual amount detection sensor 610 may be provided on the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310.

[0519] The detergent storage section 310 can be molded from a lightweight material such as plastic, and the residual amount detection sensor 610 is provided on the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310, thus there is a possibility of damage or deformation caused by increased load.

[0520] Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, a rearwardly projecting rear surface reinforcing rib 616 may be arranged on the rear surface of the detergent reservoir 310. At least a portion of the rear surface reinforcing rib 616 may overlap with the residual amount detection sensor 610 in the front-rear direction of the detergent reservoir 300, and the remaining portion may be placed on the rear surface of the detergent reservoir 310.

[0521] That is, the rear surface reinforcing rib 616 can extend in a direction parallel to the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310 to cross the residual amount detection sensor 610 or the mounting portion of the residual amount detection sensor 610. The rigidity of the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310 can be increased by the rear surface reinforcing rib 616.

[0522] Figure 34 A leg reinforcing rib 773 is shown, which protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310 and extends in the left-right direction of the detergent reservoir 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0523] In one example Figure 34 A valve port 397 connected to the detergent valve 380 is shown. Figure 36 The rear end of the detergent storage unit 310 is shown, to which the detergent valve 380 is connected and inserted into the detergent storage rack 390.

[0524] like Figure 34 and Figure 36 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a first detergent is installed on the rear surface of a detergent storage unit 310 via a detergent valve 380 through which it is discharged, and the rear end of the detergent valve 380 can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the detergent storage unit 310.

[0525] The detergent valve 380 can be inserted into and connected to a valve hole 397 defined in the rear surface of the detergent reservoir 310. The valve hole 397 and the detergent valve 380 can be located at the lower end of the rear surface. The first detergent in the detergent reservoir 310 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 310 through the detergent valve 380.

[0526] A portion of the detergent valve 380 can be inserted into the detergent reservoir 310 through the valve port 397, and the remainder can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the detergent reservoir 310. For example, for the detergent valve 380, the front end can be inserted into the detergent reservoir 310, and the rear end can protrude rearward from the detergent reservoir 310.

[0527] When the detergent storage unit 310 is inserted into the housing 10 while it is inserted into the detergent storage rack 390, the inlet of the detergent pump, which is pre-installed in the housing 10, can be connected to the rear end of the detergent valve 380, so that the first detergent can be discharged to the outside.

[0528] exist Figure 36 In an embodiment of this disclosure, sensor terminal 612 is disposed at the upper end of the rear surface of detergent storage section 310, and detergent valve 380 is disposed at the lower end.

[0529] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 36 As shown, the rear surface of the detergent storage rack 390 can be opened at the position corresponding to the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380, and can be penetrated by the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380.

[0530] Therefore, with the detergent storage unit 310 connected to the detergent storage rack 390, the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380 can be exposed rearward from the detergent storage rack 390. When the detergent reservoir 300 is inserted into the housing 10, the receiving terminal and the inlet can be connected to the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380.

[0531] In one example, such as Figure 36 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a retainer 620 extending in the left-right direction of the detergent reservoir 300 across a portion between the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380 may be disposed on the rear surface of the detergent reservoir 390.

[0532] The rear surface of the detergent storage rack 390 may be open at a position corresponding to the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380, and a retainer 620 configured to span the portion between the sensor terminal 612 and the detergent valve 380 may be provided on the rear surface of the detergent storage rack 390.

[0533] The retainer 620 may extend along the width of the detergent storage rack 390. Furthermore, the rear surface of the detergent storage rack 390 may have a shape in which both its upper and lower portions are open, such as... Figure 48 As shown.

[0534] As described above, when the user holds the grip 332 and lifts the detergent storage unit 310 from the detergent storage rack 390, the detergent injection part 313 of the detergent storage unit 310 can be separated from the detergent storage rack 390 before the detergent discharge part 317 because the retainer 620 prevents the detergent valve 380 from moving upward, and the leakage of detergent through the vent hole can be further suppressed.

[0535] Refer again Figure 33 In embodiments of this disclosure, a residual amount display 780 for displaying the residual amount of detergent stored in the detergent storage space may be provided on the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310.

[0536] The residual amount display 780 can display the amount of detergent remaining at a corresponding position in various schemes (e.g., numbers or letters). When a user grasps the grip 332 of the detergent storage unit 310 and lifts the front end of the detergent storage unit 310 from the detergent storage rack 390, the residual amount display 780 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the detergent storage unit 310, so that the user can visually identify the bottom surface of the detergent storage unit 310 to determine the amount of detergent remaining.

[0537] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, when the detergent inlet 313 of the detergent storage section 310 is located above the detergent outlet 317, the residual amount display 780 may display the amount of detergent remaining corresponding to the vertical height of the residual amount display 780 from the bottom of the detergent storage space.

[0538] As described above, when the user is in front of the detergent reservoir 300 and lifts the front end of the detergent storage unit 310 from the detergent storage rack 390, the front end of the detergent storage unit 310 (i.e., the detergent injection unit 313 of the detergent storage unit 310) is located above the rear end of the detergent storage unit 310 (i.e., the detergent discharge unit 317 of the detergent storage unit 310).

[0539] In other words, when the user grasps the gripping part 332 located at the front end of the detergent storage section 310 and lifts the front end of the detergent storage section 310, the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 can face the user, and the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310 can become the bottom of the detergent storage space.

[0540] For this purpose, the residual amount display 780 provided on the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 can display the amount of detergent corresponding to the vertical height from the bottom of the detergent storage space (i.e., the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310 to the residual amount display 780).

[0541] The residual detergent display 780 may include a scale as a reference for the residual detergent amount and may display the residual detergent amount corresponding to the scale. The residual detergent amount indicator may be numbers, letters, etc. The residual detergent amount can be indicated and read by the user when the user looks at the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310 from below.

[0542] In one example, the residual amount display 780 may include a plurality of residual amount displays, and the plurality of residual amount displays may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the detergent storage section 310. For a pair of adjacent residual amount displays 780, the spacing between them may be set such that their respective residual amounts indicate a predetermined single consumption amount that differs from each other.

[0543] like Figure 33 As shown, multiple residual amount displays 780 can be arranged on the bottom surface of the detergent storage section 310. The multiple residual amount displays 780 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the detergent storage section 310. When the user lifts the front end of the detergent storage section 310, the longitudinal direction of the detergent storage section 310 can be the height direction of the detergent storage space.

[0544] The spacing between adjacent pairs of residual amount displays 780 can correspond to the amount of detergent consumed per wash. For example, in the laundry processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of detergent consumed per wash during the washing process can be determined in advance.

[0545] Therefore, adjacent pairs of residual detergent displays 780 can be separated from each other, such that their respective detergent residual amounts differ from each other by a predetermined single-use consumption. (Reference) Figure 33 The vertical height difference between the vertical height H1 of a residual amount display 780 from the bottom of the detergent storage space (i.e., the rear surface of the detergent storage section 310) and the vertical height H2 of the adjacent residual amount display 780 can correspond to the amount consumed per use.

[0546] Therefore, when the washing process is performed several times with the detergent storage space of the detergent storage unit 310 full, and when the user lifts the front end of the detergent storage unit 310, the detergent interface can be approximately the same as or close to the scale of one of the multiple residual amount displays 780, and the user can determine the number of washes that can be performed in the future or when to replenish the detergent, thereby improving the efficiency and availability of the detergent storage unit 300.

[0547] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the residual amount display 780 has a second transparency that is higher than the first transparency of the bottom surface in the detergent reservoir 310. Additionally, letters indicating the residual amount of detergent may be embossed on the residual amount display 780.

[0548] The rear surface of the detergent reservoir 310, made of plastic or the like, can have a predetermined first transparency. The transparency can be proportional to the degree of light transmission and inversely proportional to the degree of light reflection.

[0549] In one example, the residual amount display 780 may have a display area for indicating the amount of detergent residue, and the display area may have a second transparency higher than the first transparency. Figure 33 In the diagram, the display area of ​​each residual quantity display 780 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0550] The difference in transparency between the residual amount display 780 and the rest of the detergent reservoir 310 can be implemented differently. For example, the bottom surface of the detergent reservoir 310 can be etched or surface-treated to have a first transparency. For the residual amount display 780, the surface treatment can be omitted, so that the residual amount display 780 can have a second transparency higher than the first transparency.

[0551] The detergent residue level indicator 780 can be indicated by letters or numbers, and the detergent residue level indicator can be embossed on the detergent storage section 310. The display area of ​​the detergent residue level indicator 780 has a second transparency higher than the first transparency, thereby improving the user's recognition rate of the detergent residue level indicator 780 and also improving the character recognition rate.

[0552] In one example Figure 37 This is a view of the bottom surface of the dispenser 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. That is, Figure 37 The internal view corresponding to the distributor 200, where Figure 37 The bottom surface of the distributor 200 is viewed from above.

[0553] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 200 and detergent supply tank 400 as seen from the side. Figure 39 The interior of the detergent supply tank 400 is shown.

[0554] refer to Figures 37 to 39 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent reservoir 300 may include a detergent container 340 and a detergent outlet 648 communicating with the detergent container 340. A detergent supply tank 400 may be disposed inside the housing 10 and accommodate the detergent reservoir 300 retracting through an opening 15 therethrough, and a discharge port 402 may be defined at the bottom of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0555] Furthermore, the dispenser 200 may be disposed within the housing 10 and include a water supply device 260 located above the detergent reservoir 300, from which water falls onto the bottom surface of the dispenser 200. The water supply device 260 may include a detergent water supply device 261 located above the detergent container 340 to supply water to the detergent container 340, and a front spray device 265 located at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200 for supplying water to the front end of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0556] Specifically, as described above, the detergent in the detergent container 340 of the detergent reservoir 300 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 300 through the detergent outlet 648. The detergent discharged through the detergent outlet 648 can flow into the detergent supply tank 400.

[0557] The detergent supply tank 400 may have the following features: Figure 39 The open top surface is shown, and the front surface of the detergent supply tank 400 can be opened. The detergent reservoir 300 can be inserted into and housed in the detergent supply tank 400 through the open front surface of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0558] In addition, such as Figure 38 As shown, the bottom surface of the dispenser 200 can be located on the open top surface of the detergent supply tank 400. The dispenser 200 can be supported on or attached to the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0559] The detergent reservoir 300, which retracts into the housing 10, may be located above the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, and the detergent discharged through the detergent outlet 648 of the detergent reservoir 300 may be present on the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0560] The detergent discharge port 402 is located at the bottom of the detergent supply tank 400. Detergent present inside the detergent supply tank 400 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent supply tank 400 through the detergent discharge port 402, and the discharge port 402 can be connected to the outer tub 20. That is, in the garment handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, detergent can be supplied from the detergent supply unit 100 to the outer tub 20.

[0561] In one example, dispenser 200 may be located above detergent reservoir 300 and detergent supply tank 400. The bottom 401 of detergent supply tank 400, detergent reservoir 300 and dispenser 200 may have a structure that is stacked in the vertical direction.

[0562] Dispenser 200 may have a downward-drip water supply 260. The water supply 260 has multiple openings through which water inside dispenser 200 falls. The water can fall through the openings and be delivered to detergent reservoir 300. Figure 37 A water supply device 260 is shown mounted on the bottom surface of the distributor 200.

[0563] Multiple channels along which the water flows are defined within the distributor 200, specifically on the bottom surface of the distributor 200. As will be described below, the distributor 200 can be connected to a water supply hose 280, allowing water to be supplied into the distributor 200. Water delivered from the water supply hose 280 can flow along channels formed within the distributor 200 and can be delivered to a water dispenser 260. Furthermore, the water dispenser 260 can discharge the water delivered through the channels downwards through multiple openings.

[0564] In one example, such as Figure 37 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the water supply device 260 may include a detergent water supply device 261 and a front spray device 265. The detergent water supply device 261 may be located above the detergent container 340 of the detergent reservoir 300. The detergent container 340 may have an open top surface, and water falling from the detergent water supply device 261 may be delivered into the detergent container 340 through the open top surface of the detergent container 340.

[0565] When the detergent reservoir 300 is fully retracted into the housing 10 and washing is in progress, the detergent water dispenser 261 can drip water. The water falling from the detergent water dispenser 261 can be delivered to the detergent container 340 through the open top surface of the detergent container 340, and the detergent stored in the detergent container 340 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 300 along with the water through the detergent outlet 648 of the detergent storage rack 390, that is, discharged to the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0566] In one example, the front spray device 265 may be located at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200. That is, the front spray device 265 may be located above the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400. Therefore, water discharged from the front spray device 265 can be delivered to the front end of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0567] As described above, the user can extend the detergent reservoir 300 and fill the detergent container 340 with detergent, and then retract the detergent reservoir 300 back into the housing 10 to prepare for washing. As described above, with detergent stored in the detergent container 340, the detergent reservoir 300 can be retracted into the housing 10 or extended from the housing 10. During this process, a portion of the detergent stored in the detergent container 340 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 300 through the detergent outlet 648.

[0568] Depending on the retracted and extended state of the detergent reservoir 300 (i.e., the position of the detergent reservoir 300), the detergent discharged through the detergent outlet 648 before washing can be retained on the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0569] For example, when a user injects detergent into the detergent container 340 while the detergent reservoir 300 extends a certain amount (e.g., the set extension distance mentioned above) from the inside of the housing 10, detergent that unintentionally leaks from the inside of the detergent container 340 through the detergent outlet 648 is located in front of the detergent outlet 648 when the detergent reservoir 300 is fully retracted.

[0570] Furthermore, during the use of the detergent supply unit 100, foreign objects may be present on the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply box 400.

[0571] As described above, when the detergent reservoir 300 is fully retracted to the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 (e.g., the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400), the detergent and other substances located in front of the detergent container 340 may not be removed even when discharged from the detergent dispenser 261.

[0572] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure have, at the front end of the dispenser 200, as follows: Figure 37 The front spray device 265 is shown. The front end of the dispenser 200 inside the detergent supply tank 400 can be cleaned by water discharged from the front spray device 265.

[0573] exist Figure 38 In the diagram, the flow path of water falling from the front spray device 265 of the detergent dispenser 261 and the dispenser 200 is indicated by arrows. The front spray device 265 may be located in front of the detergent dispenser 261, and the front end of the detergent supply tank 400 can be used for washing by supplying water to the front end of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0574] In one example, the detergent supply tank 400 may include a front spray channel 403. The front spray channel 403 may be defined in the front end 411 of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, and the top surface of the front spray channel 403 may be opened by being recessed away from the detergent reservoir 300 in the left-right direction.

[0575] In addition, the front spray device 265 may be located above the front spray tank 403, so that water can be supplied to the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 when water falls into the front spray tank 403.

[0576] Figure 39 A front spray trough 403 defined in a detergent supply tank 400 is shown, and Figure 40 and Figure 41 yes Figure 39 Enlarged view of the front spray tank 403.

[0577] refer to Figures 39 to 41The front spray trough 403 may be defined in the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, and the front spray trough 403 may be located at the front end of the detergent supply tank 400 to correspond to the front spray device 265. That is, the front spray trough 403 may be located at the front end 411 on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0578] The front spray trough 403 may have a shape that is recessed from the inside of the detergent supply tank 400 in the left-right direction. In addition, the front spray trough 403 has an open top surface.

[0579] In one example, the front spray device 265 may be positioned on one side of the front end 291 of the distributor 200, such as... Figure 37 As shown. That is, the front spray device 265 can be located above the front spray tank 403 to discharge water to the open top surface of the front spray tank 403.

[0580] Water flowing into the open top surface of the front spray trough 403 can flow along the front spray trough 403 and be transported to the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400. In embodiments of this disclosure, water from the front spray device 265 is transported through the front spray trough 403 to the front end of the detergent supply tank 400. The front spray trough 403 is recessed in the left-right direction away from the detergent reservoir 300, so water falling from the front spray device 265 can be transported to the detergent supply tank 400 by avoiding the detergent reservoir 300.

[0581] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, even when the pre-spray device 265 is provided, unnecessary water delivery to the detergent reservoir 300 can be suppressed, and the availability and manageability of the detergent reservoir 300 can be improved.

[0582] The shape of the cross-section of the front spray trough 403, viewed from above, can vary. The cross-sectional area of ​​the front spray trough 403 can be approximately equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the front spray device 265. The shape of the cross-section of the front spray trough 403 can correspond to the shape of the cross-section of the front spray device 265.

[0583] Furthermore, the front spray trough 403 can be configured such that the depth of the recess decreases from the open top surface toward the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400. Therefore, water flowing into the front spray trough 403 can naturally flow from the front spray trough 403 to the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 as it approaches the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0584] In one example, such as Figures 39 to 41As shown, the front spray trough 403 can protrude outward from the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 along the width direction. Therefore, the depth of the recessed front spray trough 403, which is far away from the detergent reservoir 300, is not limited by the thickness of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, and the open top surface of the front spray device 265 and the front spray trough 403 can be spaced apart from the top surface of the detergent reservoir 300 in the left-right direction.

[0585] In one example, such as Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent supply tank 400 may further include a slide rail 404. The slide rail 404 may be disposed on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, extend in the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400, and be supported by and slidable by the detergent reservoir 300. In addition, at least a portion of the top surface of the front spray channel 403 may protrude outward from the slide rail 404 in the left-right direction.

[0586] A slide rail 404, which is provided on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400, can extend along the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400 on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400. The slide rail 404 can be of various shapes. Figure 40 and Figure 41 A stepped slide rail 404 is shown, with the top surface of the slide rail 404 facing the detergent reservoir 300 on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply box 400.

[0587] The detergent reservoir 300, which retracts into the housing 10 through the opening 15 of the housing 10, can slide toward the rear of the detergent supply tank 400, with both sides supported on the slide rails 404.

[0588] In one example, at least a portion of the top surface of the front spray channel 403 may protrude further from the detergent reservoir 300 than the slide rail 404. That is, the front spray channel 403 may be recessed more deeply than the slide rail 404 in the left-right direction of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0589] Because the top surface of the front spray tank 403 is located outside the slide rails 404 on both sides of the detergent reservoir 300 that support and slide thereon in the left and right direction, water falling from the front spray device 265 located above the front spray tank 403 can be transported to the front spray tank 403 by bypassing the detergent reservoir 300.

[0590] In one example Figure 42 A plurality of water supply hoses 280 arranged within the housing 10 and connected to the distributor 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Reference Figure 42 Multiple water supply hoses 280 can be connected to the distributor 200 to supply water to the distributor 200.

[0591] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of water supply hoses 280 can receive water supplied from outside the garment handling equipment 1. Furthermore, a plurality of hose valves can be arranged to regulate the inflow of water supplied from the water supply unit, and the flow rate of water in the plurality of water supply hoses 280 can be regulated by the plurality of hose valves.

[0592] Furthermore, the front shower unit 265 and the detergent dispenser 261 can receive water supplied from different water supply hoses 280 among a plurality of water supply hoses 280. That is, one of the water supply hoses 280 can supply water to a channel connecting from the interior of the distributor 200 to the front shower unit 265, and another of the water supply hoses 280 can supply water through a channel connecting from the interior of the distributor 200 to the detergent dispenser 261.

[0593] As shown above, in embodiments of this disclosure, it can be ensured that the water pressure of the water discharged through the front spray device 265 is equal to or higher than a certain level, because the front spray device 265 receives water from a different water supply hose than the water supply hose that supplies water to the detergent dispenser 261.

[0594] For example, when water is dispersed and delivered from a water supply hose 280 to the front spray unit 265 and the detergent dispenser 261, the water pressure at the front spray unit 265 and the detergent dispenser 261 will be lower than the water pressure at the water supply hose 280, which may be disadvantageous for supplying water to the detergent reservoir 300 or the detergent supply tank 400.

[0595] Furthermore, when a water supply hose 280 supplies water to the detergent dispenser 261, and when the water supplied to the detergent dispenser 261 is transported back to the front shower unit 265 through the channels defined inside the distributor 200, the reduced water pressure from the detergent dispenser 261 is supplied to the front shower unit 265, which may be disadvantageous.

[0596] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can ensure sufficient water pressure in the front spray device 265 and the detergent dispenser 261 by respectively arranging water supply hoses 280 to supply water to the front spray device 265 and the detergent dispenser 261. In one example, a detailed description of the types, etc., of the plurality of water supply hoses 280 will be described later.

[0597] In one example, refer again Figure 40 and Figure 41 Embodiments of this disclosure may further include a spray rib 405. The spray rib 405 may protrude from the inner surface of the front end of the detergent supply tank 400 and extend in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400 to guide the flow of water injected through the front spray trough 403.

[0598] The spray ribs 405 can be arranged on the bottom 401, side wall 410, or the connection between the bottom 401 and side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400. The spray ribs 405 can protrude from the inner surface of the detergent supply tank 400 and can extend in a direction transverse to the front-back direction of the detergent supply tank 400 (e.g., approximately in the left-right direction of the detergent supply tank 400). However, the extension direction of the spray ribs 405 is not limited to this.

[0599] The spray rib 405 may be located between the front spray channel 403 and the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400. One end of the spray rib 405 may be configured to face approximately towards the front spray channel 403 to guide the water flow that flows in through the front spray channel 403.

[0600] In some cases, water flowing in through the front spray tank 403 may be discharged through the detergent discharge hole 402 of the detergent supply tank 400, without washing a sufficient area at the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0601] Therefore, in the embodiments of this disclosure, a spray rib 405 extending in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400 is arranged between the front spray trough 403 and the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, thereby allowing the water flow to be diffused or guided so that the water flowing in through the front spray trough 403 can reach a sufficient area at the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0602] One end of the spray rib 405 may generally face the front spray trough 403. However, when multiple spray ribs 405 are arranged, one end of one spray rib 405 may face another spray rib 405.

[0603] like Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, in embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of spray ribs 405 may be arranged and may include a main rib 406. One end of the main rib 406 may face the end of the spray channel, and the other end may face the bottom 401. Water discharged from the front spray trough 403 may flow from one end of the main rib 406 along the other end to the bottom 401.

[0604] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the spray rib 405 may also include an auxiliary rib 407.

[0605] One end of the auxiliary rib 407 can face the other end of the main rib 406, and the other end of the auxiliary rib 407 faces the center of the bottom 401 in the left-right direction. The water flow into the detergent supply tank 400 through the front spray trough 403 can be first guided by the main rib 406 and then guided a second time by the auxiliary rib 407.

[0606] The auxiliary rib 407 is configured such that one end faces the other end of the main rib 406, allowing the auxiliary rib 407 to contact the water flowing along the main rib 406. Furthermore, the auxiliary rib 407 is configured such that its other end faces the center of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, allowing the water flowing along the main rib 406 to flow again toward the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0607] The specific shape of the detergent supply tank 400 can be designed by various components within the housing 10, so the sidewalls 410 or the bottom 401 may not have flat surfaces. The position or number of the main ribs 406 may be limited by such design constraints, but embodiments of this disclosure can overcome these constraints by arranging auxiliary ribs 407 that organically guide water flow together with the main ribs 406.

[0608] For example, when a main rib 406 is disposed in a front spray trough 403, a plurality of auxiliary ribs 407 are arranged on one side of the other end of the main rib 406. When the plurality of auxiliary ribs 407 are arranged in a fan shape, wherein the plurality of auxiliary ribs 407 are spaced apart from each other from one end to the other, water conveyed from one main rib 406 can be diffused and flowed over a wider area using the plurality of auxiliary ribs 407.

[0609] Figure 40 The spray water rib 405, including the main rib 406, is shown. Figure 41 The spray water ribs 405, including main ribs 406 and auxiliary ribs 407, are shown. The arrangement of the auxiliary ribs 407 can be determined by taking into account the shape of the inner surface of the detergent supply tank 400 at the corresponding location and the actual degree of water diffusion.

[0610] When multiple front spray channels are defined in the detergent supply tank 400, for each front spray channel 403, it can be determined whether to arrange spray water ribs 405 and whether to arrange spray water ribs 405 by including auxiliary ribs 407.

[0611] In one example, such as Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure may further include a leak-proof rib 408. The leak-proof rib 408 protrudes from the inner surface of the detergent supply tank 400 and extends in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400, and is located in front of the spray water rib 405 and the front spray water flow channel 403 to prevent water from leaking through the opening 15.

[0612] The leak-proof rib 408 may have one end facing the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 and the other end opposite to it. Both ends may be spaced apart from and positioned in front of the front spray water flow channel 403 and the spray water rib 405. The protruding height and length of the leak-proof rib 408 may be determined as needed.

[0613] One end of the leak-proof rib 408 is located in front of the front spray water flow channel 403 and the spray water rib 405. The spray water rib 405 may include multiple spray water ribs, which can prevent water introduced through the front spray water flow channel 403 and guided by the spray water rib 405 from moving to the position in front of the leak-proof rib 408.

[0614] Since the front spray water flow channel 403 and the spray water rib 405 are located at the front end of the detergent supply tank 400, the water flowing out from the front spray water flow channel 403 can leak out through the opening 15 of the casing 10 located in front of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0615] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure may include a leak-proof rib 408 extending in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction of the detergent supply tank 400 (e.g., extending approximately in the left-right direction of the detergent supply tank 400), and spaced apart from and positioned in front of the front spray water flow channel 403 and the spray water rib 405. This prevents spray water from the front end of the detergent supply tank 400 from leaking into the opening 15.

[0616] Refer again Figure 39 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent supply tank 400 may have a detergent water channel 409, which is recessed downward at the center of the bottom 401 in a left-right direction.

[0617] The detergent water flow channel 409 can extend from the front end of the bottom 401 toward the detergent discharge hole 402, so that water introduced through the front spray channel 403 can flow to the detergent discharge hole 402.

[0618] The detergent water channel 409 may be located in front of the detergent drain hole 402. The detergent water channel 409 may be recessed downward from the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, that is, recessed in a direction away from the detergent reservoir 300.

[0619] The detergent water flow channel 409 extends from the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 toward the detergent drain hole 402, allowing water or detergent present in front of the detergent drain hole 402 and on the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 to flow along the detergent water flow channel 409 toward the detergent discharge hole 402. The detergent water flow channel 409 may be located at the center of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 in a left-right direction.

[0620] When water flowing into the detergent supply tank 400 through the front spray trough 403 flows toward the detergent discharge port 402 (i.e., in the rear direction) instead of flowing toward the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, and then is discharged to the outside of the detergent supply tank 400 through the detergent discharge port 402, the washing area of ​​the water introduced through the front spray trough 403 can be reduced at the front end of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0621] Therefore, one embodiment of this disclosure may include a detergent water channel 409 recessed downward at the center of the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400. Water flowing from the front spray tank 403 can then flow into the detergent water channel 409 to increase the cleaning area on the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0622] The depth of the recess in the detergent water channel 409 can be determined in various ways. The width of the detergent water channel 409, based on the left-right direction of the detergent supply tank 400, can also be determined in various ways as needed. The determination of the depth or width of the detergent water channel 409 can reflect statistical results from multiple experiments.

[0623] The spray fin 405 may be located near the detergent water channel 409. Its other end, facing the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400, may face the detergent water channel 409.

[0624] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent discharge port 402 may be defined in the bottom 401 of the detergent supply tank 400 and may be located behind the front spray device 265 and the detergent outlet 648.

[0625] Figure 38 The dispenser 200 shown may include a detergent cup water supply device 263, a front spray device 265, and a detergent water supply device 261. The detergent cup water supply device 263 may be disposed above the detergent cup 700 of the detergent reservoir 300 and fully retracted into the housing 10. The detergent cup water supply device 263 will be described in detail later.

[0626] As described above, the detergent outlet 648 of the detergent reservoir 300 may be located below the detergent cup 700. The detergent cup water supply device 263 may be located above the detergent cup 700. Figure 38 The diagram shows the state in which the detergent drain hole 402 is located at the rear of the detergent cup water supply device 263 in the front-rear direction based on the detergent supply tank 400.

[0627] In other words, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent drain hole 402 is located behind the detergent outlet 648 of the detergent reservoir 300, and the detergent outlet 648 is retracted into the housing 10 and the front spray device 265 so that the detergent flowing out through the detergent outlet 648, together with the water flowing into the detergent supply tank 400 through the front spray device 265, can be completely discharged from the detergent supply tank 400 through the detergent drain hole 402.

[0628] Refer again Figure 37 In embodiments of this disclosure, the water supply device 260 may further include a rear spray device 267. The rear spray device 267 may be located at the rear end 293 of the distributor 200 and may supply water to the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0629] The rear spray device 267 can supply water to the detergent supply tank 400 to clean the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400. Figure 38 In the middle, the water flow falling through the rear spray device 267 is indicated by the arrow.

[0630] The detergent valve 380 of the detergent storage section 310 and the inlet of the detergent pump can be connected to each other at the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400. Accidental detergent leakage may occur at the connection point between the detergent valve 380 and the inlet. Other foreign objects may be present at the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0631] Embodiments of this disclosure include a front spray device 265 at the front end 291 of the dispenser 200 and a rear spray device 267 at the rear end 293 of the dispenser 200, thereby cleaning both the front and rear of the detergent supply tank 400 based on the detergent discharge port 402.

[0632] As in the front spray device 265, the rear spray device 267 has a plurality of openings formed in the bottom surface of the dispenser 200 through which water falls, so that water can be supplied to the detergent supply tank 400 while bypassing the detergent reservoir 300.

[0633] In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent dispenser 261 may be located between the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267. Figure 38 The positional relationship between the front spray device 265, the detergent water supply unit 261, and the rear spray device 267 is shown. That is, the water supply unit 260 provided in the distributor 200 may have a front spray device 265 at the front end 291 of the distributor 200, a detergent supply unit 261 at the center of the distributor 200, and a rear spray device 267 at the rear end 293 of the distributor 200.

[0634] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the rear end 412 of the sidewall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 may be spaced outwardly from the detergent reservoir 300 in a left-right direction. A rear spray device 267 may be located above the space between the rear end 412 of the sidewall 410 and the detergent reservoir 300.

[0635] Figure 38 The rear end 412 of the side wall 410 of the detergent dispenser 400 is shown to be outwardly spaced from the detergent reservoir 300. As described above, the width W3 of the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300 is smaller than the width W2 of the front end. The side wall 410 of the detergent dispenser 400 may have a narrow portion between the front end 411 and the rear end 412 corresponding to the shape of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0636] In one example, the rear end 412 of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 may be positioned laterally away from the detergent reservoir 300. Therefore, a space may be formed between the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 and the detergent reservoir 300, which may have an open top surface.

[0637] In one example, the rear spray unit 267 may be located above the space. Water falling from the rear spray unit 267 can be supplied to the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400 through the open top surface of the space.

[0638] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the detergent reservoir 300 can have a rear end that is narrower than its front end. This is therefore advantageous in terms of design, because even when the rear end 412 is spaced apart from the detergent reservoir 300 in the left-right direction, the sidewall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 can suppress an increase in the overall width of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0639] For example, when the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300 has the same width as its front end, and when the rear end 412 of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 is spaced outward from the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300 along its width direction, the width of the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400 is formed to be greater than the width of the front end of the detergent supply tank 400. Therefore, an unnecessary increase in the width of the detergent supply tank 400 may occur.

[0640] Therefore, according to this disclosure, the width W3 of the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300 is smaller than the width W2 of the front end as described above, so as to facilitate the insertion of the detergent reservoir 300 through the opening 15, while allowing a space to be formed between the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300 and the rear end 412 of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply box 400, so that the rear spray device 267 can be effectively installed.

[0641] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the dispenser 200 has a rear end 293 that is narrower in the left-right direction than the front end 291, corresponding to the shape of the detergent reservoir 300. A rear spray device 267 may project outwardly from the dispenser 200 in the left-right direction.

[0642] Figure 37 The bottom surface of the dispenser 200 is shown, wherein the width of the rear end 293 is smaller than the width of the front end 291, in order to correspond to the shape of the detergent reservoir 300. That is, in embodiments of this disclosure, each of the detergent supply tank 400, the detergent reservoir 300, and the dispenser 200 may have a width of the rear end 293 that is smaller than the width of the front end 291.

[0643] As described above, since the width of the rear end of each of the detergent reservoir 300 and the detergent supply tank 400 is smaller than the width of its front end, space can be ensured so that the rear end of the detergent supply tank 400 eventually separates from the detergent reservoir 300 in the left-right direction.

[0644] In other words, the detergent dispenser 400 may have a narrow section that is narrower than the front and rear ends, and is defined between the front and rear ends. The width of the narrow section may correspond to the width W3 of the rear end of the detergent reservoir 300.

[0645] In one example, the dispenser 200 is configured such that the rear end 293 has a narrower width than the front end 291, and the rear spray device 267 protrudes from the rear end 293 of the dispenser 200 in a left-right direction. Therefore, it can be understood that the dispenser 200 has a narrow portion formed between the front end 291 and the rear end 293 to correspond to the shape of the detergent supply tank 400.

[0646] In embodiments of this disclosure, the rear end 293 is narrower than the front end 291, such that the shape of the dispenser 200 corresponds to... Figure 37 The shape of the detergent supply tank 400 is shown. Therefore, as... Figure 38 As shown, the dispenser 200 can be stably supported on the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400. At the same time, the rear spray device 267 protrudes from the rear end 293 of the dispenser 200 in the left-right direction, so that water can be supplied to the space between the rear end 412 of the side wall 410 of the detergent supply tank 400 and the detergent reservoir 300.

[0647] In one example, refer to Figure 42In embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of water supply hoses 280 connected to the dispenser 200 may include a detergent supply hose 281 and a spray water supply hose 283. The detergent supply hose 281 is connected to the dispenser 200 to supply water to the detergent dispenser 261 of the dispenser 200. The spray water supply hose 283 is connected to the dispenser 200 to supply water to the front spray unit 265 and the rear spray unit 267 of the dispenser 200.

[0648] As described above, the water flow in the detergent supply hose 281 can be interrupted via a hose valve. The detergent supply hose 281 can be connected to a distributor 200 to supply water to the distributor 200. Water flowing into the distributor 200 through the detergent supply hose 281 can be delivered to the detergent dispenser 261.

[0649] Detergent supply hose 281 can be connected to detergent dispenser 261 to supply water to detergent dispenser 261. For example... Figure 42 As shown, the detergent supply hose 281 can be connected to one side of the dispenser 200 (e.g., the rear end 293 of the dispenser 200), and water supplied from the detergent supply hose 281 through the detergent flow channel 285 provided inside the dispenser 200 can be delivered to the detergent water dispenser 261.

[0650] The detergent flow channel 285 may have a pair of channel walls projecting upward from the bottom surface of the dispenser 200. The top surface of the dispenser 200 may be positioned on top of the channel walls. The detergent flow channel 285 may be formed inside the dispenser 200 and may extend from the detergent supply hose 281 to the detergent dispenser 261.

[0651] In one example, as described below, each of the spray water flow channels 287 and detergent cup channels formed inside the dispenser 200 may have a pair of channel walls, just as in the detergent flow channel 285, and may be formed within the dispenser 200.

[0652] In distributor 200, different channels have their own channel walls. Different channels can share some of the channel walls with each other. However, different channels can be separated from each other by the channel walls, so that different channels do not share the same water with each other.

[0653] The spray water supply hose 283 can be connected to one side of the distributor 200, for example, to the rear end 293 of the distributor 200. Within the distributor 200, a spray water flow passage 287 can be defined extending from the spray water supply hose 283 to the rear spray device 267 and the front spray device 265. In embodiments of this disclosure, the combination of the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 can be defined as a spray section.

[0654] Embodiments of this disclosure include a spray water supply hose 283, which supplies water to the spray unit separately from the detergent supply hose 281 that supplies water to the detergent dispenser 261. Therefore, sufficient water pressure and the amount of water supplied to the detergent dispenser 261 and the spray unit can be ensured.

[0655] Water from the external water supply unit of the housing 10 can flow to both the detergent supply hose 281 and the spray water supply hose 283. The spray water supply hose 283 can be connected to different hose valves so that the water flow can be controlled independently.

[0656] The hose valve can have a connection in parallel with the water supply from outside the housing 10. That is, the opening and closing of the hose valve does not affect the control of the water supply hose 280.

[0657] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the water dispenser 260 of the dispenser 200 may further include a detergent cup water supply device 263. As described above, the detergent cup 700 may be disposed in the detergent storage rack 390. The detergent cup water supply device 263 may be located above the detergent cup 700 and may supply water to the detergent cup 700.

[0658] In addition, the plurality of water supply hoses 280 connected to the dispenser 200 may also include a detergent cup supply hose 282. The detergent cup supply hose 282 may be connected to the dispenser 200 to supply water to the detergent cup water supply device 263 of the dispenser 200.

[0659] The detergent cup 700 can receive water falling from the detergent cup water supply device 263 through its open top surface, so that the detergent stored in the detergent cup 700 (e.g., a third detergent, which may be defined for the sake of description) can be discharged together with the water through the cup discharge part 705.

[0660] As described above, the detergent discharged from the cup discharge section 705 of the detergent cup 700 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 300 through the detergent outlet 648 located below the detergent cup 700, which is located in the detergent holding area 650, and can then be conveyed to the washing outer tub 20 through the detergent discharge hole 402 of the detergent supply box 400.

[0661] In one example, the detergent cup water supply device 263 may be located behind the detergent water supply device 261 and may receive water from the detergent cup supply hose 282, which is separate from the detergent supply hose 281 and the spray water supply hose 283.

[0662] For example, the detergent cup supply hose 282 may be connected to the rear end 293 of the dispenser 200. Within the dispenser 200, a detergent cup passage 286 may be defined extending from the detergent cup supply hose 282 to the detergent cup water supply device 263.

[0663] In embodiments of this disclosure, the water supply unit 260 disposed in the dispenser 200 includes a detergent water supply unit 261, a detergent cup water supply device 263, and a spray unit. To this end, a detergent supply hose 281 for the detergent water supply unit 261, a detergent cup water supply hose 282 for the detergent cup water supply device 263, and a spray water supply hose 283 for the spray unit can be provided to sufficiently ensure the flow rate and pressure of the water to be supplied to the water supply unit 260, and to minimize the operational interference between the detergent water supply unit 261, the detergent cup water supply device 263, and the spray unit. As described above, the spray unit may include a front spray device 265 and a rear spray device 267.

[0664] Refer again Figure 37 In embodiments of this disclosure, the spray water flow channel 287 extends forward from the rear spray device 267 and is within the distributor 200, and can be connected to the front spray device 265. The front spray device 265 receives water supplied to the rear spray device 267 via the spray water supply hose 283 and the spray water flow channel 287.

[0665] Specifically, the rear sprinkler device 267 can be located at the rear end 293 of the distributor 200. The sprinkler water supply hose 283 can be connected to the rear of the rear sprinkler device 267. That is, in the distributor 200, the rear sprinkler device 267 can be directly connected to the connection port to which the sprinkler water supply hose 283 is connected, so that water can be supplied to it from the sprinkler water supply hose 283.

[0666] However, if necessary, an additional channel can be formed between the rear spray unit 267 and the spray water supply hose 283. Even in this case, water supplied from the spray water supply hose 283 can be delivered to the rear spray unit 267 first.

[0667] In one example, the spray channel 287 can connect the rear spray device 267 and the front spray device 265 to each other. The front spray device 265, located at the front end 291 of the distributor 200, can be located in front of the rear spray device 267, which is located at the rear end 293 of the distributor 200. The spray channel 287 can extend forward from the rear spray device 267 and can connect to the front spray device 265.

[0668] In other words, water received from the spray water supply hose 283 can flow to the rear spray device 267, the spray channel 287, and the front spray device 265. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can effectively supply water to the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 through a single spray water supply hose 283 without causing a drop in water pressure in the detergent dispenser 261 and the detergent cup water supply device 263.

[0669] In one example, refer to Figure 37 Distributor 200 and reference Figure 42 In embodiments of this disclosure, the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 may form a pair. Two pairs may be respectively disposed on both sides of the distributor 200. Two spray water supply hoses 283 may be respectively connected to both sides of the distributor 200 to supply water to the rear spray device 267. A detergent supply hose 281 may be connected to the distributor 200 and disposed between the two spray water supply hoses 283.

[0670] Specifically, in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 37 As shown, the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 can form a pair. The two pairs can be respectively arranged on both sides of the distributor 200.

[0671] In other words, the two front spray devices 265 can be respectively installed on both sides of the front end 291 of the distributor 200. The two rear spray devices 267 can be respectively installed on both sides of the rear end 293 of the distributor 200. Therefore, the detergent supply tank 400 can receive spray water on both sides of its bottom 401, enabling effective cleaning.

[0672] Two spray water supply hoses 283 can be connected to both sides of the rear end 293 of the distributor 200, respectively. That is, a pair of spray water supply hoses 283 can be connected to the rear of the rear spray device 267 from both sides of the rear end 293 of the distributor 200, respectively.

[0673] Since the pair of spray water supply hoses 283 are respectively connected to both sides of the rear end 293 of the distributor 200, the remaining parts of the multiple water supply hoses 280 other than the spray water supply hoses 283 (e.g., detergent supply hose 281 or detergent cup supply hose 282) can be connected to the distributor 200 and disposed between the pair of spray water supply hoses 283. The detergent supply hose 281 may include a hot water supply hose and a cold water supply hose.

[0674] In one example, such as Figure 37 As shown, the two spray water flow channels 287 can be connected to different rear spray devices 267 respectively. That is, a pair of rear spray devices 267 respectively set on both sides of the rear end 293 of the distributor 200 can be connected to different spray water flow channels 287 respectively.

[0675] A pair of spray water channels 287 extending forward from a pair of rear spray devices 267 can be connected to a pair of front spray devices 265 located on both sides of the front end 291 of the distributor 200.

[0676] The spray water flow channels 287 can be respectively arranged on both sides of the distributor 200 to correspond to the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267. The detergent flow channel 285 and the detergent cup channel 286 can be located between a pair of spray water flow channels 287.

[0677] In one example Figure 43 The interior of the casing 10, as viewed from above, is shown. Figure 43 As shown, embodiments of this disclosure may further include an outer tub connection hose 284, which is connected to the dispenser 200 to receive water from the front spray device 265 and to the outer tub 20 to transfer water from the front spray device 265 to the outer tub 20.

[0678] One end of the outer tank connecting hose 284 can be connected to the distributor 200 to communicate with the front spray device 265, and the other end can be connected to the outer tank 20. Therefore, a portion of the water supplied to the front spray device 265 can be supplied to the outer tank 20 through the outer tank connecting hose 284.

[0679] The water supplied to the outer tub 20 via the outer tub connection hose 284 can be used for various purposes. For example, at the start of the washing process, this water can be used to replenish the washing water for washing. In the middle of the washing process, water can be sprayed into the outer tub 20 for atomization to improve washing efficiency.

[0680] In one example, when water is supplied to the outer tub 20 via the outer tub connection hose 284, the water can be discharged from the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 based on the water flow path. That is, when water is supplied to the outer tub 20 via the outer tub connection hose 284, the interior of the detergent supply tank 400 can be cleaned by the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267.

[0681] The front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 may supply water to the detergent supply tank 400 instead of the detergent reservoir 300. Therefore, when the outer tub connecting hose 284 is used to supply water to the inside of the outer tub 20, only the front spray device 265 and the rear spray device 267 can be used separately from the detergent dispenser 261 and the detergent cup dispenser 263.

[0682] In one example, when multiple front spray units 265 are provided in the dispenser 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer tank connecting hose 284 can be connected to all of the multiple front spray units 265. Alternatively, as... Figure 43 As shown, the outer tub connecting hose 284 can be connected to any one of the multiple front spray units 265.

[0683] When the outer tub connecting hose 284 is connected to any of the plurality of front spray devices 265, the outer tub connecting hose 284 may be connected to any of the plurality of front spray devices 265 located near the outer tub 20.

[0684] exist Figure 43 The image shows an embodiment according to the present disclosure, wherein an outer tub connecting hose 284 is connected between a pair of front spray devices 265 located on both sides of a dispenser 200, and to a front spray device 265 facing the outer tub 20.

[0685] In one example Figure 44 This is a diagram of the water supply unit 260, which is installed on the bottom surface of the distributor 200, as viewed from below.

[0686] like Figure 44 As shown, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a water supply device 260 disposed on the bottom surface of the distributor 200 has a surface 269 from which water is discharged. The surface 269 is treated with a water-repellent coating to guide water removal from the surface 269.

[0687] Specifically, the water dispenser 260 has multiple openings into which water falls downwards. The surface 269 from which water falls from the water dispenser 260 may be located on the bottom surface of the dispenser 200. The surface 269 of the water dispenser 260 may be treated with a water-repellent coating so that water does not remain on it when the detergent supply section 100 has been used.

[0688] Water-repellent treatment can refer to the process of making it easier to remove water from the surface 269 of the water supply 260. The surface 269 may be coated with a hydrophobic material for water-repellent treatment. Water-repellent treatment may include forming an irregular pattern on the surface 269 to reduce its contact area with water and reduce the contact force of water.

[0689] As described above, the water dispenser 260 drips water toward the detergent supply tank 400 or the detergent reservoir 300. Therefore, due to the adhesion of water, a portion of the water discharged from the water dispenser 260 remains on the surface 269 of the water dispenser 260.

[0690] In this situation, over time, residual water on the surface 269 of the water dispenser 260 may lead to unsanitary substances such as mold. Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the water dispenser 260 can supply water to the detergent reservoir 300 or the detergent supply tank 400, and the downward-facing surface 269 of the water dispenser 260 can be treated with a water-repellent coating to effectively remove water from the surface 269 of the water dispenser 260 while effectively supplying water to the detergent reservoir 300 and the detergent supply tank 400, thereby improving hygiene and manageability.

[0691] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, a water-repellent pattern 270 can be formed on the surface 269 of the water supply 260, thereby reducing its contact area with water. That is, in an embodiment of this disclosure, water-repellent treatment can be achieved by forming a water-repellent pattern 270 on the surface 269 of the water supply 260. By separating water from the surface 269 of the water supply 260, water can be removed from the surface 269 on which the water-repellent pattern 270 is formed, because its contact area with water is reduced and the contact force of the water is reduced.

[0692] The water-repellent pattern 270 can be formed during the manufacturing process of the dispenser 200, for example, during the injection process, or it can be formed by laser processing of the injected dispenser 200. When the water-repellent pattern 270 is formed on the surface 269 of the water supply 260 by the injection process, the water-repellent pattern 270 can be formed into the injection mold by laser processing.

[0693] When laser processing is used, a more complex and delicate water-repellent pattern 270 can be formed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water adhering to the surface 269 of the water supply device 260 from penetrating between the convex portions 271 of the water-repellent pattern 270, thus avoiding the unfavorable situation where the contact area is maintained or even increased.

[0694] In one example Figures 45 to 48 The shapes of the water-repellent pattern 270 in embodiments of this disclosure are shown respectively. In embodiments of this disclosure, the surface 269 of the water supply device 260 may have a water-repellent pattern 270, which is formed by alternately and repeatedly arranging downwardly projecting convex portions 271 and upwardly recessed concave portions 275.

[0695] In embodiments of this disclosure, the convex portion 271 of the water-repellent pattern 270 may represent a portion protruding downward from the surface 269 of the water supply device 260, and the concave portion 275 may represent a portion recessed upward in the surface 269.

[0696] exist Figure 45 and Figure 48 In the figure, the protruding direction of the convex portion 271 is shown as upward. That is, the convex portion 271 protrudes downward from the surface 269 of the water supply device 260. However, in Figure 45 and Figure 48 In the middle, for ease of description and understanding, the convex part 271 protrudes upward.

[0697] The convex portion 271 of the water-repellent pattern 270 can come into contact with water, while its concave portion 275 can not come into contact with water and can be confined between adjacent convex portions 271. Therefore, compared with the case where the water-repellent pattern 270 is not formed, when the water-repellent pattern 270 is formed in the same cross-sectional area, its contact area with water can be reduced by approximately the total area of ​​the concave portions 275.

[0698] Therefore, the contact force between water and surface 269 can be reduced, and the contact angle between water and surface 269 can be increased, so that the separation of water from surface 269 and its removal from surface 269 can be guided.

[0699] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the surface 269 of the water supply 260 may have a contact angle of 120 degrees or greater. That is, the water-repellent pattern 270 formed on the surface 269 of the water supply 260 may be configured such that the water contact angle is 120 degrees or greater.

[0700] The contact angle is the angle between the tangent at the point of contact between the solid, liquid, and gas phases and the solid surface when a liquid is present on a solid surface in air; the angle between the tangent and the solid surface contains the liquid.

[0701] As the contact angle increases, the water droplet becomes closer to a circle. Therefore, the contact area and contact force between the water and the surface 269 of the water supply 260 can be reduced, and separation can be promoted. The specific shape of the water-repellent pattern 270 used to increase the water contact angle can be determined in various ways.

[0702] For example, in the formation of the water-repellent pattern 270, the shape of the convex portion 271, the shape of the concave portion 275, the width of each of the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275, the height or depth of each of the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275, and / or the arrangement of the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275 can be considered.

[0703] A water-repellent pattern 270 in which the water contact angle is greater than 120 degrees can be determined based on the results of multiple experiments performed while varying the various factors described above. Embodiments of this disclosure can determine a water-repellent pattern 270 having a contact angle of 120 degrees or greater with water based on the statistical results of multiple experiments, and form the determined water-repellent pattern 270 on the surface 269 of the water supply 260.

[0704] In one example, refer to Figures 45 to 47In embodiments of this disclosure, the water-repellent pattern 270 may include convex portions 271 and concave portions 275 arranged in a grid pattern. The grid pattern may mean that certain unit shapes are repeated in one direction and another on a plane.

[0705] Figure 45 A first pattern 270a of a water-repellent pattern 270 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The first pattern 270a may be configured such that convex portions 271 and concave portions 275 are arranged in a grid pattern. Specifically, the convex portions 271 may be arranged on the surface 269 of the water supply device 260 along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the concave portions 275 may be arranged alternately with the convex portions 271. Figure 45 The concave portion 275 may have a maximum recessed point located between the four convex portions 271.

[0706] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the convex portion 271 may at least partially have an inclined surface or a bent surface such that its cross-sectional area decreases with increasing vertical height. For example, the convex portion 271 may have a protruding end having a spherical or conical shape. Alternatively, the convex portion 271 may have a conical shape in which its cross-sectional area decreases with increasing vertical height.

[0707] The convex portion 271 may have at least partially an inclined or bent surface, such that its cross-sectional area decreases as its vertical height increases. Therefore, its contact area with water can be further reduced, and water removal from it can be facilitated.

[0708] However, the specific shape of the convex portion 271 can be determined differently as needed, and is not limited to having inclined or bent surfaces. For example, the convex portion 271 can be square columnar or cylindrical.

[0709] In one example Figure 46 A second pattern 270b is shown as another water-repellent pattern 270 in an embodiment of this disclosure. Reference Figure 46 In embodiments of this disclosure, the concave portion 275 may include a first concave portion 276 and a second concave portion 277.

[0710] Each of the plurality of first concave portions 276 may extend along a first direction parallel to the surface 269, and the plurality of first concave portions 276 may be arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the plurality of second concave portions 277 may extend along the second direction, and the plurality of second concave portions may be arranged along the first direction.

[0711] The concave portions 275 can be arranged such that the first concave portions 276 and the second concave portions 277 can be arranged in a grid pattern. Each convex portion 271 can be arranged between the concave portions 275 and surrounded by the concave portions 275.

[0712] For example, the first direction can be the front-back direction of the dispenser 200, and the second direction can be the left-right direction of the dispenser 200. That is, in the second pattern 270b of the water-repellent pattern 270, the concave portion 275 can include a first concave portion 276 extending in the front-back direction of the dispenser 200 and a second concave portion 277 extending in the left-right direction of the dispenser 200, and each convex portion 271 can be surrounded by the first concave portion 276 and the second concave portion 277 in all directions.

[0713] However, in addition to the front-back and left-right directions of the dispenser 200, the first and second directions can be determined in various ways. The second pattern 270b may have a narrow-width concave portion 275, which can help prevent water from seeping into the concave portion 27.

[0714] In one example Figure 47 A third pattern 270c of the water-repellent pattern 270 in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. As... Figure 47 As shown, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the convex portion 271 may include a first convex portion 272 and a second convex portion 273.

[0715] A plurality of first convex portions 272 extend in a first direction parallel to surface 269 and may be arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A plurality of second convex portions 273 may extend along the second direction and may be arranged along the first direction. The convex portions 271 may be arranged such that the first convex portions 272 and the second convex portions 273 are arranged in a grid pattern. Each concave portion 275 may be defined between and surrounded by the convex portions 271.

[0716] For example, in the third pattern 270c of the water-repellent pattern 270, the convex portion 271 may include a first convex portion 272 extending in the front-rear direction of the dispenser 200 and a second convex portion 273 extending in the left-right direction of the dispenser 200. Each concave portion 275 may correspond to a groove surrounded by the first convex portion 272 and the second convex portion 273 in all directions.

[0717] However, in addition to the front-back direction and the left-right direction of the dispenser 200, the first and second directions can be determined in various ways. The third pattern 270c can help reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the convex portion 271 and reduce its contact area with water.

[0718] In addition, such as Figure 47As shown, the convex portion 271 may have a protrusion height of the intersecting portion 274 (where the first convex portion 272 and the second convex portion 273 intersect each other). The protrusion height of the intersecting portion 274 may be greater than the protrusion height of the rest of the convex portion 271 except for the intersecting portion 274.

[0719] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure can reduce the contact area between the surface 269 of the water supply device 260 and water or water droplets caused by the water-repellent pattern 270 having convex portions 271 and concave portions 275, thereby reducing the contact force between them. Simultaneously, the convex portions 271 may have portions with different protrusion heights, thereby preventing water from adhering to the surface 269 of the water supply device 260.

[0720] For example, in the convex portion 271, the intersection 274 between the first convex portion 272 and the second convex portion 273 can correspond to a relative protrusion, while the remaining portion excluding the intersection 274 can correspond to a relative depression. This configuration can help prevent water from adhering to the water-repellent pattern 270.

[0721] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the water-repellent pattern 270 may be configured such that the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275 may be arranged alternately to each other along a first direction parallel to the surface 269.

[0722] Figure 48 A fourth pattern 270d of a water-repellent pattern 270 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The water-repellent pattern 270 may have a raised or wavy form, wherein the raised portions 271 and the concave portions 275 are arranged alternately in the first direction only, as in the fourth pattern 270d, instead of a grid pattern in which the raised portions 271 and the concave portions 275 are arranged alternately in the first and second directions.

[0723] In one example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, in Figure 48 In the fourth pattern 270d of the water-repellent pattern 270 shown, each of the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275 can extend in a first direction parallel to the surface 269 and intersecting with the second direction, and the convex portion 271 and the concave portion 275 can be arranged alternately with each other along the second direction.

[0724] For example, each of the convex portion 271 and concave portion 275 may extend along a first direction parallel to the surface 269 of the water supply device 260. The convex portion 271 and concave portion 275 may be arranged alternately with each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. However, if necessary, a plurality of water-repellent patterns 270 repeating in the first direction as suggested in the fourth pattern 270d may be arranged along the second direction.

[0725] Water-repellent patterns 270, which may have the various forms described above, may be formed on the surfaces of the detergent dispenser 261, the detergent cup water supply device 263, and the spray device. The spray unit may include a front spray device 265 and a rear spray device 267.

[0726] Refer again Figure 44 In embodiments of this disclosure, the detergent dispenser 261 may further include a splash guard 268. The splash guard 268 may protrude toward the detergent reservoir 300 and may extend along the outer periphery of the surface 269 of the detergent dispenser 261 to prevent water splashing.

[0727] The detergent dispenser 261 supplies water to the detergent container 340 of the detergent reservoir 300. During this process, some water splashed from the detergent dispenser 261 can be transferred to a portion of the detergent reservoir 300 other than the detergent container 340. Water can be transferred to a portion other than the dispenser 261 (where the water-repellent pattern 270 is not formed on the bottom surface of the dispenser 200) and can adhere to that portion.

[0728] When water falls or splashes from the detergent dispenser 261 into the detergent container 340, or when water splashed from the detergent container 340 is delivered to components other than the detergent container 340 in the detergent reservoir 300, and when the user extends the detergent reservoir 300 to the outside of the housing 10 before or after the washing process, the user will use the detergent reservoir 300 in a wet state, which may cause inconvenience.

[0729] Furthermore, when water splashes onto parts other than the surface 269 of the water dispenser 260 (where the water-repellent pattern 270 is formed in the dispenser 200), the water can remain on that part until it evaporates, resulting in mold and other growths, which may reduce hygienic performance.

[0730] Therefore, in embodiments of this disclosure, the splash guard 268 may project downward and extend to surround at least a portion of the outer periphery of the surface 269 of the detergent dispenser 261, thereby effectively preventing water from splashing out of the detergent dispenser 261.

[0731] In addition to the detergent dispenser 261, the splash guard 268 may also be provided in the detergent cup water supply device 263 or the spray section. When the detergent cup water supply device 263 has the splash guard 268, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the splash guard 268 may be configured to surround the entire surface 269 of the detergent dispenser 261 and the detergent cup water supply devices 263 arranged adjacent to each other in the front-back direction.

[0732] That is, such as Figure 44As shown, the splash guard 268 may have a shape that extends along the outer periphery of the detergent dispenser 261 and the outer periphery of the detergent cup water supply device 263.

[0733] Although this disclosure has been shown and described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: chassis; The outer barrel is located inside the casing; A roller is rotatably mounted inside the outer barrel; A detergent reservoir, located within the housing, includes a storage space for storing detergent and a detergent injection port communicating with the storage space; and The detergent cap is installed into the detergent injection port. The detergent cap includes: A flange portion extends radially along the detergent cap and exposes the exterior of the detergent reservoir; and A ventilation path connects the exterior of the detergent reservoir to the storage space. The ventilation path includes a first flow channel, which is located on one side of the cover flange facing the detergent injection hole. The first flow channel is recessed into one surface of the cap flange and has an outer end located on the outer peripheral surface of the cap flange to open to the outside of the detergent cap. 2.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The outer end of the first flow channel is open in the radial direction of the detergent cap. 3.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first flow channel is recessed along the direction away from the storage space of the detergent reservoir. 4.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the detergent cap is inserted downwards into the detergent injection hole, and The first flow channel is recessed upward from one of the surfaces of the cover flange. 5.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inner end of the first flow channel is located on one surface of the cover flange and is in communication with the storage space. 6.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The inner end of the first flow channel is spaced apart from the outer end of the first flow channel along the radial direction. 7.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first flow channel extends along the radial direction. 8.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device also includes a cap sealer that faces one side of the cap flange and seals between the cap flange and the detergent reservoir. 9.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The detergent cap also includes a cap body that is at least partially inserted into the detergent inlet hole, and The flange portion extends from the cap body along the radial direction of the detergent cap. 10.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The cover includes an opening recessed towards the center of the cover, and The first flow channel is connected to the storage space of the detergent reservoir through the opening groove. 11.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The opening groove opens outward along the radial direction of the cover, and the side of the opening groove facing the storage space is open and communicates with the storage space. 12.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The cover also includes a fixing portion located between the cover flange and the storage space, the fixing portion projecting radially from the cover and extending to surround the cover. The opening groove is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the fixing part toward the center of the cover. 13.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The device also includes a cap sealer that faces one side of the cap flange and seals between the cap flange and the detergent reservoir. The cap sealer includes an inner insertion portion that is inserted into and fixed between the cap flange and the fixing portion. 14.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The detergent cap also includes a plurality of cap retaining legs that extend into the storage space and are at least partially supported by a portion of the detergent reservoir to secure the detergent cap to the detergent inlet. 15.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, A space is defined between the plurality of cover-fixing legs, and The first flow channel is connected to the storage space through the space between the plurality of cover fixing legs. 16.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The detergent cap also includes a cap body that is at least partially inserted into the detergent injection hole. The cover flange and the cover fixing leg extend from the cover body. The cover includes an opening recessed towards the center of the cover, and The first flow channel is connected to the opening groove, the opening groove is connected to the space between the plurality of cover fixing legs, and the space between the plurality of cover fixing legs is connected to the storage space. 17.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The cover fixing leg includes: The support leg extension extends from the cover toward the storage space; and The leg joint protrudes from the leg extension and is supported by one side of the detergent reservoir facing the storage space. The first flow channel, the opening groove, and the leg joint are aligned along the insertion direction of the detergent cap.

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