Detergent supply device and washing machine including the same

Abstract

Disclosed is a washing machine. The disclosed washing machine includes a cabinet, a drum configured inside the cabinet to form a washing chamber, and a detergent supply device configured to supply a detergent to the washing chamber, including a detergent container forming a detergent accommodation space and a detergent pump separably coupled to the detergent container and configured to pump the detergent accommodated in the detergent accommodation space, wherein the detergent pump includes a detection member extending toward the front and positioned inside the detergent accommodation space to be able to detect the amount of the detergent positioned in the detergent accommodation space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an invention of a washing machine. More specifically, it relates to a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the washing chamber of a washing machine, and an invention of a washing machine including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to agitate the laundry, water, and detergent inside the washing chamber, thereby washing the clothes by means of friction between them.

[0003] A detergent supply device is a device that ensures detergent is evenly mixed with the water supplied to the inside of the washing machine drum during the water supply process. When the detergent is liquid, it can be supplied directly into the drum.

[0004] The detergent supply device may include a detergent container capable of containing detergent and a detergent pump for pumping the detergent contained in the detergent container. The detergent contained in the detergent container may be drawn into the inside of the detergent pump and then discharged again to the outside of the detergent pump, thereby moving into the washing chamber together with the wash water.

[0005] A detection component can be configured to detect the amount of detergent contained in the detergent container. Since the detection component needs to be in contact with the detergent to detect the amount, ensuring contact between the detergent and the detection component becomes problematic when the detection component is combined with a detergent pump.

[0006] Furthermore, detergent containers not connected to a detergent pump need to be leak-proof, while those connected to a pump need to allow detergent to flow from the container to the pump. Therefore, the method for allowing detergent to flow from the container to the outside becomes a problem. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a detergent supply device and a washing machine including the same, which accurately identifies the amount of detergent when the detergent supply device of the washing machine identifies the amount of detergent inside the detergent container.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a detergent supply device and a washing machine including the same, which prevents detergent leakage when the detergent container of the detergent supply device separates from the detergent pump.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] A washing machine according to the present disclosure includes: a cabinet; a drum forming a washing chamber on the inner side of the cabinet; and a detergent supply device capable of supplying detergent to the washing chamber, including a detergent container and a detergent pump detachably coupled to the detergent container, the detergent container having a detergent receiving space on its inner side to receive the supplied detergent, wherein the detergent pump includes a detection element for detecting the amount of detergent received in the detergent receiving space, the detection element extending forward to insert into the detergent receiving space.

[0012] The detergent pump may further include a detergent suction section extending forward and capable of being inserted into the inside of the detergent receiving space, so as to draw detergent located in the detergent receiving space into the inside of the detergent pump.

[0013] The detergent container may have a plurality of detergent container holes at the rear of the detergent container, the plurality of detergent container holes may include: a first detergent container hole, formed corresponding to the detergent suction part, so that the detergent suction part passes through and is received in the detergent receiving space; and a second detergent container hole, formed apart from the first detergent container hole and corresponding to the detection component, so that the detection component passes through and is received in the detergent receiving space.

[0014] The detergent supply device may further include a detergent cartridge valve module capable of regulating the inflow of detergent within the detergent receiving space toward the inside of the detergent pump. The detergent cartridge valve module includes: a valve housing having a valve housing orifice allowing the detergent contained in the detergent receiving space to flow into the inside of the valve housing orifice; and a detergent cartridge valve movable forward of the detergent receiving space and capable of simultaneously opening and closing the first detergent container orifice and the second detergent container orifice to regulate the outflow of detergent contained in the detergent receiving space through the first detergent container orifice and the second detergent container orifice.

[0015] The detergent container may have a valve sealing recess formed internally, the valve sealing recess being recessed rearward at the location where the plurality of detergent container holes are formed and being shaped to correspond to the rearward shape of the detergent cartridge valve, the detergent cartridge valve module may include: a valve sealing member, which is engaged with the rearward edge of the detergent cartridge valve and configured to seal between the detergent cartridge valve and the valve sealing recess.

[0016] The detergent suction section may be configured to pressurize the detergent cartridge valve forward to release the seal between the valve sealing member and the plurality of detergent container holes and the detergent cartridge valve. The detergent suction section may include a detergent suction port formed on the side of the detergent suction section, which is configured to allow detergent contained in the detergent containing space to flow into the inner side of the detergent suction section.

[0017] If the detergent dispenser valve is pressurized and moved, the detection component can be located inside the detergent storage space.

[0018] The detergent pump may further include: a first hole sealing member disposed around the outside of the detergent suction portion and capable of sealing the first detergent container hole to prevent detergent leakage to the outside of the detergent suction portion when the detergent pump is docked with the detergent container; and a second hole sealing member disposed around the outside of the detection member to prevent detergent leakage to the outside of the detection member and capable of sealing the second detergent container hole when the first detergent container hole is sealed by the first hole sealing member.

[0019] If the plurality of detergent container holes open in response to the detergent cartridge valve being pressurized by the detergent suction part, the first hole sealing member seals the first detergent container hole, and the second hole sealing member seals the second detergent container hole, thereby preventing detergent from leaking to the outside of the detergent container.

[0020] The detection component may be located on the upper side of the detergent suction section, and the detergent suction port may be formed on the lower side of the detergent suction section to be separated from the detection component.

[0021] The end of the detection component can be positioned forward to reduce residual detergent remaining in the detection component.

[0022] The diameter of the detergent inlet can be equal to or less than the distance between the detergent inlet and the lower end of the detergent container.

[0023] The detection component may include a pair of electrodes arranged opposite each other on the left and right sides.

[0024] The detergent intake portion may be located between the pair of electrodes on the lower side of the pair of electrodes.

[0025] The detergent suction section can contact the detergent cartridge valve from below to pressurize the detergent cartridge valve. The detergent cartridge valve may include a guide protrusion extending through the center of the valve housing. The valve housing may include an anti-rotation rib extending forward on its side to prevent the valve housing from rotating. The detergent container may include an anti-rotation flange formed adjacent to one side of the anti-rotation rib to prevent the anti-rotation rib from rotating.

[0026] A detergent supply device according to the present disclosure includes: a detergent container having a detergent receiving space formed on its inner side; and a detergent pump detachably coupled to the detergent container for pumping detergent contained in the detergent receiving space, wherein the detergent pump includes a pair of electrodes for measuring the amount of detergent contained in the detergent receiving space, the pair of electrodes extending forward to be inserted into the detergent receiving space.

[0027] The detergent pump may further include a detergent suction section extending forward and capable of being inserted into the inside of the detergent receiving space, so as to draw detergent located in the detergent receiving space into the inside of the detergent pump.

[0028] The detergent container has a plurality of detergent container holes, the plurality of detergent container holes including: a first detergent container hole, formed at the rear of the detergent container so that the detergent suction part passes through the first detergent container hole; and a second detergent container hole, formed at the rear of the detergent container and spaced apart from the first detergent container hole so that the pair of electrodes pass through and correspond to the pair of electrodes, and the detergent can be contained in the detergent containing space.

[0029] Technical effect

[0030] Based on the present disclosure's concept of a technical solution to the above-mentioned technical problems, a detergent supply device for a washing machine may include a detection component extending forward and located inside the detergent container, thereby enabling accurate identification of the amount of detergent in the detergent container.

[0031] According to the ideas of this disclosure, the detergent supply device of the washing machine includes a detergent inflow pipe extending forward and located inside the detergent container, and includes a hole sealing member surrounding it, thereby preventing detergent leakage when the detergent container is separated from the detergent pump. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a washing machine.

[0034] Figure 3 This shows the decomposition. Figure 2 An exploded rear view of the detergent supply device and the surroundings as seen from the rear.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the detergent pump in a detergent supply unit.

[0036] Figure 5 This shows the decomposition. Figure 4 An exploded view of a detergent pump.

[0037] Figure 6 This shows a section cut along line AA'. Figure 4 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a detergent pump.

[0038] Figure 7 It shows the flow into Figure 6 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the detergent flowing out from the inside of the detergent pump.

[0039] Figure 8 This shows a section cut along line AA'. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a detergent pump.

[0040] Figure 9 It shows the flow into Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing the detergent moving from the inside of the detergent pump toward the connection opening.

[0041] Figure 10 This shows a section cut along line BB'. Figure 4 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a detergent pump.

[0042] Figure 11 It shows the flow into Figure 10 A cross-sectional perspective view of detergent flowing out through the detergent discharge section inside the detergent pump.

[0043] Figure 12 This shows the decomposition. Figure 3 An exploded view of the detergent box valve module.

[0044] Figure 13 Shown from the rear Figure 12 An exploded view of the detergent box valve module.

[0045] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded view showing the detergent dispenser valve module connected to the rear of the detergent container.

[0046] Figure 15 View from the front Figure 14A front view of the detergent dispenser valve module integrated into the rear of the detergent container.

[0047] Figure 16 It is decomposition Figure 3 An exploded view of the detergent container, housing, and detergent pump.

[0048] Figure 17 It shows the detergent pump and Figure 3 The detergent container combined with the previous cross-sectional view.

[0049] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the combination of a detergent pump and a detergent container.

[0050] Figure 19 It shows that detergent flows into Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the inside of a detergent pump.

[0051] Figure 20 This shows the cross-section. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a detergent supply device.

[0052] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a detergent pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing of this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings described in this specification.

[0054] Furthermore, the same reference numerals or symbols shown in the various figures of this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0055] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed invention. Unless explicitly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Furthermore, terms containing ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this specification may be used to describe various constituent elements, but these constituent elements are not limited by these terms; these terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the claims of this invention, a first constituent element may be named a second constituent element, and similarly, a second constituent element may be named a first constituent element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described items or any one of multiple related described items.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms "vertical direction," "lower side," and "front-back direction" used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the direction in which the detergent container 200 of the detergent supply device 100 is pulled out is defined as the front, and the rear, left and right sides and the top and bottom sides are defined based on this.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the washing machine 1 with its door 40 open and at least a portion of the detergent supply device 100 pulled out.

[0061] Washing machine 1 refers to a device that washes clothes by agitating the laundry, water, and detergent placed inside the washing chamber 32 using the driving force of a motor 61, thereby achieving washing through friction between the laundry and detergent. Here, the laundry can be clothing. When the laundry is clothing, washing machine 1 can be referred to as a clothing handling device.

[0062] Washing machine 1 can be classified as: front-loading washing machine, which washes clothes by repeatedly raising and lowering the clothes by rotating the drum 30; and electric washing machine, which washes clothes by using water flow generated by an agitator when the drum 30 rotates.

[0063] The washing machine 1 can also be classified according to the direction in which laundry is placed into the washing chamber 32. It can be classified into a front-loading type of washing machine 1 that receives laundry from the front into the washing chamber 32 and a top-down type of washing machine 1 that receives laundry from the top into the washing chamber 32.

[0064] Figure 1Washing machine 1 is an example of a front-loading washing machine, but it is not limited thereto. The ideas disclosed below can also be applied to other types of washing machines.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine 1 may include a housing 10 that forms the exterior and houses various constituent components inside. The housing 10 may be formed in a generally hexahedral shape.

[0066] A control panel 16 may be configured on the front of the housing 10. The control panel 16 includes: an input section 16' for receiving operation commands from the user; and a display section 16' for displaying operation information of the washing machine 1.

[0067] An opening may be formed on the front surface of the housing 10 to allow laundry to be inserted into the drum 30. The opening formed on the front surface of the housing 10 can be opened and closed by means of a door 40. The door 40 can be rotatably mounted on the front of the housing 10 by means of a hinge component (not shown).

[0068] The washing machine 1 may include a detergent supply device 100. The detergent supply device 100 is a device capable of supplying detergent to the interior of the tub 20 of the washing machine 1. Figure 1 The image shows a detergent supply device 100 configured on the upper right side of the washing machine 1, but this is only an example and is not limited to this.

[0069] The detailed configuration of the detergent supply device 100 and the washing machine 1 including it will be further described below.

[0070] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of washing machine 1.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the inner side of the housing 10 that forms the exterior of the washing machine 1 may include a tub 20 configured to store a mixture of water and detergent. Inside the tub 20, a drum 30 forming a washing chamber 32 to accommodate laundry may be disposed. In other words, it can be said that the drum 30 is disposed inside the housing 10, and the washing chamber 32 is formed inside the drum 30.

[0072] Openings may be formed in the tub 20 and the drum 30 to allow laundry to be put in or taken out from the front of the housing 10. The openings in the tub 20 and the drum 30 may be located at positions corresponding to the openings on the front surface of the housing 10.

[0073] An opening on the front surface of the enclosure 10 can be opened and closed by a door 40. The door 40 may include a door frame 41 and a door glass. The door glass may be made of transparent tempered glass to allow visibility into the interior of the enclosure 10.

[0074] A water supply device 14, including a water supply pipe 14' and a water supply valve 14" for controlling the water supply, can be installed on the upper part of the bucket 20. In addition, a detergent supply device 100 for supplying detergent to the inside of the bucket 20 during the water supply process can be provided on the upper front part of the bucket 20.

[0075] The detergent supply device 100 can be connected to the tub 20 via the connecting pipe 17. Water supplied through the water supply pipe 14' can be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device 100, and the mixture of water and detergent can be supplied to the interior of the tub 20. If the detergent is a liquid detergent, the water supply pipe 14' can supply water directly to the interior of the tub 20 via a separate control valve (not shown), and the liquid detergent can be supplied to the interior of the tub 20 via the detergent supply device 100 and the detergent supply pipe (not shown).

[0076] The detergent supply device 100 can be connected to the tank 20 via an air pipe 18. The air pipe 18 can be configured to allow air to flow into and / or out of the detergent supply device 100. Thus, the air pipe 18 can prevent pressure drop inside the detergent supply device 100.

[0077] A drive unit 60 may be provided at the rear of the roller 30. The drive unit 60, as a component for rotating the roller 30, may be configured to rotate the roller 30 by transmitting the driving force generated by the motor 61 to the rotating shaft 67.

[0078] The motor 61 may include a stationary stator 63 and a rotor 65 that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator 63, thereby converting electrical power into mechanical rotational force.

[0079] The bucket 20 can store a mixture of water and detergent, and can be formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The bucket 20 can be fixed inside the housing 10. The opening formed on the front surface of the housing 10 and the bucket 20 can be connected by a partition 50.

[0080] A spray nozzle 70, connected to a circulation hose 71, can be disposed on one side of the partition 50 to spray circulating mixed water into the interior of the drum 30. The spray nozzle 70 can be configured to spray mixed water evenly onto all the laundry contained inside the drum 30. The circulation hose 71 can be connected to a circulation pump for pumping the stored mixed water in the lower part of the tub 20.

[0081] The drum 30 performs washing by rotating inside the tub 20 and raising and lowering the laundry. Multiple lifters 31 may be configured inside the drum 30.

[0082] A drainage device (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the bucket 20, including a drain pipe (not shown) and a drain valve (not shown) for draining water from the inside of the bucket 20.

[0083] The barrel 20 can be configured to be elastically supported by the housing 10 by an upper spring (not shown) and a lower damper 80. That is, the spring and damper 80 can be configured to absorb vibrational energy and attenuate the vibration when the vibration generated when the roller 30 rotates is transmitted to the barrel 20 and the housing 10.

[0084] The following is a more detailed description of the configuration of the detergent supply device 100.

[0085] Figure 3 This shows the decomposition. Figure 2 An exploded rear view of the detergent supply device 100 as seen from the rear.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the detergent supply device 100 may include a cover 110. The cover 110 may form the appearance of the detergent supply device 100 together with the housing 140. The cover 110 may be combined with the upper part of the water supply plate 120 to seal the water supply plate 120. In other words, the cover 110 may be combined with the water supply plate 120 to form a flow path for the movement of washing water supplied from the water supply device 14.

[0087] The cover 110 may include a wash water inlet 111 connected to the water supply device 14. Wash water can flow into the interior of the detergent supply device 100 through the wash water inlet 111.

[0088] The detergent supply device 100 may further include a water supply plate 120 coupled to the cover 110 in a manner located between the cover 110 and the housing 140. The water supply plate 120 may include a guide partition wall 121 that divides the flow path to allow the washing water to flow. The water supply plate 120 may, together with the cover 110, form a flow path for the washing water supplied from the water supply device 14 to move.

[0089] The water supply plate 120 may include a washing water movement hole 122, which is configured to discharge washing water supplied from the water supply device 14 to the space between the cover 110 and the water supply plate 120 into the water supply chamber 211. The washing water movement hole 122 may be formed through the water supply plate 120. The washing water movement hole 122 may be formed in a region of the water supply plate 120 corresponding to the water supply chamber 211. In other words, the washing water movement hole 122 may be formed in a region of the water supply plate 120 facing the water supply chamber 211.

[0090] The water supply plate 120 may include a through hole 123 configured to allow a portion of the washing water supplied from the water supply device 14 to pass through, in order to prevent the detergent discharge section 540 of the detergent pump 400 from being discharged. Figure 10 , Figure 11 Discharged into mixing chamber 141 Figure 20 Detergent residue remains in the mixing chamber 141. The through-hole 123 can be located upstream of the washing water moving hole 122 in the direction of movement of the washing water supplied from the water supply device 14. In other words, the through-hole 123 can be formed on the water supply plate 120 adjacent to the washing water inlet 111. A portion of the washing water supplied from the water supply device 14 can be discharged into the water supply chamber 211 through the washing water moving hole 122, and the remainder can be discharged into the mixing chamber 141 through the through-hole 123.

[0091] The detergent supply device 100 may also include a housing 140 that, together with the cover 110, forms the exterior of the detergent supply device 100. The housing 140 may be combined with the detergent container 200 in such a way that the detergent container 200 can be pulled out, the detergent container 200 forming a detergent receiving space 201 inside to be able to contain detergent.

[0092] Reference Figure 20 A drain port 142 may be formed in the lower part of the housing 140 to discharge at least one of the washing water and detergent to the outside of the detergent supply device 100. The drain port 142 is connected to the connecting pipe 17 ( Figure 2 The washing water and detergent discharged through the outlet 142 are connected and moved into the interior of the tub 20 through the connecting pipe. The lower part of the housing 140 is formed at an angle toward the outlet 142, so that at least one of the washing water and detergent is smoothly discharged through the outlet 142 without accumulating in the lower part of the housing 140.

[0093] The detergent supply device 100 may include a detergent container 200, which includes a detergent receiving space 201 capable of containing detergent.

[0094] exist Figure 3 The image shows a detergent container 200 integrally formed; however, the detergent container 200 may include a detergent box (not shown) forming a detergent receiving space 201 capable of containing detergent and an inner shell (not shown) capable of containing the detergent box.

[0095] The detergent container 200 can be movably mounted on the housing 140. The detergent container 200 can contain liquid detergent. Liquid detergent may include rinse, fabric softener, etc.

[0096] A detergent container lid 130 may be disposed on the upper side of the detergent container 200 to cover the detergent container 200. The detergent container lid 130 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the upper side of the detergent container 200. However, the detergent container lid 130 may not be formed at the position corresponding to the washing water movement hole 122 of the water supply plate 120, so that the washing water can move.

[0097] A detergent container cap 131 may be disposed in front of the detergent container cap 130 to allow detergent to be dispensed into the detergent receiving space 201. The detergent container cap 131 may be detachably attached to the detergent container cap 130.

[0098] The detergent supply device 100 may further include a water supply chamber 211 formed in the detergent container 200 for the inflow of washing water through the washing water movement hole 122. The water supply chamber 211 may be defined by the water supply chamber frame 210 of the detergent container 200. Washing water through the washing water movement hole 122 can flow directly into the water supply chamber 211. Washing water supplied between the cover 110 and the water supply plate 120 can easily flow into the water supply chamber 211 by gravity through the washing water movement hole 122.

[0099] Powdered detergent can also be added to the water supply chamber 211 as needed. When powdered detergent is added to the water supply chamber 211, the powdered detergent can flow into the mixing chamber 141 together with the washing water flowing in through the washing water movement hole 122. A communication hole can be formed on the lower side of the water supply chamber 211. The water supply chamber 211 and the mixing chamber 141 can be configured to communicate with each other.

[0100] The detergent supply device 100 may further include a mixing chamber 141, which is configured to supply detergent to the tank 20 by passing through at least one of washing water discharged from the water supply chamber 211 and detergent discharged from the detergent container 200. Figure 2 The mixing chamber 141 may be formed between the detergent container 200 and the housing 140.

[0101] The detergent supply device 100 may include a detergent pump 400 configured to draw detergent from the detergent container 200 and discharge it into the mixing chamber 141.

[0102] The following is a more detailed description of the detergent pump 400.

[0103] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the detergent pump 400 of the detergent supply device 100.

[0104] like Figure 4As shown, the detergent pump 400 may include housings 500 and 600 that form the exterior.

[0105] The housings 500 and 600 may include a front housing 500 forming the front appearance and a rear housing 600 joined to the rear of the front housing 500. For ease of manufacture, the rear housing 600 may include an intermediate housing 610 joined to the front housing 500 at the rear of the front housing 500 and a housing cover 640 joined to the intermediate housing 610 at the rear of the intermediate housing 610.

[0106] The outer casing, including the front outer casing 500, the middle outer casing 610, and the outer casing cover 640, is symmetrical about the detergent pump 400. In other words, the detergent container cover 131 (for adding detergent to the detergent container 200) Figure 3 They can form a pair on the left and right, so the shells 500 and 600 with the corresponding configuration can be formed symmetrically on the left and right.

[0107] Furthermore, all the components described below can be formed symmetrically with respect to the central part of the detergent pump 400.

[0108] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the housings 500 and 600 are produced using injection molding, the intermediate housing 610 may include an outer intermediate outer housing 611 and an inner intermediate housing 612 disposed on the inner side of the outer intermediate housing 611 and configured to correspond to the rear of the front housing 500 in order to facilitate the production.

[0109] The front housing 500 may include a front housing body 510. The front housing 500 may include a detergent intake 520, which extends from the front housing body 510 in the direction of engagement between the detergent pump 400 and the detergent container 200, and forms an intake space 521 on its inner side. In other words, the detergent intake 520 may extend forward, and an intake space 521 may be formed on the inner side of the detergent intake 520.

[0110] The front housing 500 may include a detergent discharge section 540 that extends forward from the front housing body 510 and forms a discharge space 541 on its inner side. In other words, the detergent discharge section 540 may extend forward, and a discharge space 541 may be formed on the inner side of the detergent discharge section 540.

[0111] The detergent suction unit 520 can be directly inserted into the inside of the detergent receiving space 201. In other words, the detergent suction unit 520 can extend forward and be located inside the detergent receiving space 201, so that the detergent pump 400 can draw the detergent located in the detergent receiving space 201 into the inside of the detergent pump 400.

[0112] This detergent suction unit 520 can supply the detergent cartridge valve module 300 described later. Figure 12 The detergent cartridge valve 320 in the detergent pump 400 is directly pressurized, and the detergent inlet 522 located inside the detergent container 200 is used to supply detergent, thereby enabling the flow of detergent into the detergent pump 400 with a simple configuration.

[0113] When the detergent suction section 520 pressurizes the detergent box valve 320, the front of the detergent suction section 520 will pressurize the detergent box valve 320. Therefore, preferably, the detergent suction port 522 of the detergent suction section 520 is formed on the side of the detergent suction section 520.

[0114] Furthermore, due to this configuration, there is no need to employ a structure that allows detergent to flow to the outside of the detergent container 200 and then allow such detergent to flow back into the detergent pump 400, thereby preventing detergent leakage when the detergent pump 400 is disconnected from the detergent container 200.

[0115] A detection component 530 for measuring the amount of detergent remaining in the detergent receiving space 201 can be disposed adjacent to the detergent suction unit 520. When the detergent pump 400 is connected to the detergent container 200, the detection component 530 can contact the detergent within the detergent receiving space 201 to measure the amount of detergent. Therefore, the detection component 530 can be inserted into the detergent receiving space 201.

[0116] In other words, the detergent pump 400 may include a detection component 530 that protrudes or extends forward and may be located inside the detergent receiving space 201 to detect the amount of detergent in the detergent receiving space 201.

[0117] If the detection component 530 contacts the detergent on the outside of the detergent container 200 and detects the amount of detergent, a delay may occur during the movement of the detergent to the outside of the detergent container 200. Furthermore, since the detection component 530 is included in the detergent pump 400, if a separate space for detection is provided, detergent disposed in that separate space may leak when the detergent pump 400 is detached from the detergent container 200.

[0118] The detection component 530 may be in a forward-extending shape. When the detection component 530 has a curved shape, this increases the probability of residual detergent remaining in the detection component 530. Therefore, preferably, the detection component 530 may be in a straight forward-extending shape.

[0119] In other words, the end of the detection component 530 can be positioned forward to reduce residual detergent remaining in the detection component 530.

[0120] The detection component 530 can be located adjacent to the detergent inlet 522.

[0121] The detection component 530 may be located above the detergent suction unit 520.

[0122] Although described later, the detergent intake section 520 can regulate the inflow of detergent into the detergent pump 400 by pressurizing the detergent cartridge valve 320 of the detergent cartridge valve module 300. Therefore, the detergent intake port 522, which serves as the inlet for the detergent to flow into the detergent intake section 520, can be formed on the side rather than in the front.

[0123] Preferably, the detergent inlet 522 is positioned at the lowest point when the detergent pump 400 is inserted into the detergent container 200. This is because as detergent is used in the detergent container 200, its water level decreases due to gravity, eventually approaching the bottom surface of the detergent container 200. To maximize the intake of detergent from the detergent container 200, the detergent inlet 522 is preferably positioned downwards.

[0124] Preferably, the detection component 530 is as far apart as possible from the detergent inlet 522. There is a force that draws detergent into the detergent inlet 522. Since the detection component 530 needs to be in contact with the detergent to detect the amount of detergent, if the detergent inlet 522 is close to the detection component 530, the detergent to be detected by the detection component 530 may be drawn into the detergent inlet 522, thereby potentially reducing the sensitivity of the detection component 530 in detecting the amount of detergent.

[0125] With the detection component 530 separated from the detergent inlet 522, the detergent inlet 522 can be located at the bottom of the detergent container 200. Therefore, in order to be located inside the detergent containing space 201 inside the detergent container 200, the detection component 530 can be located above the detergent inlet 520. In other words, the detergent inlet 522 can be formed below the detergent inlet 520, separated from the detection component 530.

[0126] In summary, preferably, the detergent inlet 522 is located near the bottom of the detergent container 200, and the detection component 530, which is separated from it, is located on the upper side of the detergent inlet 520.

[0127] Although described later, the detection component 530 can be connected together with the detergent suction part 520 to the detergent receiving space 201 formed in the detergent container 200. If the detection component 530 and the detergent suction part 520 penetrate the rear surface of the detergent container 200 and abut against the detergent container 200, the detection component 530 can be disposed on the lower side of the detergent suction part 520 relative to the upper end of the detergent container 200, rather than being separated from the detergent suction part 520 across the upper end of the detergent container 200.

[0128] However, the detection component 530 can detect a predetermined water level for the detergent, and if the water level drops, it can send a signal indicating insufficient detergent. In this case, preferably, the detection component 530 is positioned at a height corresponding to the predetermined water level.

[0129] The detection component 530 can be inserted into the terminal receiving portion 602 included in the intermediate housing 610. A terminal 604 that contacts the detection component 530 and supplies power to the detection component 530 can be provided on the inner side of the terminal receiving portion 602.

[0130] The detection component 530 can be configured to detect the amount of detergent remaining inside the detergent dispenser when an electric current is generated via the electrically connected terminal 604. The detection component 530 can be located inside the detergent dispenser.

[0131] The closer the detergent inlet 522 is to the bottom of the detergent container 200, the more detergent in the container 200 can flow into the detergent pump 400. However, if the detergent inlet 522 is too close to the bottom of the detergent container 200, there may be some loss of detergent as it flows in.

[0132] Generally, losses occur when fluid moves from a pipe with a smaller cross-sectional area to a pipe with a larger cross-sectional area. As the cross-section of the pipe supplying the fluid increases, the velocity decreases, and the pressure increases in the process. Therefore, viscous fluids that are not ideal, such as detergents, may experience losses at the locations where the shape of the pipe changes.

[0133] If the detergent suction section 520 is too close to the bottom of the detergent container 200, the cross-sectional area of ​​the detergent suction port 522 will be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the detergent flow formed between the bottom of the detergent container 200 and the detergent suction section 520. In this case, energy loss in the detergent flow may occur. To improve the efficiency of the detergent pump 400, the detergent suction section 520 should not be too close to the bottom of the detergent container 200, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the detergent flow entering the detergent suction port 522 does not become too wide.

[0134] In this case, if the detergent inlet 522 is circular, the diameter of the detergent inlet 522 can be equal to or less than the distance between the detergent inlet 522 and the lower end of the detergent container 200.

[0135] The detection component 530 may include a pair of electrodes 530. The detergent may be a conductive electrolyte, so an electric current can flow between the pair of electrodes 530 immersed in the detergent. Using the current flowing between the pair of electrodes 530, it is possible to measure whether the amount of detergent in the detergent containing space 201 has decreased to below a predetermined value. In other words, the detection component 530 may be a pair of electrodes 530 arranged one on each side.

[0136] To protect the detection component 530, a detection component housing 531 may be configured to surround the detection component 530 and extend forward from the front housing body 510. The detection component 530 may extend further than the detection component housing 531 to be combined with the detergent.

[0137] When the detection component 530 is a pair of electrodes 530, the second detergent container hole 222 formed to correspond to the detection component 530 can be a pair of second detergent container holes 222 configured to correspond to the pair of electrodes 530.

[0138] The detergent suction section 520 can be located between the pair of electrodes 530 on the lower side of the pair of electrodes 530. With this arrangement of the pair of electrodes 530 and the detergent suction section 520, the area with the detergent suction section 520 and the pair of electrodes 530 as vertices can be reduced. Since the detergent suction section 520 and the pair of electrodes 530 can be inserted together into the detergent receiving space 201, the arrangement of the detergent suction section 520 and the pair of electrodes 530 close to each other can be considered a structure that facilitates insertion into the detergent receiving space 201.

[0139] The detergent intake section 520 may be located on the underside between a pair of electrodes 530.

[0140] A hole sealing member 550 may be disposed in front of the detergent intake section 520 and in front of the detection component housing 531. Multiple detergent container holes 220, allowing the detergent intake section 520 and the detection component housing 531 to be inserted, may be disposed behind the detergent container 200. A hole sealing member 550 may be disposed between the multiple detergent container holes 220 and the detergent intake section 520 or the detection component housing 531 to prevent detergent leakage.

[0141] The plurality of detergent container holes 220 may include: a first detergent container hole 221, formed at the rear of the detergent container 200 corresponding to the detergent suction part 520, such that the detergent suction part 520 is received in the detergent receiving space 201; and a second detergent container hole 222, formed at the rear of the detergent container 200 spaced apart from the first detergent container hole 221 and corresponding to the detection member 530, such that the detection member 530 is received in the detergent receiving space 201.

[0142] Thus, the detergent suction unit 520 and the detection unit 530 can be separated and inserted into the inside of the detergent receiving space 201.

[0143] The detergent suction unit 520 and the detection unit 530 may include a shape that extends forward from the front housing body 510. Therefore, if the detergent pump 400 is connected to the detergent container 200, the detergent suction unit 520 and the detection unit 530 may be housed together in the detergent suction space 521.

[0144] The intermediate housing 610 may have a housing opening (not shown) to accommodate the front housing 500. The housing opening may be formed by a housing opening frame 613, which is formed to surround the housing opening and can extend forward. The housing opening may be configured to correspond to the shape of the rear edge of the front housing 500. Therefore, the housing opening frame 613 can guide the front housing 500 to be accommodated in the housing opening of the intermediate housing 610.

[0145] The intermediate housing 610 may include support ribs 504 disposed on the upper side of the housing opening frame 613 to increase strength.

[0146] The support rib 504 can be connected with the support protrusion 145 formed at the rear of the housing 140. Figure 3 The corresponding positions are configured with the corresponding shapes. When an impact is applied to the detergent pump 400, the impact can be dispersed by the support ribs 504 and the support protrusions 145.

[0147] Figure 5 This shows the decomposition. Figure 4 Exploded view of detergent pump 400.

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, a detergent discharge cap 501 can be disposed in front of the detergent discharge section 540 to protect the detergent discharge section 540. A detergent discharge opening 502 can be disposed in front of the detergent discharge cap 501. Figure 4 This allows the detergent to flow out.

[0149] A check valve module 590 can be configured to open and close the flow path of detergent movement. The check valve module 590 may include: a check valve body 593 configured to open and close the flow path of detergent movement; and a resilient member 596 that resiliently biases the check valve body 593 to block the flow path of detergent movement. This will be described in more detail in the relevant sections.

[0150] The check valve module 590 may be formed adjacent to the detergent discharge section 540. The check valve module 590 may include a resilient member 596, so that the detergent outlet cap 501 may be provided with anti-detachment ribs 503 at positions corresponding to the resilient member 596, allowing the resilient member 596 to be supported. Detergent outlet openings 502 may be formed between the anti-detachment ribs 503. Figure 4 This allows the detergent to move.

[0151] At this time, the check valve module 590 on the detergent inlet 520 side can be referred to as the first check valve module 591. The check valve module 590 on the detergent outlet 540 side can be referred to as the second check valve module 592. In other words, the check valve module 590 may include: the first check valve module 591, configured to open and close the detergent outlet flow path 900 by means of the pumping unit 630 on the detergent inward inflow side; and the second check valve module 592, configured to open and close the detergent outlet flow path 900 by means of the pumping unit 630 on the detergent outward outflow side.

[0152] The detergent discharge path 900, described later, can be a detergent space formed from the first check valve module 591 to the second check valve module 592. However, this is only one way of dividing the space, and the detergent discharge path 900 can be any path located on the path of the discharged detergent.

[0153] The front housing 500 may include a front insertion tube 560, which is connected to the rear of the detergent suction section 520 and extends rearward from the front housing body 510, forming a front common flow path 911 on its inner side. The front common flow path 911 can be formed on the inner side of the front insertion tube 560. Figure 8 ).

[0154] The rear housing 600 may include a rear insertion tube 620, which extends forward to insert into the inside of the front insertion tube 560 and forms a rear common flow path 912. Figure 8The front housing 500 can be coupled to the intermediate housing 610 without a separate coupling component by inserting the rear insertion tube 620 into the front insertion tube 560. However, a coupling component (not shown) can obviously be provided to ensure a stable coupling between the intermediate housing 610 and the front housing 500. In this case, by using the structure of inserting the rear insertion tube 620 into the front insertion tube 560, the number of coupling components (not shown) required for a stable coupling between the front housing 500 and the intermediate housing 610 can be reduced.

[0155] In this disclosure, a case is shown in which the rear insertion tube 620 is inserted into the inside of the front insertion tube 560. However, the idea of ​​this disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the front insertion tube 560 is inserted into the inside of the rear insertion tube 620.

[0156] At this time, the front insertion tube 560 and the rear insertion tube 620 can be formed symmetrically on the left and right with the center of the detergent pump 400 as a reference. Therefore, the insertion positions of the front housing 500 and the middle housing 610 can be aligned by inserting the rear insertion tube 620 into the front insertion tube 560.

[0157] The detection component 530 may be a pair of electrodes 530 extending forward. The pair of electrodes 530 may be arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the detergent pump 400.

[0158] The intermediate housing 610 may include a forward-extending detection receiving portion, into which the detection component 530 can be inserted.

[0159] The intermediate housing 610 may include a forward-protruding retaining member 603 to guide the front housing 500 into contact with the intermediate housing 610. The front housing 500 may include a retaining portion 505 disposed at a position corresponding to the retaining member 603 for insertion of the retaining member 603.

[0160] The front housing 500 may include a connecting partition wall 570 that connects to the front insertion tube 560 and extends rearward, thereby forming a connecting flow path 920 for detergent to flow through, as described later.

[0161] The front housing 500 may include a flow path sealing member 580 configured to seal the rear of the front insertion tube 560 and the connecting partition wall 570, thereby forming a connecting flow path 920.

[0162] A connection opening 561 communicating with the outside of the front insertion tube 560 can be formed on one side of the front insertion tube 560. When a pair of front insertion tubes 560 are formed on the left and right sides with reference to the center of the housings 500 and 600, the pair of connection openings 561 formed on the pair of front insertion tubes 560 can be formed facing each other. When the pair of front insertion tubes 560 are arranged on the side of the housings 500 and 600, the connection openings 561 extending from the communication openings extend toward the center of the housings 500 and 600, thus the detergent pump 400 can be compactly configured.

[0163] When a rear insertion tube 620 is inserted into a front insertion tube 560 and configured therein, and the rear insertion tube 620 is inserted into the front insertion tube 560 at a position where a connection opening 561 is formed or beyond the position where a connection opening 561 is formed, the detergent moving in the rear insertion tube 620 needs to pass through the connection opening 561. Therefore, a connection opening 561 can also be formed in the rear insertion tube 620.

[0164] Figure 6 This shows a section cut along line AA'. Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of a detergent pump 400.

[0165] like Figure 6 As shown, detergent can flow into detergent pump 400 through suction space 521 formed inside detergent suction section 520. At this time, detergent suction port 522 can be formed on the lower front side of detergent suction section 520.

[0166] A front insertion tube 560 may be formed behind the detergent suction section 520. A rear insertion tube 620 may be inserted and connected behind the front insertion tube 560.

[0167] The system may be configured with a suction space 521 formed inside the detergent suction section 520 and a common flow path 910 formed by the front insertion tube 560 and the rear insertion tube 620. The common flow path 910 may include a front common flow path 911 formed by the front insertion tube 560 and a rear common flow path 912 formed by the rear insertion tube 620.

[0168] A compression space 633 may be connected to and configured behind the common flow path 910. The compression space 633 may be formed by a pumping section 630 configured in the intermediate housing 610.

[0169] The pumping section 630 disposed in the intermediate housing 610 may include: a cylinder 631 configured to form a compression space 633; ​​and a piston 632 movably inserted into the cylinder 631 to discharge detergent contained in the compression space 633 from the compression space 633.

[0170] At this point, the cylinder 631 can be cylindrical. The piston 632 can also have a corresponding shape.

[0171] The cylinder 631 can extend vertically, and the piston 632 can move vertically along the cylinder 631 to change the volume of the compression space 633. However, this is only an example, and the ideas of this disclosure can also be applied to examples where the cylinder 631 extends front-to-back and the piston 632 extends front-to-back.

[0172] However, if the cylinder 631 extends vertically, it can have a smaller depth in the front and back compared to the cylinder 631 extending front and back. Considering that the detergent supply device 100 is formed in the housing 10 ( Figure 2 Inside the washing machine 10, since components for various functions can be arranged inside the casing 10, the front-to-back length of the detergent supply device 100 is preferably short to accommodate these components. However, as the tub 631 extends vertically, the vertical length of the detergent supply device 100 can be extended. This is related to the height of the washing machine 1, thus avoiding the aforementioned arrangement problems with other components, which are often more important than the question of how high the washing machine 1 should be. Therefore, it is preferable that the tub 631 extends vertically rather than front-to-back.

[0173] The piston 632 can be formed into a conical shape with its central portion forming a apex in the direction of piston 632 movement. A corresponding shape can be formed on the lower side of the cylinder 631. Thus, when the volume of the compression space 633 decreases, the detergent can move smoothly.

[0174] If the piston 632 moves upward, the volume of the compression space 633 formed inside the cylinder 631 increases. This creates a negative pressure in the compression space 633. At this time, if the detergent suction section 520 is located in the detergent receiving space 201 ( Figure 3 If a predetermined amount of detergent is contained in the detergent containing space 201, the detergent can flow into the detergent pump 400 through the detergent inlet 522.

[0175] At this time, a first check valve module 591 can be configured between the detergent suction section 520 and the front common flow path 911 to regulate the inflow and outflow of detergent. The first check valve module 591 may be provided with: a head 594, which is tapered forward to be able to be inserted into the inside of the suction space 521 formed in the detergent suction section 520; and an elastic support 595, which extends rearward behind the head 594. The elastic support 595 may have a hollow portion extending back and forth in its center. This is because the check valve body 593, described later, needs to block the inlet of the suction space 521 in order to block the detergent flowing into the suction space 521. In this process, the check valve body 593 may deform. To allow the deformation of the check valve body 593 to proceed better, a hollow portion can be formed.

[0176] In other words, the first check valve module 591 may include a check valve body 593, which includes: a head 594 capable of opening and closing the suction space 521; and an elastic support portion 595 extending at one end of the head 594 and integrally formed with the head 594, and having a smaller cross-sectional area than one end of the head 594.

[0177] The first check valve module 591 may include an elastic component 596 that elastically biases the check valve body 593 toward the suction space 521.

[0178] If piston 632 moves upward, check valve body 593 can move towards compression space 633 by the negative pressure generated in compression space 633. Thus, check valve body 593 can avoid blocking the suction space 521 and common flow path 910.

[0179] Detergent flowing into suction space 521 through detergent inlet 522 can move toward common flow path 910 connected to suction space 521. Detergent that has moved to common flow path 910 can move toward compression space 633.

[0180] The flow path that allows detergent to be moved from the suction space 521 to the compression space 633 is called the detergent inflow flow path.

[0181] Figure 7 It shows the flow into Figure 6 A cross-sectional perspective view of the detergent flow process inside the detergent pump 400.

[0182] like Figure 7 As shown, if piston 632 moves to the lower side of cylinder 631, detergent can move to the outside of detergent pump 400.

[0183] If piston 632 moves downward toward the cylinder 631, the pressure of the detergent contained in the compression space 633 increases. Since the pressure of the detergent in the compression space 633 is higher than that on the outside of the detergent pump 400, the detergent can move to the outside of the detergent pump 400.

[0184] At this time, the check valve body 593, which is disposed between the suction space 521 and the common flow path 910, moves toward the suction space 521 due to the detergent flowing out from the compression space 633. Thus, the check valve body 593 prevents the detergent from moving toward the suction space 521.

[0185] Detergent flowing out of the compression space 633 can move through the common flow path 910. In other words, the common flow path 910 is the flow path for detergent to move when it flows into the compression space 633, and it is also the path for detergent to move when it flows out of the compression space 633.

[0186] Although described later, the detergent can flow in or out without repeating the same flow path, unlike in this disclosure. In this case, the detergent discharge section 540 needs to extend in a different direction than the detergent intake section 520. For example, if the detergent discharge section 540 extends rearward, the detergent needs to be contained in the mixing chamber 141 formed within the housing 140 to mix with the washing water flowing through the mixing chamber 141 and move towards the tub 20. Therefore, a flexible tube of the housing 140 needs to be connected to the inlet of the detergent discharge section 540.

[0187] Figure 8 This shows a section cut along line AA'. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a detergent pump 400. Figure 9 It shows the flow into Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the detergent moving toward the connection opening 561 inside the detergent pump 400.

[0188] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, the first check valve module 591 can move back and forth according to the movement of the piston 632.

[0189] like Figure 8 As shown, if piston 632 moves upward, the pressure inside compression space 633 becomes lower than the pressure in the space outside. This generates a force that draws the piston into compression space 633. As a result, check valve body 593, which is normally elastically biased towards suction space 521 by elastic member 596, can move rearward. If check valve body 593 moves rearward, suction space 521 connects with common flow path 910.

[0190] The force drawn into the compression space 633 can draw in not only the check valve body 593, but also detergent. The detergent can move into the suction space 521 formed inside the detergent suction section 520 and into the compression space 633 through the common flow path 910.

[0191] Then, as Figure 9 As shown, if piston 632 moves downwards, the pressure inside compression space 633 is higher than the pressure outside. This generates a force that pushes detergent outwards from compression space 633. The check valve body 593, which has moved backwards as a result, moves forwards again, thereby blocking the space between suction space 521 and common flow path 910.

[0192] Detergent can move towards the connection opening 561 through the common flow path 910 in the compression space 633. In particular, the connection opening 561 can be formed at the front end of the rear common flow path 912. If the connection opening 561 formed in the front insertion tube 560 is not formed at the very front of the front insertion tube 560, detergent passing through the portion formed in front of the connection opening 561 in the front common flow path 911 formed inside the front insertion tube 560 can be reflected from the front and move towards the connection opening 561 again.

[0193] Detergent moving toward the connection opening 561 can move toward the connection flow path 920.

[0194] A discharge space 541 is connected to the end of the connecting flow path 920, which is formed inside the detergent discharge section 540 extending forward. Therefore, the detergent discharge section 540 can be regarded as being disposed on the lower side of the central part of the housing 500, 600.

[0195] As described above, the connecting flow path 920 can be formed by the connecting partition wall 570 and the flow path sealing component 580.

[0196] Figure 10 This shows a section cut along line BB'. Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of a detergent pump 400. Figure 11 It shows the flow into Figure 10 A cross-sectional perspective view of the detergent flowing out through the detergent discharge section 540 inside the detergent pump 400.

[0197] like Figure 10 As shown, the discharge of detergent to the outside of the detergent discharge section 540 can be regulated using a second check valve module 592 located on the detergent discharge section 540 side. The check valve body 593 can be elastically biased toward the connecting flow path 920 by means of the elastic member 596. The position where the connecting flow path 920 connects to the discharge space 541 can be blocked by the check valve body 593.

[0198] like Figure 11 As shown, piston 632 moves downward, causing detergent to flow into the inner side of connecting flow path 920, thereby allowing check valve body 593 to move forward. Therefore, connecting flow path 920 can be connected to discharge space 541 formed inside detergent discharge section 540. Thus, detergent can move into mixing chamber 141.

[0199] Figure 12 This shows the decomposition. Figure 3 Exploded view of the detergent box valve module 300. Figure 13 Shown from the rear Figure 12 An exploded view of the detergent box valve module 300.

[0200] like Figures 12 to 13 As shown, the detergent box valve module 300 may include a valve housing 310 that has an exterior and a valve housing hole 311 that allows detergent to flow into the interior.

[0201] A detergent box valve 320, configured to open and close multiple detergent container holes 220, may be disposed behind the valve housing 310.

[0202] The multiple detergent container holes 220 may include a first detergent container hole 221 into which a detergent suction unit 520 can be inserted and a second detergent container hole 222 into which a detection unit 530 can be inserted. Therefore, the detergent cartridge valve 320 can move forward of the detergent receiving space 201 and can simultaneously open and close the first detergent container hole 221 and the second detergent container hole 222 to regulate the flow of detergent to the first detergent container hole 221 and the second detergent container hole 222.

[0203] The detergent dispenser valve 320 may cover multiple detergent container holes 220 and may be configured with a pressurizing part 323 capable of pressurizing the detergent suction part 520. The detergent dispenser valve 320 may include a fixing member 321 that protrudes from the center of the pressurizing part 323 and extends through the front center of the valve housing 310.

[0204] A fixing portion 312 may be formed at the front center of the valve housing 310. A fixing member 321 may be disposed through the fixing portion 312 formed in the valve housing 310. The fixing portion 312 may be configured to correspond to the shape of the cross section of the fixing member 321.

[0205] The fixing member 321 may include guide ribs 322 arranged radially on the fixing member 321 to prevent the detergent box valve 320 from rotating.

[0206] The detergent dispenser valve module 300 may include a valve resilient member 330 that resiliently biases the detergent dispenser valve 320 rearward. The valve resilient member 330 may be configured around the fixing member 321 and may pressurize the front rear surface of the valve housing 310 and the front surface of the pressurizing portion 323 of the detergent dispenser valve 320, respectively.

[0207] The detergent cartridge valve module 300 may include a valve sealing member 340, which is coupled to the rear edge of the detergent cartridge valve 320 and configured to seal between the detergent cartridge valve 320 and a plurality of detergent container holes 220.

[0208] The valve sealing component 340 can perform a sealing function by contacting the valve guide surface corresponding to the plurality of detergent container holes 220, as described later.

[0209] The detergent intake 520 may not pressurize the center of the pressurizing portion 323 of the detergent dispenser valve 320. In particular, it is preferable that the detergent intake 520 is formed near the lower side of the detergent container 200, so in this case it may not be formed corresponding to the center of the pressurizing portion 323 of the detergent dispenser valve 320.

[0210] In order to allow the detergent cartridge valve 320 to advance horizontally due to the pressure of the detergent suction section 520 and to release the seal with the multiple detergent container holes 220, it is necessary to guide the detergent cartridge valve 320.

[0211] Therefore, a forward-extending fixing member 321 can be formed in the detergent box valve 320, and a fixing part 312 that can be inserted into the fixing member 321 can be arranged in the center of the valve housing 310 to guide the detergent box valve 320.

[0212] Furthermore, the appearance of the valve housing 310 can extend towards the pressure portion 323 in a shape that surrounds the edge of the pressure portion 323 of the detergent dispenser valve 320. In other words, the pressure portion 323 can advance forward along the inner side of the surface formed on the side of the valve housing 310. For example, if the pressure portion 323 is in the shape of a disc, then the valve housing 310 has the shape of a cylinder, and the pressure portion 323 can be guided forward by the inner side of this cylinder shape.

[0213] As the detergent dispenser valve 320 moves, the valve housing 310 can also move; therefore, it is necessary to guide or restrict the movement of the valve housing 310. For this purpose, a top guide 313 extending upward can be provided on the upper side of the valve housing 310.

[0214] A guide wing 315 may be disposed on the side of the valve housing 310. The guide wing 315 has an inclined surface on one side and is configured to enable the valve housing 310 to be accurately positioned in front of a plurality of detergent container holes 220 formed at the rear of the detergent container 200.

[0215] A laterally extending anti-rotation rib 314 may be formed on the side of the valve housing 310 to prevent the valve housing 310 from rotating when it is engaged with the front of a plurality of detergent container holes 220 formed at the rear of the detergent container 200.

[0216] The valve housing 310 may include a rearwardly extending insertion protrusion 316.

[0217] The valve housing 310 may include a pair of downwardly extending insertion guide ribs 317 on its lower side. An insertion rib groove 318 may be formed between the pair of insertion guide ribs 317.

[0218] The valve housing 310 described above is configured to guide the engagement when it is coupled to the rear inner side of the detergent container 200. The engagement of the valve housing 310 or the detergent cartridge valve module 300 with the detergent container 200 will be described in detail below.

[0219] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded view of the detergent box valve module 300 combined with the rear of the detergent container 200. Figure 15 View from the front Figure 14 A front view of the detergent box valve module 300 combined with the rear of the detergent container 200.

[0220] like Figures 14 to 15 As shown, the detergent dispenser valve module 300 can be coupled to the detergent container 200 from the inner rear side. The detergent dispenser valve module 300 can be configured at positions corresponding to the plurality of detergent container holes 220.

[0221] The detergent container 200 may include a guide wing support 250 having an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the guide wing 315 formed on the valve housing 310. The guide wing support 250 can be used to guide the movement of the valve housing 310 to a desired position.

[0222] The detergent container 200 may include an insertion rib 260 that extends forward and projects upward to insert into an insertion rib groove 318. Thus, the valve housing 310 can be guided to the desired position within the detergent container 200.

[0223] An insertion protrusion hole 270 may be provided at the location where the valve housing 310 of the detergent container 200 is joined, for the insertion protrusion 316 of the valve housing 310 to be inserted. The insertion protrusion 316 is inserted into the insertion protrusion hole 270, thereby restricting the movement of the valve housing 310.

[0224] A rearwardly recessed valve sealing recess 230 may be formed in the detergent container 200 at a position corresponding to the plurality of detergent container holes 220. In other words, the plurality of detergent container holes 220 may be arranged behind the valve sealing recess 230. The valve guide surface, which is the outer side of the valve sealing recess 230, may be configured to correspond to the edge of the detergent cartridge valve 320. If the detergent cartridge valve 320 is rearwardly recessed, the valve sealing member 340 is located between the valve guide surface and the rear edge of the detergent cartridge valve 320, thereby preventing detergent disposed inside the detergent container 200 from leaking through the plurality of detergent container holes 220.

[0225] An anti-rotation flange 240 may be configured to surround the valve sealing recess 230 and project forward. The anti-rotation flange 240 may extend circumferentially on its upper side to a position corresponding to the anti-rotation rib 314 of the valve housing 310. When the valve housing 310 is combined with the detergent container 200, the end of the anti-rotation flange 240 is disposed adjacent to the anti-rotation rib 314, and if the valve housing 310 wishes to rotate, it contacts the end of the anti-rotation flange 240, thereby preventing the valve housing 310 from rotating. In particular, if the anti-rotation rib 314 is formed on both sides of the valve housing 310, it can prevent the valve housing 310 from rotating in any direction.

[0226] In other words, the detergent container 200 may include an anti-rotation flange 240 formed adjacent to one side of the anti-rotation rib 314 to prevent rotational movement of the anti-rotation rib 314.

[0227] The top guide 313 can be configured to correspond to the forward-protruding position of the anti-rotation flange 240. When the valve housing 310 is engaged with the detergent container 200, the top guide 313 can extend rearward to contact the anti-rotation flange 240, and the top guide 313 can extend upward to prevent the valve housing 310 from moving rearward using the anti-rotation flange 240. In other words, if the valve housing 310 wants to move rearward, the rear surface of the top guide 313 contacts the front surface of the anti-rotation flange 240, thereby preventing the valve housing 310 from moving rearward.

[0228] Figure 16 It is decomposition Figure 3 Exploded view of detergent container 200, housing 140, and detergent pump 400.

[0229] like Figure 16 As shown, the detergent pump 400 can be combined with the detergent container 200.

[0230] The detergent container 200 may be located inside the housing 140. A pump opening 144 configured to correspond to the shape of the front housing 500 of the detergent pump 400 may be formed at the rear of the housing 140.

[0231] A forward-protruding detection element 530 and a forward-protruding detergent suction part 520 may be formed in front of the detergent pump 400. The detergent pump 400 may include a first hole sealing element 551 configured to surround the detection element 530 and a second hole sealing element 552 configured to surround the detergent suction part 520.

[0232] A first detergent container hole 221 may be formed at the rear of the detergent container 200, corresponding to the position of the detergent suction part 520, so that the detergent suction part 520 can be inserted therein. In addition, a second detergent container hole 222 may be formed at the position corresponding to the detection member 530, so that the detection member 530 can be inserted therein.

[0233] The following details the process of docking the detergent pump 400 with the detergent container 200.

[0234] Figure 17 This shows the detergent pump 400 and Figure 3 The detergent container 200 is combined with the previous cross-sectional view.

[0235] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the detergent pump 400 combined with the detergent container 200.

[0236] Figure 19 It shows that detergent flows into Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the inside of the detergent pump 400.

[0237] like Figure 17 As shown, the detergent pump 400 can move horizontally toward the detergent container 200.

[0238] At this time, the detergent suction unit 520 can move toward the first detergent container hole 221, and the detection unit 530 can move toward the second detergent container hole 222.

[0239] Before the detergent pump 400 docks with the detergent container 200, the detergent cartridge valve 320 of the detergent cartridge valve module 300 can receive elastic force in the direction of sealing the multiple detergent container holes 220 via the valve elastic member 330. Therefore, detergent within the detergent containing space 201 will not flow out through the multiple detergent container holes 220.

[0240] like Figure 18 As shown, if the detergent pump 400 is connected to the detergent container 200, the detergent suction part 520 and the detection part 530 included in the detergent pump 400 can enter the inside of the detergent container 200.

[0241] In other words, if the detergent dispenser valve 320 is pressurized and moved, the detection component 530 can be located inside the detergent storage space 201.

[0242] At this time, the detergent inlet 522 formed in the detergent inlet 520 can be located within the detergent receiving space 201 formed inside the detergent container 200. As a result, the detergent located in the detergent receiving space 201 can flow into the inside of the detergent pump 400 through the detergent inlet 522.

[0243] At this time, the detection component 530 can be located within the detergent containing space 201. The detection component 530 can measure the amount of detergent by contacting the detergent within the detergent containing space 201.

[0244] If the detergent suction unit 520 pressurizes the detergent box valve 320 forward, the detergent box valve 320 will move forward.

[0245] The detergent intake 520 can be arranged to release the seal between the valve sealing component 340 and the plurality of detergent container holes 220 and the detergent box valve 320 by pressurizing the detergent box valve 320 forward.

[0246] When the detergent pump 400 is connected to the detergent container 200, if the detergent suction part 520 pressurizes the detergent box valve 320 to release the seal between the multiple detergent container holes 220 and the detergent box valve 320, then at the same time, the first hole sealing member 551 seals the first detergent container hole 221, and the second hole sealing member 552 seals the second detergent container hole 222, thereby preventing the detergent from leaking to the outside of the detergent container 200.

[0247] In other words, the second hole sealing component 552 can seal the second detergent container hole 222 when the first detergent container hole 221 is sealed by the first hole sealing component 551.

[0248] like Figure 19 As shown, after the detergent pump 400 completes docking with the detergent container 200, the cylinder 631 of the detergent pump 400 can rise to draw detergent into the compression space 633. Then, as described above, the detergent flows into the detergent suction section 520 and flows out through the detergent discharge section 540, thereby moving into the mixing chamber 141 within the housing 140.

[0249] Although not shown, the detergent pump 400 can be disengaged from the detergent container 200. When the detergent pump 400 is disengaged, the seals on the multiple detergent container holes 220 sides are released as the hole sealing member 550 retracts rearward from the multiple detergent container holes 220. However, since the detergent cartridge valve 320 moves rearward via the valve spring member 330 to seal between the multiple detergent container holes 220 and the detergent container 200 in front of the multiple detergent container holes 220, detergent leakage is prevented.

[0250] When the detergent pump 400 is disengaged, detergent may remain inside the detergent suction section 520. In this case, the detergent pressure and air pressure on the detergent suction port 522 side remain the same, so the detergent will not leak to the outside of the detergent suction section 520.

[0251] Therefore, even if the detergent pump 400 is disconnected from the detergent container 200, detergent leakage is prevented.

[0252] Figure 20 This shows the cross-section. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the detergent supply device 100.

[0253] like Figure 20 As shown, if the detergent is contained within the detergent containing space 201, it can move rearward to the inside of the detergent pump 400. The detergent that has moved to the inside of the detergent pump 400 can then proceed through the detergent discharge section 540 to the mixing chamber 141 via the process described above. In the mixing chamber 141, washing water flows towards the discharge port 142, so the detergent that has moved to the mixing chamber 141 can mix with the washing water and move towards the discharge port 142. The moving detergent can then move through the discharge port 142 to the inside of the tub 20.

[0254] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing a detergent pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] like Figure 21 As shown, the detection component 530a can be configured as a single unit. In this case, the second detergent container hole (not shown) corresponding to the detection component 530a can also be formed as a single unit.

[0256] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: Box; A drum forms a washing chamber on the inner side of the housing; as well as A detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the washing chamber includes a detergent container and a detergent pump detachably coupled to the detergent container. The detergent container has an inner detergent receiving space to receive the supplied detergent, and the detergent pump is configured to pump the detergent received in the detergent receiving space. The detergent pump includes a detection component that detects the amount of detergent contained in the detergent containment space, the detection component extending forward to be inserted into the detergent containment space.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The detergent pump further includes a detergent suction section that extends forward and can be inserted into the inside of the detergent receiving space to draw detergent located in the detergent receiving space into the inside of the detergent pump.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The detergent container has multiple detergent container holes at the rear. The plurality of detergent container openings include: A first detergent container opening is formed corresponding to the detergent suction section, so that the detergent suction section passes through and is received within the detergent receiving space; and The second detergent container hole is formed separately from the first detergent container hole and corresponding to the detection component, so that the detection component can pass through and be housed in the detergent storage space.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, The detergent supply device also includes a detergent cartridge valve module capable of regulating the inflow of detergent from the detergent receiving space to the inside of the detergent pump. The detergent box valve module includes: A valve housing having a valve housing aperture, allowing the detergent contained in the detergent containing space to flow into the inside of the valve housing aperture; and The detergent dispenser valve is movable forward of the detergent receiving space and can simultaneously open and close the first detergent container hole and the second detergent container hole to regulate the outflow of the detergent contained in the detergent receiving space through the first detergent container hole and the second detergent container hole.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein, The detergent container has a valve sealing recess formed internally, which is recessed rearward at the location where the plurality of detergent container holes are formed, forming a rearward shape corresponding to the detergent box valve. The detergent cartridge valve module includes a valve sealing component that is coupled to the rear edge of the detergent cartridge valve and is configured to seal between the detergent cartridge valve and the valve sealing recess.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein, The detergent suction section is configured to pressurize the detergent cartridge valve forward to release the seal between the valve sealing component and the plurality of detergent container orifices and the detergent cartridge valve. The detergent intake section includes a detergent intake port formed on the side of the detergent intake section, which is configured to allow detergent contained in the detergent containment space to flow into the inner side of the detergent intake section.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, If the detergent dispenser valve is pressurized and moved, the detection component is located inside the detergent receiving space.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The detergent pump also includes: A first sealing member is disposed around the outside of the detergent suction section and is capable of sealing the first detergent container hole to prevent detergent leakage to the outside of the detergent suction section when the detergent pump is docked with the detergent container; and The second hole sealing component is disposed around the outside of the detection component to prevent detergent from leaking to the outside of the detection component, and is capable of sealing the second detergent container hole when the first detergent container hole is sealed by the first hole sealing component.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein, If the plurality of detergent container holes open in response to the detergent cartridge valve being pressurized by the detergent suction part, the first hole sealing member seals the first detergent container hole, and the second hole sealing member seals the second detergent container hole, thereby preventing detergent from leaking to the outside of the detergent container.

10. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The detection component is located above the detergent suction section. The detergent inlet is formed on the lower side of the detergent inlet to be separated from the detection component.

11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The end of the detection component is positioned forward to reduce residual detergent remaining in the detection component.

12. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The diameter of the detergent inlet is equal to or less than the distance between the detergent inlet and the lower end of the detergent container.

13. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, The detection component includes a pair of electrodes arranged opposite each other on the left and right sides.

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein, The detergent intake section is located between the pair of electrodes on the lower side of the pair of electrodes.

15. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, The detergent suction section contacts the lower side of the detergent cartridge valve and pressurizes the detergent cartridge valve. The detergent dispenser valve includes a guide protrusion that extends through the center of the valve housing. The valve housing includes forward-extending anti-rotation ribs on its lateral side to prevent the valve housing from rotating. The detergent container includes an anti-rotation flange formed adjacent to one side of the anti-rotation rib to prevent rotational movement of the anti-rotation rib.

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