Washing machine

Abstract

The washing machine may include: a housing; the control panel is arranged on the front surface of the shell, and the control panel comprises an opening and a fixing protrusion; a detergent supply device configured to be moved into or out of the washing machine through the opening; the body is used for containing detergent, and the handle is rotatably connected to the body and comprises a locking protrusion. The detergent supply device and the handle may be configured such that the detergent supply device has a locked state in which it is moved into the washing machine, the locking protrusion positioned closer to the body than the fixing protrusion, and the locking protrusion positioned closer to the body than the fixing protrusion. Forward movement of the detergent supply device due to vibration generated during operation of the washing machine is limited due to contact between the locking protrusion and the fixing protrusion. The handle may be rotated such that when the detergent supply device is in the locked state, the locking protrusion moves to release the detergent supply device from the locked state and thereby the detergent supply device reaches an open state in which the detergent supply device is in the locked state. The forward movement of the detergent supply device is not restricted by the contact between the locking protrusion and the fixing protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a washing machine including a detergent supply device having a cover with a rotating structure. Background Art

[0002] A washing machine is a household appliance for washing clothes, towels, bedding, etc. Types of washing machines include a drum type washing machine, which washes by repeatedly raising and lowering laundry while rotating a rotary drum, and an electric agitator type washing machine, which washes laundry using a water flow generated by a pulsator when the rotary drum rotates.

[0003] The washing machine is equipped with a detergent supply device that allows the detergent to be evenly mixed with the washing water and supplied to the rotating tub. The detergent supply device can be pulled out of the washing machine by the user and can be arranged on a control panel that constitutes part of the front appearance of the washing machine.

[0004] Typically, a handle is provided on the front of the detergent supply, and a user can grasp the handle to pull the detergent supply device out of the washing machine. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical Solution

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a washing machine having a structure in which a gripping portion of a detergent supply device is not exposed to the outside when the detergent supply device is inserted into the washing machine.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a housing. The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on the front surface of the housing, and may include an opening and a fixed protrusion. The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to push in and pull out the washing machine through the opening. The detergent supply device may include a body configured to accommodate detergent therein. The detergent supply device may include a handle rotatably connected to the body, and includes a locking protrusion. The detergent supply device and the handle may be configured such that the detergent supply device has a locked state, in which the detergent supply device is pushed into the washing machine, the locking protrusion may be disposed at a position closer to the body than the fixed protrusion is close to the body, and the forward movement of the detergent supply device through the opening due to vibration generated during the operation of the washing machine may be restricted by the contact of the locking protrusion with the fixed protrusion, and when the detergent supply device is in the locked state, the handle may be rotated to move the locking protrusion so as to release the detergent supply device from the locked state so that the detergent supply device is in an open state, in which the forward movement of the detergent supply device through the opening is not restricted by the contact between the locking protrusion and the fixed protrusion.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the handle may include a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a gripping portion on one side of the rear surface. Rotation of the handle may move the gripping portion between the following states: hidden in the control panel in a locked state and exposed outside the control panel in an open state.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the gripping portion may be recessed from one side to an opposite side.

[0010] According to an embodiment, when the detergent supply device is in a locked state, a front surface of the handle may be aligned with a front surface of the control panel.

[0011] According to an embodiment, when no external force is applied to the handle, the detergent supply device may be maintained in a locked state.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the handle may be rotatable so that in response to application of an external force to the handle, the locking protrusion may be moved and the detergent supply device may be changed from a locked state to an open state or from an open state to a locked state.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the washing machine may further include a detergent supply device guide extending from the opening periphery into the opening. The washing machine may include a pair of fixing protrusions that protrude laterally from the inner surface of the detergent supply device guide so that the pair of fixing protrusions face each other.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the fixing protrusion may include a first vertical surface and a first inclined surface, the first vertical surface facing the locking protrusion of the handle when the detergent supply device is in a locked state, and the first inclined surface is connected to the first vertical surface and has a slope rising toward the front side of the fixing protrusion.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the washing machine may further include a pair of locking protrusions. The pair of locking protrusions are configured to protrude from both sides of the handle in directions opposite to each other.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the locking protrusion may include a second vertical surface and a second inclined surface, the second vertical surface facing the fixing protrusion of the control panel when the detergent supply device is in a locked state, and the second inclined surface is connected to the second vertical surface and has a slope descending toward the rear side of the locking protrusion.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a hinge structure which rotatably connects the handle to the body.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a plurality of links connecting the body and the handle so that the handle is rotatable about two different axes provided in the body.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a sliding structure to guide the rotation of the handle through two pairs of holes provided in the body that provide different paths.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device may include an elastic member arranged to surround a rotation axis of the handle.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device may include an elastic member connecting the body with at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the handle.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a housing. The washing machine may include a control panel on the front surface of the housing and having an opening. The washing machine may include a detergent supply device, which is configured to push in and pull out of the washing machine through the opening. The detergent supply device may include a body to accommodate detergent therein. The detergent supply device may include a handle, the handle having a front surface that can be aligned with the front side of the housing, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a gripping portion located on one side of the rear surface, and when the front surface of the handle is aligned with the front side of the housing, the gripping portion is concealed from the outside of the control panel. The handle can be rotated to no longer be aligned with the front side of the housing, and when the handle is not aligned with the front side of the housing, the gripping portion is moved to no longer be concealed from the outside.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the handle may include a first end having a grip portion and a second end opposite the first end. The handle may be configured to rotate so that the second end is close to the body and the first end moves away from the body.

[0024] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a gripping portion for pulling the detergent supply device out of the washing machine may be provided on the inner side of the cover of the detergent supply device, so that the gripping portion is not exposed to the outside when the detergent supply device is inserted into the washing machine. Therefore, the detergent supply device may form an integral continuous surface with the control panel, creating a sense of unity in its aesthetic appearance.

[0025] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and other effects not mentioned in the following description will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In other words, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may also derive unexpected effects when practicing the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 is a side sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a detergent supply device inserted into a housing through an opening in a control panel according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device removed from an opening of a control panel according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the connection between the handle, the connecting part and the body of the detergent supply device according to the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a side view showing various states before and after the handle is rotated in response to application of an external force to the detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8a , Figure 8b and Figure 8c is a schematic diagram showing an elastic member provided in a detergent supply device according to various embodiments;

[0034] Figure 9aand Figure 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of pulling out a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Fig.10 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the detergent supply device taken along line BB' shown in FIG.

[0036] Fig.11a and Fig.11b is a schematic diagram illustrating an interference relationship between a fixing protrusion of a control panel and a locking protrusion of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0037] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram showing a pivoting structure of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0038] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing a pivoting structure of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a pivoting structure of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment; and

[0040] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pivoting operation of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Throughout the specification and drawings, the same or similar reference numbers may be used to refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in a manner that is easy for those of ordinary skill in the art to practice. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various other forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar elements. In addition, for clarity and brevity, well-known functions and configurations are not described in the accompanying drawings and related descriptions.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0044] In the example, the washing machine 1 may include a housing 10 containing various components. The housing 10 may have a substantially hexahedral shape. The housing 10 may be formed with an opening 11 on one side. At least two of the faces of the housing 10 may be integrally formed. Each of the faces of the housing 10 may be manufactured in a separate manner and assembled together. For example, the housing 10 may be manufactured by compression molding a metal sheet or by injection molding a resin material.

[0045] For example, a door 20 for opening and closing the opening 11 may be provided in a portion of the housing 10 corresponding to the opening 11. The door 20 may be pivotally coupled to a hinge fixed to a surface of the housing 10. The door 20 may be arranged to be at least partially transparent or translucent, for example, so that the interior thereof may be seen from the outside. The user may open and close the door 20 to throw washing into the drum 40 located inside the housing 10, or to pull washing out of the drum 40. For example, the door 20 may be locked by a locking mechanism (not shown) to prevent the door 20 from being accidentally opened when the washing machine 1 is in operation. For example, the door 20 may include a door frame 21 and a glass member 22. For example, the glass member 22 may be formed of a transparent tempered glass material to allow viewing of the interior of the housing 10, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0046] For example, the washing machine 1 may include a tub 30 fixedly disposed inside the housing 10. The tub 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. The front of the tub 30 may be provided with a tub opening 31 at a position corresponding to the opening in the housing 10. The tub 30 may contain wash water therein. The bottom of the tub 30 may be provided with a drain hole 32 for draining the wash water. The drain hole 32 may be connected to, for example, a drain unit 80.

[0047] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a shock absorber 12. The shock absorber 12 may be arranged to connect the housing 10 and the tub 30. One side of the shock absorber 12 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10, and the other side thereof may be fixed to the tub 30. The shock absorber 12 may be arranged to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub 30 and / or the housing 10 when the drum 40 rotates, thereby reducing vibration.

[0048] In the example, the washing machine 1 may include a drum 40 arranged inside the tub 30. The drum 40 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open. The front side of the drum 40 may be provided with an opening 11 of the housing 10 and a drum opening at a position corresponding to the tub opening 31 of the tub 30. The drum 40 may contain laundry therein. The drum 40 may receive rotational power from the drive unit 60 to rotate in the tub 30. As the drum 40 rotates in the tub 30, it may perform washing, rinsing and / or dehydration.

[0049] In the example, the drum 40 may include a lifting device 41 and / or a plurality of through holes 42. For example, when the drum 40 rotates, the lifting device 41 may lift the laundry, so that the laundry is repeatedly lifted and lowered, thereby ensuring that different sides and surfaces of the laundry are evenly cleaned. For example, the through hole 42 may be a channel formed for the washing water contained in the barrel 30 to flow into the inside of the drum 40, or a channel formed for the washing water in the drum 40 to be discharged to the outside. In the example, the lifting device 41 or the through hole 42 may be omitted.

[0050] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a control panel 50 disposed on an upper portion of a front panel thereof. Figure 1 As shown, the control panel 50 may be disposed on the front top of the housing 10. In an example, the control panel 50 may include a configuration that supports a user to interact with the washing machine 1. In an example, the control panel 50 may include an input unit 51 and a display unit 52. In an example, the control panel 50 may include an opening (such as a display unit 52) ​​for pushing in and / or pulling out the detergent supply device 100. Figure 3 In the example, the detergent supply device 100 may be disposed in the upper region of the housing 10 and may be pulled out toward the front side of the housing 10 through the opening 53 of the control panel 50 or may be pushed into the inner space of the housing 10.

[0051] although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The detergent supply device 100 is shown to be pushed in / pulled out through the opening 53 of the control panel 50, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the detergent supply device 100 may be configured to be pushed into or pulled out of the interior of the washing machine through an opening provided in one surface (e.g., the front) of the housing 10. In this case, a fixing protrusion (e.g., a fixing protrusion) described later may be provided inside the housing 10. Figure 4 For example, the locking protrusion may be provided on a guide member (such as Figure 4 53 in the figure), or can be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 10.

[0052] The input unit 51 may include, for example, any type of user input device for obtaining user input to control the washing machine 1. For example, the user can input the power on / off of the washing machine 1, the washing setting information (e.g., start / stop operation, process selection, time selection, etc.) and the like through the input unit 51. For example, the input unit 51 may include a touch switch, a button switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch or a touch switch, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit 51 may be in the form of a shuttle knob that can be grasped and rotated by the user. For example, the input unit 51 may include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input the setting information using a remote controller, and the setting information can be received as an infrared signal through the input unit 51. For example, the input unit 51 may include a microphone. The setting information performed by the user's voice can be obtained through the microphone.

[0053] The display unit 52 may be adapted to display various washing setting information input by the user and / or operating status information of the washing machine 1. The display unit 52 may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, Micro-LED or the like. For example, the display unit 52 may be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad on the front surface, and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of display panel. For example, the display unit 52 may include any form of audio output device, including a speaker, and the above information may be represented as an audible signal by the audio output device. For example, the display unit 52 may be operated to provide information to the user in a voice manner to guide the user input and / or information related to the currently ongoing operation.

[0054] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a drive unit 60 for rotating the drum 40. The drive unit 60 may include a motor 61 and a drive shaft 62 for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor 61 to the drum 40. The motor 61 may include a fixed stator 611 and a rotor 612, and the rotor 612 interacts electromagnetically with the stator 611 to rotate, thereby converting electrical energy into a mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated by the motor 61 may be transmitted to the drum 40 through the drive shaft 62. For example, by pressing the drive shaft 62 into the rotor 612 of the motor 61, the drive shaft 62 may be arranged to rotate with the rotor 612. For example, the drive shaft 62 may partially pass through the rear wall of the tub 30 to connect the drum 40 to the motor 61. The drive unit 60 may be adapted to rotate the drum 40 forward or backward so that the washing, rinsing and / or dehydration operations are properly performed.

[0055] In the example, the washing machine 1 may include a water supply device 70 for supplying washing water to the drum 40 and / or the tub 30. The water supply device 70 may include at least one water supply pipe 71 and at least one water supply valve 72. At least one water supply pipe 71 may be arranged to supply washing water to the inside of the tub 30 using an external water source. One of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be connected to a detergent supply device 100 disposed in the housing 10. Here, the inside of the detergent supply device 100 may be divided into a plurality of spaces, each of which may be arranged to receive detergent, rinse agent or the like. After passing through the detergent supply device 100, the washing water may be supplied to the tub 30 together with the detergent (or rinse agent) through the detergent supply pipe 101. Another of the at least one water supply pipe 71 may be directly connected to the tub 30. For example, the washing water supplied by the water supply line 71 directly connected to the tub 30 may be directly fed into the tub 30 without passing through an intermediate configuration such as the detergent supply device 100.

[0056] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a drain unit 80 for draining the wash water contained in the drum 40 and / or the tub 30. The drain unit 80 may include a drain valve 81, a first drain pipe 82, a second drain pipe 83, or a pump chamber 84. For example, the drain unit 80 may be provided below the tub 30 to drain the wash water drained from the tub 30 to the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0057] In an example, the drain valve 81 may be arranged to open and close the drain hole 32. When the drain valve 81 is opened, wash water contained in the tub 30 may flow into the drain unit 80 through the drain hole 32.

[0058] In the example, the first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 can form a flow path to guide the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For the convenience of description, on the basis of the pump chamber 84, its upstream is referred to as the first drain pipe 82, and its downstream is referred to as the second drain pipe 83. The first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 can be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe 82 can be connected to the drain hole 32, and the other end thereof is connected to the pump chamber 84. The washing water can travel along the first drain pipe 82 to enter the pump chamber 84. For example, one end of the second drain pipe 83 can be connected to the pump chamber 84, and the other end thereof is connected to the outside of the washing machine 1. Therefore, the washing water passing through the pump chamber 84 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 along the second drain pipe 83.

[0059] In an example, a pump chamber 84 may be provided below the tub 30 to store wash water discharged from the tub 30. In the pump chamber 84, for example, a drain pump 841 may be provided to drain the stored wash water to the outside. The wash water pumped out by the drain pump 841 may be guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the second drain pipe 83.

[0060] Figure 3is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which a detergent supply device according to an embodiment is inserted into a housing through an opening in a control panel. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a detergent supply device detached from an opening in a control panel according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the connection between the handle, the connection part and the body of the detergent supply device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in FIG.

[0061] refer to Figures 3 to 6 In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may be configured to be pushed into the interior of the washing machine 1 or pulled out to the outside thereof through an opening 53 provided in the control panel 50 .

[0062] According to an embodiment, the front surface of the control panel 50 may be provided with an opening 53 that is open to the front side (e.g., in the +X axis direction). In the example, when viewed from the front side of the control panel 50, the opening 53 may have a substantially rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the opening 53 may be provided on the left side in front of the control panel 50 (e.g., in the -Y axis direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the opening 53 may allow the inside of the washing machine 1 to communicate with the outside.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the control panel 50 may include a guide member 54 extending backward (e.g., in the -X axis direction) from the periphery of the opening 53. In an embodiment, the detergent supply device guide member 54 may include a bottom portion 541 extending backward from the bottom end of the opening 53 and a pair of side portions 542 extending backward from both side ends of the opening 53. In an embodiment, the top surface of the side portion 542 may be formed to have an inclined surface inclined downward from the vertex of the top of the opening 53. When the detergent supply device 100 is pushed into and pulled out of the washing machine 1 through the opening 53 of the control panel 50, the guide member 54 may guide or support the movement of the detergent supply device 100.

[0064] According to an embodiment, a fixing protrusion 55 may be provided on each inner surface of a pair of side portions 542 of the detergent supply device guide 54. In an embodiment, a pair of fixing protrusions 55 may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of each of the pair of side portions 542. Figure 4 and Figure 6 It can be seen that a pair of fixing protrusions 55 can protrude laterally from each inner surface of a pair of side portions 542 of the detergent supply device guide 54 so that the pair of fixing protrusions 55 face each other. The structure, shape and function of the pair of fixing protrusions 55 will be described in more detail below.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a body 110 configured to receive detergent and a handle 120 rotatably coupled to the body 110. In an embodiment, the handle 120 may be rotatably coupled to the body 110 in a hinged configuration.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the body 110 of the detergent supply device 100 may form a detergent receiving space 111 for accommodating detergent. In an embodiment, the body 110 has an open top surface, and the detergent can be introduced into the detergent receiving space 111 through the open top surface. In an embodiment, the detergent receiving space 111 may be provided with a single detergent receiving space, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the detergent receiving space 111 may be divided into a plurality of detergent receiving spaces, wherein the plurality of detergent receiving spaces may be configured to accommodate detergent or rinse agent (or fabric softener) therein.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the body 110 may include a connection portion 112 that supports rotation of the handle 120. In an embodiment, the connection portion 112 may extend from the front surface of the body 110. In an embodiment, the connection portion 112 may be formed integrally with the body 110. In an embodiment, the connection portion 112 may have a top surface that is inclined downward as it moves away from the front surface of the body 110.

[0068] According to an embodiment, each of the two sides of the connection portion 112 may be provided with a matching groove 113, into which a matching protrusion 124 of the handle 120 described later may be fitted. In an embodiment, the matching groove 113 may be formed to protrude from each of the two sides of the connection portion 112 in a horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). In an embodiment, the matching groove 113 may be provided at the front side edge of the connection portion 112. In an embodiment, the matching groove 113 may be formed integrally with the connection portion 112, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the matching groove 113 may be provided to have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape in its interior.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the handle 120 may include a cover 121 , a rotating portion 122 , a gripping portion 123 , a pair of fitting protrusions 124 , and a pair of locking protrusions 125 .

[0070] According to an embodiment, the cover 121 may have a shape corresponding to the opening 53 of the control panel 50. For example, the cover 121 may have a generally flat (e.g., rectangular) shape. For example, when the detergent supply device 100 is in a state where it has been pushed into the interior of the housing 10 through the opening 53 of the control panel 50, the cover 121 may be configured to form a single continuous surface with the control panel 50.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the back side (e.g., the side facing the -X axis) of the cover 121 may be provided with a rotating portion 122 extending along the rear edge of the cover 121. In an embodiment, the rotating portion 122 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the -X axis direction) from the back side of the cover 121. In an embodiment, the rotating portion 122 may form a space 122a in which at least a portion of the connection portion 112 of the body 110 is accommodated.

[0072] According to an embodiment, a gripping portion 123 may be provided at a lower portion of the rotating portion 122. In an embodiment, the gripping portion 123 may refer to an upwardly bent portion formed as a lower portion of the rotating portion 122. In an embodiment, the gripping portion 123 may be provided to be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom end of the cover 121. In an embodiment, the gripping portion 123 may define a gripping space 123a exposed to the outside of the washing machine 1 when the handle 120 is pivoted together with the cover 121 to accommodate the user's fingers.

[0073] In this case, when a user views the control panel 50 from the outside, the gripping portion 123 is not exposed to the outside, so that the control panel 50 and the detergent supply device 100 may extend on a single continuous surface to form a front appearance of the washing machine 1 .

[0074] According to an embodiment, a pair of mating protrusions 124 may be provided on each of the two inner surfaces of the rotating portion 122. In an embodiment, the mating protrusions 124 may be formed to protrude from the two inner surfaces of the rotating portion 122. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the mating protrusion 124 can be assembled in each of the corresponding mating grooves 113 provided in the connecting portion 112. In an embodiment, when the mating protrusion 124 is inserted into the hollow portion 113a of each corresponding mating groove 113, the handle 120 can rotate relative to the body 110 around the mating groove 113 and / or the mating protrusion 124.

[0075] As described above, the mating protrusion 124 may be provided on the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100, and the mating groove 113 may be provided on the body 110. Alternatively, in some detergent supply devices, contrary to the above configuration, the mating protrusion may be configured to be provided on the body of the detergent supply device, and the mating groove may be provided on the handle thereof.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include an elastic member 130 for providing elastic force to the handle 120 so that the handle 120 can return to its original position when rotated by an external force. In an embodiment, the elastic member 130 may include a torsion spring (e.g., Figure 8aIn an embodiment, the elastic member 130 may be configured to cover the matching groove 113 of the body 110.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a pair of locking protrusions 125 may be provided on each of the two outer side surfaces of the rotating part 122. In an embodiment, the locking protrusions 125 may be formed to protrude from the two outer side surfaces of the rotating part 122. As will be described later, the locking protrusions 125 formed on the outer surface of the rotating part 122 may interfere with the fixing protrusions 55 of the guide member 54 described above, thereby preventing the detergent supply device 100 from being accidentally pulled out or opened through the opening 53 during the operation of the washing machine 1.

[0078] 7 is a side view of various states of a handle before and after the handle is rotated according to application of an external force to a detergent supply device according to an embodiment. Figure 7a is a diagram illustrating a state in which no external force is applied to the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100 and the handle 120 is not rotated according to an embodiment. Figure 7b 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an external force is applied to the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100 and the handle 120 is rotated according to an embodiment.

[0079] refer to Figure 7a , the cover 121 of the handle 120 can be arranged to form substantially the same plane as the control panel 50, and the rotating part 122 can be arranged in a vertical direction. Coupling protrusions 124 can be provided on both inner sides of the rotating part 122. The rotating axis can be defined by a pair of cooperating protrusions 124 (and the cooperating grooves 113 connected thereto).

[0080] In an embodiment, the user may rotate the handle 120 by pushing a portion of the cover 121, for example, any region corresponding to the upper portion relative to the rotation axis defined by the pair of mating protrusions 124. In an embodiment, the upper region of the cover 121 corresponding to the upper portion above the pair of mating protrusions 124 and the rotation axis defined thereby may be referred to as a region to which the user applies a pushing force to rotate the handle 120. For example, when the handle 120 is rotated, the upper region may be tilted toward the inner side of the housing 120.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the height A of such an upper region of the cover 121 (i.e., the upper region above the mating protrusion 124) may be designed to take into account the extent to which the user can press the handle 120 with his / her thumb when rotating the handle 120. For example, the height A of the upper portion of the cover 121 may be configured to be approximately 70 mm.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the lower portion of the cover 121, that is, the lower area below the mating protrusion 124, may be an area where a user applies a pulling force when rotating the handle 120. In an example, when the handle 120 is rotated, the lower area may be configured to be inclined toward the outside of the housing 120. In an embodiment, although not specifically shown herein, the height B of the lower area of ​​the cover 121 may be substantially the same as the height of the grip portion (e.g., Figure 4 Corresponding to the height of the gripping portion 123).

[0083] According to an embodiment, the height B of the lower area of ​​the cover 121 may be designed to take into account the extent to which the user can pull the grip portion 123 with his / her fingers other than the thumb when rotating the handle 120. In an embodiment, the height B of the lower area of ​​the cover 121 may be designed to be lower than the height A of the upper area of ​​the cover 121. For example, the height B of the lower area of ​​the cover 121 may be configured to be approximately 20 mm.

[0084] refer to Figure 7b In an embodiment, the separation distance C between the cover 121 and the mating protrusion 124 may be configured to take into account the interference between the cover 121 and the inner surface of the control panel 50. For example, when the handle 120 is rotated by applying an external force to the cover 121 by a user, the periphery of the cover 121 may interfere with the periphery of the inner surface of the control panel 50. In particular, the position of the mating protrusion 124 provided on the rotation axis so that the handle 120 (i.e., the rotating portion 122) rotates is farther from the cover 121, and the possibility of interference between the cover 121 and the control panel 50 may be greater. For example, in the case where the separation distance C between the cover 121 and the mating protrusion 124 is relatively large, the top end of the cover 121 may contact the inner surface of the control panel 50 during the rotation of the handle 120, thereby interfering with the rotation of the handle 120 or the movement of the detergent supply device 100. Therefore, the mating protrusion 124 may be provided close to the cover 121 to reduce such interference. For example, the separation distance C between the cover 121 and the mating protrusion 124 may be configured to have a minimum value, so that the separation distance C between the cover 121 and the mating protrusion 124 may be designed to be, for example, about 8 mm.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the rotation angle D of the handle 120 may be configured to consider the size of the gripping space 123a of the gripping portion 123 exposed to the outside when the handle 120 is rotated. For example, the rotation angle D of the handle 120 may be designed to be about 35 degrees.

[0086] According to an embodiment, when the handle 120 is rotated, the vertical distance E from the bottom end of the cover 121 to the opening 53 can be configured to allow the user's finger to pass therethrough. For example, the vertical distance E can be designed to be about 20 mm.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an elastic member disposed in a detergent supply device according to various embodiments.

[0088] Figure 8a 1 is a diagram showing that the rotated detergent handle 120 is returned to its original position by the torsion spring 131 . Figure 8b is a diagram showing that the rotating detergent handle 120 is returned to its original position by the tension spring 132. And Figure 8c 1 is a diagram showing that the rotated detergent handle 120 is returned to its original position by compressing the spring 133 .

[0089] like Figure 8a As shown, in an embodiment, the elastic member 130 may include a torsion spring 131 .

[0090] According to an embodiment, the torsion spring 131 may be provided to surround the mating groove 113 of the body 110. In an embodiment, the torsion spring 131 may be arranged to apply a rotational force in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the handle 120 (e.g., counterclockwise) when the handle 120 is rotated. In this case, when the external force applied to the handle 120 is removed, the handle 120 rotated by the external force returns to its original position by the rotational force (or restoring force) of the torsion spring 131.

[0091] like Figure 8b As shown, in an embodiment, the elastic member 130 may include a tension spring 132 .

[0092] According to an embodiment, a tension spring 132 may connect the handle 120 and the body 110. In an embodiment, the tension spring 132 may be located below the mating protrusion 124 of the handle 120. In an embodiment, the tension spring 132 may be connected to each of the bottom of the rotating portion 122 of the handle 120 and the bottom of the connecting portion 112 of the body 110. In this case, the handle 120 rotates to tension the tension spring 132, and an elastic force is applied to the handle 120 in a direction opposite to the tensioning direction of the tension spring 132. Then, when the external force applied to the handle 120 is removed, the elastic force (or restoring force) of the tension spring 132 returns the handle 120 to its original position.

[0093] In an embodiment, Figure 8c As shown, the elastic member 130 may include a compression spring 133 .

[0094] According to an embodiment, a compression spring 133 may connect the handle 120 and the body 110. In an embodiment, the compression spring 133 may be located above the mating protrusion 124 of the handle 120. In an embodiment, the compression spring 133 may be connected to each of the top of the rotating portion 122 of the handle 120 and the top of the connecting portion 112 of the body 110. In this case, the rotation of the handle 120 compresses the compression spring 133, and an elastic force is applied to the handle 120 in a direction opposite to the compression of the compression spring 133. Thereafter, when the external force applied to the handle 120 is removed, the elastic force (or restoring force) of the compression spring 133 returns the handle 120 to its original position.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a process of pulling out a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0096] Figure 9a is a schematic side view of the detergent supply device 100 to which no external force is applied.

[0097] Figure 9b is a schematic side view of the detergent supply device 100 showing that the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100 rotates when receiving an external force.

[0098] 9 , the user may use his / her thumb to press the upper portion of the cover 121 of the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100 to rotate the handle 120 clockwise. When the handle 120 is rotated clockwise by the user's pressing action, the gripping portion 123 of the handle 120 hidden inside the control panel 50 may be exposed to the outside, and the user may insert fingers other than the thumb into the gripping space 123a of the exposed gripping portion 123 to grip the handle 120, and then pull the handle 120 outward (e.g., forward) to pull the detergent supply device 100 out of the washing machine 1.

[0099] Fig.10 is along Figure 6 0 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent supply device 100 taken along line BB′ shown in FIG.

[0100] refer to Fig.10 In an embodiment, the locking protrusions 125 may be provided on both outer surfaces of the rotating portion 122 of the handle 120 .

[0101] According to an embodiment, the locking protrusion 125 may be arranged in a direction opposite to the fixing protrusion 55 formed on each inner surface of the detergent supply device guide 54 of the control panel 50. In an embodiment, the locking protrusion 125 may be arranged adjacent to the corresponding fixing protrusion 55 behind each corresponding fixing protrusion 55 (e.g., at a position inside the housing 10). In an embodiment, the locking protrusion 125 may have a front surface 1251 facing the fixing protrusion 55. In an embodiment, the front surface 1251 of the locking protrusion 125 may be a vertical surface, or may be formed to be inclined forward at a predetermined angle (e.g., an acute angle). In an embodiment, the locking protrusion 125 may have an inclined surface 1252, which is connected to the top of the front surface 1251 of the locking protrusion 125 and has a slope from the top of the front surface 1251 backward downward.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the fixing protrusion 55 may have a rear surface 551 facing the front surface 1251 of the locking protrusion 125. In an embodiment, the rear surface 551 of the fixing protrusion 55 may be arranged to be parallel to the front surface 1251 of the locking protrusion 125. The rear surface 551 of the fixing protrusion 55 may be, for example, a vertical surface, or may be tilted forward to form a predetermined angle (e.g., an acute angle). In an embodiment, the fixing protrusion 55 may have an inclined surface 552 connected to the lower end of the rear surface 551 of the fixing protrusion 55 and having a slope extending upward from the lower end of the rear surface 551 to the front side.

[0103] 11 is a schematic diagram of an interference relationship between a fixing protrusion of a control panel and a locking protrusion of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0104] Fig.11a is a diagram showing a locked state of the detergent supply device, and Fig.11b is a diagram showing an open state of the detergent supply device.

[0105] When the washing machine 1 is operated without the user applying any external force to the detergent supply device 100, the detergent supply device 100 may move in the front-rear direction due to vibration or the like that may be generated during the operation of the washing machine 1. When the detergent supply device 100 moves forward due to vibration or the like, the locking protrusion 125 disposed on the handle 120 may contact the fixing protrusion 55 of the control panel 50 and restrict the forward movement of the detergent supply device 100, thereby preventing the detergent supply device 100 from being pulled out to the outside unless the user alone applies any external force to the detergent supply device 100.

[0106] As described above, when the user does not apply any separate external force to the handle 120 of the detergent supply device 100, the state in which the detergent supply device 100 is pulled outward is restricted due to the interference between the locking protrusion 125 and the fixing protrusion 55 can be referred to as the locked state of the detergent supply device 100. Figure 4 , Fig.11a and Fig.11b It can be seen that in the locked state, the locking protrusion 125 is disposed at a position closer to the body 110 than the fixing protrusion 55 .

[0107] like Fig.11b As shown, when the user applies external force to the detergent supply device 100 to pull out the detergent supply device 100, the handle 120 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis defined by the mating protrusion 124, and at the same time, the locking protrusion 125 arranged on the rotating portion 122 also rotates along the inclined surface of the fixing protrusion 55 arranged on the control panel 50. In this way, the state of rotating the handle (120) by releasing the locked state of the detergent supply device 100 can be called an open state.

[0108] In the example, when the user removes the external force applied to the handle 120 while rotating the handle 120, the elastic force of the elastic member (e.g., 131, 132 or 133 in FIG. 8) provided on the detergent supply device 100 (although not specifically shown) causes the handle 120 to rotate counterclockwise, and at the same time, the locking protrusion 125 provided on the rotating portion 122 also rotates along the inclined surface of the fixing protrusion 55 provided on the control panel 50.

[0109] Therefore, due to the interference of the locking protrusion 125 and the fixing protrusion 55, the detergent supply device 100 may change its state between the above-mentioned locked state and the open state.

[0110] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the pivot structure of the handle of the detergent supply device according to an embodiment. Specifically, Fig.12 is a schematic diagram showing a detergent supply device having a link type pivot structure.

[0111] In describing this embodiment, the detergent supply device 200 is described as follows. Figure 3 to Figure 1 1 has substantially the same or similar configuration in structure, shape and function, and its description may be substantially the same as the description of the configuration of the detergent supply device 100. For the sake of brevity, its detailed description will be omitted below.

[0112] refer to Fig.12In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 200 may include a body 210 and a handle 220 rotatably coupled to the body 210. In an embodiment, the handle 220 may be rotatably coupled to the body 210 in a link structure.

[0113] According to an embodiment, detergent supply device 200 may include a link structure 240. In an embodiment, link structure 240 may include a first link structure 241 connecting handle 220 to body 210 and a second link structure 242 connecting handle 220 to body 210 above first link structure 241.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the first link structure 241 may include a 1-1 link shaft 2411 fixedly provided at one side of the body 210, a 1-2 link shaft 2412 fixedly provided at one side of the rotating portion 222 of the handle 220, and a first link bar 2413 connecting the 1-1 link shaft 2411 and the 1-2 link shaft 2412. At this time, the handle 220 may be arranged to rotate a predetermined section about the 1-1 link shaft 2411 of the first link structure 241 relative to the body 210.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the second link structure 242 may include a 2-1st link shaft 2421 fixedly provided at one side of the body 210, a 2-2nd link shaft 2422 fixedly provided at one side of the rotating portion 222 of the handle 220, and a second link 2423 connecting the 2-1st link shaft 2421 and the 2-2nd link shaft 2422. In this case, the handle 220 may be arranged to rotate about the 2-1st link shaft 2421 of the second link structure 242 by a predetermined section relative to the body 210.

[0116] When the user applies an external force to the handle 120, the rotation of the handle 120 may be supported by the link structure 240. When the user applies an external force to the handle 220, the first link 2413 of the first link structure 241 may rotate relative to the body 210 around the 1-1 link axis 2411, so that the 1-2 link axis 2412 moves from the 1-1 position P1 to the 1-2 position P1'. At the same time, the second link 2423 of the second link structure 242 is caused to rotate relative to the body 210 around the 2-1 link axis 2421, and the 2-2 link axis 2422 is caused to move from the 2-1 position P2 to the 2-2 position P2'. Therefore, the handle 220 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle relative to the body 210 through the link structure 240.

[0117] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pivot structure of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment. Fig.14is a schematic diagram illustrating a pivot structure of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0118] In describing this embodiment, for the substantially same Figure 3 to Figure 1 The configuration of the detergent supply device 300 having the same or similar structure, shape, and function as the detergent supply device 100 described in 1 may be described in substantially the same manner as the configuration of the detergent supply device 100, and for the sake of brevity of description, its detailed description will be omitted below.

[0119] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, in an embodiment, the detergent supply device 300a or 300b may include a body 310 and a handle 320 rotatably coupled to the body 310. In an embodiment, the handle 320 may be rotatably coupled to the body 310 in a slidable structure.

[0120] refer to Fig.13 In an embodiment, a first sliding hole 314a and a second sliding hole 315a may be provided on each of both sides of the body 310 of the detergent supply device 300a.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the first sliding hole 314a may be formed as an opening at one side of the body 310 and extend in a horizontal direction. In an embodiment, the first sliding hole 314a may provide a path for a first sliding pin 351a described later to travel when the handle 320 is rotated.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the second sliding hole 315a may be formed as an opening at one side of the body 310 and extend obliquely. In an embodiment, the second sliding hole 315a may extend obliquely upward from the lower side of the body 310 toward the upper front side.

[0123] According to an embodiment, a first sliding pin 351 a and a second sliding pin 352 a may be provided on each of the inner surfaces of the rotating portion 322 a of the handle 320 .

[0124] According to an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351a may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotating portion 322a of the handle 320 toward the first sliding hole 314a. In an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351a may be formed integrally with the rotating portion 322a of the handle 320, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351a may be at least partially inserted through the first sliding hole 314a, and may move along the first sliding hole 314a when the handle 320 rotates.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352a may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotating portion 322a of the handle 320 to the second sliding hole 315a. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352a may be formed integrally with the rotating portion 322a of the handle 320, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352a may be located at a lower position than the first sliding pin 351a on one side of the rotating portion 322a. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352a may be located at a position more forward than the first sliding pin 351a on the side of the rotating portion 322a. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352a may be at least partially inserted through the second sliding hole 315a, and may move along the second sliding hole 315a when the handle 320 rotates.

[0126] In this case, when the user applies external force to the handle 320, the movement of the sliding pins 351a and 352a corresponding to the sliding holes 314a and 315a can be guided by the sliding holes 314a and 315a. Specifically, when the user presses the top of the handle 320, the first sliding pin 314a moves from the 3-1 position P3 to another 3-2 position P3' along the path formed by the first sliding hole 351a. At the same time, the second sliding pin 315a also moves from the 4-1 position (P4) to another 4-2 position P4' along the path formed by the second sliding hole 352a, thereby rotating the handle 320 clockwise by a predetermined angle.

[0127] refer to Fig.14 In an embodiment, a first sliding hole 314b and a second sliding hole 315b may be provided on each of both sides of the body 310 of the detergent supply device 300b. Fig.13 Compared with the sliding holes 314a, 314b shown in Fig.14 The sliding holes 314b and 315b shown in FIG. 3 can be arranged to provide different travel paths.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the first sliding hole 314b may be formed as an opening at one side of the body 310. In an embodiment, the first sliding hole 314b may be divided into a first portion formed in a horizontal direction and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in a direction different from the first portion. Here, the second portion may be formed to extend downward and rearward in an inclined direction.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the second sliding hole 315b may be formed as an opening at one side of the body 310 and extend in an inclined direction. In an embodiment, the second sliding hole 315b may extend obliquely from the lower side of the body 310 to the rear upper side.

[0130] According to an embodiment, a first sliding pin 351 b and a second sliding pin 352 b may be provided on each of the inner surfaces of the rotating portion 322 b of the handle 320 .

[0131] According to an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351b may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotatable portion 322b of the handle 320 toward the first sliding hole 314b. In an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351b may be formed integrally with the rotating portion 322b of the handle 320, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first sliding pin 351b is at least partially inserted through the first sliding hole 314b and may move along the first sliding hole 314b when the handle 320 rotates.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352b may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotating portion 322b of the handle 320 toward the second sliding hole 315b. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352b may be formed integrally with the rotating portion 322b of the handle 320, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, on one side of the rotatable portion 322b, the second sliding pin 352b may be located below the first sliding pin 351b. In an embodiment, on the side surface of the rotating portion 322b, the second sliding pin 352b may be located further back than the first sliding pin 351b. In an embodiment, the second sliding pin 352b may be at least partially inserted through the second sliding hole 315b, and may move along the second sliding hole 315b when the handle 320 rotates.

[0133] In this case, when the user applies an external force to the handle 320, the movement of the sliding pins 351b and 352b corresponding to the sliding holes 314b and 315b can be guided by the sliding holes 314b and 315b. Specifically, when the user presses the uppermost portion of the handle 320, the first sliding pin 314b moves from the 5-1 position P5 to another 5-2 position P5' along the path formed by the first sliding hole 351b. At the same time, the second sliding pin 315b also moves from the 6-1 position P6 to another 6-2 position P6' along the path formed by the second sliding hole 352b, thereby rotating the handle 320 clockwise by a predetermined angle.

[0134] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pivoting operation of a handle of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0135] refer to Fig.15 In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 400 may include a body 410 and a handle 420 rotatably coupled to the body 410. The body 410 and the handle 420 may be arranged to have a similar configuration as shown in FIG. Figure 3 to Figure 11, wherein the gripping portion 123 is caused to rotate clockwise to be exposed to the outside from the bottom of the washing machine 1. However, unlike the above-mentioned Figure 3 to Figure 1 1, the hinge structure of the handle 420 may be inverted so that when an external force is applied to the handle 420, the handle 420 rotates counterclockwise, thereby exposing the gripping portion 423 to the outside of the washing machine 1 from the top side.

[0136] Similar to the above, Fig.12 The connecting rod structure of the handle 220 shown in FIG. Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 The sliding structure of the handle 320 shown may also be arranged to have an inverted (upside down) structure.

[0137] The terms used herein are only used to describe some embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. As used herein, each phrase in phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include all possible combinations of items listed together with the corresponding phrases in the multiple phrases. As used herein, the term "and / or" should be understood to include all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used herein, the words "including", "having" and "including" are only used to represent the existence of features, components, parts or combinations thereof described herein, but the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts or combinations thereof. As used herein, words such as "first" and "second" can modify various components without considering their importance and / or order, and these words are used to distinguish one component from another component without limiting these components.

[0138] As used herein, the term "configured to" may be used interchangeably with the terms "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "adapted to," "manufactured to," or "capable of," as appropriate. The term "configured to" does not inherently mean "designed specifically in hardware to." On the contrary, the term "configured to" may mean that a device can perform an operation together with other devices or components. For example, "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may be a dedicated device that performs the corresponding operation, or may refer to a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operation.

[0139] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by the terms.

[0140] In the present disclosure, the above description is mainly made with respect to specific embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but should be understood as covering all of the various modifications, equivalents and / or substitutes of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. Washing machine, including: Housing (10); A control panel (50) disposed on the front surface of the housing (10) and comprising an opening (53) and a fixing protrusion (55); as well as A detergent supply device (100) is configured to be pushed into and pulled out of the washing machine through an opening (53) of the control panel (50), the detergent supply (100) comprising: a body (110) for containing detergent therein, and A handle (120) rotatably connected to the body (110) and comprising a locking protrusion (125), wherein the detergent supply device (100) and the handle (120) are configured such that: The detergent supply device (100) has a locked state, in which the detergent supply device (100) is pushed into the washing machine, the locking protrusion (125) is arranged at a position closer to the body (110) than the fixing protrusion (55) is to the body (110), and the forward movement of the detergent supply device (100) through the opening (53) due to vibration generated during the operation of the washing machine is restricted by the contact between the locking protrusion (125) and the fixing protrusion (55), and When the detergent supply device (100) is in the locked state, the handle (120) can be rotated to move the locking protrusion (125) so that the detergent supply device (100) is released from the locked state, so that the detergent supply device (100) is in an open state, in which the forward movement of the detergent supply device (100) through the opening (53) is not restricted by the contact between the locking protrusion (125) and the fixing protrusion (55).

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The handle (120) comprises a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a gripping portion (123) located on one side of the rear surface. wherein the gripping portion (123) is recessed from the one side toward the opposite side, and The rotation of the handle (120) causes the gripping portion (123) to be hidden inside the control panel (50) in the locked state, and to be exposed to the outside of the control panel (50) in the opened state.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: When the detergent supply device (100) is in the locked state, the front surface of the handle (120) is aligned with the front surface of the control panel (50).

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: When no external force acts on the handle (120), the locking protrusion (125) remains in the locked state.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The handle (120) is rotatable so that in response to an external force being applied to the handle (120), the locking protrusion (125) moves and changes the detergent supply device (100) from the locked state to the open state, or from the open state to the locked state.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a detergent supply device guide (54) extending from the periphery of the opening (53) into the opening (53); as well as A pair of fixing protrusions (55) protrude laterally from the inner surface of the detergent supply device guide (54) such that the pair of fixing protrusions (55) face each other.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing protrusion (55) includes a first vertical surface (551) and a first inclined surface (552), wherein the first vertical surface (551) faces the locking protrusion (125) of the handle (120) when the detergent supply device (100) is in the locking state, and the first inclined surface (552) is connected to the first vertical surface (551) and has a slope rising toward the front side of the fixing protrusion (55).

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A pair of locking protrusions (125), wherein the pair of locking protrusions (125) are configured to protrude from both sides of the handle (120) in directions opposite to each other.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The locking protrusion (125) includes a second vertical surface (1251) and a second inclined surface (1252), wherein the second vertical surface (1251) faces the fixing protrusion (55) of the control panel (50) when the detergent supply device (100) is in the locking state, and the second inclined surface (1252) is connected to the second vertical surface (1251) and has a slope that descends toward the rear side of the locking protrusion (125).

10. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The detergent supply device (100) has a hinge structure (113, 125) capable of rotatably connecting the handle (120) to the body (110).

11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The detergent supply device (200) has a plurality of connecting rods (240) which connect the body (210) and the handle (220) so that the handle (220) can rotate around two different axes provided in the body (210).

12. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The detergent supply device (300) has a sliding structure (351, 352) to guide the rotation of the handle (320) through two pairs of holes (314, 315) provided in the body (310) and providing different paths.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The detergent supply device (100) includes an elastic member (131) arranged around a rotation axis of the handle (120).

14. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The detergent supply device (100) includes an elastic member (132, 133) connecting the body (110) and at least one of an upper portion of the handle (120) and a lower portion of the handle (120).

15. Washing machine, including: Housing (10); A control panel (50) disposed on the front surface of the housing (10) and having an opening (53); as well as a detergent supply device (100) configured to be pushed into and pulled out of the washing machine through an opening (53) of the control panel (50), The detergent supply device (100) comprises: a body (110) for containing detergent therein, and a handle (120) having a front surface capable of being aligned with the front side of the housing (10), a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a gripping portion (123) located on one side of the rear surface, wherein when the front surface of the handle (120) is aligned with the front side of the housing (10), the gripping portion (123) is hidden from the outside of the control panel (50), The handle (120) is rotatable so as to no longer be aligned with the front side of the housing (10), and when the handle (120) is not aligned with the front side of the housing (10), the gripping portion (120) is moved to no longer be hidden from the outside.

Images