Detergent supply device and washing machine including same

Abstract

A detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a detergent container including an opening at a rear portion thereof; a discharge pump including an inflow portion penetrating the opening when the detergent container is inserted, and discharging the detergent from the detergent container; and a valve assembly mounted in the detergent container to close the opening when the detergent container is drawn out. The valve assembly may include: a plunger pressed by an inflow portion penetrating an opening; an elastic body compressed by the plunger to generate an elastic force; and a link guide portion provided to counteract the elastic force of the elastic body transmitted through the plunger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a detergent supply device and a washing machine having the detergent supply device. Background Art

[0002] A washing machine is a household appliance that washes clothes, towels, bedding, etc. There are two types of washing machines: a drum washing machine that washes clothes by repeatedly raising and lowering the clothes by rotating a drum, and a pulsator washing machine that washes clothes by a water flow generated by a pulsator while the drum rotates.

[0003] The washing machine is equipped with a detergent container configured to store detergent to be supplied into the interior of the tub. The detergent container is installed such that the user can open and close the detergent container by pushing it into the housing of the washing machine or pulling it out of the housing of the washing machine. Recently, more and more washing machines employ an automatic detergent supply device including a detergent container and a discharge pump. A washing machine with an automatic detergent supply device can store dozens of doses of liquid detergent or fabric softener in the detergent container and automatically discharge a required amount of detergent or fabric softener from the detergent container into the tub during each washing cycle. Generally, in a washing machine with an automatic detergent supply device, when the detergent container is docked to the discharge pump, the discharge pump pressurizes an elastic valve provided in the detergent container, and the detergent container may be pushed out of the housing by the elastic force (or repulsive force) generated by the pressurization of the discharge pump. When a separate lever or hook structure is added in the space outside the detergent container to prevent the detergent container from being pushed out of the housing, the connection structure between the housing and the detergent container is complicated, and the volume and weight of the automatic detergent supply device increase. Summary of the Invention

[0004]

Technical Solution

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a simple structure that cancels the elastic force (or repulsive force) generated by the valve without a complicated fixing structure (e.g., a lever or a hook) outside the detergent container.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a detergent supply device installed in a washing machine to supply detergent may include: a detergent container configured to accommodate detergent and including an opening at a rear portion of the detergent container; a discharge pump including an inflow portion that passes through the opening in a state where the detergent container is inserted and configured to discharge detergent from the detergent container; and a valve assembly installed in the detergent container to close the opening in a state where the detergent container is withdrawn. The valve assembly may include: a plunger configured to be pressed by the inflow portion passing through the opening in a state where the detergent container can be inserted; an elastic body configured to be compressed by the plunger to generate an elastic force; and a link guide unit configured to counteract the elastic force of the elastic body transmitted through the plunger.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include a head portion pressed by the inflow portion and a connecting rod connected to the head portion. The elastic body may be configured to: if the plunger is pressed, provide an elastic force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. The valve assembly may further include a link rotatably coupled to a free end of the connecting rod and having a guide protrusion formed to protrude to one side. The link guide unit may include a locking portion into which the guide protrusion of the link is inserted to guide the movement of the guide protrusion as the plunger moves and to fix the movement of the guide protrusion in a state where the detergent container is pulled in.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the locking portion may be positioned on a virtual straight line extending in a length direction of the connecting rod.

[0009] According to an embodiment, as the guide protrusion is locked to the locking portion, the detergent container may be pressed in a pulling-in direction.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the valve assembly may include a plunger housing having a receiving space in which the head portion of the plunger is movably received and installed in the detergent container.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the elastic body may have one side supported on one surface of the head portion and the other side configured to be supported by a part of the plunger housing.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the connecting rod may pass through the plunger housing such that the free end may be positioned outside the plunger housing.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the link guide unit may include a first guide recess and a locking recess, the first guide recess being configured to guide the movement of the guide protrusion of the link when the detergent container is inserted to pressurize the inflow portion by the plunger, and the locking recess being configured to allow the guide protrusion to be locked to the locking portion in a state where the pulling-in of the detergent container is completed.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the link guide unit may further include a second guide recess configured to guide movement of a guide protrusion of the link when the detergent container is withdrawn to release the pressurization of the plunger by the inflow portion.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the link guide unit may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the detergent container.

[0016] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing and a detergent supply device including: a detergent container including an opening at a rear portion and inserted into or withdrawn from the housing; a discharge pump including an inflow portion that passes through the opening if the detergent container is docked, and configured to discharge detergent from the detergent container; and a valve assembly installed in the detergent container and closing the opening if the detergent container is undocked from the discharge pump. The valve assembly may include a plunger configured to open or close the opening and a guide protrusion rotatably coupled to an end of the plunger and protruding to one side. The detergent container may include a link guide unit configured to guide movement between a first position of the guide protrusion, which is the position of the guide protrusion when the detergent container is in an undocked state, and a second position of the guide protrusion, which is the position of the guide protrusion when the guide protrusion is inserted such that the detergent container is in a docked state. The link guide unit may include a locking portion for fixing the guide protrusion when the guide protrusion is in the second position.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the plunger may include a head portion pressed by the inflow portion and a connecting rod extending from the head portion and coupled to the link. When the guide protrusion is in the second position, the link and the connecting rod may be positioned in a straight line.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the washing machine may include a plunger housing having a receiving space in which the head portion of the plunger is movably accommodated and installed in the detergent container.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the washing machine may include an elastic body having one side supported on one surface of the head portion and the other side configured to be supported by a part of the plunger housing.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the link guide unit may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the detergent container.

[0021] In a washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a link and a link guide portion structure that pressurize the detergent container in a direction opposite to the elastic force (or repulsive force) of the valve are added inside the detergent container to offset the elastic force (or repulsive force) of the valve, thereby preventing the detergent container from being pushed out of the housing without a separate fixing structure outside the detergent container.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the achievable effects are not limited to the above effects. However, based on the following description, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain can clearly obtain and understand other effects not mentioned. In other words, those of ordinary skill in the art can also derive the unexpected impacts of practicing the embodiments of the present disclosure from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a view showing the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a part of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 is a view showing the state of disassembling a detergent container and a discharge pump from the Figure 3 detergent supply device;

[0028] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a detergent container and a valve assembly according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 is a view showing the state where the detergent container is detached from the discharge pump;

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 7 ;

[0031] Figure 9 is a view showing the state where the detergent container is docked to the discharge pump;

[0032] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 9 ; and

[0033] Figures 11a to 11e is a view showing the process of the valve assembly operating as the detergent container is docked or detached.

[0034] In the following description, reference may be made to the drawings, and specific examples practiced may be shown in the drawings as examples. Without departing from the scope of the various examples, other examples may be utilized, and structural changes may be made. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] The terms used herein are only used to describe some embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical features of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] As used herein, each of the 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 the items listed together in the corresponding phrases. As used herein, the term "and / or" should be understood to cover any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" or "No. 1" and "No. 2" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding components from other components and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being "coupled to", "connected to", "supported by", or "in contact with" another (e.g., second) component, whether or not with the terms "functionally" or "communicatively", the component can be directly or indirectly coupled to, connected to, supported by, or in contact with the other component.

[0038] It will also be understood that, as used herein, the terms "comprising" and / or "having" specify the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Throughout the specification, when a component is positioned "on" another component, the first component can be directly positioned on the second component, or other components can be positioned between the first component and the second component.

[0039] As used herein, the term "configured to" can be used interchangeably with the terms "suitable for", "capable of", "designed to", "adapted to", "manufactured to", or "able to" depending on the context. The term "configured to" does not inherently mean "specially designed in hardware". Instead, the term "configured to" can mean that a device can perform operations together with another device or component. For example, a "device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" can be a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or can represent a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0040] 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 these terms.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the above description is mainly directed to specific embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments and should be understood to cover all various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements.

[0042] The washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be an example of a laundry treating apparatus. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine having an upward-facing opening for inserting or removing laundry, or a front-loading washing machine having a forward-facing opening for inserting or removing laundry. The top-loading washing machine may wash laundry using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. The front-loading washing machine may wash laundry by repeatedly raising and lowering the laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a lifter for raising the laundry. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine having various loading and washing schemes other than the above-described top-loading and front-loading washing machines. In the present disclosure, the housing of the front-loading washing machine is mainly described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] Hereinafter, an exemplary washing machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a view showing the exterior of a washing machine according to an example. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a washing machine according to an example.

[0045] In the example, the washing machine 1 may include a housing 10 for accommodating various components therein. The housing 10 may have an overall hexahedral shape. The housing 10 may include an opening formed in one of its surfaces. Two or more surfaces of the housing 10 may be integrally formed. Each surface of the housing 10 may be separately manufactured and assembled. The housing 10 may be formed by pressing with an iron plate material or by injection molding with a resin material, for example.

[0046] In an example, a door 20 for opening and closing a corresponding opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the housing 10. The door 20 may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the housing 10. For example, at least a portion of the door 20 may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the interior is visible. A user may open and close the door 20 to put clothes into or take clothes out of a drum 40 positioned within the housing 10. For example, the door 20 may be locked by a locking device (not shown) so as not to be opened while the washing machine 1 is operating. In an example, the door 20 may include a door frame 21 and a glass member 22. The glass member 22 may be formed of, for example, transparent tempered glass material to see through the interior of the housing 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a tub 30 fixedly provided inside the housing 10. The tub 30 may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening 31 may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing 10 in the front surface of the tub 30. The tub 30 may store washing water. A drain port 32 for discharging the washing water may be provided below the tub 30. The drain port 32 may be connected to, for example, a drainage device 80.

[0048] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a damper 12. The damper 12 may be provided to connect the housing 10 and the tub 30. One side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10, and the other side of the damper 12 may be fixed to the tub 30. The damper 12 may be provided to attenuate vibrations by absorbing vibration energy transmitted to the tub 30 and / or the housing 10 when the drum 40 rotates.

[0049] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a drum 40 provided inside the tub 30. The drum 40 may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate 43 and a rear plate 44 may be respectively provided on the front surface and the rear surface of the drum 40. The front plate 43 may be provided with a drum opening at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing 10 and the tub opening 31 of the tub 30. The drum 40 may accommodate clothes. The drum 40 may receive rotational power from a driving device 60 and rotate within the tub 30. When rotating within the tub 30, the drum 40 may perform washing, rinsing, and / or spinning.

[0050] In an example, the drum 40 may include a lifter 41 and / or a plurality of through-holes 42. For example, the lifter 41 may lift clothes when the drum 40 rotates, such that the clothes are repeatedly raised and lowered, thereby evenly washing multiple surfaces of the clothes. The through-holes 42 may be, for example, channels formed such that washing water received in the tub 30 flows into the drum 40 or washing water inside the drum 40 is discharged to the outside. In an example, the lifter 41 or the through-holes 42 may be omitted.

[0051] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a control panel 50 that supports interaction between the user and the washing machine 1. In an instance, the control panel 50 may be provided at the upper end of the front surface of the housing 10, as Figure 1 shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an example, the control panel 50 may include an input unit 51 and a display unit 52.

[0052] The input unit 51 may include, for example, any type of user input device that obtains a user input for controlling the washing machine 1. The user may input power on / off of the washing machine 1 and washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, process selection, time selection, etc.) through the input unit 51. For example, the input unit 51 may be a touch switch, a push 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 jog shuttle that the user can grasp and rotate. In an example, the input unit 51 may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input setting information through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit 51 as an infrared signal. In an example, the input unit 51 may include a microphone. The setting information of the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0053] The display unit 52 may display various washing setting information and / or operation status information related to the washing machine 1 input from the user. The display unit 52 may include various types of display panels (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and micro LED). For example, the display unit 52 may be implemented as a touch screen having a touch pad provided on its front surface, but the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of display device. In an example, the display unit 52 may include any type of audio display device including a speaker, and each of the above information may be displayed as an auditory signal through the audio display device. In an example, the display unit 52 may operate to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user input and / or information related to the ongoing process.

[0054] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a driving device 60 for rotating the drum 40. The driving device 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. The rotor 612 rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator 611 to convert electric power into mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated by the motor 61 may be transmitted to the drum 40 through the drive shaft 62. The drive shaft 62 may be press-fitted into the rotor 612 of the motor 61 to rotate together with the rotor 612. The drive shaft 62 may, for example, partially penetrate the rear wall of the tub 30 to connect the drum 40 and the motor 61. The driving device 60 may rotate the drum 40 forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or spinning operations.

[0055] In an 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 into the tub 30 using an external water supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipes 71 may be connected to a detergent supply device 13 provided in the housing 10. Here, the detergent supply device 13 may include a detergent container internally partitioned into a plurality of spaces, and detergents, fabric softeners, etc. may be placed in each space of the detergent container. The washing water passing through the detergent supply device 13 may be supplied to the tub 30 together with the detergent (or fabric softener) through a detergent supply pipe 131. Another one of the at least one water supply pipes 71 may be directly connected to the tub 30. For example, the washing water supplied through the water supply pipe 71 directly connected to the tub 30 may be directly supplied to the tub 30 without passing through an intermediate component such as the detergent supply device 13.

[0056] In an example, the washing machine 1 may include a drainage device 80 for discharging the washing water received in the drum 40 and / or the tub 30. The drainage device 80 may include a drain valve 81, a first drain pipe 82, a second drain pipe 83, and a pump chamber 84. The drainage device 80 may be provided, for example, below the tub 30 to discharge the washing water discharged from the tub 30 to the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0057] In the example, the drain valve 81 can be set to open and close the drain port 32. When the drain valve 81 is open, the washing water received in the tub 30 can flow through the drain port 32 to the drainage device 80. In the example, the first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 can form a flow path for guiding the discharge of the washing water to the outside. For ease of description, the upstream of the pump chamber 84 is referred to as the first drain pipe 82, and the downstream is referred to as the second drain pipe 83. The first drain pipe 82 and the second drain pipe 83 can be integrally formed. The first drain pipe 82 can have, for example, one end connected to the drain port 32 and the other end connected to the pump chamber 84. The washing water can move along the first drain pipe 82 into the pump chamber 84. The second drain pipe 83 can have, for example, one end connected to the pump chamber 84 and the other end connected to the outside of the washing machine 1. Accordingly, the washing water that has passed through the pump chamber 84 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 along the second drain pipe 83.

[0058] In the example, the pump chamber 84 can be provided below the tub 30 to store the washing water discharged from the tub 30. Inside the pump chamber 84, for example, a drain pump 841 for discharging the stored washing water to the outside can be provided. The washing water pumped by the drain pump 841 can be guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the second drain pipe 83.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 can include a balancer 150. The balancer 150 can include, for example, a balancer housing 151 forming an annular channel 151a and a plurality of mass bodies 153 provided on the annular channel 151a to perform a balancing function of the drum 40 when moving along the annular channel 151a. The plurality of mass bodies 153 can have, for example, a spherical (spherical shape). The plurality of mass bodies 153 of the drum 40 can move in a direction opposite to the direction of the eccentricity generated by the laundry in the drum 40 when the drum 40 rotates, thereby compensating for the eccentricity generated by the laundry.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 can include a vibration sensor 106. The vibration sensor 106 can be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drum 40 to sense the vibration of the drum 40. For example, the vibration sensor 106 can be provided in the forward direction and / or the backward direction of the drum 40. Here, the forward direction of the drum 40 can refer to the direction toward the front plate 43, and the backward direction of the drum 40 can refer to the direction toward the rear plate 44. The vibration sensor 106 can detect the vibration when the drum 40 rotates.

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view showing a part of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment.

[0062] For ease of understanding, Figure 3 andFigure 4 Only corresponding parts of the detergent container and the discharge pump constituting the detergent supply device are shown. A person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to provide a detergent supply device 300 that is inserted into (e.g., Figure 1 washing machine 1) or withdrawn from a washing machine by adding conventional components for constituting the detergent supply device to the shown configuration.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the detergent supply device 300 may include a detergent container 310, a discharge pump 320, and a valve assembly 330. The detergent supply device 300 may be configured to store dozens of doses of detergent and / or rinse aid in the detergent container 310 and automatically discharge a required amount of detergent and / or rinse aid into the tub (e.g., Figure 2 tub 30) during each washing cycle through the discharge pump 320. The detergent supply device 300 may be provided, for example, at an upper portion of the washing machine 1 or above the tub (e.g., Figure 2 tub 30), but is not limited thereto, and may be provided below the tub 30 or in other areas.

[0064] According to an example, the interior of the detergent container 310 may be divided into a plurality of spaces. Detergent or rinse aid may be added to each space of the detergent container 310. The detergent container 310 may be provided, for example, to be coupled to be slidable in the front-rear direction of the housing 10. If the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing 10, the detergent container 310 may be docked to the discharge pump 320. Here, the docking of the detergent container 310 to the discharge pump 320 may refer to fluidly connecting the detergent container 310 to the discharge pump 320 in a communicable manner. Figure 3 and Figure 4 are diagrams showing a state in which the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320. The detergent container 310 may be undocked from the discharge pump 320 as it is withdrawn from the housing 10. Here, the undocking of the detergent container 310 from the discharge pump 320 may refer to disconnecting the fluid connection between the detergent container 310 and the discharge pump 320.

[0065] According to an example, the discharge pump 320 may be fluidly communicably coupled to the detergent container 310. The discharge pump 320 may be provided to discharge the detergent or rinse aid included in the detergent container 310. The discharge pump 320 may supply, for example, the detergent or rinse aid accommodated in the detergent container 310 to the tub 30.

[0066] According to an example, the valve assembly 330 can be installed in the detergent container 310. The valve assembly 330 can be provided in each part of the detergent container 310 that houses detergent or a rinse aid. For example, when the detergent container 310 is partitioned into a plurality of spaces, a valve assembly 330 can be provided in each space.

[0067] According to an example, the valve assembly 330 can include a plunger housing 331, a plunger 332, and a link 333.

[0068] According to an example, the plunger housing 331 can be disposed on a seating portion 311 formed around an opening (e.g., Figure 5 the opening 315) of the detergent container 310. The plunger housing 331 can include a coupling protrusion 3311 formed to be inserted into and coupled to a coupling recess 3111 formed in the seating portion 311. As the coupling protrusion 3311 of the plunger housing 331 is assembled into the coupling recess 3111 of the seating portion 311, the plunger housing 331 can be coupled to the seating portion 311.

[0069] According to an example, the plunger housing 331 can be fixed by a fixing protrusion 312 formed on the lower portion of the detergent container 310. The fixing protrusion 312 can be formed to extend inward from one surface of the detergent container 310. For example, the fixing protrusion 312 can be formed to extend upward from the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310. For example, the fixing protrusion 312 can be formed to extend in a direction horizontal to the bottom surface 310a from the side surface 310b of the detergent container 310. If the detergent container 310 and the discharge pump 320 are docked, an elastic body (e.g., Figure 6 the elastic body 336) accommodated in the plunger housing 331 can be compressed toward the front portion of the housing 10. The plunger housing 331 is fixed to the fixing protrusion 312 so as to remain in a predetermined position in the detergent container 310 even when the compressed elastic body 336 generates an elastic force.

[0070] According to an example, the plunger 332 can be partially accommodated in the plunger housing 331. For example, if the detergent container 310 is inserted, the plunger 332 can move in a direction opposite to the pulling-in direction. For example, if the detergent container 310 is withdrawn, the plunger 332 can move in a direction opposite to the withdrawal direction.

[0071] According to an example, the link 333 can be rotatably coupled to the plunger 332. The link 333 can be coupled to the free end of the plunger 332 (e.g., Figure 6The free end 3322a), for example, is the end of the plunger 332 that is positioned opposite to the end accommodated in the plunger housing 331. In the example, a part of the link 333 can overlap the free end 3322a of the plunger 332 in an up-and-down manner, and the overlapping part can be coupled by screws.

[0072] According to the example, the link 333 can include a guide projection 3331 formed on one side to project downward. The guide projection 3331 can be formed to project downward (or toward the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310) from one end of the link 333.

[0073] According to the example, the detergent container 310 can include a link guide unit 313. Since the guide projection 3331 of the link 333 is inserted, the link guide unit 313 is provided to guide the movement of the guide projection 3331 as the plunger 332 moves. For example, one link guide unit 313 can be formed in each of the plurality of separated spaces of the detergent container 310. The guide projection 3331 can be inserted into the link guide unit 313 and move along the guide rail 314 of the link guide unit 313.

[0074] According to the example, the link guide unit 313 can be formed to project upward from the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310. The link guide unit 313 can be integrally formed with the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310, but is not limited thereto, and can be separately manufactured and then coupled. The link guide unit 313 can project from a surface other than the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310.

[0075] According to the example, the link guide unit 313 can include a guide rail 314 from top to bottom. The guide rail 314 can be the part into which the guide projection 3331 of the link 333 is inserted. When the link 333 moves due to the linear movement of the plunger 332, the guide projection 3331 can move along the hollow shape of the guide rail 314.

[0076] According to the example, if the plunger 332 linearly moves in the front-rear direction of the housing 10 as the detergent container 310 is inserted or withdrawn, the link 333 can linearly move together with the plunger 332 while partially rotating as the guide projection 3331 moves along the path of the guide rail 314. In this case, the link 333 can rotate and move in a horizontal plane using the part coupled to the plunger 332 as a rotation axis.

[0077] According to the example, the detergent supply device 300 can include a detergent container housing (not shown). The detergent container housing can be provided such that when the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing of the washing machine 1 (for example, Figure 2When the housing 10) provides a space for inserting the detergent container 310. The discharge pump 320 can be provided outside the detergent container housing. If the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320, one surface of the detergent container housing can be positioned between the detergent container 310 and the discharge pump 320.

[0078] Figure 5 is a diagram showing from Figure 3 the state of disassembling the detergent container and the discharge pump from the detergent supply device.

[0079] According to an example, the discharge pump 320 can include an inflow portion 321 that forms a flow path through which the detergent (or rinse aid) is introduced from the detergent container 310. When the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320, the inflow portion 321 can pass through the opening 315 of the detergent container 310.

[0080] According to an example, the discharge pump 320 can include a water level sensor 322 for detecting the amount of detergent or rinse aid contained in the detergent container 310. For example, the water level sensor 322 can be positioned above the inflow portion 321, but is not limited thereto. When the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320, the water level sensor 322 can pass through the detergent container 310 together with the inflow portion 321. The water level sensor 322 can pass through the opening 315 provided in the rear portion of the detergent container 310.

[0081] According to an example, the discharge pump 320 can include a discharge portion 323 that is configured to pump the detergent or rinse aid introduced from the detergent container 310 through the inflow portion 321 and discharge it into the tub (e.g., Figure 2 the tub 30). The detergent or rinse aid discharged from the discharge portion 323 can be introduced into the tub (e.g., Figure 2 the tub 30) through a separate connection structure (e.g., a connecting pipe).

[0082] According to an embodiment, the detergent container 310 can include an opening 315 on its rear side. The opening 315 can be configured to allow some components of the discharge pump 320 to pass through it when the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320. For example, the opening 315 can include a first opening 315a formed to allow the inflow portion 321 of the discharge pump 320 to pass through it and a second opening 315b formed to allow the water level sensor 322 of the discharge pump 320 to pass through it.

[0083] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a detergent container and a valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0084] Figure 6The illustrated detergent container 310 and valve assembly 330 can be the same as or similar to Figures 3 to 5 the illustrated detergent container 310 and valve assembly 330. Redundant descriptions are not given below. In Figure 6 , the structure of the valve assembly 330 installed in one of the plurality of spaces partitioned in the detergent container 310 is disassembled and shown, but the same structure can be applied to other spaces (not shown) in the detergent container 310.

[0085] According to an example, the valve assembly 330 can include a plunger housing 331, a plunger 332, an elastic body 336, and a connecting rod 333.

[0086] According to an example, the plunger housing 331 can be installed in the detergent container 310. The plunger housing 331 can be coupled and fixed to the detergent container 310. The plunger housing 331 can be arranged to surround the opening 315 of the detergent container 310. The plunger housing 331 can form a receiving space that houses a part of the plunger 332. The head portion 3321 of the plunger 332 can be received in the receiving space of the plunger housing 331. The head portion 3321 of the plunger 332 can be received in the receiving space of the plunger housing 331 and be movable.

[0087] According to an example, the plunger 332 can include a head portion 3321 and a connecting rod 3322. The head portion 3321 can be, for example, the portion pressed by the inflow portion 321 of the discharge pump 320. The head portion 3321 can have, for example, a cylindrical shape. The connecting rod 3322 can be connected to, for example, the head portion 3321. The connecting rod 3322 can be formed to extend from one surface of the head portion 3321. The connecting rod 3322 can extend in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the head portion 3321. The connecting rod 3322 and the head portion 3321 can be integrally formed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] According to an example, the free end 3322a of the connecting rod 3322 can be positioned outside the plunger housing 331. For example, the connecting rod 3322 can be arranged to penetrate the plunger housing 331. The connecting rod 3322 can connect the head portion 3321 of the plunger 332 received in the plunger housing 331 to the connecting rod 333 outside the plunger housing 331. The connecting rod 3322 can be configured to transmit, for example, the force applied to the head portion 3321 to the connecting rod 333.

[0089] According to an example, the connecting rod 3322 may include a hook 3322b formed to protrude from its outer circumferential surface. For example, the hook 3322b may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 3322. For example, a plurality of hooks 3322b may be provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod 3322. When the detergent container 310 is pulled out and the plunger 332 moves in a direction opposite to the pulling direction, the hook 3322b may be configured to catch on the outer surface of the plunger housing 331. The hook 3322b may be used to prevent the plunger 332 from separating from the plunger housing 331 to form a gap as the plunger 332 moves within the plunger housing 331.

[0090] According to an example, an elastic body 336 may be disposed between the plunger housing 331 and the plunger 332. One side of the elastic body 336 may be supported by the head portion 3321 of the plunger 332. The other side of the elastic body 336 may be supported by a part of the plunger housing 331. For example, the other side of the elastic body 336 may be supported by the inner surface of a part of the plunger housing 331. If the elastic body 336 is compressed by the movement of the plunger 332, the elastic body 336 may provide forces in different directions to the inner surface of the plunger housing 331 and the plunger 332 side, respectively. If pressed, the elastic body 336 may provide an elastic force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. The elastic body 336 may be, for example, a spring.

[0091] According to an example, the link 333 may be rotatably coupled to one end of the connecting rod 3322 of the plunger 332. For example, the link 333 may be coupled to the free end 3322a of the connecting rod 3322. Each of the link 333 and the connecting rod 3322 may have a through portion or a recess formed, for example, in a vertically overlapping portion. For example, one end of the link 333 and the free end 3322a of the connecting rod 3322 may be coupled by vertically overlapping each other. A coupling portion 334 is inserted into the through portion or the recess so that the link 333 and the connecting rod 3322 may be coupled to each other. The coupling portion 334 may be, for example, a screw.

[0092] According to an example, the link 333 may include a guide protrusion 3331 protruding downward from one side. The guide protrusion 3331 may be positioned at an end away from the plunger 332. The guide protrusion 3331 may be formed to protrude downward (or toward the bottom surface 310a of the detergent container 310). The guide protrusion 3331 may be a part inserted into the link guide unit 313.

[0093] According to an example, the valve assembly 330 may include a sealing member 335. The sealing member 335 may have an annular shape. The sealing member 335 may be disposed around an outer circumferential surface of a head portion 3321 of the plunger 332. When the head portion 3321 is received in the plunger housing 331, the sealing member 335 may be in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the plunger housing 331. When the detergent container 310 is inserted or withdrawn such that the head portion 3321 moves, the sealing member 335 may remain in close contact with the inner surface of the plunger housing 331. In other words, when the head portion 3321 moves in the front-rear direction, the sealing member 335 may move together with the head portion 3321 while being in close contact with the plunger housing 331.

[0094] Figure 7 FIG. is a view showing a state in which the detergent container is undocked from the discharge pump. Figure 8 is along Figure 7 sectional view taken along line A-A' of.

[0095] Here, the undocked state of the detergent container 310 may refer to a state in which the detergent container 310 is withdrawn to the outside of a housing (e.g., Figure 2 housing 10 of) and the fluid coupling with the discharge pump 320 is released. The user may undock the detergent container 310 by pulling the detergent container 310. If the detergent container 310 is undocked, at least a part of the detergent container 310 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 10. The exposed portion of the detergent container 310 may be used to input detergent or a rinse aid into the detergent container 310.

[0096] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The detergent container 310, the discharge pump 320, and the valve assembly 330 shown in may have components substantially the same as those of the detergent container 310, the discharge pump 320, and the valve assembly 330 shown in Figure 3 In, for ease of description, a part of the plunger housing 331 is not shown, but in Figure 7 the configuration of the plunger housing 331 is reflected. Figure 8 According to an example, the valve assembly 330 may be configured to close the opening 315 in a state where the detergent container 310 is withdrawn. As the detergent container 310 is withdrawn, the plunger 332 that is pressed forward (e.g., in the pulling-out direction) by the elastic body 336 in the pulled-in state moves to the opening 315, thereby closing the opening 315. For example, the plunger 332 may move in the -x axis direction (e.g., in the pulling-out direction) by the elastic restoring force of the elastic body 336.

[0097]

[0098] ​When the plunger 332 moves toward the opening 315 of the detergent container 310, the connecting rod 333 connected to the plunger 332 can also move. In this case, the guiding projection 3331 of the connecting rod 333 can move along the guide rail 314 of the connecting rod guiding unit 313. In the present disclosure, the position where the guiding projection 3331 of the connecting rod 333 is located in a state where the detergent container 310 is pulled out to release docking with the discharge pump 320 is referred to as the first position P1.

[0099] According to an example, the connecting rod 322 of the plunger 332 can include a first through portion 3322c. The first through portion 3322c can be positioned on the free end 3322a side of the connecting rod 3322. According to an example, the connecting rod 333 can include a second through portion 3332. The second through portion 3332 can be positioned at the end of the connecting rod 333. The second through portion 3332 can be positioned to overlap with the first through portion 3322c. The coupling portion 334 can be inserted into the overlapping portion of the first through portion 3322c and the second through portion 3322 to couple the plunger 332 and the connecting rod 333.

[0100] According to an example, the diameter of the first through portion 3322c can be smaller than the diameter of the second through portion 3332. The diameter of the first through portion 3322c can be, for example, smaller than the diameter of the portion into which the coupling portion 334 is inserted by a predetermined length. For example, the diameter of the first through portion 3322c can be smaller than the diameter of the portion into which the coupling portion 334 is inserted by 0.05 mm. Therefore, when the coupling portion 334 is inserted into the first through portion 3322c, the coupling portion 334 can be inserted in a forced press-fit manner. The diameter of the second through portion 3332 can be, for example, larger than the diameter of the portion into which the coupling portion 334 is inserted by a predetermined length. For example, the diameter of the second through portion 3332 can be larger than the diameter of the portion into which the coupling portion 334 is inserted by 0.1 mm. Therefore, a gap can occur between the outer circumference of the insertion portion of the coupling portion 334 and the inner circumference of the connecting rod 333. Since a gap occurs between the coupling portion 334 and the connecting rod 333, the connecting rod 333 can rotate using the coupling portion 334 as a rotation axis. For ease of description, the drawings are slightly enlarged to show the diameter difference between the first through portion 3322c and the second through portion 3332.

[0101] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a state where the detergent container is docked to the discharge pump. Figure 10 is along Figure 9 sectional view taken along line B-B'.

[0102] Here, the docking state of the detergent container 310 can refer to the state where the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing (e.g., Figure 2The housing 10) is fluidly coupled to the discharge pump 320. The user can dock the detergent container 310 to the discharge pump 320 by pushing the detergent container 310 into the interior (or rear) of the housing 10).

[0103] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The detergent container 310, the discharge pump 320, and the valve assembly 330 shown may have components substantially the same as Figure 3 the detergent container 310, the discharge pump 320, and the valve assembly 330 shown. In Figure 9 order to facilitate description, a part of the plunger housing 331 is not shown, but in Figure 10 it, the configuration of the plunger housing 331 is reflected.

[0104] According to an example, when the detergent container 310 is inserted, the inflow portion 321 of the discharge pump 320 may pass through the opening 315 of the detergent container 310 to pressurize the plunger 332. In this case, the plunger 332 may move in a direction opposite to the direction in which the detergent container 310 is inserted (e.g., the +x axis direction) relative to the detergent container 310.

[0105] According to an example, the inflow portion 321 may include an inlet 3211, which is an inlet through which detergent or rinse aid is introduced from the detergent container 310. The inlet 3211 may be positioned at an end of the inflow portion 321. The inlet 3211 may be formed to open downward (or toward the bottom surface 310a side of the detergent container 310), but is not limited thereto. When the inflow portion 321 passes through the opening 315 of the detergent container 310, the inlet 3211 may be located in the detergent container 310.

[0106] According to an example, the water level sensor 322 may protrude less than the inflow portion 321. During the docking process of the detergent container 310, the water level sensor 322 may also be inserted into the detergent container 310 together with the inflow portion 321. In this case, the end of the water level sensor 322 may be formed to protrude less than the inflow portion 321 to avoid contact with the head portion 3321 of the plunger 332. For example, the water level sensor 322 may be formed to protrude less than the inflow portion 321 in the direction toward the plunger 332. Since the water level sensor 322 is formed not to physically contact the head portion 3321 of the plunger 332, damage or malfunction of the water level sensor 322 can be prevented.

[0107] According to an example, the link 333 can move together as the plunger 332 moves. For example, when a force is applied to the plunger 332 in the -x axis direction, the applied force can be transmitted to the link 333. For example, if the plunger 332 moves in the -x axis direction, the link 333 can also move in the -x axis direction. If the link 333 moves according to the movement of the plunger 332, the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 inserted into the link guide unit 313 can move along the guide rail 314. When the guide protrusion 3331 moves, the link 333 can be rotated using the coupling portion 334 as a rotation axis. In other words, the link 333 can linearly move together according to the linear movement of the plunger 332 while rotating around the coupling portion 334 along the movement path of the guide protrusion 3331 on the guide rail 314.

[0108] According to an example, the link guide unit 313 of the detergent container 310 can include a locking portion 3131 for fixing the movement of the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 in a state where the detergent container 310 is docked (or inserted). If the detergent container 310 is docked, the compressed elastic body 336 can apply an elastic force to the plunger 332 in a direction opposite to the compression. The force applied to the plunger 332 is transmitted to the link 333, and the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 is caught by the locking portion 3131 to fix the movement of the plunger 332. As a result, the force with which the elastic body 336 presses the plunger 332 can be transmitted to the detergent container 310 through the link 333. For example, in a state where the detergent container 310 is docked (or inserted), the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 can be caught by the locking portion 3131 to pressurize the detergent container 310 in the pulling-in direction. Here, the pulling-in direction can refer to the direction in which the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing (e.g., Figure 2 the housing 10). According to an example, the locking portion 3131 of the link guide unit 313 can be positioned on a virtual straight line L extending in the length direction of the connecting rod 3322.

[0109] According to an example, the elastic body 336 compressed in a state where the detergent container 310 is docked (or inserted) can pressurize the plunger housing 331 with a first force. The first force can be transmitted to the detergent container 310 coupled to the plunger housing 331. In other words, the first force can be indirectly applied to the detergent container 310 by the elastic body 336 in the docking state or the pulling-in state.

[0110] According to the example, the elastic body 336 compressed in the state where the detergent container 310 is docked (or inserted) can press the plunger 332 with a second force acting in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first force acts. For example, the elastic body 336 can press the head portion 3321 of the plunger 332 with the second force. The second force applied to the head portion 3321 can be transmitted to the link 333 through the connecting rod 3322. In other words, the second force can also be applied to the link 333 by the force transmitted from the head portion 3321. The link 333 can transmit the second force to the detergent container 310 through the guide protrusion 3331 stuck in the locking portion 3131 of the link guide unit 313 of the detergent container 310. In other words, the second force can be indirectly applied to the detergent container 310 through the elastic body 336 in the docked state or the pulled-in state.

[0111] As described above, the present disclosure has the following structure: in the state where the detergent container 310 is docked (or inserted), the first force and the second force are transmitted to the detergent container 310 through the elastic body 336. The first force and the second force are forces facing opposite directions and can cancel each other out. For example, the first force and the second force can be balanced with each other. Conventionally, a separate fixing device is provided to prevent the detergent container 310 from moving outward from the housing (e.g., Figure 2 the housing 10) as the force pressing the plunger housing 331 through the elastic force of the elastic body 336 is transmitted to the detergent container 310, and thus, additional space for the separate fixing device is required. However, in the present disclosure, a valve assembly 330 for fixing the detergent container 310 in the housing 10 is provided without requiring additional space other than the existing space occupied by the detergent container 310.

[0112] In the present disclosure, the position where the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 is located in the state where the detergent container 310 is inserted and docked to the discharge pump 320 is referred to as the second position P2. The second position P2 can be the position where the guide protrusion 3331 is stuck in the locking portion 3131 of the link guide unit 313. When the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 is in the second position P2, the first force and the second force can be balanced with each other.

[0113] Figures 11a to 11e is a diagram showing the operation process of the valve assembly according to an embodiment as the detergent container is docked or undocked.

[0114] Figures 11a to 11e is for specifically describing Figures 3 to 10 the operation of the link 333 when the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing (e.g., Figure 2 the housing 10) or withdrawn from the housing (e.g., Figure 2 the housing 10) in the shown detergent supply device 300.

[0115] According to the example, the link guide unit 313 may include a guide rail 314 configured to insert a guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333. The guide rail 314 may include a recess for guiding the movement of the guide protrusion 3331. The guide rail 314 may include a first guide recess 3141, a locking recess 3142, an unlocking recess 3143, and a second guide recess 3144. The guide rail 314 may have, for example, a closed-loop (or cyclic) path. For example, the first guide recess 3141 may be positioned between the locking recess 3142 and the second guide recess 3144. For example, the locking recess 3142 may be positioned between the first guide recess 3141 and the unlocking recess 3143. For example, the unlocking recess 3143 may be positioned between the locking recess 3142 and the second guide recess 3144. For example, the second guide recess 3144 may be positioned between the unlocking recess 3143 and the first guide recess 3141.

[0116] Figures 11a to 11c Shows the operation of the valve assembly 330 when the detergent container 310 is docked to the discharge pump 320. Figure 11a The position of the shown guide protrusion 3331 may be the first position P1, and Figure 11c The position of the shown guide protrusion 3331 may be the second position P2.

[0117] If the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing (e.g., Figure 2 the housing 10), the plunger 332 may move in a direction opposite to the pulling direction by the pressurization of the inflow portion (e.g., Figure 5 the inflow portion 321). When the plunger 332 moves in a direction opposite to the pulling direction, the link 333 coupled to the plunger 332 may also move in a direction opposite to the pulling direction. In this case, the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 may contact the side wall of the first guide recess 3141 and move along the side wall. According to the example, the first guide recess 3141 may be a portion that guides the movement of the guide protrusion 3331 of the link 333 when the detergent container 310 is inserted so that the plunger 332 is pressed by the inflow portion 321.

[0118] If the detergent container 310 is inserted into the housing 10 to the maximum extent, the guide protrusion 3331 may be positioned to be blocked from further moving in a direction opposite to the pulling direction in the guide rail 314, as Figure 11b shown. In other words, when the user pushes the detergent container 310 to the position where the detergent container 310 is no longer insertable, the detergent container 310 may be inserted into the housing 10 to the maximum extent.

[0119] After the detergent container 310 is inserted to the maximum extent, if the force for pulling in the detergent container 310 is released, the guiding projection 3331 of the link 333 can move to the locking recess 3142. If the force for pulling in the detergent container 310 is released, the guiding projection 3331 moves back in the pulling-in direction by the elastic force of the compressed elastic body 336, and as it gets stuck in the locking portion 3131, as Figure 11c shown, the guiding projection 3331 can be fixed to the locking recess 3142. The release of the force for pulling in the detergent container 310 can indicate that the user releases the force for pushing the detergent container 310. According to an example, the locking recess 3142 can be a portion set such that the guiding projection 3331 of the link 333 gets stuck in the locking portion 3131 in a state where the detergent container 310 is fully inserted.

[0120] Figures 11c to 11e The operation of the valve assembly 330 when the detergent container 310 docked to the discharge pump 320 is undocked is shown.

[0121] The user can push the detergent container 310 to undock the detergent container 310 docked to the discharge pump 320. If the detergent container 310 is pushed when the guiding projection 3331 is placed in the locking recess 3142, the guiding projection 3331 can move along the side wall of the unlocking recess 3143. According to an example, the unlocking recess 3143 can be a portion set to unlock the guiding projection 3331 of the link 333 stuck on the locking portion 3131 in the pulled-in detergent container 310. For example, if the detergent container 310 is pushed during docking, the guiding projection 3331 can be positioned as Figure 11d shown.

[0122] When the detergent container 310 is pulled back in the pulling-out direction after being pushed, the guiding projection 3331 can move along the side wall of the second guiding recess 3144. In other words, the guiding projection 3331 can move in a direction opposite to the pulling-out direction. According to an example, the second guiding recess 3144 can be a portion that guides the movement of the guiding projection 3331 of the link 333 when the pressure on the plunger 332 by the inflow portion 321 is released as the detergent container 310 is withdrawn. As Figure 11e shown, when the detergent container 310 is withdrawn, the guiding projection 3331 can move along the second guiding recess 3144. If the withdrawal of the detergent container 310 is completed (or if undocked), the guiding projection 3331 can be positioned again as Figure 11a shown.

[0123] The terms used in this document are only used to describe some of its embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases 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 the items listed together in the corresponding phrases. As used herein, the term "and / or" should be understood to cover any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used herein, the terms "comprising", "having" and "including" are only used to indicate the existence of the features, components, parts or combinations thereof described herein, but the use of this term does not exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may modify various components regardless of their importance and / or order, and are used to distinguish components from each other rather than to limit the components.

[0124] 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 "able to" as the case may be. The term "configured to" does not inherently mean "specially designed in hardware". Instead, the term "configured to" may mean that a device can perform operations in conjunction with another device or component. For example, "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B and C" may be a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or may represent a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0125] Meanwhile, the terms "upper side", "lower side" and "front-back 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 these terms.

[0126] In the present disclosure, the above description has mainly been made on specific embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but should be understood to cover all various modifications, equivalents and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A detergent supply device installed in a washing machine to supply detergent, comprising: a detergent container (310) configured to contain the detergent and including an opening (315) at its rear portion; a discharge pump (320) including an inflow portion (321) passing through the opening (315) in a state where the detergent container (310) is inserted, and configured to discharge the detergent from the detergent container (310); and a valve assembly (330) installed in the detergent container (310) to close the opening (315) in a state where the detergent container (310) is withdrawn, wherein the valve assembly (330) includes: a plunger (332) configured to be pressed by the inflow portion (321) passing through the opening (315) in a state where the detergent container (310) is inserted; an elastic body (336) configured to be compressed by the plunger (332) to generate elastic force; and a link guide unit (313) provided to counteract the elastic force of the elastic body (336) transmitted through the plunger (332).

2. The detergent supply device according to claim 1, wherein the plunger (332) includes a head portion (3321) pressed by the inflow portion (321) and a connecting rod (3322) connected to the head portion (3321), wherein the elastic body (336) is configured to provide elastic force in a direction opposite to the pressing direction if the plunger (332) is pressed, wherein the valve assembly (330) further includes a link (333) rotatably coupled to a free end (3322a) of the connecting rod (3322) and having a guide protrusion (3331) formed to protrude to one side, and wherein the link guide unit (313) includes a locking portion (3131) into which the guide protrusion (3331) of the link (333) is inserted to guide the movement of the guide protrusion (3331) as the plunger (332) moves, and to fix the movement of the guide protrusion (3331) in a pulled-in state of the detergent container (310).

3. The detergent supply device according to claim 2, wherein the locking portion (3131) is positioned on a virtual straight line extending in the length direction of the connecting rod (3322).

4. The detergent supply device according to claim 2, wherein as the guide protrusion (3331) is locked to the locking portion (3131), the detergent container (310) is pressed in the pulling-in direction.

5. The detergent supply device according to claim 2, wherein the valve assembly (330) includes a plunger housing (331) having a receiving space in which the head portion (3321) of the plunger (332) is movably received, and installed in the detergent container (310).

6. The detergent supply device according to claim 5, wherein, one side of the elastic body (336) is supported on one surface of the head portion (3321), and the other side is provided to be supported by a part of the plunger housing (331).

7. The detergent supply device according to claim 5, wherein, the connecting rod (3322) passes through the plunger housing (331) such that the free end (3322a) is positioned outside the plunger housing (331).

8. The detergent supply device according to claim 2, wherein, the link guide unit (313) includes: a first guide recess provided to guide the movement of the guide protrusion (3331) of the link (333) when the detergent container (310) is inserted to press the plunger (332) against the inflow portion (321); and a locking recess provided to allow the guide protrusion (3331) to be locked to the locking portion (3131) in a state where the insertion of the detergent container (310) is completed.

9. The detergent supply device according to claim 8, wherein, the link guide unit (313) further includes a second guide recess provided to guide the movement of the guide protrusion (3331) of the link (333) when the detergent container (310) is withdrawn to release the pressing force of the inflow portion (321) on the plunger (332).

10. The detergent supply device according to claim 1, wherein, the link guide unit (313) is formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface (310a) of the detergent container (310).

11. A washing machine, comprising: a housing (10); and a detergent supply device (300) including a detergent container (310), a discharge pump (320), and a valve assembly (330), the detergent container (310) including an opening (315) at the rear and being inserted into or withdrawn from the housing (10), the discharge pump (320) including an inflow portion (321) that passes through the opening (315) if the detergent container (310) is docked and being configured to discharge detergent from the detergent container (310), the valve assembly (330) being installed in the detergent container (310) and closing the opening (315) if the detergent container (310) is undocked from the discharge pump (320), wherein the valve assembly (330) includes a plunger (332) and a guide protrusion (3331), the plunger (332) being configured to open or close the opening (315), and the guide protrusion (3331) being rotatably coupled to an end of the plunger (332) and protruding to one side. Among them, the detergent container (310) includes a link guide unit (313), and the link guide unit (313) is configured to guide the movement between a first position of the guide protrusion (3331) and a second position of the guide protrusion (3331). The first position is the position of the guide protrusion (3331) when the detergent container (310) is in a released docking state, and the second position is the position of the guide protrusion (3331) when the guide protrusion (3331) is inserted so that the detergent container (310) is in a docked state. And Among them, the link guide unit (313) includes a locking portion (3131) for fixing the guide protrusion (3331) when the guide protrusion (3331) is in the second position.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, Among them, the plunger (332) includes a head portion (3321) pressed by the inflow portion (321) and a connecting rod (3322) extending from the head portion (3321) and coupled to the link (333). And Among them, when the guide protrusion (3331) is in the second position, the link (333) and the connecting rod (3322) are aligned in a straight line.

13. The washing machine according to claim 12, including a plunger housing (331), the plunger housing (331) having a receiving space in which the head portion (3321) of the plunger (332) is movably received, and being installed in the detergent container (310).

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, including an elastic body (336), the elastic body (336) having one side supported on one surface of the head portion (3321) and the other side being provided to be supported by a part of the plunger housing (331).

15. The washing machine according to claim 12, Among them, the link guide unit (313) is formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the detergent container (310).

Images