Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus capable of detecting whether an automatic detergent supply device is installed without being affected by detergent, water, or the like, even with respect to the automatic detergent supply device in a top loading type washing machine, even with respect to the automatic detergent supply device exposed to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment apparatus and a method of controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, and more particularly, to such a laundry treatment apparatus and a method of controlling the laundry treatment apparatus that can perform refurbishment operations such as disinfection, wrinkle removal, deodorization, and drying by supplying steam and hot air to laundry. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a laundry treatment apparatus is an electric appliance configured to remove foreign substances from laundry using water and detergent, and includes a tub configured to store water therein, a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub, and a detergent supply device disposed on a flow passage between the water supply device and the tub and configured to supply detergent together with water to the tub.

[0003] In a conventional laundry treatment apparatus, the detergent supply device may be only provided as a space configured to store detergent, and whenever a user performs washing of laundry, a required amount of detergent is introduced into the detergent supply device.

[0004] Although the conventional laundry treatment apparatus allows a user to select a required type and amount of detergent according to his / her intention, there is a fundamental problem in that it is difficult to introduce an appropriate amount of detergent.

[0005] In addition, since the conventional laundry treatment apparatus is configured such that when water is supplied to the detergent supply device, all the detergent stored in the detergent supply device is introduced into the tub, there is also an inconvenience in that the detergent must be re-introduced whenever washing is performed.

[0006] To overcome these problems, a laundry treatment apparatus has been proposed in which a water supply device is controlled by a controller provided at the laundry treatment apparatus to supply an appropriate amount of detergent (see Korean Patent Publication No. 2000-0009638).

[0007] The conventional laundry treatment apparatus is provided with an automatic detergent supply part including a detergent container configured to store detergent therein and a valve configured to automatically supply the detergent stored in the detergent container to the tub.

[0008] Since the laundry treatment apparatus can calculate an optimal amount of detergent to be supplied to the tub by a controller based on the amount of laundry, the amount of water, etc., the laundry treatment apparatus has an advantage in that even when a large amount of detergent is stored in the detergent container, only an appropriate amount of detergent can be supplied to the tub.

[0009] However, the limitations of traditional laundry treatment devices are that the detergent container is integrally formed with the cabinet or the like and thus cannot be separated. Therefore, since the detergent container cannot be cleaned separately when foreign matter is introduced into the detergent container or the detergent container is contaminated, the automatic detergent supply part of the laundry treatment device may be damaged due to the detergent stored in the detergent container or the laundry may be contaminated.

[0010] In particular, when the user erroneously introduces detergent or foreign matter into the detergent container, there is no solution for easily removing the detergent or foreign matter, so there is a fundamental limitation in that its maintenance is difficult.

[0011] To overcome these problems, a laundry treatment device having a separable detergent container has been proposed (see Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0027019).

[0012] Traditional laundry treatment devices are configured such that the detergent container is separated from the flow channel for supplying detergent and is completely removed outward from the flow channel. Therefore, the laundry treatment device has the advantage that when the detergent container is contaminated or foreign matter is introduced into the detergent container, the detergent container can be easily cleaned, and when detergent or foreign matter other than the appropriate detergent is introduced into the detergent container, the detergent or foreign matter can be easily removed.

[0013] Meanwhile, when the detergent container can store a large amount of detergent, the frequency with which the user needs to introduce detergent into the detergent container can be reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the volume of the detergent container that can accommodate the amount of detergent required for performing multiple washing operations.

[0014] Traditional laundry treatment devices include a drawer-type housing that is configured to accommodate and support the entire detergent container in order to stably support heavy and large detergent containers.

[0015] Since the housing is composed of a closed surface, the housing can support four or more surfaces of the detergent container except for the open surface through which the detergent container is taken out. Therefore, even when strong vibrations are generated, traditional laundry treatment devices can stably support the detergent container.

[0016] However, in order to construct an automatic detergent supply part (hereinafter referred to as "drawer type") that can completely accommodate the detergent container in the housing, laundry treatment devices are generally constructed as front-loading types, in which an opening through which laundry is introduced is provided in the front side of the laundry treatment device, as in traditional laundry treatment devices.

[0017] The front-loading washing machine is configured such that a drum configured to accommodate laundry rotates about a rotation axis disposed parallel to the ground or slightly inclined, and the tub accommodating the drum is also formed in a cylindrical shape disposed along the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the conventional front-loading washing machine has an advantage in that a space for installing a drawer-type automatic detergent supply unit is provided at a front corner of the cabinet.

[0018] In particular, since the front-loading washing machine does not have a door on its upper surface, the front-loading washing machine has an advantage in that an additional automatic detergent supply unit can be installed at an upper portion of the cabinet.

[0019] However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to apply a drawer-type automatic detergent supply device to a top-loading washing machine in which an introduction port for laundry is provided at an upper portion of the cabinet.

[0020] Meanwhile, in recent years, a laundry treatment apparatus has been proposed in which a drawer-type automatic detergent supply unit is provided in a top-loading washing machine (see Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2018-0080013).

[0021] The laundry treatment apparatus is configured such that a drawer-type automatic detergent supply unit is applied to a top-loading washing machine, in which an opening through which laundry is introduced and a door configured to open and close the opening are provided at an upper portion of the cabinet.

[0022] Since the top-loading washing machine is configured such that a suspension configured to support the tub of the pipeline is fixed to a corner portion of the cabinet, it is difficult to install an automatic detergent supply unit in the cabinet even if a suspension or the like can be installed, and it is difficult to increase the capacity of the detergent container or install a water supply passage.

[0023] In addition, in the top-loading washing machine, when the automatic detergent supply unit is provided in front of the door or the opening, the automatic detergent supply unit obstructs the introduction of laundry through the opening and the opening of the door.

[0024] Accordingly, the conventional laundry treatment apparatus is configured such that the automatic detergent supply unit is provided behind the door or the opening, and the automatic detergent supply unit is designed as a drawer-type in which the detergent container is pulled forward.

[0025] The automatic detergent supply part is basically provided with a pump configured to discharge the detergent stored in the detergent container or a connector connecting the pump to the detergent container. When the automatic detergent supply part is of a drawer type, the pump or the connector must be installed on the surface opposite to the surface through which the detergent container is introduced. As a result, the detergent container must be spaced forward from the rear surface of the laundry treating apparatus by a distance corresponding to the space in which the pump or the connector is installed.

[0026] In other words, when a pull-out forward drawer-type automatic detergent supply part is installed in a top-loading washing machine, as in conventional laundry treating apparatuses, all of the detergent container, the pump, and the connector must be installed in the space between the rear side of the cabinet and the rear surface of the introduction port or the door. As a result, a fundamental problem with conventional laundry treating apparatuses is that the area of the opening or the door is reduced, making it inconvenient to introduce and remove laundry.

[0027] In addition, since it is difficult to ensure a sufficient thickness of the detergent container in the front-rear direction even when the area of the opening or the door is reduced, a problem with conventional laundry treating apparatuses is that the volume of the detergent container cannot be increased sufficiently.

[0028] To overcome this problem, a pull-out upward drawer-type automatic detergent supply part in which the detergent container is pulled out upward may be considered in a top-loading washing machine. Here, since the pump and the connector are provided below the detergent container, a sufficient width of the detergent container in the front-rear direction is ensured, and the area of the opening is not reduced.

[0029] However, in a top-loading washing machine, since the automatic detergent supply part must be provided behind the opening, it is difficult for a user to access the automatic detergent supply part. If the detergent container is designed to be pulled out upward in this case, a problem is that a typical user physically cannot pull the detergent container completely to the upper end of the drawer.

[0030] To overcome this problem, a pull-out drawer-type automatic detergent supply part including a detergent container pulled out from a lateral side surface of a top-loading washing machine may be considered.

[0031] Here, although the detergent container can be easily pulled out from the lateral side surface, the direction of pulling out the detergent container must be maintained until the detergent container is completely pulled out of the drawer. If the lateral side of the laundry treating apparatus is provided near a wall or other electrical appliances and thus there is not enough space to pull out the detergent container, a problem is that it is basically impossible to insert and remove the detergent container.

[0032] As a result, there are limitations in installing the automatic detergent supply part in a drawer manner in a top-loading washing machine in conventional laundry treating apparatuses.

[0033] Meanwhile, an automatic detergent supply section of a top-loading washing machine that is coupled in a sliding manner rather than a drawer manner can be considered. In other words, a method of mounting a detergent container in an exposed state on a mounting portion provided behind a door or an opening of a cabinet can be considered.

[0034] In this case, since the direction of mounting and removing the detergent container is not limited to the shape of a drawer or the like, there is an advantage that it can be easily mounted on the mounting portion.

[0035] For example, a coupling method of inserting the detergent container vertically downward into a mounting portion provided behind a door on the upper part of the cabinet can be considered. In this case, although increasing the depth at which the detergent container is inserted downward enables the detergent container to be more stably fixed to the mounting portion, it may be difficult to remove the detergent container from the mounting portion.

[0036] Therefore, a coupling method can be considered in which the detergent container is coupled to the mounting portion while sliding laterally inward by a predetermined distance from the mounting portion. In this case, although there are advantages that the detergent container can be easily mounted on the mounting portion and easily separated from the mounting portion, there is a limitation that the detergent container may be arbitrarily separated from the mounting portion due to vibration or the like.

[0037] As a result, in a top-loading washing machine, the following method is the simplest method of coupling and separating the detergent container, in which the detergent container in an exposed state is slidably moved in the width direction of the cabinet and then mounted on the mounting portion, thereby improving its applicability.

[0038] However, since it becomes easier to separate the detergent container from the cabinet as it becomes easier to mount the detergent container on the mounting portion, it is necessary to study the easy mounting and stable holding of the detergent container.

[0039] In addition, since the detergent container can be easily removed, a method for accurately detecting whether the detergent container is normally coupled to the mounting portion is also required. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0040] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0041] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus including a detecting section configured to detect whether an automatic detergent supply section of a top-loading washing machine is mounted without being affected by detergent, water, etc., even when the automatic detergent supply section is exposed to the outside.

[0042] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus including a non-contact detection part, and thus capable of consistently detecting whether an automatic detergent supply part is installed without being affected by detergent or water.

[0043] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of separately determining and detecting whether a plurality of automatic detergent supply parts are installed by using a detection part.

[0044] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus including a detection part, which is also capable of detecting a user's intention to separate an automatic detergent supply part.

[0045] Technical solution

[0046] To solve the above tasks, the present disclosure provides a laundry treatment apparatus including a detergent supply device disposed at a top cover disposed at an upper part of a cabinet of a top-loading washing machine and configured to transfer supplied detergent to the tub.

[0047] The detergent supply part may include: a mounting part disposed behind the door or the introduction port and configured to receive the detergent and transfer the detergent to the tub; a detergent container configured to receive the detergent supplied to the mounting part and detachably disposed at the mounting part in a width direction of the top cover; and a detection part disposed at at least one of the mounting part or the detergent container to detect whether at least one detergent container is coupled to the mounting part.

[0048] The mounting part may include: a mounting body disposed behind the door or the introduction port; a mounting groove recessed from the mounting body to guide movement of the detergent container and support a lower part of the detergent container; and a restricting surface disposed inside or at one end of the mounting groove in a manner of detachably coupling to the detergent container and provided with a communication part to which the detergent is supplied.

[0049] The detergent container may include: a storage body disposed in the mounting groove; a discharger disposed on a lower part of the storage body and detachably coupled to the communication part; and a support part disposed on the lower part of the storage body spaced apart from the discharger to support the storage body.

[0050] The detection part can be set closer to the support part than to the connection part, or at least a part of the detection part can be mounted on the support part.

[0051] The detection part can include: a generator, which is arranged on the lower part of the storage body, closer to the support part than to the connection part, or arranged on the support part to generate a magnetic force; and a sensor, which is arranged in the installation groove to detect the generator.

[0052] The sensor can be set closer to at least one of the two side surfaces of the top cover than to the connection part.

[0053] The sensor can be arranged at a position in the installation body facing the lower part of the generator.

[0054] The generator can be set closer to the lower end than to the upper end of the support part.

[0055] At least a part of the generator can be selectively received in the detergent container.

[0056] The detergent container can include: the storage body, which is configured to store the detergent therein and receive the support part in a reciprocating manner; and a pusher, which is arranged at the storage body to press the support part and move the generator towards the inside of the storage body.

[0057] The detergent container can further include an elastic part, which is arranged in the storage body to push the generator downward.

[0058] The pusher can be arranged on the side surface of the storage body and can be pressed into the storage body. Wherein, the support part includes: a clamping body, which is received in the storage body, such that the lower end of the clamping body is pushed outside the storage body and supported by the installation groove; an inclined groove, which is recessed from one side of the clamping body and is configured to raise the clamping body when pressed by the pusher; and an elastic support member, which is arranged on the upper part of the clamping body, and the elastic part is arranged on the elastic support member.

[0059] The generator can be installed in the clamping body.

[0060] The installation part can further include a blocking protrusion, which protrudes from the outside or the other end of the installation groove and contacts one surface of the support part.

[0061] The sensor can be arranged to be closer to the blocking protrusion than to the communication part.

[0062] The sensor can be arranged on the lower part of the mounting groove to be further inward than the blocking protrusion.

[0063] The generator can be configured such that the length of the generator in the width direction or in the front - rear direction is greater than the thickness of the generator in the up - down direction, and the sensor can have a thickness or surface area corresponding to the generator.

[0064] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a display part arranged at the cabinet or the top cover to externally display the state of the sensor.

[0065] When the sensor does not detect the generator, the display part displays information indicating that at least one detergent container is not mounted on the mounting part.

[0066] The mounting groove may include: a first mounting groove arranged at one side of the mounting body; and a second mounting groove spaced from the first mounting groove in the width direction of the top cover.

[0067] The communication part may include: a first communication part arranged in the first mounting groove; and a second communication part arranged in the second mounting groove.

[0068] The detergent container may include: a first detergent container slidably movable along the first mounting groove to be detachably coupled to the first communication part and storing a first detergent; and a second detergent container slidably movable in a direction opposite to the first detergent container along the second mounting groove to be detachably coupled to the second communication part and storing a second detergent.

[0069] The detection part may include: a plurality of generators respectively mounted on a plurality of detergent containers and generating a magnetic force or a signal; and a plurality of sensors respectively mounted in a plurality of mounting grooves and detecting the plurality of generators.

[0070] The plurality of sensors can be arranged to be closer to the outer surface of the top cover than to the second communication part.

[0071] The plurality of sensors can be respectively arranged on the bottom surfaces of the plurality of mounting grooves or below the plurality of mounting grooves.

[0072] Beneficial effects

[0073] The present disclosure has the effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus including a detection unit configured to detect whether an automatic detergent supply unit of a top-loading washing machine is installed without being affected by detergent, water, etc., even when the automatic detergent supply unit is exposed to the outside.

[0074] The present disclosure has the effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus including a non-contact detection unit, and thus can consistently detect whether an automatic detergent supply unit is installed without being affected by detergent or water.

[0075] The present disclosure has the effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus capable of separately determining and detecting whether a plurality of automatic detergent supply units are installed using the detection unit.

[0076] The present disclosure has the effect of providing a laundry treatment apparatus including a detection unit that can also detect a user's intention to separate the automatic detergent supply unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 Shows the appearance of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0078] Figure 2 Shows the structure of a top cover and a door of a laundry treatment apparatus;

[0079] Figure 3 Shows the internal structure of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 4 Shows the structure of a top cover of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 5 Shows the structure in which an automatic detergent supply unit is coupled to and separated from a laundry treatment apparatus;

[0082] Figure 6 Shows the structure in which a detergent container can be separated and installed in a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 7 Shows the problem of insufficient space required for the detergent container to slide;

[0084] Figure 8 Shows the process of separating the detergent container upward from the installation part in a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0085] Figure 9Shows the installation part of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0086] Figure 10 Shows the structure of the installation groove of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 11 Shows the structure of the detergent container of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0088] Figure 12 Shows the holding structure in the width direction of the automatic detergent supply part of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 13 Shows a cross-sectional view of the holding structure in the width direction of the automatic detergent supply part of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0090] Figure 14 Shows the holding structure in the width direction of the automatic detergent supply part of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 15 Shows the holding structure in the front-rear direction of the automatic detergent supply part of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0092] Figures 16 to 18 Shows the detailed structure of the detergent container;

[0093] Figure 19 Shows the structure of the holding unit;

[0094] Figure 20 Shows the operation of the holding unit;

[0095] Figure 21 Shows the operation of the holding unit;

[0096] Figure 22 Shows the operation of separating the detergent container from the installation part; and

[0097] Figure 23 Shows the structure of the detection part. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0098] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, even in different drawings, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms used herein also include the plural forms. In addition, in the following description of the disclosed embodiments, if a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present disclosure will make the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear, such detailed description will be omitted. The drawings are only used to help easily understand various technical features, and it should be understood that the technical idea presented in this specification should not be construed as being limited by the drawings.

[0099] Figure 1 An embodiment showing the appearance of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0100] The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may include a top cover 20 coupled to an upper portion of a cabinet 10. The top cover 20 may define an upper surface of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and may include an opening through which laundry is introduced into the laundry treating apparatus.

[0101] The top cover 20 may be provided with a control panel 40 including an input unit for inputting commands for performing processes and a display portion capable of externally displaying a state of a process being performed and a state of an automatic detergent supply portion 1000.

[0102] The top cover 20 may be made of a material different from that of the cabinet 10.

[0103] Accordingly, even when the cabinet 10 is made of a metallic material to ensure durability, the top cover 20 may be made of a resin-based material such that other components can be easily coupled to the top cover 20 even when the top cover 20 has a complex structure.

[0104] For example, a door 30 configured to open and close the opening may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 20.

[0105] Since the volume of the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 is proportional to the amount of detergent that can be stored therein, the frequency with which the user needs to refill the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 with detergent can be reduced.

[0106] According to the present disclosure, the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 may be detachably coupled to the laundry treating apparatus 1. Thus, when unwanted detergent or foreign matter is introduced therein, it can be easily cleaned by the user and the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 can be easily replaced.

[0107] Since the corners of the cabinet 10 are provided with suspensions and the tub 50 is vertically arranged close to the interior and upper end of the cabinet 10, the interior space in the cabinet 10 is not sufficient to accommodate the automatic detergent supply part 1000 therein.

[0108] Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be arranged outside the cabinet 10 and thus can be fully enlarged without being restricted by the interior space in the cabinet 10.

[0109] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be connected to be exposed to the outside from the top cover 20. As a result, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be easily separated from and mounted on the top cover 20.

[0110] Meanwhile, when the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is arranged in front of the door 30 or the opening or on two lateral side surfaces of the door 30 or the opening, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 may obstruct the opening of the door 30 or the introduction of laundry through the opening.

[0111] Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be arranged behind the door 30 or the opening. Thus, the user can open the door 30 or can introduce laundry through the opening without being obstructed by the automatic detergent supply part 1000. In addition, since the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can support the opened door 30, the door 30 can be prevented from being opened excessively from the opening.

[0112] Meanwhile, since the drive unit 90 is arranged below the tub 50, when the laundry treatment device vibrates, the top cover 20 may vibrate to the greatest extent. Since the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can receive a large amount of detergent therein, the automatic detergent supply part may be heavy and thus have a high inertial force. Therefore, when the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is detachably connected to the upper part of the top cover 20, the vibration with the maximum amplitude of the laundry treatment device can be transmitted to the automatic detergent supply part 1000, causing the automatic detergent supply part to be separated from the top cover 20 arbitrarily.

[0113] Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part can be implemented as a drawer-type automatic detergent supply part which is fully accommodated in a housing provided at the top cover and is pulled out from one surface of the housing.

[0114] When the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is implemented as a drawer-type automatic detergent supply part in a state where the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is connected to the rear side of the door 30 of the top cover 20, the surface through which the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is pulled out of the housing may correspond to one of the upper surface, the side surface, and the front surface.

[0115] Since the top-loading washing machine has a breadth or width greater than its height to ensure sufficient washing capacity, it is difficult for a user to fully pull out the automatic detergent supply part upward from the housing of the top cover 20 and insert the automatic detergent supply part into the housing. In addition, since the automatic detergent supply part is disposed behind the door 30, it may be difficult for the user to pull the automatic detergent supply part upward from the housing of the top cover 20 or insert the automatic detergent supply part into the housing.

[0116] From the user's perspective, a way in which the automatic detergent supply part is pulled out from the housing of the top cover and inserted into the housing through its lateral side surface may be easier than a way in which the automatic detergent supply part is pulled out from the housing and inserted into the housing along the vertical direction.

[0117] However, it is necessary to provide a required space for the lateral side surface to take out the entire length of the automatic detergent supply part in order to fully pull out the automatic detergent supply part from the housing. Therefore, when the laundry treatment apparatus cannot ensure the length required to take out the automatic detergent supply part due to a narrow space in which the laundry treatment apparatus is installed, there is a problem that the user cannot use the automatic detergent supply part at all.

[0118] Meanwhile, a configuration in which the automatic detergent supply part is pulled out from the top cover 20 along the forward direction and inserted into the top cover 20 can always ensure the length required to pull out the automatic detergent supply part from the top cover 20.

[0119] However, in order to connect the automatic detergent supply part to the housing so as to communicate with the tub, a pump or a hose must be provided on the rear surface of the housing opposite to the surface through which the automatic detergent supply part is inserted and passed, and the pump or the hose is to be connected to the automatic detergent supply part so as to communicate with it.

[0120] Therefore, since the automatic detergent supply part must be disposed in front of the pump or the hose, a space in which the pump or the hose is installed must be additionally provided on the rear surfaces of the door 30 and the introduction port. As a result, it may not be possible to ensure a sufficient volume of the automatic detergent supply part. If a sufficient length of the automatic detergent supply part in the insertion and extraction directions is ensured to obtain the required volume of the automatic detergent supply part, the area of the opening may be reduced, making it difficult to take out and introduce laundry through the opening, or the opening and the door 30 may be eccentrically disposed at the front side of the top cover 20, resulting in the laundry being only accumulated at the front side of the drum 60. As a result, there may be a problem of causing an unbalanced weight distribution in the laundry treatment apparatus.

[0121] As a result, a top-loading washing machine such as a laundry treatment device according to the present disclosure is preferably designed such that the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is not a drawer type.

[0122] Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 of the laundry treatment device according to the present disclosure can be installed on the upper part of the top cover 20 so as to be exposed to the outside.

[0123] Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 of the laundry treatment device according to the present invention can be less restricted by the direction in which the top cover 20 is installed or detached, thereby ensuring design freedom, and can have at least one of sufficient height, width, and length.

[0124] However, since it is difficult for the laundry treatment device according to the present disclosure to accommodate and support the automatic detergent supply part 1000, the laundry treatment device can additionally be provided with a structure capable of firmly holding the automatic detergent supply part 1000. This additional structure will be described later.

[0125] Figure 2 A laundry treatment device in a state where its door is open is shown.

[0126] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be provided at the rear side of the door 30 so as to support the opened door 30 when the door 30 is opened.

[0127] The top cover 20 on which the door 30 and the automatic detergent supply part 1000 are mounted can be coupled to the upper part of the cabinet 10.

[0128] The top cover 20 can include an opening 21, and the door 30 can be rotatably coupled to the top cover 20 so as to open and close the opening 21.

[0129] The top cover 20 can be provided with a control panel 40 in front of the opening 21. As a result, the user can be allowed to easily access the control panel 40.

[0130] The control panel 40 can be provided with a controller therein, the controller being configured to receive commands for controlling the laundry treatment device and execute a predetermined process for treating laundry.

[0131] The control panel 40 can include: at least one power supply part 41 for receiving a command for supplying power to the controller; an input part 44 through which a predetermined process executed by the controller is input; a display part 43 configured to display the state of the controller; and an execution part 42 through which a command for executing a selected process is input.

[0132] The top cover 20 may be provided with a water supply device for receiving water therein and a manual detergent supply part 100 that communicates with the water supply device and is capable of storing detergent therein.

[0133] The manual detergent supply part 100 may be taken out from the rear side of the inner peripheral surface of the opening 21 along the forward direction, thereby reducing the flow passage connected to the water supply device. However, the manual detergent supply part 100 is only one embodiment and may have any configuration and may be installed at any position as long as the manual detergent supply part 100 can store and discharge detergent.

[0134] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 may be provided behind the opening 21. Therefore, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 may share the flow passage through which the detergent is discharged from the manual detergent supply part 100. In addition, if the flow passage through which the detergent is discharged is provided independently of the automatic detergent supply part 1000, the automatic detergent supply part and the manual detergent supply part 100 may be concentrically provided in order to improve the usability of the internal space of the top cover 20.

[0135] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 may protrude from the upper surface of the top cover 20 in order to store more detergent than the amount of detergent required for one execution of the washing process.

[0136] In addition, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 may support the door 30 to prevent the door 30 from colliding with a wall or the like provided behind the automatic detergent supply part 1000.

[0137] Figure 3 An embodiment of a laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0138] The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform a predetermined washing process of removing foreign substances from laundry using water and detergent.

[0139] The laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include: a cabinet 10 that defines the appearance of the laundry treating apparatus; a tub 50 that is provided inside the cabinet 10 to store water; a drum 60 that is rotatably provided inside the tub 50 to receive laundry; and a driving unit 90 that is coupled to the tub 50 to rotate the drum 60.

[0140] The cabinet 10 may be provided with an opening through which laundry is introduced into the cabinet 10 at its upper part, and each of the tub 50 and the drum 60 may also be provided with an introduction port through which laundry is introduced into it at its upper part.

[0141] The driving unit 90 may be fixed to the lower surface of the tub 50 to rotate the drum 60.

[0142] The laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include a suspension configured to support the tub 50 in the cabinet 10, and the suspension may be implemented as a damper, a spring, etc., which connect the lower portion of the tub 50 to the interior and upper portion of the cabinet 10.

[0143] The laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include: a water supply device 70 disposed at the rear of the cabinet 10 and communicating with an external water source to supply water to the tub 50; a drainer 80 communicating with the lower portion of the tub 50 to discharge the water received in the tub 50 to the outside of the cabinet 10.

[0144] The laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub 50. The detergent supply device may include at least one of a manual detergent supply portion 100 or an automatic detergent supply portion 1000.

[0145] The manual detergent supply portion 100 may be configured to allow a user to directly introduce detergent therein. The manual detergent supply portion 100 may be connected between the water supply device 70 and the tub 50 such that the manual detergent supply portion 100 receives the water supplied from the water supply device 70 and supplies all the introduced detergent to the tub 50. Thus, whenever a predetermined process is performed, the manual detergent supply portion 100 may directly receive an appropriate amount of detergent from the user.

[0146] The automatic detergent supply portion 1000 may be configured to store a large amount of detergent to be supplied to the tub 50. In other words, the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 may store a certain amount of detergent at one time that can be used in multiple executions of a predetermined process, and may discharge an appropriate amount of detergent into the tub 50 whenever a predetermined process is performed.

[0147] Unlike the manual detergent supply portion 100, the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 may be configured not to receive water from the water supply device 70. Thus, since the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 does not receive water from the water supply device 70, it is possible to prevent all the detergent in the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 from being completely discharged by the water supplied to the water supply device 70 even when the automatic detergent supply portion 1000 stores a large amount of detergent therein.

[0148] The automatic detergent supply portion 1000 may communicate with the water supply device 70 or the tub 50 at its downstream portion, but may not communicate with the water supply device 70 at its upstream portion.

[0149] The laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may include both a manual detergent supply part 100 and an automatic detergent supply part 1000, or may include either the manual detergent supply part 100 or the automatic detergent supply part 1000.

[0150] When both the manual detergent supply part 100 and the automatic detergent supply part 1000 are provided, the downstream part of the manual detergent supply part 100 and the downstream part of the automatic detergent supply part 1000 may communicate with each other to simplify the flow path.

[0151] Figure 4 A detergent supply device of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0152] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure may be mounted on the top cover 20.

[0153] The top cover 20 may be made of plastic and may be easily molded into a structure on which the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is disposed.

[0154] The water supply device 70 may be mounted on the rear surface of the top cover 20. The manual detergent supply part 100 may be provided behind and below the opening formed through the top cover 20.

[0155] The manual detergent supply part 100 may be taken out from the top cover 20 in the forward direction to allow powder detergent or liquid detergent to be introduced therein. The manual detergent supply part 100 may communicate with the water supply device 70 to receive water from the water supply device 70 and discharge the introduced detergent in the downward direction.

[0156] Since the introduction port of the tub 50 is provided below the opening 21, the detergent discharged from the manual detergent supply part 100 may be directly transferred to the inside of the tub 50.

[0157] The manual detergent supply part 100 may include a drawer 101 that is taken out and inserted in the opening 21 in the front - rear direction. Thus, the manual detergent supply part 100 may be pulled forward only when detergent is introduced therein, and when detergent is not introduced therein, the manual detergent supply part 100 may be held in a state of being received in the top cover 20, thereby preventing interference between the laundry introduced through the opening and the manual detergent supply part 100.

[0158] The automatic detergent supply part 1000 may be provided at the rear side of the upper part of the top cover 20. The automatic detergent supply part 1000 may be provided higher than the water supply device 70 and may also be provided higher than the manual detergent supply part 100.

[0159] Therefore, the detergent discharged from the automatic detergent supply section 1000 can be transferred to the water supply device 70 or the manual detergent supply section 100, and then can be supplied to the tub 50.

[0160] The automatic detergent supply section 1000 may include a detergent container 200 configured to store therein the detergent to be supplied to the tub 50, and a mounting section 300 configured to fix the detergent container 200 to the upper portion of the top cover 20.

[0161] The detergent container 200 may be detachably mounted on the mounting section 300. Accordingly, the detergent container 200 can be separated from the mounting section 300 to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance of the detergent container 200 when needed.

[0162] In addition, when the user supplies detergent to the detergent container 200, the detergent container 200 can be separated from the mounting section 300. Thus, it is possible for the user to introduce the detergent into the detergent container 200 without being restricted by the position, and contamination of the top cover 20, etc. can be prevented during the introduction of the detergent into the detergent container 200.

[0163] The detergent container 200 may be constituted by a plurality of detergent containers that store different detergents. The plurality of detergent containers 200 may be arranged along the width direction of the top cover 20 and may be mounted on the mounting section 300.

[0164] The mounting section 300 may be provided at the rear side of the top cover 20 along the width direction. Although the mounting section 300 may be integrally formed with the top cover 20, the mounting section 300 may also be mounted on the rear side of the upper surface of the top cover 20 behind the door 30.

[0165] The upper portion of the mounting section 300 may be configured to allow the detergent container 200 to be mounted thereon. The lower portion of the detergent container 200 may be detachably mounted on the mounting section 300.

[0166] The detergent container 200 may be coupled to and separated from the mounting section 300 in a state of being exposed to the outside from the top cover 20. Accordingly, the direction in which the detergent container 200 is coupled to or separated from the mounting section 300 may not be limited to a certain direction. As a result, it is possible for the user to couple the detergent container 200 to the mounting section 300 or separate it from the mounting section 300 without being greatly restricted by the height of the cabinet 10.

[0167] The overall length of the detergent container 200 may be greater than the height or thickness of the detergent container. Thus, the center of gravity of the detergent container 200 can be lowered while increasing the detergent storage capacity of the detergent container 200, and a sufficient area of the door 30 or the opening 21 can be ensured.

[0168] The installation part 300 may be provided with a transfer unit configured to receive detergent from a detergent container and discharge the detergent into the tub 50. The transfer unit may include: a detergent pump configured to discharge the detergent in the detergent container 200; and a detergent supply pipe configured to connect the detergent pump to at least one of the water supply device 70, the tub 50, or the manual detergent supply part 100.

[0169] Figure 5 A structure in which the detergent container is coupled to and separated from the installation part is shown.

[0170] Referring to Figure 5 of (a), the detergent container 200 may include: a first detergent container 200a that stores the first detergent therein and is detachably coupled to the installation part 300; and a second detergent container 200b that is separately configured from the first detergent container 200a to store the second detergent therein and is detachably coupled to the installation part 300.

[0171] The first detergent may be a laundry detergent required to remove foreign substances from clothes, while the second detergent may be a bleach configured to bleach clothes or a fabric softener configured to control the toughness and fragrance of fabrics.

[0172] Each of the first detergent and the second detergent may be provided in a liquid form. Therefore, due to gravity, the first detergent and the first detergent can be easily discharged into the installation part 300.

[0173] The manual detergent supply part may be configured to store a third detergent therein. The third detergent may be a detergent different from the first detergent and the second detergent. The third detergent may be the same type of detergent as the first detergent and the second detergent, but may be in powder form instead of liquid form.

[0174] Of course, the third detergent may be exactly the same as one of the first detergent and the second detergent.

[0175] The first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b may have the same shape and may be symmetric with each other based on the interface between them. Alternatively, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b may be configured to have completely different shapes.

[0176] However, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b may be configured to have the same function and may be detachably coupled to the installation part 300 in the same manner.

[0177] Hereinafter, the structures of the detergent container 200 and the mounting portion 300, the coupling and holding structures between the detergent container 200 and the mounting portion 300, and the sensing structure between the detergent container 200 and the mounting portion 300 will be described with respect to the second detergent container 200b. However, this is only to avoid redundant description, and the description can be similarly applied to the first detergent container 200a.

[0178] Referring to Figure 5 of (b), the detergent container 200 may include a storage body 210 having a space configured to store detergent therein.

[0179] The storage body 210 may be coupled to and separated from the mounting portion 300 while sliding in the width direction of the top cover 20.

[0180] When separating from and coupling to the mounting portion 300, it is not necessary to lift the storage body 210 from the mounting portion 300. Therefore, even when the storage body 210 is installed at the rear side of the upper part of the top cover 20, it is easy for the user to couple the storage body 210 to the mounting portion 300 and separate the storage body 210 from the mounting portion 300.

[0181] The storage body 210 may be coupled to and separated from the mounting portion 300 in such a manner that the storage body 210 is pushed and pulled at the lateral side of the mounting portion 300. Therefore, even when the opening 21 is opened by the door 30, it is possible for the user to couple the storage body 210 to the mounting portion 300 or separate the storage body 210 from the mounting portion 300 in a sliding manner without interference at the rear side of the door 30.

[0182] Referring to Figure 5 of (c), after moving the storage body 210 to the lateral side and then separating it from another storage body on the mounting portion 300, the storage body 210 can move freely not only in the direction toward the lateral side of the mounting portion 300 but also in the upward, forward, and backward directions.

[0183] In other words, although the inner surface of the storage body 210 does not move outside the mounting portion 300, the storage body 210 can be completely separated from the mounting portion 300. For example, when the storage body 210 and the mounting portion 300 are separated from each other in a fluid communication state, the storage body 210 can be completely separated from the mounting portion 300. Therefore, in a state where the storage body 210 is supported by the mounting portion 300, the storage body 210 can continuously move toward the lateral side of the mounting portion 300, and can be lifted in all directions except the downward direction and then separated from the mounting portion 300.

[0184] As a result, even when there is no space required for the storage body 210 to slide a distance as long as the length of the storage body 210 due to a wall or other electrical appliances being on the outer lateral side surface or the top cover 20 or the mounting part 300, the storage body 210 can still be separated from the mounting part 300.

[0185] When the storage body 210 is coupled to the mounting part 300, the above separation method can be performed in the reverse order.

[0186] Referring to Figure 5 of (d), the mounting part 300 may include a communication part 370 configured to be detachably coupled to the storage body 210. The storage body 210 may be detachably coupled to the communication part 370 such that the detergent stored in the storage body 210 is discharged through the communication part 370.

[0187] The communication part 370 may protrude from the mounting part 300 along the width direction of the top cover 20. Thus, the storage body 210 can move in the width direction of the top cover 20 and then be coupled to the communication part 370.

[0188] The mounting part 300 may be configured such that the storage body 210 can slide on the mounting part 300 until the storage body 210 is completely separated from the mounting part 300.

[0189] However, the storage body 210 can move in a sliding manner on the mounting part 300 only when it is coupled to the communication part 370. Here, when the state of being coupled to the communication part 370 is released, although the storage body 210 does not move in a sliding manner on the mounting part 300, the storage body 210 can still be completely separated from the mounting part 300.

[0190] As a result, the storage body 210 can move in a sliding manner on the mounting part 300 along the width direction of the top cover 20 and then be coupled to and separated from the mounting part 300. Here, the storage body 210 can also be supported by the upper part of the mounting part 300 and can move in a sliding manner only when the storage body 210 is coupled to and separated from the mounting part 300 in terms of fluid communication. In other words, when the storage body 210 is separated from the mounting part 300 in terms of fluid communication, the storage body 210 can move freely on the mounting part regardless of the shape of the mounting part 300.

[0191] The mounting part 300 may include a mounting groove 310 configured to receive and support at least a part of the lower part of the storage body 210.

[0192] The lower surface of the storage body 210 can be supported by two lateral side surfaces of the installation groove 310 and is slidably guided in a state of being received in the installation groove 310.

[0193] One end or the inner side of the installation groove 310 can be provided with a limiting surface 320 configured to limit the inward movement or insertion of the storage body 210.

[0194] The limiting surface 320 can support the storage body 210 to prevent the storage body 210 from vibrating in the inward direction.

[0195] The communication part 370 can protrude outward from the limiting surface 320. The communication part 370 can be arranged closer to the lower part of the limiting surface 320 than to the upper part of the limiting surface 320.

[0196] When the detergent container 200 is placed on the installation part 300, it is necessary to prevent the detergent container 200 from being arbitrarily separated from the installation part 300. The fact that the detergent container 200 is slidably moved along the installation groove 310 and is easy to be coupled to and separated from the installation part 300 means that the detergent container 200 is easy to be separated from the installation part 300.

[0197] Since the laundry treatment device according to the present disclosure is a top-loading type, a larger amplitude of vibration can be transmitted to the installation part 300. Therefore, the installation part 300 can be configured to be easy to be coupled to the detergent container 200, but difficult to be separated from the detergent container 200 or vibrate relatively.

[0198] For this purpose, the installation part 300 can further include a blocking protrusion 330 that prevents the storage body 210 from being taken out or slidably moved toward the outer lateral side surface when the storage body 210 is coupled to the communication part 370 or completely installed on the installation part 300.

[0199] The blocking protrusion 330 can protrude from the other end or the outer side of the installation groove 310.

[0200] The detailed structure in which the installation part 300 supports and holds the detergent container 200 will be described later.

[0201] Figure 6 The structure in which the detergent container is coupled to and separated from the installation part is shown with respect to the overall shape of the laundry treatment device according to the present disclosure.

[0202] Refer to Figure 6 In (a) of, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be placed and fixed to the installation part 300 in an exposed state.

[0203] Since the opening 21 in the top cover 20 is positioned above the cabinet, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b cannot be configured such that the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b are received in a drawer or the like and taken out from the top cover. As a result, the lower portions of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be placed and fixed to the upper portion of the mounting portion 300, or only a part of the first detergent container 200a and only a part of the second detergent container 200b can be received in the upper portion of the mounting portion 300, while the remaining portions of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be kept in an exposed state.

[0204] In order to increase the volume of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b while maintaining the area of the opening 21, the total length of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b in the width direction of the top cover 20 can be greater than the thickness of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b in the front-rear direction of the top cover 20.

[0205] Therefore, since the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be mounted on the mounting portion 300 so as to be slidably movable in the width direction of the mounting portion 300, the detergent container 200 and the mounting portion 300 can be stably coupled and separated from each other.

[0206] Referring to Figure 6 (b) of, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be slidably moved from the center of the mounting portion 300 toward the outside of the mounting portion 300 and then separated from the mounting portion 300.

[0207] The detergent container 200 can be slidably moved on the mounting portion 300 until the detergent container 200 is separated from the mounting portion 300. Therefore, the stability of mounting the detergent container 200 to the mounting portion 300 and separating from the mounting portion 300 can be ensured.

[0208] The mounting portion 300 can include a first mounting area 310a configured to support the first detergent container 200a and a second mounting area 310b configured to support the second detergent container 200b.

[0209] The first mounting area 310a can be implemented as a first mounting groove 310a formed in the mounting portion 300 so as to receive at least a part of the first detergent container 200a and support the first detergent container 200a. However, the first mounting area 310a can be implemented as any structure as long as the structure can support the first detergent container 200a.

[0210] The second installation area 310b can be implemented as a second installation groove 310b formed in the installation part 300 to receive at least a part of the second detergent container 200b and support the second detergent container 200b. However, the second installation area 310b can be implemented as any structure as long as the structure can support the second detergent container 200b.

[0211] The length of the installation part 300 can be greater than the length D0 of the installation area 310. In other words, the installation part 300 can further include an external step 360 that protrudes from the installation area 310 toward the outer surface of the top cover 20.

[0212] When the detergent container 200 is coupled to the installation area 310, the area between the outer end of the installation area 310 and the inner surface of the external step 360 corresponds to the allowable area that does not directly support the detergent container 200. In other words, the installation part 300 can further include an area corresponding to the allowable length D2 outside the installation area 310.

[0213] The length of the detergent container 200 can correspond to the length D0 of the installation area 310. Therefore, when the detergent container 200 is placed in the installation area 310, the part of the installation part 300 corresponding to the allowable length D2 can be exposed.

[0214] As a result, even when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved to be completely detached from the installation part 300, the detergent container 200 can be supported by the part of the installation part 300 corresponding to the allowable length D2.

[0215] Even when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved in the installation area 310 by the length D0 of the detergent container 200, the detergent container 200 can be completely coupled to the installation part 300 or separated from the installation part 300 although a part of the detergent container 200 is supported by the part of the installation part 300 corresponding to the allowable length D2.

[0216] Therefore, even when the detergent container 200 receives at least a small amount of detergent and is thus somewhat heavy, the user can slidably move the detergent container 200 while the installation part 300 supports as much of the weight of the detergent container 200 as possible, and as a result, the detergent container 200 can be easily separated from the installation part 300.

[0217] In addition, the user can slidably couple the detergent container 200 to the installation area 310 while transferring the weight of the detergent container 200 from the area of the installation part 300 corresponding to the allowable length D2 to the installation part 300.

[0218] As a result, even though there is no guiding member (e.g., a drawer) that guides the sliding movement of the detergent container 200 in a state where only the lower part of the detergent container 200 contacts the mounting part 300, the detergent container 200 can still be stably coupled to the mounting part 300 and separated from the mounting part 300 while slidingly moving.

[0219] Figure 7 A situation where it is difficult to separate the detergent container is shown.

[0220] As described above, the detergent container 200 according to the present disclosure can be coupled to the mounting part 300 while sliding from the outside to the inside of the top cover 20, and can be separated from the mounting part 300 while sliding from the inside to the outside of the top cover 20.

[0221] Therefore, even when the detergent container 200 does not slide along the entire length of the mounting area 310, the detergent container 200 can still be separated from or coupled to the mounting part 300.

[0222] If the detergent container 200 is configured to slide in one direction from start to end, the detergent container 200 can be stably coupled to the mounting part 300 and separated from the mounting part 300. However, there may be a situation where the detergent container 200 cannot be coupled to the mounting part 300 or is substantially unable to be separated from the mounting part 300.

[0223] Referring to Figure 7 (a) of, there may be a situation where an electrical appliance such as a refrigerator 2 is set close to one side of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. In this case, since the second detergent container 200b can slide in the mounting area 310 by more than the length D0 of the second detergent container 200b, the second detergent container 200b can be easily coupled to or separated from the mounting area 310.

[0224] However, the distance between the first detergent container 200a and the refrigerator 2 may be smaller than the length D0 of the first detergent container 200a. Therefore, the first detergent container 200a may not slide in the mounting area 310 by the length D0 of the first detergent container 200a.

[0225] In addition, when the first detergent container 200a is completely separated from the mounting area 310, it is substantially impossible to introduce the first detergent container 200a into the mounting area 310.

[0226] Therefore, in a case where the detergent container 200 cannot be slidably moved in the installation area 310 by the length D0 of the detergent container 200, it may be impossible to separate or couple the detergent container 200 from the installation area 310.

[0227] Refer to Figure 7 of (b), even when there is no electrical appliance 2 near the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure can be installed in a narrow space such as a laundry room or a utility room.

[0228] For example, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure can be installed in a multi-functional room, where the distance between the wall W and the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure is smaller than the length D0 of the detergent container 200.

[0229] In this case, the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b cannot be slidably moved in the installation area 310 by the length D0 of the corresponding detergent container 200.

[0230] As a result, it is possible to prevent the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b from being separated from or coupled to the installation area 310.

[0231] As a result, if the detergent container 200 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure must be forcibly slidably moved by the length D0 of the detergent container 200 when the detergent container 200 is coupled to or separated from the installation part 300, the actual efficiency of the automatic detergent supply part 1000 may be reduced.

[0232] Therefore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure can be configured such that the detergent container 200 can be coupled to or separated from the installation part 300 even though the distance by which the detergent container 200 is slidably moved is less than the length D0 of the detergent container 200.

[0233] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which enables the detergent container to be coupled to or separated from the installation part.

[0234] Refer to Figure 8 of (a), the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be installed on the installation part 300.

[0235] Refer to Figure 8 of (b), at least one of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b can be slidably moved on the installation part 300 along the length direction of the installation part 300 or the width direction of the top cover 20.

[0236] Refer to Figure 8In (c), when the detergent container 200 slides on the installation part 300 and separates from the communication part 370, the detergent container 200 can also slide on the installation part 300 along the length direction of the installation part 300 or the width direction of the top cover 20 and can be lifted upward.

[0237] Refer to Figure 8 In (d), although the storage body 210 of the detergent container 200 does not completely detach from the installation part 300, the storage body 210 of the detergent container 200 can also be completely separated from the installation area 310.

[0238] The process of connecting the detergent container 200 to the installation part 300 can be achieved by performing the above separation process in the reverse order.

[0239] As a result, even when the detergent container 200 according to the present disclosure slides a distance smaller than the length D0 of the detergent container 200, the detergent container 200 can be completely connected to the installation part 300 or separated from the installation part 300.

[0240] In addition, even when the detergent container 200 slides only between two opposite ends of the installation part 300 without protruding outward from the installation part 300, the detergent container 200 can be completely connected to the installation part 300 or separated from the installation part 300.

[0241] As a result, even when there is not enough space to allow the detergent container 200 to slide to the outside of the installation part 300 or the top cover 20 due to the presence of the electrical appliance 2, the wall W, etc. near the outer surface of the installation part 300 or the top cover 20, the detergent container 200 can be connected to or separated from the installation part 300 without being restricted.

[0242] Figure 9 Specifically shows the process of connecting or separating the detergent container from the installation part.

[0243] Refer to Figure 9 In (a), the detergent container 200 may include: a storage body 210 configured to store detergent therein; a plate 220 connected to the storage body 210 or provided on the lower part of the storage body 210 and supported by the installation part 300; and a discharger 230 installed on the plate 220 to communicate with the installation part and discharge the detergent to the outside of the storage body 210.

[0244] The storage body 210 may include a receiving body 211 disposed in the installation groove 310. The storage body 210 may also include a mounting portion 212 disposed outside the installation groove 310 to hold the storage body 210.

[0245] The installation part 212 may be provided therein with a holding unit 400 configured to fix the storage body 210 to the installation groove 310. A detection part 500 configured to notify that the detergent container 200 is coupled to the installation part 300 may be mounted on the holding unit 400.

[0246] A partition 225 configured to isolate the respective regions from each other may be provided between the installation part 212 and the receiving body 211. The installation part 212 may be provided with a coupler 250 configured to couple the outer side of the installation groove 310 to the detergent container 200.

[0247] The installation part 300 may be provided with a communication part 370 detachably coupled to the discharger 230. The communication part 370 may receive the detergent stored in the receiving body 211 and transfer the detergent to a detergent pump provided in the top cover 20 so as to discharge the detergent into the tub 50.

[0248] The receiving body 211 may be spaced rearward from the communication part 370 by a distance equal to or greater than a coupling length D4 described later, and may be supported by the installation part 300. A support part surface 380 may be provided between the two installation grooves 310 so as to support the lower surface of the receiving body 211 provided behind the communication part 370.

[0249] The entire length of the receiving body 211 may be set to be greater than the entire length of the installation groove 310. Accordingly, the weight of the detergent container 200 may also be distributed to the outside of the installation groove 310, and thus may be stably supported by the installation part 300.

[0250] The discharger 230 may be coupled to the communication part 370 by further moving from the free end of the communication part 370 to the fixed end of the communication part 370 by the coupling length D4.

[0251] When the discharger 230 is coupled to the communication part 370, the discharger 230 may be separated from the communication part 370 by moving by the coupling length D4.

[0252] The communication part 370 may be oriented in the direction in which the detergent container 200 is slidably moved and mounted. When the detergent container 200 is slidably moved on the installation part 300, the discharger 230 may be positioned at a region of the detergent container 200 facing the communication part 370.

[0253] Refer to Figure 9In (b) thereof, the detergent container 200 can move towards the outside of the mounting portion 300 by a distance equal to or greater than the coupling length D4. The allowable length D2 located outside the mounting groove 310 can be equal to or greater than the coupling length D4. Therefore, even when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved outwards from the mounting groove 310 by the coupling length D4, the distal end of the detergent container 200 may not protrude outwards from the outer surface of the top cover 20. When the distal end of the detergent container 200 is set at the same vertical position as the outer surface of the top cover 20, the discharger 230 can be completely separated from the communication portion 370.

[0254] Referring to Figure 9 In (c) thereof, when the discharger 230 is separated from the communication portion 370, the mounting portion 300 may not be able to hold the detergent container 200. From that moment on, the detergent container 200 can also be slidably moved on the mounting portion 300 towards the outer surface of the top cover 20, and can be lifted upwards from the mounting portion 300.

[0255] Even when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved by a distance less than the coupling length D4 in a state where the discharger 230 is connected to the communication portion 370, when the distal end of the detergent container 200 is lifted and rotated upwards, the discharger 230 can also move from the communication portion 370 by a distance equal to or greater than the coupling length D4, so that it can be separated from the communication portion 370.

[0256] As a result, in a case where the discharger 230 can be separated from the communication portion 370, the detergent container 200 can be slidably moved on the mounting portion 300 along the width direction of the top cover 20, and the distal end of the detergent container 200 can be lifted upwards so that the detergent container 200 rotates around the communication portion 370.

[0257] Referring to Figure 9 In (d) thereof, the detergent container 200 can be completely separated from the mounting portion 300.

[0258] In a case where the detergent container 200 includes a plurality of detergent containers arranged along the width direction of the top cover 20, when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved towards the outside of the top cover 20 by a distance corresponding to the coupling length D4, the detergent container 200 can be separated from the mounting portion 300. In addition, even when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved by a distance less than the coupling length D4, if the distal end of the detergent container 200 set adjacent to the outside of the top cover 20 is lifted and thus the detergent container 200 rotates, the detergent container 200 can also be separated from the mounting portion 300.

[0259] The process of connecting the detergent container 200 to the mounting portion 300 can be achieved by performing the above process in the reverse order.

[0260] Therefore, regardless of the space where the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure is provided, the detergent container 200 can be slidably moved along the width direction of the top cover 20 on the installation part 300 so as to be fully coupled and separated.

[0261] Figure 10 The detailed structure of the installation part 300 is shown.

[0262] The installation part 300 may include: an installation body 301 which is provided on the top cover 20 along the width direction of the top cover 20 so as to support the detergent container 200; and an installation groove 310 which is recessed from the installation body 301 so as to support and receive therein the lower part of the detergent container 200.

[0263] The installation groove 310 may extend along the width direction in the installation body 301 to guide the sliding movement of the detergent container 200. The installation groove 310 may receive a part of the lower part of the detergent container 200 therein, and may support or hold the detergent container 200 in the front-rear direction.

[0264] The installation part 300 may include: a restricting surface 320 which extends upward from the inner side of the installation groove 310 to form a step, and the step is configured to prevent the detergent container 200 from further moving inward; and a communicating part 370 which is provided at the restricting surface 320 and is detachably coupled to the detergent container 200. At least a part of the communicating part 370 may be inserted into the storage body 210 so as to receive the detergent received in the detergent container 200.

[0265] The communicating part 370 may protrude from the restricting surface 320 toward the other end or the outside of the installation groove 310. The restricting surface 320 may support a part of the inner surface or the lower surface of the storage body 210 to prevent the detergent container 200 from vibrating toward the inside of the restricting surface 320.

[0266] The installation part 300 may include receiving ribs 340 which are provided at two opposite sides and at the front side or the rear side of the top cover 20 based on the direction in which the detergent container 200 slidably moves so as to support the detergent container 200.

[0267] Each of the receiving ribs 340 may extend from one end or the inner side of the installation groove 310 toward the other end or the outside, and may protrude upward from the installation body 301 to receive at least a part of the lower part of the detergent container 200.

[0268] The receiving ribs 340 may protrude to a height higher than the bottom surface of the installation groove 310, and may extend outward from the upper end of the restricting surface 320.

[0269] The installation part 300 may include a blocking protrusion 330 that protrudes from the outer side or the other end of the installation groove 310 to prevent the detergent container 200 from being removed. The receiving rib 340 may extend from the restricting surface 320 to the blocking protrusion 330.

[0270] The receiving rib 340 may also support two opposite sides of the detergent container 200 to guide the sliding movement of the detergent container 200 in the inward and outward directions in the installation groove 310.

[0271] The blocking protrusion 330 may be oriented to face the restricting surface 320 and may prevent the detergent container 200 from vibrating toward the outside of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0272] Thus, although the installation groove 310 may be formed by being recessed from the installation body 301, the installation groove 310 may also be formed in the installation body 301 by the receiving rib 340, the blocking protrusion 330, and the restricting surface 320 that protrude from the installation body 301.

[0273] The installation groove 310 may completely receive the lower portion of the detergent container 200 to hold and support the detergent container 200, and may receive the protruding portion of the lower portion of the detergent container 200 to hold and support the detergent container 200.

[0274] The outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330 may be provided with an engaging portion 334 that detachably engages with the detergent container 200. The engaging portion 334 may be implemented as a groove that is recessed from the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330 and detachably engages with a hook provided at the detergent container 200.

[0275] When the detergent container is installed in the installation groove 310, the installation part 300 may hold the lower portion of the detergent container.

[0276] When the detergent container 200 is coupled to the communication part 370, the restricting surface 320 and the blocking protrusion 330 may hold the detergent container 200 to prevent the detergent container 200 from vibrating or further moving in the width direction.

[0277] When the detergent container 200 is coupled to the communication part 370, the receiving rib 340 may hold the detergent container 200 to prevent the detergent container 200 from vibrating or moving in the front - rear direction.

[0278] The installation part 300 may receive or support four surfaces of the lower portion of the detergent container 200 to prevent the detergent container 200 from being accidentally separated from the installation part 300.

[0279] When the detergent container 200 is connected to the communication part 370, the engaging part 334 provided at the blocking projection 330 can be detachably connected to the detergent container 200 to further hold the detergent container 200.

[0280] The mounting part 300 can also support the lower part of the detergent container 200 by means of a lateral step 350 provided outside the receiving rib 340, a support part surface 380 provided inside the restricting surface 320, and an outer step 360 provided outside the blocking projection 330.

[0281] Therefore, when the detergent container 200 is placed on the mounting part 300, the mounting part 300 can hold the detergent container 200 to prevent any separation of the detergent container 200 and to prevent vibration of the detergent container 200 in the direction towards one of the four surfaces.

[0282] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting part.

[0283] In addition to the detachable connection and support structure, the mounting part 300 can also be configured to have a shape that can prevent the removal of the detergent container 200 while allowing the detergent container 200 to be easily mounted on the mounting part.

[0284] The depth H1 of the portion of the mounting groove 310 adjacent to the communication part 370 can be greater than the depth H2 of the portion of the mounting groove 310 adjacent to the blocking projection 330.

[0285] The mounting part 300 can include a mounting groove 310 that is inclined in the width direction of the top cover.

[0286] The mounting groove 310 can be inclined such that its height decreases from the blocking projection 330 towards the restricting surface 320. Since the mounting groove 310 is inclined such that its height decreases from the other end or the other side towards one end or the inside, the detergent container 200 placed in the mounting groove 310 can be guided to slide towards the communication part 370 under the action of gravity.

[0287] In addition, when the detergent container 200 is placed in the mounting groove 310, gravity can act in the direction towards the communication part 370, thereby preventing the detergent container 200 from sliding in the opposite direction in the mounting groove 310.

[0288] The detergent container 200 can have a gradient corresponding to the gradient of the mounting groove 310, so as to cause the center of gravity to move further towards the restricting surface 320.

[0289] Therefore, even when vibrations in the width direction of the detergent container 200 occur, the restricting surface 320 or the communicating portion 370 can prevent the detergent container 200 from disengaging outward from the mounting groove 310 while supporting the weight of the detergent container 200.

[0290] In addition, the blocking protrusion 330 may include an inner surface 331 that supports the outer surface of the lower portion of the detergent container 200 to prevent the detergent container 200 from disengaging outward beyond the blocking protrusion 330.

[0291] In addition, the blocking protrusion 330 may include an engaging portion 334 formed in its outer surface to hold the detergent container 200, thereby preventing the detergent container 200 from disengaging outward.

[0292] The blocking protrusion 330 may include an exposed surface 332 that is connected between the inner surface and the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330 and is flush with the upper end of the restricting surface 320. The exposed surface 332 can support the lower portion of the detergent container 200.

[0293] Figure 12 An embodiment showing the detailed structure of the detergent container is illustrated.

[0294] The detergent container 200 may include: a storage body 210 configured to receive detergent and store detergent therein; and a plate 220 provided at the lower portion of the storage body 210 and to be installed in the mounting groove 310.

[0295] The plate 220 may constitute the lower portion of the detergent container 200. The plate 220 may be integrally formed with the storage body 210 and may be coupled to the lower portion of the storage body 210.

[0296] The plate 220 may be detachably coupled to the mounting portion 300 and may be fixed to the mounting portion 300. With the plate 220, the storage body 210 can be stably fixed to the mounting portion 300.

[0297] The plate 220 may include a discharger 230 provided at one side or the lower portion thereof, and the discharger 230 may be detachably coupled to the communicating portion 370 to allow detergent to be discharged therethrough.

[0298] The discharger 230 may be provided closer to one end or the inner side of the plate 220 than to the other end or the outer side of the plate 220.

[0299] The discharger 230 may be provided with a check valve that allows the detergent in the storage body 210 to be discharged therethrough only when the discharger 230 is coupled to the communicating portion 370.

[0300] The plate 220 may include a lower surface 222 that defines the bottom surface of the storage body 210 and allows the detergent to move to the discharger 230.

[0301] The lower surface 222 may include an inclined surface whose height decreases from the other end or the outside of the storage body 210 toward one end or the inside. In other words, the lower surface 222 may include an inclined surface whose height decreases toward the discharger 230 to guide the detergent toward the discharger 230 and prevent the detergent from remaining in the storage body 210.

[0302] Both the storage body 210 and the plate 220 may be received in the installation groove 310 and thus supported.

[0303] However, when the detergent container 200 is fully received in the installation groove 310, the detergent container 200 can be easily supported and held by the installation groove 310, but it is difficult to remove from the installation groove 310.

[0304] Therefore, only a part of the detergent container 200 may be received in the installation groove 310, and the remaining part of the detergent container 200 may be disposed outside the installation groove 310 to facilitate easy separation of the detergent container 200 from the installation part 300.

[0305] To this end, the plate 220 and the storage body 210 may be formed to be longer than the length of the installation groove 310 in the width direction such that a part of the plate 220 and a part of the storage body 210 are disposed outside the installation groove 310.

[0306] The plate 220 may include a coupling surface 223 that extends from the lower surface 222 toward the other end or the outside. The coupling surface 223 may be disposed outside the installation groove 310 and may be supported by the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0307] The detergent container 200 may be configured such that the discharger 230 is supported by the communication part 370 and the coupling surface 223 is supported by the blocking protrusion 330, thereby preventing the detergent container 200 from further moving or vibrating toward the inside of the installation groove 310.

[0308] The detergent container 200 may further include a holding unit 400 that is supported by the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330 when the detergent container 200 is installed on the installation part 300.

[0309] The holding unit 400 may protrude downward from the plate 220 to be supported by the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0310] Therefore, since the holding unit 400 is supported by the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330, movement or vibration of the detergent container 200 toward the outside of the mounting groove 310 can be prevented.

[0311] Additionally, the plate 220 may further include either a support part protrusion 227 or a coupler 250. The support part protrusion is supported by the inner side of the restricting surface 320, and the coupler is disposed at the coupling surface 223 and removably engages with an engaging part 334 formed in the outer surface 333 of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0312] The support part protrusion 227 may protrude from the plate 220 by such a distance that contact between the discharger 230 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 310 can be prevented.

[0313] The support part protrusion 227 may be supported by the inner side of the restricting surface 320.

[0314] The coupler 250 may be formed in the form of a hook that removably engages with the engaging part 334 provided at the blocking protrusion 330.

[0315] Therefore, the support part protrusion 227 can prevent excessive movement or vibration of the detergent container 200 toward the inside of the mounting groove 310. In addition, the coupler 250 can not only prevent movement or vibration of the detergent container 200 toward the inside of the mounting groove 310 in the mounting groove 310, but also prevent movement or vibration of the detergent container 200 toward the outside of the mounting groove 310 to a certain extent by virtue of the coupling force with the engaging part 334.

[0316] The entire length of the plate 220 may be greater than the distance between the support part protrusion 227 and the holding unit 400, and the distance between the support part protrusion 227 and the holding unit 400 may be equal to the distance or length between the inner surface and the outer surface of the mounting groove 310.

[0317] Therefore, by extending the storage body 210 of the detergent container 200 beyond the length of the mounting groove 310, the storage body 210 of the detergent container 200 can have an increased volume. In addition, a part of the lower portion of the storage body 210 can be stably received in the mounting groove 310 via the plate 220, supported by the mounting groove 310, and fixed to the mounting groove 310. In other words, the detergent container 200 can be supported by a support part surface 380 positioned more inward than the mounting groove 310 and can extend further outward than the mounting groove 310, thereby further increasing the storage capacity. Moreover, since the detergent container 200 protrudes downward from the plate 220, the detergent container 200 can be stably placed and fixed to the mounting groove 310.

[0318] The detergent container 200 may further include support part ribs 240 that extend from two lateral sides of the detergent container 200 in a direction in which the storage body 210 is slidably movable and cover a part of the shielding plate 220.

[0319] The support part ribs 240 may be supported by the receiving ribs 340 described later and may accommodate the entire installation groove 310 and the receiving ribs 340.

[0320] The support part ribs 240 may hold the detergent container 200 in the front - rear direction of the top cover 20 so as to prevent vibration and movement of the top cover 20 in the front - rear direction.

[0321] Figure 13 A structure in which the detergent container is fixed to the installation part in the width direction is shown.

[0322] When the detergent container 200 is placed on the installation part 300, the support part protrusion 227 or the inner surface of the detergent container 200 may be supported by the restricting surface 320.

[0323] Alternatively, the support part protrusion 227 of the detergent container 200 may be supported by the restricting surface 320, and the discharger 230 may be supported by the communicating part 370.

[0324] In addition, when the detergent container 200 is placed on the installation part 300, the holding unit 400 may be supported by the blocking protrusion 330.

[0325] The support part protrusion 227 or the discharger 230 of the detergent container 200 may be supported by the inner side of the restricting surface 320 or the communicating part 370, and the holding unit 400 may be supported by the inner side of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0326] Therefore, the lower part of the detergent container 200 can be forcibly assembled between the restricting surface 320 and the blocking protrusion 330, and thus can be held in the installation groove 310 in the width direction.

[0327] Therefore, even in the case of a clothing treatment apparatus without a housing accommodating the detergent container 200, the clothing treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure can stably hold the detergent container 200 in the width direction.

[0328] Although the holding unit 400 is described as protruding from the detergent container 200, the holding unit 400 may also be configured to be taken out from the detergent container 200 and retracted into the detergent container 200.

[0329] The holding unit 400 may be inserted into the detergent container 200. Therefore, the holding unit 400 can be selectively fixed to the blocking protrusion 330.

[0330] The detergent container 200 may further include a pusher 260 that pushes and raises the holding unit 400 to separate the holding unit 400 from the blocking protrusion 330.

[0331] The pusher 260 may be exposed to the outside of the detergent container 200 to be pushed inward, and may raise and lower the holding unit 400.

[0332] Accordingly, the user can push the pusher 260 to separate the detergent container 200 from the blocking protrusion 330. As a result, even when the detergent container 200 is firmly fixed to the mounting part 300 in the width direction, the detergent container 200 can be easily separated from the mounting part 300 when the pusher 260 is pushed.

[0333] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the detergent container is placed on the mounting part.

[0334] The storage body 210 may include a receiving body 211 configured to receive detergent and a mounting portion 212 to which the holding unit 400 is mounted.

[0335] Since the holding unit 400 reciprocates in the storage body 210, it is necessary to separate the holding unit 400 from the detergent received in the storage body 210.

[0336] To this end, the storage body 210 may include a mounting portion 212 having a space in which the holding unit 400 supported by the blocking protrusion 330 is mounted. The receiving body 211 may be provided inside the mounting portion 212, and a partition 225 may be vertically provided between the receiving body and the mounting portion 212.

[0337] The partition 225 may be provided in the storage body 210 to isolate the mounting portion 212 and the receiving body 211 from each other.

[0338] The mounting portion 212 may be provided not only with the holding unit 400 but also with a coupler 250 to be coupled to the blocking protrusion 330.

[0339] The plate 220 may define the lower surface of the receiving body 211 and may have an inclined surface to discharge the detergent to the discharger 230.

[0340] Specifically, the plate 220 may have an inclined surface such that the distance between the upper surface of the storage body 210 and the plate 220 increases toward the discharger 230. The lower surface of the plate 220 may be provided at an angle corresponding to the inclined surface of the mounting groove 310.

[0341] As a result, the detergent container 200 can be configured such that its height increases from the exterior or the mounting portion 212 toward the discharger 230.

[0342] The communication portion 370 can be detachably coupled to the discharger 230.

[0343] The receiving body 211 can extend rearward beyond the discharger 230 and can be supported by the support portion surface 380. Accordingly, most of the receiving body 211 can be exposed to the outside of the mounting groove 310 except for a part of the lower portion of the receiving body 211. Accordingly, the detergent container 200 can ensure a sufficient storage capacity for the detergent without being limited by the volume of the mounting groove 310.

[0344] The mounting portion 212 can extend beyond the blocking protrusion 330 and can be provided further outward than the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0345] Accordingly, the detergent container 200 can be supported by the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330, and the coupler 250 is disposed outside the blocking protrusion 330. Accordingly, the detergent container 200 can be fixed to the mounting portion 300 by supporting both the inner surface and the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0346] The distance between the holding unit 400 and the coupler 250 can correspond to the thickness of the blocking protrusion 330. The distance between the holding unit 400 and the coupler 250 can correspond to the distance between the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330 and the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0347] Since the holding unit 400 and the coupler 250 grip two opposite surfaces of the blocking protrusion 330, the detergent container 200 can be firmly fixed to the top cover 20 in the width direction.

[0348] At least a part of the detection unit 500 configured to detect the detergent container 200 mounted on the mounting portion 300 can be mounted to the holding unit 400. Its detailed structure will be described later.

[0349] Figure 15 An external coupling structure between the detergent container and the mounting portion is shown.

[0350] Refer to Figure 15 In (a) of, by using the holding unit 400 and the coupler 250 to support the inner surface and the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330, the detergent container 200 can be fixed to the mounting portion 300.

[0351] The blocking protrusion 330 can further include an engaging portion 334 formed in the outer surface of the blocking protrusion 330 and additionally coupled to the coupler 250.

[0352] The engaging portion 334 and the coupler 250 can be coupled to each other in a hook-engaging manner.

[0353] Since the user or the clothing may be damaged if the engaging portion 334 is implemented as a hook, the engaging portion 334 can be implemented as an engaging groove that engages with the hook.

[0354] The engaging portion 334 can be formed in the blocking protrusion 330 to extend in the front-rear direction. Here, the height of the engaging portion 334 can be smaller than the width of the engaging portion 334.

[0355] Refer to Figure 15 of (b), the detergent container 200 can be configured such that the coupler 250 is provided on the coupling surface 223 that extends downward from the plate 220.

[0356] The coupler 250 can be implemented as a hook that protrudes from the inner surface of the coupling surface 223 and removably engages with the engaging portion 334.

[0357] The coupler 250 can extend in the width direction of the coupling surface 223 and can have a length corresponding to the engaging portion 334.

[0358] When the coupler 250 engages with the engaging portion 334, the coupler 250 can also prevent the detergent container 200 from being lifted upward. In addition, when the coupler 250 engages with the engaging portion 334, the coupler 250 can be not easily separated from the engaging portion 334, thereby preventing the detergent container 200 from moving outward from the mounting portion 300, and thus fixing the detergent container 200 to the mounting portion 300 along the width direction of the mounting portion 300.

[0359] The detergent container 200 can further include an outer surface 254 that is configured to shield the mounting portion 212 from the outside.

[0360] The holding unit 400 can be held between the outer surface 254 and the coupling surface 223, and the outer surface can be provided with a buffer member 280 supported by the mounting body 301 to prevent wear and absorb vibration.

[0361] Refer to Figure 15 of (c), the coupler 250 can include: a coupling hook 251 that is inserted into the engaging portion 334 to removably engage therewith; a coupling body 252 that supports the coupling hook 251; and an engaging hook 253 that extends from the coupling body 252 and is fixed to the outer surface 254 of the detergent container 200.

[0362] In the coupler 250, the coupling hook 251 can project and extend from the inner surface of the coupling body 252, and the engaging hook 253 can be provided on the outer surface of the coupling body 252.

[0363] The outer surface 254 of the detergent container 200 can be removably engaged with the engaging hook 253, thereby holding the coupler 250.

[0364] Therefore, the coupler 250 can be designed to have a complex structure regardless of the shape of the detergent container 200.

[0365] Figure 16 A structure is shown in which the detergent container is fixed to the mounting portion in the front-rear direction.

[0366] Referring to Figure 16 In (a) of, the mounting portion 300 can be configured such that the receiving ribs 340 project from the front side and the rear side of the mounting groove 310 to prevent the front-rear vibration or separation of the detergent container 200.

[0367] The receiving ribs 340 can receive the lower surface of the receiving plate 220.

[0368] The mounting portion 300 may further include a lateral step 350 positioned between the outer side of the receiving rib 340 and the mounting body 301. The lateral step 350 can extend from the mounting body 301 in the direction in which the receiving rib 340 extends.

[0369] The lateral step 350 can serve as a track for supporting the detergent container 200 and on which the detergent container 200 can slide.

[0370] In other words, the detergent container 200 can be placed on the lateral step 350, and the lateral step 350 can guide the sliding of the detergent container 200.

[0371] The detergent container 200 can be received in the receiving ribs 340 at the lower surface of its plate 220, and can also be supported by the lateral step 350, thereby supporting the outer surface of the receiving ribs 340.

[0372] In other words, the detergent container 200 can support both the inner surface and the outer surface of the receiving rib 340 at its lower surface to grip the inner surface and the outer surface of the receiving rib 340. Therefore, since the detergent container 200 can be fixed to the top cover 20 in the front-rear direction, the detergent container 200 can be prevented from moving or vibrating in the front-rear direction.

[0373] The installation groove 310 may be configured such that the depth at a position near the opening 21 is greater than the depth at a position near the rear surface. In other words, the installation groove 310 may be configured such that the depth L1 at a position adjacent to the receiving rib 340 near the rear surface is greater than the depth L2 at a position adjacent to the receiving rib 340 near the front surface.

[0374] The installation groove 310 may have an inclined surface such that its depth increases rearward. Thus, even when the detergent container 200 storing detergent therein detaches from the installation groove 310 due to severe vibration, it is possible to prevent the detergent container 200 from falling through the opening 21.

[0375] In addition, since the wall on which a water pipe or the like is installed is positioned behind the installation groove 310, the detergent container 200 can be guided toward the installation groove 310 by this wall.

[0376] Referring to Figure 16 (b) thereof, the support portion ribs 240 protruding downward from two lateral sides of the storage main body 210 can be supported by the outer surfaces of the receiving ribs 340.

[0377] The support portion ribs 240 may extend downward beyond the plate 220.

[0378] The support portion ribs 240 may receive the outer surfaces of the receiving ribs 340 and may be respectively supported by the outer surfaces of the receiving ribs 340.

[0379] Thus, since the plate 220 is received in the installation groove 310 and the support portion ribs 240 receive the receiving ribs 340, the detergent container 200 can be firmly held in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the detergent container 200 from vibrating in the front-rear direction.

[0380] The lower ends of the support portion ribs 240 may gradually decrease from the discharger 230 toward the blocking protrusion 330. The support portion ribs 240 may receive two lateral side surfaces of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0381] The gradient of the lower surface of each of the support portion ribs 240 may be opposite to the gradient of the installation groove 310 and the gradient of the lower surface of the plate 220.

[0382] In response thereto, the lateral step 350 may also gradually decrease from the inner side toward the outer side of the receiving rib 340.

[0383] Thus, when the support portion ribs 240 are joined from the outer side toward the inner side, the support portion ribs 240 can be precisely engaged with the lateral step 350 such that the detergent container 200 slidably moves on the installation portion 300 and is installed on the installation portion 300 in a state of being in close contact.

[0384] In addition, when the detergent container 200 moves toward the outside of the mounting portion 300, the support portion rib 240 can be allowed to easily separate from the lateral step 350.

[0385] As a result, the detergent container 200 can be held at the four side surfaces by the support portion rib 240, the holding unit 400, the coupler 250, the support portion protrusion 227, and the discharger 230.

[0386] Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the storage body of the detergent container.

[0387] The storage body 210 can be configured such that its length in the width direction is greater than its length in the front - rear direction and its length in the height direction.

[0388] The inner surface 2113 of the storage body 210 can be vertical or almost vertical so as to be in close contact with another storage body 210. The outer surface 2114 of the storage body 210 can bulge upward at its upper side to prevent water from accumulating on the upper surface 2111 and prevent clothes from being damaged due to getting caught on the outer surface 2114 of the storage body 210.

[0389] The upper surface 2111 of the storage body 210 can include an introduction hole 2117 through which the detergent is introduced.

[0390] The detergent can be introduced into the storage body 210 through the introduction hole 2117 and can be discharged to the discharger 230 provided at the lower portion of the storage body 210. Accordingly, detergent can be prevented from remaining in the storage body 210.

[0391] The upper surface 2111 of the storage body 210 can be provided with a door hinge 2116 to which a lid door 214 configured to open and close the introduction hole 2117 is rotatably coupled. The lid door 214 can have the form of a plate that can serve as the upper surface of the storage body 210 when the lid door 214 covers the introduction hole 2117 and can include a hinge coupler at one end thereof that is rotatably coupled to the door hinge 2116.

[0392] The introduction hole 2117 can be provided with a measuring portion that protrudes inward to measure the amount of detergent received in the storage body 210.

[0393] The user can grasp the opposite lateral side surfaces 2112 of the storage body 210 that are exposed forward or backward from the top lid 20.

[0394] The outer surface 254 can be additionally coupled to the outer surface 2114 of the storage body 210.

[0395] The outer surface 254 can be used to fix the above-mentioned connector 250 to the storage body 210.

[0396] A lower portion of the storage body 210 may be provided with a plate 220 that defines the lower surface of the storage body 210 to prevent the detergent from flowing to the outside of the storage body 210.

[0397] A buffer member 280 configured to prevent friction, vibration, and shock caused by the installation portion 300 may be coupled to the lower portion of the plate 220 at each lower corner of the plate 220.

[0398] The plate 220 may be provided with a discharger 230 configured to discharge an appropriate amount of detergent from the detergent introduced into the storage body 210. The discharger 230 may be implemented as a check valve so as to discharge the detergent to the outside only when the discharger 230 is coupled to the communication portion 370 and prevent the detergent or water from flowing back into the interior of the storage body 210.

[0399] The storage body 210 may include support part ribs 240 protruding from its respective edges. The support part ribs 240 may include: a lower rib 241 configured to support the outer surface of the receiving rib 340 to hold the storage body 210 in the front-rear direction; an inner surface rib 242 protruding from the inner surface of the storage body 210; and an extension rib 243 provided at the lower portion of the inner surface of the storage body 210 and connecting the two lower ribs 241 to each other.

[0400] The lower rib 241 may be used to fix the storage body 210 to the installation portion 300 and guide the sliding of the storage body 210 on the installation portion 300.

[0401] Considering the collision with another adjacent storage body 210, the inner surface rib 242 may be used to enhance the durability of the storage body 210.

[0402] The extension rib 243 may be used to enhance the durability of the lower rib 241.

[0403] The holding unit 400 may include: a holding body 410 received in the installation portion 212 and protruding downward beyond the plate 220; and a reset portion 420 configured to push out the plate 220.

[0404] A pusher 260 may be provided at one of the two side surfaces 2112 of the storage body 210 to move or lift the holding unit 400.

[0405] The pusher 260 may push one side of the holding unit 400 to move the holding unit 400.

[0406] When the pusher 260 is pressed, the holding unit 400 can move inside the storage body 210 to avoid interference with the blocking protrusion 330.

[0407] Figure 18 It is an exploded perspective view of the detergent container and the plate.

[0408] The plate 220 connected to the lower part of the storage body 210 may include: a plate body 221 that defines the lower surface of the storage body 210; and a lower surface 222 that is provided inside the plate body 221 to be disposed in the mounting groove 310.

[0409] The lower surface 222 may include: a guiding groove 2221 that is recessed from the plate body 221 to guide the detergent toward the discharger 230; and a mounting groove 2222 that is further recessed from the guiding groove 2221 to define a space in which the discharger 230 is mounted.

[0410] The mounting groove 2222 may include a discharge hole that is formed toward the inner surface of the storage body 210 such that the discharger 230 is inserted and mounted in the discharge hole, and a communication part 370 is connected to the discharge hole to allow the detergent to be discharged. The discharge hole is located on a side of the plate 220 corresponding to the direction in which the detergent container 200 can slide.

[0411] A sealing rib may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the guiding groove 2221, and the sealing rib is connected to the inner surface, the partition surface, and the side surface of the storage body 210 to prevent the detergent from flowing out.

[0412] The plate 220 may include a holding and mounting part 224 that is provided outside the lower surface 222, and the holding unit 400 is mounted to the holding and mounting part.

[0413] The holding and mounting part 224 may support the holding unit 400 such that the holding unit 400 can reciprocate in the vertical direction, and may be implemented as a housing or a drawer that allows the holding unit 400 to be taken out toward the lower surface.

[0414] The holding and mounting part 224 may be configured such that the pusher 260 passes through the holding and mounting part 224 from the outside, and the reset part 420 is disposed on the holding and mounting part 224.

[0415] The receiving body 211 may be disposed on one side of the lower surface, and the holding and mounting part 224 may be provided on the other side of the lower surface. The lower surface 222 may have a width or surface area corresponding to the mounting groove 310, and at least a part of the lower surface 222 may be received and disposed between the receiving ribs 340.

[0416] The coupling surface 223 may extend outwardly beyond the lower surface 222.

[0417] The coupling surface 223 may have an inclined surface, the height of which increases outwardly from the lower surface 222, and the inclined surface has a gradient opposite to that of the lower surface 222. Thus, the inner surface of the coupling surface 223 may face the outer surface of the blocking projection 330.

[0418] The above-described coupler 250 may be mounted to the coupling surface 223, and the coupling surface 223 may be provided with a removable hook 2232 that releasably holds the coupler 250.

[0419] The coupling surface 223 may be provided to extend further outward than the holding mounting portion 224, and may be provided to extend further outward than the receiving body 211.

[0420] Figure 19 The structure in which the holding unit is mounted to the detergent container is shown.

[0421] The holding mounting portion 224 may extend from the plate 220 toward the inside of the storage body 210.

[0422] The holding mounting portion 224 may include: a guide post 2241 configured to support the holding unit 400 and guide the holding unit 400 in the vertical direction; and an introduction hole 2242 formed through a side surface of the guide post 2241, and the pusher 260 extends through the introduction hole.

[0423] The holding body 410 may have the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with a height greater than the width, and may be received in the guide post 2241 and be reciprocable.

[0424] The reset portion 420 may be received in the guide post 2241 and disposed on the upper end of the guide post 2241 so as to push the holding body 410 out of the plate 220.

[0425] The pusher 260 may be coupled to a side surface of the storage body 210 so as to be pushed.

[0426] The side surface of the storage body 210 may be provided with a pusher mounting portion for mounting the pusher 260. The pusher mounting portion 213 may include: a mounting groove 2131 formed through or recessed from the side surface of the storage body 210 so as to receive the pusher 260; a support portion 2132 disposed in the mounting groove 2131 and supporting one end of the pusher 260; and an insertion hole 2133 formed through the storage body 210 from one side of the support portion 2132, and the other end of the pusher 260 is inserted into the insertion hole 2133.

[0427] The placement groove 2131 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pusher 260 so as to receive the entire pusher 260 therein, and the support portion 2132 may be recessed by a depth corresponding to the thickness of the pusher 260 such that the pusher 260 does not protrude excessively from the storage body 210.

[0428] The support portion 2132 may serve as a fulcrum of a lever, i.e., a fulcrum of a seesaw.

[0429] Therefore, when the pusher 260 is pressed, only the other end of the pusher 260 may be inserted into the insertion hole 2133. When the external force applied to the pusher 260 is released, the holding body 410 may be reset to the normal position by the restoring force of the restoring portion 420 while pushing out the storage body 210, thereby resetting the pusher 260 to the normal position.

[0430] Figure 20 An embodiment showing the detailed structure of the fixing portion is shown.

[0431] Figure 20 (a) of is a perspective view of the holding unit 400. Figure 20 (b) of is a side view of the holding unit 400.

[0432] The holding body 410 may be received in the guide post 2241 so as to be reciprocally movable in the vertical direction. The holding body 410 may be formed in the form of a rod extending upward.

[0433] The holding body 410 may include a lower engaging member 411 provided at its lower end and supported by the blocking protrusion 330.

[0434] The detection portion 500 described later may be mounted to the lower engaging member 411.

[0435] The holding body 410 may include a movable groove 412 positioned above the lower engaging member 411 and pressed by the pusher 260. The movable groove 412 may include: parallel surfaces 4122 formed parallel to the direction in which the pusher 260 is inserted; and inclined surfaces 4121 inclined upward from the inside of the parallel surfaces 4122 toward the pusher 260.

[0436] The holding unit 400 may be provided with a pusher placement portion 414 at its upper portion, and the restoring portion 420 is disposed on the pusher placement portion. The pusher placement portion 414 may be implemented as a protrusion protruding from the upper portion of the holding body 410 and connected to the lower end of the restoring portion 420.

[0437] The restoring portion 420 may include a spring that is received in the guide post 2241 and disposed on the pusher placement portion 414.

[0438] The holding body 410 may include a blocking rib 413 protruding from one of its side surfaces.

[0439] The blocking rib 413 may be disposed in an engaging groove formed vertically in the guide post 2241. The blocking rib 413 may slidably move in the engaging groove formed in the guide post 2241 to guide the vertical movement of the holding body 410 in the normal direction and prevent the holding body 410 from disengaging outward from the guide post 2241.

[0440] The blocking rib 413 may protrude from two opposite side surfaces of the holding body 410 at a position below the movable groove 412.

[0441] The holding body 410 may be provided therein with a detection portion 500 described later. The detection portion 500 may include a generator 510 configured to generate a signal or magnetic force and a sensor 520 configured to detect the generator 510. Here, the generator 510 may be installed in the holding body 410.

[0442] The holding body 410 may include a detection receiving portion 415 having a space therein for receiving the generator 510, and the detection receiving portion 415 may be provided at one side of the holding body 410 to receive the generator 510 therein.

[0443] The holding body 410 may further include a blocking rib 416 configured to prevent the generator 510 from disengaging from the detection receiving portion 415. The blocking rib 416 may be formed to cover a part of the opening of the detection receiving portion 415.

[0444] The generator 510 may be implemented as a magnet and may be force-fitted into the detection receiving portion 415 and fixed thereto. When the generator 510 is formed in a polyhedron shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped, the generator 510 may be oriented such that an edge of the generator 510 makes line contact with an inner surface of the detection receiving portion 415. Thus, the generator 510 can be prevented from shifting or vibrating.

[0445] Figure 21 A structure is shown in which the holding unit is raised and lowered by a pusher.

[0446] The pusher 260 may include: a pusher body 261 coupled to one side of the storage body 210 and exposed to the outside; and an insertion protrusion 263 extending from the inner side of the pusher body 261 into the movable groove 412 in the holding unit 400.

[0447] An external force can be used to push the pusher body 261 into the storage body 210, and the insertion protrusion 263 can extend from the pusher body 261 through the insertion hole 2133 and can be inserted into the movable groove 412.

[0448] When the insertion hole 2133 is eccentrically positioned at one side of the placement groove 2131, the insertion protrusion 263 can also protrude from a side of the pusher body 261 that is deviated from the center of the pusher body 261.

[0449] The free end of the insertion protrusion 263 can be formed to have a shape corresponding to the inclined surface of the movable groove 412.

[0450] The free end of the insertion protrusion 263 can be formed to have an upwardly inclined surface. In other words, the length of the lower surface of the insertion protrusion 263 can be greater than the length of the upper surface of the insertion protrusion 263.

[0451] Refer to Figure 21 In (a) of, when the pusher body 261 is pressed, the insertion protrusion 263 can move to the lower part of the movable groove 412 while pushing out of the movable groove 412. Since the height of the insertion protrusion 263 is always maintained, the holding body 410 moves upward while being in the compression reset portion 420.

[0452] As a result, the lower engaging member 411 can move upward and be received in the storage body 210.

[0453] Refer to Figure 21 In (b) of, the holding installation portion 224 can include: a guide post 2241 configured to support the holding unit 400 while guiding the holding unit in the vertical direction; and an introduction hole 2242 formed through a side surface of the guide post 2241 to allow the pusher 260 to pass therethrough.

[0454] The guide post 2241 can be formed in the form of a pipe, in which the holding unit 400 can reciprocate. The guide post 2241 can include a protruding hole 2245 that penetrates the plate 220 and guides the lower engaging member 411 to be taken out outward. The protruding hole 2245 can define an opening in the guide post 2241.

[0455] The holding installation portion 224 can further include a holding post 2244 provided in the guide post 2241 to face the protruding hole 2245 and hold the reset portion 420.

[0456] When the external force applied to the pusher body 261 is released, the reset portion 420 can start to expand, causing the holding body 410 to move downward. Here, the movable groove 412 can push the insertion protrusion 263 toward the pusher body 261 while moving downward.

[0457] As a result, the lower engaging member 411 can project outside the storage body 210 while moving downward.

[0458] Figure 22 An embodiment is shown in which the detergent container is separated from the mounting portion.

[0459] Refer to Figure 22 In (a) of, a state is shown in which the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting portion 300. The outer region including the mounting portion 212 of the detergent container 200 is placed on the upper portion of the blocking projection 330.

[0460] Here, the holding unit 400 can project downward from the mounting portion and can be supported by the inner surface of the blocking projection 330.

[0461] As a result, even when a part of the lower surface 222 of the detergent container 200 is received in the mounting groove 310 and the remaining part of the lower surface 222 is disposed outside the mounting groove 310 beyond the blocking projection 330, the detergent container 200 can be held in a state of being mounted on the mounting portion 300.

[0462] In addition, even when a vibration in the width direction is generated by the detergent container 200 or a force pulling the detergent container 200 toward the outside of the mounting body 301 is applied, the detergent container 200 can be held in the mounting portion 300 without moving outward.

[0463] Refer to Figure 22 In (b) of, when the pushing member 260 is pressed, the holding unit 400 can move upward.

[0464] When the holding unit 400 moves upward, the holding unit 400 can be received in the storage body 210, and the blocking projection 330 can not interfere with any component of the detergent container 200.

[0465] Of course, if the vibration is not transmitted to the detergent container 200, or a force pulling the detergent container 200 outward is not applied, the detergent container 200 can be held in a state of being mounted on the mounting portion 300 because the discharger 230 and the communication portion 370 are coupled to each other.

[0466] If the external force applied to the pushing member 260 is released and the holding unit 400 is lowered, the detergent container 200 can be fixed to the mounting portion 300.

[0467] Refer to Figure 22In (c) thereof, when the pushing member 260 is pressed and thus the holding unit 400 is raised to a position higher than the upper surface of the blocking protrusion 330, the lower part of the detergent container 200 can be placed only on the upper part of the blocking protrusion 330, and the blocking protrusion 330 can no longer hold the detergent container 200.

[0468] Of course, when vibration is transmitted to the detergent container 200 or the detergent container 200 is pulled outward, the detergent container 200 can be held in a state fixed to the mounting part 300 by means of the connection between the coupler 250 and the engaging part 334 and the connection between the discharger 230 and the communicating part 370.

[0469] However, when the detergent container 200 is pulled by a force stronger than the connection force between the coupler 250 and the engaging part 334 or the connection force between the discharger 230 and the communicating part 370, the detergent container 200 can be disengaged from the mounting groove 310 and then slide.

[0470] The process of sliding the detergent container 200 from the outside to the inside of the mounting part 300 can be performed in the reverse order of the above process.

[0471] Therefore, even when the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is not received in a drawer or the like, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be stably supported by means of the structure of the holding unit 400 and the blocking protrusion 330. In addition, by means of the structure in which the holding unit 400 is selectively supported by the blocking protrusion 330, when the user intends to separate the automatic detergent supply part 1000, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can be easily separated from the top cover 20.

[0472] Figure 23 A structure for detecting that the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting part 300 is shown.

[0473] Since the automatic detergent supply part 1000 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure is mounted on the top cover 20 and slides on the top cover 20, the automatic detergent supply part 1000 can have a lower connection force than that in a drawer-type automatic detergent supply device. In addition, since the automatic detergent supply part 1000 is slidably movable in the lateral direction, the connection force of the automatic detergent supply part is lower than that of an automatic detergent supply part that is movably connected in the vertical direction.

[0474] In other words, since the detergent container 200 is slidably movable in the lateral direction and then connected to the mounting part 300, there is a possibility that the detergent container 200 moves arbitrarily in the lateral direction and is separated from the mounting part 300 even when the mounting part 300 holds the detergent container 200.

[0475] Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may further include a detection part 500 configured to detect that the detergent container 200 is coupled to the mounting part 300.

[0476] When the detergent container 200 is separated from the mounting part 300, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure may notify the user of the separation of the detergent container 200 from the mounting part 300.

[0477] When the laundry treating apparatus according to the present disclosure detects that the detergent container 200 starts to be separated from the mounting part 300 during the execution of a washing process, the washing process may be stopped to prevent the detergent container 200 from being completely separated from the mounting part 300.

[0478] The detection part 500 may be provided at the mounting part 300 to detect whether the detergent container 200 is mounted in such a manner as to directly contact the detergent container 200.

[0479] The contact detection part 500 may be provided at the restricting surface 320.

[0480] In a case where the detection part 500 is also pressed when the detergent container 200 is slidably moved and mounted on the mounting part 300, the contact detection part 500 can detect that the detergent container 200 is normally coupled to the mounting part 300.

[0481] Here, since the mounting groove 310 is formed to support only a part of the lower portion of the detergent container 200, the depth of the mounting groove 310 is not deep. Accordingly, since the height of the restricting surface 320 is not high either, the contact detection part 500 must be provided adjacent to the discharger 230.

[0482] As a result, when the detergent in the detergent container 200 flows into the mounting groove 310 or the water discharged from the laundry or the like is collected in the mounting groove 310, since the contact detection part 500 is directly exposed to the detergent or water, reliability cannot be ensured.

[0483] In particular, even if the contact detection part 500 is sealed with respect to the restricting surface 320, since the contact detection part 500 must be pressed or contacted with the surface while reciprocating, as long as the detection part 500 contacts water or detergent, reliability cannot be ensured.

[0484] When the contact detection part 500 is provided in another area other than the restricting surface 320 and the mounting groove 310, it is difficult to orient the detergent container in a direction opposite to the direction in which the detergent container 200 can be slidably moved.

[0485] Here, when the contact detection part 500 is disposed at a position relatively far from the discharger 230, such as the blocking projection 330, there is a high possibility that the detection part 500 detects that the detergent container 200 is fixed to the mounting part 300 even when the detergent container 200 is not connected to the discharger 230, because the contact detection part 500 is pressed by another component.

[0486] In addition, when the contact detection part 500 is disposed to face the upper surface of the mounting body 301, there is a problem that the detection part 500 restricts the movement of the detergent container 200 or generates friction with the detergent container 200.

[0487] Therefore, as in the automatic detergent supply part 1000 according to the present disclosure, in a manner in which the detergent container 200 is slidably movable inwardly from opposite lateral sides, the detection part 500 is preferably non-contact.

[0488] For this purpose, the detection part 500 may be disposed at one of the detergent container 200 and the mounting part 300.

[0489] In a case where the detection part 500 is non-contact, the detection part 500 may be implemented as an optical sensor, a radio frequency sensor including an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc., which are disposed at the mounting part 300 to detect the detergent container 200. However, the detection part 500 that detects whether the detergent container 200 is installed using light, radio frequency including infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc. may also be sensitive to detergents or water.

[0490] Therefore, in order to effectively detect the installation of the detergent container 200 without being affected by water and detergents, the detection part 500 may include a generator 510 configured to generate a magnetic force or a signal and a sensor 520 configured to detect the generator 510.

[0491] The sensor 520 may detect the position of the generator 510 and the distance from the generator 510 by detecting the intensity of the magnetic force or the signal generated by the generator 510.

[0492] For example, the generator 510 may be implemented as a permanent magnet, and the sensor 520 may be implemented as a Hall sensor configured to detect the permanent magnet.

[0493] Since the sensor 520 must continuously receive current or must be connected to the controller of the laundry treating apparatus, the sensor 520 may be disposed at the mounting part 300, and the generator 510 may be disposed at the detergent container 200.

[0494] The detection section 500 needs to detect whether the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b are respectively connected to the first mounting groove 310a and the second mounting groove 310b.

[0495] Therefore, the sensor 520 may include: a first sensor 520a configured to detect that the first detergent container 200a is mounted in the first mounting groove 310a; and a second sensor 520b configured to detect that the second detergent container 200b is mounted in the second mounting groove 310b.

[0496] The generator 510 may include: a first generator 510a provided at the first detergent container 200a to activate the first sensor 520a; and a second generator 510b provided at the second detergent container 200b to activate the second sensor 520b.

[0497] Meanwhile, the first sensor 520a and the second sensor 520b may be provided on the discharger 230 or the restricting surface 320. The restricting surface 320 and the discharger 230 may be positioned at the center of the mounting body 301. In other words, since the detergent container 200 is composed of the first detergent container 200a and the second detergent container 200b that move inward from two opposite sides of the mounting body 301 and then are coupled to each other, the blocking protrusion 330 may be provided at two opposite sides of the mounting body 301, and the restricting surface 320 and the discharger 230 may be provided at the center of the mounting body 301.

[0498] The mounting groove 310 may further include: a first mounting groove 310a recessed at one side of the mounting body 301; and a second mounting groove 310b spaced apart from the first mounting groove 310a in the width direction and recessed into the mounting body 301, and the support portion surface 380 and the restricting surface 320 may be provided between the first mounting groove 310a and the second mounting groove 310b.

[0499] Here, when the first sensor 520a and the second sensor 520b are provided on the support portion surface 380 and the restricting surface 320 and the generator 510 is provided close to the support portion surface 380 and the restricting surface 320, even when only one generator 510 moves close to the corresponding sensor, the first sensor 520a and the second sensor 520b may erroneously determine that both detergent containers 200 are mounted.

[0500] In other words, since the generator 510 provided at one of the first detergent container and the second detergent container activates the two sensors 520 configured to detect the first detergent container and the second detergent container respectively, it may be difficult to rely on the results detected by the sensor 520.

[0501] Therefore, since the generators 510 and sensors 520 provided at the first detergent container and the generators 510 and sensors 520 provided at the second detergent container are arranged to be farther apart from each other, the performance of the detection part 500 can be advantageously ensured better.

[0502] Therefore, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure can be configured such that each of the sensors 520 is mounted closer to the corresponding blocking protrusion 330 than to the corresponding limiting surface 320, and when the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting part 300, the generator 510 is mounted at a position facing the sensor 520.

[0503] When the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting part 300 and the discharger 230 is fully connected to the communication part 370, the holding unit 400 can be disengaged from the upper surface of the blocking protrusion 330 and protrude from the detergent container 200, and can be supported by the inner surface of the blocking protrusion 330.

[0504] Referring to Figure 23 , when the generator 510 is mounted to the holding unit 400 and the sensor 520 is provided in or below the mounting groove 310 close to the blocking protrusion 330, the sensor 520 can detect whether the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting part 300 and whether it is normally connected thereto.

[0505] In other words, when the detergent container 200 is not normally connected to the mounting part 300 even though the detergent container 200 is mounted on the mounting part 300, it can be determined that the detergent container 200 is not mounted on the mounting part 300. Therefore, it can be ensured that the detergent container 200 is connected to the mounting part 300 at a normal position.

[0506] When the pushing member 260 is pressed, even when the detergent container 200 is connected to the mounting part 300 at a normal position, the sensor 520 can detect a change in the position of the generator 510.

[0507] Therefore, the sensor 520 can also detect whether the user intends to separate the detergent container 200 from the mounting part 300.

[0508] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present disclosure as long as they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A laundry treatment device, the laundry treatment device comprising: Cabinet; A tub, the tub being disposed in the cabinet for storing water; A drum, the drum being rotatably disposed in the tub for receiving laundry; A top cover, the top cover being coupled to an upper portion of the cabinet and having an introduction port through which the laundry is introduced; A door, the door being rotatably coupled to the top cover and configured to open and close the introduction port; And A detergent supply section, the detergent supply section being disposed at the top cover and configured to receive detergent and supply the detergent to the tub, wherein the detergent supply section includes: A mounting section, the mounting section being disposed behind the door or the introduction port and configured to receive the detergent and transfer the detergent to the tub; A detergent container, the detergent container being configured to receive the detergent supplied to the mounting section and being detachably disposed at the mounting section in a width direction of the top cover; and A detection section, the detection section being disposed at at least one of the mounting section or the detergent container to detect whether at least one detergent container is coupled to the mounting section, wherein the mounting section includes: A mounting body, the mounting body being disposed behind the door or the introduction port; A mounting groove, the mounting groove being recessed from the mounting body to guide movement of the detergent container and support a lower portion of the detergent container; and A restricting surface, the restricting surface being disposed inside or at one end of the mounting groove, the restricting surface being detachably coupled to the detergent container; A communicating portion, the communicating portion being disposed on the restricting surface and being supplied with the detergent, wherein the detergent container includes: A storage body, the storage body being disposed in the mounting groove; A discharger, the discharger being disposed on a lower portion of the storage body and being detachably coupled to the communicating portion; and A support portion, the support portion being disposed on a lower portion of the storage body spaced apart from the discharger to support the storage body, and wherein the detection section is disposed closer to the support portion than to the communicating portion, or at least a part of the detection section is mounted on the support portion.

2. The laundry treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, The detection section includes: A generator, the generator being disposed on a lower portion of the storage body closer to the support portion than to the communicating portion, or being disposed on the support portion to generate a magnetic force; and A sensor, the sensor being disposed in the mounting groove to detect the generator.

3. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor is disposed closer to at least one of two side surfaces of the top cover than to the communicating portion.

4. The laundry treatment device according to claim 3, wherein, The sensor is disposed at a position in the mounting body facing a lower portion of the generator.

5. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, wherein, The generator is disposed closer to a lower end of the support portion than to an upper end of the support portion.

6. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, wherein, At least a part of the generator is selectively received in the detergent container.

7. The laundry treatment device according to claim 6, wherein, The detergent container includes: A storage body configured to store the detergent and receive the reciprocally movable support portion; and A pusher disposed at the storage body to press the support portion and move the generator toward the interior of the storage body.

8. The laundry treatment device according to claim 7, wherein, The detergent container further includes an elastic portion disposed in the storage body to push the generator downward.

9. The laundry treatment device according to claim 8, wherein, The pusher is disposed on a side surface of the storage body and is pressed into the storage body. Wherein the support portion includes: An engaging body received in the storage body such that a lower end of the engaging body is pushed to the outside of the storage body and supported by the mounting groove; An inclined groove recessed from one side of the engaging body and configured to raise the engaging body when pressed by the pusher; and An elastic support member disposed on an upper portion of the engaging body, and the elastic portion is disposed on the elastic support member, and Wherein the generator is mounted in the engaging body.

10. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, wherein, The mounting portion further includes a blocking protrusion protruding from an outer side or the other end of the mounting groove and contacting one surface of the support portion, and Wherein the sensor is disposed closer to the blocking protrusion than to the communication portion.

11. The laundry treatment device according to claim 10, wherein, The sensor is disposed further inward than the blocking protrusion on a lower portion of the mounting groove.

12. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, wherein, The generator is disposed such that a length of the generator in a width direction or in a front - rear direction is greater than a thickness of the generator in an up - down direction, and Wherein the sensor has a thickness or surface area corresponding to the generator.

13. The laundry treatment device according to claim 2, the laundry treatment device further includes a display part, the display part is arranged at the cabinet or the top cover to externally display the state of the sensor, wherein, When the sensor does not detect the generator, the display portion displays information indicating that at least one detergent container is not mounted on the mounting portion.

14. The laundry treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting groove includes: A first mounting groove disposed at one side of the mounting body; and A second mounting groove spaced from the first mounting groove in a width direction of the top cover, Wherein the communication portion includes: A first communication portion disposed in the first mounting groove; and A second communication portion disposed in the second mounting groove, Wherein the detergent container includes: A first detergent container slidably movable along the first mounting groove to be detachably coupled to the first communication portion and storing a first detergent; and A second detergent container slidably movable along the second mounting groove in a direction opposite to the first detergent container to be detachably coupled to the second communication portion and storing a second detergent, Wherein the detection portion includes: A plurality of generators respectively mounted on a plurality of detergent containers and generating a magnetic force or a signal; and A plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors are respectively installed in a plurality of installation grooves, and detect the plurality of generators, and wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged to be closer to the outer surface of the top cover than to the second communication portion.

15. The laundry treatment device according to claim 14, wherein, The plurality of sensors are respectively arranged on the bottom surfaces of the plurality of installation grooves or below the plurality of installation grooves.

Images