Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus, comprising: a cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet and storing water; a circulation unit communicating with the tub and including a circulation passage through which water discharged from the tub is supplied back to the tub; a detergent supply unit connected to the circulation passage and supplying detergent; a first detergent tube and a second detergent tube connecting the detergent supply unit to the circulation channel to allow the detergent of the detergent supply unit to flow into the circulation channel; and a circulation pump provided in the circulation unit to supply water of the circulation passage to the tub, in which the first detergent pipe is connected to the circulation passage upstream of the circulation pump and the second detergent pipe is connected to the circulation passage downstream of the circulation pump with respect to a flow of water in the circulation passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus, and more particularly, to a clothes treating apparatus that can perform a refresh cycle such as sterilization, wrinkle removal, deodorization, and drying of clothes. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a laundry treatment apparatus is a household appliance that removes foreign matter from laundry using water and detergent, and includes a tub in which water is stored; a water supplier that supplies water to the tub; and a detergent supplier that is provided on a flow channel connecting the water supplier and the tub and supplies detergent to the tub together with water.

[0003] In the existing clothes treating apparatus, the detergent supplier is communicated with the water supplier, so that when water is supplied to the tub, the detergent stored in the detergent supplier is supplied to the tub together with the water.

[0004] Although such existing laundry treating apparatuses can guarantee user autonomy to select the type and amount of detergent required, there is a fundamental problem in that it is difficult to anticipate the desired injection of the appropriate amount of detergent.

[0005] In addition, such a laundry treatment apparatus has the inconvenience of having to inject new detergent each time laundry is performed, because all the detergent stored in the detergent dispenser is injected into the tub when the detergent dispenser receives water. In addition, such a laundry treatment apparatus has the problem that the laundry is damaged due to direct contact of the incompletely mixed, highly concentrated detergent with the laundry.

[0006] In order to overcome such a problem, there has been developed a laundry treating apparatus in which a detergent supplier is controlled by a controller provided in the laundry treating apparatus to supply an appropriate amount of detergent (see Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2008-0089086).

[0007] Existing clothes treating apparatus are designed so that detergent is supplied to a liquid detergent mixing part provided in a bellows, which allows the barrel and the circulation mechanism to communicate with each other, so that the detergent supplied to the bellows and the water discharged from the barrel are supplied back to the barrel via the circulation mechanism, thereby indirectly injecting the detergent into the barrel.

[0008] Since the existing clothes treating apparatus supplies detergent only to a bellows located between the tub and the circulation mechanism, there is a limitation in efficiently mixing the detergent with water circulating in the circulation mechanism.

[0009] Since the existing clothes treating apparatus supplies the first detergent and the second detergent into one space, there is a problem that the first detergent and the second detergent are agglomerated together and remain in the bellows.

[0010] In addition, there is a clothing processing device that supplies a first detergent and a second detergent to a barrel by the following means: connecting a first detergent supply pipe supplying the first detergent and a second detergent supply pipe supplying the second detergent to a first connecting pipe through which water in the barrel is discharged; and supplying detergents separately (see Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2021-0060386).

[0011] Since the existing clothes treating apparatus supplies detergent when both the first detergent connecting pipe and the second detergent connecting pipe are connected to the first connecting pipe (through which the water in the tub is quickly discharged), there is a problem that the detergent may not be fully dissolved in the first connecting pipe.

[0012] Since the existing clothes treating apparatus supplies both the first detergent and the second detergent to the first connecting pipe, there is a problem that the first detergent and the second detergent are stuck in the first connecting pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] The present application is directed to a structure in which detergent pipes are respectively connected to positions upstream and downstream of a circulation pump to supply detergent, thereby more efficiently mixing the detergent with water.

[0015] The present application aims to provide a structure in which a first detergent and a second detergent are supplied to positions upstream and downstream of a circulation pump, respectively, thereby preventing the first detergent and the second detergent from clumping together.

[0016] The present application aims to provide a structure in which a piping structure can be simplified and detergent can be efficiently supplied by reducing the length of a detergent pipe that allows a detergent supplier and a housing to communicate with each other.

[0017] The present application aims to provide a port structure in which water and detergent can be effectively mixed with each other inside a housing.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] In order to solve the above problems, a clothing processing device is provided, which includes: a casing; a barrel, which is arranged inside the casing and is configured to store water in the barrel; a circulator, which includes a circulation flow channel connected to the barrel and is configured to supply water discharged from the barrel back to the barrel; a detergent supplier, which is connected to the circulation flow channel and supplies detergent; a first detergent pipe and a second detergent pipe, which connect the detergent supplier with the circulation flow channel and are configured to allow the detergent of the detergent supplier to flow into the circulation flow channel; and a circulation pump, which is arranged in the circulator and supplies water of the circulation flow channel to the barrel, wherein, based on the flow of water in the circulation flow channel, the first detergent pipe is connected to the circulation flow channel at a position upstream of the circulation pump, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the circulation flow channel at a position downstream of the circulation pump.

[0020] The circulation flow channel may be defined to include a housing into which detergent supplied from any one of the first and second detergent pipes and water discharged into the tub are introduced, and the housing includes the circulation pump.

[0021] The shell may include: a water collecting shell, which is connected to the barrel and into which water discharged from the barrel is introduced; and a circulation shell, which is arranged downstream of the water collecting shell based on the flow caused by the circulation pump and is configured to discharge the water introduced into the water collecting shell to the outside of the shell; and the first detergent pipe can be connected to the water collecting shell, and the second detergent pipe can be connected to the circulation shell.

[0022] The shell may include: a first detergent port, which is connected to the first detergent pipe; and a second detergent port, which is arranged downstream of the first detergent port and connected to the second detergent pipe; and the first detergent port can be arranged on the water collection shell, and the second detergent port can be arranged on the circulation shell.

[0023] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a tub drain pipe connecting the tub with the housing at a position upstream of the circulation pump; and the first detergent pipe may be connected to the tub drain pipe, and the second detergent pipe may be connected to the housing.

[0024] The shell may include: a water collecting shell, which is connected to the barrel drain pipe and into which water discharged from the barrel is introduced; and a circulation shell, which is arranged downstream of the water collecting shell based on the flow caused by the circulation pump and is configured to discharge water introduced into the water collecting shell; and the second detergent pipe may be connected to the circulation shell.

[0025] The laundry treating apparatus may further include a tub circulation pipe provided at a downstream side of the housing and connecting the housing with the tub; and the first detergent pipe may be connected to the housing, and the second detergent pipe may be connected to the tub circulation pipe.

[0026] One side closer to the housing among both ends of the tub circulation pipe may be branched into a circulation port connection portion connected to the housing and a detergent inflow portion connected to the second detergent pipe.

[0027] The laundry processing apparatus may further include a tub drain pipe connecting the tub with the shell at a position upstream of the circulation pump, and a tub circulation pipe connecting the shell with the tub at a position downstream of the circulation pump, and the first detergent pipe may be connected to the tub drain pipe, and the second detergent pipe may be connected to the tub circulation pipe.

[0028] The detergent pipe may be configured to supply a first detergent among the detergents of the detergent supplier, and the second detergent pipe may be configured to supply a second detergent among the detergents of the detergent supplier; and the first detergent and the second detergent may have different chemical compositions.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The present application provides a structure in which detergent pipes are respectively connected to positions upstream and downstream of a circulation pump to supply detergent, thereby more efficiently mixing the detergent with water.

[0031] The present application provides a structure in which the first detergent and the second detergent are supplied to positions upstream and downstream of a circulation pump, respectively, thereby preventing the first detergent and the second detergent from agglomerating together.

[0032] The present application may simplify the piping structure and efficiently supply detergent by reducing the length of a detergent pipe that allows a detergent supplier and a housing to communicate with each other.

[0033] The present application may provide a port structure in which water and detergent may be effectively mixed with each other inside a housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of water and detergent in the clothes treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a laundry treatment performed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 is a rear view of the detergent supply and pump assembly of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1'.

[0041] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2'.

[0042] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3'.

[0043] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating circulation of water and detergent according to a first embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0044] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view showing a second embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0045] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating circulation of water and detergent according to a second embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0046] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view showing a third embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0047] Figure 14 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of the third embodiment of the pump assembly.

[0048] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water and detergent according to a third embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0049] Figure 16 is a rear perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0050] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water and detergent according to a fourth embodiment of a pump assembly.

[0051] Figure 18 (a) in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing that water has been introduced into a detergent pipe connected to a position downstream of a circulation pump.

[0052] Figure 18 (b) in the figure shows that Figure 18 FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams showing a detergent pipe in which a check valve is provided and water is not introduced into the detergent pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration or control method of the device described below is only used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the reference numerals used in the same manner throughout this document represent the same components.

[0054] Certain terminology used in this document is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments presented.

[0055] In order to describe the present disclosure, it will be described based on a spatial rectangular coordinate system consisting of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) refers to the two directions in which each axis extends. Adding a "+" symbol (+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, and +Z-axis direction) before each axis direction means a positive direction, which is one of the two directions in which each axis extends. Adding a "-" symbol (-X-axis direction, -Y-axis direction, -Z-axis direction) before each axis direction means a negative direction, which is the other of the two directions in which each axis extends.

[0056] The expressions involving directions such as "front (+X) / back (-X) / left (+Y) / right (-Y) / up (+Z) / down (-Z)" to be described below are defined along the XYZ coordinate axis, but are intended to describe the present disclosure so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood, and each direction can be defined differently based on reference.

[0057] The use of terms such as "first, second, and third" before the components mentioned below is merely to avoid confusion between the components mentioned and has nothing to do with the order, importance, or hierarchy between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only the second component but not the first component.

[0058] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions used in this document include plural expressions.

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a clothes treating apparatus and a control method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet 100 forming an exterior appearance of the apparatus and including a front panel 110 forming a front surface.

[0062] The front panel 110 may be a visible surface of the cabinet 100 when viewing the laundry treating apparatus 1 from the front (in the X-axis direction). A control panel (not shown) may be provided on the front panel 110 so that a user can easily control laundry treatment of the laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0063] The front panel 110 may include a door panel 120 and a supply panel 140. The door panel 120 has an inlet 125 on its front side (see FIG. Figure 2 ), a supply panel 140 is provided below the door panel 120. In addition, the front panel 110 has a door 130 capable of opening and closing the entrance 125.

[0064] The door panel 120 includes an inlet 125 so that laundry can be placed in the cabinet 100. The door panel may include a control panel (not shown) for inputting commands that can control laundry treatment of the laundry treatment apparatus 1. Since the control panel is provided at the front side of the cabinet 100 (where the inlet is defined), the user can easily manipulate both the placement of laundry and the treatment of laundry to perform laundry treatment, thereby improving convenience.

[0065] The supply panel 140 may be located below the door panel 120. The door panel 120 may be equipped with devices that are relatively infrequently used by the user. For example, the door panel 120 may be equipped with a detergent supply, a lint filter, etc., which are necessary for maintenance and repair of the laundry processing device 1.

[0066] That is, the door panel 120 may be equipped with devices that the user frequently uses, and the supply panel 140 may be equipped with devices that the user relatively seldom uses.

[0067] The supply panel 140 may have a through hole (not shown) so that the detergent supplier 400 (see Figure 2 ) of the detergent drawer 415 or the pump assembly 300 (see Figure 2 ) at least a portion of the filter assembly 390 is exposed to the outside of the supply panel 140.

[0068] The supply panel 140 may include a supply cover 145 covering the supply panel to protect and cover the detergent drawer 415 or the filter assembly 390 exposed to the outside.

[0069] The supply panel 140 may be recessed toward the rear (in the -X axis direction) of the door panel 120, and the supply cover 145 may be configured to cover the supply panel 140 by the recessed amount. In this case, when the supply cover 145 covers the supply panel, the front surface of the supply cover 145 is configured to minimize the step difference with the front surface of the door panel 120, thereby improving the overall sense of unity and aesthetics of the front panel 110.

[0070] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the clothing processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a drum 150, which is rotatably disposed inside a housing 100; a barrel 170, which accommodates the drum in the barrel and stores water in the barrel; a pump assembly 300, which is connected to the barrel and into which water discharged from the barrel is introduced; and a detergent supplier 400, which supplies detergent to the barrel or the pump assembly.

[0072] The drum 150 may be rotated within the tub 170 by the driver 155. The drum 150 may be opened so that its front side communicates with the inlet 125, and thus the drum 150 may receive therein laundry put therein through the inlet 125. The drum 150 may be rotated by the driver 155 to perform laundry treatment.

[0073] The drum 150 includes a drum hole 151. The drum 150 may allow external water to be introduced thereinto through the drum hole 151 so that water and laundry are mixed together, and may discharge internal water into the tub 170 through the drum hole 151.

[0074] The driver 155 may be configured such that one side thereof is coupled to the rear surface of the cabinet, and the other side thereof extends through the rear surface of the tub 170 and is connected to the rear surface of the drum 150 , thereby rotating the drum.

[0075] The tub 170 may have an open front side so that the drum 150 can be accommodated inside and water supplied from the outside can be stored. The opening at the front side of the tub 170 and the inlet 125 at the front side of the drum can both be communicated with the inlet 125, and a gasket (not shown) may be provided to prevent water leakage.

[0076] The tub 170 may be supported inside the cabinet 100 by a support 175. The support 175 may not only support the tub 170 inside the cabinet but may also include a buffer device to offset vibration of the tub caused by rotation of the driver.

[0077] The pump assembly 300 may communicate with the tub 170 so that water discharged from the tub may be introduced therein, and the introduced water may be supplied back to the tub 170 or discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 .

[0078] The pump assembly 300 may be configured such that water discharged from the tub 170 and detergent supplied from the detergent supplier 400 may be introduced thereinto and mixed together. The pump assembly 300 may resupply the tub 170 with detergent liquid in which the water and detergent are mixed together.

[0079] More specifically, the pump assembly 300 may include: a housing 310 (see Figure 6 ), the water discharged from the tub 170 is introduced into the housing 310, and the housing 310 forms at least a part of the appearance of the pump assembly 300; the circulation pump 330 (see Figure 6 ), the circulation pump 330 is provided in the housing 310, and allows the water introduced into the housing 310 to flow and be resupplied to the tub 170; and the drain pump 350 (see Figure 6 ), the drain pump 350 discharges the water introduced into the housing 310 to the outside.

[0080] The pump assembly 300 may include a filter assembly 390 to filter out foreign matter or lint remaining in the water introduced from the tub. The filter assembly 390 may be configured so that at least a portion thereof is exposed from the supply panel 140 and can be withdrawn from the pump assembly 300 in the front-to-back direction. This allows the user to easily remove foreign matter, lint, etc. trapped in the filter assembly 390 by withdrawing the filter assembly 390 without disassembling the housing 100.

[0081] The pump assembly 300 may communicate with the tub via the tub drain pipe 211 and the tub circulation pipe 213 , and water may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 via the pump drain pipe 215 .

[0082] The tub drain pipe 211 may allow the tub and the pump assembly 300 to communicate with each other such that water discharged from the tub 170 flows to the pump assembly 300 .

[0083] The tub circulation pipe 213 may allow the pump assembly 300 and the tub 170 to communicate with each other so that water supplied from the pump assembly 300 is pumped through the circulation pump 330 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) flows to barrel 170.

[0084] The pump drain pipe 215 may allow the pump assembly 300 and the outside to communicate with each other so that water introduced into the pump assembly 300 may be discharged through the drain pump 350 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is discharged to the outside of the casing 100.

[0085] The detergent supply 400 may include a detergent box 410 connected to the supply panel 140 from the rear and having an open front side, and a detergent drawer 415 that can be drawn out in the front-to-rear direction from the open front side of the detergent box 410. Figure 3 ) can be set in the detergent drawer 415.

[0086] The detergent supplier 400 may include a detergent pump 440 (see Figure 6 ), the detergent pump 440 allows the detergent stored in the detergent reservoir 430 to flow to the outside of the detergent reservoir 430.

[0087] The detergent supplier 400 may supply the detergent stored in the detergent reservoir 430 to the tub 170 or the pump assembly 300. The detergent supplier 400 of the present disclosure may be equipped with a detergent pump 440 (see Figure 3 ), to supply the detergent stored in the detergent reservoir 430 to the tub 170 or the pump assembly 300, and preferably, the detergent supplier 400 may be equipped to supply the detergent to the pump assembly 300, for pipeline simplification and connection stabilization of the detergent pipe 450 (see Figure 3 ).

[0088] In addition, a detergent pipe 450 may be included (see Figure 6 ), the detergent pipe 450 allows the detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 to communicate with each other, and allows the detergent discharged by the detergent pump 440 to flow to the pump assembly 300.

[0089] More specifically, the detergent pipe 450 may connect the detergent supplier 400 to at least one of the tub 170 , the tub drain pipe 211 , the tub circulation pipe 213 , and the pump assembly 300 , so that the detergent stored in the detergent supplier 400 may be directly supplied to the at least one.

[0090] The detergent storage 410 may include a first detergent storage 411 (see Figure 10 ) and a second detergent storage 412 (see Figure 10 ).

[0091] In this regard, one of the first detergent and the second detergent may be a laundry detergent used in a laundry washing cycle of a laundry treatment device, and the other may be a softener used in a rinsing cycle of the laundry treatment device. However, the first detergent and the second detergent of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and may be laundry detergents or softeners having the same chemical composition as each other. That is, as long as the first detergent and the second detergent are used to treat the laundry contained in the drum 150, the first detergent and the second detergent may be the same as or different from each other.

[0092] The detergent pump 440 may include: a first detergent pump 441 (see Figure 6 ), which is disposed in the first detergent reservoir 411 and discharges the first detergent; and a second detergent pump 442 (see Figure 6 ), which is provided in the second detergent reservoir 442 and discharges the second detergent.

[0093] The detergent pipe 450 may include: a first detergent pipe 451 (see Figure 6 ), which is communicated with the first detergent pump 441 and supplies the first detergent through the first detergent pipe 451; and the second detergent pipe 452 (see Figure 6 ), which is connected to the second detergent pump 442 and supplies the second detergent through the second detergent pipe 452.

[0094] The first and second detergent pipes 451 and 452 may allow the detergent reservoir 410 and the pump assembly 300 to communicate with each other, thereby supplying the first and second detergents to the pump assembly 300 , respectively.

[0095] It should be understood that the clothes treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure is not limited in terms of the type of detergent to be injected or the number of detergent pipes 450 .

[0096] That is, the detergent pipe of the present disclosure may be equipped with not only the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 but also a plurality of detergent pipes 450 or one detergent pipe 450 .

[0097] In addition, the detergent supplier 400 of the present disclosure is located below the tub 170 , but is not limited thereto and can be located above the tub 170 .

[0098] The detergent supplier 400 of the present disclosure is exemplified as an automatic detergent supplier that automatically supplies an appropriate amount of detergent at an appropriate time through a controller, but is not necessarily limited thereto and can be a manual detergent supplier that supplies detergent together with water supplied from an external source to the tub 170. In addition, the present disclosure may be a clothes treating apparatus equipped with both an automatic detergent supplier and a manual detergent supplier.

[0099] The detergent supply and water circulation of the detergent supplier 400 will be described later.

[0100] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of water and detergent in the clothes treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0101] Reference Figure 3 , water discharged from the tub 170 is introduced into the housing 310 of the pump assembly 300 via the tub drain pipe 211. The water introduced into the housing 310 can be resupplied to the tub 170 via the tub circulation pipe 213 by the circulation pump 330. Here, the tub drain pipe 211, the housing 310, and the tub circulation pipe 213 may be defined as a "circulation flow channel" through which the water discharged from the tub 170 circulates and is resupplied to the tub 170.

[0102] In addition, water introduced into the housing 310 can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet via the pump drain pipe 215 by the drain pump 450. That is, the tub drain pipe 211, the housing 310, and the pump drain pipe 215 can be defined as a "drain flow channel" through which water inside the tub 170 is discharged to the outside.

[0103] In one example, when the detergent pipe 450 includes a plurality of detergent pipes and the plurality of detergent pipes are all connected only to the tub drain pipe 211 or only to the tub circulation pipe 213 to supply detergent, the detergent may not be sufficiently mixed with water.

[0104] For example, when the detergent pipe 450 includes a plurality of detergent pipes and all of the plurality of detergent pipes are connected to only the tub drain pipe 211, a certain amount of detergent is injected into the tub drain pipe 211. In this regard, since the detergent in a relatively high concentration state before being mixed with water is supplied to the tub drain pipe 211, sufficient mixing of water and detergent may not occur within the tub drain pipe 211, and thus there may be a limitation in increasing the contact area between water and detergent.

[0105] In addition, the tub drain pipe 211 provides a flow channel through which water stored in the tub 170 is drained. Because the flow rate of the water is high, mixing with the detergent may not occur effectively.

[0106] Therefore, in the present disclosure, based on the water flowing through the circulation flow channel by the circulation pump 330, the detergent pipes 450 may be connected to positions upstream and downstream of the circulation pump 330, respectively, and supply detergent (see Figure 10 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 15 and Figure 17 ).

[0107] Therefore, the detergent supplied to the position upstream of the circulation pump 330 can be actively mixed with the water while passing through the circulation pump 330 and changed from a relatively high concentration state to a relatively low concentration state, and the detergent supplied to the position downstream of the circulation pump 330 can diffuse into the water in the barrel 170 via the barrel circulation pipe 213 and change from a relatively high concentration state to a relatively low concentration state.

[0108] That is, the present disclosure may increase the contact area and contact time of water and detergent within the circulation flow channel and allow detergent to be more efficiently mixed with water by supplying a certain amount of detergent to positions upstream and downstream of the circulation pump 330, respectively.

[0109] In addition, in the present disclosure, one of the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to a position upstream of the circulation pump 330 , and the other may be connected to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330 .

[0110] Therefore, the first detergent supplied through first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent supplied through second detergent pipe 452 are respectively supplied to positions upstream and downstream of circulation pump 330. The first detergent and the second detergent can be prevented from clumping together and getting stuck in the circulation flow channel.

[0111] That is, the present disclosure may prevent the first detergent and the second detergent from being agglomerated and stuck by supplying the first detergent and the second detergent to different spaces of the circulation flow channel.

[0112] In addition, the first detergent is discharged to a position upstream of the circulation pump 330, passes through the circulation pump 330, and reaches the second detergent pipe 452 in a relatively low concentration state. In addition, the second detergent is discharged to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330, passes through the tub 170, and reaches the first detergent pipe 451 in a relatively low concentration state.

[0113] That is, in the present disclosure, the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 may be arranged such that detergent in a relatively high concentration state is prevented from reaching different detergent pipes.

[0114] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first detergent pipe 451 is described as being connected to a position upstream of the circulation pump 330 and the second detergent pipe 452 is described as being connected to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330, but the present disclosure should be construed as not being limited thereto.

[0115] To improve reliability of water circulation through the circulation flow channel and the drainage flow channel, the circulation pump 330 and the drainage pump 350 may be controlled by a controller (not shown) such that when one pump operates, the other pump may stop operating.

[0116] In addition, the detergent stored in the detergent reservoir 430 of the detergent supplier 400 can be discharged to the outside of the detergent reservoir 430 by the detergent pump 440 and supplied to the pump assembly 300, preferably to the housing 310, via the detergent pipe 450. That is, the detergent supplier 400, the detergent pipe 450, the housing 310, and the tub circulation pipe 213 can be defined as a "detergent supply flow channel." That is, the detergent supplier 400 can supply detergent to the tub 170 via the detergent supply flow channel.

[0117] In one example, when detergent is supplied directly to tub 170, the detergent that has not yet been completely mixed with water comes into contact with the clothes in drum 150, so that the clothes may be damaged (depending on the material of the clothes) and the clothes may capture the detergent, causing the concentration of the detergent in the tub to become uneven.

[0118] Therefore, the present disclosure may improve the efficiency of laundry treatment by supplying water and detergent together to the housing 310 of the pump assembly 300 , mixing them, and then supplying them to the tub 170 .

[0119] More specifically, the housing 310 may define a space in which water introduced from the tub drain pipe 211 and detergent introduced from the detergent pipe 450 are mixed together.

[0120] When the detergent supplied via the detergent supply flow channel is supplied to the shell 310, water and detergent are mixed together inside the shell 310 to form a laundry solution, and then the laundry solution is supplied to the barrel 170 via the barrel circulation pipe 213, so that the detergent can be supplied to the barrel 170 with a more uniform concentration than when the detergent is directly supplied to the barrel 170.

[0121] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a laundry treatment performed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 4 , the laundry processing of the laundry processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: sensing the amount of laundry loaded into the drum 150 (S10); supplying detergent (S20); performing a laundry washing cycle by rotating the driver 155 based on a set algorithm during laundry processing (S30); primary rinsing of the laundry contained in the drum 150 (S40); supplying softener via the detergent supplier 400; secondary rinsing of the laundry contained in the drum 150 (S60); and draining water contained in the barrel 170 and dehydrating the laundry (S70).

[0123] Although not shown in the drawings, steps before and after the laundry washing cycle S30, the primary rinsing S40, and the secondary rinsing S60 steps may include supplying water to and draining water from the tub 170.

[0124] The laundry amount sensing step S10 may measure the amount (weight) of laundry contained in the drum 150 by sensing a difference in current values ​​by rotating the driver 155. Values ​​of first and second detergent amounts, which will be described later, may be predetermined based on the measured laundry amount.

[0125] The laundry detergent supply step S20 is a step of supplying detergent used in the laundry washing cycle S30. The laundry detergent supply step S20 may include: operating the circulation pump 330 (S21); determining the supply amount of the first detergent based on the measured laundry amount by a controller (not shown) (S23); and operating the first detergent pump 441 to supply the first detergent to the housing 310 (S25).

[0126] Here, the order of injecting the first detergent and the second detergent is irrelevant. That is, unlike the drawing, the laundry detergent supply step S20 may be a step of operating the second detergent pump 442 and supplying the second detergent.

[0127] In addition, the circulation pump operating step S21 and the detergent amount determining step S23 may be performed in the reverse order. That is, as long as the first detergent injecting step S25 is the last step in the laundry detergent supplying step S20, it should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0128] In the primary rinsing step S40 , detergent may not be supplied, but external water may be supplied so that the driver 155 may be rotated by the controller based on a set algorithm.

[0129] The softener supplying step S50 may include: operating a circulation pump (S51); determining a preset detergent amount of the second detergent based on the laundry amount value measured in the laundry amount sensing step S10 (S53); and supplying the second detergent through the second detergent pump 442 based on the set detergent amount.

[0130] In the softener supplying step S50, the first detergent may be supplied or the same detergent as the first detergent may be supplied. In addition, as long as the softener supplying step S50 involves the supply of the second detergent, the order of the circulation pump operating step S51 and the detergent amount determining step S53 may be changed.

[0131] As described above, the times at which the detergent supplier 400 supplies the first detergent and the second detergent may be different from each other. Alternatively, the first detergent and the second detergent may be supplied simultaneously in the laundry detergent supply step S20 and the softener supply step S50.

[0132] Figure 5 is a rear view of the detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 at the lower portion of the cabinet 100 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Reference Figure 5 The housing 100 may include a base 190 disposed at a lower portion of the housing 100 and providing a space in which various devices may be installed.

[0134] The detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 may be coupled to the base 190. The detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 may be arranged behind the supply panel 140 (in the -X axis direction) and may be at least partially exposed to the outside when the supply cover 145 is opened.

[0135] In addition, the detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 may communicate with each other via the detergent pipe 450. The detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 may be disposed adjacent to each other to reduce the extension length of the detergent pipe 450 and simplify the piping structure.

[0136] Specifically, the detergent supplier 400 can be arranged adjacent to a first panel among the panels forming the two side surfaces (on the Y-axis) of the casing 100, and the pump assembly 300 can be arranged adjacent to a second panel facing the first panel among the panels forming the two side surfaces of the casing 100, so that they can be arranged parallel to each other in the width direction of the casing.

[0137] The housing 310 of the pump assembly 300 may be disposed below the tub 170 and may communicate with the tub drain pipe 213 , the tub circulation pipe 213 , the pump drain pipe 215 , and the detergent pipe 450 .

[0138] In other words, in order to simplify the piping relationship of the pipes connected to the housing 310 of the pump assembly, the detergent supplier 400 and the pump assembly 300 may be arranged parallel to each other in the width direction at a position below the tub 170 .

[0139] With this structure, the pipeline structure can be simplified.

[0140] In one example, the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 of the detergent pipe 450 may be connected to different positions on the housing 310 .

[0141] Specifically, one of the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to a position upstream of the circulation pump 330 , and the remaining pipe may be connected to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330 .

[0142] With this arrangement, each of the first detergent discharged from the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent discharged from the second detergent pipe 452 may be more efficiently mixed within the circulation flow channel.

[0143] The connection relationship between the detergent pipe 450 and the housing 310 will be described later.

[0144] Hereinafter, the pump assembly 300 according to the first to third embodiments will be described, but this is only to describe in detail the connection relationship between the pump assembly 300 and the detergent pipe 450, and it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments to be described later.

[0145] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the pump assembly 300a according to the first embodiment.

[0146] Reference Figure 6 The pump assembly 300a according to the first embodiment may include: a housing 310 to which the tub pipes 211 and 213, the pump drain pipe 215, and the detergent pipe 450 are connected, and the housing 310 defines a space in which a fluid flows; a circulation pump 330, which is provided on the housing 310 and resupplies water introduced into the housing 310 to the tub 170; a drain pump 350, which is provided on the housing 310 and discharges the water introduced into the housing 310 to the outside; and a filter assembly 390 (see Figure 8 ), the filter assembly 390 is disposed inside the housing 310 and filters foreign matter or lint.

[0147] Unlike other embodiments to be described later, the pump assembly 300 a according to the first embodiment is configured such that both the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 are connected to the housing 310 .

[0148] In the structure of the pump assembly 300 a according to the first embodiment, the detergent pipe 450 directly connects the detergent supplier 400 to the pump assembly 300 , preferably to the housing 310 , thereby minimizing the transmission of vibration occurring in the tub 170 to the detergent pipe 450 .

[0149] More specifically, vibration occurring in the tub 170 may be attenuated first by the support member 175 and secondly by the bellows that may be formed in the tub drain pipe 211 or the tub circulation pipe 213, so that the vibration may be minimally applied to the pump assembly 300. In addition, the pump assembly 300 may be coupled to the base 190 provided on the bottom surface of the cabinet 100 (see FIG. Figure 6 ), and the vibration can be attenuated for a third time by the base 190.

[0150] That is, by connecting the detergent pipe 450 to the pump assembly 300 (where vibration of the tub is attenuated to the greatest extent) and supplying detergent, reliability of the detergent supplier 400 in supplying detergent through the detergent pipe 450 may be improved.

[0151] In one example, the shell 310 may include: a water collecting shell 311, into which water discharged from the barrel 170 is introduced, and the barrel drain pipe 211 is connected to the water collecting shell 311; a circulation shell 313, which is connected to the water collecting shell 311 and provides a space for connecting the circulation pump 330; and a drainage shell 315, which is connected to the water collecting shell 311 and provides a space for connecting the drainage pump 350.

[0152] In addition, the housing 310 may include: housing ports 361, 363 and 365, which provide spaces for connecting the barrel pipes 211 and 213 to the pump drain pipe 215; and detergent ports 371 and 372, which are connected to the detergent pipe 450 and into which detergent is introduced.

[0153] The housing ports 361, 363, and 365 may protrude outside the housing. The housing ports 361, 363, and 365 may include: a water collection port 361, which is provided on the water collection housing 311, connected to the tub drain pipe 211, and receives water stored in the tub; a circulation port 363, which is provided on the circulation housing 313 and through which water or detergent introduced into the circulation housing 313 by the circulation pump 330 is discharged to the tub circulation pipe 213; and a drain port 365, which is provided on the drain housing 315 and through which water introduced into the drain housing 315 by the drain pump 350 is discharged to the pump drain pipe 215.

[0154] As shown, the water collection port 361 may extend toward the rear of the housing 310. Therefore, water introduced into the tub drain pipe 211 may hit the front side of the water collection housing 311 once and form an irregular water flow inside, thereby improving the efficiency of mixing with the detergent introduced through the detergent pipe.

[0155] In addition, in order to simplify the pipeline, the water collection port 361 and the drainage port 365 can be provided in parallel with each other. Preferably, the water collection port 361 and the drainage port 365 can be formed by extending toward the rear of the housing 310.

[0156] The circulation port 363 may be arranged so as not to face the water collection port 361 and the circulation hole 3113 of the water collection housing 311 (see FIG. Figure 9 ).

[0157] In other words, since the flow angle of the fluid changes while the water introduced into the water collecting case 311 through the water collecting port 361 passes through the circulation case 313 and the circulation port 363 , the mixing efficiency of the water and the detergent may be improved accordingly.

[0158] Preferably, the water collection port 361 may be provided to extend rearward from the water collection housing 311 , the circulation housing 311 may be provided to extend laterally from the water collection housing 311 , and the circulation port 363 may be provided to extend upward from the water collection housing 311 .

[0159] The detergent ports 371 and 372 may be formed to protrude outward from the housing 310. The detergent ports 371 and 372 may include a first detergent port 371 connected to the first detergent pipe 451 and a second detergent port 372 connected to the second detergent pipe 452.

[0160] In the pump assembly 300 a according to the first embodiment, the first detergent pipe 451 is connected to the water collecting housing 311 , and the second detergent pipe 452 is provided on the circulation housing 313 to be provided downstream of the circulation pump 330 .

[0161] The first detergent port 371 may not extend parallel to the water collection port 361 , preferably perpendicular to the water collection port 361 , and the second detergent port 372 may extend not facing the circulation port 363 and the circulation hole 3113 , preferably perpendicular to the circulation port 363 and the circulation hole 3113 .

[0162] In addition, the first detergent port 371 may be provided to extend upward from the water collection port 361 or the water collection case 311 , and the second detergent port 372 may extend rearward from the circulation port 363 or the circulation case 313 .

[0163] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1' in FIG. Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2' in FIG. Figure 9 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3'. Figures 7 to 9 , a pump assembly 300a according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0164] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation housing 313. As described above, the circulation housing 313 may provide a space in which the circulation pump 330 is disposed so that water introduced into the water collecting housing 311 is discharged.

[0165] That is, at least a portion of the circulation pump 330 , preferably the circulation impeller 3331 of the circulation pump 330 , may be disposed inside the circulation housing 313 , so that water introduced into the circulation housing 311 may flow into the barrel circulation pipe 213 via the circulation housing 313 and the circulation port 363 .

[0166] The circulation housing 313 may include a circulation port 363 through which water is discharged and a second detergent port 372 provided in the circulation port 363 or the circulation housing 313. Water introduced through the water collecting housing 311 is introduced into the circulation housing 313 through the circulation hole 3113.

[0167] In addition, the circulation housing 313 may include a second detergent port 372 so that the second detergent may be introduced into the circulation housing 313 .

[0168] The water and detergent introduced into the circulation housing 313 may be mixed with each other in the inner space of the circulation housing 313 , and may be discharged together to the tub circulation pipe 213 through the circulation port 363 by the circulation impeller 3331 and supplied to the tub 170 .

[0169] The second detergent port 372 may be disposed so as not to face the circulation port 363, and preferably perpendicular to the circulation port 363. Since the second detergent port 372 is disposed in this manner, the angle between the flow direction of water discharged to the circulation port 363 and the flow direction of detergent introduced into the second detergent port 372 is maximized, thereby allowing the water and detergent to be better mixed together.

[0170] In addition, a detergent check valve 375 may be provided in the second detergent pipe 452 or the second detergent port 372. The detergent check valve is designed to only allow fluid to move from the detergent supplier 400 toward the pump assembly 300 and prevent fluid from moving from the pump assembly 300 toward the detergent supplier 400.

[0171] In addition, the detergent check valve 375 may be provided not only in the second detergent pipe 452 or the second detergent port 372 , but also in the first detergent pipe 451 or the first detergent port 371 .

[0172] In the drawings, as an example, the second detergent port 372 is provided on the circulation housing 313, but the case where the first detergent port 371 is provided on the circulation housing 313 and the second detergent port 372 is provided on the water collection housing 311 can also be considered to belong to the pump assembly 300a of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Figure 8 311 is a cross-sectional view of the water collecting housing 311. Figure 8 The water collection housing 311 may include a water collection port 361 and a first detergent port 371 , and may define a space therein in which a fluid may flow.

[0174] That is, water introduced from the tub drain pipe 211 via the water collecting port 361 and detergent introduced from the first detergent pipe 451 via the first detergent port 371 may be introduced into the water collecting case 311 .

[0175] As described above, the first detergent port 371 and the water collection port 361 are arranged not to face each other, so that the flow direction of water introduced from the water collection port 361 and the flow of detergent introduced from the first detergent port 371 are staggered with each other, preferably perpendicular to each other, thereby improving the mixing efficiency with water without precipitating high concentrations of detergent.

[0176] In addition, the first detergent port 371 or the first detergent pipe 451 may include a detergent check valve 375 to allow fluid to move from the detergent supplier 400 to the water collection housing 311 and to prevent fluid from moving from the water collection housing 311 to the detergent supplier 400 .

[0177] In addition, the water collecting case 311 may be a first space in which water discharged from the tub 170 is introduced into the pump assembly 300 , and in which foreign matter or lint discharged from the tub 170 may be introduced together.

[0178] Therefore, the water collection housing 311 of the pump assembly 300 of the present disclosure may be equipped with a filter assembly 390. The filter assembly 390 is configured such that at least a portion thereof is disposed in the inner space of the water collection housing 311 and is extendable from the water collection housing 311.

[0179] The filter assembly 390 may include: a filter handle 391, which is located outside the water collection housing 311 and exposed from the supply panel 140; a filter member 393, which extends from the filter handle 391 in a rearward direction of the water collection housing 311 and filters foreign matter or lint; and a filter seal 395, which seals the space between the filter member 393 or the filter handle 391 and the water collection housing 311 so that water does not leak.

[0180] The user may open the supply cover 145 , grasp the filter handle 391 exposed through the supply panel 140 , and extend the filter handle 391 forward to separate the filter assembly 390 from the water collection housing 311 .

[0181] The user may clean the separated filter assembly 390 or replace the filter assembly 390 and then push it back from the supply panel 140 to install the filter assembly 390 in the water collection housing 311 .

[0182] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly 300a. Figure 9 , the circulation housing 313 may be disposed on one side of the water collecting housing 311 , and the drainage housing 315 may be disposed on the other side of the water collecting housing 311 .

[0183] The circulation pump 330 may include a circulation pump housing 331 forming at least a portion of an exterior appearance of the circulation pump, and a circulation motor assembly 333 disposed inside the circulation pump housing 331 .

[0184] The circulation pump housing 331 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the circulation motor assembly 333 therein and may be coupled to the circulation housing 313. That is, the circulation housing 313 may be formed in a shape open on one side facing the water collection housing 311, and the circulation pump housing 331 may be configured to cover the open portion.

[0185] The circulation motor assembly 333 may be at least partially accommodated in the circulation pump housing 331 , and the remaining portion of the circulation motor assembly 333 may be accommodated in the circulation housing 313 .

[0186] The circulation motor assembly 332 may include: a circulation impeller 3331, which is rotatably arranged in the circulation housing 313; a circulation motor 3333, which is accommodated in the circulation pump housing 331 and generates a driving force; and a rotating shaft 3332, which connects the circulation motor 3333 and the circulation impeller 3331 and transmits the driving force of the circulation motor 3333 to the circulation impeller 3331.

[0187] The drain pump 350 may include a drain pump housing 351 forming at least a portion of an exterior of the circulation pump, and a drain motor assembly 353 disposed inside the drain pump housing 351 .

[0188] The drain pump housing 351 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the drain motor assembly 353 therein and may be coupled to the drain housing 315. That is, the drain housing 315 may be formed in a shape open to one side facing the water collection housing 311, and the drain pump housing 351 may cover the open portion.

[0189] The drain motor assembly 353 may be at least partially housed in the drain pump housing 351 , and the remainder of the drain motor assembly 353 may be housed in the drain housing 315 .

[0190] The drain motor assembly 353 may include: a drain impeller 3531, which is rotatably disposed in the drain housing 315; a drain motor 3533, which is accommodated in the drain pump housing 351 and generates a driving force; and a rotating shaft 3352, which connects the drain motor 3533 and the drain impeller 3531 and transmits the driving force of the drain motor 3533 to the drain impeller 3531 and rotates the drain impeller 3531.

[0191] The water collection housing 311 may be connected to each of the circulation housing 313 and the drainage housing 315. More specifically, the water collection housing 311 may have the circulation housing 313 provided on one side thereof and may include a circulation hole 3113 communicating with the circulation housing 313. In addition, the water collection housing 311 may have the drainage housing 315 on the other side thereof and may include a drainage hole 3115 communicating with the drainage housing 315.

[0192] In other words, water introduced into the water collecting case 311 through the tub drain pipe 211 may move to the circulation case 313 through the circulation hole 3113 or move to the drain case 315 through the drain hole 3115 .

[0193] In addition, the detergent introduced through the first detergent pipe 451 may also move to the circulation housing 313 through the circulation hole 3113 .

[0194] The circulation hole 3113 allows the water collecting housing 311 and the circulation housing 313 to communicate with each other, and preferably, a diameter of the circulation hole 3113 is smaller than a diameter of the water collecting housing 311 or the circulation housing 313 .

[0195] Since the circulation hole 3113 is formed to have such a size, as the water and detergent introduced into the water collecting housing 311 pass through the narrow passage (circulation hole 3113), pressure increases, and as a result, mixing efficiency of the water and detergent may increase.

[0196] Although the present disclosure illustrates that the housing 310, the circulation pump housing 331 and the drain pump housing 351 are coupled to each other to form the overall appearance of the pump assembly 300, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it should be understood that the housing 310, the circulation pump 330 and the drain pump 350 can all be implemented as structures that are separated and spaced apart from each other and connected to each other through separate pipes.

[0197] Figure 10 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the circulation of water and detergent along the pump assembly 300 a of the first embodiment.

[0198] Reference Figure 10 , water drained from the tub 170 is introduced into the water collecting case 311 via the tub drain pipe 211 , and the first detergent stored in the first detergent reservoir 431 is also introduced into the water collecting case 311 via the first detergent pipe 451 .

[0199] The water and first detergent introduced into the water collecting housing 311 are introduced into the circulation housing 313 by the flow generated by the circulation pump 330. In addition, in the circulation housing 313, the second detergent stored in the second detergent reservoir 432 is introduced into the water collecting housing 311 via the second detergent pipe 452.

[0200] In other words, the first detergent and the second detergent introduced into the circulation case 313 may be mixed with water and discharged to the outside of the circulation case 313 through the circulation port 363 .

[0201] According to the pump assembly 300a of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, not only damage of the detergent pipe 450 by the vibration of the tub 170 can be minimized, but also the first detergent and the second detergent can be minimized from clumping together and being stuck.

[0202] When the first detergent in a relatively high concentration state is introduced into the water collecting shell 311 via the first barrel tube 451, the first detergent will be mixed with the water inside the water collecting shell 311, introduced into the circulation shell 313, and actively mixed with the water through the vortex caused by the circulation impeller 3331, so that the first detergent can be changed to a relatively low concentration state.

[0203] Then, the second detergent in a relatively high concentration state is supplied to the circulation housing 313 or the circulation port 363 from a position downstream of the circulation pump 330 via the second tub pipe 452 .

[0204] In this regard, the first detergent and the second detergent can contact each other at a position downstream of the circulation pump 330, but because the first detergent in a relatively low concentration state and the second detergent in a relatively high concentration state contact each other, the first detergent and the second detergent can be minimized from clumping together and getting stuck in the circulation flow channel.

[0205] In other words, more specifically, according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the first detergent in a high-concentration state and the second detergent in a high-concentration state from being mixed together.

[0206] In addition, as described above, the circulation flow passage may be defined to include the tub drain pipe 211 , the housing 310 , and the tub circulation pipe 213 .

[0207] In the first to fourth embodiments, based on the flow of fluid in the circulation flow channel caused by the circulation pump 330, the upstream of the circulation pump 330 may include a barrel drain pipe 211 and a water collecting shell 311, and the downstream of the circulation pump 330 may include a circulation shell 313 and a barrel circulation pipe 213.

[0208] Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the pump assembly 300b of the second embodiment, and Figure 12 is a view showing circulation of water and detergent through the pump assembly 300b.

[0209] Descriptions overlapping with those of the pump assembly 300 a according to the above first embodiment will be omitted.

[0210] Reference Figure 11 The pump assembly 300b according to the second embodiment has a first detergent port 371 connected to a first detergent pipe 451 connected to a circulation port 361 on a circulation housing 313. The second detergent port 372 connected to the second detergent pipe 452 may be provided on the tub drain pipe 211, or the second detergent pipe 452 may be directly connected to the tub drain pipe 211.

[0211] Unlike the pump assembly 300a according to the first embodiment described above, based on the water flow caused by the circulation pump 330 flowing in the shell 310, the second detergent pipe 452 is connected to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330, and the first detergent pipe 451 is connected to a position upstream of the circulation pump 330, more specifically, to a position upstream of the water collecting shell 311 of the pump assembly 300b.

[0212] Therefore, the first detergent in a relatively high concentration state supplied by the first detergent pipe 451 can be mixed with the water discharged from the barrel 170 to a certain extent in the barrel drain pipe 211, and then mixed again and reduced in concentration through the vortex that may occur in the internal space of the water collecting shell 311, and then passes through the circulation shell 313 equipped with the circulation pump 330, and becomes a low concentration state through the strong rotation of the impeller 3131.

[0213] The second detergent in a relatively high concentration state supplied by the second detergent pipe 452 may be supplied to the circulation case 313 or the circulation port 363 located downstream of the circulation case 313 through the second detergent port 372 .

[0214] That is, since the second detergent in a relatively high concentration state is supplied in the section where the first detergent is dissolved in a low concentration state, not only can the first detergent and the second detergent be effectively mixed with water in the entire circulation flow channel, but the first detergent in a relatively high concentration state and the second detergent in a relatively high concentration state can be prevented from mixing with each other.

[0215] Preferably, the second detergent port 372 is provided on the circulation port 363. This is because the second detergent can be supplied while the first detergent is fully mixed with water and dissolved, and the detergent remaining in the pump assembly 300b can be minimized because the circulation port 363 is provided at the most downstream of the pump assembly 300b based on the water flow through the pump assembly 300b caused by the circulation pump 330.

[0216] See also Figure 12 The water introduced into the water collection housing 311 is discharged from the housing 310 through the circulation port 363 and flows along the tub circulation pipe 213 to the tub 170. The first detergent is supplied to the tub drain pipe 211 located upstream of the water collection housing 311 via the first detergent pipe 451. The second detergent can be supplied to the circulation housing 313 or the circulation port 363 located downstream of the water collection housing 311 via the second detergent pipe 452.

[0217] The first detergent and the second detergent may be sufficiently mixed with water discharged from the tub 170 along the circulation flow channel by means of water flowing through the circulation pump 330 , and then supplied back to the tub 170 .

[0218] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the pump assembly 300c of the third embodiment, Figure 14 is a specific example of a pump assembly 300c, and Figure 15 is a diagram showing water and detergent flowing through the pump assembly 300c of the third embodiment.

[0219] Figures 13 to 15 A pump assembly 300 c according to a third embodiment is illustrated, and descriptions overlapping with those of the above-described pump assembly 300 a according to the first embodiment and the pump assembly 300 b according to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0220] Reference Figure 13, first detergent pipe 451 may be connected to water collecting housing 311 through first detergent port 371 and supply first detergent to a location downstream of circulation pump 330. Because first detergent pipe 451 is directly connected to water collecting housing 311, the influence caused by vibration of tub 170 may be minimized.

[0221] In addition, the second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to the tub circulation pipe 213. The second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to the tub circulation pipe 213 through a second detergent port (not shown), or the second detergent pipe 452 may be directly connected to the tub circulation pipe 213.

[0222] Because the pump assembly 300c of the third embodiment discharges the second detergent to a position downstream of the pump assembly 310, the first detergent and the second detergent can be prevented from directly contacting each other inside the pump assembly 300c.

[0223] In addition, since the second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to the tub circulation pipe 213 and may be disposed farther away from the circulation pump 330 , the influence of vibration of the circulation pump 330 may also be minimized.

[0224] refer to Figure 14 , which is a specific embodiment of the pump assembly 300c of the third embodiment. Figure 14 , the second detergent pipe 452 can be set close to the circulation port 363.

[0225] More specifically, tub circulation pipe 213 may be connected to tub 170 on one side and to pump assembly 300 c on the other side. In this regard, second detergent pipe 452 may be located closer to the other side of tub circulation pipe 213 than to the other side of tub circulation pipe 213.

[0226] With such an arrangement, it is possible to reduce the tube length of the second detergent tube 452. By concentrating the piping structure on the pump assembly 300 disposed below the tub 170, the center of gravity can be concentrated on the pump assembly 300, and structural stability can be achieved.

[0227] In addition, tub circulation pipe 213 may be formed in a shape in which the other side branches into detergent inflow portion 2131 and circulation port connection portion 2132, one of first detergent pipe 451 and second detergent pipe 452 is connected to detergent inflow portion 2131, and circulation port connection portion 2132 is connected to circulation port 363. Based on the drawings, the case where second detergent pipe 452 is connected to detergent inflow portion 2131 will be described.

[0228] Detergent inflow portion 2131 and circulation port connection portion 2132 may be integrally formed by extending from the other side of tub circulation duct 213 , or may be formed as separate connector members and connected to the other side of tub circulation duct 213 . Figure 14 The structure in which the other side of the tub circulation pipe 213 is integrally formed with the detergent inflow portion 2131 and the circulation port connection portion 2132 is shown.

[0229] That is, the distal end at the other side of tub circulation pipe 213 branches into these parts, and these parts are respectively connected to circulation port 363 and second detergent pipe 452 so that water and second detergent can be introduced together at the other side of tub circulation pipe 213.

[0230] With this structure, since the second detergent pipe 452 can be located close to the circulation pump 330, the water discharged from the circulation port 363 at a relatively high flow rate through the circulation pump 330 and the detergent supplied from the second detergent pipe 452 can contact each other, so that the detergent discharged from the second detergent pipe 452 can be effectively mixed with the water.

[0231] Because the second detergent can continuously contact water while moving from the other side to the one side of the tub circulation pipe 213, the contact time and contact trajectory with water can be increased, so that the detergent can be mixed with water more smoothly while passing through the tub circulation pipe 213.

[0232] In addition, detergent inflow portion 2131 may form an acute angle based on one side thereof being connected to circulation port connection portion 2132 and housing 310. That is, detergent inflow portion 2131 may form an acute angle with circulation port 363.

[0233] In other words, refer to Figure 14 In the enlarged view on the right, because the incident angle between the second detergent supplied from the second detergent pipe 452 connected to the detergent inflow portion 2131 and the water discharged from the circulation port 363 connected to the circulation port connection portion 2132 corresponds to an acute angle, the second detergent can be mixed without interfering with the movement of the water, and thus the contact area between the second detergent and the water can be further increased. As a result, the second detergent can be effectively mixed with the water.

[0234] Conversely, when the incident angle between the second detergent and the water becomes greater than a right angle, the second detergent may be supplied to tub circulation pipe 213 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the water introduced from circulation port connection portion 2132. In this case, because the movement direction of the second detergent and the movement direction of the water are opposite to each other, bubbles may be generated due to the friction between the second detergent and the water. When bubbles are generated in tub circulation pipe 213, movement within tub circulation pipe 213 may be hindered, or the second detergent may become stuck inside tub circulation pipe 213.

[0235] In one example, the second detergent pipe 452 is equipped with a detergent check valve 375 to prevent water from being introduced into the second detergent pipe 452 but allow detergent from the second detergent pipe 452 to be supplied to the tub circulation pipe 213 .

[0236] according to Figure 14 The pump assembly 300c is one of various structures of the pump assembly 300c according to the third embodiment, and the third embodiment of the present disclosure should be interpreted as not being limited to the pump assembly 300c according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 Pump assembly 300c.

[0237] Reference Figure 15 , the water introduced into the water collecting housing 311 flows into the tub 170 via the tub circulation pipe 213 through the circulation port 361 .

[0238] The first detergent is introduced into the water collecting housing 311 through the first detergent pipe 451. The first detergent introduced into the water collecting housing 311 may be mixed with water and introduced into the circulation housing 313, and may be in a relatively low concentration state by a strong flow generated in the circulation housing 313 by the circulation pump 330.

[0239] The second detergent is introduced into tub circulation pipe 213 or detergent inflow portion 2131 through second detergent pipe 452. The second detergent introduced into tub circulation pipe 213 is mixed with water introduced from circulation port 363 and moves to tub 170. The second detergent that has moved to tub 170 may be in a relatively low concentration state.

[0240] With this structure, the first detergent and the second detergent may be supplied to tub 170 in a relatively low concentration state (that is, in a state where the detergent concentration is minimized by being sufficiently mixed with water).

[0241] Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of a pump assembly 300d of the fourth embodiment, and Figure 17 is a diagram showing water and detergent flowing through the pump assembly 300d of the fourth embodiment.

[0242] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A pump assembly 300 d according to a fourth embodiment is illustrated, and descriptions overlapping with those of the pump assembly 300 a according to the first embodiment to the pump assembly 300 c according to the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0243] Reference Figure 16 , the first detergent pipe 451 may be connected to the tub drain pipe 211. The first detergent pipe 451 may be connected to the tub drain pipe 211 through a first detergent port (not shown), or the distal end of the first detergent pipe 451 may be directly connected to the tub drain pipe 211.

[0244] Second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to tub circulation pipe 213. Second detergent pipe 452 may be connected to tub circulation pipe 213 through a second detergent port (not shown), or a distal end of second detergent pipe 452 may be directly connected to tub circulation pipe 213.

[0245] That is, in the fourth embodiment, the first detergent pipe 451 is connected to the pump assembly 300 d at a position upstream of the water collecting housing 311 , and the second detergent pipe 452 is connected to the pump assembly 300 d at a position downstream of the circulation housing 313 .

[0246] With this structure, the first detergent and the second detergent can be prevented from directly contacting each other inside the pump assembly 300d. In addition, based on the flow of fluid in the circulation flow channel (including the tub drain pipe, the housing, and the tub circulation pipe), the distance between the point where the first detergent is supplied and the point where the second detergent is supplied can be as large as possible, so that the first detergent and the second detergent can contact each other while being fully dissolved in water.

[0247] Reference Figure 16 , the first detergent is introduced into the tub drain pipe 211 through the first detergent pipe 451. The first detergent introduced into the tub drain pipe 211 is mixed with water, passes through the water collecting housing 311 and the circulation housing 313 in sequence, and flows into the tub circulation pipe 213.

[0248] At this time, the first detergent introduced into the tub drain pipe 211 is in a relatively high concentration state, but when the first detergent sequentially passes through the water collecting housing 311 and the circulation housing 313 and reaches the tub circulation pipe 213, the first detergent can become a relatively low concentration state.

[0249] The second detergent is introduced into tub circulation pipe 213 through second detergent pipe 452 and flows into tub 170 together with the water introduced from circulation port 363. At this time, the second detergent introduced into tub circulation pipe 213 is in a relatively high concentration state, but when the second detergent passes through tub circulation pipe 213 and tub 170 and reaches tub drain pipe 211, the second detergent can be reduced to a relatively low concentration state.

[0250] With this structure, the first detergent and the second detergent may be supplied to tub 170 in a relatively low concentration state (that is, in a state where the detergent concentration is minimized by being sufficiently mixed with water).

[0251] In addition, by making the movement distance of the fluid between the connection point of the circulating flow channel and the first detergent pipe 451 and the connection point of the circulating flow channel and the second detergent pipe 452 as large as possible, direct contact between the first detergent in a relatively high concentration state in the circulating flow channel and the second detergent in a relatively high concentration state can be prevented.

[0252] In addition, since the first detergent and the second detergent are supplied to the upstream and downstream respectively in a distributed manner based on the flow caused by the circulation pump 330 within the circulation flow channel, the detergents can be more efficiently mixed in the water, and as a result, a detergent solution in which the water and the detergents are fully mixed can be supplied to the barrel 170.

[0253] Although the above description has been given by taking the case where the first detergent and the second detergent are discharged together so that their supply timings overlap with each other as an example, when a structure similar to the pump assembly 300a according to the above-described first embodiment, the pump assembly 300b according to the second embodiment, the pump assembly 300c according to the third embodiment, and the pump assembly 300d according to the fourth embodiment is constructed, it should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, even when the supply timings of the first detergent and the second detergent are as follows: Figure 4 When the shown elements do not overlap with each other, they should also be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0254] In addition, as mentioned above, the distinction between the first detergent and the second detergent is only for ease of description. The first detergent and the second detergent may be the same, or may be different, such as one being a laundry detergent and the other being a fabric softener.

[0255] Figure 18 (a) is a diagram showing that the second detergent pipe 452 does not have a detergent check valve 375, and Figure 18 (b) is a diagram showing that the second detergent pipe 452 has a detergent check valve 375 .

[0256] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 (more preferably, the second detergent pipe 452 ) may be equipped with a detergent check valve 375 .

[0257] In the present disclosure, since the detergent check valve 375 is provided in the second detergent pipe 452 , the amount of the second detergent supplied by the detergent supplier 400 may become constant.

[0258] Based on the movement of the fluid flowing in the circulation flow channel, a negative pressure may be formed upstream of the circulation pump 330 by the circulation pump 330 and a positive pressure may be formed downstream of the circulation pump 330 .

[0259] In addition, when the first detergent is supplied, positive pressure may be formed inside the first detergent pipe 451 by the first detergent pump 441 , and when the second detergent is supplied, positive pressure may be formed inside the second detergent pipe 452 by the second detergent pump 442 .

[0260] However, when detergent is not supplied and only water is circulated (e.g. Figure 4 During the initial rinsing step S40 in the washing process, the first detergent pump 441 and the second detergent pump 442 may not be operated.

[0261] Because the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe 452 are associated with the circulation flow channel, a negative pressure may be formed inside the first detergent pipe 451 and a positive pressure may be formed inside the second detergent pipe 452 by the circulation pump 330 .

[0262] When negative pressure is formed inside first detergent pipe 451, a small amount of water or first detergent remaining inside first detergent pipe 451 can be discharged into the inside of the circulation flow channel (specifically, upstream of circulation pump 330) by the negative pressure. As a result, no water remains in first detergent pipe 451 due to the negative pressure.

[0263] Because no water remains inside the first detergent pipe 451 even when the first detergent pump 441 stops (that is, because water is not pumped by the first detergent pump 441), the amount of the first detergent supplied by the first detergent pump 441 may be constant.

[0264] In other words, in the case where water remains inside the first detergent pipe 451, when the detergent pump 441 is operated by the controller, water is also supplied, and thus the amount of the supplied first detergent may be less than the preset detergent amount by the amount of the remaining water.

[0265] However, in the present invention, since negative pressure is formed inside the first detergent pipe 451, water is not introduced into the first detergent pipe 451, so the first detergent supply amount can be constant to the amount calculated by the controller even if the laundry treatment is repeated multiple times.

[0266] On the other hand, refer to Figure 18 In (a), positive pressure may be formed inside the second detergent pipe 452. When the circulation pump 330 operates while the second detergent pump 442 is stopped, the detergent remaining in the second detergent pipe 452 is not discharged to the circulation flow channel due to the positive pressure.

[0267] That is, when the circulation pump 330 operates while the second detergent pump 442 is stopped, water can be introduced into the second detergent pipe 452 in an amount corresponding to the predetermined distance a of the length L of the second detergent pipe, and the second detergent can be retained in an amount corresponding to the predetermined distance b.

[0268] At this time, when second detergent pump 442 is operated to discharge the second detergent in an amount calculated by the controller, the amount of the second detergent may not be constant because water is discharged from second detergent pipe 452 together with the second detergent.

[0269] In other words, when the fluid inside the second detergent pipe 452 is supplied by the second detergent pump 442 in an amount corresponding to the predetermined length L, because water occupies the second detergent pipe 452 in an amount corresponding to the predetermined distance a, the amount of detergent supplied corresponding to the distance b is reduced.

[0270] As a result, when laundry treatment is repeated a plurality of times, there may be a problem in that the amount of the second detergent supplied from the second detergent pipe 452 is not constant.

[0271] In order to solve such problems, Figure 18 As shown in (b) of FIG. 8 , in the present disclosure, a detergent check valve 375 may be provided at a distal end of the second detergent pipe 452 .

[0272] Even when a positive pressure is formed in tub circulation pipe 213 by detergent check valve 375, the interior of second detergent pipe 452 is not affected by the positive pressure, so that water is not introduced into second detergent pipe 452. At this time, length L of second detergent pipe 452 and length b of the second detergent filled in second detergent pipe 452 may be the same, and thus, the detergent supplied by second detergent pump 442 may be constant.

[0273] Therefore, in the present disclosure, even when laundry treatment is repeated a plurality of times, detergent supplied through the detergent pipe connected to a position downstream of the circulation pump 330 may become constant.

[0274] In one example, even when the check valve 375 is provided in the first detergent pipe 451 and the second detergent pipe, it will be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0275] In addition, as described above, in order to distinguish the first detergent pipe 451 from the second detergent pipe 452, for the sake of convenience of description, it has been described that the first detergent pipe 451 is set upstream of the circulation pump 330, but it should be understood that even when the first detergent pipe 451 is set at a position downstream of the circulation pump 330 and the second detergent pipe 452 is set at a position upstream of the circulation pump 330, it also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0276] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to the particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the technical concept of the disclosure as provided by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, comprising: chassis; a tub disposed inside the housing and configured to store water therein; a circulator including a circulation flow channel communicating with the tub and configured to supply water discharged from the tub back to the tub; a detergent supplier communicating with the circulation flow channel and configured to supply detergent; a first detergent pipe and a second detergent pipe connecting the detergent supplier with the circulation flow channel and configured to allow the detergent of the detergent supplier to flow into the circulation flow channel; and a circulation pump provided in the circulator and configured to supply water of the circulation flow channel to the tub, wherein, based on the flow of water in the circulation flow channel, the first detergent pipe is connected to the circulation flow channel at a position upstream of the circulation pump, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the circulation flow channel at a position downstream of the circulation pump, Herein, the circulation flow channel includes a housing into which detergent supplied from any one of the first detergent pipe and the second detergent pipe and water discharged into the tub are introduced, and the housing includes the circulation pump.

2. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The housing comprises: a water collecting housing that communicates with the tub and into which water discharged from the tub is introduced; and A circulation housing is provided downstream of the water collection housing based on a flow caused by the circulation pump and is configured to discharge water introduced into the water collection housing to the outside of the housing.

3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The first detergent pipe is connected to the water collection housing, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the circulation housing.

4. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The housing comprises: a first detergent port connected to the first detergent pipe; and A second detergent port is provided downstream of the first detergent port and connected to the second detergent pipe.

5. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The first detergent port is provided on the water collection housing, and the second detergent port is provided on the circulation housing. 6 . The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a tub drain pipe connecting the tub and the housing at a position upstream of the circulation pump.

7. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The first detergent pipe is connected to the tub drain pipe, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the housing.

8. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The housing comprises: a water collecting housing connected to the tub drain pipe and into which water drained from the tub is introduced; and A circulation housing is provided downstream of the water collection housing based on a flow caused by the circulation pump and is configured to discharge water introduced into the water collection housing.

9. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The second detergent pipe is connected to the circulation housing. 10 . The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a tub circulation duct provided at a downstream side of the housing and connecting the housing with the tub. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein: The first detergent pipe is connected to the housing, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the tub circulation pipe.

12. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein One side of both ends of the tub circulation pipe closer to the housing is branched into a circulation port connection portion connected to the housing and a detergent inflow portion connected to the second detergent pipe.

13. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a barrel drain pipe connecting the barrel to the housing at a location upstream of the circulation pump; and A barrel circulation pipe connects the housing and the barrel at a position downstream of the circulation pump.

14. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein The first detergent pipe is connected to the tub drain pipe, and the second detergent pipe is connected to the tub circulation pipe.

15. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first detergent pipe is configured to supply a first detergent among the detergents of the detergent supplier, and the second detergent pipe is configured to supply a second detergent among the detergents of the detergent supplier, The first detergent and the second detergent have different chemical compositions.

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