Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine may comprise: a housing; a control panel disposed on the front surface of the housing, the control panel comprising an opening and a fixed protrusion; a detergent supply device configured to be moved into or out of the washing machine through the opening; a body for containing detergent; and a handle portion rotatably connected to the body, the handle portion comprising an engaging protrusion. The detergent supply device and the handle portion may be configured such that the detergent supply device has a locked state in which same is moved into the washing machine, the engaging protrusion is positioned closer to the body than the fixed protrusion, and forward movements of the detergent supply device caused by vibrations occurring when the washing machine operates are limited by the contact between the engaging protrusion and the fixed protrusion. The handle portion can rotate such that, when the detergent supply device is in the locked state, the engaging protrusion is moved to release the detergent supply device from the locked state, and the detergent supply device thus reaches an open state in which forward movements of the detergent supply device are not limited by the contact between the engaging protrusion and the fixed protrusion.

Description

washing machine

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine including a detergent supply device having a cover portion having a rotating structure.

[0002] A washing machine is a home appliance used to wash clothing, towels, bedding, and other items. There are two types: drum-type washing machines, which wash laundry by repeatedly raising and lowering the laundry in a rotating drum, and electric-type washing machines, which use the water current generated by a pulsator as the drum rotates to wash laundry.

[0003] Washing machines are equipped with a detergent supply device that ensures that detergent is evenly mixed with water and delivered to the tub. The detergent supply device is designed to be user-removable and may be located on the control panel, which forms part of the front exterior of the washing machine.

[0004] Typically, the front of the detergent dispenser is provided with a user-gripable handle for withdrawing the detergent dispenser out of the washing machine.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine having a structure in which a grip portion of a detergent supply device is not exposed to the outside when the detergent supply device is inserted into the washing machine.

[0006] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing. The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on a front surface of the housing and including an opening and a fixing protrusion. The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing machine through the opening of the control panel. The detergent supply device may include a main body for receiving detergent. The detergent supply device may include a handle portion that is rotatably connected to the main body and includes a catch protrusion. The detergent supply device and the handle portion may be configured to have a locked state in which the detergent supply device is inserted into the washing machine, the catch protrusion being disposed at a position closer to the main body than the catch protrusion, and the forward movement of the detergent supply device through the opening due to vibration generated during operation of the washing machine may be restricted by contact between the catch protrusion and the fixing protrusion. The handle portion may be rotatable so that, when the detergent supply device is in the locked state, the catch projection is moved to release the detergent supply device from the locked state, so that the detergent supply device is in an open state in which the forward movement of the detergent supply device through the opening is not restricted by the contact between the catch projection and the fixing projection.

[0007] In one embodiment, the handle portion may include a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a grip portion provided on one side of the rear surface. Rotation of the handle portion may move the grip portion between being hidden within the control panel in the locked state and being exposed to the outside of the control panel in the open state.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the grip portion may be formed to be sunken in on the opposite side to the one side.

[0009] In one embodiment, the front surface of the handle portion can be aligned with the front surface of the control panel when the detergent supply device is locked.

[0010] In one embodiment, the catch can be maintained in the locked state while no external force is applied to the handle portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the handle portion may be rotatable such that, in response to an external force applied to the handle portion, the catch protrusion moves so that the detergent supply device is moved from the locked state to the open state, or from the open state to the locked state.

[0012] In one embodiment, the washing machine may further include a detergent supply guide portion extending from a periphery of the opening into the interior of the opening. The washing machine may include a pair of fixing protrusions protruding laterally from an inner surface of the detergent supply guide portion so as to face each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the fixing protrusion may have a first vertical surface facing the catch protrusion of the handle portion when the detergent supply device is in the locked state and a first inclined surface connected to the first vertical surface and having an upward slope toward the front of the fixing protrusion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the washing machine may include a pair of catches. The pair of catches may protrude in opposite directions from both sides of the handle portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the catch may have a second vertical surface facing the fixing projection of the control panel when the detergent supply device is in the locked state, and a second inclined surface connected to the second vertical surface and having a downward slope toward the rear of the catch.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a hinge structure that rotatably connects the handle portion to the main body.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a plurality of link bars connecting the main body and the handle portion so that the handle portion can rotate around two different axes provided in the main body.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device may have a slide structure that guides rotation of the handle portion through two pairs of holes that provide different paths provided in the main body.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device may further include an elastic member arranged to surround the rotational axis of the handle portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device may further include an elastic member connecting the upper and lower portions of the main body and at least one of the handle portions.

[0021] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing. The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on a front surface of the housing and having an opening. The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing machine through the opening of the control panel. The detergent supply device may include a main body for receiving detergent. The detergent supply device may include a handle having a front surface alignable with a front surface of the housing, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a grip portion provided on one side of the rear surface so that the control panel (50) is not visible from the outside when the front surface and the front surface of the housing are aligned. The handle portion is rotatable so as not to be aligned with the front surface of the housing, and when the handle portion is not aligned with the front surface of the housing, the grip portion can be moved so that it is no longer obscured from the outside.

[0022] In one embodiment, the handle portion may include a first end including the grip portion and a second end opposite the first end. The handle portion may be rotatable such that the second end approaches the body and the first end moves away from the body.

[0023] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, since a gripping portion for pulling out the detergent supply device to the outside of the washing machine is provided on the inside of the cover portion of the detergent supply device, the gripping portion is not exposed to the outside when the detergent supply device is inserted into the washing machine, and the detergent supply device forms a continuous surface with the control panel, thereby forming a sense of unity in appearance.

[0024] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a detergent supply device inserted into a housing through an opening of a control panel according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device separated from an opening of a control panel according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged drawing showing the connection between the handle, the connection, and the main body of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 5.

[0031] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are side views illustrating the states before and after the handle part rotates according to the application of an external force to the detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are drawings showing elastic members provided in detergent supply devices according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are drawings for explaining a withdrawal process of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent supply device taken along line B-B' shown in Fig. 6.

[0035] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings for explaining the interference relationship between the fixing protrusion of the control panel and the catch protrusion of the detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation structure of the handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation structure of the handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation structure of the handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 15 is an operation diagram for explaining the rotational motion of the handle portion of the detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0040] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0043] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may have an overall hexahedral shape. The housing (10) may include an opening (11) formed on one surface. Two or more surfaces of the housing (10) may be formed as a single piece. Each surface of the housing (10) may be manufactured separately and then assembled. The housing (10) may be formed, for example, by press molding using a sheet metal material or by injection molding using a resin material.

[0044] In one example, a door (20) that opens and closes the opening (11) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening (11) of the housing (10). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the housing (10). For example, at least a portion of the door (20) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside may be visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into the drum (40) located inside the housing (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked, for example, by a locking device (not shown) so as not to be opened while the washing machine (1) is in operation. In one example, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of, for example, a transparent tempered glass material so that the inside of the housing (10) can be seen through, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0045] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly arranged inside a housing (10). The tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing (10) on the front of the tub (30). The tub (30) may store washing water. A drain (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (80).

[0046] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a damper (12). The damper (12) may be provided to connect the housing (10) and the tub (30). One side of the damper (12) may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing (10) and the other side may be fixed to the tub (30). The damper (12) may be provided to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (30) and / or the housing (10) when the drum (40) rotates, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0047] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. A drum opening may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening (11) of the housing (10) and the tub opening (31) of the tub (30) on the front of the drum (40). The drum (40) may accommodate laundry. The drum (40) may receive rotational power from a driving device (60) and rotate inside the tub (30). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, etc. while rotating inside the tub (30).

[0048] In one example, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of holes (42). The lifter (41) may, for example, lift laundry while the drum (40) rotates, thereby causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby evenly washing multiple surfaces of the laundry. The holes (42) may, for example, be passages formed so that washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow into the interior of the drum (40), or washing water inside the drum (40) may be discharged to the outside. In one example, the lifter (41) or the holes (42) may be omitted.

[0049] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) at the front upper portion. In one example, the control panel (50) may be arranged at the front upper portion of the housing (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one example, the control panel (50) may include a configuration that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input portion (51) and a display portion (52). In one example, the control panel (50) may include an opening (53 in FIG. 3) for introducing and / or withdrawing a detergent supply device (100), as described below. In one example, the detergent supply device (100) may be arranged at the upper region of the housing (10), and may be drawn out to the front of the housing (10) or introduced into the internal space of the housing (10) through the opening (53) of the control panel (50).

[0050] Although the detergent supply device (100) is described as being introduced / withdrawn through the opening (53) of the control panel (50) in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the detergent supply device (100) may be arranged to be introduced / withdrawn into the washing machine through an opening provided in one surface (e.g., the front) of the housing (10). In this case, the fixing protrusion (55 in FIG. 4) described below may be provided inside the housing (10). For example, the fixing protrusion may be provided on a separate guide member having a structure similar to the guide portion (53 in FIG. 4) of the control panel (50) described below, or may be provided on the inner surface of the housing (10).

[0051] The input unit (51) may include, for example, any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the washing machine (1). The user may input power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), etc., through the input unit (51). For example, the input unit (51) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (51) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that a user can grasp and rotate. In one example, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0052] The display unit (52) can display various washing setting information input by the user and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1). The display unit (52) can include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and Micro LED. For example, the display unit (52) can be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and this document is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and can display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can operate to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and / or information related to the currently ongoing cycle.

[0053] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a drive device (60) for rotating the drum (40). The drive device (60) may include a motor (61) and a drive shaft (62) for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor (61) to the drum (40). The motor (61) may be configured with a fixed stator (611) and a rotor (612) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (611), thereby converting electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotational power generated by the motor (61) may be transmitted to the drum (40) through the drive shaft (62). The drive shaft (62) may be, for example, provided to be press-fitted into the rotor (612) of the motor (61) and to rotate together with the rotor (612). The drive shaft (62) may, for example, have a portion that penetrates the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the motor (61). The driving device (60) can rotate the drum (40) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0054] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply device (70) for supplying washing water to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The water supply device (70) may include at least one water supply pipe (71) and at least one water supply valve (72). At least one water supply pipe (71) may be provided to supply washing water into the interior of the tub (30) using an external water source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (100) provided within the housing (10). Here, the detergent supply device (100) may have an interior divided into a plurality of spaces, and detergent or a rinsing agent may be provided in each space. Washing water passing through the detergent supply device (100) may be supplied to the tub (30) together with detergent (or rinsing agent) through the detergent supply pipe (101). At least one of the water supply pipes (71) may be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) may be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate component such as a detergent supply device (100).

[0055] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a drainage device (80) for draining the washing water contained in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The drainage device (80) may include a drain valve (81), a first drainage pipe (82), a second drainage pipe (83), or a pump room (84). The drainage device (80) may be arranged, for example, at the bottom of the tub (30) to drain the washing water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0056] In one example, the drain valve (81) may be configured to open and close the drain port (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain port (32) to the drain device (80).

[0057] In one example, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a path that guides the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream side with respect to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream side is referred to as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe (82) may be connected to the drain port (32) and the other end may be connected to the pump room (84). The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, one end may be connected to the pump room (84) and the other end may be connected to the outside of the washing machine (1). Therefore, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0058] In one example, a pump room (84) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store the washing water drained from the tub (30). Inside the pump room (84), for example, a drain pump (841) may be provided to discharge the stored washing water to the outside. The washing water pumped by the drain pump (841) may be guided to the outside of the housing (10) through the second drain pipe (83).

[0059] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a detergent supply device inserted into a housing through an opening of a control panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device separated from an opening of a control panel according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing partially enlarged to show the connection between a handle portion, a connecting portion, and a main body of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, in one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may be provided to be introduced into or withdrawn from the washing machine (1) through an opening (53) provided in the control panel (50).

[0061] According to one embodiment, an opening (53) that is open forward (e.g., in the +X-axis direction) may be provided on the front side of the control panel (50). In one example, the opening (53) may have an approximately rectangular shape when viewed from the front of the control panel (50), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the opening (53) may be arranged on the upper left side of the front side of the control panel (50) (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the opening (53) may communicate the inside of the washing machine (1) with the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the control panel (50) may include a guide portion (54) formed to extend rearward (e.g., in the -X-axis direction) from the edge of the opening (53). In one embodiment, the detergent supply device guide portion (54) may include a bottom portion (541) formed to extend rearward from the lower end of the opening (53), and a pair of side portions (542) formed to extend rearward from both ends of the opening (53). In one embodiment, the upper surface of the side portion (542) may be provided to have a downward slope that slopes rearward from the top of the opening (53). The guide portion (54) may guide or support the movement of the detergent supply device (100) in the process of the detergent supply device (100) being introduced / withdrawn into / out of the washing machine (1) through the opening (53) of the control panel (50).

[0063] According to one embodiment, a fixing projection (55) may be provided on each inner surface of a pair of side portions (542) of the detergent supply device guide portion (54). In one embodiment, the pair of fixing projections (55) may be formed to protrude from each inner surface of the pair of side portions (542). As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the pair of fixing projections (55) may protrude laterally from the inner surfaces of the pair of side portions (542) of the detergent supply device guide portion (54) to face each other. The structure, shape, and function of the pair of fixing projections (55) will be described in detail below.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a main body (110) configured to receive detergent and a handle portion (120) rotatably coupled to the main body (110). In one embodiment, the handle portion (120) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (110) in a hinged manner.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) of the detergent supply device (100) may form a detergent receiving space (111) in which detergent is received. In one embodiment, the main body (110) has an open upper side, and detergent can be received in the detergent receiving space (111) through the open upper side. In one embodiment, the detergent receiving space (111) may be provided as a single detergent receiving space, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the detergent receiving space (111) may be divided into a plurality of detergent receiving spaces, and laundry detergent or a rinse agent (or fabric softener) or the like may be received in the plurality of receiving spaces.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) may include a connecting portion (112) that supports the rotation of the handle portion (120). In one embodiment, the connecting portion (112) may be formed to extend from the front surface of the main body (110). In one embodiment, the connecting portion (112) may be formed integrally with the main body (110). In one embodiment, the connecting portion (112) may have an upper surface having a downwardly inclined surface that goes forward from the front surface of the main body (110).

[0067] According to one embodiment, a fitting groove (113) into which a fitting projection (124) of a handle portion (120) described later is fitted may be provided on each of both sides of the connecting portion (112). In one embodiment, the fitting groove (113) may be formed to protrude in a horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) on each of both sides of the connecting portion (112). In one embodiment, the fitting groove (113) may be arranged at a front edge of a side surface of the connecting portion (112). In one embodiment, the fitting groove (113) may be formed integrally with the connecting portion (112), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the fitting groove (113) may be formed to have a cylindrical shape having a substantially hollow shape inside.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the handle portion (120) may include a cover portion (121), a rotating portion (122), a grip portion (123), a pair of insertion protrusions (124), and a pair of catch protrusions (125).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the cover portion (121) may have a shape corresponding to the opening (53) of the control panel (50). The cover portion (121) may, for example, have an overall flat (e.g., rectangular) shape. In one example, the cover portion (121) may be configured to form a single continuous surface with the control panel (50) when the detergent supply device (100) is completely introduced into the interior of the housing (10) through the opening (53) of the control panel (50).

[0070] According to one embodiment, a rotating portion (122) extending along the rear edge of the cover portion (121) may be provided on the rear surface (e.g., the surface facing the -X axis) of the cover portion (121). In one embodiment, the rotating portion (122) may be formed to extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the -X axis direction) from the rear surface of the cover portion (121). In one embodiment, the rotating portion (122) may form a space (122a) on the inside in which at least a portion of the connecting portion (112) of the main body (110) is accommodated.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a grip portion (123) may be provided at the lower portion of the rotating portion (122). In one embodiment, the grip portion (123) may refer to a portion formed by bending upward as the lower portion of the rotating portion (122). In one embodiment, the grip portion (123) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the lower end of the cover portion (121). In one embodiment, the grip portion (123), together with the cover portion (121), may define a grip space (123a) that is exposed to the outside of the washing machine (1) when the handle portion (120) rotates and receives a user's finger.

[0072] In this case, when the user looks at the control panel (50) from the outside, the grip section (123) is not exposed to the outside, so the control panel (50) and the detergent supply device (100) can be connected to one side to form the front exterior of the washing machine (1).

[0073] According to one embodiment, a pair of fitting protrusions (124) may be provided on each of the inner surfaces of the rotating portion (122). In one embodiment, the fitting protrusions (124) may be formed to protrude from the inner surfaces of the rotating portion (122). In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fitting protrusions (124) may be fitted into corresponding fitting grooves (113) provided in the connecting portion (112). In one embodiment, as the fitting protrusions (124) are inserted into the hollow portions (113a) of the corresponding fitting grooves (113), the handle portion (120) may rotate with respect to the main body (110) with the fitting grooves (113) and / or the fitting protrusions (124) as the rotational axes.

[0074] As described above, the insertion projection (124) may be provided on the handle portion (120) of the detergent supply device (100), and the insertion groove (113) may be provided on the main body (110). However, in contrast to this, in some detergent supply devices, the insertion projection may be provided on the main body, and the insertion groove may be provided on the detergent handle portion, with their formation positions swapped.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include an elastic member (130) that provides a restoring force to the handle portion (120) so that the handle portion (120) rotated by an external force returns to its original position. In one embodiment, the elastic member (130) may include a torsion spring (e.g., the torsion spring (131) of FIG. 8A). In one embodiment, the elastic member (130) may be arranged to surround the fitting groove (113) of the main body (110).

[0076] According to one embodiment, a pair of catches (125) may be provided on each of the outer surfaces of the rotating portion (122). In one embodiment, the catches (125) may be formed to protrude from the outer surfaces of the rotating portion (122). As described below, the catches (125) formed on the outer surfaces of the rotating portion (122) may interfere with the fixing catches (55) of the aforementioned guide portion (54), thereby preventing the detergent supply device (100) from being unintentionally withdrawn or opened through the opening (53) when the washing machine (1) is in operation.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the states before and after the handle portion rotates according to the application of an external force to the detergent supply device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7a is a view showing a state in which an external force is not applied to the handle portion (120) of the detergent supply device (100) according to one embodiment, and the handle portion (120) does not rotate. FIG. 7b is a view showing a state in which an external force is applied to the handle portion (120) of the detergent supply device (100) according to one embodiment and the handle portion (120) rotates.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 7a, the cover portion (121) of the handle portion (120) is arranged to form approximately the same plane as the control panel (50), and the rotating portion (122) is arranged in a vertical direction. Fitting protrusions (124) may be arranged on both inner surfaces of the rotating portion (122). A rotation axis may be defined by a pair of fitting protrusions (124) (and a fitting groove (113) coupled thereto).

[0079] In one embodiment, a user can rotate the handle portion (120) by pushing a portion of the cover portion (121), for example, an area corresponding to the upper portion relative to a rotation axis defined by a pair of fitting protrusions (124). In one embodiment, an upper area of ​​the cover portion (121) corresponding to an area above the pair of fitting protrusions (124) and the rotation axis defined thereby may be referred to as an area to which a pressing force from the user is applied to rotate the handle portion (120). In one example, when the handle portion (120) rotates, the upper area may be inclined toward the inside of the housing (120).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the height (A) of the upper region of the cover portion (121), i.e., the upper region above the fitting projection (124), may be designed in consideration of the range in which the user presses the handle portion (120) with his thumb when the handle portion (120) is rotated. For example, the upper height (A) of the cover portion (121) may be designed to be approximately 70 mm.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the lower region of the cover portion (121), i.e., the lower region below the fitting projection (124), may be a region to which a user's pulling force is applied when the handle portion (120) rotates. In one example, the lower region may tilt toward the outside of the housing (120) when the handle portion (120) rotates. In one embodiment, the height (B) of the lower region of the cover portion (121) may substantially correspond to the height of the grip portion (the grip portion (123) of FIG. 4), although not specifically illustrated.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the height (B) of the lower region of the cover portion (121) may be designed in consideration of the range in which the user pulls the grip portion (123) using the fingers other than the thumb when rotating the handle portion (120). In one embodiment, the height (B) of the lower region of the cover portion (121) may be designed to be lower than the height (A) of the upper region of the cover portion (121). The height (B) of the lower region of the cover portion (121) may be designed to be, for example, approximately 20 mm.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment, the distance (C) between the cover part (121) and the fitting protrusion (124) may be designed in consideration of interference between the cover part (121) and the inner surface of the control panel (50). In one example, when the handle part (120) rotates due to an external force applied from a user to the cover part (121), the edge of the cover part (121) may interfere with the inner surface edge of the control panel (50). In particular, the farther the position of the fitting protrusion (124) arranged on the rotation axis for the rotation of the handle part (120), i.e., the rotation part (122), is from the cover part (121), the greater the possibility of interference between the cover part (121) and the control panel (50). For example, if the distance (C) between the cover part (121) and the fitting protrusion (124) is large, when the handle part (120) rotates, the upper end of the cover part (121) may come into contact with the inner surface of the control panel (50), which may interfere with the rotation of the handle part (120) or the movement of the detergent supply device (100). Accordingly, the fitting protrusion (124) may be arranged close to the cover part (121) to reduce such interference. In one example, the distance (C) between the cover part (121) and the fitting protrusion (124) may be designed to have a minimum value, and the distance (C) between the cover part (121) and the fitting protrusion (124) may be designed to be, for example, 8 mm.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the rotation angle (D) of the handle portion (120) can be designed by taking into consideration the size of the grip space (123a) of the grip portion (123) that is exposed to the outside when the handle portion (120) is rotated. The rotation angle (D) of the handle portion (120) can be designed to be, for example, approximately 35 degrees.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the vertical distance (E) from the lower end of the cover portion (121) to the opening (53) when the handle portion (120) is rotated can be designed to a degree that allows the user's finger to enter. The vertical distance (E) can be designed to be, for example, approximately 20 mm.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an elastic member provided in a detergent supply device according to various embodiments.

[0087] Fig. 8a is a drawing showing a rotated detergent handle (120) returning to its original position by a torsion spring (131). Fig. 8b is a drawing showing a rotated detergent handle (120) returning to its original position by a tension spring (132). Fig. 8c is a drawing showing a rotated detergent handle (120) returning to its original position by a compression spring (133).

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, in one embodiment, the elastic member (130) may include a torsion spring (131).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the torsion spring (131) may be arranged to surround the fitting groove (113) of the main body (110). In one embodiment, the torsion spring (131) may be arranged to apply a rotational force in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the handle portion (120) (e.g., counterclockwise) when the handle portion (120) is rotated. In this case, when the external force applied to the handle portion (120) is removed, the handle portion (120) rotated by the external force returns to its original position by the rotational force (or, restoring force) of the torsion spring (131).

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 8b, in one embodiment, the elastic member (130) may include a tension spring (132).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the tension spring (132) can connect the handle part (120) and the main body (110). In one embodiment, the tension spring (132) can be located below the fitting protrusion (124) of the handle part (120). In one embodiment, the tension spring (132) can be connected to the lower portion of the rotating portion (122) of the handle part (120) and the lower portion of the connecting portion (112) of the main body (110), respectively. In this case, the handle part (120) rotates to tension the tension spring (132), and an elastic force is applied to the handle part (120) in a direction opposite to the tension of the tension spring (132). Thereafter, when the external force applied to the handle part (120) is removed, the handle part (120) returns to its original position by the elastic force (or restoring force) of the tension spring (132).

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 8c, in one embodiment, the elastic member (130) may include a compression spring (133).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the compression spring (133) can connect the handle part (120) and the main body (110). In one embodiment, the compression spring (133) can be located on the upper side of the fitting protrusion (124) of the handle part (120). In one embodiment, the compression spring (133) can be connected to the upper part of the rotating part (122) of the handle part (120) and the upper part of the connecting part (112) of the main body (110), respectively. In this case, the handle part (120) rotates to compress the compression spring (133), and an elastic force is applied to the handle part (120) in a direction opposite to the compression of the compression spring (133). Thereafter, when the external force applied to the handle part (120) is removed, the handle part (120) returns to its original position by the elastic force (or restoring force) of the compression spring (133).

[0094] Fig. 9 is a drawing for explaining a withdrawal process of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0095] Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the detergent supply device (100) viewed from the side when no external force is applied.

[0096] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram of the detergent supply device (100) viewed from the side, showing the handle (120) of the detergent supply device (100) rotating when an external force is applied to it.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, a user can press the upper part of the cover part (121) of the handle part (120) of the detergent supply device (100) using the thumb to rotate the handle part (120) clockwise. When the handle part (120) rotates clockwise by the user's pressing motion, the grip part (123) of the handle part (120) hidden inside the control panel (50) is exposed to the outside, and the user can insert the remaining fingers except the thumb into the grip space (123a) of the exposed grip part (123) to grip the handle part (120) and then pull the handle part (120) outward (e.g., forward) to withdraw the detergent supply device (100) from the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0098] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the detergent supply device taken along line B-B' shown in Fig. 6.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a catch projection (125) may be provided on both outer surfaces of the rotating portion (122) of the handle portion (120).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the catch protrusion (125) may be arranged in a direction opposite to the fixing protrusion (55) formed on each inner surface of the detergent supply device guide portion (54) of the control panel (50). In one embodiment, the catch protrusion (125) may be arranged adjacent to the corresponding fixing protrusion (55) at the rear of each corresponding fixing protrusion (55) (e.g., at an inner position of the housing (10)). In one embodiment, the catch protrusion (125) may have a front surface (1251) facing the fixing protrusion (55). In one embodiment, the front surface (1251) of the catch protrusion (125) may be a vertical surface or may be provided as an inclined surface that is inclined forward at a predetermined angle (e.g., an acute angle). In one embodiment, the catch (125) may have an inclined surface (1252) that is connected to the upper portion of the front surface (1251) of the catch (125) and has a downward slope from the upper portion of the front surface (1251) to the rear.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the fixed protrusion (55) may have a rear surface (551) facing the front surface (1251) of the catch protrusion (125). In one embodiment, the rear surface (551) of the fixed protrusion (55) may be arranged to be parallel to the front surface (1251) of the catch protrusion (125). The rear surface (551) of the fixed protrusion (55) may be, for example, a vertical surface or an inclined surface that is inclined forward at a predetermined angle (e.g., an acute angle). In one embodiment, the fixed protrusion (55) may have an inclined surface (552) that is connected to the lower end of the rear surface (551) of the fixed protrusion (55) and has an upward slope forward from the lower end of the rear surface (551).

[0102] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the interference relationship between the fixing protrusion of the control panel and the catch protrusion of the detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0103] Fig. 11a is a drawing illustrating a locked state of a detergent supply device. Fig. 11b is a drawing illustrating an open state of a detergent supply device.

[0104] When the washing machine (1) is operated without the user's external force being applied to the detergent supply device (100), the detergent supply device (100) may move forward and backward due to vibrations, etc. that occur when the washing machine (1) is operated. When the detergent supply device (100) moves forward due to the vibrations, etc., the catch (125) provided on the handle (120) comes into contact with the fixing projection (55) of the control panel (50) to restrict the forward movement of the detergent supply device (100), and the detergent supply device (100) may be prevented from being pulled out without the user's separate external force being applied to the detergent supply device (100).

[0105] In this way, when no separate external force is applied to the handle (120) of the detergent supply device (100), the state in which the detergent supply device (100) is restricted from being pulled out due to interference between the catch (125) and the fixing protrusion (55) can be defined as the locked state of the detergent supply device (100). As can be seen in FIG. 4, FIG. 11a, and FIG. 11b, in the locked state, the catch (125) is positioned closer to the body (110) than the fixing protrusion (55).

[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 11b, when an external force from a user is applied to the detergent supply device (100) to withdraw the detergent supply device (100), the handle portion (120) rotates clockwise around the rotation axis defined by the fitting projection (124), and at the same time, the catch projection (125) provided on the rotation portion (122) also rotates along the inclined surface of the fixing projection (55) provided on the control panel (50). In this way, the state in which the detergent supply device (100) is unlocked and the detergent handle portion (120) is socially connected can be defined as an open state.

[0107] In one example, when the user's external force applied to the handle part (120) is removed during the rotation of the handle part (120), the handle part (120) is rotated counterclockwise by the restoring force of the elastic member (e.g., 131, 132, 133 of FIG. 8) provided in the detergent supply device (100), although not specifically shown, and at the same time, the catch (125) provided in the rotation part (122) is also rotated along the inclined surface of the fixing protrusion (55) provided in the control panel (50).

[0108] As a result, the detergent supply device (100) can change its state between the above-described locked state and the open state due to the interference relationship between the catch (125) and the fixing protrusion (55).

[0109] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rotation structure of a handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 12 is a drawing illustrating a detergent supply device having a link-type rotation structure.

[0110] In explaining this embodiment, the description of the configurations of the detergent supply device (100) can be applied substantially identically to the configurations of the detergent supply device (200) having a structure, shape, and function that are substantially the same as or similar to the configurations of the detergent supply device (100) described above in FIGS. 3 to 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the detergent supply device (200) may include a main body (210) and a handle portion (220) rotatably coupled to the main body (210). In one embodiment, the handle portion (220) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (210) in a link structure manner.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (200) may include a link structure (240). In one embodiment, the link structure (240) may include a first link structure (241) connecting the handle portion (220) and the main body (210), and a second link structure (242) connecting the handle portion (220) and the main body (210) at an upper side of the first link structure (241).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first link structure (241) may include a first-first link axis (2411) fixedly arranged on a side of the main body (210), a first-second link axis (2412) fixedly arranged on a side of the rotational portion (222) of the handle portion (220), and a first link bar (2413) connecting the first-first link axis (2411) and the first-second link axis (2412). In this case, the handle portion (220) may be arranged to rotate a predetermined section with respect to the main body (210) based on the first-first link axis (2411) of the first link structure (241).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the second link structure (242) may include a second-first link axis (2421) fixedly arranged on a side of the main body (210), a second-second link axis (2422) fixedly arranged on a side of the rotational portion (222) of the handle portion (220), and a second link bar (2423) connecting the second-first link axis (2421) and the second-second link axis (2422). In this case, the handle portion (220) may be arranged to rotate a predetermined section relative to the main body (210) with respect to the second-first link axis (2421) of the second link structure (242).

[0115] When a user applies an external force to the handle part (120), the rotation of the handle part (120) can be supported by the link structure part (240). When a user applies an external force to the handle part (220), the first link bar (2413) of the first link structure (241) rotates with respect to the main body (210) based on the 1-1 link axis (2411), and the 1-2 link axis (2412) moves from the 1-1 position (P1) to the 1-2 position (P1'). At the same time, the second link bar (2423) of the second link structure (242) rotates with respect to the main body (210) based on the 2-1 link axis (2421), and the 2-2 link axis (2422) moves from the 2-1 position (P2) to the 2-2 position (P2'). Accordingly, the handle part (220) is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle with respect to the main body (210) by the link structure part (240).

[0116] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation structure of a handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation structure of a handle portion of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0117] In explaining this embodiment, the description of the configurations of the detergent supply device (100) can be applied substantially identically to the configurations of the detergent supply device (300) having a structure, shape, and function that are substantially the same as or similar to the configurations of the detergent supply device (100) described above in FIGS. 3 to 11, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, in one embodiment, the detergent supply device (300a, 300b) may include a main body (310) and a handle portion (320) rotatably coupled to the main body (310). In one embodiment, the handle portion (320) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (310) in a slide structure manner.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, a first slide hole (314a) and a second slide hole (315a) may be provided on each of the two sides of the main body (310) of the detergent supply device (300a).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the first slide hole (314a) is formed as an opening on the side of the main body (310) and may extend in a horizontal direction. In one embodiment, the first slide hole (314a) may provide a path along which the first slide pin (351a), which will be described later, moves when the handle portion (320) is rotated.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the second slide hole (315a) may be formed as an opening on the side surface of the main body (310) and may extend in a diagonal direction. In one embodiment, the second slide hole (315a) may extend so as to be inclined from the lower side surface of the main body (310) to the upper front surface.

[0122] According to one embodiment, a first slide pin (351a) and a second slide pin (352a) may be provided on each inner surface of the rotating portion (322a) of the handle portion (320).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the first slide pin (351a) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotation part (322a) of the handle part (320) toward the first slide hole (314a). In one embodiment, the first slide pin (351a) may be formed integrally with the rotation part (322a) of the handle part (320), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first slide pin (351a) is inserted through the first slide hole (314a) and may move along the first slide hole (314a) when the handle part (320) rotates.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the second slide pin (352a) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotation part (322a) of the handle part (320) toward the second slide hole (315a). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352a) may be formed integrally with the rotation part (322a) of the handle part (320), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352a) may be positioned on the upper and lower side of the rotation part (322a) than the first slide pin (351a). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352a) may be positioned on the front side of the rotation part (322a) than the first slide pin (351a). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352a) is inserted at least partially through the second slide hole (315a) and can move along the second slide hole (315a) when the handle portion (320) is rotated.

[0125] In this case, when a user applies an external force to the handle part (320), the movement of the slide pins (351a, 352a) corresponding to the slide holes (314a, 315a) can be guided by the slide holes (314a, 315a). Specifically, when the user presses the upper part of the handle part (320), the first slide pin (314a) moves from the 3-1 position (P3) to the 3-2 position (P3') along the path formed by the first slide hole (351a). At the same time, the second slide pin (315a) also moves from the 4-1 position (P4) to the 4-2 position (P4') along the path formed by the second slide hole (352a), whereby the handle part (320) rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle.

[0126] Referring to Fig. 14, in one embodiment, a first slide hole (314b) and a second slide hole (315b) may be provided on each of the two sides of the main body (310) of the detergent supply device (300b). The slide holes (314b, 315b) illustrated in Fig. 14 may be provided to provide a different movement path compared to the slide holes (314a, 314b) illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first slide hole (314b) may be formed as an opening on the side of the main body (310). In one embodiment, the first slide hole (314b) may be divided into a first part formed in a horizontal direction and a second part connected to the first part and extending in a different direction from the first part. Here, the second part may be formed to extend in a diagonal direction downward toward the rear.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the second slide hole (315b) may be formed as an opening on the side surface of the main body (310) and may extend in a diagonal direction. In one embodiment, the second slide hole (315b) may extend so as to be inclined from the lower side surface of the main body (310) to the rear upper side.

[0129] According to one embodiment, a first slide pin (351b) and a second slide pin (352b) may be provided on each inner surface of the rotating portion (322b) of the handle portion (320).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first slide pin (351b) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotation part (322b) of the handle part (320) toward the first slide hole (314b). In one embodiment, the first slide pin (351b) may be formed integrally with the rotation part (322b) of the handle part (320), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first slide pin (351b) is inserted through the first slide hole (314b) and may move along the first slide hole (314b) when the handle part (320) rotates.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the second slide pin (352b) may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the rotation part (322b) of the handle part (320) toward the second slide hole (315b). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352b) may be formed integrally with the rotation part (322b) of the handle part (320), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352b) may be positioned on the upper and lower side of the rotation part (322b) than the first slide pin (351b). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352b) may be positioned on the rear side of the rotation part (322b) than the first slide pin (351b). In one embodiment, the second slide pin (352b) is inserted at least partially through the second slide hole (315b) and can move along the second slide hole (315b) when the handle portion (320) is rotated.

[0132] In this case, when a user applies an external force to the handle part (320), the movement of the slide pins (351b, 352b) corresponding to the slide holes (314b, 315b) can be guided by the slide holes (314b, 315b). Specifically, when the user presses the upper part of the handle part (320), the first slide pin (314b) moves from the 5-1 position (P5) to the 5-2 position (P5') along the path formed by the first slide hole (351b). At the same time, the second slide pin (315b) also moves from the 6-1 position (P6) to the 6-2 position (P6') along the path formed by the second slide hole (352b), whereby the handle part (320) rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle.

[0133] Fig. 15 is an operation diagram for explaining the rotational motion of the handle portion of the detergent supply device according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the detergent supply device (400) may include a main body (410) and a handle portion (420) rotatably coupled to the main body (410). The main body (410) and the handle portion (420) may be provided to have a structure substantially similar to the hinge structure of the detergent supply device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 11, which rotates clockwise so that the grip portion (123) is exposed from the lower side to the outside of the washing machine (1). However, unlike the detergent supply device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 11, the hinge structure of the handle portion (420) may be inverted upside down so that when an external force is applied to the handle portion (420), the handle portion (420) rotates counterclockwise so that the grip portion (423) is exposed from the upper side to the outside of the washing machine.

[0135] Substantially similarly, the link structure of the handle portion (220) illustrated in FIG. 12 and the slide structure of the handle portion (320) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 can also be provided to have an upside-down structure.

[0136] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, without limiting the components.

[0137] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0138] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0139] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, Housing (10); A control panel (50) is placed on the front of the housing (10) and includes an opening (53) and a fixing protrusion (55); and It includes a detergent supply device (100) configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing machine through the opening (53) of the control panel (50). The above detergent supply device (100) is A body (110) that holds detergent; and It includes a handle part (120) that is rotatably connected to the above body (110) and includes a hook projection (125), The detergent supply device (100) and the handle portion (120) are configured such that the detergent supply device (100) is in a locked state in which the detergent supply device (100) is introduced into the inside of the washing machine, the catch projection (125) is positioned closer to the main body (110) than the fixing projection (55), and the forward movement of the detergent supply device (100) through the opening (53) due to vibration generated during operation of the washing machine is restricted by contact between the catch projection (125) and the fixing projection (55). The above handle part (120) is rotatable so that, when the detergent supply device (100) is in the locked state, the catch protrusion (125) is moved to release the detergent supply device (100) from the locked state, and the detergent supply device (100) is opened so that the forward movement of the detergent supply device (100) through the opening (53) is not restricted by the contact between the catch protrusion (125) and the fixing protrusion (55).

2. In paragraph 1, The above handle part (120) includes a front surface, a back surface opposite the front surface, and a grip part (123) provided on one side of the back surface. The above-mentioned grip portion (123) is formed to be sunken in the opposite side to the one side, A washing machine in which the rotation of the handle portion (120) moves the grip portion (123) between being hidden inside the control panel (50) in the locked state and being exposed to the outside of the control panel (50) in the open state.

3. In paragraph 2, A washing machine in which the front surface of the handle portion (120) is aligned with the front of the control panel (50) when the detergent supply device (100) is in a locked state.

4. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the above-mentioned hook (125) is maintained in the locked state while no external force is applied to the handle portion (120).

5. In paragraph 1, The above handle part (120) is a washing machine that is rotatable so that, in response to an external force applied to the handle part (120), the catch projection (125) moves so that the detergent supply device (100) changes from the locked state to the open state, or from the open state to the locked state.

6. In paragraph 1, A detergent supply device guide part (54) extending from the periphery of the above opening (53) into the inside of the above opening (53); and A washing machine further comprising a pair of fixing projections (55) protruding laterally from the inner surface of the detergent supply device guide portion (54) so ​​as to face each other.

7. In paragraph 1, The above fixed protrusion (55) is When the above detergent supply device (100) is in the locked state, the first vertical surface (551) facing the catch projection (125) of the handle portion (120), A washing machine having a first inclined surface (552) connected to the first vertical surface (551) and having an upward slope toward the front of the fixed protrusion (55).

8. In paragraph 1, A washing machine further comprising a pair of hook projections (125) protruding in opposite directions from both sides of the handle portion (120).

9. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned hook (125) is When the above detergent supply device (100) is in the locked state, the second vertical surface (1251) facing the fixing protrusion (55) of the control panel (50), A washing machine having a second inclined surface (1252) connected to the second vertical surface (1251) and having a downward slope toward the rear of the catch (125).

10. In paragraph 1, The detergent supply device (100) is a washing machine having a hinge structure (113, 124) that rotatably connects the handle portion (120) to the main body (110).

11. In paragraph 1, The detergent supply device (200) is a washing machine having a plurality of link bars (240) that connect the main body (210) and the handle part (220) so that the handle part (220) can rotate around two different axes provided in the main body (210).

12. In paragraph 1, The detergent supply device (300) is a washing machine having a slide structure (351, 352) that guides the rotation of the handle part (320) through two pairs of holes (314, 315) that provide different paths provided in the main body (310).

13. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the detergent supply device (100) further includes an elastic member (131) arranged to surround the rotation axis of the handle portion (120).

14. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the detergent supply device (100) includes an elastic member (132, 133) connecting the upper and lower parts of the main body (110) and at least one handle part (120).

15. In the washing machine, Housing (10); A control panel (50) disposed on the front of the housing (10) and having an opening (53); It includes a detergent supply device (100) configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the washing machine through the opening (53) of the control panel (50). The above detergent supply device (100) is A body (110) in which detergent is received; and It includes a handle portion (120) having a front surface alignable with the front surface of the housing (10), a back surface opposite the front surface, and a grip portion (123) provided on one side of the back surface so that the control panel (50) is not visible from the outside when the front surface and the front surface of the housing (10) are aligned, A washing machine in which the handle portion (120) is rotatable so as not to be aligned with the front of the housing (10), and the grip portion (123) is moved so that it is no longer covered to the outside when the handle portion (120) is not aligned with the front of the housing (10).

Images