Detergent supply apparatus and clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to a clothing treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet with an opening; a tub installed inside the cabinet, for storing water; a drum rotatably provided within the tub; a body that stores detergent supplied to the tub and is insertable into the cabinet through the opening; and a drawer including a panel fixed to the body and exposed to the outside of the cabinet, wherein the panel includes: a fixing part that secures the drawer to the cabinet when the drawer is inserted by a predetermined distance into the cabinet; and an operation part that controls the position of the fixing part to release the engagement between the fixing part and the cabinet.

Description

Detergent supply device and clothes treatment device

[0001] This application relates to a detergent supply device and a clothes treatment device.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device that removes contaminants from laundry, such as clothing and bedding (hereinafter referred to as "laundry"), by placing them inside a drum. Garment treatment devices can perform processes such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. Based on the method of loading laundry into the drum, garment treatment devices can be categorized into top-loading and front-loading.

[0003] A clothes treatment device may be configured to include a cabinet forming an exterior, a tub accommodated inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub and into which laundry is fed, and a detergent supply device supplying detergent into the drum.

[0004] When the drum rotates by a motor while washing water is supplied to the laundry contained in the drum, dirt on the laundry can be removed through friction between the drum and the washing water.

[0005] Publication KR 10-2018-0090003 A1 discloses a detergent supply device included in a garment treatment device. The storage unit of the detergent supply device may include a storage space in which detergent is stored, and a user may store detergent in the storage unit and then use the storage unit by inserting it into the cabinet of the garment treatment device using a drawer detachably provided in the storage unit.

[0006] However, in the detergent supply device described above, the storage container introduced by the drawer is not fixed to the cabinet and is pulled out due to vibrations generated when the garment treatment device is operated, which causes an inconvenience in that the detergent leaks outside the detergent supply device.

[0007] Therefore, it is an important task in the present technical field to develop a detergent supply device that maintains the convenience of withdrawal of the storage container through the drawer and minimizes detergent leakage by preventing the storage container from being withdrawn outside the cabinet when the drawer is inserted.

[0008] The present application aims to solve the problem of providing a detergent supply device that minimizes leakage of detergent stored inside a cabinet and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a detergent supply device that stably supplies and stores detergent inside a cabinet with simple operation to improve user convenience, and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0010] In addition, the present application aims to solve the problem of providing a detergent supply device that prevents a drawer storing detergent from coming off when it is inserted into a cabinet, and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0011] The present application provides a detergent supply device including a cabinet having an opening, a tub installed inside the cabinet and storing water, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, a body storing detergent supplied to the tub and capable of being introduced into the cabinet through the opening, and a drawer having a panel fixed to the body and exposed to the outside of the cabinet, wherein the panel includes a fixing part that couples the drawer to the cabinet when the drawer is introduced into the cabinet by a predetermined distance, and an operating part that controls the position of the fixing part to release the coupling between the fixing part and the cabinet.

[0012] The panel includes a first panel exposed to the outside of the cabinet, a second panel positioned to face the body and fixed to the body, and a rotating panel at least partially accommodated between the first panel and the second panel and rotatably fixed to the second panel, and the fixing portion and the operating portion may be provided on the rotating panel.

[0013] The above-mentioned rotating panel can rotate in one direction when the operating unit is operated, and the above-mentioned fixed part can release the connection between the above-mentioned fixed part and the above-mentioned cabinet when the above-mentioned rotating panel is rotated in the one direction.

[0014] The above panel may further include an elastic member that contacts the above fixed member and applies elastic force to the panel.

[0015] The above elastic member can restore the position of the rotation panel by rotating the rotation panel in the opposite direction to the one direction when the operation of the operating member is completed.

[0016] The above operating part is exposed to the outside of the second panel and can be operated by being pressed toward the first panel.

[0017] The above-mentioned fixed part includes an extension part that is exposed to the outside of the second panel and extends in the direction of the body, and the body may be provided with an interference prevention groove so that the extension part does not overlap the body when the fixed part rotates in the one direction.

[0018] The above-mentioned fixed portion further includes a catch portion protruding upward from an end of the above-mentioned extension portion, and the catch portion can be restrained inside the cabinet when the drawer is drawn a predetermined distance inside the cabinet, thereby restricting the drawer from being pulled out from inside the cabinet.

[0019] The above-mentioned operating part is exposed to the outside of the second panel and is provided to protrude toward the body, and the body may be provided with a bending groove through which at least a part of the operating part is inserted and penetrates.

[0020] The above-mentioned rotating panel rotates relative to the second panel along a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the above-mentioned rotating panel, and the above-mentioned fixed part may be positioned above the above-mentioned operating part in the above-mentioned rotating panel.

[0021] The above cabinet includes a cabinet body that provides a space in which the tub is accommodated and a cabinet cover that is fixed to the cabinet body and forms an upper surface of the cabinet, and the fixing part is fixed to the cabinet cover and can couple the drawer to the cabinet.

[0022] The detergent supply device further includes a housing that accommodates the drawer and is provided inside the cabinet, and the fixing member is fixed to the housing to couple the drawer to the cabinet.

[0023] The second panel is provided with a shaft fixing member having a hollow space, and the rotating panel is provided with a shaft member inserted into the hollow space of the shaft fixing member, and when the rotation axis is inserted into the shaft fixing member, the rotating panel can rotate about the shaft member with respect to the second panel.

[0024] The second panel includes a support portion that protrudes toward the rear of the body, and the support portion can support the body by contacting one end of the body when the second panel is fixed to the body so that the body does not tilt downward.

[0025] The second panel includes a fastening portion that is provided to be fastened to the body, and the fastening portion can fasten the second panel to the body to fix the second panel and the body.

[0026] The above operating unit is provided with a gripping groove that can be gripped by a user, and the operating unit can be operated by the user gripping the gripping groove.

[0027] The present application provides a detergent supply device that minimizes leakage of detergent stored inside a cabinet and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides a detergent supply device that increases user convenience by stably supplying and storing detergent inside a cabinet with simple operation, and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0029] In addition, the present application provides a detergent supply device that prevents a drawer storing detergent from coming off when it is inserted into a cabinet, and a clothes treatment device equipped with the detergent supply device.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate examples of a clothing treatment device.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a detergent supply device.

[0032] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate examples of the detergent supply device and water supply unit.

[0033] Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate examples of drawers provided in the detergent supply device.

[0034] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate examples of a housing provided in the detergent supply device.

[0035] Figure 11 illustrates an example of a flow forming part provided in the detergent supply device.

[0036] Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15 illustrate examples of the first and second flow paths provided in the detergent supply device.

[0037] Fig. 16 illustrates an example of a chamber discharge port provided in the housing.

[0038] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a cabinet and a detergent supply device.

[0039] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a cabinet into which a detergent supply device is introduced.

[0040] Figures 19, 20 and 21 illustrate examples of drawers provided in a detergent supply device.

[0041] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate examples of panels provided in a drawer.

[0042] Figure 24 illustrates an example of a second panel and a rotating panel provided on a panel.

[0043] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate examples of cross-sections of panels provided in a drawer.

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms in this specification have the same general meaning as those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. If a term used in this specification conflicts with the general meaning of the term, the definition used in this specification shall prevail.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothing treatment device (100) may be provided to include a cabinet (1), a tub (2) provided inside the cabinet to store water, and a drum (3) rotatably provided inside the tub to store laundry items (clothes, etc.).

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the cabinet (1) may be provided to include a cabinet body (11) that provides a space in which the tub (2) is accommodated, and a cabinet cover (12) that is fixed to the cabinet body (11) and forms the upper surface of the clothing storage device.

[0047] The above cabinet cover (12) may be equipped with a control panel (129), and the control panel (129) may be equipped with an input unit (129a) for receiving a control command from a user, and a display unit (not shown) for displaying information (indication of a control command selectable by the user or information related to a control command selected by the user).

[0048] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the cabinet cover (12) is provided with an inlet (125) for supplying clothes to the drum (3). The inlet (125) can be opened and closed by a door (126) rotatably fixed to the cabinet cover (12).

[0049] The above tub (2) can be provided in various shapes as long as water can be stored. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the tub (2) is provided in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior.

[0050] The tub (2) of Fig. 2 may be provided with a cylindrical tub body (21). The tub body (21) is fixed to the cabinet (1) via a tub support member (23). The tub support member (23) may be provided as a bar having one end fixed to the cabinet cover (12) or the cabinet body (11) and the other end fixed to the circumference of the tub body (21).

[0051] A tub cover (22) is fixed to the upper surface of the tub body (21), and the tub cover (22) may be provided with a tub inlet (24) that connects the inside of the tub body (21) with the outside. The tub inlet (24) may be located at the bottom of the inlet (125).

[0052] The above tub (2) is supplied with water through a water supply unit (25), and the water stored in the tub is discharged to the outside of the cabinet (1) through a drain unit (26).

[0053] The above drainage unit (26) may be provided to include a drain pipe (261) that guides water inside the tub body (21) to the outside of the cabinet, and a drain valve (262) that controls the opening and closing of the drain pipe (261).

[0054] The above drum (3) is positioned inside the tub body (21) and serves as a means for providing a space for storing clothes, and may be provided as a cylindrical drum body (31) with an empty interior.

[0055] The upper surface of the drum body (31) may be provided with a drum inlet (32) positioned below the tub inlet (24). Accordingly, a user can insert clothes into the drum body (31) through the inlet (125), the tub inlet (24), and the drum inlet (32). A drum penetration hole (311) connecting the tub body (21) and the internal space of the drum body (31) may be provided on the circumference and bottom surface of the drum body (31).

[0056] The bottom surface of the drum body (31) may further include a stirring part (33) that is rotatable within the drum body and forms a water flow or stirs clothes.

[0057] The drum body (31) and the stirring unit (33) can be rotated by a drum driving unit. The drum driving unit may be provided to include a stator (34) that is fixed to the bottom surface of the tub body (21) to form a rotating magnetic field, a rotor (35) that rotates by the rotating magnetic field, a drum shaft (37) that penetrates the tub body (21) and is fixed to the drum body (31), and a stirring shaft (36) that penetrates the drum shaft (37) and connects the rotor (35) and the stirring unit (33).

[0058] In order to control the coupling of the drum shaft (37) and the rotor (35), the drum drive unit may be provided with a coupler (38) and an actuator (39). The actuator (39) is a means for controlling the position of the coupler (38), and the coupler (38) may be provided to reciprocate between a first point and a second point by the actuator (39). In this case, the first point may be set as a point where the coupler (38) connects the drum shaft (37) and the rotor (35), and the second point may be set as a point where the coupler (38) separates the drum shaft (37) and the rotor (35).

[0059] The above-mentioned clothing treatment device (100) may be equipped with a detergent supply device (detergent supply unit, D) that supplies detergent to the tub body (21). The detergent supply device (D) may be equipped to move detergent to the tub body (21) using water supplied from the water supply unit (25) (the water supply unit may be equipped to supply water to the tub body through a path provided inside the detergent supply device).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent supply device (D) may be provided to include a housing (4) that guides water supplied from the water supply unit (25) to the tub body (21), a drawer (5) that provides a space for storing detergent and can be withdrawn from the housing (4), and a pump (6, 7) that moves the detergent stored in the drawer (5) into the housing (4).

[0061] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the detergent supply device (D) may be fixed to the cabinet cover (12). As illustrated in Fig. 5, the cabinet cover (12) may be provided with a first region (121) and a second region (122, rear space) divided by a partition wall (123). The first region (121) may be a front space of the cabinet cover (12), and the inlet (125) may be provided in the first region (121), and the second region (122) may be a rear space of the cabinet cover (12), and the detergent supply device (D) and the water supply unit (25) may be provided to be located in the second region (122).

[0062] The above bulkhead (123) may be provided with a bulkhead penetration hole (124), and the bulkhead penetration hole (124) may be provided to penetrate the bulkhead (123) and connect the inlet (125) and the second region (122).

[0063] The above-mentioned clothing treatment device (100) may be provided with a support body (127) that is fixed to the cabinet cover (12) so as to be positioned in the second area (122) and supports the housing (4) of the detergent supply device. In this case, the water supply unit (25) may be provided to include a water supply pipe (251) and a valve (252) that controls the opening and closing of the water supply pipe according to a control signal of a control unit (not shown).

[0064] The above valve (252) is provided with a first valve (252a) and a second valve (252b) fixed to the support body (127), and the water supply pipe (251) may be provided with a first water supply pipe (251a) connecting the first valve (252a) and a first water supply source (not shown), and a second water supply pipe (251b) connecting the second valve (252b) and a second water supply source (not shown).

[0065] The first water supply pipe (251a) and the second water supply pipe (251b) may be provided to supply water of the same temperature to the detergent supply device (D), or may be provided to supply water of different temperatures to the detergent supply device (D). In the former case, the first water supply source and the second water supply source will be the same water supply source. However, in the latter case, the first water supply source may be set as a water supply source that supplies cold water, and the second water supply source may be set as a water supply source that supplies hot water.

[0066] The support body (127) is provided with a support body through-hole (128), and the support body through-hole (128) may be provided to be connected to the partition wall through-hole (124) to guide the housing (4) to the upper surface of the support body (127). Accordingly, the housing (4) may be seated on the support body (127) by being inserted into the partition wall through-hole (124) and the support body through-hole (128) (may be located in the second region).

[0067] The above housing (4) may be provided to include a first chamber (41) that provides a space in which the drawer (5) is accommodated, and a second chamber (42) that receives detergent from the pump (6, 7).

[0068] The second chamber (42) is provided to provide a space separated from the first chamber (41). FIG. 5 illustrates an example where the second chamber (42) is located outside the first chamber (41). That is, the second chamber (42) may be provided as a space that protrudes from the rear surface of the first chamber (41) in the direction in which the drawer (5) is inserted (-Z-axis direction) but has a smaller volume than the first chamber. However, the second chamber (42) is connected to the first chamber (41) through a connecting passage (49).

[0069] If the second chamber (42) is provided to be located outside the first chamber (41), the volume of the drawer (5) can be increased (the amount of detergent that the drawer can store can be increased), and if the volume of the second chamber (42) is set to be small, the possibility that the detergent supplied from the pump (6, 7) will remain inside the second chamber (42) can be minimized. The reason that the space in the interior of the housing (4) where the detergent can remain is small is because the possibility that all the detergent inside the second chamber (42) will be discharged to the first chamber (41) through the water supply unit (25) is increased.

[0070] The above housing (4) is provided with a flow path forming part (43), which is a means for forming flow paths (431, 436) that guide water supplied from the water supply part (25) to the first chamber (41) and the second chamber (42).

[0071] In order to supply water to the above-described water pipes (431, 436), the housing (4) may be provided with a first water inlet (417) and a second water inlet (418). The first water inlet (417) may be provided to be connected to the first valve (252a), and the second water inlet (418) may be provided to be connected to the second valve (252b). FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the water inlets (417, 418) in which, when the housing (4) is mounted on the support body (127), the first water inlet (417) is connected to the first valve (252a), and the second water inlet (418) is connected to the second valve (252b).

[0072] The above drawer (5) provides a space for storing detergent and can be provided so that it can be withdrawn from the first chamber (41).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the drawer (5) provides a space for storing detergent and may be provided to include a body (51, drawer body) inserted into the first chamber (41), a cover (52, drawer cover) fixed to the body to form an upper surface of the drawer, and a panel (53, drawer panel) fixed to the front surface of the body (51) and exposed to the outside of the first chamber (41).

[0074] The above body (51) may be provided with a storage unit that provides a space for storing detergent, a discharge port that discharges the detergent in the storage unit to the outside of the body (51), and a discharge valve that controls the opening and closing of the discharge port.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the storage unit is provided with two storage spaces separated by a body partition (513). The storage unit may be provided with a first storage unit (511) and a second storage unit (512) separated from each other by the body partition (513).

[0076] In this case, the discharge port may be provided with a first storage discharge port (514) provided in the first storage unit (511) and a second storage discharge port (516) provided in the second storage unit (512), and the discharge valve may be provided with a first discharge valve (515) that controls the opening and closing of the first storage unit discharge port (514) and a second discharge valve (517) that controls the opening and closing of the second storage unit discharge port (516).

[0077] The cover (52) is provided with a first detergent inlet (521) that allows detergent to be injected into the first storage unit (511) and a second detergent inlet (522) that allows detergent to be injected into the second storage unit (512). The first detergent inlet (521) can be opened and closed by a first lid (523), and the second detergent inlet (522) can be opened and closed by a second lid (524).

[0078] It is preferable that the first discharge valve (515) and the second discharge valve (517) above be equipped with valves (check valves, etc.) that allow fluid to be discharged from each storage unit (511, 512) but block external fluid from flowing into each storage unit (511, 512).

[0079] The first discharge valve (515) and the second discharge valve (517) may be provided to open each storage discharge port (514, 516) when the body (51) is inserted into the first chamber (41), and to close each storage discharge port (514, 516) when the body (51) is withdrawn from the first chamber (41).

[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the first discharge valve (515) and the second discharge valve (517) are provided on the rear surface of the body (51). In this case, the first discharge valve (515) and the second discharge valve (517) will control the opening and closing of the respective storage discharge ports (514, 516) by the pump (6, 7).

[0081] Even if the body (51) is inserted into the first chamber (41), the panel (53) is provided to be positioned outside the housing (4). Therefore, the panel (53) can also function as a handle required when a user withdraws the body (51) from the housing (4). FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an example in which the panel (53) is provided in a shape capable of closing the bulkhead penetration hole (124) provided in the cabinet cover (12).

[0082] As shown in Fig. 9, the housing (4) may be provided with the first chamber (41), the second chamber (42), and the flow path forming portion (43).

[0083] The first chamber (41) may be formed by a lower surface (412) supported by the support body (127), a first side surface (413) and a second side surface (414) provided on both sides of the lower surface, an upper surface (411) positioned above the lower surface by the two side surfaces (413, 414), and a rear surface (415).

[0084] The front surface of the first chamber (41) is provided as an open surface that provides a space for the body (51) of the drawer (5) to enter and exit, and a chamber discharge port (416) for discharging the fluid inside the first chamber (41) to the outside of the first chamber (such as a tub inlet) may be provided on the lower surface (412). To facilitate the discharge of the fluid inside the first chamber (41) to the outside (to minimize the possibility of the fluid remaining), the lower surface (412) may be provided as a sloped surface that slopes downward toward the chamber discharge port (416).

[0085] The first water supply port (417) and the second water supply port (418) are provided on the rear surface (415), and the second chamber (42) may be provided as a space protruding from the rear surface (415) toward the direction in which the drawer (5) is inserted (-Z-axis direction).

[0086] The second chamber (42) is connected to the first chamber (41) through the connecting passage (49) provided to penetrate the rear surface (415). It is preferable that the bottom surface of the second chamber (42) be positioned higher than the bottom surface of the first chamber (41) so that the fluid inside the second chamber (42) can be naturally drained. The second chamber (42) is connected to the pump (6, 7) through the first supply pipe (421) and the second supply pipe (422).

[0087] The above-mentioned euro-forming part (43) may be provided with a first euro body (43a) that forms a euro (first euro, 431) inside the first chamber (41), and a second euro body (43b) that forms a euro (second euro, 436) inside the second chamber (42).

[0088] The first euro body (43a) may be provided as a board fixed to the inside of the first chamber (41), and the second euro body (43b) may be provided as a board protruding from the edge of the first euro body (43a) toward the inside of the second chamber (42).

[0089] The first euro body (43a) may be fixed to the upper surface (411) to form the inner upper surface of the first chamber (41), and the second euro body (43b) may be positioned between the bottom surface and the upper surface of the second chamber (42) to divide the inside of the second chamber into an upper space and a lower space.

[0090] The edges of the second euro body (43b) may be provided so as to be in contact with all the inner surfaces of the second chamber (42). In this case, the upper space and the lower space will be completely separated spaces.

[0091] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 10, at least one of the edges forming the edge of the second euro body (43b) may be provided so as not to contact the inner surfaces of the second chamber (42), in which case the upper space and the lower space will become interconnected spaces.

[0092] The first flow path (431) provides a path for water to move along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber (41). The first flow path (431) may be provided as a groove in which the upper surface of the first flow body (43a) is bent in a direction away from the upper surface (-Y-axis direction) of the first chamber. In this case, a step (434) will be formed in the first flow body (43a), and thus the bottom surface of the first flow path (431) will be positioned at a point lower than the upper surface of the first flow path forming portion (43a).

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 11, water inside the first flow path (431) is discharged to the first chamber (41) through the first outlet (432) and the second outlet (433). The first outlet (432) may be provided with a plurality of holes arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber on the left side of the connecting flow path (49) (the left side of the second flow path forming portion, the left side of the second flow path), and the second outlet (433) may be provided with a plurality of holes arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber on the right side of the connecting flow path (49) (the right side of the second flow path forming portion, the right side of the second flow path).

[0094] As shown in Fig. 12, the second flow path (436) is branched from the first flow path (431) and is provided to guide water inside the first flow path (431) to the second chamber (42).

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the second flow path (436) may be provided to include a second flow path outlet (437) that is provided to penetrate the second flow path body (43b), a first branch flow path (436a) that is provided in the second flow path body (43b) to guide water of the first flow path (431) into the second chamber (42), and a second branch flow path (436b) that is provided in the second flow path body (43b) to connect the first flow path (436a) and the second flow path outlet (437).

[0096] The above second euro outlet (437) may be provided as a hole that penetrates the second euro body (43b) and connects the upper space of the second chamber (42) and the lower space.

[0097] The first branch flow path (436a) and the second branch flow path (436b) can be distinguished by a guide (438, first guide) provided in the second branch flow body (43b).

[0098] The first guide (438) may be provided as a wall protruding from the second euro body (43b) toward the upper surface of the second chamber (42). In this case, the first guide (438) may be provided as a wall extending from the first euro body (41) toward the inside of the second chamber (42) (extending along the insertion direction of the drawer, extending along the -Z-axis direction).

[0099] In order to enable water that has flowed into the second channel (436) but has not been discharged to the second chamber (42) through the second channel outlet (437) to be resupplied to the first channel (41), the second branch channel (436b) may be provided to connect the first branch channel (436a) and the first channel (41).

[0100] In this case, the second flow path (436) may further be provided with a guide (439, second guide) positioned between the first flow path and the second flow path outlet to form a boundary between the first flow path (41) and the second branch flow path (436b).

[0101] The second guide (439) is a means for guiding water flowing into the second branch channel (436b) to be supplied to the second channel outlet (437). The second guide (439) may be provided as a wall that protrudes from the second channel body (43b) toward the upper surface of the second chamber (42) and extends along the edge of the first channel (41).

[0102] Meanwhile, in order to allow water that was not discharged to the second chamber (42) through the second flow outlet (437) to be supplied to the first flow path (41), the upper end (free end) of the second guide (439) must be provided so as not to contact the upper surface of the second chamber (42). That is, it is preferable that the upper end (free end) of the second guide (439) be provided so as to be located between the bottom surface of the first flow path (41) and the upper end of the first guide (438).

[0103] In order to facilitate the supply of water from the first flow path (431) to the second flow path (436), it is preferable that the bottom surface of the first flow path (431) be positioned at a higher point than the bottom surface of the second flow path (436).

[0104] FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the bottom surface of the first flow path (431) is positioned at a higher point than the bottom surface of the first branch flow path (436a), and the bottom surface of the first branch flow path (436a) is positioned at a higher point than the bottom surface of the second branch flow path (436b).

[0105] In order to minimize water remaining inside the second flow path (436) and to guide the water inside the second flow path (436) to the second flow path outlet (437), the second branch flow path (436b) may be provided with a downwardly inclined slope toward the second flow path outlet (437).

[0106] When the above pump (6, 7) is operated, the detergent stored in the drawer (5) will be supplied to the second chamber (42) through the first supply pipe (421) and the second supply pipe (422), and the detergent inside the second chamber (42) will move to the first chamber (41) through the connecting pipe (49) when water is supplied to the second flow path (436).

[0107] If the edge of the second flow body (43b) is provided so as not to contact the inner surface of the second chamber (42), some of the water inside the first branch flow path (436a) will move (F1) to the second flow path outlet (437) through the second branch flow path (436b), and the remainder will move (F2) to the bottom surface of the second chamber (42). Accordingly, the detergent supply device (D) will be able to minimize detergent remaining inside the second chamber (42).

[0108] As illustrated in Fig. 15, water inside the first flow path (431) is supplied into the first chamber (41) through the first outlet (432) and the second outlet (433). As described above, the first outlet (432) is provided with a plurality of outlet channels arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber on the left side of the connecting flow path (49), and the second outlet (433) is provided with a plurality of outlet channels arranged along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the first chamber on the right side of the connecting flow path (49).

[0109] When the first outlet (432) and the second outlet (433) are arranged along the width direction of the first chamber with the connecting passage (49) between them, water can be supplied evenly to the entire bottom surface of the first chamber (41). Therefore, the detergent supply device (D) can minimize the possibility of detergent remaining inside the first chamber (41).

[0110] Furthermore, the first discharge port (432) and the second discharge port (433) may be provided to discharge water inside the first flow path (431) toward the rear surface (415) of the first chamber. This is to minimize detergent residue on the rear surface (415) of the first chamber.

[0111] When water is supplied to the first chamber (41) through the first outlet (432) and the second outlet (433), the detergent introduced into the first chamber (41) through the connecting passage (49) will move to the chamber outlet (416).

[0112] The chamber discharge portion (416) may be provided on the lower surface (412) of the first chamber (41). FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which the chamber discharge portion (416) is formed by bending the lower surface (412) of the first chamber away from the bottom surface of the drawer (5).

[0113] Meanwhile, if the chamber discharge portion (416) is positioned above the tub inlet (24), water and detergent discharged from the chamber discharge portion (416) will be directly supplied to the tub body (21) through the tub inlet (24).

[0114] As described above, the detergent stored in the drawer (5) can be supplied to the second chamber (42) through the pump (6, 7).

[0115] Meanwhile, Fig. 17 illustrates the body (51) of the detergent supply device (D) being inserted into the cabinet (1). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent supply device (D) can be fixed to the cabinet cover (12).

[0116] The above panel (53) is exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1) and is fixed to the body (51), so that the body (51) can be pulled out of the cabinet (1) or introduced into the cabinet (1).

[0117] The body (51) of the drawer (5) can be inserted into the cabinet (1) to a preset distance. The preset distance can be set by the length of the first chamber (41) that provides a space for accommodating the drawer (5) in the housing (4).

[0118] In addition, the panel (53) located in front of the cabinet (1) is provided so as to be restricted from moving toward the rear of the cabinet (1), so that the distance at which the body (51) fixed to the panel (53) is introduced into the cabinet (1) can be set.

[0119] Meanwhile, Fig. 18 illustrates the cabinet cover (12) into which the drawer (5) is introduced. The housing (4) that accommodates the drawer (5) can be fixed inside the cabinet cover (12).

[0120] The above cabinet cover (12) may be provided with a first region (121) and a second region (122) separated by the partition wall (123). The detergent supply device (D) may be provided to be located in the second region (122).

[0121] The above panel (53) is provided on the front of the partition wall (123) so as to allow the body (51) to be introduced into the second area (122).

[0122] The support body (127) that is fixed to the cabinet cover (12) and supports the housing (4) of the detergent supply device (D) may be provided with the support body penetration hole (128), and the partition wall (123) may be provided with the partition wall penetration hole (124).

[0123] The above support body penetration hole (128) can be connected to the bulkhead penetration hole (124) to form an opening (129) which is a passage through which the body (51) moves into the cabinet (1) by the panel (53).

[0124] In addition, the support body penetration hole (128) may be connected to the partition wall penetration hole (124) to guide the housing (4) to the upper surface of the support body (127). Accordingly, the front surface of the housing (4) may be provided as an open surface that provides a space for the body (51) of the drawer (5) to enter and exit. In this case, the above-described open surface may form the opening (129).

[0125] When the drawer (5) is inserted into the cabinet (1) by a preset distance, the drawer (5) may be coupled to the cabinet (1) so that the drawer (5) does not move. In this case, a fixing insertion groove (123a) coupled to the drawer (5) may be provided inside the cabinet (1).

[0126] The above-mentioned fixed insertion groove (123a) is provided on one side of the cabinet cover (12) or one side of the housing (4) to fix the position of the drawer (5) inside the cabinet (1).

[0127] Meanwhile, Fig. 19 illustrates an example of the drawer (5). The drawer (5) may be provided with the body (51), the cover (52), and the panel (53). The panel (53) may be fixed to the front surface of the body (51) and exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1).

[0128] The height or width of the above panel (53) may be set longer than the height or width of the opening (129) so that it cannot be introduced into the cabinet (1) through the opening (129).

[0129] The panel (53) may be provided with a fixing member (533) that attaches the drawer (5) to the cabinet (1) when the drawer (5) is inserted a predetermined distance into the cabinet (1). The fixing member may be fixed to the fixing member insertion groove (123a) to prevent the drawer from being detached from the cabinet (1).

[0130] When the drum driving unit rotates the drum body (31), vibration may occur in the clothing treatment device (100) due to the drum driving unit. In this case, the body (5) introduced into the cabinet (1) is prevented from being separated from the cabinet (1) through the opening (129) or from being exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1) at least in part by the fixing unit (533), thereby preventing detergent leakage or safety issues from occurring.

[0131] The above-mentioned fixed part (533) may be formed to extend toward the body (51) or may be provided with a variable position. In this case, an interference prevention groove (518a) may be provided on one side of the body (51) to prevent the fixed part (533) from colliding with or interfering with the body (51).

[0132] Meanwhile, Fig. 20 illustrates an example of the drawer (5). Even if the body (51) is inserted into the cabinet (1), the panel (53) may be positioned outside the cabinet (1).

[0133] The above panel (53) may be provided so that it can be gripped by a user when the user withdraws the body (51) from the cabinet (1). An operating portion (534) that can be gripped by a user may be provided on a side of the rear surface of the panel (53) that is not fixed to the body (51). Accordingly, since the operating portion (534) does not encroach on the area of ​​the body (51), the detergent storage capacity stored in the body (51) may be increased.

[0134] The above-mentioned operating portion (534) may be provided in a shape extending toward the body (51), and in this case, a bending groove (518b) may be provided in the body (51) so that at least a part of the operating portion (534) can be inserted or penetrated.

[0135] The above-mentioned operating unit may be provided with a gripping groove (534a) to prevent slipping when gripped by a user or to enable the user to grip it conveniently.

[0136] When the body (51) is inserted into the cabinet (1), the user must insert his / her finger into the gap between the cabinet (1) and the panel (53) in order for the operation part (534) to be grasped by the user. Therefore, the operation part (534) is provided at the edge of the panel (53), and the edge surface of the panel (53) on which the operation part (534) is provided may be provided to be bent to widen the gap.

[0137] The above-mentioned operating unit (534) may be provided in conjunction with the fixing unit (533) so that the fixing unit (533) can release the connection between the cabinet (1) and the drawer (5) so that the drawer (5) does not come off from inside the cabinet (1).

[0138] Accordingly, the above-mentioned operating part (534) enables withdrawal of the drawer (5) simply by being operated, and can also serve as a handle when withdrawing the drawer (5), thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0139] Meanwhile, Fig. 21 illustrates the panel (53) separated from the drawer (5). The panel (53) may be manufactured separately from the body (51), and then assembled and attached to the front of the body (51).

[0140] The body (51) may be provided with a plurality of body connecting members (519) so as to be fixed to the panel (53). The body connecting members (519) may include a fastening insertion groove (519a) that can be fastened to the panel (53), as described later, or a support insertion portion (519b) that can be coupled with a groove portion that extends or is bent from the panel (53) toward the body (51).

[0141] The above body connecting member (519) is provided in multiple pieces spaced apart from the front of the body (51) to stably connect the body (51) and the panel (53).

[0142] The above-mentioned partition wall penetration hole (124) may be provided to penetrate the partition wall (123) and connect the inlet (125) and the second region (122). The partition wall penetration hole (124) may be closed by the panel (53), and the cabinet cover (12) may be partitioned into the first region (121) and the second region (122) by the panel (53) and the partition wall (123). Therefore, the inlet (125) may be formed in front of the panel (53), and the operating part (534) and the fixing part (533) of the panel (53) are preferably provided to be formed on the rear side of the panel (53) to minimize interference with the inlet (152).

[0143] The operation part (534) and the fixing part (533) are formed on the rear side of the panel (53), and the body (51) is fixed to the rear side of the panel (53), so the body (51) may be provided with the interference prevention groove (518a) that prevents collision with the operation part (534) and the bending groove (518b) that prevents collision with the operation part (534).

[0144] Meanwhile, Fig. 22 illustrates an example of the rear surface of the panel (53). The panel (53) may include a first panel (531) exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1) and a second panel (536) fixed to the front surface of the body (51). The first panel (531) and the second panel (536) may be coupled to each other by being formed such that the edge of the first panel (531) wraps around the perimeter of the second panel (536), as illustrated in Fig. 25, which illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A' to be described later.

[0145] In one embodiment of the present invention, the BB' area of ​​the second panel (536) may be provided with a panel connecting member (538) that is fixed to the body connecting member (519). The panel connecting member (538) may include a fastening member (538a) that is fastened to the fastening insertion member (519a) and a support member (538b) that is coupled to the support insertion member (519b).

[0146] The above fastening part (538a) is provided in various shapes and can be fastened to the fastening part insertion part (519a). In one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening part (538a) is provided as a hook and the fastening part insertion part (519a) is provided as a hole into which the hook is inserted, so that the panel (53) and the body (51) can be connected to each other by hook connection.

[0147] The above support portion (538b) is provided so as to protrude toward the rear of the body (51), and the support portion insertion portion (519b) can be provided so that the support portion (538b) can be inserted.

[0148] The above support member (538b) may be provided to support the body (51) so that the body (51) does not tilt downward when the second panel (536) comes into contact with one end of the body (51) when the body (51) is fixed.

[0149] The above fixed part (533) may include an extension part (533a) that extends toward the body (51) when exposed to the outside of the second panel (536) and a catch part (533b) that protrudes upward from the end of the extension part (533a).

[0150] The above-mentioned catch (533b) may be provided so that when the drawer (5) is introduced a predetermined distance into the cabinet (1), it is restrained in the fixing insertion groove (123a) of the cabinet (1) to restrict the drawer (5) from being withdrawn from the cabinet (1).

[0151] The above panel (51) may be provided with an elastic member (539) that comes into contact with the fixed member (533) and applies elastic force to the panel (51). The elastic member (539) may be any means that provides elastic force and may be provided as a plate spring.

[0152] Meanwhile, Fig. 23 illustrates a configuration forming the panel (53). The panel may include the first panel (531), the second panel (536), a rotating panel (532) at least partially accommodated between the first panel (531) and the second panel (536) and rotatably fixed with respect to the second panel (536), and the elastic member (539).

[0153] The above-described fixed part (533) and the above-described operating part (534) may be provided on the above-described rotating panel (532). The above-described rotating panel (532) rotates in one direction when the operating part (534) is operated, and when the above-described fixed part (533) provided on the above-described rotating panel (532) rotates in one direction, the above-described fixed part (533) releases the coupling between the above-described fixed part (533) and the above-described cabinet (1), so that the above-described drawer (5) may be provided to be movable with respect to the above-described cabinet (1).

[0154] The elastic member (539) can restore the position of the rotation panel (532) by rotating the rotation panel (532) in the opposite direction to the one direction when the operation of the operation member (534) is completed.

[0155] The elastic member (539) may be provided so that one end is in contact with the fixed member (533) and the other end is fixed to the elastic member support member (539a) provided on the second panel (536) to restore the position of the rotating panel (532) based on the second panel (536).

[0156] The shaft member (535) provided in the above-mentioned rotating panel (532) is inserted into the shaft fixing member (537) including a hollow portion provided in the second panel (536) and can rotate about the shaft member (535) with respect to the second panel (536).

[0157] The rotation axis of the rotation panel (532) that rotates around the above-mentioned shaft member (535) may be provided to extend in the longitudinal direction of the rotation panel (532).

[0158] In this case, the fixed part (533) and the operation part (534) provided on the rotating panel (532) may be provided at different heights, and in one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed part (533) may be provided above the operation part (534). In this case, when the operation part (534) is exposed to the outside of the second panel (536) and is pressed and operated in the direction of the first panel (531), the fixed part (533) may move in the direction of the second panel (536). In this case, the interference prevention groove (518a) provided on the body (51) may be formed to be bent so as to avoid the rotation radius of the fixed part (533).

[0159] Meanwhile, FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an example in which the second panel (536) and the rotating panel (532) are fixed. In particular, FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A' of FIG. 22 described above. The shaft member (535) provided on the rotating panel (532) may protrude toward the second panel, and the shaft fixing member (537) provided on the second panel (536) may protrude toward the rotating panel (532).

[0160] The above-mentioned shaft member (535) and the above-mentioned shaft fixing member (537) are coupled between the above-mentioned rotating panel (532) and the above-mentioned second panel (536), so that the above-mentioned rotating panel (532) can rotate with respect to the above-mentioned second panel (536).

[0161] The area where the shaft fixing member (537) of the second panel (536) is provided may be formed to be recessed toward the body (51) so that a gap between the rotating panel (532) and the second panel (536) can be secured. Accordingly, the shaft member (535) and the shaft fixing member (537) may be provided to protrude from the second panel (536) toward the body (51) so as to overlap with the body (51) or to protrude from the second panel toward the first panel (531) so as not to interfere with the inlet (125).

[0162] The above-mentioned shaft member (535) may be provided in the shape of a plurality of cylinders extending in the width direction of the above-mentioned rotating panel (532), and the above-mentioned shaft fixing member (537) may be provided in the shape of a sleeve having a circular hollow so as to be fitted into the outer surface of the above-mentioned shaft member (537).

[0163] The end side of the shaft member (535) may be split into two or more branches and may be provided to have a larger inner diameter than the shaft fixing member (537). When the shaft member (535) is inserted into the opening of the shaft fixing member (537), the end side may be provided in a form in which it is elastically deformed and fitted by the inner circumferential surface of the shaft fixing member (537). Accordingly, the fastening position of the shaft member (535) and the shaft fixing member (537) may be fixed by the restoring force of the end side.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member (533) may be provided so as to be exposed toward the second panel (536) by penetrating through a fixing member penetration hole (536a) provided in the second panel. The fixing member (533) does not interfere with the first panel (531) and is not exposed to the outside of the cabinet (1), thereby stably connecting the drawer (5) to the cabinet (1).

[0165] Meanwhile, FIG. 26 shows an example in which the panel (53) and the body (51) are fixed to each other by the panel connecting member (538) provided on the second panel (536) and the body connecting member (519) provided on the body (51), and a cross-section of the panel cut in the direction crossing B-B' of FIG. 22 described above is shown.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening portion (538a) is provided in a shape that extends toward the body (51) and has an end that protrudes downward, and the fastening portion insertion portion (519a) is provided to include a hole through which the end of the fastening portion (538a) passes so that the two can be fastened to each other. Through the fastening portion (538a) and the fastening portion insertion portion (519a), the second panel (536) and the body (51) are fixed, and the body (51) can be restricted from moving upward.

[0167] The above support portion (538b) may be provided so as to protrude toward the rear of the body (51) and be inserted into the support portion insertion portion (519b). Accordingly, the support portion (538b) may contact one end of the body (51) and limit downward movement of the body (51).

[0168] Since the above-described detergent supply device and clothing treatment device are merely preferred embodiments, the scope of rights of the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

1. A cabinet with an opening; A tub installed inside the cabinet and storing water; A drum rotatably provided inside the above tub; and A drawer including a body in which detergent supplied to the tub is stored and which can be introduced into the cabinet through the opening, and a panel fixed to the body and exposed to the outside of the cabinet, The above panel, A fixing member that connects the drawer to the cabinet when the drawer is introduced a predetermined distance into the cabinet; and A garment treatment device characterized by including an operating unit that controls the position of the fixed unit and releases the connection between the fixed unit and the cabinet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above panel, A first panel exposed to the outside of the cabinet; A second panel positioned to face the body and fixed to the body; and A rotating panel, at least a portion of which is accommodated between the first panel and the second panel and is rotatably fixed with respect to the second panel; A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above-mentioned fixed part and the above-mentioned operating part are provided on the above-mentioned rotating panel.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rotating panel rotates in one direction when the above operating unit is operated, A garment treatment device characterized in that the fixed part releases the connection between the fixed part and the cabinet when the rotating panel rotates in the one direction.

4. In paragraph 3, A garment treatment device characterized in that the panel further includes an elastic member that contacts the fixed member and applies elastic force to the panel.

5. In paragraph 4, A garment treatment device characterized in that the elastic member rotates the rotating panel in the opposite direction to the one direction when the operation of the operating member is completed, thereby restoring the position of the rotating panel.

6. In paragraph 2, A garment treatment device characterized in that the operating part is exposed to the outside of the second panel and is operated by being pressed in the direction of the first panel.

7. In paragraph 3, The above fixed portion is exposed to the outside of the second panel and includes an extension portion extending in the direction of the body, A garment treatment device characterized in that the body is provided with an interference prevention groove so that the extension does not overlap the body when the fixed part rotates in the one direction.

8. In paragraph 7, The above fixed part further includes a catch that protrudes upward from the end of the extension part, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above-mentioned catch is restrained inside the cabinet when the drawer is introduced a predetermined distance inside the cabinet, thereby restricting the drawer from being withdrawn from inside the cabinet.

9. In paragraph 2, The above operating part is exposed to the outside of the second panel and is provided to protrude toward the body, A garment treatment device characterized in that the body is provided with a bending groove through which at least a part of the operating part is inserted and penetrates.

10. In paragraph 2, The above rotating panel rotates relative to the second panel along a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the above rotating panel, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the fixed part is located above the operating part in the rotating panel.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cabinet, A cabinet body that provides a space in which the above tub is accommodated; and A cabinet cover fixed to the cabinet body and forming the upper surface of the cabinet; A garment treatment device characterized in that the fixing member is fixed to the cabinet cover and connects the drawer to the cabinet.

12. In paragraph 1, The above detergent supply device further includes a housing that accommodates the drawer and is provided inside the cabinet, A garment treatment device characterized in that the fixing member is fixed to the housing and connects the drawer to the cabinet.

13. In paragraph 2, The above second panel is equipped with a shaft fixing member in which a hollow space is provided, The above rotating panel is provided with an axis member inserted into the hollow of the axis fixing member, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above rotating panel rotates around the shaft member with respect to the second panel when the rotation axis is inserted into the shaft fixing member.

14. In paragraph 2, The second panel includes a support portion that protrudes toward the rear of the body, A garment treatment device characterized in that the support member supports the body so that the body does not tilt downward by contacting one end of the body when the second panel is fixed to the body.

15. In paragraph 2, The second panel includes a fastening member that is provided to be fastened to the body, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above fastening part fastens the second panel to the body and fixes the second panel and the body.

16. In paragraph 1, The above operating unit is provided with a gripping groove that can be gripped by the user, A garment treatment device characterized in that the operating unit is operated by the user grasping the gripping home portion.

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