Washing machine comprising input module for inputting detergent or washing aid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine having an input module including a container and a cover. The cover comprises: a cover body having a hole formed at a region; a first protrusion part formed along an edge at one surface of the cover body and protruding from the one surface of the cover body; a second protrusion part protruding from the one surface of the cover body at a position spaced apart inwardly from the first protrusion part by a predetermined distance so as to form a space into which the container is inserted; and a sealing part for sealing the container with the first protrusion part and the second protrusion part in the space.

Description

A washing machine including a dispensing module for dispensing detergent or laundry additives

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine including a container for containing detergent or laundry aid and a cover for opening and closing the container.

[0002] Typically, a washing machine is a device that uses water and detergent to remove dirt from laundry. Washing machines perform laundry sequentially through washing, rinsing, and spinning.

[0003] For laundry, washing machines can use detergents or laundry aids. Laundry aids can include fabric softeners and bleach. A dispenser is essential for automatically dispensing detergents or laundry aids.

[0004] The dispensing device may consist of a main body and a cover. The main body of the dispensing device may include a container for detergent or laundry aid, a pump, and the like. The cover is a component that covers this container. The cover may be implemented as a structure that covers only the container, or it may be implemented as a structure that covers the container and other components of the main body.

[0005] While using the washing machine, the user may open or close the cover from time to time.

[0006] Conventional covers were typically manufactured as a single piece from LDPE (Law Density Polyethylene). This material lacks rigidity, and cracks can develop when subjected to stress or thermal shock. Consequently, detergent and fabric softener could leak through these cracks.

[0007] The present disclosure has been devised to solve the above problems.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub, and an input module for supplying detergent or laundry aid into the tub. Here, the input module includes a container for accommodating the detergent or laundry aid, and a cover connectable with the container, wherein the cover includes a cover body having a hole formed in one area, a first protrusion formed along an edge on one side of the cover body and protruding from one side of the cover body, a second protrusion protruding from one side of the cover body at a position spaced apart from the inside of the first protrusion by a predetermined distance to form a space into which the container is inserted, and a sealing part for sealing the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the container within the space. Here, the sealing portion is made of a first material having a more flexible property than a second material constituting the cover body, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion, and the sealing portion, the cover body, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion can be manufactured through an insert injection process.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the risk of damage to the cover of a container containing detergent or laundry aid of a washing machine can be reduced.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an input module used in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a cover of a container containing detergent or laundry aid of a washing machine within an input module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cover of Figure 3.

[0014] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the container and cover within the injection module.

[0015] Figures 6 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing part 'A' of Figure 4.

[0016] Figure 11 is an enlarged drawing of the hole portion of Figure 3.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a cut-away portion of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0019] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0022] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0023] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0025] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0026] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0027] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0028] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an input module used in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The washing machine (100) of FIG. 1 can perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes. While described as a washing machine in this disclosure, it may alternatively be described as a clothing treatment device. The term "clothing treatment device" can be understood as a comprehensive concept encompassing devices for washing clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices for drying clothing, and devices capable of both washing and drying clothing.

[0031] In Fig. 1, a front-loading washing machine (100) is illustrated in which the laundry inlet is provided to face forward. However, washing machines according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the washing machine (100) may be implemented in a top-loading manner in which the laundry inlet for loading or withdrawing laundry is provided to face upward, and may also include washing machines with various loading methods.

[0032] Top-loading washing machines use the water current generated by a rotating body, such as a pulsator, to wash laundry. Front-loading washing machines use a rotating drum to repeatedly raise and lower laundry, washing it.

[0033] A front-loading washing machine may include a washer / dryer that can dry laundry stored inside the drum. The washer / dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condenser device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. When implemented as a washer / dryer, the washer (100) can sequentially perform washing and drying.

[0034] In FIG. 1, the washing machine (100) may include a cabinet (40), a door (50), a drum (60), and a detergent dispensing module (30).

[0035] The cabinet (40) is a component that forms the exterior of the washing machine. The cabinet (40) may be formed to have a hollow hexahedral shape so that various components can be accommodated therein. Alternatively, the cabinet (40) may be described as a housing or a body.

[0036] An opening (40a) can be formed on the front of the cabinet (40), and the opening (40a) can be opened and closed by a door (50).

[0037] The door (50) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening (40a) of the cabinet (40) and may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet (40) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (50) may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the cabinet (40) may be visible.

[0038] A door handle (51) may be provided on one side of the door (50), so that the user can open and close the opening (40a) by easily rotating the door (50) using the door handle (51).

[0039] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the cabinet (40) to store water. The tub may be provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be placed inside the cabinet (40) such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet. The tub may be connected to the cabinet (40) by a damper. The damper may absorb vibrations generated when the drum (60) rotates, thereby attenuating vibrations transmitted to the cabinet (40).

[0040] The tub may include a drum (60). The drum (60) is configured to accommodate laundry items. The drum (60) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior.

[0041] The drum (60) can be positioned inside the tub so that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry can be accommodated inside the drum (60) or taken out from the drum (60) by passing through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence.

[0042] The drum (60) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (60), so that water stored in the tub can flow into the inside of the drum (60) or flow out from the outside of the drum (60).

[0043] The washing machine (100) may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub. The driving device may rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to a washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycle.

[0044] The washing machine (100) may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0045] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0046] The washing machine may include an input module (30) for supplying detergent or laundry aid into the tub. The input module (40) may be described in various ways, such as a detergent supply device or a detergent storage device.

[0047] The injection module (30) can be implemented as a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to directly inject the detergent to be used for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically injects a certain amount of detergent during the wash.

[0048] An automatic detergent supply device includes a container for storing at least one of detergent and laundry aid, and a cover for covering the container. The container may include an opening at the bottom for dropping the detergent or laundry aid downward, and an actuator for opening or closing the opening. When a washing cycle starts, the processor of the washing machine (100) uses at least one sensor to identify various conditions such as the weight of the laundry, the hardness of the water, and the temperature, and calculates the required amount of detergent or laundry aid based on the identified conditions and the washing options set by the user (e.g., washing time, type of laundry, intensity, etc.). The processor may control the operation of the injection module (30) so that the calculated amount of detergent or laundry aid can be supplied into the tub. The injection module (30) can supply the detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Specifically, water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the supplied detergent while passing through the inside of the input module (30) or near the input module (30) and supplied into the inside of the tub. In the present disclosure, the term "laundry aid" is used as a term encompassing fabric softeners, bleaching agents, and the like in addition to detergents, but may also be broadly interpreted to include all detergents.

[0049] The container may be designed to hold only detergent, or to hold detergent and laundry aid separately. Alternatively, the container may be described as a detergent box, laundry aid box, or storage box.

[0050] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the injection module (30) may be placed on the upper part of the tub or on the lower part of the tub.

[0051] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the washing machine (100) may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drainage pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the cabinet (40), a drainage valve provided on the drainage pipe to open and close the drainage pipe, and a pump provided on the drainage pipe. The pump may pump water in the drainage pipe to the outside of the cabinet (40).

[0052] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the cabinet (40). The control panel may include various configurations for user interaction, such as a display, push buttons, and wheel buttons.

[0053] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an injection module (30) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the injection module (30) may include a detergent injection unit (200) and a detergent pump unit (300). The detergent injection unit (200) is configured to deliver the received detergent to the detergent pump unit (300) and to deliver the detergent and water supplied by the detergent pump unit (300) to the tub.

[0054] The detergent dispensing unit (200) may include a container unit (220) and a cover unit (210) coupled thereto. The container unit (220) includes a first container (222a) for containing detergent and a second container (222b) for containing laundry aid. The first and second containers (222a, 222b) may be integrally formed, or may be manufactured separately and then connected or assembled.

[0055] The cover portion (210) is configured to cover the upper open area of ​​the container portion (220). The cover portion (210) may include two covers that cover the first and second containers (222a, 222b) respectively, or may include one cover that covers the first and second containers (222a, 222b) simultaneously.

[0056] The cover part (210) may include a water supply pipe connection hole (211) that is connected to a water supply pipe to receive an external water source, and a water supply path (212) for guiding water supplied from the water supply pipe to flow toward the container part (220).

[0057] The water supply pipe connection hole (211) may be formed on one side of the cover part (210), and the water supply path (212) may be formed by extending in the opposite direction from the water supply pipe connection hole (211).

[0058] The water supply pipe connection hole (211) may further include a water supply pipe sealing member (not shown) to ensure a hermetically tight connection with the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe sealing member may be provided in the area where the water supply pipe and the water supply pipe connection hole (211) are joined.

[0059] The water supply path (212) can be formed in a shape in which the width gradually decreases in the opposite direction from the area on the side of the water supply pipe connection hole (211).

[0060] Due to this, the water pressure of the water supplied from the water supply pipe to the detergent inlet (200) through the water supply pipe connection hole (211) can be controlled. In other words, by controlling the water pressure of the water supplied from the water supply pipe, the flow rate can be adjusted so that the water guided by the water supply path (212) can be stably supplied to the container (220).

[0061] The container (220) may include a front cover (221), a detergent container (222), a water supply opening (223), a housing (224), and a detergent valve (226).

[0062] The upper surface of the container (220) may have a shape corresponding to the cover (210) and may be an open area for supplying detergent and laundry aid.

[0063] The front cover (221) can be formed to cover an area of ​​the container portion (220) on the front side of the washing machine where the door (20) is placed.

[0064] Since the container part (220) is configured to be connected to the lower side of the cover part (210), water falling toward the cover part (210) of the injection module (30) can flow into the internal space of the container part (220) or its surroundings through the water supply opening (223).

[0065] The water that flows in can be mixed with detergent or laundry aid discharged from the detergent pump unit (300) and fall toward the tub.

[0066] The housing (224) is configured to form the exterior of the container (220).

[0067] The detergent valve (226) is closed when the detergent input portion (200) is separated from the detergent pump portion (300) to prevent water and detergent contained in the container portion (220) from flowing out to the outside of the container portion (220), and can be opened when the detergent input portion (200) is combined with the detergent pump portion (300) to allow water and detergent contained in the container (220) to flow into the detergent pump portion (300).

[0068] The detergent pump unit (300) is configured to be combined with the detergent input unit (200) and to suck in and discharge detergent supplied from the detergent input unit (200).

[0069] The detergent pump unit (300) can suck up the detergent contained in the container unit (220) and then supply it back to the container unit (220). In other words, the detergent pump unit (300) can suck up the detergent contained in the detergent container (222) and then discharge the detergent into the internal space of the container unit (220) that is distinct from the detergent container (222) to which water is supplied through the water supply opening (223).

[0070] The detergent pump section (300) includes a front region (310) and a rear region (not shown).

[0071] The front region (310) may include a detergent suction tube (311), a detergent detection sensor (312), a detergent discharge hole (313), a first rubber member (314), and a second rubber member (315).

[0072] The front region (310) can be introduced into the inside of the detergent injection unit (200) when combined with the detergent injection unit (200).

[0073] The detergent suction tube (311) is configured to suck up the detergent contained in the detergent container (222). In other words, the detergent suction tube (311) is configured to suck up the detergent contained in the container (220) and flow it into the detergent pump unit (300).

[0074] The detergent suction tube (311) can be formed by protruding and extending from the front region (310) toward the container portion (220).

[0075] A pair of detergent suction tubes (311) may be provided, and may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the front area (310).

[0076] The detergent detection sensor (312) is configured to detect the amount of detergent contained in the container (220). The detergent detection sensors (312) may be provided in pairs on the upper side of the detergent suction pipe (311). The detergent detection sensors (312) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the detergent suction pipe (311).

[0077] The detergent detection sensor (312) must be inserted into the detergent container (222) so that it can sense a specific value by coming into contact with the detergent contained in the detergent container (222), and thus may be formed by protruding and extending from the detergent pump unit (300) toward the container unit (220).

[0078] However, the detergent detection sensor (312) may have a shorter protruding length than the detergent suction pipe (311).

[0079] Due to this, even when the detergent suction tube (311) comes into contact with the detergent valve (226) and pressurizes the detergent valve (226), the detergent detection sensor (312) can come into contact with the detergent contained in the detergent container (222) without coming into contact with the detergent valve (226).

[0080] The detergent discharge hole (313) is configured to discharge detergent sucked through the detergent suction pipe (311) into the container (220). The detergent discharge hole (313) may be arranged on the lower side of the detergent suction pipe (311).

[0081] The detergent pump unit (300) may include a path extending from the detergent suction pipe (311) to the detergent discharge hole (313).

[0082] The first rubber member (314) and the second rubber member (315) seal the periphery of the detergent detection sensor (312) and the detergent suction pipe (311), thereby preventing detergent and water and / or washing water from leaking out of the container part (220) during the process of attaching or detaching the container part (220) to or from the detergent pump part (300).

[0083] In Fig. 2, the container part (220) includes two containers (222a, 222b) and the cover part (210) includes two covers. However, the number of containers and covers can be varied.

[0084] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on a cover covering one container.

[0085] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a cover in one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the cover of Fig. 2.

[0086] The cover (1) of Fig. 3 can cover a container containing detergent or laundry aid of a washing machine. As described above, the detergent or laundry aid can be stored separately in separate containers, and thus, multiple covers can be used. Alternatively, depending on the structure of the containers, a single cover can be implemented to cover multiple containers (i.e., detergent containers, laundry aid containers, etc.) at once. Alternatively, the cover can be implemented as a structure that covers not only the containers but also the main body of the dispensing device itself. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on a case where the cover is implemented to cover a detergent container containing detergent.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover (1) includes a cover body (11), a first protrusion (21), and a second protrusion (23). For convenience of explanation, the surface of the cover (1) illustrated in FIG. 3 is referred to as the upper surface or the first side, and the surface of the cover (2) illustrated in FIG. 4 is referred to as the lower surface or the second side.

[0088] The cover (1) can be manufactured in a shape corresponding to the shape of the container's inlet, etc., so as to be able to cover the container. According to Fig. 1, the cover body (11) can have a structure in which one end protrudes laterally, like the number '7'. In addition, a hole (10) can be formed within the cover body (11) on the other end.

[0089] Specifically, the cover body (11) can be divided into a first region (11-1) in which a hole is formed, a second region (11-2) narrower than the first region (11-1), and a third region (11-3) connected to the second region (11-2) and wider than the first region (11-1). The cover body (11) can have a structure in which the first to third regions (11-1, 11-2, 11-3) are formed integrally.

[0090] In Fig. 3, the part where the first region (11-1) and the second region (11-2) meet may have a rounded shape.

[0091] In Fig. 3, the hole (10) is depicted as circular, but the hole (10) may also be manufactured as a polygonal structure. The hole (10) can accommodate a rotating part, such as a cap.

[0092] The hole (10) may be formed to penetrate while being sunken from the first surface of the cover body (11) toward the second surface opposite to the first surface. The side surface of the hole (10) may be tapered with a certain curvature. A plurality of protrusions (12) may be formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the opening of the hole (10) formed in the second surface direction. When the cap rotates while covering the hole (10) in the first surface direction, the protrusions (12) can support the cap and prevent the cap from being separated.

[0093] In Fig. 3, the cover (1) may have a shape in which each corner is gently rounded. This can prevent the body from being injured by being hit by the corner.

[0094] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the cover (1) may include a handle portion (14). The handle portion (14) may be formed integrally with the cover body (11) in a form that protrudes from the third region (11-3).

[0095] In Fig. 4, the handle portion (14) is shown in a protruding shape at a point parallel to the second surface of the cover. The user can open the container by holding the handle portion (14) and lifting the cover (1) toward the first surface. The shape and number of the handle portions (14) can be modified in various ways depending on the shape of the cover (1), etc.

[0096] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container (220) and the cover (1) when separated.

[0097] In Fig. 5, the configuration of a container section (220) is shown in which a first area (227) for containing detergent and a second area (228) for containing laundry additive are arranged in parallel.

[0098] According to Fig. 5, a case is shown in which a cover (1) is implemented in a structure that covers the first area (227) on the upper side of the first area (227) of the container (220).

[0099] In Fig. 5, the cover (1) can be attached to the first area (227) by combining with the edge portion of the opening of the first area (227), and can be easily detached from the first area (227) as needed.

[0100] In Fig. 5, detergent or laundry additive can be injected through the hole (10) in the cover (1). In addition, the hole (10) in the cover (1) can be opened and closed with a cap, thereby preventing detergent or laundry additive from leaking out.

[0101] The cover (1) includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion so as to be easily coupled with the first region (227). The first protrusion is formed along the edge of the cover body (11) on the second surface of the cover body, and may be a portion protruding from the second surface of the cover body. The second protrusion may be a portion protruding from a position spaced a certain distance inward from the first protrusion on the second surface of the cover body. A space may be formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. This space is a space into which the edge of the opening of the container portion (220) is inserted.

[0102] That is, when a downward force is applied while the second side of the cover (1) is positioned so as to face the upper side of the container part (220) as shown in Fig. 5, the cover (1) can be combined with the container as the edge of the opening of the container part (220) is inserted into the space between the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the cover body (11).

[0103] Meanwhile, a sealing portion may be formed in at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The sealing portion is configured to seal between the container portion (220) and the first and second protrusions (21, 23) when the container portion (220) is coupled within the space between the first and second protrusions (21, 23), thereby preventing the detergent or laundry additive from leaking. The sealing portion may be made of a different material from other components within the cover (1). For the convenience of explanation, the material used as the sealing portion is referred to as the first material, and the material used in the other parts is referred to as the second material. The first material may be selected as a material that is flexible or has high elasticity compared to the second material.

[0104] Meanwhile, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the remaining parts of the cover (1) except for the sealing part are described as being made of the same material, but this is not necessarily limited to the case, and at least one of the cover body (11), the first protrusion, and the second protrusion may be made of a different material.

[0105] To integrally form a cover (1) made of different materials, an insert injection process can be used. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a cover (1) manufactured through an insert injection process. Specifically, the manufacturer of the cover (1) can manufacture a cover (1) including a sealing portion made of a first material by inserting parts of a first material for forming a sealing portion into a mold and then injecting a second material in a liquid state into the mold.

[0106] However, it is not limited thereto, and the cover (1) may be manufactured by various processes such as overmolding, two-shot injection molding, co-injection, laminating, or composite molding.

[0107] The location and shape of the sealing portion may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0108] Figures 6 to 10 are drawings for explaining various shapes of the sealing portion.

[0109] Figures 6 to 10 show various modifications based on an enlarged cross-sectional view of part 'A' of Figure 2.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the first protrusion (21) is formed to protrude from the edge on the second surface of the cover body (11). The first protrusion (21) may be formed continuously along the edge. In FIGS. 6 to 10, a structure protruding directly from the edge is illustrated, but alternatively, a structure may be formed to protrude toward the second surface from a point slightly inward from the edge.

[0111] Additionally, the second protrusion (23) can be raised at a position spaced a certain distance inward from the first protrusion (21) on one side of the cover body (11). Accordingly, a space into which the container (3) can be inserted can be formed.

[0112] In FIGS. 6 to 10, the case where the height of the first protrusion (21) located on the outside is higher than the height of the second protrusion (23) is illustrated, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the heights of the first and second protrusions (21, 23) may be the same, or the second protrusion (23) may be formed higher. In the present disclosure, the height may be the length by which each protrusion protrudes from one surface of the cover body.

[0113] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the sealing portion (25) is manufactured in a form that covers the first protrusion (21). That is, the sealing portion (25) can be formed in a portion including the space-side area, i.e., the inner area, among the outer surfaces of the first protrusion (21).

[0114] As it is manufactured by insert injection, the surface of the sealing portion (25) may be smoothly connected to the surrounding portion of the cover body (11) without a step, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, it may be manufactured in a structure that covers the surfaces of the first and second protrusions (21, 23) of the cover body (11), so that a step may be created.

[0115] As described above, the sealing portion (25) can be made of a different material from the rest of the components.

[0116] For example, the sealing portion (25) may be made of a flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sealing portion (25) may be made of a material such as silicone rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0117] In FIGS. 6 to 10, the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23) may be made of polypropylene. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23) may be made of high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, or the like. In addition, the remaining portions of the cover body (11) excluding the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23) may also be made of the same material.

[0118] Fig. 7 shows a state in which the first protrusion (21) is exposed as is and a sealing portion (25) is formed on the outer surface of the second protrusion (23). In Fig. 5, the sealing portion (25) is shown to be manufactured in a form that completely covers the outer surface of the second protrusion (23), but it is not necessarily limited to this, and it may be formed in an area that comes into contact with the container, that is, an area on the space side of the outer surface of the second protrusion (23).

[0119] Fig. 8 shows a case where it is formed on the bottom surface of the space formed between the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23). Fig. 8 shows a state where not only the bottom surface of the space but also a part of the first protrusion (21) and a part of the second protrusion (23) are formed together.

[0120] Fig. 9 illustrates a case where the sealing portion (25) is divided into several places and manufactured in multiple pieces. According to Fig. 9, the sealing portion (25) includes a first sealing portion formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the first protrusion (21) and a second sealing portion formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion (23).

[0121] Fig. 10 shows a case where the sealing portion (25) is formed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the first protrusion (21), the bottom surface of the space formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion (23).

[0122] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, the formation location of the sealing portion (25) can be varied. Although not illustrated, a plurality of sealing portions may be formed to cover the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23), respectively. In addition, in the various examples described above, a structure in which one space is formed by two protrusions, such as the first and second protrusions (21, 23), and is combined with the container has been described, but the number of protrusions may be three or more, and the number of sealing portions may also be varied.

[0123] When replenishing detergent or laundry aid, the user typically opens the cover (1) by holding a portion of the cover (1) and lifting it upward. Therefore, bending occurs between the portion of the cover (1) that the user has gripped and the remaining portion, which applies stress. If the entire cover (1) is made of a flexible material, cracks may occur due to this stress. On the other hand, if the cover (1) is made integrally of a material such as LDPE as in the past, it is difficult to open and close the cover (1) and there is a problem that the sealing is not properly formed. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by forming a sealing portion (25) as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, it is possible to facilitate opening and closing while preventing leakage of detergent or laundry aid, and also to prevent cracking of the cover (1) due to stress during the opening and closing process.

[0124] That is, when the edge of the opening of the container is inserted into the space between the protrusions (21, 23), the sealing portion (25) is compressed, thereby increasing the airtightness. Accordingly, the detergent or laundry aid contained in the container can be prevented from leaking out.

[0125] In addition, unlike the sealing portion (25), the cover body (11) and the first protrusion (21) and the second protrusion (23) are made of a rigid material, so that the risk of damage to the cover (1) during the process of separating or mounting the cover (1) can be minimized.

[0126] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 6 to 10, a case in which a sealing portion is formed on the second surface side of the cover (1) is described, but the sealing portion may also be formed on the first surface side of the cover (1).

[0127] That is, as described above, when the cover (1) includes a hole (10) and the hole (10) has a structure that is opened and closed by a cap, a sealing portion may be additionally formed in the area surrounding the hole (10) to increase the airtightness when the cap is closed.

[0128] Fig. 11 shows an example of the configuration of a hole according to this embodiment.

[0129] Specifically, according to FIG. 11, the first region (11-1) and hole (10) of the cover body (11) may have the characteristics of polypropylene material.

[0130] In Fig. 11, the side of the hole (10) can be tapered with a certain curvature.

[0131] A cap can be accommodated in the tapered side portion. Accordingly, a cap sealing portion (13) can be formed in the portion that comes into contact with the cap, i.e., on the outer surface of the tapered side portion.

[0132] Alternatively, a cap sealing portion may be additionally formed on a plurality of protrusions (12) formed in the hole (10). The cap sealing portion (13) is configured to seal between the cap and the hole (10), and, like the sealing portion described above, may be made of a material having flexible properties. Specifically, it may be made of one of the materials such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0133] Meanwhile, in the above-described examples, the sealing portion is depicted and described as having a smooth surface, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and the surface of the sealing portion may include various patterns.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a cut-away portion of a cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 12, the sealing portion (25) is formed on the outer surface of the second protrusion (23). Fig. 12 shows a state in which the second protrusion (23) is manufactured in a structure in which the height is higher than the height of the first protrusion (21).

[0136] According to Fig. 12, the sealing portion (25) further includes a plurality of embossing protrusions protruding from the sealing portion (25) within the space. Fig. 12 shows a structure in which two embossing protrusions are arranged in parallel with a certain distance between them vertically and extend long along the longitudinal direction of the space on the outer surface of the sealing portion (25). Although Fig. 12 illustrates a bar-shaped embossing protrusion, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the shape of the embossing protrusion may be modified in various ways.

[0137] When an embossing protrusion is provided, the sealing portion (25) can be further enhanced in a state where it is combined with the container. In Fig. 12, a structure in which the sealing portion (25) is formed only on the second protrusion (23) is illustrated, but as described above, the sealing portion (25) can be formed in various locations, and in each embodiment, at least one embossing protrusion can be formed on the sealing portion (25).

[0138] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover of a container containing detergent or laundry aid can be manufactured using different materials depending on the portion. For example, a sealing portion made of an elastic material can be placed in the portion connected to the container or cap, and other parts of the cover body can be manufactured using a rigid material. This structure facilitates the opening and closing of the cover while increasing its rigidity, thereby preventing cracks from occurring. Consequently, the detergent or laundry aid can be prevented from leaking into the dispensing device or the entire washing machine.

[0139] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been individually described above, each embodiment does not necessarily have to be implemented alone, and the configuration of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0140] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, cabinet; A tub placed inside the above cabinet; a drum rotatably arranged inside the above tub; and It includes an input module for supplying detergent or laundry aid into the inside of the tub; The above input module is, A container for containing the above detergent or laundry aid and A cover that can be combined with the above container; The above cover, A cover body with a hole formed in one area; A first protrusion formed along an edge on one side of the cover body and protruding from one side of the cover body; A second protrusion protruding from one side of the cover body at a position spaced a certain distance inward from the first protrusion, thereby forming a space into which the container part is inserted; and A sealing portion for sealing the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the container portion within the space; The above sealing part, The cover body, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are made of a first material having a more flexible property than the second material. A washing machine, wherein the sealing portion, the cover body, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are formed through an insert injection process.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with flexible properties, A washing machine, wherein the cover body, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion are made of polypropylene.

3. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the height at which the first protrusion protrudes from one surface of the cover body is longer than the height at which the second protrusion protrudes from one surface of the cover body.

4. In paragraph 1, A washing machine, wherein the sealing portion is formed in an area on the space side among the outer surfaces of the first protrusion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part, A washing machine formed in an area on the space side among the outer surfaces of the second protrusions.

6. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part, A washing machine comprising a first sealing portion formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the first protrusion and a second sealing portion formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion.

7. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part, A washing machine formed on the bottom surface of the space formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

8. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part, A washing machine, wherein the outer surface of the first protrusion is formed over at least a portion of the bottom surface of the space formed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion.

9. In paragraph 1, It further includes a cap sealing portion arranged in a tapered shape with a certain curvature on the side of the above hole, The above cap sealing part is a washing machine made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with flexible properties.

10. In paragraph 1, The above sealing part, formed on the outer surface of at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion toward the space, The above sealing part, A washing machine comprising at least one embossed protrusion extending along the space in a protruding form from the sealing portion within the space.

11. In paragraph 10, A washing machine, wherein the height at which the second protrusion protrudes from one side of the cover body is longer than the height at which the first protrusion protrudes from one side of the cover body.

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