LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2022/020103, filed on Dec. 12, 2022, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Patent Application No. 10-2022-0171922, filed in the Republic of Korea on Dec. 9, 2022, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, and more particularly to a laundry treatment apparatus including a storage adapted to store detergent therein.

BACKGROUND ART

A laundry treatment apparatus is an apparatus capable of performing a washing course of eliminating contaminants from clothes, bedclothes and the like (referred to hereinafter as a laundry) introduced into a drum. The laundry treatment apparatus is capable of performing a rinsing course, a dewatering course, a spin-drying course and the like, in addition to the washing course.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a cabinet defining the appearance of the apparatus, and a drum rotatably provided in the tub so as to receive laundry therein.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a detergent supply adapted to introduce detergent into the tub or the drum in order to perform the washing course and the like. When the drum rotates in the state in which washing water and detergent are supplied to the inside of the tub, it is possible to eliminate contaminants from laundry by virtue of frictional action between the laundry and the drum, the washing water and the like.

The detergent supply may have a function of supplying detergent in order to enhance a washing effect. Here, the detergent may include all of materials capable of enhancing a washing effect, such as a laundry agent adapted to cause decomposition and separation of contaminants, a fabric softener adapted to enhance fabric softness of laundry and a bleaching agent adapted to improve color contamination of laundry. The detergent may include all of the form of solid (powder) and the form of liquid (liquid phase).

Korea unexamined patent publication No. 10-2020-0007549 discloses a laundry treatment apparatus including a conventional detergent supply. The conventional detergent supply includes a drawer configured to be drawn out of a cabinet, and a detergent path which is provided at the drawer to guide detergent to the tub. The above-mentioned conventional manual detergent supply is a type of detergent supply in which detergent introduced into the detergent path is supplied to the tub together with water.

However, because the conventional manual detergent supply is constructed such that a user directly introduces detergent before execution of every washing course, there is a difficulty in introducing a constant amount of detergent, and there is an inconvenience in that a user must introduce detergent every time.

In order to solve this problem, a detergent supply designed to automatically supply detergent during every washing course has been developed. Furthermore, a laundry treatment apparatus which is provided with the above-mentioned automatic detergent supply in addition to a conventional manual detergent supply so as to allow a user selectively to use one of the two detergent supplies has also been developed.

In the case in which an automatic detergent supply is additionally provided, there is a need to assure a space required to accommodate various components of the automatic detergent supply. However, a space for installation of the automatic detergent supply is limited in the laundry treatment apparatus, which is provided with the manual detergent supply and other components.

For example, considering user convenience in handling, although the automatic detergent supply may advantageously be disposed in an upper area of a cabinet, there may be a limitation on an installation space because a control panel and the like, which are manipulated by a user, is disposed at the upper portion of the cabinet.

Furthermore, in a top-loading laundry treatment apparatus in which an introduction opening through which laundry is introduced is provided on the upper surface of a cabinet, because the height of the upper end of a tub increases and an introduction opening for laundry and a door adapted to open and close the introduction opening are provided at the upper portion of the cabinet together with a control panel, compared to a front-loading type of laundry treatment apparatus in which an introduction opening is provided in the front surface of the cabinet, there may be tighter limitations on a space required for installation of the automatic detergent supply.

In order to solve such spatial limitations, a structure in which a storage container which requires a space for storage of detergent, among components of an automatic detergent supply, is exposed to the outside of the cabinet has been suggested.

Korea unexamined patent publication No. 10-2018-0080013 discloses a laundry treatment apparatus in which an automatic detergent supply including a detergent storage container which is exposed to the outside of the cabinet is installed.

The above-mentioned laundry treatment apparatus is constructed such that an automatic detergent supply is additionally provided to a conventional structure including a manual detergent supply and a detergent storage container adapted to store detergent therein is exposed to the outside of the cabinet for assurance of a space required for installation of the automatic detergent supply.

The detergent storage container may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet for efficient enlargement of a space, and may be removable from the cabinet for easy management.

The detergent storage container may include a detergent introduction opening, through which detergent is introduced, and a storage cap adapted to open and close the detergent introduction opening. The storage cap may be rotatably configured so as to open and close the detergent introduction opening according to the rotating position thereof.

However, intense or light vibration may be generated throughout the overall cabinet when the drum rotates to treat laundry, and, furthermore, there is the possibility that the storage cap is separated from the detergent storage container due to breakage or deformation of the storage cap when the vibration becomes severe.

Furthermore, when the storage cap is overly rotated by a user or is unintentionally rotated beyond the allowable range, there is the possibility of causing breakage or deformation of the panel or the rotating shaft of the storage cap.

Accordingly, an important task in the laundry treatment apparatus field is to stably fix the storage cap to the detergent storage container in a rotatable manner during operation of the laundry treatment apparatus and to efficiently prevent breakage of the storage cap caused by abnormal pressure or rotation.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Task

Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently increasing a storage space for detergent.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which a storage body is enlarged and exposed to the outside of a cabinet in order to increase an amount of detergent storage.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently preventing separation of a storage cap provided in a detergent storage.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus which is constructed so as to allow the storage cap to be stably coupled and separated.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently preventing breakage or deformation of the storage cap.

Technical Solutions

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a storage having a detergent introduction opening and a storage cap adapted to open and close the detergent introduction opening.

The storage cap may include a plurality of storage caps which are disposed in a line, and shaft members of the storage caps may extend away from adjacent storage caps. Accordingly, the plurality of storage caps prevent movement toward each other, thereby making it possible to prevent separation of the shaft members.

A first storage cap and a second storage cap are disposed such that the distance between the first storage cap and the second storage cap is less than a length by which the shaft members are inserted, thereby preventing the plurality of storage caps from being moved toward each other and preventing separation of the shaft members.

The laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a tub, the storage, and the storage cap.

The cabinet may include a top cover having an introduction opening. The tub may be provided in the cabinet so as to store water therein, and may include a tub opening facing the introduction opening.

The storage may be provided at the top cover so as to be exposed at at least a portion thereof to the outside of the cabinet, and may include the detergent introduction opening through which detergent is introduced. The storage caps may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in one direction, and may be rotated about the plurality of shaft members so as to open and close the detergent introduction opening.

The storage cap may include a plurality of storage caps, that is, a first storage cap and a second storage cap which are disposed adjacent to each other in the one direction, and the shaft member of the first storage cap and the shaft member of the second storage cap may be inserted into and coupled to the storage in a direction away from each other.

A distance between the first storage cap and the second storage cap may be less than a length by which the shaft member is inserted into the storage.

The detergent introduction opening may include a plurality of detergent introduction openings, that is, a first detergent introduction opening and a second detergent introduction opening which are disposed adjacent to each other in the one direction, and the first storage cap may open and close the first detergent introduction opening while the second storage cap may open and close the second detergent introduction opening.

The storage may include a storage body which includes the detergent introduction opening and to which the storage cap is coupled. The storage body may include a plurality of storage bodies, that is, a first storage body and a second storage body which are disposed adjacent to each other in the one direction.

The shaft member of the first storage cap may be coupled to the first storage body, and the shaft member of the second storage cap may be coupled to the second storage body.

The storage may further include an installation unit which is provided at the top cover and to which the storage body is coupled in the one direction. The first storage body and the second storage body may be moved close to each other in the one direction and are coupled to the installation unit.

The installation unit may extend in a width direction of the cabinet, and the first storage body and the second storage body may be moved in the width direction and may be coupled to the installation unit.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a door which is rotatably coupled to the top cover so as to open and close the introduction opening, and the first storage body and the second storage may be positioned behind the door.

The plurality of shaft members provided at the first storage cap may project in a direction away from the second storage cap, and the plurality of shaft members provided at the second storage cap may project in a direction away from the first storage cap.

The storage may include a shaft receiver into which the shaft member is inserted, and a distance between the first storage cap and the second storage cap may be less than a distance from an insertion start point of the shaft member, which is defined at the shaft receiver, to a distal end of the shaft member.

The storage cap may include a plurality of shaft bases from which the shaft members project, the plurality of shaft bases may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the one direction, and the plurality of shaft members may project from respective ones of the plurality of shaft bases in the same direction.

The shaft members of the first storage cap may project from the shaft bases in a direction away from the second storage cap, and the shaft members of the second storage cap may project from the shaft bases in a direction away from the first storage cap.

The storage cap may further include a cap panel adapted to cover the detergent introduction opening, the shaft bases may extend away from the cap panel, and the shaft members may be disposed at extended ends of the shaft bases.

The storage may include through holes through which the shaft members extend, and at least one of the plurality of shaft members may include a separation inhibitor which is provided at a projecting end thereof and which projects in a diametrical direction of the through hole.

At least one of the plurality of shaft members may be divided at at least a portion thereof including the end into a plurality of segments by means of a separation groove which extends in the one direction. The separation inhibitor may be provided at at least one of the plurality of segments.

The storage may further include a separation promotor adapted to press the separation inhibitor at a maximum rotational position of the storage cap to reduce a distance between the plurality of segments.

The separation promotor may come into contact with the separation inhibitor at a point on a rotational periphery of the separation inhibitor corresponding to a maximum rotation position of the storage cap.

Advantageous Effects

Embodiments of the present disclosure are able to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently increasing a storage space for detergent.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which a storage body is enlarged and exposed to the outside of a cabinet in order to increase an amount of detergent storage.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently preventing separation of a storage cap provided in a detergent storage.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to provide a laundry treatment apparatus which is constructed so as to allow the storage cap to be stably coupled and separated.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure are able to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently preventing breakage or deformation of the storage cap.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the laundry treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in which an introduction opening is open;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a top cover of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the storage body and the installation unit, which are provided at the top cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a detergent passage of the storage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the connection relationships between the storage body and a detergent pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the storage body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a view of the storage body shown in FIG. 8 when viewed from the rear;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a procedure in which a storage cap is separated from a storage main body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating disposition of a first storage body and a second storage body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating disposition of a first storage cap and a second storage cap and a direction in which a shaft member extends, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the storage cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a plurality of shaft members provided at the storage cap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the storage body in the state in which the storage cap is maximally rotated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the shaft member in the state in which the storage cap closes a detergent introduction opening, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the shaft member in the state in which the storage cap is maximally rotated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure.

However, the present disclosure may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present disclosure, components not related to the description are omitted, and similar components are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the specification.

In this specification, redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

It will be understood that, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the element can be directly connected or coupled to the other element and an intervening element may also be present therebetween. In contrast, in this specification, it will be understood that, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present therebetween.

The terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, as used herein, a singular form may encompass the plural form unless context dictates otherwise.

In this specification, it will be further understood that the terms “comprise”, “have”, etc., specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, in this specification, the term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of the plurality of related listed items. In this specification, “A or B” may include “A”, “B”, or “both A and B.”.

FIG. 1 illustrates a laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates the state in which a door 110 of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 is rotated to open an introduction opening 101.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may define the appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus 1, and may define therein a space in which a tub 20 and a drum 300, which will be described later, are accommodated.

The cabinet 10 may include a cabinet body 15, which has the form of an approximate hexahedron and has a space adapted to accommodate the tub 20, the drum 30 and the like, and a top cover 100 adapted to cover the upper open surface of the cabinet body 15.

The cabinet body 15 may include a plurality of panels. For example, the cabinet body 15 may include at least one of a front panel, a rear panel, a side panel, and a lower panel.

The cabinet body 15 may be constructed so as to be open at the upper surface thereof, and the top cover 100 may be disposed on the upper open surface. The top cover 100 may be coupled to the cabinet body 15 to define the cabinet 10.

Here, the cabinet 10 may include the top cover 100 equipped with the introduction opening 101. In other words, the introduction opening 101 may be formed in the top cover 100 so as to allow laundry to be introduced thereinto. Specifically, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a top-loading laundry treatment apparatus 1 in which the introduction opening 101 is open upwards and the rotational axis of the drum 30 is perpendicular to the ground surface. However, an embodiment of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the top-loading laundry treatment apparatus.

The introduction opening 101 may be an opening formed through the top cover 100, and may be in communication with the inside of the cabinet 10. A user may introduce laundry into the cabinet 10 through the introduction opening 101. The door 110 may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 100, and the door 110 may open and close the introduction opening 101 according to a rotated state thereof.

The top cover 100 may include a front portion 120 and a rear portion 130. The front portion 120 may be defined in the front of the door 110, and the rear portion 130 may be defined in the rear of the door 110.

The front portion 120 of the top cover 100 may be provided with a control panel 50. The control panel 50 may include an output unit adapted to provide a user with information in various manners, and an input unit adapted to receive command inputs from a user in various manners.

The rear portion 130 of the top cover 100 may be provided with a storage 200. The storage 200 may be provided at the top cover 100 so as to be exposed to the outside at at least a portion thereof. Furthermore, the storage 200 may include a space adapted to store detergent therein.

The storage 200 may be constructed so as to project upwards from the top cover 100 at at least a portion thereof. Consequently, it is possible to efficiently assure a space adapted to store detergent. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the storage 200, which projects upwards from the top cover 100, the direction in which the storage 200 projects is not necessarily limited to the upward direction.

The storage 200 may be an automatic detergent supply device. In other words, the storage 200 may be designed to supply a predetermined amount of detergent that is previously stored by a user, to the tub 20 during every washing course.

For convenience in use of the storage 200, it is important to assure a detergent storage capacity of the storage 200. An embodiment of the present disclosure is able to efficiently increase the space adapted to store detergent by projecting the storage 200 outwards from the top cover 100.

Here, the storage 200 may include an installation unit 240 and a storage body 210, which will be described later. The storage body 210 may include a space adapted to store detergent therein, and may be detachable from the installation unit 240.

The storage body 210 may be moved in a direction parallel to the ground surface and be detachably mounted on the installation unit 240 so as to efficiently increase a fixing force with respect to the installation unit 240.

When the storage body 210 is coupled to the installation unit 240 in a direction perpendicular to the ground surface, it may be liable to be subjected to a separation phenomenon of the storage body 210 caused by vibration or the like of the laundry treatment apparatus 1, and the depth to which the storage body 210 is inserted may increase in order to stably secure the storage body 210.

Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently decrease the depth to which the storage body 210 is inserted by allowing the storage body 210 to be moved parallel to the ground surface, and is possible to stably secure the storage body 210 by virtue of sliding coupling or the like.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage body 210 may be moved in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10 so as to prevent interference with operation of the door 110 which is disposed in front thereof. In other words, the storage body 210 may be moved in the width direction Y and then be coupled to or separated from the installation unit 240.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates the interior of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cabinet 10 may be provided therein with the tub 20 and the drum 30. The tub 20 may receive water therein, and may include a tub opening 22 which is open toward the introduction opening 101.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the introduction opening 101 may be located at the top cover 100, and the tub opening 22 in the tub 20 may also be open upwards. In other words, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure may be a top-loading type in which the axis of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 is perpendicular to the ground surface.

The drum 30 may be provided in the tub 20. The drum 30 may be rotatably provided in the tub 20, and may receive laundry therein. The drum 30 may include a drum opening 32 which is open toward the introduction opening 101.

Accordingly, laundry, which is introduced through the introduction opening 101, may be received in the drum 30 through the tub opening 22 and the drum opening 32. The tub 20 and the drum 30 may each have the form of a cylinder having an internal space, and the drum 30 may be provided in the peripheral surface thereof with a plurality of communication holes 31.

When water is stored in the tub 20, the drum 30 may share the water with the tub 20 because the water in the tub 20 is introduced into the drum 30 through the communication holes 31.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper portion of the cabinet 10, that is, the top cover 100 may be provided with the storage 200 and an internal storage 300. The top cover 100 may have a cover space which is formed in the rear portion 130 positioned behind the door 110. The cover space may be defined as a portion of the internal space in the cabinet 10.

The top cover 100 may be open such that the cover space is exposed upwards, and the storage 200 may include the installation unit 240 which is provided to cover the open surface of the cover space. The storage 200 may include the storage body 210 in which detergent is stored, and the storage body 210 may be mounted on the installation unit 240 above the top cover 100.

The internal storage 300 may be positioned in the cover space. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage 200 may be configured such that the detergent in the storage 200 is supplied to the tub 20 through the internal storage 300, or may be in communication with the tub 20 independent of the internal storage 300.

The internal storage 300 may receive detergent independent of the storage 200 provided in the top cover 100. The internal storage 300 may be formed through the peripheral surface around the introduction opening 101 in the top cover 100.

The internal storage 300 may be in communication with the inside of the tub 20 through the introduction opening 101. When the internal storage 300 is in communication with the storage 200, the detergent stored in the storage 200 may be transferred to the internal storage 300, and the internal storage 300 may supply the detergent stored therein together with the detergent transferred from the storage 200, to the inside of the tub 20.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a water supply 600 connected to an external water supply source outside the cabinet 10. The water supply 600 may be in communication with the tub 20 so as to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply 600 may be directly connected to the tub 20, or may be connected to the internal storage 300 so as to supply water to the tub 20 through the internal storage 300.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drive 40 and a pulsator 35. The drive 40 may be positioned under the tub 20, and may be connected to the drum 30 via a drive shaft passing through the tub 20. In other words, the drum 30 may be positioned in the tub 20, and may receive rotative force from the drive 40 via the drive shaft.

The drum 30 may be provided on the bottom thereof with a rotating unit. The rotating unit may be provided so as to cover at least a portion of the bottom surface of the drum 30 from above, and may rotate in conjunction with or independently of the drum 30.

The rotating unit may be connected to the drive 40. The drive 40 may include a transmission and the like, and the drive shaft may include a solid shaft and a hollow shaft which are connected to the transmission. One of the solid shaft and the hollow shaft may be connected to the drum, and the other of the solid shaft and the hollow shaft may be connected to the rotating unit.

The cabinet 10 may be provided therein with a suspension 25 adapted to support the tub 20 by the cabinet 10. The suspension 25 may include an elastic body and the like in order to reduce vibration transmitted from the tub 20.

Accordingly, since the vibration, which is generated by the drum 30 or the drive 40 and is transmitted via the tub 20, is reduced by virtue of the suspension 25, it is possible to reduce an amount of vibration transmitted to the cabinet 10.

Furthermore, a water discharge 700 may be connected to the tub 20. Consequently, washing water containing contaminants generated during washing course may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 10 from the tub 20 through the water discharge 700.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 illustrates the top cover 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure which is provided with the storage body 210 and a drawer 340 of the internal storage 300. FIG. 5 illustrates the state in which the storage body 210 and the drawer 340 are separated from the top cover 100 shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover 100 may include the storage 200 and the internal storage 300. When the internal storage 300 is included, the storage 200 including the storage body 210 may also be defined as an external storage 200.

The internal storage 300 may be provided in the cabinet 10 so as to be shielded by the outside, and the storage body 210 included in the storage 200 may be exposed to the outside so as to allow a user to see the storage body 210 and the like with the naked eyes from the outside.

The control panel 50 may be positioned at the front portion 120 of the top cover 100, and the storage 200 and the internal storage 300 may be provided at the rear portion 130. The storage 200 may be disposed above a rear space 140, and the internal storage 300 may be disposed in the rear space 140.

The storage 200 may include the installation unit 240 and the storage body 210, and the installation unit 240 may be provided at the top cover 100 so as to communicate with the tub 20. The storage body 210 may be detachably coupled to the installation unit 240, and may store detergent therein.

The installation unit 240 may be provided at the top cover 100, and may be coupled to the top cover so as to define a portion of the appearance of the top cover 100. The top cover 100 may include the rear space 140, which has previously been described, and the installation unit 240 may be provided so as to cover the open surface of the rear space 140. Here, the installation unit 240 may be defined as a portion of the top cover 100.

The storage body 210 may be configured to project upwards from the top cover 100, and may be separated from the installation unit 240. The storage body 210 may include a storage main body 213 adapted to store detergent therein. The storage main body 213 may include a detergent introduction opening 216 through which detergent is introduced by a user.

The storage main body 213 may be provided with a storage cap 214. The storage cap 214 may be rotatably provided at the storage main body 213, and may open and close the detergent introduction opening 216 depending on a rotated state thereof.

A user may separate the storage body 210 from the installation unit 240 for washing or introduction of detergent. However, washing and introduction of detergent may also be performed even in the state in which the storage body 210 is coupled to the installation unit 240.

The installation unit 240 may be provided with a seating surface 252 on which the storage body 210 is seated. The storage body 210 may be positioned on the seating surface 252 so as to be coupled to the installation unit 240. The installation unit 240 may include a coupling pipe 242, which is inserted into the storage body 210 so as to communicate with the inside of the storage body 210.

When the storage body 210 is coupled to the installation unit 240, the coupling pipe 242 may be inserted into the storage body 210 so as to constitute a portion of a passage through which detergent flows.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage body 210 of the storage 200 may include a plurality of storage bodies. For example, the storage body 210 may include a plurality of storage bodies, that is, a first storage body 211 and a second storage body 212.

All of the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be detachably coupled to the installation unit 240. The installation unit 240 may include a plurality of seating surfaces 252 on which the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 are respectively seated.

The first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may include different spaces adapted to store detergent. Thus, different kinds of detergent may be stored in the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212. The first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may include the detergent introduction opening 216 and the storage cap 214, respectively.

The installation unit 240 may include a central portion 241, which is disposed in the approximate center in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10. The central portion 241 may be configured to project upwards with respect to the seating surface 252.

Seating surfaces may be disposed at opposite sides of the central portion 241 in the width direction Y. Consequently, the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may respectively be positioned at opposite sides of the central portion of the installation unit 240. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of storage bodies 210 including the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be aligned with each other in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10.

The plurality of storage bodies 210 may be aligned with each other in the direction in which the storage bodies 210 are coupled. Specifically, the plurality of storage bodies 210 may be coupled to and separated from the installation unit 240 in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10, and may be disposed in a line in the width direction Y.

The central portion 241 may serve as a stopper adapted to limit the distance that the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 are moved so as to be coupled in the width direction Y. For example, the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be moved to the central portion 241 from opposite sides of the central portion 241 in the width direction Y, and may be brought into contact with the central portion 241 and be coupled to the installation unit 240.

Here, portions of the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be disposed on the central portion 241 and be supported thereby, and the remaining portions of the storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be disposed on the seating surface 252 and be supported thereby.

The internal storage 300 may include the drawer 340. The drawer 340 may be drawn out of the rear space 140 or be put into the rear space 140. A user may introduce detergent into the drawer 340, and may then put the drawer 340 storing the detergent into the rear space 140.

A portion of the peripheral surface of the top cover 100 around the introduction opening may be open, and thus the drawer 340 may be put into and drawn out of the rear space 140 through the portion of the peripheral surface around the introduction opening.

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 illustrates a passage, which is defined by coupling the installation unit 240 and through which detergent flows. FIG. 7 illustrates the storage body 210 and the internal storage 300, which are connected to each other via the passage.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the installation unit 240 may include the coupling pipe 242 connected to the storage body 210 coupled to the installation unit 240, and an outflow pipe 410 connected to the coupling pipe 242.

The detergent stored in the storage body 210 may be discharged and flow from the storage body 210 through the coupling pipe 242 and the outflow pipe 410. The outflow pipe 410 may connect the coupling pipe 242 to a detergent pump 400. In other words, the detergent discharged from the storage body 210 may be supplied to the detergent pump 400 through the outflow pipe 410.

The detergent pump 400 may be configured to pump the detergent stored in the storage body 210. Similar to the storage body 210, the detergent pump 400 may include a plurality of detergent pumps. For example, the plurality of detergent pumps 400 may include a first detergent pump 401 connected to the first storage body 211 and a second detergent pump 402 connected to the second storage body 212.

The detergent pump 400 may be provided in the rear space 140 in the top cover 100. Consequently, the plurality of detergent pumps 400 may be shielded from the outside, and may be aligned with each other in the width direction Y of cabinet 10.

Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pump control module 510, which is connected to the plurality of detergent pumps 400 so as to control operation of the plurality of detergent pumps 400.

The pump control module 510 may control the detergent pump 400 according to a preset standard to supply a certain amount of detergent to the tub 20 during execution of washing course. The pump control module 510 may be connected to a main control module or the control panel 50 of the front portion 120 via an electrical wire extending along the side lateral portion of the top cover 100.

Each of the coupling pipe 242 and the outflow pipe 410 may be composed of a pair, and may be connected to one of the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212. The coupling pipes 242 may project from the central portion 241 in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10.

One of the coupling pipes 242 may project in one direction of the width direction Y from the central portion 241, and the other of the coupling pipes 242 may project in the opposite direction of the width direction Y from the central portion 241. The first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be moved toward the central portion 241 from opposite sides of the width direction Y, and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240.

The first storage body 211 may include a facing end 2112 and a facing surface 2113 disposed on the facing end 2112, and the second storage body 212 may include a facing end 2122 and a facing surface 2123, which face the first storage body 211.

The facing end 2112 and the facing surface 2113 of the first storage body 211 may be disposed so as to face the second storage body 212, and the facing end 2122 and the facing surface 2123 of the second storage body 212 may be disposed so as to face the first storage body 211.

The facing end 2112 of the first storage body 211 and the facing end 2122 of the second storage body 212 may be positioned on the central portion 241, and may be supported by the central portion 241. The facing surface 2113 of the first storage body 211 and the facing surface 2123 of the second storage body 212 may be disposed on the central portion 241 so as to face each other.

The detergent pump 400 may be connected to the internal storage 300 via a detergent pipe 420. In other words, detergent outflowing from the storage body 210 may be supplied to the internal storage 300 via the coupling pipe 242, the outflow pipe 410, the detergent pump 400, and the detergent pipe 420. The internal storage 300 may include a receiving case 310 disposed in the rear space 140 of the top cover 100, and the detergent pipe 420 may connect the detergent pump 400 and the receiving case 310 to each other.

Consequently, the detergent stored in the storage body 210 may be transferred to the internal storage 300. The receiving case 310 of the internal storage 300 may be configured to receive the drawer 340 in which detergent is stored.

The rear portion 130 of the top cover 100 may be provided with the water supply 600. The water supply 600 may include a water supply valve 610 adapted to intermit or allow flow of water, and a water supply pipe 620 through which water flows. The water supply pipe 620 may connect the water supply valve 610 to the receiving case 310 of the internal storage 300.

The receiving case 310 may include therein a water diffuser 370 adapted to increase a diffusing area of water transferred from the water supply 600. The drawer 340 may be positioned below the water diffuser 370 in the receiving case 310 such that the water transferred through the water diffuser 370 is supplied to the drawer 340.

The receiving case 310 may be open toward the introduction opening 101, and the water supplied to the receiving case 310 and the detergent in the storage body 210 may be discharged to the introduction opening 101 together with the detergent in the drawer 340, and may thus be supplied to the inside of the tub 20.

FIG. 8 illustrates the storage body 210 coupled to the installation unit 240. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage 200 may be provided at the top cover 100 such that at least a portion of the storage 200 is exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10, and may include the detergent introduction opening 216 through which detergent is introduced.

The detergent introduction opening 216 may be formed in the storage main body 213, and may be positioned on the upper surface of the storage main body 213 for easy introduction of detergent. Through the detergent introduction opening 216, the inside and the outside of the storage main body 213 may communicate with each other.

The storage cap 214 may be coupled to the storage main body 213. The storage cap 214 may be rotated about a shaft member 2144. The storage cap 214 may be coupled to the storage main body 213, and may open and close the detergent introduction opening 216 according to a rotated state thereof.

For example, the storage cap 214 may be rotated so as to be brought into close contact with the detergent introduction opening 216 and thus to close the detergent introduction opening 216. Meanwhile, the storage cap 214 may be rotated far away from the detergent introduction opening 216 so as to open the detergent introduction opening 216.

The storage body 210 may be moved from the installation unit 240 in the width direction Y and may be coupled thereto. The facing end 202 of the storage body 210 may face toward the central portion 241 of the installation unit 240, and the facing surface 203 of the storage body 210 may be positioned on the central portion 241.

A detergent valve 225 may be provided at a storage bottom portion 220 of the storage body 210, and the coupling pipe 242 of the installation unit 240 may be inserted into the detergent valve 225. The coupling pipe 242 may be inserted into the detergent valve 225 in the width direction Y.

FIG. 9 illustrates the storage body 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the rear.

The shaft member 2144 of the storage cap 214 may be coupled to the storage main body 213. The storage body 210 may include a shaft receiver 2105 to which the shaft member 2144 is coupled. The shaft receiver 2105 may be positioned at the rear side of the storage body 210.

The storage cap 214 may include a shaft base 2143 which is positioned close to the shaft receiver 2105, and the shaft member 2144 may project from the shaft base 2143. The storage cap 214 may be provided with a plurality of shaft bases 2143 and a plurality of shaft members 2144.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage body 210 may include a variable protrusion 217 and a variable button 218. The variable protrusion 217 may be movably configured such that a length by which the variable protrusion 217 projects from the storage main body 213 is variable, and the variable button 218 may be configured so as to be operated in conjunction with the variable protrusion 217.

The variable button 218 may be exposed to the outside of the storage body 210. Accordingly, a user may control whether or not to couple the storage body 210 to the installation unit 240 by manipulating the variable button 218 and thus varying the amount by the variable protrusion 217 projects.

FIG. 10 illustrates a procedure in which the storage cap 214 is separated from the storage body 210, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 10, the shaft member 2144 of the storage cap 214 may be coupled to the storage body 210, and the storage cap 214 may be rotated about the shaft member 2144 so as to open and close the detergent introduction opening 216. The detergent introduction opening 216 may be positioned at the upper surface of the storage body 210.

The storage cap 214 may include a cap panel 2149 adapted to be rotated about the shaft member 2144. The cap panel 2149 may be rotated about the shaft member 2144 so as to cover the upper surface of the storage body 210. In other words, the cap panel 2149 may constitute at least a portion of the upper surface of the storage body 210 in the state of closing the detergent introduction opening 216.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, the storage cap 214 may be moved from the storage body 210 in one direction, and thus the shaft member 2144 may be separated from the shaft receiver 2105 of the storage body 210. The one direction may be a direction in which the storage body 210 slides, and may be the width direction Y of the cabinet 10.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage cap 214 may include a plurality of shaft bases 2143 and a plurality of shaft members 2144, and all of the shaft members 2144 may project in the same direction. For example, shaft members 2144 may extend from respective shaft bases 2143 in the one direction.

Consequently, when the storage cap 214 is moved from the storage body 210 in the one direction, the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the storage cap 214, may be collectively separated from the shaft receiver 2105 of the storage body 210.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 10, when the shaft members 2144 are separated from the storage body 210, the storage cap 214 may be moved such that the cap panel 2149 moves far away from the storage body 210. In other words, a user may move the storage cap 214 in the one direction and may then separate the storage cap 214 from the storage body 210.

Accordingly, when damage or deformation of the storage cap 214 occurs, a user or an operator may separate the storage body 210 from the installation unit 240, and may move the storage cap 214 from the storage body 210 in the one direction to separate the storage cap 214 from the storage body 210. In some cases, a user may however separate the storage cap 214 even in the state in which the storage cap 210 is mounted on the installation unit 240.

FIG. 11 illustrates disposition of the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212, which are to be mounted on the installation unit 240.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage cap 214 may be rotated about the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in one direction, so as to open and close the detergent introduction opening 216.

The shaft members 2144 may include a plurality of shaft members. Although the structure in which two shaft members 2144 are provided at a single storage cap 214 is shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The shaft members 2144 may extend in the one direction.

The storage cap 214 may include a first storage cap 2141 and second storage cap 2142. The first storage cap 2141 may be provided at one of a plurality of storage bodies 210, and the second storage cap 2142 may be provided at another of the plurality of storage bodies 210.

For example, the storage body 210 may include the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212, and the first storage cap 2141 may be provided at the first storage body 211 while the second storage cap 2142 may be provided at the second storage body 212.

The first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be disposed so as to be adjacent to each other in the one direction. The first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be disposed so as to face each other in the one direction, and may be disposed so as to be close to each other or be in contact or close contact with each other.

The shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 and the shaft members 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 may be inserted into and coupled to the storage 200 in directions away from each other. In other words, all of the plurality of shaft members 2144 provided at the first storage cap 2141 may be inserted into the storage 200 in a direction away from the second storage cap 2142, and the plurality of shaft members 2144 provided at the second storage cap 2142 may be inserted into the storage 200 in a direction away from the first storage cap 2141.

For example, the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be disposed in a line in one direction, and all of the shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may extend parallel to the one direction. The shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 may be inserted into the storage 200 in a direction opposite to the second storage cap 2142, and the shaft members 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 may be inserted into the storage 200 in a direction opposite to the first storage cap 2141.

For example, the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be arranged in the width direction Y. Based on the central portion 241 of the installation unit 240, the first storage body 211 may be disposed at one side in the width direction Y while the second storage body 212 may be disposed at the opposite side in the width direction Y.

The first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be positioned adjacent to each other in the width direction Y. The first storage cap 2141 may be positioned at one side in the width direction Y with respect to the second storage cap 2142, and the second storage cap 2142 may be positioned at the opposite side in the width direction Y with respect to the first storage cap 2141.

All of the shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may have a longitudinal direction parallel to the width direction Y. The plurality of shaft members 2144 provided at the first storage cap 2141 may project in a direction opposite to the second storage cap 2142, that is, toward one side in the width direction Y, and the plurality of shaft members 2144 provided at the second storage cap 2142 may project toward the opposite side in the width direction Y.

While the storage cap 214 provided at the storage body 210 is moved in one direction, the shaft members 2144 may be inserted into the storage body 210. The shaft members 2144 may project in a direction in which the storage cap 214 is coupled to the storage body 210. The shaft members 2144 may project in the direction opposite to a direction in which the storage cap 214 is separated from the storage body 210.

Specifically, the shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 must be moved toward the second storage cap 2142 in order to separate the shaft members 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 from the storage 200, and the shaft members 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 must be moved toward the first storage cap 2141 in order to separate the shaft members 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 from the storage 200.

Considering the structural relationships in which the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 are disposed adjacent to each other, the first storage cap 2141, which is positioned in a direction in which the second storage cap 2142 is separated, may prevent separation of the second storage cap 2142, and the second storage cap 2142, which is positioned in a direction in which the first storage cap 2141 is separated, may prevent separation of the first storage cap 2141.

Since an embodiment of the present disclosure is designed such that the shaft members 2144 of the storage caps 214 project and are inserted in opposite directions, the plurality of storage caps 214 may prevent separation with respect to each other.

This will be described from the storage body's 210 point of view as follows. The first storage body 211 may slide toward the second storage body 212 and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240, and the second storage body 212 may slide toward the first storage body 211 and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240.

The facing end 2112 of the first storage body 211 coupled to the installation unit 240 may be brought into close contact with the facing end 2122 of the second storage body 212, and the facing surface 2113 of the first storage body 211 may be brought into contact with the facing surface 2123 of the second storage body 212.

The insert direction W2 in which the shaft member 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 is inserted into the first storage body 211 may be opposite to the mounting direction W1 in which the first storage body 211 is mounted. In other words, the mounting direction W1 of the first storage body 211 and the separation direction of the first storage cap 2141 may be identical to each other.

Similarly, the insert direction W2 in which the shaft member 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 is inserted into the second storage body 212 may be opposite to the mounting direction W1 in which the second storage body 212 is mounted. In other words, the mounting direction of the second storage body 212 and the separation direction of the second storage cap 2142 may be identical to each other.

Because the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 slide and are then coupled in the state of being positioned close to each other, the second storage body 212 or the second storage cap 2142 may be positioned in the separation direction of the first storage cap 2141, and the first storage body 211 or the first storage cap 2141 may be positioned in the separation direction of the second storage cap 2142.

Accordingly, when the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 slide toward the central portion 241 of the installation unit 240 and are then coupled to the installation unit 240, because the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be positioned close to each other in the width direction Y and in the separation directions of the respective opposed storage caps, the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may prevent separation of respective opposed storage caps.

FIG. 12 illustrates the shaft base 2143 and the shaft member 2144, which are positioned at the facing end 2112 of the first storage body 211, and the shaft base 2143 and the shaft member 2144, which are positioned at the facing end 2122 of the second storage body 212.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance D1 between the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be less than the insertion length D2 by which the shaft member 2144 is inserted into the storage 200.

Here, the insertion length D2 of the shaft member 2144 may be defined as the distance between the insertion start point SP at which the shaft member 2144 begins to be inserted into the shaft receiver 2105 and the distal end EP of the shaft member 2144. In other words, in order to separate the shaft member 2144 from the shaft receiver 2105, the shaft member 2144 must be moved by the insertion length D2 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the shaft member 2144 is inserted.

Specifically, the storage 200 may include the shaft receiver 2105 through which the shaft member 2144 is inserted, and the distance D1 between the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be less than the distance D2 between the insertion start point SP of the shaft member 2144, which is defined at the shaft receiver 2105, and the distal end EP of the shaft member 2144.

The first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may be identical to each other in height above the ground surface. The one direction in which the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 are aligned with each other may be parallel to the ground surface.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, because the distance D1 between the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 is less than the insertion length D2 of the shaft member 2144, the first storage cap 2141 and the second storage cap 2142 may serve to prevent separation of the shaft members 2144 of respective opposed storage caps. The insertion length D2 of the first storage cap 2141 and the insertion length D2 of the second storage cap 2142 may be equal to each other.

In other words, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, because the mounting direction W1 of the storage body 210 is opposite to the projection direction W2 of the shaft member 2144, it is possible to efficiently prevent separation of the storage cap 214 while the storage body 210 is mounted.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detergent introduction opening 216 may include a plurality of detergent introduction openings, that is, a first detergent introduction opening 2161 and a second detergent introduction opening 2162, which are disposed adjacent to each other in the one direction.

The first storage cap 2141 may open and close the first detergent introduction opening 2161, and the second storage cap 2142 may open and close the second detergent introduction opening 2162. The first detergent introduction opening 2161 and the first storage cap 211 may be provided at the first storage body 211, and the second detergent introduction opening 2162 and the second storage cap 2142 may be provided at the second storage body 212.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage body 210 may include a plurality of storage bodies, that is, the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212, which are disposed adjacent to each other in one direction.

The shaft member 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 may be coupled to the first storage body 211, and the shaft member 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 may be coupled to the second storage body 212. The shaft member 2144 may be inserted into and coupled to the first storage body 211, or may be coupled to the first storage body 211 through the shaft receiver 2105.

The installation unit 240 of the storage 200 may be provided at the top cover 100, and the storage body 210 may be coupled to the installation unit 240 in the one direction. The first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be moved close to each other in the one direction, and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240.

The installation unit 240 may extend in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10, and the first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may be moved in the width direction Y and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240.

As described above, the top cover 100 may be provided with the door 110, which is rotatably coupled to the top cover 100 so as to open and close the introduction opening 101. The first storage body 211 and the second storage 200 may be positioned behind the door 110.

The first storage body 211 and the second storage body 212 may slide in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10 and may then be coupled to the installation unit 240 in order to avoid obstruction to rotation of the door 110 or structural interference with the door 110.

All of the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the first storage cap 2141, may project in a direction away from the second storage cap 2142, and all of the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the second storage cap 2142, may project in a direction away from the first storage cap 2141.

The separation direction of the first storage cap 214 in which the first storage cap 214 is separated may be a direction toward the second storage cap 2142, and the separation direction of the second storage cap 2142 may be a direction toward the first storage cap 2141.

The shaft member 2144 of the first storage cap 2141 may project from the shaft base 2143 in a direction away from the second storage cap 2142, and the shaft member 2144 of the second storage cap 2142 may project from the shaft base 2143 in a direction away from the first storage cap 2141.

FIG. 13 illustrates a plurality of shaft bases 2143 and a plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the storage cap 214. The storage cap 214 may include a plurality of shaft bases 2143 from which the shaft members 2144 project. The plurality of shaft bases 2143 are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the one direction, and the plurality of shaft members 2144 may project from respective ones of the plurality of shaft bases 2143 in the same direction.

The storage cap 214 may include the cap panel 2149, and the shaft bases 2143 may project or extend from the cap panel 2149. The shaft members 2144 may project or extend from the shaft bases 2143. The plurality of shaft bases 2143 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y of the cabinet 10, and the shaft members 2144 may project in the one direction.

The cap panel 2149 may be configured so as to cover the detergent introduction opening 216. The shaft bases 2143 may extend away from the cap panel 2149, and the shaft members 2144 may be disposed at the extended ends of respective shaft bases 2143.

At least one of the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the storage cap 214, may be of a kind different from the remaining ones of the shaft members 2144. For example, the storage cap 214 may be provided with two shaft members 2144, and one of the two shaft members 2144 may include a separation groove 2146 and a separation inhibitor 2145.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 14, the shaft member 2144 includes the separation groove 2146, and, as shown in (b) FIG. 14, the shaft member 2144 the separation groove 2146 is omitted.

The storage 200, the storage body 210, or the storage main body 213 may be provided with a through hole 2106 through which the shaft member 2144 extends. The through hole 2106 may be provided at the above-mentioned shaft receiver 2105.

At least one of the plurality of shaft members 2144 may be provided at the projecting end thereof with the separation inhibitor 2145 which is enlarged outwards in the diametrical direction of the through hole 2106.

Specifically, the shaft receiver 2105 may include the shaft through hole 2106 through which the shaft member 2144 extends, and the shaft member 2144 may be inserted into the shaft receiver 2105 through the shaft through hole 2106. Here, at least one of the plurality of shaft members 2144, which are provided at the storage cap 214, may be provided with the separation inhibitor 2145, which is formed by increasing the diameter of the projecting end of the shaft member, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 14.

The separation inhibitor 2145 may be provided at the end of the shaft member 2144. The separation inhibitor 2145 may be formed in such a manner as to increase at least a portion of the end of the shaft member 2144 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shaft member 2144 or in such a manner as to be prepared independently of the shaft member 2144 and then coupled to the end of the shaft member 2144.

The shaft member 2144, which is not provided with the separation inhibitor 2145, may pass through the shaft through hole 2106 even when special pressure is not applied thereto. In other words, the diameter of the shaft member 2144 may be less than the diameter of the shaft through hole 2106.

Here, the maximum diameter of the shaft member 2144 that is provided with the separation inhibitor 2145, which is defined by the separation inhibitor 2145, may be larger than or equal to the diameter of the shaft through hole 2106. Accordingly, the shaft member 2144 is capable of passing through the shaft through hole 2106 only when a predetermined force sufficient to cause local and temporary deformation of the shaft receiver 2105 or the shaft member including the separation inhibitor 2145.

In other words, according to an embodiment of the present invention, because at least one of the plurality of shaft members 2144 is provided with the separation inhibitor 2145, it is possible to efficiently prevent the storage cap 214 from being unintentionally separated from the storage body 210.

Here, at least one of the plurality of shaft members 2144 may be constructed such that at least a portion of the at least one shaft member including the end is divided into a plurality of segments 2147 by a separation groove 2146 which extends in one direction.

The one of the plurality of shaft members 2144 that is divided into the plurality of segments 2147 may include the separation inhibitor 2145.

The separation groove 2146 may extend from the distal end EP of the shaft member 2144 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the shaft member 2144 projects. The shaft member 2144 may be divided into the plurality of segments 2147 by the separation groove 2146. The segments 2147 may be easily deformed by virtue of the space defined by the separation groove 2146.

For example, when the separation groove 2146 is formed in the shaft member 2144 including the separation inhibitor 2145 so as to define the plurality of segments 2147, it is possible to assure easy coupling because portions of the segments 2147 are temporarily bent through the separation groove 2146 by virtue of the difference in diameter between the shaft member and the shaft through hole 2106 while the separation inhibitor 2145 passes through the shaft through hole 2106.

The separation inhibitor 2145 may be provided at at least one of the plurality of segments 2147. The separation inhibitor 2145 may be a protrusion provided at at least one of the plurality of segments 2147, or may be a ring which is divided by the separation groove 2146.

FIG. 15 illustrates the storage cap 214, which is rotated so as to open the detergent introduction opening 216, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft receiver 2105 into which the shaft member 2144 is inserted may be provided on the rear surface of the storage body 210, and the shaft base 2143 may extend downwards from the rear end of the cap panel 2149 in order to increase the allowable rotational angle of the cap panel 2149.

The maximum rotational position of the storage cap 214 may be defined by the contact relationships between the cap panel 2149 or the shaft base 2143 and the outer surface of the storage body 210. FIG. 15 illustrates the storage cap 214 which is positioned at the maximum rotational position ER at which further rotation of the storage cap 214 is not allowed because the shaft base 2143 is brought into contact with the outer surface of the storage body 210.

FIG. 16 illustrates the shaft member 2144 when the storage cap 214 is positioned at a rotation start position SR. FIG. 17 illustrates the shaft member 2144 when the storage cap 214 is positioned at the maximum rotational position ER. The shaft member 2144 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 may include the separation inhibitor 2145 and the separation groove 2146.

When the separation groove 2146 is provided, the separation inhibitor 2145 may not be formed at the entire periphery of the shaft member 2144 due to division of the shaft member 2144 caused by the separation groove 2146, and may have the form of a ring from which portions thereof corresponding to the separation groove 2146 are removed.

Furthermore, because the shaft member 2144 serves as the rotating shaft of the storage cap 214, the shaft member 2144 may rotate in conjunction with the storage cap 214. Upon rotation of the shaft member 2144, the separation inhibitor 2145 provided at the shaft member 2144 may also rotate.

FIG. 16 illustrates the rotational position of the separation inhibitor 2145 corresponding to the rotation start position SR of the storage cap 214. FIG. 17 illustrates the rotational position of the separation inhibitor 2145 corresponding to the maximum rotational position ER of the storage cap 214.

The storage 200 may include a separation promotor 2107. The separation promotor 2107 may press the separation inhibitor 2145 to reduce the distance between the plurality of segments 2147 when the storage cap 214 is positioned at the maximum rotational position ER.

The separation promotor 2107 may face the separation inhibitor 2145, and the shaft through hole 2106 may be positioned between the separation promotor 2107 and the shaft base 2143. In other words, the separation promotor 2107 may face the end of the shaft member 2144, which projects through the shaft receiver 2106, in the radial direction of the shaft member 2144.

The separation promotor 2107 may project toward the end of shaft member 2144 or the separation inhibitor 2145. The separation inhibitor 2145 may be formed so as to have an irregular diameter along the entire periphery of the shaft member 2144, and may be brought into contact with the separation promotor 2107 according to the rotational position.

For example, the separation promotor 2107 may come into contact with the separation inhibitor 2145 at the point on the rotational periphery of the separation inhibitor 2145 corresponding to the maximum rotational position ER of the storage cap 214.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation promotor 2107 may include a sloped surface, which is formed at a portion of the rear surface of the storage body 210 and is inclined toward the shaft member 2144. The sloped surface may have a form in which the distance between the sloped surface and the shaft member 2144 gradually decreases.

Consequently, the separation inhibitor 2145 may or not be brought into contact with the separation promotor 2107 and the pressure acting between the separation inhibitor 2145 and the separation promotor may vary according to the rotational position of the separation inhibitor 2145.

For example, at the rotation start position SR of the storage cap 214, the separation promotor 2107 and the separation inhibitor 2145 may not be brought into each other or the pressing force acting therebetween may be lower than or equal to a predetermined level even when the separation promotor 2107 and the separation inhibitor 2145 are brought into contact with each other. Meanwhile, at the maximum rotational position ER of the storage cap 214, the separation promotor 2107 and the separation inhibitor 2145 are brought into contact with each other so as to increase the pressing force acting therebetween above the predetermined level.

When the separation inhibitor 2145 rotates beyond the maximum rotational position ER, the pressing force caused by the separation promotor 2107 may gradually increase. In other words, when the separation inhibitor 2145 rotates beyond the maximum rotational position ER, the separation inhibitor 2145 may be pressed by the separation promotor 2107, and thus the shaft member 2144 or the separation inhibitor 2145 may be deformed.

Here, the deformation of the shaft member 2144 may occur in such a fashion that the maximum diameter of the separation inhibitor 2145 decreases. Specifically, when the shaft member 2144 rotates beyond the maximum rotational position ER, the shaft member 2144 may be deformed in such a fashion that the maximum diameter of the separation inhibitor 2145 decreases, thereby reducing force required to pass the separation inhibitor 2145 through the shaft through hole 2106.

In other words, when the storage cap 214 rotates beyond the maximum rotational position ER, the shaft member 2144 including the separation inhibitor 2145 may be deformed so as to be easily separated from the shaft receiver 2105. The amount of rotation or rotative force of the storage cap 214 may be proportional to the pressing force of the separation promotor with respect to the separation inhibitor 2145.

Rotation of the storage cap 214 beyond the maximum rotational position ER, which is the allowable limit in design, may cause breakage or permanent deformation of the storage cap 214. In order to prevent this, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ the separation promotor 2107, which is configured to promote separation of the separation inhibitor from the shaft receiver 2105 when the storage cap 214 rotates beyond the maximum rotational position ER.

When the storage cap 214 is intended to rotate beyond the maximum rotational position ER, the rotative force acting on the storage cap 214 causes temporary flexion and the like of the shaft member 2144, thus allowing the shaft member 2144 to be separated from the shaft receiver 2105 or allowing the storage cap 214 to be separated from the storage body 210 before breakage or permanent deformation of the cap panel 2149, the shaft base 2143 or the shaft member 2144 occurs.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to the specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as disclosed in the accompanying claims.