LAUNDRY MACHINE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefits of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0122477, filed on Sep. 9, 2024, of which its incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

THE BACKGROUND

1. The Field

The present invention is related to a laundry machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a laundry machine is a home appliance that performs washing operations by appropriately mixing detergent and washing water after the user puts laundry into the washing tub and enters the operation command.

Recent laundry machines are equipped with a detergent supply device that can use both solid and liquid detergents, and the detergent and washing water are supplied together into the washing tub according to the supply of washing water.

The detergent supply device can be configured to receive detergent in powder or liquid form and to further add an auxiliary agent, such as a fabric softener. The detergent supply device has a structure that can be drawn out or inserted. The detergent supply device allows detergent to be added when drawn out, and when inserted, the detergent is dissolved in the supplied water and supplied to the washing tub. Furthermore, the detergent supply device may be equipped with a rotating fan to dissolve the powdered detergent.

However, since the fan operates while the drawer of the detergent supply device is inserted, its operation cannot be clearly observed by the user. In particular, even if the fan is unable to operate or is not functioning properly due to a problem, the fan's operation cannot be intuitively confirmed.

Furthermore, if a large amount of powdered detergent is locally injected into the drawer, the fan's performance is reduced, resulting in poor powdered detergent dissolution performance or inability to deliver wash water containing the powdered detergent to the washing tub in a timely manner.

THE SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is purpose to provide a laundry machine capable of visualizing the operation of a mixing member of a detergent supply device.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry machine capable of ensuring consistent dissolution of powdered detergent by ensuring that the detergent is evenly distributed when added to a drawer of the detergent supply device.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry machine in which the mixing member rotates in conjunction with the drawn out or inserted of the drawer of the detergent supply device.

A laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a cabinet; a tub rotatably disposed in the cabinet; and a detergent supply device provided in the cabinet that mixes washing water and powdered detergent and discharges the mixture into the tub, wherein the detergent supply device comprises: a housing disposed at the cabinet; a drawer that is withdrawably mounted in the housing and has a receiving portion for receiving the powdered detergent; a mixing member disposed in the receiving portion that mixes the powdered detergent by rotation; and a driving part that rotates the mixing member in conjunction with the withdrawal and insertion of the drawer.

The driving part may operate during withdrawal and insertion of the drawer to rotate the mixing member.

The housing may be formed in a box shape with an open front, the drawer may be drawn in and out through the open front of the housing, and the driving part may be provided on the housing and the mixing member

The driving part may include: a rack formed on the housing and extending in the direction of drawing in and out of the drawer; and a pinion provided on the mixing member and gear-coupled with the rack, the pinion rotating the mixing member while moving along the rack when the drawer is withdrawn and inserted.

The length of the rack may be shorter than withdrawal and insertion stroke of the drawer.

The rack may extend from an opening of the housing, and the pinion may be separated from the rack when the drawer is fully withdrawn and inserted.

The housing may have a pinion receiving portion formed that is recessed further than the rear end in the insertion direction of the drawer, and the pinion may remain separated from the rack when the drawer is fully inserted.

The front end of the lower surface of the housing may have a housing recessed portion that is recessed rearward, and the rack and pinion receiving portion may be formed along the housing recessed portion.

When the drawer may be fully inserted, the pinion may be separated from the rack and be capable of free rotation.

The detergent supply device may be disposed above the mixing member, and include a nozzle that, when the drawer is fully inserted, sprays washing water toward the mixing member and rotates the mixing member.

The detergent supply device may further include a flow path member that is coupled to the upper surface of the housing to form a flow path through which the washing water flows, and wherein the nozzle may be provided on the flow path member and opens to spray water in a direction intersecting the blades.

The rack may be formed on the lower surface of the housing below the drawer, and the pinion may be connected to the rotating shaft of the mixing member that passes through the lower surface of the housing and the lower surface of the drawer below the housing.

The pinion may be connected to the rotating shaft below the drawer, and be withdrawn and inserted together with the drawer when the drawer is withdrawn and inserted.

The mixing member may comprise: a rotating shaft; and a plurality of blades extending radially from the rotating shaft, wherein the rotating shaft may extend downward to penetrate the drawer, and the pinion may be connected to an extended end of the rotating shaft.

A receiving portion opening may be formed on the lower surface of receiving portion through which the rotating shaft passes, and a mixing member guide may protrude downward along the perimeter of the receiving portion opening and through which the rotating shaft passes.

The rotating shaft may comprise: an upper part located inside the receiving portion and in which the blade is formed; and a lower part extending downward through the receiving portion from the lower end of the upper part, and wherein the pinion may be disposed on the lower part.

The lower end of the upper part is formed to be larger than the diameter of the lower part, and the lower end of the upper part is seated on the lower surface of the receiving portion, and the lower part protrudes downward through the receiving portion.

The pinion may comprise: a pinion portion having gears formed along circumference of the pinion part; and a boss portion extending upward from the center of the pinion portion and into which the lower end of the lower part is inserted, and wherein the lower part and the boss portion may be detachably coupled to each other below the drawer.

A coupling protrusion may be formed on the inner surface of the boss portion, and a coupling groove may be formed on the outer surface of the lower part to accommodate the coupling protrusion, and wherein the coupling groove may comprise: an insertion portion extending upward from the lower end of the lower part; and a restraining portion extending from the upper end of the insertion portion in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the mixing member.

An upper frame may be disposed on an upper surface of the cabinet and has an inlet and is configured to mount the drawer, and the drawer may form one side of the periphery of the inlet when retracted, and when the drawer is withdrawn, the mixing member rotates and is exposed to the inside of the inlet.

The following effects can be expected from the laundry machine according to the proposed embodiment.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing member can rotate during the process of withdrawal and insertion of the drawer to dispense detergent into the detergent supply device. Therefore, the user can recognize the rotational function of the mixing member when dispensing detergent into the detergent supply device, thereby providing the advantage of reliability in operation. Furthermore, by visually checking the rotational state of the mixing member, the user can determine whether the mixing member is operating normally while the drawer is inserted.

Furthermore, the mixing member can be rotated solely by the force generated during the drawer's withdrawal and insertion operations, without the use of a separate electrical device. Furthermore, the mixing member can freely rotate when the drawer is fully withdrawn and

inserted, thereby facilitating the rotational movement of the mixing member during the introduction of powdered detergent and the spraying of water by the nozzle.

Furthermore, even when the drawer is inserted after the introduction of powdered detergent, the mixing member rotates to ensure that the powdered detergent is evenly distributed within the receiving portion without being concentrated, thereby facilitating the dissolution of the powdered detergent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the laundry machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the detergent supply device mounted on the upper frame of the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the detergent supply device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detergent supply device with the drawer withdrawn.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the housing and drawer of the detergent supply device separated.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent supply device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 along line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the housing, viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the connection between the rack of the housing and the pinion of the mixing member.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the drawer, mixing member, and pinion separated.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the mixing member.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the pinion.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the combination of the mixing member and the pinion.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is fully inserted.

FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view showing the operating state of the mixing member when the drawer is withdrawn.

FIG. 17 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is being withdrawn.

FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is fully withdrawn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes in detail specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments in which the ideas of the present invention are presented, and other embodiments that fall within the scope of the ideas of the present invention can be easily proposed by adding, changing, or deleting other components.

Before proceeding with the description, the directions are defined. In the embodiment of the present invention, with respect to a center point of the laundry machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction toward the floor surface where the laundry machine is installed is defined as a downward direction; the direction toward the surface where the opening for the input port is formed in the cabinet is defined as an upward direction; the direction toward the surface where the back plate is installed is defined as a rearward direction; and the direction toward the surface opposite the rearward direction is defined as a forward direction. When referring to directions not explicitly defined, the directions can be defined and described based on each figure.

Furthermore, while the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated using an example of a top-loading type laundry machine with a door formed on the upper surface and laundry being loaded through the opened upper surface, the present invention is not limited to the structure and form of the laundry machine and is applicable to all forms of laundry machines equipped with a detergent supply device. For example, the present invention is applicable to various laundry machines, including drum laundry machines.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the laundry machine.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10, an upper frame 12 placed on the upper surface of the cabinet 10, a door 13 that is rotatably connected to the upper frame 12, and a control panel 14 mounted on the rear edge of the upper frame 12.

In detail, the cabinet 10 forms the exterior of the laundry machine 1 and can form a space for washing inside thereof.

For example, the cabinet 10 may be formed in a hexahedral shape, with an open upper surface, and the upper frame 12 covers the open upper surface of the cabinet 10. Furthermore, the upper frame 12 includes an inlet 101 (See FIG. 3), and the door 13 opens and closes the inlet 101.

Furthermore, the interior of the cabinet 10 accommodates a tub 11 connected to the inlet 101. The upper surface of the tub 11 is open and communicates with the inlet 101, and the interior of the tub 11 may accommodate a washing drum for receiving laundry. The washing drum may include a cylindrical drum. Furthermore, the interior of the cabinet 10 may be equipped with a motor and other drive devices for driving the drum.

For example, the control panel 14 may be provided on the upper surface of the upper frame 12 corresponding to the rear side of the inlet 101. Furthermore, the control panel 14 may be equipped with operating members 141 for operating the laundry machine 1. For example, the operating members 141 may include a knob and buttons. Additionally, the control panel 14 may be further equipped with a display for indicating the operation of the laundry machine 1.

The rear end of the door 13 is pivotably connected to the upper frame 12, allowing the user to lift or lower the front end of the door 13 to open or close the inlet 101. Additionally, at least a portion of the door 13 may be formed to be see-through such as transparent or translucent. Therefore, the user can see the inside of the washing drum through the see-through part of the door 13.

Meanwhile, the rear of the cabinet 10 may be formed by a back cover 102. When the back cover 102 is separated or removed, the components installed inside the laundry machine 1 become accessible for maintenance. For example, when the back cover 102 is separated, the power supply device 16, the water level sensor 17, and water supply device 15 arranged on the control panel 14 can be replaced or repaired.

Additionally, the rear of the cabinet 10 may be equipped with a water supply pipe connection portion 152. The water supply pipe connection portion 152 may be connected to a water supply hose extending from an external water source. The water supply pipe connection portion 152 may be part of the water supply device 15 (See FIG. 4) described below. The water supply device 15 includes a plurality of valves and may be connected to a detergent supply device 20 arranged inside the cabinet 10. The water supply pipe connection portion 152 may include a hot water pipe connection portion 152a for supplying hot water and a cold water pipe connection portion 152b for supplying cold water. The water supply device 15 is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The detergent supply device 20 may be provided on one side of the inlet 101, specifically on the rear side of the inlet 101. The detergent supply device 20 is configured to be withdrawable forward from the rear edge of the inlet 101, allowing the user to supply detergent into the detergent supply device 20. Furthermore, the detergent supply device 20 is connected to the water supply device 15, so that the detergent introduced into the detergent supply device 20 can be mixed with water supplied from the water supply device 15 and then supplied into the interior of the tub 11.

The following describes the detergent supply device 20 in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper frame showing the detergent supply device in the withdrawn state, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the detergent supply device.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the upper frame 12 forming the inlet 101 is coupled to the upper surface of the cabinet 10

In detail, the upper frame 12 forms the upper part of the laundry machine 1, and the inlet 101 can be closed by the door 13. Additionally, the control panel 14 can be arranged on the rear side of the upper surface of the upper frame 12.

Furthermore, the detergent supply device 20 may be disposed on the upper frame 12. The detergent supply device 20 may be inserted into the frame opening 121 formed on one side of the inlet 101, specifically on the rear side of the inlet 101. Furthermore, the detergent supply device 20 is mounted inside the upper frame 12 through the frame opening 121. The detergent supply device 20 includes a housing 30 fixed inside the upper frame 12, a drawer 50 that can be pulled out and inserted into the housing 30, and a flow path member 40 that is connected to the housing 30 to form a flow path of water that is supplied to the drawer 50. Furthermore, in a state where the drawer 50 is closed, i.e., inserted into the interior of the housing 30, the front surface of the drawer 50 may form a portion of the rear surface of the inlet 101.

The detergent supply device 20 may be positioned at the lower central portion of the control panel 14. Furthermore, on the left and right edges of the control panel 14 corresponding to the left and right edges of the detergent supply device 20, a power supply device 16 for supplying power to drive the laundry machine 1 and a water level sensor 17 for detecting the water level in the tub 11 may be provided, respectively. Furthermore, a PCB may be arranged in the central portion of the control panel 14 corresponding to the upper side of the detergent supply device 20, which is electrically connected to various components including the operation unit arranged on the front of the control panel 14.

In addition, the water supply device 15 may be connected to the rear end of the detergent supply device 20. Furthermore, in a state where the detergent supply device 20 is installed, the water supply device 15 may be exposed externally from the rear of the laundry machine 1 and connected to a water supply pipe.

The water supply device 15 may be connected to the housing 30 of the detergent supply device 20. The water supply device 15 may include a plurality of valves for supplying water to the detergent supply device. In addition, the water supply device 15 includes a hot water pipe connection part 152a through which hot water is supplied and a cold water pipe connection part 152b through which cold water is supplied, and the hot water pipe connection part 152a and the cold water pipe connection part 152b may be exposed to the rear of the cabinet 10.

The water supply device 15 is connected to the rear of the housing 30, and the flow path member 40 is mounted on the upper surface inside the housing 30 to form a flow path that communicates with the water supply device 15. Furthermore, the flow path member 40 is positioned above the drawer 50 in the state where the drawer 50 is closed. Therefore, water can fall from above the drawer 50 through the flow path member 40, and the falling water can be mixed with the detergent introduced into the drawer 50 and supplied to the tub 11.

For example, the drawer 50 may have a receiving portion 53. Specifically, the receiving portion 53 may include a first receiving portion 54, a second receiving portion 55, and a third receiving portion 56. Furthermore, the flow path member 40 may have independent flows directed toward each of the first receiving portion 54, second receiving portion 55, and third receiving portion 56. That is, by simply mounting a single flow path member 40 on the housing 30, it is possible to provide multiple flow paths that supply water to each of the multiple receiving portions 54, 55, 56 formed in the drawer 50.

Hereinafter, the detergent supply device 20 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detergent supply device with the drawer withdrawn, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the housing and drawer of the detergent supply device separated, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent supply device, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 along line 8-8.

As shown, the housing 30 can be formed into a box-shaped structure with an open front, and can form a receiving space 300 that accommodates the flow path member 40 and the drawer 50 inside.

The housing 30 may be connected to a water supply device 15 at the rear, and water supplied through the water supply device 15 may be supplied to the drawer 50 via the flow path member 40. For this purpose, the flow path member 40 can be coupled to the interior of the housing 30.

The housing 30 is mounted to the upper frame 12. In addition, the open front surface of the housing 30 can be exposed through the frame opening 121. Housing guides 321 that guide the drawing out and inlet of the drawer 50 are formed stepwise on both sides of the housing 30, and a drawer guide 513 formed on the drawer 50 is coupled on the housing guide 321.

A rack 35 for rotation of the mixing member 60 when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out may be provided on the lower surface 33 of the housing 30. In addition, a housing recessed portion 331 that is recessed backward may be formed on the front end of the lower surface 33 of the housing 30. In addition, a pinion receiving portion 332 may be formed in the housing recessed portion 331. Detergent mixed with washing water in the drawer 50 may fall downward from the housing recessed portion 331 and be supplied to the inside of the tub 11.

Meanwhile, the flow path member 40 can be mounted on the upper surface of the interior of the housing 30. Furthermore, the flow path member 40 can have a plurality of flow passages formed with open upper surfaces. Therefore, when the flow path member 40 is mounted on the housing 30, one or more flow passages may be formed to supply water to the drawer 50 via the housing 30 and the flow path member 40. Furthermore, in a state where the flow path member 40 is mounted, the one or more flow passages may communicate with the water supply device 15.

The flow path member 40 may be positioned on the upper side of the drawer 50 when mounted on the housing 30. Furthermore, the front end of the flow path member 40 may extend to the front end of the upper surface of the housing 30. Therefore, water may fall toward the drawer 50 across the entire upper surface area of the receiving space 300.

The flow path member 40 may be formed to a size corresponding to the upper surface of the housing 30. The rear end of the flow path member 40 may extend downward and contact the rear surface of the housing 30. The rear surface of the flow path member 40 may be connected to the water supply device 15.

The flow path member 40 may be formed with a distribution path 43 and a discharge path 44 for supplying water to the receiving portion 53. The discharge path 44 may be recessed to a predetermined depth and, when coupled with the housing 30, may form an independent flow path.

In detail, the flow path member 40 may include an upper part 41 and a rear part 42. A portion of the upper part 41 contacts the upper surface of the housing 30, while another portion is recessed to form a flow path through which water supplied to the drawer 50 flows. That is, the open upper surfaces of the flow paths formed in the flow path member 40 can be shielded by the upper surface of the housing 30.

The rear part 42 can extend downward from the rear end of the upper part 41. The rear part 42 can contact the rear surface of the housing 30. A predetermined space can be formed between the rear surface of the flow path member 40 and the rear edge of the housing 30, defining at least a portion of the distribution path 43.

Therefore, water supplied from the water supply device 15 to the housing 30 can pass through the washing water supply space and be supplied to multiple flow paths formed in the upper part 41.

The distribution path 43 is formed with a plurality of ribs to distribute the water supplied to the discharge paths 44.

Meanwhile, the flow path may include a distribution path 43 and a discharge path 44. For example, the discharge path 44 may include a first discharge path 45 that supplies water to the first receiving portion 54, a second discharge path 46 that supplies water to the mixing member 60, and a third discharge path 47. Furthermore, the discharge path 44 may further include a fourth discharge 48 that supplies water to the second receiving portion 55. Furthermore, the discharge path 44 may further include a fifth discharge path 49 that supplies water to the third receiving portion 56.

In detail, the first discharge path 45 extends forward from the front end of the distribution path 43 toward the blade 62 of the mixing member 60. That is, the first discharge path 45 may extend toward a point radially to the right from the rotational center axis of the mixing member 60. Furthermore, a nozzle (451 in FIG. 9) may be formed at the front lower portion of the first discharge path 45. The nozzle 451 may open toward the surface of the blade 62, and the opening shape of the nozzle 451 may be designed in various shapes.

The second discharge path 46 extends forward from the distribution path 43 and may extend past the center of the first receiving portion 54. A plurality of shower holes 463 may be formed in the second discharge path 46. The shower holes 463 are evenly arranged within the first receiving portion 54, minimizing the residual detergent within the first receiving portion 54. The shower holes 463 may be defined as the first shower holes, distinguishable from the second shower holes (481 in FIG. 9) of the fourth discharge path 48 and the third shower holes (491 in FIG. 9) of the fifth discharge path 49.

The third discharge path 47 is intended to wash away the detergent powder on the surface of the blade 62 and may be positioned laterally relative to the second discharge path 46. Furthermore, the first discharge path 45 and the third discharge path 47 may be positioned parallel to each other on opposite sides relative to the second discharge path 46. The surface (rear) of the blade 62 against which the wash water discharged from the third discharge path 47 collides can be understood as the opposite surface of the surface (front) of the blade 62 against which the wash water sprayed from the nozzle 451 of the first discharge channel 45 collides.

A second nozzle 471 may be formed at the lower front portion of the third discharge path 47 to spray water in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the mixing member 60. The second nozzle 471 may be formed at the lower portion of the third discharge path 47. The water sprayed from the second nozzle 471 is directed toward the rear of the blade 62.

Meanwhile, the fourth discharge path 48 may be located above the second receiving portion 55. In addition, a plurality of second shower holes 481 are formed in the fourth discharge path 48, through which washing water can be supplied to the second receiving portion 55.

The fifth discharge path 49 may be positioned above the third receiving portion 56. In addition, a plurality of third shower holes 491 are formed in the fifth discharge path 49, through which washing water can be supplied to the third receiving portion 56.

Meanwhile, the drawer 50 may be accommodated within the receiving space 300. The drawer 50 may be arranged so that it can be pulled out and pushed in through the open front of the housing 30. The drawer 50 may form a plurality of downwardly recessed receiving portions 53. The plurality of receiving portions 53 may be filled with detergent for washing.

For example, the drawer 50 may include a drawer body 51 in which the receiving portion 53 is formed, and a drawer front 52 provided in front of the drawer body 51 and forming the front of the drawer 50. The drawer front 52 and the drawer body 51 are spaced apart from each other, so that the drawer front 52 can be used as a handle when a user draws in and out the drawer 50.

For example, the receiving portions 53 may include a first receiving portion 54 for powder detergent, a second receiving portion 55 for liquid detergent, and a third receiving portion 56 for fabric softener. Of course, the second receiving portion 55 or the third receiving portion 56 may be omitted as needed.

The passages formed in the flow path member 40 may be formed on the upper side corresponding to the first receiving portion 54, the second receiving portion 55, and the third receiving portion 56. Furthermore, the water supplied from the water supply device 15 may be divided and supplied independently to the first receiving portion 54, the second receiving portion 55, and the third receiving portion 56.

Meanwhile, a mixing member 60 may be provided inside the first receiving portion 54. The mixing member 60 may be formed in the shape of a fan or propeller having multiple blades. Furthermore, the mixing member 60 may be rotatably arranged in the first receiving portion 54. The mixing member 60 may be rotated by water sprayed from the nozzle 451 formed in the flow path member 40. The mixing member 60 may be defined as a rotating member or mixing fan.

When washing water is supplied through the nozzle 451 in a state where powdered detergent is introduced into the first receiving portion 54, the mixing member 60 rotates to mix the washing water and the powdered detergent. The powdered detergent dissolved in the washing water can then be supplied to the tub 11 from the first receiving portion 54. For this purpose, at least a portion of the rear of the first receiving portion 54 can be opened.

In addition, a pinion 64 may be provided at the bottom of the mixing member 60. The pinion 64 may be coupled with the rack 35, and may move along the rack 35 when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out to rotate the mixing member 60. That is, the mixing member 60 may be rotated when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out, and the rotational motion of the mixing member 60 for mixing powdered detergent may be visualized.

The second receiving portion 55 and third receiving portion 56 may be provided with a receiving portion cover 57. The receiving portion covers 57 may be placed on the open upper surfaces of the second receiving portion 55 and third receiving portion 56, and may be formed to slope downward along the concave shapes of the second receiving portion 55 and third receiving portion 56. Furthermore, cover holes 571, 572, 575, 576 (See FIG. 13) through which water falling from the flow path member 40 is supplied may be formed in the bottom portion of the recessed part of the receiving cover 57 formed with a downward slope and in the rear end of the receiving cover 57.

In this embodiment, the receiving portion cover 57 is presented in a manner that the recessed portions corresponding to the second receiving portion 55 and the third receiving portion 56 are formed as a single unit, but, it may also be provided as separate cover structures that shield the second receiving portion 55 and the third receiving portion 56 respectively.

The following describes the structure of the housing in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the housing, viewed from the bottom, and FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the connection between the rack of the housing and the pinion of the mixing member.

As illustrated, the housing 30 has an open front and includes an upper surface 31, left and right sides 32, a lower surface 33, and a rear surface 34, and may be formed in a box shape. Furthermore, the drawer 50 can be drawn in and out through the open front of the housing 30.

The flow path member 40 may be mounted on the upper surface of the housing 30. The flow path member 40 is positioned above the drawer 50 and faces the upper surface of the receiving portion 43, thereby forming a flow path through which washing water falls into the receiving portion 43.

The first discharge path 45 and the third discharge path 47 formed on the flow path member 40 may protrude forward and downward at an angle. And, a first nozzle 451 may be formed in the first discharge path 45. The first nozzle 451 is opened toward one side of the blade 62, and the blade 62 can be rotated by the pressure of water sprayed from the first nozzle 451 toward the front of the blade 62. And, a second nozzle 471 may be formed in the third discharge path 47. The second nozzle 471 is opened toward the other side of the blade 62, and water can be sprayed toward the back of the blade 62 to wash away detergent remaining on the blade 62.

Furthermore, the second discharge path 46 may be formed with multiple shower holes 563 to spray water from above to below into the interior of the first receiving portion 54. Furthermore, the fourth discharge path 48 may be formed with second shower holes 481 to spray water into the interior of the second receiving portion 55. Furthermore, the fifth discharge path 49 may be formed with third shower holes 491 to spray water into the interior of the third receiving portion 56.

the housing guides 321 may extend forward and backward on both left and right sides of the housing 30. Furthermore, a restriction member 322 may be further formed on both sides of the upper surface of the housing 30 to restrict the withdrawal and insertion of the drawer 50. The restriction 322 protrudes downward and can restrain the drawer 50 in the maximum withdrawal state of the drawer 50.

A portion of a driving part for driving the mixing member may be formed on the lower surface of the housing 30. That is, the driving part 70 may be provided on both the housing 30 and the mixing member 60. For example, the driving part 70 may include a rack 35 formed on the lower surface of the housing 30 and a pinion 64 provided at the lower end of the mixing member 60.

Furthermore, a housing recessed portion 331 may be formed on the front end of the lower surface of the housing 30. This housing recessed portion 331 may be recessed rearward to avoid interference with the mixing member 60 or pinion 64 protruding downward from the drawer 50 when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out.

The housing recessed portion 331 may extend rearwardly, except for the left and right ends. The housing recessed portion 331 may be recessed to a position rearward of the rotational shaft 61 when the drawer 50 is fully inserted.

A pinion guide 333 may be formed on one of the left and right sides of the housing recessed portion 331 where the rack 35 is formed. The pinion guide 333 may extend forward and backward parallel to the side surface 32 of the housing 30. When the drawer 50 is drawn in and out, the pinion 64 may move along the pinion guide 333. Furthermore, the rack 35 may extend forward and backward along the pinion guide 333.

The rack 35 may be formed on the lower surface 33 of the housing 30. The rack 35 may protrude downward from the lower surface 33 of the housing 30. Therefore, the rack 35 may not face the inside of the housing 30 and thus may not come into direct contact with detergent or washing water.

The rack 35 may have a rack gear 351 continuously formed on one surface to enable gear coupling with the pinion 64. The rack 35 may be formed integrally with the housing 30. Alternatively, the rack 35 may be separately formed and then joined to the lower surface of the housing 30.

The rack 35 may extend rearward from the front end of the lower surface of the housing 30. The rack 35 may be formed along the lateral side of the housing recessed portion 331. Furthermore, the rack 35 may be spaced laterally from the lateral side of the housing recessed portion 331. The rack 35 may have a length shorter than the stroke of the drawer 50. That is, when the drawer 50 is fully inserted, the rack 35 and the pinion 64 may not be coupled to each other. Furthermore, the rack 35 and the pinion 64 may be coupled to each other while the drawer 50 is being drawn in and out.

A pinion receiving portion 332 may be formed on the lower surface of the housing 30. The pinion receiving portion 332 may be formed in the housing recessed portion 331. The rack 35 and pinion receiving portion 332 can be formed along the housing recessed portion 331.

Specifically, the pinion receiving portion 332 may be formed at the rear of the rack 35. The pinion receiving portion 332 may be formed at the rear end of the pinion guide portion 333 and may accommodate the rotating shaft 61 of the mixing member 60 or the boss portion 643 of the pinion 64. Therefore, when the drawer 50 is fully inserted, the pinion 64 may be positioned in the pinion receiving portion 332, and since it is separated from the rack 35, the mixing member 60 may be freely rotatable.

In this state, when water is sprayed from the first nozzle 451 toward the blade 62, the mixing member 60 may rotate, allowing the powdered detergent to more easily dissolve in the washing water.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the drawer, mixing member, and pinion separated, FIG. 12 is a side view of the mixing member, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the pinion, and FIG. 14 is a side view showing the combination of the mixing member and the pinion.

As illustrated, the receiving portion 43 may be provided with the mixing member 60. The mixing member 60 may be rotatably mounted within the first receiving portion 54. Rotation of the mixing member 60 allows the powdered detergent within the first receiving portion 54 to be mixed, thereby allowing the powdered detergent to more effectively dissolve in the supplied wash water.

The mixing member 60 may be formed in a fan shape with a plurality of blades 62. The mixing member 60 may also be referred to as a mixing fan or a rotating fan. For example, the mixing member 60 may include a rotating shaft 61 that serves as the center of rotation of the mixing member 60 and a plurality of blades 62 that extend radially from the rotating shaft 61.

The blade 62 may be tilted so that its surface intersects the water spray direction of the first nozzle 451. Therefore, the mixing member 60 can be smoothly rotated by the impact of the water sprayed from the first nozzle 451. Furthermore, an auxiliary blade 62 may be provided around the blade 62. The auxiliary blade 62 may extend in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the mixing member 60. The auxiliary blade 62 prevents the powdered detergent from scattering due to the water sprayed from the first nozzle 451 and prevents the powdered detergent from moving outward along the blade 62, thereby facilitating the mixing and dissolution of the powdered detergent and the washing water.

Meanwhile, the rotating shaft 61 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open lower surface. And, the rotating shaft 61 can extend downward through the drawer 50.

In detail, the rotating shaft 61 may include an upper part 611 and a lower part 612. The upper part 611 is positioned inside the first receiving portion 54 and may protrude upward from the bottom of the first receiving portion 54. The upper part 611 may have a pointed top and a structure in which the diameter increases as it extends downward. Furthermore, a plurality of blades 62 may be formed along the circumference of the upper part 611.

The lower part 612 may extend downward from the lower end of the upper part 611 through the first receiving portion 54. The lower part 612 may further protrude downward through the lower surface of the drawer 50. The lower surface of the lower part 612 may be open. And, the pinion 64 can be coupled to the lower part of the lower part 612.

The lower surface of the drawer 50 may be formed with a receiving opening 541 through which the rotating shaft 61 passes. The receiving opening 541 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first receiving portion 54. The receiving opening 541 may be formed with a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the lower part 612.

Furthermore, the lower surface of the drawer 50 may be formed with a mixing member guide 542 that protrudes downward along the perimeter of the receiving opening 541 and through which the lower part 612 passes. The mixing member guide 542 may be formed in a cylindrical shape and may support the outer surface of the lower part 612. The lower part (612) may extend further downward than the mixing member guide 542.

Meanwhile, a mounting portion 543 may be formed on the lower surface of the drawer 50 to seat the mixing member 60. The mounting portion 543 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first receiving portion 54 and may be formed along the perimeter of the receiving opening 541. Furthermore, the lower end of the upper part 611 may be mounted on the inner side of the mounting portion 543.

The lower end of the upper part 611 may protrude further outward than the lower part 612. That is, the outer diameter of the lower end of the upper part 611 may be formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the lower part 612. Accordingly, a stepped portion 617 may be formed on the lower end of the upper part 611. And, the step portion 617 can be mounted on the mounting portion 543. When the mixing member 60 is mounted on the first receiving portion 54, the lower part 612 passes through the mixing member guide 542, and the step portion 617 is mounted on the mounting portion 543, so that the mixing member 60 can be rotatably mounted on the first receiving portion 54.

Meanwhile, a coupling groove 613 into which the pinion 64 is coupled may be formed around the circumference of the lower part 612. The coupling groove 613 may be formed at the lower end of the lower part 612. Furthermore, the coupling groove 613 may be positioned further down than the mixing member guide 542. Therefore, when the mixing member 60 is mounted on the drawer 50, the pinion 64 may be coupled with the mixing member 60.

For example, the coupling groove 613 may include an insertion portion 614 extending upward from the lower end of the lower part 612 and a restraining portion 615 extending laterally from the upper end of the insertion portion 614. Accordingly, the pinion 64 can be rotated to couple so that the coupling protrusion 644 formed on the pinion 64 is inserted through the insertion portion 614 and then moves along the restraining portion 615 to be coupled. In addition, a restraining protrusion 616 that couples and restrains the coupling protrusion 644 can be further formed on the inside of the restraining portion 615.

The restraint member 615 may be formed in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the mixing member 60. Therefore, even during repeated rotational movements of the mixing member 60, the coupling protrusion 644 may be prevented from leaving the coupling groove 613, thereby preventing separation of the mixing member 60 and the pinion 64.

The pinion 64 may be coupled to the lower end of the mixing member 60. Furthermore, the pinion 64 may be provided below the drawer 50 while coupled to the mixing member 60. Furthermore, the pinion 64 may be provided below the lower surface of the housing 30 and coupled to the rack 35.

The pinion 64 may rotate while moving along the rack 35, thereby rotating the mixing member 60. Accordingly, the rack 35 and pinion 64 can be referred a driving unit 70. And, the mixing member 60 can be rotated in conjunction with the withdrawal and entry of the drawer 50 by the driving unit 70.

The drive part 70 may also have various other structures that rotate the mixing member 60 in conjunction with the withdrawal or insertion of the drawer 50. For example, the drive part 70 may be configured as a motor and rotate the mixing member 60 when the drawer 50 is withdrawn or inserted. Alternatively, the drive part 70 may be configured as an elastic member and rotate the mixing member 60 by the elastic force provided when the drawer 50 is withdrawn or inserted.

The pinion 64 may include a pinion portion 642 and a boss portion 643. The pinion portion 642 may be formed in a disc shape, and a pinion gear 641 may be formed around the periphery to couple with the rack gear 351 of the rack 35. The pinion portion 642 is gear-coupled with the rack 35 and can rotate while moving along the rack 35.

The boss portion 643 may be formed at the center of the pinion portion 642. The boss portion 643 may extend upward and have an open upper surface. The lower end of the lower part 612 may be inserted through the open upper surface of the boss portion 643.

The inner surface of the boss portion 643 may be formed with a coupling protrusion 644. A pair of coupling protrusions 644 may be formed facing each other. Furthermore, the coupling protrusions 644 may be formed to a size that allows insertion into the coupling groove 613.

When the lower part 612 is inserted into the boss portion 643, the coupling protrusion 644 is inserted into the insertion portion 614. Furthermore, when the pinion 644 or the mixing member 60 is rotated while the coupling protrusion 644 is positioned at the upper end of the insertion portion 614, the coupling protrusion 644 moves along the interior of the restraining portion 615 and may be engaged and restrained by the restraining protrusion 616.

The pinion 64 may rotate together with the mixing member 60 while coupled. In addition, the pinion 64 can be drawn in and out together with the drawer 50 when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out. Therefore, when the drawer 50 is drawn in and out, the pinion 64 is rotated by being gear-coupled with the rack 35, and the mixing member 60 can be rotated.

Hereinafter, in a laundry machine 1 having the above structure, the withdrawal/insertion of the drawer 50 and the operation of the mixing member 60 according to the withdrawal/insertion of the drawer 50 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is fully inserted, FIG. 16 is a cutaway perspective view showing the operating state of the mixing member when the drawer is withdrawn.

As illustrated, during the washing operation of the laundry machine 1, the drawer 50 is inserted, and washing water is supplied from the water supply device 15 to the detergent supply device 20.

With the drawer 50 fully inserted, the pinion 64 may be positioned further rearward than the rack 35. Furthermore, the pinion 64 may not be gear-coupled with the rack 35. Furthermore, the boss 643 of the pinion 64 may be positioned in the pinion receiving portion 332.

In this state, the mixing member 60 may be freely rotatable. And, when water is sprayed from the first nozzle 451 to the blade 62 by the water supply of the water supply device 15, the blade 62 can be rotated by the pressure of the water sprayed from the first nozzle 451.

The powdered detergent supplied to the first receiving portion 54 can be dissolved by mixing with the washing water supplied to the first receiving portion 54 by the rotation of the mixing member 60. The dissolved powdered detergent and washing water fall downward through the opening at the rear of the first receiving portion 54 and can be supplied to the tub 11 via the housing 30.

Meanwhile, to add detergent to the receiving portion 43, the user can withdraw the drawer 50. The user can withdraw the drawer 50 by grasping the front of the drawer 50 and pulling it forward. Once the drawer 50 is withdrawn, the open upper surface of the receiving portion 43 is exposed, allowing the user to add powdered detergent or detergent into the receiving portion 43.

FIG. 17 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is being withdrawn.

As illustrated, when the drawer 50 is pulled forward, the drawer 50 moves forward. Furthermore, the mixing member 60 and pinion 64 mounted on the drawer 50 can also move forward together with the drawer 50.

When the drawer 50 moves forward, the pinion 64 can move forward, leaving the pinion receiving portion 332. Furthermore, the pinion 64 can be gear-coupled with the rack 35. When the drawer 50 moves forward while the rack gear 351 formed on the rack 35 and the pinion gear 641 of the pinion 64 are coupled with each other, the pinion 64 can rotate.

When the pinion 64 rotates, the mixing member 60 coupled to the pinion 64 can also rotate. When the drawer 50 is withdrawn, the rotation direction of the mixing member 60 can be opposite to the rotation direction caused by the water spray from the first nozzle 451. Furthermore, the inclination of the blade 62 prevents any remaining powdered detergent or water from being sprayed onto the user during the withdrawal process.

While the drawer 50 moves forward, the pinion 64 continuously moves and rotates along the rack 35. Furthermore, the mixing member 60 can also rotate along with the drawer 50. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the operation of the mixing member 60 when the drawer 50 is withdrawn. That is, the powder detergent mixing function of the mixing member 60 can be intuitively recognized, and the normal operation of the mixing member 60 can be intuitively confirmed.

The pinion 64 can be moved to the end of the rack 35. Since the length of the rack 35 is formed shorter than the stroke (withdrawal distance) of the drawer 50, the pinion 64 can be separated from the rack 35 before the drawer 50 is fully moved forward.

FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the state of the rack and pinion when the drawer is fully withdrawn.

As illustrated, the user can fully withdraw the drawer 50 forward to add detergent into the receiving portion 43. When the drawer 50 is fully withdrawn, the pinion 64 moves further forward than the rack 35 and becomes separated from the rack 35. Of course, even when the drawer 50 is withdrawn beyond a preset distance, rather than fully extended, the rack 35 and pinion 64 can separate.

Once the pinion 64 separates from the rack 35, the mixing member 60 can freely rotate. Therefore, when powdered detergent is added into the first receiving portion 54, the mixing member 60 rotates or moves under the weight of the powdered detergent, ensuring that the supplied powdered detergent is evenly distributed within the first receiving portion 54.

Once the powdered detergent is added to the first receiving portion 54, the user can insert the drawer 50. The drawer 50 is inserted in the reverse order of the aforementioned process, the rack 35 and pinion 64 are re-coupled to rotate the mixing member 60.

That is, the mixing member 60 can rotate even during the process of closing the drawer 50 after adding detergent. The rotation of the mixing member 60 allows the powdered detergent within the first receiving portion 54 to be more evenly distributed, effectively dissolving the powdered detergent without clumping it locally when the washing water is supplied.