KR20200018540A - Washing agent pump and laundry treating apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing agent pump and a laundry treating apparatus having the same. The laundry treating apparatus having a washing agent pump comprises: a laundry treating apparatus body; and a washing agent supply unit having a storage container for storing a liquid washing agent containing a liquid detergent or a liquid softener and a washing agent pump for supplying the liquid washing agent of the storage container to the laundry treating apparatus body. The washing agent pump forms a flow path of the liquid washing agent and a pressurizing space, and includes: a flow path forming member having a suction valve for opening and closing a suction port of the pressurizing space and a discharge valve for opening and closing a discharge port of the pressurizing space; a cylinder arranged on one side of the flow path forming member to communicate with the pressurizing space; a piston arranged to reciprocate in the cylinder; an air pocket which is formed to communicate with the flow path of the flow path forming member and temporarily accommodates air and the liquid washing agent; an electrode arranged in the air pocket to come in contact with the liquid washing agent; and a remaining amount detection unit to detect the remaining amount of the liquid washing agent. Accordingly, as a remaining amount detection means is not installed on the storage container, the storage container can be easily separated and coupled.

Description

Washing agent pump and laundry treatment apparatus having same {WASHING AGENT PUMP AND LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a laundry pump and a laundry treatment apparatus having the same.

As is well known, a laundry treatment apparatus is a type of apparatus that processes (washes) clothes or laundry through a washing process and a rinsing process.

The laundry includes not only clothes but also washable items such as bedding, curtains, and stuffed animals.

The laundry treatment apparatus has a dewatering function of removing moisture by rotating the washed clothes or laundry at a predetermined speed.

Some of the laundry treatment apparatuses have a drying function of supplying heated air to the washed clothes or the laundry and drying them.

On the other hand, the laundry treatment apparatus is provided with a laundry detergent supply function for supplying a detergent or laundry (hereinafter referred to as "washing agent") to enhance the laundry effect.

Here, the laundry agent includes a substance that enhances the laundry effect, such as a fiber detergent, a fabric softener, and a fiber bleach.

The laundry detergent is a powder (powder) laundry, a liquid (liquid) laundry or a gel laundry.

Since the powder laundry agent is relatively insoluble in water, it does not dissolve after washing, and there is a problem in that the laundry detergent component remains in a bath or laundry.

In recent years, in consideration of the problem of powdered laundry detergent, the use of the liquid laundry detergent which is relatively excellent in meltability is increasing.

Some of the laundry treatment apparatuses are provided with a liquid laundry detergent supply unit to supply the liquid laundry detergent to the wash water.

The liquid laundry detergent supply apparatus includes a storage container in which the liquid laundry detergent is accommodated and a pump provided on the outlet side of the storage container.

By the way, in the conventional laundry treatment apparatus, there exists a problem that the residual amount of the liquid laundry detergent cannot be detected correctly.

Accordingly, there is a inconvenience to frequently check the detergent container.

In addition, when the washing is performed without recognizing the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent in advance, there is a problem that the washing is insufficient.

In consideration of this problem, in some cases, the sensor is installed inside the detergent container, but when the sensor is installed in the detergent container, it is difficult to withdraw the detergent container, which makes it difficult to supplement the liquid laundry detergent.

KR 1020080089087 A (2008.10.06.public) KR 1020030061183 A (Published July 18, 2003) KR 1020140128682 A (2014.11.06.public) EP 3479335 B1 (August 17, 2014 announcement)

Accordingly, the present invention, there is no need to provide a sensing means for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent in the storage container to provide a laundry pump that can be easily withdraw the storage container and a laundry treatment apparatus having the same. The purpose.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry pump capable of suppressing the residual amount of erroneous detection due to bubbles generated when the liquid laundry agent is moved, and a laundry treatment apparatus having the same.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry pump and a laundry treatment apparatus having the same, which can suppress the occurrence of a residual amount of detection of the residual amount of the liquid laundry agent and reduce the variation of the supply amount of the liquid laundry agent.

The present invention, to achieve the above object, the laundry treatment apparatus main body; And a laundry detergent supplying unit including a storage container for storing a liquid laundry agent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener and a laundry pump for providing the liquid laundry agent of the storage container to the laundry treatment apparatus main body. The pump includes a flow path forming member that forms a flow path and a pressurizing space for the liquid laundry detergent, and includes a suction valve for opening and closing the suction port of the pressurizing space, and a discharge valve for opening and closing the discharge port of the pressurizing space. A cylinder disposed in communication with the pressurized space at a side, a piston disposed reciprocally in the cylinder, and an air pocket formed in communication with a flow path of the flow path forming member and temporarily receiving air and a liquid laundry agent therein and the air An electrode disposed inside the pocket in contact with the liquid laundry agent, and the remaining amount of the liquid laundry agent is reduced. Underground provides a laundry treatment apparatus having a laundry pump comprising a remaining amount detection unit.

Here, the laundry treatment apparatus main body, a cabinet; A water tank provided in the cabinet; And a rotating tub rotatably provided in the tank, wherein the laundry detergent supply passage may be connected to the tub.

In an embodiment, a laundry detergent supply passage for supplying the liquid laundry detergent may be provided between the laundry detergent pump and the water tank.

In an embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit may be disposed downstream of the pressurized space along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent.

In an embodiment, the air pocket may include an inlet portion through which the liquid laundry agent flows in and an outlet portion through which the liquid laundry detergent flows out.

In an embodiment, the inlet and outlet may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the moving direction of the liquid laundry.

In an embodiment, the outlet portion may be formed below the inlet portion.

In an embodiment, the upper end of the outlet may be formed at the same height as the lower end of the inlet.

In an embodiment, the upper end of the outlet may be configured to be disposed below the lower end of the inlet.

In an embodiment, the residual amount detection unit may be configured to be disposed upstream of the pressing space along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent.

In an embodiment, the flow path forming member may be provided with an introduction space into which the liquid laundry detergent is introduced upstream of the pressurized space.

In an embodiment, the volume of the air pocket may be formed larger than the volume of the introduction space.

In an embodiment, the air pocket may be formed to protrude upwardly on an upper side of the flow path such that the liquid laundry detergent is temporarily accommodated at a bottom thereof and air is accommodated in the upper side of the liquid laundry detergent.

In an embodiment, the volume of the air pocket may be configured to more than twice the volume of the introduction space.

In an embodiment, the suction valve and the discharge valve may be provided with a suction valve spring and a discharge valve spring for returning to the initial position, respectively.

In an embodiment, it may further comprise a piston driving unit for driving the piston.

In an embodiment, the introduction space may have an inlet formed on the circumferential surface of the flow path forming member, and may further include an inlet opening and closing member for opening and closing the inlet.

In an embodiment, the inlet opening and closing member may open and close the inlet while moving along the longitudinal direction of the flow path forming member.

In an embodiment, the inlet opening and closing member may further include an inlet opening and closing member spring for applying an elastic force in the direction to block the inlet.

On the other hand, according to another field of the present invention, the liquid detergent or the liquid washing agent containing a liquid softener to form a flow path and a pressurized space, the suction valve for opening and closing the inlet of the pressurized space and the discharge opening and closing the outlet of the pressurized space A flow path forming member having a valve; A cylinder disposed on one side of the flow path forming member in communication with the pressing space; A piston reciprocally disposed in the cylinder; And an air pocket formed in communication with a flow path of the flow path forming member and temporarily disposed therein to receive air and a liquid laundry agent, and an electrode disposed inside the air pocket to be in contact with the liquid laundry agent. There is provided a laundry pump comprising a; remaining amount sensing unit for sensing the remaining amount of.

In an embodiment, the piston driving unit for reciprocating the piston may be configured to further include.

In an embodiment, the remaining amount detection unit may be disposed downstream of the pressurized space along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent.

In an embodiment, the air pocket includes an inlet portion through which the liquid laundry agent flows in and an outlet portion through which the liquid laundry agent flows out, wherein the inlet portion and the outlet portion are spaced apart from each other along the moving direction of the liquid laundry agent, The portion may be configured to be formed below the inlet portion.

In an embodiment, the upper end of the outlet may be formed to be at the same height as the lower end of the inlet or lower than the lower end of the inlet.

In an embodiment, the flow path forming member has an introduction space into which the liquid laundry detergent is introduced upstream of the pressure space, and the remaining amount sensing unit is located upstream of the pressure space along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent. It may be arranged in communication with the introduction space.

In an embodiment, the volume of the air pocket may be formed larger than the volume of the introduction space.

In an embodiment, the suction valve is disposed in the pressurized space, the discharge valve is disposed outside the pressurized space, and the suction valve spring and the discharge valve return the suction valve and the discharge valve to their initial positions, respectively. It may further comprise a spring.

According to another field of the present invention, a cylinder for sucking and discharging a liquid laundry agent comprising a liquid detergent or a liquid softener; A piston reciprocating in the cylinder; And an air pocket formed in communication with the suction side flow path or the discharge side flow path of the liquid laundry detergent of the cylinder and disposed to be in contact with the liquid laundry detergent within the air pocket and temporarily inside the air pocket. It is provided with a laundry pump comprising a; residual amount detecting unit for sensing the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent.

In one embodiment, the laundry pump comprises a suction valve for opening and closing the suction port of the pressurized space, and a discharge valve for opening and closing the discharge port of the pressurized space, forming a flow path and the pressurized space of the liquid laundry detergent. And a flow path forming member disposed in communication with the inside of the cylinder.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry pump for supplying the liquid laundry detergent is provided with a residual amount detection unit, there is no need to separately install the residual amount detection means in the storage container in which the liquid laundry detergent is stored. Withdrawal of the storage container can be facilitated.

In addition, the remaining amount detection unit is provided with an air pocket in which the air is accommodated, it is possible to significantly suppress the occurrence of the residual amount of detection of the residual amount of the liquid detergent due to the foam generated during the movement of the liquid detergent.

In addition, the residual amount detection unit is provided to the lower portion than the bottom of the inlet portion, it is possible to suppress the discharge of the air of the air pocket with the liquid laundry detergent, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the residual amount false detection due to foam In addition, the dispersion of the supply amount of the liquid laundry detergent due to the air inflow can be reduced.

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus having a laundry pump according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a partial perspective view showing the inside of the cabinet of FIG.
3 is a plan view of the laundry detergent supply unit region of FIG.
4 is a perspective view of the laundry pump of FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path forming member region of the laundry pump of FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view of the piston drive unit region of the laundry pump of FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view of the remaining amount detection unit of the laundry pump of FIG.
8 is a view for explaining the detergent inflow process of FIG.
9 is a view for explaining the detergent outflow process of FIG.
10 is a perspective view of a laundry pump according to another embodiment of the present invention;
11 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry pump of FIG.
12 is a modification of the laundry pump of FIG. 10.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components even in different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced with the first description. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only for easily understanding the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and are not to be construed as limiting the technical spirit disclosed in the present specification by the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2, the laundry treatment apparatus having a laundry pump according to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus main body 110; And a storage container 210 in which a liquid laundry agent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener is stored, and a laundry pump 280 which provides the laundry detergent device body 110 with the liquid laundry agent of the storage container 210. It may be configured to include a laundry supply unit 190.

The laundry treatment apparatus main body 110 includes a cabinet 120 forming an appearance, a water tank 130 provided in the cabinet 120, and a rotating tank rotatably provided in the water tank 130. 140 may be provided.

The cabinet 120 may be implemented, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The water tank 130 may be implemented, for example, in a cylindrical shape with one side opened.

The water tank 130 may be disposed such that the opening faces the front of the cabinet 120.

The water tank 130 may be supported by, for example, the plurality of elastic members 142 and / or the dampers 144.

As a result, vibration of the water tank 130 may be suppressed.

The rotating tank 140 may be rotated about a rotating shaft provided at one end (rear) of the water tank 130.

The rotating tub 140 may be implemented, for example, in a cylindrical shape of which one side is opened.

The rotating tank 140 may be disposed such that the opening communicates with the opening of the water tank 130.

The rear end of the water tank 130 may be provided with a drive motor 145 for rotationally driving the rotating tank 140.

The front surface of the cabinet 120 may be provided with a door 125 to open and close the opening of the water tank 130.

For example, the door 125 may be provided to be relatively rotatable with respect to the cabinet 120.

More specifically, for example, the door 125 may be rotatably coupled along the left and right directions of the cabinet 120 around the rotation shaft disposed along the vertical direction of the cabinet 120.

In the lower region of the water tank 130, for example, an electric heater 132 may be provided to heat water when power is applied.

In the bottom region of the water tank 130, for example, a water collecting part 134 may be provided to collect water.

The water collecting part 134 may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom of the water tank 130, for example.

The electric heater 132 may be installed to be submerged in the water of the water collecting unit 134.

A drain pump 150 may be provided in one lower region of the water tank 130 to drain water to the outside.

In another region below the water tank 130, a circulation passage 160 may be provided to draw water from the water tank 130 and circulate the water to the inside of the water tank 130.

The circulation passage 160 may be provided with a circulation pump 162 for moving the water upward.

The circulation passage 160 may include a bellows 164 connected to the lower end of the water tank 130 and a circulation pipe 166 connected to the bellows 164.

One side of the drain pump 150 may be provided with a filter unit 170 for collecting the foreign matter of the water drawn from the water tank 130.

The filter unit 170 may include, for example, a filter casing 172 and a filter 174 detachably housed in the filter casing 172.

The filter 174 may be provided with a filter handle 175 on the front.

The filter 174 may be coupled such that the filter handle 175 is exposed to the outside and a rear region of the filter handle 175 is inserted into the filter casing 172.

The filter casing 172 may be, for example, connected to one end of the circulation pipe 166.

The circulation pump 162 may be connected to protrude upwardly, for example, above the circulation pipe 166.

At the other end of the circulation pipe 166, a bellows connection portion 167 to which the bellows 164 is connected may be formed.

The bellows connecting portion 167 may be configured, for example, in a hemispherical shape with an upper side opened.

The bellows connector 167 may be connected to a water level detecting part pipe 169 for detecting the water level of the water tank 130.

A drain pipe 155 may be connected to the discharge side of the drain pump 150 to discharge water to the outside.

The circulation passage 160 may include a discharge pipe 168 having one end connected to an upper region of the water tank 130 at the discharge side of the circulation pump 162.

On the other hand, the inside of the cabinet 120 may be provided with a laundry detergent supply unit 190 for supplying a liquid laundry detergent to the water tank (130).

The laundry detergent supply unit 190 may be provided at, for example, a lower side of the water tank 130.

The liquid laundry agent refers to a substance that enhances the washing effect of laundry, such as a liquid fiber detergent, a liquid fiber softener, or a liquid fiber bleach.

The laundry detergent supply unit 190 may accommodate a liquid detergent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener and may be drawn out of the cabinet 120 to the outside of the cabinet 120, the storage container 210, and the water tank 130. It may be configured to include a laundry detergent supply passage 260 and a laundry detergent pump 280 provided in the laundry detergent supply passage 260 to be able to supply a liquid laundry detergent.

Inside the cabinet 120, a storage container accommodating part 220 in which the storage container 210 is retractably received may be provided.

A frame 230 having a withdrawal opening 232 through which the storage container 210 can be drawn out may be disposed in front of the storage container receiving part 220.

The filter opening 234 may be formed through the frame 230 to allow the filter 174 to be drawn out.

The front of the frame 230 may be provided with a cover 235 for opening and closing the draw opening 232 and the filter opening 234.

The cover 235 may be configured to rotate in an up and down direction with respect to the frame 230.

The cover 235 may be rotated about a rotation shaft provided at a lower end of the frame 230.

The storage container 210 may include, for example, a detergent accommodating part 212a for accommodating a liquid detergent and a softener accommodating part 212b for accommodating a liquid softener.

A storage container handle 214 may be provided on the front surface of the storage container 210.

As a result, the withdrawal, storage, and movement of the storage container 210 may be facilitated.

The detergent accommodating part 212a and the softening agent accommodating part 212b may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall 213 provided inside the single body to accommodate the detergent and the softening agent, respectively.

The detergent accommodating part 212a and the softening agent accommodating part 212b may include injection plugs 216a and 216b respectively for opening and closing the injection ports.

An installation space 225 may be provided at the rear of the storage container accommodating part 220 in which the laundry pump 280 is accommodated.

The installation space 225 may be configured to be open to the rear of the cabinet 120, for example.

One side of the installation space 225, for example, a rear side, may have a laundry detergent supply passage 260 so as to supply the laundry detergent.

The laundry detergent pump 280 may include, for example, a detergent pump 280a connected to the detergent accommodating part 212a and a softener pump 280b connected to the softener accommodating part 212b.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the laundry detergent supply passage 260 may include a detergent supply passage 262 for supplying the detergent and a softener supply passage 266 for supplying the softener.

The detergent supply passage 262 is, for example, one end is connected to the discharge side of the detergent pump 280a connected to the storage container accommodating portion 220 and the other end is connected to the bellows connecting portion 167. Detergent discharge pipe 264 may be provided.

The softener supply passage 266 may include, for example, a softener discharge pipe 268 having one end connected to the discharge side of the softener pump 280b and the other end connected to the bellows connector 167. have.

Here, the detergent discharge pipe 264 and the softener discharge pipe 268 are both connected to the bellows connection 167, respectively, so that the bellows connection 167 before the laundry agent flows into the water tank 130. After dilution in contact with water may be supplied to the water tank (130).

According to this configuration, since the laundry detergent is diluted with water and then in contact with the laundry, there is no fear that laundry damage due to the direct contact of the laundry with a high concentration of laundry will occur.

The storage container receiving part 220 may be connected to the detergent pump 280a and the softener pump 280b in communication with the detergent receiving part 212a and the softening agent receiving part 212b, respectively.

The detergent receiving part 212a of the storage container 210 is connected to communicate with the detergent pump 280a when the storage container 210 is received, and the detergent receiving part 212a when the storage container 210 is withdrawn. Detergent pump connection portion 217a for blocking the leakage of the detergent may be provided.

The softener accommodating part 212b of the storage container 210 is connected in communication with the softener pump 280b when the storage container 210 is accommodated, and the softener accommodating part 212b when the storage container 210 is withdrawn. Softener pump connection portion 217b for blocking the leakage of the softener may be provided.

Hereinafter, a laundry pump according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.

4 to 6, the laundry pump 280 according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a cylinder 310 for sucking and discharging the liquid detergent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener ); A piston 320 reciprocating in the cylinder 310; And an air pocket 415 formed in communication with the suction side flow path or the discharge side flow path of the liquid laundry detergent of the cylinder 310 and temporarily receiving air and the liquid laundry detergent therein and the liquid inside the air pocket 415. And an electrode 421 disposed to be in contact with the laundry detergent, and a residual amount sensing unit 430a for sensing the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent.

The laundry pump 280 forms a flow path and a pressurized space 363 of the liquid detergent, and a suction valve 365 and the pressurized space 363 which open and close the suction port 364 of the pressurized space 363. And a flow path forming member 360 having a discharge valve 375 for opening and closing the discharge port 374 of the c), the pressurized space 363 being in communication with the inside of the cylinder 310.

The laundry pump 280 may include, for example, a piston driver configured to reciprocate the piston 320.

The laundry pump 280 may further include a case 330 that accommodates the cylinder 310, the piston 320, and the piston driver 440.

The case 330 may include, for example, a case body 332 forming an accommodation space therein and a case cover 335 opening and closing the case body 332.

The cylinder 310 may be coupled to the inside of the case body 332, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

The piston 320 may be inserted into the cylinder 310 to reciprocate.

The piston driving part 440 may be provided at the other side of the case body 332.

The piston driver 440 may include, for example, an electric motor 442 for generating a driving force when power is applied, and a power transmission unit 445 for transmitting the driving force of the electric motor 442 to the piston 320. It may be provided with.

The power transmission unit 445 may include, for example, a piston rod 447 having one end connected to the piston 320, a crank shaft 449 connected to the other end of the piston rod 447, and the crank. The driven gear 451 which is provided on the rotating shaft 450 of the shaft 449 and integrally rotates, the driving gear 453 and the driving gear 453 and the driving gear 453 provided on the rotating shaft 443 of the electric motor 442 It may be configured to include a power transmission gear 455 meshed with the driven gear 451 to transfer the rotational force of the drive gear 453 to the driven gear 451.

The drive gear 453 may be, for example, a worm formed on the rotation shaft 443 of the electric motor 442.

The power transmission gear 455 is integrally coupled to the rotating shaft of the first gear 456 and the wheel, and is engaged with the driven gear 451. It can be configured to have a second gear 457 is rotated.

The case body 332 and the case cover 335 may have an engaging portion 340 which is engaged with each other.

For example, the engaging portion 340 is engaged with the coupling rib 342 and the coupling rib 342 extending from one of the case body 332 and the case cover 335 to the other. It may be configured to have an engaging protrusion 345 protruding from the other.

A protrusion insertion hole 343 may be formed in the coupling rib 342 to allow the engagement protrusion 345 to be inserted therethrough.

In the present embodiment, the coupling rib 342 is formed on the case cover 335, but illustrates the case where the engaging projection 345 is formed on the case body 332, but this is only an example, the A coupling rib may be formed on the case body 332 and the engagement protrusion may be formed on the case cover 335.

On one side of the case body 332, for example, the flow path forming member 360 may be integrally coupled.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the flow path forming member 360 may include a first body 361a and a second body 361b that are coupled to each other along the longitudinal direction.

The first body 361a and the second body 361b may be integrally coupled by the fastening member 362.

The flow path forming member 360 forms a flow path and a pressurized space 363 of the liquid laundry agent, and an intake valve 365 and the pressurized space 363 which open and close the inlet 364 of the pressurized space 363. It may be configured to include a discharge valve 375 for opening and closing the discharge port 374 of the).

The flow path forming member 360 may be configured to have a substantially cylindrical shape.

The first body 361a and the second body 361b may be configured to have, for example, a cylindrical shape.

A fastening part 392 may be formed at one side of the flow path forming member 360 to be fastened to the installation space part 225.

Inside the flow path forming member 360, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a pressurized space 363 may be formed to communicate with the cylinder 310.

The pressurized space 363 may be formed in the second body 361b.

A communication path 313 may be formed between the flow path forming member 360 and the case 330 to communicate the internal space 312 of the cylinder 310 and the pressurized space 363.

As a result, the suction force and the compressive force may act on the inside of the pressurized space 363 during the reciprocating motion of the piston 320.

The communication path 313 may be formed via, for example, a lower region of the case 330 and the flow path forming member 360.

An inlet 364 and an outlet 374 may be formed in an upstream side and a downstream side of the pressurized space 363 along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent (detergent).

The suction port 364 may be provided with the suction valve 365 that opens and closes the suction port 364.

The suction valve 365 may be provided inside the pressurized space 363.

A suction valve spring 367 may be provided at one side of the suction valve 365 to apply an elastic force in a direction in which the suction valve 365 blocks the suction port 364.

The suction valve 365 may be returned to an initial position of blocking the suction port 364 by the suction valve spring 367.

The discharge port 374 may be provided with the discharge valve 375 for opening and closing the discharge port 374.

The discharge valve 375 may be provided outside of the pressurized space 363 (downstream of the discharge port 374).

A discharge valve spring 377 may be provided at one side of the discharge valve 375 to apply an elastic force in a direction in which the discharge valve 375 blocks the discharge port 374.

The discharge valve 375 may be returned to an initial position that blocks the discharge port 374 by the discharge valve spring 377.

On the other hand, the flow path forming member 360 may be provided with a residual amount detection unit 410a to detect the residual amount of the laundry.

The remaining amount detection unit 410a may be configured to be disposed upstream of the pressurized space 363 along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent, for example.

The remaining amount detection unit 410a is, for example, of the air pocket 415 and the air pocket 415 is formed in communication with the flow path of the flow path forming member 360 and temporarily accommodates the air and the liquid laundry agent therein It may be configured to have an electrode 421 disposed therein in contact with the liquid laundry.

The flow path forming member 360 may include an inlet end 381 through which the liquid laundry agent flows in and an outlet end 391 through which the liquid laundry detergent flows out.

The outlet end 391 may be formed to extend from the discharge port 374 on the downstream side of the pressurized space 363.

The inlet end 381 may be formed to extend from an inlet 364 of the pressurized space 363 upstream of the pressurized space 363.

An introduction space 380 into which the liquid laundry agent is introduced may be provided upstream of the pressure space 363.

An inlet 383 may be formed at one side of the inlet end 381 so that the liquid laundry agent may be introduced into the introduction space 380.

The inlet 383 may be formed to penetrate downward along the circumferential direction of the introduction space 380, for example.

In the present embodiment, the case in which the introduction port is formed in the lower side in the drawings, but may be formed on the side or the upper surface along the circumferential direction.

Here, the introduction space 380 is, for example, a liquid laundry agent from the left end of the first body 361a of the flow path forming member 360 to the suction port 364 of the pressurized space 363. It can mean the volume of the flow path.

The inlet end 381 may be inserted into the detergent pump connecting portion 217a or the softener pump connecting portion 217b.

The inlet end 381 may be provided with an inlet opening and closing member 384 for opening and closing the inlet 383.

The inlet opening and closing member 384 may be coupled to the circumference of the inlet end 381 so as to slide along the longitudinal direction of the flow path forming member 360.

The inlet opening and closing member 384 has an end of the inlet opening and closing member 384 when the inlet end 381 is inserted into the detergent pump connecting portion 217a or the softener pump connecting portion 217b. By contacting the end of the 217a or the end of the softener pump connecting portion 217b, the inlet 383 can be opened relatively.

The inlet opening and closing member 384 may have a cylindrical shape, for example.

An inlet opening / closing member accommodating part 386 may be formed around the inlet opening / closing member 384 so that the inlet opening and closing member 384 is accommodated when the inlet opening and closing member 384 is opened. .

The inlet opening and closing member 384 may be provided with a coupling protrusion 388 protruding outward in a radial direction.

The coupling protrusion 388 may be configured in plural numbers.

Each coupling protrusion 388 may be configured to be spaced apart from an outer surface of the inlet opening and closing member 384.

Each coupling protrusion 388 may be configured to be accessible and spaced apart from the inlet opening and closing member 384.

The inlet opening and closing member accommodation portion 386 may be provided with a coupling protrusion accommodation portion 387 for receiving the coupling protrusion.

The engaging projection receiving portion 387 is in contact with the engaging projection 388 to prevent movement of the engaging projection 388, the inlet opening and closing member 384 is unexpectedly separated from the inlet opening and closing member receiving portion 386. (Separation) can be suppressed.

An inlet opening / closing member spring 385 may be provided inside the inlet opening / closing member accommodating part 386 to apply an elastic force to move the inlet opening and closing member 384 to a blocking position that blocks the inlet 383. .

An end portion of the inlet opening and closing member accommodation portion 386 may be provided with a coupling portion 389 coupled to the storage container accommodation portion 220.

The inlet end 381 may be provided with sealing members 382a and 382b on both sides of the inlet.

The sealing members 382a and 382b are in contact with the inner surface of the inlet opening and closing member 384 moved to the blocking position by the elastic force of the inlet opening and closing member spring 385 when the storage container 210 is pulled out. It is possible to suppress the leakage of the liquid laundry detergent flowing through the 383).

On the other hand, the air pocket 415, for example, the bottom portion is in communication with the flow path of the liquid laundry detergent to the upper side of the flow path so that the liquid laundry detergent is temporarily accommodated and the air can be received above the liquid laundry detergent. It may be formed to protrude upward.

More specifically, the air pocket 415, the lower end is in communication with the flow path of the flow path forming member 360 and the upper end of the air pocket forming portion 412 and protruded to open, the upper air pocket forming portion 412 It may be formed by the air pocket cover 414 is coupled.

The air pocket forming part 412 may be configured, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The air pocket forming part 412 may be provided with a fastening member coupling part 416 to be coupled to the fastening member 417 passing through the air pocket cover 414.

The fastening member coupling part 416 may be formed at, for example, diagonal edges of the air pocket forming part 412 and the air pocket cover 414.

The air pocket cover 414 may include an electrode 421 extending downward into the air pocket forming unit 412 and contacting the laundry detergent moving along the flow path of the flow path forming member 360.

The electrodes 421 may be formed, for example, in pairs.

The electrode 421 may have a length such that a lower end thereof may be disposed below the upper end of the cross section of the flow path.

More specifically, for example, the lower end of each electrode 421 may be disposed lower than the upper end of the cross section of the flow path and the upper range than the center of the cross section of the flow path.

As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid laundry agent can be accurately detected.

Meanwhile, the volume of the air pocket 415 may be larger than the volume of the introduction space 380.

More specifically, the volume of the air pocket 415 may be composed of more than twice the volume of the introduction space 380.

Thereby, the generation of the residual amount misdetection of the liquid laundry detergent due to the foam generated during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent (detergent) can be effectively suppressed.

More specifically, when the liquid laundry detergent is moved, the air is compressed and stored inside the air pocket 415, thereby preventing bubbles generated by the laundry detergent from moving upward along the electrode 421. Occurrence of the residual amount erroneous detection due to the rise of can be suppressed.

In this configuration, when power is applied to the electric motor 442 and the electric motor 442 is rotated, the drive gear 453, the power transmission gear 455, and the driven gear 451 are rotated, thereby. The crankshaft 449 may be rotated.

When the crankshaft 449 is rotated, the piston rod 447 may reciprocate, and the piston 320 may reciprocate in the cylinder 310.

When the piston 320 is moved in a direction in which the internal volume of the cylinder 310 is extended, as shown in FIG. 8, the pressurized space communicated with the inside of the cylinder 310 by the communication path 313. A suction force is generated at 363, which causes the suction valve 365 to open the suction port 364.

When the suction port 364 is opened, the liquid laundry agent inside the storage container 210 flows into the introduction space 380 through the inlet port 383, and pressurizes through the open suction port 364. May be sucked into the interior of the space 363.

When the piston 320 is moved in a direction in which the internal volume of the cylinder 310 decreases, as shown in FIG. 9, the inside of the pressurized space 363 is compressed and the compression force of the piston 320 is reduced. As a result, the discharge valve 375 opens the discharge port 374.

When the discharge port 374 is opened, the liquid laundry detergent (detergent, softener) applied by the piston 320 to the laundry detergent supply passage 260 (detergent supply passage 262) through the discharge port 374. ), And may be moved along the softener supply passage 266 to be introduced into the bellows connection 167.

The liquid laundry detergent (detergent) introduced into the bellows connector 167 may be mixed with water and introduced into the water tank 130 along the circulation passage 160.

When the driving of the electric motor 442 is stopped, the suction valve 365 and the discharge valve 375 return to their initial positions by the elastic force of the suction valve spring 367 and the elastic force of the discharge valve spring 377, respectively. Thus, the suction port 364 and the discharge port 374 may be blocked, respectively.

On the other hand, when the supply of the liquid laundry detergent is completed, the residual amount detection unit 410a may detect the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent at the bottom of the air pocket 415.

Here, since the air is collected during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent and a relatively large amount of air is collected and compressed as time passes, bubbles generated during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent are compressed in the air pocket 415. Ascending along the electrode 421 can be suppressed.

As a result, when the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent is actually insufficient at the bottom of the air pocket 415, bubbles rather than the liquid laundry detergent are raised to contact the two electrodes 421 at the same time, thereby erroneously detecting the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent. Development of the phenomenon can be suppressed.

Hereinafter, a laundry pump according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

As shown in Figure 10 and 11, the laundry pump 280 of the present embodiment, for example, a cylinder 310 for sucking and discharging the liquid detergent including a liquid detergent or a liquid softener; A piston 320 reciprocating in the cylinder 310; And an air pocket 415 formed in communication with the suction side flow path or the discharge side flow path of the liquid laundry detergent of the cylinder 310 and temporarily receiving air and the liquid laundry detergent therein and the liquid inside the air pocket 415. And an electrode 421 disposed to be in contact with the laundry detergent, and a residual amount sensing unit 410b for sensing the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent.

The laundry pump 280 forms a flow path and a pressurized space 363 of the liquid detergent, and a suction valve 365 and the pressurized space 363 which open and close the suction port 364 of the pressurized space 363. It may further include a flow path forming member 360 having a discharge valve 375 for opening and closing the discharge port 374 of the) and the pressurized space 363 is in communication with the interior of the cylinder (310).

The flow path forming member 360 may be configured to have a substantially cylindrical shape, for example.

The flow path forming member 360 may include an inlet end 381 through which the liquid laundry agent is introduced and an inlet end 391 through which the liquid laundry agent flows out along the moving direction of the liquid laundry agent.

The laundry pump 280 may further include a case 330 that accommodates the cylinder 310, the piston 320, and the piston driver 440.

The case 330 may include, for example, a case body 332 forming an accommodation space therein and a case cover 335 opening and closing the case body 332.

On the other hand, the residual amount detection unit 410b may be disposed downstream of the pressurized space 363 along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent.

More specifically, the remaining amount detection unit 410b may be provided at the inlet end 391 of the flow path forming member 360.

The inlet end 391 has an air pocket forming portion 412 protruding upward to form an air pocket 415 therein, and an air pocket cover 414 for blocking an upper end of the air pocket forming portion 412. It may be provided.

The air pocket forming part 412 may be configured, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The air pocket cover 414 may include an electrode 421 disposed downwardly in an up and down direction in the air pocket forming unit 412.

The electrode 421 may be configured in a pair.

The air pocket 415 may include an inlet 431a through which the liquid laundry agent flows in and an outlet 433a through which the liquid laundry detergent flows out.

The inlet 431a and the outlet 433a may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the moving direction of the liquid laundry detergent.

The outlet portion 433a may be formed downstream of the inlet portion 431a.

The inlet portion 431a and the outlet portion 433a may be formed at the same height as each other.

On the other hand, the remaining amount detection unit 410c of another embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the air pocket 415, the air pocket type is formed inside the air pocket 415 and the top is open The air pocket cover 414 which blocks the top of the formation part 412 and the air pocket forming part 412, and the inlet part 431b and the outlet part which are formed in the air pocket forming part 412, respectively, have a different height difference. 433b may be configured.

The air pocket cover 414 may be provided with a pair of electrodes 421 disposed in the up and down direction inside the air pocket forming unit 412, respectively.

The inlet 431b may be spaced apart from the bottom surface to have a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the air pocket 415.

The outlet portion 433b may be formed to have a lower height than the inlet portion 431b.

More specifically, the outlet portion 433b may be configured such that an upper end thereof is disposed below the lower end of the inlet part 431b.

According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress that the air inside the air pocket 415 flows out through the outlet portion 433b.

As a result, the dispersion of the flow rate of the liquid laundry detergent flowing out through the outlet portion 433b may be further reduced.

The lower end of each electrode 421 may be disposed at a height lower than the upper end of the inlet 431b.

In this embodiment, the lower end of the electrode 421 is all shown to be lower than the upper end of the inlet 431b and the same height, but this is only an example and any one having a high height of the electrode 421. May be disposed to have a lower height than the top of the inlet 431b.

In this embodiment, the upper end of the outlet 433b is disposed below the bottom of the inlet 431b, but the upper end of the outlet 433b of the inlet 431b It may be configured to be disposed at the same height as the bottom.

By this configuration, when the piston 320 starts the reciprocating motion by the rotation of the electric motor 442, the intake valve 365 and the discharge valve 375 alternately operates the pressurized space 363 The liquid laundry agent may be sucked into the inside of the c) to flow out into the inlet end 391.

The liquid laundry agent flowing out into the inlet end 391 is introduced into the air pocket 415 through the inlet 431b, and flows out through the outlet 433b and is connected to the bellows connection 167. Can be introduced into.

When the supply of the liquid laundry detergent is completed, the remaining amount sensing unit may detect the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent.

The inside of the air pocket 415 can be suppressed that the bubbles generated during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent is raised along the electrode 421 by the air is stored by water compression when the liquid laundry detergent is moved. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of residual amount of erroneous detection due to the rise of the foam of the liquid laundry detergent, thereby improving the detection reliability. When the supply of the liquid laundry detergent is completed, the electrode 421 may detect the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent at the bottom of the air pocket 415.

Here, air is stored (compressed) during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent in the air pocket 415, and it is suppressed that bubbles generated during the movement of the liquid laundry detergent rise along the electrode 421. Can be.

As a result, when the remaining amount of the liquid laundry detergent is actually insufficient at the bottom of the air pocket 415, bubbles may rise and contact the two electrodes 421 at the same time. .

In the above, specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or essential features thereof, so the embodiments described above should not be limited by the details of the detailed description.

In addition, even if the embodiment is not listed one by one in the detailed description described above should be construed broadly within the scope of the technical idea defined in the appended claims. In addition, all changes and modifications included within the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

110: laundry treatment apparatus main body 120: cabinet
125: door 130: water tank
140: rotating tank 150: drainage pump
155: drain pipe 160: circulation passage
162: circulation pump 166: circulation piping
167: bellows connection 169: water level detection pipe
170: filter unit 172: filter casing
174 filter 190 laundry detergent supply unit
210: storage container 212a: detergent container
212b: Softener accommodating part 214: Storage container handle
216a, 216b: Inlet stopper 217a: Detergent puff connection
217b: softener pump connection 220: storage container receiving portion
225: installation space 260: laundry detergent supply passage
262: Detergent supply flow path 264: Detergent outflow pipe
266: softener supply flow path 268: softener outflow piping
280: laundry pump 280a: detergent pump
280b; Softener Pump 310; cylinder
313: communication path
320: piston 330: case
332: case body 335; Case cover
340: engaging portion 342: coupling rib
345: engaging projection 360: flow path forming member
363 pressurized space 364 suction port
365: suction valve 375: discharge valve
380: Introduction space
381: inlet end 384: inlet opening and closing member
385: inlet opening and closing member spring 386: inlet opening and closing member accommodation portion
387: engaging projection receiving part 388: engaging projection
410a, 410b, 410c: Remaining capacity detection unit 415: Air pocket
412: air pocket forming unit 414: air pocket cover
421: electrode
440: piston drive unit 442: electric motor
445: power transmission unit 447: piston rod
449: crankshaft 451: driven gear
453: drive gear 455; Power transmission gear
456: first gear 457: second gear

Claims (18)

A flow path forming member which forms a flow path of the liquid laundry agent and includes a suction valve for opening and closing the suction port of the pressurized space and a discharge valve for opening and closing the discharge port of the pressurized space;
A cylinder disposed in communication with the pressing space at one side of the flow path forming member;
An inflow end portion protruding from the front portion of the flow path forming member and extending from the suction port of the pressing space;
An inlet opening / closing member installed to surround the inlet end and opening and closing the inlet formed at one side of the inlet end; And
Inlet opening and closing member spring for providing an elastic force to the inlet opening and closing member,
The inlet opening and closing member,
When the inlet end is coupled to the storage container in which the laundry is stored, the inlet is moved to open,
And the inlet end is separated from the reservoir, the laundry pump being positioned to cover the inlet by the inlet opening and closing member spring. The method of claim 1,
The inlet opening and closing member is made of a cylindrical shape,
The outer side of the inlet opening and closing member, laundry pump, characterized in that the inlet opening and closing member receiving portion 386 is positioned so that the inlet opening and closing member is accommodated when the inlet opening. The method of claim 2,
The inlet end is formed to protrude to be inserted or withdrawn toward one side of the storage container,
When the inlet end is coupled to the storage container, the inlet opening and closing member is pressed and the laundry pump, characterized in that sliding in the inlet opening and closing member accommodation. The method of claim 3,
When the inlet opening and closing member is pressed by an external force greater than the elastic force,
The laundry pump, characterized in that sliding along the inlet end to form an opening of the inlet. The method of claim 1,
The inlet opening and closing member, the laundry pump, characterized in that for opening and closing the inlet formed in the side of the flow path forming member in the reciprocating motion. The method of claim 1,
The outer side of the flow path forming member, the fastening portion is formed projecting, the fastening portion is a laundry pump, characterized in that fixed by screw fastening. The method of claim 6,
The inflow end, the laundry pump, characterized in that located in front of the fastening. The method of claim 7, wherein
The inlet end, the laundry pump, characterized in that located on the upstream side of the pressurized space. The method of claim 1,
A piston reciprocally disposed in the cylinder; And
Washing pump further comprises a piston drive for driving the piston reciprocating. The method of claim 1,
The flow path forming member is provided with an introduction space into which the liquid detergent is introduced upstream of the pressurized space. The method of claim 1,
The suction valve is disposed inside the pressurized space, the discharge valve is disposed outside the pressurized space,
And a suction valve spring and a discharge valve spring for returning the suction valve and the discharge valve to their initial positions, respectively. The method of claim 9,
Washing pump further comprises a piston drive for transmitting a driving force to form a reciprocating motion of the piston. The method of claim 1,
Laundry pump, characterized in that the sealing member is installed on the outside of the inlet end. The method of claim 13,
The sealing member is a laundry pump, characterized in that installed in the position adjacent to the inlet. The method of claim 14,
The sealing member, the laundry pump, characterized in that installed in the rear portion than the formation position of the inlet. The method of claim 14,
The sealing member, the laundry pump, characterized in that installed on both sides with the inlet in between. The method of claim 2,
The outer side of the inlet opening and closing member is formed with a protrusion projecting toward the radial direction,
One side of the inlet opening and closing member accommodating portion is formed to penetrate the engaging projection receiving portion,
The coupling protrusion, the laundry pump, characterized in that movable in the state inserted into the coupling projection housing. The method of claim 17,
The coupling protrusion is in contact with the one end of the coupling projection receiving portion, the laundry pump, characterized in that to limit the inlet opening and closing member from the inlet opening and closing member receiving portion.

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