Washing machine

A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine include a first housing, a second housing arranged above the first housing, a first tub covered by the first housing, a second tub covered by the second housing, and a first detergent supplier arranged to supply a detergent to the first tub, a second detergent supplier having a first supply assembly arranged to supply a detergent to the second tub by siphonage when water for laundry is being supplied, wherein the first supply assembly comprises a first valve device arranged in a detergent supply path, in which a detergent is moved to the second tub, for preventing water for laundry from flowing backwards by buoyancy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/KR2017/012664, filed Nov. 9, 2017, which claims the foreign priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0178547 filed Dec. 23, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine with a plurality of washing devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Washing machines are devices for doing the laundry by rotating its cylindrical drum that contains laundry. As for types of the washing machine, there are washers in which a drum is substantially horizontally positioned to do the laundry by raising and dropping the laundry along the inner wall of the drum while rotating around the horizontal axis, and washers in which a drum having a pulsator therein is substantially vertically positioned to do the laundry using water currents produced by the pulsator while the drum is rotating around the vertical axis.

The washer in which the drum is horizontally positioned is called a front loading washer because a laundry inlet is formed on the front, and the washer in which the drum is vertically positioned is called a top loading washer because a laundry inlet is formed on the top.

Conventional washing machines have a single washing device, so if the user wants to wash separate clothes, the user is bothered to drive the washing machine more than twice. In this case, the user has to drive the washing machine for long hours even if the amount of clothes is relatively small.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine with a plurality of washing devices.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing the water in a tub from flowing backward into a detergent container.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of readily supplying a detergent to a tub.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of an example embodiment, a washing machine include a first housing; a second housing arranged above the first housing; a first tub covered by the first housing; a second tub covered by the second housing; and a first detergent supplier arranged to supply a detergent to the first tub; a second detergent supplier having a first supply assembly arranged to supply a detergent to the second tub by siphonage when water for laundry is being supplied, wherein the first supply assembly comprises a first valve device arranged in a detergent supply path, in which a detergent is moved to the second tub, for preventing water for laundry from flowing backwards by buoyancy.

The first detergent supplier may be arranged in the second housing.

The first supply assembly may include a first detergent container storing a detergent to be supplied to the second tub; a first detergent container cover communicated to the first detergent container and covering the first detergent container; a siphon tube protruding from the bottom side of the first detergent container and having a cavity formed in the siphon tube; and a siphon cap arranged above the siphon tube and forming a siphon path with the siphon tube.

The siphon cap may include a water-level adjustment lip that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the siphon cap.

The water-level adjustment lip may be arranged at a height lower than the height of the siphon tube.

The detergent contained in the first detergent container may be supplied to the second tub when the water-level of the water for laundry supplied to the first detergent container is higher than the height of the siphon tube.

The first valve device may be arranged in the first detergent supply hose connecting the first detergent cover and the second tub.

The first valve device may include a sealing member arranged to be movable in the first detergent supply hose by buoyancy; and a guide member guiding movement of the sealing member.

The first detergent container cover may include a detergent opening communicated to the first detergent supply hose, and wherein the detergent opening comprises a protrusion protruding from the inner side of the detergent opening to support movement of the sealing member in a supply direction of the water for laundry when the water for laundry is flowing backwards.

The sealing member may be formed to include silicon.

The sealing member may be moved to open the detergent supply path when moving in a direction in which the water for laundry is supplied, and may be moved to close the detergent supply path when moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the water for laundry is supplied.

The guide member may include a first support lip supporting movement of the sealing member in a direction in which the water for laundry is supplied; and a second support lip supporting movement of the sealing member in a vertical direction to the direction in which the water for laundry is supplied.

The second detergent supplier may further include a second supply assembly arranged to provide a detergent to the second tub, wherein the second supply assembly may include a second detergent container storing a detergent to be supplied to the second tub; a second detergent supply hose connecting the second detergent container and the second tub; and a second valve device arranged in the second detergent supply hose and preventing a backflow of water to the second detergent container by buoyancy.

The washing machine may further include a door opening or closing a laundry inlet arranged in the second housing, wherein the second detergent supplier may be arranged to be covered by the door.

The first tub may have a first opening arranged on the front, and wherein the second tub may have a second opening arranged on the top.

In accordance with another aspect of an example embodiment, a washing machine include a first housing; a second housing arranged above the first housing; a first tub covered by the first housing; a second tub covered by the second housing; and a first detergent supplier arranged to supply a detergent to the first tub; a second detergent supplier having a first detergent container storing a detergent to be supplied to the second tub and arranged to supply a detergent to the second tub, wherein the second detergent supplier includes a valve device arranged in a detergent supply path, in which a detergent is moved to the second tub, and provided to prevent reverse flow to the first detergent container by buoyancy.

The first detergent supplier may be disposed in front of the second detergent supplier.

The second detergent supplier may be provided to supply detergent from the detergent container to the second tub when the washing water supplied into the first detergent container exceeds a predetermined level.

In accordance with still another aspect of an example embodiment, a washing machine include a first housing; a second housing arranged above the first housing; a first tub covered by the first housing; a second tub covered by the second housing; and a first detergent supplier arranged to supply a detergent to the first tub and disposed in the second housing; a second detergent supplier configured to supply detergent to the second tub, disposed in the second housing, and having a valve device provided to prevent reverse flow of washing water by buoyancy.

The valve device may be configured to include a material movable by buoyancy of the washing water.

Advantageous Effects

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine may have a plurality of washing devices, enabling clothes to be washed separately as needed.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine may have a buoyancy valve in a detergent supply path to open or close the detergent supply path by means of buoyancy, thereby preventing the water in the tub from flowing backward into the detergent container.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine may have a detergent supplier to supply a detergent to the tub when water is being supplied by siphonage, thereby readily supplying the detergent to the tub.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments and features as described and illustrated in the present disclosure are only preferred examples, and various modifications thereof may also fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts or components.

The terms including ordinal numbers like “first” and “second” may be used to explain various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only for the purpose of distinguishing a component from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Descriptions shall be understood as to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items when the items are described by using the conjunctive term “˜and/or˜,” or the like.

The terms “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, and “bottom” as herein used are defined with respect to the drawings, but the terms may not restrict the shape and position of the respective components.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a washing machine1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2shows the washing machine1shown inFIG.1with some parts separated therefrom.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine1shown inFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1to2, the washing machine1may include a first washing device of a front-loading type with a first laundry inlet11formed on the front, and a second washing device of a top-loading type with a second laundry inlet21formed on the top.

The washing machine1may include a first drum13in which a first washing space12is formed and a first tub14containing the first drum13and storing water for washing or rinsing to be used in a washing course or a rinsing course. The first drum13and the first tub14may be shaped like a cylinder with at least a portion of a plane opened, and the open portion may be positioned almost toward the front. The first tub14may include a first opening14aformed almost toward the front.

The washing machine1may include a first housing30covering the first drum13and the first tub14. Specifically, the first housing30may include a side frame31forming the side and rear exterior, and a bottom frame32forming the bottom plane.

Furthermore, the washing machine1may include a damper15and a spring16to support the first tub14against the first housing30. The damper15may support the first tub14from below by connecting the outer side of the first tub14and the bottom frame32, and the spring16may support the first tub14from above by connecting the outer side of the first tub14and the top end of the side frame31. The damper15and the spring16may relieve vibration, noise, and shock caused by a motion of the first tub14.

Where to install the damper15and the spring16is not limited to the top end of the side frame31and the bottom frame32, but may be anywhere to support the first tub14by connecting a side of the first tub14and a portion of the first housing30as needed.

The washing machine1may include a first driving motor40arranged behind the first tub14to rotate the first drum13. A first driving shaft41may be coupled to the back of the first drum13for delivering power from the first driving motor40.

A lot of first through holes13amay be formed in the circumference of the first drum13for water circulation. On the inside circumference of the first drum13, a plurality of lifters13bmay be provided to enable the laundry to be raised and fallen while the first drum13is rotating. A first balancer17may be equipped on a front portion of the first drum13to help the first drum13stably spin at high speed.

The first driving shaft41may be arranged between the first drum13and the first driving motor40. One end of the first driving shaft41may be coupled to the back plate of the first drum13, and the other end of the first driving shaft41may extend to the outside of the back wall of the first tub14. When the first driving motor40drives the first driving shaft41, the first drum13coupled to the first driving shaft41rotates around the first driving shaft41.

On the back wall of the first tub14, a bearing housing42may be provided to rotationally support the first driving shaft41. The bearing housing42may be made of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted to the back wall of the first tub14during injection molding of the first tub14. Bearings43may be provided between the bearing housing42and the first driving shaft41to enable smooth rotation of the first driving shaft41.

The washing machine1may include a function of doing laundry with hot water. To obtain hot water, a heater18may be arranged on the bottom of the first tub14to heat the water for washing or rinsing stored in the first tub14.

The washing machine1may include a first drain pump50arranged under the first tub14for draining the water out of the washing machine1from inside the first tub14, a first coupling hose52connecting a first drain51of the first tub14and the first drain pump50for allowing the water inside the first tub14to flow into the first drain pump50, a circulation hose53connecting the first drain pump50and the first tub14for circulating the water flowing into the first drain pump50to the first tub14, and a first drain hose54for guiding the water pumped by the first drain pump50to a connector110.

The washing machine1may include a front cover33with the first laundry inlet11through which clothes may be thrown into the first washing space12. A first door60may be combined with the front cover33for opening or shutting the first laundry inlet11.

The first door60may be arranged to correspond to the first laundry inlet11and to be able to pivot on the front cover33. The first door60may include a first door frame61, a first door cover62, and a door glass63.

Although the first door frame61is shown to be shaped almost like a round ring in the embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be implemented as being shaped almost like a square ring. The first door cover62and the door glass63may be implemented to include a transparent material allowing the inside of the first drum13to be seen from outside of the washing machine1while the first door60holds the first laundry inlet11shut. The door glass63may be formed to be swollen from the first door frame61toward the inside of the first drum13. With this structure, the door glass63may be inserted to the inside of the first laundry inlet11when the first door60is shut.

The first door60may include a first hinge coupler formed on one side of the first door frame61to be able to pivot on the front cover33, and the first hinge coupler may be coupled to a first hinge arranged adjacent to the first laundry inlet11. On the other side of the first door frame61, a first hook69may be provided. A first hook receiver34may be provided on the front cover33to match the first hook69, enabling the first door60to hold the first laundry inlet11shut.

The first door60may include an auxiliary laundry inlet64and an auxiliary door65to open or shut the auxiliary laundry inlet64in order to throw clothes into the first washing space12while the first door60is shut. The auxiliary door65may be pivotally mounted on the first door cover62.

To throw the laundry into the washing machine1through the auxiliary laundry inlet64of the first door60, the laundry needs to pass through the door glass63. For this, the door glass63may have a glass through hole66therein. Alternatively, the door glass63may be formed to have the top portion sunken to prevent the door glass63from being placed behind the auxiliary laundry inlet64.

To connect the auxiliary laundry inlet64of the first door60and the glass through hole66of the door glass63, the first door60may include a coupling guide67. The coupling guide67may be formed in the shape of a tube with both ends open and a cavity therein.

Specifically, the coupling guide67may be connected to the auxiliary laundry inlet64at one end and to the glass through hole66at the other end. In the embodiment, the coupling guide67may be arranged to incline downward from front to back. In other words, the one end of the coupling guide67connected to the auxiliary laundry inlet64may be at a higher level than the other end. With this configuration, the user may be able to easily throw the laundry into the first drum13through the auxiliary laundry inlet64.

Although the auxiliary door65is arranged on the first door60in this embodiment, it is not limited thereto and the first door60may be provided without the auxiliary laundry inlet64, the auxiliary door65, and the coupling guide67.

The washing machine1may include a diaphragm68arranged between the first laundry inlet11of the front cover33and the first opening14aof the first tub14. The diaphragm68may create a passage from the first laundry inlet11to a third opening13cof the first drum13, to reduce vibration transferred to the front cover33while the first drum13is rotating. A portion of the diaphragm68may be located between the first door60and the front cover33to prevent the water in the first tub14from leaking out of the washing machine1.

The washing machine1may include a second drum23in which a second washing space22is formed and a second tub24containing the second drum23and storing water for washing or rinsing to be used in a washing course or a rinsing course. The second drum23and the second tub24may be shaped like a cylinder with at least a portion of a plane open, and the open portion may be positioned almost toward he top. The second tub24may include a second opening26formed toward almost the top.

The washing machine1may include a second housing35to cover the second drum23and the second tub24. Specifically, the second housing35may include a lower frame36to support the second tub24and an upper frame37equipped with the second laundry inlet21, through which clothes may be thrown in, and settled in an upper portion of the lower frame36.

A side cover38may cover the left and right sides of the lower frame36and the upper frame37with a single member, thereby simplifying the sides of the second housing35and preventing random falling of the lower frame36and the upper frame37when they are dismounted from vibration or something and thus from hurting the user.

The washing machine1may include a second door80equipped in the second housing35for opening or shutting the second laundry inlet21. The second door80may be arranged to correspond to the second laundry inlet21and to be able to pivot on the upper frame37.

The second door80may include a second door frame81and a second door cover82. The second door cover82may be implemented to include a transparent material allowing the inside of the second tub24and the second drum23to be seen from outside of the washing machine1while the second door80shuts the second laundry inlet21.

Second hinges (not shown) may be provided on the left and right sides of the second door frame81for the second door80to be able to pivot on the upper frame37. The second hinge may be coupled to a second hinge coupler (not shown) arranged around the second laundry inlet21. A latch container83may be provided on the front of the second door frame81, and a latch may be provided on the upper frame82to match the latch container83of the second door frame81. With this configuration, the second door80of the washing machine1in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure may hold the second laundry inlet21shut.

The second drum23may have a cylindrical form with the top open and may be arranged to be able to rotate within the second tub23. A lot of second through holes23amay be formed in the side and/or bottom plane of the second drum23for water circulation. A second balancer27may be equipped in an upper portion of the second drum23to help the second drum23stably spin at high speed. A filter28may be attached onto an inner side of the second drum23to filter out some foreign materials coming out during washing.

There may be a curved portion29formed on the bottom of the second drum23for creating water currents. Although not shown, the washing machine1may further include a pulsator arranged inside the second drum23to produce water currents.

The second tub24may have a cylindrical form and may be supported by the lower frame36according to a suspension25. Specifically, the second tub24may be supported in a form of hanging to the lower frame36by four of the suspensions25. The second opening26may be formed on the top of the second tub23to correspond to the second laundry inlet21, and may be coupled with a third door85to open or shut the second opening26. The third door85may seal the second washing space22to prevent leakage of wet steam if the second washing unit performs a washing course with hot water.

The third door85may include a third door frame86and a third door cover87. The third door cover87may be implemented to include a transparent material allowing the inside of the second drum23to be seen from outside of the second tub24while the third door85shuts the second opening26.

A third hinge (not shown) may be arranged around the second opening26for the third door85to be able to pivot on the second tub24, and may be coupled with a third hinge coupler (not shown) arranged on a side of the third door frame86. A handle88may be provided on the other side of the third door frame86to open the third door85and may be equipped with a second hook89. A second hook container (not shown) may be arranged on the second tub24to match the second hook89, enabling the third door85to hold the second opening26shut. Furthermore, when the handle88is pulled, the second hook89falls out of the second hook container, enabling the third door85to fully open the second washing space22.

The washing machine1may include a second driving motor45arranged under the second tub24to rotate the second drum23. A second driving shaft46may be coupled to the bottom of the second drum23for delivering power from the second driving motor45. One end of the second driving shaft46may be coupled to the bottom plate of the second drum23, and the other end of the second driving shaft46may extend to the outside of the bottom wall of the second tub24. When the second driving motor45drives the second driving shaft46, the second drum23coupled to the second driving shaft46rotates around the second driving shaft46.

Although not shown, if the pulsator is arranged on the bottom of the second drum23, the washing machine1may further include a power switching unit to deliver the driving force produced by the second driving motor45to the second drum23and the pulsator simultaneously or selectively.

The washing machine1may include a second drain pump55arranged under the second tub24for draining the water stored in the second tub24to the outside of the washing machine1, and a second drain hose59for guiding the water pumped by the second drain pump55to the outside of the washing machine1. The second drain pump55may be installed above the first housing30.

A second drain56may be arranged on the bottom of the second tub24for draining the water from the second tub24, and the second drain56and the second drain pump55may be connected by a second coupling hose57, allowing the water from the second tub24to flow into the second drain pump55.

The washing machine1may include a water supplier90for supplying laundry water to the first and second tubs14and24. The water supplier90may be arranged in the second housing35. Specifically, the water supplier90may be arranged on the upper frame37and preferably, behind the second laundry inlet21.

The washing machine1may include a detergent supplier100for supplying a detergent to each of the first and second tubs14and24. The detergent supplier100may include a first detergent supplier110for supplying a detergent to the first tub14and a second detergent supplier120for supplying a detergent to the second tub24.

The first detergent supplier110may be arranged in the second housing35. Specifically, the first detergent supplier91may be arranged on the upper frame37and preferably, ahead of the second laundry inlet21. The first detergent supplier110may be arranged in front of the second detergent supplier120, which will be described later. The second detergent supplier120may be arranged on top of the first tub14.

The second detergent supplier120may be arranged in the second housing35, and may contain a fabric softener and/or a bleaching agent to be supplied into the second tub24. The second detergent supplier120may be arranged on an upper frame37. The second detergent supplier120may be arranged on each of the left and right ends of the front side of the second opening26. The second detergent supplier120may be arranged for the user to access it as the second door80is opened. The second detergent supplier120may be covered by the second door80. The second detergent supplier120will be described in detail later.

The washing machine1may include a fixing bracket70to securely combine the first and second housings30and35.

The washing machine1may include a control panel71arranged above the front cover33for controlling the washing machine1. The control panel71may include an input (not shown) for receiving operation commands for the washing machine1from the user, and a display (not shown) for displaying operation information of the washing machine1.

FIG.4shows the second tub24and the second detergent supplier120of the washing machine1shown inFIG.1.FIG.5is an exploded view of the second tub24and the second detergent supplier120shown inFIG.4.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view along line A-A′ marked inFIG.4.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view along line B-B′ marked inFIG.4.FIG.8shows a first sealing member122, which is shown inFIG.7, lifted by buoyancy.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the second detergent supplier120may include a first supply assembly121arranged to supply a detergent to the second tub24by siphonage when water for laundry is being supplied, and a second supply assembly131arranged to supply a detergent, which is thrown in, right into the second tub24. The detergent as herein used may include a laundry detergent, a fabric softener, and a bleaching agent.

A path for the detergent to move to the second tub24is defined as a detergent supply path P. The detergent supply path P may include a first detergent supply path P1in which the detergent supplied through the first supply assembly121moves, and a second detergent supply path P2in which the detergent supplied through the second supply assembly131moves.

Referring toFIGS.5to8, the first supply assembly121may be arranged at an end of the front side of the second opening26of the second tub24. The first supply assembly121may be placed at the right end of the front side of the top of the second tub24. The first supply assembly121may supply a fabric softener to the second tub24. The first supply assembly121may include a first detergent container122, a first detergent container cover124, a first detergent container lead126, a first detergent guide128, a siphon cap129, a first detergent supply hose101, and a first valve device141.

The first detergent container122may contain a detergent to be supplied to the second tub24. The first detergent container122may be located in the internal space formed by the first detergent container cover124and the first detergent container lead126, which will be described later. The first detergent container122may include a support member122bextending toward the first detergent container cover124to be placed a certain distance away from the first detergent cover124.

The first detergent container122may include a siphon tube123with a cavity123aformed therein, which protrudes upward from the bottom side of the first detergent container122. The siphon tube123may be formed to have a first height H1. The first detergent container122may include an inlet122athrough which water for laundry is supplied from the water supplier90.

The first detergent container cover124may be arranged under the first detergent container122to cover a lower portion of the first detergent container122. The first detergent container cover124may be linked to the first detergent container122. The first detergent container cover124may guide the water for laundry supplied to the first detergent container122and the detergent flowing in through the siphon tube123to the first detergent supply hose101.

The first detergent container cover124may include an inflow tube124aconnected to the water supplier90. The first detergent container cover124may include a first detergent opening125formed on the bottom side to be linked to the first detergent supply hose101. The first detergent opening125may include a protrusion125athat protrudes from the inner side of the first detergent opening125to support movement of the first sealing member142in a direction to which water is supplied when the water is moving backwards. The protrusion125may support the top of the first sealing member142, thereby preventing bending of the first sealing member142and preventing the first sealing member142from passing through the first detergent opening125and moving into the first detergent container cover124.

To be combined with the first detergent lead126, which will be described later, the first detergent container cover124may include a first fastener124bto be coupled with a second fastener126aof the first detergent container lead126.

The first detergent container lead126may cover an upper portion of the first detergent container cover124, and include the second fastener126ato be coupled with the first fastener124bof the first detergent container cover124. The first detergent container lead126may include an insertion hole126bto which the first detergent guide128, which will be described later, is inserted.

The first detergent guide128includes a first detergent inlet128aformed for the user to throw in a detergent through it. A portion of the first detergent guide128may be inserted and fixed to the insertion hole126bof the first detergent container lead126. The first detergent guide128may guide the detergent thrown in by the user to the first detergent container122.

The siphon cap129may be placed above the siphon tube123, forming a siphon path SP with the siphon tube123. The siphon cap129may include a cavity formed therein.

The siphon cap129may include a water-level adjustment lip129athat almost horizontally protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the siphon cap129. The water-level adjustment lip129amay be arranged at a height H2lower than the height H1of the siphon tube123. The user may throw a detergent into the first detergent container122as high as the height of the water-level adjustment lip129a. When the detergent fills the first detergent container122as high as the height of the water-level adjustment lip129a, the detergent fills only a portion of the siphon path SP, no siphonage occurs and thus, the detergent is not moved to the first detergent container cover1234. However, if the level of the water for laundry and/or the detergent becomes higher than the height H1of the siphon tube123as the water for laundry is supplied to the first detergent container, all the water for laundry and/or the detergent contained in the first detergent container122may be supplied to the second tub24by siphonage.

With this configuration, the washing machine1in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure eliminates the need for the user to open the second washing space22and separately throw in a detergent thereto because the detergent is automatically supplied to the second tub24as the water for laundry is supplied to the second supply assembly121.

The first detergent supply hose101may be connected to a first connection port24aof the second tub24at one end and connected to the first detergent opening125of the first detergent container cover124at the other end101a. At least a portion of the first detergent supply hose101may be formed as a flexible hose to prevent vibrations of the second tub24from being transferred to the first supply assembly121.

The first valve device141may be arranged in the first detergent supply hose101connecting the first detergent container cover124and the second tub24. Specifically, the first valve device141may be arranged inside the other end101aof the first detergent supply hose101. The first valve device141may be arranged in the detergent supply path P along which the detergent is moved to the second tub24, to prevent a backflow of the water for laundry by buoyancy of the water.

The first valve device141may include the first sealing member142provided to be movable in the first detergent supply hose101by buoyancy and a first guide member143for guiding the movement of the first sealing member142.

The first sealing member142may be made by including a material that has a property of being movable in the first detergent supply hose101by buoyancy of the water for laundry. The first sealing member142may be made by including silicon.

The first sealing member142may be moved to open the first detergent supply path P1when the water for laundry is moved in a supplying direction, and moved to close the first detergent supply path P1when the water for laundry is moved in the opposite direction to the supplying direction. Specifically, the first sealing member142may be moved downwards by pressure of the water for laundry and gravity when the water for laundry is supplied, and may close the first detergent opening125by moving upwards by buoyancy of the water for laundry when the water for laundry is flowing backwards.

The first guide member143may include a first support lip143afor supporting movement of the first sealing member142in the water supply direction, and a second support lip143bfor supporting movement of the first sealing member142in an almost vertical direction to the water supply direction.

Specifically, the first support lip143amay limit a movement range of the first support lip143awhen the first sealing member142is moving in the water supply direction. That is, the first support lip143amay support the bottom end of the first sealing member142.

The second support lip143bmay limit a movement of the first sealing member142in a lateral direction. That is, the second support lip143bmay support the side surface of the first sealing member142. Accordingly, the first sealing member142may be moved only in the almost vertical direction along a direction in which the water for laundry flows.

With this configuration, the washing machine1in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent water for laundry from moving backwards from the second tub24to the first detergent container cover124. That is, since the height of the second tub24is relatively low, the water contained therein for laundry may rise up along the inner circumferential face of the second tub24by the centrifugal force when the second drum23is rotating. Accordingly, the water may flow backwards into the first detergent container cover124along the first detergent supply hose101, but such a backflow of the water may be prevented because the first sealing member142is lifted by buoyancy of the water to block the first detergent opening125when the water is flowing backwards.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view along line C-C′ marked inFIG.4.FIG.10shows a second sealing member132, which is shown inFIG.9, lifted by buoyancy.

Referring toFIGS.5,9, and10, the second detergent supplier120may further include the second supply assembly131. The second supply assembly131may be placed at an end of the front side of the second opening26of the second tub24. The second supply assembly131may be placed at the left end of the front side of the top of the second tub24. The second supply assembly131may supply a bleaching agent to the second tub24. The second supply assembly131may include a second detergent container132, a second detergent supply hose102, and a second valve device151.

The second detergent container132may contain a detergent to be supplied to the second tub24. Unlike the first supply assembly121, the second detergent container132may be arranged to supply a detergent into the second tub24right after the detergent is thrown in thereto. That is, the second detergent container132has no extra inflow port through which the water for laundry flows in.

The second detergent container132may include a second detergent inlet132aformed for the user to throw in a detergent through it. The second detergent inlet132amay guide the detergent thrown in by the user to the second detergent container132.

The second detergent supply hose102may be connected to the second tub24at one end and connected to the second detergent container132at the other end102a. At least a portion of the second detergent supply hose102may be formed as a flexible hose to prevent vibrations of the second tub24from being transferred to the second supply assembly131.

The second valve device151may be arranged in the second detergent supply hose102connecting the second detergent container132and the second tub24. Specifically, the second valve device151may be arranged inside the other end102aof the second detergent supply hose102. The second valve device151may be arranged in the detergent supply path P along which the detergent is moved to the second tub24, to prevent a backflow of the water for laundry by buoyancy of the water.

The second valve device151may include the second sealing member152provided to be movable in the second detergent supply hose102by buoyancy and a second guide member153for guiding the movement of the second sealing member152.

The second sealing member152may be made by including a material that has a property of being movable in the first detergent supply hose102by buoyancy of the water for laundry. The second sealing member152may be made by including silicon.

The second sealing member152may be moved to open the second detergent supply path P2when the water for laundry is moved in a supplying direction, and moved to close the second detergent supply path P2when the water for laundry is moved in the opposite direction to the supplying direction. Specifically, the second sealing member152may be moved downwards by pressure of the water for laundry and gravity when the water for laundry is supplied, and may close the second detergent opening132bby moving upwards by buoyancy of the water for laundry when the water for laundry is flowing backwards.

The second guide member153may include a third support lip153afor supporting movement of the second sealing member153in the water supply direction, and a fourth support lip153bfor supporting movement of the second sealing member152in an almost vertical direction to the water supply direction.

Specifically, the third support lip153amay limit a movement range of the third support lip153awhen the second sealing member152is moving in the water supply direction. That is, the third support lip153amay support the bottom end of the second sealing member152.

The fourth support lip153bmay limit a movement of the second sealing member152in a lateral direction. That is, the fourth support lip153amay support the side surface of the second sealing member152. Accordingly, the second sealing member152may be moved only in the almost vertical direction along a direction in which the water for laundry flows.

With this configuration, the washing machine1in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure may prevent water for laundry from moving backwards from the second tub24to the second detergent container132. That is, since the height of the second tub24is relatively low, the water contained therein for laundry may rise up along the inner circumferential face of the second tub24by the centrifugal force when the second drum23is rotating. Accordingly, the water may flow backwards into the second detergent container132along the second detergent supply hose102, but such a backflow of the water may be prevented because the second sealing member152is lifted by buoyancy of the water to block the second detergent opening132bwhen the water is flowing backwards.

Several embodiments have been described above, but a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that various modifications can be made without departing the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be apparent to those ordinary skilled in the art that the true scope of technical protection is only defined by the following claims.