Patent Abstract:
The present invention aims to provide a laundry processing device wherein detergent is supplied by means of the washing water. The present invention provides a laundry processing device comprising: a detergent box having a detergent storage unit which accommodates a detergent and which has an opening part; a washing-water supply device for supplying the detergent storage unit with washing water from the outside; and a regulating unit for closing the opening part of the detergent storage unit in which the detergent is accommodated, and opening the opening part by means of the washing water supplied by the washing-water supply device.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT Application No. PCT/KR2009/006742, filed Nov. 17, 2009, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0114179, filed Nov. 17, 2008. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a laundry processing device, and more particularly, to a laundry processing device including a regulating unit for opening and closing an opening part. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In general, a laundry processing device refers to an apparatus for washing or drying laundry. The laundry processing device uses liquid detergent or powdered detergent when doing laundry. When using the liquid detergent, the user attaches a separate container to a detergent box and stores the liquid detergent therein. The stored liquid detergent is dissolved in washing water introduced from the outside, and supplied to a drum and a tub. However, the user has to use the container every time the user wishes to use the liquid detergent. Also, the user needs to detach the container from the detergent box to keep the container in other places after using the liquid detergent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     The present invention aims to provide a laundry processing device wherein detergent is supplied by means of the pressure of the washing water. 
     Technical Solution 
     The present invention provides a laundry processing device including: a detergent box having a detergent storage unit which accommodates a detergent and which has an opening part; a washing water supply device for supplying the detergent storage unit with washing water from the outside; and a regulating unit for closing the opening part of the detergent storage unit in which the detergent is accommodated, and opening the opening part by means of the washing water supplied by the washing-water supply device. 
     The present invention has the advantage of supplying either liquid detergent or powdered detergent by including a regulating unit for opening and closing an opening part. Accordingly, the user can use the liquid detergent without attaching a separate container to a detergent box. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a laundry processing device according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a detergent box shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a regulating unit shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing when the regulating unit shown in  FIG. 4  closes an opening part; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing when the regulating unit shown in  FIG. 4  opens the opening part; 
         FIG. 7  is a conceptual view showing the load of the regulating unit shown in  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the regulating unit shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a laundry processing device  100  according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the laundry processing device  100  includes a cabinet  110 , a tub (not shown) arranged in the cabinet  110  to store washing water introduced from an external source, a drum  122  arranged in the tub to perform laundry washing, a drive device (not shown) to transmit driving force so as to perform laundry washing, a washing-water supply device (not shown) to supply the washing water outside the cabinet  110  to the tub, a washing water draining device (not shown) to drain out the washing water stored in the tub, and a detergent box assembly (not shown) to spray the washing water introduced from the outside and mix the washing water with detergent and an additive and store the mixture. 
     The cabinet  110  includes a cabinet body  111 , a cover  112  arranged on the front side of the cabinet body  111  and attached thereto, a control panel  115  arranged on one side of the cover  112  and connected to the cabinet body  111 , and a top plate  119  disposed on an upper side of the control panel  115  and coupled to an upper side of the cabinet body  111 . The cabinet cover  112  includes a laundry inlet hole (not indicated) for inserting the laundry into a drum  122 , and a door  113  rotatably coupled to the cabinet cover  112  so that it opens and closes the laundry input/outlet opening. The control panel  115  includes a display  118  for providing information of the laundry processing device  100  to a user on the outside, an input unit  117  for receiving an external command signal from the user so as to control the laundry processing device  100 , and a detergent box insert hole (not indicated) formed at one side of the control panel  115  to fit the detergent box  160  therein. The detergent box assembly (not shown) includes a washing water spraying device (not shown) for spraying washing water introduced from the outside to the detergent box  160  and a detergent box  160  for storing the sprayed washing water. 
     The operation of the laundry processing device  100  will be discussed. The user applies power to the laundry processing device  100 . After applying power, the user inserts either liquid detergent or solid detergent into the detergent box  160 . Once either the liquid detergent or the solid detergent is inserted, washing water is introduced from the outside and mixed with either the liquid detergent or the solid detergent. The mixed washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub, and is mixed with laundry by the rotation of the drum  122 . When laundry washing using the rotation of the drum  122  is completed, the washing water is discharged out by the washing water draining device. Once the washing water is discharged, washing water containing neither the liquid detergent nor the solid detergent is supplied from the outside to rinse the laundry, and the laundry is dewatered. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a detergent box  160  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the detergent box  160  includes a detergent storage unit or well  161  for storing detergent and an additive storage unit or well  162  formed at one side of the detergent storage unit  161 , and for storing an additive. The detergent box  160  includes an opening part (not indicated) at one side of the detergent storage unit  161 . A regulating unit or regulator  170  is included which is attached to one side of the opening part and opens and closes the opening part. The regulating unit  170  includes a body portion or plate  171  for opening and closing the opening part, an attachment portion  172  formed at one side of the body portion  171 , and for attaching the detergent box  160  and the body portion  171 , and a load portion  173  biased from the body portion  171 , and for applying force to cause the body portion to close the opening part. 
     The operation of the laundry processing device  100  will be discussed. The user applies power to the laundry processing device  100  and inserts the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent into the detergent box  160 . If the user inserts the liquid detergent, the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent storage unit  161 . Once the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent storage unit  161 , the liquid detergent remains in the detergent storage unit  161  by means of regulating unit  170 . Even if the liquid detergent stored in the detergent storage unit  161  applies a pressure to the regulating unit  170 , the load portion  173  applies force so that the body portion  171  closes the opening part of the detergent storage unit  161 . As a result, the liquid detergent remains stored in the detergent storage unit  161 . 
     After the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent storage unit  161 , the washing water supply device supplies the washing water from the outside. Once the washing water is supplied, the washing water enters the detergent box  160  and flows to the detergent storage unit  161 . If the water level of the washing water in the detergent storage unit  161  is higher than a predetermined water level, a pressure is applied to the regulating unit  170 . If the pressure becomes stronger than the force applied from the load portion  173 , the regulating unit  170  is opened. Once the regulating unit  170  is opened, the washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub. 
     When the user inserts the powdered detergent into the detergent storage unit  161 , the regulating unit  170  prevents the powdered detergent from flowing out. The regulating unit  170  is prevented from being opened due to the powdered detergent. After the user inserts the powdered detergent, when washing water is supplied from the outside, the regulating unit  170  is opened in the same or similar manner as described above. Accordingly, the powdered detergent is mixed with the washing water and flows to the drum  122  and the tub. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a regulating unit  170  shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing when the regulating unit  170  shown in  FIG. 4  closes an opening part.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing when the regulating unit  170  shown in  FIG. 4  opens the opening part.  FIG. 7  is a conceptual view showing the load of the regulating unit shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 to 7 , the regulating unit  170  includes a body portion  171  for opening and closing the opening part, an attachment portion  172  formed at one side of the body portion  171 , and for attaching the detergent box  160  and the body portion  171 , and a load portion or load  173  biased from the body portion  171 , and for applying force to cause the body portion to close the opening part. The load portion  173  includes a load portion body  174  having first and second plates coupled to each other at a prescribed angle extending from the body portion  171  and a load producing portion or a prescribed amount of weight  175  arranged on the load portion body  174  and producing a load in the load direction. 
     The operation of the regulating unit  170  will be discussed. The user inserts the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent into the detergent storage unit  161 . Once the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent is stored in the detergent storage unit  161 , the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent applies force to the regulating unit  170 . The loads ω 1  and ω 2  produced in the regulating unit  170  prevent the regulating unit  170  from being opened by the force. The load ω 1  of the body portion  171  and the load ω 2  of the load portion  173  are applied to one side of the engaging portion  172 . The load ω 1  of the body portion  171  and the load ω 2  of the load portion  173  are applied to the same side of the engaging portion  172  to produce a moment. That is, a moment is produced clockwise by the load ω 1  of the load portion  173 . Also, a moment is produced clockwise by the load ω 2  of the body portion  171 . On the other hand, a moment is produced counterclockwise in the regulating unit  170  by the force applied from the powdered detergent. At this point, the sum of the moment produced by the load ω 1  of the load portion  173  and the moment produced by the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  is greater than the moment produced by the force applied from the powdered detergent or the liquid detergent. Accordingly, the regulating unit  170  is prevented from being opened due to the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent. 
     When washing water is supplied from the outside, the washing water is mixed with the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent and applies force to the regulating unit  170 . The regulating unit  170  applies force to the regulating unit  170  by the pressure of the washing water. At this point, the sum of the moment produced by the load ω 1  of the load portion  173  and the moment produced by the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  is less than the moment produced by the force produced by the pressure of the washing water, the regulating unit  170  is opened. When the regulating unit  170  is opened, the washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub. Accordingly, the user can use the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent without attaching a separate container to the detergent box  160 . When the flow of the washing water to the drum  122  and the tub is completed, the regulating unit  170  closes the opening part by the loads ω 1  and ω 2 . 
     The detergent box  160  includes a restraining wall for restraining the degree of rotation. The restraining wall  180  prevents the regulating unit  170  from being rotated at more than a predetermined angle. That is, when washing water is supplied from the outside and stored in the detergent storage unit  161 , the regulating unit  170  is opened by the water pressure. At this point, the regulating unit  170  rotates counterclockwise. When the regulating unit  170  rotates at more than the predetermined angle, a moment is produced counterclockwise by the loads ω 1  and ω 2  produced in the regulating unit  170 . Due to this moment, the regulating unit  170  is not able to close the opening part even after the washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub. However, in the case that the restraining wall  180  is formed, the regulating unit  170  restrains the angle of rotation so as not to exceed the predetermined angle. That is, the restraining wall  180  restrains the load portion  173  during the rotation of the regulating unit  170  so that the load ω 1  of the load portion  173  and the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  are produced at one side of the engaging portion  172 . Accordingly, the regulating unit  170  is not able to rotate at more than the predetermined angle because of the restraining wall  180 . Also, once the flow of the washing water is completed, the regulating unit  170  closes the opening part by the loads ω 1  and ω 2 . 
     The laundry processing device  100  is not limited to the foregoing description. The load ω 1  of the load portion  173  and the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  may be different. That is, the laundry processing device  100  may be configured such that the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  is larger than the load ω 1  of the load portion  173 . In the case that the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  is larger than the load ω 1  of the load portion  173 , a moment is produced by the loads ω 1  and ω 2  after the washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub. That is, if the washing water is below a predetermined water level in the detergent storage unit  161 , the regulating unit  170  rotates by the moment produced by the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  and the moment produced by the load ω 1  of the load portion  173 . At this point, the moment produced by the load ω 2  of the body portion  171  is larger than the moment produced by the load ω 1  of the load portion  173 , the regulating unit  170  rotates clockwise. Accordingly, once the low of the washing water is completed, the regulating unit  170  closes the opening part. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the regulating unit  170  shown in  FIG. 3 . The same reference numerals same as those used in the first embodiment indicate the same members. In the following, a description will be given focusing on the differences between the previous embodiment and this embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the regulating unit  270  includes a body portion  271  attached to one side of the detergent box  160  and an elastic portion  272  for producing an elastic force in the body portion  271  so as to resist the load of the liquid detergent or powdered detergent. The elastic portion  272  may include a spring for producing an elastic force in the body portion  271 . 
     The operation of the regulating unit  270  will be discussed. The elastic portion  272  produces the elastic force so as to resist the load of the liquid detergent or powdered detergent. That is, when the user inserts the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent into the detergent storage unit  261 , the body portion  271  closes the opening part by the elastic force. At this point, when washing water is supplied from the outside and poured into the detergent storage unit  261 , the pressure of the washing water and the elastic force become equal when the water level of the washing water reaches a predetermined water level. When the water level of the washing water exceeds the predetermined water level, the water pressure becomes greater than the elastic force. As the pressure of the washing water is increased, the body portion  271  opens the opening part. Once the opening part is opened, the washing water flows to the drum  122  and the tub. When the supply of the washing water is stopped, water level of the washing water becomes lower than the predetermined water level. Once the water level of the washing water becomes lower than the predetermined water level, the pressure of the washing water becomes smaller than the elastic force and allows the body portion  271  to close the opening part. Accordingly, the user can use the liquid detergent or the powdered detergent without attaching a separate container to the detergent box  260 . Moreover, the user benefits from an increased user convenience since there is no need to attach the container.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3