Patent Description:
As well known, a laundry treating apparatus is a type of an apparatus for treating (washing) clothes or laundry through a washing process and a rinsing process.

The laundry includes not only clothes but also washable articles including bed clothing such as bed clothes, curtains, stuffed dolls and the like.

The laundry treating apparatus has a dehydrating function of spinning washed clothes or laundry at a preset speed to dehydrate moisture.

Some of such laundry treating apparatuses have a drying function of drying washed clothes or laundry by supplying heated air.

Meanwhile, the laundry treating apparatus has a washing agent supplying function of supplying detergent or washing agent (hereinafter, referred to as 'washing agent') to improve a washing effect.

Here, the washing agent includes materials, such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleaching agents and the like, which enhance the washing effect.

As the washing agent, a powder washing agent, a liquid washing agent or a gel-type washing agent is used.

The powder washing agent is not dissolved after washing due to its relatively low dissolution and detergent ingredients remain in a wash tub or laundry.

In recent time, considering the problem of the powder washing agents, the liquid washing agents having relatively high dissolution are increasing in use.

Some of those laundry treating apparatuses have a liquid washing agent supply device for supplying a liquid washing agent to washing water.

The liquid washing agent supply device includes a storage container in which the liquid washing agent is stored, and a pump provided at a discharge side of the storage container.

However, the related art laundry treating apparatus cannot accurately detect a residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

This causes inconvenience in requiring for frequently checking a detergent container.

Also, upon performing washing without recognizing a residual quantity shortage of the liquid washing agent in advance, the washing is not performed properly.

Considering these problems, a sensor is installed in the detergent container in some laundry treating apparatuses. However, when the sensor is installed in the detergent container, it makes it difficult to draw out the detergent container and inconvenience in refilling the liquid washing agent is caused accordingly.

<CIT> relates to an automatic detergent supply apparatus which can select and discharge either a liquid detergent or a fabric conditioner, which is supplied from a pair of detergent containers to be used, by using a motor, and a washing machine having the same. A pair of piston members pressurize the detergents stored in the chambers to discharge the detergents through detergent discharging units. The motor is provided to perform normal or reverse rotation and drives the piston members, and a clutch member is installed on the piston members to be able to perform a rectilinear reciprocating motion and selectively drives the piston members according to the direction of rotation of the motor.

<CIT> relates to a detergent adding apparatus for a drum washing machine composed of a storage block, a detergent container, a pump, a valve, and a bracket. The storage block comprises a storage space in which liquid additive is stored. The detergent container includes an inlet and an outlet. Liquid detergent is stored in the detergent container. The pump is communicated to the detergent container and supplies the liquid detergent. The valve is formed on the outlet. The bracket opens the valve if the detergent container is placed in the storage space.

<CIT> relates to a drum-type washer comprising: a rotary drum; a water tank housing the rotary drum; a motor for rotationally driving the rotary drum; a circulation water channel for circulating washing water in the water tank through a circulation channel, which is connected to the bottom part of the water tank by means of a circulation pump; an electrode sensor disposed at a side wall of piping, which is located in the vicinity of the lowest point of the circulation channel, for detecting the electroconductivity; controlling means for controlling a series of processes such as washing, rinsing and dehydrating by controlling the motor. The controlling means is configured to detect a first electroconductivity for a period in which the circulation channel is filling with washing water, and detect a second electroconductivity for a period in which the circulation channel is out of washing water, and detect the abnormality of the electrode sensor on the basis of values of the first and second electroconductivity.

Therefore, an object of the detailed description is to provide a washing agent pump capable of facilitating a storage container to be drawn out without employing a detecting unit for detecting a residual quantity of liquid washing agent in the storage container, and a laundry treating apparatus having the same.

Another object of the detailed description is to provide a washing agent pump capable of preventing an incorrect detection of a residual quantity of a liquid washing agent, caused due to bubbles generated during a flow of a liquid washing agent, and a laundry treating apparatus having the same.

Another object of the detailed description is to provide a washing agent pump capable of preventing an incorrect detection of a residual quantity of a liquid washing agent, and reducing a deviation of a supply quantity of the liquid washing agent, and a laundry treating apparatus having the same.

These objects are achieved with the features of the claims.

To achieve these objects, there is provided a laundry treating apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>. The apparatus may include a cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a rotary tub provided within the tub in a rotatable manner, and a washing agent supply unit. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a storage container storing therein a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener (softening agent) and drawn out of the cabinet. A washing agent supply passage may have one side connected to the storage container and another side connected to the tub, and a washing agent delivery member may be provided in the washing agent supply passage to deliver the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the washing agent delivery member may be a washing agent pump. According to the present invention, the washing agent pump is configured to be coupled to the storage container.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the washing agent pump may include a passage forming member forming a passage of the liquid washing agent and a pressing space, and provided with an intake valve opening and closing an inlet port of the pressing space, and a discharge valve opening and closing an outlet port of the pressing space, a cylinder disposed at one side of the passage forming member to communicate with the pressing space, a piston disposed within the cylinder in a reciprocating manner, and a residual quantity detecting unit provided with an air pocket communicating with the passage of the passage forming member and temporarily storing therein air and the liquid washing agent, and electrodes disposed within the air pocket to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, the residual quantity detecting unit detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the washing agent supply passage for supplying the liquid washing agent may be provided between the washing agent pump and the tub.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the residual quantity detecting unit may be disposed at a downstream side of the pressing space along a flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the air pocket may include an introduction portion through which the liquid washing agent is introduced and a discharge portion through which the liquid washing agent is discharged.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the introduction portion and the discharge portion may be spaced apart from each other in the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the discharge portion may be located below the introduction portion.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, an upper end of the discharge portion may be disposed at the same height as a bottom of the introduction portion.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the upper end of the discharge portion may be disposed lower than the bottom of the introduction portion.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the residual quantity detecting unit may be disposed at an upstream side of the pressing space along the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the passage forming member is provided with an introduction space, which is disposed at the upstream side of the pressing space and in which the liquid washing agent is introduced.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, a volume of the air pocket may be greater than that of the introduction space.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the air pocket may upwardly protrude above the passage such that the liquid washing agent is temporarily accommodated in a lower portion of the air pocket and air is accommodated above the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the volume of the air pocket may be greater by more than two times than the volume of the introduction space.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the apparatus may further include an intake valve spring and a discharge valve spring restoring the intake valve and the discharge valve to initial positions thereof, respectively.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the apparatus may further include a piston operating unit operating the piston.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the introduction space may be provided with an introduction hole formed through a peripheral surface of the passage forming member. According to the present invention, an introduction end portion is configured to be inserted in the storage container when the washing agent pump is coupled to the storage container and the introduction hole is formed through a peripheral surface of an introduction end portion within the storage container. According to the present invention, the washing agent pump comprises an introduction hole opening/closing member opening and closing the introduction hole. the introduction hole opening/closing member is configured to open and close the introduction hole while moving along a lengthwise direction of the passage forming member.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the apparatus may further include an introduction hole opening/closing member spring applying elastic force to the introduction hole opening/closing member in a direction of closing the introduction hole.

The washing agent pump may include a passage forming member forming a passage of a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener, and a pressing space, and provided with an intake valve opening and closing an inlet port of the pressing space, and a discharge valve opening and closing an outlet port of the pressing space, a cylinder disposed at one side of the passage forming member to communicate with the pressing space, a piston disposed within the cylinder in a reciprocating manner, and a residual quantity detecting unit provided with an air pocket communicating with the passage of the passage forming member and temporarily accommodating therein air and the liquid washing agent, and electrodes disposed within the air pocket to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, the residual quantity detecting unit detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the washing agent pump may further include a piston operating unit operating the piston to reciprocate.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the air pocket may include an introduction portion through which the liquid washing agent is introduced and a discharge portion through which the liquid washing agent is discharged. The introduction portion and the discharge portion may be spaced apart from each other in the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent, and the discharge portion may be located below the introduction portion.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, an upper end of the discharge portion may be disposed at the same height as a bottom of the introduction portion or lower than the bottom of the introduction portion.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the passage forming member may be provided with an introduction space, which is disposed at an upstream side of the pressing space and in which the introduction space storing the liquid washing agent introduced. The residual quantity detecting unit may be disposed at the upstream side of the pressing space along the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent to communicate with the introduction space.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, a volume of the air pocket may be greater than a volume of the introduction space.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the intake valve may be disposed within the pressing space and the discharge valve may be disposed outside the pressing space. The washing agent pump may further include an intake valve spring and a discharge valve spring restoring the intake valve and the discharge valve to initial positions thereof, respectively.

A washing agent pump may include a cylinder sucking and discharging a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener, a piston reciprocating within the cylinder, and a residual quantity detecting unit provided with an air pocket communicating with an intake-side passage or a discharge-side passage of the liquid washing agent of the cylinder and temporarily accommodating therein air and the liquid washing agent, and electrodes disposed within the air pocket to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, the residual quantity detecting unit detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, the washing agent pump may further include a passage forming member forming the passage of the liquid washing agent and a pressing space, and provided with an intake valve opening and closing an inlet port of the pressing space, and a discharge valve opening and closing an outlet port of the pressing space, the passage forming member disposed to communicate the pressing space and an inside of the cylinder with each other.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Description will now be given in detail of exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In describing the present invention, moreover, the detailed description will be omitted when a specific description for publicly known technologies to which the invention pertains is judged to obscure the gist of the present invention. Also, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrated to easily explain the invention, and therefore, they should not be construed to limit the invention by the accompanying drawings.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a laundry treating apparatus may include a laundry treating apparatus main body <NUM>, and a washing agent supply unit <NUM> having a storage container <NUM> for storing a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener, and supplying the liquid washing agent of the storage container <NUM> to the laundry treating apparatus main body <NUM>.

The laundry treating apparatus main body <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM> defining appearance of the main body <NUM>, a tub <NUM> provided within the cabinet <NUM>, and a rotary tub (or drum) <NUM> provided in the tub <NUM> in a rotatable manner.

The cabinet <NUM>, for example, may be implemented in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The tub <NUM>, for example, may be implemented in a cylindrical shape with one opening.

The tub <NUM> may be disposed in a manner that the opening faces a front of the cabinet <NUM>.

The tub <NUM>, for example, may be supported by a plurality of elastic members <NUM> and/or dampers <NUM>.

Accordingly, vibration of the tub <NUM> can be prevented.

The rotary tub (or drum) <NUM> may rotate centering on a rotation shaft provided on one end portion (rear portion) of the tub <NUM>.

The rotary tub <NUM>, for example, may be implemented in a cylindrical shape with one opening.

The rotary tub <NUM> may be disposed in a manner that the opening communicates with the opening of the tub <NUM>.

A driving motor <NUM> for rotating the rotary tub <NUM> may be provided in a rear end portion of the tub <NUM>.

A door <NUM> for opening and closing the opening of the tub <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The door <NUM>, for example, may be disposed to be relatively rotatable with respect to the cabinet <NUM>.

In more detail, for example, the door <NUM> may be coupled to the cabinet <NUM> in a manner of being rotatable in left and right directions of the cabinet <NUM> centering on a rotation shaft that is disposed in up and down directions of the cabinet <NUM>.

An electric heater <NUM> for heating water upon applying power may be provided, for example, in a lower area of the tub <NUM>.

A water collecting unit <NUM> in which water is collected may be provided at the lower area of the tub <NUM>.

The water collecting unit <NUM>, for example, may downwardly protrude from a lower portion of the tub <NUM>.

The electric heater <NUM> may be installed to be sunk in water of the water collecting unit <NUM>.

A drain pump <NUM> for draining out water may be disposed at one area below the tub <NUM>.

A circulation passage <NUM> along which water is discharged out of the tub <NUM> and circulates into the tub <NUM>.

A circulation pump <NUM> allowing water to flow upward may be provided in the circulation passage <NUM>.

The circulation passage <NUM> may include a bellows <NUM> connected to a lower end of the tub <NUM>, and a circulation pipe <NUM> connected to the bellows <NUM>.

A filter unit <NUM> that filters off foreign materials from water discharged out of the tub <NUM> may be provided at one side of the drain pump <NUM>.

The filter unit <NUM>, for example, may include a filter casing <NUM>, and a filter <NUM> detachably accommodated within the filter casing <NUM>.

The filter <NUM> may be provided with a filter handle <NUM> provided on a front surface thereof.

The filter <NUM> may be coupled in a manner that the filter handle <NUM> is externally exposed and a rear area of the filter handle <NUM> is inserted into the filter casing <NUM>.

The filter casing <NUM>, for example, may be connected to one end portion of the circulation pipe <NUM>.

The circulation pump <NUM>, for example, may be connected to an upper side of the circulation pipe <NUM> in an upwardly protruding manner.

A bellows connecting portion <NUM> connected with the bellows <NUM> may be formed on another end portion of the circulation pipe <NUM>.

The bellows connecting portion <NUM>, for example, may be configured in a hemispherical shape with an upper opening.

A water level detecting unit pipe <NUM> for detecting a water level of the tub <NUM> may be connected to the bellows connecting portion <NUM>.

A drain pipe <NUM> through which water is discharged to outside may be connected to a discharge side of the drain pump <NUM>.

The circulation passage <NUM> may be provided with a discharge pipe <NUM> disposed at a discharge side of the circulation pump <NUM> and having one end connected to an upper area of the tub <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a washing agent supply unit <NUM> for supplying a liquid washing agent into the tub <NUM> may be provided within the cabinet <NUM>.

The washing agent supply unit <NUM>, for example, may be provided below the tub <NUM>.

The liquid washing agent refers to a material, such as liquid fabric detergent, liquid fabric softener (liquid fabric softening agent) or liquid fabric bleaching agent, which improves a washing effect of the laundry.

The washing agent supply unit <NUM> may include a storage container <NUM> storing therein a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener and drawn out of the cabinet <NUM>, a washing agent supply passage <NUM> formed between the storage container <NUM> and the tub <NUM> and allowing a supply of the liquid washing agent therethrough, and a washing agent delivery member provided in the washing agent supply passage <NUM>.

The washing agent delivery member, for example, may be implemented as a washing agent pump <NUM> provided in the washing agent supply passage <NUM>.

A storage container accommodating portion <NUM> in which the storage container <NUM> is accommodated to be drawn out thereof.

A frame <NUM> having a draw-out opening <NUM> formed therethrough for drawing out the storage container <NUM> may be disposed at the front of the storage container accommodating portion <NUM>.

A filter opening <NUM> through which the filter <NUM> is detached may be formed through the frame <NUM>.

A cover <NUM> for opening and closing the draw-out opening <NUM> and the filter opening <NUM> may be provided on the front of the frame <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be rotatable with respect to the frame <NUM> in up and down directions.

The cover <NUM> may rotate centering on a rotation shaft provided on a lower end of the frame <NUM>.

The storage container <NUM>, for example, may be provided with a detergent storing portion 212a storing the liquid detergent therein, and a softener storing portion 212b storing the liquid softener therein.

A storage container handle <NUM> may be provided on a front surface of the storage container <NUM>.

This may facilitate the storage container <NUM> to be drawn out, accommodated and moved.

The detergent storing portion 212a and the softener storing portion 212b may store the detergent and the softener, respectively, by being divided by a partition wall <NUM> provided within a uni-body.

The detergent storing portion 212a and the softener storing portion 212b may be provided with injection opening covers 216a and 216b, respectively, for opening and closing injection openings thereof.

An installation space <NUM> in which the washing agent pump <NUM> is accommodated may be provided in the rear side of the storage container accommodating portion <NUM>.

The installation space <NUM>, for example, may be open toward the rear of the cabinet <NUM>.

A washing agent supply passage <NUM> through which the washing agent is supplied may be formed at one side, for example, at the rear side of the installation space <NUM>.

The washing agent pump <NUM>, for example, may include a detergent pump 280a connected to the detergent storing portion 212a, and a softener pump 280b connected to the softener storing portion 212b.

The washing agent supply passage <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a detergent supply passage <NUM> supplying the detergent therethrough, and a softener supply passage <NUM> supplying the softener therethrough.

The detergent supply passage <NUM>, for example, may be provided with a detergent discharge pipe <NUM> having one end connected to a discharge side of the detergent pump 280a, which is connected to the storage container accommodating portion <NUM>, and another end connected to the bellows connecting portion <NUM>.

The softener supply passage <NUM>, for example, may be provided with a softener discharge pipe <NUM> having one end connected to a discharge side of the softener pump 280b, and another end connected to the bellows connecting portion <NUM>,.

Here, the detergent discharge pipe <NUM> and the softener discharge pipe <NUM> may all be connected to the bellows connecting portion <NUM>, such that the washing agent can be supplied into the tub <NUM> after being diluted by being mixed with water of the bellows connecting portion <NUM> before flowing into the tub <NUM>.

With the configuration, the washing agent can be brought into contact with the laundry after being diluted by water, which may result in preventing damage on the laundry caused due to a direct contact between a high concentration washing agent and the laundry.

The detergent pump 280a and the softener pump 280b may be connected to the storage container accommodating portion <NUM> in a manner of communicating with the detergent storing portion 212a and the softener storing portion 212b, respectively.

The detergent storing portion 212a of the storage container <NUM> may be provided with a detergent pump connecting portion 217a that communicates with the detergent pump 280a when the storage container <NUM> is accommodated and blocks a leakage of the detergent from the detergent storing portion 212a when the storage container <NUM> is drawn out.

The softener storing portion 212b of the storage container <NUM> may be provided with a softener pump connecting portion 217b that communicates with the softener pump 280b when the storage container <NUM> is accommodated and blocks a leakage of the softener from the softener storing portion 212b when the storage container <NUM> is drawn out.

Hereinafter, a washing agent pump in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the apparatus of the present invention includes a washing agent pump <NUM> configured to be coupled to the storage container <NUM>. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the washing agent pump <NUM> may include a cylinder <NUM> that sucks and discharges a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener, a piston <NUM> reciprocating within the cylinder <NUM>, and a residual quantity detecting unit 410a having an air pocket <NUM> communicating with an intake-side passage or a discharge-side passage of the liquid washing agent of the cylinder <NUM> and temporarily storing therein air and the liquid washing agent, and an electrode <NUM> disposed within the air pocket <NUM> to be contactable with the liquid washing agent, and configured to detect a residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

The washing agent pump <NUM> may further include a passage forming member <NUM> forming a passage of the liquid washing agent and a pressing space <NUM>, and provided with an intake valve <NUM> opening and closing an inlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>, and a discharge valve <NUM> opening and closing an outlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>, such that the pressing space <NUM> communicates with an inside of the cylinder <NUM>.

The washing agent pump <NUM>, for example, may be provided with a piston operating unit <NUM> by which the piston <NUM> operates in a reciprocating manner.

The washing agent pump <NUM> may further include a case <NUM> supporting the cylinder <NUM>, the piston <NUM> and the piston operating unit <NUM> in an accommodating manner.

The case <NUM>, for example, may include a case body <NUM> forming an internal accommodation space, and a case cover <NUM> opening and closing the case body <NUM>.

The cylinder <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, may be coupled into the case body <NUM>.

The piston <NUM> may be inserted into the cylinder <NUM> to reciprocate therein.

The piston operating unit <NUM> may be provided at another side within the case body <NUM>.

The piston operating unit <NUM>, for example, may include an electric heater <NUM> generating driving force upon applying power, and a driving force transfer portion <NUM> transferring the driving force of the electric heater <NUM> to the piston <NUM>.

The driving force transferring portion <NUM>, for example, may include a piston rod <NUM> having one end portion connected to the piston <NUM>, a crankshaft <NUM> connected to another end portion of the piston rod <NUM>, a driven gear <NUM> provided on a rotation shaft <NUM> of the crankshaft <NUM> and rotating integrally with the rotation shaft <NUM>, a driving gear <NUM> disposed on a rotation shaft <NUM> of the electric motor <NUM>, and a driving force transfer gear engaged with the driving gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM>, respectively, to transfer rotational force of the driving gear <NUM> to the driven gear <NUM>.

The driving gear <NUM>, for example, may be a worm provided on the rotation shaft <NUM> of the electric motor <NUM>.

The driving force transfer gear <NUM>, for example, may include a first gear <NUM> configured as a worm wheel rotating with being engaged with the worm, and a second gear <NUM> rotated by being integrally coupled to a rotation shaft of the worm wheel and rotated by being engaged with the driven gear <NUM>.

The case body <NUM> and the case cover <NUM> may be engaged with each other by engagement portions <NUM>.

Each of the engagement portions <NUM> may include a coupling rib <NUM> extending from one of the case body <NUM> and the case cover <NUM> to another, and an engagement protrusion <NUM> protruding from the another to be engaged with the coupling rib <NUM>.

A protrusion insertion hole <NUM> may be formed through the coupling rib <NUM> such that the engagement protrusion <NUM> is inserted therethrough.

This embodiment exemplarily illustrates that the coupling rib <NUM> is provided on the case cover <NUM> and the engagement protrusion <NUM> is provided on the case body <NUM>, but this is merely illustrative. Alternatively, the coupling rib may be provided on the case body <NUM> and the engagement protrusion may be provided on the case cover <NUM>.

The passage forming member <NUM>, for example, may integrally be coupled to one side of the case body <NUM>.

The passage forming member <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, may be provided with a first body 361a and a second body 361b that are coupled to each other in a lengthwise direction.

The first body 361a and the second body 361b may be coupled integrally to each other by coupling members <NUM>.

The passage forming member <NUM> may form a passage of the liquid washing agent and the pressing space <NUM>, and include the intake valve <NUM> opening and closing the inlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>, and the discharge valve <NUM> opening and closing the outlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>.

The passage forming member <NUM> may be configured in an approximately cylindrical shape.

The first body 361a and the second body 361b, for example, may all be formed in a cylindrical shape.

A coupling portion <NUM> to be coupled to the installation space <NUM> may be provided on one side of the passage forming member <NUM>.

The pressing space <NUM> that communicates with the cylinder <NUM>, for example, may be formed within the passage forming member <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The pressing space <NUM> may be formed within the second body 361b.

A communication passage <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed between the passage forming member <NUM> and the case <NUM> to communicate an inner space <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM> and the pressing space <NUM> with each other.

Accordingly, during a reciprocating motion of the piston <NUM>, each of suction force and compression force may be applied into the pressing space <NUM>.

The communication passage <NUM>, for example, may be formed via the case <NUM> and a lower area of the passage forming member <NUM>.

The inlet port <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> may be formed at an upstream side and a downstream side of the pressing space <NUM>, respectively, along a flowing direction of the liquid washing agent (detergent).

The intake valve <NUM> may be provided in the inlet port <NUM> to open and close the inlet port <NUM>.

The intake valve <NUM> may be provided within the pressing space <NUM>.

An intake valve spring <NUM> that applies elastic force in a direction that the intake valve <NUM> blocks the inlet port <NUM> may be provided at one side of the intake valve <NUM>.

The intake valve <NUM> may be restored to its initial position of blocking the inlet port <NUM> by the intake valve spring <NUM>.

The discharge valve <NUM> may be provided in the outlet port <NUM> to open and close the outlet port <NUM>.

The discharge valve <NUM> may be provided outside of the pressing space <NUM> (at a downstream side of the outlet port <NUM>).

A discharge valve spring <NUM> that applies elastic force in a direction that the discharge valve <NUM> blocks the outlet port <NUM> may be provided in a space <NUM> at one side of the discharge valve <NUM>.

The discharge valve <NUM> may be restored to its initial position of blocking the outlet port <NUM> by the discharge valve spring <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the passage forming member <NUM> may be provided therein with a residual quantity detecting unit 410a that detects a residual quantity of the washing agent.

The residual quantity detecting unit 410a (see <FIG>), for example, may be disposed at an upstream side of the pressing space <NUM> in the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

The residual quantity detecting unit 410a, for example, may include an air pocket <NUM> communicating with the passage of the passage forming member <NUM> and temporarily storing therein air and the liquid washing agent, and an electrode <NUM> disposed within the air pocket <NUM> to be contactable with the liquid washing agent.

The passage forming member <NUM> may be provided with an introduction end portion <NUM> through which the liquid washing agent is introduced and an discharge end portion <NUM> through which the liquid washing agent is discharged.

The discharge end portion <NUM> may be formed at the downstream side of the pressing space <NUM> in a manner of extending from the outlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>.

The introduction end portion <NUM> may be formed at the upstream side of the pressing space <NUM> in a manner of extending from the inlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>. The introduction end portion <NUM> is configured to be inserted in the storage container <NUM> when the washing agent pump is coupled to the storage container <NUM>.

An introduction space <NUM> in which the liquid washing agent is introduced may be disposed at the upstream side of the pressing space <NUM>.

An introduction hole <NUM> through which the liquid washing agent is introduced into the introduction space <NUM> is be formed through one side of the introduction end portion <NUM>.

The introduction hole <NUM>, for example, may be formed through a bottom surface of the introduction end portion <NUM> in a circumferential direction of the introduction space <NUM>.

This embodiment exemplarily illustrates that the introduction hole <NUM> is formed through the lower side in the drawing, but the introduction hole may alternatively be formed through a side surface or an upper surface in the circumferential direction.

Here, the introduction space <NUM>, for example, may refer to a volume of a passage of the liquid washing agent from a left end portion of the first body 361a of the passage forming member <NUM> to the inlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>.

The introduction end portion <NUM> may be inserted into the detergent pump connecting portion 217a or the softener pump connecting portion 217b.

An introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> that opens and closes the introduction hole <NUM> is provided on the introduction end portion <NUM>.

The introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> may be coupled to a circumference of the introduction end portion <NUM> to be slidable along a lengthwise direction of the passage forming member <NUM>.

When the introduction end portion <NUM> is inserted into the detergent pump connecting portion 217a or the softener pump connecting portion 217b, the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> may be relatively slid as an end portion of the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> is brought into contact with an end portion of the detergent pump connecting portion 217a or the softener pump connecting portion 217b. Accordingly, the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> can open the introduction hole <NUM>.

The introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM>, for example, may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

An introduction hole opening/closing member accommodating portion <NUM> may be provided at outside of a periphery of the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> to accommodate the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> when opening the introduction hole <NUM>.

A coupling protrusion <NUM> may outwardly protrude from the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> in a radial direction.

The coupling protrusion <NUM> may be provided in plurality.

Each of the coupling protrusions <NUM> may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> in the radial direction.

Each coupling protrusion <NUM> may be moved close to or away from (elastically transformed with respect to) the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM>.

Coupling protrusion accommodating portions <NUM> for accommodating the coupling protrusions <NUM> are provided in the introduction hole opening/closing member accommodating portion <NUM>.

Each of the coupling protrusion accommodating portions <NUM> may be brought into contact with the coupling protrusion <NUM> so as to restrict the movement of the coupling protrusion <NUM>, thereby preventing the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> from suddenly being separated from the introduction hole opening/closing member accommodating portion <NUM>.

An introduction hole opening/closing member spring <NUM> may be provided within the introduction hole opening/closing member accommodating portion <NUM>. The introduction hole opening/closing member spring <NUM> may apply elastic force to the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> such that the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM> can move to a closing position of closing the introduction hole <NUM>.

A coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the storage container accommodating portion <NUM> may be provided on an end portion of the introduction hole opening/closing member accommodating portion <NUM>.

Sealing members 382a and 382b may be provided on both sides of the introduction hole <NUM> at the introduction end portion <NUM>.

The sealing members 382a and 382b may be brought into contact with an inner surface of the introduction hole opening/closing member <NUM>, which has been moved to the closing position by the elastic force of the introduction hole opening/closing member spring <NUM> upon drawing out the storage container <NUM>, thereby preventing a leakage of the liquid washing agent through the introduction hole <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the air pocket <NUM>, for example, may be configured such that a lower portion thereof communicates with the passage of the liquid washing agent to temporarily accommodate the liquid washing agent. Also, the air pocket <NUM> may upwardly protrude above the passage so as to accommodate air above the liquid washing agent.

In more detail, the air pocket <NUM> may be formed by an air pocket forming portion <NUM> having a lower end communicating with the passage of the passage forming member <NUM> and an upper end protruding in an open state, and an air pocket cover <NUM> coupled to the upper end of the air pocket forming portion <NUM>.

The air pocket forming portion <NUM>, for example, may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The air pocket forming portion <NUM> may be provided with coupling member coupling portions <NUM> to which coupling members <NUM> inserted through the air pocket cover <NUM> are coupled.

The coupling member coupling portions <NUM>, for example, may be formed on edges in a diagonal direction of the air pocket forming portion <NUM> and the air pocket cover <NUM>, respectively.

The air pocket cover <NUM> may be provided with an electrode <NUM> that downwardly extends into the pair pocket forming portion <NUM> to be contactable with the washing agent flowing along the passage of the passage forming member <NUM>.

The electrode <NUM>, for example, may be provided as a pair.

Each of the electrodes <NUM> may have a length such that a lower end thereof is disposed lower then an upper end (dotted line in the drawing) of a cross-section of the passage.

In more detail, for example, each electrode <NUM> may be disposed in a range that the lower end thereof is lower than the upper end of the cross-section of the passage and higher than a center of the cross-section of the passage.

This may result in correctly detecting the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

Meanwhile, a volume of the air pocket <NUM> may be greater than that of the introduction space <NUM>.

In more detail, the volume of the air pocket <NUM> may be greater by more than <NUM> times than the volume of the introduction space <NUM>.

This may result in effectively preventing an incorrect detection of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent, caused due to bubbles generated during the flow of the liquid washing agent (detergent).

More concretely, during the flow of the liquid washing agent, air is stored in the air pocket <NUM> in a compressed state, so as to prevent the bubble generated due to the flow of the washing agent from upwardly moving along the electrodes <NUM>. This may result in preventing the incorrect detection of the residual quantity caused due to the upward movement of the bubbles.

With the configuration, when the electric motor <NUM> rotates in response to power applied thereto, the driving gear <NUM>, the driving force transfer gear <NUM> and the driven gear <NUM> may rotate, and accordingly the crankshaft <NUM> may rotate.

In response to the rotation of the crankshaft <NUM>, the piston rod <NUM> may perform a reciprocating motion and the piston <NUM> may perform the reciprocating motion within the cylinder <NUM> accordingly.

When the piston <NUM> is moved in a direction that an inner volume of the cylinder <NUM> extends, as illustrated in <FIG>, suction force is generated in the pressing space <NUM> that communicates with the inside of the cylinder <NUM> via the communication passage <NUM>, and accordingly the intake valve <NUM> opens the inlet port <NUM> by the suction force.

When the inlet port <NUM> is open, the liquid washing agent within the storage container <NUM> may be introduced into the introduction space <NUM> through the introduction hole <NUM>, and then flow into the pressing space <NUM> through the inlet port <NUM>.

When the piston <NUM> is moved in a direction that the inner volume of the cylinder <NUM> is reduced, as illustrated in <FIG>, an inside of the pressing space <NUM> is compressed and thus the discharge valve <NUM> opens the outlet port <NUM> by the compression force of the piston <NUM>.

When the outlet port <NUM> is open, the compression force of the piston <NUM> is applied to the liquid washing agent (detergent, softener). Accordingly, the liquid washing agent may flow along the washing agent supply passage <NUM> (detergent supply passage <NUM> or softener supply passage <NUM>) to be introduced into the bellows connecting portion <NUM>.

The liquid washing agent (detergent) introduced into the bellows connecting portion <NUM> may then be mixed with water and then introduced into the tub <NUM> along the circulation passage <NUM>.

When the electric motor <NUM> is stopped, the intake valve <NUM> and the discharge valve <NUM> may be restored to initial positions thereof, respectively, by the elastic force of the intake valve spring <NUM> and the elastic force of the discharge valve spring <NUM>, thereby closing the inlet port <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM>, respectively.

Meanwhile, when the supply of the liquid washing agent is completed, the residual quantity detecting unit 410a may detect the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent remaining in the portion of the air pocket <NUM>.

Here, air is collected within the air pocket <NUM> during the flow of the liquid washing agent and a relative great amount of air is collected and compressed according to the lapse of time. Accordingly, the bubbles generated during the low of the liquid washing agent can be prevented from flowing up along the electrodes <NUM>.

Consequently, when a shortage of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent within the lower portion of the air pocket <NUM> is actually caused, the bubbles other than the liquid washing agent may flow up and simultaneously be brought into contact with the pair of electrodes <NUM>, thereby preventing the incorrect detection of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

Hereinafter, a washing agent pump according to another embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a washing agent pump <NUM> according to this embodiment, for example, may include a cylinder <NUM> that sucks and discharges a liquid washing agent including liquid detergent or liquid softener, a piston <NUM> reciprocating within the cylinder <NUM>, and a residual quantity detecting unit 410b detecting a residual quantity of the liquid washing agent, and provided with an air pocket <NUM> communicating with an intake-side passage or a discharge-side passage of the liquid washing agent of the cylinder <NUM> and temporarily storing therein air and the liquid washing agent, and an electrode <NUM> disposed within the air pocket <NUM> to be contactable with the liquid washing agent.

The washing agent pump <NUM> may further include a passage forming member <NUM> forming a passage of the liquid washing agent and a pressing space <NUM>, and having an intake valve <NUM> opening and closing an inlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>, and a discharge valve <NUM> opening and closing an outlet port <NUM> of the pressing space <NUM>, such that the pressing space <NUM> communicates with an inside of the cylinder <NUM>.

The passage forming member <NUM>, for example, may be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape.

The passage forming member <NUM> may be provided with an introduction end portion <NUM> through which the liquid washing agent is introduced along a flowing direction of the liquid washing agent, and an discharge end portion <NUM> through which the liquid washing agent is discharged.

The washing agent pump <NUM> may further include a case <NUM> accommodating therein the cylinder <NUM>, the piston <NUM> and the piston operating unit <NUM> in a supporting member.

The case <NUM>, for example, may be provided with a case body <NUM> forming an internal accommodation space, and a case cover <NUM> opening and closing the case body <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the residual quantity detecting unit 410b may be disposed at a downstream side of the pressing space <NUM> in the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

In more detail, the residual quantity detecting unit 410b may be provided at the discharge end portion <NUM> of the passage forming member <NUM>.

The introduction portion <NUM> may be provided therein with an air pocket forming portion <NUM> upwardly protruding to form the air pocket <NUM>, and an air pocket cover <NUM> closing an upper end of the air pocket forming portion <NUM>.

The air pocket cover <NUM> may be provided therein with the electrode <NUM> that is disposed within the air pocket forming portion <NUM> in a manner of downwardly extending in up and down directions.

The electrode <NUM> may be provided as a pair.

The air pocket <NUM> may be provided with an introduction portion 431a through which the liquid washing agent is introduced, and a discharge portion 433a through which the liquid washing agent is discharged.

The introduction portion 431a and the discharge portion 433a may be spaced apart from each other in the flowing direction of the liquid washing agent.

The discharge portion 433a may be located at a downstream side of the introduction portion 431a.

The introduction portion 431a and the discharge portion 433a may have the same height.

Meanwhile, a residual quantity detecting unit 410c according to another embodiment of the present invention, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include an air pocket forming portion <NUM> forming an air pocket <NUM> therein and having an upper opening, an air pocket cover <NUM> closing the upper end of the air pocket forming portion <NUM>, and an introduction portion 431b and a discharge portion 433b formed through the air pocket forming portion <NUM> in a manner of having a height difference.

The air pocket cover <NUM> may be provided with a pair of electrodes <NUM> disposed within the air pocket forming portion <NUM> in up and down directions.

The introduction portion 431b may be upwardly spaced apart from a bottom surface of the air pocket <NUM> to have a preset height from the bottom surface.

The discharge portion 433b may have a lower height than the introduction portion 431b.

In more detail, an upper end (i.e., ceiling) of the discharge portion 433b may be disposed lower than a bottom of the introduction portion 431b.

With the configuration, internal air of the air pocket <NUM> can be prevented from being discharged through the discharge portion 433b.

Accordingly, a flow distribution of the liquid washing agent discharged through the discharge portion 433b may be more reduced.

Each of the electrodes <NUM> may be disposed lower in height than the upper end of the introduction portion 431b.

This embodiment illustrates that the lower end of each electrode <NUM> is lower than the upper end of the introduction portion 431b and has the same height, but this is merely illustrative. Alternatively, one of the electrodes <NUM> which has a high height may be disposed to be lower than the upper end of the introduction portion 431b.

This embodiment exemplarily illustrates that the upper end of the discharge portion 433b is disposed lower than a bottom portion of the introduction portion 431b. Alternatively, the upper end of the discharge portion 433b may have the same height as the bottom portion of the introduction portion 431b.

With the configuration, when the piston <NUM> starts to reciprocate in response to rotation of the electric motor <NUM>, the intake valve <NUM> and the discharge valve <NUM> may operate in an alternating manner, such that the liquid washing agent is introduced into the pressing space <NUM> and then discharged into the introduction portion <NUM>.

The liquid washing agent discharged into the introduction portion <NUM> may then be introduced into the air pocket <NUM> through the introduction portion 431b, and then discharged through the discharge portion 433b to be introduced into the bellows connecting portion <NUM>.

When the supply of the liquid washing agent is completed, the residual quantity detecting unit may detect the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

Air may be stored in a compressed state in the air pocket <NUM> during the flow of the liquid washing agent, thereby preventing bubbles generated during the flow of the liquid washing agent from flowing up along the electrodes <NUM>. Accordingly, an incorrect detection of the residual quantity due to the upward flow of the bubbles of the liquid washing agent can be prevented, thereby improving reliability of detection. When the supply of the liquid washing agent is completed, the electrodes <NUM> may detect the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent remaining in the lower portion of the air pocket <NUM>.

Here, the air is stored in the air pocket in the compressed state during the flow of the liquid washing agent, and thus the bubbles generated during the flow of the liquid washing agent can be prevented from flowing up along the electrode <NUM>.

Accordingly, when a shortage of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent within the lower portion of the air pocket <NUM> is actually caused, the bubbles may flow up and simultaneously be brought into contact with the pair of electrodes <NUM>, thereby preventing the incorrect detection of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a washing agent pump supplying a liquid washing agent can be provided with a residual quantity detecting unit so as to facilitate a storage container for storing the liquid washing agent to be drawn out without a separate residual quantity detecting means in the storage container.

Also, a residual quantity detecting unit can be provided therein with an air pocket in which air is accommodated, thereby remarkably preventing an incorrect detection of the residual quantity of the liquid washing agent, which is caused due to bubbles generated during a flow of the liquid washing agent.

Claim 1:
A laundry washing apparatus, comprising:
a storage container (<NUM>) configured to store a washing agent; and
a washing agent pump (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the storage container (<NUM>),
wherein the washing agent pump (<NUM>) comprises an
introduction end portion (<NUM>) configured to be inserted in the storage container (<NUM>) when the washing agent pump (<NUM>) is coupled to the storage container (<NUM>);
wherein an introduction hole (<NUM>) is formed through the introduction end portion (<NUM>) within the storage container (<NUM>);
characterized by:
an introduction hole opening/closing member (<NUM>) disposed to surround the introduction end portion (<NUM>), and configured to move to open the introduction hole (<NUM>) when the introduction end portion (<NUM>) is coupled to a storage container (<NUM>) and close the introduction hole (<NUM>) when the introduction end portion (<NUM>) is separated from the storage container (<NUM>); and
a movement restriction member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to restrict the movement of the introduction hole opening/closing member (<NUM>) for preventing separation of the introduction hole opening/closing member (<NUM>) away from the introduction end portion (<NUM>).