Patent Description:
A laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus for putting clothing, bedding or the like (hereinafter, referred to as laundry) into a drum to remove contamination from the laundry. A user may accommodate laundry to be treated in the laundry treating apparatus and supply detergent or softener to treat the laundry.

The laundry treating apparatus may include a tub accommodated inside a main body forming an outer appearance, a drum rotatably mounted inside the tub to put laundry thereinto, and a detergent supply device for supplying detergent into the drum.

The detergent supply device performs a function of supplying laundry detergent to supply detergent (hereinafter, referred to as a "laundry detergent") so as to enhance washing effect of laundry put in the drum.

Here, the laundry detergent means a substance that enhances the washing effect, such as textile detergent, fabric softener, and fabric bleach. For the laundry detergent, powder type laundry detergent or liquid type laundry detergent may be used.

In recent years, there is a problem in that the detergent component is not dissolved after washing and remains in a water tank or the laundry due to its insufficient solubility, and thus, the use of liquid laundry detergent with excellent solubility instead of powder type laundry detergent is gradually increased.

In the related art, a user had to manually open a door of the laundry treating apparatus to supply laundry detergent, and then manually put laundry detergent in the detergent storage container installed inside the door. In this case, since the user had to frequently open and close a drawer to supply laundry detergent or softener, there was a possibility of troubles due to fatigue accumulation and a cumbersome problem.

Accordingly, in recent years, a detergent supply device capable of supplying a required amount of laundry detergent to a tub according to its established laundry treating process when a user operates a laundry treating apparatus in a state where laundry detergent or softener is put in a storage container separately provided in the laundry treating apparatus is mainly used. In this case, the user does not need to supply laundry detergent or softener every time the laundry treating process is performed, thereby further improving the user's convenience.

However, even in the case of a detergent dispensing device in which laundry detergent can be automatically supplied, a user should periodically replenish the detergent in the detergent storage container. In the related art, in order to visually check how much laundry detergent is stored in the detergent storage container, a user had to frequently open the detergent storage container in which detergent or softener is stored.

In addition, in order to automatically detect the laundry detergent stored in the storage container, a sensor needs to be separately installed. In this case, there is a possibility that a residual amount of laundry detergent may be incorrectly sensed by the laundry detergent stuck to the storage container.

Accordingly, it is necessary to study a detergent storage container and a method for manufacturing the same, which can automatically detect the residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container and reduce a false sense of the residual amount of laundry detergent.

<CIT> relates to a water inlet box with function of detecting whether detergents are delivered and washing machine comprising said water inlet box.

<CIT> relates to a laundry treating apparatus and a method for supplying a washing agent thereof.

<CIT> relates to a washing agent pump and a laundry treating apparatus having the same.

<CIT> relates to liquid additive supply devices for washing machines.

The invention is specified by the independent claim. One object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a detergent supply device including the same capable of storing a large amount of laundry detergent and automatically supplying laundry detergent stored therein to a drum so as to enhance a user's convenience.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a detergent supply device including the same capable of automatically detecting a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container to notify a user of this information, thereby enhancing user's convenience.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a detergent supply device including the same capable of smoothly detecting a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container in a state where the detergent storage container is coupled to a housing.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a detergent supply device including the same capable of preventing a false sense of residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the storage container.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure of a detergent storage container and a method for manufacturing the same capable of storing a large amount of laundry detergent, automatically supplying laundry detergent stored therein to a drum, and automatically detecting a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container so as to enhance user's convenience.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a method for manufacturing the same capable of enhancing productivity by simplifying a manufacturing process such that a structure to install a residual amount detecting unit at one side of the detergent storage container is reflected to allow them to be easily coupled to each other.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a detergent storage container and a method for manufacturing the same to which a structure capable of preventing a false sense of residual amount of laundry detergent is applied.

These objects are achieved with a detergent storage container, a detergent supply device, and a method according to the claims. A detergent storage container according to an first aspect of the invention includes a detergent storage member having a storage space to store laundry detergent, and a residual amount detecting unit installed at one side of a rear side surface of the detergent storage member and configured to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a storage container cover is installed to cover an opening of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a coupling portion may be formed at a rear portion of the detergent storage member to correspond to an outer shape of the residual amount detecting unit.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a mounting groove may be recessed along a circumference of the coupling portion.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an outline of the residual amount detecting unit may be fitted to the mounting groove.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the residual amount detecting unit may include a support bracket fitted to the mounting groove.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an electrode may be installed in the support bracket such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to an inner space of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a connection terminal portion is provided on an outer portion of the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a detergent blocking rib may protrude from an inner surface of the support bracket to surround one side of an exposed electrode.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a blocking portion having a predetermined inclination in a vertical direction to restrict laundry detergent from moving toward the electrode may be formed at the detergent blocking rib.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the electrode may be provided in plurality with different lengths.

According to an example of the present disclosure, each of the electrodes may have different heights from a lower surface of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an electrode sensor terminal to support the electrode and to transmit electrical signals may be installed inside the connection terminal portion.

A detergent storage container according to another aspect of the invention includes a detergent storage member in which an upper side thereof is opened and having a storage space to store laundry detergent, a storage container cover installed to cover an opening of the detergent storage member, and a residual amount detecting unit installed at one side of a rear side surface of the detergent storage member and configured to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage member, wherein the residual amount detecting unit may be disposed at an upper portion with respect to a pump receiving portion through which laundry detergent flows.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the residual amount detecting unit may be installed upper than the pump receiving portion at a rear portion of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the pump receiving portion may protrude toward an outside from a rear portion of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the residual amount detecting unit may include a support bracket coupled to a rear surface of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, an electrode is installed in the support bracket such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to an inner space of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the connection terminal portion may be disposed at a position upper than the pump receiving portion.

Furthermore, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a detergent storage container includes a detergent storage member in which an upper side thereof is opened and having a storage space to store laundry detergent, a storage container cover installed to cover an opening of the detergent storage member, and a residual amount detecting unit installed at one side of the rear side surface of the detergent storage member and configured to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage member, wherein the residual amount detecting unit may be installed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to an inner space of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the electrode may be installed inside the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, at least a part thereof is exposed at one side of the support bracket.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a detergent supply device includes a housing installed inside a main body of a laundry treating apparatus, a storage container frame withdrawably provided with respect to the housing, a detergent storage container mounted to the storage container frame, a laundry detergent pump installed at a rear portion of the housing to supply laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container, and a connection terminal receiving member installed inside the housing and protruding toward the detergent storage container, wherein the detergent storage container may include a detergent storage member having a storage space to store laundry detergent, a storage container cover configured to cover an opening of the detergent storage member to seal the storage space, and a residual amount detecting unit installed at one side of a rear surface of the detergent storage member and configured to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the residual amount detecting unit may include a support bracket coupled to the rear surface of the detergent storage member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a connection terminal portion is to be fitted to an outer portion of the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the connection terminal portion may be inserted into the connection terminal receiving member so as to be electrically connected to the connection terminal receiving member.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the connection terminal receiving member may include a connection terminal housing that defines an appearance, and a plurality of connection terminals connected to the electrodes when the connection terminal portion is inserted into the connection terminal housing.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a sealing member may be installed in the connection terminal receiving member so as to fit into the connection terminal housing, and partitioned into different regions to block each of the connection terminals.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a detergent outlet hole may be formed at a lower surface of the connection terminal housing so that laundry detergent flowing into the connection terminal housing is discharged therethrough.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a pump receiving portion may protrude toward the laundry detergent pump from a rear portion of the detergent storage container.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container may be moved toward the laundry detergent pump after passing through the pump receiving portion.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention provides a method for manufacturing a detergent storage container including manufacturing a detergent storage member in which an upper side thereof is opened, having a storage space to store laundry detergent, and having a coupling portion penetrating one side of a rear surface of the detergent storage member, manufacturing a residual amount detecting unit in which one surface thereof is in a plate shape and electrodes are coupled to a support bracket by an insert-molding manner, tightly adhering the residual amount detecting unit to the coupling portion, coupling a storage container cover to an upper opening of the detergent storage member, and coupling a connection terminal portion for electrical connection to an outer portion of the residual amount detecting unit.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the method for manufacturing the detergent storage member may include forming a mounting groove to guide the residual amount detecting unit to be mounted at a circumference of the coupling portion.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the method for manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit may include forming a mounting protrusion in a shape corresponding to the mounting groove at an outline of the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the electrode may be installed such that at least a part thereof is exposed from the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the electrode may be configured in plural, and at least one electrode may have a different length.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the method for manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit may include forming a detergent blocking rib protruding from an inner surface of the support bracket to surround one side of an electrode exposed from the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the detergent blocking rib may be formed integrally with the support bracket.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the method for tightly adhering the residual amount detecting unit to the coupling portion may be configured such that placing the mounting protrusion in the mounting groove, then adhering them together by bonding or heat welding.

The effects of the present disclosure obtained through the above-described solutions are as follows.

The detergent supply device may store a large amount of laundry detergent with a storage container capable of storing different laundry detergents. Furthermore, it may be possible to automatically supply an appropriate amount of laundry detergent toward the tub by an operation of the laundry detergent pump in a washing process, and when needed, the user may directly put a desired amount of laundry detergent into the manual detergent dispensing unit, thereby further enhancing the user's convenience.

In addition, an electrode is installed on a rear surface portion of a detergent storage container to contact laundry detergent stored in the storage container, and when the laundry detergent does not contact the electrode, automatically detects that the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the storage container is below a reference amount. Thus, the user's convenience can be further expanded by informing the user of this information.

In addition, when the detergent storage container is mounted in the housing, a connection terminal portion of a residual amount detecting unit is coupled to a connection terminal receiving member, so that the residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container can be detected.

In addition, a detergent blocking rib is formed at an inner surface of the support bracket to surround one side of the exposed electrode, thereby preventing a false sense of the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container.

In addition, since a large amount of laundry detergent is stored in a storage space of the detergent storage container, a proper amount of laundry detergent can be automatically supplied toward a tub by an operation of a laundry detergent pump in a washing process, and the residual amount of the detergent is automatically detected by the residual amount detecting unit, thereby further enhancing user's convenience.

In addition, a mounting groove is formed along a circumference of a coupling portion into which the residual amount detecting unit is installed at one side of the rear surface of the detergent storage container, so that a mounting protrusion formed on an outer portion of the residual amount detecting unit can be brought into contact and fixed therein. Accordingly, the residual amount detecting unit can be easily coupled to the detergent storage container, and productivity can be improved due to the simplified manufacturing process.

In addition, a detergent blocking rib may be formed at an inner surface of the support bracket to surround one side of the exposed electrode, thereby preventing a false sense of the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container.

Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus associated with the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to the present specification, the same or similar elements are designated with the same numeral references even in different embodiments and their redundant description will be omitted.

Furthermore, a structure applied to any one embodiment may be also applied in the same manner to another embodiment if they do not structurally or functionally contradict each other even in different embodiments.

In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus <NUM> in which a detergent supply device <NUM> is installed.

The laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may include a washing machine for inserting laundry into a washing tub and then performing a laundry treating operation such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, through laundry detergent being added thereto, a dryer for inserting wet fabric to perform drying, and the like.

Here, "laundry detergent" denotes detergent, softener, and bleach in the form of powder, solid or liquid as a material used to sterilize, disinfect laundry or fabric, or remove impurities.

Specifically, the laundry detergent may denote fabric softener for softening laundry, fabric or the like, and the laundry detergent may denote bleach that degrades or removes colored substances contained in laundry or fabric through chemical action to whiten the fabric or the like.

In general, the laundry treating apparatus may be divided into a top-loading type and a front-loading type. <FIG> shows an example of a front-loading type laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> has a structure including a main body <NUM> defining an outer appearance, an operation unit <NUM> that receives various control commands from a user and has a display module for displaying information on an operation state, and a door <NUM> rotatably provided at a front portion of the main body <NUM> to allow the entry and exit of laundry.

The main body <NUM> defines an outer appearance of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, is provided with a space capable of receiving various components constituting the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> inside the main body <NUM>. A drum <NUM> for receiving laundry loaded through the door <NUM> is provided inside the main body <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may include an outer tub (not shown) filled with wash water, and an inner tub (not shown) provided to be rotatable inside the outer tub (not shown) to receive laundry. One side of the drum <NUM> may be provided with a balancer (not shown) to compensate for eccentricity caused by rotation.

The operation unit <NUM> may be provided on a front portion of the main body <NUM>, and may include various operation keys for operating the operation state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> and a display for displaying the operation state of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

The door <NUM> serves to open and close an entrance hole of laundry, and may be made of a transparent member such as tempered glass to look inside the main body <NUM>.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> includes a detergent supply device <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> may be provided at an upper side of the main body <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> stores laundry detergent, and serves to automatically supply laundry detergent into the drum <NUM> during a washing process. Here, the laundry detergent denotes a material capable of enhancing the washing effect of laundry, as described above, and may denote liquid fabric detergent and liquid fabric softener.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the detergent supply device <NUM> is withdrawn from the main body <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> may include detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> mounted on a storage container frame 210d defining an outer appearance.

When a user grips a front portion 210a of the storage container frame 210d and then pulls it out, the detergent supply device <NUM> is slidably withdrawn from a front portion of the main body <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus to expose at least part thereof to the outside.

In addition, when the user pushes the front portion 210a toward the main body <NUM>, the detergent supply device <NUM> is mounted on the housing <NUM> provided in the main body <NUM> while being slid in a direction toward the main body.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the detergent supply device <NUM> is withdrawn from the main body <NUM>, a plug <NUM> of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, a manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' and a softener housing receiving portion <NUM> may be exposed to the outside, and the user may withdraw the detergent supply device <NUM> from the main body, and then replenishes laundry detergent in the storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, or add laundry detergent to the manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' and the softener housing receiving portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the detergent supply device <NUM> is completely withdrawn out to the outside.

The detergent supply device <NUM> is withdrawn from or inserted into the main body <NUM> by the user. When the user grips a front portion 210a of the storage container frame 210d and then pulls it out, the detergent supply device <NUM> is withdrawn out in a sliding manner from a front portion of the main body <NUM>.

A plurality of detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> is provided inside the storage container frame 210d.

Inside the storage container frame 210d, a first detergent storage container <NUM> and a second detergent storage container <NUM> in which first and second laundry detergents are stored therein, respectively, may be mounted to store different laundry detergents therein.

Here, the first laundry detergent may denote liquid detergent, and the second laundry detergent may denote liquid fabric softener. In addition, alternatively, the first laundry detergent may denote fabric softener, and the second laundry detergent may denote detergent.

The volumes of laundry detergents that can be accommodated in the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be similar to each other. However, considering that detergent is used more than softener in a general laundry treating process, the capacity of laundry detergent that can be accommodated in either one storage container may be configured to be larger, and liquid detergent may be accommodated in the storage container.

In other words, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may accommodate either one of detergent and softener therein, and there are some differences in their shapes, but it can be seen that the structure and function thereof correspond to each other.

When the first and second detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted into the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> while being mounted in the storage container frame 210d, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be in communication with laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> (see, <FIG>) provided on the rear surface to supply detergent or softener stored therein to a tub (not shown) of the laundry treating apparatus by the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM>.

The detergent storage member 221c, 222c extending in a front-rear direction of the main body <NUM> may be provided with a space capable of storing a predetermined amount of laundry detergent therein.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be defined in a "⊏"-shape, and the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be mounted inside the storage container frame 210d to face each other.

Here, a lower surface of the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be disposed to have a predetermined inclination, thereby facilitating the flow of laundry detergent accommodated in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

That is, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> are formed to be inclined to have a predetermined inclination toward the rear side, so that each laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be smoothly supplied toward the tub through the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM>.

The detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may include detergent storage members 221c, 222c configured to accommodate laundry detergent, and storage container covers 221b, 222b (see <FIG>) to cover each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

Furthermore, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be mounted at one side of the storage container frame 210d to face each other, and thus the manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' may be disposed between the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>, thereby allowing the user to manually put detergent therein. The manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' may be configured with a predetermined space formed between the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>.

In addition, the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> with a predetermined space in parallel to the manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' in a front-rear direction to manually add fabric softener thereto may be disposed.

The softener housing receiving portion <NUM> may be configured to have a predetermined space to manually supply softener, and a softener housing (not shown) may be provided. The softener housing (not shown) may be mounted to fit into the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, when softener is supplied toward the softener housing and the softener overflows, it may move between the softener housing and the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> to move toward a detergent input hole <NUM>, which will be described later.

Plugs <NUM> may be provided on each of the storage container covers 221b, 222b to cover the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>, respectively. The plug <NUM> may be detachable from the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> when rotated in one direction. Accordingly, when the plug <NUM> is removed from the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, a user will be able to supply laundry detergent to the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

For example, when a user recognizes a notification of insufficient laundry detergent outputted to the operation unit <NUM> of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, the user will withdraw the storage container frame 210d from the housing <NUM>, rotate the plug <NUM> in one direction to remove the plug <NUM> that is coupled to the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> exposed to the outside, then refill laundry detergent or softener in the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

An inner space S is provided in the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> by front, rear, and side surfaces of the main body <NUM> that defines an appearance.

Various components are accommodated in the inner space S for the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> to treat laundry. For example, a compressor (not shown) for a laundry treating process associated with the transfer of heat, such as drying treatment, may be accommodated therein. Furthermore, a tub and a drum inserted into the tub (not shown) may be provided in the inner space S.

In addition, a hose member (not shown) communicating between inside and the outside of the main body <NUM> is provided inside the main body <NUM> so as to allow the inflow of wash water required to treat laundry. One side of the hose member (not shown) may be inserted into the main body <NUM>, and another side of the hose member (not shown) may be connected to a faucet or the like.

Furthermore, the inside and outside of the main body <NUM> may be electrically conducted to each other. By the electrical conduction, power for operation may be supplied to the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the detergent supply device <NUM> is provided in the inner space S. The detergent supply device <NUM> may be stably supported by a support member <NUM> coupled to pass through a rear surface of the main body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an entire appearance of the detergent supply device <NUM>, and <FIG> is an exploded view of the detergent supply device <NUM> in <FIG>. Furthermore, <FIG> is a plan view of the detergent supply device <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> may include the housing <NUM>, first and second detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> mounted on the storage container frame 210d, a wash water dispenser <NUM> and a dispenser cover <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> may be connected to the operation unit <NUM> provided on a front portion of the main body <NUM> so as to be electrically conducted, and power signals and control signals received through the operation unit <NUM> may be transmitted to the detergent supply device <NUM>. In addition, the detergent supply device <NUM> may supply an appropriate amount of detergent or softener to the tub (not shown) according to the received power signals and control signals.

The wash water dispenser <NUM> may be fixedly provided inside the main body <NUM>, and when the storage container frame 210d coupled to each storage container <NUM>, <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> located inside the main body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the wash water dispenser <NUM> may be located on an upper portion of the housing <NUM>.

The wash water dispenser <NUM> serves to form a movement path of wash water by introducing wash water from a faucet or the like. When the storage container frame 210d is mounted to the housing <NUM>, the wash water dispenser <NUM> provided inside the main body <NUM> is located to face each storage container <NUM>, <NUM> mounted to the storage container frame 210d.

The dispenser cover <NUM> may be coupled to an upper portion of the wash water dispenser <NUM> to cover the wash water dispenser <NUM>.

The wash water dispenser <NUM> may be disposed with wash water passages 251a, 251b extending along a predetermined shape along the surface to guide the movement of wash water flowing in along a wash water inlet portion 251c, 251c'.

The wash water passages 251a, 251b may be composed of a first wash water passage 251a and a second wash water passage 251b that are spaced apart from each other, and a rear surface of the wash water dispenser <NUM> may be in communication with the wash water inlet portion 251c, 251c' into which wash water is introduced. For example, the first wash water passage 251a may be configured to communicate with a first wash water inlet portion 251c, and the second wash water passage 251b may be configured to communicate with a second wash water inlet portion 251c'.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, a third wash water inlet portion 251c" for supplying wash water may be further disposed on a rear surface of the wash water dispenser <NUM>. Wash water is supplied to the third wash water inlet portion 251c", and supplied toward the wash water supply portions 251d formed on both side portions of the wash water dispenser <NUM>.

When wash water is supplied to each wash water supply portion 251d, the wash water may be discharged through a plurality of holes arranged in each wash water supply portion 251d to be supplied to the housing <NUM>. Specifically, the wash water discharged through each wash water supply portion 251d may be supplied to a gap disposed between the storage container frame 210d (or each laundry detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>) and the housing <NUM>, and the wash water flowing out through the gap may move to the housing <NUM>.

As a result, the wash water may be mixed with laundry detergent while flowing in toward a lower surface of the housing <NUM> to which the laundry detergent is added, and then may move toward the detergent input hole <NUM>.

Each of the wash water passages 251a, 251b may be disposed along both side walls that protrude and extend constantly. When the dispenser cover <NUM> is coupled to the wash water dispenser <NUM>, it is defined a closed space allowing wash water to move, and thus wash water may move toward each wash water receiving portion 253a, 253b along the wash water passage 251a, 251b.

Each of the wash water passages 251a, 251b may extend toward each of the wash water receiving portions 253a, 253b disposed at one side surface of the wash water dispenser <NUM>.

The wash water passage 251a, 251b may include the first wash water passage 251a and the second wash water passage 251b. As shown in <FIG>, the first wash water passage 251a may communicate with the first wash water inlet portion 251c to flow wash water therein. The first wash water passage 251a may serve to guide the movement of the wash water toward a first wash water receiving portion 253a.

The first wash water receiving portion 253a may be provided with a space in which wash water moving along the first wash water passage 251a is accommodated. A plurality of wash water movement holes <NUM> may be disposed in the first wash water receiving portion 253a, and wash water received in the first wash water receiving portion 253a may be discharged through the wash water movement holes <NUM>.

Furthermore, the second wash water receiving portion 253b may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first wash water receiving portion 253a to communicate with the second wash water passage 251b so as to accommodate moving wash water.

As shown in <FIG>, wash water moving along the second wash water passage 251b may be accommodated in the second wash water receiving portion 253b, and then discharged through the plurality of wash water movement holes <NUM>.

In addition, according to the washing process, wash water may be supplied to the third wash water inlet portion 251c", and supplied toward the wash water supply portions 251d disposed on both side portions of the wash water dispenser <NUM>.

When wash water is supplied to each wash water supply portion 251d, the wash water may be discharged through a plurality of holes arranged in each wash water supply portion 251d to move to a gap disposed between the storage container frame 210d (or each laundry detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>) and the housing <NUM>, and then flow in toward a lower surface of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, wash water may move toward a front portion of the housing while being mixed with the laundry detergent and move to the detergent input hole <NUM>.

The detergent input hole <NUM> may be disposed at a lower center portion of the housing <NUM>. The detergent input hole <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the tub (not shown) of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, and thus laundry detergent mixed with wash water may be moved toward the detergent input hole <NUM> and then supplied to the tub (not shown).

Specifically, when the storage container frame 210d is inserted into the housing <NUM> located inside the main body <NUM>, the first wash water receiving portion 253a may be located to vertically overlap with the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, fabric softener that is manually added in the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> or passes through the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> may be mixed with wash water discharged through the first wash water receiving portion 253a and discharged through the detergent input hole <NUM> to be supplied to the tub.

Likewise, when the storage container frame 210d is inserted into the housing <NUM> provided inside the main body <NUM>, the second wash water receiving portion 253b may be located to vertically overlap with the manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' of the housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, powder detergent manually supplied by the user or liquid detergent moving along the second laundry detergent passage <NUM>, which will be described later, may be mixed with wash water moving in a downward direction through the plurality of wash water movement holes <NUM> arranged in the second wash water receiving portion 253b, and supplied to the tub through the detergent input hole <NUM>.

The dispenser cover <NUM> may have a rectangular plate shape, and may be coupled to the wash water dispenser <NUM>. When the dispenser cover <NUM> is coupled to the wash water dispenser <NUM>, the first and second wash water passages 251a, 251b disposed in the wash water dispenser <NUM> may be sealed.

The dispenser cover <NUM> may be provided to cover the wash water dispenser <NUM>. At this time, one side of the dispenser cover <NUM> may be disposed with a first wash water receiving protrusion 252a and a second wash water receiving protrusion 252b to vertically overlap with the first wash water receiving portion 253a and the second wash water receiving portion 253b disposed at the wash water dispenser <NUM>.

The first wash water receiving protrusion 252a and the second wash water receiving protrusion 252b are respectively disposed to protrude in an upward direction, to define a movement path of wash water moving along each wash water passage 251a, 251b.

In addition, the detergent supply device <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes a residual amount detecting unit <NUM>, and through which, whether or not detergent stored in each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> is insufficient is detectable. Details of this will be described later.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the housing <NUM> of the detergent supply device <NUM> according to the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> are coupled to the storage container frame 210d, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an internal appearance of the first detergent storage container <NUM> drawn out from the housing <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the first detergent storage container and the second detergent storage container are being mounted to the storage container frame.

The laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> to allow movements of different laundry detergents, respectively, may be provided at a rear portion of the housing <NUM>.

Detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may be discharged through a discharge port (not illustrated) provided at a rear surface portion of each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> by an operation of the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM>. The discharged detergent is then introduced into the housing <NUM>, mixed with wash water being introduced into the housing, and finally supplied to the tub (not illustrated).

The detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> serve to generate a transfer force for forming a movement of detergent, and may include a first laundry detergent pump <NUM> and a second laundry detergent pump <NUM>.

A first laundry detergent suction pipe 231a and a second laundry detergent suction pipe 232b may be protruded from the inner rear surface portion of the housing <NUM>, respectively.

The first laundry detergent suction pipe 231a and the second laundry detergent suction pipe 232b may be connected to pump receiving portions 221a, 222a protruding from the rear portions of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

The laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> is discharged to a first laundry detergent inlet hole 211a via the first laundry detergent suction pipe 231a.

Likewise, the laundry detergent stored in the second detergent storage container <NUM> is discharged to a second laundry detergent inlet hole 211b via the second laundry detergent suction pipe 232b.

In addition, the pump receiving portions 221a, 222a may protrude at the rear portions of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> toward the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM>. The laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may move toward the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> after passing through the pump receiving portions 221a, 222a. Then, the laundry detergent may pass through the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> to be discharged to the housing <NUM>.

The first laundry detergent pump <NUM> sucks the laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> through the first detergent suction pipe 231a, and then discharges the detergent to a first laundry detergent inlet hole 211a through a first laundry detergent inlet pipe <NUM>. The laundry detergent discharged through the first laundry detergent inlet hole 211a may move along the first laundry detergent passage <NUM>.

Likewise, the second laundry detergent pump <NUM> sucks the detergent stored in the second detergent storage container <NUM> through a second detergent suction pipe 231b, and then discharges the detergent to a second detergent inlet hole 211b through a second detergent inlet pipe <NUM>. The laundry detergent discharged through the second laundry detergent inlet hole 211b may move along the second laundry detergent passage <NUM>.

Here, as the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> are spaced apart from each other with a separating wall <NUM> formed at a lower surface of the housing <NUM> interposed therebetween, each detergent moving along the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> may be prevented from being mixed with each other.

In addition, when wash water is supplied to the wash water supply portion 251d provided on both sides of the wash water dispenser <NUM> by the third wash water inlet portion 251c" (see, <FIG>), the wash water may be introduced toward the lower surface of the housing <NUM> while moving along both side walls of the housing <NUM> into which the laundry detergent is introduced. Accordingly, the wash water will be able to flow toward the detergent input hole <NUM> after being mixed with the laundry detergent.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, laundry detergent passages <NUM>, <NUM> may be extended from the rear portion to the front portion on the lower surface of the housing <NUM>, so that each laundry detergent introduced by the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> may flow therethrough.

The detergent input hole <NUM> may be formed in a central portion of the lower surface of the housing <NUM>, and the lower surface of the housing <NUM> is inclined with a predetermined angle from the rear portion to the front portion. Thus, each detergent may flow smoothly toward the detergent input hole <NUM>.

In addition, since the detergent input hole <NUM> communicates with the tub (not illustrated) of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, detergent and wash water can be supplied to the tub along the inclined lower surface of the housing <NUM>.

As the laundry detergent passages <NUM>, <NUM> extend toward the detergent input hole <NUM>, and the detergent input hole <NUM> communicates with the tub (not illustrated) of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, the laundry detergent moving along the inclined bottom surface of the housing <NUM> can be supplied to the tub (not illustrated) after passing through the detergent input hole <NUM> together with the wash water.

The laundry detergent passage <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first laundry detergent passage <NUM> that guides the movement of first laundry detergent, and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> disposed at a different position by interposing the separating wall <NUM> therebetween to guide the movement of second laundry detergent.

The separating wall <NUM> is formed on the lower surface of the housing <NUM> and may protrude upwardly. By the separating wall <NUM>, the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> may be separated from each other, and the first detergent and the second detergent may be prevented from being mixed with each other.

The separating wall <NUM> may have a predetermined height, and may extend along a passageway between the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> to face an inclined portion 215b from the rear surface of the housing <NUM>.

When detergent and fabric softener are mixed with each other, precipitates may be generated. However, in the present disclosure, a laundry detergent moving through the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and a laundry detergent moving through the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> are not mixed with each other due to the separating wall <NUM>, thereby preventing precipitates from being generated to be stacked up on the lower surface of the housing.

Each laundry detergent passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be extended to communicate with the laundry detergent inlet hole 211a, 211b and the detergent input hole <NUM> disposed on a rear surface of the housing <NUM>, respectively.

By the operation of the laundry detergent pump, first laundry detergent and second laundry detergent flowing from the rear portion of the housing <NUM> along the laundry detergent passages <NUM>, <NUM> may move toward the detergent input hole <NUM>.

In addition, inclined portions 215a, 215b having a predetermined inclination in a direction toward the detergent input hole <NUM> may be formed at one side of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the inclined portions 215a 215b having a predetermined inclination in a direction toward the detergent input hole <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of a lower surface of the housing <NUM>, respectively. The inclined portions 215a, 215b may be formed at both sides with the detergent input hole <NUM> therebetween, and each detergent moving through the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> can move smoothly toward the detergent input hole <NUM> by its own weight due to the inclined portions 215a, 215b.

In other words, the wash water is not only supplied toward a lower portion of the housing <NUM> to which laundry detergent is added, but also dropped toward the inclined portion 215b to be supplied to a peripheral portion of the detergent input hole <NUM>, thereby moving toward the detergent input hole <NUM> in a state of being well mixed with laundry detergent.

The detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may include detergent storage members 221c, 222c to store laundry detergent, and storage container covers 221b, 222b to cover each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

The detergent storage members 221c, 222c may have a storage space in which an upper portion thereof is opened and laundry detergent is stored therein.

The storage container covers 221b, 222b are installed to cover the openings of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c so that the storage spaces in the detergent storage members 221c, 222c are sealed.

Each of the storage container covers 221b, 222b is provided with the plug <NUM>, which is rotated in one direction to be detachable from the storage container covers 221b, 222b, and laundry detergent can be refilled in each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is installed at the rear portion of each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>, to detect whether or not the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c is insufficient.

When the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> are mounted in the housing <NUM>, the detergent supply device <NUM> may detect whether or not the residual amount of the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage members is insufficient by the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>. Accordingly, when it is detected that the amount of detergent stored in the detergent storage member is insufficient, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> notifies this information to a user, so that user's convenience can be further increased.

For example, when the residual amount of the detergent detected by the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is less than a predetermined capacity, a user may withdraw the detergent supply device <NUM> from the main body, open the plug <NUM>, and then simply refill the detergent.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> to form movements of different laundry detergents are installed at the rear portion of the housing <NUM>, and a connection terminal receiving member <NUM> protrudes toward each of the storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, a connection terminal portion <NUM> is coupled to the rear surface of each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> together with a support bracket <NUM> to protrude outwardly.

The connection terminal portion <NUM> may be provided upper than the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a protruded at the rear portion of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the connection terminal portion <NUM> and the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a may be disposed up and down at the rear portion of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> mounted in the storage container frame 210d are coupled to the housing <NUM>, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may detect current inside the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> to detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

That is, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is installed at one side of each of the first detergent storage member 221c to accommodate the detergent of the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage member 222c to accommodate the detergent of the second detergent storage container <NUM>, to detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be installed at the rear portion of the first detergent storage container <NUM> pulled out from the storage container frame 210d.

Specifically, at one side of the rear surface of the first detergent storage member 221c, a coupling portion 221d may be formed to penetrate the rear surface, and a mounting groove 221e may be recessed along a circumference of the coupling portion 221d. An outline of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is positioned to contact the mounting groove 221e.

The mounting groove 221e may be formed along the circumference of the coupling portion 221d. The mounting groove 221e serves to guide the mounting protrusion 261a formed at the outline of the support bracket <NUM> to be placed in the mounting groove 221e.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be mounted to the storage container frame 210d.

The storage container frame 210d is formed to extend from front to rear, and is configured to accommodate the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>.

The storage container frame 210d has a structure in which a predetermined space is formed by being surrounded by outer walls at front, rear, right, and left sides, and the space is partitioned to form the manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' and the softener housing receiving portion <NUM>.

The manual detergent dispensing unit <NUM>' and the softener housing receiving portion <NUM> may be partitioned by a partition plate <NUM> installed inside the storage container frame 210d.

The outer wall may include a plurality of planes, and the plurality of planes may extend from the front side to the rear side while having a predetermined angle with each other. Here, a width of the space surrounded by the outer walls, that is, a width in a left-right direction may be different in a longitudinal direction, that is, in a front-rear direction.

A rear end of the storage container frame 210d may be roundly bent, and partially support a rear end of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> inserted into the storage container frame 210d.

A rear wall 210e is positioned in a space between the bent portions. A space between the bent portion and the rear wall 210e may have a communication portion 210f. Here, the bent portion may be connected to the rear wall 210e by a partition member <NUM>. That is, both outer walls facing the rear wall 210e may be connected by the partition member <NUM>.

In addition, a distance-limited protrusion (not illustrated) may be formed at the bent portion. The distance-limiting protrusion (not illustrated) protrudes a predetermined distance from an upper side of the bent portion of the outer wall.

The distance limiting protrusion (not illustrated) serves to limit an insertion distance by being in contact with the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM> or others when the storage container frame 210d is inserted into the housing <NUM>. The rear wall 210e forms one side in a longitudinal direction of the storage container frame 210d, that is, a rear side outer circumference in the illustrated embodiment. The rear wall 210e supports the rear side of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

The rear wall 210e may extend upwardly while having a predetermined angle with a bottom surface of the storage container frame 210d.

By openings 210f' and 210f" formed by the rear wall 210e, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> provided in the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, and the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a may protrude to the rear side by a predetermined distance.

The pump receiving portion 221a, 222a may protrude toward the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM> at the rear portion of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>. The laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may flow toward the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM> after passing through the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a. Then, the laundry detergent may pass through the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM> to be discharged toward the housing <NUM>.

The rear wall 210e may be connected by the partition member <NUM>. The partition member <NUM> may divide the opening 210f', 210f" into a pump receiving opening 210f' and a residual amount detecting unit opening 210f".

The communication portion 210f is a portion in which one side of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> inserted in the storage container frame 210d, that is, the rear side in the illustrated embodiment communicates with an outside of the storage container frame 210d. The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> and the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a provided at the rear side of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through the communication portion 210f.

That is, as the communication portion 210f is formed at the rear portion of the storage container frame 210d, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> provided in the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically connected to an external controller (not illustrated).

The communication portion 210f is located at one side in the longitudinal direction of the storage container frame 210d, that is, the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

The partition member <NUM> serves to partition the opening 210f', 210f" into the pump receiving opening 210f' at a lower side and the residual amount detecting unit opening 210f" at an upper side.

The partition member <NUM> may serve to reinforce a rigidity of a structure at the rear side of the storage container frame 210d by connecting the outer wall and the rear wall 210e of the storage container frame 210d.

In addition, the partition member <NUM> can limit an insertion direction and a separation direction of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> by partitioning the opening into the pump receiving opening 210f' and the residual amount detecting unit opening 210f".

The pump receiving opening 210f' is a space through which the pump receiving portion 221a passes. By the pump receiving opening 210f', a pump valve of the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to communicate with the pump receiving portion 221a.

The pump receiving opening 210f' may be located below the residual amount sensor opening 210f", and the residual amount sensor opening 210f" may be located above the pump receiving opening 210f'.

As an opening <NUM> is partitioned into the pump receiving opening 210f' and the residual amount sensor opening 210f" by the partition member <NUM>, the insertion and separation directions of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may be limited.

That is, the residual amount detection sensor <NUM> is firstly inserted into the residual amount detection sensor opening 210f", and then check valves <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted into the pump receiving opening 210f'. On the contrary, the check valves <NUM>, <NUM> are firstly separated from the pump receiving opening 210f', and then the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is separated from the residual amount sensor opening 210f".

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a state before the first detergent storage container <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM>, and <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a state after the first detergent storage container <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a state in which the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is being installed to detect the residual amount of the detergent in the first detergent storage container <NUM>. However, for the second detergent storage container <NUM> as well as for the first detergent storage container <NUM>, the residual amount of the detergent may be equally applied.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can be operated in a state where the storage container frame 210d equipped with the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> is completely inserted into the housing <NUM>, and the detergent supply device <NUM> is mounted to the main body of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>. The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> by applying a current into each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>, then measuring the current.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be installed in each of the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>. The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may detect whether the residual amount of the detergent stored in the first detergent storage member 221c and the second detergent storage member 222c is insufficient in a state in which the housing <NUM> is coupled to each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may include the support bracket <NUM>, the connection terminal portion <NUM>, the electrode <NUM>, and the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>.

The support bracket <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the rear surface of each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>. The support bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surfaces of the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c by bonding.

That is, as illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG>, one surface of the support bracket <NUM> is accommodated in an inner space of the first detergent storage member 221c, and another surface of the support bracket <NUM> protrudes outwardly of the first detergent the storage member 221c.

The electrode <NUM> may be provided inside the support bracket <NUM>.

The electrode <NUM> may be installed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the inside of the first detergent storage member 221c so as to be in contact with the laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage member 221c.

The electrode <NUM> is made of a metal material and has a structure capable of applying an electric current. The electrode <NUM> may be coupled into the support bracket <NUM> in a manner such as an insert-molding.

Here, the electrode <NUM> is in a state where at least a part thereof is exposed to the outside. Another part of the electrode <NUM> may be exposed to the inside of the first detergent storage member 221c so as to be brought into contact with the laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM>.

When one side of the electrode <NUM> exposed to the first detergent storage member 221c is brought into contact with the stored detergent, a current may be passed through the laundry detergent, so that the residual amount of the detergent is detected.

Here, the connection terminal portion <NUM> may be fitted to an outer portion of the support bracket <NUM>. The connection terminal portion <NUM> is coupled with the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> so that the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is in a state ready to be operated.

The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> may be connected to the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM>, and be installed to face each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>. When the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>, they may be electrically connected to each other.

As illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG>, a connection pin receiving member 262a is installed inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>. When the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>, a connection pin 272a of the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> is inserted toward the connection pin receiving member 262a installed inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>. Here, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can detect the residual amount of the detergent and whether the residual amount of the detergent is insufficient by measuring a current value using the laundry detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> as a medium.

The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> may include a connection terminal housing <NUM> and a connection terminal <NUM>.

The connection terminal housing <NUM> defines an appearance and may be fixed to the housing <NUM>.

Here, the connection terminal <NUM> is fixedly installed inside the connection terminal housing, and when the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted, the connection terminal portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are electrically connected to each other. The connection pin 272a is fixedly installed inside the connection terminal <NUM>, and the connection pin 272a may protrude toward the connection pin receiving member 262a so as to be inserted into or withdrawn from the connection pin receiving member 262a.

<FIG> illustrates the support bracket <NUM> to be coupled to the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the support bracket <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an electrode sensor terminal <NUM> and the electrode sensor 263a, and <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the electrode sensor terminal <NUM> and the electrode sensor 263a are being coupled.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is operated in a state in which each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> by applying a current of a set magnitude into the detergent storage member 221c, 222c then measuring the current detected by the electrode sensor.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be installed in each of the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>, and may detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage <NUM>.

Here, whether the residual amount of the detergent in the first detergent storage container <NUM> is insufficient and whether the residual amount of the detergent in the second detergent storage container <NUM> is insufficient may be detected in a same manner by the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The support bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surfaces of each of the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c by bonding. Here, one surface of the support bracket <NUM> is accommodated in the inner space of each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c, and another surface protrudes outwardly of each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

The mounting protrusion 261a is formed at the outline of the support bracket <NUM>, and the mounting protrusion 261a may be placed in the mounting groove 221e which is recessed along the circumference of the coupling portion 221d of each detergent storage member 221c, 222c. Accordingly, the support bracket <NUM> can be more easily coupled to each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

A plurality of electrodes <NUM> may be installed inside the support bracket <NUM>.

The support bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> at one side of the rear surface of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, and at least a part of the electrode <NUM> coupled to the support bracket <NUM> through insert-injection may be located inside the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

The electrode <NUM> may be configured in plural, and at least one electrode sensor may have a different length. Each of the electrode sensors 263a, 263b, 263c may have different heights from the lower surface of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c. With this structure, the electrode <NUM> and the laundry detergent in the detergent storage member 221c, 222c may be selectively contacted so that the residual amount of the laundry detergent is smoothly detected.

That is, the electrode <NUM> is positioned such that at least a portion thereof is exposed inside the first detergent storage container <NUM>, thereby brought into contact with the laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage member 221c. When the electrode <NUM> is brought into contact with the laundry detergent in the first detergent storage member 221c, a current can be passed through the detergent, so that the residual amount of the detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> is detected.

In a manner same as the above, the electrode <NUM>, located such that at least a part thereof is exposed inside the second detergent storage container <NUM>, is brought into contact with the detergent stored in the second detergent storage member 222c, the residual amount of the detergent stored in the second detergent storage container <NUM> can be detected.

Inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>, the electrode sensor terminal <NUM> to support the electrode <NUM> and to transmit electrical signals may be installed. Inside the electrode sensor terminal <NUM>, the connection pin receiving member <NUM> may be protruded.

When the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>, the connection pin 272a of the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> is inserted toward the connection pin receiving member 262a installed inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>. Here, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can detect the residual amount of the detergent by a current value using the laundry detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> as a medium.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electrode <NUM> may include a horizontal portion 263a" to be fixed to the electrode sensor terminal <NUM> and a vertical portion 263a' bent from the horizontal portion 263a" and extending in a direction intersecting with the horizontal portion 263a".

The horizontal portion 263a" and the vertical portion 263a' may be formed in a direction intersecting each other.

One end of the horizontal portion 263a" may be formed with a fitting protrusion <NUM>‴ protruding outwardly so that it can be fixed by being fitted into protrusion grooves (not illustrated) formed on both sides of the electrode sensor terminal <NUM>.

In addition, the vertical portion 263a' may extend toward the interior of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and one end thereof may be exposed inside the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Hereinafter, description will be given of a method for detecting the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> by the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

As described above, the electrode <NUM> may be configured in plural. The electrode <NUM> configured in plural may be configured such that at least one electrode has a different length. For example, the electrode <NUM> may have a total of three electrode sensors, that is, the first electrode sensor 263a, the second electrode sensor 263b, and a third electrode sensor 263c, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Here, a length of the first electrode sensor 263a and a length of the third electrode sensor 263c may be identical. The second electrode sensor 263b may be located between the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c, and has a length shorter than that of the first and third electrode sensors 263a, 263c.

A length of a vertical portion of the first and third electrode sensors 263a, 263c may be longer than a length of a vertical portion of the second electrode sensor 263b.

For example, when a sufficient amount of laundry detergent is stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM>, the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c are brought into contact with the laundry detergent. Here, the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c are electrically connected through the laundry detergent, and the controller may determine that a predetermined amount of laundry detergent is stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> by the sensed current value.

In addition, when an insufficient amount of laundry detergent is stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> so that a level of the laundry detergent is lower than the positions of the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c, the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c are not brought into contact with the laundry detergent and therefore a current cannot pass through the laundry detergent. Here, since there is no current value sensed by the controller, the controller may generate and output a signal indicating that the amount of laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> is less than the predetermined level and needs a refill of laundry detergent.

Likewise, when a sufficient amount of laundry detergent is stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM>, and the first electrode sensor 263a and the third electrode sensor 263c, as well as the second electrode sensor 263b, are brought into contact with the laundry detergent, the controller may generate a signal indicating that a sufficient amount of laundry detergent is stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> according to the sensed current value, and output the signal to the outside.

In this way, according to a state in which the laundry detergent is in contact with or not in contact with each of the electrode sensors 263a, 263b, 263c, whether the residual amount of laundry detergent stored in each of detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> is greater than or less than a reference amount will be automatically detected. In addition, the user's convenience may be further expanded by notifying the user of the residual amount of the stored laundry detergent.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating one side of the support bracket <NUM>, and <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which laundry detergent is moving at one side of the support bracket <NUM>.

As described above, a support bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surfaces of the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c, and the electrode <NUM> installed on the support bracket <NUM> may detect the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

However, when the laundry detergent is brought into contact with the electrode <NUM> exposed from the support bracket <NUM>, the residual amount detecting unit may falsely detect that there is a sufficient amount of laundry detergent in the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, at one surface of the support bracket <NUM>, that is, at one surface located inside the first and second laundry detergent storage members 221c, 222c, a detergent blocking rib <NUM> may be protruded in a shape surrounding one side of the exposed electrode <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the detergent blocking rib <NUM> serves to partition the first electrode sensor 263a, the second electrode sensor 263b, and the third electrode sensor 263c. Accordingly, when the laundry detergent is left on one surface of the support bracket or residual laundry detergent remains, the detergent blocking rib <NUM> prevents the laundry detergent from moving toward each of the electrode sensors 263a, 263b, 263c, thereby preventing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> from malfunctioning.

Here, the detergent blocking rib <NUM> may include a boundary portion 265c configured to partition the first electrode sensor 263a, the second electrode sensor 263b, and the third electrode sensor 263c.

In addition, since the detergent blocking rib <NUM> is to prevent malfunction of the electrode sensor, the detergent blocking rib <NUM> may include blocking portions 265a, 265b inclined in a vertical direction.

The blocking portions 265a, 265b may have a predetermined inclination in the vertical direction. The blocking portions 265a, 265b may be provided at a plurality of locations to have different heights.

The blocking portions 265a, 265b serve to guide a movement of the laundry detergent that drops from one surface of the support bracket <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, to limit the laundry detergent from moving toward the electrode sensors 263a, 263b, 263c.

(a) of <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a rear side of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, and (b) of <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the connection terminal portion <NUM>. In addition, (a) of <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the housing <NUM>, and (b) of <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>.

The connection terminal portion <NUM> is installed to be fitted to the outer portion of the support bracket <NUM>, and is connected to the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> coupled with the laundry detergent pump to serve to enable an operation of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

At the connection terminal portion <NUM>, a support bracket fitting portion 262c is protruded, and the support bracket fitting portion <NUM> may be inserted into the support bracket <NUM>.

At this time, the connection pin receiving member 262a may be installed inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>, and when the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>, the connection pin 272a of the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> is inserted toward the connection pin receiving member 262a installed inside the connection terminal portion <NUM>. Here, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can detect the residual amount of the detergent by a current value using the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> as a medium.

A plurality of partition wall portions 262b configured to divide the connection pin receiving holes 262d from each other may be formed in the connection terminal portion <NUM>. A sealing member insertion portion 262e may be partitioned by the plurality of partition wall portions 262b, and a sealing member <NUM>, which will be described later, may be positioned therein.

The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> may include a connection terminal housing <NUM> and the connection terminal <NUM>.

The connection terminal housing <NUM> defines an external appearance. At one side of the connection terminal housing <NUM>, the coupling portion 221d may be formed to supply power to allow a connected state of the connection terminal <NUM>.

The connection terminal <NUM> is fixedly installed inside the connection terminal housing, and when the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted, the connection terminal portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are electrically connected to each other. The connection pin 272a is fixedly installed inside the connection terminal <NUM>, and the connection pin 272a may protrude toward the connection pin receiving member 262a so as to be inserted into or withdrawn from the connection pin receiving member 262a.

The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> is connected to the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM> and may be installed to face each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>. The connection terminal portion <NUM> may be inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> to be electrically connected thereto.

In addition, as illustrated in (b) of <FIG>, a detergent outlet hole 271a may be formed at a lower surface of the connection terminal housing <NUM> so that laundry detergent flowing into the connection terminal housing <NUM> is discharged therethrough.

The detergent outlet hole 271a is formed in a predetermined shape to be penetrated up and down, and has a structure that can smoothly discharge laundry detergent flowing into the connection terminal housing <NUM>. The detergent outlet hole 271a may be formed in plural, and may be in parallel with each other at a predetermined distance.

(a), (b), and (c) of <FIG> are conceptual views each illustrating the sealing member <NUM>.

The detergent supply device <NUM> may be configured to further include the sealing member <NUM> fitted into the connection terminal housing <NUM>.

The connection terminal housing <NUM> defines an appearance and may be fixed to the housing <NUM>. The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> may include a connection terminal housing <NUM> and the connection terminal <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> may be made of a rubber material to seal between each terminal supporting the electrode <NUM>.

In addition, the sealing member <NUM> may partition the connection terminals <NUM> into different regions to block them from each other. For example, as illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG>, the sealing member <NUM> may be partitioned into three regions.

Coupling protrusions <NUM> may protrude in one direction at one surface of the sealing member <NUM> so as to be fixed to the connection terminal housing <NUM>. The coupling protrusions <NUM> may be fitted into the connection terminal housing <NUM>, and the sealing member <NUM> may be fixed to the connection terminal housing <NUM>.

In addition, at another surface of the sealing member <NUM>, a shield portion <NUM> protruding in one direction so as to be coupled to the connection terminal portion <NUM> may be provided.

The sealing member <NUM> is located between the connection terminal portion <NUM> and the connection terminal housing <NUM>.

The connection terminal <NUM> is fixedly installed inside the connection terminal housing <NUM>, and when the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted, the connection terminal portion <NUM> and the electrode <NUM> are electrically connected to each other. Here, the sealing member <NUM> may be positioned to be inserted into a plurality of partition walls 262b configured to partition the connection pin receiving holes 262d from each other.

<FIG> is a horizontal sectional view of the detergent supply device <NUM> illustrating a movement of the laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container.

As described above, when the housing <NUM> is inserted into the interior of the main body <NUM>, laundry detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may be introduced into the housing <NUM> by an operation of the laundry detergent pump <NUM> installed at the rear of each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

Here, at a rear surface portion of each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, the pump receiving portion 221a, 222a may be protruded from the laundry detergent pump <NUM>, <NUM> to communicate with an inside of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

Specifically, the first detergent suction pipe 231a protruding from the first laundry detergent pump <NUM> may be located in a state of being accommodated in the first pump receiving portion 221a of the first storage container <NUM>, and thus laundry detergent stored in the first detergent storage container <NUM> may be sucked by the operation of the first laundry detergent pump <NUM>, and discharged through the first laundry detergent inlet hole 211a via the first laundry detergent input pipe <NUM>.

Furthermore, the second pump valve 232a protruding from the second laundry detergent pump <NUM> may be located in a state of being accommodated in the second pump receiving portion 222a of the second detergent storage container <NUM>, and thus laundry detergent stored in the second detergent storage container <NUM> may be sucked by the operation of the second laundry detergent pump <NUM>, and discharged through the second laundry detergent inlet hole 211b via the second laundry detergent input pipe <NUM>.

At this time, wash water may be introduced through the wash water inlet portions 251c, 251c', 251c" disposed in the wash water dispenser <NUM>, and the introduced wash water may be moved through the first and second wash water passages 251a, 251b, and then discharged toward the inclined portion 215b via the wash water movement hole <NUM>.

Wash water may be mixed with laundry detergent moving toward the detergent input hole <NUM> along the first laundry detergent passage <NUM> and the second laundry detergent passage <NUM>, and may move downward by its own weight, and then move towards the tub (not shown).

In other words, laundry detergent moving into the housing <NUM> from each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> through the detergent input hole <NUM> may be moved through the first and second laundry detergent passages <NUM>, <NUM>, and then mixed with wash water flowing into the housing <NUM>, and then supplied to the tub (not shown) through the detergent input hole <NUM>.

In addition, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> installed in the detergent supply device <NUM> detects the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, and when the residual amount of the laundry detergent is lower than a reference value, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> notifies users of this information, thereby enhancing user's convenience.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM> are installed in the housing <NUM>, respectively, to supply different laundry detergents stored in each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c through each of the laundry detergent pumps <NUM>, <NUM>.

Here, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> installed in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may detect the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in each detergent storage member 221c, 222c by detecting current applied in each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, the residual amount of the detergent stored in each detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> is automatically detected by the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>, thereby further enhancing user's convenience.

The method for manufacturing the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> may include manufacturing the detergent storage member 221c, 222c [S10], manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> [S20], coupling the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> to the detergent storage member 221c, 222c [S40], coupling the storage container cover 221b, 222b to the detergent storage member 221c, 222c [S40], and coupling the connection terminal portion <NUM> to the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> [S50].

The detergent storage member 221c, 222c may be made of a plastic material, and may be manufactured by an injection-molding manner after manufacturing a mold.

The detergent storage member 221c, 222c may be manufactured through a first step by plastic injection after manufacturing a "⊏"-shaped mold.

That is, the first step means a step of manufacturing the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

Here, the first step [S10] may further include a step of forming a coupling portion 221d penetrating the rear surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c. However, the coupling portion 221d may be formed in the injection process of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c, in which case, a separate manufacturing process is not needed.

In addition, the first step [S10] may further include forming the mounting groove 221e configured to guide the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> to be mounted on the circumference of the coupling portion 221d.

The mounting groove 221e may be formed along the circumference of the coupling portion 221d penetrating the rear surface of each detergent storage member 221c, 222c. As such, the process of forming the mounting groove 221e may further include a separate manufacturing step, or may not further include a separate step by the injection process of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the method for manufacturing the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may include a second step [S20] of manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The second step means a step of manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be manufactured by an insert-molding manner, such that a plurality of electrodes <NUM> is coupled to the support bracket <NUM> having one surface of a plate shape.

Here, the electrode <NUM> includes a horizontal portion 263a" to be fixed to the electrode sensor terminal <NUM> and a vertical portion 263a' bent from the horizontal portion 263a" and extending in a direction intersecting with the horizontal portion 263a", and its shape is same as the one described above in <FIG>.

When a plurality of electrodes <NUM> is installed by an insert-molding manner, at least a part of the electrode <NUM> is exposed at one side of the support bracket <NUM>, and another side protrudes to outside so that the connection terminal portion <NUM> is coupled thereto.

In addition, the second step may include forming a mounting protrusion 261a to correspond to the mounting groove 221e along the outer circumference of the support bracket <NUM>.

Here, the step of forming the mounting protrusion 261a may refer to a step of marking a marking portion in the mounting groove 221e so that the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can be easily seated on the coupling portion 221d formed on the rear surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

The mounting protrusion 261a may be formed by a separate manufacturing process of the support bracket <NUM>, or may be integrally formed by an insert-molding manner in which a plurality of electrodes <NUM> is coupled to the support bracket <NUM>.

In addition, the second step [S20] may include a step of forming the detergent blocking rib <NUM> at one surface located inside the detergent storage member 221c, 222c of the support bracket <NUM> to be protruded in a shape surrounding one side of the exposed electrode <NUM>.

Here, the detergent blocking rib <NUM> may be formed integrally with the support bracket <NUM>, or may be manufactured as a separate member and then coupled to the support bracket <NUM> by bonding.

The manufacturing method of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may include the third step [S30] in which closely adhering the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> to the coupling portion 221d.

The third step [S30] means a step of bringing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> into close contact with the coupling portion.

The third step [S30] may be configured to a step of locating the mounting protrusion 261a in the mounting groove 221e, then coupling the mounting protrusion 261a to the mounting groove 221e by bonding or heat welding.

Since the mounting groove 221e and the mounting protrusion 261a are positioned in contact with each other, the support bracket <NUM> can be more easily seated on the detergent storage member 221c, 222c. Accordingly, a productivity of assembly may be further enhanced.

The manufacturing method of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may include a fourth step [S40] of coupling the storage container cover to an upper portion of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

The fourth step [S40] may refer to a step of coupling the storage container cover 221b, 222b to the detergent storage member 221c, 222c along the upper surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c by heat welding.

The surface along the circumference of the storage container cover 221b, 222b and the upper opening surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c may be supported by each other, and they may be coupled to each other by forming a welding surface 221f through heat welding.

The manufacturing method of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may include a fifth step [S50] of coupling the connection terminal portion <NUM> for electrical connection to the exposed outer surface of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The connection terminal portion <NUM> may be separately manufactured through an injection process, or may be integrally formed on the exposed outer surface of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> or on the exposed outer surface of the support bracket <NUM>. The connection terminal receiving member <NUM> formed on an inner surface of the housing may be coupled to the connection terminal portion <NUM>, and in this case, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is in an operable state.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> may further include a sixth step of mounting the plug <NUM> for opening and closing the storage space in an opening hole formed in the storage container cover 221b, 222b.

The plug <NUM> may be detachable from the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM> when rotated in one direction. Accordingly, when the plug <NUM> is removed from the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, the user will be able to supply laundry detergent to the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the electrode <NUM> is coupled to the support bracket <NUM> by embodying the second step [S20] of manufacturing the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be installed in each of the first detergent storage container <NUM> and the second detergent storage container <NUM>, and may detect the residual amount of the laundry detergent stored in the first and second detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM>.

Specifically, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may detect the residual amount of the detergent stored in each of the detergent storage containers <NUM>, <NUM> by applying a current of a set magnitude into the detergent storage members 221c, 222c then measuring the current detected by the electrode sensor.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may include the support bracket <NUM>, the connection terminal portion <NUM>, and the electrode <NUM>.

Here, the electrode <NUM> may include a horizontal portion 263a" to be fixed to the electrode sensor terminal <NUM> and a vertical portion 263a' bent from the horizontal portion 263a" and extending in a direction intersecting with the horizontal portion 263a".

The plurality of electrodes <NUM> may be installed inside the support bracket <NUM> by an insert-molding manner. At least a part of the electrode <NUM> is exposed at one side of the support bracket <NUM>, and another side protrudes to outside so that the connection terminal portion <NUM> is coupled thereto.

In addition, the second step [S20] may include forming the mounting protrusion 261a to correspond to the mounting groove 221e along the outer circumference of the support bracket <NUM>.

The step of forming the mounting protrusion 261a may refer to a step of marking a seating position of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> in the mounting groove 221e so that the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> can be easily seated on the coupling portion 221d formed on the rear surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

The mounting protrusion 261a may be formed by a separate manufacturing process of the support bracket <NUM>, or may be integrally formed by an insert-molding manner in which the plurality of electrodes <NUM> is coupled to the support bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the support bracket <NUM> is coupled to the detergent storage member 221c, 222c of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, specifically a state where the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is closely adhered to the coupling portion 221d.

The third step [S30] of closely adhering the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> to the coupling portion 221d may be configured to a step of locating the mounting protrusion 261a in the mounting groove 221e, then coupling the mounting protrusion 261a to the mounting groove 221e by bonding or heat welding.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> may be installed at the coupling portion 221d formed at one side of the rear surface of the first detergent storage member 221c. Here, the mounting groove 221e is recessed in the circumferential portion of the coupling portion 221d, and the mounting protrusion 261a formed at an outline of the support bracket <NUM> configuring the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is positioned to fit perfectly in the mounting groove 221e, so that the ease of assembly can be further improved.

That is, since the mounting protrusion 261a is positioned in the mounting groove 221e, the support bracket <NUM> can be more easily seated on the detergent storage member 221c, 222c by their positions.

Through the third step [S30], the support bracket <NUM> is coupled to the rear surfaces of each of the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c by bonding, and one surface of the support bracket <NUM> is accommodated in the inner space of each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c, and another surface protrudes outwardly of each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c. In addition, at one side of the rear surface of the detergent storage container <NUM>, <NUM>, at least a part of the electrode <NUM> coupled to the support bracket <NUM> by insert-injection may be located to be exposed inside the first and second detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

Accordingly, on one side of each of the first detergent storage member 221c and the second detergent storage member 222c, the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> is respectively installed to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c.

<FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which the storage container cover 221b is being coupled to the detergent storage member 221c, which is illustrating the fourth step [S40] of coupling the storage container cover to the upper portion of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c.

Through the fourth step [S40], the storage container covers 221b, 222b to cover each of the detergent storage members 221c, 222c may be coupled to the detergent storage members 221c, 222c in which laundry detergent is stored.

The storage container cover 221b, 222b is configured to correspond to the shape of the laundry detergent storage member 221c, 222c, so that the interior of the laundry detergent storage member 221c, 222c can be sealed.

The storage container cover 221b, 222b is installed to cover the upper opening of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c, and the welding surface 221f is formed between the upper surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c and the circumference of the storage container cover 221b, 222b to closely adhere them to each other.

That is, the storage container cover 221b, 222b may be coupled to the upper surface of the detergent storage member 221c, 222c by heat welding.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the connection terminal portion <NUM> is installed on the outside of the support bracket <NUM>, which is a fifth step of coupling the connection terminal portion <NUM> for electrical connection to the exposed outer surface of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

The connection terminal portion <NUM> may be separately manufactured by an injection process, and is coupled to an exposed outer surface of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> or to an exposed outer surface of the support bracket <NUM> to allow the residual amount detecting unit <NUM> to be operable by being coupled to the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> installed on the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

That is, the connection terminal portion <NUM> is installed to be fitted to the outer portion of the support bracket <NUM>, and is connected to the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> coupled with the laundry detergent pump to serve to enable an operation of the residual amount detecting unit <NUM>.

When the connection terminal portion <NUM> is inserted into the connection terminal receiving member <NUM>, the connection pin 272a of the connection terminal receiving member <NUM> is electrically connected.

Claim 1:
A detergent supply device for a laundry treating apparatus, the detergent supply device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a detergent storage container (<NUM>, <NUM>) installed in the housing (<NUM>) and storing laundry detergent;
a pump receiving portion (221a, 222a) disposed at one surface of the detergent storage container (<NUM>, <NUM>) and through which laundry detergent flows,
a laundry detergent pump (<NUM>, <NUM>) is located outside of the housing (<NUM>) and connected to the pump receiving portion (221a, 222a). and
a residual amount detecting unit (<NUM>) disposed at the detergent storage container (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to detect a residual amount of laundry detergent stored in the detergent storage container (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that
the residual amount detecting unit (<NUM>) comprises a connection terminal portion (<NUM>) disposed at a position higher than the pump receiving portion (221a, 222a) at the one surface of the detergent storage container (<NUM>, <NUM>).