Top-loading Type Washing Machine

Abstract

In a top-loading type washing machine, a detergent input device is installed at a control panel. Accordingly, a process for opening a lid and putting a user's hand into a cabinet for detergent input is omitted. Furthermore, can be solved a problem occurring when the user inputs a precise amount of detergent to the detergent input device inside the dark cabinet. As a result, the entire process for detergent input is simplified. Furthermore, since the detergent input device is installed at the control panel not inside a top cover, the entire appearance is not degraded even when the top cover is formed of steel.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to subject matter contained in priority Korean Application No. 10-2007-0051677, filed on May 28, 2007 and Korean Application No. 10-2007-0051678, filed on May 28, 2007 which are herein expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a top-loading type washing machine having a detergent input device installed at a control panel.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Generally, a washing machine serves to remove all kinds of foreign materials attached to laundry such as clothes and bedclothes by using a softening operation of detergent, a friction operation of a water current when a pulsator rotates, an impact applied to laundry from the pulsator, etc.

[0006] Among various types of washing machines, a top-loading type washing machine configured to input laundry from an upper side, comprises: a cabinet for forming appearance; a tub received in the cabinet; a basket received in the tub, and rotated at the time of a washing or dehydrating process; a pulsator rotatably installed at a bottom surface of the tub; a motor for rotating the pulsator and the basket; and a clutch for determining a transmission direction of a driving force of the motor so that only the pulsator rotates at the time of a washing process, and both the basket and the pulsator rotate at the time of a dehydrating process.

[0007] A top cover is mounted above the cabinet. A plurality of manipulating buttons for manipulating washing processes, and a control panel for displaying a manipulated state are provided at a rear upper side of the top cover. A lid is installed at a central portion of the top cover so as to introduce or draw laundry into or out of the basket by being opened and closed.

[0008] A valve assembly to which a water supply pipe for supplying water is connected is installed at a rear surface of the control panel.

[0009] A detergent input device for supplying detergent to the basket is installed at an inner lower side of the top cover. The detergent input device is connected to the valve assembly by the hose, and thus receives washing water from the water supply pipe.

[0010] Generally, as shown in FIG. 5 disclosed in Korean Registration Patent No. 10-0303532, the detergent input device includes a detergent casing installed at an inner side of the top cover, and opened so as to be communicated with the water supply pipe; and a detergent container received in the detergent casing so as to be pulled out of the detergent casing in a drawing manner, for supplying liquid detergent into the basket after dissolving powder detergent with temporarily receiving washing water supplied from the water supply pipe.

[0011] However, the conventional detergent input device has the following problems.

[0012] First, for detergent input, a user puts his hand into the cabinet after opening the lid. Then, the user withdraws the detergent container from the detergent casing by backward pulling the detergent container out of the detergent casing. Then, the user inputs a certain amount of detergent into the withdrawn detergent container, and then forwardly pushes the detergent container thus to mount at the detergent casing.

[0013] The entire process for detergent input is complicated and difficult. Also, there is a difficulty in putting a precise amount of detergent into the detergent container inside the dark cabinet.

[0014] Furthermore, when the top cover is formed of steel, an additional coupling opening to install the detergent casing has to be formed at an inner side of the top cover. As a result, the entire appearance may be degraded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a top-loading type washing machine having a detergent input device capable of simplifying detergent input processes.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a top-loading type washing machine capable of preventing appearance degradation even when a top cover is formed of steel, by installing a detergent input device at a position rather than inside of the top cover.

[0017] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a top-loading type washing machine, comprising: a control panel; and a detergent input device installed at the control panel.

[0018] The detergent input device comprises: a housing; and a dispenser detachably mounted at the housing.

[0019] Preferably, the dispenser is detachably mounted at the housing in a drawing manner.

[0020] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is also provided a top-loading type washing machine, comprising: a cabinet; a top cover for covering an upper portion of the cabinet; a control panel installed at an upper portion of the top cover; and a detergent input device installed at the control panel.

[0021] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0023] In the drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top-loading type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a partial planar view of the detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent input device of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser of FIG. 4;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a top-loading type washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial planar view of a detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 6;

[0031] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent input device of FIG. 7;

[0032] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of FIG. 8;

[0033] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser of FIG. 8;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a view showing a guide unit formed at the housing and the dispenser of FIG. 8;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a view showing a state that the dispenser is rotated by a first step with respect to the housing along the guide unit; and

[0036] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state that the dispenser is rotated by a second step with respect to the housing along the guide unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Hereinafter, a top-loading type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top-loading type washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a partial planar view of the detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent input device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser of FIG. 4.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a top-loading type washing machine 100 comprises: a cabinet 110 for forming appearance; a tub 120 received in the cabinet 110, for containing washing water therein; a basket 130 received in the tub 120, rotated at the time of a washing or dehydrating process, and composed of an outer wall 132 and an inner wall 131; a pulsator 160 rotatably installed at a bottom surface of the inner wall 131, for stirring laundry; and a driving unit 170 for simultaneously or individually driving the basket 130 and the pulsator 160.

[0041] The basket 130 is composed of an outer wall 132 that forms appearance, and an inner wall 131 disposed inside the outer wall 132 with a certain gap therebetween and having a receiving space for receiving laundry.

[0042] The outer wall 132 and the inner wall 131 are provided with drain holes 132a and 131a, respectively, through which washing water contained in the tub 120 is introduced into or discharged out of the basket 130.

[0043] A top cover 111 is installed above the cabinet 110. A lid 112 for opening and closing the basket 130 is installed above the top cover 111. A detergent input space 111a for inputting detergent is formed at a front side of the top cover 111.

[0044] Detergent contained in the detergent input device 111a is mixed with washing water supplied through a valve assembly 220 and a supply pipe (not shown), and then is supplied into the basket 130 via the detergent input space 111a.

[0045] A control panel 200 is installed at a rear upper side of the top cover 111, controls the operation of the washing machine 100, and displays an operational state. To this end, a control box (C) consisting of a microcomputer and components is mounted in the control panel 100.

[0046] A valve assembly 220 is installed on a rear surface of the control panel 200, which includes a cool water valve 221 for supplying cool water and a warm water valve 22 for supplying warm water.

[0047] A receiving unit 210 is formed at the control panel 200, and a detergent input device 300 is inserted into the receiving unit 210. Since the detergent input device 300 is installed at the control panel 200, detergent input processes need not be performed inside the dark cabinet 110 thus to be simplified. Furthermore, since the detergent input device 300 is installed at the control panel 200 not at the top cover 111, even if the top cover 111 is formed of steel, the top cover 111 does not have degraded appearance.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve assembly 220 and the detergent input device 300 are connected to each other by a hose 230. In order to easily connect the valve assembly 220 and the detergent input device 300 to each other, the hose 230 is formed of a flexible rubber material.

[0049] More specifically, the hose 230 consists of a first hose 231, a second hose 232, and a third hose 233, respectively connected to a first terminal 241, a second terminal 242, and a third terminal 243 that will be later explained.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the detergent input device 300 includes a housing 310 inserted into the receiving unit 210 (Refer to FIG. 1), and a dispenser 320 detachably mounted at the housing 310.

[0051] The housing 310 is fixed to the control panel 200 in a screw or hinge coupling manner.

[0052] The dispenser 320 is detachably mounted at the housing 310 in a drawing manner. For detergent input, a user detachably mounts the dispenser 320 at the housing 310 in a drawing manner by pushing or pulling a handgrip 321a formed at a front surface 321 of the dispenser 320.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the dispenser 320 includes a first storage unit (R1) for storing a large amount of powder detergent; second storage units disposed at both sides of the first storage unit (R1) for storing a small amount of powder detergent or a fabric softener and a cap 322 installed at an upper side of the first storage unit (R1).

[0054] The cap 322 includes an inclined wall 322a having a hole at a central portion thereof. Washing water dropped on the inclined wall flows down into the first storage unit (R1), and the powder detergent contained in the first storage unit (R1) is prevented from being discharge out of the first storage unit (R1) due to the inclined wall 322a.

[0055] Siphon pipes (S) are installed at each bottom of the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2). Detailed explanation for the construction and operation of the siphon pipes (S) will be omitted by referring to Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2006-85978.

[0056] Insertion spaces (T) are formed between the first storage unit and each of the second storage units. And, guide members 312 are vertically installed in the housing 310 so as to be inserted into the insertion spaces (T) when the housing 310 and the dispenser 320 are coupled to each other. The guide members 312 guide the dispenser 320 to be coupled to the housing 310, and support the dispenser 320 having been coupled to the housing 310.

[0057] A terminal 240 for supplying washing water to the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) is installed on an upper surface of the housing 310. The terminal 240 is connected to the valve assembly 220 by a hose 230. More specifically, the terminal 240 consists of a first terminal 241, a second terminal 242, and a third terminal 243, respectively connected to a first hose 231, a second hose 232, and a third hose 233.

[0058] A water dispersing member 313 having a plurality of holes 313a toward an upper side of the cap 322 is installed in the housing 310. The holes 313a of the water dispersing member 313 serve to uniformly disperse washing water injected onto the water dispersing member 313, and then to introduce the washing water into the first storage unit (R1). Accordingly, the powder detergent contained in the first storage unit (R1) is smoothly mixed with the washing water, and is prevented from being introduced into the basket 130 in the form of a lump. The water dispersing member 313 is installed above the guide members 312 for convenience.

[0059] A duct 311 extending toward an upper side of the basket 130 is installed at the bottom of the housing 310, and an outlet 311a through which washing water is supplied into the basket 130 is formed at a front side of the duct 311. The duct 311 may be integrally formed with the housing 310, or may be separately formed from the housing 310 thus to be installed at the bottom of the housing 310.

[0060] Hereinafter, the operation of the detergent input device will be explained.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, for detergent input, a user pulls the dispenser 320 out of the housing 310 in a direction indicated by the arrow `A` with holding a handgrip 321a of the dispenser 320.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, powder detergent is put in the first storage unit (R1), and powder detergent or a fabric softener is put in the second storage units (R2). Then, the user pushes the dispenser 320 into the housing 310 in a direction indicated by the arrow `B` with holding the handgrip 321a of the dispenser 320. Here, the user may input detergent to the detergent input space 111a. The inputted detergent is mixed with washing water introduced into the detergent input space 111a, and then is introduced into the basket 130 via the detergent input space 111a.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, washing water is supplied to each upper side of the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) through the valve assembly 220, the hose 230, and the terminal 240. Then, the washing water is mixed with the detergent contained in the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2).

[0064] Here, the water dispersing member 313 is installed above the first storage unit (R1) containing a large amount of powder detergent therein, and washing water is introduced into the first storage unit (R1) by being dispersed by the water dispersing member 313. Accordingly, the washing water is uniformly mixed with the powder detergent contained in the first storage unit (R1).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, once washing water introduced into the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) reaches a certain level, the washing water is discharged out of the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) through the siphon pipes (S) by using the siphon principle.

[0066] The washing water discharged out of the siphon pipes (S) and mixed with the detergent is introduced above the basket 130 (refer to FIG. 1) through the duct 311, and then is supplied into the basket 130 (refer to FIG. 1) through the outlet 311a of the duct 311. Then, laundry is cleaned by general washing processes.

[0067] Hereinafter, a detergent input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail. The same reference numerals will be given to the same parts as those of the first embodiment, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a top-loading type washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a partial planar view of a detergent input device installed at a control panel of FIG. 6.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a detergent input device 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 410 inserted into the receiving unit 210 (Refer to FIG. 1), and a dispenser 420 detachably mounted at the housing 410 by sliding by a certain angle. The housing 410 is fixed to the control panel 200 in a screw or hinge coupling manner.

[0070] A duct 311 through which washing water is discharged out is installed below the housing 410. Detergent mixed with washing water at the detergent input device 400 is introduced into the basket 130 through the duct 311. The detergent input device 400 connected to a valve assembly 220 by a hose 230. In order to easily connect the valve assembly 220 and the detergent input device 300 to each other, the hose 230 is formed of a flexible rubber material. More specifically, the hose 230 consists of a first hose 231, a second hose 232, and a third hose 233, respectively connected to a first terminal 241, a second terminal 242, and a third terminal 243 that will be later explained.

[0071] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the detergent input device of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser of FIG. 8. Here, the dotted arrow indicates water injected from injection holes.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the housing 410 has a rectangular box shape to contain detergent therein, and is provided with a mounting opening 411 for detachably mounting the dispenser 420 at a front surface thereof. The dispenser 420 is inserted into the housing 410 under the guidance of a guide unit 430 through the mounting opening 411. Here, in order to insert the dispenser 430 into the housing 410 under the guidance of the guide unit 430, the mounting opening 411 is backward inclined by a certain angle.

[0073] A stopper 415 for preventing the dispenser 430 having mounted in the housing 410 from moving in the housing 410 by contacting a handgrip 422 is formed at a lower end of the mounting opening 411.

[0074] A front lower end of the housing 410 is concavely camferred with an arc shape.

[0075] Accordingly, when the housing 410 is inserted into the receiving unit 210, an empty space (V) is formed below the housing 410. The empty space (V) can be utilized so as to mount components therein, etc.

[0076] As a result, space loss occurring when the detergent input device 400 is installed at the control panel 200 can be minimized.

[0077] The housing 410 includes first storage unit (R1), second storage units (R2) disposed at both sides of the first storage unit (R1) and containing powder detergent or a fabric softener therein, partition plates 412 for partitioning the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) from each other, and pipes 413 for injecting water to the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2).

[0078] Siphon pipes (S) are installed at each bottom of the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2). Detailed explanation for the construction and operation of the siphon pipes (S) will be omitted by referring to Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-2006-85978.

[0079] A terminal 240 is penetratingly installed at a rear surface of the housing 410 so as to supply washing water, and the terminal 240 is connected to the valve assembly 220 by the hose 230.

[0080] More concretely, the terminal 240 consists of a first terminal 241, a second terminal 242, and a third terminal 243, respectively connected to a first hose 231, a second hose 232, and a third hose 233. The first to third terminals 241, 242, 243 are connected to pipes each having a plurality of injection holes 413a on a lower surface, through the injection holes 413a water is downwardly injected to the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2).

[0081] Water from the injection holes 413a is injected toward a first receiving unit (S1) and second receiving units (S2). The reason is in order to forcibly flow detergent contained in the first receiving unit (S1) and the second receiving units (S2) into the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) by washing off, without allowing the detergent to remain in the first receiving unit (S1) and the second receiving units (S2) when the dispenser 420 is mounted in the housing 410.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the dispenser 420 is formed to have a box shape of which a side surface inserted into the housing 410 has a fan shape. At a front lower side of the dispenser 420, installed is a handgrip 422 held by a user so as to detachably mount the dispenser 420 to the housing 410.

[0083] As disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 20-1994-0022755, a door opening unit for opening a door in one touch manner may be installed on a front surface of the dispenser 420.

[0084] The dispenser 420 includes a first receiving unit (S1) formed in correspondence to the first storage unit (R1), second receiving units (S2) formed in correspondence to the second storage units (R2), and receiving plates 421 for partitioning the first receiving unit (S1) and the second receiving units (S2) from each other. Under the configuration, when the dispenser 420 is mounted at the housing 410, detergent contained in the first receiving unit (S1) is introduced into the first storage unit (R1), and detergent contained in the second receiving units (S2) is introduced into the second storage units (R2).

[0085] The receiving plates 421 are provided with slits 421a in a depth direction, and the partition plates 412 are inserted into the slits 421a when the dispenser 420 is mounted at the housing 410. The slits 421a guide the dispenser 420 to be coupled to the housing 410, and stably support the dispenser 420 having been mounted to the housing 410. Here, the slits 421a may be formed at the partition plates 412 so that the receiving plates 421 can be inserted into the slits 421a.

[0086] The housing 410 and the dispenser 420 are provided with a fixing unit, respectively, thereby preventing the dispenser 420 having mounted to the housing 410 from being detached from the housing 410 due to vibration.

[0087] The fixing unit 440 includes a receiving groove 441 formed at the housing 410; and a frictional protrusion 442 formed at the dispenser 420, and received in the receiving groove 441. According to a design modification, the frictional protrusion 442 may be formed at the housing 410, and the receiving groove 441 may be formed at the dispenser 420. It is also possible to configure that the frictional protrusion 442 directly contacts a side surface of the housing 410 without installing the receiving groove 441.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a view showing a guide unit formed at the housing and the dispenser of FIG. 8, FIG. 12 is a view showing a state that the dispenser is rotated by a first step with respect to the housing along the guide unit, and FIG. 13 is a view showing a state that the dispenser is rotated by a second step with respect to the housing along the guide unit.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a guide unit 430 for guiding the dispenser 420 to rotate with respect to the housing 410 is formed at the housing 410 and the dispenser 420, respectively. The guide unit 430 serves to smoothly detachably mount the dispenser 420 to the housing 410 having a lower end camferred into an arc shape.

[0090] The guide unit 430 includes a first guide recess 431 formed at the dispenser 420; and a first guide protrusion 432 formed at the housing 410, and moved by being inserted into the first guide recess 431. According to a design modification, the first guide protrusion 432 may be formed at the dispenser 420, and the first guide recess 431 along which the first guide recess 432 having been inserted moves may be formed at the housing 410.

[0091] In order to more stably guide the dispenser 420 to be detachably mounted to the housing 410, the guide unit 430 further includes: a second guide recess 433 formed at the housing 410, and disposed above the first guide recess 431; and a second guide protrusion 434 formed at the dispenser 420, and moved by being inserted into the second guide recess 433. According to a design modification, the second guide recess 433 may be formed at the dispenser 420, and the second guide protrusion 434 moved by being inserted into the second guide recess 433 may be formed at the housing 410.

[0092] In order to smoothly rotate the dispenser 420 with respect to the housing 410, the second guide recess 433 has an arc shape longer than the first guide recess 431. And, the second guide recess 433 has a curvature radius smaller than that of the first guide recess 431.

[0093] Hereinafter, the operation of a detergent input device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 11, for detergent input, a user pulls the dispenser 420 out of the housing 410 in a direction indicated by the arrow `A` with holding the handgrip 422 (refer to FIG. 6) of the dispenser 420.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in order to rotate the dispenser 420 with respect to the housing 410, the user pulls the dispenser 420 out of the housing 410 thus to rotate by a first step. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, the first guide protrusion 432 of FIG. 11 moves up to a middle portion of the first guide recess 431 along the first guide recess 431. And, the second guide protrusion 434 also moves up to a middle portion of the second guide recess 433 along the second guide recess 433.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in order to rotate the dispenser 420 with respect to the housing 410, the user more pulls the dispenser 420 out of the housing 410 thus to rotate by a second step. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13, the first guide protrusion 432 of FIG. 12 is detached from the first guide recess 431, and the second guide protrusion 434 moves up to the end of the second guide recess 433.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the user puts powder detergent in the first receiving unit (S1), and puts powder detergent or a fabric softener in the second receiving unit (S2). Then, the user pushes the dispenser 420 into the housing 410 in a direction indicated by the arrow `B` with holding the handgrip 422 of the dispenser 420.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, since the first receiving unit (S1) is disposed at the first storage unit (R1), detergent contained in the first receiving unit (S1) flows to the first storage unit (R1). Likewise, since the second receiving units (S2) are disposed at the second storage units (R2), detergent contained in the second receiving unit (S2) flows to the second storage units (R2).

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, washing water is supplied to the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) through the valve assembly 220, the hose 230, the terminal 240, and the pipe 413. Then, the washing water is mixed with detergent contained in the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2). Here, water from the injection holes 413a is injected toward the first receiving unit (S1) and the second receiving units (S2), thereby forcibly flowing down detergent remaining in the first receiving unit (S1) and the second receiving units (S2) into the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) by being washed off.

[0100] Once washing water introduced into the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) reaches a certain level, the washing water is discharged out of the first storage unit (R1) and the second storage units (R2) through the siphon pipes (S) by using the siphon principle.

[0101] The washing water discharged out of the siphon pipes (S) and mixed with the detergent is introduced above the basket 130 through the duct 311, and then is supplied into the basket 130. Then, laundry is cleaned by general washing processes.

[0102] As aforementioned, in the top-loading type washing machine having a detergent input device according to the present invention, the detergent input device is installed at the control panel. Accordingly, a process for opening a lid and putting a user's hand into a cabinet for detergent input can be omitted. Furthermore, can be solved a problem occurring when the user inputs a precise amount of detergent to a detergent container inside the dark cabinet. As a result, the entire process for detergent input can be simplified.

[0103] Furthermore, since the detergent input device is installed at the control panel not inside the top cover, the entire appearance is not degraded even when the top cover is formed of steel.

[0104] A lower end of the housing of the detergent input device is inwardly camferred with an arc shape. Accordingly, when the housing is inserted into the receiving unit, an empty space is formed below the housing. The empty space can be utilized so as to mount components therein, etc. As a result, space loss occurring when the detergent input device is installed at the control panel can be minimized.

[0105] Furthermore, water from the pipes of the housing of the detergent input device is injected toward the first receiving unit and the second receiving units of the dispenser, thereby forcibly flowing down detergent remaining in the first receiving unit and the second receiving units into the first storage unit and the second storage units by being washed off. Accordingly, inputted detergent can be completely used for a washing process, thereby reducing a usage amount of detergent.

[0106] The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.

[0107] As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A top-loading type washing machine, comprising: a control panel; and a detergent input device installed at the control panel.

2. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the detergent input device comprises: a housing; and a dispenser detachably mounted at the housing.

3. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dispenser is detachably mounted at the housing in a drawing manner.

4. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 2, wherein a duct through which washing water is discharged out is installed below the housing.

5. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dispenser comprises: a first storage unit; second storage units formed at both sides of the first storage unit; and a cap installed above the first storage unit.

6. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 5, wherein siphon pipes through which washing water is discharged out are installed at each bottom of the first storage unit and the second storage units.

7. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 5, wherein insertion spaces are formed between the first storage unit and each of the second storage units, and guide members are installed at the housing so as to be inserted into the insertion spaces when the housing and the dispenser are coupled to each other.

8. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 5, wherein a terminal for respectively supplying washing water to the first storage unit and the second storage units is installed on an upper surface of the housing.

9. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 5, wherein a water dispersing member for uniformly dispersing washing water to the cap when the housing and the dispenser are coupled to each other is installed in the housing.

10. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dispenser is detachably mounted at the housing in a rotating manner by a predetermined angle.

11. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 10, wherein a guide unit for guiding the rotation of the dispenser is formed at the housing and the dispenser, respectively.

12. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 11, wherein the guide unit comprises: a first guide recess formed at the dispenser; and a first guide protrusion formed at the housing, and moved by being inserted into the first guide recess.

13. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 12, wherein the guide unit further comprises: a second guide recess formed at the housing, and disposed above the first guide recess; and a second guide protrusion formed at the dispenser, and moved by being inserted into the second guide recess.

14. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 13, wherein the second guide recess is longer than the first guide recess.

15. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 13, wherein the second guide recess has a curvature radius smaller than that of the first guide recess.

16. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises: a first storage unit; second storage units disposed at both sides of the first storage unit; partition plates for partitioning the first storage unit and the second storage units from each other; and pipes for injecting water to the first storage unit and the second storage units.

17. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 16, wherein siphon pipes are installed at each bottom of the first storage unit and the second storage units.

18. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 16, wherein the dispenser comprises: a first receiving unit formed in correspondence to the first storage unit; second receiving units formed in correspondence to the second storage units; and receiving plates for partitioning the first receiving unit and the second receiving units from each other.

19. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 18, wherein the receiving plates are provided with slits in a depth direction, and the partition plates are inserted into the slits when the dispenser is mounted at the housing.

20. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 18, wherein the pipes are provided with a plurality of injection holes, and water from the injection holes is injected toward the first receiving unit and the second receiving units.

21. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 10, wherein the housing and the dispenser are further provided with a fixing unit, respectively.

22. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 21, wherein the fixing unit comprises: a receiving groove formed at the housing; and a frictional protrusion formed at the dispenser, and received in the receiving groove.

23. A top-loading type washing machine, comprising: a cabinet; a top cover for covering an upper portion of the cabinet; a control panel installed above the top cover; and a detergent input device installed at the control panel.

24. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 23, wherein the detergent input device comprises: a housing; and a dispenser detachably mounted at the housing in a drawing manner.

25. The top-loading type washing machine of claim 23, wherein the detergent input device comprises: a housing; and a dispenser detachably mounted at the housing in a rotating manner by a predetermined angle.