U.S. patent application number 12/099361 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for top-loading type washing machine.
Invention is credited to Ae-Kyung Chae, Cheon-Soo Cho, Jong-Kyu Jang, Jin-Soo Kim, Jang-Woo Lee.
Application Number | 20080295546 12/099361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40086645 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080295546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho; Cheon-Soo ; et
al. |
December 4, 2008 |
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.
Inventors: |
Cho; Cheon-Soo; (Changwon,
KR) ; Jang; Jong-Kyu; (Changwon, KR) ; Kim;
Jin-Soo; (Changwon, KR) ; Chae; Ae-Kyung;
(Changwon, KR) ; Lee; Jang-Woo; (Changwon,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
40086645 |
Appl. No.: |
12/099361 |
Filed: |
April 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/17R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/17.R |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0051677 |
May 28, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0051678 |
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.
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.
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