Detergent supply apparatus of washing machine

Disclosed herein is a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, which installs a liquid detergent container in a powdered detergent chamber of a detergent container. The liquid detergent container makes it possible to mix and supply liquid detergent and water, which allows liquid detergent to be conveniently placed in, moreover, decoloration and discoloration of laundry to be prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, more particularly, which is capable of supplying liquid detergent and water to a tub of the washing machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

A washing machine is to decontaminate dirt on clothes or bedding (hereinafter referred as “laundry”) contained in a drum. It cleans laundry through washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying.

The washing machine has a detergent supply apparatus to supply powdered detergent or fabric softner mixed with water supplied.

The use of liquid detergent is increasingly so popular that it prevents a water supply passage of a detergent container from clogging due to powered detergent, besides, it brings more powerful washing effect.

However, the conventional detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine has no additional detergent chamber for liquid detergent but a powdered detergent chamber. Inevitably, liquid detergent is directly poured in and touched with laundry, which causes decoloration and discoloration of laundry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine, which supplies liquid detergent together with water and protects against decoloration and discoloration of laundry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide the detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine, which makes it possible to easily place powdered detergent or liquid detergent according to circumstances.

To achieve the above and other objects of the present invention, a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine according to the present invention comprises a detergent container having a powdered detergent chamber which stores powdered detergent, and a liquid detergent container detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber, which stores liquid detergent.

The detergent container has a plurality of powdered detergent chambers, and the liquid detergent container is detachably set in each of the powdered detergent chambers.

The powdered detergent chamber is partitioned into a main detergent storing section for main washing and a preliminary detergent storing section for preliminary washing.

The liquid detergent container is furnished with a main liquid detergent container detachably set in the main detergent storing section and a subsidiary liquid detergent container detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section.

The detergent container has a fabric softner storing section where fabric softner is accommodated and a siphon is protruded. A fabric softner cover covers the fabric softner storing section and provides a water drain passage with the siphon.

The detergent container has a bleach storing section where bleach is accommodated and a siphon is protruded. A bleach cover covers the bleach storing section and provides the water drain passage with the siphon.

A plurality of protrusions is existed in a bottom of the liquid detergent container, which makes apart its bottom from the corresponding area of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance.

A plurality of protrusions is existed in a side of the liquid detergent container, which makes apart its side from the corresponding area of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance.

Height of the liquid detergent container is lower than that of the powdered detergent chamber.

The liquid detergent container has a protruded siphon and a liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides the water drain passage together with the siphon.

The liquid detergent container has a downward sloping surface toward the siphon in a lower part.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has a straight portion which is suspended on a wall of the liquid detergent container so as to restrict its rotation.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has an indication portion in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid detergent.

The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine according to the present invention comprises the detergent container having the powdered detergent chamber, and the liquid detergent container detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber.

The detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine according to the present invention comprises a housing installed in the washing machine, which is open at its front and top, the detergent container having the detergent chambers, which is inserted in the housing through a front of the housing, a dispenser having a plurality of water supply passages to inject water into the detergent chamber, which covers a top surface of the housing, and the liquid detergent container detachably set in the detergent chamber so as to mix and supply liquid detergent and water together.

The detergent container is partitioned into the detergent sections.

The detergent chambers include the main detergent storing section, the preliminary detergent storing section, the bleach storing section, and the fabric softner storing section.

The liquid detergent container has the protruded siphon and the liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides the water drain passage together with the siphon.

The washing machine according to the present invention comprises a cabinet, a tub mounted in the cabinet, a drum rotatably set in the tub, the housing installed in the cabinet, the detergent container having the powdered detergent chamber so as to mix and supply powdered detergent and water together, which is inserted into the housing, the dispenser having the water supply passage to inject water into the powdered detergent chamber, which covers the top surface of the housing, and the liquid detergent container detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber so as to mix and supply liquid detergent and water together.

According to the present invention, the liquid detergent container is installed in the powdered detergent chamber of the detergent container, which mixes and supplies liquid detergent and water together. Liquid detergent can be simply supplied. As liquid detergent diluted with water soaks laundry, decoloration and discoloration of laundry can be protected.

The liquid detergent container is detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber of the detergent container, on that account, liquid detergent or powdered detergent can be easily placed in depending on a user's intention

The detergent container has the powdered chambers and the liquid detergent container is detachably set in each of the powdered detergent chambers, on that account, liquid detergent and powdered detergent can be used together.

The powdered detergent chamber is partitioned into the main detergent storing section and the preliminary detergent storing section. The liquid detergent container is replenished with the main liquid detergent container detachably set in the main detergent storing section and the subsidiary liquid detergent container detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section. If either the main liquid detergent container or the subsidiary liquid detergent container is installed in the detergent container, a different type of detergent can be used in a main and preliminary washing process. The washing power can be much more improved.

The bottom of the liquid detergent container is parted from that of the powdered detergent storing section by predetermined distance, on that account, liquid detergent and water can easily flow without stagnating.

The side of the liquid detergent container is parted from that of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance and a top of the liquid detergent container is lower than that of the powdered detergent chamber, on that account, liquid detergent and water does not overflow into another place. It can prevent the unnecessary use of detergent.

The liquid detergent container has the protruded siphon and the liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides the water drain passage together with the siphon, on that account, mixing and supplying liquid detergent and water is simply possible.

The lower part of the liquid detergent container has the downward sloping surface toward the siphon, on that account, remaining liquid detergent can be minimized.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has the straight portion which is suspended on the wall of the liquid detergent container in order to restrict its rotation, on that account, an additional structure, i.e. a hook, fixing the liquid detergent siphon cover is not required and noise from the vibration of the washing machine can be minimized.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has the indication portion in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid detergent, on that account, the user can easily notice the maximum quantity of liquid detergent. It can prevent the excessive use of liquid detergent and even the overflowing of liquid detergent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Now, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 2is a schematic view of the detergent supply apparatus of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine according to the embodiment comprises a casing2, a tub10suspended in a casing2by a shock absorber to contain water with detergent or clean water (w, hereinafter referred as “washing water”), a drum20rotatably set in the tub10to receive laundry(m), a driving motor30which makes the drum20rotate, a water supplier40which supplies water to the tub10, a water drainer45which drains contaminated water in the tub10or dehydrated water from laundry(m) out of the washing machine, and the detergent supply apparatus50connected to the water supplier40in order to mix detergent in water from the water supplier40.

The casing2comprises a base3having a damper3ato uphold the tub10, a cabinet4having a spring4ain both sides to hang the tub10, which is located in a top of the base3to surround both sides and a rear of the tub10, a cabinet cover5having an entrance hole5ain a middle to place and remove laundry(m) and a door5bto open and close the entrance hole5a, which is located in a front of the cabinet4, and a top plate6which covers a top surface of the cabinet4.

A control panel7is installed in an upper part of the cabinet cover5in order to manipulate the washing machine.

The control panel7has an entrance hole for a detergent container7awhich will be mentioned later.

An opening12is formed on a front of the tub10to allow laundry(m) to put in and out from the drum20, and a gasket14is mounted around the opening12to prevent water from leaking and laundry(m) from separating by closely adhering to a rear surface of the door5b.

The drum20has an entrance hole21for placing and removing laundry(m) in the front of the tub10. A plurality of perforations22for going in and out washing water is existed in a circumference or the rear of the tub10. A lifter23for moving upward and dropping laundry(m) is installed in an inner circumference of the tub10. A bottom of the drum20is submerged in washing water(w) in the tub10.

The driving motor30is set in a rear surface of the tub10and connected to a rear surface of the drum20, as a shaft31which penetrates the rear of the tub10is supported by a bearing of the tub10.

The water supplier40connected to an external hose41, referring toFIG. 2, comprises a water supply valve42to control water supplied through the external hose41, a plurality of water supply hoses43to guide water through the water supply valve42to the detergent supply apparatus50, and a water supply bellows tube44to guide washing water through the detergent supply apparatus50to the inside of the tub10.

The water supply valve42includes 3 cold water valves and 1 hot water valve.

The water supply hose43includes 3 cold water hoses and 1 hot water hose.

Though air within a housing52which will be mentioned later may move to the tub10through the water supply bellows tube44, steam flowing backward from the tub10as drying or heating washing is condensed by water contained in the water supply bellow tube44.

The water supply bellows tube44has a 1stbending portion44ain the shape of ∪ and a 2ndbending portion44bin the shape of ∩, on one side. Water is sank to a bottom of an inner horizontal portion in the 1stbending portion44a, and a top of the horizontal portion in the 1stbending portion44ais placed higher than a bottom of the horizontal portion in the 2ndbending portion44bby predetermined height (h). An air passage is made in the top of the inner horizontal portion in the 1stbending portion44aand in the inner horizontal portion in the 2ndbending portion44b.

The water drainer45comprises a water drain bellows tube46connected to an overflow of the tub10in order to discharge washing water into the tub10, a water drain pump47to pump water drained to the water drain bellows tube46, and a water drain hose48to guide washing water pumped by the water drain pump47out of the washing machine.

As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the detergent supply apparatus50comprises the housing52placed in one end of the control panel7and connected to the water supply bellows tube44, which is open at its front and top, a detergent container54installed in the housing52to move forward through a front of the housing52, a cover70(hereinafter referred as “dispenser”) to cover a top surface of the housing52, installed in a top of the housing52and to supply water to the detergent container54, connected to the water supply hose43, and a liquid detergent container80detachably set in the detergent container54so as to mix and supply liquid detergent and water supplied to the detergent container54.

FIG. 3is an exploded plan of the detergent supply apparatus inFIGS. 1 and 2, andFIG. 4is a plane plan of the detergent supply apparatus inFIGS. 1 and 2.FIG. 5is a sectional plan of the line A-A inFIG. 4, andFIG. 6is a sectional plan of the line B-B inFIG. 4.

As illustrated inFIG. 3or6, an outlet53is formed on the housing52, where water and detergent dropped from the detergent container54is discharged into the water supply bellows tube44.

A handle hole54bis formed on a front portion54aof the detergent container54, which is open at its rear and top.

A ventilation hole54cis formed at a back of the handle hole54bso as to inflow external air in the housing52.

The detergent container54has a powdered detergent chamber56to mix and supply powdered detergent and water.

A partition wall54fis formed in the detergent container54, dividing the powdered detergent chamber56to include a main detergent storing section58and a preliminary detergent storing section62, which is separated from both sidewalls54d,54eof the detergent container54by predetermined distance.

The detergent container54has a bleach storing section59where bleach is accommodated and a siphon59ais protruded.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the bleach storing section59is positioned in a rear and top of the main detergent storing section58. Its bottom is distant from the corresponding area of the main detergent storing section58by predetermined distance, which is open at its top.

A bleach cover60is provided with the siphon59aand a water drain passage in the bleach storing section59.

The bleach cover60is enough to cover a top surface of the bleach storing section59, a hook hole60asuspended in a hook59band a bleach input hole60bfor placing bleach are formed therein.

A bottom of the bleach cover60has a bleach siphon60cthat bleach and water moves upward at an interval with the siphon59a, apart from the siphon59aby predetermined distance.

The bleach cover60has a hanging protrusion60dsuspended in the control panel7or the dispenser70when the detergent container54is pulled forward, and an elastic portion60ewhich enables to push by lowering the hanging protrusion not to make the hanging protrusion60dsuspended in the control panel7or the dispenser70.

A main detergent clogging-protection rib61is formed in the detergent container54so as to prevent a bottom of the bleach storing section59from clogging, apart from a front of the bleach storing section59and from a bottom of the main detergent storing section58by predetermined distance.

The detergent container54has a fabric softner storing section63where fabric softner is accommodated and a siphon63ais protruded.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, the fabric softner storing section63is positioned in a rear and top of the preliminary detergent storing section62. Its lower portion is distant from the corresponding area of the preliminary detergent storing section62by predetermined distance, which is open at its top.

A fabric softner cover64is enough to cover a top surface of the fabric softner storing section63, a hook hole64asuspended in a hook63band a fabric softner input hole64bfor placing fabric softner are formed therein.

A bottom of the fabric softner cover64has a fabric softner siphon64cthat fabric softner and water moves upward at an interval with the siphon63a, apart from the siphon63aby predetermined distance.

A preliminary detergent clogging-protection rib65is formed in the preliminary detergent storing section62so as to prevent a bottom of the fabric softner storing section63from clogging, apart from a front of the fabric softner storing section63and from a bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section62by predetermined distance.

The dispenser70, as illustrated inFIG. 3, comprises an upside panel72and a downside panel78having a main detergent water supply passage73, a preliminary detergent water supply passage74, a bleach water supply passage75, and a fabric softner water supply passage76.

In one end either of the upside panel72or the downside panel78, a main detergent water supply rib73afor the main detergent water supply passage73, a preliminary detergent water supply rib74afor the preliminary detergent water supply passage74, a bleach water supply rib75afor the bleach water supply passage75, and a fabric softner water supply rib76afor the fabric softner water supply passage76are located.

The downside panel72has a plurality of main detergent water supply holes73bin a front and top of the main detergent storing section58, a plurality of preliminary detergent water supply holes74bin a front and top of the preliminary detergent storing section62, a plurality of bleach water supply holes75bin a front and top of the bleach storing section59, and a plurality of fabric softner water supply holes76bin a front and top of the fabric softner storing section63.

The main detergent water supply rib73ahas a bypass hole73cto make some water through the main detergent water supply passage73detoured to a front of the main detergent water supply holes73b.

The preliminary detergent water supply rib74ahas a bypass hole74cto make some water through the preliminary detergent water supply passage74detoured to a front of the preliminary detergent water supply holes74b.

The upside panel72and the downside panel78are assembled by melting bond.

In one end either of the upside panel72or the downside panel78, there are a 1sthose connection79aconnected to the 1stcold water hose43ain order to supply cold water to the bleach water supply passage75, and a 2nd, 3rd, 4thhose connection79b,79c,79dconnected to the 2nd, 3rdcold water hose43b,43cand the hot water hose43dto optionally supply cold water or hot water to the main detergent water supply passage73, the preliminary detergent water supply passage74, and the fabric softner water supply passage76.

The liquid detergent container80, as referring toFIGS. 3or6, is possible to furnish with both a main liquid detergent container82detachably set in the main detergent storing section58and a subsidiary liquid detergent container92detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section62. Or, it is possible to furnish with either the liquid detergent container82detachably set in the main detergent storing section58, or the liquid detergent container92detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section62.

The main liquid detergent container82, as referring toFIG. 5, is inserted into a front of the main detergent storing section58. Its height is lower than that of the main detergent storing section58when installed.

The subsidiary liquid detergent container92, as referring toFIG. 6, is inserted into a front of the preliminary detergent storing section62. Its height is lower than that of the preliminary detergent storing section62when installed.

The liquid detergent container82,92, as referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, comprises a plurality of protrusions83,93on a bottom of the powdered detergent chamber56to separate from the bottom of the powdered detergent chamber56by predetermined distance.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the width of the liquid detergent container82,92is narrower than that of a sidewall54d,54e,54fof the powdered detergent chamber56. Thus, there is a slit(t) between the sidewall54d,54e,54fof the powdered detergent chamber56and that of the liquid detergent container. A plurality of protrusions84,94is existed to separate from the sidewalls54d,54e,54fof the powdered detergent chamber56by predetermined distance.

Since overflowed water from the liquid detergent container82,92is drained through the slit(t), it does not flow to another place.

The liquid detergent container82,92has a protruded siphon85,95and a liquid detergent siphon cover86,96which covers the siphon85,95and provides the water drain passage together with the siphon.

The liquid detergent container82,92has a downward sloping surface87,97toward the siphon85,95in a lower part.

The liquid detergent siphon cover86,96has a straight portion86a,96awhich is suspended on a wall of the liquid detergent container82,92so as to restrict its rotation.

The liquid detergent siphon cover86,96has an indication portion86b,96bin a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid detergent.

The liquid detergent siphon cover86,96has a liquid detergent siphon86c,96cwhere liquid detergent and water moves upward at an interval with the siphon85,95, apart from the siphon85,95by predetermined distance.

The process for the present invention will be described below.

Supposing that liquid detergent is used for the preliminary and main washing process, first, the main liquid detergent container82is inserted into the main detergent storing section58and the subsidiary liquid detergent container92is inserted into the preliminary detergent storing section62, then, liquid detergent is poured into the main liquid detergent container82and the subsidiary liquid detergent container92.

Laundry(m) is received in the drum20, the door5bis closed, and the control panel7orders the washing machine to operate. The washing machine checks a washing mode and makes water supply started.

At least one of the water supply valves42supplies water supplied through the external hose41to the preliminary detergent water supply passage74within the dispenser70. Water falls toward the front of the preliminary detergent storing section62through the preliminary detergent water supply holes74b.

The water supply valve42operated to supply water to the preliminary detergent water supply passage74allows water to pass intermittently in order to prevent liquid detergent or water from overflowing in case that excessive water is supplied to the subsidiary liquid detergent container92.

That is, the water supply valve42operated to supply water to the preliminary detergent water supply74becomes on for the 1stsetting time, and becomes off for the 2ndsetting time. Such on and off is repeated.

The 1stsetting time and the 2ndsetting time are advisable to set depending on a capacity of the subsidiary liquid detergent container92.

Water fallen toward the front of the preliminary detergent storing section62is contained in the subsidiary liquid detergent container92and mixed with liquid detergent which has been put therein.

Mixed liquid detergent and water, as illustrated inFIG. 6, ascends between the siphon95of the subsidiary liquid detergent container92and the liquid detergent siphon96cof the liquid detergent siphon cover96, and descends through the siphon95of the subsidiary liquid detergent container92, then, falls toward the bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section62.

Liquid detergent and water fallen toward the bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section62moves to a back of the preliminary detergent storing section62, subsequently to the housing52. After going through the outlet53of the housing52, the water supply bellow tube44in turn and getting to the tub10, preliminary washing is operated when the drum20rotates by the driving motor30.

When preliminary washing is completed and main washing is started, at least one of the water supply valves42supplies water supplied through the external hose41to the main detergent water supply passage73within the dispenser70. Water falls toward the front of the main detergent storing section58through the main detergent water supply holes73b.

The water supply valve42operated to supply water to the main detergent water supply passage73allows water to pass intermittently in order to prevent liquid detergent or water from overflowing like preliminary washing.

That is, the water supply valve42operated to supply water to the main detergent water supply73becomes on for the 3rdsetting time, and becomes off for the 4thsetting time. Such on and off is repeated.

The 3rdsetting time and the 4thsetting time are advisable to set depending on the capacity of the main liquid detergent container82.

Water fallen toward the front of the main detergent storing section58is contained in the main liquid detergent container82and mixed with liquid detergent which has been put therein.

Mixed liquid detergent and water, as illustrated inFIG. 5, ascends between the siphon85of the main liquid detergent container82and the liquid detergent siphon86cof the liquid detergent siphon cover86, and descends through the siphon85of the main liquid detergent container82, then, falls toward the bottom of the main detergent storing section58.

Liquid detergent and water fallen toward the bottom of the main detergent storing section58moves to a back of the main detergent storing section58, subsequently to the housing52. After getting to the tub10like preliminary washing, main washing is operated when the drum20rotates by the driving motor30.

The washing machine operates main washing and drains contaminated water out of the washing machine. The next operation is performed according to an option for rinsing or dehydrating.

When rinse is chosen, the water supply valve42is turned on and clean water is supplied. Clean water, in the same manner as the above washing, passes within the dispenser70and falls toward the main liquid detergent container82or the subsidiary liquid detergent container92. It moves to the back of the main detergent storing section58or the preliminary detergent storing section62, subsequently to the housing52.

Water moved to the housing52is supplied to the tub10and rinses laundry when drum20rotates by the driving motor30.

The washing machine operates main washing and drains contaminated water out of the washing machine. It repeats water supply, rinse and drain according to the setting frequency.

Then, when dehydration is chosen, the drum20rotates with high speed by the driving motor30and moisture left in laundry(m) is dehydrated.

Supposing that bleach is used for washing, bleach is poured into the bleach storing section59and the washing machine is operated. At least one of the water supply valves42supplies water supplied through the external hose41to the bleach water supply passage75within the dispenser70. Water falls toward the back of the main detergent storing section58through the bleach water supply holes75b.

The water supply valve42operated to supply water to the bleach water supply passage75allows water to pass intermittently in order to prevent bleach or water from overflowing like preliminary washing or main washing.

That is, the water supply valve42operated to supply water to the bleach water supply passage75becomes on for the 5thsetting time, and becomes off for the 6thsetting time. Such on and off is repeated.

The 5thsetting time and the 6thsetting time are advisable to set depending on the capacity of the bleach storing section59.

Water fallen toward the back of the main detergent storing section58is contained in the bleach storing section59and mixed with bleach which has been put therein.

Mixed bleach and water ascends between the siphon59aof the bleach storing section59and the bleach siphon60cof the bleach cover60, and descents through the siphon59aof the bleach storing section59, then, falls toward the bottom of the main detergent storing section58. Fallen bleach and water is supplied for the tub10like preliminary washing and main washing. With that, it improves washing power.

Supposing that fabric softner is used for the rinsing process, fabric softner is poured in the fabric softner storing section63and the washing machine is operated. The washing machine rinses more than once and fabric softner is supplied together with water in the last rinsing stage.

Before the last rinse, at least one of the water supply valves42supplies water supplied through the external hose41to the fabric softner water supply passage76within the dispenser70. Water falls toward the back of the preliminary detergent storing section62through the fabric softner water supply holes76b.

The water supply valve42operated to supply water to the fabric softner water supply passage76allows water to pass intermittently in order to prevent fabric softner or water from overflowing like preliminary washing or main washing.

That is, the water supply valve42operated to supply water to the fabric softner water supply passage76becomes on for the 7thsetting time, and becomes off for the 8thsetting time. Such on and off is repeated.

The 7thsetting time and the 8thsetting time are advisable to set depending on the capacity of the fabric softner storing section63.

Water fallen toward the back of the preliminary detergent storing section62is contained in the fabric softner storing section63and mixed with fabric softner which has been put therein.

Mixed fabric softner and water ascends between the siphon63aof the fabric softner storing section63and the fabric softner siphon64cof the fabric softner cover64, and descends through the siphon63aof the fabric softner storing section63, then, falls toward the bottom of the preliminary detergent storing section62. Fallen fabric softner and water is supplied to the tub10like preliminary washing and main washing. With that, it helps laundry(m) more softened.

For example, the case that the liquid detergent container is inserted into either the main detergent storing section58or the preliminary detergent storing section62should be interpreted as the claim to the present invention.

As described above, a liquid detergent container in accordance with a detergent supply apparatus of a washing machine is installed in a powdered detergent chamber of a detergent container, which mixes and supplies liquid detergent and water together. Supply of liquid detergent is simple. Liquid detergent diluted with water soaks laundry, therefore, decoloration and discoloration of laundry can be protected.

The liquid detergent container is detachably set in the powdered detergent chamber of the detergent container, therefore, liquid detergent or powdered detergent can be easily put in depending on a user's intention

The detergent container has the powdered detergent chambers and the liquid detergent container is detachably set in one of the powdered detergent chambers, therefore, liquid detergent and powdered detergent can be used together.

The powdered detergent chamber is divided into a main detergent storing section and a preliminary detergent storing section. The liquid detergent container includes a main liquid detergent container detachably set in the main detergent storing section and a subsidiary liquid detergent container detachably set in the preliminary detergent storing section. If either the main liquid detergent container or the subsidiary liquid detergent container is installed in the detergent container, a different type of detergent can be used in main washing and preliminary washing. Therefore, the washing power can be much more improved.

A bottom of the liquid detergent container is parted from that of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance, therefore, liquid detergent and water can easily flow without stagnating.

A side of the liquid detergent container is parted from that of the powdered detergent chamber by predetermined distance and a top of the liquid detergent container is lower than that of the powdered detergent chamber, therefore, liquid detergent and water does not overflow into another place. It can prevent the unnecessary use of detergent.

The liquid detergent container has a protruded siphon and a liquid detergent siphon cover which covers the siphon and provides a water drain passage together with the siphon, therefore, mixing and supplying liquid detergent and water is simply possible.

The bottom of the liquid detergent container has a downward sloping surface toward the siphon, therefore, remaining liquid detergent can be minimized.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has a straight portion which is suspended on a wall of the liquid detergent container in order to restrict its rotation, therefore, an additional structure, i.e. a hook, fixing the liquid detergent siphon cover is not required and noise from the vibration of the washing machine can be minimized.

The liquid detergent siphon cover has an indication portion in a stepwise manner, which shows the maximum quantity of liquid detergent, therefore, the user can easily notice the maximum quantity of liquid detergent. It can prevent the excessive use of liquid detergent, even the overflowing of liquid detergent.