Patent Description:
Generally, a washing machine is an apparatus for putting laundry and wash water into a drum and then removing contaminants adhered to the laundry through an interaction between the laundry and the wash water while rotating the drum. During the process, various additives for enhancing washing power and protecting laundry may be used together therewith. Representative additives may include detergent or various fabric softeners, and the like.

Such detergent or various fabric softeners (hereinafter, referred to as "detergent") may be directly injected into wash water by a user, but may also be supplied through a detergent supply apparatus provided in a washing machine. The detergent supply apparatus may be mounted on a front surface or upper surface of the washing machine to allow the injected detergent to be supplied into the drum along with wash water.

Specifically, when a user injects an adequate amount of detergent into an input space provided in the detergent supply apparatus, wash water supplied to the drum passes through the input space, thereby allowing wash water together with the detergent to be supplied to the drum.

Such a conventional washing machine requires a space for providing a passage at an upper portion of the drum of the washing machine in which a passage for supplying wash water to the drum from the input space is additionally provided. Furthermore, when a door is installed on a front surface thereof, a detergent supply apparatus is mounted on an upper surface of the washing machine, and the door is mounted below the detergent supply apparatus, and thus the height of the door is low. Accordingly, there is a problem in which it is inconvenient for the user to open the door and put laundry into the drum.

Furthermore, a washing machine with the foregoing structure may bring inconvenience for the user in determining an adequate amount of detergent as well as supplying the detergent for each washing cycle. In order to solve this problem, a type of detergent supply apparatus in which a large amount of detergent is stored to supply an adequate amount of detergent for each washing cycle is taken into consideration. However, due to the characteristics of powder detergent, when it is brought into contact with moisture, there is a problem in which detergent powder particles agglomerate together to clog the inlet. <CIT> relates to a washing machine including a housing and a detergent supply device to supply detergents. The detergent supply device includes a rotary case installed to be rotatable about the lower end thereof and rotated to be protruded from the housing, and detergent containers detachably installed in the rotary case. The rotary case is rotated so that the upper portions of the detergent containers are protruded forwardly, and thus the detergents are easily injected into the respective detergent containers. <CIT> relates to a laundry washing machine comprising a washing agent dispenser device having a long operating autonomy, which comprises at least one container, adapted to contain an amount of a liquid washing agent sufficient for carrying out a plurality of treatment cycles, and delivery means, which can be controlled for taking dosed amounts of the washing agent from said at least one container and delivering them to a washing tub. The machine further comprises a movable support for the container, said support being displaceable, with respect to a corresponding seat, between an extracted position and a retracted position. Preferably, the seat is defined in a lower region of the fixed structure of the machine, and the movable support is configured substantially as a drawer. The container is removably mounted on the movable support. <CIT> relates to a washing machine and a detergent supply path which guides detergent stored in a lower part of a main body of the washing machine to an upper part of the main body. The washing machine includes a main body; a support base removably mounted to the main body; a detergent storage unit mounted at a lower part of the main body to be moved in and out of the main body; a detergent supply path guiding the detergent stored in the detergent storage unit that is in the lower part of the main body, to an upper part of the main body; and a guide unit guiding movement of the detergent supply path according to the movement in and out of the detergent storage unit.

One object is to provide a washing machine for facilitating the input of laundry by moving the installation position of a detergent dispenser to a lower portion of a door, and moving the position of a laundry inlet in an upward direction.

Another object is to provide a washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergent into a drum without manually injecting detergent by a user for each washing cycle.

Still another object is to provide a washing machine capable of preventing the agglomeration phenomenon of detergent powder or the like.

These objects are achieved with the features of the claims.

According to an example not covered by the claims but useful for understanding the invention, a washing machine may include a cabinet having an inlet port formed at a front panel for laundry insertion thereinto and a door to open or close the inlet port; a tub within the cabinet for storing wash water; a drum in communication with the inlet port, and rotatably provided within the tub; a detergent dispenser provided below the inlet; a water passage to supply wash water from a water source to at least one of the tub and the detergent dispenser; and a connecting passage to connect the tub and the detergent dispenser to transfer wash water stored in the tub to the detergent dispenser and transfer detergent stored in the detergent dispenser to the tub.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the inlet port may be disposed to be biased in an upward direction from a front portion of the cabinet.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the tub may be disposed to be inclined to a bottom surface of the cabinet such that the height of the front surface is located higher than that of the rear surface.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the detergent dispenser may include a dispenser case having an opening portion on an upper surface thereof; and a detergent supply unit mounted on the dispenser case to store detergent therein.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the dispenser case may be rotatably provided on a front portion of the cabinet, and rotates between an opening position at which the opening portion is exposed to the outside and an accommodation position at which the opening portion is accommodated into the cabinet.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the dispenser case may form the whole of a lower panel located lower than the inlet port on a front panel of the cabinet.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the dispenser case may form part of a lower panel located lower than the inlet port on a front panel of the cabinet.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the dispenser case may include a front plate to open or close an accommodation hole into which detergent dispenser is accommodated; a lateral plate extended from both end portions of the front plate in a backward direction; and a hinge shaft formed at a lower end portion of the lateral plate and coupled to the cabinet such that an upper end portion of the front plate is allowed to rotate in a forward or backward direction.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the detergent supply unit may be detachably mounted at an open position of the dispenser case.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the dispenser case may be provided with a guide groove formed with a predetermined curvature on the lateral plate to constantly maintain an open angle of the front plate.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the detergent supply unit may include at least one of a manual detergent supply unit and an automatic supply unit.

According to an example not covered by the claims, a pump module may be provided within the cabinet, and the pump module may include at least one of a circulation pump to circulate wash water or wash water mixed with detergent to the tub; and a drain pump to discharge wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through the tub to an outside of the cabinet.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the connecting passage may include at least one of a first detergent supply passage to connect the detergent dispenser and a bottom surface of the tub to supply detergent from the detergent dispenser to the bottom surface of the tub; and a second detergent supply passage to connect the detergent dispenser and the remaining part of the tub to supply detergent from the detergent dispenser to the remaining part of the tub excluding the bottom surface of the tub.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the water passage may include at least one of a first water passage to connect the water source and the tub to supply wash water from the water source to the tub; and a second water passage to connect the water source and the detergent dispenser to supply wash water from the water source to the detergent dispenser, wherein the a water valve is provided in at least one of the first water passage and second water passage.

According to an example not covered by the claims, a detergent inlet port may be provided on a bottom surface of the tub to flow detergent thereinto.

According to an example not covered by the claims, detergent in at least one of the automatic detergent supply unit and the manual detergent supply unit may be supplied to the bottom surface of the tub through the first detergent supply passage.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the first water passage may be disposed at a higher position than the backflow prevention device.

According to an example not covered by the claims, wash water supplied from the water source to the tub may be supplied through the second water passage to fill the level of the tub up to a height of the backflow prevention device, and then supplied through the first water passage.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the washing machine may further include a drain passage to connect the tub, the drain pump, and an outside of the cabinet in order to drain wash water within the tub to the outside of the cabinet, wherein the drain passage connecting the tub and the drain pump is commonly used with part of the first detergent supply passage.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the washing machine may further include a connecting pipe to connect the circulation pump and a water supply port of the automatic detergent supply unit to transfer wash water that has passed through the manual detergent supply unit to the water supply port of the automatic detergent supply unit.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the automatic detergent supply unit may include a pumping device to selectively discharge detergent stored in a container by a predetermined amount.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the pumping device may discharge detergent in the automatic detergent supply unit to at least one of the first and the second detergent supply passage.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the automatic detergent supply unit may include a water supply port to flow wash water thereinto; an internal passage communicated with the water supply port to flow detergent discharged by the pumping device to be mixed with wash water; and a water drain port communicated with the internal passage to discharge the wash water mixed detergent.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the automatic detergent supply unit may include a level sensing device to sense the remaining amount of detergent.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the level sensing device may include a pair of electrodes an end portion of which is exposed to an inside of the container; a container-side connecting terminal connected to the electrode, and disposed on a bottom surface of the container; and a receiving-portion-side connecting terminal provided in the container receiving portion to be brought into contact with the container-side connecting terminal.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the manual detergent supply unit may include a distribution plate provided at an upper portion of the dispenser case to distribute wash water; a detergent inlet portion provided with an input space to receive detergent and a water outlet port on a lower surface thereof, and disposed at a lower portion of the distribution plate to receive the wash water; a hopper portion provided at a lower portion of the detergent input portion to temporarily store wash water falling down through the water outlet port; and an extension portion extended downward from the hopper portion to discharge wash water or wash water mixed with detergent.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the extension portion may include a backflow prevention device connected to the first detergent supply passage to prevent wash water discharged from the tub from flowing back to the detergent di spenser.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the water outlet port may be formed at a lower rear portion of the detergent input portion, and a lower surface of the detergent input portion may be inclined downward as being close to the water output port, and disposed such that a portion formed with the water outlet port is higher than the remaining portion thereof when the detergent dispenser is rotated to an open position.

In order to accomplish an object of the present invention, a washing machine according to the present invention includes a cabinet provided with an inlet port formed on part of a front panel to put laundry thereinto and a door to open or close the inlet port; a tub provided within the cabinet to store wash water therein; a drum communicated with the inlet port, and rotatably provided within the tub; and a detergent dispenser provided below the inlet, wherein the detergent dispenser includes a dispenser case having an opening portion on an upper surface thereof; and at least an automatic detergent supply unit, wherein the automatic detergent supply unit includes at least one container provided with an inlet port and an outlet port to store liquid detergent; a container receiving portion to receive the container; and a pumping device to selectively discharge liquid detergent discharged from the outlet port of the container according to a predetermined amount.

According to the present invention, the container receiving portion includes a mounting portion on an upper portion thereof to mount the container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention , the pumping device may be provided in the container receiving portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention , the container receiving portion may include a water supply port to flow wash water thereinto; and a water drain port configured to flow the wash water or wash water mixed with detergent therefrom.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container receiving portion may include a boss portion to accommodate a discharge portion for discharging liquid detergent by the pumping device; and an internal passage to connect the water supply port and the water drain port, and communicated with the boss portion to flow the liquid detergent discharged from the discharge portion thereinto.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of containers may be provided therein, and at least one container thereof may store detergent used during the washing, and another container may store detergent used during preliminary washing and rinsing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container may include a grip portion on an upper portion thereof to allow a user to hold it with his or her hand.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container may be detachably coupled to an upper portion of the container receiving portion.

According to the present invention, the container receiving portion further includes a container support frame to form an insertion space of the container into the container receiving portion and guiding the insertion of the container. The pumping device is mounted on a bottom portion of the container.

According to the present invention, the automatic detergent supply unit includes a drive unit installed in the container receiving portion to drive the pumping device; and a coupler to connect the drive unit and pumping device when the container is mounted on the mounting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit may include a motor housing provided in the container receiving portion; and a drive motor accommodated into the motor housing, and provided with a drive shaft protruded to an outside of the motor housing to be connected to the pumping device by the coupler.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic detergent supply unit may include a passage forming plate coupled to a bottom surface of the container to cover the outlet port, and the passage forming plate may include an inlet portion disposed to face the outlet port to flow the liquid detergent thereinto; a discharge portion to discharge liquid detergent by the pumping device; a supply passage to connect the inlet portion and the discharge portion to transfer liquid detergent flowed into the inlet portion to the discharge portion; and a receiving space formed on the supply passage to receive the pumping device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pumping device may be provided with a gear pump to transmit liquid detergent flowed into the inlet portion to the discharge portion, and the gear pump may include a first and a second gear received into the receiving space, and rotatably supported by rotation shafts, respectively, and coupled to each other in an engaged manner.

According to the present invention, the coupler includes a driving gear disposed at an upper portion of the drive unit to be coupled to a drive shaft of the drive unit; and a driven gear disposed at a lower portion of the pumping device to be coupled to the driving gear in an engaged manner when the container is mounted on the mounting portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, either one of the rotation shafts of the gear pumps may be protruded through the passage forming plate, and the driven gear may be coupled to an end portion of the protruded rotation shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automatic detergent supply unit may further include an agitator rotatably provided within the container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the other one of the rotation shafts of the gear pumps may be protruded into the container through the passage forming plate, and the agitator may be coupled to an end portion of the protruded rotation shaft.

According to an example not covered by the claims but useful for understanding the invention, a washing machine may include a cabinet provided with an inlet port formed on a front portion thereof to put laundry thereinto and a door to open or close the inlet port; a tub provided within the cabinet to store wash water therein; a drum communicated with the inlet port, and rotatably provided within the tub; and a detergent supply apparatus to receive wash water from a water source and supply the wash water and wash water mixed with detergent into the drum, wherein the detergent supply apparatus includes a detergent box comprising a liquid detergent storage unit having a storage space to store liquid detergent and an outlet port; and a pumping device provided in the liquid detergent storage unit to selectively discharge liquid detergent discharged from the outlet port according to a predetermined amount; and a dispenser housing provided in the cabinet to have an accommodation space to insert and withdraw the detergent box; and a water distribution unit provided on an upper surface of the dispenser housing to distribute wash water supplied from the water source to an inside of the detergent box.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the liquid detergent storage unit may include a drive unit provided in the dispenser housing to drive the pumping device; and a coupler to connect the drive unit and the pumping device when the detergent box is inserted and mounted within the dispenser housing.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the drive unit may include a motor housing provided at a rear side of the dispenser housing; and a drive motor accommodated into the motor housing, and provided with a drive shaft protruded to an outside of the motor housing to connect the pumping device by the coupler.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the liquid detergent storage unit may include a passage forming plate coupled to a rear surface of the detergent box to cover the outlet port, and the passage forming plate may include an inlet portion disposed to face the outlet port; a discharge portion to discharge liquid detergent transmitted by the pumping device; a supply passage to connect the inlet portion and the discharge portion to transfer liquid detergent flowed into the inlet portion to the discharge portion; and a receiving space formed on the supply passage to receive the pumping device.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the pumping device may be provided with a gear pump to transmit liquid detergent flowed into the inlet portion to the discharge portion, and the gear pump may include a first and a second gear received into the receiving space, and rotatably supported by rotation shafts, respectively, and coupled to each other in an engaged manner.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the coupler may include a driving gear disposed at a front side of the drive unit to be coupled to a drive shaft of the drive unit; and a driven gear disposed at a rear side of the pumping device to be coupled to the driving gear in an engaged manner when the detergent box is inserted and mounted on the dispenser housing.

According to an example not covered by the claims, either one of the rotation shafts of the gear pumps may be protruded through the passage forming plate, and the driven gear may be coupled to an end portion of the protruded rotation shaft.

According to an example not covered by the claims , the liquid detergent storage unit may include a cover plate provided with an inlet port for liquid detergent supplement; and an opening and closing plate rotatably mounted on the cover plate to open or close the inlet port.

According to an example not covered by the claims , the detergent box may include a wash water input portion separately partitioned from the liquid detergent storage unit to input wash water in the water distribution unit, and the dispenser housing may include a water passage provided at a rear lower portion thereof, and connected to the tub to supply wash water or wash water mixed with detergent to the tub; and a space portion to connect the wash water input portion, a discharge portion of the liquid detergent storage unit and the water passage to allow wash water flowed out of the wash water input portion and detergent discharged from the liquid detergent storage unit to be merged and mixed.

According to an example not covered by the claims, the detergent box may further include a powder detergent storage unit provided with a siphon tube therewithin to flow down wash water or wash water mixed with detergent, and separately partitioned from the liquid detergent storage unit; and a wash water drain path connected to the space portion to flow down wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through the siphon tube to the space unit.

According to an example not covered by the claims, a bottom surface of the liquid detergent storage unit may be formed in an inclined manner to be lowered toward the output port.

According to the present disclosure having the foregoing configuration, a user may bend his or her back to smaller extent since the height of the inlet port is increased, and an upper side of the tub is provided at a higher position, thereby easily inserting or withdrawing laundry.

Furthermore, an adequate amount of detergent may be automatically supplied to an inside of the tub to solve inconvenience in which a user should insert an adequate amount of detergent into the detergent input portion of the detergent supply apparatus, thereby having an effect of facilitating detergent supply.

Consequently, according to the present disclosure, pumping device provided in liquid detergent storage unit may be selectively driven, and thus an adequate amount of liquid detergent may not be determined by a user, but may be automatically set and supplied from detergent supply apparatus, and a user may set his or her desired amount as needed, thereby avoiding inconvenience during the supply of detergent in the related art.

Furthermore, siphon tube may be provided in power detergent storage unit, and powder detergent and wash water may be temporarily stored in a sealed space until powder detergent is sufficiently dissolved in wash water, and wash water dissolved with powder detergent may be supplied above the height of siphon tube.

Additionally, a passage of siphon tube and siphon cover tube through which detergent liquid passes may be decreased, thereby preventing agglomerated powder detergent from being clogged in outlet port in the related art.

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 and further examples which are not covered by the claims but useful for understanding the invention.

Hereinafter, the structure of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and further examples not covered by the claims will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Even in different embodiments according to the present invention and the further examples, the same or similar reference numerals are designated to the same or similar configurations, and the description thereof will be substituted by the earlier description. Unless clearly used otherwise, expressions in the singular number used in the present disclosure may include a plural meaning.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along a direction of I of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a washing machine may include a cabinet <NUM> forming an external appearance of the washing machine. Cabinet <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape. A control panel <NUM> mounted with various manipulation devices <NUM> for manipulating a washing machine and a display device <NUM> for notifying the operational state of a washing machine to a user is provided on an upper surface of the cabinet <NUM>. Of course, the configuration of control panel <NUM> may not be necessarily limited to this, and display device <NUM> may also be provided with a touch screen to receive a control command.

The controller is electrically connected to the control panel <NUM> and the components of the washing machine, respectively, to control the above components based on a control command entered through control panel <NUM> and a prestored program. Furthermore, the controller may transmit various information associated with the operation of the washing machine to control panel <NUM> to display them on display device <NUM>.

An inlet port <NUM> which is a path for putting laundry into the drum <NUM> is formed on a front upper side of cabinet <NUM>. Inlet port <NUM> communicates with an inside of drum <NUM>. A user may put laundry into drum <NUM> or withdraw it from drum <NUM> through inlet port <NUM>. A door <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a hinge on a front surface of cabinet <NUM> to open or close inlet port <NUM>.

A detergent dispenser <NUM> is provided below inlet port <NUM>. Inlet port <NUM> may be disposed to be biased in an upward direction from a front portion of cabinet <NUM>. Due to this, as increasing the height of the inlet port compared to that of the inlet portion of the existing washing machine, a user may bend his or her back a little bit to insert or withdraw laundry, thereby facilitating the insertion and withdrawal of laundry.

An accommodation hole <NUM> for accommodating detergent dispenser <NUM> may be formed below inlet port <NUM> on a front surface of cabinet <NUM> to accommodate detergent dispenser <NUM>.

A constituent element required to perform washing may be provided within cabinet <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a cylindrically-shaped tub <NUM> for storing wash water, and a drum <NUM> rotatably provided within tub <NUM> are provided in a receiving space formed within cabinet <NUM>.

Tub <NUM> is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a front surface of tub <NUM> is open to be connected to inlet port <NUM>. Furthermore, a gasket <NUM> for sealing a front side of tub <NUM> and a periphery of the inlet port <NUM> are provided between a front surface portion of tub <NUM> and inlet port <NUM>. Tub <NUM> is disposed to be inclined to a bottom surface of cabinet <NUM> such that the height of a front surface thereof is higher than that of a rear surface thereof.

When a front surface of tub <NUM> is disposed to be inclined at a higher position, a user may see up to a rear surface of drum <NUM> from inlet port <NUM> during the insertion of laundry and inlet port <NUM> may be formed towards the top of cabinet <NUM>, thereby facilitating the insertion of laundry. Additionally, a front surface of tub <NUM> may be located higher than a rear surface thereof, and thus a sufficient space capable of installing detergent dispenser <NUM> below a front surface of the tub <NUM> may be provided.

A detergent inlet port <NUM> may be formed on a bottom surface of tub <NUM>. Detergent inlet port <NUM> may be connected to communicate with a first detergent supply passage which will be described later. Furthermore, tub <NUM> may be supported by a spring (not shown) and a damper (not shown) installed within cabinet <NUM>.

Drum <NUM> may be formed with a plurality of through holes to move wash water through drum <NUM> and flow wash water from tub <NUM> to drum <NUM>. A plurality of lifts are provided to raise laundry on an inner surface of drum <NUM>.

A drive unit <NUM> for driving drum <NUM> is provided at a rear portion of tub <NUM>. Drive unit <NUM> includes a stator <NUM> and a rotor <NUM>, and is connected to drum <NUM> by a rotation shaft <NUM> to transmit a rotational force to the drum <NUM>. Rotation shaft <NUM> is supported by a bearing, and a sealing member for preventing wash water from being leaked from drum <NUM>. The sealing member is provided at a connecting portion between rotation shaft <NUM> and drum <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating a manual detergent supply unit 200a, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view il-lustrating a state that a pump unit is removed in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a side view il-lustrating a rotation operation state of a detergent dispenser <NUM> in <FIG>.

Detergent dispenser <NUM> may include a dispenser case <NUM> and a detergent supply unit mounted on the dispenser case <NUM>. The detergent supply unit may include at least one of a manual detergent supply unit 200a and an automatic detergent supply unit.

<FIG> illustrate a state that the manual detergent supply unit 200a is mounted on the dispenser case <NUM>. Manual detergent supply unit 200a may include a distribution plate <NUM>, a detergent input portion <NUM> provided at a lower portion of the distribution plate <NUM> to put detergent thereinto, and a hopper portion <NUM> provided at a lower portion of the detergent input portion <NUM>.

Detergent input portion <NUM> is open in an upward direction, and includes an input space <NUM> in which detergent is input and stored through an upper surface of the opening portion. Detergent input portion <NUM> may be partitioned into a plural number by a partition wall <NUM>, and one of them may be used as a space for receiving the present detergent for washing, and the other one may be used as a space for receiving a preliminary detergent for washing. A rinsing detergent input portion <NUM> for receiving detergent for rinsing such as fabric softener may be separately provided in the present detergent input space for washing.

Input space <NUM> for receiving detergent may be formed with a different size.

There may be provided a plurality of input spaces <NUM>, and a user may select an appropriate-sized input space <NUM> in proportion to an amount of laundry during detergent input or control the number of input spaces <NUM> for receiving detergent to intuitively control an amount of detergent.

Distribution plate <NUM> may include a wash water inlet portion <NUM> configured to receive wash water on a rear surface thereof, a distribution passage formed to communicate with the wash water inlet portion and formed to be divided into several branches to distribute the received wash water, a water supply hole formed on a bottom surface of the distribution passage to communicate with the detergent input portion <NUM>. Wash water supplied from a water source flows into distribution plate <NUM> through wash water inlet portion <NUM>, and is distributed to distribution passages within distribution plate <NUM>, and thus the distributed wash water may be injected and supplied to the detergent input portion <NUM> through a water supply hole of the distribution passage.

Here, the user may put detergent into detergent input portion <NUM> of the manual detergent supply unit 200a while the detergent dispenser <NUM> is open, and wash water and detergent may be mixed with each other within the detergent input portion while detergent dispenser <NUM> is closed.

Detergent dispenser <NUM> may be formed to be withdrawn to a front surface of cabinet <NUM> while being rotated. To this end, dispenser case <NUM> is rotatably fastened to a front surface of cabinet <NUM>.

Dispenser case <NUM> is accommodated in cabinet <NUM> through accommodation hole <NUM> for accommodating the detergent dispenser. Dispenser case <NUM> may include a front plate configured to form the whole or part of a lower panel located at a lower portion of the inlet port on a front panel of the cabinet, a lateral plate extended from both end portions of the front plate in a backward direction, and a hinge shaft <NUM> formed at a lower end portion of the lateral plate and coupled to the cabinet such that an upper end portion of the front plate is allowed to rotate in a forward or backward direction. Furthermore, a guide plate is formed at a rear side of the front plate to connect a rear end portion of the lateral plate and surround a container of the automatic detergent supply unit or the like, thereby guiding the insertion of a container or the like in the automatic detergent supply unit.

Hinge shaft <NUM> is rotatably fastened to a front lower end of cabinet <NUM>. Hinge shaft <NUM> is extended in a lateral direction of cabinet <NUM> and coupled to cabinet <NUM>, and dispenser case <NUM> is rotatable in a forward and backward direction of cabinet <NUM>. Accordingly, detergent input portion <NUM> formed at an upper portion of dispenser case <NUM> is open while detergent dispenser <NUM> is rotated toward a front side of cabinet <NUM>, and detergent input portion <NUM> is closed since the detergent input portion <NUM> is accommodated into the accommodation hole <NUM> while being rotated toward a rear side of cabinet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a guide groove <NUM> is further formed on a lateral surface of dispenser case <NUM> to guide and support the detergent dispenser <NUM> being rotated. A guide protrusion (not shown) is formed on a portion corresponding to guide groove <NUM> and is formed at a lateral surface of the accommodation hole <NUM> to be inserted into guide groove <NUM>. Dispenser case <NUM> further includes a protective wall <NUM> configured to protect a constituent element, for example, detergent input portion <NUM> and a pipe of the first detergent supply passage <NUM> connected to detergent input portion <NUM> or the like, disposed at a rear surface when the detergent dispenser <NUM> is closed. Protective wall <NUM> is disposed to block a rear surface of the detergent dispenser <NUM>, and thus when detergent dispenser <NUM> is closed, a rear surface of detergent dispenser <NUM> is placed on the protective wall <NUM>.

Distribution plate <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> disposed at an upper portion of the detergent input portion <NUM> to cover the detergent input portion <NUM>. Distribution plate <NUM> and cover <NUM> are fixed within cabinet <NUM>, and thus separated from detergent input portion <NUM> when detergent dispenser <NUM> is open, and cover an upper surface of detergent input portion <NUM> by the cover <NUM> when detergent dispenser <NUM> is closed. Cover <NUM> is extended to an upper portion of the detergent input portion <NUM> from an upper edge of protective wall <NUM> to prevent wash water from being leaked out of the protective wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating a state where the detergent dispenser <NUM> in <FIG> is rotated. Referring to <FIG>, detergent dispenser <NUM> is mounted such that the detergent input portion <NUM> formed at an upper portion of dispenser case <NUM> rotates between an open position at which cabinet <NUM> is exposed to the outside and an accommodation position at which the detergent input portion <NUM> is accommodated into cabinet <NUM>. A state in which detergent dispenser <NUM> is withdrawn to an open position from accommodation hole <NUM> is illustrated with a solid line, and a state in which detergent dispenser <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation hole <NUM> is illustrated with a dotted line.

Referring to <FIG>, a water outlet port <NUM> is formed on a bottom surface <NUM> of the detergent input portion <NUM>. The water outlet port <NUM> is formed to be biased to a rear side of cabinet <NUM> relative the bottom surface <NUM>, and the bottom surface <NUM> is inclined to be lowered as being closed to the water outlet port <NUM>, and thus a portion formed with the water outlet port <NUM> is higher than the bottom surface <NUM> when detergent dispenser <NUM> is withdrawn. Furthermore, bottom surface <NUM> is formed to be inclined downward as being close to the water output port <NUM> such that a portion formed with the water outlet port <NUM> is lower than the remaining portion thereof when detergent dispenser <NUM> is accommodated into cabinet <NUM>. However, water outlet port <NUM> is formed to have an inclination to the extent that fluid flows to the water outlet port <NUM> by gravity even when it is not clearly inclined with naked eyes.

According to an aspect of the foregoing configuration, when detergent is put into detergent input portion <NUM> while detergent dispenser <NUM> is open water outlet port <NUM> is located higher than bottom surface <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and thus the inputted detergent does not flow out of water outlet port <NUM>. Furthermore, while detergent dispenser <NUM> is accommodated in cabinet <NUM>, bottom surface <NUM> is inclined toward water outlet port <NUM>, and thus detergent along with wash water flows to the side of the water outlet port <NUM> by gravity.

Water outlet port <NUM> is formed to be extended along a boundary line between a rear surface of the detergent input portion <NUM> and bottom surface <NUM>. Input space <NUM> communicates with hopper portion <NUM> by the water outlet port <NUM>.

Hopper portion <NUM> is a space provided at a lower portion of the detergent input portion <NUM> to mix detergent and wash water falling down through water outlet port <NUM> and temporarily store them there. A bottom surface of hopper portion <NUM> is formed to be inclined toward an extension portion <NUM> to collect wash water into the extension portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, extension portion <NUM> is formed at a bottom surface of hopper portion <NUM>, and formed to be biased to either one side thereof. In other words, when a rotational direction of detergent dispenser <NUM> is a width direction of the detergent dispenser <NUM>, extension portion <NUM> is formed to be biased to a rear side with respect to the width direction. Furthermore, a bottom surface of hopper portion <NUM> is formed to be inclined downward to the side of the extension portion <NUM>, and thus wash water flowed into the hopper portion <NUM> through the water outlet port <NUM> is guided to extension portion <NUM>. Furthermore, extension portion <NUM> may be connected to a passage <NUM> for supplying wash water mixed with detergent to tub <NUM>.

An inside of cabinet <NUM> may include at least one of a first water passage <NUM> configured to directly supply the wash water of the water source to tub <NUM> and a second water passage <NUM> configured to supply the wash water of the water source to detergent dispenser <NUM>. A water valve <NUM> is provided on at least one of first water passage <NUM> and second water passage <NUM> to open or close first water passage <NUM> and/or second water passage <NUM>. Water valve <NUM> may control an amount of wash water supplied to detergent dispenser <NUM> from the water source. According to <FIG>, second water passage <NUM> configured to supply the wash water of the water source to detergent dispenser <NUM> is illustrated.

An inside of cabinet <NUM> may include a connecting passage for supplying the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> to tub <NUM>. The connecting passage may include a first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> for supplying the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> to a bottom surface of the tub and a second detergent supply passage for supplying the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> to the remaining part of tub <NUM> excluding the bottom surface of tub <NUM>.

An inside of cabinet <NUM> may include a water passage <NUM> for discharging wash water stored in tub <NUM> to an outside of cabinet <NUM>.

According to a passage having the foregoing configuration, the wash water of the water source may be directly supplied to tub <NUM> through the first water passage or supplied to detergent dispenser <NUM> through the second water passage <NUM>. According to the second water passage <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the wash water of the water source may be supplied to detergent dispenser <NUM>.

The detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> or supplied to the remaining part excluding the bottom surface of the tub, for example, an upper portion of tub <NUM> or an upper portion of gasket <NUM> through the second detergent supply passage. According to detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, detergent is supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may connect a bottom surface of tub <NUM> to detergent dispenser <NUM> so as to transfer wash water stored in tub <NUM> to detergent dispenser <NUM> or transfer the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> to the bottom surface of tub <NUM>. The first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured with two passages <NUM>, <NUM> to supply the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> to the bottom surface of tub <NUM> through drain pump <NUM>. For example, one <NUM> of the two first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may connect detergent dispenser <NUM> and drain pump <NUM>. The other one <NUM> of the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may connect drain pump <NUM> and tub <NUM>. Due to this the detergent of detergent dispenser <NUM> may be supplied to the bottom surface of tub <NUM> through drain pump <NUM>. The first detergent supply passage <NUM> connecting between drain pump <NUM> and tub <NUM> may be formed with a bellows type pipe.

Detergent such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or the like may be accommodated into detergent dispenser <NUM>, and the wash water of the water source passes through detergent dispenser <NUM> through the second water passage <NUM> to mix detergent with wash water.

Wash water discharged from extension portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is supplied to drain pump <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and then supplied to detergent inlet port <NUM> formed at a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM> connecting drain pump <NUM> and tub <NUM>. Here, detergent inlet port <NUM> may be separately formed from the water drain port of tub <NUM> or used for both the water drain port or detergent inlet port of tub <NUM>.

Furthermore, drain pump <NUM> is also connected to water passage <NUM> extended to an outside of cabinet <NUM>. A valve <NUM> is provided in water passage <NUM> to selectively supply wash water discharged from drain pump <NUM> to the first detergent supply passage <NUM> or the water passage <NUM>. In other words, when wash water discharged from drain pump <NUM> is desired to be supplied to the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, the controller closes valve <NUM>. Furthermore, when wash water discharged from drain pump <NUM> is desired to be supplied to the water passage <NUM>, the controller opens valve <NUM>.

Here, when valve <NUM> is closed, wash water that has passed through detergent dispenser <NUM> or wash water mixed with detergent may be flowed into tub <NUM> through detergent inlet port <NUM> formed at a bottom surface of tub <NUM> via drain pump <NUM> and first detergent supply passage <NUM> from the water source by water pressure.

Furthermore, when valve <NUM> is open, wash water or wash water mixed with detergent may be drained to an outside of cabinet <NUM> through water passage <NUM> by the pumping power of drain pump <NUM>.

Accordingly, wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through detergent dispenser <NUM> is supplied to a bottom surface of the tub via the first detergent supply passage <NUM> and drain pump <NUM> provided at a lower portion of tub <NUM> or wash water stored in tub <NUM> is drained, thereby having a simple configuration. Furthermore, detergent may be well dissolved in wash water while passing through drain pump <NUM>, thereby obtaining an effect of supplying detergent in a state that most of detergent is dissolved in wash water when supplying detergent to tub <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, first detergent supply passage <NUM> may further include a backflow prevention device <NUM> to prevent wash water or wash water mixed with detergent discharged from the tub from flowing back to the detergent dispenser. A check valve <NUM> or the like may be used for the backflow prevention device <NUM>. However, the installation position of the backflow prevention device <NUM> may not be necessarily limited to this, and may be also installed in the extension portion <NUM> or installed in the hopper portion <NUM>.

In cases where the backflow prevention device <NUM> is installed in the extension portion <NUM> or the hopper portion <NUM>, when wash water fills up above a predetermined height in the extension portion <NUM> or the hopper portion <NUM> other than the check valve, it may be configured that a buoy blocks the extension portion <NUM> while being floated.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine which may include a first water passage <NUM> for directly supplying wash water to tub <NUM> and a second water passage <NUM> for supplying wash water to detergent dispenser <NUM>. The other constituent elements are the same or similar to the foregoing constituent elements, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted for clarity of explanation.

First water passage <NUM> directly supplies the wash water of the water source to tub <NUM> without passing through detergent dispenser <NUM>. Here, the first water passage <NUM> supplies wash water to tub <NUM> at a position higher than that of the backflow prevention device <NUM>. First water passage <NUM> may be connected to an upper surface of tub <NUM> or connected to gasket <NUM> to supply wash water to an inside of tub <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the foregoing configuration, wash water may be supplied to a lower portion of tub <NUM> through drain pump <NUM> and supplied to an upper portion of tub <NUM> through the first water passage <NUM>, rather than being supplied to the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> and drain pump <NUM>, thereby having an effect of efficiently supplying a large amount of wash water.

Here, the controller may control drain pump <NUM>, valve <NUM>, water valve <NUM>, and the like to supply wash water up to a height of the backflow prevention device <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM> and then supply wash water through first water passage <NUM>. However, the backflow prevention device <NUM> may not be necessarily limited to the installation position illustrated in <FIG>, and may be also installed to be higher than or at the same height as that of the bottom surface of tub <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the foregoing configuration, wash water mixed with detergent may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through drain pump <NUM> up to a height installed with the backflow prevention device <NUM>, and wash water is supplied through the first water passage <NUM> when wash water fills up to a height of the backflow prevention device <NUM> on the bottom surface of tub <NUM>, thereby supplying wash water to tub <NUM> without difficulty even if the pumping power of the drain pump <NUM> is more or less small.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along a direction of III of <FIG>. <FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating a state that a manual detergent supply unit 200a and an automatic detergent supply unit 200b according to the present invention are mounted on a dispenser case <NUM>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state that a distribution plate <NUM> is taken apart from a manual detergent supply unit 200a in <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state where containers 250a, 250b are mounted on a container receiving portion <NUM> in an automatic detergent supply unit 200b according to the present invention, and <FIG> is a bottom perspective view illustrating a container 250a, 250b illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an upper surface of a passage forming plate <NUM> mounted on a bottom surface of the container 250a, 250b in <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a gear pump and a detergent sensor mounted on a bottom surface of the container 250a, 250b, and <FIG> is a partially-cut perspective view of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a container receiving portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

A detergent dispenser <NUM>' according to the present invention includes at least an automatic detergent supply unit 200b. In addition, the detergent dispenser may include a manual detergent supply unit 200a. According to further examples not covered by the claims, the detergent dispenser <NUM>' may include the automatic detergent supply unit 200b or include the manual detergent supply unit 200a.

An automatic detergent supply unit 200b will be described with reference to <FIG>.

An automatic detergent supply unit 200b may include a plurality of containers 250a, 250b configured to store detergent, a pumping device configured to selectively discharge liquid detergent discharged through an outlet port <NUM> of the containers 250a, 250b according to a predetermined amount, and a container receiving portion <NUM> having a mounting portion <NUM> on which the container 250a, 250b are mounted.

The two containers 250a, 250b may be formed with different capacities or shapes. Furthermore, the containers 250a, 250b may be configured in such a manner that fluids for treating different types of laundries are stored in the containers 250a, 250b, respectively, and selectively supplied to wash water according to their necessity. Of course, only one of the containers 250a, 250b may be provided therein.

For example, the detergent for washing used during the present washing may be stored in at least one container 250a of the two containers 250a, 250b, and preliminary detergent for washing used during preliminary washing or fabric softener used during rinsing may be stored in another container 250b.

A grip portion may be provided on an upper portion of the containers 250a, 250b to allow a user to hold the container 250a, 250b with his or her hand, and thus has an advantage of facilitating the delivery of the container 250a, 250b as well as the insertion and removal of dispenser case <NUM>.

A lower portion of the container 250a, 250b may be detachably coupled to container receiving portion <NUM>. Furthermore, a container support frame may be further provided in container receiving portion <NUM> to limit a space in which the container 250a, 250b is inserted into the container receiving portion <NUM> and guide the insertion of the container 250a, 250b. The container support frame may have the same shape as that of a peripheral surface of container receiving portion <NUM>.

The basic configuration of the container 250a, 250b is the same, and hereinafter, it will be described based on the container 250a illustrated in the right side of the drawing.

Referring to <FIG>, a storage space configured to store detergent therein is formed within container 250a, and an inlet port <NUM> capable of supplying detergent to the storage space from the outside is formed at an upper portion of the container 250a. Referring to <FIG>, an outlet port <NUM> is formed on a bottom surface of the container 250a.

Automatic detergent supply unit 200b may include a passage forming plate <NUM> coupled to a bottom surface of the container 250a to cover outlet port <NUM>.

A mounting portion <NUM> to which passage forming plate <NUM> is placed thereon to be fastened is formed on a bottom surface of container 250a. Outlet port <NUM> is formed at one side of mounting portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, passage forming plate <NUM> may include an inlet port <NUM> formed on a surface 280b (hereinafter, an upper surface of the passage forming plate) facing the outlet port <NUM>, a discharge portion <NUM> configured to discharge liquid detergent pumped by a pumping device, a supply passage <NUM> configured to connect inlet port <NUM> and discharge portion <NUM> to move liquid detergent flowed into inlet port <NUM> to discharge portion <NUM> and a receiving space <NUM>, 281a formed on the supply passage to accommodate the pumping device.

Furthermore, the pumping device may be provided with a gear pump configured to transmit liquid detergent flowed into inlet port <NUM> of the passage forming plate <NUM> to discharge portion <NUM>.

Inlet port <NUM> is formed in a groove shape on an upper surface 280b of the passage forming plate <NUM> and communicated with the receiving space to guide detergent discharged from outlet port <NUM> to an inside of the gear pump in the receiving space.

The supply passage may include a first passage forming groove <NUM> formed on mounting portion <NUM> to connect outlet port <NUM> and discharge portion <NUM>, and a second passage forming groove <NUM> formed on an upper surface of the passage forming plate <NUM> to connect inlet port <NUM> and discharge portion <NUM>.

Receiving space <NUM>, 281a into which the gear pump is accommodated may include a first receiving space <NUM> formed between the outlet port <NUM> and the first passage forming groove <NUM> and a second receiving space 281a formed between the inlet port <NUM> and the second passage forming groove <NUM>.

The gear pump may include a first gear <NUM> and a second gear <NUM> engaged with each other, and the first and the second gear <NUM>, <NUM> are accommodated between the first and the second receiving space <NUM>, 281a. The rotation shaft of first gear <NUM> and second gear <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first and the second receiving space <NUM>, 281a. The rotation shaft of first gear <NUM> is extended to be protruded into container 250a through the first receiving space <NUM> to transmit power to an agitator <NUM> which will be described later.

Furthermore, the rotation shaft of second gear <NUM> is extended out of a bottom surface 280a of the passage forming plate <NUM> through the second receiving space 281a and connected to a driven gear <NUM> of the coupler to receive power from the driven gear <NUM> of the coupler.

Accordingly, a predetermined amount of detergent may be selectively discharged through discharge portion <NUM> by the pumping device. Furthermore, when detergent is more or less agglomerated, detergent is ground while passing between the first and the second gear <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby being easily dissolved in wash water.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a sealing member <NUM> for preventing detergent flowing through the supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> from being leaked to the rotation shaft of the second gear <NUM> is further formed on the rotation shaft of the second gear <NUM>. Sealing member <NUM> may be provided between driven gear <NUM> of the coupler and the bottom surface 280a of the passage forming plate <NUM>. The coupler will be described later.

Container receiving portion <NUM> may include a mounting portion <NUM> on which the container 250a, 250b are mounted and a drive unit 265a, 265b configured to drive the pumping device. A bottom surface of the container 250a, 250b is placed on mounting portion <NUM> and the pumping device is connected to the drive unit 265a, 265b by the coupler. To this end, mounting portion <NUM> is formed in a groove shape having the same area as that of a lower silhouette of the container 250a, 250b.

A drive unit receiving portion <NUM> and a boss portion 262a, 262b are formed on mounting portion <NUM>. The drive unit 265a, 265b is accommodated and installed in the drive unit receiving portion <NUM>. Here, the drive unit 265a, 265b is installed at a position corresponding to the foregoing gear pump.

Furthermore, the boss portion 262a, 262b is installed at a position corresponding to discharge portion <NUM>, and when the container 250a, 250b is mounted on mounting portion <NUM>, discharge portion <NUM> is inserted into the boss portion 262a, 262b and supported by the boss portion 262a, 262b.

Two drive units 265a, 265b are provided to correspond to the number of containers 250a, 250b, and hereinafter it will be described based on the left drive unit 265b. The drive unit 265b may include a motor housing fixed to the drive unit receiving portion <NUM> and a driving motor accommodated into the motor housing. A coupler receiving portion <NUM> into which the coupler is accommodated is formed in a groove shape on an upper surface of the motor housing, and a drive shaft <NUM> of the driving motor is protruded on an upper surface of the coupler receiving portion <NUM>.

The coupler may include a driving gear <NUM> and a driven gear <NUM> to connect the pumping device and the drive unit 265a, 265b. Specifically, drive shaft <NUM> is inserted into a shaft insertion hole formed at a central portion of the driving gear <NUM>, and driving gear <NUM> is coupled to drive shaft <NUM> to be rotated together therewith. Accordingly, when drive shaft <NUM> is rotated, driving gear <NUM> coupled to the drive shaft <NUM> is rotated together therewith.

Driven gear <NUM> is connected to the rotation shaft of the second gear <NUM> on a bottom surface of the passage forming plate <NUM>. Furthermore, driven gear <NUM> is received in the coupler receiving portion <NUM> to be engaged with driving gear <NUM> when the container 250b is mounted on mounting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when driving gear <NUM> is rotated, driven gear <NUM> is rotated in engagement therewith, and the second gear <NUM> connected to driven gear <NUM> on the same rotation shaft is rotated. Accordingly, a predetermined amount of detergent is discharged to discharge portion <NUM> while the gear pump which is a pumping device is rotated.

Detergent discharged from discharge portion <NUM> is mixed with wash water within container receiving portion <NUM>. Container receiving portion <NUM> may include a water supply port 277a configured to flow wash water thereinto, a water drain port 277b configured to flow wash water or wash water mixed with detergent therefrom, a boss portion 262b configured to receive the discharge portion <NUM> to support a peripheral surface of the discharge portion <NUM>, and an internal passage <NUM> configured to flow wash water therein and connect the water supply port 277a and the water drain port 277b.

Internal passage <NUM> is formed to pass through a lower portion of boss portion 262b and communicate with a lower portion of discharge portion <NUM> inserted into boss portion 262b, and thus wash water and detergent are mixed as detergent discharged from discharge portion <NUM> flows thereinto. Here, wash water mixed with detergent may be supplied to an inside of tub <NUM> from the internal passage <NUM>.

Automatic detergent supply unit 200b and tub <NUM> may be connected to each other by a connecting passage. The connecting passage connects detergent dispenser <NUM>' and tub <NUM> to transfer wash water stored in tub <NUM> to the automatic detergent supply unit 200b or transfer detergent stored in the automatic detergent supply unit 200b to tub <NUM>.

The connecting passage may include a first detergent supply passage configured to connect detergent dispenser <NUM>' and a bottom surface of tub <NUM> to supply detergent from detergent dispenser <NUM>' to the bottom surface of tub <NUM>, and a second detergent supply passage 155b configured to connect detergent dispenser <NUM>' and the remaining part of tub <NUM> to supply detergent from the detergent dispenser to the remaining part of tub <NUM> excluding the bottom surface of tub <NUM>.

Detergent inlet port <NUM> is formed on a bottom surface of tub <NUM>, and the detergent of the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may flow into detergent inlet port <NUM>. The remaining part of tub <NUM> may be part of gasket <NUM> connecting inlet port <NUM> to a front portion of tub <NUM>, for example. One end portion of the second detergent supply passage 155b is connected to water drain port 277b of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b, and a nozzle <NUM> may be installed at the other end of the second detergent supply passage 155b. Nozzle <NUM> may be coupled to an upper portion of gasket <NUM> in a fixed manner.

The detergent of automatic detergent supply unit 200b having the foregoing configuration may be supplied to tub <NUM> through at least one of the first detergent supply passage and the second detergent supply passage 155b.

For example, the detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage. The first detergent supply passage may connect water drain port 277b of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b to the detergent inlet port <NUM> of tub <NUM> to flow wash water stored in tub <NUM> to the boss portion 262a, 262b through the first detergent supply passage via the water supply port of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and internal passage <NUM>, and the detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may be discharged from discharge portion <NUM> to boss portion 262a, 262b according to a predetermined amount to be mixed with wash water, and wash water mixed with detergent may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM>.

Otherwise, the detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may be supplied to tub <NUM> and drum <NUM> through the remaining part of tub <NUM>, for example, the nozzle <NUM> installed in gasket <NUM> provided at a front portion of tub <NUM>, through the second detergent supply passage 155b.

Otherwise, the detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> and the remaining part thereof through the first detergent supply passage and the second detergent supply passage 155b.

The detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may be discharged from discharge portion <NUM> to boss portion 262a, 262b according to a predetermined amount to be mixed with wash water, and wash water mixed with detergent may move along the second detergent supply passage 155b connecting water drain port 277b of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and gasket <NUM> of tub <NUM> to be sprayed from nozzle <NUM> of the second detergent supply passage 155b fixed to an upper portion of the gasket <NUM> of tub <NUM> to an inside of tub <NUM> and drum <NUM>. Here, the circulation pump <NUM> is installed within cabinet <NUM>, and a partial passage of the circulation pump <NUM> is connected to the internal passage <NUM> of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b, and thus detergent may be transferred along the second detergent supply passage 155b by the pumping power of circulation pump <NUM>.

A container support frame (not shown) configured to guide the insertion and withdrawal of the container 250a, 250b may be separately installed within cabinet <NUM> from dispenser case <NUM>.

An embodiment illustrated in <FIG> may include a modified embodiment of the foregoing detergent dispenser <NUM>', and thus the description of the same reference numerals will be omitted below.

For the detergent dispenser <NUM>' illustrated in <FIG>, dispenser case <NUM> may include the automatic detergent supply unit 200b along with the manual detergent supply unit 200a.

At least one detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and manual detergent supply unit 200a may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Otherwise, at least one detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and manual detergent supply unit 200a may be supplied to the remaining part of tub <NUM>, for example, an upper portion of gasket <NUM> installed at a front side of tub <NUM>, through the second detergent supply passage 155b. Otherwise, At least one detergent of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and manual detergent supply unit 200a may be supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> and the remaining part thereof through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> and the second detergent supply passage 155b, respectively.

Detergent dispenser <NUM>' may receive wash water from a water source through the second water passage <NUM> or receive wash water from tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, detergent dispenser <NUM>' may supply detergent to the received wash water, wash water mixed with detergent in detergent dispenser <NUM>' may be supplied to an inside of tub <NUM> through at least one of the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> and the second detergent supply passage 155b.

For example, the bottom surface of tub <NUM> may be located higher than the container receiving portion <NUM> of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b, and thus wash water discharged from tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be supplied to the internal passage <NUM> of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b via circulation pump <NUM> by gravity and potential energy.

Additionally, the manual detergent supply unit 200a may be located below inlet port <NUM>, and the wash water of the water source may be supplied to the distribution plate <NUM> of the manual detergent supply unit 200a through the second water passage <NUM> by water pressure.

Referring to <FIG>, wash water supplied from the water source is supplied to manual detergent supply unit 200a of detergent dispenser <NUM>', and the detergent and wash water of the manual detergent supply unit 200a are mixed, and then supplied to a bottom surface of tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, wash water that has passed through the manual detergent supply unit 200a is supplied to the automatic detergent supply unit 200b through circulation pump <NUM>, and the detergent and wash water of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b are mixed and then supplied to an upper portion of tub <NUM>, for example, through the second detergent supply passage 155b.

However, the detergent supply unit may be configured with only the automatic detergent supply unit 200b or, according to an unclaimed example, with only the manual detergent supply unit 200a. When configured with only the automatic detergent supply unit 200b, the automatic detergent supply unit 200b may put detergent into wash water received from the tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> to supply it to a bottom surface of the tub <NUM> or supply it to the remaining part of tub <NUM> through the second detergent supply passage 155b.

Here, the second water passage <NUM> may be connected to the water supply port 277a of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b to supply the wash water of the water source to the automatic detergent supply unit 200b or the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the water supply port 277a of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b to supply wash water stored in tub <NUM> to the internal passage <NUM> of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b.

Otherwise, when configured with only the manual detergent supply unit 200a, the manual detergent supply unit 200a may supply wash water mixed with detergent to a bottom surface of the tub <NUM> through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, <NUM> or supply it to the remaining part of tub <NUM> through second detergent supply passage 155b. Here, the second water passage <NUM> is connected to distribution plate <NUM> of the manual detergent supply unit 200a to supply the wash water of the water source to the manual detergent supply unit 200a.

Detergent dispenser <NUM>' illustrated in <FIG> may include the manual detergent supply unit 200a and automatic detergent supply unit 200b, and a pump module <NUM> may be disposed at a lower portion of dispenser case <NUM>. Pump module <NUM> may include a circulation pump <NUM> configured to circulate wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through detergent dispenser <NUM>' to tub <NUM>, and a drain pump <NUM> configured to discharge wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through detergent dispenser <NUM> to an outside of cabinet <NUM>.

First detergent supply passage <NUM> may connect manual detergent supply unit 200a, pump module <NUM>, and tub <NUM>, thereby allowing wash water or wash water mixed with detergent discharged from the manual detergent supply unit 200a to be supplied to pump module <NUM> and tub <NUM>.

A branch tube having a <NUM>-way passage connecting portion is disposed at a downstream side of pump module <NUM>. One passage connecting portion of the branch tube is connected to the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, and another passage connecting portion of the branch tube is connected to the pump module <NUM>, and still another passage connecting portion of the branch tube is connected to detergent inlet port <NUM> of tub <NUM>.

Wash water or wash water mixed with detergent that has passed through the manual detergent supply unit 200a flows into the branch tube through the first detergent supply passage <NUM>, and flows from the branch tube to the circulation pump <NUM> of pump module <NUM>. Furthermore, a connecting pipe 155a is provided at one side of circulation pump <NUM>, and the connecting pipe 155a connects circulation pump <NUM> to the automatic detergent supply unit 200b.

Due to a passage configured as described above, wash water flows from circulation pump <NUM> to water supply port 277a of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b through connecting pipe 155a by the pumping power of circulation pump <NUM>, and wash water that has flowed into the water supply port 277a moves along the internal passage <NUM> of the automatic detergent supply unit 200b and flows into the boss portion 262a, 262b to be mixed with detergent that has flowed into the boss portion 262a, 262b and then flows to the second detergent supply passage 155b through water drain port 277b. Detergent flowed out of the automatic detergent supply unit moves along the second detergent supply passage 155b to be supplied to an inside of tub <NUM> and drum <NUM> through nozzle <NUM> fixed to an upper portion of the gasket of tub <NUM>.

Here, the internal passage <NUM> may be formed in a zigzag shape to well mix detergent.

Referring to <FIG>, an agitator <NUM> may be rotatably installed on a bottom surface of the inside of the container 250a. Agitator <NUM> may be connected to rotation shaft <NUM> of first gear <NUM> to transfer detergent in the container 250a to the side of the outlet port <NUM> while rotating along with first gear <NUM> during the rotation of first gear <NUM>. To this end, the end of the vanes formed on agitator <NUM> is formed to be extended to the side of the outlet port <NUM>.

According to an aspect of the foregoing configuration, it has an effect of easily moving detergent to the outlet port <NUM>. Furthermore, according to an aspect of the foregoing configuration, a lower layer of detergent stored in the container 250a may be agitated, thereby obtaining an effect of preventing detergent from being settled down to create a layer.

A level sensing device for checking the remaining amount of stored detergent may be further provided on a bottom surface of the container 250a illustrated in <FIG>. The level sensing device may include a pair of electrodes <NUM> exposed to detergent, a container-side connecting terminal <NUM> connected to the pair of electrodes <NUM> and disposed on a bottom surface of the container 250a, and a receiving-portion-side connecting terminal <NUM> provided in the container receiving portion <NUM> to be brought into contact with the container-side connecting terminal <NUM>.

The pair of electrodes <NUM> are inserted into insertion holes <NUM>, respectively, formed to pass through a bottom surface of the container 250a, and exposed to an inside of the container 250a. The container-side connecting terminal <NUM> is fixed to a bottom surface of container 250a, and an end thereof is protruded to an inside of the container 250a. Furthermore, the receiving-portion-side connecting terminal <NUM> is installed on an inner surface of the drive unit receiving portion <NUM> at a position corresponding to the container-side connecting terminal <NUM> and an end thereof is extended to an upper surface of the mounting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when the storage unit is placed on mounting portion <NUM>, the container-side connecting terminal <NUM> disposed on a bottom surface of the container 250a is brought into contact with the receiving-portion-side connecting terminal <NUM>. The receiving-portion-side connecting terminal <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller, and when a current does not flow through the pair of electrodes <NUM>, the controller may display the need for detergent supply through display device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a washing machine <NUM> provided with an automatic detergent supply unit <NUM> according to still another example will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> enclosed herewith is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine <NUM> according to still another example. Washing machine <NUM> may include a cabinet <NUM>, a tub, a drum, a lift, and a drum drive motor.

Cabinet <NUM> may form an external appearance of the washing machine <NUM>.

A laundry inlet port may be provided on a front surface of cabinet <NUM> to put laundry into the drum therethrough.

Furthermore, a door <NUM> is coupled to a front surface of cabinet <NUM> in a hinge structure, and door <NUM> is open to put laundry thereinto through the laundry inlet port during the insertion of laundry or collection of laundry which has completed the washing process. Door <NUM> is closed during the washing cycle.

The tub is horizontally installed in a cylindrical shape within the cabinet <NUM>, and a wash water storage space is provided therein to receive wash water from a water source.

The drum is rotatably installed within the tub to wash laundry inserted thereinto.

The drum has a plurality of drain holes along a lateral surface thereof, and thus wash water stored in the tub through the drain holes or wash water containing detergent may flow into the drum or water within the drum may flow out to an inner side of the tub.

The lift is disposed to be spaced apart on an inner surface of the drum in a circumferential direction, and installed to be fixed therewith along a length of an axial direction, and the lift is interlocked with the drum, and laundry falls down from a predetermined height prior to reaching the apex while rotating in a state that laundry is placed on the lift, thereby efficiently performing the washing cycle.

The drum drive motor is mounted at a rear side of the tub to generate a rotational force to rotate the drum. A decelerator is installed on an output shaft of the drum drive motor to control the rotational speed of the drum.

Hereinafter, a detergent supply apparatus <NUM> according to still another example will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> enclosed herewith is a perspective view illustrating an automatic detergent supply apparatus <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of a detergent box <NUM> in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a dispenser housing <NUM> in <FIG>.

Moreover, <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state that an opening and closing plate 329b is open on a liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> in <FIG>, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a pumping device <NUM> and a drive unit <NUM> provided in a liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> in <FIG>.

Washing machine <NUM> provides a detergent supply apparatus <NUM> into which detergent can be inserted.

A water pipe is installed at a lower portion of the upper plate of cabinet <NUM>.

An end portion of the water pipe is connected to a water source, and the other end portion thereof is connected to the detergent supply apparatus <NUM>, and thus wash water provided from the water source passes through the detergent supply apparatus <NUM>.

A water valve is provided at one side of the water pipe to open or close a water line.

A control panel <NUM> is provided on a front upper portion of cabinet <NUM>, and a power button 303a, a washing mode control dial 303b, a display unit that displays the washing mode 303c and an auxiliary control button 303d, and the like may be provided on control panel <NUM>.

The washing mode may be divided into various modes, such as standard washing, stubborn dirt, baby clothes, affordable boiling, speed wash, allergy care, steam cleaning, functional clothing, quiet-quiet, color care, lingerie/wool, blanket, rinse+dehydration, and the like, for example.

The washing mode control dial 303b may be selectively set by a user's rotational manipulation, thereby performing the washing cycle with his or her desired washing method.

Detergent supply apparatus <NUM> may include a dispenser housing <NUM> and a detergent box <NUM>.

Dispenser housing <NUM> may be installed within an front left upper end of cabinet <NUM>.

Dispenser housing <NUM> may be installed adjacent to a left end portion of control panel <NUM>.

Dispenser housing <NUM> provides an accommodation space capable of accommodating detergent box <NUM> therein.

Dispenser housing <NUM> may include an opening portion at a front side thereof, and may be configured with a sealed box structure capable of surrounding an outer circumference and a rear side of the detergent box <NUM>.

Dispenser housing <NUM> may include a water distribution unit <NUM> at an upper end portion thereof.

Water distribution unit <NUM> may include a water cover <NUM> configured to cover the whole of an upper end portion of dispenser housing <NUM>, and a distribution plate <NUM> provided with a water distribution passage therein.

Distribution plate <NUM> may be provided as an integral body at or detachably coupled to an upper end portion of dispenser housing <NUM>.

A plurality of water supply ports <NUM> are provided at a rear side of distribution plate <NUM> to communicate with a water distribution passage, and a water pipe is connected to the water supply port <NUM>, and thus wash water may be supplied to a water distribution passage of the distribution plate <NUM> from the water source.

A plurality of water supply holes are formed on a bottom surface of distribution plate <NUM>, and wash water supplied through the water distribution passage can be supplied to the detergent storage unit through the water supply holes.

Detergent box <NUM> may be provided with a front plate <NUM> at a front side thereof, and a concave portion 311a is formed in a concave manner on a front surface of front plate <NUM> in an inward direction, and thus the user may insert his or her finger through the concave portion 311a to pull the front plate <NUM>.

The detergent may divided into a powder detergent and a liquid detergent.

The powder detergent is typically widely used, but has a disadvantage that due to the characteristics of detergent, it becomes damp when moisture is brought into contact therewith, and detergent powder particles agglomerate with each other to block the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM> or the like.

On the other hand, liquid detergent has inconvenience that an adequate amount of liquid detergent should be taken out to be used in the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> for each washing cycle.

The advantage of the liquid detergent is that it can be solved at once.

To this end, detergent supply apparatus <NUM> may include a liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> and a powder detergent storage unit <NUM> within detergent box <NUM>.

Liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> and powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be partitioned by a partition wall.

A cover plate 329a is provided on an upper surface of liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>, and an inlet port may be provided at one side of the cover plate. An opening and closing plate 329b is coupled to one side of the cover plate in a hinge structure to open or close the inlet port.

In this case, the opening and closing plate 329b may be open when liquid detergent is additionally inserted into the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>, and the opening and closing plate 329b may be closed at normal times, thereby preventing wash water from flowing into the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> from the water supply hole of the water distribution unit <NUM>.

Here, the opening and closing plate 329b may be coupled to cover plate 329a in a slide manner rather than a hinge structure, and thus overlapped with cover plate 329a or spread from cover plate 329a, thereby opening or closing the inlet port of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may include a pumping device <NUM> and a discharge portion 323c to discharge an adequate amount of liquid detergent stored therein for each washing cycle.

Liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be a box structure horizontally placed within detergent box <NUM>.

Pumping device <NUM> may be provided at a rear portion of liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Pumping device <NUM> may be implemented with a gear pump operated by a pair of gears 322a, 322b.

The gear pump may include a pair of gears 322a, 322b rotating in engagement with each other, and the gears 322a, 322b may rotate in opposite directions while being circumscribed with each other.

The gear pump may pump liquid detergent from one side to the other side by interposing the circumscribed gears 322a, 322b therebetween.

Liquid detergent outlet port <NUM> is provided on a bottom surface of an end portion of liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>, and liquid detergent may be discharged to the outside through the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM>.

The bottom surface of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> is formed to be inclined downward toward the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM>.

In other words, liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be gradually inclined such that a height of the other bottom surface decreases as being close to the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM>.

Due to this, liquid detergent stored in the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be collected into the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM> by gravity, thereby efficiently maintaining the flow of liquid detergent.

Liquid detergent outlet port <NUM> may be formed to communicate with an inlet port of the gear pump.

The liquid detergent is discharged from the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> through the liquid detergent outlet port <NUM> and supplied to the gear pump, and pumped by the gear pump to be discharged through discharge portion 323c.

Pumping device <NUM> may selectively discharge detergent discharged from outlet port <NUM>.

The phrase "selectively discharge detergent by the pumping device <NUM>" may denote that detergent supply is intermittently carried out.

For example, detergent will be pumped by pumping device <NUM> while pumping device <NUM> is driven, and thus in this case, detergent may be supplied to the tub, but detergent will not be pumped by pumping device <NUM> during a standby period in which the pumping device <NUM> is not driven, and thus in this case, detergent may not be supplied to the tub.

The selective supply of detergent by pumping device <NUM> is to intermittently supply detergent to the tub by the pumping device <NUM> rather than allowing a user to determine an adequate amount of liquid detergent to insert it into detergent box <NUM> for each washing cycle.

The amount of detergent pumped by pumping device <NUM> may be controlled by the rotational speed of the gear 322a, 322b.

As increasing the rotational speed of the gear pump, increases the speed of pumping and increases the amount of pumping.

Accordingly, an adequate amount of liquid detergent put into the tub for each washing cycle may be adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the gear pump using a detergent supply control knob (or detergent supply control button) provided on control panel <NUM>.

Pumping device <NUM> may include a passage forming plate <NUM> coupled to cover outlet port <NUM> of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Passage forming plate <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Passage forming plate <NUM> may include an inlet portion 323a disposed to face outlet port <NUM> of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Inlet portion 323a may be preferably located on a rear bottom surface of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> similarly to outlet port <NUM> of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

It is because outlet port <NUM> and inlet portion 323a should be formed in a lowest position as possible to supply liquid detergent stored in the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> as much as possible.

Passage forming plate <NUM> may include a supply passage 323b configured to connect one side of the gear pump of pumping device <NUM> and the other side thereof.

Supply passage 323b may connect inlet portion 323a and discharge portion 323c.

In this case, supply passage 323b may move detergent pumped by pumping device <NUM> to discharge portion 323c to pump the pumped detergent to the tub through the discharge portion 323c.

Pumping device <NUM> may be driven by drive unit <NUM>.

Drive unit <NUM> may be a driving motor that generates a rotational force.

The driving motor may be installed on a rear surface of dispenser housing <NUM>.

The driving motor may be accommodated into motor housing <NUM>.

The driving motor may be fixed and coupled to an inside of cabinet <NUM> by a mounting bracket.

The driving motor may be controlled by receiving an electrical control signal from the detergent supply control knob.

The user may manually control a detergent quantity using the detergent supply control knob or automatically control the detergent quantity according to a preset default value for each washing mode.

The driving motor may receive three-phase AC power from the outside to generate a rotational force.

The rotational force generated from the driving motor may be output through driving shaft <NUM> protruded to an outside of motor housing <NUM>.

Driving shaft <NUM> may be formed to be protruded from one end portion of motor housing <NUM>, and protruded in an inward direction from a rear surface of dispenser housing <NUM>.

Pumping device <NUM> may be connected to a driving motor through a coupler <NUM> to receive power.

Coupler <NUM> may include a driving gear 325a and a driven gear 325b.

Driving gear 325a may be rotatably coupled to driving shaft <NUM>.

Driven gear 325b may be coupled to driving gear 325a in an engaged manner.

Both end portions of the gears 322a, 322b of the gear pump may be rotatably supported by a bearing provided between the passage forming plate <NUM> and a rear end portion of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Gears 322a, 322b of the gear pump may include the rotation shaft 322b', respectively.

The rotation shaft 322b' provided in either one 322a, 322b of the gears 322a, 322b of the gear pump may be formed in an elongated manner in an axial direction.

The length of rotation shaft 322b' may be formed in an elongated manner to pass through the thickness of the passage forming plate <NUM>.

One end portion of the rotation shaft 322b' may be directly connected to a central portion of gear 322b, and the other end portion of the rotation shaft 322b' may be coupled to driven gear 325b.

Passage forming plate <NUM> may include a through hole for passing through rotation shaft 322b'.

A sealing member <NUM> may be provided around the through hole since liquid detergent may be leaked from the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> through the through hole.

Sealing member <NUM> may surround the periphery of the through hole in a ring shape.

Sealing member <NUM> may be provided on a rear side of passage forming plate <NUM>, namely, on a surface opposite to a surface facing the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

A sealing member supporting portion 323d may be protruded in a circular shape on a rear surface of the passage forming plate <NUM> to fix the sealing member <NUM>.

Sealing member <NUM> has a circular shape, and may be inserted into the sealing member supporting portion 323d to seal a gap between the rotation shaft 322b' and the through hole.

Rotation shaft 322b' may be coupled to driven gear 325b through sealing member <NUM>.

A pumping mechanism and a pumping operation of liquid detergent according to a connection relationship with the foregoing configuration will be described in detail.

As the driving motor is operated, driving shaft <NUM> protruded to an inner side of the dispenser housing <NUM> from motor housing <NUM> is rotated.

Next, driving gear 325a coupled to driving shaft <NUM> rotates, and driven gear 325b coupled to the driving gear 325a in an engaged manner rotates together therewith.

As driving gear 325a and driven gear 325b are rotated, power is transmitted to the gear pump which is a pumping device <NUM> through the rotation shaft 322b' passing through the passage forming plate <NUM>.

One gear 322b of the gears 322a, 322b of the gear pump receives power from the rotation shaft 322b' to rotate, and the remaining gear 322a coupled to the gear 322b in an engaged manner is interlocked therewith to generate pumping power by the rotation of the gear 322a, 322b.

The liquid detergent may be supplied to the inlet side of the gear pump through inlet portion 323a of the passage forming plate <NUM> from outlet port <NUM> formed on a bottom surface of a rear end portion of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> by the pumping power, and the supplied liquid detergent may be compressed while passing through a pair of gears 322a, 322b in engagement with each other.

The compressed liquid detergent may be supplied to discharge portion 323c through supply passage 323b of the passage forming plate <NUM>, and discharged downward from discharge portion 323c.

The discharged liquid detergent may be supplied to water passage <NUM> through a space portion <NUM> provided on a bottom surface of dispenser housing <NUM>.

Space portion <NUM> may be provided between a lower surface of detergent box <NUM> and a bottom surface of dispenser housing <NUM>.

Space portion <NUM> may be communicated with water passage <NUM> provided on a rear bottom surface of dispenser housing <NUM>.

Water passage <NUM> may be connected to the tub through a bellows pipe.

The liquid detergent may be supplied to the tub through the bellows pipe.

Furthermore, liquid detergent discharged from discharge portion 323c may be mixed with wash water flowing into space portion <NUM> to supply wash water mixed with detergent to the tub.

Furthermore, the present disclosure may present a method of solving disadvantages of conventional powder detergents.

Liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be located at a rear side of the left lateral surface within detergent box <NUM> based on a frontal perspective of the washing machine.

Furthermore, a wash water input portion <NUM> may be provided at a front side of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> within detergent box <NUM>.

Wash water is supplied to a wash water input portion <NUM> from a water source through the water supply hole of the water distribution unit <NUM>, and thus directly supplied to the tub through the water passage <NUM>.

Furthermore, wash water and liquid detergent inserted into the wash water input portion <NUM> may be mixed in space portion <NUM> between a lower surface of detergent box <NUM> and a bottom surface of dispenser housing <NUM>, and thus wash water mixed with detergent may be supplied to the tub through water passage <NUM>.

A water level sensor is provided within the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>, and thus when liquid detergent is insufficient, it may be additionally supplied to an inside of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> through an additional liquid detergent supply pipe or hose line.

Hereinafter, the movement path of liquid detergent in a detergent supply apparatus <NUM> according to still another example will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid detergent movement path in a liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

The capacity of liquid detergent that can be stored in liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> is not a single doze but a capacity that is usable several times.

The method of supplying and inserting liquid detergent into liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may include a method of allowing a user to manually inject liquid detergent into detergent box <NUM> and a method of automatically supplying liquid detergent from an external liquid detergent supply hose.

However, an automatic supply method due to the liquid detergent supply hose may be carried out by operating a water level sensor within the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Liquid detergent stored in liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be supplied from the outlet port <NUM> formed on a rear surface of the liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> to inlet portion 323a of passage forming plate <NUM>.

Subsequently, the liquid detergent supplied to inlet portion 323a of passage forming plate <NUM> is compressed while flowing between gears 322a, 322b engaged with each other in the gear pump.

The compressed liquid detergent may fall down to space portion <NUM> of dispenser housing <NUM> through discharge portion 323c of the passage forming plate <NUM> through supply passage 323b.

The fallen liquid detergent may be merged with wash water coming down from an upstream side of the wash water input portion <NUM>, and supplied to the tub through water passage <NUM>.

On the other hand, powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be disposed in parallel with liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> by interposing a partition wall therebetween.

Furthermore, powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be located at a rear side of the right lateral surface within detergent box <NUM>.

Furthermore, an upper surface of powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be open or an opening portion is formed on the upper surface thereof, wash water may fall down to the powder detergent storage unit <NUM> from the water supply hole of water distribution unit <NUM> through an open surface to be temporarily stored therein.

Powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may include a siphon tube <NUM> therein to prevent the detergent output port from being clogged by agglomerated powder detergent.

Siphon tube <NUM> may be protruded upward from the bottom surface within powder detergent storage unit <NUM> in which four lateral surfaces are all blocked.

A cover plate <NUM> covering an upper surface of powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be provided at an upper portion of siphon tube <NUM>.

An opening portion may be formed at one side of cover plate <NUM>, and thus wash water may fall down through the opening portion from the water supply hole of water distribution unit <NUM>.

A siphon cover tube <NUM> may be provided at the other bottom surface of cover plate <NUM> to cover siphon tube <NUM>.

The diameter of siphon cover tube <NUM> is relatively greater than that of siphon tube <NUM>.

Because of this, a siphon passage may be formed between an outer diameter surface of siphon tube <NUM> and an inner diameter surface of siphon cover tube <NUM>.

Powder detergent inserted into powder detergent storage unit <NUM> and wash water supplied through the water supply hole of water distribution unit <NUM> may be mixed with each other.

The powder detergent may be a hydrophilic material that is easily soluble, regardless of in cold or hot water, and can be dissolved even if soaked for a while in water.

A predetermined period of time may be consumed until wash water supplied from the water supply hole of water distribution unit <NUM> fills up to the height of siphon tube <NUM>, and for this period of time, powder detergent inserted into the powder detergent storage unit <NUM> can be dissolved in wash water.

In other words, since an internal space of the powder detergent storage unit <NUM> is sealed, for a predetermined period of time until wash water fills up to the height of siphon tube <NUM>, detergent powder is soaked, mixed, and dissolved in wash water.

When the height of wash water dissolved with powder detergent increases to that of siphon tube <NUM>, wash water containing detergent rises up along a siphon passage between siphon tube <NUM> and siphon cover tube <NUM> according to the siphon principle, and then falls down to an inside of siphon tube <NUM> from the apex.

Here, the siphon passage is sufficient for wash water dissolved with powder detergent to pass therethrough, but impossible for agglomerated powder detergent to pass therethrough.

Accordingly, siphon tube <NUM> may play a role of acceleration allowing powder detergent to be sufficiently dissolved in wash water, and siphon cover tube <NUM> and siphon tube <NUM> may prevent the inflow of agglomerated powder detergent.

Furthermore, in order to well dissolve the powder detergent in wash water, an agitator may be provided within powder detergent storage unit <NUM>.

The agitator may be rotated using the flow of fluid like a pinwheel or waterwheel.

The agitator may be implemented by a bucket rotating in a vertical direction and the rotation shaft 322b' supporting this.

The agitator may rotate using the potential energy of wash water falling down from the water supply hole of the water distribution unit <NUM>.

For example, the falling wash water may be soaked in a bucket to agitate wash water while rotating the bucket.

Due to this, powder detergent may be effectively dissolved in wash water with no agglomeration.

A water level sensor may be provided within powder detergent storage unit <NUM> to supply wash water to the powder detergent storage unit <NUM>, thereby maintaining wash water above the height of siphon tube <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the movement path of powder detergent will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a movement path of wash water in which powder detergent is dissolved in a powder detergent storage unit <NUM> according to still another example.

Since the powder detergent is a solid material due to the characteristics of detergent, the powder detergent may be dissolved in water and supplied to the tub.

The user may withdraw detergent box <NUM> to a front side of cabinet <NUM>, and then insert an adequate amount of detergent powder into powder detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Wash water may be supplied to a water distribution passage of water distribution unit <NUM> from a water source, and wash water distributed through the water distribution passage may be inserted into the powder detergent storage unit <NUM> through the water supply hole formed on a bottom surface of distribution plate <NUM>.

Wash water inserted from the water supply hole may flow into powder detergent storage unit <NUM> through the opening portion formed on an upper cover plate <NUM> of powder detergent storage unit <NUM>.

Wash water flowed into powder detergent storage unit <NUM> may be mixed with powder detergent, and the powder detergent may be dissolved in wash water.

As the amount of detergent liquid (hereinafter, detergent liquid) dissolved with powder detergent gradually increases in powder detergent storage unit <NUM>, detergent liquid moves to the apex of siphon tube <NUM> through a siphon passage between siphon cover tube <NUM> and siphon tube <NUM> when the height of detergent liquid increases to that of siphon tube <NUM>.

Subsequently, the detergent liquid falls down along the tube while flowing into the tube at the apex of siphon tube <NUM>.

The detergent liquid fallen down along siphon tube <NUM> falls down to detergent liquid drain path <NUM>, and flows down to a bottom surface of the detergent box <NUM>, and as a result, the detergent liquid is supplied to the tub through water passage <NUM> of dispenser housing <NUM>.

Consequently, pumping device <NUM> provided in liquid detergent storage unit <NUM> may be selectively driven, and thus an adequate amount of liquid detergent may not be determined by a user, but may be automatically set and supplied from detergent supply apparatus <NUM>, and a user may set his or her desired amount as needed, thereby avoiding inconvenience during the supply of detergent in the related art.

Furthermore, siphon tube <NUM> may be provided in powder detergent storage unit <NUM>, and powder detergent and wash water may be temporarily stored in a sealed space until powder detergent is sufficiently dissolved in wash water, and wash water dissolved with powder detergent may be supplied above the height of siphon tube <NUM>.

Additionally, a passage of siphon tube <NUM> and siphon cover tube <NUM> through which detergent liquid passes may be decreased, thereby preventing agglomerated powder detergent from being clogged in outlet port <NUM> in the related art.

Claim 1:
A washing machine, comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) having an inlet port (<NUM>) formed at a front panel for laundry insertion thereinto and a door (<NUM>) to open or close the inlet port (<NUM>);
a tub (<NUM>) within the cabinet (<NUM>) for storing wash water;
a drum in communication with the inlet port (<NUM>), and rotatably provided within the tub (<NUM>); and
a detergent dispenser (<NUM>, <NUM>') provided below the inlet,
wherein the detergent dispenser (<NUM>, <NUM>') comprises:
a dispenser case (<NUM>) having an opening portion on an upper surface thereof; and
an automatic detergent supply unit (200b), and
wherein the automatic detergent supply unit (200b) comprises:
at least one container (250a, 250b) provided with an inlet port (<NUM>) and an outlet port (<NUM>) for storing liquid detergent;
a container receiving portion (<NUM>) to receive the container (250a, 250b); and
a pumping device to selectively discharge liquid detergent discharged from the outlet port (<NUM>) of the container (250a, 250b) by a predetermined amount,
the container receiving portion (<NUM>) further comprises a container support frame forming a space in which the container (250a, 250b) is inserted into the container receiving portion (<NUM>) and guiding the insertion of the container (250a, 250b),
characterized in that
the pumping device is mounted on a bottom portion of the container (250a, 250b),
wherein the container receiving portion (<NUM>) comprises a mounting portion (<NUM>) on an upper surface thereof for mounting the container (250a, 250b),
wherein the automatic detergent supply unit (200b) comprises:
a drive unit (265a, 265b) installed in the container receiving portion (<NUM>) to drive the pumping device; and
a coupler to connect the drive unit (265a, 265b) and pumping device when the container (250a, 250b) is mounted on the mounting portion (<NUM>),
wherein the coupler comprises:
a driving gear (<NUM>) disposed at an upper portion of the drive unit (265a, 265b) to be coupled to a drive shaft (<NUM>) of the drive unit (265a, 265b); and
a driven gear (<NUM>) disposed at a lower portion of the pumping device to be coupled to the driving gear (<NUM>) in an engaged manner when the container (250a, 250b) is mounted on the mounting portion (<NUM>).