Washing machine with detergent supply unit

Abstract

A washing machine with a detergent supply unit that allows a user to selectively put a powdered or liquid detergent into the same detergent input space and is capable of controlling flow of the detergent in the detergent input space to uniformly mix the detergent in wash water. The detergent supply unit includes a detergent container, at least one detergent input space formed in the detergent container, and a control member disposed in the detergent input space for controlling flow of a detergent in the detergent input space. Alternatively, the control member is disposed in the detergent input space for increasing or decreasing time for which the detergent stays in the detergent input space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 2004-43784 filed on Jun. 14, 2004, No. 2004-44041 filed on Jun. 15, 2004, and No. 2004-91029 filed on Nov. 9, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a washing machine and, more particularly, to a washing machine with a detergent supply unit that is capable of supplying detergent into a washing tub together with wash water. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Generally, a washing machine is a machine that supplies wash water and a detergent into a washing tub, in which the laundry is put, and rotates the washing tub by means of a motor to wash the laundry in the washing tub. At one side of a machine body of the washing machine is disposed a detergent supply unit for supplying a detergent ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a washing machine with a detergent supply unit that allows a user to selectively put powdered or liquid detergent in the detergent input space and control the flow of detergent in the wash water to uniformly mix it in the wash. The detergent input space has at least one side with an open upper part and an open rear end, and a control member is disposed therein for controlling the flow of detergent. The control member can be moved vertically to increase or decrease the time for which the detergent stays in the detergent input space. The detergent input space has vertical movement guide grooves and the control member has vertical movement guide protrusions that fit into the guide grooves to guide its movement. The control member can be disposed at the front or rear end of the detergent input space. Separation-preventing members can be added to prevent the control member from being separated from the detergent input space. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a washing machine with a detergent supply unit that allows for the selective use of powdered or liquid detergent and the ability to control the flow of detergent in the wash water to achieve a uniform mixing with the detergent.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the liquid detergent is not uniformly mixed in wash water supplied into the washing tub, and therefore, it is difficult to selectively put the liquid or powdered detergent into the detergent input space.

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