CN110300824B - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a washing machine having a plurality of washing spaces. A washing machine includes: a first casing having a first laundry loading port formed at a front portion; a first tub disposed in the first housing; a second casing having a second laundry loading port formed at a top thereof, the second casing being disposed on the first casing; a second tub disposed in the second housing; and a water supply device connectable to an external water source to supply water to the first tub and the second tub, the water supply device being mountable to the second housing. The water supply device includes: a water supply connector having a plurality of chambers formed therein; a first water supply hose connecting the water supply connector with the first tub; and a second water supply hose connecting the water supply connector with the second tub.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a plurality of washing spaces.

Background

Generally, a washing machine is an apparatus for washing laundry by rotating a cylindrical drum in which the laundry is accommodated. The washing machines are classified into a washing machine in which a drum is disposed substantially horizontally and laundry is washed while being lifted along an inner wall and falling down during rotation of the drum about a horizontal axis, and a washing machine in which a drum provided with a pulsator is disposed substantially vertically and laundry is washed by using water current generated by the pulsator while the drum is rotated about a vertical axis.

A washing machine in which a drum is horizontally disposed is called a front loading type washing machine because a laundry loading port is formed at a front surface of the washing machine. A washing machine in which a drum is vertically disposed is called a top loading type washing machine because a laundry loading port is formed at an upper surface of the washing machine.

Meanwhile, since the conventional washing machine includes one washing space, the user needs to operate the washing machine at least twice to separately wash the laundry. As a result, even a relatively small amount of laundry requires a long time to wash, and thus waste of energy cannot be avoided.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine including a water supply device supplying water to a plurality of washing spaces.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine having a structure to supply at least one of hot water and cold water to each of a plurality of washing spaces.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine having a simple structure of a water supply passage to each of a plurality of washing spaces.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine having a structure to prevent backflow of water supplied to a water supply device.

Technical scheme

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include: a first housing having a first laundry loading port formed at a front portion; a first tub disposed in the first housing; a second casing having a second laundry loading port formed at a top thereof; a second housing disposed on the first housing; a second tub disposed in the second housing; and a water supply device connectable to an external water source to supply water to the first tub and the second tub, the water supply device being mountable to the second housing. The water supply device may include: a water supply connector having a plurality of chambers formed therein; a first water supply hose connecting the water supply connector with the first tub; and a second water supply hose connecting the water supply connector with the second tub.

The plurality of chambers may include a first chamber and a second chamber formed outside the first chamber along an outer periphery of the first chamber. The first and second chambers may be separated from each other by a partition wall.

The water supply connector may include a first hot water inflow nozzle configured to supply hot water to the first chamber and a first cold water inflow nozzle configured to supply cold water to the first chamber.

The first hot water inflow nozzle and the first cold water inflow nozzle may respectively protrude from the first wall of the water supply connector to be spaced apart from each other.

The water supply connector may further include a first discharge nozzle protruding from a second wall of the water supply connector facing the first wall to discharge water out of the first chamber.

The water supply connector may further include a connection flow path connecting the first chamber with the first discharge nozzle. The connection flow path may be formed across at least a portion of the second chamber, and the connection flow path is not in communication with the second chamber.

The water supply connector may include a second hot water inflow nozzle configured to supply hot water to the second chamber and a second cold water inflow nozzle configured to supply cold water to the second chamber.

The second hot water inflow nozzle and the second cold water inflow nozzle may respectively protrude from the first wall of the water supply connector to be spaced apart from each other.

The water supply connector may further include a second discharge nozzle protruding from a second wall of the water supply connector facing the first wall to discharge water out of the second chamber.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the washing machine may further include a water supply valve disposed between the external water source and the water supply connector to control the supply of water.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the washing machine may further include a detergent box installed at the second housing to hold detergent to be supplied to the first tub. The first water supply hose may include a first hose connecting the water supply connector with the detergent box and a second hose connecting the detergent box with the first tub.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include: a first housing; a first tub disposed in the first housing; a second housing disposed on the first housing; a second tub disposed in the second housing; and a water supply device connectable to an external water source to supply water to the first tub and the second tub, the water supply device being mountable at the second housing. The water supply device may include a water supply connector having a plurality of chambers spaced apart from each other.

The first housing may have a first laundry loading port formed at the front portion. The second housing may have a second laundry loading port formed at the top.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the washing machine may further include a first water supply channel connecting the external water source with the first tub and a second water supply channel connecting the external water source with the second tub. The plurality of chambers may include a first chamber disposed in the first water supply passage and a second chamber disposed in the second water supply passage.

The water supply connector may further include a first partition wall partitioning the first and second chambers from each other, the first partition wall having a first communication hole communicating with one of the first and second water supply channels.

The second chamber may be formed outside the first chamber along an outer periphery of the first chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the washing machine may further include a third water supply channel connecting an external water source with the spray nozzle installed at the first tub, and the third water supply channel is not in communication with the first and second water supply channels.

The plurality of chambers may further include a third chamber disposed in the third water supply passage.

The water supply connector may include a backflow prevention structure formed in the plurality of chambers to operate by pressure of water supplied to the plurality of chambers.

The water supply connector may further include a plurality of hot water inflow nozzles configured to supply hot water to the plurality of chambers and a plurality of cold water inflow nozzles configured to supply cold water to the plurality of chambers. The backflow preventing structure may prevent water from flowing back into another one of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles when water is supplied through one of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles.

Advantageous effects

The washing water may be supplied to at least one of the first tub and the second tub by using one water supply device.

Since one of the hot water and the cold water may be supplied to the plurality of chambers from each other, not only the hot water and the cold water but also the warm water may be supplied to the plurality of washing spaces from each other.

By using the water supply connector having the plurality of chambers, the water supply passage of the washing water supplied to each of the plurality of washing spaces may be simplified.

By forming the backflow preventing structure in the water supply connector, the washing water supplied through one of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may not flow backward through another nozzle among the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles.

Drawings

These and/or additional aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view of the washing machine with the first and second modules separated;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the washing machine;

fig. 4 is a view illustrating a washing machine in which a storage cover of a first detergent supply device is opened, according to an embodiment;

fig. 5 is a view illustrating a water supply device of the washing machine;

fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a water supply path in a washing machine according to an embodiment;

fig. 7 is a top view of a washing machine according to an embodiment, illustrating a connection relationship between a water supply device, a first detergent supply device, a spray nozzle, and a first tub.

Fig. 8A is a front view of the washing machine, illustrating a connection relationship between the first detergent supply device and the first tub;

fig. 8B is a front view of the washing machine, showing a connection relationship between the spray nozzle and the first tub;

fig. 9 is a top view illustrating a connection relationship between a water supply device, a second detergent supply device, and a second tub;

fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a water supply connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a third exemplary embodiment;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;

fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 isbase:Sub>A sectional view of the water supply connector of FIG. 14 taken along the line A-A';

fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment; and

fig. 18 is a view illustrating an operation state of a backflow preventing structure installed in a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings are illustrative only and are not intended to represent all aspects of the present invention, so that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements or components having substantially the same functions.

The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The use of the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" includes plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, it will be understood that terms such as "including" or "having," etc., are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more additional features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may be present or may be added.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component could be termed a first component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a view of the washing machine in which the first module and the second module are separated. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the washing machine.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the washing machine 1 may include: a front loading type first washing device having a first laundry loading port 41 formed at a front portion; and a top loading type second washing device having a second laundry loading hole 234 formed at the top.

The washing machine 1 may include a first drum 110 having a first washing space 115 therein.

The washing machine 1 may further include a first tub 120, the first tub 120 accommodating the first drum 110 and holding wash water or rinse water used in a wash cycle or a rinse cycle.

The first drum 110 and the first tub 120 may have a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one surface facing forward is open.

The washing machine 1 may further include a first housing 130 in which the first drum 110 and the first tub 120 are disposed. Specifically, the first housing 130 may include side frames 131 defining side and rear appearances, and a bottom frame 132 defining a bottom surface.

The washing machine 1 may further include a spring 151 and a damper 150 to support the first tub 120 with respect to the first housing 130. The damper 150 may support the first tub 120 under the first tub 120 by connecting the outer surface of the first tub 120 with the bottom frame 132. The spring 151 may support the first tub 120 at the upper portion of the first tub 120 by connecting the outer surface of the first tub 120 with the spring coupling unit 133 provided at the upper portion of the side frame 131. The spring 151 and the damper 150 may alleviate vibration, noise and impact caused by the movement of the first tub 120.

The installation positions of the spring 151 and the damper 150 are not limited to the upper ends of the side frame 131 and the bottom frame 132. If necessary, the first tub 120 may be supported by coupling one surface of the first tub 120 with one portion of the first housing 130.

The washing machine 1 may further include a first driving motor 140 disposed behind the first tub 120 and configured to rotate the first drum 110. A first driving shaft 141 may be connected to a rear surface of the first drum 110 to transmit power of the first driving motor 140 to the first drum 110.

A plurality of first through holes 111 may be formed through the circumferential wall of the first drum 110 to allow washing water to flow therethrough. A plurality of lifters 113 may be installed on an inner surface of a circumferential wall of the first drum 110 to tumble laundry during rotation of the first drum 110. The first balancer 112 may be provided in front of the first drum 110 to stabilize the rotation of the first drum 110 during high-speed rotation.

The first driving shaft 141 may be disposed between the first drum 110 and the first driving motor 140. One end of the first driving shaft 141 may be connected to the rear plate of the first drum 110, and the other end of the first driving shaft 141 may extend outward from the rear wall of the first tub 120. When the first driving motor 140 drives the first driving shaft 141, the first drum 110 connected to the first driving shaft 141 may rotate about the first driving shaft 141.

A bearing housing 142 may be provided at a rear wall of the first tub 120 to allow the first driving shaft 141 to rotate. The bearing housing 142 may be formed of an aluminum alloy and inserted into the rear wall of the first tub 120 during injection molding of the first tub 120. A bearing 143 may be provided between the bearing housing 142 and the first driving shaft 141 to smoothly rotate the first driving shaft 141.

The washing machine 1 may have a function of washing laundry with hot water. In order to obtain hot water, a heater 180 heating wash water or rinse water contained in the first tub 120 may be provided at the bottom of the first tub 120.

The washing machine 1 may include: a first drain pump 170 disposed under the first tub 120 and configured to drain water contained in the first tub 120 out of the washing machine 1; a first connection hose 171 connecting the first drain hole 173 and the first drain pump 170 to allow the water contained in the first tub 120 to flow into the first drain pump 170; a circulation hose 174 connecting the first drain pump 170 and the first tub 120 to circulate the water introduced into the first drain pump 170 to the first tub 120; and a first drain hose 172 configured to guide the water pumped by the first drain pump 170 out of the washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 may further include a front cover 40 having a first laundry loading hole 41, and laundry is loaded into the first washing space 115 through the first laundry loading hole 41. A first door 160 configured to open and close the first laundry loading port 41 may be coupled to the front cover 40.

The first door 160 may be formed to correspond to the first laundry loading port 41 and to be pivotally rotatable about the front cover 40. The first door 160 may include a first door frame 161, a first door cover 162, and a door glass 163.

Although the first door frame 161 is formed in a substantially annular shape according to the present embodiment, the shape of the first door frame 161 may be substantially rectangular. First door cover 162 and door glass 163 may be formed of transparent materials so that the inside of first drum 110 can be seen from the outside of washing machine 1 even when first door 160 closes first laundry loading port 41. The door glass 163 may be disposed to protrude from the first door frame 161 toward the inside of the first drum 110. According to this configuration, when the first door 160 is closed, the door glass 163 may be inserted into the first laundry loading port 41.

A first hinge may be provided around the first laundry loading port 41 to allow the first door 160 to pivotally rotate about the front cover 40, and the first hinge is coupled to a first hinge coupling portion formed at one side of the first door frame 161. The first hook 166 may be provided at the other side of the first door frame 161, and the front cover 40 may have a first hook receiving part 42 corresponding to the first hook 166. The first laundry loading port 41 may be maintained in a state of being closed by the first door 160 by the coupling of the first hook 166 with the first hook receiving part 42.

The first door 160 may further include an auxiliary laundry loading port 167 and an auxiliary door 164, the auxiliary door 164 being configured to open and close the auxiliary laundry loading port 167 such that laundry is loaded into the first washing space 115 even when the first door 160 is closed. The auxiliary door 164 may be pivotally rotatably mounted to the first door cover 162.

In order to load laundry into the washing machine 1 through the auxiliary laundry loading port 167 of the first door 160, the laundry should pass through the door glass 163. For this, the door glass 163 may have a glass through-hole 168. Alternatively, the upper portion of the door glass 163 may be recessed such that the door glass 163 is not disposed behind the auxiliary laundry loading port 167.

The first door 160 may have a connection guide 165 to connect the auxiliary laundry loading hole 167 of the first door 160 and the glass through hole 168 of the door glass 163. The connection guide 165 may be formed in a hollow pipe shape having two open ends.

Specifically, one end of the connection guide 165 may be connected to the auxiliary laundry loading port 167, and the other end may be connected to the glass through-hole 168. According to the present embodiment, the connection guide 165 may be inclined downward from front to rear. That is, one end of the connection guide 165 connected to the auxiliary laundry loading port 167 may be positioned higher than the other end thereof. According to this configuration, the user can easily load laundry into the first drum 110 through the auxiliary laundry loading port 167.

Although the first door 160 includes the auxiliary door 164 according to the present embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first door 160 may be configured without the auxiliary laundry loading port, the auxiliary door, and the connection guide.

The washing machine 1 may include a diaphragm 121 disposed between the first laundry loading port 41 of the front cover 40 and the first opening 123 of the first tub 120. The diaphragm 121 may form a passage from the first laundry loading port 41 to the opening 114 of the first drum 110 and reduce vibration transmitted to the front cover 40 during rotation of the first drum 110. Also, a portion of the diaphragm 121 may be disposed between the first door 160 and the front cover 40 to prevent the washing water contained in the first tub 120 from leaking out of the washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second drum 210 having a second washing space 215.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second tub 220 accommodating the second drum 210 and holding wash water or rinse water used in a wash cycle or a rinse cycle.

The second drum 210 and the second tub 220 may have a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one surface facing upward is open.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second housing 230 in which the second drum 210 and the second tub 220 are disposed. In particular, the second housing 230 may include a lower frame 231 configured to support the second tub 220 and an upper frame 232 having a second laundry loading port 234 through which laundry is loaded into the second washing space 215 and seated on the lower frame 231. The second case 230 may further include side covers 233 defining left and right side appearances of the second case 230.

The washing machine 1 may include a second door 260 provided at the second casing 230 and configured to open and close the second laundry loading port 234. The second door 260 may be formed to correspond to the second laundry loading opening 234 and to be pivotably rotated with respect to the upper frame 232. The second door 260 may include a second door frame 261 and a second door cover 262. The second door cover 262 may be formed of a transparent material so that the inside of the second tub 220 and the second drum 210 can be seen from the outside of the washing machine 1 even when the second door 260 closes the second laundry loading opening 234.

A second hinge may be provided at left and right sides of the second door frame 261 to allow the second door 260 to pivotally rotate about the upper frame 232, the second hinge being coupled to a second hinge coupling portion formed around the second laundry loading port 234. Since the latch receiving part 263 may be provided at the front of the second door frame 261 and the latch unit may be provided at the upper frame 232 to correspond to the latch receiving part 263 of the second door frame 261, the second laundry loading port 234 is not opened unexpectedly during the washing cycle.

The second drum 210 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having an open top surface and may rotate within the second tub 220. A plurality of through holes 211 may be formed through a side surface and/or a bottom surface of the second drum 210 to allow the washing water to flow therethrough. The second balancer 212 may be installed at an upper portion of the second drum 210 to stably rotate the second drum 210 during high-speed rotation. The filter 300 may be attached to an inner side surface of the second drum 210, thereby removing foreign substances during washing.

A bent portion 213 generating water current may be formed on the bottom surface of the second drum 210. Although not shown in the drawings, the washing machine 1 may further include a pulsator provided in the second drum 210 to generate water current.

The second tub 220 may have a cylindrical shape and be supported by the lower frame 231 using a suspension 250. Specifically, the second tub 220 may be supported in a form of being suspended at the lower frame 231 by four suspensions 250. The second drum 220 may have a third laundry loading hole 214 at a top surface thereof to correspond to the second laundry loading hole 234, and a third door 280 may be coupled thereto to open and close the third laundry loading hole 214.

The third door 280 may include a third door frame 281 and a third door cover 282. The third door cover 282 may be formed of a transparent material such that the inside of the second drum 210 can be seen from the outside of the second tub 220 even when the third door 280 closes the third laundry loading opening 214.

A third hinge may be provided around the third laundry loading port 214 such that the third door 280 pivotally rotates about the second tub 220, and is coupled to a third hinge coupling portion formed at one side of the third door frame 281. A handle 283 to open and close the third door 280 may be provided at the other side of the third door frame 281, and a second hook 284 may be provided at the handle 283. The second hook receiving part may be provided at the second tub 220 to correspond to the second hook 284 so that the third door 280 may be maintained in a state of closing the third laundry loading hole 214. When the handle 283 is pulled, the second hook 284 is disengaged from the second hook receiving part to open the third door 280.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second driving motor 240 disposed below an outer surface of the second tub 220 and configured to rotate the second drum 210. The second driving shaft 241 may be connected to the bottom plate of the second drum 210 to transmit the power of the second driving motor 240 to the second drum 210. One end of the second driving shaft 241 may be connected to the bottom plate of the second drum 210, and the other end of the second driving shaft 241 may extend outward from the bottom wall of the second tub 220. When the second driving motor 240 drives the second driving shaft 241, the second drum 210 connected to the second driving shaft 241 may rotate about the second driving shaft 241.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the pulsator is disposed on the bottom surface of the second drum 210, the washing machine 1 may further include a power switching device to transmit power generated by the second driving motor 240 to the second drum 210 and the pulsator, simultaneously or selectively.

The washing machine 1 may include: a second drain pump 270 disposed under the second tub 220 and configured to drain water contained in the second tub 220 out of the washing machine 1; and a second drain hose 272 configured to guide the water pumped by the second drain pump 270 out of the washing machine 1. Specifically, the second drain pump 270 may be mounted to an upper portion of the first case 130.

A second drain hole 273, which drains the water from the second tub 220, may be provided at the bottom surface of the second tub 220, and the second drain hole 273 may be connected to the second drain pump 270 via a second connection hose 271 to allow the water contained in the second tub 220 to flow into the second drain pump 270.

The washing machine 1 may further include a water supply device 400 to supply wash water to the first tub 120 and the second tub 220. The water supply device 400 may be provided at the second housing 230. The water supply device 400 will be described in more detail below.

The washing machine 1 may further include a first detergent supply device 500 to supply detergent to the first tub 120. The first detergent supply device 500 may be provided at the second housing 230. In particular, the first detergent supply device 500 may be disposed at the upper frame 232, preferably, in front of the second laundry loading hole 234.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second detergent supply device 600 to hold fabric softener and/or bleach supplied into the second washing space 215. The second detergent supply device 600 may be provided to allow a user to access it by opening the second door 260. The second detergent supply device 600 may be provided at the upper frame 232. The second detergent supply device 600 may be respectively disposed at left and right end portions in front of the third laundry loading port 214. That is, the second detergent supply device 600 may include a first detergent box 610 disposed at a left end portion in front of the third laundry loading port 214 and a second detergent box 620 disposed at a right end portion in front of the third laundry loading port 214. Preferably, the bleaching agent may be stored in the first detergent box 610, and the fabric softener may be stored in the second detergent box 620. The laundry detergent may be directly introduced into the second washing space 215 through the third laundry loading hole 214 by the user.

The washing machine 1 may further include a fixing bracket 30 to fixedly couple the first housing 130 with the second housing 230.

The washing machine 1 may further include a control panel 50 provided on the front cover 40 to operate the washing machine 1. The control panel 50 may include an input unit that receives a command to operate the washing machine 1 from a user and a display unit that displays operation information of the washing machine 1.

Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a washing machine in which a storage cover of a first detergent supply device is opened, according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a view illustrating a water supply device of the washing machine. Hereinafter, a case where the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment is applied will be described as an example. Hereinafter, a description will be given later of reference numerals not described here with reference to fig. 9.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the first detergent supply device 500 may include a plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 storing detergent to be supplied into the first washing space 115 and provided at the second housing 230. In this regard, the detergent may include laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and bleaches.

The plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 may include a first detergent box 510 disposed at one lateral end of the second housing 230. The plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 may further include a second detergent box 520 disposed at the other side end of the second housing 230. Specifically, the first detergent box 510 may be disposed at a left end in front of the second laundry loading hole 234, and the second detergent box 520 may be disposed at a right end in front of the second laundry loading hole 234. Preferably, the first detergent box 510 may store laundry detergent, and the second detergent box 520 may store bleach.

The plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 may further include a third detergent box 530 disposed between the first detergent box 510 and the second detergent box 520. Specifically, the third detergent box 530 may be disposed adjacent to the second detergent box 250 between the first detergent box 510 and the second detergent box 520 in a lateral direction of the second housing 230. The third detergent box 530 may store detergent different from the detergent stored in the first and second detergent boxes 510 and 520. Preferably, the second detergent box 520 may store fabric softener.

The water supply device 400 may be connected to an external water source 700 (fig. 6) to supply wash water to the first tub 120 and the second tub 220. The external water source 700 may include a hot water source 710 (fig. 6) supplying hot water and a cold water source 720 (fig. 6) supplying cold water. The water supply device 400 may be installed at the second housing 230. In particular, the water supply device 400 may be disposed at the upper frame 232, preferably, behind the second laundry loading hole 234.

The water supply device 400 may include a water supply connector 800. The water supply connector 800 may include a connector housing 810 and a connector cover 820 defining an appearance of the water supply connector 800 together with the connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800 may further include a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 formed therein. Specifically, a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may be formed in the connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800 may further include a partition wall separating the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from each other. The partition wall 860 may extend from the connector housing 810 to have a predetermined height. The water supply connector 800 may further include a rigid reinforcing rib 880 formed at the connector housing 810 to enhance rigidity. The water supply connector 800 may be implemented in various forms, and a detailed description of the various forms of the water supply connector 800 will be given later.

The water supply device 400 may further include a water supply valve 900. The water supply valve 900 may be disposed between the external water source 700 and the water supply connector 800 to control the supply of the washing water.

The water supply valve 900 may include a first valve unit 910 disposed between the hot water source 710 and the water supply connector 800. The first valve unit 910 may be connected to the water supply connector 800 and the hot water source 710. Specifically, the first valve unit 910 may include a water source coupler 911 connected to the hot water source 710 and a connector coupler connected to the water supply connector 800. More specifically, the first valve unit 910 may include one water source coupler 911 connected to the hot water source 710 and a plurality of connector couplers connected to the plurality of chambers 830 and 840, respectively. The water supply coupler 911 may be disposed to face in the opposite direction to the plurality of connector couplers. The first valve unit 910 may further include a plurality of valve channels connecting the water source coupler 911 with each of the plurality of connector couplers. The first valve unit 910 may further include a plurality of valves respectively disposed adjacent to the plurality of connector couplings to control the supply of the hot water. The number of valves may be the same as the number of connector couplers.

The water supply valve 900 may further include a second valve unit 920 disposed between the cold water source 720 and the water supply connector 800. The second valve unit 920 may be connected to the cold water source 720. Specifically, the second valve unit 920 may further include a water source coupler 921 connected to the cold water source 720. More specifically, the second valve unit 920 may include a water source coupler 921 connected to the cold water source 720. A portion of the second valve unit 920 may be connected to the water supply connector 800. More specifically, a portion of the second valve unit 920 adjacent to the water supply connector 800 may be connected to the water supply connector 800. The second valve unit 920 may further include a connector coupler connected to the water supply connector 800. Specifically, the second valve unit 920 may include a plurality of connector couplers connected to the plurality of chambers 830 and 840, respectively. Another portion of the second valve unit 920 may be connected to an element requiring the supply of cold water. Elements that need to be supplied with cold water will be described later. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of couplings connected to elements requiring the supply of cold water. The plurality of connector couplers and the plurality of couplers may be disposed to face in the same direction. The water supply coupling 921 may be disposed to face the plurality of connector couplings and an opposite direction of the plurality of connectors. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valve passages connecting the water source coupling 921 with the plurality of connector couplings and connecting the water source coupling 921 with the plurality of couplings to allow cold water to flow therethrough. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valves respectively disposed adjacent to the plurality of connector couplers and the plurality of couplers to control the supply of cold water. The number of valves may be the same as the sum of the number of connector couplings and the number of couplings.

The washing machine 1 may further include a storage cover 1300 provided to cover the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530, and a rotation shaft member (not shown) rotatably supporting the storage cover 1300. The storage cover 1300 may be pivotably and rotatably coupled to the upper frame 232. The storage cover 1300 may be provided at a portion where the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 are located in front of the second laundry loading opening 234.

The storage cover 1300 may include a buffer member 1360 disposed under a front end portion of the storage cover 1300. Cushioning members 1360 may be formed from a resilient material. A buffer member 1360 may be provided on the bottom surface of the storage cover 1300 at a side opposite to the rotation shaft member. The buffer member 1360 may alleviate an impact that may be caused by a collision between the front end portion of the storage cover 1300 and the upper frame 232 when the storage cover 1300 closes the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a water supply path in a washing machine according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, a case of applying the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be exemplarily described.

As shown in fig. 6, the external water source 700 may include a hot water source 710 supplying hot water and a cold water source 720 supplying cold water.

The water supply device 400 may include a water supply connector 800 including a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 spaced apart from each other and a water supply valve 900 provided to control the supply of the washing water. The water supply valve 900 may be disposed between the external water source 700 and the water supply connector 800. In addition, the water supply valve 900 may be connected to the external water source 700 and the water supply connector 800.

The plurality of chambers 830 and 840 of the water supply connector 800 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840 formed outside the first chamber 830. However, the relationship between the positions of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 is not limited thereto and may be modified in various ways.

The water supply valve 900 may include a first valve unit 910 connected to the hot water source 710 and the water supply connector 800 and a second valve unit 920 connected to the cold water source 720 and the water supply connector 800.

The first valve unit 910 may include a water source coupling connected to the hot water source 710. The first valve unit 910 may further include a plurality of connector couplers connected to the water supply connector 800. The plurality of connector couplers may include a first hot water connector coupler 912 connected to the first chamber 830 and a second hot water connector coupler 913 connected to the second chamber 840. The first valve unit 910 may further include a plurality of valve passages connecting the water source coupler 911 with each connector coupler to allow hot water to flow therethrough. The plurality of valve passages may include a first valve passage 914 connecting the water source coupler 911 with the first hot water connector coupler 912 to allow hot water to flow therethrough and a second valve passage 915 connecting the water source coupler 911 with the second hot water connector coupler 913 to allow hot water to flow therethrough. The first valve unit 910 may further include a plurality of valves provided at each valve passage to control the supply of the hot water. The plurality of valves may also include a first valve disposed at the first valve passage 914 and a second valve 917 disposed at the second valve passage 915.

The second valve unit 920 may include a water source coupler 921 connected to the cold water source 720. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of connector couplers connected to the water supply connector 800. The plurality of connector couplers may include a first cold water connector coupler 922 connected to the first chamber 830 and a second cold water connector coupler 923 connected to the second chamber 840. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valve passages connecting the water source coupling 921 with each of the plurality of connector couplings to allow cold water to flow therethrough. The plurality of valve passages may include a first valve passage 928 connecting the water source coupler 921 with the first cold water connector coupler 922 and a second valve passage 929 connecting the water source coupler 921 with the second cold water connector coupler 923 to allow cold water to flow therethrough. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valves provided at each of the plurality of valve passages to control the supply of the cold water. The plurality of valves may also include a first valve 931 disposed at the first valve passage 928 and a second valve 932 disposed at the second valve passage 929.

The washing machine 1 may further include a first water supply passage 950 connecting the external water source 700 with the first tub 120. The external water source 700, the water supply device 400, and the first tub 120 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950. Specifically, the external water source 700, the first valve passage 914 of the first valve unit 910, the first valve passage 928 of the second valve unit 920, the first chamber 830 of the water supply connector 800, and the first tub 120 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950. The first detergent box 510 may be further disposed in the first water supply channel 950.

Hereinafter, the flow of the washing water flowing through the first water supply channel 950 will be described.

Hot water supplied from the hot water source 710 flows into the first valve passage 914 through the water source coupler 911 of the first valve unit 910, and when the first valve 916 is opened, the hot water contained in the first valve passage 914 is supplied to the first chamber 830 of the water supply connector 800. Cold water supplied from the cold water source 720 flows into the first valve passage 928 through the water source coupling 921 of the second valve unit 920, and when the first valve 931 is opened, the cold water contained in the first valve passage 928 is supplied to the first chamber 830 of the water supply connector 800. In this case, the hot water and the cold water may be mixed in the first chamber 830. The washing water mixed in the first chamber 830 passes through the first detergent box 510 and is supplied to the first tub 120 together with the laundry detergent stored in the first detergent box 510. However, when one of the first valve 916 of the first valve unit 910 and the first valve 931 of the second valve unit 920 is in a closed state, only one of hot water and cold water may be supplied to the first tub 120.

The washing machine 1 may further include a second water supply passage 960 connecting the external water source 700 with the second tub 220. The external water source 700, the water supply device 400, and the second tub 220 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960. Specifically, the external water source 700, the second valve passage 915 of the first valve unit 910, the second valve passage 929 of the second valve unit 920, the second chamber 840 of the water supply connector 800, and the second tub 220 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960.

Hereinafter, the flow of the washing water flowing through the second water supply passage 960 will be described.

Hot water supplied from the hot water source 710 flows into the second valve passage 915 through the water source coupling 911 of the first valve unit 910, and when the second valve 917 is opened, the hot water contained in the second valve passage 915 is supplied to the second chamber 840 of the water supply connector 800. Cold water supplied from the cold water source 720 flows into the second valve channel 929 through the water source coupler 921 of the second valve unit 920, and when the second cold water connector coupler 923 is opened, cold water contained in the second valve channel 929 is supplied to the second chamber 840 of the water supply connector 800. In this case, the hot water and the cold water may be mixed in the second chamber 840. The washing water mixed in the second chamber 840 is supplied to the second tub 220. However, when one of the second valve 917 of the first valve unit 910 and the second valve 932 of the second valve unit 920 is in a closed state, only one of hot water and cold water may be supplied to the second tub 220.

The first water supply passage 950 and the second water supply passage 960 may cross each other at the water supply connector 800.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a washing machine according to an embodiment, illustrating a connection relationship between a water supply device, a first detergent supply device, a spray nozzle, and a first tub. Fig. 8A is a front view of the washing machine, illustrating a connection relationship between the first detergent supply device and the first tub. Fig. 8B is a front view of the washing machine, illustrating a connection relationship between the spray nozzle and the first tub. Fig. 9 is a top view illustrating a connection relationship between the water supply device, the second detergent supply device, and the second tub. Hereinafter, a case of applying the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described as an example. Hereinafter, the description of the first valve unit 910 given above with reference to fig. 4 to 6 will not be repeated. Here, the first inlet tube 561 and the outlet tube 563 illustrated in fig. 8A may constitute a portion of the second hose 412 of the first water supply hose 410.

As shown in fig. 7 to 9, the water supply device 400 may further include a first water supply hose 410 connecting the water supply connector 800 with the first tub 120. The first water supply hose 410 may include a first hose 411 connecting the water supply connector 800 with the first detergent box 510. The first water supply hose 410 may further include a second hose 412 connecting the first detergent box 510 with the first tub 120. Specifically, the first water supply hose 410 may connect the first tub 120 and the first discharge nozzle 897 communicating with the first chamber 830 of the water supply connector 800. That is, the first water supply hose 410 may include a first hose 411 connecting the first discharge nozzle 897 with the first detergent box 510 and a second hose 412 connecting the first detergent box 510 with the first tub 120.

The water supply device 400 may further include a second water supply hose 420 connecting the water supply connector 800 with the second tub 220. Specifically, the second water supply hose 420 may connect the second tub 220 and the second discharge nozzle 898 communicating with the second chamber 840 of the water supply connector 800.

A portion of the second valve unit 920 may be connected to the water supply connector 800. Another portion of the second valve unit 920 may be connected to an element requiring the supply of cold water. The elements requiring the supply of cold water may include the second detergent box 520 of the first detergent supply device 500, the third detergent box 530 of the first detergent supply device 500, the second detergent box 620 of the second detergent supply device 600, and the spray nozzle 1000. Specifically, the second valve unit 920 may include a water source coupler 921 connected to the cold water source 720. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of connector couplers connected to the water supply connector 800. The plurality of connector couplers may include a first cold water connector coupler 922 connected to the first chamber 830 and a second cold water connector coupler 923 connected to the second chamber 840. The second valve unit 920 may further include a third coupler 924 connected to the second detergent box 620 of the second detergent supply device 600. The second valve unit 920 may further include a fourth coupler 925 connected to the third detergent box 530 of the first detergent supply device 500. The second valve unit 920 may further include a fifth coupler 926 connected to the second detergent box 520 of the first detergent supply device 500. The second valve unit 920 may further include a sixth coupler 927 connected to the spray nozzle 1000. The spray nozzle 1000 may be installed at the first tub 120 to spray the washing water to the first door 160. Alternatively, the spray nozzle 1000 may be installed at the first tub 120 to supply additional washing water toward the first washing space 115. Alternatively, the spray nozzle 1000 may be installed at the first tub 120 to spray the washing water toward the diaphragm 121. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valve passages connecting the water source coupler 921 with the plurality of connector couplers and connecting the water source coupler 921 with the plurality of couplers to allow cold water to flow therethrough. The plurality of valve passages may include a first valve passage 928 connecting the water source coupler 921 with the first cold water connector coupler 922 to allow cold water to flow therethrough and a second valve passage 929 connecting the water source coupler 921 with the second cold water connector coupler 923 to allow cold water to flow therethrough. In addition, the plurality of valve passages may further include a third valve passage (not shown) connecting the water source coupler 921 with the third coupler 924, a fourth valve passage (not shown) connecting the water source coupler 921 with the fourth coupler 925, a fifth valve passage (not shown) connecting the water source coupler 921 with the fifth coupler 926, and a sixth valve passage (not shown) connecting the water source coupler 921 with the sixth coupler 927 to allow cold water to flow therethrough. The second valve unit 920 may further include a plurality of valves provided at each of the plurality of valve passages to control the supply of the cold water. The plurality of valves may include a first valve 931 disposed at the first valve passage 928 and a second valve 932 disposed at the second valve passage 929. The plurality of valves may further include a third valve 933 disposed at the third valve passage, a fourth valve 934 disposed at the fourth valve passage, a fifth valve 935 disposed at the fifth valve passage, and a sixth valve 936 disposed at the sixth valve passage.

The water supply device 400 may further include a third water supply hose 430 connecting the third coupler 924 with the second detergent box 620 of the second detergent supply device 600.

The water supply device 400 may further include a fourth water supply hose 440 connecting the fourth coupler 925 with the third detergent box 530 of the first detergent supply device 500.

The water supply device 400 may further include a fifth water supply hose 450 connecting the fifth coupler 926 with the second detergent box 520 of the first detergent supply device 500.

The water supply device 400 may further include a sixth water supply hose 460 connecting the sixth coupling 927 with the spray nozzle 1000.

The first detergent box 510 may be covered by the first detergent box cover 540 in communication with the first detergent box cover 540. The first detergent box cover 540 may include a first connection pipe 541 connected with a first inlet pipe 561 of a detergent supply hose 560, which will be described later.

In addition, the second detergent box 520 may be covered by the second detergent box cover 550 in communication with the second detergent box cover 550. The second detergent box cover 550 may include a second connection pipe 551 connected to the second inlet pipe 562 of the detergent supply hose 560.

Also, the first tub 120 may include a third connection pipe 570 connected to the outlet pipe 563 of the detergent supply hose 560. The third connection pipe 570 may guide the washing water and/or the detergent introduced through the outlet pipe 563 to the first tub 120.

The first detergent supply device 500 may include a detergent supply hose 560 connecting the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 with the first tub 120 to guide the detergent stored in the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 to the first tub 120. The detergent supply hose 560 may guide the detergent stored in the first and second detergent boxes 510 and 520 to the first tub 120. To this end, the detergent supply hose 560 may include a first inlet pipe 561 connected to the first detergent box 510, a second inlet pipe 562 connected to the second detergent box 520, and an outlet pipe 563 connected to the first tub 120. That is, the detergent supply hose 560 may be connected to the first tub 120 through an outlet pipe 563, and the first and second inlet pipes 561 and 562 are joined at the outlet pipe 563.

If the plurality of detergent boxes 510, 520, and 530 include a third detergent box 530, the third detergent box 530 may be connected to a second inlet pipe 562 connected to the second detergent box 520. Accordingly, the third detergent box 530 may be guided to the first tub 120 through the second inlet pipe 562 and the outlet pipe 563. Specifically, the first inlet pipe 561 may be connected to the first detergent box cover 540 in communication with the first detergent box 510, and the second inlet pipe 562 may be connected to the second detergent box cover 550 in communication with the second detergent box 520 and/or the third detergent box 530. The outlet pipe 563 may be connected to a third connection pipe 570 communicating with the first tub 120.

The detergent supply hose 560 may be configured such that the first inlet pipe 561, the second inlet pipe 562, and the outlet pipe 563 are engaged at a position higher than the first tub 120. That is, the detergent supply hose 560 may be provided such that the first inlet pipe 561 and the second inlet pipe 562 are joined at a position higher than the first tub 120.

The second detergent supply device 600 may include a detergent supply hose 580 connecting the plurality of detergent boxes 610 and 620 with the second tub 220 to guide the fabric softener and/or the bleach stored in the plurality of detergent boxes 610 and 620 to the second tub 220. The detergent supply hose 580 may guide the bleaching agent stored in the first detergent box 610 and the fabric softener stored in the second detergent box 620 to the second tub 220. To this end, the detergent supply hose 580 may include a fourth inlet pipe 581 connecting the first detergent box 610 with the second tub 220 and a fifth inlet pipe 582 connecting the second detergent box 620 with the second tub 220. When the bleach is stored in the first detergent box 610 of the second detergent supply device 600, the washing water is not supplied to the first detergent box 610. The bleaching agent stored in the first detergent box 610 is supplied to the second tub 220 through the fourth inlet pipe 581.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a water supply connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the description given above with reference to fig. 5 will not be repeated. In fig. 10, the connector cover 820 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 10, the water supply connector 800 may include a connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800 may further include a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 therein. Specifically, a plurality of cavities 830 and 840 may be formed in the connector housing 810. The plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840 formed outside the first chamber 830 along an outer circumference of the first chamber 830. The first chamber 830 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950, and the second chamber 840 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960. The water supply connector 800 may further include a partition wall 860 separating the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from each other. That is, the water supply connector 800 may further include a partition wall 860 partitioning the first and second chambers 830 and 840 from each other. The partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with one of the first and second water supply passages 950 and 960. In fig. 10, the partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with the first water supply passage 950. The water supply connector 800 may further include a plurality of hot water inflow nozzles to supply hot water to each of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of hot water inflow nozzles may include a first hot water inflow nozzle 891 supplying hot water to the first chamber 830 and a second hot water inflow nozzle 892 supplying hot water to the second chamber 840. The water supply connector 800 may further include a plurality of cold water inflow nozzles to supply cold water to the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may include a first cold water inflow nozzle 894 supplying cold water to the first chamber 830 and a second cold water inflow nozzle 895 supplying cold water to the second chamber 840. The first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. The second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 may be smaller than the distance between the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895. The water supply connector 800 may further include a plurality of discharge nozzles to discharge the washing water out of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840, respectively. The plurality of discharge nozzles may include a first discharge nozzle 897 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the first chamber 830. The plurality of discharge nozzles may further include a second discharge nozzle 898 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the second chamber 840. The water supply connector 800 may further include a connection flow path 899a connecting the first chamber 830 and the first discharge nozzle 897. The connection flow path 899a may be formed across the second chamber 840 so as not to communicate with the second chamber 840. The connection flow path 899a may not be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the second chamber 840. That is, the connection flow path 899a may be integrated with the bottom surface of the second chamber 840. Alternatively, the connection flow path 899a may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the second chamber 840 at a predetermined interval.

The hot water introduced through the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the cold water introduced through the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 are mixed in the first chamber 830, pass through the first communication hole 861, and are sequentially discharged from the water supply connector 800 through the connection flow path 899a and the first discharge nozzle 897. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800 flows into the first tub 120 via the first detergent box 510.

The hot water introduced through the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the cold water introduced through the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 are mixed in the second chamber 840 and discharged from the water supply connector 800 through the second discharge nozzle 898. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800 flows into the second tub 220.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a second exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, the description given above with reference to fig. 5 will not be repeated. In fig. 11, the connector cover 820 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 11, the water supply connector 800a may include a connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800a may further include a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 therein. Specifically, a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may be formed in the connector housing 810. The plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840 formed outside the first chamber 830 along an outer circumference of the first chamber 830. The first chamber 830 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960, and the second chamber 840 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950. The water supply connector 800a may further include a partition wall 860 partitioning the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from each other. That is, the water supply connector 800a may further include a partition wall 860 separating the first and second chambers 830 and 840 from each other. The partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with one of the first and second water supply passages 950 and 960. In fig. 11, the partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with the second water supply passage 960. The description of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles, the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles, the plurality of discharge nozzles, and the connection flow path 899a given above with reference to fig. 10 will not be repeated here.

The hot water introduced through the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the cold water introduced through the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 are mixed in the first chamber 830, pass through the first communication hole 861, and are sequentially discharged from the water supply connector 800a through the connection flow path 899a and the second discharge nozzle 898. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800a flows into the second tub 220.

The hot water introduced through the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the cold water introduced through the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 are mixed in the second chamber 840 and discharged from the water supply connector 800a through the first discharge nozzle 897. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800a flows into the first tub 120 via the first detergent box 510.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a third exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, the description given above with reference to fig. 5 will not be repeated. In fig. 12, the connector cover 820 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 12, the water supply connector 800b may include a connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800b may further include a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 therein. Specifically, a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may be formed in the connector housing 810. The plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840. The first chamber 830 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950, and the second chamber 840 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960. The water supply connector 800b may further include a partition wall 860 partitioning the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from each other. That is, the water supply connector 800b may further include a partition wall 860 separating the first and second chambers 830 and 840 from each other. The water supply connector 800b may further include a plurality of hot water inflow nozzles that supply hot water to each of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of hot water inflow nozzles may include a first hot water inflow nozzle 891 supplying hot water to the first chamber 830 and a second hot water inflow nozzle 892 supplying hot water to the second chamber 840. The water supply connector 800b may further include a plurality of cold water inflow nozzles that supply cold water to each of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may include a first cold water inflow nozzle 894 supplying cold water to the first chamber 830 and a second cold water inflow nozzle 895 supplying cold water to the second chamber 840. The first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. The second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 may protrude from the first wall 811 to be spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 may be greater than the distance between the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894. However, the distance between the first and second hot water inflow nozzles 891 and 892 may be designed to be smaller than the distance between the first and second cold water inflow nozzles 894 and 895. The water supply connector 800b may further include a plurality of discharge nozzles to discharge the washing water out of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840, respectively. The plurality of discharge nozzles may include a first discharge nozzle 897 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the first chamber 830. The plurality of discharge nozzles may further include a second discharge nozzle 898 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the second chamber 840.

The hot water introduced through the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the cold water introduced through the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 are mixed in the first chamber 830 and discharged from the water supply connector 800 through the first discharge nozzle 897. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800b flows into the first tub 120 via the first detergent box 510.

The hot water introduced through the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the cold water introduced through the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 are mixed in the second chamber 840 and discharged from the water supply connector 800b through the second discharge nozzle 898. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800b flows into the second tub 220.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, the description given above with reference to fig. 5 will not be repeated. In fig. 13, the connector cover 820 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 13, the water supply connector 800c may include a connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800c may further include a plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850 therein. Specifically, a plurality of cavities 830, 840, and 850 may be formed in the connector housing 810. The plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840 formed outside the first chamber 830 along an outer circumference of the first chamber 830. The plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850 may further include a third chamber 850 formed outside the second chamber 840 along an outer periphery of the second chamber 840. The first chamber 830 may be disposed in the first water supply passage 950, and the second chamber 840 may be disposed in the second water supply passage 960. The washing machine 1 may further include a third water supply channel 970 connecting the external water source 700 with the spray nozzle 1000 installed at the first tub 120 so as not to communicate with the first and second water supply channels 950 and 960. The third chamber 850 may be disposed in the third water supply passage 970. Specifically, the external water source 700, the water supply device 400, and the spray nozzle 1000 may be disposed in the third water supply passage 970. Specifically, the external water source 700, the third chamber 850 of the water supply connector 800c, and the spray nozzle 1000 may be disposed in the third water supply passage 970. The water supply connector 800c may further include a plurality of partition walls separating the plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850 from each other. The plurality of partition walls may include a first partition wall 860 separating the first chamber 830 and the second chamber 840 from each other. The first partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with one selected from the first water supply passage 950, the second water supply passage 960, and the third water supply passage 970. In fig. 13, the first partition wall 860 may have a first communication hole 861 communicating with the first water supply channel 950. The plurality of dividing walls may also include a second dividing wall 870 that separates the third chamber 850 from the first and second chambers 830, 840. Specifically, the second partition wall 870 may separate the second chamber 840 and the third chamber 850 from each other. The second partition wall 870 may have a second communication hole 871 that communicates with another selected from the first, second, and third water supply passages 950, 960, and 970. In fig. 13, the second partition wall 870 may have a second communication hole 871 that communicates with the second water supply channel 960. The water supply connector 800c may further include a plurality of hot water inflow nozzles that supply hot water to each of the plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850. The plurality of hot water inflow nozzles may include a first hot water inflow nozzle 891 supplying hot water to the first chamber 830, a second hot water inflow nozzle 892 supplying hot water to the second chamber 840, and a third hot water inflow nozzle 893 supplying hot water to the third chamber 850. The water supply connector 800c may further include a plurality of cold water inflow nozzles that supply cold water to each of the plurality of chambers 830, 840, and 850. The plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may include a first cold water inflow nozzle 894 supplying cold water to the first chamber 830, a second cold water inflow nozzle 895 supplying cold water to the second chamber 840, and a third cold water inflow nozzle 896 supplying cold water to the third chamber 850. The first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. The second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. The third hot water inflow nozzle 893 and the third cold water inflow nozzle 896 may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other. Among the distance between the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894, the distance between the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the second cold water inflow nozzle 895, and the distance between the third hot water inflow nozzle 893 and the third cold water inflow nozzle 896, the distance between the third hot water inflow nozzle 893 and the third cold water inflow nozzle 896 is the largest and the distance between the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 is the smallest. The water supply connector 800c may further include a plurality of discharge nozzles to discharge the washing water out of the plurality of chambers 830, 840 and 850, respectively. The plurality of discharge nozzles may include a first discharge nozzle 897 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water from the first chamber 830. The plurality of discharge nozzles may further include a second discharge nozzle 898 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water from the second chamber 840. The plurality of discharge nozzles may further include a third discharge nozzle 1100 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water from the third chamber 850. The water supply connector 800c may further include a first connection flow path 899a connecting the first chamber 830 and the first discharge nozzle 897. The first connection flow path 899a may be formed across the second and third chambers 840 and 850 so as not to communicate with the second and third chambers 840 and 850. The first connection flow path 899a may not be spaced apart from the bottom surfaces of the second and third chambers 840 and 850. That is, the connection flow path 899a may be integrated with the bottom surface of the second chamber 840 and the bottom surface of the third chamber 850. Alternatively, the connection flow path 899a may be spaced apart from the bottom surfaces of the second and third chambers 840 and 850. The water supply connector 800c may further include a second connection flow path 899b connecting the second chamber 840 with the second discharge nozzle 898. Second connecting flow path 899b may be formed across third chamber 850 so as not to communicate with third chamber 850. The second connection flow path 899b may not be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the third chamber 850. That is, the second connection flow path 899b may be integrated with the bottom surface of the third chamber 850. Alternatively, the second connection flow path 899b may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the third chamber 850.

The hot water introduced through the first hot water inflow nozzle 891 and the cold water introduced through the first cold water inflow nozzle 894 are mixed in the first chamber 830, pass through the first connection hole 861, and are sequentially discharged from the water supply connector 800c through the first connection flow path 899a and the first discharge nozzle 897. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800s flows into the first tub 120 via the first detergent box 510.

The hot water introduced through the second hot water inflow nozzle 892 and the cold water introduced through the second cold water inflow nozzle 895 are mixed in the second chamber 840, pass through the second communication hole 871, and are sequentially discharged from the water supply connector 800c through the second connection flow path 899b and the second discharge nozzle 898. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800c flows into the second tub 220.

The hot water introduced through the third hot water inflow nozzle 893 and the cold water introduced through the third cold water inflow nozzle 896 are mixed in the third chamber 850 and discharged from the water supply connector 800c through the third discharge nozzle 1100. The washing water discharged from the water supply connector 800c flows into the spray nozzle 1000. According to this configuration, not only cold water but also hot or warm water can be supplied to the spray nozzle 1000.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, the description given above with reference to the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment will not be repeated. In fig. 14, X denotes a direction in which washing water flows into the water feeding connector 800d, Y denotes a width direction of the water feeding connector 800d, and Z denotes a length direction of the water feeding connector 800 d.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the water supply connector 800d may include a connector housing 810. The water supply connector 800d may further include a plurality of chambers 830 and 840 formed in the connector housing 810. The plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may include a first chamber 830 and a second chamber 840 formed outside the first chamber 830 along an outer circumference of the first chamber 830.

The water supply connector 800d may further include a partition wall 860 separating the first and second chambers 830 and 840 from each other.

The water supply connector 800d may further include a plurality of hot water inflow nozzles that supply hot water to each of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of hot water inflow nozzles may include a first hot water inflow nozzle 891 supplying hot water to the first chamber 830 and a second hot water inflow nozzle 892 supplying hot water to the second chamber 840. The water supply connector 800d may further include a plurality of cold water inflow nozzles that supply cold water to each of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may include a first cold water inflow nozzle 894 supplying cold water to the first chamber 830 and a second cold water inflow nozzle 895 supplying cold water to the second chamber 840. The plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles may protrude from the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to be spaced apart from each other.

The water supply connector 800d may further include a plurality of inflow holes formed in the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to communicate with the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles, respectively. Specifically, the plurality of inflow holes may include a plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 (fig. 18) formed in the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to communicate with the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles, respectively. Also, the plurality of inflow holes may include a plurality of cold water inflow holes 981 (fig. 18) formed in the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810 to communicate with the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles, respectively.

The water supply connector 800d may further include a plurality of discharge nozzles to discharge the washing water out of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840, respectively. The plurality of discharge nozzles may include a first discharge nozzle 897 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the first chamber 830. The plurality of discharge nozzles may further include a second discharge nozzle 898 protruding from a second wall 812 of the connector housing 810 facing the first wall 811 to discharge the washing water out of the second chamber 840.

The water supply connector 800d may include a backflow preventing structure. A backflow preventing structure may be provided in the water supply connector 800 d. The backflow preventing structure prevents backflow of the washing water introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from flowing out of the water supply connector 800d through another inflow nozzle among the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles when the washing water flows into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through one of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles. For example, when a user desires to wash laundry by using only cold water, wash water is introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles. At least a portion of the washing water introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may flow back out of the water supply connector 800d through the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles. The washing water flowing back from the water supply connector 800d through the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles may cause water leakage in the washing machine 1. In order to prevent the backflow of the washing water introduced into the water supply connector 800d through the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles or the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles as described above, the water supply connector 800d may include a backflow preventing structure provided therein.

The backflow prevention structure may include a ball 2000 that opens or closes the plurality of inflow holes. Preferably, the backflow preventing structure may include a plurality of balls 2000 corresponding to the shape and number of the plurality of inflow holes. The ball 2000 may open or close the plurality of inflow holes by the pressure of the washing water introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The ball 2000 may be received in the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 to be adjacent to the plurality of inflow holes. The ball 2000 may be received in the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 so as to be movable by a predetermined distance. Ball 2000 may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, urethane, and silicone.

The backflow preventing structure may further include a guide rib 2100 guiding the movement of the ball 2000. Preferably, the backflow preventing structure may further include a pair of guide ribs 2100 spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. That is, the guide rib 2100 may be formed of two guide ribs facing each other at a predetermined interval. When the two guide ribs 2100 are used as described above, abnormal noise caused by the ball 2000 when washing water is supplied to the water supply connector 800d may be prevented. The guide rib 2100 may be formed on the bottom surface of the connector housing 810. The guide rib 2100 may be formed on the bottom surface of the connector housing 810 to be adjacent to the plurality of inflow holes. The guide rib 2100 may be formed on the bottom surface of the connector housing 810 to protrude toward the inside of the plurality of cavities 830 and 840. The guide rib 2100 may be integrated with the bottom surface of the connector housing 810 or may be formed separately from the bottom surface of the connector housing 810. The guide rib 2100 will be described in more detail later.

The backflow preventing structure may further include a restricting rib 2200 configured to restrict movement of the ball 2000. The restriction rib 2200 may be provided in at least one of the connector housing 810 and the connector cover 820 so as to restrict movement of the ball 200 beyond a predetermined degree. The restriction rib 2200 may be provided in at least one of the connector housing 810 and the connector cover 820 to protrude toward the inside of the plurality of cavities 830 and 840. Preferably, the backflow preventing structure may include a plurality of restricting ribs 2200. Specifically, the plurality of restricting ribs 2200 may include a first restricting rib 2211 formed in the connector cover 820. The plurality of restriction ribs 2200 may further include a second restriction rib 2222 formed in the connector housing 810. The second restriction rib 2222 may include a right restriction rib and a left restriction rib facing each other with the guide rib 2100 interposed therebetween. The restricting rib 2200 will be described in more detail later.

The backflow preventing structure may further include a ball receiving space 2300. The ball receiving space 2300 may be formed in the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The ball receiving space 2300 may be defined by the guide rib 2100 and the restriction rib 2200. Specifically, the ball receiving space 2300 may be defined by the guide rib 2100, the first restriction rib 2211, and the second restriction rib 2222. The ball receiving space 2300 may be formed in the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 to be adjacent to the plurality of inflow holes. The ball 2000 may be received in the ball receiving space 2300 so as to be movable by a predetermined distance.

Fig. 16 isbase:Sub>A sectional view of the water supply connector of fig. 14 taken along the linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A'. Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. In fig. 17, the connector cover 820 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the guide rib 2100 may have a curved surface. Also, the guide rib 2100 may be formed to be inclined.

The guide rib 2100 may include a first portion 2111, a second portion 2112, and a connection portion 2113 connecting the first portion 2111 and the second portion 2112.

The first portion 2111 may extend in the washing water inflow direction X with respect to the water supply connector 800 d. The first portion 2111 may be formed to be inclined. In other words, the first portion 2111 may be formed to have a slope. The first portion 2111 may be inclined upward in the washing water inflow direction X with respect to the water supply connector 800 d. Preferably, the first portion 2111 may be inclined upward in the washing water inflow direction X with respect to the water supply connector 800d to have a slope of 0 to 60 °. Ball 2000 may move along first portion 2111.

The second portion 2112 may extend in the length direction Z of the water feeding connector 800 d. The second portion 2112 may restrict the ball 2000 from moving a predetermined distance in the washing water inflow direction X with respect to the water supply connector 800 d.

A connection portion 2113 may be disposed between first portion 2111 and second portion 2112. The connection portion 2113 may be formed as a curved surface. Preferably, the connecting portion 2113 may have a curvature equal to that of the ball 2000. When the connection portion 2113 is designed to have the same curvature as that of the ball 2000, the ball 2000 moving toward the plurality of discharge nozzles may be stably seated in the connection portion 2113 by the pressure of the washing water.

The first restriction rib 2211 may be formed to extend from the connector cover 820 in the length direction Z of the water supply connector 800 d. The first restricting rib 2211 may have a ball-facing surface 2211a facing the ball 2000. The ball-facing surface 2211a may face the bottom surfaces of the plurality of chambers 830 and 840. The ball-facing surface 2211a may be formed as a curved surface. Preferably, ball-facing surface 2211a may have the same curvature as that of ball 2000. However, the curvature of the ball-facing surface 2211a is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways.

The second restriction rib 2222 may be formed in the connector housing 810 to prevent the ball 2000 from moving more than a predetermined distance in the width direction Y of the water supply connector 800 d. The second restriction rib 2222 may include a right restriction rib and a left restriction rib facing each other in the width direction Y of the water supply connector 800 d. At least one of the right and left restriction ribs may be configured in a pair. The shape of the second restriction rib 2222 is not limited thereto as long as the second restriction rib 2222 prevents the ball 200 from moving in the width direction Y of the water supply connector 800 d.

Fig. 18 is a view illustrating an operation state of a backflow preventing structure installed in a water supply connector of a washing machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. In fig. 18, thick arrows shown on the left and right sides indicate the direction of water pressure applied to the ball 2000.

As shown in fig. 18, the backflow preventing structure may be operated by the pressure of the washing water flowing into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through one of the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles and the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles. Hereinafter, the operation state of the backflow preventing structure will be described based on the case where cold water is introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles.

Normally, the ball 2000 may move a predetermined distance in the ball receiving space 2300. That is, the ball 2000 is in a state of freely moving a predetermined distance in the ball receiving space 2300 before the cold water flows into the water supply connector 800 d.

When cold water flows into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles, pressure of the cold water flowing out of the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles is applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981. Specifically, the pressure of the cold water is applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981 in the washing water inflow direction X with respect to the water supply connector 800 d. As a result, the ball 2000 moves away from the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981 along the guide rib 2100. That is, the ball 2000 may move along the first portion 2111 of the guide rib 2100 until the movement of the ball 2000 is restricted by the second portion 2112 of the guide rib 2100 to be seated at the connection portion 2113 of the guide rib 2100. On the other hand, when cold water flows into the water supply connector 800d, pressure of the cold water is applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981, so that the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981 may be opened, and the cold water may flow into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981. At least a portion of the cold water introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 may move toward the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles. In this case, pressure is applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 in a direction opposite to the pressure applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981. In other words, when cold water flows into the water supply connector 800d, the pressure of the cold water is applied to the balls 2000 adjacent to the plurality of cold water inflow holes 981 in a direction toward the second wall 812 of the connector housing 810. Instead, pressure is applied to the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 in a direction toward the first wall 811 of the connector housing 810. As a result, the ball 2000 adjacent to the plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 moves closer to the plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 and the plurality of hot water inflow holes 982 may be closed by the ball 2000. According to the backflow preventing structure, when only cold water is introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 through the plurality of cold water inflow nozzles, it is possible to effectively prevent cold water introduced into the plurality of chambers 830 and 840 from flowing backward through the plurality of hot water inflow nozzles.

Although the backflow preventing structure applied to the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment has been described above with reference to fig. 14 to 18, the backflow preventing structure may also be applied to the water supply connectors 800a, 800b, and 800c according to other embodiments than the water supply connector 800 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. A washing machine comprising:

a first housing having a first laundry loading port formed at a front portion;

a first tub disposed in the first housing;

a second housing having a second laundry loading port formed at a top thereof, the second housing being disposed on the first housing;

a second tub disposed in the second housing;

a water supply device connectable to an external water source to supply water to the first tub and the second tub, the water supply device being mountable to the second housing,

wherein the water supply device includes:

a water supply connector including a connector housing and first and second chambers formed in the connector housing, the second chamber being formed outside the first chamber along an outer periphery of the first chamber, the first and second chambers being separated from each other by a partition wall;

a first water supply hose connecting the first chamber of the water supply connector with the first tub; and

a second water supply hose connecting the second chamber of the water supply connector with the second tub,

wherein the water supply connector further comprises:

a first hot water inflow nozzle configured to supply hot water to the first chamber;

a first cold water inflow nozzle configured to supply cold water to the first chamber;

a second hot water inflow nozzle configured to supply hot water to the second chamber; and

a second cold water inflow nozzle configured to supply cold water to the second chamber.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first hot water inflow nozzle and the first cold water inflow nozzle protrude from a first wall of the water supply connector to be spaced apart from each other, respectively.

3. The washing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the water supply connector further includes a first discharge nozzle protruding from a second wall of the water supply connector facing the first wall to discharge water out of the first chamber.

4. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water supply connector further includes a connection flow path connecting the first chamber with the first discharge nozzle,

wherein the connecting flow path is formed across at least a portion of the second chamber and the connecting flow path is not in communication with the second chamber.

5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second hot water inflow nozzle and the second cold water inflow nozzle protrude from the first wall of the water supply connector to be spaced apart from each other, respectively.

6. The washing machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the water supply connector further includes a second discharge nozzle protruding from a second wall of the water supply connector facing the first wall to discharge water out of the second chamber.

7. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a water supply valve provided between the external water source and the water supply connector to control the supply of water.

8. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a detergent box installed at the second housing to hold detergent to be supplied to the first tub,

wherein the first water supply hose includes:

a first hose connecting the water supply connector with the detergent box; and

a second hose connecting the detergent box with the first tub.

9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water supply connector includes a backflow preventing structure formed in the first and second chambers to operate by pressure of water supplied to the first and second chambers.

10. The washing machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the backflow preventing structure prevents water from flowing backward into another one of the first hot water inflow nozzle, the second hot water inflow nozzle, the first cold water inflow nozzle, and the second cold water inflow nozzle when water is supplied through one of the first hot water inflow nozzle, the second hot water inflow nozzle, the first cold water inflow nozzle, and the second cold water inflow nozzle.

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