EP1129250B1 - A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator having contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzles - Google Patents
A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator having contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1129250B1 EP1129250B1 EP98953086A EP98953086A EP1129250B1 EP 1129250 B1 EP1129250 B1 EP 1129250B1 EP 98953086 A EP98953086 A EP 98953086A EP 98953086 A EP98953086 A EP 98953086A EP 1129250 B1 EP1129250 B1 EP 1129250B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flow
- outlets
- air
- air bubble
- diameter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a washing machine, more particularly to a washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator having contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzles for providing fine air bubbles of a very small diameter.
- washing machines are classified into two categories.
- the first one of the two categories includes a whirl-type washing machine in which washing articles are washed by a vortex flow of washing water formed in a washer tub when a pulsator is rotated.
- the second one includes a drum-type washing machine.
- the drum-type washing machine has a rotary drum a portion of which lies in the washing water. In such a rotary drum, the washing articles are put in the rotary drum. When the rotary drum is rotated, the washing articles in the rotary drum strike each other, so that the washing articles are washed. (see e.g. EP 0 735 178)
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional drum-type washing machine with an air bubble generator
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotary drum of FIG. 1
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the air bubble generator of FIG. 1.
- the washer tub 20 is mounted to be rotated in the reservoir 10.
- An air bubble generator 30 is mounted on the bottom of the reservoir 10. Air is supplied through an inlet 35 by an air pump(not shown).
- a pulsator 23 for generating the vortex flow is mounted to be rotated on the washer tub 20.
- An air bubble passageway 25 is formed in the bottom of the washer tub 20.
- An outlet 15 is formed in the bottom of the reservoir, that is, under the air bubble generator 30.
- the drum type washing machine as shown in FIG. 2 has a housing 40 and a reservoir 50 mounted in the housing 40 for accommodating washing water.
- a rotary drum(hereinafter, called “a drum") 60 has a plurality of through-holes 64 for washing water to flow in and out of the drum 60.
- the drum 60 includes traverse slits 68 for washing water to flow in the drum 60, and the traverse slits 68 are formed in the surface of the drum 60 in parallel with the shaft(not shown) of the drum 60.
- a part of the drum 60 lies in the washing water.
- An air bubble generator 70 is mounted on the bottom of the reservoir 50. The air bubble generator 70 is supplied with compressed air through a conduit 75.
- FIG. 3 shows an air bubble generator capable of being applied to the washing machines of FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the air bubble generator includes an inlet 84 adapted to be connected with an air pump (not shown) and a case 80 in which water flow-out portions 88 are formed in a slantedly opposite manner and opposite to the inlet 84.
- a porous member 85 is mounted in the case 80 between the inlet 84 and the water flow-out portions 88. Air flowing in through the air pump moves into the washing water through the porous member 85. The air flowing out of the porous member 85 is converted into fine air bubbles.
- An air bubble-generating plate(hereinafter, called "a plate") 90 having a plurality of outlets 94 is closely contacted with the water flow-out portions 88.
- An elastic plate 98 is further provided, one end of which is fixed on an upper end of the plate 90 so that air bubbles from the plate 90 are prevented from moving further up.
- the other end of the elastic plate 98 which is movable, is opened by air bubbles flowing out of the outlets 94.
- Each of the outlets 94 is in a cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter from the bottom to the top thereof.
- compressed air flowing in through the inlet 84 is converted into fine air bubbles by the porous member 85, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the fine air bubbles are dispersed into washing water through the outlets 94.
- the dispersed air bubbles serve to wash washing articles such as clothing by moving into the reservoir 20 or 50.
- some air bubbles may block the outlets 94 or may break since air bubbles may have a larger diameter than the outlets have. Accordingly, less air bubbles may be produced from the plate, so that less air bubbles flow into the reservoir and washing efficiency is deteriorated. Further, air bubbles move nearer to the washing water surface by buoyancy of the washing water. At this time, the water pressure with respect to the air bubbles becomes less, so that the size of an air bubble becomes larger enough to distort the shape of the air bubble. Accordingly, the washing efficiency can be obtained by fully generating fine air bubbles.
- the first object of the present invention to provide a washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator in which outlets are formed to fully generate air bubbles in a fine diameter.
- each of the outlets has a small diameter for providing air bubbles of a fine diameter into washing water in the reservoir.
- a small diameter of an outlet is theoretically preferable, a much smaller diameter with respect to the height of the air bubble generator prevents air from flowing out of the outlet since a water membrane is formed in the outlet.
- a flowing-out rate of the air influences on a size of an air bubble. That is, when the flowing-out rate is high, the diameter of an air bubble may become larger before an air bubble rises up, since air is continuously supplied or since air bubbles are incorporated together. However, when the flowing-out rate is low, air bubbles are intermittently generated, so that a diameter of each of the air bubbles may become smaller.
- Such flowing-out rate can be controlled by varying a ratio between flowing-out and flowing-in areas.
- a washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator comprises an air bubble-generating plate in which outlets of a contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzle type are formed.
- the outlets are constituted with outer outlets and inner outlets.
- the outer outlets are formed along edge portions of the air bubble-generating plate, and the inner outlets are formed in the inner portions of the air bubble-generating plate.
- a diameter of each of the outer outlets is smaller than a diameter of each of the inner outlets.
- Each of the outlets has a cylindrical shape and includes a flow-in portion for receiving the compressed air, a contraction portion communicating with the flow-in portion and for contracting the received air, and an enlargement portion communicating with the contraction portion and for enlarging the contracted air.
- the flow-in portion, the contraction portion, and the flow-out portion are aligned in a coaxial line.
- a diameter of the flow-out portion is smaller than a diameter of the flow-in portion, but larger than a diameter of the contraction portion.
- a height of the contraction portion is larger than a height of the flow-out portion, but smaller than a height of the flow-in portion.
- FIGS. 4-6 A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 4-6.
- An air bubble generator includes an inlet 410 and a case 400.
- the inlet 410 is connected to an air pump(not shown), and the case 400 has slanted water flowing-out portions 450 opposite to the inlet 410.
- a porous member 430 is mounted in the case 400.
- the porous member 430 plays a role of a border wall between the air and washing water.
- the air from the air pump is converted into fine air bubbles by the porous member 430.
- An air bubble-generating plate 100 has outlets 200 and 300 and is closely contacted with the slanted water flowing-out portions 450.
- An elastic plate 150 is further provided, one end of which is fixed on an upper end of the plate 100, so that air bubbles from the plate 100 are restrained from moving further up. As the air bubble generator is operated, the other end of the elastic plate 150, which is movable, is opened by air bubbles flowing out of the outlets 200 and 300.
- the diameters of the outlets 200 and 300 are formed to be small enough for obtaining fine air bubbles which flow into the washing water in the reservoir at an early stage. Even though small diameters of the outlets 200 and 300 are theoretically preferable, much smaller diameters compared to a length of movements of air bubbles, that is, a length from the porous member 430 to the air bubble-generating plate 100, prevent air from flowing out of the outlets 200 and 300, since air membranes are formed in the outlets 200 and 300. Further, as air bubbles flow out of the outlets 200 and 300, the air bubble flow-out rate has an influence on the sizes of air bubbles.
- the air bubble flow-out rate is reversely proportional to a cross-sectioned area of the outlets 200 and 300, the air bubble flow-out rate may be controlled by varying a ratio of an air bubble flow-in area and an air bubble flow-out area.
- the diameter of an outlet 200 or 300 is basically smaller that that of an air bubble which are intended to be generated, and small dynamic resistance and flow-out pressure with respect to the air bubble are preferable.
- each of the outlets 200 and 300 is preferably formed in a way of contraction and enlargement in its diameter, that is, in a type of a contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzle.
- the air bubble-generating plate 100 includes inner outlets 200 and outer outlets 300.
- Each of the inner outlets 200 has a first flow-in portion I1, a first contraction portion C1, and a first flow-out portion O1.
- the first flow-in portion I1 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D11 and a height H11.
- the first contraction portion C1 is communicated with the first flow-in portion I1. Therefore, the diameter of the first flow-in portion I1 is contracted to a diameter of the first contraction portion C1 at the time of their communication.
- the first contraction portion C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D12 and a height H12.
- the first flow-out portion O1 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D13 and a height H13.
- the first contraction portion C1 is communicated with the first flow-out portion 01. Therefore, the diameter of each of the outlets 200 is enlarged as the first contraction portion C1 is communicated with the first flow-out portion O1.
- the height H12 of the first contraction portion C1 is larger than that of the first flow-out portion O1, but smaller than that of the first flow-in portion I1.
- the diameter D13 of the first flow-out portion O1 is larger than that of the diameter D12 of the first contraction portion C1, but smaller than that of the diameter D11 of the first flow-in portion I1.
- Each of the outer outlets 200 has a second flow-in portion I2, a second contraction portion C2, and a second flow-out portion 02.
- the second flow-in portion I2 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D21 and a height H21.
- the second contraction portion C2 is communicated with the second flow-in portion 12. Therefore, the diameter of the second flow-in portion 12 is contracted to a diameter of the second contraction portion C2 at the time of their communication.
- the second contraction portion C2 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D22 and a height H22.
- the second flow-out portion 02 is formed in a cylindrical shape of a diameter D23 and a height H23.
- the second contraction portion C2 is communicated with the second flow-out portion 02.
- the diameter of each of the outlets 300 is enlarged as the second contraction portion C2 is communicated with the second flow-out portion 02.
- the height H22 of the second contraction portion C2 is larger than that of the second flow-out portion 02, but smaller than that of the second flow-in portion 12.
- the diameter D23 of the second flow-out portion 02 is larger than that of the diameter D22 of the second contraction portion C2, but smaller than that of the diameter D21 of the second flow-in portion 12.
- the height of the first flow-in portion I1 is the same as that of the second flow-in portion I2.
- the diameter D11 of the first flow-in portion I1 is larger than the diameter D21 of the second flow-in portion I2.
- the height of the first contraction portion C1 is the same as that of the second contraction portion C2.
- the diameter D12 of the first contraction portion C1 is larger than the diameter D22 of the second contraction portion C2.
- the height of the first flow-out portion 01 is the same as the height of the second flow-out portion 02.
- the diameter D13 of the first flow-out portion 01 is larger than the diameter D23 of the second flow-out portion 02.
- the first and second flow-in portions I1 and I2 have the same height of 0.7mm.
- the diameter D11 of the first flow-in portion I1 is 1.6mm.
- the diameter D21 of the second flow-in portion I2 is 1.4mm.
- the first and second contraction portions C1 and C2 have the same height of 0.5mm.
- the diameter D12 of the first contraction portion C1 is 0.8mm.
- the diameter D22 of the second contraction portion C2 is 0.6mm.
- the first and second flow-out portions O1 and 02 have the same height of 0.3mm.
- the diameter D13 of the first flow-out portion O1 is 1.2mm.
- the diameter D23 of the second flow-out portion 02 is 1mm.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Description
Claims (5)
- A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator for generating air bubbles from compressed air and for dispersing the generated air bubbles into washing water in a washer tub, characterized in that the air bubble generator comprises an air bubble-generating plate (100) in which outlets (200/300) of a contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzle type are formed.
- The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlets (200/300) are constituted with outer outlets (300) and inner outlets (200), the outer outlets being formed along edge portions of the air bubble-generating plate (100), the inner outlets being formed in the inner portions of the air bubble-generating plate, a diameter of each of the outer outlets being smaller than a diameter of each of the inner outlets.
- The washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the outlets has a cylindrical shape and includes a flow-in portion (J1, J2) for receiving the compressed air, a contraction portion (C1, C2) communicating with the flow-in portion and for contracting the received air, and an enlargement portion (O1, O2) communicating with the contraction portion and for enlarging the contracted air, the flow-in portion, and the contraction portion, and the flow-out portion being aligned in a coaxial line.
- The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein a diameter of the flow-out portion (O1, O2) is smaller than a diameter of the flow-in portion (J1, J2), but larger than a diameter of the contraction portion (C1, C2).
- The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein a height (H12, H22) of the contraction portion is larger than a height (H13, H23) of the flow-out portion, but smaller than a height of the flow-in portion (H11, H12).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/KR1998/000359 WO2000028129A1 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 1998-11-10 | A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator having contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1129250A1 EP1129250A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 |
EP1129250B1 true EP1129250B1 (en) | 2003-10-01 |
Family
ID=19531162
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98953086A Expired - Lifetime EP1129250B1 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 1998-11-10 | A washing machine equipped with an air bubble generator having contraction/enlargement exhaust nozzles |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1129250B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1167843C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69818716T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2209215T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000028129A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2351128B1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2011-11-28 | Bsh Electrodomesticos España, S.A. | DRUM AND MACHINE FOR CARE OF CLOTHING. |
JP6419870B2 (en) * | 2017-02-06 | 2018-11-07 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Washing machine |
JP7197970B2 (en) * | 2017-08-03 | 2022-12-28 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Water supply device |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR950007050B1 (en) * | 1991-01-12 | 1995-06-30 | 대우전자주식회사 | Air-form generating washer and method thereof |
JPH08276091A (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 1996-10-22 | Daewoo Electronics Co Ltd | Washing machine equipped with air bubble generator |
-
1998
- 1998-11-10 ES ES98953086T patent/ES2209215T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-11-10 WO PCT/KR1998/000359 patent/WO2000028129A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-11-10 CN CNB988143038A patent/CN1167843C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-11-10 EP EP98953086A patent/EP1129250B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-11-10 DE DE69818716T patent/DE69818716T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1129250A1 (en) | 2001-09-05 |
WO2000028129A1 (en) | 2000-05-18 |
DE69818716T2 (en) | 2004-07-22 |
CN1167843C (en) | 2004-09-22 |
CN1327494A (en) | 2001-12-19 |
DE69818716D1 (en) | 2003-11-06 |
ES2209215T3 (en) | 2004-06-16 |
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