JP7304368B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a nozzle for spraying water discharged from a tub and circulated along a circulation pipe into a drum.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0131894 (hereinafter referred to as "prior art") discloses a washing machine equipped with nozzles for injecting circulating water pumped by a pump into a drum. The washing machine is provided with a large number of nozzles along the inner peripheral surface of a gasket interposed between a casing forming an appearance and a tub in which water is accumulated, and a large number of port insertion tubes protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket. are in communication with the nozzles respectively.

A guide pipe is provided for guiding the water (circulating water) pressure-fed by the pump, and the guide pipe has a large number of discharge ports protruding from an annular flow path and inserted into the large number of port insertion pipes.

Each of the port insertion tubes protrudes generally radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket, and correspondingly, each of the discharge ports also protrudes radially inward from the annular flow path.

The guide tube includes a circulation tube connection port protruding from the annular flow path and connected to the circulation tube, and the circulation tube is connected to the pump. The water pressure-fed by the pump is guided along the circulation pipe and flows into the circulation pipe connection port.

The water discharged from the circulation pipe connection port flows into the ring-shaped channel, collides with the inner surface of the channel, and is bifurcated. are discharged sequentially through the At this time, the water discharged from the circulation pipe connection port generates resistance while it collides with the inner surface of the flow path. It becomes a factor that prevents uniform flow distribution.

Moreover, since the directions in which the discharge ports are inserted into the respective port insertion tubes are different, there is a problem that it is not easy to assemble two or more discharge ports into two or more port insertion tubes.

The first problem to be solved by the present invention is that a distribution pipe for guiding circulating water to nozzles is composed of a plurality of discharge ports branched from one transfer pipe line, and gaskets correspond to the plurality of discharge ports. To provide a washing machine in which a plurality of port insertion pipes are formed to uniformly jet water from the plurality of discharge ports.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the installation position of the circulation pipe connecting the transfer pipe and the pump is optimized.

The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a gasket is provided with a plurality of nozzles for spraying circulating water into a drum, and the gasket has a structure that can be easily molded by an injection method. To provide a washing machine.

Secondly, to provide a washing machine in which two or more nozzles are provided on each of the left and right sides of a gasket, and a port insertion pipe for fixing a water supply port for supplying circulating water to the nozzles is integrally formed with the gasket. be.

A third object is to provide a washing machine in which the port insertion tubes are arranged parallel to each other.

A fourth object is to provide a washing machine in which a distribution pipe for supplying circulating water to the nozzle can be easily assembled to the gasket.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A washing machine according to the present invention includes a tub in a casing having an inlet formed in the front, a rotatable drum in the tub, and a gasket installed in the tub.

The gasket includes a gasket body forming a passage connecting an inlet formed on a front surface of the tub and the inlet, and first to fourth nozzles provided on an inner peripheral surface of the gasket body.

When the gasket body is distributed to the left and right and divided into a first area and a second area, the first and second nozzles are arranged in order from bottom to top in the first area, and the third and fourth nozzles are , are arranged in order from bottom to top in the second region.

The gasket includes first through fourth port insertion tubes respectively communicating with the first through fourth nozzles. The first and second port insertion tubes protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body in the first region. The third and fourth port insertion pipes protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body in the second region.

At least one pump is provided for pumping water discharged from the tub. The water pressure-fed by the pump is guided to the first to fourth nozzles through the first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe.

The first distribution pipe is coupled with the gasket at the first region. The first distribution pipe includes a first inflow port into which part of the water pressure-fed by the at least one pump flows, and a first transfer pipe that guides upward the water that has flowed in through the first inflow port. and first and second discharge ports branched in order from bottom to top on the first transfer line and connected to the first and second port insertion pipes, respectively.

The second distribution pipe is coupled with the gasket at the second region. The second distribution pipe includes a second inflow port into which another part of the water pressure-fed by the at least one pump flows, and a second transfer that guides upward the water that has flowed in through the second inflow port. and third and fourth discharge ports branched from bottom to top in order on the second transfer line and connected to the third and fourth port insertion pipes, respectively.

When the first side and the second side are defined with respect to the first transfer line, the first inflow port is located on the opposite side of the first and second port insertion pipes with respect to the first transfer line. may be located.

The first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe may be arranged symmetrically.

When defining an imaginary vertical reference plane that bisects the passageway, the first and second outlet ports extend in a direction closer to the reference plane, and the first inlet port extends in a direction away from the reference plane. be extended.

The first transfer pipeline includes a first pipeline portion from which the first and second discharge ports protrude, and a lower end of the first pipeline portion that is bent in a direction approaching an outer peripheral surface of the gasket body. a second conduit section connected to the first inflow port.

The second pipeline portion is bent below the first discharge port. The second pipeline portion is bent between the first inflow port and the first discharge port.

The first inflow port extends in a downwardly inclined direction from the second conduit portion. The first inflow port is perpendicular to the second pipeline section.

Each of the first to fourth port insertion tubes extends horizontally on the outer surface of the gasket body. The first and second discharge ports may be parallel to each other, and the third and fourth discharge ports may be parallel to each other.

The pump is positioned below the gasket.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a casing having an inlet formed in the front thereof, a tub provided in the casing for receiving washing water and having an inlet formed in the front thereof, and the tub. a drum rotatably provided inside; a gasket body forming a passage connecting the input port and the inlet of the tub; first and second nozzles arranged in the first region in order from bottom to top of the first and second regions; and the first and second nozzles projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body in the first region. a gasket provided with first and second port insertion pipes respectively communicating with, a pump for pumping water discharged from the tub, and a shrike coupled with the gasket in the first region and pumped by the pump an inflow port for inflow, a transfer pipe line for guiding upward the water that has flowed in through the inflow port, and the transfer pipe branched from bottom to top in order and connected to the first and second port insertion pipes, respectively. and a distribution pipe having first and second discharge ports.

When the first side and the second side are defined with respect to the transfer line, the inflow port may be located on opposite sides of the first and second port insertion tubes with respect to the transfer line.

When defining an imaginary vertical reference plane to which the center of the passage belongs and which extends in the front-rear direction, the first and second discharge ports extend in a direction closer to the reference plane, and the first inflow port extends toward the reference plane. It extends in a direction away from the reference plane.

The transfer pipeline includes a first pipeline portion from which the first and second discharge ports protrude, and a lower end of the first pipeline portion that is bent in a direction approaching an outer peripheral surface of the gasket body to form the inflow. a second conduit section coupled with the port.

The first and second discharge ports may be parallel to each other.

The washing machine according to the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

In the washing machine of the present invention, first, circulating water that has flowed into the distribution pipe through the inflow port is distributed through the first discharge port and the second discharge port in order while being transferred along the transfer pipeline. Therefore, the flow resistance in the transfer pipeline can be reduced, which is advantageous in supplying a uniform flow rate to the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

Second, since the distribution pipe has an inflow port connected to a circulation pipe connected to the pump located below the discharge port, the circulation pipe is installed under the tab (particularly, on the left side of the bottom of the tab). or right).

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 shows an assembly with a distribution pipe installed in the gasket; Figure 4 is a front view of the assembly shown in Figure 3; 5 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 4; FIG. It is the figure which looked at the gasket from the back. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view cut along AA' in FIG. 6; It is a front view which shows a 1st distribution pipe and a 2nd distribution pipe.

Advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention, however, is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be embodied in many other forms, and merely this embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be complete and complete. It is provided to fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the invention is defined only by the following claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a side sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 shows the assembly with the distribution pipe installed in the gasket. 4 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dotted line in FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gasket. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe.

1 to 8, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a casing 10 forming an appearance, a tub 30 disposed in the casing 10 to collect washing water, and a tub 30 rotatably installed in the tub 30. It includes a drum 40 into which laundry is loaded and a motor 50 that rotates the drum 40 .

A front panel 11 formed with an input port 12 is arranged on the front surface of the casing 10, a door 20 for opening and closing the input port 12 is arranged on the front panel 11, and a dispenser 14 into which detergent is input is installed. A control panel 13 is provided on the upper side of the front panel 11 for inputting various control commands from the user to control the operation of the washing machine.

A water supply valve 15 , a water supply pipe 16 and a water supply hose 17 are installed inside the casing 10 . When supplying water, washing water that has passed through the water supply valve 15 and the water supply pipe 16 is mixed with detergent in the dispenser 14 and then supplied to the tub 30 through the water supply hose 17 .

Meanwhile, the direct water supply pipe 18 may be connected to the water supply valve 15 so that the washing water is directly supplied into the tub 30 without being mixed with the detergent through the direct water supply pipe 18 . A direct water nozzle 19 for injecting water supplied through a direct water supply pipe 18 into the drum 40 is provided.

At least one pump 70 is provided for pumping water discharged from tub 30 . Water pumped by the at least one pump 70 is supplied to a first distribution line 80(1) and a second distribution line 80(2). Hereinafter, an example in which water is simultaneously supplied to the first and second distribution pipes 80(1) and 80(2) by one pump 70 is taken as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to these. It is also possible to have a pump supplying water to the distribution line 80(1) and a pump supplying water to the second distribution line 80(2) respectively.

Pump 70 is positioned below gasket 60 . Preferably, the pump 70 is arranged on either one of the left and right sides under the gasket 60 .

Water guided through the first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2) is supplied to a plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d provided in the gasket 60. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, four protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d protrude toward the inside of the gasket 60 from the inner peripheral surface 62 of the gasket 60, and nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d correspond to the respective nozzles. They are formed on the protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c and 65d, respectively. Therefore, the circulating water discharged through the discharge ports 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d of the distribution pipes 80(1), 80(2) is injected into the drum 40 through the nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d. be done.

Multiple nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d are supplied with water through the same distribution pipes 80(1), 80(2), but two nozzles (66a/b, 66c) located at different heights. /d), and the lower one (66a, 66c) of the two nozzles (66a/b, 66c/d) is called the lower nozzle, and is positioned above the lower nozzle (66a, 66c). Nozzles (66c, 66d) are separated from the upper nozzles.
It says.

A distribution pipe 80 is provided on each side of the gasket 60 . Hereinafter, the one located on the left side of the gasket 60 will be referred to as the first distribution pipe 80(1), and the one located on the right side will be referred to as the second distribution pipe 80(2). , it may be assumed that either the first distribution pipe 80(1) or the second distribution pipe 80(2) is indicated.

Pump 70 and tub 30 are connected by exhaust hose 72 , and distribution pipe 80 and pump 70 are either directly connected or connected by circulation pipe 86 . In the latter case, a first circulation line 86(1) and a second circulation line 86(2) are provided that connect the first distribution line 80(1) and the second distribution line 80(2) with the pump 70, respectively.

When the pump 70 operates, the washing water accumulated in the tub 30 is guided to the plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d through the first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2). After that, the washing water is sprayed inside the drum 40 and circulated. The pump 70 is connected to a drain pipe 74 to discharge washing water to the outside through the drain pipe 74 .

The pump 70 described above functions as a circulation pump that circulates the washing water and a drainage pump that discharges the washing water to the outside. Alternatively, the circulation pump and the drainage pump may be installed separately. . When the circulation pump and the drainage pump are separately installed, the drainage pipe 74 is connected to the drainage pump, and the circulation pipe 86 is connected to the circulation pump.

Meanwhile, the tab 30 may be formed as a single tab body, or may be formed by fastening the first and second tab bodies 30a and 30b together. In the embodiment of the present invention, the tab 30 is formed by fastening the first and second tab bodies 30a and 30b together. Below, the 1st tab body 30a is only called "the tab 30", and it demonstrates.

An inlet 32 is formed in the front surface 31 of the tub 30 so as to face the inlet 12 formed in the front panel 11 . At least one balancer 90 is fastened to the front face 31 of the tab 30 . A first balancer 90 ( 1 ) is positioned at the top of the front face 31 and a second balancer 90 ( 2 ) is positioned at the bottom of the front face 31 .

A gasket 60 is positioned between the frame of the slot 12 of the front panel 11 forming the slot 12 and the frame of the tab 30 forming the inlet 32 . The gasket 60 is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and has a substantially cylindrical shape to form a passage 60P that connects the inlet 12 and the opening of the tab 30 .

The gasket 60 has a front edge connected to the frame of the inlet 12 of the front panel 11 and a rear edge connected to the frame of the opening of the tab 30 to provide a seal between the tab 30 and the front panel 11 . . When the door 20 is closed, the tip of the door 20 and the gasket 60 are in close contact with each other to seal the space between the door 20 and the gasket 60, thereby preventing washing water from leaking.

Referring to FIG. 7, the gasket 60 includes a casing joint 61 joined around the inlet 12 of the front panel 11, a tab joint 62 joined around the inlet 32, and a tab joint with the casing joint 61. and a gasket body 63 extending between portion 62 .

The front panel 11 is wrapped outwardly around the inlet 12, and the casing joint 61 fits into the recess formed by the thus-wrapped portion. An annular groove 61r around which a wire is wound is formed in the casing connecting portion 61. As shown in FIG. After the wire is wound along the groove 61r, both ends of the wire are tied together, thereby firmly fixing the casing connecting portion 61 around the inlet 12. As shown in FIG.

The tab 30 is wound outwardly around the inlet, and the tab coupling portion 62 fits within the recess formed by the so wound portion. The tab coupling portion 62 is formed with an annular groove 62r around which a wire is wound. After the wire is wound along the groove 62r, both ends of the wire are tied together so that the tab coupling portion 62 is firmly coupled around the inlet of the tab 30. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the casing coupling portion 61 is fixed to the front panel 11 , but the tab coupling portion 62 is displaced by the movement of the tab 30 . Therefore, the gasket body 63 must be deformed according to the displacement of the tab coupling portion 62 . In order for such deformation to occur smoothly, the gasket 60 is arranged in the direction in which the tab 30 is eccentrically moved (or , radial) that folds up as it is moved.

More specifically, the gasket body 63 is formed with a tubular rim portion 63a extending from the casing joint portion 61 toward (or rearwardly) the tab joint portion 62, and the folded portion 63b is formed between 63a and the tab joint portion. 62.

The gasket 60 includes an outer door contact portion 68 that is bent outward from the front end of the rim portion 63a and adheres to the rear surface of the door 20 outside the inlet 12h when the door 20 is closed. The casing coupling portion 61 may have the groove 61r formed in a portion extending from the outer end of the outer door contact portion 68 .

The gasket 60 is bent inward from the front end of the rim portion 63a to form an inner door contact portion 66 that is in close contact with the rear surface of the door 20 (preferably the window 22) inside the inlet 12 when the door 20 is closed. Including further.

On the other hand, the drum 40 vibrates (that is, the rotation centerline C of the drum 40 moves) during the rotation process, and the centerline of the tab 30 (substantially the same as the rotation centerline C of the drum 32) moves accordingly. has a radial component.

Folded portion 63b folds and unfolds when tab 30 moves eccentrically. The folded portion 63b has an inner diameter portion 631 bent from the rim portion 63a toward the casing coupling portion 61, and an outer diameter portion 632 bent from the inner diameter portion 631 toward the tab coupling portion 62 and connected to the tab coupling portion 62. including. When viewed from the front, the inner diameter portion 631 is located inside surrounded by the outer diameter portion 632 . As shown in FIG. 7, the rim portion 63a and the folded portion 63b have a substantially "S" shaped cross section.

When a portion of the folding portion 63b is folded when the center of the tab 30 is moved in the eccentric direction, the space between the inner diameter portion 631 and the outer diameter portion 632 is reduced at that portion, while the portion thus folded is compressed. On the opposite side, the folded portion 63b widens and the space between the inner diameter portion 631 and the outer diameter portion 632 widens.

Meanwhile, the plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d includes first to fourth nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d. When the first area (I) and the second area (II) are defined by distributing the gasket body 63 to the left and right (see FIG. 6), the first and second nozzles 66a and 66b are arranged in the first area (I). They are arranged in order from bottom to top. The third and fourth nozzles 66c and 66d are arranged in order from bottom to top in the second area (II). In an embodiment, the first region (I) is the left side of the gasket 60 when viewed from the front (or the right side when the back of the gasket 60 is viewed), and the second region (II) is the gasket 60 viewed from the front. The right side when viewed (or the left side when viewed from the rear surface of the gasket 60), but is not limited to, the first region (I) is the right side and the second region (I) is the left side. may be

Specifically, the first and second port insertion tubes 64a, 64b protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body 63 in the first region (I). The first and second port insertion tubes 64a, 64b communicate with first and second nozzles 66a, 66b, respectively. The first port insertion tube 64a and the second port insertion tube 64b may be parallel to each other.

The third and fourth port insertion tubes 64c, 64d protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body 63 in the second region (II). The third and fourth port insertion tubes 64c, 64d communicate with the third and fourth nozzles 66c, 66d, respectively. The third port insertion tube 64c and the fourth port insertion tube 64d may be parallel to each other. First and second distribution pipes 80 ( 1 ), 80 ( 2 ) are installed in gasket 60 . Each of the distribution pipes 80(1) and 80(2) includes an inflow port 81 into which water discharged from the pump 70 flows, a transfer pipe line 82 that guides the water that has flowed in through the inflow port 81, and a transfer pipe. and a plurality of outlet ports 83, 84 branching from passage 82. As shown in FIG.

The plurality of discharge ports 83, 84 includes two discharge ports 83, 84 formed at different heights. A port positioned above the first discharge port 83 is referred to as a lower discharge port, and a second discharge port 84 or an upper discharge port. A first discharge port 83 and a second discharge port 84 may be provided in each of the first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2).

The transfer line 82 is arranged outside the passage 60P defined by the gasket 60 and guides upward the water that has flowed in through the inflow port 81 . The transfer line 82 constitutes a flow path communicating with the inflow port 81, and the flow path is bent in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 60 and elongated in the vertical direction.

Specifically, first distribution pipe 80(1) is coupled with gasket 60 in a first region (I). The first distribution pipe 80(1) includes a first inflow port 81 into which part of the water pumped by the pump 70 flows, and a first transfer pipe that guides upward the water that has flowed in through the first inflow port 81. It includes a passage 82 and first and second discharge ports 83, 84 branched from the first transfer pipe 82 and connected to the first and second port insertion pipes 64a, 64b, respectively.

The second discharge port 84 is located above the first discharge port 83 on the first transfer line 82, so that part of the water guided upward along the first transfer line 82 is the first discharge port. After being first branched at the port 83 , the remainder is branched to the second discharge port 84 .

Similarly, a second distribution pipe 80(2) is coupled with gasket 60 in a second region (II). The second distribution pipe 80 ( 2 ) has a second inflow port 81 into which part (or the remainder) of the water pumped by the pump 70 flows, and an upper side of the water flowing in through the second inflow port 81 . and third and fourth discharge ports 83 and 84 branched from the second transfer line 82 and connected to the third and fourth port insertion pipes 64c and 64d, respectively. .

The fourth discharge port 84 is located above the third discharge port 83 on the second transfer line 82, so that a portion of the water guided upward along the second transfer line 82 reaches the third discharge port. After being previously branched at 83 , the remainder is branched to the fourth discharge port 84 .

Water discharged from the pump 70 flows into the inflow port 81 . The inflow port 81 is connected to the pump 70 by circulation pipes 86(1), 86(2). The pump 70 is provided with circulation ports 71a and 71b (see FIG. 3) for discharging circulating water corresponding to the number of distribution pipes 80. As shown in FIG. In an embodiment, the pump 70 comprises a first circulation port 71a and a second circulation port 71b, the first circulation port 71a being fed by a first circulation conduit 86(1) to the first inlet port 81 of the first distribution conduit 80(1). (1), and the second circulation port 71b is connected to the second distribution pipe 80(2) by a second circulation pipe 86(2).

Circulating water transferred along the transfer pipeline 82 is discharged through a plurality of discharge ports 83 and 84 . These discharge ports 83 , 84 are branched from the transfer pipeline 82 above the inflow port 81 . That is, the inlets of the discharge ports 83 and 84 (that is, the portions where the discharge ports 83 and 84 are connected to the transfer line 82) are shifted from the outlet of the inflow port 81 (that is, the portion where the inflow port 81 is connected to the transfer line 82). ) is positioned higher.

In the first distribution pipe 80(1) and/or the second distribution pipe 80(2), when defining the first side and the second side with reference to the transfer line 82, the inflow ports 81(1), 81(2) ) are located on the first side with respect to transfer lines 82(1) and 82(2), and discharge ports 83a/b and 83c/d are located on the second side. In other words, the inlet ports 81(1), 81(2) are located on the opposite side of the transfer lines 82(1), 82(2) from the outlet ports 83a/b, 83c/d. Also, port insertion tubes 64a/b, 64c/d of gasket 60 discharge to transfer lines 82(1), 82(2) of distribution tubes 80(1), 80(2) coupled thereto. Located on the same side as ports 83a/b, 83c/d, inlet ports 81(1), 81(2) are also port insertion tubes 64c/b to transfer lines 82(1), 82(2). Located opposite.

On the other hand, when defining an imaginary vertical reference plane (OV) (see FIG. 6) passing through the center of the passage 60P with the gasket 60 viewed from the front, the respective port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d extends away from the reference plane (OV), and the inflow ports 81(1), 81(2) also extend away from the reference plane (OV).

Reactions due to water flow pressure exiting outlet ports 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d are applied through distribution pipe 80 in a direction away from gasket 60, but through transfer conduits through inlet ports 81(1), 81(2). The water flow flowing into 82(1), 82(2) acts in a direction to push the transfer lines 82(1), 82(2)) toward the gasket 60, thus disengaging the distribution line 80 from the gasket 60. It has the effect of preventing

In other words, the lower discharge ports 83a, 83c and the upper discharge ports 83b, 83d are located on the first side (that is, either one of the left and right sides when viewed from the front) with respect to the transfer pipe line 82 . The lower outlet ports 83a, 83c and the upper outlet ports 83b, 83d may extend parallel to each other. Also, the inflow port 81 is located on the second side of the transfer line 82 opposite to the first side.

Since the water flow discharged through the lower/upper discharge ports (83a, 83c/83b, 83d) is directed from the transfer pipe 82 to the first side, the jet pressure of the water flow acts as a reaction force. , the transfer line 82 will be subjected to a force on the second side. Here, the second side is the direction in which the upper discharge ports 83b and 83d are separated from the upper port insertion pipes 64b and 64d.

On the other hand, the inflow port 81 protrudes from the transfer line 82 in the direction opposite to the upper discharge ports 83c, 83d. Therefore, the water flow flowing through the inflow port 81 acts as a force to push the transfer pipe line 82 in the first direction, so that the upper discharge ports 83b, 83d are prevented from being removed from the upper port insertion pipes 64b, 64d. can be prevented.

On the other hand, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each transfer pipeline 82 has a first pipeline portion 82a from which discharge ports (83a/b, 83c/d) protrude, and a lower end of the first pipeline portion 82a. and a second pipeline portion 82b that is bent in a direction approaching the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 60. As shown in FIG. The inflow port 81 may be formed in the second pipeline portion 82b. The inflow port 81 extends away from the gasket 60 from the second pipeline portion 82b. The inflow port 81 extends downward from the second pipeline portion 82b.

Since the first pipeline portion 82a and the second pipeline portion 82b are bent, flow resistance is generated at the bent portions. That is, resistance is generated in the course of the water flow entering the first pipe portion 82a from the second pipe portion 82b, and the water flow does not immediately pass through the lower discharge port 83, and is reflected and refracted on the inner surface of the pipe portion 82. As a result, a sufficient flow rate can be discharged through the lower discharge port 83 .

The surface of the second conduit portion 82 b on which the outlet of the inflow port 81 (that is, the hole through which the circulating water is discharged from the inflow port 81 ) is formed includes a portion 82 c perpendicular to the inflow port 81 . The orthogonal portion 82c is formed substantially flat. The inflow port 81 can extend in a substantially straight (or planar) form from the orthogonal portion 82c. The flow path in the transfer line 82 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inflow port 81 at the orthogonal portion 82c.

The circulating water flowing in through the inflow port 81 moves upward along the transfer line 82 and is first discharged through the lower discharge ports 83a and 83c. is discharged through In particular, while the water flow is guided in one direction (upward direction) along the transfer pipe 82, the water flow in the transfer pipe 82 is divided into the lower discharge ports 83a, 83c and the upper discharge ports 83c, 83d in order. Resistance is almost constant. The inner diameters of the discharge ports 83a, 83b, 83c and 83d, the inner diameter of the nozzle ( ), and the inner diameter of the transfer pipe 82 are adjusted so that the discharge flow rates of the lower discharge ports 83a and 83c and the discharge flow rates of the upper discharge ports 83b and 83d are balanced. By properly designing, the circulating water can be uniformly sprayed from the lower discharge ports 83a, 83c and the upper discharge ports 83c, 83d.

On the other hand, assuming that the inflow port 81 is connected to the transfer line 82 between the lower discharge ports 83a, 83c and the upper discharge ports 83b, 83d, the circulating water flowing through the inflow port 81 is divided vertically. Afterwards, they are discharged through upper discharge ports 83b, 83d and lower discharge ports 83a, 83c, respectively. In this case, since the flow path resistance is excessive in the section where the circulating water is divided up and down, the water flow is disturbed in the flow path. The problem arises that the flow rate is not constant.

On the other hand, the pump 70 may be a variable speed pump capable of variable speed (or variable discharge flow rate). In this case, when the inflow port 81 is connected between the lower discharge ports 83a, 83c and the upper discharge ports 83b , 83d, the pump 70 rotates at a low speed (i.e., when the discharge flow rate is small), Since the influence of gravity has a relatively large effect at high speed, the flow rate of the water flow branched upward and downward in the transfer pipe 82 is greatly increased, compared with the present invention. , the flow rate discharged through the upper discharge ports 83b and 83d decreases.

Port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d are formed on the outer peripheral surface 61 of the gasket 60 so as to protrude outward from the gasket 60 so as to correspond to the four discharge ports, respectively. The port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d are tubular, one end of which is connected to the nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d and the other end of which is connected to the discharge ports 83, 84. Port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d at least partially protrude from outer peripheral surface 61 of gasket 60, and discharge ports 83, 84 are inserted through inlets formed at the ends of the protruded portions. Four discharge ports 83, 84 are inserted into and connected to four port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, respectively.

The inner peripheral surface 62 of the gasket 60 is provided with four nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d respectively communicating with four port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d. In one embodiment of the present invention, nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d are integrally formed with gasket 60, but alternatively are formed as separate parts from gasket 60 and bonded to gasket 60, or The port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d may be flow-connected to the port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d through a separate flow-connection member (not shown) while being separated from the gasket 60. FIG.

On the other hand, the first balancer 90 ( 1 ) is located on the front surface 31 of the tub 30 . The first balancer 90(1) includes a spaced portion 91 that is laterally spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 60 to define an assembly space (AS) therebetween.

The transfer line 82 includes a portion 82d located within the assembly space (AS). A second discharge port 84 protrudes from the portion 82d. The upper discharge ports 83b, 83d are inserted into the upper port insertion tubes 64b, 64d within the assembly space (AS).

Therefore, even if the upper discharge ports 83b, 83d are laterally moved due to the water flow pressure when the circulating water is discharged from the upper discharge ports 83b, 83d or the vibration of the tub 30, the portion 82d remains in the first balancer 90(1). Since it contacts (or interferes with) the upper discharge port 83b, 83d, it can be prevented from being separated from the upper port insertion tube ( ).

On the other hand, the first distribution pipe 80 ( 1 ) and the second distribution pipe 80 ( 2 ) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the gasket 60 . In this case, the port insertion tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d of the gasket 60 may also be arranged symmetrically. In addition, the first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2) have substantially the same structure, but depending on the position to be installed, they can be used either by flipping them left or right. .

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be manufactured in various different forms. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features thereof. Accordingly, the embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (12)

a washing machine,
a casing having an inlet formed in the front face;
a tub provided within the casing for containing water and having an inlet formed in the front thereof;
a drum rotatably mounted within said tub;
a gasket that is cylindrical and comprises a gasket body defining a passageway connecting said inlet and said inlet of said tab;
a distribution pipe extending along the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body;
The distribution pipe is
a transfer conduit extending along the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body in a bottom-to-top direction;
a first discharge port and a second discharge port projecting from one side of the transfer conduit facing the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body;
an inflow port protruding from the other side of the transfer conduit opposite to the one side of the transfer conduit;
a first nozzle disposed in the gasket body and connected to the first discharge port;
a second nozzle disposed on the gasket body and connected to the second discharge port and positioned above the first nozzle;
a pump configured to pump water discharged from the tub to the inlet port;
a circulation pipe connecting the inflow port and the pump;
the inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are arranged sequentially along the transfer line;
The washing machine, wherein the inlet port is disposed between the first outlet port and a lower end of the gasket body in a bottom-to-top direction. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the first outlet port are arranged from bottom to top. the distribution pipes are in pairs,
2. The pairs of distribution pipes are arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary reference plane comprising the center of the passage and extending in the front and rear directions and in the direction from bottom to top. 2. The washing machine according to 2. the first discharge port and the second discharge port extend in a direction toward an imaginary reference plane comprising the center of the passage and extending in front and rear directions and in a bottom-to-top direction; and
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inflow port expands in a direction away from the reference plane. The transfer conduit is
a first pipeline portion from which the first discharge port and the second discharge port protrude;
2. The inflow port protrudes, and the second pipeline portion is bent in a direction from the lower end of the first pipeline portion toward the outer peripheral surface of the gasket body. 5. The washing machine according to any one of -4. 6. The washing machine as set forth in claim 5 , wherein the second pipe portion is bent between the inflow port and the first discharge port. 7. The washing machine as set forth in claim 6, wherein the inflow port extends downward from the second pipeline part. The washing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the inflow port forms a right angle with the second pipe section. The gasket is
a first port insertion pipe that communicates with the first nozzle and connects with the first discharge port;
a second port insertion pipe that communicates with the second nozzle and connects with the second discharge port;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first port insertion tube and the second port insertion tube extend horizontally from an outer surface of the gasket body. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first discharge port and the second discharge port are parallel to each other. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pump is located inside the casing and below the gasket. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge port is closer to the inflow port than the second discharge port.

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