KR100702042B1 - Wash machine with steam generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a steam generator, a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to receive water or detergent, a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, and into which laundry is introduced, A steam generator fixed to one side of the cabinet to supply steam to the drum, a water supply valve assembly connected to the steam generator and the tub and a water supply passage, and a water supply passage between the water supply valve assembly and the steam generator It is configured to include a water purifier to remove the foreign matter in the particulate state contained in the water supplied to the steam generator, the foreign matter is not adhered to the heater surface of the steam generator is prevented from reducing the life of the heater The risk of fire due to overheating of the heater is reduced, and the performance of the steam generator is improved. There is this.

Drum washing machine, water supply valve assembly, water supply hose, detergent supply device, water purifier, water softener

Description

Washing machine with steam generator {Wash machine with steam generator}             

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment in which a water purifier is connected after a water supply valve assembly for cold water in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed;

2 is an exploded perspective view of a drum washing machine in which the steam generator of FIG. 1 is installed;

3 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of the drum washing machine in which the steam generator of FIG. 2 is installed;

Figure 4 is a plan sectional view showing the upper surface of the second embodiment in which the water purifier is connected after the water supply valve assembly for hot water in the drum washing machine is installed steam generator of the present invention,

5 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of a third embodiment in which a water purifying device is connected after a water supply valve assembly for cold / hot water in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed;

6 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of a fourth embodiment in which a water softener is connected after a water supply valve assembly in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed;

7 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of a fifth embodiment in which a water purifying device and a softening device are continuously connected after a water supply valve assembly in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed;

8 is a plan sectional view illustrating a top surface of a sixth embodiment in which a water softener and a water softener are continuously connected to a water supply valve assembly of a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

1: drum washing machine 2: cabinet

4: spring 5: damper

6: tub 8: drum

10: lifter 12: motor

14: cabinet cover 16: door

17: gasket 18: top plate

20: water supply device 21: water supply hose

22: water supply valve assembly 22a: first cold water supply valve

22b: 2nd cold water feed valve 22c: 3rd cold water feed valve

22d: 1st hot water supply valve 22e: 2nd hot water supply valve

23: detergent supply device 24: external water hose

24a: 1st external water hose 24b: 2nd external water hose

25: internal water supply hose 25a: first internal water hose

25b: 2nd internal water supply hose 25c: 3rd internal water supply hose

25d: fourth internal water hose 25e: fifth internal water hose

26: water supply bellows 27: steam supply hose                 

28: nozzle 30: drainage

32: drain hose 34: drain pump

36: bellows pipe 40: steam generator

42: casing 44: heater

50,60,70,90,110: Water Purifier 80,100,120: Water Softener

The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a steam generator, in particular, to remove the various foreign substances contained in the water supplied through the water supply apparatus is installed a steam generator that can prevent the foreign matter is attached to the inside of the steam generator. It is about a washing machine.

In general, a washing machine is a device that washes laundry by washing, rinsing, dehydrating, drying, etc. to remove contamination from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as laundry) by using water, detergent, and mechanical action. .

Such washing machines are classified into agitator type, pulsator type, and drum type washing machines according to the washing method.

The stirring type is washed by rotating the laundry rod towered on the center of the washing tank left and right, the vortex type is rotated by rotating the disk-shaped wing formed in the lower part of the washing tank left and right to wash using the friction force between the water and the cloth, the drum type The drum is rotatably arranged inside the tub so that water, detergent and cloth are put into the drum, and the drum is rotated and washed.

The washing machine is provided with a water supply device for receiving water from an external water source. The water supply device includes a water supply hose for guiding water from an external water source to a washing tub or tub inside the washing machine, and one side of the water supply hose. It is installed in the water supply hose is configured to include a water supply valve assembly to control the water supplied through.

In addition, one side of the water supply device as described above is installed in the detergent box in which the detergent is accommodated in communication with the water supplied to the interior of the washing tub or tub.

Meanwhile, a recent washing machine is additionally provided with a steam generator for supplying high temperature steam to the inside of the washing tub or tub so that washing performance of laundry can be improved.

The steam generator is installed on a separate water supply passage formed between a washing tub or a tub from a water supply valve assembly, and receives water from the water supply valve assembly to generate high temperature steam and then supplies the steam into the washing tank or tub. .

Typically, the steam generator is provided with a casing in communication with the water supply passage, the heater is installed inside the casing to heat the water. Therefore, when the washing machine washes or rinses, steam generated by the steam generator is soaked in the laundry, thereby improving washing and rinsing performance of the washing machine.

However, the washing machine in which the steam generator according to the related art is installed has a problem in that foreign matter is attached to the heater of the steam generator when the water supplied to the water supply valve assembly is included.

As the foreign matter is attached to the heater as described above, the insulating layer is formed on the surface of the heater to a predetermined thickness, so that the heat transfer performance of the heater is lowered, and the heater is overheated.

In addition, the amount of steam generated by the steam generating device is reduced, there is a problem that the washing performance during washing and rinsing of the washing machine is reduced.

In addition, since the replacement cycle of the heater is faster due to the loss of function of the heater, there is a problem that the inconvenience caused by the cost burden and frequent maintenance due to the replacement of the heater.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier or water softener for removing various foreign substances contained in the water on the water supply passage of the water supply device, to the heater of the steam generator It is to provide a washing machine with a steam generator that can prevent the adhesion of foreign matters to improve the life and performance of the steam generator, and also improve the washing performance of the drum washing machine.

Washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above problems is a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate water or detergent, rotatably installed inside the tub A drum into which laundry is introduced, a steam generator fixed to one side of the cabinet to supply steam to the drum, a water supply valve assembly connected to the steam generator, a tub, and a water supply passage, and the water supply valve assembly And a water purifying device installed in a water supply passage between the steam generating device and a foreign matter removing particulate matter contained in the water supplied to the steam generating device.

The water supply valve assembly and the tub is installed in communication with the tub further comprises a detergent supply device for supplying detergent to the tub, the water purification device is installed in communication between the water supply valve assembly and the detergent supply device do.

The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, and the water purifying device is at least one outlet of the cold water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly. Installed in communication with.

And a softening device installed between the water purifying device and the water supply valve assembly to remove the hardness component of the ion state contained in the water supplied to the water supply valve assembly.

The water supply valve assembly includes a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, wherein the water purification device and the softening device include at least one of the cold water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly. It is installed in communication with either outlet.

In addition, a washing machine provided with a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention is a cabinet, a tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate water or detergent, and rotatably installed inside the tub so that laundry is introduced. A drum, a steam generator fixed to one side of the cabinet to supply steam to the drum, a water supply valve assembly connected to the steam generator, a tub, and a water supply passage, the water supply valve assembly and the steam generator It is characterized in that it comprises a softening device which is installed in the water supply passage therebetween to remove the hardness component of the ionic state contained in the water supplied to the steam generator.

It is further configured to communicate with the water supply valve assembly and the tub is connected to the water supply passage for supplying detergent to the tub, the water softener is in communication between the water supply valve assembly and the detergent supply device Is installed.

The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, wherein the water softener is at least one of the cold water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly. It is installed in communication with the outlet.

The water purifier is installed between the water softener and the water supply valve assembly, and further comprises a water purifying device for removing foreign matter in the particulate state contained in the water supplied to the water supply valve assembly.

The water supply valve assembly includes a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, wherein the water purification device and the softening device include at least one of the cold water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly. It is installed in communication with either outlet.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment in which a water purifier is connected after a water supply valve assembly for cold water among drum washing machines equipped with a steam generator according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of the drum washing machine in which the steam generator of FIG. 1 is installed.

The drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed includes a cabinet (2) forming an exterior of the drum washing machine (1) and a cabinet (2) as shown in FIG. A tub 6 installed inside and supported by a spring 4 and a damper 5 to accommodate detergent and water, and a rotatably installed inside the tub 6 and having a plurality of through holes 8a formed therein; A drum 8 in which laundry is accommodated therein, and a lifter 10 installed on an inner side of the drum 8 to lift laundry upon rotation of the drum 8 and drop the laundry by gravity at a predetermined height. And a motor 12 mounted to the rear of the tub 6 and connected to the drum 8 and the rotating shaft, and a laundry entrance 14a mounted to the front of the cabinet 2 to input and withdraw laundry. Open and close the cabinet cover 14 and the laundry entrance 14a of the cabinet cover 14. Door 16 rotatably installed in the cabinet cover 14 and a steam generator 40 installed on one side of the cabinet 2 to supply steam to the tub 6. It is configured by.

Between the inlet of the tub (6) and the laundry inlet (14a) of the cabinet cover 14, the gasket 17 to mitigate the impact caused by the rotation of the drum (8) and to prevent the washing water from overflowing to the outside This is installed.

The top plate 18 is mounted on the upper surface of the cabinet 2, and a water supply device 20 is installed below the top plate 18 to supply water and detergent to the tub 6 from an external water source. do.

The water supply device 20 is formed between the tub 2 and the external water source, the water supply hose 21 for guiding water to the tub 6 and the cabinet 2 in communication with the water supply hose 21. It is installed to be in communication with the water supply valve assembly 22 for intermittent the flow of water flowing into the water supply hose 21 and the water supply hose 21 between the water supply valve assembly 22 and the tub 6 It comprises a detergent supply device 23 for supplying a detergent to the tub (6).

Here, the water supply hose 21 is an external water supply hose 24 connected between the water supply valve assembly 22 and an external water source, and an internal water supply hose connected between the water supply valve assembly 22 and the detergent supply device 23. And a water supply bellows 26 connected between the detergent supply device 23 and the water supply valve assembly 22.

The water supply valve assembly 22 is divided into a cold water supply valve assembly 22a, 22b and 22c receiving cold water from the outside, and a hot water supply valve assembly 22d receiving hot water from the outside. First and second external water supply hoses 24a and 24b are connected to the water supply valve assemblies 22a, 22b and 22c and the water supply valve assembly 22d, respectively.

The cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c includes a first cold water feed valve 22a connected by the detergent supply device 23 and the first internal water supply hose 25a, and the detergent supply device 23. ) And a second cold water feed valve 22b connected by the second internal water supply hose 25b, and a third cold water feed valve connected by the steam generator 40 and the third internal water supply hose 25c. 22c).

The hot water feed valve assembly 22d includes a first hot water feed valve 22a connected by the detergent supply device 23 and the fourth internal water feed hose 25d.

Accordingly, a plurality of water supplies are provided in the drum washing machine 1 by the external water supply hoses 24a and 24b, the water supply valves 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d and the internal water supply hoses 25a, 25b, 25c and 25d. A flow path is formed.

In addition, the detergent supply device 23 has an inlet connected to the first and second internal water supply hoses 25a and 25b, an outlet connected to the water supply bellows 26, and a box for receiving detergent on the internal flow path. It is formed into a shape.

The detergent supply device 23 is supplied to the tub 6 while the detergent is washed down in the water introduced through the first and second internal water supply hoses 25a and 25b, and the first and second cold water feed water is supplied to the tub 6. As the valves 22a and 22b are selectively opened and closed, the amount of detergent supplied to the tub 6 is appropriately adjusted according to the main washing and the pre-washing.                     

The drainage device 30 is installed at the lower side of the tub 6 to discharge water used for washing and rinsing to the outside, and the drainage device 30 is outside the tub washing machine 1. Drain hose (32) for guiding the water of the water, a drain pump (34) which is installed in communication with the drain hose (32) to pump the water of the tub (6), the drain pump (34) and the tub ( 6) is composed of a bellows pipe 36 connected in communication therebetween.

That is, as the drain pump 34 is pumped, water stored in the tub 6 through the bellows pipe 36 is discharged to the outside along the drain hose 32 through the drain pump 34. .

On the other hand, the inner side of the cabinet 2 is provided with a steam generator 40 for supplying steam to the inside of the tub (6) during washing and rinsing, so as to improve the cleaning performance of the drum washing machine (1).

The steam generator 40 is installed in communication with the water supply passage formed between the water supply valve assembly 22 and the tub 6, and is different from the water supply passage for supplying water and detergent to the tub 6. It is installed on a separate water supply passage.

Specifically, the third internal water supply hose 25c is connected between the steam generator 40 and the water supply valve assembly 22 to supply water to the steam generator 40, and the steam generator 40 The steam supply hose 27 is connected between the tub 6 and the tub 6 so that steam is supplied into the tub 6.

One end of the steam supply hose 27 is connected to communicate with the steam generator 40, and the other end is connected to communicate with the inside of the gasket 17. The steam supply hose 27 is made of a heat resistant material to withstand high temperature steam. .

Of course, a nozzle 28 for injecting steam into the inlet of the tub 6 is installed in the other end side of the steam supply hose 27 disposed inside the gasket 17 so that the nozzle 28 allows the nozzle 28 to communicate therewith. It is preferable to allow the steam to be discharged to the laundry contained in the drum (8).

In the steam generator 40 installed as described above, an inlet to which the third internal water supply hose 25c is connected is formed at one side, and an outlet at which one end of the steam supply hose 27 is connected to the casing 42 is formed at the other side. And a heater 44 disposed on an inner flow path of the casing 42 to generate steam from water flowing through the third internal water supply hose 25c.

The casing 42 is fastened and fastened by a fastening member to the inside of the cabinet 2, and is installed at various positions according to the internal structure of the drum washing machine 1.

The heater 44 is a heat transfer mechanism installed inside the casing 42 to heat water passing through the casing 42. The heater 44 generates water by heating water in contact with the surface.

On the other hand, the cold water supply water to remove the foreign matter of the particulate state contained in the water supplied to the steam generator 40 and the detergent supply device 23 from the cold water supply valve assembly (22a, 22b, 22c) The water purifier 50 is installed in communication with the rear of the valve assemblies 22a, 22b, 22c.

The water purifier 50 includes a first water purifier 52 installed in communication with a water supply passage between the third cold water feed valve 22c and the steam generator 40, and the first and second cold water. It consists of a second water purifier (54) which is respectively installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the water supply valve (22a, 22b) and the detergent supply device 23, the inside is a filter for filtering particulate matter in the particulate state It is provided.

The water purifier 50 is installed on the first, second and third internal water supply hoses 25a, 25b and 25c or cold water to which the first, second and third internal water supply hoses 25a, 25b and 25c are connected. It may be installed at the outlet of the water supply valve assembly (22a, 22b, 22c), respectively, but in terms of the installability of the water purification device 50 is preferably installed at the outlet of the cold water supply valve assembly (22a, 22b, 22c). Do.

Therefore, the first water purifier 52 is installed at the outlet of the third cold water feed valve 22c so that the foreign matter in the particulate state contained in the water supplied to the steam generator 40 is removed. The second water purifier 54 is installed at the outlets of the first and second cold water feed valves 22a and 22b to remove the foreign matter in the particulate state contained in the water supplied to the detergent supply device 23.

Looking at the operation and effect of the drum washing machine is installed according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

First, after the door 16 is opened, the laundry is introduced into the drum 8 through the laundry entrance 14a, and an appropriate amount of detergent is introduced into the detergent supply device 23 of the water supply device 20.

When the drum washing machine 1 is operated after the door 16 is sealed, the drum washing machine 1 determines the washing course and the water level according to the quantity of laundry put into the drum 8.

The water supply valve assembly 22 of the water supply device 20 is opened to supply water to the tub 6 from an external water source through the water supply valve assembly 22 and the water supply hose 21.

At this time, the hot water is supplied to the tub 6 through the hot water supply valve assembly 22d of the water supply valve assembly 22, so that the drum washing machine 1 is washed with hot water, and the water supply valve assembly 22 is Cold water is supplied to the tub 6 through the cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c, and the drum washing machine 1 is subjected to cold water washing.

The water purifier 50 is installed at the rear of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c, and has a particle state included in the cold water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40. Foreign matter is filtered out.

In detail, when the first and second water supply valves 22a and 22b of the cold water supply valve assemblies 22a, 22b and 22c are opened, the first and second water supply valves 22a and 22b may be used. 2 The water flowing into the internal water supply hoses 25a and 25b is purified by the second water purification device 54, and the water purified by the second water purification device 54 is the first and second internal water supply hoses 25a. , 25b) flows into the detergent supply device 23. The water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 is supplied into the tub 6 through the water supply bellows 26 together with the detergent.                     

As described above, since the foreign matter contained in the water supplied to the tub 6 is removed by the second water purifier 54, the cleaning performance of the drum washing machine 1 is not only improved, but also due to the foreign matter contained in the water. Contamination of laundry is also prevented.

When the water stored in the tub 6 reaches the set water level, the first and second water supply valves 22a and 22b are closed to stop the water supply to the tub 6, and the drum 8 is connected to the motor ( It rotates by 12) to wash the laundry.

On the other hand, when the third water supply valve 22c of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c is opened during washing and rinsing of the drum washing machine 1, the third inside of the third feed valve 22c is opened. The water flowing into the water supply hose 25c is purified by the first water purification device 52, and the water flowing along the third internal water supply hose 25c by the first water purification device 52 is a steam generator ( 40 is introduced into the interior of the water, and the water introduced into the steam generator 40 is evaporated by the heater 44 is phase-changed into steam.

As described above, the steam generated by the steam generator 40 flows through the steam supply hose 28 and is injected into the inlet of the tub 6 through the nozzle 28 disposed inside the gasket 17. It is discharged and soaked in the laundry contained in the drum (8).

Therefore, the foreign matter contained in the water supplied to the steam generator 40 is removed by the first water purification device 52, the foreign matter does not adhere to the surface of the heater 44 of the steam generator 40. The performance deterioration of the heater 44 is prevented, and the deterioration of steam generation efficiency due to foreign matter contained in the water is also prevented.

When the washing process of the drum washing machine 1 as described above is completed, the water used for washing in the tub 6 is drained to the outside by the drainage device 30, the clean water by the water supply device 20 After the water is re-supplied to this rinse level, the drum 8 is rotated to perform a rinse cycle of the laundry.

Of course, when the water to be supplied even when rinsing is cold water, the drum washing machine 1 is supplied with water to the tub 6 in a state in which foreign matter is removed by the second water purifier 54, and the first The foreign matter is removed by the water purifier 52 and supplied to the steam generator 40.

This washing stroke and rinsing stroke are repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of times to wash the laundry put into the drum 8.

Figure 4 is a plan sectional view showing the upper surface of the second embodiment in which the water purifier is connected after the water supply valve assembly for hot water in the drum washing machine is installed steam generator of the present invention.

Here, the same reference numerals as the above-mentioned drawings indicate the same members.

In the drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention is installed, as shown in FIG. 4, the water supply valve assembly 22 includes the cold water supply valve assemblies 22a and 22b and the hot water supply valve assembly 22d. 22e), and the water purifying device 60 is a water supply valve assembly 22d connected to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 by third and fourth internal water supply hoses 25d and 25e. 22e) is provided in communication with the rear side, and other configurations are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b includes a first cold water feed valve 22a connected to the detergent supply device 23 by the first internal feed hose 25a, and the second internal feed hose 25b. It is composed of a second cold water feed valve (22b) connected to the detergent supply device (23) by.

The hot water feed valve assembly 22d and 22e includes a first hot water feed valve 22d connected to the detergent supply device 23 by the fourth internal water supply hose 25d, and the fifth internal water supply hose ( And a second hot water feed valve 22e connected to the steam generator 40 by 25e).

When hot water is supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 as described above, the performance of the detergent contained in the detergent supply device 23 is improved, as well as the heater 44 of the steam generator 40. Steam generation by) also proceeds faster with less energy.

The water purifier 60 is installed at the outlet of the first hot water feed valve 22d and the second water purifier 62 removes the foreign matter in the particulate state contained in the hot water supplied to the detergent supply device 23. And a first water purification device 64 installed at an outlet of the second hot water feed valve 22e to remove foreign matter in a particulate state contained in the hot water supplied to the steam generator 40.

Therefore, the hot water supplied through the first hot water supply valve 22d is removed by the second water purifying device 64, and then the detergent supply device 23 along the fourth internal water supply hose 25d. ) Is supplied to the inside of the tub (6) through the water supply bellows (26) together with the detergent from the detergent supply device (23).                     

In addition, the hot water supplied through the second hot water supply valve 22e is the steam generator 40 along the fifth internal water supply hose 25e after the foreign matter is removed by the first water purifier 62. ) Is evaporated from the steam generator 40 and supplied into the tub 6 through a steam supply hose 27.

When the foreign matter contained in the hot water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 as described above is removed, the washing performance of the laundry during the hot water washing of the drum washing machine 1 is improved, the steam generator The phenomenon that foreign matter adheres to the heater 44 of the 40 is also prevented.

FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view showing a top surface of a third embodiment in which a water purification device is connected after a water / cooling water supply valve assembly of a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed.

Here, the same reference numerals as the above-mentioned drawings indicate the same members.

In the drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention is installed, as shown in FIG. 5, the water supply valve assembly 22 includes the cold water supply valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c and the hot water supply valve assembly. 22d, 22e and connected to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 by the first, second, third, fourth and fifth internal water supply hoses 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e, respectively. The water purifier 70 is installed in communication with the rear of the cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b and 22c and the hot water feed valve assemblies 22d and 22e, respectively. It is configured similarly to the example.                     

The cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c may include a first cold water feed valve 22a connected to the detergent supply device 23 by the first internal feed hose 25a, and the second internal feed hose. A second cold water feed valve 22b connected to the detergent supply device 23 by 25b, and a third cold water feed water connected to the steam generator 40 by the third internal water supply hose 25c; It consists of the valve 22c.

The hot water feed valve assembly 22d and 22e includes a first hot water feed valve 22d connected to the detergent supply device 23 by the fourth internal water supply hose 25d, and the fifth internal water supply hose ( And a second hot water feed valve 22e connected to the steam generator 40 by 25e).

On the other hand, the first water purifier 72 is installed in communication with the water supply passage between the third water supply valve 22c and the steam generator 40 for the water purification device 70, and the second water supply for hot water A second water purification device 74 installed on the water supply passage between the valve 22e and the steam generator 40, the first and second cold water supply valves 22a and 22b and the detergent supply device 23; A third water purifying device 76 respectively installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the first and second water purifying devices 76, and a fourth water supplying device installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the first hot water supply valve 22e and the steam generator 40. The water purifier 78 is comprised.

Accordingly, the water discharged from the cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b and 22c and the hot water feed valve assemblies 22d and 22e may be used for the first, second, third and fourth water purification devices 72, 74, 76 and 78. After the foreign matter in the particulate state is removed by the first, second, third, fourth, fifth internal water supply hose (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator ( 40).

As described above, the drum washing machine 1 is selectively supplied with cold water and hot water to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 according to a washing method to improve the washing performance of the drum washing machine 1.

In particular, since all foreign matters contained in the cold water and the hot water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 are removed, the washing performance of the laundry during cold water washing and hot water washing of the drum washing machine 1 is improved. In addition, a phenomenon in which foreign matter is attached to the heater 44 of the steam generator 40 is also prevented.

6 is a plan sectional view showing an upper surface of a fourth embodiment in which a water softener is connected after a water supply valve assembly in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed.

Here, the same reference numerals as the above-mentioned drawings indicate the same members.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is installed, the water supply valve assembly 22 includes the cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c and the hot water feed valve assembly. 22d, the water softener 80 is installed at the rear of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c in communication with the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40, and the like. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The water softener (80) is a first water softener (82) installed in communication on a water supply passage between the third cold water feed valve (22c) and the steam generator (40), and the first and second cold water feed water And a second water softener 84 installed in communication with each other on the water supply flow path between the valves 22a and 22b and the detergent supply device 23.

Typically, the hardness component of the ionic state reduces the solubility of the detergent by hardening water, thereby forming a precipitation layer inside the washing machine due to the precipitation of the hardness component.

Therefore, the softening device 80 is a hardness component of the ionic state contained in the water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40 from the cold water feed valve assembly (22a, 22b, 22c) Will be removed.

The softening device 80 is such that the ion exchange resin and the brine is embedded therein while chemically reacting with the hardness component contained in the water supplied to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40, the hardness component The adsorption removal or the electrolytic hardness component is removed.

When the hardness component of the cold water supplied to the steam generator 40 and the detergent supply device 23 is removed by the first softening device 82 and the second softening device 84, the drum washing machine 1 is washed. The solubility of the detergent is improved to prevent excessive use of the detergent, the washing performance of the washing machine is improved, and the phenomenon that foreign matter is attached to the heater 44 of the steam generator 40 is also prevented.

On the other hand, the water softener 80 is installed at the rear of the hot water supply valve assembly in the same manner as the second embodiment described above, or the cold water feed valve assembly and hot water supply in the same manner as the third embodiment described above The valve assembly may be installed at the rear of the valve assembly, and detailed description thereof will be omitted in the present embodiment since it is similar to the second and third embodiments.

7 is a plan sectional view showing a top surface of a fifth embodiment in which a water purifying device and a softening device are continuously connected after a water supply valve assembly in a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed.

Here, the same reference numerals as the above-mentioned drawings indicate the same members.

As shown in FIG. 7, the drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is installed, the water supply valve assembly 22 includes the cold water supply valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c and the hot water supply valve assembly. 22d, the water purification device 90 and the water softener 100 communicate with the rear of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c connected to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40. The other configurations are the same as those of the first and fourth embodiments described above.

The water purification device 90 and the water softener 100 are connected in series to be installed in communication with the rear of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c, and the softening device 100 and the cold water feed valve assembly The water purifier 90 is positioned between 22a, 22b and 22c.

Therefore, the foreign matter in the particulate state is first removed by the water purifier 90, and then the hardness component in the ionic state is removed by the water softener 100.

Specifically, the water softening device 100 is a first water softening device 102 installed in communication with the water supply passage between the third cold water supply valve 22c and the steam generator 40, and the first and second The second water softener 104 is provided to communicate with each other on the water supply passage between the cold water feed valves 22a and 22b and the detergent supply device 23.

In addition, the water purifier 90 is a first water purifier 92 is installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the third cold water feed valve 22c and the first water softener 102, and the first, And a second water purifying device 94 respectively installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the two cold water feed valves 22a and 22b and the second softening device 104.

As described above, all of the foreign matter in the particulate state and the hardness component in the ionic state included in the water supplied to the steam generator 40 and the detergent supply device 23 are removed by the water purification device 90 and the water softener 100. Therefore, the cleaning performance of the drum washing machine 1 is further improved, and the phenomenon that foreign matter adheres to the heater 44 of the steam generator 40 is more completely prevented.

On the other hand, the water purification device 90 and the water softener 100 is installed in the rear of the hot water supply valve assembly in the same manner as the second embodiment described above, or in the same manner as the third embodiment described above The valve assembly and the hot water feed valve assembly may be installed at the rear, respectively, and the detailed description thereof is similar to the second and third embodiments, and thus will be omitted in the present embodiment.

8 is a plan sectional view illustrating a top surface of a sixth embodiment in which a water softener and a water softener are continuously connected to a water supply valve assembly of a drum washing machine in which a steam generator of the present invention is installed.                     

Here, the same reference numerals as the above-mentioned drawings indicate the same members.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drum washing machine in which the steam generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is installed, the water supply valve assembly 22 includes the cold water feed valve assemblies 22a, 22b, and 22c and the hot water feed valve assembly. 22d, the water softener 120 and the water purifier 110 communicate with the rear of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c connected to the detergent supply device 23 and the steam generator 40. The other configurations are the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

That is, the water softener 120 and the water purifier 110 are connected in series to be connected to the inlet of the cold water feed valve assembly 22a, 22b, 22c, and the water purifier 110 and the cold water supply The water softener 120 is positioned between the valve assemblies 22a, 22b, 22c.

Therefore, in the drum washing machine 1, the hardness component of the ionic state is first removed by the water softener 120, and then the foreign matter in the particulate state is removed by the water purifier 110.

Of course, the arrangement order of the water purifying device and the softening device is preferably to determine the most effective arrangement order of the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment according to the water quality of the place where the drum washing machine 1 is used.

Specifically, the water purifier 110 is the first water purifier 112 is installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the third cold water supply valve 22c and the steam generator 40, and the first and second And a second water purifying device 114 respectively installed in communication with the water supply flow path between the cold water feed valves 22a and 22b and the detergent supply device 23.                     

In addition, the water softener 120 is a first water softener 122 is installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the third cold water feed valve 22c and the first water purifier 112, and the first, 2 consists of a second water softener 124 which is respectively installed in communication on the water supply flow path between the cold water feed valves 22a and 22b and the second water purifier 114.

On the other hand, the water purifier 110 and the water softener 120 is installed in the rear of the hot water feed valve assembly in the same manner as the second embodiment described above, or in the same manner as the third embodiment described above The valve assembly and the hot water feed valve assembly may be installed at the rear, respectively, and the detailed description thereof is similar to the second and third embodiments, and thus will be omitted in the present embodiment.

As described above, the washing machine in which the steam generator according to the present invention is installed has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and various modifications are made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, variations are possible.

The washing machine equipped with the steam generator of the present invention configured as described above includes at least one of a water purifying device and a softening device connected between the outlet of the water supply valve assembly and the steam generator, and included in the water supplied to the steam generator. By removing the foreign matter in the particulate state or the hardness component in the ionic state, foreign matter does not adhere to the heater surface of the steam generator, thereby preventing the life of the heater from being lowered and reducing the risk of fire due to overheating of the heater. There is an advantage that the performance of the steam generator is improved.

In addition, at least one of the water purifying device and the softening device is installed in communication between the water supply valve assembly and the detergent supply device to remove the foreign matter in the particulate state or the hardness component of the ionic state contained in the water supplied to the detergent supply device. As a result, the water used for washing and rinsing is cleanly purified, thereby improving the washing performance of the washing machine.

In addition, the water purifying device or the softening device is installed at the outlet of the hot water feed valve assembly and the cold water feed valve assembly, respectively, so that both the cold water and the hot water supplied through the hot water feed valve assembly and the cold water feed valve assembly are purified. There is an advantage.

In addition, the component replacement cycle of the heater is increased to reduce the component cost, and the washing and rinsing performance of the washing machine is improved due to the improved performance of the steam generator.

Claims (10)

Cabinets; A tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate water or detergent; A drum rotatably installed inside the tub, into which laundry is put; A steam generator fixed to one side of the cabinet to supply steam to the drum; A water supply valve assembly connected to the steam generator, the tub, and a water supply passage; And a water purifier installed in a water supply passage between the water supply valve assembly and a steam generator, the water purifier including a water purifying device to remove foreign matter in a particulate state contained in water supplied to the steam generator. The method of claim 1, It is further configured to further include a detergent supply device that is installed in communication on the water supply passage connecting the water supply valve assembly and the tub, the detergent supply to the tub, The water purifier is installed washing machine characterized in that the steam generator is installed in communication with the water supply valve assembly and the detergent supply device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, The water purifier is installed washing machine, characterized in that the steam generator is installed in communication with at least one outlet of the cold water feed valve assembly and the hot water feed valve assembly. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a water softener installed between the water purifier and the water supply valve assembly to remove the hardness component of the ion state contained in the water supplied to the water supply valve assembly. The method of claim 4, wherein The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, The water purifying device and the softening device are installed in the washing machine, characterized in that the steam generator is installed in communication with at least one outlet of the water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly. Cabinets; A tub disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate water or detergent; A drum rotatably installed inside the tub, into which laundry is put; A steam generator fixed to one side of the cabinet to supply steam to the drum; A water supply valve assembly connected to the steam generator, the tub, and a water supply passage; And a water softener installed in the water supply passage between the water supply valve assembly and the steam generator to remove the hardness component of the ionic state contained in the water supplied to the steam generator. The method of claim 6, It is further configured to further include a detergent supply device that is installed in communication on the water supply passage connecting the water supply valve assembly and the tub, the detergent supply to the tub, The water softener is a washing machine installed steam generator, characterized in that installed in communication between the water supply valve assembly and the detergent supply device. The method according to claim 6 or 7, The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, The water softener is installed washing machine, characterized in that the steam generator is installed in communication with at least one outlet of the cold water feed valve assembly and the hot water feed valve assembly. The method according to claim 6 or 7, And a water purifying device installed between the water softener and the water supply valve assembly, the water purifying device removing particulate matter contained in the water supplied to the water supply valve assembly. The method of claim 9, The water supply valve assembly is composed of a cold water supply valve assembly for supplying cold water, and a hot water supply valve assembly for supplying hot water, The water purifying device and the softening device are installed in the washing machine, characterized in that the steam generator is installed in communication with at least one outlet of the water supply valve assembly and the hot water supply valve assembly.

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