KR102521861B1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine of the present invention includes a first washing tub rotating about a vertical axis, and a second washing tub detachably coupled to the first washing tub and integrally rotating with the first washing tub, wherein the second washing tub is used to wash laundry A container accommodating the water; a lower cover coupled to an upper side of the container, having an inlet through which the water flow that has risen in the container flows when the first washing tub rotates, and a discharge port through which the water introduced through the inlet is discharged; and an upper cover coupled to an upper side of the lower cover to define a flow path from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the upper cover has an opening for inserting laundry into the container, and a radial direction from the opening. An upper surface portion having a water inlet formed at a position spaced outward along the water inlet, and the water inlet traverses the water inlet and has an inner circumference positioned inside the circumference based on a predetermined circumference centered on the vertical axis, and , Spaced apart from the inner circumference and defined by an outer circumferential portion located outside the circumference, the upper cover further includes a flow guide for guiding the water introduced through the water inlet downward, and the flow guide is As the guided surface, further comprising an inclined surface extending from the outer circumference and inclined with respect to a horizontal surface so as to gradually descend toward the inside along the radial direction, and when the inclined surface and the water inlet are projected orthogonally on the horizontal surface, the inclined surface The lower end of and the inner circumference of the water inlet are spaced apart from each other.

Description

Washing machine {WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine having two washing tubs.

A washing machine is a device that processes laundry through various actions such as washing, spin-drying, and/or drying. A washing machine is a device that removes contaminants from laundry (hereinafter, referred to as “cloth”) using water and detergent.

Recently, a washing machine equipped with two washing tubs has been released. Such a washing machine includes a large-capacity washing tub and a small-capacity washing tub, and each washing tub is separated from each other. It is convenient because the washing tubs can be used simultaneously or at different times according to the user's needs, and furthermore, it is very economical because only a small capacity washing tub can be used when a small amount of washing is required.

However, in this conventional washing machine, since the two washing tubs are spatially completely separated from each other, the overall size of the product is inevitably increased, and driving units for driving the washing tubs, water supply devices for water supply, and drainage There was a problem in that the price of the product also increased because two drainage devices were required respectively.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is, first, in a washing machine in which a second washing tub is detachably installed from a first washing tub permanently installed in a cabinet, when a handle is disposed around the water supply port of the second washing tub, the water supply port It is to prevent water from touching the handle in the process of supplying water.

Second, the second washing tub includes an upper cover and a lower cover, a handle is formed on one side of the water inlet on the upper cover, and a flow guide forming an inclined surface guiding water supplied through the water inlet on the other side. In the structure to be formed, the shape of the upper cover is designed in consideration of the mold wetted part required for smooth injection of the upper cover.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a first washing tub rotating about a vertical axis, and a second washing tub detachably coupled to the first washing tub and integrally rotating with the first washing tub.

The second washing tub is coupled to a container accommodating laundry and an upper side of the container, and has an inlet through which the water flow that has risen in the container is introduced when the first washing tub rotates, and the water introduced through the inlet is discharged. and a lower cover having a discharge port formed thereon, and an upper cover coupled to an upper side of the lower cover to define a flow path from the inlet to the outlet.

The upper cover includes an upper surface portion having an opening for inserting laundry into the container and a water supply hole formed at a position spaced apart from the opening outward along a radial direction.

The water inlet has an inner circumference located on the inner side of the circumference, and an outer circumference spaced apart from the inner circumference and located outside the circumference, based on a predetermined circumference centered on the vertical axis that crosses the water supply inlet. Defined by, the upper cover further includes a flow guide for guiding the water introduced through the water inlet downward.

The flow guide further includes an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal surface extending from the outer circumferential portion and gradually descending toward the inside along a radial direction as a surface through which water is guided.

When the inclined surface and the water inlet are projected orthogonally on the horizontal plane, the lower end of the inclined surface and the inner circumference of the water inlet are spaced apart from each other.

In the washing machine of the present invention, first, there is a difference in water pressure supplied from an external water source depending on the region, so that even when the water pressure discharged from the main dispenser to the second washing tub is higher than usual, the handle of the second washing tub does not touch the water. There is an effect that can lower the possibility.

Second, by designing the shape of the upper cover so as to give an inclination to the wet surface required for injection of the upper cover, there is an effect of promoting the efficiency of the molding process and lowering the product defect rate.

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of a second washing tub.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the second washing tub.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a washing tub cover.
5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second washing tub is installed in a balancer.
Figure 6 is a top down view of the assembly shown in Figure 5;
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6, showing a state in which the locking member is in the first position.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 .
9 is a top cover view from above.
10 shows a state in which the upper cover and the container are separated.
11 is a plan view of the top cover.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11 .
13 shows a state in which a locker is installed on the upper cover, and in particular, a state in which the locker is disposed between a pair of bulkheads.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13;
15 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7, (a) shows a state in which the locking member is in the first position, and (b) shows a state in which the locking member is in the second position.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to completely inform the person who has the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

1 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of a second washing tub. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second washing tub. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a washing tub cover. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second washing tub is installed in a balancer. Figure 6 is a top down view of the assembly shown in Figure 5; 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6, showing a state in which the locking member is in the first position. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 . 9 is a top cover view from above. 10 shows a state in which the upper cover and the container are separated. 11 is a plan view of the top cover. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11 . 13 shows a state in which a locker is installed on the upper cover, and in particular, a state in which the locker is disposed between a pair of bulkheads. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13; 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7, (a) shows a state in which the locking member is in the first position, and (b) shows a state in which the locking member is in the second position. Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , the cabinet 2 forms the exterior of the washing machine and forms a space in which the water storage tank 4 is accommodated. The cabinet 2 is supported by a flat cabinet base 5, and includes a front, left side, right side and rear side, and the top side is open.

A top cover 3 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the cabinet 2 . An opening for putting in and taking out laundry (or “cloth”) may be formed in the top cover 3 . A door (not shown) for opening and closing the opening may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 3 .

The water tank 4 is for holding water and can be suspended in the cabinet 2 by the support rod 15. Support rods 15 may be provided at each of the four corners of the cabinet 2, one end of each support rod 15 is pivotally connected to the top cover 3, and the other end is a suspension that dampens vibration. It is connected to the water tank (4) by (27).

The water storage tank 4 has an open upper surface, and a water storage tank cover 14 may be provided on the open upper surface. The water reservoir cover 14 is formed in a ring shape with a substantially circular opening formed in the center thereof, and laundry is input through the opening.

In the storage tub 4, a first washing tub 6 that accommodates laundry and rotates around a vertical axis may be disposed. The vertical axis is substantially perpendicular to the ground. The vertical axis may be precisely aligned on a line perpendicular to the ground, but is not limited thereto, and may be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical line. A plurality of through-holes 6h through which water passes are formed in the first washing tub 6, and water is exchanged between the first washing tub 6 and the water storage tank 4 through the through-holes 6h.

The first washing tub 6 may include a drum 6a having an open upper side and a through hole 6h formed therein, and a ring-shaped balancer 20 coupled to an upper portion of the drum 6a. The lower surface of the drum 6a may be connected to the rotation shaft of the drive unit 8 by the hub 7.

A pulsator 9 may be rotatably provided at the inner lower portion of the first washing tub 6 . The pulsator 9 may include a plurality of radial wings protruding upward. When the pulsator 9 rotates, a water flow is formed by the blades.

The balancer 20 compensates for the eccentricity caused when the drum 6a rotates. The balancer 20 is coupled to the upper end of the drum 6a. 5 to 7, the balancer 20 may include a balancer body 21 forming ring-shaped cavities 20h1 and 20h2. A fluid (eg, salt water) or a plurality of weights (eg, metal spheres) may be inserted into the cavities 20h1 and 20h2. A plurality of the annular cavities 20h1 and 20h2 may be concentric but have different diameters.

If the drum 6a is tilted to one side during rotation, the eccentricity is corrected by moving fluids or weights in the opposite direction to the direction in which the drum 6a is tilted. Various forms of the ring-type balancer 20 applied to the washing machine are already known, and further description will be omitted.

The second washing tub 10 may be inserted into a space defined by the ring-shaped balancer 20 (or a substantially circular opening), and may be supported by the balancer 20 in an inserted state. The second washing tub 10 includes a container 30 containing laundry and a washing tub cover 60 covering the container 30 . The container 30 contains laundry and water, has an open upper surface, and the washing tub cover 60 covers at least a portion of the opened upper surface. The container 30 may be made of a transparent material so that the laundry accommodated inside can be seen from the outside.

A ring-shaped support portion 22 for supporting the container 30 may be formed on an inner diameter portion of the balancer body 21 (a portion forming an inner circle among two circles constituting the ring shape when viewed from above). In the support part 22, a plurality of engagement grooves 22c (see FIG. 8) extending in the vertical direction are arranged along the circumferential direction. Each engagement groove 22c may have a spiral shape.

Threads 33 in the form of protrusions engaging with engagement grooves 22c formed in the support portion 22 may be formed on an outer surface of the container 30 . The thread 33 extends vertically in a form corresponding to the engagement groove 22c. That is, when the engagement groove 22c has a spiral shape, the thread 33 is also a protrusion extending in a spiral shape. Threads 33 are arranged in large numbers along the circumferential direction.

The threads 33 constitute a kind of helical gear and engage with the engagement grooves 22c formed in the seating portion 33 of the balancer 20. Due to this structure, when the first washing tub 6 rotates, the second washing tub 10 can rotate integrally with the first washing tub 6 without spinning. In addition, since this type of coupling between the balancer 20 and the container 30 is also a kind of screw coupling, the coupling between the second washing tub 10 and the first washing tub 6 is firmly maintained.

The second washing tub 10 accommodates laundry and is detachably attached to the first washing tub 6 . That is, the second washing tub 10 is detachably coupled to the first washing tub 6 . When the first washing tub 6 is rotated in a state where the second washing tub 10 is installed, the second washing tub 10 is also rotated integrally with the first washing tub 6 .

The user can put the first laundry into the first washing tub 6 when the second washing tub 10 is not installed, or install the second washing tub 10 and put the second laundry into the second washing tub 10. there is.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a driving unit 8 providing power to rotate the first washing tub 6 and the pulsator 9 may be disposed in the cabinet 2 . The driving unit 8 is disposed below the water storage tank 4 and can be hung in the cabinet 2 while being coupled to the bottom of the water storage tank 4 .

The rotating shaft of the driving unit 8 is always connected to the pulsator 9, and may be connected or disconnected from the first washing tub 6 according to a switching operation of a clutch (not shown). Therefore, when the driving unit 8 is operated in a state in which the rotating shaft of the driving unit 8 is connected to the first washing tub 6, the pulsator 9 and the first washing tub 6 are integrally rotated, and the rotating shaft When operating in a state in which the first washing tub 6 is disconnected (or separated), only the pulsator 9 rotates while the first washing tub 6 is stopped.

The driving unit 8 may include a washing motor capable of speed control. The washing motor may be a direct drive type inverter motor. The controller (not shown) may include a proportional-integral controller (PI controller), a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller), and the like. The controller receives the output value (eg, output current) of the washing motor as an input, and based on this, the rotation speed (or rotation speed) of the washing motor follows a predetermined target rotation number (or target rotation speed). You can control it.

It should be understood that the control unit may control not only the washing motor but also overall operation of the washing machine, and control of each of the components mentioned below is performed by the control of the control unit.

Meanwhile, the washing machine may include at least one water supply pipe 11 guiding water supplied from an external water source such as a tap. The at least one water supply pipe 11 may include a cold water pipe (not shown) receiving cold water from an external water source and a hot water pipe (not shown) receiving hot water.

A water supply valve 13 for controlling the water supply pipe 11 may be provided. When a plurality of water supply pipes 11 are provided, a plurality of water supply valves 13 are also provided, so that the water supply pipes 11 may be interrupted by the water supply valves 13, respectively. When at least one water supply valve 13 is opened under the control of the controller, water is supplied to the main dispenser 16 through the water supply pipe 11 corresponding to the opened water supply valve 13 .

The main dispenser 16 supplies additives acting on the laundry to the water storage tank 4 together with water supplied through the water supply pipe 11 . Additives supplied by the main dispenser 16 include laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and the like.

Meanwhile, the washing machine may further include a drain bellows 19a for discharging water from the water storage tank 4 and a drain valve 17 for controlling the drain bellows 19a. The drain bellows 19a may be connected to the pump 18. When the drain valve 17 is opened, water is supplied to the pump 18 through the drain bellows 19a. Water introduced into the pump 18 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe 19b when the pump 18 is operated.

An inlet 60h is formed at the center of the washing tub cover 60 so that laundry can be put into the container 30 . The washing tub cover 60 may include a lower cover 40 and an upper cover 50 coupled to an upper side of the lower cover 40 . The lower cover 40 may be coupled to an upper end of the container 30 . The lower cover 40 and the container 30 are each made of synthetic resin, and are coupled to each other preferably by welding, more preferably by thermal welding, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The upper cover 50 may be detachably coupled to the lower cover 40 . A first opening 40h is formed in the lower cover 40, and a second opening 50h communicating with the first opening 40h and constituting the inlet 60h is formed in the upper cover 50.

A space is provided between the upper cover 50 and the lower cover 40 in which a locker 80, a check valve 91, a flow path FP, etc., which will be described later, are disposed. If necessary, the user can use the upper cover 50 After separating from the lower cover 40, the locker 80 or the check valve 91 can be maintained or repaired, and the flow path FP can be cleaned.

A water supply port 51h through which water supplied from the water supply valve 13 flows may be formed in the washing tub cover 60 . The washing tub cover 60 is provided with a sub dispenser 70 containing additives such as detergent, bleach or fabric softener, and the water supplied to the water inlet 51h passes through the sub dispenser 70 to the container with the additive ( 30) is supplied. The additive is preferably in liquid form so that it can be smoothly discharged through a siphon pipe 724 to be described later.

Water supply through the water inlet 51h may be performed a plurality of times. In this case, since the additives are all discharged through the siphon pipe 724 to be described later during the first water supply, water in which the additives are not dissolved (or , raw water) is watered.

On the other hand, when the second washing tub 10 is rotated at a sufficient speed, the water flow developed outward along the radial direction by the centrifugal force within the container 30 moves toward the inner surface of the container 30 (ie, the container body 31 ), and may be introduced into the washing tub cover 60 through an inlet 452h to be described later. A flow path (FP, see FIG. 14) is formed in the washing tub cover 60 to guide the water flow introduced through the inlet 452h.

Meanwhile, a vane 35 protruding from the inner surface of the container 30 and extending vertically in the vertical direction may be provided. After the water flow generated by the rotation of the second washing tub 10 rises due to collision with the vane 35, it may fall to the center of the container 30.

The washing tub cover 60 may include a nozzle 62 that discharges the water flow guided along the flow path FP to the outside of the washing tub cover 60 . The nozzle 62 may be inserted into and fixed to the outlet 431 (see FIG. 14 ) formed in the lower cover 40 . The nozzle 62 may have a slit-shaped outlet extending long in the horizontal direction.

The outlet is open toward a lower side than the water tank cover 14 . The second washing tub 10 is rotated at high speed, so that the water discharged through the nozzle 62 may be guided along the lower surface of the water reservoir cover 14 .

As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the second washing tub 10 is installed on the balancer 20, the nozzle 62 is positioned higher than the balancer 20 (that is, exposed to the upper side than the balancer 20 is), and therefore, the water injected through the nozzle 62 can reach the water tank 4 without interfering with the balancer 20.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3 , a vane 35 extending long in the vertical direction may be provided on an inner surface of the container 30 . The vane 35 protrudes from the inner surface of the container 30 , is manufactured as a separate part from the container 30 , and may be installed in the container 30 . After the water flow generated by the rotation of the second washing tub 10 rises due to collision with the vane 35, it falls to the center of the container 30. A plurality of vanes 35 may be provided, and preferably, a plurality of vanes 35 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation of the second washing tub 10 . In the embodiment, a pair of vanes 35 are provided, but the number of vanes 35 is not limited thereto.

The washing tub cover 60 may include a handle 61 formed around the inlet 60h. When looking down at the washing tub cover 60 from above, the inlet 60h is located on one side with respect to the handle 61, and the water supply inlet 51h is located on the other side. The handle 61 may be provided on both sides of the inlet 60h, respectively, and the water supply port 51h may also be provided on the other side of each handle 61, respectively.

The sub dispenser 70 may be provided on both sides of the washing tub cover 60, respectively. In this case, laundry detergent or bleach may be supplied through one of the pair of sub dispensers 70 and fabric softener may be supplied through the other.

The sub dispenser 70 may be provided on the lower cover 40 . The sub dispenser 70 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the pair of water supply inlets 51h. Hereinafter, the pair of sub-dispensers 70 are divided into a first sub-dispenser 70(1) and a second sub-dispenser 70(2).

Depending on the rotational position (or rotational angle) of the second washing tub 10, the water discharged from the main dispenser 16 is selectively directed to the first sub dispenser 70(1) or the second dispenser 70(2). can be watered with For example, during the washing cycle, water is supplied to the first sub-dispenser 70(1), and during the rinsing cycle, water is supplied to the second sub-dispenser 70(2). The rotational position (or rotational angle) of (10) can be controlled.

Each sub-dispenser 70 includes a dispenser housing 71, a drawer 72 that is retractably accommodated in the dispenser housing 71 and has an open upper surface, and a drawer covering the open upper surface of the drawer 72. A lower cover 73 may be included. The drawer cover 73 may be detachably coupled to the drawer 72 . An opening 73h through which water discharged from the main dispenser 16 passes is formed in the drawer cover 73, and the water passing through the opening 73h is supplied into the drawer 72.

The upper cover 50 may include a flow guide 52 guiding water introduced through the inlet 51h to the sub dispenser 70 . The flow guide 52 forms an inclined surface to guide water downward, and the water guided along the inclined surface is guided to the opening 73h of the drawer cover 73.

The dispenser housing 71 provides a space in which the drawer 72 is accommodated and may be coupled to the lower cover 40 . The dispenser housing 71 may be fixed to the lower cover 40 by fastening members such as screws or bolts.

The drawer 72 is a container with an open upper surface, and additives may be accommodated in the drawer 72 . The drawer 72 is coupled with the dispenser housing 71 , and this coupling allows the drawer 72 to be inserted into or withdrawn from the dispenser housing 71 . In the embodiment, the drawer 72 is coupled to the dispenser housing 71 in a sliding manner, but is not necessarily limited thereto. 71) may be hinged.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the drawer 72 may include a siphon tube 724 protruding upward from the bottom, and the drawer cover 73 is a siphon cap covering the siphon tube 724 ( 732) may be included.

The outlet of the siphon pipe 724 is formed at the bottom of the drawer 72, and the siphon cap 73 forms a passage having an annular cross section between the outer circumferential surface of the siphon pipe 724. Such a structure is suitable for supplying liquid additives.

When water is supplied to the sub-dispenser 70 and the water level in the drawer 72 gradually rises, the water rises along the passage having an annular cross section and passes through the inlet at the top of the siphon tube 724 ( 724), and then discharged into the container 30 through the outlet at the bottom of the siphon tube 724.

Meanwhile, in order for the laundry in the first washing tub 6 and the laundry in the second washing tub 10 to be washed simultaneously, water must be supplied to the first washing tub 6 while the second washing tub 10 is installed. Hereinafter, how water is supplied to the first washing tub 6 in a state where the second washing tub 10 is installed will be described.

Referring to FIG. 6, when viewed from above, the outer appearance of the second washing tub 10 is a first section S1 in contact with the support portion 22 of the balancer 20 and a second section S1 spaced apart from the support portion 22. A section (S2) may be included.

The first section S1 is located on a first axis (a line marked VII-VII) passing through the vertical axis O, and the second section S2 passes through the vertical axis O and is orthogonal to the first axis. It can be located on the axis (Y). The first section S1 may be formed on both sides to be symmetrical with respect to the second axis Y, and the second section S2 may be formed on both sides to be symmetrical with respect to the first axis.

When the second washing tub 10 is rotated and aligned to the first rotational position by the control of the driving unit 8 of the controller, the water discharged from the main dispenser 16 is discharged from the second section S2 and the balancer 20 Water can be supplied into the container 30 through the gap formed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the.

When the second washing tub 10 is aligned to the second rotational position rotated by a predetermined angle from the first rotational position by the control of the driving unit 8 of the controller, the water discharged from the main dispenser 16 is supplied to the water supply port 51h. ) is supplied to the sub dispenser 70. That is, in the second washing tub 10, in the second rotational position, the water inlet 51h is aligned with the outlet of the main dispenser 16, and the water discharged through the outlet flows into the water inlet 51h. . In the embodiment, the second rotational position is a position where the first washing tub 6 is rotated 90 degrees from the first rotational position. However, when the position of the water inlet 51h is changed according to the embodiment, the angle between the second rotational position and the first rotational position may be changed. As described above, since the washing motor is capable of speed control, the control unit controls the rotational angle of the first washing tub 6 or the rotational position of the first washing tub 6 based on the speed of the washing motor. it is possible Since the second washing tub 10 rotates integrally with the first washing tub 6, controlling the rotation angle or rotation position of the first washing tub 6 is equivalent to controlling the rotation angle or rotation position of the second washing tub 10. it is also

Specifically, a first hall sensor (not shown) may be provided in the water reservoir cover 14 and a first magnet may be provided in the second washing tub 10 . While the second washing tub 10 rotates, the first hall sensor may sense a magnetic field formed by the first magnet and send a signal to a controller based on the detected magnetic field. Based on the received signal, the control unit can grasp the rotational speed, rotational position (or the position of the first magnet), rotational angle, etc. of the second washing tub 10, and based on this, the first washing tub 6 The washing motor may be controlled to align with the first rotational position or the second rotational position.

Meanwhile, a second magnet may be provided in the rotor of the washing motor, and a second Hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated by the second magnet is provided in a fixed structure near the second magnet (for example, a water tank (4)). ) can be placed on the lower surface). A plurality of second magnets may be disposed along the circumference of the rotor. The control unit may control the washing motor based on the signal output from the second hall sensor, and at this time, the second washing tub 10 may control the washing motor by considering the signal output from the first hall sensor. It can be controlled to align to the first rotational position or the second rotational position.

Depending on the embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotor may be sensed without a separate sensor. That is, the control unit may detect the rotation angle of the rotor in a sensorless manner. For example, after a phase current of a constant frequency is allowed to flow through the washing motor, the position of the rotor of the washing motor may be estimated based on an output current detected while a current of a certain frequency is flowing through the washing motor. Since this sensorless method corresponds to a known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, after water supply into the container 30 is completed, the control unit controls the drive unit 8 according to a preset algorithm to perform washing. Thereafter, the water used for washing needs to be discharged from the second washing tub 10, and this drainage is performed using the centrifugal force caused by the high-speed rotation of the second washing tub 10.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 14 , in the lower cover 40, when the second washing tub 10 is rotated, an inlet 452h through which the water flow that has risen in the container 30 by centrifugal force is introduced, and an inlet 452h ) An outlet 431 for discharging water introduced through is formed. Although omitted in FIG. 14 , as shown in FIG. 2 , a nozzle 62 may be inserted into the outlet 431 .

The lower cover 40 may include a bottom portion 452 in which an inlet 452h is formed, and a side wall portion 43a extending upward from the bottom portion 452 and having an outlet 431 formed therein. The lower cover 40 includes a first upper surface portion 41 in which a first opening 40h is formed, and a first inner wall portion 42 extending downward from the first upper surface portion 41 around the first opening 40h. ) and an outer wall portion 43 extending along the outer circumference of the first upper surface portion 41 .

A portion of the first upper surface portion 41 may be recessed to reach the groove portion 45 , and in this case, the bottom portion 452 constitutes the bottom surface of the groove portion 45 . The side wall portion 43a belongs to the outer wall portion 43 and constitutes the outer inner circumferential surface 451 of the groove portion 45 . An opening 42h for installing the dispenser 70 may be formed in the first inner wall portion 42 .

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12 to 13 , the lower cover 40 may include an inner handle 410 formed between the groove 45 and the first opening 40h. One side of the inner handle 410 may be formed by the first inner wall portion 42, and in this case, the one side defines the first opening 40h. An opening 42h for installing the dispenser 70 is formed on the one side surface, and the opening 42h is formed to a height higher than the dispenser 70, between the dispenser 70 and the inner handle 410, the handle (61) When gripping, a space through which the user's fingers pass is formed.

On the other hand, the groove portion 45 has an inner inner circumferential surface 453 formed at a position spaced apart from the outer inner circumferential surface 451 in the radial direction. The inner inner circumferential surface 453 extends upward from the bottom of the groove portion 45 on the opposite side of the outer inner circumferential surface 451 .

Both ends of the inner inner circumferential surface 453 are connected to the outer inner circumferential surface 451 by groove inner surfaces 454 and 455, respectively, and thus, the inner inner circumferential surface 453, the first groove inner surface 454, and the second groove inner surface The inner side surrounded by 455 and the outer inner circumferential surface 451 becomes an area defined by the groove portion 45.

An inclined surface 456 may extend from an upper end of the inner circumferential surface 453 inward along a radial direction. Preferably, the inclined surface 456 is in contact with the bottom surface of the flow guide 52 so that water does not penetrate into the gap between the inclined surface 456 and the flow guide 52 of the upper cover 50 to be described later.

The inner inner circumferential surface 453 is connected to the outer wall portion 43 by a pair of partition walls 47 and 48 . The locking member 81, which will be described later, is preferably located in the unlocked position (ie, the position of the locking member 81 in a state where the second washing tub 10 is stopped) by the restoring force of the spring 82. 453) is in contact with.

The upper cover 50 includes a second upper surface portion 51 in which a second opening portion 50h and a water supply port 51h are formed, and a second portion extending downward from the second upper surface portion 51 around the second opening portion 50h. 2 inner wall portion 53 may be included. The water supply port 51h is located outside the second opening 50h along the radial direction.

The second upper surface portion 51 may include an outer handle 510 formed between the water supply port 51h and the second opening 50h. The outer handle 510 is a portion extending downward from the handle upper surface portion 511 around the handle upper surface portion 511 belonging to the second upper surface portion 51 and the second opening 50h, and the second inner wall portion 53 ) It may include a first handle side portion 512 belonging to, and a second handle side portion 513 extending downward from the handle upper surface portion 511 around the water supply port 51h. That is, a “c” shaped groove with a lower side open is formed by the handle upper surface portion 511, the first handle side portion 512 and the second handle side portion 513.

The inner handle 410 is inserted into the "c" shaped groove. Since the user can grip the inner handle 410 and the outer handle 510 together, when the second washing tub 10 is lifted, the upper cover 50 and the lower cover 40 are not separated from each other.

A hook (not shown) is formed on one of the inner handle 410 and the outer handle 510 so that the inner handle 410 and the outer handle 510 are more firmly coupled, and the hook is caught on the other. A groove (not shown) may be formed.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11 , a predetermined circumference C1 centered on an axis O perpendicular to the water inlet 51h may be defined. Each side defining the water supply port 51h may include an inner circumferential portion P1 , an outer circumferential portion P2 , a first side portion P3 , and a second side portion P4 .

Here, the inner circumferential portion P1 is a portion located inside the circumference C1 of the circumference of the water inlet 51h. The outer circumferential portion P2 is a portion spaced apart from the inner circumferential portion P1 and is located outside the circumference C1. The first side portion P3 connects one side of the inner circumference portion P1 and one side of the outer circumference portion P2 and crosses the circumference C1, and the second side portion P4 connects the other side of the inner circumference portion P1 and the second side portion P4. By connecting the other side of the outer circumference (P2), it also crosses the circumference (C1).

The upper cover 50 may include a flow guide 52 guiding water introduced through the inlet 51h to the sub dispenser 70 . The flow guide 52 forms an inclined surface 525 to guide water downward, and the water guided along the inclined surface 525 is guided to the opening 73h of the drawer cover 73.

The inclined surface 525 extends from the outer circumferential portion P2 and is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface HP so as to gradually descend toward the inside along the radial direction.

11 and 12, when the inclined surface 525 and the water inlet 51h are projected orthogonally on the horizontal surface HP, the inner circumferential portion P1 of the water inlet 51h is the lower end of the inclined surface 525. It is spaced apart from the radially inward direction of the circumference C1. When the inclined surface 525 and the water inlet 51h are projected orthogonally on the horizontal surface HP, the lower end of the inclined surface 525 and the inner circumferential portion P1 of the water inlet 51h are spaced apart from each other by a distance d. The distance d is preferably 5 to 10 mm, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The inclined surface 525 may include a concave curved portion 521 extending from the outer circumferential portion P2 and a discharge portion 522 bent downward from the curved portion 521 . After the water guided by the inclined surface 525 is separated from the end of the discharge part 522, it is supplied to the sub dispenser 70.

In a state projected on the horizontal plane, the inner circumferential portion P1 of the water supply port 51h may be spaced apart from the discharge portion 522 . In this case, the inner circumferential portion P1 is closest to the end of the discharge portion 522 among the inclined surfaces 525, and in this case, the distance d may be the distance between the inner circumferential portion P1 and the end.

Meanwhile, the upper cover 50 may further include a first side wall portion 527 extending downward from the first side portion P3 of the water inlet 51h and connecting the inclined surface 525 to one side. Although not shown, the upper cover 50 may further include a second side wall portion extending downward from the second side wall portion P4 and connected to the other side of the inclined surface 525 . The flow of the water stream guided along the inclined surface 525 in the width direction is limited by the first side wall portion 527 and the second side wall portion.

12 shows a parting line (P/Line) where two molds used when injecting the upper cover 50 meet. One of the two molds is an upper mold disposed above the parting line, and the other is a lower mold disposed below the parting line.

Looking at the wet surfaces where these two molds are in contact, the horizontal upper wet surface (K1) shown in the enlarged drawing of the part marked A, the horizontal lower wet surface (K3) shown in the enlarged drawing of the part marked B, and There is an inclined wet surface K2 extending from the upper wet surface K1 to the lower wet surface K3 in an inclined manner.

Here, for smooth sliding between the molds, the inclined wetting surface K2 should have an angle of about 4 degrees or more with the vertical, preferably 4 to 8 degrees. If the distance between the upper wet surface K1 and the lower wet surface K3 is h and the angle between the inclined wet surface K2 and the vertical is θ, the horizontal The distance d1 can be expressed by the following equation.

[Equation 1]

Here, h corresponds to the height from the lower end 522a of the discharge part 522 to the lower end of the second handle side portion 513 of the outer handle 510, and is approximately 30 to 40 mm. In this case, when θ is 4 degrees to 8 degrees, d1 has a minimum value of 2.1 mm when h = 30 mm and θ = 4 degrees, h = 40 mm, and a maximum value of 5.6 mm when θ = 8 degrees.

Also, the length d2 of the upper wet surface K1 and the length d3 of the lower wet surface K3 are preferably 2 mm or more, respectively. Since d=d1+d2+d3, under the conditions for wet surfaces as above, d may have a value of 6.1 mm to 9.6 mm (d2 and d3 are calculated as 2 mm each), preferably 7 mm. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

By forming the distance d, it is possible to configure the inclined wet surface (K2) at the part where the two molds meet, and thus, there is an effect that sliding between the molds can be performed smoothly.

Furthermore, assuming that the structure and location of the sub dispenser 70 cannot be changed, it is difficult to change the location where water is discharged into the sub dispenser 70 (ie, the location of the discharge unit 522). Despite these design constraints, since the position of the outer handle 510 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 525 by a distance corresponding to the distance d, the outer handle 510 extends the main dispenser 16 by a distance corresponding to the distance d. ) may be farther away from the discharge port. Therefore, there is a difference in the water pressure supplied from the external water source depending on the region, and even if the water pressure discharged from the main dispenser 16 is higher than usual, there is a possibility that the outer handle 510 gets wet due to the distance d. it will be lowered

The handle upper surface portion 511 corresponds to an area located between the second opening portion 50h and the water supply port 51h on the second upper surface portion 51 . The first handle side portion 512 extends downward from the handle upper surface portion 511 and defines the second opening 50h (or, among the circumferences of the second opening 50h, defining the handle upper surface portion 511). section) is extended. The second handle side portion 513 extends downward from the handle upper surface portion 511 and extends from the inner circumferential portion P1 of the second water supply port 51h.

When the inclined surface 525 and the second handle side portion 513 are projected orthogonally onto the horizontal plane HP, the inclined surface 525 and the second handle side portion 513 may be spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the end of the discharge part 522 among the inclined surfaces 525 is closer to the second handle side part 513 than the upper part 511 of the handle. In this case, the distance d is the distance between the lower end of the second handle side part 513 and the discharge part 522.

Meanwhile, an opening 53h may be formed in the second inner wall portion 53 of the upper cover 50 at a position corresponding to the opening 42h of the lower cover 40 . The first handle side portion 512 of the outer handle 510 may be formed by the second inner wall portion 53, and in this case, the first handle side portion 512 defines the second opening 50h.

The height of the opening 53h is determined by the lower end of the first handle side portion 512 . The lower end of the first handle side part 512 may be located at substantially the same height as the lower end of the second handle side part 513 .

Meanwhile, in the upper cover 50, the flow guide 52 may extend around the water supply inlet 51h, in particular, from a section located on the opposite side of the second handle side portion 513. That is, the flow guide 52 extends from the second top surface portion 51 at a position spaced outward from the second handle side portion 513 along the radial direction. The flow guide 52 gradually extends downward from the second upper surface portion 51 toward the inside along the radial direction.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12 , a flow path FP extending from the inlet 452h to the outlet 431 may be formed in the washing tub cover 60 . When the second washing tub 10 is rotated, water flow developed outward along the radial direction by the centrifugal force within the container 30 rises along the inner surface of the container 30 . The raised water flow is introduced into the flow path FP through the inlet 452h and then discharged through the outlet 431 . As described above, the inlet 452h and the outlet 431 are formed in the lower cover 40, and the upper cover 50 is combined with the lower cover 40 to define the flow path FP.

The flow path FP may be defined as an area defined by the bottom portion 452 , the outer wall portion 43 , and the first inner wall portion 42 of the lower cover 40 . Water introduced into the flow path FP through the inlet 452h rises along the inner surface (ie, the outer inner circumferential surface 451 ) of the side wall portion 43a and is discharged through the outlet 431 . At this time, the remaining water not discharged through the outlet 431 does not rise any more by the lower surface of the upper cover 50 . When the capacity of the flow path FP is sufficient, since most of the water in the flow path FP is compressed against the outer inner circumferential surface 451 by centrifugal force, a water flow reaching the inner inner circumferential surface 453 is substantially not generated. Therefore, depending on the embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 453 may not play a role of defining the flow path FP.

The lower cover 40 may further include a check valve 91 for opening and closing the inlet 452h. The check valve 91 may be opened and closed by centrifugal force caused by rotation of the second washing tub 10 or by water pressure.

The check valve 91 may be disposed within the groove 45 . The check valve 91 has a bottom surface in close contact with the top surface of the bottom portion 452 (ie, the bottom surface of the groove portion 45), the outer end 91a is fixed to the bottom portion 452, and the outer end ( The inner end 91b located inward from 91a) along the radial direction can turn with respect to the outer end 91a. A rib (not shown) pressing the upper surface of the check valve 91 may protrude from the lower surface of the upper cover 50 so that the outer end 91a is fixed.

The check valve 91 may be made of a more or less elastic material such as rubber. In this case, the check valve 91 is turned by the pressure of the water flow passing through the inlet 452h and the moment caused by the centrifugal force with the outer end 91a as an operating point to open the inlet 452h, and the second When the washing tub 10 is stopped or decelerated, it returns to its original position by its own weight and the restoring force of the material, and closes the inlet 452h.

However, it is not limited to this, and according to the embodiment, the outer end 91a is rotatably connected to the bottom portion 452, and the outer end 91 and the bottom portion 452 are connected to the center, the check valve 91 can be turned, and in this case, the check valve 91 may not be made of a material having elasticity.

A washing course using the second washing tub 10 may include a washing process and a draining process. The rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 in the washing cycle is preferably such that the water flow in the container 30 does not reach the inlet 452h. At this time, the rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 may be configured to vary according to the water level in the container 30 . However, according to the embodiment, when the amount of water supplied to the container 30 is always constant during the washing cycle, based on the case where a predetermined quantity (ie, the amount of input to guide the user through the product manual, etc.) is input The rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 when the water flow starts to reach the inlet 452h may be determined by experimentation, and the controller controls the rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 in the washing operation so as not to exceed the predetermined rotational speed. rotation speed can be controlled.

Alternatively, even if the water flow raised in the container 30 reaches the inlet 452h, the water pressure acting through the inlet 452h overcomes the moment acting in the closing direction due to the weight of the check valve 91. The rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 during the washing cycle may be controlled within a range not reaching .

7 and 13 to 14, the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the second washing tub 10, and the first washing tub 6 is removed while the second washing tub 10 rotates. It includes a locker 80 that is fixed so as not to be removed. The locker 80 may be provided on the lower cover 40 .

The locker 80 includes a locking member 81 and an elastic member 82. The locking member 81 is located in a first position (hereinafter, referred to as an “unlock position”) in a state in which the second washing tub 10 is stopped, and when the second washing tub 10 is rotated, the second washing tub 10 is rotated by centrifugal force. It moves from the first position to the second position (hereinafter referred to as "lock position"). The lock position is located outside the unlock position along the radial direction.

The locking member 81 engages with the first washing tub 6 in a locked position to fix the second washing tub 10 to the first washing tub 6 . A straight line connecting the unlocked position to the locked position (ie, the movement line of the locking member 81) may cross the first section S1 (see FIG. 6).

In the balancer 20, a locking groove 22r into which the locking member 81 is inserted in a locked position may be formed. The locking groove 22r may be formed on the inner diameter of the balancer body 21 . When the second washing tub 10 is mounted on the ring-type balancer 20 and rotates at a predetermined speed or more in a state aligned at a preset rotational position, the locking member 81 is moved outward along the radial direction by centrifugal force, The locked position is reached, and in this process, the locking member 81 is inserted into the locking groove 22r. Even if the second washing tub 10 is shaken or vibrated during rotation, since the locking member 81 and the locking groove 22r are engaged, the second washing tub 10 is prevented from being removed. In particular, since the upward movement of the second washing tub 10 is restricted, the problem of the second washing tub 10 impacting the top cover 3 or the door (not shown) does not occur. Even when the second washing tub 10 is rotated at high speed (for example, during the spin-drying cycle), it is possible to prevent damage to the device and safety accidents.

Since the locking of the second washing tub 10 is not performed by a separate power mechanism (eg, a motor) but by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the second washing tub 10, locking Not only has the advantage of being able to simply configure the structure for the lock, but also has the advantage of not requiring special control for the lock.

The elastic member 82 is elastically deformed when the locking member 81 is in the locked position, and then restored to its original state when the rotation of the second washing tub 10 is stopped to return the locking member 81 to the unlocked position. When the rotation of the second washing tub 10 is stopped, the locking member 81 is returned to the unlocked position by the restoring force of the elastic member 82, so that the lock is automatically released. When washing is completed, since the lock is automatically released, the user can easily take out the second washing tub 10 without the need for a separate operation to release the lock.

The elastic member 82 may be a coil spring that is compressed when the locking member 81 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locking member 81 may include a spring mount 81b supported by a spring 82 and a head 81a protruding from the spring mount 81b. In the spring mount 81b, spring fixing protrusions 81c and 81d are formed on each part protruding on both sides of the head 81a, and a pair of springs 82 are attached to these fixing protrusions 81c and 81d. each can be fitted. That is, the spring 82 has one end located on the inner surface (ie, the outer outer circumferential surface 451) of the outer wall portion 43, and the other end may support the spring mount 81b. The outer inner circumferential surface of the groove portion 45 ( A pair of protrusions (not shown) protrude from 451, and one end of the spring 82 may be fitted into each of the protrusions 435a and 435b.

The locking member 81 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface 453 of the groove 45 by the restoring force of the spring 82 in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the locking member 81 can be stably maintained without being shaken.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13 , the lower cover 40 may have a first through portion 432 formed in the outer wall portion 43 . The head 81a may be positioned within the first through portion 432 . Preferably, even if the locking member 81 is located at an arbitrary point between the unlocked position and the locked position, the head 81a is always located within the first through-portion 432 .

Meanwhile, the container 30 includes a container body 31 and a rim portion 32 formed at an upper end of the container body 31 and surrounding the outer wall portion 43 from the outside of the lower cover 40, see FIGS. 2 and 14, ) may be included. The rim portion 32 may be formed along the upper end of the container body 31 , that is, along the circumference of the opening of the upper surface of the container 30 . A second through part 32h communicating with the first through part 432 may be formed in the rim part 32 . The head 81a passes through the second penetrating portion 32h and protrudes out of the second washing tub 10 .

The head 81a is a part connecting the insertion part 811 inserted into the locking groove 22r and the insertion part 811 and the spring mount 81b, and the part connected to the spring mount 81b is the first through-hole. The hooking portion 812 having a larger cross-sectional area than the passage area of the portion 432 may be included. The insertion part 811 can pass through the first penetrating part 432, but the hooking part 812 cannot.

The head 81a has a substantially rectangular cross section taken as a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (ie, the movement line of the locking member 81). In the first through-portion 432, the outlet positioned on the outer surface of the outer wall portion 43 is formed to correspond to the cross section of the insertion portion 811, and the inlet positioned on the inner surface of the outer wall portion 43 It may be formed to correspond to the cross section of the hanging portion 812 . The hooking portion 812 may include a first inclined surface (a surface indicated by 812 in FIG. 11) that gradually descends toward the insertion portion 811 from a portion connected to the spring mount 81b, corresponding to this. A second inclined surface (not shown) may be formed between the inlet and the outlet of the first through part 432 . When the locking member 81 is in a locked position, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface may be in contact with each other.

A pair of barrier ribs 47 and 48 are formed on the lower cover 40 . A space (SP) in which the locker 80 is accommodated is provided between the pair of partition walls 47 and 48. The space SP is separated from the flow path FP by a pair of barrier ribs 47 and 48 . Each of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 may extend from the bottom portion 452 to the outer wall portion 43 . In addition, the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 are connected to the inner circumferential surface 453, respectively. That is, the space SP is surrounded by the outer wall portion 43, the pair of partition walls 47 and 48, and the inner circumferential surface 453, and the upper surface is open, but the open upper surface is again on the bottom surface of the upper cover 50. closed by

In particular, the upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 are in close contact with the lower surface of the upper cover 50 to block water in the passage FP from entering into the space SP beyond the partition walls 47 and 48. do. A bottom surface of the flow guide 52 may come into close contact with upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 .

According to the embodiment, between the upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 and the lower surface of the upper cover 50 so that airtightness between the partition walls 47 and 48 and the upper cover 50 can be more reliably maintained. A sealer (not shown) for sealing may be provided. The sealer is made of soft material (eg, rubber) and may be interposed between the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 and the lower surface of the upper cover 50 . In this case, one side is pressed by the partition walls 47 and 48, and the other side is pressed by the bottom side of the upper cover 50.

Claims (8)

A first washing tub rotated around a vertical axis; and
A second washing tub detachably coupled to the first washing tub and integrally rotated with the first washing tub;
The second washing tub,
A container for receiving laundry; and
Including a washing tub cover coupled to the upper side of the container,
The washing tub cover,
an opening 50h for putting laundry into the container;
a water supply port 51h provided at a position spaced outward from the opening in a radial direction; and
Including a flow guide for guiding the water introduced through the water inlet downward,
The water inlet may include an inner circumferential portion positioned inside the circumference and an outer circumferential portion spaced apart from the inner circumference and positioned outside the circumference based on a predetermined circumference centered on the vertical axis crossing the water inlet. is defined by
The flow guide includes an inclined surface 525 inclined with respect to a horizontal plane extending from the outer circumference and gradually descending toward the inside along the radial direction,
When the inclined surface and the water inlet are projected orthogonally onto the horizontal surface, an inner circumferential portion of the water inlet is spaced apart from a lower end of the inclined surface in a radially inward direction of the predetermined circumference. According to claim 1,
The slope is
a concave curved portion 521 extending from the outer circumferential portion; and
It is bent downward from the curved part and includes a discharge part 522 from which water is separated from the end,
The washing machine wherein the inner circumferential portion of the water supply port is spaced apart from the discharge portion in a state of being projected orthogonally on the horizontal plane. According to claim 1,
In the state of being projected on the horizontal plane, the distance between the lower end of the inclined surface and the inner circumference of the water inlet is 5 to 10 mm. According to claim 1,
The washing tub cover,
a lower cover coupled to an upper side of the container, having an inlet through which the water flow that has risen in the container flows when the first washing tub rotates, and having an outlet through which the water introduced through the inlet is discharged; and
and an upper cover coupled to an upper side of the lower cover to define a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. According to claim 4,
The upper cover includes an upper surface portion in which the opening and the water supply hole are formed. According to claim 5,
The upper cover,
On the upper surface portion, a handle upper surface portion defined between the opening and the water supply port;
a first side portion of the handle extending downward from the upper surface of the handle and extending in a section defining the opening; and
Doedoe extending downward from the upper surface of the handle, including a second side of the handle extending from the inner circumference,
When the inclined surface and the second side surface of the handle are projected orthogonally onto the horizontal plane, the inclined surface and the second side surface of the handle are spaced apart from each other. According to claim 6,
The lower cover,
and an inner handle inserted into an area surrounded by the upper surface of the handle, the first side of the handle, and the second side of the handle. According to claim 4,
In the lower cover,
A sub-dispenser for supplying additives into the container is provided,
The flow guide,
A washing machine for guiding water introduced through the water inlet to the sub-dispenser.

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