KR102627648B1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a flow path forming member that forms a flow path between the drawer housing and the drawer housing. The flow path forming member is coupled to the inner or outer surface of the drawer housing. Water guided through the flow path forming member is supplied into the inner tank.

Description

washing machine{WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a flow path forming member that forms a flow path for spraying water into an inner tank between the drawer housing and the drawer housing.

Generally, a washing machine is a device that processes laundry through various operations such as washing, dehydrating, and/or drying. In a washing machine, an inner tank is rotatably provided in an outer tank containing water, and laundry is placed into the inner tank. A typical washing machine is equipped with a dispenser for injecting detergent or fabric softener into the inner tank, and may be equipped with a nozzle that sprays water into the inner tank separately from the dispenser.

Conventionally, water was supplied to the nozzle by connecting a hose connected to a water supply valve to the nozzle. In this case, the hose and the nozzle were connected by a clamp. Additionally, the nozzle was coupled to the top cover with a screw. This structure not only increases material costs due to an increase in the number of parts such as clamps and screws, but also increases the number of assembly man-hours, leading to a decrease in productivity.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is, first, to apply a structure that sprays water into the inner tank, but to reduce material costs by avoiding the use of parts such as clamps or screws when applying this structure, and to improve productivity by reducing assembly man-hours. It is done.

Second, even if the structure of spraying water into the inner tank varies depending on the product specifications, it provides a washing machine that can minimize changes in product design or replacement of parts.

The washing machine of the present invention includes an inner tank that contains laundry, a drawer that accommodates an additive, and a drawer housing that forms a space in which the drawer is accommodated.

The drawer housing has an outlet of a water supply port for supplying water and at least one outlet for discharging water supplied through the outlet into the inner tank on an inner surface defining the space.

A flow path forming member is coupled to the inner surface of the drawer housing. The flow path forming member forms a flow path between the inner surface and the inner surface to guide water flowing in through the outlet to the outlet.

Alternatively, the washing machine of the present invention includes an inner tank containing laundry, a drawer accommodating an additive, and a drawer housing forming a space in which the drawer is accommodated, wherein water flows into the drawer housing through a water supply port. A flow guide pipe is formed to guide the water.

The outlet of the flow guide tube is located on the outer surface of the drawer housing, and a flow path forming member is coupled to the outer surface of the drawer housing. The flow path forming member forms a flow path between the outer surface and the outlet so that water discharged through the outlet is guided along a predetermined path and then discharged into the inner tank.

The washing machine of the present invention can implement a structure for spraying water into the inner tank simply by coupling the flow path forming member to the drawer housing, so parts such as clamps or screws to implement this structure are unnecessary, and therefore, material cost is reduced. This has the effect of reducing assembly time and improving productivity.

In addition, even if the spray structure varies depending on the product specifications, the design of the flow path forming member can be changed, so structural changes to other parts such as the drawer housing can be minimized. Therefore, when producing products with various specifications, component commonality is improved, and it is easy to produce products that meet the diverse needs of consumers.

1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how water is sprayed through spray holes formed in the drawer housing in the washing machine shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a partial view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, with the drawer housing enlarged.
Figure 5 shows the bottom of the drawer housing shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 shows an assembly in which a drawer housing and a flow path forming member are combined.
Figure 7 is a view (a) showing the coupling structure of the branch portion of the flow guide pipe with the flow guide pipe coupled to the drawer housing, and (b) showing the front end of the drawer housing with the flow guide pipe removed. )am.
Figure 8 is a view cut along II of Figure 1.
Figure 9 shows an assembly of a drawer housing and a flow path forming member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows the passage forming member in Figure 9 removed.
FIG. 11 is a view cut along line IX-IX of FIG. 9.

1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in Figure 1. For reference, the flow path forming member is omitted in FIG. 2 to avoid complicating the drawing, and the specific configuration of the flow path forming member is shown in other drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cabinet 2 is supported by the base 5 and forms a space inside to accommodate the outer tank 4. The cabinet 2 may include a front side, a left side, a right side, and a rear side installed along the outer edge of the base 5. The base 5 is approximately flat and can be supported by four support legs 10 installed near the four corners.

A top cover (3) may be coupled to the open top of the cabinet (2). The top cover 3 may be provided with an inlet for loading and unloading laundry (or “laundry”). Although not shown, a door that opens and closes the inlet may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 3.

The outer tank 4 is intended to contain washing water, and may be provided in a suspended form within the cabinet 2 by a suspension 15. The upper end of the suspension 15 is pivotably coupled to the top cover 3, and the lower end is coupled to the outer tank 4. A spring may be provided at the lower end of the suspension 15 to support the outer tank 4. Suspension 15 may be provided at each of the four corners of the cabinet 2.

The outer tank 4 may be open on the upper side, and an outer tank cover 14 may be provided on the open upper side. The outer tub cover 14 may be formed in a ring shape with an open central portion for the entry and exit of laundry.

An inner tank 6 that accommodates laundry and rotates about a vertical axis may be disposed within the outer tub 4. A plurality of holes through which water passes may be formed in the inner tank 6, and water may exchange between the inner tank 6 and the outer tank 4 through the holes.

At the top of the inner tank 6, a balancer 12 may be provided to correct eccentricity caused when the inner tank 6 rotates. The balancer 12 is a fluid or mass filled in an annular space provided along the top of the inner tank 6. When the inner tank 6 is biased to one side, the fluid or mass moves to the opposite side to correct the eccentricity.

A drain bellows 21 that discharges water from the outer tank 4 and a drain valve 22 that controls the drain bellows 21 may be provided. The drain bellows 21 is connected to the pump 24, and when the drain valve 22 is opened, water can be supplied to the pump 24 through the drain bellows 21. The water flowing into the pump 24 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain hose 25 when the pump 24 operates.

A pulsator 9 may be rotatably provided at the inner lower portion of the inner tank 6. The pulsator 9 may include a plurality of radial ribs protruding upward. When the pulsator 9 rotates, a water flow may be formed by the ribs.

A washing motor 8 that provides power to rotate the inner tub 6 and the pulsator 9 may be disposed in the cabinet 2. The washing motor 8 may be disposed on the lower side of the outer tub 4 and hung within the cabinet 2 together with the outer tub 4. The rotation shaft of the washing motor 8 is always coupled to the pulsator 9, and can be coupled or disengaged from the inner tub 6 according to the switching operation of the clutch (not shown). Therefore, when the washing motor 8 operates with the rotation shaft coupled to the inner tub 6, the pulsator 9 and the inner tub 6 rotate as one body, and the rotation shaft is separated from the inner tub 6. When operating in the state, only the pulsator (9) rotates while the inner tank (6) is stopped.

The washing motor 8 can be speed controlled, and a BLDC motor (Brushless Direct Current Motor) is suitable, but is not necessarily limited to this.

The washing machine may include at least one water hose 11 that guides water supplied from an external water source such as a faucet. At least one water hose 11 may include a cold water hose (not shown) supplied with cold water from an external water source and a hot water hose (not shown) supplied with hot water. At least one water supply valve 130 that controls the water supply hose 11 may be provided.

Water supplied through at least one water hose 11 flows into the valve assembly 13. Valve assembly 13 may include at least one water inlet valve. Each water supply valve is connected to the dispenser 7 through a flow path, and when the at least one water supply valve is opened under the control of a controller (not shown), water is supplied to the dispenser 7 through the opened water supply valve.

The dispenser (7) supplies additives that act on laundry together with water into the inner tank (6). Additives supplied by the dispenser 7 include detergent for laundry and fabric softener for rinsing. The dispenser 7 may include a drawer 30 in which the additive is accommodated, and a drawer housing 40 in which the drawer 30 is retractably stored. The drawer 30 includes a detergent receiving portion 31 that accommodates laundry detergent. The softener accommodating part 32 (not shown in FIG. 8, but provided on one side of the detergent accommodating part 31) in which the fabric softener is stored is partitioned.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how water is sprayed through spray holes formed in the drawer housing in the washing machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partial view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, with the drawer housing enlarged. Figure 5 shows the bottom of the drawer housing shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 shows an assembly in which a drawer housing and a flow path forming member are combined. Figure 7 is a view (a) showing the coupling structure of the branch portion of the flow guide pipe with the flow guide pipe coupled to the drawer housing, and (b) showing the front end of the drawer housing with the flow guide pipe removed. )am. Figure 8 is a view taken along line II of Figure 1.

3 to 8, the drawer housing 40 may be placed on the top cover 3. The drawer housing 40 forms a space in which the drawer 30 is accommodated, and on the inner surface defining the space, an outlet 441 and an outlet 441 of the water supply port 440 for supplying water are provided. At least one outlet (423, 424) is formed to discharge water supplied through the inner tank (6).

In more detail, the drawer housing 40 includes a housing body 410 forming a space in which the drawer 30 is accommodated, and a water supply port 440 formed on the housing body 410 and connected to the water supply valve 130. ) may include. Each water supply port 440 is in communication with the space, and when one or more of the water supply valves 130 are opened under the control of the controller, water is supplied through the water supply port connected to the opened water supply valve. The water supplied in this way is supplied into the drawer 30 and is ejected into the inner tank 6 together with the additive.

In more detail, the drawer housing 40 may have a box shape with the front open and an upper plate 415, a left wall 412, a right wall 413, a lower plate 411, and a rear wall 414. . The drawer 30 is stored through the open front of the drawer housing 40. The rear wall 414 of the drawer housing 40 is disposed vertically at the rear of the drawer 30, and the outlet of each water supply port is formed on the rear wall 414. Water discharged through at least one of the outlets is supplied to the detergent receiving portion 31 of the drawer 30 through a predetermined flow path (not shown) connected to the outlet, and water discharged through at least the other one is supplied to the detergent receiving portion 31 of the drawer 30. It can be supplied to the softener receiving part 32 of the drawer 30 through a predetermined flow path (not shown) connected to the corresponding outlet. Although not shown, the passages connected to the outlets are composed of separate members, and a spray mechanism for spraying water supplied through the passages into the detergent accommodating portion or the softener accommodating portion is provided on the upper plate of the drawer housing 40 ( 415).

Meanwhile, the lower plate 411 of the housing main body 410 extends forward from the rear wall 414 and is disposed on the lower side of the drawer 30. An opening is formed at the rear of the drawer 30 so that the additive is discharged together with water, and the water discharged through the opening flows forward along the lower plate 411 of the drawer housing 40 and then flows into the drawer ( It is supplied into the inner tank (6) through the gap between the 30) and the lower plate 411.

A flow path forming member 100 forming a flow path (F, see FIG. 8) between the inner surface of the drawer housing 40 and guiding water flowing in through the outlet 441 to the outlets 423 and 424. may be provided. The flow path (F) is connected to the water supply port 440, and therefore, water discharged through the outlet 441 of the water supply port 440 flows into the flow path (F). The flow path forming member 100 may be disposed between the drawer 30 and the drawer housing 40.

At least one outlet (423, 424) may be formed in the drawer housing (40) to discharge water supplied through the flow path (F) into the inner tank (6). The outlets 423 and 424 are located within the area covered by the flow path forming member 100. The flow path forming member 100 is coupled to the inner surface of the drawer housing 40. To prevent water in the flow path F from leaking, it is desirable that the joint between the drawer housing 40 and the flow path forming member 100 be kept airtight. The connection between the drawer housing 40 and the flow path forming member 100 is done by welding (eg, heat welding, vibration welding, laser welding) or bonding using an adhesive. Alternatively, it is also possible to interpose a sealer in the gap between the coupling portion of the drawer housing 40 and the flow path forming member 100 and fasten them together using a fastening member such as a screw or bolt.

The method of fixing the water supply hose to the drawer housing and combining a separate nozzle with the water supply hose is by connecting the water supply hose and the water valve, connecting the water supply hose and the nozzle, or fixing the water supply hose to the drawer housing, Not only does the assembly process increase due to the process of fixing the nozzle to the top cover 3, but there is a problem that multiple fastening members such as screws, bolts, and clamps must be used to connect these structures. However, in the present invention, the flow path can be constructed in a simple manner by combining the drawer housing 40 and the flow path forming member 100, thereby solving the above problems.

Meanwhile, the discharge ports 423 and 424 may be formed in the lower plate 411 of the housing body 410. In the embodiment, two discharge ports 423 and 424 are formed, but of course, this is not limited to this and various modifications are possible.

The outlet 441 of the water supply port 440 may be formed on the rear wall 414 of the housing body 410. The flow path forming member 100 has a vertical extension portion 110 extending downward on the rear wall 414 of the housing body 410, and is bent from the vertical extension portion 110 to form a vertical extension portion 110 on the lower plate 411 of the housing body 410. It may include a horizontal extension portion 120 extending forward, and a branch portion 130 that branches the water transported along the horizontal extension portion 120 to both sides.

The vertical extension 110 forms a first flow path between the rear wall 414 and the water supplied through the outlet and guides the water downward, and the horizontal extension 120 forms the first flow path between the rear wall 414 and the lower plate 411. A second flow path is formed to guide the water guided by the first flow path forward.

The branch portion 130 branches the water guided by the second flow path and guides it to the first outlet 423 and the second outlet 424, respectively. In more detail, the branch 130 includes a first branch 131 that guides water to the first outlets 423 and 424, and a second branch that guides water to the second outlets 423 and 424 ( 132) may be included. However, depending on the embodiment, when the number of outlets increases or decreases, the number of branches may also increase or decrease correspondingly. Rather than supplying water to the first outlets (423, 424) and the second outlets (423, 424) through one flow path, water is equally branched through the first branch passage (131) and the second branch passage (132). Since each flow is supplied to the first outlets (423, 424) and the second outlets (423, 424), the flow is flowing at substantially the same intensity through the first outlets (423, 424) and the second outlets (423, 424). A water stream may be sprayed.

If the flow path is formed integrally with the drawer housing instead of using the flow path forming member 100 as in the embodiment, the structure of the drawer housing itself must be changed to change the shape of the flow path, resulting in a variety of products. It is not easy to meet the demands of For example, in the case of a washing machine product with three outlets, in order for water to be sprayed at a uniform intensity through the three outlets, a separate drawer housing with three branch paths must be formed, unlike the embodiment. , it is not economical in terms of commonality of parts.

On the other hand, the present invention can configure various types of flow paths by changing the configuration of the flow path forming member 100. For example, if you want to form a product that forms three outlets in the drawer housing 40 and sprays water in two ways, apply the flow path forming member 100 as in the embodiment (in this case, three outlets) (One of the outlets is unused.) If you want to construct a product that sprays water in three branches, you can easily construct a product with the desired specifications by applying a flow path forming member with three branch channels.

Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the flow path forming member may be configured to include a horizontal extension portion 120 and a vertical extension portion 110 without the branch portion 130. In this case, the vertical extension portion 110 is A first flow path is formed between the rear wall 414 to guide water supplied through the outlet 441 downward, and the horizontal extension part 120 is formed between the lower plate 411 by the first flow path. A second flow path may be formed to guide the guided water to the outlet.

The drawer housing 40 may include a fixing groove 42 recessed from the upper surface 411a of the lower plate 411. The fixing groove 42 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the branch part 130, and the branch part 130 is inserted into the fixing groove 42. Discharge holes 423 and 424 may be formed at the bottom 421 of the fixing groove 42. Protrusion insertion holes 425 and 426 may be formed at the bottom 421 of the fixing groove 42. With the branch 130 inserted into the fixing groove 42, the protrusions 134 and 135 (see FIG. 7(b)) protruding from the inner surface of the branch 130 are inserted into the protrusion insertion holes 425 and 426. ) can be inserted into. Due to this structure, the flow path forming member 100 is provisionally assembled in position before being combined with the drawer housing 40, and its position is then fixed through welding or bonding.

At least one ventilation hole 115 may be formed in the vertical extension portion 110. If the water pressure is excessively high depending on the region, water may be discharged through the discharge ports 423 and 424 at a pressure higher than necessary. Therefore, when water is supplied above a certain water pressure, a certain amount of water is discharged through the vent 115, so that the injection pressure of the discharge ports 423 and 424 is automatically adjusted.

Meanwhile, a pair of ribs 43 parallel to each other may protrude from the lower plate 411 of the housing main body 410 so as to contact both sides of the horizontal extension portion 120.

Figure 9 shows an assembly of a drawer housing and a flow path forming member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 shows the flow path forming member in Figure 9 removed. FIG. 11 is a view cut along line IX-IX of FIG. 9.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, in a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, the flow path forming member 600 may be coupled to the outer surface of the drawer housing 40'. Water flowing in through the water supply port 440 is guided along the flow path formed between the outer surface of the drawer housing 40' and the flow path forming member 600 and then discharged into the inner tank 6.

The connection between the drawer housing 40' and the flow path forming member 600 may be achieved by welding (eg, heat welding, vibration welding, laser welding) or bonding using an adhesive. Alternatively, it is also possible to interpose a sealer in the gap between the joint portion of the drawer housing 40' and the flow path forming member 600 and fasten them together using a fastening member such as a screw or bolt.

A flow guide pipe 160 connected to the water supply port 440 is formed in the drawer housing 40', and water supplied through the flow guide pipe 160 flows through the drawer housing 40' and the flow path forming member 600. ) and then discharged through the open end of the flow path forming member 600.

The flow guide pipe 160 may be formed on the rear wall 414 of the drawer housing 40'. An outlet 456 communicating with the flow guide pipe 160 may be formed on the outer surface of the drawer housing 40', and water discharged through the outlet 456 flows into the flow path F. The outlet 456 may be formed in the lower plate 411 of the drawer housing 40'.

The flow guide groove 451 may be recessed from the outer surface of the drawer housing 40'. The flow guide groove 451 may be recessed from the bottom surface 411b of the lower plate 411. The flow guide groove 450 communicates with the outlet 456. Accordingly, the water discharged through the outlet 456 is guided by the flow guide groove 451.

The flow guide groove 450 may include a horizontal extension section 451 extending long forward, a first branch section 452 branched on both sides from the horizontal extension section 451, and a second branch section 454. there is.

Additionally, the first branch section 452 and the second branch section 454 are connected to the first injection groove 453 and the second injection groove 455, respectively. Each of the spray grooves 453 and 455 may have an inclined surface formed at a portion where it collides with the water flow so that the water guided through the branch sections 452 and 454 is sprayed downward. The water discharged from the branch sections 452 and 454 collides with the slope and spreads thinly, and therefore, the water flow sprayed through each spray groove 453 and 455 can form a thin water film.

On the other hand, the flow path forming member 600 includes a horizontal extension part 610 extending long forward, and a first branch 620 and a second branch part for branching the water guided along the horizontal extension 610 to both sides. It may include (630).

The horizontal extension portion 610 forms a flow path between the horizontal extension section 451 and the first branch section 620 forms a flow path between the first branch section 452 and the second branch section 452. 630 may form a flow path between the second branch section 454 and the second branch section 454 .

The first branch 620 guides water to the first spray groove 453, and the second branch 630 guides water to the second spray groove 455.

Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the flow path forming member may be configured without the branch portions 620 and 630. In this case, water guided along the horizontal extension 610 is sprayed into the inner tank 6.

Depending on the embodiment, the flow guide groove may be formed without branch sections 452 and 454. In this case, the flow guide groove is a horizontal extension section 451 that guides the water discharged through the outlet 441 forward, and an inner tank 6 that deflects the water supplied from the horizontal extension section 441 downward. It may include a spray groove for spraying.

Claims (15)

An inner tank that holds laundry;
A drawer including a space for receiving an additive and an opening through which the additive is discharged;
Forming a space in which the drawer is accommodated, an outlet of a water supply port for supplying water and at least one outlet for discharging water supplied through the outlet into the inner tank are formed on the inner surface defining the space. Drawer housing; and
It includes a flow path forming member forming a flow path connecting the outlet of the water supply port and the outlet of the drawer housing,
The drawer housing provides a space for the additive discharged through the opening of the drawer to flow so that it is supplied to the inner tank,
A washing machine wherein the flow path formed by the flow path forming member is separated from the space in which the additive flows.
According to claim 1,
The flow path forming member,
A washing machine disposed between the drawer and the drawer housing. According to claim 1,
The drawer housing,
a vertical rear wall formed with the outlet and disposed at the rear of the drawer; and
It extends forward from the rear wall, is disposed on the lower side of the drawer, and includes a lower plate on which the outlet is formed,
The flow path forming member,
a vertical extension forming a first flow path between the rear wall and the outlet to guide water downward; and
A washing machine comprising a horizontal extension between the lower plate and a second flow path that guides water guided by the first flow path to the outlet. According to claim 1,
The at least one outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet,
The drawer housing,
a vertical rear wall formed with the outlet and disposed at the rear of the drawer; and
It extends forward from the rear wall, is disposed on the lower side of the drawer, and includes a lower plate on which the outlet is formed,
The flow path forming member,
a vertical extension forming a first flow path between the rear wall and the outlet to guide water downward;
a horizontal extension forming a second flow path between the lower plate and the first flow path to guide the water forward; and
A washing machine comprising a branch part that diverts the water guided by the second flow path and guides it to the first outlet and the second outlet, respectively. According to claim 4,
A fixing groove having a shape corresponding to the branch portion is formed in the lower plate,
A washing machine wherein the branch portion is inserted into the fixing groove. According to claim 5,
The first outlet and the second outlet are,
A washing machine formed at the bottom of the fixing groove. According to claim 5,
A protrusion insertion hole is formed at the bottom of the fixing groove,
A washing machine in which a protrusion inserted into the protrusion insertion hole is formed on the branch portion. According to claim 4,
The branch part is,
a first branch branching from the horizontal extension to one side and guiding water to the first outlet; and
A washing machine comprising a second branch path branching from the horizontal extension to the other side and guiding water to the second outlet. According to claim 1,
A washing machine in which the flow path forming member is joined to the drawer housing by welding. An inner tank that holds laundry;
A drawer to accommodate the additive;
a drawer housing that forms a space in which the drawer is accommodated, has a flow guide pipe for guiding water introduced through a water supply port, and has an outlet of the flow guide pipe located on an outer surface; and
It includes a flow path forming member that is coupled to the outer surface of the drawer housing and forms a flow path through which water discharged through the outlet is guided along a predetermined path and then discharged into the inner tank,
The drawer housing is provided with a flow guide groove that is recessed from the outer surface to form the flow path between the flow path forming member,
The washing machine wherein the outlet is located within the flow guide groove.
According to claim 1,
The flow path forming member is coupled to the inner surface of the drawer housing,
The washing machine wherein the flow path is formed between the inner surface of the drawer housing and the flow path forming member.
According to claim 10,
The flow guide groove is,
a horizontal extension section that guides water discharged through the outlet forward;
a first branch section branched to one side from the horizontal extension section; and
It includes a second branch section branched to the other side from the horizontal extension section,
The flow path forming member,
a horizontal extension portion forming a flow path between the horizontal extension sections;
a first branch forming a flow path between the first branch section; and
A washing machine comprising a second branch forming a flow path between the second branch sections. According to claim 12,
The drawer housing,
a first spray groove that bends water guided through a passage between the first branch and the first branch section downward to spray the water into the inner tank; and
A washing machine comprising a second spray groove that deflects water guided through a passage between the first branch and the first branch section downward and sprays the water into the inner tank. According to claim 10,
A washing machine in which the flow path forming member is joined to the drawer housing by welding. According to claim 10,
The flow guide groove is,
a horizontal extension section that guides water discharged through the outlet forward; and
A washing machine comprising a spray groove that deflects water supplied from the horizontal extension section downward and sprays it into the inner tank.

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