KR20120113363A - Laundry machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A laundry device is provided to improve condensation efficiency by improving a condensation structure for removing moisture of hot air drying laundry. CONSTITUTION: A tub(120) stores wash water. A drum is rotatably installed in the tub. An air supply device supplies air to the tub. A condensate water generating device(170) generates condensate water in a lower part of the inside of the tube by supplying coolant to a closed circulation line. The air supply device is placed on the top of the tub. The air supply device collects air from an outer surface of the tub. [Reference numerals] (AA) Condensate water

Description

Washing machine {LAUNDRY MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a laundry machine, and more particularly, to a dry combined laundry machine having an improved condensation structure of a laundry machine including a drying function.

In general, the washing machine is a product that removes various contaminants attached to clothes and bedding by using the action of the emulsification and friction of the water flow due to the rotation of the pulsator or drum and the impact on the laundry. Recently appeared automatic washing machine automatically proceeds a series of steps leading to a washing course, rinsing course, dehydration course, etc. without the user's operation in the middle.

In addition, the combined dry laundry device is a kind of washing machine that can perform the function of the above-described laundry machine and at the same time wash and dry the laundry. The combined dry laundry apparatus includes a condensation type laundry dryer which draws air from the tub, removes moisture from the air by condensation water, and then heats the same to the tub.

This will be briefly described a condensation type dry combined laundry device according to the prior art. Drying and combined laundry apparatus can condense a cabinet forming an accommodation space therein, a tub accommodated inside the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and air containing moisture extracted from the tub. A condensation duct formed on the outside of the tub, a heating duct connected to the downstream side of the condensation duct along the flow direction of the air to heat the air, and to be provided to the inside of the tub; It is provided with a circulation fan for circulation.

Drying combined laundry as described above is heated by a heater provided in the heating duct, the air moved to the blower when the laundry is dried, the heated air (hot air) is supplied to the inside of the curve laundry by drum rotation and hot air To dry.

Thereafter, the hot air drying the laundry is converted into humid air according to the drying of the laundry, flows into the condensation duct from the tub, removes moisture from the condensation duct, and is supplied and circulated to the heating duct again by the blower. On the other hand, the condensation duct is provided with a separate wet air cooling means for condensation of the humid air.

However, in the conventional combined-use washing machine according to the prior art, the condensation duct must be formed longer than a certain length in order to sufficiently condense the moisture in the air passing through the condensation duct. There is a problem that the volume of is reduced.

In addition, since a large amount of condensate must be flowed into the condensation duct for cooling the condensation duct, a large amount of cooling water is unnecessarily consumed, resulting in a high maintenance cost.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus that can improve the condensation efficiency by improving the condensation structure for removing the moisture of the hot air drying the laundry.

In addition, the present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and the object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus that can prevent unnecessary consumption of a large amount of coolant by circulating a small amount of coolant to generate condensate. have.

Washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is a tub that wash water is accommodated, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, an air supply device for supplying air to the tub, closed circulation It is preferable to have a condensate generating device for supplying cooling water by a line to produce condensate at the inner lower portion of the tub.

The air supply device is located above the tub, it is preferable to recover the air on the outer peripheral surface of the tub, and to supply air to the front of the tub.

The air supply device includes an air recovery port positioned to penetrate the outer circumferential surface of the tub, a blower fan positioned above the air recovery port to move air, a heating duct for heating the air moved by the blower fan, and the heating. It is preferable to have an air discharge port for supplying the air heated in the duct to the front of the tub.

The condensed water growth value is preferably provided with a condensation unit extending from the circulation line to generate condensate water from the bottom of the tub, and a cooling unit extending from the circulation line to cool the cooling water from the outside of the tub.

The condensation unit is preferably provided with a plurality of heat exchange fins for heat exchange with the air in the tub.

The cooling unit preferably includes a plurality of heat exchange fins for exchanging heat of the cooling water by exchanging heat with air outside the tub.

Preferably, the cooling unit further includes a cooling fan for cooling the cooling unit by forcibly blowing air outside the tub through the heat exchange fins.

The lower part of the tub is formed with a sump for collecting wash water used for washing laundry, and the condensation part is preferably installed in the sump.

It is preferable to further include a rear gasket for sealing the rear portion of the tub to prevent leakage from the tub to the drive motor, and to allow the drive motor to move relative to the tub.

It is preferable to include a drive motor which is fastened to the bearing housing, directly connected to the rotary shaft to rotate the rotary shaft.

It further comprises a suspension unit for supporting the drum, the tub is preferably supported rigidly than the drum is supported by the suspension unit.

According to the washing apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that can improve the condensation efficiency of moisture contained in the hot air by improving the condensation structure for removing the moisture of the hot air drying the laundry.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing apparatus capable of cooling and circulating a small amount of cooling water to generate condensate inside the tub to prevent unnecessary consumption of the cooling water.

In addition, by eliminating the condensation duct, the flow resistance of the drying air is reduced to improve the drying efficiency, and sufficient space can be secured between the rear surface of the tub and the cabinet to increase the volume of the drum, thereby increasing the washing / drying capacity. There is an advantage that can be.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing apparatus according to the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing a drying module and a tub of the laundry machine according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the suspension of the laundry machine according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a side view showing a coupling state of the tub and suspension of the laundry machine according to the invention.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a condensation structure of the laundry machine according to the present invention.
7 is a conceptual view showing a condensation structure of a washing apparatus according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In describing the present invention, the names of the elements defined are defined in consideration of functions in the present invention. Therefore, it should not be understood as a meaning limiting the technical components of the present invention. In addition, each name defined in each component may be referred to as other names in the art.

First, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a washing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a washing apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a drying module and a tub of the washing apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a cabinet 110 having an external appearance as shown, a tub 120 fixedly installed inside the cabinet 110, and A drum 130 positioned inside the tub 120 and rotatably installed, a rotating shaft 135 connected to the drum 130 through the rear of the tub 120, and a bearing housing for supporting the rotating shaft 135 ( 140, the drive motor 141 provided in the bearing housing 140 to transmit the rotational force to the rotating shaft 135, and coupled to the bearing housing 140 to support the structures connected to the bearing housing 140, and at the same time vibrating and And / or a suspension unit 150 that cushions shocks. In addition, the washing apparatus 100 according to the present invention is provided with an air supply device 160 that is fixed to the outside of the tub 120 in order to form a drying function to heat the air into the tub 120 to supply. . In addition, the inner lower portion of the tub is provided with a condensation water generating device (170, see Fig. 6) for removing the moisture in the air during the drying of the laundry.

The cabinet 110 includes a base 118 on which each component is supported and seated, and a front panel 111 formed with an opening 112 for loading laundry. The cabinet 110 further includes a left panel 114 and a right panel 115. And a rear panel 116 and a top panel 117. Here, a door 113 for closing the opening 112 is provided in the opening 112 of the front panel 111.

In addition, the inside of the cabinet 110, the water supply hose to supply water from the external water source into the tub 120, the water supply hose is installed on the water supply hose to control the access of the water, and is supplied through the water supply hose A water supply unit (not shown) including a detergent supply device (not shown) through which detergent is input so that water is introduced into the tub 120 together with the detergent is provided. In addition, a drainage part (not shown) formed of a drain hose and a drain pump is provided at an inner lower portion of the cabinet 110 to discharge the wash water used for washing and rinsing to the outside.

The tub 120 includes a front tub 121 constituting the front part and a rear tub 122 constituting the rear part as shown in FIG. 3. The front tub 121 and the rear tub 122 are assembled by a combination of screws and the like, and form a space in which the drum 130 is accommodated.

Here, the front tub 121 is in contact with the door 113 to the front side is formed with an opening 123 is opened so that laundry can be put. The inner circumferential surface of the inlet 121a is formed with a rim portion 121b protruding forward of the tub 120. The air outlet 165 of the air supply device 160 to be described later is connected to the rim portion 121b. On the other hand, the rim 121b is provided with a front gasket 124 for maintaining airtightness with the opening 112 formed in the front panel 111. The front gasket 124 further performs a function for preventing foreign matter from flowing between the tub 120 and the drum 130.

And, the rear tub 122 is formed so that the rear surface. The rear tub 122 has a tubback wall 125 and a rear gasket 126 for closing the rear surface. The rear gasket 126 is connected to seal the tub back wall 125 and the rear tub 122, respectively, so that the wash water in the tub does not leak.

Here, the tub back wall 125 is vibrated with the drum 130 when the drum 130 rotates. At this time, the rear tub 122 is spaced apart from the rear tub 122 at a sufficient interval so as not to interfere with the rear tub 122. Since the rear gasket 126 is made of a flexible material positioned between the tub back wall 125 and the rear tub 122, the tub back wall 125 allows relative movement without interfering with the rear tub 122. The rear gasket 126 may have a pleat that may extend to a sufficient length to allow such relative movement of the tubback wall 125 (see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, the lower portion of the front tub 121 and the rear tub 122 forming the tub 120 is provided with a condensation water generating device 170 for condensing moisture contained in the air when the laundry is dried. To this end, a space for installing the condensate generating device 170 is formed on the inner lower surfaces of the front tub 121 and the rear tub 122. A front sump 127 and a rear sump 128 are formed at lower portions of the front tub 121 and the rear tub 122 adjacent to the tub 120, respectively. The front sump 127 and the rear sump 128 form a space in which the condensate generating device 170 is installed. In addition, the bottom of the rear sump 128 is provided with a drain 129 for washing the laundry, rinsing, and draining the wash water during dehydration. Meanwhile, when the laundry is dried, the condensed water generated by the condensate generating device 170 is also drained through the drain 129 formed in the rear sump 128. The front sump 127 and the rear sump 128 are formed to be inclined toward the drain 129, respectively (see FIG. 6).

The tub 120 as described above is vertically supported by the supporters 118a and 118b provided in the base 118 of the cabinet 110 and at the same time by a separate combination (for example, screw screw or bolt). It is fixed. In addition, the front panel 111 and the rear panel 116 or the left panel 114 of the cabinet 110 may be fixed by a combination not shown in the right panel 115.

The air supply device 160 is provided on the top of the tub 120 and circulates and heats the air inside the tub 120 during the drying operation of the washing apparatus 100. That is, the air supply device 160 is configured to draw out the air in the tub 120 and heat it to flow back into the tub 120.

The air supply device 160 is an air recovery port 161 formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the tub 120, a blowing fan 163 for recovering and moving the air through the air recovery port 161, a blowing fan ( The heating duct 164 for heating the air moved by the 163, and the air discharge port 165 for guiding the air heated in the heating duct 164 to the tub 120.

Here, the air recovery port 161 is formed through the outer peripheral surface side of the tub 120. The blower fan 163 is provided above the air recovery port 161. According to the operation of the blower fan 163, air inside the tub 120 is introduced and moved to the heating duct 164. On the other hand, the heating duct 164 heats the air moved by the blowing fan 163 to generate hot air. Air heated in the heating duct 164 is supplied into the tub 120 by the air discharge port 165 to dry the laundry.

The remaining configuration of the washing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 again.

The drum 130 is composed of a front drum 131, a center drum 137, a rear drum 132, and the like. The front and rear parts of the front drum 131 and the rear drum 132 are provided with a weight balancer 134 having a balancing function to suppress vibration of the drum 130 when the drum rotates. In addition, the inner surface of the center drum 137 is provided with a lift 133 for moving the laundry.

On the other hand, the rear drum 132 is connected to the spider 136, the spider 136 is connected to the rotating shaft 135. The drum 130 is rotated in the tub 120 by the rotational force transmitted through the rotating shaft 135.

Here, the rotating shaft 135 is directly connected to the drive motor 141 through the tub back wall 125. Specifically, the rotor of the drive motor 141 and the rotation shaft 135 are directly connected. The rear of the tub back wall 125 is coupled to the bearing housing 140 to be described later.

The bearing housing 140 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 135 between the drive motor 141 and the tub back wall 125. In addition, the bearing housing 140 is elastically supported from the base 118 through the suspension unit 150.

On the other hand, one surface of the bearing housing 140 is coupled to the tub back wall 125 located on the rear of the tub 120. The rotating shaft 135 coupled to the drum 130 penetrates into the bearing housing 140. The bearing housing 140 is provided with a bearing (not shown) so that the rotating shaft 135 rotates smoothly, and the rotating shaft 135 is supported by a bearing (not shown). Then, the other side of the bearing housing 140 is fastened to the drive motor 141 for rotating the rotating shaft.

In addition, the first extension part 142 and the second extension part 144 are formed in a symmetrical shape in both the left and right radial directions of the bearing housing 140. The suspension unit 150 is fastened to the first extension part 142 and the second extension part 144, respectively, and the bearing housing 140 is elastically supported through the suspension unit 150.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the coupling state of the suspension unit according to the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a suspension of the washing apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a side view showing a coupling state of the tub and suspension of the washing apparatus according to the present invention.

The suspension unit 150 includes first and second weights 143 and 145 connected to the first and second extension parts 142 and 144 of the bearing housing, and first and second weights 143 and 145 respectively. First, second and third spring dampers connected to the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154 and the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154 and the bearing housing 140 to elastically support the bearing housing 140. 152, 155, and 157 and first and second dampers 153 and 156 are provided.

The first and second weights 143 and 145 serve to grasp the center of gravity when laundry is accommodated in the drum 130, and also serves as a mass in the vibration system in which the drum 130 vibrates.

The first spring damper 152 is connected between the first suspension bracket 151 and the base 118. The second spring damper 155 is connected between the second suspension bracket 154 and the base 118. The third spring damper 157 is directly connected between the bearing housing 140 and the base 118. Each spring damper (152, 155, 157) is in the form of being buffered at one location in the rear, and two places in the front left and right.

The first damper 153 is inclined between the first suspension bracket 151 and the base 118, and the second damper 156 is inclined between the second suspension bracket 154 and the base rear. .

Preferably, the first and second weights 143 and 145, the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154, the first and second spring dampers 152 and 155 and the first and second dampers 153 and 156 are drums. Is formed symmetrically around the axis of rotation of 130, each damper is connected to the base 118 via a separate rubber bushing is coupled to be tilted at a predetermined angle. The drum 130 and the bearing housing 140 are supported in the tub 120 by the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154 and the first, second and third spring dampers 152, 155 and 157. do.

The drive motor 141 is fastened to the rear of the bearing housing 140 and directly connected to the rotating shaft. The drive motor 141 is provided to control the speed by a controller (not shown). The structure and type of the driving motor 141 are well known to those skilled in the art, and various embodiments are possible, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a condensate generating device 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a condensation structure of the washing apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a condensation structure of the washing apparatus according to the present invention.

6 to 7, the condensation water generating device 170 includes a condensation unit 174 positioned inside the tub 120, a circulation pump 171 supplying cooling water to the condensation unit 174, and A cooling unit 172 for cooling the cooling water passing through the condensation unit 174 and a circulation line 175 for forming a path to move the cooling water by the circulation pump 171.

Here, the condensation unit 174 is located in the lower portion of the tub 120 (specifically, the space formed by the front sump 127 of the front tub 121 and the rear sump 128 of the rear tub 122). Located. The condensation unit 174 includes a plurality of pipes extending from the circulation line 175 and heat exchange fins installed outside the pipes.

The cooling unit 172 is positioned outside the tub 120 and includes a plurality of pipes extending from the circulation line 175 and heat exchange fins installed on the outside of the pipe. In addition, a cooling fan 173 for forcibly blowing air to the heat exchange fins in order to cool the cooling water passing through the cooling unit 172 is provided.

In addition, the circulation line 175 is formed in a closed structure with the cooling water filled. That is, the cooling water filled in the circulation line 175 by the operation of the circulation pump 171 is circulated through the cooling unit 172 and the condensation unit 174. Although not shown additionally, a separate coolant filler may be provided in the circulation line 175 to fill the coolant.

Hereinafter, the drying operation of the washing apparatus and the operation of the condensate generating device as described above will be described. Each element mentioned below should be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

As the laundry apparatus 100 performs a drying process, air in the tub 120 is circulated by the blower fan 163 of the air supply device 160, and the circulated air is heated in the heating duct 164 to form a tub ( 120).

The heated air supplied to the tub 120 is heated by drying the laundry contained in the drum 130 in the tub 120, the moisture evaporated from the laundry is the air recovery hole in the tub 120 like the heated air ( 161 is circulated again by the blowing fan 163.

On the other hand, while the drying process of the washing apparatus 100 is in progress, the condensate generation process by the condensate generating device 170 is performed. Here, the circulation pump 171 of the condensate generator 170 is operated to circulate the cooling water of the circulation line 175. The circulating coolant is cooled while being heat-exchanged by the air supplied by the cooling fan 173 while passing through the cooling unit 172 and moved to the condensation unit 174.

Accordingly, the coolant moves to the condenser 174 to cool the heat exchange fins provided in the condenser 174, and as the heat exchange fins cool, moisture condenses on the heat exchange fins in the humid heating air staying in the tub 120. Condensate is produced. The condensed water condensed at the heat exchange fins of the condenser flows to the lower portion of the tub 120 by its own weight and is discharged to the outside of the tub 120 through the drain hole 129 formed at the lower portion of the tub 120.

According to the condensate generating device 170 as described above, by performing the cooling structure for generating condensate through the circulation line 175 of the closed structure, the supply of additional cooling water can be reduced to a minimum to prevent waste of unnecessary cooling water. .

In addition, by directly generating condensate in the tub 120, there is no separate flow path space for generating condensate, thereby reducing the flow resistance of air for drying, thereby improving drying efficiency.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, The present invention may be modified in various ways. Therefore, modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the scope of the present invention.

110: cabinet 120: tub
130: drum 140: bearing housing
150: suspension unit 160: air supply device
170: condensate generating device 171: circulation pump
172: cooling unit 174: condensation unit

Claims (12)

Tub for washing water,
A drum rotatably provided in the tub,
An air supply device for supplying air to the tub,
And a condensate generator for generating condensate from the inner lower portion of the tub by supplying coolant by a closed circulation line. According to claim 1, wherein the air supply device
Located in the upper portion of the tub, the laundry device, characterized in that to recover the air on the outer peripheral surface of the tub, and to supply air to the front of the tub. According to claim 2, wherein the air supply device
An air recovery port located through the outer circumferential surface of the tub;
A blowing fan positioned above the air recovery port and moving air;
A heating duct for heating the air moved by the blowing fan;
Washing apparatus comprising an air discharge port for supplying the air heated in the heating duct to the front of the tub. According to claim 1, wherein the condensation water growth value
A condensation unit extending from the circulation line to generate condensed water from the tub bottom;
And a cooling unit extending from the circulation line to cool the cooling water on the outside of the tub. The method of claim 4, wherein the condensation unit
Washing apparatus comprising a plurality of heat exchange fins for heat exchange with the air in the tub. The method of claim 4, wherein the cooling unit
And a plurality of heat exchange fins for exchanging heat of the cooling water by exchanging heat with air outside the tub. The method of claim 6, wherein the cooling unit
Washing apparatus further comprises a cooling fan for cooling the cooling unit by forcibly blowing air outside the tub with the heat exchange fins. The method of claim 4, wherein
The lower part of the tub is formed with a sump for washing the laundry water used for washing the laundry, the condensation unit is characterized in that installed in the sump. The method of claim 1,
A rotating shaft connected to the drum,
A bearing housing rotatably supporting the rotating shaft;
A drive motor for rotating the rotating shaft;
Washing apparatus further comprises a suspension assembly connected to the bearing housing to reduce the vibration of the drum. The method of claim 1,
Including a drive shaft including a rotating shaft connected to the drum, a bearing housing for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and a motor for rotating the rotating shaft,
Washing machine in the tub so as not to leak to the drive unit, washing device further comprises a flexible member for flexible connection between the drive and the tub to allow the drive to move relative to the tub. The method of claim 1,
And a suspension unit for supporting the drum, wherein the tub is rigidly supported than the drum is supported by the suspension unit. The method of claim 1,
A rotating shaft connected to the drum,
A bearing housing rotatably supporting the rotating shaft;
And a drive motor fastened to the bearing housing and directly connected to the rotating shaft to rotate the rotating shaft.

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