KR20160086702A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine according to the present invention includes: a cabinet forming outer appearance; a tub which is arranged in the cabinet, and stores washing water; a pump circulating the washing water stored in the tub; a circulation nozzle spraying the washing water supplied from the pump into the tub; a circulation hose which is connected to the pump and the tub, and guides the circulated washing water to the circulation nozzle; and an atomizing unit which is arranged in the circulation hose, and atomizes the circulated washing water by mixing air. The washing machine according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to reduce total flux of the washing water used in washing, rinsing or dehydrating, since the washing machine supplies the washing water containing the air into the tub through an air mix.

Description

Washing machine

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine provided with an air mixer so as to make washing water finer.

Generally, a washing machine is a device for washing through washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc., so as to remove contamination from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "foam") by using water, detergent and mechanical action.

The washing machine is roughly divided into an agitator type, a pulsator type, and a drum type washing machine.

In the agitation type, the washing rods rising in the center of the washing tub are washed by rotating the washing rods to the left and right, and the swirl type washing is performed by using the frictional force of the water stream and the vagrant, Wash the drum with water, detergent and cloth.

The drum washing machine includes a tub having an inside of a cabinet forming an outer appearance, a tub accommodating washing water, a drum disposed inside the tub, a driving part for rotating the drum mounted on the back side of the tub, And a drive shaft connected to the back surface side of the drum is formed. The drum is equipped with a lifter inside the drum to rotate the drum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of mixing wash water with air to reduce the amount of washing water sprayed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of increasing the jetting pressure or jetting angle of the washing water by including air in the washing water injected into the tub.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can reduce the amount of washing water used by including air in washing water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of effectively dissolving residual detergent in circulation of washing water.

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

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a cabinet having an outer shape; A tub disposed inside the cabinet and storing wash water; A pump circulating washing water stored in the tub; A circulation nozzle for spraying the washing water supplied from the pump into the tub; A circulation hose connecting the pump and the tub and guiding circulated washing water to the circulation nozzle; And an atomizing unit disposed in the circulating hose and mixing the air to refine the circulated washing water.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a cabinet forming an outer shape; A tub disposed inside the cabinet and storing wash water; A pump circulating washing water stored in the tub; A circulation nozzle for spraying the washing water supplied from the pump into the tub; A circulation hose connecting the pump and the tub and guiding circulated washing water to the circulation nozzle; A water supply hose connected to an external water source to supply wash water into the tub; A spray nozzle connected to the water supply hose and spraying the supplied wash water into the tub; And an atomizing unit disposed in the circulating hose, for atomizing the circulated washing water by mixing the air,

The atomizing unit includes an air pump for supplying air; A circulation air mixer disposed in the circulation hose, for mixing the air supplied from the air pump and circulating washing water; And a water supply air mixer disposed in the water supply hose and mixing the air supplied from the air pump and the wash water supplied from the water supply valve.

The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the washing machine and its control method of the present invention, one or more of the following effects can be obtained.

First, since the washing machine according to the present invention supplies the washing water containing air through the air mixer to the inside of the tub, there is an advantage that the total flow amount of washing water used in washing, rinsing or dewatering can be reduced.

Second, the washing machine according to the present invention is advantageous in that air can be selectively sent to either the circulating air mixer or the water supply air mixer because the selector valve is disposed.

Third, since the washing machine according to the present invention injects air during the circulation of washing water, the detergent remaining in the washing water can be dissolved more effectively.

Fourth, since the washing machine according to the present invention generates swirling against the washing water passing through the air mixer, the detergent remaining in the washing water can be more positively dissolved.

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

1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the washing machine shown in FIG.
Fig. 4 is a front view showing the internal structure of the washing machine shown in Fig. 1. Fig.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary view 1 illustrating an operation process of the atomizing unit shown in FIG. 4 in the water supply process.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary view 2 illustrating the operation of the atomizing unit in the course of rinsing or dewatering.
7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the air mixer shown in FIG.
8 is a front sectional view of the air mixer shown in Fig.
9 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the mixer shown in FIG.
10 is a front view showing the internal structure of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the swirl activator shown in Fig.
12 is a front view of the swirl activator shown in Fig.
13 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a front sectional view of an air mixer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an air mixer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an air mixer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a front sectional view of Fig.
19 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. To fully disclose the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a washing machine and its control method according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross- FIG. 4 is a front view showing the internal structure of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a damping structure for the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the air mixer shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the air mixer shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a cross- Of the mixer.

A washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 111 for forming an outer appearance, a tub 122 for receiving wash water, a drum 122 disposed in the tub, A water supply unit 132 for supplying laundry water from the external water source to the tub 122 and for supplying the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 132 to the tub 122; A detergent box 133 for containing laundry detergent and mixing the wash water with the detergent detergent, and a detergent box 133 for discharging the wash water in the tub to supply the detergent to the inside of the tub A pump 136 for circulating the wash water, and a circulation nozzle 139 for spraying the wash water circulated by the pump 136 into the drum.

The cabinet 111 forms the appearance of the washing machine 100. A tub 122 is provided in the cabinet 111. The cabinet 111 is formed with a bag entrance / exit hole 117 so that the bag can be taken in and out. A door 112 is rotatably provided on a front surface of the cabinet 111 so as to open and close the blind hole 117. The cabinet 111 is provided with a control panel 114 for receiving commands from a user and displaying various status information of the washing machine 100. The cabinet 111 is provided with a detergent box 133 for detachably receiving a detergent such as laundry detergent, rinsing detergent or bleach.

The tub 122 is buffered by a spring unit 170 and a damper 160 installed in the cabinet 111. The tub 122 receives wash water. A drum 124 is disposed inside the tub 122.

The tub 122 may be provided with a water level sensor 121 for sensing the level of the washing water contained in the tub. The water level sensor 121 may be implemented in various ways. In the present embodiment, the interval between the electrodes is changed by using the air pressure that changes according to the washing water level, and the water level is measured by the amount of capacitance change of the electrode. A heater 143 for heating the washing water may be provided in the tub 122.

The drum 124 receives the pod and rotates. A plurality of through holes 124b are formed in the drum 124 to allow the washing water to pass therethrough. On the inner wall of the drum 124, a lifter 124a lifting the drum 124 at a predetermined height may be disposed. The drum 124 receives the rotational force by the driving unit 113 and rotates.

The drum 124 may be arranged so as to have a predetermined inclination such that the rear portion of the drum 124 descends below the horizontal rather than horizontally.

A gasket 128 is provided between the tub 122 and the cabinet 111 to seal the tub 122 and the cabinet 111. The gasket 128 is disposed between the inlet of the tub 122 and the inlet / outlet hole 117. The gasket 128 alleviates an impact transmitted to the door 112 when the drum 124 rotates and prevents the wash water in the tub 122 from leaking to the outside.

The gasket 128 may be integrally formed of one material, but a portion of the gasket 128 to be fastened to the tub 122 is formed of a rigid material in order to secure the fastening strength with the tub 122 and sufficient rigidity. The portion to be coupled with the cabinet 111 may be made of a material having elasticity to mitigate the vibration transmitted from the tub 122 to the cabinet 111.

The gasket 128 is provided with a spray nozzle 151 and a circulation nozzle 139 for introducing the washing water into the drum 124 and a steam nozzle 152 for spraying steam into the drum 124.

The driving unit 113 rotates the drum 124. The driving unit 113 can rotate the drum 124 at various rotational speeds or directions. The driving unit 113 may include a motor, a switching element for controlling the motor, a clutch, and the like. The driving unit 113 may include a sensor for measuring an actual rotational speed of the drum 124. [

The detergent box 133 receives a detergent such as laundry detergent, rinse detergent or bleach. The detergent box 133 is preferably detachably provided on the front surface of the cabinet 111. The detergent in the detergent box 133 is mixed with the washing water when the washing water is supplied and flows into the tub 122. The detergent box 133 may be formed by dividing a portion where the laundry detergent is received, a portion where the rinsing detergent is received, and a portion where the bleach is received.

The washing machine 100 is connected through a hot water source HW for supplying hot water from an external water source and a hot water hose 115a and is connected to a cold water source CW for supplying cold water from an external water source through a cold water hose 115b . The water introduced through the hot water hose 115a and the cold water hose 115b is supplied to the detergent box 133, the steam unit 145 and / or the injection nozzle 151 through appropriate control of the water supply unit 132.

A water supply unit 132 connected to the hot water hose 115a and the cold water hose 115b to control the inflow of the washing water from the external water source and the water supply unit 132 connected to the water supply unit 132, A first water supply hose 131a and a second water supply hose 131b for guiding the wash water supplied from the cold water source CW to the detergent box 133 and a water supply hose 131b connected to the water supply unit 132, A third water supply hose 131c for guiding the wash water supplied from the cold water source CW to the spray nozzle 151 and the detergent box 133 according to the operation of the unit 132 is provided. The third water supply hose 131c is branched from the water supply unit 132 and connected to the injection nozzle 151 and the detergent box 133, respectively.

The cabinets 111 are connected to a water supply unit 132 through a fourth water supply hose (not shown) for guiding the wash water supplied from the cold water source CW to the steam unit 145 according to the operation of the water supply unit 132 And a fifth water supply lane 131e connected to the water supply unit 132 for guiding the high temperature washing water supplied from the hot water source HW to the detergent box 133 according to the operation of the water supply unit 132 Respectively.

It is preferable that a water supply pipe 134 into which the detergent mixed with the detergent in the detergent box 133 flows into the tub 122 is provided in the cabinet 111.

The water supply unit 132 includes a free valve 132a connected to the first water supply lake 131a, a main valve 132b connected to the second water supply hose 131b, a bleed valve 132b connected to the third water supply hose 131c, A steam valve 132d connected to the fourth water supply hose 131d and a hot water valve 132e connected to the fifth water supply lane 131e to regulate the inflow of the high temperature wash water.

The free valve 132a supplies the washing water to the detergent box 133 through the second water supply lake 131b when the free valve 132a is opened. The washing water supplied by the free valve 132a passes through the portion of the detergent box 133 where the detergent is received, is mixed with the detergent for washing, and then supplied into the tub 122 through the water supply pipe 134. The washing water supplied by the free valve 132a is supplied into the tub 122 through the water supply pipe 134 without mixing with the laundry detergent.

The main valve 132b supplies the washing water to the detergent box 133 through the second water supply liquor 131b when the main valve 132b is opened. The washing water supplied by the main valve 132b is mixed with the laundry detergent through the portion of the detergent box 133 where the detergent is received, and then supplied into the tub 122 through the water supply pipe 134.

The bleed valve 132c supplies the washing water to the spray nozzle 151 and the detergent box 133 through the third water supply hose 131c when the bleed valve 132c is opened. A part of the washing water supplied by the bleach valve 132c is injected into the drum 124 through the injection nozzle 151. [ Another portion of the wash water supplied by the bleach valve 132c is mixed with the bleach in the cleansing box 133 and fed into the tub 122 through the water line 134. In the absence of bleach, the wash water supplied by the bleach valve 132c is fed into the tub 122 through the water line 134 without mixing with the bleach.

The steam valve 132d supplies wash water to the steam unit 145 through the fourth water supply hose 131d when the steam valve 132d is opened. The wash water supplied by the steam valve 132d is heated by the steam unit 145 and converted into steam. The steam generated in the steam unit 145 is supplied to the steam nozzle 152 through the steam hose 146 and is injected into the drum 124 through the steam nozzle 152.

The hot water valve 132e supplies the washing water of high temperature to the detergent box 133 through the fifth water supplying lane 131e when the hot water valve 132e is opened. The wash water supplied by the hot water valve 132e passes through the detergent box 133 and is supplied into the tub 122 through the water supply pipe 134.

A pump 136 for discharging the washing water in the tub 122 and a circulation nozzle 134 for circulating the washing water and injecting the washing water into the drum 124, A circulation hose 137 connected to the drain pipe 139, and a drain hose 138 draining the wash water to the outside.

The pump 136 discharges the washing water in the tub 122.

The wash water that has been transferred to the pump 136 through the drain pipe 135 is drained to the outside through the drain hose 138 or circulated into the tub 122 through the circulating hose 137. The pump 136 may be a circulation pump and a drain pump and may be connected to the circulation hose 137 and the drain hose 138, respectively.

The circulation hose 137 connects the pump 136 and the circulation nozzle 139. The washing water discharged from the tub 122 by the pump 136 is injected into the drum 124 from the circulation nozzle 139 through the circulating hose 137. [

The control panel 114 is provided with an input unit 114b for inputting various operation commands such as selection of a washing course through a user, operation time and reservation for each stroke, and a display unit 114a for indicating the operating state of the washing machine 100 .

There are lingerie / wool course, boiled course, speed wash course, functional apparel course, bubble-proof course, calm quiet course, and energy conservation course in addition to the standard course depending on the type and function of the pouch. The operation of the washing machine 100 is divided into a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, and a water supply step, a washing step, a rinsing step, a drainage step, a dewatering step or a drying step are performed in each stroke.

The spray nozzle 151 is provided in the gasket 128 to spray wash water into the drum 124. The injection nozzle 151 is disposed adjacent to the steam nozzle 152. The spray nozzle 151 is connected to the first water supply lake 131a and injects the wash water supplied from the external water source into the drum 124. [

The injection nozzle 151 may be disposed on the upper portion of the gasket 128. The injection nozzle 151 may be disposed below the gasket 128 or between the gasket 128 and the cabinet 111, , The tub 122, and the like.

The spray nozzle 151 is preferably an atomizing nozzle for spraying the washing water on the side surface and the rear surface of the drum 124.

The steam nozzle 152 is provided in the gasket 128 to inject steam into the drum 124. The steam nozzle 152 is connected to the steam hose 146 and injects the steam generated in the steam unit 145 into the drum 124.

The steam nozzle 152 is provided adjacent to the injection nozzle 151 on the upper portion of the gasket 128. The steam nozzle 152 may be disposed at various positions such as below the gasket 128 or between the gasket 128 and the cabinet 111, the cabinet 111, the tub 122, and the like.

The circulation nozzle 139 is provided in the gasket 128 and injects the washing water circulated by the pump 136 into the drum 124. The circulation nozzle 139 is connected to the circulation hose 137 to inject the washing water circulated by the pump 136 into the drum 124. The circulation nozzle 139 may be formed integrally with the gasket 128.

It is preferable that the circulation nozzle 139 is disposed below the rotational axis of the drum 124 to spray washing water upward. A plurality of circulation nozzles 139 may be provided, and two circulation nozzles may be provided on both sides of the lower portion of the gasket 128. The first circulation nozzle 139a is provided at the lower left of the gasket 128 to spray the wash water toward the inside of the drum 124 in the upper right direction and the second circulation nozzle 139b is disposed at the right side of the gasket 128 It is preferable that the washing water is sprayed toward the inside of the drum 124 in the upper left direction.

When a plurality of circulation nozzles 139 are provided, a plurality of circulation hoses 137 are also provided. The first circulation hose 137a is connected to the first circulation nozzle 139a, and the second circulation hose 137b is connected to the first circulation nozzle 139a. And is connected to the second circulation nozzle 139b.

The washing water contained in the drum 124 moves to the pump 136 along the drain pipe 135 provided in the tub 122. The pump 136 causes the wash water to reach the circulation nozzle 139 through the circulation hose 137. The washing water is injected into the drum 124 through the circulation nozzle 139 and flows into the tub 122.

In the present embodiment, an atomizing unit 200 for refining washing water injected into the tub 122 is included.

The atomizing unit 200 performs atomization by mixing air in the washing water.

The atomizing unit 200 includes an air mixer 210 installed in a hose through which wash water flows and an air pump 201 for supplying air to the air mixer 210.

The third water supply hose 131c and the first and second circulation hoses 137a and 137b are configured to refine the washing water sprayed from the spray nozzles 151 and the circulation nozzles 139. In this embodiment, An air mixer 210 is installed.

Each of the air mixers 210 is the same component. However, for convenience of explanation, the air mixer 210 installed in the first and second circulating hoses 137a and 137b is defined as a circulating air mixer, 131c are defined as a water supply air mixer.

The air mixer 210 may be disposed adjacent to the injection nozzle 151 and the circulation nozzle 139.

The air mixer 210 may be installed in at least one of the hoses 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d, and 131e through which the washing water flows, unlike the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, the air pressurized and discharged from the air pump 201 is supplied to at least one of the third water supply hose 131c or the first and second circulation hoses 137a and 137b.

For example, the air of the air pump 201 flows into the first and second circulation hoses 137a and 137b during the water supply stroke, and then flows through the first and second air mixers 120a and 120b to the first circulation nozzles 139a And the second circulation nozzle 139b.

A selection valve 202 for switching the flow path of the air discharged from the air pump 201 is installed between the third water supply hose 131c and the first and second circulation hoses 137a and 137b.

The air discharged from the air pump 201 flows from the selection valve 202 to either the third water supply hose 131c or the first or second circulation hose 137a or 137b.

In the present embodiment, the selector valve 202 is a three-way valve.

In this embodiment, a branch pipe 203 for branching the air flowing from the selection valve 202 to the circulation hose 137 side by the first and second circulation hoses 137a and 137b is further provided.

Unlike the present embodiment, the first and second circulating hoses 137a and 137b are connected to the selector valve 202 and the first and second circulating hoses 137a and 137b are opened and closed individually Not shown) may be disposed.

The air mixer 210 includes a mixer body 212 through which wash water flows, an air inlet 214 formed in the mixer body 212 for supplying air into the mixer body 212, And a mixer 220 disposed inside the body 212 and mixing the air introduced through the air inlet 214 with the washing water to be flowed.

The mixer body 212 is formed to extend in the flow direction so that the washing water can flow straight.

In this embodiment, the mixer body 212 is fabricated in two parts in this embodiment and then assembled.

The mixer body 212 includes an inlet body 211 into which wash water flows and an outlet body 213 through which the wash water is discharged.

The mixer 220 is disposed between the inlet body 211 and the outlet body 213.

A connection portion 215 is formed in the mixer body 212 to connect with the air inlet 214. The connection unit 215 may be disposed at various positions, but in the present embodiment, it is positioned between the inlet body 211 and the outlet body 213.

The air inlet 214 is formed in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the mixer body 212 in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the air inlet 214 flows in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the washing water, and then the flow direction of the air is switched at the connecting portion 215.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the air inlet 214 is formed integrally with the outlet body 213.

The air having passed through the connecting portion 215 is mixed in the direction intersecting the washing water in the mixer body 212.

In this embodiment, the flow direction of the air and the flow direction of the washing water are orthogonal.

The connecting portion 215 is formed in the radial direction of the mixer body 212.

A ring groove 216 is formed on the inner side of the mixer body 212 to allow the air introduced through the connection portion 215 to flow along the inner surface of the mixer body 212.

In this embodiment, the ring groove 216 is formed between the inlet body 211 and the outlet body 213.

The air flowing through the air inflow part 214 is changed in the flow direction of the air at the connection part 215 so that a part of the air is discharged into the mixer body 212, And flows in the circumferential direction of the body 212.

The mixer 220 may be installed only in a part of the connection part 215, but it is formed to cover the entire ring groove 216 in the present embodiment.

Thus, when the air passes through the mixer 220, the air is injected toward the axis center of the mixer body 212.

The mixer 220 includes a body 222 formed in a cylindrical shape, a plurality of mixer holes 225 formed to penetrate the body 222 in the axial center direction, And a body supporting portion 224 spaced apart from the body 212 by a predetermined distance to form the ring groove 216.

The body part 222 is formed in a cylindrical shape in this embodiment, but it may be formed in various forms unlike the present embodiment.

The mixer hole 225 is formed in the axial center direction.

The body support portion 224 is for forming the ring groove 216 and may not be formed according to the shape of the mixer body 212.

For example, when the inner surface of the mixer body 212 is protruded toward the mixer 220 and the predetermined distance from the mixer 220 is formed, the body support portion 224 may be omitted .

Meanwhile, since the air mixer 210 according to the present embodiment supplies the washing water containing air to the inside of the tub 122, it is possible to reduce the total amount of washing water used in washing, rinsing or dewatering.

In addition, since the air mixer 210 according to the present embodiment includes air in the wash water, when the wash water is sprayed from the circulation nozzle 139 or the spray nozzle 151, the spray angle can be made wider, Bubbles can be effectively wetted.

In addition, since the air mixer 210 according to the present embodiment injects air during the circulation of washing water, the detergent remaining in the washing water can be dissolved more effectively.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing an internal structure of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the swirl activator shown in FIG. 10, Front view.

The atomizing unit 200 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment further includes a swirling activator 250 for forming a swirl in the washing water to be flowed.

In the present embodiment, the swirl activator 250 is disposed between the air mixer 210 and the circulation nozzle 139.

The swirl activator 250 applies rotational force to the washing water to be flowed, and maximizes the mixing effect of the air and the washing water supplied from the air mixer 210.

The swirl activator 250 forms a swirl in the flow direction of the washing water.

In particular, the swirl generated in the swirl activator 250 can dissolve the detergent which is not dissolved in the washing water more effectively.

The swirl activator 250 is disposed at a front end of the circulation nozzle 139 in the present embodiment and can enlarge the spray area of the wash water discharged from the circulation nozzle 139.

The swirl activator 250 includes a swirl body 252 and a vane member 260 disposed inside the swirl body 252 and frictionally applying rotational force to the swirl water.

The swirl body 252 is composed of two parts in this embodiment, and is composed of an inlet swirl body 251 and an exit swirl body 253.

The vane member 260 is disposed between the inlet swirl body 251 and the exit swirl body 253.

At least one of the inlet swirl body 251 and the outlet swirl body 253 is formed with a vane fixing portion 255 to which the vane member 260 is fixed.

In this embodiment, the vane fixing part 255 is formed in a concave groove shape on the inner surfaces of the inlet swirl body 251 and the outlet swirl body 253.

The vane fixing portion 255 is formed in a circular shape along the inner surface of the vane member 260.

The vane member 260 includes a vane body 265 fixed to the vane fixing portion 255 and fixed to the vane fixing portion 255. The vane body 260 is disposed at the center of the swirl body 252, Column 262 and a vane 264 connecting the vane column 262 and the vane body 265.

In the present embodiment, two vanes 264 are arranged and spirally connected to connect the vane column 262 and the vane body 265. [

The vanes 264 are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees with respect to the vane column 262.

The front side of the vane column 262 is conically formed such that the resistance with the wash water is reduced.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the swirl activator 250 and the air mixer 210 are arranged in the vertical direction.

When the swirl activator 250 and the air mixer 210 are disposed in the vertical direction as in the present embodiment, even when the pump 136 is stopped, the wash water is supplied to the inside of the swirl activator 250 and the air mixer 210 It can be moved to the lower side due to its own weight and can be removed.

Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

13 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The air mixer 210 'according to the present embodiment is configured so that the flow direction of the air introduced through the air inlet 214' and the traveling direction of the washing water are parallel to each other.

Thus, the inlet body 211 of the first embodiment is used as the outlet body 213 'in the present embodiment.

In addition, the outlet body 213 of the first embodiment is used as the inlet body 211 'in the present embodiment.

Thus, the air inlet 214 'is formed integrally with the inlet body 211'.

In this arrangement, since the traveling direction of the washing water is the same as the traveling direction of the air, the flow resistance of the washing water in which air is mixed can be reduced.

Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

14 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The air mixer 310 according to the present embodiment is arranged so that the direction in which air flows in and the traveling direction of washing water are orthogonal.

The air mixer 310 includes a mixer body 312 through which wash water flows and an air inlet 314 for supplying air into the mixer body 312.

The mixer body 312 is composed of an inlet body 311 and an outlet body 313 and the inlet body 311 and the outlet body 313 are formed in a straight line.

The air inlet 314 and the mixer body 312 are arranged orthogonally.

The air inlet 314 may be arranged to cross the mixer body 312, unlike the present embodiment.

The air inlet 314 is further formed with an extension 315 extending into the mixer body 312.

The extension portion 315 is formed in the air inflow portion 314 in the flow direction of the wash water.

Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

15 is a front sectional view of an air mixer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The air mixer 410 according to the present embodiment is arranged so that the direction of inflow of air and the direction of advance of the washing water are orthogonal.

Here, two air inflow portions 414 through which air flows are arranged.

The air mixer 410 includes an inlet body 411 and an outlet body 414 and includes a mixer body 412 through which wash water flows and an air inlet 414 for supplying air into the mixer body 412 And a guide 415 disposed inside the mixer body 412 and guiding the air introduced through the air inlet 414. [

The inlet body 411 and the outlet body 414 are arranged in a line.

Two air inflow portions 414 are formed, and each air inflow portion 414 is disposed orthogonal to the traveling direction of the wash water.

So that each air inlet 414 is positioned opposite to each other with respect to the mixer body 412.

The guide 415 is disposed so as to guide the air introduced through each of the air inflow portions 414.

The respective guides 415 are disposed so that the end sides thereof are spaced apart from each other.

The guide 415 is formed to be bent in the direction of the washing water.

Here, the guide 415 may be formed of an elastic material and may be bent by the flow of washing water.

Therefore, the air introduced through the air inlet 414 and the washing water introduced through the inlet body 411 are mixed with each other while bubbling between the guides 415.

The air mixer 410 according to the present embodiment can inject more air into the mixer body 412 through the two air inflow portions 414 and thereby reduce the amount of wash water used .

Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

16 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an air mixer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Unlike the third embodiment, the air mixer 210 'according to the present embodiment further includes a guide 221' at the inlet side of the mixer 220 '.

The guide 221 'is protruded from the inner surface of the mixer body 212' in the axial center direction.

In particular, in this embodiment, the guide 221 'is formed in a ring shape, and the wash water flows through the guide hollow 223' formed at the shaft center.

In addition, the air discharged through the air inlet 214 'is also guided around the axis by the guide 221'.

The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the above-mentioned third embodiment, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

17 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an air mixer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The air mixer 210 "according to the present embodiment is different from the sixth embodiment in that the vane member 260" of the second embodiment is further disposed at the outlet side of the air mixer 210 ".

The mixer 220 'is disposed between the inlet body 211' and the outlet body 213 ', and the vane member 260' is disposed in the outlet body 213 '.

The vane member 260 "is formed with a vane column 262 ", a vane body 265 ", and a vane 264" as in the second embodiment.

The vane member 260 '' is formed by bending a part of the vane body 265 '' to form a vane body latching portion 266 '', and the vane body latching portion 266 ' To form an interlock with the mixer body 212 '.

In this embodiment, the vane body latching portion 266 "is fixed between the mixer 220 'and the mixer body 212'.

The air mixer 210 "according to the present embodiment can mix wash water and air inside the mixer body 210 '. The wash water passing through the mixer 220' passes through the vane member 260" Thereby forming a vortex.

Therefore, the air mixer 210 " according to the present embodiment is advantageous in simultaneously achieving atomization and swirl of wash water.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the sixth embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

19 is a front sectional view showing an air mixer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The air mixer 810 according to the present embodiment is formed such that the cross-section of the cross section where the mixer hole 825 is formed is smaller than that of the first embodiment.

The mixer 820 disposed inside the air mixer 810 includes a body 822 formed in a dumbbell shape and a plurality of mixer holes 825 formed to penetrate the body 822 in the axial center direction And a body supporting portion 824 formed on the body portion 822 and spaced apart from the mixer body 812 by a predetermined distance to form the ring groove 816.

When the portion of the body portion 822 where the mixer hole 825 is formed is defined as a mixer portion, the diameter of the mixer portion is small and the diameter of the body support portion 824 is formed larger than that of the mixer portion.

The air mixer 810 formed as in this embodiment has an advantage that the ring groove 816 can be formed wider.

Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

113: driving part 114: control panel
122: tub 124: drum
128: gasket 132: water supply unit
132a: Free valve 132b: Main valve
132c: bleed valve 132d: steam valve
132e: hot water valve 133: detergent box
136: Pump 137: Circulating hose
138: Drain hose 139: Circulation nozzle
141: control unit 151: injection nozzle
152: steam nozzle 160: damper
170: spring unit 210: air mixer
211: inlet body 212: mixer body
213: outlet body 214: air inlet
215: connection part 216: ring groove
220: mixer 222: body part
224: Body support part 225: Mixer hole
250: Swirl activator 251: Swirl inlet body
252: Swirl body 253: Swirl outlet body
255: Vane fixing part 260: Vane member
262: Vane column 264: Vane
265: Vane body

Claims (13)

A cabinet forming an outer shape;
A tub disposed inside the cabinet and storing wash water;
A pump circulating washing water stored in the tub;
A circulation nozzle for spraying the washing water supplied from the pump into the tub;
A circulation hose connecting the pump and the tub and guiding circulated washing water to the circulation nozzle;
And an atomizing unit disposed in the circulating hose for mixing the air to refine the circulated washing water. The method according to claim 1,
The atomizing unit
An air pump for supplying air;
And a circulation air mixer disposed in the circulation hose and mixing the air supplied from the air pump and the circulating water. The method of claim 2,
The circulating air mixer
A mixer body including an inlet body into which wash water flows and an outlet body through which the wash water is discharged; An air inlet formed in the mixer body and guiding air into the mixer body; And a mixer disposed between the inlet body and the outlet body, the mixer mixing the air and the air guided through the air inlet,
And the air pump is connected to the air inlet to supply air. The method of claim 2,
A water supply hose connected to an external water source to supply wash water into the tub;
And a spray nozzle connected to the water supply hose and spraying the supplied wash water into the tub,
Wherein the atomizing unit further comprises a water supply air mixer installed in the water supply hose,
And the air pump is further connected to the water supply air mixer to supply air. The method of claim 4,
The atomizing unit includes:
And a selector valve for selectively supplying the air to either the circulating air mixer or the water supply air mixer. The method of claim 5,
Wherein a plurality of the circulating air mixers are disposed,
Further comprising a branch pipe for branching the air flowing into the circulating air mixer via the selector valve, wherein the branch pipe and the plurality of circulating air mixers are connected to each other. The method according to claim 1,
And a swirl activator disposed in the circulating hose, the swirl activator being in contact with the wash water and forming a swirl in a flow direction of the wash water. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the swirl activator is disposed between the circulating air mixer and the circulation nozzle. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the swirl activator comprises:
A swirl body connected to the circulation hose and through which wash water is passed; And
And a vane member disposed inside the swirl body and applying a rotational force to the washing water flowing to the swirl body. A cabinet forming an outer shape; A tub disposed inside the cabinet and storing wash water; A pump circulating washing water stored in the tub; A circulation nozzle for spraying the washing water supplied from the pump into the tub; A circulation hose connecting the pump and the tub and guiding circulated washing water to the circulation nozzle; A water supply hose connected to an external water source to supply wash water into the tub; A spray nozzle connected to the water supply hose and spraying the supplied wash water into the tub; And an atomizing unit disposed in the circulating hose, for atomizing the circulated washing water by mixing the air,
The atomizing unit
An air pump for supplying air;
A circulation air mixer disposed in the circulation hose, for mixing the air supplied from the air pump and circulating washing water;
And a water supply air mixer disposed in the water supply hose and mixing the air supplied from the air pump and the wash water supplied from the water supply valve. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the circulating air mixer or the water supply air mixer comprises:
A mixer body including an inlet body into which wash water flows and an outlet body through which the wash water is discharged; An air inlet formed in the mixer body and guiding the air into the mixer body; And a mixer disposed between the inlet body and the outlet body, the mixer mixing the air and the air guided through the air inlet,
And the air pump is connected to the air inlet to supply air. The method of claim 10,
And a selector valve for selectively supplying the air discharged from the air pump to either the circulating air mixer or the water supply air mixer. The method of claim 10,
And a swirl activator disposed in the circulating hose, the swirl activator being in contact with the wash water and forming a swirl in a flow direction of the wash water.

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