KR20190087002A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine which can prevent accidents. According to the present invention, the washing machine comprises: a first washing tank rotated around a vertical axis; a second washing tank separably coupled to the first washing tank to be rotated with the first washing tank as one unit; and a locker arranged on the second washing tank to fix the second washing tank to prevent the second washing tank from being removed from the first washing tank while the second washing tank is rotated. The second washing tank includes: a container to accommodate laundry; and a washing tank cover which covers the container, and has a feeding port to feed laundry into the container. The washing tank includes: a lower cover coupled to an upper side of the container, and provided with an inlet into which a water current ascending in the container flows when the first washing tank rotates, and an outlet to discharge water entering through the inlet; and an upper cover coupled to an upper side of the lower cover to limit a flow passage reaching the outlet from the inlet. The lower cover has a pair of partitions formed thereon to provide a space to accommodate the locker between the pair of partitions. The space is separated from the flow passage by the pair of partitions.

Description

Washing machine {WASHING MACHINE}

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

A washing machine is a device for treating laundry through various operations such as washing, dehydrating and / or drying. A washing machine is a device for removing contaminants from laundry (hereinafter also referred to as "cloth") using water and detergent.

Recently, a washing machine equipped with two washing tanks has been released. Such a washing machine has a large-capacity washing tank and a small-capacity washing tank, and each washing tank is separated from each other. It is convenient that the washing machines can be used at the same time or at the same time according to the user's needs. Furthermore, if a small amount of washing is required, only a small capacity washing machine can be used, which is very economical.

However, in the conventional washing machine, since the two washing tanks are completely separated from each other in space, the overall size of the product is inevitably increased, and the driving units for driving the washing tubs, the water supply mechanisms for supplying water, There is a problem that the prices of the products are also increased.

A washing machine is a device for treating laundry through various operations such as washing, dehydrating and / or drying. A washing machine is a device for removing contaminants from laundry (hereinafter also referred to as "cloth") using water and detergent.

Recently, a washing machine equipped with two washing tanks has been released. Such a washing machine has a large-capacity washing tank and a small-capacity washing tank, and each washing tank is separated from each other. It is convenient that the washing machines can be used at the same time or at the same time according to the user's needs. Furthermore, if a small amount of washing is required, only a small capacity washing machine can be used, which is very economical.

However, in such a conventional washing machine, since the two washing tanks are completely separated from each other, the overall size of the product is inevitably increased, and the driving units for driving the washing tubs, the water supply devices for supplying water, There is a problem in that the price of the product also rises.

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first washing tub which is rotated about a vertical axis, a second washing tub detachably coupled to the first washing tub and rotated integrally with the first washing tub, And a locker provided in the washing tub to fix the second washing tub so that the second washing tub is not detached from the first washing tub while being rotated.

The second washing tub includes a container for accommodating laundry, and a washing tub cover covering the container and having an inlet for introducing laundry into the container.

Wherein the washing tub cover is coupled to an upper side of the container and includes an inlet port through which water flows upward in the container when the washing tub rotates and a discharge port for discharging water introduced through the inlet port is formed, And an upper cover coupled to the upper side of the lower cover to define a flow path from the inlet to the outlet.

The lower cover is provided with a pair of partitions, and a space is provided between the pair of partitions to receive the locker, and the space is separated from the flow path by the pair of partitions.

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

The washing machine of the present invention can prevent the second washing tub from being separated from the first washing tub while the first washing tub and the second washing tub installed on the upper part of the first washing tub are integrally rotated.

In particular, since the vertical movement of the second washing tub is prevented, the second washing tub does not experience a shock to the door. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the breakage of the apparatus from occurring, and it is possible to prevent a safety accident.

In the structure in which the locker is provided in the second washing tub and the flow path for draining water used for washing is provided in the second washing tub, by arranging the locker in a space separated from the flow path, There is an effect that the space can be prevented from being flooded. Particularly, there is an effect that water is prevented from penetrating into the space where the locker is accommodated in the process of draining the second washing tub.

In addition, the space in which the locker is disposed can be separated from the flow path by only assembling the upper cover after installing the locker on the lower cover.

Also, during the rotation, the second washing tub and the first washing tub are automatically locked, and when the rotation is stopped, the locked state is automatically canceled, thereby improving the usability. Particularly, since the locking process is not a method using a separate electric power but a centrifugal force naturally generated by rotation or an elastic force of the elastic member, the structure for locking is simple and the manufacturing cost is also low.

In addition, since the lock is released without any additional operation by the user in the state where the operation of the washing machine is finished, the user can remove the second washing tub without needing to be aware that the lock is released, have.

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 side sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the second washing tub.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the second washing tub.
4 is a perspective view showing the washing tub cover.
5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second washing tub is installed in the balancer.
Figure 6 is a top view of the assembly shown in Figure 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6, showing a state in which the locking member is in the first position.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG.
Figure 9 is a top view of the top cover viewed from above.
10 shows a state in which the upper cover and the container are separated.
Fig. 11 shows a state in which a locker is installed on the upper cover. Particularly, a locker is disposed between a pair of partition walls.
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of Fig. 7, wherein (a) shows a state in which the locking member is in the first position, and Fig. 13 (b) shows a state in which the locking member is in the second position;
Fig. 14 is a view showing a lower cover according to another embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 14 (b) showing a part of the bottom surface of the upper cover.
Fig. 15 is a top view of the portion indicated by XV in Fig. 14. Fig.

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.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, the cabinet 2 forms an outer appearance of the washing machine, and forms a space in which the water storage tank 4 is accommodated. The cabinet 2 is supported by a flat cabinet base 5, and includes a front surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear surface, and an upper surface is opened.

The top cover 3 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the cabinet 2. [ The top cover 3 may be provided with an opening for loading and unloading the laundry (or " cloth "). A door (not shown) for opening and closing the opening may be rotatably coupled to the top cover 3.

The water storage tank 4 is for storing water and can be suspended in the cabinet 2 by the support rod 15. The support rods 15 may be provided at four corners of the cabinet 2, one end of each support rod 15 is pivotally connected to the top cover 3, Is connected to the water storage tank (4) by the water supply pipe (27).

The water storage tank 4 is opened on the upper surface, and the water storage tank cover 14 is provided on the opened upper surface. The reservoir cover (14) is formed in the form of a ring having a substantially circular opening at its center, and laundry is introduced through the opening.

In the water storage tank 4, a first washing tub 6 accommodating laundry and rotated around a vertical axis may be disposed. The vertical axis is substantially perpendicular to the ground. The vertical axis may be accurately aligned on a line perpendicular to the paper surface, but may be inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical line. A plurality of through holes 6h through which water is passed is formed in the first washing tub 6 and water is exchanged between the first washing tub 6 and the water storage tank 4 through the through holes 6h.

The first washing tub 6 may include a drum 6a having an upper opening and a through hole 6h formed therein and a ring balancer 20 coupled to the upper portion of the drum 6a. The bottom surface of the drum 6a can be connected to the rotary shaft of the driving unit 8 by the hub 7.

A pulsator (9) can be rotatably provided on the inner lower side of the first washing tub (6). The pulsator 9 may include a plurality of upwardly projecting radial blades. When the pulsator 9 is rotated, water flows by the wings.

The balancer 20 compensates for the eccentricity caused when the drum 6a rotates. The balancer 20 is engaged with the upper end of the drum 6a. Referring to Figs. 5-7, the balancer 20 may include a balancer body 21 forming ring-shaped cavities 20h1, 20h2. Fluids (e.g., brine) or a plurality of weights (e.g., metal spheres) may be inserted into cavities 20h1, 20h2. The annular cavities 20h1 and 20h2 may have a plurality of concentric circles having different diameters.

When the drum 6a is shifted to one side while rotating, the fluid or the weight moves in a direction opposite to the direction in which the drum 6a is shifted, thereby correcting the eccentricity. Since the ring type balancer 20 applied to the washing machine has already been known in various forms, the further description thereof will be omitted.

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

A ring-shaped support portion 22 for supporting the container 30 may be formed on the inner diameter portion of the balancer main body 21 (a portion forming an inner circle among the two circles constituting the ring type when viewed from above). A plurality of engagement grooves 22c (see Fig. 8) extending in the up-and-down direction are arranged in the support portion 22 along the circumferential direction. Each of the engagement grooves 22c may be in the form of a spiral.

On the outer surface of the container 30, threads 33 in the form of protrusions engaging with the engagement grooves 22c formed in the support portion 22 can be formed. The thread 33 extends vertically in a shape corresponding to the engagement groove 22c. That is, when the fitting groove 22c is in the form of a spiral, the thread 33 is also a spiral extending projection. The threads 33 are arranged in plural in the circumferential direction.

The threads 33 constitute a kind of helical gear and are engaged with the engagement grooves 22c formed in the seating portion 33 of the balancer 20. [ With this structure, when the first washing tub 6 is rotated, the second washing tub 10 can be rotated integrally with the first washing tub 6 without idling. In this way, the coupling between the balancer 20 and the container 30 is also a kind of screw coupling, so that the coupling between the second washing tub 10 and the first washing tub 6 is firmly maintained. Particularly, the second washing tub 10 can be fixed without being lowered by the restraining force (for example, a frictional force acting between mutually engaged surfaces) of the coupling between the thread 33 and the latch groove 22c.

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

The user can input the first laundry into the first washing tub 6 or install the second washing tub 10 into the second washing tub 10 while the second washing tub 10 is not installed have.

Referring to FIG. 1, a cabinet 2 may include a first washing tub 6 and a driving unit 8 for providing power for rotating the pulsator 9. The driving unit 8 is disposed below the water storage tank 4 and can be suspended in the cabinet 2 in a state of being coupled to the bottom surface of the water storage tank 4. [

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

The driving unit 8 may include a washing motor capable of speed control. The washing motor may be an inverter direct drive motor. The control unit (not shown) may include a proportional-integral controller (PI controller), a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID controller), and the like. The controller receives an output value (e.g., an output current) of the washing motor as an input, and based on the output value, determines whether the rotational speed (or rotational speed) of the washing motor follows a predetermined target rotational speed Can be controlled.

It is to be understood that the control unit can control not only the washing motor but also the entire operation of the washing machine, and that the control of each of the components described below is performed by the control unit.

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

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

The main dispenser 16 supplies the additive acting on the laundry to the water storage tank 4 together with the water supplied through the water supply pipe 11. The additives supplied by the main dispenser 16 include laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleaching agents and the like.

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

At a substantially center of the washing tub cover 60, a charging port 60h is formed so that laundry can be charged into the container 30. The washing tub cover 60 may include a lower cover 40 and an upper cover 50 coupled to the upper side of the lower cover 40. The lower cover 40 can be engaged with the upper end of the container 30. The lower cover 40 and the container 30 are each made of synthetic resin and are preferably connected by welding, more preferably by heat welding, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The upper cover 50 may be detachably coupled to the lower cover 40. A first opening 40h is formed in the lower cover 40 and a second opening 50h is formed in the upper cover 50 to communicate with the first opening 40h and to form a charging port 60h.

A space in which a locker 80, a check valve 91, a flow path FP and the like are disposed is provided between the upper cover 50 and the lower cover 40. If necessary, The locker 80 and the check valve 91 can be maintained or repaired after the lower cover 40 is separated from the lower cover 40 and the flow path FP can be cleaned.

The washing tub cover 60 may be provided with a water supply port 51h through which water discharged from the main dispenser 16 flows. The washing tub cover 60 is provided with a sub dispenser 70 for containing additives such as a detergent, a bleaching agent or a fabric softening agent so that water supplied to the water supply port 51h flows through the sub- 30). The additive is preferably liquid so that it can be smoothly discharged through the siphon tube 724 described later.

Water supply through the water supply port 51h may be performed a plurality of times. In this case, since the additive is completely discharged through the siphon tube 724 to be described later at the time of the first water supply, the water (or water) in which the additive is not dissolved through the sub-dispenser 70 , Enemy water) is supplied.

On the other hand, when the second washing tank 10 is rotated at a sufficient speed, the water flow developed toward the outside along the radial direction by the centrifugal force in the container 30 is transmitted to the inner side of the container 30 , And can be introduced into the washing tub cover 60 through the inlet port 452h described later. The washing tub cover 60 is provided with a flow path FP (see FIG. 12) for guiding the water flow introduced through the inlet 452h.

The washing tub cover 60 may include a nozzle 62 for discharging the water flow guided along the flow path FP to the outside of the washing tub cover 60. The nozzle 62 can be inserted and fixed into the discharge port 431 (see FIG. 12) formed in the lower cover 40. The nozzle 62 may have a horizontally elongated slit-shaped outlet.

The outlet is open toward the lower side of the reservoir cover (14). The second washing tub 10 is rotated at a high speed so that the water discharged through the nozzle 62 can be guided along the bottom surface of the reservoir cover 14. [

5, when the second washing tank 10 is installed on the balancer 20, the nozzle 62 is positioned higher than the balancer 20 (i.e., the upper side of the balancer 20 is exposed) So that the water injected through the nozzle 62 can reach the water storage tank 4 without interfering with the balancer 20.

3, the inner surface of the container 30 may include a vane 35 extending vertically. The vane 35 protrudes from the inner surface of the container 30 and may be manufactured as a separate component from the container 30 and installed in the container 30. The water flow generated by the rotation of the second washing tank 10 is raised by the collision with the vane 35 and then falls to the center of the container 30. [ A plurality of vanes 35 may be provided, and preferably, a plurality of vanes 35 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the rotational center of the second washing tank 10. In the embodiment, a pair of vanes 35 is provided, but the number of vanes 35 is not limited to this.

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

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

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

The water discharged from the main dispenser 16 is selectively supplied to the first sub-dispenser 70 (1) or the second dispenser 70 (2) in accordance with the rotational position (or rotation angle) Lt; / RTI > For example, in order to supply water to the first sub-dispenser 70 (1) during the washing cycle and to supply water to the second sub-dispenser 70 (2) during the rinsing cycle, The rotational position (or rotational angle) of the rotor 10 can be controlled.

Each of the sub-dispensers 70 includes a dispenser housing 71, a drawer 72 that is accommodated in the dispenser housing 71 so as to be drawn out and has an opened upper surface and a drawer 72 that covers the opened upper surface of the drawer 72 And a lower cover (73). The drawer cover (73) can be releasably coupled to the drawer (72). An opening 73h through which water discharged from the main dispenser 16 passes is formed in the drawer cover 73 so that water having passed through the opening 73h is supplied into the drawer 72. [

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

The upper housing 50 may be provided with a plate 55 fixed to the upper side of the sub-dispenser 70. The plate 55 can be attached to and detached from the upper housing 50. The plate 55 forms an interval 55h between the lower end of the flow guide 52 and the water guided along the flow guide 52 passes through the gap 55h and is guided to the opening of the drawer cover 73. [ (73h).

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

The drawer (72) is a container whose upper surface is opened, and the additive can be received in the drawer (72). The drawer 72 is engaged with the dispenser housing 71 and this engagement allows the drawer 72 to be inserted into the dispenser housing 71 or to be withdrawn from the dispenser housing 71. Although the drawer 72 in the embodiment is coupled to the dispenser housing 71 in a slidable manner, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be, for example, a pivotable manner with respect to the dispenser housing 71, 71).

7, the drawer 72 may include a siphon tube 724 protruding upward from the bottom, and the drawer cover 73 may include a siphon cap 724 covering the siphon tube 724, 732).

The outlet of the siphon tube 724 is formed at the bottom of the drawer 72 and the siphon cap 73 forms an annular flow path with the outer peripheral surface of the siphon tube 724 in the transverse section. Such a structure is suitable for supplying a liquid phase additive.

When water is supplied to the sub-dispenser 70 and the water level in the drawer 72 gradually rises, the water rises along the annular channel in the transverse section and flows through the siphon tube 724 and then discharged into the container 30 through the outlet at the lower end of the siphon tube 724. [

On the other hand, in order for the laundry in the first washing tub 6 and the laundry in the second washing tub 10 to be washed at the same time, it is necessary to supply water to the first washing tub 6 while the second washing tub 10 is installed. Hereinafter, how the water is supplied to the first washing tub 6 while the second washing tub 10 is installed will be described.

The outer shape of the second washing tub 10 is divided into a first section S1 in contact with the support section 22 of the balancer 20 and a second section S1 in which the support section 22 is separated from the second section S1, And a section S2.

The first section S1 is located on the first axis (line VII-VII) passing through the vertical axis O and the second section S2 is located on the second axis II passing through the vertical axis O and perpendicular to the first axis And may be located on the axis Y. [ The first section S1 may be formed on both sides to be symmetrical with respect to the second axis Y and the second section S2 may be formed on both sides to be symmetrical with respect to the first axis.

The water discharged from the main dispenser 16 flows through the second section S2 and the balancer 20 when the second washing tank 10 is rotated and aligned to the first rotational position under the control of the driving section 8 of the control section. The water can be supplied into the container 30 through the gap formed between the inner circumferential surfaces of the container 30.

When the second washing tub 10 is aligned to the second rotational position rotated from the first rotational position by a predetermined angle under the control of the driving unit 8 of the control unit, the water discharged from the main dispenser 16 flows into the water supply port 51h To the sub-dispenser 70. [0054] That is, in the second rotation position of the second washing tub 10, the water supply port 51h is aligned with the outlet of the main dispenser 16, and the water discharged through the outlet is introduced into the water supply port 51h . In the embodiment, the second rotational position is a position where the first washing tub 6 is rotated 90 degrees from the first rotational position. However, when the position of the water supply port 51h is changed according to the embodiment, the angle between the second rotation position and the first rotation position may be changed. As described above, since the washing motor is capable of speed control, the control unit controls the rotational angle of the first washing tub 6 or the rotational position of the first washing tub 6 based on the speed of the washing motor It is possible. Since the second washing tub 10 is rotated integrally with the first washing tub 6, the rotation angle or the rotating position of the first washing tub 6 is controlled by controlling the rotation angle or the rotating position of the second washing tub 10 It is also.

Specifically, a first hall sensor (not shown) may be provided in the reservoir cover 14, and a first magnet may be provided in the second washing tub 10. During rotation of the second washing tub 10, the first hall sensor may sense the magnetic field formed by the first magnet, and send signals to the control unit based on the sensed magnetic field. The control unit can determine the rotational speed, the rotational position (or the position of the first magnet), the rotational angle, and the like of the second washing tub 10 based on the received signal, The washing motor can be controlled to be aligned with the first rotation position or the second rotation position.

Meanwhile, a second magnet may be provided on the rotor of the washing motor, and a second hall sensor for sensing a magnetic field generated by the second magnet may be provided in a fixed structure (for example, a water tank 4 (I.e., the bottom surface of the base plate). The plurality of second magnets may be disposed along the circumference of the rotor. The control unit can control the washing motor based on the signal output from the second hall sensor. At this time, by considering the signals output from the first hall sensor, The first rotation position or the second rotation position.

According to an embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotor can be sensed without a separate sensor. That is, the controller may sense the rotation angle of the rotor in a sensorless manner. For example, it is possible to estimate the position of the rotor of the washing motor based on an output current detected while a current of a certain frequency flows through the washing motor, after causing a phase current of a constant frequency to flow to the washing motor. Such a sensorless system corresponds to a known technology, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, after the water supply into the container 30 is completed, the control unit controls the driving unit 8 in accordance with a predetermined algorithm to perform washing. Thereafter, the water used for washing must be discharged from the second washing tank 10, and this drainage is performed by using the centrifugal force induced by the high-speed rotation of the second washing tank 10.

12, the lower cover 40 is provided with an inlet port 452h through which water flows upward in the container 30 due to the centrifugal force when the second washing tank 10 is rotated, A discharge port 431 for discharging the water introduced through the discharge port 431 is formed. 12, the nozzle 62 may be inserted into the discharge port 431, as shown in FIG.

The lower cover 40 may include a bottom portion 452 formed with an inlet port 452h and a side wall portion 43a extending upward from the bottom portion 452 and provided with a discharge port 431. The lower cover 40 includes a first upper surface portion 41 formed with a first opening portion 40h and a first inner wall portion 42 extending downward from the first upper surface portion 41 around the first opening portion 40h And an outer wall portion 43 extending along the outer periphery of the first upper surface portion 41.

The first upper surface portion 41 can be partially recessed to reach the groove portion 45. In this case, the bottom portion 452 constitutes the bottom surface of the groove portion 45. The side wall portion 43a belongs to the outer wall portion 43 and constitutes the outer side inner peripheral surface 451 of the groove portion 45. [ The first inner wall portion 42 may have an opening 42h for installing the dispenser 70 therein.

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

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

Both ends of the inner inner circumferential surface 453 are connected to the outer inner circumferential surface 451 by the inward grooves 454 and 455 respectively and thus the inner circumferential surface 453, the first groove inner side surface 454, The inner side surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 455 and the outer side inner peripheral surface 451 is defined by the groove 45.

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

The inner inner circumferential surface 453 is connected to the outer wall portion 43 by a pair of partition walls 47, 48. The locking member 81 to be described later is moved in the unlocking position (that is, the position of the locking member 81 when the second washing tub 10 is stopped), preferably by the restoring force of the spring 82, 453, respectively.

The upper cover 50 includes a second upper surface portion 51 formed with a second opening portion 50h and a water supply port 51h and a second upper surface portion 51 extending downward from the second upper surface portion 51 around the second opening portion 50h. 2 inner wall portion 53 as shown in FIG. The water supply port 51h is located radially outwardly of the second opening 50h.

The second upper surface portion 51 may include an outer handle 510 formed between the water supply port 51h and the second opening 50h. The outer handle 510 includes a handle upper surface portion 511 belonging to the second upper surface portion 51 and a second lower surface portion 511 extending downward from the upper surface portion 511 of the handle 511 around the second opening portion 50h, And a second handle side portion 513 extending downward from the handle upper surface portion 511 around the water supply port 51h. That is, a "C" -shaped groove whose lower side is opened is formed by the handle upper surface portion 511, the first handle side surface portion 512, and the second handle side surface portion 513.

The inner handle 410 is inserted into the "C" The user can grasp both the inner handle 410 and the outer handle 510 so that the upper cover 50 and the lower cover 40 are not separated from each other when the second washing tub 10 is lifted.

A hook (not shown) is formed on one of the inner knob 410 and the outer knob 510 so that the inner knob 410 and the outer knob 510 are more firmly engaged with each other. A groove (not shown) may be formed.

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

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

On the other hand, the upper cover 50 can extend from the section around the water supply port 51h, in particular, on the opposite side of the second handle side surface portion 513 from the flow guide 52. That is, the flow guide 52 extends from the second upper surface portion 51 at a position radially outwardly spaced from the second handle side surface portion 513. The flow guide 52 gradually extends downward from the second upper surface portion 51 toward the inner side along the radial direction.

12, a flow path FP extending from the inlet port 452h to the outlet port 431 may be formed in the washing tub cover 60. As shown in FIG. When the second washing tank 10 is rotated, the water flow developed toward the outside along the radial direction due to the centrifugal force rises along the inner surface of the container 30 in the container 30. The upward flow of water flows into the flow path FP through the inlet port 452h and then through the outlet port 431. [ The inlet port 452h and the outlet port 431 are formed in the lower cover 40 and the upper cover 50 is coupled with the lower cover 40 to define the flow path FP.

The flow path FP can be defined as a region defined by the bottom portion 452 of the lower cover 40, the outer wall portion 43 and the first inner wall portion 42. [ The water flowing into the flow path FP through the inlet port 452h rises along the inner surface of the side wall portion 43a (i.e., the outer peripheral surface 451) and is discharged through the outlet port 431. [ At this time, the remaining water that can not be discharged through the discharge port 431 can not rise further by the bottom surface of the upper cover 50. When the capacity of the flow path FP is sufficient, most of the water in the flow path FP is in contact with the outer inner peripheral surface 451 due to the centrifugal force, so that water flow to the inner inner peripheral surface 453 is substantially not generated. Therefore, depending on the embodiment, the inner inner circumferential surface 453 may not contribute to the role of defining the flow path FP.

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

The check valve 91 may be disposed in the groove 45. The check valve 91 is in close contact with the upper surface of the bottom portion 452 (that is, the bottom surface of the groove portion 45), the outer end portion 91a is fixed to the bottom portion 452, The inner end 91b positioned on the inner side along the radial direction from the outer end 91a can be pivoted on the basis of the outer end 91a. A rib (not shown) for pressing the upper surface of the check valve 91 may protrude from the bottom surface of the upper cover 50 so that the outer end 91a is fixed.

The check valve 91 may be made of a material having elasticity such as rubber. In this case, the check valve 91 is pivoted by the moment induced by the pressure of the water flow passing through the inlet port 452h and the outer end 91a by the centrifugal force to open the inlet port 452h, When the washing tub 10 is stopped or decelerated, the washing tub 10 is returned to its home position by the restoring force of its own weight and material, and the inlet 452h is closed.

The outer end 91a is rotatably connected to the bottom portion 452 so that the outer end 91 and the bottom portion 452 are connected to each other, The check valve 91 may be turned. In this case, the check valve 91 may not be made of a material having elasticity.

The washing course using the second washing tub 10 may include a washing cycle and a drain cycle. The rotational speed of the second washing tank 10 in the washing cycle is preferably such that the water flow in the container 30 can not reach the inlet port 452h. At this time, the rotation speed of the second washing tub 10 may be configured to be changed according to the water level in the container 30. However, according to the embodiment, when the amount of water supplied to the container 30 is constantly set at the time of the washing operation, a predetermined amount (that is, the amount of input to guide the user through the product manual or the like) The control unit controls the second washing tub 10 in the washing cycle so that the rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 when the water flow starts to reach the inlet 452h can be determined experimentally and does not exceed the determined rotational speed, Can be controlled.

Alternatively, even if the upward flow of water in the container 30 reaches the inlet port 452h, the water pressure acting through the inlet port 452h can be prevented from exceeding the moment acting in the closing direction by the self weight of the check valve 91 The rotational speed of the second washing tub 10 at the time of the washing cycle can be controlled within a range not reaching the predetermined value.

7 and 11 to 13, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in a second washing tub 10, and the first washing tub 10 is rotated from a first washing tub 6 And a locker (80) for fixing to prevent detachment. The locker 80 may be provided on the lower cover 40.

The locker (80) includes a locking member (81) and an elastic member (82). The locking member 81 is located at a first position (refer to FIG. 13 (a), hereinafter referred to as "unlock position") in a state where the second washing tub 10 is stopped, and the second washing tub 10 And is moved from the first position to the second position (refer to FIG. 13 (b), hereinafter referred to as "lock position") by centrifugal force. The lock position is located outside the unlock position along the radial direction.

The locking member 81 is engaged with the first washing tub 6 at the lock position to fix the second washing tub 10 to the first washing tub 6. A straight line connecting the lock position from the unlock position (i.e., a line of the locking member 81) may cross the first section S1 (see FIG. 6).

The balancer 20 may be formed with a locking groove 22r into which the locking member 81 is inserted at the locking position. The locking groove 22r may be formed in the inner diameter portion of the balancer main body 21. [ When the second washing tank 10 is mounted on the ring-shaped balancer 20 and rotated at a predetermined speed or higher in a state in which it is aligned at a predetermined rotational position, the locking member 81 is moved outward along the radial direction by centrifugal force And the locking member 81 is inserted into the locking groove 22r in this process. The second washing tub 10 is prevented from being detached because the locking member 81 and the locking groove 22r are engaged even if the second washing tub 10 is shaken or vibrated during rotation. Particularly, since the upward movement of the second washing tub 10 is restrained, there is no problem that the second washing tub 10 impacts the top cover 3 or the door (not shown). Even when the second washing tub 10 is rotated at a high speed (for example, a dewatering stroke), it is possible to prevent breakage of the apparatus and prevent a safety accident.

Since the locking of the second washing tub 10 is not performed by a separate power mechanism (for example, a motor) but by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the second washing tub 10, There is an advantage in that it is not necessary to take special control for locking as well as merely having a simple structure for the structure for the lock.

The elastic member 82 is elastically deformed when the locking member 81 is in the lock position and is restored to its original position when the rotation of the second washing tub 10 is stopped to return the locking member 81 to the unlock position. When the rotation of the second washing tub 10 is stopped, the locking member 81 is returned to the unlock position by the restoring force of the elastic member 82, whereby the lock is automatically released. When the washing is completed, the lock is automatically released, so that the user can easily lift the second washing tub 10 without having to perform any other operation for releasing the lock.

The elastic member 82 may be a coil spring that is compressed when the locking member 81 is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. The locking member 81 may include a spring mount 81b that is resiliently biased by a spring 82 and a head 81a that protrudes from the spring mount 81b. The spring mount 81b is formed with spring fixing projections 81c and 81d at respective portions protruding on both sides with respect to the head 81a and a pair of springs 82 are fixed to the fixing projections 81c and 81d Respectively. That is, one end of the spring 82 can be positioned on the inner side surface (i.e., on the outer peripheral surface 451) of the outer wall portion 43 and the other end can seat the spring mount 81b. A pair of projections 435a and 435b are projected from the projections 451 and 451 so that one end of the spring 82 can be fitted to each of the projections 435a and 435b.

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

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11, the lower cover 40 may have a first penetrating portion 432 formed in the outer wall portion 43. The head 81a may be located in the first penetration portion 432. [ Preferably, the head 81a is always positioned within the first through-hole 432, even if the locking member 81 is located at any point between the unlock position and the lock position.

The container 30 includes a container body 31 and a rim portion 32 (see Figs. 2 and 12) formed at the upper end of the container body 31 and surrounding the outer wall portion 43 from the outside of the lower cover 40, ). The rim portion 32 may be formed along the periphery of the opening of the upper end of the container body 31, that is, the upper surface of the container 30. The rim portion 32 may be formed with a second penetration portion 32h communicating with the first penetration portion 432. [ The head 81a passes through the second penetrating portion 32h and protrudes outside the second washing tub 10.

The head 81a has an insertion portion 811 that is inserted into the locking groove 22r and a portion that connects the insertion portion 811 and the spring mount 81b, And a latching portion 812 having a cross-sectional area larger than the passage area of the portion 432. [ The insertion portion 811 can pass through the first penetration portion 432, but the engagement portion 812 does not.

The head 81a has an arbitrary section taken in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the copper line of the locking member 81) is substantially rectangular. The first penetrating portion 432 is formed so that the outlet located on the outer surface of the outer wall portion 43 corresponds to the end surface of the insertion portion 811 and the inlet located on the inner surface of the outer wall portion 43 And may be formed so as to correspond to the end surface of the latching portion 812. The latching portion 812 may include a first inclined surface 812a (see FIG. 13) that gradually descends from the portion connected to the spring mount 81b toward the insertion portion 811 side, and the second inclined surface 432a may be formed between the inlet of the first penetration portion 432 and the outlet.

A pair of partition walls (47, 48) are formed in the lower cover (40). A space SP in which the locker 80 is accommodated is provided between the pair of partition walls 47, The space SP is separated from the flow path FP by the pair of partition walls 47 and 48. [ Each of the pair of partition walls 47, 48 may extend from the bottom portion 452 to the outer wall portion 43. The pair of partition walls 47 and 48 are connected to the inner inner peripheral surface 453, respectively. That is, the space SP is surrounded by the outer wall portion 43, the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 and the inner inner peripheral surface 453, and the upper surface is opened, It is closed by.

Particularly, the upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 are in close contact with the bottom surface of the upper cover 50, so that water in the flow path FP is prevented from flowing into the space SP beyond the partition walls 47 and 48 do. The bottom surface of the flow guide 52 can be brought into close contact with the upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48.

Between the upper ends of the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 and the bottom surface of the upper cover 50 so that the airtightness between the partition walls 47 and 48 and the upper cover 50 can be more reliably maintained, A sealer (not shown) may be provided. The sealer is made of a soft material such as rubber and can be interposed between the pair of partition walls 47 and 48 and the bottom surface of the upper cover 50. In this case, the one surface is pressed by the partition walls 47 and 48, and the opposite surface is pressed by the bottom surface of the upper cover 50.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a lower cover according to another embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 14 (b) showing a part of the bottom surface of the upper cover. Fig. 15 is a top view of the portion indicated by XV in Fig. 14. Fig. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted herein.

14 to 15, the upper cover 50 may further include a pair of first ribs 514a and 514b projecting from the bottom surface. The first rib 47 may be inserted between the pair of first ribs 514a and 514b. The gap between the first ribs 514a and 514b is preferably as small as possible (preferably, 2 mm or less) than the thickness of the first bank 47. A pair of second ribs 515a and 515b are further formed so that the second partition wall 48 can be inserted therebetween.

A pair of first ribs 514a and 514b and a first partition 47 interposed therebetween and a pair of second ribs 515a and 515b and a second partition 48 Even if the bottom surface of the upper cover 50 does not come into close contact with the upper ends of the ribs 514a, 514b, 515a, and 515b, water easily flows into the space SP because of the labyrinth seals There is an effect that does not flow.

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.

Claims (13)

A first washing tub rotated about a vertical axis;
A second washing tub detachably coupled to the first washing tub and rotated integrally with the first washing tub; And
And a locker provided in the second washing tub to fix the second washing tub so as not to be detached from the first washing tub while the second washing tub is rotating,
Wherein the second washing tub comprises:
A container for accommodating laundry; And
And a washing tub cover covering the container and having an inlet for introducing laundry into the container,
The washing tub cover
A lower cover coupled to an upper side of the container and having an inlet through which water flows upward in the container during rotation of the first washing tub are formed and an outlet for discharging water introduced through the inlet is formed; And
And an upper cover coupled to the upper side of the lower cover to define a flow path from the inlet to the outlet,
In the lower cover,
A pair of partition walls are formed, a space is provided between the pair of partition walls to receive the locker,
The space
And is separated from the flow path by the pair of partitions. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the lower cover comprises:
A bottom having the inlet formed therein; And
And a side wall portion extending upward from the bottom portion and having the discharge port formed therein,
Wherein each of the pair of partitions has:
And extends from the bottom portion to the side wall portion. 3. The method of claim 2,
The upper ends of the pair of partition walls
And a lower surface of the upper cover. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the second washing tub comprises:
Drawers for receiving additives; And
Further comprising a dispenser housing disposed in the lower cover to define a space for receiving the drawer,
Wherein the upper cover comprises:
An upper surface portion on which a water supply port is formed; And
Further comprising a flow guide extending downward from the upper surface to guide the water introduced through the water inlet to the dispenser,
Wherein a bottom surface of the flow guide is in close contact with upper ends of the pair of partition walls. 3. The method of claim 2,
And a sealer sealing between the upper ends of the pair of partition walls and the bottom surface of the upper cover. The method according to claim 1,
The locker includes:
The second washing tub is located at a first position while the second washing tub is stopped and is moved from the first position to the second position by centrifugal force when the second washing tub is rotated and is engaged with the first washing tub at the second position, A locking member for fixing the second washing tub to the first washing tub; And
And an elastic member that is elastically deformed when the locking member is in the second position and is restored to its original position when the rotation of the second washing tub is stopped to return the locking member to the first position. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the lower cover comprises:
A bottom having the inlet formed therein; And
And a side wall portion extending upward from the bottom portion and having the discharge port formed therein,
Wherein the lower cover comprises:
A first penetrating portion penetrating the side wall portion is formed,
Wherein the locking member comprises:
And the second penetrating portion is moved from the first position to the second position by being moved through the first penetrating portion. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the container comprises:
And a portion enclosing the side wall portion at an outer side of the lower cover,
A second penetrating portion communicating with the first penetrating portion is formed in the wrapping portion,
Wherein the locking member comprises:
And is exposed to the outside of the second washing tub through the second penetrating portion. 9. The method of claim 8,
The elastic member
And a coil spring, one end of which is located on the side wall portion, and the other end of which is in contact with the locking member. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the locking member comprises:
A spring mount biased by the spring; And
And a head projecting from the spring mount and disposed in the first penetration. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the lower cover comprises:
A bottom having the inlet formed therein;
A side wall portion extending upward from the bottom portion and having the discharge port formed therein; And
Further comprising an inner inner circumferential surface extending upward from the bottom portion and spaced inward along the radial direction from the side wall portion and connected to the side wall portion by the pair of partition walls,
Wherein the locking member comprises:
And in the first position, is in contact with the inner inner peripheral surface by a restoring force of the spring. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the upper cover comprises:
And a pair of first ribs protruding from a bottom surface opposite to the bottom of the lower cover,
Wherein one of the pair of partition walls is inserted between the pair of first ribs. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the upper cover comprises:
Further comprising a pair of second ribs projecting from the bottom surface,
And the other of the pair of partition walls is inserted between the pair of second ribs.

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