KR20200001494A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine, which includes: a plurality of nozzles provided on an inner circumferential surface of a gasket body to spray water into a drum; a pump pumping water discharged from a tub; a distribution pipe supplying the water pumped by the pump to the plurality of nozzles; and a circulation pipe connecting the distribution pipe and the pump. The pump is arranged on one side of both left and right sides based on an inflow port of the distribution pipe coupled to the circulation pipe. The circulation pipe is bent at least one time. The inflow port includes a first position setting protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe inserted into the circulation pipe. A first position setting groove into which the first position setting protrusion is inserted is formed on one end portion of the circulation pipe into which the inflow pipe is inserted. Therefore, the washing machine prevents assembly errors of the circulation pipe.

Description

Washing machine {Washing machine}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a nozzle for injecting water discharged from a tub and circulated along a circulation pipe into a drum.

In general, a washing machine is a device that separates contaminants from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as 'laundry') by using chemical decomposition of water and detergent and physical action such as friction between water and laundry. Collectively. Such a washing machine includes a tub containing water and a drum rotatably provided in the tub to accommodate laundry.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0040180 (hereinafter, referred to as "prior art") circulates water discharged from a tub using a circulation pump, and a washing machine spraying the circulated water into a drum through an injection nozzle. It is starting. The washing machine has a distributor coupled to the circulation pump to distribute the wash water, and the first and second injection passages are coupled to the distributor, and the first and second injection passages respectively guide the washing water to the first and second injection nozzles. to be. Further, the injection nozzle is fixed to the gasket by a connector passing through the gasket and connected to the injection flow path.

The prior art discloses a washing machine having two spray nozzles, but the spray direction is limited so as not to wet the laundry evenly. In particular, although new technologies for controlling the rotation of the drum have recently been developed in order to give variety to the flow of the laundry put into the drum, there is a limit that can not expect a significant performance improvement with the conventional structure.

In addition, in the prior art, the injection nozzle must be coupled to the gasket by passing the connector through the gasket, and the number of injection flow paths connected to the circulation pump needs to correspond to the injection nozzles, and a plurality of injection flow paths and the connector must be coupled respectively. Due to the complicated structure and assembly process, the manufacturing process of the product was cumbersome.

In addition, there are many connections between the pump, the injection passage, the connector and the injection nozzles, there is a possibility that the wash water leaks in the portion of the washing machine when operating the washing machine, and due to the solidification of the detergent contained in the wash water or deposition of contaminants There was a hygiene problem that occurred.

In order to solve the above problems, a technique for guiding the circulating water discharged from the circulating pump to the plurality of nozzles is actively developed.

However, there is a problem that the distribution pipe for supplying the wash water to the plurality of nozzles and the circulation pipe connecting the circulation pump may interfere with a structure such as a balancer.

In addition, in order to efficiently utilize the space inside the casing of the washing machine, the pump may be generally disposed on one side of the left and right sides of the washing machine. Accordingly, the circulation water discharge portion of the circulation pump and the circulation water inflow portion of the distribution pipe for supplying the circulation water to the plurality of nozzles may not be disposed vertically, and the circulation pipe connecting the circulation pump and the distribution pipe may be misassembled. There is a problem.

Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0040180

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a plurality of nozzles for spraying the water discharged from the tub evenly wet the laundry, simplifying the connection structure and assembly process between the pump and the plurality of nozzles will be.

Another object of the present invention, when assembling the pump, the distribution pipe for supplying high wash water to a plurality of nozzles and the circulation pipe connecting the same, it is possible to easily assemble the circulation pipe in the correct position, thereby preventing misassembly In addition, to provide a washing machine that prevents defects due to bending of the circulation pipe due to incorrect assembly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which prevents a defect in which the position of the circulation pipe is out of the fixed position due to the vibration of the tub.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which avoids interference of the distribution pipe and the circulation pipe with other structures such as a balancer and a heater.

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

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of nozzles for injecting water into the drum, a distribution pipe for supplying the water pumped by the pump to the plurality of nozzles and the distribution pipe and the pump It includes a circulation pipe for connecting.

The washing machine includes a gasket for forming a laundry inlet on the front face of the casing, an opening on the front face of the tub, and a passage connecting the laundry inlet to the opening.

The nozzle is provided on an inner circumferential surface of a gasket body defining a passage of the gasket.

The distribution pipe includes an inlet port through which water pumped from the pump is introduced. The inlet port is coupled to the circulation pipe.

The pump is disposed below the tub. The pump is disposed on one side of both left and right sides of the inlet port.

The circulation tube is bent at least once.

The inlet port includes a positioning means for guiding the correct position of the circulation pipe. The inflow port includes an inflow pipe inserted into the circulation pipe and a first positioning protrusion protruding from the inflow pipe. The first positioning projection protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of the inlet pipe.

The circulation pipe is formed with a first positioning groove into which the first positioning protrusion is inserted. The first positioning groove is formed at one end of the circulation pipe into which the inlet pipe is inserted.

The first positioning groove is formed in a shape corresponding to the first positioning protrusion.

The pump may have a circulation port for guiding water discharged from the tub to the distribution pipe. The circulation pipe may be coupled to the circulation port.

The circulation port may include a pipe portion inserted into the circulation pipe and a second positioning protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion.

A second positioning groove into which the second positioning protrusion is inserted may be formed at the other end of the circulation pipe coupled with the circulation port. The second positioning groove may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second positioning protrusion.

The circulation pipe may include a first port coupling pipe, a second port coupling pipe, and a connection pipe.

The first port coupling tube may include a first coupling portion coupled to the inlet port and a first coupling tube portion extending downward from the first coupling portion.

The connecting pipe may be bent from the first coupling pipe part and extend to one side where the pump is disposed.

The second port coupling pipe is connected to the connection pipe and may be coupled to the circulation port. The second port coupling pipe may include a second coupling part into which the circulation port is inserted, and a corrugated pipe part extending from the second coupling part to the connection pipe side. The second port coupling pipe may include a bent pipe portion bent in a direction parallel to the second coupling portion from the connection pipe.

The corrugated pipe part may be relatively flexible than the first port coupling pipe, the connection pipe, the bending pipe part, and the second coupling part. The corrugated pipe part may connect the bent pipe part light to the second coupling part.

The corrugated pipe part may connect the bent pipe part and the second coupling part.

The washing machine may include a balancer disposed on the front surface of the tub. The balancer may include first and second balancers disposed at both left and right sides of the gasket, respectively. Lower ends of the first and second balancers may be spaced apart from each other under the gasket.

The inflow port and the first port coupling pipe may be located between the lower ends of the first and second balancers spaced apart from each other.

The washing machine may include a heater for heating water in the tub. The heater may be installed below the tub. The heat may be installed on the rear side than the front surface of the tub.

Lower ends of the first and second balancers may extend downward from the lower portion of the tub front surface.

The connection pipe may be disposed between at least a portion of the first and second balancers between the balancer and the heater disposed on one side of the pump.

The connecting pipe may include a first connecting pipe bent from the first port coupling pipe and extended in a direction in which the heater is disposed, and a second connecting pipe bent from the first connecting pipe and extended to one side where the pump is arranged. It may include. The second connecting pipe may be located at the rear side of the balancer disposed on one side where the pump is disposed. The second connecting pipe may be disposed at the front side of the heater.

The first connecting pipe may be bent from the first coupling pipe part to extend rearward.

The second connector may be bent from the first connector and extend to one side where the pump is disposed.

The bent pipe part may be bent downward from the second connecting pipe.

The first port coupling pipe and the second port coupling pipe may be arranged side by side. The first port coupling pipe and the second port coupling pipe may be disposed perpendicular to the imaginary plane including the first and second connection pipes.

The circulation pipe may be fixed to the tub. The circulation tube may be fixed to the tub through a clamp.

The clamp may include first and second clamps. The first clamp may fix the first port coupling pipe to the front surface of the tub. The second clamp may fix the connecting pipe to the lower side of the tub.

The distribution pipe may include a transfer pipe for branching the water introduced from the inflow port to both left and right sides to guide upward, and a plurality of discharge ports protruding from the transfer pipe to the gasket side. The plurality of discharge ports may supply water to the plurality of nozzles. The inflow port may be formed below the plurality of discharge ports. The inflow port may protrude downward from the transport pipe below the plurality of discharge ports.

The first positioning protrusion may extend to at least an upper end of the inlet pipe.

The first positioning projection may be formed on the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe.

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

According to the washing machine of the present invention has one or more of the following effects.

First, by having a plurality of nozzles provided on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket can evenly wet the laundry, by connecting the pump and the plurality of nozzles to include a distribution pipe for supplying the water pumped by the pump to the plurality of nozzles Therefore, there is an advantage to simplify the connection structure and assembly process between the pump and the nozzle.

Second, the inlet port of the heat distribution pipe includes a first positioning protrusion, and the circulation pipe is formed with a first positioning groove into which the first positioning protrusion is inserted, so that the circulation pipe can be easily and accurately assembled when the circulation pipe is assembled. It can be assembled at the position, and it is possible to prevent a defect such as bending of the circulation pipe due to misassembly. Alternatively, the circulation pipe includes a second port coupling pipe coupled with the circulation port, and the second port coupling pipe includes a relatively flexible corrugated pipe portion than the first port coupling pipe, the connection pipe and the second coupling portion of the circulation pipe, Even if the circulation pipe is out of position, there is an advantage of preventing a defect such as bending of the circulation pipe due to incorrect assembly.

Third, the circulation pipe is flexible, including the corrugated pipe portion, there is also an advantage that can prevent the failure of the position of the circulation pipe from the correct position by the vibration of the tub.

Fourth, the shock balancer includes first and second balancers respectively disposed on both left and right sides of the gasket, and the first port coupling pipe of the inlet port and the circulation pipe is located in the lower space where the balancer is spaced apart from each other. In addition, at least a portion of the connecting pipe connecting the first port coupling pipe and the second port coupling pipe is disposed between the heater and the balancer disposed under the tub, so that the distribution pipe and the circulation pipe may interfere with other structures such as the balancer and the heater. There are also advantages to avoid.

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

1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG.
3 shows a part of the washing machine shown in FIG. 2.
4 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gasket shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a rear view of the gasket and distribution tube assembly shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
7 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6.
8 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 7.
10 is a front view of the distribution pipe shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pump shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
12 is a cross-sectional view of the circulating water chamber and the drain chamber of the pump shown in FIG. 4.
13 is a front view of the tub, gasket, distribution tube, circulation tube and pump assembly.
FIG. 14 is a front view of the assembly further including the configuration and balancer shown in FIG. 13. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a circulation tube illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of region A shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of region B illustrated in FIG. 13.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and the general knowledge in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for describing a washing machine according to embodiments of the present invention.

1 and 2, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a casing 10 to form an exterior, a tub 30 for storing wash water, and a rotatable inside the tub 30. And a drum 40 into which laundry is introduced. In addition, it may include a motor (50, hereinafter referred to as a 'drive unit') for rotating the drum.

A front panel 11 having a laundry inlet 12 is disposed on the front surface of the casing 10, and a door 20 that opens and closes the laundry inlet 12 is disposed on the front panel 11, and a detergent is disposed. A dispenser 14 into which is injected may be installed.

In addition, a water supply valve 15, a water supply pipe 16, and a water supply hose 17 are installed in the casing 10, and the wash water passing through the water supply valve 15 and the water supply pipe 16 at the time of water supply is dispenser 14. Then, it may be mixed with the detergent, and then supplied to the tub 30 through the water supply hose 17.

Meanwhile, the water supply pipe 18 is connected to the water supply valve 15 so that the washing water may be directly supplied into the tub 30 without being mixed with the detergent through the water supply pipe 18.

In addition, a pump 70 and a distribution pipe 80 are installed, the pump 70 and the tub 30 are connected to the discharge hose 72, the distribution pipe 80 and the pump 70 is circulated May be connected to the tube 86. Therefore, when the pump 70 is operated, the wash water stored in the tub 30 may be injected into the drum 40 through the distribution pipe 80 and circulated. The pump 70 may be connected to the drain pipe 74 to discharge the wash water to the outside through the drain pipe 74.

As described above, the pump 70 of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a function as a drain pump for discharging the wash water to the outside and a circulation pump for circulating the wash water, in contrast, the drain pump and the circulation pump are separate. When the drain pump and the circulation pump is installed separately, it is natural that the drain pipe 74 is connected to the drain pump and the circulation pipe 86 is connected to the circulation pump.

Meanwhile, the tub 30 may be formed as a single tub body, and the first and second tub bodies 30a and 30b may be formed by being fastened to each other. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second tubs may be formed. For example, the tub bodies 30a and 30b are fastened to form the tub 30. Hereinafter, the first tub body 30a will be described as simply referred to as a 'tub 30'.

The tub 30 is disposed in the casing 10, and an opening 32 (see FIG. 4) is formed in front of the tub 30 so as to correspond to the laundry inlet 12 formed in the front panel 11.

The tub 30 may be rotatably provided with a drum 40 in which laundry is accommodated. The drum 40 accommodates the laundry, and is arranged such that an inlet through which the laundry is input is located at the front face, and is rotated about an approximately horizontal rotation center line. However, the term "horizontal" is not a term used in a mathematically exact sense. That is, as in the embodiment, when the rotation centerline is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal, it may be said to be substantially horizontal because it is closer to the horizontal than the vertical. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the drum 40 so that water in the tub 30 may flow into the drum 40.

The inner surface of the drum 40 may be provided with a plurality of lifters. The plurality of lifters may be disposed at an angle with respect to the center of the drum 40. When the drum 40 rotates, the laundry is lifted by the lifter and then dropped.

The driving unit 50 for rotating the drum 40 may be further provided, and the driving shaft rotated by the driving unit 50 may be coupled to the drum 40 by passing through the rear portion of the tub 30.

Preferably, the drive unit 50 includes a direct type washing motor, and the washing motor includes a stator fixed to the rear of the tub 30 and a rotor rotated by a magnetic force acting between the stator. It may include. The drive shaft can be rotated integrally with the rotor.

3 and 4, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gasket 60 connecting the casing 10 and the tub 30, and a nozzle 66 for spraying water into the drum 40. , 67, see FIG. 6), a pump 70 for pumping water discharged from the tub 30, and a distribution pipe for guiding the water pumped by the pump 70 to the nozzles 66, 67 ( 80 and a circulation pipe 86 for guiding the water pumped from the pump 70 to the distribution pipe 80. In addition, the balancer 90 may be disposed on the front surface 31 of the tub 30 and the heater 95 may be installed below the tub.

3 to 5 and 9, the gasket 60 may include a gasket body forming a passage 60P connecting the laundry inlet 12 of the casing 10 and the opening 32 of the tub 30. 61, 62). The inner circumferential surface facing the center of the gasket 60 body 61 and 62 may be referred to as the inner circumferential surface 62, and the outer circumferential surface opposite to the gasket 60 may be referred to as the outer circumferential surface 61. Hereinafter, the outer circumferential surface 61 and the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket bodies 61 and 62 may be abbreviated as the outer circumferential surface 61 and the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60, respectively.

The inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60 forms a passage 60P connecting the laundry inlet 12 and the opening 32. The outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 may face the inner circumferential surface of the balancer 90. The outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 may face the distribution pipe 80.

A gasket 60 is disposed between the edge of the opening 12 of the front panel 11 forming the laundry inlet 12 and the edge of the opening 32 of the tub 30 forming the opening 32. The wash water stored in the tub 30 is prevented from leaking from the tub 30.

In more detail, the gasket 60 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber and is made of a substantially cylindrical shape (hereinafter also referred to as tubular shape). For example, the gasket 60 may be made of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer), but is not limited thereto.

The front edge of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the inlet 12 of the front panel 11, the rear edge of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the opening 32 of the tub 30, the gasket 60 The body parts 61 and 62 which connect the front and rear edges of the head form a laundry input passage 60P, and are sealed between the tub and the front panel, and the door 20 and the gasket are closed when the door 20 is closed. Since the distal end portion of the 60 is in close contact with each other and the door 20 and the gasket 60 are sealed, leakage of the washing water is prevented.

The gasket 60 has an annular front end portion and a rear end portion each having an annular shape, and extends from the front end portion to the rear end portion. The front end of the gasket 60 is fixed to the casing 10, and the rear end is fixed to the inlet circumference 33 of the tub 30. The gasket 60 may be made of a flexible or elastic material. The gasket 60 may be made of natural rubber or synthetic resin.

The gasket 60 includes a casing coupling portion 68a coupled to the inlet 12 of the casing 10, a tub coupling portion 68b coupled to the inlet circumference 33 of the tub 30, and a casing coupling portion. Body portions 61 and 62 extending between the 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b.

The casing coupling portion 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b each have an annular shape, and the body portion has an annular rear end portion connected to the tub coupling portion 68b from an annular front end portion connected to the casing coupling portion 68a. It may be formed in a tubular form extending from the front end to the rear end.

The front panel 11 has the periphery of the inlet 12 is rolled outward, and the casing coupling portion 68a may be fitted into the concave portion formed by the curled portion.

The casing coupling portion 68a may be formed with an annular groove in which a wire is wound. After the wire is wound along the groove, both ends of the wire are bound so that the casing coupling portion 68a is firmly fixed around the inlet 12.

The tub 30 has an inlet circumference 33 forming the opening 32 of the tub 30 protruding from the front surface 31 and curled outwardly, and the tub coupling portion (in the concave portion formed by the curled portion) 68b) is fitted. The tub coupling portion 68b may be formed with an annular groove in which a clamp formed of a wire is wound. The tub engaging portion 68b of the gasket is coupled to the inlet circumference 33 of the tub, and after the clamp is wound along the groove, the both ends of the clamp are engaged so that the tub engaging portion 68b becomes the circumference of the inlet of the tub 30. It is firmly fixed to 33.

On the other hand, the casing coupling portion 68a is fixed to the front panel 11, but the tub coupling portion 68b is displaced according to the movement of the tub 30. Therefore, the body portion must be deformable in response to the displacement of the tub coupling portion 68b. In order to facilitate the deformation, the gasket 60 may be formed in a direction (or body portion) between the casing coupling portion 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b in the direction in which the tub 30 is moved by eccentricity ( Alternatively, the folding portion 61b may be formed to be folded as moved in the radial direction.

6 and 7, a plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60. The nozzles 66 and 67 may include upper nozzles 66a and 67a and lower nozzles 66b and 67b provided below the upper nozzles 66a and 67a. The upper nozzles 66a and 67a may be disposed above the center O of the gasket 60, and the lower nozzles 66b and 67b may be disposed below the center O of the gasket 60.

The plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 may include first and second nozzles 66 and 67 disposed at both left and right sides of the gasket inner circumferential surface 62. The first nozzle 66 may be disposed on the left side of the gasket inner circumferential surface 62, and the second nozzle 67 may be disposed on the right side of the gasket inner circumferential surface 62.

A plurality of first nozzles 66 and second nozzles 67 may be provided. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two first nozzles 66 and two second nozzles 67 are provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The first nozzle 66 includes a first lower nozzle 66b disposed below the center O of the gasket 60 and a first upper nozzle 66a disposed above the first lower nozzle 66b. It may include. The first upper nozzle 66a may be disposed above the center O of the gasket 60.

The second nozzle 67 has a second lower nozzle 67b disposed below the center O of the gasket 60 and a second upper nozzle 67a disposed above the second lower nozzle 67b. It may include. The second upper nozzle 67a may be disposed above the center O of the gasket 60.

The first and second lower nozzles 66b and 67b spray the circulating water into the drum 40 but may upwardly spray the water. The first and second upper nozzles 66a and 67a spray the circulating water into the drum 40 but may downwardly spray the circulating water. The circulating water refers to water discharged from the tub 30, pumped by the pump 70, guided to the distribution pipe 80, and injected into the drum 40 through the nozzles 66 and 67.

The gasket 60 may be provided with a direct-flow nozzle for injecting water into the drum 40, and may be provided with a direct-flow supply pipe 18 for guiding water supplied through the water supply to the direct-flow nozzle. The direct nozzle may be a vortex nozzle or a spray nozzle, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The direct nozzle may be disposed on the vertical line OV when viewed from the front. The window 22 protrudes toward the drum 40 more than the direct nozzle, and the water flow injected through the direct nozzle may contact the window 22, in which case the window 22 is washed.

5 and 6, the gasket 60 includes port insertion pipes 63 and 64 formed with holes communicating with the nozzles 66 and 67. The port insertion pipes 63 and 64 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. Discharge ports 83 and 84, which will be described later, are inserted into the port insertion pipes 63 and 64, and the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60, and the The water supplied to the nozzles 66 and 67 can be prevented from leaking between the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 and the discharge ports 83 and 84.

The port insertion pipes 63 and 64 may be provided in plural as in the above-described nozzles 66 and 67, and may be provided in the same number as the nozzles 66 and 67. The port insertion pipes 63 and 64 include a first port insertion pipe 63 in communication with the first nozzle 66 and a second port insertion pipe 64 in communication with the second nozzle 67. The first port insertion tube 63 may be disposed on the left side of the gasket outer circumferential surface 61, and the second port insertion tube 64 may be disposed on the right side of the gasket outer circumferential surface 61.

The first port insertion tube 63 includes a first lower port insertion tube 63b disposed below the center O of the gasket 60 and an agent disposed above the first lower port insertion tube 63b. One upper port insertion tube 63a may be included. The first upper port insertion tube 63a may be disposed above the center O of the gasket 60. The first lower port insertion tube 63b communicates with the first lower nozzle 66b, and the first upper port insertion tube 63a communicates with the first upper nozzle 66a. The first upper port insertion tube 63a and the first lower port insertion tube 63b may protrude in parallel with each other.

The second port insertion tube 64 includes a second lower port insertion tube 64b disposed below the center O of the gasket 60 and an agent disposed above the second lower port insertion tube 64b. It may include two upper port insertion tube (64a). The second upper port insertion tube 64a may be disposed above the center O of the gasket 60. The second lower port insertion tube 64b communicates with the second lower nozzle 67b, and the second upper port insertion tube 64a communicates with the second upper nozzle 67a. The second upper port insertion tube 64a and the second lower port insertion tube 64b may protrude in parallel with each other.

6 and 7, a protrusion 65 may protrude inwardly on a portion corresponding to the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 on the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket, and a nozzle (not shown) on the protrusion 65. 66) can be formed.

The protrusions 65 may include first to fourth protrusions 65a protruding inward to portions corresponding to the first and lower port insertion pipes 63a and 63b and the second and lower port insertion pipes 64a and 64b. , 65b, 65c, 65d). First and lower nozzles 66a and 66b and second and lower nozzles 67a and 67b may be formed in the first to fourth protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c and 65d, respectively.

8 and 9, the gasket 60 includes a recessed portion 610 that enters inward from a portion adjacent to the outer circumferential surface 61. At least a portion of the distribution pipe 80 is located in the depression 610. At least a portion of the delivery pipes 81 and 82 may be located in the recess 610.

The depression 610 is formed to enter inward from the portion adjacent to the front side of the depression 610. The depression 610 may be formed by recessing a portion of the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 inwardly, and a raised portion 61d protruding outward from the periphery on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. May be formed and may be formed on one side (rear side) of the ridge 61d.

Ribs 615 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. The rib 615 may protrude in the radial direction of the gasket 60 from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. That is, the rib 615 may be formed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the tangent of the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60.

The distribution tube 80 may be arranged such that at least a portion thereof contacts the rib 615. At least a portion of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 of the distribution pipe 80 may contact the rib 615. Since at least a portion of the distribution pipe 80 is located in the recess 610, the rib 615 may be formed in the recess 610.

6 to 10, the distribution pipe 80 protrudes from the transport pipes 81 and 82 to guide the water pumped from the pump 70 and the gasket 60 from the transport pipes 81 and 82. And discharge ports 83 and 84 coupled with the port insertion pipes 63 and 64. In addition, the distribution pipe 80 may include an inlet port 85 into which the water discharged from the pump 70 is introduced, and the transfer pipe 82 is a port insertion pipe for the water introduced through the inlet port 85. (63, 64).

The feed conduits 81 and 82 of the distribution pipe 80 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. In the distribution pipe 80, the discharge ports 83 and 84 may be inserted into the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 to be coupled to the gasket 60. The feed pipes 81 and 82 of the distribution pipe 80 may be disposed between the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 and the balancer 90. As a result, the distribution pipe 80 may be installed without having to secure a separate space.

The distribution pipe 80 may be made of synthetic resin that is harder or rigid than the gasket 60. The distribution pipe 80 maintains a constant shape in spite of the vibration generated during the operation of the washing machine, and in particular, when compared to the flexible gasket 60 in which deformation is made in response to the vibration of the tub 30, Pipe 80 can be seen to be relatively close to the rigid body.

In addition, the circulation pipe 86 may be flexible to be deformed in response to the vibration of the tub 30. In this case, the distribution pipe 80 may be made of synthetic resin that is harder or rigid than the circulation pipe 86.

The distribution pipe 80 may be formed in a ring shape in which the upper portion 88 is opened. That is, the distribution pipe 80 has an inflow port 85 into which the pumped water flows from the pump 70 and one or more discharge ports 83 and 84 for discharging the inflowed water into the drum 40. And transfer pipes 81 and 82 connecting the inflow port 85 and the discharge ports 83 and 84, and one end of the left pipe portion 81 of the transfer pipes 81 and 82 and the right pipe portion ( One end of the 82 is connected to each other at the point where the inlet port 85 is provided, the other end of the left conduit 81 and the other end of the right conduit 82 may be separated from each other.

Inlet port 85 may be formed to protrude downward in the lower portion of the conveying pipe (81, 82), discharge ports 83, 84 on the left and right of the distribution pipe 80, respectively (or, Protruding to the gasket side). A circulation pipe 86 is disposed between the inflow port 85 and the circulation port 78 formed in the pump 70 so that the wash water in the tub may flow into the inflow port 85 through the circulation pipe 86. Can be.

The plurality of discharge ports 83 and 84 may include upper discharge ports 83a and 84a coupled to the upper port insertion pipes 63a and 64a of the gasket 60, and lower port insertion pipes 63b of the gasket 60. And lower discharge ports 83b and 84b coupled to 64b). The upper discharge ports 83a and 84a and the lower discharge ports 83b and 84b may protrude from the conveying pipes 81 and 82 toward the gasket side, and may protrude in parallel with each other (or referred to as parallel directions). The upper discharge ports 83a and 84a and the lower discharge ports 83b and 84b may protrude in parallel with the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket.

The discharge ports 83 and 84 protrude toward the center direction of the gasket 60 from the inner surfaces (surfaces facing the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket) of the conveying pipes 81 and 82, and the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 Is inserted into The discharge ports 83 and 84 may guide the circulating water flowing along the transfer pipes 81 and 82 to the nozzles 66 and 67 to be injected into the drum 40.

The diameters of the discharge ports 83 and 84 are slightly larger than the inner diameters of the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 so that the discharge ports 83 and 84 can be press-fitted into the port insertion pipes 63 and 64. When the circulating water flows from the discharge ports 83 and 84 toward the nozzles 66 and 67, the reaction is opposite to the gasket 60 in the section where the discharge ports 83 and 84 of the transfer lines 81 and 82 are located. Force can act in the direction. As described above, the port insertion pipes 63 and 64 protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 in order to prevent the distribution pipe 80 from being removed from the gasket 60 by the reaction force. The diameter of the discharge ports 83 and 84 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the port insertion pipes 63 and 64.

The discharge ports 83 and 84 are first discharge ports protruding from the left conduit 81 of the conveying conduits 81 and 82 in a direction toward the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. 83, and a second discharge port 84 protruding from the right line 82 of the transfer lines 81 and 82 toward the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket. The first discharge port 83 is inserted into the first port insertion tube 63 to guide the circulating water to the first nozzle 66, and the second discharge port 84 is inserted into the second port insertion tube 64. To guide the circulating water to the second nozzle 67.

The first discharge port 83 is formed above the first lower discharge port 83b inserted into the first lower port insertion tube 63b and the first lower discharge port 83b and is formed on the first upper port insertion tube. It may include a first upper discharge port (83a) inserted into the (63a). The second discharge port 84 is formed above the second lower discharge port 84b inserted into the second lower port insertion tube 64b and the second lower discharge port 84b, and the second upper port insertion tube It may include a second upper discharge port 84a inserted into (64a).

The inflow port 85 is connected to the conveying pipes 81 and 82 below any one of the plurality of discharge ports 83 and 84. The inflow port 85 is connected to the transfer pipes 81 and 82 below the lower discharge ports 83b and 84b.

The conveying pipes 81 and 82 may include a first conduit 81 forming a left side of the conveying pipes 81 and 82 and a second conduit 82 forming a right side with respect to the inflow port 85. Include. The first conduit portion 81 and the second conduit portion 82 may be connected to each other at the lower side, and the inlet port 85 may protrude downward from the point at which the first and second conduits are connected to each other.

The conveying pipes 81 and 82 may be formed in an arc shape of which the upper side is opened, the center angle of which is 180 degrees or more, and may be formed in a symmetrical shape. The conveying pipe 82 may include a first conduit part 81 disposed on the left side and a second conduit part 82 disposed on the right side, and the first conduit part 81 and the second conduit part 82. May be formed symmetrically with respect to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60.

The transfer pipes 81 and 82 may branch the water introduced from the inflow port 85 to both left and right sides to guide the water upward. The conveying pipes 81 and 82 branch the circulating water introduced from the inflow port 85, so that the first partial flow (water flowing along the first pipe portion 81) and the second partial flow (the second pipeline part ( Water flowing along 82). The first portion may be injected into the drum 40 through the first nozzle 66, and the second portion may be injected into the drum 40 through the second nozzle 67.

The feed lines 81 and 82 may be disposed between the gasket 60 and the balancer 90. The feed passages 81 and 82 may be disposed such that the inner side faces the gasket 60 and the outer side faces the balancer 90.

The above-described port insertion pipes 63 and 64, the projections 65, the nozzles 66 and 67, and the discharge ports 83 and 84 can be changed in number and position. In addition, the protrusions 65 and the nozzles 66 and 67 may be omitted, and water may be injected into the drum 40 from the discharge ports 63 and 64. In addition, the nozzles 66 and 67 may be formed separately from the gasket 60 to be coupled to the gasket 60 or may be spaced apart from the gasket 60.

3 to 4 and 14, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a balancer 90 disposed on the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The balancer 90 may be fastened to the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The balancer 90 is for reducing vibration of the tub 30 and is a weight having a predetermined weight. The balancer 90 may include one or more balancers 90 disposed along the circumference of the front surface 31 of the tub 30.

The balancer 90 may include a first balancer 91 and a second balancer 92 which are respectively disposed on both the left and right sides of the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The first balancer 91 may be disposed on the left side of the gasket 60, and the second balancer 92 may be disposed on the right side of the gasket.

The lower end of the first balancer 91 and the lower end of the second balancer 92 may be spaced apart from each other under the gasket 60. The upper end of the first balancer 91 and the upper end of the second balancer 92 may be spaced apart from each other on the upper side of the gasket 60.

Lower ends of the first balancer 91 and the second balancer 92 may extend below the lower portion of the front surface 31 of the tub 30. At least a portion of the connecting pipe 86c to be described later may be located behind the lower end of the balancer.

The first and second balancers 91 and 92 may have a left and right symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60 and the left and right symmetry based on the vertical line OV. It may be arranged in a position of right symmetry.

13 and 14, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a heater 95 for heating water in the tub 30. The heater 95 may be installed below the tub. The heater 95 may be installed below the tub. The heater 95 may be installed on the rear side of the front surface 31 of the tub 30. Therefore, the heaters 95 may be spaced apart from the balancer 90 in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the connecting pipe 86c to be described later may be disposed at the front side of the heater 95. That is, at least a portion of the connector tube 86c may be disposed between the balancer 90 and the heater 95.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pump 70, and FIG. 12 (a) is a sectional view of the circulating water chamber 714 (hereinafter also referred to as 'first chamber') seen from the right side of the pump 70, and FIG. 12 (b) Is a cross-sectional view of the drainage chamber 716 (also referred to as a 'second chamber') seen from the left side of the pump 70.

2 and 11 to 12, the pump 70 pumps the water discharged through the discharge hose 72 to the drain pipe 74, and the pump 70 is pumped to the circulation pipe 86. You can optionally perform the function. The pump 70 may pump water discharged from the tub 30. As described above, water pumped by the pump 70 and guided to the distribution pipe 70 along the circulation pipe 86 and injected into the drum 40 is called circulating water.

The pump 70 may be disposed below the tub 30. The pump 70 may be disposed at one side of both left and right sides with respect to the center of the tub 30. More specifically, the pump 70 may be disposed on one side of both the left and right sides with respect to the inlet port 85. In the drawing showing an embodiment of the present invention, the pump 70 is shown on the left side of the inlet port 85, for example, but may be arranged on the right side of the inlet port 85. .

The pump 70 may include a pump housing 71, a first pump motor 73, a first impeller 715, a second pump motor 75, and a second impeller 717. The pump 70 may include a circulation port 78 and a drain port 76 that protrude from the pump housing 71 and discharge water discharged from the tub 30.

The pump inlet port 711 may be formed in the pump housing 71. The pump housing 71 may include a first chamber 714 in which the first impeller 715 is accommodated, and a second chamber 716 in which the second impeller 717 is accommodated. The first impeller 715 is rotated by the first pump motor 73, and the second impeller 717 is rotated by the second pump motor 75.

The first chamber 716 and the circulation port 78 form a volute-shaped flow path wound in the rotational direction of the first impeller 715, and the second chamber 716 and the drain port 76 A flow path in the form of a volute wound in the rotational direction of the second impeller 717 is formed. Here, the rotation direction of each impeller 715, 717 is controllable, and is predetermined. The pump inlet port 711 is connected to the discharge hose 72, and the first chamber 714 and the second chamber 716 communicate with the pump inlet port 711. Water discharged from the tub 30 through the discharge hose 72 is supplied to the first chamber 714 and the second chamber 716 through the pump inlet port 711.

The first chamber 714 communicates with the circulation port 78, and the second chamber 716 communicates with the drain port 76. Therefore, when the first pump motor 73 is operated and the first impeller 715 is rotated, water in the first chamber 714 is discharged through the circulation port 78. When the second pump motor 75 is operated, the second impeller 717 is rotated so that the water in the second chamber 716 is discharged through the drain port 76. The circulation port 78 is connected to the circulation pipe 86, and the drain port 76 is connected to the drain pipe 74.

The pump 70 has a variable flow rate (or discharge water pressure). To this end, the pump motors 73 and 75 may be variable speed motors capable of controlling the rotation speed. Each pump motor 73, 75 is a BLDC motor (Brushless Direct Current Motor) is suitable, but is not necessarily limited thereto. A driver for speed control of the pump motors 73 and 75 may be further provided, and the driver may be an inverter driver. The inverter driver converts AC power to DC power and inputs it to the motor at a target frequency.

A control unit for controlling the pump motors 73 and 75 may be further provided. The controller may include a proportional-integral controller (PI controller), a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller), and the like. The controller may receive an output value (for example, an output current) of the pump motor as an input and control the output value of the driver so that the rotation speed of the pump motor follows a preset target rotation speed based on the input value.

The controller may control not only the rotation speeds of the pump motors 73 and 75 but also the rotation direction. In particular, the induction motor used in the conventional pump is unable to control the rotational direction at the start, it is difficult to control the rotation of each impeller in a predetermined direction, as shown in Figure 12, drainage or There was a problem that the flow rate discharged from the circulation ports 76, 78 is different. However, since the present invention can control the rotational direction at the start of the pump motors 73 and 75, there is no problem as in the prior art, and the flow rate discharged through the drainage or circulation ports 76 and 78 is fixed. Can be managed.

On the other hand, the control unit may control not only the pump motors 73 and 75, but also the overall operation of the washing machine.

13 and 14, the circulation pipe 86 connects the distribution pipe 80 and the pump 70, and guides the water pumped from the pump 70 to the distribution pipe 80. One end 86a1 of the circulation pipe 86 is coupled to the inflow port 85, and the other end of the circulation pipe 86, which is the opposite end of the one end 86a1 of the circulation pipe 86, has a circulation port of the pump ( 78).

One end portion 86a1 of the circulation pipe 86 may have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the inflow port 85, and the other end of the circulation pipe 86 may have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the circulation port 78. . The circulation pipe 86 may be press-fitted with the inflow port 85 of the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation port 78 of the pump 70, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to prevent separation from the distribution pipe 80 and the pump 70 while guiding the water pumped from the pump 70 to the distribution pipe 80.

When the circulation port 78 of the pump 70 is provided at a position facing the inflow port 81 in a straight line, the circulation pipe 86 may have a straight pipe shape. However, the pump 70 and the circulation port 78 of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention are disposed on one side of both the left and right sides of the inlet port 85.

In order to connect the inflow port 85 and the circulation port 78, a method of connecting in a straight line between the circulation port 78 of the pump in the inflow port 85 may be considered. However, when the circulation pipe 86 is installed in a straight line connecting the inflow port 85 and the pump 70, there is a problem that interferes with the heater 95 and various electrical appliances installed on the lower side of the tub.

Accordingly, the circulation pipe 86 may be formed of a flexible hose or bent at least once. When the circulation pipe 86 is bent at least once or more, the space between the pump 70 and the distribution pipe 80 can be efficiently utilized.

The circulation pipe 86 may be made of a flexible but maintained shape, and in the embodiment of the present invention may be made of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber).

As described above, the inlet port 85 of the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation port 78 of the pump 70 is not located in a straight line, the circulation pipe 86 is made of a flexible material that is maintained in shape . When the circulation pipe 80 is out of the correct position, a portion of the circulation pipe 80 may be folded, and accordingly, a flow path inside the circulation pipe 80 may be narrowed or blocked.

When the flow path inside the circulation pipe 80 is narrowed or blocked, a sufficient amount of circulation water cannot be supplied to the plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 even if the pump 70 operates normally. Furthermore, the continuous use of the washing machine causes a problem that the circulation pipe 86 is removed or broken.

In order to solve the problem, the inlet port 85 may include a positioning means for guiding the correct position of the circulation pipe. Alternatively, the circulation pipe may include a corrugated pipe portion 86b2 to solve the above problem. In addition, the inlet port 85 may include the positioning means, and the circulation pipe 86 may include a corrugated pipe part 86b2.

Referring to FIG. 16, the inflow port 85 includes an inflow pipe 85b coupled to the circulation pipe 86 and a first positioning protrusion 85a protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 85b. . Inlet port 85 is the inlet pipe 85b is inserted into one end (86a1) of the circulation pipe can be combined with the circulation pipe (86). At one end portion 86a1 of the circulation pipe, a first positioning groove into which the first positioning projection 85a is inserted is formed.

Therefore, when assembling the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation pipe 86, the correct position of the circulation pipe 86 can be guided. In addition, when the washing machine is used, the position of the circulation pipe 86 may be maintained even if the tub 30 vibrates.

In addition to the inlet port 85, the circulation port 78 may include a positioning means for guiding a fixed position of the circulation pipe 86. The circulation port 78 may include a pipe portion inserted into the circulation pipe 86 and a second positioning protrusion 78a protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion. The circulation port 78 may be inserted into the other end 86b1 of the circulation pipe corresponding to the opposite side of the one end 86a1 and may be coupled to the circulation pipe 86. A second positioning groove into which the second positioning protrusion 78a is inserted may be formed at the other end portion 86b1 of the circulation pipe.

Referring to FIG. 15, the circulation pipe 86 is coupled to the first port coupling pipe 86a coupled to the inlet port 85 of the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation port 78 of the pump 70. It may include a second port coupling pipe (86b), the connecting pipe (86c) connecting the first port coupling pipe (86a) and the second port coupling pipe (86b).

The first port coupling pipe 86a may include a first coupling portion 86a1 coupled to the inflow port 85 and a first coupling pipe portion 86a2 extending downward from the first coupling portion 86a1. have. An inlet port 85 may be inserted into the first coupling part 86a1. One end portion 86a1 of the circulation pipe described above means the first coupling portion 86a1. The first coupling pipe portion 86a2 may extend vertically downward from the first coupling portion 86a1.

The first coupling portion 86a1 may have a larger diameter than the first coupling tube portion 86a2. Accordingly, the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation pipe 86 are inserted into and coupled to a position where the upper end of the circulation pipe 86 meets the lower ends of the transfer pipes 81 and 82, or the lower end of the inflow port 85 is formed first. It can be inserted and coupled to the position where the coupling pipe portion 86a2 meets.

The first and second balancers 91 and 92 are spaced apart from each other on both sides of the first port coupling pipe 86a and the inflow port 85, and the lower space among the spaces between the two balancers 91 and 92 spaced apart from each other. The first port coupling pipe (86a) and the inlet port 85 may be installed in. Inlet port 85 is preferably formed vertically to avoid interference with the balancer 90, it is preferable that the first port coupling pipe (86a) for coupling with the inlet port 85 is also formed vertically.

The connection pipe 86c connects the first port coupling pipe 86a and the second port coupling pipe 86b, and at least a portion thereof may be disposed between the heater 95 and the balancer 90. The connecting pipe 86c may be bent from the lower portion of the first coupling pipe part 86a2 and may extend to one side where the pump 70 is disposed. The connector tube 86c may extend toward the second port coupling tube 86b.

The connecting pipe 86c is bent from the first coupling pipe part 86a2 and extended from the first connecting pipe 86c1 extending in the direction in which the heater 95 is disposed, and the connecting pipe 86c is pumped from the first connecting pipe 86c1. ) May include a second connector 86c2 extending to one side.

The first connecting pipe 86c1 may be bent from the first coupling pipe part 86a1 and extend rearwardly. Here, the rear does not mean only a complete rear in the front-rear direction, but may include a case in which the rear side is biased toward one side of the left and right sides.

The first connecting pipe 86c1 may be bent 90 degrees backward from the bottom of the first coupling pipe part 86a2. However, the bending angle is not necessarily limited to 90 degrees.

The second connecting pipe 86c2 may be bent from the rear end of the first connecting pipe 86c1 and extend toward one side of the pump 70 which is disposed on both of the left and right sides with respect to the inflow port 85. have. For example, when the pump 70 is disposed to the left of the tub 30 (or the inlet port 85), the second connector 86c2 may be bent leftward from the first connector 86c1. In addition, when the pump 70 is disposed to the right of the tub 30 (or the inlet port 85), the second connecting pipe 86c2 may be bent to the right from the first connecting pipe 86c1.

In front of the second connecting pipe 86c2, a balancer disposed on one side of the first and second balancers 91 and 92 may be disposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the pump 70 is disposed at the left side and the first balancer is disposed at the left side of the gasket, the second connector may be located at the rear side of the first balancer.

The second connecting pipe 86c2 may be located at the front side of the heater 95.

The second connecting pipe 86c2 may extend from the first connecting pipe 86c1 to the vertical upper side of the circulation port 78.

Since the pump 70 is installed below the tub 30, the circulation port 78 is preferably formed vertically upward from the pump housing 71. In addition, since the circulation port 78 is formed vertically upward, the second port coupling pipe 86b is also preferably formed vertically.

The second port coupling pipe 86b may include a second coupling portion 86b1 into which the circulation port is inserted, and a corrugated pipe portion 86b2 extending from the second coupling portion 86b1 to the second connecting pipe 86c2. Can be. The other end portion 86b1 of the circulation pipe described above means the second coupling portion 86b1.

The corrugated pipe portion 86b2 is directly connected to the second connecting pipe 86b2, or the second port coupling pipe 86b is bent in a direction parallel to the second coupling portion 86b1 from the second connecting pipe 86c2. It includes a pipe portion (86b3) and the corrugated pipe portion (86b2) may connect the second coupling portion (86b1) and the bent pipe portion (86b3).

Corrugated pipe portion (86b2) may be relatively flexible than the first port coupling pipe (86a), connecting pipe (86c), the second coupling portion (86b2) and bent pipe portion (86b3).

The second port coupling pipe 86b is a portion adjacent to the pump 70 and may be most strongly affected by the vibration generated by the driving of the pump 70. The second port coupling pipe (86b) includes a corrugated pipe portion (86b2), to prevent the vibration of the pump 70 is transmitted to the distribution pipe 80, the vibration of the tub 30 is transmitted to the pump 70 Can be prevented. Therefore, the damage of the circulation pipe 86 can be prevented beforehand, and the noise emitted from a vibration can be reduced.

The bending angle of the bending pipe portion 86b3 may be 90 degrees, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The first connector 86c1 and the second connector 86c2 may be located on one plane, and the one plane may be a horizontal plane (a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the washing machine). The first port coupling pipe 86a and the second port coupling pipe 86b may be disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The first port coupling pipe 86a may be located above the horizontal plane, and the second port coupling pipe 86b may be located below the horizontal plane.

The first and second port coupling pipes 86a and 86b and the first and second connection pipes 86c1 and 86c2 may be separately formed and combined, or may be integrally formed.

The circulation pipe 86 may be fixed to the tub 30 by the clamp 87. The clamp 87 may fix the circulation pipe 86 to the tub 30 to prevent the removal, deformation, and distortion of the circulation pipe 86 when the circulation water is supplied. The clamp 87 may include a first clamp 87a that engages with the front face of the tub 30 and a second clamp 87b that engages with the lower side of the tub.

The first clamp 87a may be longer than the circumference of the first port coupling pipe 86a. The first clamp 87a is disposed to surround the circumference of the first port coupling pipe 86a, and the first portion of the tub coupling 30 is connected to the tub 30 by screwing the remaining portion around the circumference of the tub 30 to the tub 30. It can be fixed to the front surface 31. The second clamp 87b is formed to be longer than the circumference of the connecting pipe 86c, is disposed to surround the circumference of the connecting pipe 86c, and is screwed to the tub 30 with the remaining portion surrounding the circumference of the joint pipe part 86c. Can be fixed to the lower side of the tub (30).

16 and 17, the circulation pipe 86 is coupled to the distribution pipe 80. In the distribution pipe 80 and the circulation pipe 86, positioning projections 85a and positioning grooves 86a1 meshed with each other are formed. The inflow port 85 of the distribution pipe 80 includes a first positioning protrusion 85a, and the first positioning groove 86h1 is formed in the first coupling portion 86a1 of the first port coupling pipe 86a. Is formed. The circulation pipe 86 may be coupled to the inlet port 85 such that the first positioning protrusion 85a is inserted into the first positioning groove 86h1.

The first positioning protrusion 85a protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe 85b of the inlet port 85. The first positioning protrusion 85a may extend to at least the lower portion of the conveying pipes 81 and 82. That is, the first positioning protrusion 85a may extend to the upper end of the inlet pipe 85b.

On the other hand, the distribution pipe 80 can be produced by extrusion molding the raw material of the transfer pipe (81, 82) in the molten state with the discharge port 83, 84 and the inlet port 85 prepared in advance in the mold. . According to this manufacturing process, the diameter of the inlet port 85 may be smaller than the front and rear width of the portion protruding the inlet port 85 of the feed pipe (81, 82). Therefore, a step may be formed between the transfer pipes 81 and 82 and the inflow port 85.

The inflow port 85 may be disposed below the transfer pipes 81 and 82, and may be disposed at the center in the front and rear directions of the transfer pipes 81 and 82. The first positioning projection 85a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 85b and protrudes by the height of half the difference between the width in the front and rear directions of the transport pipes 81 and 82 and the diameter of the inflow pipe 85b. Can be. That is, the first positioning protrusion 85a may protrude to a height corresponding to a step formed between the transfer pipes 81 and 82 and the inflow pipe 85b.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, the first positioning protrusion 85a may have a height greater than a step formed between the transfer pipes 81 and 82 and the inflow pipe 85b. In this case, the first positioning protrusion 85a may protrude more than one surface of the transfer pipes 81 and 82. The first positioning projection 85a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 85b and extends to at least the lower end of the transport pipes 81 and 82 that meet at least the inflow port 85, and the transport pipes 81 and 82. The inlet port 85 of may be extended in a straight line up to the upper end of the portion.

The first positioning projection 85a is a configuration for guiding the correct position at the time of assembling the circulation pipe 86 and the distribution pipe 80, and the width and the length thereof are sufficient to facilitate the exact position assembly. The width and length of the assembly to facilitate the assembly can be combined so that the position of the first positioning projection 85a and the first positioning groove 86h1 can be assembled and engaged with each other by a person at the time of assembly. It can mean the size of the degree. For example, it may have a length of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less from the lower end portions of the conveying pipes 81 and 82, and may have a width of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less along the outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 85b. In addition, it may be determined by the relative size with the inlet port 85 and the circulation pipe (86).

The first guide protrusion 85a may be formed at the front side of the outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe 85b. That is, the first positioning protrusion 85a may be formed at the front side of the distribution pipe 80. Therefore, even when the distribution pipe 80 is assembled to the gasket 60 at the time of assembly, the position of the first positioning projection 85a can be easily confirmed, and the circulation pipe 86 can be easily assembled at the correct position.

The first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed in the first coupling portion 86a1 and may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first positioning protrusion 85a. The first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a portion of the first positioning protrusion 85a extending downward from the lower ends of the transfer pipes 81 and 82. That is, the first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed to have the same width and length as the first positioning protrusion 85a. Alternatively, the width and length of the first positioning groove 86h1 are slightly larger than the first positioning protrusion 85a, so that the first positioning protrusion 85a and the first positioning groove 86h1 are easily assembled during assembly. Can interlock.

The first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed at the front side of the first coupling portion 86a1 to correspond to the first positioning protrusion 85a. The first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed to penetrate an inner surface and an outer surface of the first coupling portion 86a1. For example, the first positioning groove 86h1 may be formed by punching the end of the first coupling portion 86a1.

Similar to the first positioning protrusion 85a and the first positioning groove 86h1, the circulation port 78 includes a second positioning protrusion 78a and includes a second coupling portion () of the circulation pipe 86. The second positioning groove 86h2 may be formed in the 86b1). The circulation pipe 86 may be coupled to the circulation port 78 such that the second positioning protrusion 78a and the second positioning groove 86h2 mesh with each other.

Meanwhile, the circulation port 78 may protrude from the first chamber 714 and include a pipe portion inserted into the circulation pipe 86 and a locking portion positioned below the pipe portion. The pipe portion may have an outer diameter equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second coupling portion 86b1 and may be press-fitted into the circulation pipe 86, and the circulation pipe 86 may be coupled to a point where the end meets the engaging portion. .

The second positioning projection 78a protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the circulation port 78. The circulation port 78 may protrude from the pump housing 71, and the second positioning protrusion 78a may extend to a portion where the circulation port 78 and the first chamber 714 meet each other.

More specifically, the second positioning projection 78a may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion of the circulation port 78 and may extend at least a portion where the pipe portion and the engaging portion meet. The second positioning protrusion 78a may protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion of the circulation port 78 to extend to a portion where the locking portion and the first chamber 714 meet.

The second positioning groove 86h2 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a portion of the second positioning protrusion 78a that protrudes from the engaging portion of the circulation port 78.

The second positioning groove 86h2 may be formed to have the same width and length as the second positioning protrusion 78a. Alternatively, the width and length of the second positioning groove 86h2 are slightly larger than the second positioning protrusion 78a, so that the second positioning protrusion 78a and the second positioning groove 86h2 are easily assembled during assembly. Can interlock.

Other matters regarding the second positioning protrusion 78a and the second positioning groove 86h2 may be the same as or similar to the first positioning protrusion 85a and the first positioning groove 86h1, respectively.

Although the above has been illustrated and described with respect to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or the prospect of the present invention.

10: casing 30: tub
40: drum 60: gasket
61: outer circumferential surface 62: inner circumferential surface
63, 64: port insertion pipe 66, 67: nozzle
70: pump 71: pump housing
78: circulation port 78a: second positioning projection
80: distribution pipe 81, 82: transfer pipe
83, 84: discharge port 85: inflow port
85a: first positioning projection 86: circulation tube
86a: first port coupling tube 86a1: first coupling portion
86b: second port connecting pipe 86b2: corrugated pipe
86c1: first connector 86c2: second connector
86h1: first positioning groove 86h2: second positioning groove
90: balancer 95: heater

Claims (17)

A casing in which laundry inlets are formed on the front surface;
A tub disposed in the casing and having an opening formed in a front surface thereof;
A drum rotatably provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry;
A gasket including a gasket body forming a passage connecting the laundry inlet and the opening, and a plurality of nozzles provided on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket body to spray water into the drum;
A pump disposed under the tub, for pumping water discharged from the tub;
A distribution pipe for supplying water pumped from the pump to the plurality of nozzles; And
A circulation pipe connecting the distribution pipe and the pump,
The distribution pipe, the inlet port is coupled to the circulation pipe and the water pumped from the pump is introduced,
The pump is disposed on one side of the left and right sides based on the inlet port,
The circulation pipe is bent at least once,
The inflow port includes an inflow pipe inserted into the circulation pipe and a first positioning protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the inflow pipe,
One end of the circulation pipe into which the inlet pipe is inserted, the washing machine is formed with a first positioning groove into which the first positioning projection is inserted.
The method of claim 1,
The pump has a circulation port for guiding the water discharged from the tub to the distribution pipe,
The circulation pipe is coupled to the circulation port washing machine.
The method of claim 2,
The circulation port includes a pipe portion inserted into the circulation pipe and a second positioning protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the pipe portion,
And a second positioning groove into which the second positioning protrusion is inserted at the other end of the circulation pipe coupled to the circulation port.
The method of claim 2,
The circulation pipe,
A first port coupling tube including a first coupling portion coupled to the inlet port, and a first coupling tube portion extending downward from the first coupling portion;
A connecting pipe bent from the first coupling pipe part and extending to one side where the pump is disposed; And
Washing machine comprising a second port coupling pipe connected to the connection pipe, and coupled with the circulation port.
The method of claim 4, wherein
The second port coupling pipe,
A second coupling part into which the circulation port is inserted; And
It includes a corrugated pipe portion extending from the second coupling portion toward the connector,
The corrugated pipe part may be relatively flexible than the first port coupling pipe, the connection pipe, and the second coupling part.
The method of claim 5,
The second port coupling pipe,
A bent pipe portion bent in a direction parallel to the second coupling portion from the connecting pipe,
The corrugated pipe part is a washing machine connecting the bent pipe portion and the second coupling portion.
The method of claim 4, wherein
The washing machine includes first and second balancers disposed at both left and right sides of the gasket at the front surface of the tub, respectively.
Lower ends of the first and second balancers are spaced apart from each other under the gasket,
The inlet port and the first port coupling pipe, the washing machine is located between the lower end of the first and second balancer spaced from each other.
The method of claim 7, wherein
The washing machine is provided in the lower side of the tub and the rear side than the front surface of the tub, and includes a heater for heating the water in the tub,
Lower ends of the first and second balancers extend below the lower portion of the tub front surface,
The connecting pipe is at least a portion of the first and second balancers, the washing machine is disposed between the balancer and the heater disposed on one side of the pump is arranged.
The method of claim 8,
The connector,
A first connecting pipe bent from the first coupling pipe part and extending in a direction in which the heater is disposed; And
A second connecting pipe bent from the first connecting pipe and extending to one side where the pump is disposed;
The second connecting pipe is a washing machine located on the rear side of the balancer disposed on one side where the pump is disposed and the front side of the heater.
The method of claim 4, wherein
The connector,
A first connecting pipe bent from the first coupling pipe part and extended rearward; And
The washing machine including a second connecting pipe bent from the first connecting pipe and extended to one side where the pump is disposed.
The method of claim 10,
The second port coupling pipe,
A bending pipe portion bent downward from the second connecting pipe; And
The washing machine includes a second coupling part connected to the bent pipe part and into which the circulation port is inserted.
The method of claim 4, wherein
The circulation pipe is fixed to the tub through a clamp.
The method of claim 12,
The clamp is,
A first clamp fixing the first port coupler to the front surface of the tub; And
Washing machine including a second clamp for fixing the connecting pipe to the lower side of the tub.
The method of claim 1,
The distribution pipe,
A transfer pipe branching the water introduced from the inflow port to the left and right sides to guide the water upward; And
A plurality of discharge ports protruding from the transfer pipe to the gasket side and supplying water to the plurality of nozzles,
The inlet port is lower than the plurality of discharge ports, the washing machine protrudes downward from the conveying pipe.
The method of claim 14,
And the first positioning protrusion extends at least to an upper end of the inlet pipe.
The method of claim 1,
The first positioning projection is a washing machine formed on the front side of the outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe.
A casing in which laundry inlets are formed on the front surface;
A tub disposed in the casing and having an opening formed in a front surface thereof;
A drum rotatably provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry;
A gasket including a gasket body forming a passage connecting the laundry inlet and the opening, and a plurality of nozzles provided on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket body to spray water into the drum;
A pump disposed under the tub, for pumping water discharged from the tub;
A distribution pipe including a transport pipe for supplying water pumped from the pump to the plurality of nozzles, and an inflow port protruding downward from the transport pipe; And
A circulation pipe connecting the distribution pipe and the pump,
The pump includes a pump housing and a circulation port protruding from the pump housing and discharging water,
The circulation port is located on one side of both left and right sides of the inflow port,
The circulation pipe,
A first port coupling tube including a first coupling portion coupled to the inlet port, and a first coupling tube portion extending downward from the first coupling portion;
A connecting pipe bent from the first coupling pipe part and extending to one side where the circulation port is located; And
A second port coupling pipe bent from the connection pipe and engaging with the circulation port,
The second port coupling pipe includes a second coupling part for coupling with the circulation port and a corrugated pipe part extending from the second coupling part to the connection pipe side,
The corrugated pipe part may be relatively flexible than the first port coupling pipe, the connection pipe, and the second coupling part.

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