US20080072630A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents
Washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080072630A1 US20080072630A1 US11/858,298 US85829807A US2008072630A1 US 20080072630 A1 US20080072630 A1 US 20080072630A1 US 85829807 A US85829807 A US 85829807A US 2008072630 A1 US2008072630 A1 US 2008072630A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- detergent box
- dispenser
- washing machine
- detergent
- contact
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 50
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 216
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 60
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/40—Sliding drawers; Slides or guides therefor
- A47B88/453—Actuated drawers
- A47B88/46—Actuated drawers operated by mechanically-stored energy, e.g. by springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/50—Safety devices or the like for drawers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/42—Safety arrangements, e.g. for stopping rotation of the receptacle upon opening of the casing door
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
Definitions
- One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to a machine or appliance for washing objects.
- a washing machine has a washing bath for retaining wash water and laundry, and a motor for rotating the washing bath.
- the washing machine may also include a water supplying unit for supplying water to the bath, and a water discharging unit for discharging wash water from the bath.
- a detergent supplying unit may also be provided to supply detergent to the bath.
- the detergent supplying unit includes a dispenser provided on the water supply flow, and a detergent box which can be withdrawn from the dispenser, and if withdrawn too far can be completely disengaged from the washing machine.
- FIG. 1 is a partial view of one embodiment of a drum-type washing machine
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a detergent supplying unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser housing shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a detergent box shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a view of the detergent box in FIG. 2 in a withdrawal state
- FIG. 6 is a view of the detergent box in FIG. 2 in an insertion state
- FIG. 7 is a view of an operational state of a locking unit shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 8 is a view of one embodiment of a dispenser housing that may be included in a detergent supplying unit of a drum-type washing machine;
- FIG. 9 is a view of an embodiment of a detergent box in a detergent supplying unit of a drum-type washing machine
- FIG. 10 is a view of the detergent box in FIGS. 8 and 9 in a withdrawal state.
- FIG. 11 is a view of the detergent box in FIGS. 8 and 9 in an insertion state.
- FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a drum-type washing machine 1 which includes a cabinet 2 having left and right surfaces, a tub 4 , a drum 5 , a lifter 6 , and a driving unit 7 .
- the tub is provided inside the cabinet and dampened by a spring 3 and a damper (not shown), and serves to retain wash water.
- the drum is rotatably provided inside the tub for holding laundry, and includes a plurality of water holes 5 A for allowing passage of the wash water.
- the lifter is inside the drum and serves to draw up and then drop down the wash water at a predetermined height within the drum.
- the driving unit 7 is provided in rear of the tub to apply a rotary force to the drum.
- a cabinet cover 8 is in front of the cabinet 2 and has a laundry opening 8 A at its center.
- a top plate 9 and a base 10 are provided on upper and lower surfaces of the cabinet, respectively.
- a door 11 is rotatably provided at the cabinet cover to open and closes the laundry opening 8 A.
- a control panel 12 is provided at an upper side of the cabinet cover 8 , and operates to display and control the drum-type washing machine.
- a water discharging unit (not shown) is located between base 10 and tub 4 to discharge wash water from the tub.
- a water supplying unit 13 includes a water supply hose 13 A, a water supply valve 13 B, and a water supply bellows 13 C.
- the water supplying unit is located between top plate 9 and the tub and operates to supply water into the tub.
- a detergent supplying unit 14 is provided on a water supply path of the water supplying unit 13 , to supply detergent to the tub with water.
- the detergent supplying unit is connected between water supply hose 13 A and water supply bellows 13 C, and is mounted on cabinet 2 and cabinet cover 8 .
- a detergent box 30 is withdrawn and inserted through a doorway hole part 12 A at one side of the control panel 12 .
- the detergent supplying unit 14 includes a dispenser 20 connected to water supply hose 13 A and water supply bellows 13 C, and is provided to communicate with front opening 20 A to the doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel.
- the detergent box 30 inserted into the dispenser to move in front-rear directions.
- the box is withdrawn frontwardly via opening 20 A of the dispenser and doorway hole part 12 A.
- the detergent box has a plurality of detergent retaining parts 31 A, 31 B, 31 C, and 31 D for retaining detergent and/or other substances.
- An elastic member 40 is located between the detergent box and dispenser, and applies an elastic force to the front when the detergent box is withdrawn.
- a locking unit 50 locks or unlocks the detergent box inserted into the dispenser, and a damping unit 70 limits the withdrawal speed of the box therefrom.
- the dispenser 20 further includes a dispenser housing 21 which communicates with doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel, and which is opened at a front side and an upper side thereof.
- a dispenser cover 22 is mounted at the opened upper side and has a water supply hole 24 B for supplying water into the detergent box.
- the dispenser housing 21 also includes a water discharge port 23 in a rear thereof and connects with the water supply bellows 13 C. Water and detergent falling from the detergent box are supplied to the tub through the water supply bellows.
- the dispenser housing has step parts 21 A at both side and upper ends and mounting flange parts of the detergent box to be described later. Step parts 21 A provide groove parts spaced up and down from dispenser cover 22 and movably insert the flange part.
- the dispenser cover 22 includes a bottom panel 24 mounted at the opened upper side of the dispenser housing 21 , and a top panel 25 mounted on the bottom panel 24 . Together, the top and bottom panels form a flow path. Further, bottom panel 24 has a plurality of hose connecting parts 24 A in a rear thereof and connects with the water supply hose 13 A. The bottom panel further has a plurality of water supply holes 24 B for supplying water corresponding to the plurality of detergent retaining parts 31 A, 31 B, 31 C, and 31 D. A flow path 24 C is also provided within the top and bottom panels to guide water from the hose connecting parts 24 A to the water supply holes 24 B.
- the detergent box 30 includes a detergent box body 31 , a front panel 32 , and a detergent box cap 33 .
- the detergent box body is inserted into a space between dispenser housing 21 and dispenser cover 22 such that it can be withdrawn frontwardly.
- the front panel 32 is provided in front of the detergent box body 31 , and the detergent box cap 33 is mounted on the detergent box body 31 .
- the detergent box body is opened at an upper side and a rear side, and has the plurality of detergent retaining parts 31 A, 31 B, 31 C, and 31 D for retaining detergent and/or other substances therein.
- the detergent box body further has flange parts 37 located on both sides and is movably and safely mounted on the stepped part 21 A of the dispenser housing.
- the plurality of detergent retaining parts include: first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B, each provided in front-rear directions at left and right sides of the detergent box body 31 , for retaining powder detergent used for washing and pre-washing.
- the detergent retaining parts further include a bleacher retaining part 31 C and a softener retaining part 31 D provided at inner and rear sides of the first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B, and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from a bottom for retaining bleacher and softener, respectively.
- the first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B are opened at upper sides to allow powder detergent or water to be input. Parts 31 A and 31 B are also opened at rear sides to discharge the powder detergent or water to dispenser housing 21 .
- the bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D are spaced from each other by a predetermined height from bottoms of the first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B.
- the bleacher retaining part and softener retaining part may have box shapes which are opened at upper sides to receive bleach and softener.
- the bleacher retaining part and softener retaining part may also have siphon pipes 34 that protrude upwardly from their bottoms to communicate with spaces below bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D.
- the front panel 32 is located in front of doorway hole part 12 A and preferably has a same structure as control panel 12 .
- the front panel forms a front surface of the drum-type washing machine together with control panel 12 and cabinet cover 8 .
- the detergent box cap 33 is mounted on the upper side of the detergent box body 31 to cover upper sides of bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D.
- the detergent box cap has holes 33 A for receiving bleach and softener. Each hole is provided to correspond to bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D, respectively.
- a siphon cap 35 which caps siphon pipe 34 , protrudes down from a bottom of the detergent box cap. Input bleach and softener is discharged from bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D due to a siphon phenomenon.
- a height control protrusion 36 has a height controllable structure on an upper surface of detergent box cap 33 .
- the height control protrusion is caught by a catch jaw 26 on front and lower surfaces of lower panel 24 , when the detergent box is withdrawn.
- a withdrawal distance of the detergent box may be set by the height control protrusion 36 and catch jaw 26 . If desired, the height control protrusion can avoid being caught by the catch jaw, and thus the detergent box can be completely disengaged from the dispenser.
- elastic member 40 includes a torsion spring 40 .
- the torsion spring has one end connected to and supported by a support part 27 at inner and rear sides of the dispenser housing 21 .
- the other end of the torsion spring is at a rear part of the detergent box body 31 .
- a plurality of torsion springs 40 may be provided between detergent box body 31 and dispenser housing 21 . These springs may have the same or different heights.
- the torsion springs are provided at left and right sides between the detergent box body 31 and dispenser housing 21 .
- each torsion spring 40 may be elastically twisted and may include a first coil part 41 connected to support part 27 ; a contact part 42 in contact with the rear part of the detergent box body 31 ; and a second coil part 43 elastically twisted and located between the first coil part and the contact part 42 .
- the first coil part 41 and second coil part 43 may be wired to be twistable in left and right directions.
- the first coil part is in contact with an inner surface of dispenser housing 21 at one end, and connects to the second coil part 43 at the other end.
- the second coil part is then connected to contact part 42 .
- the support part 27 is a cylinder shaped protrusion protruding upward within the dispenser housing 21 .
- the support part is fitted to pass through a center of the first coil part 41 and twistably supports the first coil part 41 .
- Contact part 42 extends frontward from the other end of the second coil part 43 , to contact a rear surface of the bleacher retaining part 31 C or the softener retaining part 31 D.
- the contact part 42 may be vertically bent at its end, upwardly or downwardly, to stably contact the rear surface of the bleacher retaining part 31 C or the softener retaining part 31 D.
- the contact part 42 has a groove part 42 A partially bent at its contact part.
- release prevention members 38 are each provided at rear surfaces of bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D, to prevent arbitrary release of the contact part 42 .
- the release prevention member includes first and second release prevention protrusions 38 A and 38 B.
- the first release prevent protrusion(s) 38 A protrudes from rear surfaces of bleacher retaining part 31 C and softener retaining part 31 D, and are inserted into the bent groove part 42 A of the contact part 42 .
- the second release prevention protrusions 38 B are provided around the first release prevention protrusions 38 A such that the contact part 42 is caught when moving.
- the support part 27 and release prevention member 38 may have different heights relative to the first coil part 41 and the contact part 42 , because the torsion springs 40 may have heights different from each other at left and right sides between detergent box 30 and dispenser 20 .
- locking unit 50 is provided at dispenser 20 and detergent box 30 to lock the detergent box when the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser.
- the locking unit may also unlock the locked detergent box when the locked detergent box moves into the dispenser a predetermined distance.
- the locking unit 50 includes a locking protrusion part 51 rotatably provided at one side on a bottom surface of the dispenser housing 21 , and a locking groove part 52 provided at the other side on a lower surface of the detergent box body 31 .
- the locking protrusion part 51 may be caught and fixed when inserted, and may be released when again moving in an insertion direction.
- the locking protrusion part 51 is provided on the bottom surface of the dispenser housing 21 for rotation at one end.
- the locking protrusion part 51 has a locking protrusion 53 which protrudes upward at the other end, and is inserted into the locking groove part 52 .
- the locking groove part 52 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the detergent box body 31 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the locking protrusion 53 is caught at one side of the locking groove part 52 when detergent box 30 is inserted into the doorway hole part 12 A. The locking protrusion 53 is released from its catch state when the detergent box is again pressed rearwardly.
- the damping unit 60 includes a rotary damper part 61 , a rear gear part 62 , and a pinion gear 63 .
- the rotary damper part is provided on the bottom surface of dispenser housing 21 , and pinion gear 63 damply rotates on its upper surface.
- the rack gear part 62 is provided on an opening side on the lower surface of the detergent box body 31 , and is geared to the pinion gear 63 .
- the rotary damper part 61 is further coupled and fixed by a coupling member to a coupling boss which protrudes from the bottom surface of the dispenser housing 21 .
- the pinion gear 63 is horizontally and rotatably provided on an upper surface of the rotary damper part 61 .
- the rack gear part 62 is provided on the lower surface of the detergent box body 31 in a movement direction of detergent box 30 .
- the gear part 64 meshes with pinion gear 63 and may be provided on the left side surface or right side surface of the rack gear part.
- a user inputs laundry inside drum 5 through laundry opening 8 A and closes laundry opening 8 A using door 11 .
- the user then puts powder detergent, bleach, and softener into detergent box 30 , sets a washing course by manipulating control panel 12 , and activates the washing machine.
- water and detergent are supplied to the tub using water supplying unit 13 and detergent supplying unit 14 .
- the water supplying unit 13 opens the water supply valve 13 B and supplies water into the tub 4 via the water supply hose 13 A and the water supply bellows 13 C.
- the detergent supplying unit 14 squirts the water, introduced into the water supply hose 13 A, to the first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B or the bleacher retaining part 31 C of the detergent box via the water supply hole 24 B of the dispenser cover 22 .
- the powder detergent or bleach in the detergent box is washed away by the water squirted from the water supply hole 24 B to the bottom of the dispenser housing 21 , and is supplied into the tub via water supply bellows 13 C connecting to the dispenser housing 21 .
- the motor Upon completion of a wash cycle, the motor is stopped and the wash water in the tub is discharged by the water discharging unit. Water is again supplied to the tub to a predetermined level using water supplying unit 13 , and the drum is again rotated by the motor, thereby implementing laundry rinsing.
- the detergent supplying unit 14 supplies water to softener retaining part 31 D of the detergent box, and supplies the softener in softener retaining part 31 D to the tub.
- the wash water Upon completion of a laundry rinse cycle, the wash water is discharged by the water discharging unit.
- a procedure for withdrawing or inserting detergent box 30 to input detergent into detergent retaining parts 31 A, 31 B, 31 C, and 31 D will now be described.
- the detergent box 30 is withdrawn when a user pushes, with slight force, front panel 32 of the detergent box located inside doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel. The applied force is then removed from the front panel.
- FIG. 7A shows that the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser and is locked by locking unit 50 . If the detergent box is slightly pushed rearwardly, the locking groove part 52 of the detergent box slightly moves in a corresponding direction. The locking protrusion 53 of locking protrusion part 51 then moves relatively in an unlock direction because of a position change of the locking groove part 52 , as shown in FIG. 7B . If the locking protrusion part 51 and locking groove part 52 are released from an unlock state, the elastic force of elastic member 40 induces withdrawing of the detergent box 30 from doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel to the front, thereby disengaging the locking protrusion 53 from the locking groove part 52 .
- the catch jaw of dispenser cover 22 catches height control protrusion 36 of the detergent box cap 33 , thereby stopping withdrawal of the detergent box.
- Height control protrusion 36 and catch jaw 26 therefore, serve to automatically limit a maximum distance the detergent box is able to be withdrawn. If the detergent box is withdrawn outside dispenser 20 , powder detergent can be put into the first and second powder detergent retaining parts 31 A and 31 B, bleach can be put into bleacher retaining part 31 C, and softener can be put into the softener retaining part 31 D.
- a withdrawal state of the detergent box is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the pinion gear 63 rotates gearing with the rack gear part 62 when detergent box 30 is withdrawn. This is because the rack gear part 62 on the lower surface of the detergent box is geared to pinion gear 63 of the rotary damper part 61 at the dispenser housing 21 .
- detergent box 30 is prevented from suddenly moving and is softly and smoothly withdrawn, because a damping action of the rotary damper part 61 limits the withdrawal speed of the detergent box.
- the detergent box is inserted by pushing the detergent box into dispenser 20 until front panel 32 contacts doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel. More specifically, if the detergent box is pushed in a rearward direction, detergent box body 31 of the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser as shown in FIG. 7C . If the front panel 32 of the detergent box contacts doorway hole part 12 A, locking protrusion 50 of locking protrusion part 51 is inserted into locking groove part 52 . As when the detergent box is withdrawn, the detergent box is prevented from suddenly moving by rack gear part 62 and rotary damper part 61 , and is inserted softly and smoothly.
- the detergent box is not only improved in terms of its convenience of use, but also the embodiments described herein serve to provide a solution to the problem of detergent box becoming incompletely withdrawn from or inserted into the washing machine. This is because the detergent box may be automatically withdrawn or inserted by action of pressing the box inside the doorway hole part 12 A of the control panel.
- the detergent box may be elegantly and smoothly withdrawn or inserted, due to dampening unit 60 , to improve product performance.
- the detergent box can be disengaged from dispenser 20 by pressing down the height control protrusion 36 , to thereby prevent it from being caught by catch jaw 26 in a state where detergent box 30 is withdrawn from the dispenser.
- the detergent box may then be replaced and washed simply and conveniently.
- FIGS. 8 to 11 show another embodiment of a detergent supplying unit 114 of a drum-type washing machine. This embodiment is different from other embodiments in that elastic member 140 is located between dispenser housing 121 and detergent box 130 of the detergent supplying unit 114 , unlike elastic member 40 .
- elastic member 140 includes a plate spring 140 .
- the plate spring has one end connected and supported by a support part 127 within the dispenser housing 121 , and another end at a rear part of a detergent box body 131 .
- a plurality of plate springs 140 may be provided between the detergent box body 131 and dispenser housing 121 .
- the plate springs may have the same or different heights.
- the plate springs are provided at left and right sides between detergent box body 131 and dispenser housing 121 , respectively.
- Support part 127 includes first and second protrusions 127 A and 127 B.
- the first protrusion has a cylinder shape and protrudes upward within the dispenser housing 121 .
- the second protrusion 127 B is provided on an inner surface of the dispenser housing 121 and is spaced apart from the first protrusion.
- Each plate spring 140 includes a connecting part 141 connected to support part 127 and a contact part 142 connected to connecting part at one side. Each plate spring is further in contact with the rear part of the detergent box at its other side.
- the connecting part 141 may be bent toward the second protrusion 127 B centering on the first protrusion 127 A, such that its end is in elastic contact with an inner surface of the dispenser housing 121 .
- the end of the connecting part 114 has a shape which surrounds the second protrusion 127 B, and is coupled to an outer surface of the second protrusion 127 B.
- the contact part 142 contacts the rear part of the detergent box 130 and is partially bent in a groove shape.
- the contact part may further be bent into an “S” shape as seen from a top view.
- Positioning protrusions 128 for safely mounting the contact part 142 are provided at both sides on an inner surface of the dispenser housing. These protrusions the plate spring 140 from inclining centering on the connecting part 141 .
- release prevention members 138 each are provided at left and right sides of the rear part of the detergent box 130 , to prevent arbitrary release of contact parts 142 .
- the release prevention member 138 includes a release prevention protrusion 138 A which protrudes rearwardly from side parts of the detergent box 130 , such that it is inserted into the groove part of the contact part 142 .
- the release prevention member also includes a release prevention groove part 138 B at the release prevention protrusion 140 .
- Contact part 142 is caught when moving in up and down directions.
- the release prevention protrusions 138 A protrude rearwardly from ends of the side parts of the detergent box, such that they are caught in left and right directions after being inserted into the bent groove part of the contact part 142 .
- the release prevention member 138 B is provided at a portion of the release prevention protrusion 138 A at which contact part 142 contacts. This member prevents contact part 142 from moving up and down.
- the support part and the release prevention groove part 138 B may also be provided at heights different from each other corresponding to connecting part 141 and contact part 142 , because plate springs 140 are provided at heights different from each other at left and right sides between detergent box 130 and dispenser housing 121 .
- One or more embodiments described herein therefore facilitate withdrawal and insertion of a detergent box from a washing machine and improve the detergent box in terms of convenience of use.
- the washing machine also prevents incomplete withdrawal and insertion of the detergent box.
- a washing machine includes a dispenser, a detergent box, a locking unit, and an elastic member.
- the dispenser has an opening provided in its front.
- the detergent box is provided to be movable within the dispenser through the opening.
- the locking unit locks or unlocks the detergent box inserted into the dispenser.
- the elastic member is provided between the detergent box and the dispenser, and applies an elastic force to the detergent box in a withdrawal direction when the locking unit unlocks the detergent box.
- the elastic member may connect to any one of the detergent box and the dispenser at its one side, and get in elastic contact with the other one of the detergent box and the dispenser at the other side.
- the elastic member may be provided in plurality by heights different from each other between the detergent box and the dispenser.
- the elastic member may include a torsion spring.
- the torsion spring may include a first coil part connecting to a support part provided within the dispenser, and elastically twisted, a contact part getting in contact with a rear part of the detergent box, and a second coil part provided between the first coil part and the contact part, and elastically twisted.
- a release prevention member may be provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and prevent arbitrary release of the contact part.
- the contact part may be partially bent at its part, and the release prevention member may include a first release prevention protrusion provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and inserted into the bent part of the contact part.
- the release prevention member may include a second release prevention protrusion provided around a portion with which the contact part gets in contact on the rear part of the detergent box, and preventing movement of the contact part.
- Positioning protrusions may be provided at both-side parts on an inner surface of the dispenser housing, and mount the contact part and prevent sag of the coil spring.
- the elastic member may include a plate spring.
- the plate spring may include a connecting part connecting to a support part provided within the dispenser, and a contact part connecting to the connecting part at one side, and getting in contact with the rear part of the detergent box at the other side.
- a release prevention member may be provided at a rear part of the detergent box, and prevent arbitrary release of the contact part.
- the contact part may be partially bent at its part.
- the release prevention member may include a release prevention protrusion protruding from the rear part of the detergent box, and inserted into the bent part of the contact part.
- the contact part may be bent in an ‘S’ shape.
- the release prevention member may include a release prevention groove part provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and inserting the contact part.
- Positioning protrusions may be provided at both-side parts on an inner surface of the dispenser housing, and mount the contact part and prevent sag of the plate spring.
- the washing machine may further include a damping unit provided at the dispenser and the detergent box, and limiting a withdrawal speed of the detergent box.
- the damping unit may include a rotary damper part provided at any one of the dispenser and the detergent box, and having a pinion gear damply rotating at its one side, and a rack gear part provided at the other one of the dispenser and the detergent box in a movement direction of the detergent box such that it is geared with the pinion gear of the rotary damper part.
- the locking unit may be provided at the dispenser and the detergent box such that it locks the detergent box when the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser, and unlocks the locked detergent box when the detergent box is again pressed into the dispenser.
- a catch jaw may be provided on an inner surface of the dispenser.
- the detergent box may have a height control protrusion controllable in height, provided corresponding to the catch jaw such that it can be caught by the catch jaw to set a withdrawal distance and can avoid being caught by the catch jaw to be disengaged from the opening.
- one or more embodiments of the washing machine described herein may have an advantage that when the locking unit unlocks the detergent box, the detergent box is easily withdrawn because of the elastic member. These features improve the convenience of use of the washing machine.
- the withdrawal distance and an insertion distance are set by the elastic member and the locking unit. This prevents incomplete withdrawal and insertion of the detergent box.
- the embodiments described herein may be varied in many ways.
- the embodiments are applicable to a steam-type or dish washing machines having a detergent box.
- the locking and damping units can be applied in various ways besides the above-described exemplary embodiments.
- the elastic member may connect to the support part provided at the rear part of the detergent box at one end, and may contact the inner surface of the dispenser at the other end.
- any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
- the appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field
- One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to a machine or appliance for washing objects.
- 2. Background
- Traditionally, a washing machine has a washing bath for retaining wash water and laundry, and a motor for rotating the washing bath. The washing machine may also include a water supplying unit for supplying water to the bath, and a water discharging unit for discharging wash water from the bath.
- A detergent supplying unit may also be provided to supply detergent to the bath. The detergent supplying unit includes a dispenser provided on the water supply flow, and a detergent box which can be withdrawn from the dispenser, and if withdrawn too far can be completely disengaged from the washing machine.
- Related-art washing machines of the aforementioned type have drawbacks. For example, the detergent box is very inconvenient to withdraw, e.g., a user must withdraw the detergent box from the dispenser, put detergent to the detergent box, and insert the box back again into the dispenser. Also, the detergent box must be incompletely inserted into or withdrawn from the dispenser which may cause malfunction.
- The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a partial view of one embodiment of a drum-type washing machine; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a detergent supplying unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser housing shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a detergent box shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a view of the detergent box inFIG. 2 in a withdrawal state; -
FIG. 6 is a view of the detergent box inFIG. 2 in an insertion state; -
FIG. 7 is a view of an operational state of a locking unit shown inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 8 is a view of one embodiment of a dispenser housing that may be included in a detergent supplying unit of a drum-type washing machine; -
FIG. 9 is a view of an embodiment of a detergent box in a detergent supplying unit of a drum-type washing machine; -
FIG. 10 is a view of the detergent box inFIGS. 8 and 9 in a withdrawal state; and -
FIG. 11 is a view of the detergent box inFIGS. 8 and 9 in an insertion state. -
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a drum-type washing machine 1 which includes acabinet 2 having left and right surfaces, atub 4, adrum 5, alifter 6, and adriving unit 7. The tub is provided inside the cabinet and dampened by a spring 3 and a damper (not shown), and serves to retain wash water. The drum is rotatably provided inside the tub for holding laundry, and includes a plurality ofwater holes 5A for allowing passage of the wash water. The lifter is inside the drum and serves to draw up and then drop down the wash water at a predetermined height within the drum. And, thedriving unit 7 is provided in rear of the tub to apply a rotary force to the drum. - A
cabinet cover 8 is in front of thecabinet 2 and has a laundry opening 8A at its center. Atop plate 9 and abase 10 are provided on upper and lower surfaces of the cabinet, respectively. Adoor 11 is rotatably provided at the cabinet cover to open and closes the laundry opening 8A. And, acontrol panel 12 is provided at an upper side of thecabinet cover 8, and operates to display and control the drum-type washing machine. - A water discharging unit (not shown) is located between
base 10 andtub 4 to discharge wash water from the tub. - A
water supplying unit 13 includes awater supply hose 13A, awater supply valve 13B, and awater supply bellows 13C. The water supplying unit is located betweentop plate 9 and the tub and operates to supply water into the tub. - A
detergent supplying unit 14 is provided on a water supply path of thewater supplying unit 13, to supply detergent to the tub with water. The detergent supplying unit is connected betweenwater supply hose 13A andwater supply bellows 13C, and is mounted oncabinet 2 andcabinet cover 8. Adetergent box 30 is withdrawn and inserted through adoorway hole part 12A at one side of thecontrol panel 12. - Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the
detergent supplying unit 14 includes adispenser 20 connected towater supply hose 13A andwater supply bellows 13C, and is provided to communicate with front opening 20A to thedoorway hole part 12A of the control panel. Thedetergent box 30 inserted into the dispenser to move in front-rear directions. The box is withdrawn frontwardly via opening 20A of the dispenser anddoorway hole part 12A. The detergent box has a plurality ofdetergent retaining parts elastic member 40 is located between the detergent box and dispenser, and applies an elastic force to the front when the detergent box is withdrawn. Alocking unit 50 locks or unlocks the detergent box inserted into the dispenser, and a damping unit 70 limits the withdrawal speed of the box therefrom. - The
dispenser 20 further includes adispenser housing 21 which communicates withdoorway hole part 12A of the control panel, and which is opened at a front side and an upper side thereof. Adispenser cover 22 is mounted at the opened upper side and has a water supply hole 24B for supplying water into the detergent box. - The
dispenser housing 21 also includes awater discharge port 23 in a rear thereof and connects with thewater supply bellows 13C. Water and detergent falling from the detergent box are supplied to the tub through the water supply bellows. The dispenser housing hasstep parts 21A at both side and upper ends and mounting flange parts of the detergent box to be described later.Step parts 21A provide groove parts spaced up and down fromdispenser cover 22 and movably insert the flange part. - The
dispenser cover 22 includes abottom panel 24 mounted at the opened upper side of thedispenser housing 21, and atop panel 25 mounted on thebottom panel 24. Together, the top and bottom panels form a flow path. Further,bottom panel 24 has a plurality ofhose connecting parts 24A in a rear thereof and connects with thewater supply hose 13A. The bottom panel further has a plurality of water supply holes 24B for supplying water corresponding to the plurality ofdetergent retaining parts flow path 24C is also provided within the top and bottom panels to guide water from thehose connecting parts 24A to the water supply holes 24B. - The
detergent box 30 includes adetergent box body 31, afront panel 32, and adetergent box cap 33. The detergent box body is inserted into a space betweendispenser housing 21 anddispenser cover 22 such that it can be withdrawn frontwardly. Thefront panel 32 is provided in front of thedetergent box body 31, and thedetergent box cap 33 is mounted on thedetergent box body 31. - The detergent box body is opened at an upper side and a rear side, and has the plurality of
detergent retaining parts flange parts 37 located on both sides and is movably and safely mounted on thestepped part 21A of the dispenser housing. - The plurality of detergent retaining parts include: first and second powder
detergent retaining parts detergent box body 31, for retaining powder detergent used for washing and pre-washing. The detergent retaining parts further include ableacher retaining part 31C and asoftener retaining part 31D provided at inner and rear sides of the first and second powderdetergent retaining parts - The first and second powder
detergent retaining parts Parts housing 21. - The
bleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D are spaced from each other by a predetermined height from bottoms of the first and second powderdetergent retaining parts pipes 34 that protrude upwardly from their bottoms to communicate with spaces belowbleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D. - The
front panel 32 is located in front ofdoorway hole part 12A and preferably has a same structure ascontrol panel 12. The front panel forms a front surface of the drum-type washing machine together withcontrol panel 12 andcabinet cover 8. - The
detergent box cap 33 is mounted on the upper side of thedetergent box body 31 to cover upper sides ofbleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D. The detergent box cap hasholes 33A for receiving bleach and softener. Each hole is provided to correspond tobleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D, respectively. A siphoncap 35, which caps siphonpipe 34, protrudes down from a bottom of the detergent box cap. Input bleach and softener is discharged frombleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D due to a siphon phenomenon. - A
height control protrusion 36 has a height controllable structure on an upper surface ofdetergent box cap 33. The height control protrusion is caught by acatch jaw 26 on front and lower surfaces oflower panel 24, when the detergent box is withdrawn. Thus, a withdrawal distance of the detergent box may be set by theheight control protrusion 36 and catchjaw 26. If desired, the height control protrusion can avoid being caught by the catch jaw, and thus the detergent box can be completely disengaged from the dispenser. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 5 , and 6,elastic member 40 includes atorsion spring 40. The torsion spring has one end connected to and supported by asupport part 27 at inner and rear sides of thedispenser housing 21. The other end of the torsion spring is at a rear part of thedetergent box body 31. According to one embodiment, a plurality of torsion springs 40 may be provided betweendetergent box body 31 anddispenser housing 21. These springs may have the same or different heights. In an exemplary embodiment, the torsion springs are provided at left and right sides between thedetergent box body 31 anddispenser housing 21. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , eachtorsion spring 40 may be elastically twisted and may include afirst coil part 41 connected to supportpart 27; acontact part 42 in contact with the rear part of thedetergent box body 31; and asecond coil part 43 elastically twisted and located between the first coil part and thecontact part 42. Thefirst coil part 41 andsecond coil part 43 may be wired to be twistable in left and right directions. The first coil part is in contact with an inner surface ofdispenser housing 21 at one end, and connects to thesecond coil part 43 at the other end. The second coil part is then connected to contactpart 42. - The
support part 27 is a cylinder shaped protrusion protruding upward within thedispenser housing 21. The support part is fitted to pass through a center of thefirst coil part 41 and twistably supports thefirst coil part 41. Contactpart 42 extends frontward from the other end of thesecond coil part 43, to contact a rear surface of thebleacher retaining part 31C or thesoftener retaining part 31D. - The
contact part 42 may be vertically bent at its end, upwardly or downwardly, to stably contact the rear surface of thebleacher retaining part 31C or thesoftener retaining part 31D. Thecontact part 42 has agroove part 42A partially bent at its contact part. - Referring to
FIGS. 3, 4 , 5, and 6,release prevention members 38 are each provided at rear surfaces ofbleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D, to prevent arbitrary release of thecontact part 42. The release prevention member includes first and secondrelease prevention protrusions bleacher retaining part 31C andsoftener retaining part 31D, and are inserted into thebent groove part 42A of thecontact part 42. - The second
release prevention protrusions 38B are provided around the firstrelease prevention protrusions 38A such that thecontact part 42 is caught when moving. Thesupport part 27 andrelease prevention member 38 may have different heights relative to thefirst coil part 41 and thecontact part 42, because the torsion springs 40 may have heights different from each other at left and right sides betweendetergent box 30 anddispenser 20. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , lockingunit 50 is provided atdispenser 20 anddetergent box 30 to lock the detergent box when the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser. The locking unit may also unlock the locked detergent box when the locked detergent box moves into the dispenser a predetermined distance. - The locking
unit 50 includes a lockingprotrusion part 51 rotatably provided at one side on a bottom surface of thedispenser housing 21, and a lockinggroove part 52 provided at the other side on a lower surface of thedetergent box body 31. The lockingprotrusion part 51 may be caught and fixed when inserted, and may be released when again moving in an insertion direction. The lockingprotrusion part 51 is provided on the bottom surface of thedispenser housing 21 for rotation at one end. The lockingprotrusion part 51 has a lockingprotrusion 53 which protrudes upward at the other end, and is inserted into the lockinggroove part 52. - The locking
groove part 52 is integrally provided on the lower surface of thedetergent box body 31. As shown inFIG. 7 , the lockingprotrusion 53 is caught at one side of the lockinggroove part 52 whendetergent box 30 is inserted into thedoorway hole part 12A. The lockingprotrusion 53 is released from its catch state when the detergent box is again pressed rearwardly. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , the dampingunit 60 includes arotary damper part 61, arear gear part 62, and apinion gear 63. The rotary damper part is provided on the bottom surface ofdispenser housing 21, andpinion gear 63 damply rotates on its upper surface. Therack gear part 62 is provided on an opening side on the lower surface of thedetergent box body 31, and is geared to thepinion gear 63. - The
rotary damper part 61 is further coupled and fixed by a coupling member to a coupling boss which protrudes from the bottom surface of thedispenser housing 21. Thepinion gear 63 is horizontally and rotatably provided on an upper surface of therotary damper part 61. Therack gear part 62 is provided on the lower surface of thedetergent box body 31 in a movement direction ofdetergent box 30. Thegear part 64 meshes withpinion gear 63 and may be provided on the left side surface or right side surface of the rack gear part. - Operation of the drum type washing machine will now be described. First, a user inputs laundry inside
drum 5 throughlaundry opening 8A and closeslaundry opening 8 A using door 11. The user then puts powder detergent, bleach, and softener intodetergent box 30, sets a washing course by manipulatingcontrol panel 12, and activates the washing machine. - Upon activation, water and detergent are supplied to the tub using
water supplying unit 13 anddetergent supplying unit 14. More specifically, thewater supplying unit 13 opens thewater supply valve 13B and supplies water into thetub 4 via thewater supply hose 13A and the water supply bellows 13C. Thedetergent supplying unit 14 squirts the water, introduced into thewater supply hose 13A, to the first and second powderdetergent retaining parts bleacher retaining part 31C of the detergent box via the water supply hole 24B of thedispenser cover 22. At this time, the powder detergent or bleach in the detergent box is washed away by the water squirted from the water supply hole 24B to the bottom of thedispenser housing 21, and is supplied into the tub via water supply bellows 13C connecting to thedispenser housing 21. - When the powder detergent and bleach are introduced into the tub by the
water supplying unit 13 anddetergent supplying unit 14, the drum is rotated bymotor 7. As the drum rotates, laundry is lifted up bylifter 6 and falls down, thereby implementing laundry washing. - Upon completion of a wash cycle, the motor is stopped and the wash water in the tub is discharged by the water discharging unit. Water is again supplied to the tub to a predetermined level using
water supplying unit 13, and the drum is again rotated by the motor, thereby implementing laundry rinsing. At this time, thedetergent supplying unit 14 supplies water to softener retainingpart 31D of the detergent box, and supplies the softener insoftener retaining part 31D to the tub. Upon completion of a laundry rinse cycle, the wash water is discharged by the water discharging unit. - When water discharge is executed in the wash and rinse cycles, a dehydration cycle in which the drum is rotated by the motor at high speed is implemented, to remove wash water from the laundry.
- A procedure for withdrawing or inserting
detergent box 30 to input detergent intodetergent retaining parts detergent box 30 is withdrawn when a user pushes, with slight force,front panel 32 of the detergent box located insidedoorway hole part 12A of the control panel. The applied force is then removed from the front panel. - More specifically,
FIG. 7A shows that the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser and is locked by lockingunit 50. If the detergent box is slightly pushed rearwardly, the lockinggroove part 52 of the detergent box slightly moves in a corresponding direction. The lockingprotrusion 53 of lockingprotrusion part 51 then moves relatively in an unlock direction because of a position change of the lockinggroove part 52, as shown inFIG. 7B . If the lockingprotrusion part 51 and lockinggroove part 52 are released from an unlock state, the elastic force ofelastic member 40 induces withdrawing of thedetergent box 30 fromdoorway hole part 12A of the control panel to the front, thereby disengaging the lockingprotrusion 53 from the lockinggroove part 52. - If the detergent box is withdrawn frontwardly by a predetermined distance or more, the catch jaw of dispenser cover 22 catches
height control protrusion 36 of thedetergent box cap 33, thereby stopping withdrawal of the detergent box.Height control protrusion 36 and catchjaw 26, therefore, serve to automatically limit a maximum distance the detergent box is able to be withdrawn. If the detergent box is withdrawn outsidedispenser 20, powder detergent can be put into the first and second powderdetergent retaining parts bleacher retaining part 31C, and softener can be put into thesoftener retaining part 31D. A withdrawal state of the detergent box is shown inFIG. 5 . - At this time, the
pinion gear 63 rotates gearing with therack gear part 62 whendetergent box 30 is withdrawn. This is because therack gear part 62 on the lower surface of the detergent box is geared to piniongear 63 of therotary damper part 61 at thedispenser housing 21. Thus,detergent box 30 is prevented from suddenly moving and is softly and smoothly withdrawn, because a damping action of therotary damper part 61 limits the withdrawal speed of the detergent box. - The detergent box is inserted by pushing the detergent box into
dispenser 20 untilfront panel 32 contactsdoorway hole part 12A of the control panel. More specifically, if the detergent box is pushed in a rearward direction,detergent box body 31 of the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser as shown inFIG. 7C . If thefront panel 32 of the detergent box contactsdoorway hole part 12A, lockingprotrusion 50 of lockingprotrusion part 51 is inserted into lockinggroove part 52. As when the detergent box is withdrawn, the detergent box is prevented from suddenly moving byrack gear part 62 androtary damper part 61, and is inserted softly and smoothly. - As shown in
FIG. 7D , if the applied force is removed from the detergent box, lockingprotrusion 53 is caught by lockinggroove part 52 and the detergent box is fixedly inserted into the dispenser. An insertion state of thedetergent box 30 is shown inFIG. 6 . - Accordingly, the detergent box is not only improved in terms of its convenience of use, but also the embodiments described herein serve to provide a solution to the problem of detergent box becoming incompletely withdrawn from or inserted into the washing machine. This is because the detergent box may be automatically withdrawn or inserted by action of pressing the box inside the
doorway hole part 12A of the control panel. - Moreover, damage and impact noise of the detergent box that occurs in other washing machines due to sudden withdrawal or insertion of the box is prevented, and the detergent box may be elegantly and smoothly withdrawn or inserted, due to dampening
unit 60, to improve product performance. - The detergent box can be disengaged from
dispenser 20 by pressing down theheight control protrusion 36, to thereby prevent it from being caught bycatch jaw 26 in a state wheredetergent box 30 is withdrawn from the dispenser. The detergent box may then be replaced and washed simply and conveniently. - FIGS. 8 to 11 show another embodiment of a
detergent supplying unit 114 of a drum-type washing machine. This embodiment is different from other embodiments in thatelastic member 140 is located betweendispenser housing 121 anddetergent box 130 of thedetergent supplying unit 114, unlikeelastic member 40. - Referring to
FIGS. 8, 10 , and 11,elastic member 140 includes aplate spring 140. The plate spring has one end connected and supported by asupport part 127 within thedispenser housing 121, and another end at a rear part of adetergent box body 131. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of plate springs 140 may be provided between thedetergent box body 131 anddispenser housing 121. The plate springs may have the same or different heights. The plate springs are provided at left and right sides betweendetergent box body 131 anddispenser housing 121, respectively. -
Support part 127 includes first andsecond protrusions dispenser housing 121. Thesecond protrusion 127B is provided on an inner surface of thedispenser housing 121 and is spaced apart from the first protrusion. - Each
plate spring 140 includes a connectingpart 141 connected to supportpart 127 and acontact part 142 connected to connecting part at one side. Each plate spring is further in contact with the rear part of the detergent box at its other side. The connectingpart 141 may be bent toward thesecond protrusion 127B centering on thefirst protrusion 127A, such that its end is in elastic contact with an inner surface of thedispenser housing 121. The end of the connectingpart 114 has a shape which surrounds thesecond protrusion 127B, and is coupled to an outer surface of thesecond protrusion 127B. - The
contact part 142 contacts the rear part of thedetergent box 130 and is partially bent in a groove shape. The contact part may further be bent into an “S” shape as seen from a top view. Positioningprotrusions 128 for safely mounting thecontact part 142 are provided at both sides on an inner surface of the dispenser housing. These protrusions theplate spring 140 from inclining centering on the connectingpart 141. - Referring to
FIGS. 8 and 9 ,release prevention members 138 each are provided at left and right sides of the rear part of thedetergent box 130, to prevent arbitrary release ofcontact parts 142. Therelease prevention member 138 includes arelease prevention protrusion 138A which protrudes rearwardly from side parts of thedetergent box 130, such that it is inserted into the groove part of thecontact part 142. The release prevention member also includes a releaseprevention groove part 138B at therelease prevention protrusion 140. Contactpart 142 is caught when moving in up and down directions. Therelease prevention protrusions 138A protrude rearwardly from ends of the side parts of the detergent box, such that they are caught in left and right directions after being inserted into the bent groove part of thecontact part 142. - The
release prevention member 138B is provided at a portion of therelease prevention protrusion 138A at whichcontact part 142 contacts. This member preventscontact part 142 from moving up and down. The support part and the releaseprevention groove part 138B may also be provided at heights different from each other corresponding to connectingpart 141 andcontact part 142, because plate springs 140 are provided at heights different from each other at left and right sides betweendetergent box 130 anddispenser housing 121. - One or more embodiments described herein therefore facilitate withdrawal and insertion of a detergent box from a washing machine and improve the detergent box in terms of convenience of use. The washing machine also prevents incomplete withdrawal and insertion of the detergent box.
- To achieve these and other advantages, a washing machine according to one embodiment includes a dispenser, a detergent box, a locking unit, and an elastic member. The dispenser has an opening provided in its front. The detergent box is provided to be movable within the dispenser through the opening. The locking unit locks or unlocks the detergent box inserted into the dispenser. The elastic member is provided between the detergent box and the dispenser, and applies an elastic force to the detergent box in a withdrawal direction when the locking unit unlocks the detergent box.
- The elastic member may connect to any one of the detergent box and the dispenser at its one side, and get in elastic contact with the other one of the detergent box and the dispenser at the other side. The elastic member may be provided in plurality by heights different from each other between the detergent box and the dispenser.
- The elastic member may include a torsion spring. The torsion spring may include a first coil part connecting to a support part provided within the dispenser, and elastically twisted, a contact part getting in contact with a rear part of the detergent box, and a second coil part provided between the first coil part and the contact part, and elastically twisted.
- A release prevention member may be provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and prevent arbitrary release of the contact part. The contact part may be partially bent at its part, and the release prevention member may include a first release prevention protrusion provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and inserted into the bent part of the contact part. The release prevention member may include a second release prevention protrusion provided around a portion with which the contact part gets in contact on the rear part of the detergent box, and preventing movement of the contact part. Positioning protrusions may be provided at both-side parts on an inner surface of the dispenser housing, and mount the contact part and prevent sag of the coil spring.
- The elastic member may include a plate spring. The plate spring may include a connecting part connecting to a support part provided within the dispenser, and a contact part connecting to the connecting part at one side, and getting in contact with the rear part of the detergent box at the other side. A release prevention member may be provided at a rear part of the detergent box, and prevent arbitrary release of the contact part.
- The contact part may be partially bent at its part. The release prevention member may include a release prevention protrusion protruding from the rear part of the detergent box, and inserted into the bent part of the contact part. The contact part may be bent in an ‘S’ shape. The release prevention member may include a release prevention groove part provided at the rear part of the detergent box, and inserting the contact part. Positioning protrusions may be provided at both-side parts on an inner surface of the dispenser housing, and mount the contact part and prevent sag of the plate spring.
- The washing machine may further include a damping unit provided at the dispenser and the detergent box, and limiting a withdrawal speed of the detergent box. The damping unit may include a rotary damper part provided at any one of the dispenser and the detergent box, and having a pinion gear damply rotating at its one side, and a rack gear part provided at the other one of the dispenser and the detergent box in a movement direction of the detergent box such that it is geared with the pinion gear of the rotary damper part.
- The locking unit may be provided at the dispenser and the detergent box such that it locks the detergent box when the detergent box is inserted into the dispenser, and unlocks the locked detergent box when the detergent box is again pressed into the dispenser.
- A catch jaw may be provided on an inner surface of the dispenser. The detergent box may have a height control protrusion controllable in height, provided corresponding to the catch jaw such that it can be caught by the catch jaw to set a withdrawal distance and can avoid being caught by the catch jaw to be disengaged from the opening.
- As described above, one or more embodiments of the washing machine described herein may have an advantage that when the locking unit unlocks the detergent box, the detergent box is easily withdrawn because of the elastic member. These features improve the convenience of use of the washing machine.
- Also, when the detergent box is withdrawn or inserted, the withdrawal distance and an insertion distance are set by the elastic member and the locking unit. This prevents incomplete withdrawal and insertion of the detergent box.
- The embodiments described herein may be varied in many ways. For example, in addition to a drum-type washing machine, the embodiments are applicable to a steam-type or dish washing machines having a detergent box. Also, the locking and damping units can be applied in various ways besides the above-described exemplary embodiments. Also, the elastic member may connect to the support part provided at the rear part of the detergent box at one end, and may contact the inner surface of the dispenser at the other end.
- Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
- Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (20)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020060091857A KR101252168B1 (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2006-09-21 | Washing machine |
KR10-2006-0091857 | 2006-09-21 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080072630A1 true US20080072630A1 (en) | 2008-03-27 |
Family
ID=38805855
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/858,298 Abandoned US20080072630A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 | 2007-09-20 | Washing machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080072630A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1903136A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101252168B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101148815B (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110277515A1 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2011-11-17 | Young Jin Doh | Washing machine |
US20140091112A1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2014-04-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same |
CN107558110A (en) * | 2017-09-06 | 2018-01-09 | 神龙电气有限公司 | Sink knocker |
CN111576004A (en) * | 2019-02-18 | 2020-08-25 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Distributor subassembly and clothing treatment facility |
US11203830B2 (en) * | 2017-02-20 | 2021-12-21 | Wuxi Little Swan Electric Co., Ltd. | Delivery device for washing machine and washing machine having same |
EP3933093A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Detergent box assembly and washing device |
EP3933094A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Detergent box assembly and washing device |
Families Citing this family (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101037155B1 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2011-05-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Washing machine |
KR101403957B1 (en) * | 2009-08-24 | 2014-06-09 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Washing machine |
EP3018248B1 (en) | 2013-07-03 | 2021-10-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent supplying device and washing machine having same |
KR102124478B1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2020-06-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry Treating Apparatus |
CN104775279B (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2018-11-09 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of retaining mechanism for drum washing machine distributor |
WO2016107696A1 (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2016-07-07 | Arçeli̇k Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ | A washing machine |
CN105839357B (en) * | 2015-01-13 | 2018-06-19 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Washing machine |
WO2016112598A1 (en) * | 2015-01-13 | 2016-07-21 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Washing machine |
WO2016112599A1 (en) * | 2015-01-13 | 2016-07-21 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Washing machine |
CN105839356B (en) * | 2015-01-13 | 2018-06-19 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Washing machine |
WO2016145716A1 (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-22 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | Detergent container assembly for washing machine, and washing machine having same |
CN107119422B (en) * | 2017-06-14 | 2022-04-05 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Semi-automatic opening and closing detergent box assembly and washing machine with same |
CN107177961B (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2021-01-26 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Push-spring type detergent box and washing machine |
CN107142684B (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2021-02-05 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Push-spring type detergent box and washing machine |
CN107142685B (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2021-07-02 | 重庆海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Push-spring type detergent box and washing machine |
CN107287834B (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2021-03-02 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Push-spring type detergent box and washing machine |
CN107916539A (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2018-04-17 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | A kind of control method of distributor box and washing machine |
CN110373863B (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2022-03-18 | 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 | Door body of clothes treatment equipment |
KR20210026227A (en) | 2019-08-29 | 2021-03-10 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Support element and clothes treating machine including the same |
KR20210093689A (en) * | 2020-01-20 | 2021-07-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry treating apparatus |
EP3868945A1 (en) * | 2020-02-20 | 2021-08-25 | LG Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2416708A (en) * | 1944-11-04 | 1947-03-04 | Prime Mfg Co | Wire take-up reel |
US2593384A (en) * | 1949-01-18 | 1952-04-15 | Robert N Price | Receptacle |
US3374043A (en) * | 1967-02-15 | 1968-03-19 | Leopold Company | Lever controlled component locking and moving arrangement for cabinets |
US4660900A (en) * | 1984-06-01 | 1987-04-28 | Autosonil S.P.A. | Support for car radios, cassette players, tuners and similar equipment |
US4934520A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1990-06-19 | Akiko Okada | Portable valuables receptacle |
US5598925A (en) * | 1993-07-20 | 1997-02-04 | Fischerwerke Artur Fischer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Holder for a sound recording medium housing having rattling noise prevention means |
US5675994A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1997-10-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent dissolution device of a clothes washing machine |
US5791461A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1998-08-11 | Tsuge; Kenji | Holder for card for use in automatic gate entry |
US20060261717A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio | Device for automatic extraction of a drawer, in particular a supply drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT1220287B (en) * | 1988-02-02 | 1990-06-15 | Merloni Elettrodomestici Spa | DETERGENT DISPENSER DRAWER FOR WASHING MACHINES |
DE10065337A1 (en) * | 2000-12-27 | 2002-07-04 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Household machine for washing or drying laundry |
KR20030088821A (en) * | 2002-05-15 | 2003-11-20 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Dispenser assembly of drum washing machine |
KR20050099177A (en) * | 2004-04-09 | 2005-10-13 | 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 | Dispenser for water supply of drum type washing machine |
CN1779047A (en) * | 2004-11-19 | 2006-05-31 | 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 | Detergent case connecting structure of drum washer |
KR20060100616A (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2006-09-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Detergent supply apparatus of washing machine |
KR100733307B1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2007-06-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Detergent supply apparatus of washing machine |
KR101203552B1 (en) * | 2005-06-29 | 2012-11-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Detergent applying apparatus of cleaning device |
-
2006
- 2006-09-21 KR KR1020060091857A patent/KR101252168B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2007
- 2007-09-20 US US11/858,298 patent/US20080072630A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-09-21 CN CN2007101527816A patent/CN101148815B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-09-21 EP EP07018620A patent/EP1903136A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2416708A (en) * | 1944-11-04 | 1947-03-04 | Prime Mfg Co | Wire take-up reel |
US2593384A (en) * | 1949-01-18 | 1952-04-15 | Robert N Price | Receptacle |
US3374043A (en) * | 1967-02-15 | 1968-03-19 | Leopold Company | Lever controlled component locking and moving arrangement for cabinets |
US4660900A (en) * | 1984-06-01 | 1987-04-28 | Autosonil S.P.A. | Support for car radios, cassette players, tuners and similar equipment |
US4934520A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1990-06-19 | Akiko Okada | Portable valuables receptacle |
US5598925A (en) * | 1993-07-20 | 1997-02-04 | Fischerwerke Artur Fischer Gmbh & Co. Kg | Holder for a sound recording medium housing having rattling noise prevention means |
US5675994A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1997-10-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent dissolution device of a clothes washing machine |
US5791461A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1998-08-11 | Tsuge; Kenji | Holder for card for use in automatic gate entry |
US20060261717A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio | Device for automatic extraction of a drawer, in particular a supply drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110277515A1 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2011-11-17 | Young Jin Doh | Washing machine |
US9702077B2 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2017-07-11 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
US20140091112A1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2014-04-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same |
US9340919B2 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2016-05-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same |
US11203830B2 (en) * | 2017-02-20 | 2021-12-21 | Wuxi Little Swan Electric Co., Ltd. | Delivery device for washing machine and washing machine having same |
CN107558110A (en) * | 2017-09-06 | 2018-01-09 | 神龙电气有限公司 | Sink knocker |
CN111576004A (en) * | 2019-02-18 | 2020-08-25 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Distributor subassembly and clothing treatment facility |
EP3933093A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Detergent box assembly and washing device |
EP3933094A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-05 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Detergent box assembly and washing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101148815B (en) | 2011-12-21 |
KR101252168B1 (en) | 2013-04-05 |
KR20080026808A (en) | 2008-03-26 |
CN101148815A (en) | 2008-03-26 |
EP1903136A1 (en) | 2008-03-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080072630A1 (en) | Washing machine | |
US8839648B2 (en) | Drawer of a washing machine | |
US20080078211A1 (en) | Washing machine | |
US20080072632A1 (en) | Washing machine | |
US9340919B2 (en) | Detergent supply apparatus and washing machine having the same | |
KR102202721B1 (en) | Waching machine | |
EP2155947B1 (en) | Laundry treating machine | |
US11089936B2 (en) | Dishwasher and home appliance | |
US20090007602A1 (en) | Laundry machine | |
JP5588948B2 (en) | Drum washing machine | |
KR102368505B1 (en) | Wall mounted washing machine | |
KR101233189B1 (en) | Detergent applying apparatus of washing machine | |
KR101146272B1 (en) | Detergent box of a drum-type washing machine | |
KR20070040614A (en) | Detergent applying apparatus of washing machine | |
KR102505098B1 (en) | Waching machine | |
KR101073925B1 (en) | Laundry machine | |
KR101144792B1 (en) | Detergent box of washer | |
KR101050097B1 (en) | Detergent combination structure of drum washing machine | |
KR20060085966A (en) | Structure of detergent-supply system of washing machine | |
KR20070041223A (en) | Mounting structure for detergent box for drum type washer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS, INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JE, BYOUNG SOO;KIM, DONG WON;REEL/FRAME:020210/0189 Effective date: 20070817 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE SERIAL NUMBER 11/858307 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 020210 FRAME 0189;ASSIGNORS:JE, BYOUNG SOO;KIM, DONG WON;REEL/FRAME:020400/0013 Effective date: 20070817 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |