US20180087201A1

US20180087201A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: US20180087201A1
Application number: US15/499,721
Authority: US
Inventors: Ui Kun HWANG
Original assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corp
Current assignee: WiniaDaewoo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-27
Filing date: 2017-04-27
Publication date: 2018-03-29
Also published as: KR20180034144A; CN107869032A

Abstract

A washing machine capable of generating and supplying bubbles to laundry during washing and rinsing operations to facilitate removal of detergent and foreign substances from the laundry. A dissolving unit can receive a water supply and contain a volume of air. The dissolving unit provides a water flow path that allows the contained air to dissolve efficiently in the water, thereby providing a water/air mixture to a bubble generating unit. Dissolved air can separate from the water/air mixture in the bubble generating unit and form bubbles, e.g., due to pressure reduction. The bubbles are then supplied to the tub containing the laundry.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0124294, filed on Sep. 27, 2016, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to washing machines, and more particularly, to mechanisms of that facilitates removal of residual detergent on laundry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a washing machine washes laundry by friction made between water and the laundry when a pulsator rotates in the drum of the washing machine. Holes in the drum allow water to flow between the tub and the drum. During a washing, rinsing, or spin-drying process, water can be discharged out of the tub through a drain line, e.g., installed at a lower side of the tub.
Sometimes, after processing the laundry, there may be residual detergent or other foreign substances remaining on the washed clothes, which may cause irritating skin condition of a user wearing the clothes, for example atopic dermatitis.
Various technologies have been developed to solve this problem, typically by supplying a concentrated water flow to the laundry clothes, where flow is generated by a separate device such as a pump. Unfortunately, the operation of such a pump produces noise, and it is difficult to perform maintenance on the pump after the pump is repeatedly used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a washing machine operable to generate and supply bubbles to facilitate removal of residual detergent and foreign substances remaining on laundry and thereby enhance cleaning effectiveness.
An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a washing machine including: a housing; a tub which is disposed in the housing; a drain line which is coupled to a lower side of the tub; a drain valve which is disposed on the drain line and operable to selectively divide a flow path of the drain line; a dissolving unit operable to store air therein, and having a dissolving inlet port which is disposed at one side of the dissolving unit and into which water supplied from the outside is introduced, and a dissolving guide port which is disposed at the other side of the dissolving unit and guides the water, which is introduced from the dissolving inlet port and in which the stored air is dissolved, so that the water is discharged; and a bubble generating unit into which the water containing dissolved air is introduced through the dissolving guide port and which generates bubbles and supplies the bubbles to the drain line adjacent to the tub between the drain lines divided by the drain valve.
The dissolving unit may further include a dissolving drain port which is disposed at the other side of the dissolving unit and spaced apart from the dissolving guide port. The dissolving drain port may communicate with the drain line.
The dissolving unit may include: an outer body which has a hollow interior, and has one side open, and a drain hole which is formed at the other side of the outer body and communicates with the dissolving drain port; a valve accommodating protrusion which surrounds the drain hole, and protrudes to the outside in a longitudinal direction of the outer body in one area of the other side of the outer body; and a dissolving cap which is coupled to one side of the outer body to store air therein, and has the dissolving inlet port formed to supply water supplied from the outside into the inner body.
The washing machine may further include a discharge check valve which is installed at the other side of the outer body, and is operable to open and close the drain hole.
The discharge check valve may include: a valve member which has one end portion inserted into and supported by the drain hole; a valve cover member which is detachably coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion, and has the dissolving drain port for guiding the water passing through the drain hole to be discharged to the outside of the outer body; and an elastic member which is disposed between the valve member and the valve cover member, and operable to provide elastic force to the valve member.
The dissolving guide port formed in the dissolving unit may be disposed above the dissolving drain port in a longitudinal direction of the dissolving unit.
The bubble generating unit may include: a bubble body which includes a bubble inlet port disposed at one side of the bubble body, and a bubble discharge port disposed at the other side of the bubble body and positioned higher than a lower part of the drain line adjacent to the tub between the drain lines divided by the drain valve; and a bubble nozzle which is disposed inside the bubble body and has a bubble flow path having an inner diameter increasing from the bubble inlet port to the bubble discharge port and operable to generate bubbles.
When water introduced to the dissolving unit exceeds a preset level, it may be discharged out of the dissolving unit to the drain line through the dissolving drain port.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a washing machine including: a housing; a tub which is disposed in the housing, and has a water supply port formed at a lower side of the tub; a dissolving unit operable to store air, and having a dissolving inlet port which is disposed at one side of the dissolving unit and into which water supplied from the outside is introduced, and a dissolving guide port which is disposed at the other side of the dissolving unit and operable to guide water, which is introduced from the dissolving inlet port and in which the stored air is dissolved, so that the water is discharged; and a bubble generating unit, into which water containing dissolved air is introduced through the dissolving guide port, operable to generate bubbles and supply the bubbles into the water supply port.
The washing machine may include: a drum disposed in the tub; a pulsator disposed at a lower side of the drum; and a through hole at the lower side of the interior of the drum and spaced apart from the pulsator. The through hole can guide bubbles passing through the water supply port and allow bubbles to enter the drum.
The washing machine may further include: a drain line spaced apart from the water supply port and coupled to the lower side of the tub; a dissolving drain port disposed at the other side of the dissolving unit and spaced apart from the dissolving guide port; and a drain valve disposed on the drain line and operable to selectively divide a flow path of the drain line. The dissolving drain port may be connected with a lower portion lower than the drain valve installed in the drain line. Specifically, the lower portion of the drain line is located relatively far away from the tub than the upper portion of the drain line.
A plurality of through holes may be formed at the lower side of the drum.
According to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine can supply bubbles to laundry in the tub. The bubbles can act to decrease surface tension between the laundry and detergent or other foreign substances, thereby advantageously facilitating removal of residual detergent or other foreign substances that are adherent to the laundry. As a result, the cleaning efficiency of the waching machine can be significantly improved.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an exemplary washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary configurations and arrangements of a dissolving unit, a bubble generating unit, and a drain line in the exemplary washing machine in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary configurations and arrangements of a dissolving unit, a bubble generating unit, and a tub of a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the dissolving unit in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a cross section of an exemplary air supply check valve installed on the dissolving unit shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a cross section of an exemplary discharge check valve installed in the dissolving unit shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawing, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains may easily carry out the exemplary embodiment. The present disclosure may be implemented in various different ways, and is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.
It is noted that the drawings are illustrative, and are not illustrated based on actual scales. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts illustrated in the drawings are exaggerated or reduced in size for the purpose of clarity and convenience in the drawings, and any dimension is just illustrative but not restrictive. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements or components illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics.
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to specific forms in regions illustrated in the drawings, and for example, include modifications of forms by the manufacture.
Hereinafter, a washing machine 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 6.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the washing machine 101 includes a housing 100, a tub 200, a drain line 210, a drain valve 500, a dissolving unit 300, and a bubble generating unit 400. The housing 100 defines an exterior of the washing machine 101 and encloses the tub 200, the dissolving unit 300, and the bubble generating unit 400.
The tub 200 can contain washing water. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tub 200 may be supported by the housing 100 by means of a suspension system. More specifically, the top open side of the tub 200 may be supported by the housing 100 through the suspension system.
The drain line 210 is coupled to a lower side of the tub 200 and is used to guide washing water out of the tub 200 during water discharging.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the drain valve 500 is disposed on the drain line 210. The drain valve 500 may be controlled by a control unit to open or close the drain line 210. The drain valve 500 may be controlled by a separate drive unit.
When the drain valve 500 is open, water is discharged out of the tub 200 through the drain line 210; when the drain valve 500 is closed, the drain line 210 is blocked and so water is retained in the tub 200.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, air can be stored in the dissolving unit 300. A dissolving inlet port 331 is disposed at the first side of the dissolving unit 300 to introduce water from the outside to the dissolving unit 300. The water can dissolve the air contained in the dissolving unit 300. A dissolving guide port 311 is disposed at the second side of the dissolving unit 300, and can guide water out of the dissolving unit 300 for discharging. The dissolving unit 300 may be disposed between the lower side of the tub 200 and a lower side of the housing 100.
Water containing dissolved air, or water/air mixture, is introduced into the bubble generating unit 400 through the dissolving guide port 311. The bubble generating unit 400 can generate bubbles from the water/air mixture. The bubble generating unit 400 can supply generated bubbles into the drain line 210 adjacent to the tub 200. More specifically, bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 400 may be supplied to an upper drain line 210 between the drain valve 500 and the tub 200, and then to the lower side of the tub 200.
Therefore, due to the drain valve 500, bubbles can be supplied to the lower side of the tub 200 without leaking to the outside of the tub 200.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dissolving unit 300 of the washing machine 101 may further include a dissolving drain port 312. The dissolving drain port 312 may be connected with a lower portion lower than the drain valve 500 installed in the drain line 210. Specifically, the lower portion of the drain line 210 is located relatively far away from the tub 200 than the upper portion of the drain line 210.
More specifically, the dissolving drain port 312 may be disposed at the second side of the dissolving unit 300 and spaced apart from the dissolving guide port 311.
The dissolving drain port 312 may communicate with a lower drain line 210, where the lower drain line 210 refers to the part of the drain line 210 below the drain valve 500. Therefore, water may be discharged through the dissolving drain port 312 and the drain line 210 and out of the dissolving unit 300 regardless of the open/closed state of the drain valve 500.
The dissolving guide port 311 is disposed in the dissolving unit 300 and above the dissolving drain port 312. More specifically, the dissolving guide port 311 may be disposed above the dissolving drain port 312 along a longitudinal direction of the dissolving unit 300.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exemplary dissolving unit 300 may include an outer body 310, a valve accommodating protrusion 351, an inner body 320, and a dissolving cap 330.
The outer body 310 may be hollow and open at the first side and can contain water. For example, the outer body 310 may have a cross section of approximately a “U” shape, where a lower portion of the outer body 310 is substantially hemispheric, and an upper portion of the outer body 310 is substantially an open cylinder.
More specifically, the first side of the outer body 310 is open, and a drain hole 315 is formed at the second side (hemispheric side) of the outer body 310. Thus, a front side at the first side of the outer body 310 is completely open, and the second side of the outer body 310 is formed in a hemispheric shape and may have the drain hole 315 that is smaller than the opening on the first side. For example, the drain hole 315 may be formed at the bottom of the outer body 310.
The valve accommodating protrusion 351 may protrude outward from the second side of the outer body 310 and is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the outer body 310. More specifically, the valve accommodating protrusion 351 surrounds the drain hole 315. The valve accommodating protrusion 351 defines a hollow portion that communicates with the drain hole 315.
Like the outer body 310, the first side of the inner body 320 may be open, and the second side may be hemispheric. The inner body 320 may be disposed inside the outer body 310. Further, the space between an outer circumferential surface of the inner body 320 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 310 forms a dissolving flow path. The first side of the inner body 320 may be supported by the first side of the outer body 310.
The dissolving cap 330 may be coupled to the first side of the outer body 310. The dissolving cap 330 is approximately hemispheric and covers the first side (the open side) of the outer body 310. The hemispheric dissolving cap 330 and the hemispheric lower portion of the outer body 310 can advantageously provide an enlarged space for air storage in the dissolving unit 300. The dissolving inlet port 331 may be formed in the dissolving cap 330. The dissolving inlet port 331 can guide water from the outside into the inner body 320.
A porous portion 321 may be disposed on the inner body 320. The porous portion 321 may guide at least part of the water guided into the inner body 320 through the dissolving inlet port 331. At least this part of the water can merge with water just passing through the dissolving inlet port 331 and flow into the dissolving flow path. The porous portion 321 may be disposed in one end side of the inner body 320 or on the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 320. More specifically, the porous portion 321 may be disposed in an area of the inner body 320 that is adjacent to the dissolving inlet port 331. The porous portion 321 may have a plurality of holes formed on the side wall of the inner body 320. The porous portion 321 may be disposed at an upper side of the inner body 320 adjacent to the dissolving inlet port 331.
That is, water entering the dissolving inlet port 331 in the dissolving cap 330 may flow in the inner body 320, flow through the porous portion 321 and then flow along the dissolving flow path and away from the dissolving inlet port 331. After entering the dissolving inlet port 331, water can dissolve air stored in the dissolving unit 300 during the course of flowing in the inner body 320 and along the dissolving flow path formed between the inner body 320 and the outer body 310.
Thus, without a separate agitating device or a separate mixing unit, water flowing in the dissolving unit 300 may be effectively mixed with the air.
The dissolving guide port 311 may be disposed at the second side of the outer body 310. The dissolving guide port 311 may guide water passing through the dissolving flow path between the inner body 320 and the outer body 310 and supply the water into the bubble generating unit 400.
The dissolving drain port 312 may be disposed at the second side of the outer body 310 spaced apart from the dissolving guide port 311. More specifically, the dissolving drain port 312 may be disposed at the bottom of the hemisphere of the outer body 310, and the dissolving guide port 311 may be disposed in a direction that intersects the dissolving drain port 312.
As an example, the dissolving guide port 311 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface at a lower side of the outer body 310. The dissolving drain port 312 may protrude from a bottom center of the hemisphere of the outer body 310.
The washing machine 101 may further include a discharge check valve 350. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the discharge check valve 350 is installed at the lower side of the outer body 310, and may allow the drain hole 315 and the dissolving drain port 312 to selectively communicate with each other by selectively opening and closing the drain hole 315.
Thus, water can pass through the dissolving drain port 312 when the discharge check valve 350 is open and can be discharged out of dissolving unit 300 through the drain line 210.
The discharge check valve 350 may open and close the drain hole 315, for example based on the pressure in the interior space defined by the dissolving cap 330 and the outer body 310 or based on the amount of water supplied from the dissolving inlet port 331.
Since the discharge check valve 350 can selectively open and close the drain hole 315, the dissolving unit 300 can be protected from potential damage caused by frozen residual water in the dissolving unit 300, e.g., during a cold weather.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the discharge check valve 350 of the washing machine 101 may include a valve member 20, a valve cover member 10, and an elastic member 30.
The first end portion of the valve member 20 is inserted in the drain hole 315 and may be supported by the drain hole 315. The second end portion is disposed in the valve accommodating protrusion 351. The valve member 20 may selectively open and close the drain hole 315 by the first end portion inserted in the drain hole 315.
The valve cover member 10 may be detachably coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351. More specifically, the valve cover member 10 may surround the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351 and detachably coupled to the valve accommodating protrusion 351. That is, the valve member 20 may selectively allow the dissolving drain port 312 and the drain hole 315 to communicate with each other.
In one embodiment, screw threads are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351. Screw threads operable to be engaged with the screw threads of the valve accommodating protrusion 351 may be disposed on one surface of the valve cover member 10 which faces the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351.
The elastic member 30 may be disposed between the valve member 20 and the valve cover member 10 and provide elastic force to the valve member 20 to open the drain hole 315. For instance, the elastic member 30 is in a compressed state when the valve member 20 closes off the drain hole 315, and in an expanded or relaxed state when the valve member 20 opens the drain hole 315.
According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve member 20 of the dissolving unit 300 includes a valve hollow portion 21 or cavity, and the outer diameter of the first end portion of the valve member 20 may be larger than a diameter of the drain hole 315.
The valve member 20 may include the valve hollow portion 21 formed at the center of the first end portion of the valve member 20. The valve member 20 includes an elastic material, such as rubber. During installation, the elastic material in the valve member can be deformed (e.g., compressed) and inserted into the drain hole 315 when subject to an external force, where the valve hollow portion 21 allows adequate deformation for the insertion.
With the valve hollow portion 21, when the valve member 20 is in its original state (or uninstalled state), the outer diameter of the first end portion of the valve member 20 can be made larger than the diameter of the drain hole 315.
According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer diameter of the second end portion (opposite to the first end portion) of the valve member 20 of the dissolving unit 300 may be larger than the diameter of the drain hole 315. A support groove 22 may be formed at the second end portion of the valve member 20. The the outer diameter of the second end portion of the valve member 20 may be larger than the outer diameter of first end portion of the valve member 20.
The support groove 22 may be formed at the second end portion of the valve member 20. The support groove 22 is formed at the second end portion of the valve member 20 which faces the inside of the valve cover member 10 in the longitudinal direction of the valve member 20. More specifically, the support groove 22 may be in a ring shape, and may further surround the center of the valve member 20 and open downward, as shown in FIG. 6.
The support groove 22 may support the elastic member 30. More specifically, the first side of the elastic member 30 is at least partially inserted into the support groove 22, such that elastic force exerted by the elastic member 30 may be effectively transmitted to the valve member 20.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve cover member 10 of the dissolving unit 300 may include a catching protrusion 40.
The catching protrusion 40 may be formed inside the valve cover member 10. The catching protrusion 40 is spaced apart from the dissolving drain port 312 of the valve cover member 10, and may protrude toward the valve member 20. The catching protrusion 40 supports an inner circumferential surface of the second side (opposite to the first side) of the elastic member 30, thereby retaining the elastic member 30 inside the valve cover member 10 when the elastic member 30 extends or contracts.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the valve cover member 10 of the dissolving unit 300 may further include a valve rib 12.
The valve rib 12 may be disposed in the valve cover member 10 located between the catching protrusion 40 and a cover outer wall 11 and coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351. The valve cover member 10 includes the cover outer wall 11, which has screw threads formed on the inner circumferential surface and operable to be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351. The valve cover member 10 also includes the dissolving drain port 312 disposed at the central portion of the valve cover member 10.
The valve rib 12 is formed on the valve cover member 10, and may circularly protrude between the dissolving drain port 312 and the cover outer wall 11 toward the outer body 310 or the valve member 20 along the center of the dissolving drain port 312. The valve rib 12 may be disposed between the catching protrusion 40 and the cover outer wall. That is, the valve rib 12 may be disposed further from the dissolving drain port 312 than the catching protrusion 40. The valve accommodating protrusion 351 may be disposed between the valve rib 12 and the cover outer wall 11.
The discharge check valve 350 of the dissolving unit 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first sealing member 60.
The first sealing member 60 may be installed between the cover outer wall 11 and the valve rib 12. The first sealing member 60 may maintain a water seal between the valve accommodating protrusion 351 and the valve cover member 10. More specifically, the first surface of the first sealing member 60 may contact the valve accommodating protrusion 351. This can effectively prevent water from leaking to the gap between the cover outer wall 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion 351.
The first sealing member 60 may effectively prevent air stored in the dissolving unit 300 from leaking to the outside of the dissolving unit 300.
The outer body 310 of the dissolving unit 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include support protrusions 352.
The support protrusions 352 may be formed on the outer body 310. The support protrusions 352 may be disposed on an outer circumference of the second side of the outer body 310 based on the drain hole 315. The support protrusions 352 protrude from the outer circumference of the outer body 310 in the longitudinal direction of the outer body 310. A plurality of support protrusions 352 may be spaced apart from each other and disposed around the drain hole 315.
More specifically, the support protrusions 352 may face the second end portion of the valve member 20. When the valve member 20 opens the drain hole 315, the support protrusions 352 may effectively prevent the second end portion of the valve member 20 from blocking the drain hole 315, where the valve member has a diameter larger than the diameter of the drain hole 315.
That is, when the valve member 20 opens the drain hole 315, the second end portion of the valve member 20 contacts each of the support protrusion 352, and the plurality of support protrusions 352 may guide the water passing through the drain hole 315 to pass between the plurality of support protrusions 352.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the discharge check valve 350 may further include a second sealing member 50.
The second sealing member 50 may be disposed between the outer body 310 and the cover outer wall 11. More specifically, the second sealing member 50 is inserted into an accommodating groove formed in the surface of the cover outer wall 11 which faces the outer body 310, and can provide airtightness between the outer body 310 and the valve cover member 10.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the dissolving unit 300 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include the inner body 320, the porous portion 321, and an inner hole 322.
Like the outer body 310, the first side of the inner body 320 may be open, and the second side may be formed in a hemispheric shape. The inner body 320 may be disposed inside the outer body 310. Further, the space between the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 320 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 310 forms the dissolving flow path. More specifically, the first side of the inner body 320 may be supported by the first side of the outer body 310.
The porous portion 321 may be disposed on the inner body 320. The porous portion 321 may guide at least a part of the water flowing in the inner body 320 to merge with water newly introduced through the dissolving inlet port 331. The water then flows into the dissolving flow path. The porous portion 321 may be formed in one area at the first side of the inner body 320 or one area of the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 320. More specifically, the porous portion 321 may be formed in an area of the inner body 320 (e.g., the upper side of the inner body) that is proximate to the dissolving inlet port 331. As an example, the porous portion 321 may have a plurality of holes along the circumferential direction of the inner body 320.
Thus, water introduced through dissolving inlet port 331 may flow into the interior of the inner body 320, flow through the porous portion 321, and then flow along the dissolving flow path and away from the dissolving inlet port 331. During the course, water may dissolve air present in the dissolving unit 300.
The inner hole 322 may be formed at the second side (hemispheric side) of the inner body 320. The inner hole 322 may be smaller than the opening end of the inner body 320.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bubble generating unit 400 of the washing machine 101 may include a bubble body 410 which includes a bubble inlet port 411 and a bubble discharge port 412, and a bubble nozzle 420 which has a bubble flow path 421.
The bubble inlet port 411 may be disposed at the first side of the bubble body 410, and the bubble discharge port 412 may be formed at the second side of the bubble body 410. The bubble inlet port 411 communicates with the dissolving guide port 311, such that water containing dissolved air may be introduced into the bubble body 410 through the bubble inlet port 411 from the dissolving guide port 311.
The bubble discharge port 412 may be disposed higher than a lower part of the drain line 210 that is disposed adjacent to the tub 200. Alternatively, the bubble discharge port 412 may be positioned in the same line as a lowermost portion of the drain line 210 that is adjacent to the tub 200 between the drain lines 210 as divided by the drain valve 500.
With the bubble discharge port 412 disposed higher than the lower part of the drain line 210, the bubbles passing through the bubble discharge port 412 may be supplied into the tub 200 with an enhanced efficiency because it prevents the bubbles from flow back toward the bubble discharge port 412.
The bubble nozzle 420 may be disposed between the bubble inlet port 411 and the bubble discharge port 412 in the bubble body 410. The inner diameter of the bubble nozzle 420 may increase from the bubble inlet port 411 to the bubble discharge port 412. When water containing dissolved air is introduced from the bubble inlet port 411 and passes through the bubble flow path 421 of the bubble nozzle 420, the dissolved air can be separated from the water. As a result, bubbles are generated.
The bubble generating unit 400 may further include a pressure reduction region 440 and a bubble check valve 430.
The pressure reduction region 440 may be formed in the bubble body 410 located between the bubble nozzle 420 and the bubble discharge port 412. The pressure reduction region 440 may have a larger diameter than the side of the bubble flow path 421 which is closer to the bubble discharge port 412 than the bubble inlet port 411. As an example, the interior of the bubble body 410 having the pressure reduction region 440 may have a diameter larger than a sum of sizes of one side of a plurality of bubble flow paths 421.
When bubbles pass through the bubble flow path 421, pressure of the bubbles is reduced in the pressure reduction region 440, and the bubbles may be supplied into the tub 200 through the bubble discharge port 412.
The bubble check valve 430 may be disposed between the bubble inlet port 411 in the bubble body 410 and the bubble nozzle 420. The bubble check valve 430 may guide water containing dissolved air to flow from the bubble inlet port 411 to the bubble nozzle 420. The bubble check valve 430 may block a flow of fluid introduced into the bubble inlet port 411 from the bubble discharge port 412.
The bubble check valve 430 can open the bubble inlet port 411 by pressure from the water/air mixture, and then the water/air mixture can pass through the bubble flow path 421 formed in the bubble nozzle 420. When water/air mixture is supplied from the bubble discharge port 412 and flows to the bubble inlet port 411, the bubble check valve 430 closes the bubble inlet port 411, thereby preventing the water/air mixture from being supplied into the dissolving unit 300.
According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, water supplied into the dissolving unit 300 may be discharged into the drain line 210 through the dissolving drain port 312 when a level of the water in the dissolving unit 300 is equal to or higher than a preset limit.
More specifically, the inner hole 322 may be formed at the second hemispheric side of the inner body 320. The inner hole 322 may have a smaller area than the open side of the inner body 320. In this configuration, water introduced into the dissolving inlet port 331 can be prevented from flowing directly to the dissolving guide port 311 through the inner hole 322. When the amount of water is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the inner hole 322 may allow water contained in the interior of the inner body 320 and the dissolving flow path to be discharged to the drain line 210 through the dissolving drain port 312.
The washing machine 101 may further include a water level sensor and a control unit. More specifically, a water level sensor (not shown) or the like may be installed in the dissolving unit 300. The control unit may determine whether a preset or larger amount of water is supplied into the dissolving unit 300 based on the current level of the water in the dissolving unit 300 which is detected by the water level sensor and based on the detected level of the water supplied into the dissolving unit 300 from the outside.
Thus, if air in the dissolving unit 300 is discharged to the outside of the dissolving unit 300 and the air cannot be effectively dissolved in water, the control unit cuts off the supply of water being supplied into the dissolving inlet port 331. In this case, the water/air mixture contained in the dissolving unit 300 may be supplied into the bubble generating unit 400 through the dissolving inlet port 331.
After water supply to the dissolving inlet port 331 is cut off, water pressure can become too low to open the bubble check valve 430 of the bubble generating unit 400. Thus, water remains in the dissolving unit 300. In this case, water remaining in the inner body 320 is collected, through the inner hole 322 formed at the other hemispheric side of the inner body 320, in the dissolving flow path between the hemispheric side of the inner body 320 and the hemispheric side of the outer body 310.
The discharge check valve 350, which is disposed at the hemispheric side of the outer body 310, can be opened based on the level (pressure) of the water remaining in the dissolving unit 300. Water remaining in the inner body 320 may be discharged through the inner hole 322 formed at the second hemispheric side of the inner body 320, the dissolving drain port 312, and then to the outside through the drain line 210 at the lower side of the tub 200.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dissolving unit 300 of the washing machine 101 may further include an air supply check valve 340 installed on the dissolving cap 330 and spaced apart from the dissolving inlet port 331. The air supply check valve 340 is opened when the water is discharged to the drain line 210 at the lower side of the tub 200 through the dissolving drain port 312, thereby allowing outside air to flow into the inner body 320 and the outer body 310 of the dissolving unit 300. More specifically, the air supply check valve 340 is opened when the pressure in the dissolving unit 300 is equal to or lower than a preset pressure. In this manner, air need not be supplied from a separate air tank or air pump or the like. Rather, the air supply check valve 340 is opened and closed by the pressure in the dissolving unit 300, thereby filling the interior of the dissolving unit 300 with air supplied from the ambient atmosphere.
Water may be effectively discharged through the dissolving drain port 312 by pressure of the air introduced through the air supply check valve 340. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the air supply check valve 340 may include communication holes 332, an air supply cover 341, and an air supply valve 347. The communication hole 332 may be formed in the dissolving cap 330 and spaced apart from the dissolving inlet port 331. An air supply airtightness member 348 is installed between the air supply cover 341 and the dissolving cap 330. In this configuration, in the dissolving unit 300 can maintain an air seal.
As an example, the dissolving cap 330 may protrude in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction like the dissolving inlet port 331. One area of the dissolving cap 330 may protrude in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the dissolving inlet port 331, and the communication hole 332 may be formed in the protruding area.
An air supply hole 342 may be formed at the first side of the air supply cover 341. The air supply hole 342 may allow the outside air to be introduced into the dissolving unit 300. An installation region 343 may be formed at the second side of the air supply cover 341. The installation region 343 may be a groove formed as the second side of the air supply cover 341 is concavely formed toward the air supply hole 342. That is, the installation region 343 allows the communication hole 332 and the air supply hole 342 to communicate with each other.
The air supply cover 341 may be coupled to the dissolving cap 330, e.g., coupled to the protruding area of the dissolving cap 330 where the communication hole 332 is formed.
The air supply valve 347 may be installed in the installation region 343. The air supply valve 347 may allow the air supply hole 342 and the communication hole 332 to selectively communicate with each other based on an internal pressure in the dissolving unit 300. More specifically, the air supply valve 347 may close the air supply hole 342 by the air pressure in the dissolving unit 300 when the internal pressure in the dissolving unit 300 is equal to or higher than a preset pressure. Otherwise, when the pressure inside the dissolving unit 300 is lower than the preset pressure, the air supply valve 347 may allow the air supply hole 342 and the communication hole 332 to communicate with each other to allow outside air to flow into the dissolving unit 300. Thus, the air supply valve 347 may allow the air supply hole 342 and the communication hole 332 to selectively communicate with each other in accordance with the pressure inside the dissolving unit 300 without a separate electronic drive means. For example, the air supply valve 347 may include an elastic material.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the air supply check valve 340 may further include a valve support hole 336 formed in the dissolving cap 330. The valve support hole 336 may be spaced apart from the communication hole 332. The valve support hole 336 may support the air supply valve 347. That is, the air supply valve 347 may contact the dissolving cap 330 and the air supply cover 341 between the valve support hole 336 and the air supply hole 342.
A plurality of communication holes 332 may be formed around the valve support hole 336. As an example, the communication holes 332 may be symmetrically disposed around the center of the valve support hole 336. The valve support hole 336 and the air supply hole 342 may be coaxial.
That is, the installation region 343 formed in the air supply cover 341 may cover the plurality of communication holes 332.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the diameter of a first end portion of the air supply valve 347 may be larger than the diameter of the second end portion of the air supply valve 347.
The first end portion of the air supply valve 347 may be larger than the air supply hole 342. The first end portion of the air supply valve 347 may selectively come into contact with the air supply cover 341 and thereby open and close the air supply hole 342.
The second end portion of the air supply valve 347 may be smaller than the first end portion of the air supply valve 347. More specifically, the second end portion of the air supply valve 347 may cover the valve support hole 336.
A valve lip 344 may be formed at the first end portion of the air supply valve 347. The thickness of the valve lip 344 may decrease starting from a central portion of the air supply hole 342. A valve protrusion 346 may be formed on the air supply valve 347 which faces the air supply hole 342. More specifically, one inclined surface of the valve lip 344 may be formed to face the plurality of communication holes 332. Thus, as air in the dissolving unit 300 pushes the inclined surface of the valve lip 344 through the communication hole 332, the first end portion of the air supply valve 347 can close the air supply hole 342 to prevent air leakage to the outside of the dissolving unit 300 through the communication hole 332.
The air supply valve 347 may include an air supply protrusion 345. The air supply protrusion 345 may be formed on the second end portion of the air supply valve 347. The air supply protrusion 345 may protrude toward the valve support hole 336.
Therefore, when the pressure in the dissolving unit 300 is lower than a preset pressure, outside air supplied through the air supply hole 342 may pass between the first end portion of the air supply valve 347 and the installation region 343, and may be introduced into the dissolving unit 300 through the communication hole 332. In this case, the air supply protrusion 345 of the air supply valve 347 is inserted into the valve support hole 336. In this configuration, the air supply valve 347 can be prevented from deviating from the designated position despite high air flow. Thereby the air supply valve 347 is prevented from hindering air flow into the communication hole 332.
Hereinafter, a washing machine 102 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIG. 3. The washing machine 102 mainly differs from the washing machine 101 with respect to the process of supplying bubbles into the tub 200 from the bubble generating unit 400 and with respect to the configuration of the tub 200. The washing machine 102 uses the same configurations of the bubble generating unit 400 and the dissolving unit 300 as the washing machine 101, as described above.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the washing machine 102 includes a housing 100, a tub 200, a dissolving unit 300, and a bubble generating unit 400.
The washing machine 102 has the same housing as the washing machine 101 described above.
The tub 200 is disposed in the housing 100. A water supply port 220 is disposed at a lower side of the tub 200. The water supply port 220 may be a through hole formed at the lower side of the tub 200.
Air can be contained in the dissolving unit 300. A dissolving inlet port 331 is disposed at the first side of the dissolving unit 300 and allows water to enter the dissolving unit 300. A dissolving guide port 311 for water discharging is formed at the second side of the dissolving unit 300.
Water containing dissolved air is introduced into the bubble generating unit 400 from the dissolving guide port 311. The bubble generating unit 400 can generate bubbles from the water/air mixture and supply the generated bubbles into the tub 200 through the water supply port 220.
Since the water supply port 220 is formed at the lower side of the tub 200, bubbles can be supplied directly into the tub 200 through the water supply port 220.
The washing machine 102 may further include a drum 250, a pulsator 260, and a through hole 280 formed in the drum 250.
The drum 250 may be disposed in the tub 200. Laundry may be accommodated in the drum 250. More specifically, the drum 250 may include a lower drum which faces a bottom surface of the tub 200, and an upper drum which is coupled to the lower drum 250 and faces an inner circumferential surface of the tub 200.
The pulsator 260 may be disposed at a lower side of an interior of the drum 250. More specifically, the pulsator 260 may rotate inside the drum 250 and may be driven by a drive unit 270 installed at the lower side of the tub 200, e.g., a motor. The pulsator 260 may be disposed on the lower drum.
The through hole 280 is formed at the lower side of the interior of the drum 250 and is spaced apart from the pulsator 260. The through hole 280 guides bubbles from the water supply port 220 into the drum 250. More specifically, the through hole 280 may be formed in the lower drum. For example, the water supply port 220 and the through hole 280 may face each other.
Thus, bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 400 may be effectively supplied into the drum 250 through the through hole 280 formed at the lower side of the interior of the drum 250 without reaching the bottom surface of the drum 250 or the pulsator 260.
The washing machine 102 may further include a drain line 210 and a drain valve 500. The dissolving unit 300 may further include a dissolving drain port 312.
The drain line 210 may be coupled to the lower side of the tub 200 and may be spaced apart from the water supply port 220. More specifically, the drain line 210 communicates with the tub 200, and may guide washing water to be discharged to the outside of the tub 200.
The drain valve 500 may be disposed on the drain line 210 and can selectively divide an inner flow path of the drain line 210, e.g., as controlled by a control unit.
That is, when the control unit controls the drain valve 500 to close the inner flow path of the drain line 210, the drain line is divided into upper and lower drain lines, and the first surface of the drain valve 500 and the tub 200 may form a sealed space to store washing water.
On the other hand, when the control unit controls the drain valve 500 to open the inner flow path of the drain line 210, the washing water stored in the tub 200 may be discharged to the outside of the tub 200 through the drain line 210.
The dissolving drain port 312 may be formed at the second side of the dissolving unit 300 and spaced apart from the dissolving guide port 311. The dissolving drain port 312 may be connected with a lower portion lower than the drain valve 500 installed in the drain line 210. Specifically, the lower portion of the drain line 210 is located relatively far away from the tub 200 than the upper portion of the drain line 210.
More specifically, the dissolving drain port 312 may communicate with a lower drain line 210 disposed below the upper drain line 210 between the drain valve 500 and the tub 200. Therefore, water exiting from dissolving drain port 312 is dischraged through the drain line 210 regardless of the open/close state the drain valve 500.
A plurality of through holes 280 of the washing machine 102 may be formed at the lower side of the drum 250.
The plurality of through holes 280 are formed at the lower side of the drum 250 and allow bubbles supplied from the water supply port 220 to enter the drum 250. Each through hole 280 should be small enough to prevent laundry from coming out of the drum 250 during operations.
Hereinafter, an exemplary operational process of the washing machine 101 is described with reference to FIGS. 1-2 to 4-6.
Washing water is supplied into the tub 200 during a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle of the washing machine 101. More specifically, washing water is supplied to an upper side of the tub 200, and at least a part of the washing water is directed into the dissolving unit 300. Thus, outside water introduced into the dissolving inlet port 331 of the dissolving unit 300 may be part of the washing water.
Water is introduced into the inner body 320 of the dissolving unit 300. Air is supplied from the outside through the air supply check valve 340 in accordance with pressure in the dissolving unit 300 and then retained in the dissolving unit 300. As the water level increases in the inner body 320, the water encounters water being newly introduced into the dissolving inlet port 331. In this case, the water, which is continuously supplied through the dissolving inlet port 331, and the water, which is contained in the hollow interior of the inner body 320, merge and flow along the inner wall of the inner body 320. The water then overflows through the porous portion 321 and along the dissolving flow path between the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 310 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 320. The porous portion 321 is formed on the inner body 320 and adjacent to the opened side of the inner body 320.
Therefore, water introduced into the dissolving unit 300 flows into the inner body 320 and flows along the dissolving flow path between the inner body 320 and the outer body 310. During the course, water in the dissolving unit 300 dissolves air in the dissolving unit 300 and no separate pump or agitating device is need for dissolving air in water.
Water containing dissolved air in the dissolving unit 300 may be supplied into the bubble generating unit 400 through the dissolving guide port 311. More specifically, the bubble check valve 430 disposed in the bubble body 410 can be opened by the pressure of the water/air mixture. The water/air mixture is guided to the bubble nozzle 420 through the bubble inlet port 411.
The water/air mixture passes through the bubble flow path 421 which is formed in the bubble nozzle 420. The inner diameter of the bubble flow path 421 may increase from the bubble inlet port 411 to the bubble discharge port 412. While passing through the bubble flow path, air is separated from the water, and bubbles are advantageously generated thereby. The sizes of the bubbles are affected by the diameter of the bubble flow path 421 and the number of bubble flow paths 421. In some embodiments, fine micro bubbles may be generated.
The generated bubbles are contained in the pressure reduction region 440 where the pressure of the bubbles is reduced. The bubbles are then supplied, through the bubble discharge port 412, into the drain line 210 adjacent to the tub 200. Bubbles supplied to the lower side of the tub 200 through the drain line 210 are introduced into the drum 250 through the plurality of holes on the drum 250.
As bubbles can reduce surface tension between laundry and detergent or foreign substances, a supply of bubbles to the drum can advantageously facilitate removal of foreign substances or residual detergent undesirably adherent to laundry. As a result, the cleaning performance of the washing machine can be improved using bubbles in this fashion.
The washing machine 101 may further include a water level sensor and a control unit (non shown). More specifically, a water level sensor or the like may be installed in the dissolving unit 300. The control unit may determine whether a preset or larger amount of water has been supplied into the dissolving unit 300 based on the detected level of the water supplied into the dissolving unit 300 from outside.
If air contained the dissolving unit 300 is discharged to the outside of the dissolving unit 300 and air cannot be effectively dissolved in the water, the control unit can cut off the supply of water to the dissolving inlet port 331. In this case, a water/air mixture is supplied from the dissolving unit 300 to the bubble generating unit 400 through the dissolving guide port 311.
If the water supply is cut off, water force remaining in the dissolving unit 300 can be insufficient to press the bubble check valve 430 of the bubble generating unit 400, and so the bubble inlet port 411 cannot be opened. In this case, water remaining in the inner body 320 is collected through the inner hole 322 formed at the hemispheric side of the inner body 320, the dissolving flow path formed between the hemispheric side of the inner body 320 and the hemispheric side of the outer body 310.
The discharge check valve 350, which is disposed at the hemispheric side of the outer body 310, is opened based on the level (pressure) of the water remaining in the dissolving unit 300.
More specifically, water remaining in the inner body 320 is discharged through the inner hole 322 on the hemispheric side of the inner body 320, discharged through the dissolving drain port 312, and then discharged to the outside through the drain line 210 which is installed at the lower side of the tub 200. That is, water may be discharged to the outside of the dissolving unit 300 through the dissolving drain port 312 after being supplied into the drain line 210.
In this case, the air supply check valve 340 on the dissolving cap 330 is opened to introduce air into the dissolving unit 300 and increase the air pressure. With the increased air pressure, remaining water may be more efficiently discharged to the drain line 210 through the dissolving drain port 312.
When water remaining in the dissolving unit 300 is discharged, the air supply check valve 340 is opened due to the low pressure in the dissolving unit 300. When outside air is introduced into the dissolving unit 300, the air supply check valve 340 and the discharge check valve 350 are closed by the increased air pressure, thereby enabling air to be retained in the dissolving unit 300.
In a scenario that bubbles need to be continuously supplied into the tub 200, the control unit can restart water supply dissolving inlet port 331 again. In the dissolving unit 300, water supplied into the dissolving inlet port 331 may be mixed with the air present in the dissolving unit 300, as described above.
The control unit may control the supply of washing water into the dissolving inlet port 331 based on the water level sensor or preset washing and rinsing programs.
With the aforementioned configuration, the washing machine 101 may effectively generate bubbles by utilizing water mixed with dissolved air and may supply bubbles into the drain line 210 installed at the lower side of the tub 200. The bubbles can effectively and advantageously facilitate removal of residual detergent and foreign substances from laundry during washing and rinsing operations. As a result, a major source that likely causes users' irritating skin conditions is advantageously removed.
Hereinafter, an operational process of the washing machine 102 is described with reference to FIG. 3.
The washing machine 102 operates in a similar manner as the washing machine 101 regarding the operations up to the bubble generating unit 400 generating bubbles. Therefore, only the process in which bubbles are generated by the bubble generating unit 400 and then supplied into the tub 200 is described below for the washing machine 102.
Bubbles generated by the bubble generating unit 400 pass through the bubble discharge port 412, and then through the water supply port 220 formed at the lower side of the tub 200. The bubbles passing through the water supply port 220 pass through the through hole 280, and then enter the drum 250. Thus, bubbles supplied through the water supply port 220 of the tub 200 may by-pass the pulsator 260 and an outer circumferential portion of the drum 250, and may be introduced into the drum 250 through the through hole 280.
With the aforementioned configuration, the washing machine 102 may generate bubbles by utilizing water that contains dissolved air and may supply the bubbles into the drum 250 through the water supply port 220 in the tub 200 and through the through hole 280 in the drum 250. In this configuration, bubbles can by-pass the outer circumferential portion of the drum 250 and the bottom surface of the pulsator 260 and become supplied to the drum 250 in high efficiency.
While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in any other specific form without changing the technical spirit or an essential feature thereof.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the aforementioned exemplary embodiments are described for illustration in all aspects and is not limited, and the scope of the present disclosure shall be represented by the claims to be described below, and it should be construed that all of the changes or modified forms induced from the meaning and the scope of the claims, and an equivalent concept thereto are included in the scope of the present disclosure.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A washing machine comprising:

a housing;

a tub disposed inside the housing and configured to contain washing water and washing objects;

a dissolving unit configured to: receive water and air; and provide a mixture of water and air comprising air dissolved in water;

a bubble generating unit coupled to the dissolving unit and configured to generate bubbles from the mixture of water and air; and

a drain line coupled to the tub and the bubble generating unit, wherein the drain line is configured to supply bubbles to the tub.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the dissolving unit comprises:

a dissolving inlet port disposed on a first end of the dissolving unit and configured to receive water; and

a dissolving guide port disposed on a second end of the dissolving unit and coupled to the bubble generating unit, wherein the dissolving guide port is configured to guide the mixture of water and air out of the dissolving unit and into the bubble generating unit.

3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the dissolving unit further comprises a dissolving drain port disposed on the second end of the dissolving unit and coupled to the drain line, wherein the dissolving drain port is spaced apart from the dissolving guide port and is configured to communicate with the drain line.

4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the dissolving unit further comprises:

an outer body defining a hollow interior and comprising:

a first end that is open; and

a second end comprising a drain hole configured to communicate with the dissolving drain port; and

a dissolving cap coupled to the first end of the outer body and configured to contain air that is supplied from an ambient atmosphere, wherein the dissolving inlet port is disposed on the dissolving cap.

5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the dissolving unit further comprises a valve accommodating protrusion surrounding the drain hole, wherein the valve accommodating protrusion protrudes away from the outer body and along a longitudinal direction of the outer body.

6. The washing machine of claim 5, further comprising a discharge check valve disposed on the second end of the outer body and configured to open and close the drain hole.

7. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the discharge check valve comprises:

a valve member with a first end portion inserted into and supported by the drain hole;

a valve cover member detachably coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the valve accommodating protrusion and comprising the dissolving drain port; and

an elastic member disposed between the valve member and the valve cover member.

8. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the dissolving guide port is disposed above the dissolving drain port along a longitudinal direction of the dissolving unit.

9. The washing machine of claim 1 further comprising a drain valve disposed in the drain line and operable to control a flow path in the drain line, wherein, when the drain valve is closed, the drain line is divided into a lower part and an upper part, and wherein the upper part of the drain line is coupled to the tub.

10. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein the bubble generating unit comprises:

a bubble body comprising:

a bubble inlet port disposed at a first side of the bubble body; and

a bubble discharge port disposed at a second side of the bubble body and above the lower part of the drain line, wherein the upper part of the drain line is disposed closer to the tub than the lower part of the drain line; and

a bubble nozzle disposed inside the bubble body and comprising a bubble flow path that has an inner diameter increasing from the bubble inlet port to the bubble discharge port, wherein the bubble nozzle is configured to provide bubbles.

11. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein, when the water in the dissolving unit is more than a preset amount, water is discharged from the dissolving unit to the drain line through the dissolving drain port.

12. A washing machine comprising:

a housing;

a tub disposed inside the housing and comprising a water supply port formed at a lower side of the tub;

a dissolving unit operable to supply a mixture of water and air comprising air dissolved in water, wherein the dissolving unit comprises:

a dissolving inlet port disposed at a first side of the dissolving unit and operable to receive water supplied from outside of the dissolving unit; and

a dissolving guide port disposed at a second side of the dissolving unit and operable to guide the mixture of water and air out of the dissolving unit; and

a bubble generating unit coupled to the dissolving unit and configured to:

receive the mixture of water and air;

generate bubbles from the mixture of water and air; and

supply the bubbles to the water supply port.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, further comprising:

a drum disposed in the tub and configured to contain washing objects;

a pulsator disposed at a lower inside of the drum; and

a through hole disposed at a lower side of the drum and spaced apart from the pulsator, wherein the through hole is configured to guide the bubbles passing through the water supply port into the drum.

14. The washing machine of claim 12, further comprising:

a drain line spaced apart from the water supply port and coupled to the lower side of the tub;

a dissolving drain port disposed at the second side of the dissolving unit and spaced apart from the dissolving guide port; and

a drain valve disposed on the drain line and operable to selectively divide a flow path of the drain line into a lower part and an upper part, wherein the upper part is closer to the tub than the lower part,

wherein the dissolving drain port is configured to communicate with the drain line.

15. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed at the lower side of the drum.

16. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the bubble generating unit comprises:

a bubble body comprising:

a bubble inlet port disposed at a first side of the bubble body; and

a bubble discharge port disposed at a second side of the bubble body and above the lower part of the drain line, wherein the lower part of the drain line is closer to the tub than the upper part; and

17. The washing machine of claim 16, wherein the bubble generating unit comprises a pressure reduction region configured to allow air to separate from the mixture of water and air to form bubbles.

18. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the dissolving unit further comprises:

an outer body defining a hollow interior and comprising:

a first end that is open; and

a second end comprising a drain hole operable to communicate with the dissolving drain port, wherein the second end is substantially hemispherical.

19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the dissolving unit further comprises:

a dissolving cap coupled to the first end of the outer body and operable to contain air that is supplied from an ambient atmosphere, wherein the dissolving inlet port is disposed on the dissolving cap.