WASHING MACHINE

A washing machine includes a cabinet constituting the external appearance of the washing machine, a tub mounted in the cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, and at least one circulation nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in a longitudinal direction of the drum. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve washing or rinsing efficiency of the washing machine.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0032525, filed on Apr. 8, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine with improved washing or rinsing efficiency.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Washing machines may generally be classified as a top loading type washing machine or a front loading type washing machine. An example of the front loading type washing machine is a drum type washing machine.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a drum type washing machine, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum type washing machine includes a tub 20 mounted in a cabinet 10 for receiving wash water and a drum rotatably mounted in the tub 20. Wash water is received in the tub 20, and laundry to be washed is received in the drum 30. In the drum type washing machine, the drum 30 is rotated so that the laundry is lifted and dropped by lifters 32, and therefore, the laundry is washed or rinsed.

In this case, the wash water is received in the tub 20, and therefore, when the drum 30 is rotated, only the lower part of the drum 30 is immersed in the wash water. Consequently, as shown in the drawings, the drum type washing machine may further include a circulation unit 40 for circulating wash water received in the lower part of the tub 20.

The circulation unit 40 includes a circulation line 42 connected between the upper and lower parts of the tub 20 and a circulation pump 44 for pumping wash water along the circulation line 42. Also, a nozzle 46 is mounted at one end of the circulation line 42 for supplying wash water into the tub 20.

The tub 20 is connected to an opening 60 of the cabinet 10 via a gasket 50 for preventing the leakage of wash water from the tub 20. The nozzle 46 is provided at the gasket 50. Also, the gasket 50 includes a jam preventing member 52 for preventing laundry to be washed from being jammed between the tub 20 and the drum 30.

However, with the nozzle 46, most of the circulation water, supplied from the nozzle 46, is supplied only to the front part of the drum 30, and not to the rear part of the drum 30. Although the circulation water is supplied to the drum 30, therefore, the circulation water is supplied to only the front part of the drum 30, with the result that the circulation water is not uniformly supplied to the laundry to be washed.

Also, the gasket 50 is made of an elastic member, such as rubber. Consequently, when a large amount of laundry to be washed is received in the drum 30, especially when the laundry is received in the drum 30 together with water, the tub 20 may slightly droop, with the result that the gasket 50 is deformed. Therefore, the circulation water supplied from the nozzle 46 supported by the drooping gasket 50 is not supplied in the appropriate directions.

Furthermore, the gasket 50 is provided with the jam preventing member 52, with the result that the assembly process of the gasket 50 is complicated and difficult, and, in addition, the time necessary to manufacture the gasket 50 increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is capable of supplying circulation water in predetermined directions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is capable of supplying circulation water along the inside of a drum in a longitudinal direction of the drum, thereby improving washing or rinsing efficiency.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a washing machine includes a cabinet constituting the external appearance of the washing machine, a tub mounted in the cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, and at least one circulation nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in a longitudinal direction of the drum.

In another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, a first nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum, and a second nozzle for spraying the wash water inwardly of the drum in a spray direction different from the first nozzle.

In another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, a first nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum, a second nozzle for spraying the wash water inwardly of the drum in a spray direction different from the first nozzle, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the drum, and a steam nozzle for spraying the steam, supplied from the steam generator, into the drum.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet for receiving wash water, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub through the upper part of the tub, a first nozzle for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit, inwardly of the drum along a rotation axis of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum, a second nozzle for spraying the wash water inwardly of the drum in a spray direction different from the first nozzle, a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the drum, and a steam nozzle for spraying the steam, supplied from the steam generator, into the drum, the steam nozzle being integrated with the first nozzle or the second nozzle.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a drum type washing machine;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a circulation nozzle of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the supply of circulation water from the circulation nozzle of FIG. 3 into a drum;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a circulation nozzle of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the circulation nozzle according to any one of the previous embodiments separated from a tub;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a circulation nozzle of FIG. 7 when viewed from above;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a dual nozzle of a washing machine according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a circulation nozzle that is capable of supplying circulation water along the inside of a drum 30 in a longitudinal direction of the drum 30 in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Meanwhile, components of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention identical to those of the drum type washing machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 will not be described hereinafter, and only the features of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 constituting the external appearance of the washing machine, a tub 20 mounted in the cabinet 10 for receiving wash water, a drum 30 rotatably mounted in the tub 20 for receiving laundry to be washed, a circulation unit 40 for circulating wash water in the inner lower part of the tub 20 through the upper part of the tub 20, and at least one circulation nozzle 100 for spraying the wash water, supplied by the circulation unit 40, inwardly of the drum 30 along a rotation axis of the drum 30 in a longitudinal direction of the drum 30.

In the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one circulation nozzle 100 is provided to supply the circulation water circulated by the circulation unit 40. Also, in the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the circulation nozzle 100 supplies the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 along the rotation axis of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the supply of circulation water from the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment into the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment supplies the circulation water not only to the front part of the drum 30 but also along the rotation axis of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. The circulation water is supplied from the front of the drum to the rear of the drum at the interior thereof such that the wash water is uniformly supplied to laundry to be washed in the drum 30. Consequently, the laundry is uniformly wetted by the wash water, whereby washing or rinsing efficiency is improved.

The improvement of the washing or rinsing efficiency is more remarkable when a washing or rinsing operation is performed in a penetration type washing mode. Here, the penetration type washing mode is a washing mode in which a washing or rinsing operation is carried out while the drum 30 is rotated at high speed, not at a normal rotation speed of the drum, such that laundry clings to the inner circumference of the drum 30. In this case, wash water contained in the laundry penetrates the laundry by a centrifugal force, and is then discharged out of the drum 30, during the washing or rinsing operation.

In the penetration type washing mode, however, the drum is rotated at high speed as compared to a rotation speed in the normal washing mode. Consequently, it is preferred for wash water to be supplied such that the wash water is maintained at a water level lower than the gap between the tub 20 and the drum 30, and therefore, a rotation resistance force is not applied to the drum 30 due to the wash water received in the tub 20.

Meanwhile, the wash water may be circulated to the upper part of the drum 30 and the tub 20 by the circulation unit 40 such that the wash water can be continuously supplied into the drum 30. The supplied wash water penetrates the laundry by the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, is discharged out of the drum 30, is received at the bottom of the tub 20 along the inner wall of the tub 20, is circulated to the upper part of the drum 30 and the tub 20, and is then supplied into the drum 30.

Consequently, when the wash water is supplied to the rear part of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30 by the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment, the circulation water is uniformly supplied to the laundry to be washed, with the result that washing efficiency is further improved in the penetration type washing mode in which the drum 30 is rotated. When a washing or rinsing operation is carried out not in the penetration type washing mode, but in the normal washing mode, on the other hand, it is possible to uniformly supply the circulation water to laundry to be washed through the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment, with the result that the washing or rinsing operation is carried out while the laundry is sufficiently immersed in the wash water, and therefore, it is possible to improve washing or rinsing efficiency.

Hereinafter, the circulation nozzle 100 provided in the washing machine according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the circulation nozzle 100 in the washing machine according to this embodiment may be configured to spray wash water not only to the front part of the drum 30 but also in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30 such that the wash water reaches the rear part of the drum 30. Preferably, the circulation nozzle 100 is configured to spray the wash water into the drum 30 in a plurality of directions such that the wash water can be uniformly supplied to the laundry received in the drum 30.

Consequently, the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment may be configured to have a plurality of spray ports 110 directed inwardly of the drum 30. The respective spray ports 110 may be configured to spray the wash water to different drop positions in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. Specifically, the respective spray ports 110 may be configured to spray the wash water to different positions at predetermined intervals from the front to the rear of the drum 30. As a result, the wash water is supplied in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30 while uniformly spreading from the front to the rear of the drum 30.

Consequently, the laundry clinging to the inner circumference of the drum 30 during the washing or rinsing operation is supplied with wash water while being rotated along with the drum 30. Also, even when the drum 30 is not rotated, and therefore, the laundry gathers at the lower part of the drum, it is possible to uniformly supply the wash water to the laundry.

Although not shown in the drawings, on the other hand, it is possible to provide a plurality of circulation nozzles each having a single spray port to spray wash water into the drum 30. When the plurality of circulation nozzles each having the single spray port are installed, however, the assembly process may be difficult. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 3, the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment may be configured in a structure in which a plurality of spray ports are formed on a single case.

Meanwhile, the circulation nozzle 100 may be mounted at the front of the drum 30 where an opening of the drum 30 is formed. In this case, spray directions or spray speeds of the wash water sprayed from the respective spray ports 110 are preferably set to be different from each other so that the wash water is sprayed to different positions from the front to the rear of the drum 30 through the respective spray ports 110. Consequently, the spray ports 110 of the circulation nozzle 100 preferably have different cross-sectional areas or different flow channels.

Specifically, it is possible to configure the circulation nozzle 100 such that the spray ports 110 of the circulation nozzle 100 have different cross-sectional areas, and therefore, the wash water sprayed through the respective spray ports 110 have different water pressures. Here, on the assumption that the wash water passes through the flow channels having the same configuration, the smaller the cross-sectional areas of the spray ports 110 are, the higher the water pressure the wash water is sprayed at. The larger the cross-sectional areas of the spray ports 110 are, the lower the water pressure the wash water is sprayed at. Consequently, the wash water sprayed at the low water pressure through the spray ports of large cross-sectional areas is sprayed in such a manner that the wash water falls immediately after the spray of the wash water. On the other hand, the wash water sprayed at the high water pressure through the spray ports of small cross-sectional areas tends to go straight in the direction in which the wash water is sprayed.

Consequently, the spray ports of the large cross-sectional areas are provided to supply the wash water to the front of the drum 30, and the spray ports of the small cross-sectional areas are provided to supply the wash water to the rear of the drum 30.

Specifically, in the circulation nozzle 110 according to this embodiment, the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by an arrow (a) may have small cross-sectional areas, and the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by an arrow (b) may have large cross-sectional areas. Consequently, the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by an arrow (a) spray the wash water at high water pressure, and the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by an arrow (b) spray the wash water at low water pressure.

Furthermore, the spray ports 110 of the circulation nozzle 100 may be connected to different flow channels 120. Consequently, the spray speeds of the wash water sprayed through the respective spray ports 110 of the circulation nozzle 110 may be different from one another.

Specifically, the circulation nozzle 100 may be provided with a plurality of flow channels, through which wash water, introduced from the circulation unit 40, passes. The respective flow channels 120 may be formed to correspond to the spray ports 110. Also, the flow channels 120 may be different from one another such that the wash water passing through the respective flow channels 120 is sprayed at different speeds.

For example, the wash water passing through the flow channel 120 formed in the vertical direction may fall immediately to the front of the drum 30. On the other hand, the wash water passing through the flow channel 120 horizontally extending inwardly of the drum 30 has a speed component directed inwardly of the drum 30, and therefore, the wash water can be sprayed to the rear of the drum 30. Consequently, when the spray port is connected to the flow channel horizontally extending inwardly of the drum 30, the spray port can supply the wash water to the rear of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum. In conclusion, it is possible to adjust the spray ports 110 such that the wash water falls to different positions of the drum 30 according to the speed components of the sprayed wash water. In this way, an entire strip/area from the front of the drum 30 to the rear of the drum 30 is sprayed with wash water.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the flow channels 120 connected to the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by the arrow (a) may be formed to be horizontally extended inwardly of the drum 30 by a relatively longer distance, and the flow channels 120 connected to the spray ports 110 formed in the direction indicated by the arrow (b) may be formed to be extended inwardly of the drum 30 by a relatively shorter distance. In particular, it is possible to configure the spray ports 110 such that the spray ports 110 are mounted in a step-shaped structure, and therefore, the lengths of the respective flow channels 120 extending inwardly of the drum 30 are different from each other.

In conclusion, the spray ports 110 arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow (a) are connected to the flow channels 120 having relatively small cross-sectional areas and horizontally extending inwardly of the drum 30, and the spray ports 110 arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow (b) are connected to the flow channels 120 having relatively large cross-sectional areas and vertically extending inwardly of the drum 30. Consequently, the wash water sprayed through the spray ports 110 arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow (a) is sprayed inwardly of the drum 30 at high water pressures while having horizontal speed components, with the result that the wash water is sprayed to the rear of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. On the other hand, the wash water sprayed through the spray ports 110 arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow (b) has vertical speed components and low water pressures, with the result that the wash water does not reach the rear of the drum 30, but is sprayed near the front of the drum 30.

In conclusion, it is possible for the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment to uniformly spray the wash water from the front to the rear of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30.

FIG. 3 illustrates a supply line 105 for supplying the circulation water to the flow channels 120 and the spray ports 110. Specifically, the circulation water, circulated by the circulation unit 40, is supplied to the supply line 105 along the circulation line 42, and is then supplied to the flow channels 120 and the spray ports 110 through the supply line 105.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a circulation nozzle 100 of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. The circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in that the circulation nozzle 100 has a single spray port to supply circulation water. Hereinafter, the difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment sprays wash water through the single spray port 110. However, the circulation nozzle 100 may be provided with a flow channel configured in a structure in which the width of the flow channel gradually increases, and the height of the flow channel gradually decreases, in the advance direction of the wash water passing through the circulation nozzle 100. Consequently, the wash water passing through the circulation nozzle 100 may be sprayed while spreading in the lateral direction.

This uses a phenomenon in which, when water supplied at a regular water pressure flows along a flow channel, the water widely spreads and is sprayed at high water pressure while the water passes through a nozzle end, the width of which increases and the height of which decreases. In this structure, therefore, it is possible to supply the wash water into the drum 20 in several directions, although the wash water is sprayed through the single spray port 110.

As shown in FIG. 5, the flow channel 120, formed in the circulation nozzle 100, is preferably configured in a shape in which the cross-sectional height of the flow channel 120 gradually decreases and the width of the flow channel 120 gradually increases in the advance direction of the wash water. Furthermore, it is preferred to form the flow channel 120 such that the cross-sectional area of the flow channel 120 gradually decreases although the width of the flow channel 120 gradually increases in the advance direction of the wash water. Consequently, the spray port 110, through which the wash water is sprayed, is preferably formed in an elongated shape to define the smallest cross-sectional area of the flow channel 120.

In this case, the cross-sectional area of the flow channel 120 in the circulation nozzle 100 gradually decreases in the advance direction of the wash water, with the result that the water pressure of the wash water gradually increases. Consequently, the wash water is supplied into the drum 30 at high water pressure while easily spreading in the lateral direction of the flow channel 120.

In addition, guide ribs 130 may be mounted in the flow channel 120, along which the wash water flows, for guiding the spreading of the wash water in the lateral direction of the flow channel 120. The guide ribs 130 are mounted in an inclined fashion in the advance direction of the wash water for guiding the wash water such that the wash water can uniformly spread in the lateral direction of the flow channel 120.

Meanwhile, when the circulation nozzle 100 according to this embodiment is mounted such that the spray port 110 is disposed parallel to the front of the drum 30, the wash water may not be supplied to a specific position in the drum 30, although the drum 30 is rotated. Consequently, the circulation nozzle 100 is preferably formed such that the spray port 110 is inclined at a predetermined angle to the front of the drum 30.

Furthermore, the circulation nozzle 100 is preferably mounted in an inclined fashion toward the drum 30 such that the wash water sprayed from one end of the spray port is supplied to the lower front of the drum 30, and the wash water sprayed from the other end of the spray port is supplied to the lower rear of the drum 30.

Meanwhile, the circulation nozzle 100 may be provided at the gasket 50 (see FIG. 2), interconnecting the tub 20 and the door 60 (see FIG. 2), in any one of the washing machines according to the previous embodiments. In this case, however, it may be difficult to supply the circulation water in predetermined directions due to the drooping of the tub 20 when laundry to be washed and wash water are received in the tub 20.

Consequently, the circulation nozzle 100 according to each embodiment is preferably directly provided in the tub 20. Specifically, if the circulation nozzle 100 is directly mounted in the tub 20, it is possible for the circulation nozzle 100 to supply the circulation water inwardly of the tub 20 in predetermined directions even when the tub 20 slightly droops. Hereinafter, a detailed description thereof will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of a circulation nozzle 100 to a tub 20 in a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the circulation nozzle 100 may be directly mounted to the tub 20 in the washing machine according to this embodiment. Preferably, the circulation nozzle 100 is mounted adjacent to an opening of the tub 20 at the upper part of the tub 20. In other words, the circulation nozzle is not mounted at the gasket as in the washing machine of FIGS. 1 and 2, but is directly mounted to the tub 20, whereby it is possible for the circulation nozzle 100 to supply circulation water inwardly of the tub 20 and the drum 30 in predetermined directions.

Specifically, a hole 22, connected to the circulation line 42, is formed at one side of the tub 20, i.e., at the upper side of the tub 20 adjacent to the opening of the tub 20, and the circulation nozzle 100 is mounted below the hole 22. Here, the circulation nozzle 100 is detachably connected to the tub 20. A boss 24 to which the circulation nozzle 100 is mounted may be formed at one side of the tub 20. Consequently, the circulation nozzle 100 is securely mounted to the boss 24 by means of coupling members, such as bolts. Preferably, a circulation nozzle cover 26 is mounted at the outside of the circulation nozzle 100 for preventing the separation of the circulation nozzle 100 from the tub 20.

The circulation nozzle 100 may protrude from the tub 20 inwardly of the drum 30. When the circulation nozzle 100 protrudes inwardly of the drum 30, laundry to be washed is prevented from jamming between the drum 30 and the tub 20, during the rotation of the drum 30. That is, in this embodiment, the circulation nozzle 100 is mounted to the tub 20 in a protruding fashion, whereby it is possible for the circulation nozzle 100 to supply wash water in predetermined directions, and, at the same time, it is possible to prevent the laundry to be washed from jamming between the drum 30 and the tub 20.

The above-described circulation nozzle 100 is mounted to the tub 20 as follows. A worker connects the supply line 105 of the circulation nozzle 100 to the hole 22 formed at the tub 20 and couples the circulation nozzle cover 26 to the boss 24. As a result, the circulation nozzle 100 is mounted to the tub 20. In this case, the circulation nozzle 100 may be disposed along the front of the tub 20, as previously described.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the washing machine according to any one of the previous embodiments may include a steam generator for selectively spraying steam into the drum 30.

The steam generator is supplied with water from an additional detachable water supply source, such as a faucet or a cartridge. The steam generator heats the supplied water to generate steam, which will be supplied into the drum 30. In this case, a steam nozzle for spraying steam is preferably mounted at one end of a steam line, along which the steam is supplied. The steam nozzle may be mounted at one side of the tub 20. Preferably, the steam nozzle is mounted adjacent to the opening of the tub 20.

Meanwhile, the washing machine according to any one of the previous embodiments may include a plurality of circulation nozzles, for circulating wash water. When the plurality of circulation nozzles are provided, the circulation water is supplied through the respective circulation nozzles, and therefore, it is possible to uniformly wet laundry to be washed. Furthermore, it is possible to more effectively perform a washing or rinsing operation by changing spray directions of the circulation water supplied through the respective circulation nozzles.

Hereinafter, a detailed description thereof will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine according to this embodiment is different from the previous embodiments in that the washing machine according to this embodiment includes two or more circulation nozzles, preferably two circulation nozzles, for circulating wash water in the tub 20 and spraying the wash water inwardly of the drum 30 and the tub 20. Hereinafter, the differenced will be described.

The washing machine according to this embodiment includes two or more circulation nozzles for supplying the wash water inwardly of the drum 30 and the tub 20 when the wash water received at the inner lower part of the tub 20 is supplied by the circulation of the wash water through the upper part of the tub 20. FIG. 7 illustrates that the washing machine includes two circulation nozzles. However, the number of the circulation nozzles is not particularly restricted. For example, the washing machine may include an appropriate number of circulation nozzles. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the washing machine including two circulation nozzles will be described.

The washing machine according to this embodiment may include a first nozzle 200 for spraying circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 along a rotation axis of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30 and a second nozzle 210 for spraying the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in a spray direction different from the first nozzle 200, when the circulation water is supplied by the circulation unit 40.

That is, the washing machine according to this embodiment includes the second nozzle 210 for spraying the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in a spray direction different from the first nozzle 200 in addition to the first nozzle 200 for supplying the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. According to this embodiment, therefore, it is possible to uniformly supply the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30, thereby improving washing or rinsing efficiency.

The first and second circulation nozzles 200 and 210 according to this embodiment may be directly mounted in the tub 20 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. Preferably, the first and second circulation nozzles 200 and 210 are mounted adjacent to the opening of the tub 20. A method of directly mounting the first and second circulation nozzles 200 and 210 to the tub 20 will not be described, because this method is identical to the method of directly mounting the circulation nozzle 100 to the tub 20, which was previously described.

In this embodiment, meanwhile, the number of the circulation nozzles is two. When the circulation nozzles are directly mounted to the tub 20, both of the circulation nozzles may be located at one side of the upper part of the tub 20. Preferably, however, the two circulation nozzles are preferably mounted at the tub 20 such that the circulation nozzles are symmetrical to each other the middle of the upper part of the tub 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the first nozzle 200 and the second nozzle 210 may be disposed at opposite sides from the middle of the upper part of the tub 20.

In this case, the circulation line 42, extending from the circulation unit 40, may diverge from a predetermined position above the tub 20. Although not shown in the drawing, a valve may be mounted at the diverging point of the circulation line 42 for selectively supplying the circulation water to the first circulation nozzle 200 or the second circulation nozzle 210 or supplying the circulation water to both the first circulation nozzle 200 and the second circulation nozzle 210.

Meanwhile, the first circulation nozzle 200, according to this embodiment, for supplying the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30 has a construction similar to the circulation nozzle according to any one of the previous embodiments, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be given. Also, the second circulation nozzle 210 for supplying the circulation water in the direction different from the first circulation nozzle 200 may have the same construction as the first circulation nozzle 200. Alternatively, the second circulation nozzle 210 may have the same construction as an ordinary circulation nozzle.

When a plurality of circulation nozzles, for example two circulation nozzles, are provided, as shown in FIG. 7, the respective circulation nozzles are preferably located such that the respective circulation nozzles are directed inwardly of the drum in different directions.

For example, the first nozzle 200, which supplies the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30, may be disposed such that the first nozzle 200 is directed toward the center of the drum 30, and the second nozzle 210 may be disposed such that the second nozzle 210 is directed in the direction different from the first nozzle 200. That is, the first nozzle 200 supplies the circulation water inwardly of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30, and therefore, it is preferred to dispose the first nozzle 200 such that the first nozzle 200 is directed toward the center of the drum 30 to uniformly supply the circulation water from the front to the rear of the drum 30. Moreover, the second nozzle 210 may be disposed such that the second nozzle 210 is directed in the direction different from the first nozzle 200. In this embodiment, the second nozzle 210 may be disposed such that the second nozzle 210 is directed toward the entrance of the drum 30. Consequently, the circulation water sprayed through the second nozzle 210 may be supplied to the entrance of the drum 30, and the circulation water sprayed through the first nozzle 200 may be supplied to the center of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. As a result, the circulation water is uniformly supplied throughout the drum 30, whereby washing or rinsing efficiency is improved.

Meanwhile, when the first circulation nozzle 200 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are mounted such that the first circulation nozzle 200 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are symmetrical to each other from the middle of the upper part of the tub 20, flow channels connected to the spray ports of the first nozzle 200 are preferably formed in directions corresponding to positions where the wash water falls.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the first circulation nozzle 200 when the first circulation nozzle 200 is mounted while being biased toward one side from the middle of the upper part of the tub 20. As the first circulation nozzle 200 is mounted while being biased toward one side from the middle of the upper part of the tub 20, as shown in FIG. 8, the spray ports and the flow channels of the first circulation nozzle 200 may be inclined at a predetermined angle to the open front of the drum 30. In particular, it is preferred for the spray ports formed at positions far from the center of the drum 30 to be mounted inwardly of the drum 30.

In this embodiment, when the first circulation nozzle 200, is mounted at a position 35 to 45 degrees biased from the center of the tub 20, the section of the first circulation nozzle 200, where the spray ports are formed, may be inclined at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees to the open front of the drum 30. As a result, the wash water sprayed through the first circulation nozzle 200 is sprayed toward the lower end of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30. However, the inclination angle may be changed depending upon the position where the first circulation nozzle 200 is installed. Also, the inclination angle may be changed within a predetermined range depending upon the water pressure of the sprayed wash water or an angle at which flow channels 220 are formed.

Meanwhile, the first nozzle 200 is disposed as described above, it is preferred that the water pressure of the circulation water sprayed through the first nozzle 200 be higher than that of the circulation water sprayed through the second nozzle 210. This is because the circulation water sprayed through the second nozzle 210 is supplied to the entrance of the drum 30, and therefore, the supply of the circulation water is satisfactorily achieved although the water pressure of the circulation water is low; however, the circulation water sprayed through the first nozzle 200 is supplied from the front to the rear of the drum 30 in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30, and therefore, the uniform supply of the circulation water is not achieved unless the water pressure of the circulation water is high.

Consequently, it is preferred to adjust the water pressure of the circulation water supplied to the first nozzle 200, such that the water pressure of the circulation water supplied to the first nozzle 200 is higher than that of the circulation water supplied to the second nozzle 210, by adjusting the sectional area of the circulation line 42 adjacent to the first nozzle 200, such that the sectional area of the circulation line 42 adjacent to the first nozzle 200 is less than that of the circulation line adjacent to the second nozzle 210, or providing an additional pump at a position adjacent to the first nozzle 200.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine according to this embodiment is different from the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 8 in that the washing machine according to this embodiment further includes a steam generator for supplying steam into the drum 30. Hereinafter, the difference will be described.

Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine according to this embodiment may further include a steam generator 70 for selectively supplying steam into the drum 30.

The steam generator 70 is supplied with water from an additional detachable water supply source, such as a faucet or a cartridge. The steam generator 70 heats the supplied water to generate steam, which will be supplied into the drum 30.

In this case, a steam nozzle 74 for spraying steam is preferably mounted at one end of a steam line 72, along which the steam is supplied. The steam nozzle 74 may be mounted at one side of the tub 20. Preferably, the steam nozzle 74 is mounted adjacent to the opening of the tub 20.

In the washing machine according to this embodiment, meanwhile, the steam nozzle 74 may be mounted while being biased toward one side from the middle of the upper part of the tub 20. FIG. 9 illustrates the steam nozzle 74 being biased toward the second circulation nozzle 210. However, the installation position of the steam nozzle 74 is not particularly restricted. For example, the steam nozzle 74 may be mounted while being biased toward the first circulation nozzle 200.

Meanwhile, when the steam nozzle 74 is mounted while being biased toward the first circulation nozzle 200 or the second circulation nozzle 210, the steam nozzle 74 and the first circulation nozzle 200 or the second circulation nozzle 210 may be provided separately from each other. Preferably, however, the steam nozzle 74 is integrated with either the first circulation nozzle 200 or the second circulation nozzle 210.

That is, when the steam nozzle 74 is not separately provided but is integrated with the first circulation nozzle 200 or the second circulation nozzle 210 adjacent to the steam nozzle 74, it is possible to achieve easy installation and assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a dual nozzle in which the steam nozzle and the second circulation nozzle are integrated with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, the integration between the steam nozzle and the first circulation nozzle is also possible.

Referring to FIG. 10, the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are integrated to constitute a dual nozzle 300, which is mounted adjacent to the opening of the tub 20. The dual nozzle 300 may be detachably mounted to the tub 20. Preferably, the dual nozzle 300 is mounted to the tub 20 as shown in FIG. 6.

That is, two holes (not shown) are formed adjacent to the opening of the tub 20, and a steam line and a diverging circulation line 42 are connected to each hole, such that steam and circulation water are supplied to the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210.

When the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are integrated to constitute the dual nozzle 300, as described above, it is possible to more easily assemble the washing machine according to this embodiment within a short time.

Specifically, the dual nozzle 300 may include a connection part 310 connected to the tub 20 and a nozzle cover 320 defining a space where the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are installed between the connection part 310 and the nozzle cover 320. Consequently, the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210 are disposed between the connection part 310 and the nozzle cover 320, and the connection part 310 and the nozzle cover 320 are mounted to the tub 20. As a result, the dual nozzle 300 is mounted to the tub 20.

Meanwhile, a guide member 322 may be mounted at the inside of the nozzle cover 320 for preventing steam and circulation water from mixing with each other when the steam and the circulation water are supplied through the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210, respectively. When both the steam and the circulation water are supplied through the steam nozzle 74 and the second circulation nozzle 210, respectively, the guide member 322 prevents the steam from condensing by the contact with the circulation water.

As apparent from the above description, the washing machine according to the present invention is constructed in a structure in which the circulation nozzle is directly mounted in the tub. Consequently, the washing machine according to the present invention has the effect of supplying circulation water inwardly of the drum in predetermined directions.

Also, the washing machine according to the present invention is constructed in a structure in which circulation water is supplied inwardly of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum. Consequently, the washing machine according to the present invention has the effect of uniformly supplying circulation water to laundry to be washed.

Also, the washing machine according to the present invention has the effect of improving washing or rinsing efficiency by supplying circulation water inwardly of the drum in the longitudinal direction of the drum.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a cabinet;
a tub provided in the cabinet for accommodating wash water therein;
a drum rotatably provided in the tub for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and for accommodating laundry to be washed;
a circulation unit for circulating wash water located in the inner lower part of the tub; and
at least one circulation nozzle for spraying the wash water supplied by the circulation unit into the drum along the inside of the drum between a front portion of the drum and a rear portion of the drum.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circulation nozzle is configured to spray the wash water from the front portion of the drum to the rear portion of the drum.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one circulation nozzle is directly mounted at the tub.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one circulation nozzle is mounted adjacent to an opening of the tub at an upper part of the tub.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one circulation nozzle protrudes inwardly of the drum such that the at least one circulation nozzle prevents the laundry from being stuck between the tub and the drum.

6. The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising:

a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the drum; and
a steam nozzle for spraying the steam supplied from the steam generator into the drum.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the steam nozzle is directly mounted to an upper portion of the tub adjacent to an opening of the tub.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water outlet for supplying the wash water into the drum in a direction different from the circulation nozzle.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the circulation nozzle and the water outlet are directly mounted to the tub.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the circulation nozzle and the water outlet are mounted adjacent to an opening of the tub such that the circulation nozzle and the water outlet are located symmetrical to each other from the middle of the upper part of the tub.

11. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the circulation nozzle is directed toward a center of the drum, and the water outlet is directed toward an entrance of the drum.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the water pressure of the wash water supplied to the circulation nozzle is higher than that of the wash water supplied to the water outlet.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

a water outlet for supplying the wash water into the drum in a direction different from the circulation nozzle;
a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the drum; and
a steam outlet for supplying the steam into the drum.

14. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the water outlet comprises a spray nozzle configured to spray the wash water into the drum.

15. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the steam outlet comprises a spray nozzle configured to spray the steam into the drum.

16. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the circulation nozzle, the water outlet, and the steam outlet are directly mounted to the tub at an upper part of the tub adjacent to an opening of the tub.

17. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

a water outlet for supplying the wash water into the drum in a direction different from the circulation nozzle;
a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied into the drum; and
a steam outlet for supplying the steam into the drum, the steam outlet being formed as one body with one of the circulation nozzle and the water outlet.

18. The washing machine according to claim 17, wherein the circulation nozzle, the water outlet, and the steam outlet are directly mounted to the tub at an upper part of the tub adjacent to an opening of the tub.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090249840
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 8, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Inventors: Min-Gyu JO (Seoul), Hyun Seok SEO (Seoul), Young Suk KIM (Seoul), Jae Hyuk JANG (Seoul)
Application Number: 12/420,473
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 68/5.0C; Tumbling And Liquid Flowing (68/58)
International Classification: D06F 23/02 (20060101); D06F 39/08 (20060101); D06B 1/00 (20060101);