WALL-MOUNTED WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A wall-mounted washing machine includes a tub and a drying device. The drying device includes a fan coupled to the tub and configured to blow air, a hot air supply duct connected to the fan and configured to supply the air into the tub, a drying heater provided inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct, and a hot air discharge duct connected to the tub and configured to guide the air passing through the tub toward the fan. The hot air discharge duct has a condensing water introduction port through which condensing water is introduced and at least one curved portion is formed on one surface of the hot air discharge duct opposite to the condensing water introduction port.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0075947, filed on Jun. 15, 2017, entitled “Wall-Mounted Washing Machine,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a wall-mounted washing machine and, more particularly, to wall-mounted washing machine including a drying device.

BACKGROUND

In general, a wall-mounted washing machine is manufactured so that it can be installed on a wall in a narrow space.

A typical wall-mounted washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub movably disposed within the cabinet and configured to store washing water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and configured to accommodate washing items, a drive unit configured to supply power to the drum, a water supply device configured to supply the washing water into the tub, and a water drain device configured to drain the washing water from the tub to the outside of the cabinet.

In the wall-mounted washing machine, if a washing operation is started after a user puts washing items into the drum, the washing water is supplied into the tub and the drum by the operation of the water supply device. The drum is rotated by the drive unit to perform a washing operation. At the end of washing, the washing water contained in the tub and the drum is drained to the outside of the cabinet through the water drain device by the operation of the water drain device.

In recent years, there is a trend that the wall-mounted washing machine is provided with a drying device in consideration of user convenience. When the drying device is operated, a process of drying the washed washing items proceeds. This provides an advantage in that a user can collect the washing items which have been subject to a drying step.

Meanwhile, the drying device injects condensing water toward an air moving path to dehumidify and cool the air passing through the tub. The drying efficiency may be enhanced or reduced depending on the dehumidifying and cooling state of the air by the condensing water.

Accordingly, a demand exists for a study on a condensing water injection structure capable of improving the drying efficiency of the drying device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wall-mounted washing machine including a drying device capable of enhancing the drying efficiency.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wall-mounted washing machine, including: a tub; and a drying device, wherein the drying device includes a fan coupled to the tub and configured to blow air, a hot air supply duct connected to the fan and configured to supply air into the tub, a drying heater provided inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct, and a hot air discharge duct connected to the tub and configured to guide the air passing through the tub toward the fan, the hot air discharge duct having a condensing water introduction port through which condensing water is introduced, and at least one curved portion is formed on one surface of the hot air discharge duct opposite to the condensing water introduction port.

One surface of the hot air discharge duct may be curved to bulge toward the condensing water introduction port.

The condensing water introduction port may be formed such that an area of a longitudinal cross section grows larger from a central portion thereof toward opposite end portions.

A cross section of the condensing water introduction port may be formed in a polygonal shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

A cross section of the condensing water introduction port may be formed in a rectangular shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

The washing machine may further include: a rear panel configured to support the tub and capable of being hung on a wall surface; a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items; and a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub.

The drying device may be configured to supply air to a front upper portion of the tub front panel and receive air from a rear lower portion of the tub.

An end portion of the hot air supply duct on the side of the tub front panel may be connected to the front upper portion of the tub front panel, and an end portion of the hot air discharge duct on the side of the tub may be connected to the rear lower portion of the tub.

A hot air introduction port through which hot air discharged from the hot air supply duct is introduced may be formed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel, and a hot air discharge port through which hot air passing through the drum is discharged may be formed in a rear lower portion of the tub.

When the fan is operated, the air may be heated by the drying heater while moving along the hot air supply duct and is introduced into the tub through the tub front panel, and the air passing through the tub may be cooled and dehumidified by the condensing water while moving along the hot air discharge duct and is introduced into the fan.

At least one vent hole for circulating the air may be formed in the rear panel.

A plurality of ribs may be provided on a rear surface of the rear panel, and end portions of the ribs may be cut away to form air circulation grooves.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wall-mounted washing machine. The wall-mounted washing machine includes a rear panel capable of being hung on a wall surface, a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel, a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items, a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub, and a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing items. The drying device includes a hot air discharge duct connected to the tub and configured to discharge air passing through the tub, the hot air discharge duct having a condensing water introduction port, wherein a curved portion is formed on one surface of the hot air discharge duct opposite to the condensing water introduction port.

The wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can enhance the drying efficiency of the drying device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view showing a wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a wall surface.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear panel and a tub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic right side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing the drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII′ in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, 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.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be easily determined by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, which is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily illustrated to scale. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and a predetermined size is merely exemplary and not limiting. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics.

The exemplary drawings of the present disclosure illustrate ideal exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, may include modification of form due to manufacturing.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view showing a wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a washing machine hung on or affixed to a wall surface W and capable of carrying out a washing operation. The wall-mounted washing machine 1000 may include a housing 1060 forming an outer shell, and a rear panel 1010 coupled to a rear surface of the housing 1060 and hung on or fixed to the wall surface W. The housing 1060 may include a side cover 1061 forming a side surface of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000, a front cover 1062 forming a front surface of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000, and a door 1063 rotatably coupled to the front cover 1062. A user may open the door 1063 and may put washing items into the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 or may remove the washing items from the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view showing the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the wall-mounted washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a wall surface. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a rear panel and a tub according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a schematic right side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic left side view of the rear panel and the tub shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rear panel 1010 hung on a wall surface, a tub 1020 configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel 1010, a drum 1030 rotatably installed inside the tub 1020 and configured to accommodate washing items, a drying device 1040 coupled to an outer surface of the tub 1020 and configured to dry the washing items, a drive unit 1050 configured to supply power for rotating the drum 1030, and a housing 1060 coupled to the rear panel 1010 and configured to form an outer shell of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000.

The rear panel 1010 may be hung on the wall surface W. For example, the rear panel 1010 may be hung on the wall surface W by separate fastening members 1011a. To this end, through-holes 1011 penetrating the rear panel 1010 may be formed in the rear panel 1010 so that the fastening members 1011a can be inserted into the through-holes 1011. A method of hanging the rear panel 1010 on the wall surface W will now be briefly described. A user first installs the fastening members 1011a on the wall surface W and fits shock-absorbing members 1011c for the reduction of shock and vibration to the fastening members 1011a. Thereafter, the user hangs the rear panel 1010 on the wall surface W so that the fastening members 1011a are inserted into the through-holes 1011 of the rear panel 1010. Subsequently, nut members 1011b are coupled to the fastening members 1011a protruding forward from the rear panel 1010 via the through-holes 1011, whereby the rear panel 1010 can be hung on the wall surface W.

Additionally, a mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 so that a space is formed between the rear panel 1010 and the wall surface W. The mounting groove portion 1012 is formed to make sure that the drive unit 1050 (to be described later) can be coupled to the rear panel 1010 without interference with the wall surface W. The mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed by depressing the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 at a predetermined depth.

At least one vent hole 1013 may be formed in the rear panel 1010. For example, a plurality of vent holes 1013 penetrating the rear panel 1010 may be formed in the upper portion of the rear panel 1010. The vent holes 1013 allow the air existing in the space surrounded by the rear panel 1010 and the housing 1060 to be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the air existing inside the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 from being heated. In the drawings, there is shown a configuration in which a plurality of vent holes 1013 is formed in a rectangular shape in the upper portion of the rear panel 1010. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The position and shape of the vent holes may be changed in various ways in order to assure smooth discharge of the air.

In the meantime, a plurality of ribs 1014 may be provided on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010. The ribs 1014 may protrude from the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 to enhance the rigidity of the rear panel 1010. In this case, the end portions of the ribs 1014 may be partially cut away to form air circulation grooves 1014a. Due to the existence of the air circulation grooves 1014a, the air passing through the vent holes 1013 may be discharged to the outside.

The tub 1020 may be provided on the front side of the rear panel 1010. In this regard, the tub 1020 may be simultaneously injection-molded with the rear panel 1010 and may be integrally formed with the rear panel 1010. Alternatively, the tub 1020 may be manufactured as a separate member and, then, may be coupled to the rear panel 1010.

A water supply device 1022 and a water drain device 1023 may be connected to the tub 1020. For example, the water supply device 1022 may be connected to the upper portion of the tub 1020, and the water drain device 1023 may be connected to the lower portion of the tub 1020. However, the connection configurations of the water supply device 1022 and the water drain device 1023 may be replaced by various connection configurations commonly used in the related art.

The water supply device 1022 may be connected to an external water supply source. When a user operates an operation unit 1062a to carry out a washing operation, the water supply device 1022 may supply washing water into the tub 1020. The washing water supplied to the tub 1020 may enter the drum 1030 via washing water introduction holes 1030a formed on the outer surface of the drum 1030.

When the washing operation is completed, the washing water may be drained to the outside via the water drain device 1023 installed under the tub 1020.

The drum 1030 may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the tub 1020. For example, a driving shaft 1031 may be connected to the drum 1030. The driving shaft 1031 may be connected to the drive unit 1050 disposed on the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 so that the driving shaft 1031 can receive power from the drive unit 1050.

The drive unit 1050 may be coupled to the rear surface of the rear panel 1010 to rotate the drum 1030. In this regard, the drive unit 1050 may be coupled to the mounting groove portion 1012 of the rear panel 1010. The mounting groove portion 1012 may be formed to be depressed by a predetermined depth from the rear surface of the rear panel 1010. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent interference between the drive unit 1050 and the wall surface W even when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is installed on the wall surface W.

As an example, the drive unit 1050 may include a motor 1051 provided with a rotating shaft 1051a and configured to supply power, a driving wheel 1052 connected to the driving shaft 1031, and a belt 1053 connected to the rotating shaft 1051a and the driving wheel 1052 to transmit the power of the motor 1051 to the driving wheel 1052. Thus, when the motor 1051 rotates, the rotating shaft 1051a of the motor 1051 may rotate the belt 1053, whereby the driving wheel 1052 may be rotated to rotate the drum 1030.

Washing items may be accommodated inside the drum 1030. One or more washing water introduction holes 1030a may be formed on the outer surface of the drum 1030. Thus, the washing water supplied to the tub 1020 may be introduced into the drum 1030 via the washing water introduction holes 1030a to wash the washing items.

Reinforcing ribs 1021 may be provided in the rear portion of the tub 1020 where the tub 1020 and the rear panel 1010 make contact with each other. The terms on directions will now be defined. The term “front” may refer to the direction extending from the rear panel 1010 toward the tub 1020 on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the positive X-axis direction. The term “rear” may refer to the direction extending from the tub 1020 toward the rear panel 1010 on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the negative X-axis direction.

The reinforcing ribs 1021 may be formed along the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion of the tub 1020 to protrude radially outward. The reinforcing ribs 1021 may include first reinforcing ribs 1021a extending in the circumferential direction of the tub 1020 and second reinforcing ribs 1021b configured to connect the rear surfaces of the first reinforcing ribs 1021a and the front surface of the rear panel 1010. In this regard, the second reinforcing ribs 1021b may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tub 1020 to be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. Some of the second reinforcing ribs 1021b may be formed to extend toward the front side of the tub 1020.

The reinforcing ribs 1021 may distribute the stresses that may be concentrated on the portion where the tub 1020 and the rear panel 1010 coupled to each other. This makes it possible to prevent damage of the tub 1020 or separation of the tub 1020 from the rear panel 1010.

A tub front panel 1025 may be coupled to the front side of the tub 1020. The tub front panel 1025 may be coupled to the tub 1020 to form an internal space in which the drum 1030 is disposed. A detour rib 1027 may be provided in the lower portion of the tub front panel 1025. The detour rib 1027 may protrude frontward from the front surface of the tub front panel 1025. The transverse opposite end portions of the detour rib 1027 may be bent downward so as to make curved surfaces. As used herein, the term “transverse” may refer to the left-right direction when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is viewed from the front side, namely the Y-axis direction on the basis of FIG. 3.

A hot water heater power supply unit 1028a for supplying electric power to a hot water heater 1028 may be disposed under the detour rib 1027. Thus, the detour rib 1027 may prevent the washing water flowing out from the interior of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 from making contact with the hot water heater power supply unit 1028a. In addition, an operation unit 1062a coupled to the housing 1060 (to be described later) may be disposed under the detour rib 1027. The detour rib 1027 may prevent the washing water from entering the operation unit 1062a.

An opening 1025a may be formed in the tub front panel 1025. A gasket 1029 for sealing may be coupled to the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the edge portion that forms the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025 may have a step-like shape to increase the coupling strength with the gasket 1029. The gasket 1029 may seal a gap between the housing 1060 and the tub 1020 and may prevent foreign materials from entering a space between the tub front panel 1025 and the drum 1030. The gasket 1029 is fitted to the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. At least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 1029 may make selective contact with the door 1063 (to be described later), and the remaining part of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 1029 may make close contact with the opening 1025a. For example, the gasket 1029 may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the opening 1025a of the tub front panel 1025. The gasket 1029 may have a ring shape with the central portion thereof opened and may be made of a rubber material.

A hot air introduction port 1025b into which a hot air discharged from a hot air supply duct 1043 of the drying device 1040 (to be described later) is introduced may be formed in the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. The hot air introduced through the hot air introduction port 1025b may move toward the drum 1030 disposed inside the tub 1020. A drying process using the hot air will be described later.

Moreover, the drying device 1040 for drying the washing items may be provided on the outer surface of the tub 1020. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the drying device 1040 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic front view showing the drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII′ in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the drying device 1040 is a device for drying washing items by supplying hot air into the tub 1020. The drying device 1040 may be used in conjunction with the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025 and the rear lower portion of the tub 1020.

For example, the drying device 1040 may include a fan 1041 coupled to the upper portion of the tub 1020 and configured to blow air, a hot air supply duct 1043 connected to the fan 1041 and configured to supply the air into the tub 1020 through the hot air introduction port 1025b formed in the tub front panel 1025, a drying heater 1045 provided inside the hot air supply duct 1043 and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct 1043, and a hot air discharge duct 1047 connected to the tub 1020 and configured to guide the air passing through the tub 1020 toward the fan 1041.

In the drying device 1040 provided in the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fan 1041, the hot air supply duct 1043, the tub 1020 and the hot air discharge duct 1047 may form one air circulation path. In other words, the drying device 1040 may perform a drying process by circulating the air inside the wall-mounted washing machine 1000.

A condensing water introduction port 1047a into which condensing water is introduced may be formed in the hot air discharge duct 1047. A separate connector 1047f may be connected to the condensing water introduction port 1047a. A nozzle, a hose and the like for supplying the condensing water may be connected to the connector 1047f.

The condensing water (not shown) injected into the hot air discharge duct 1047 through the condensing water introduction port 1047a may be combined with moisture in the air passing through the hot air discharge duct 1047. This makes it possible to remove the moisture existing in the air. Accordingly, the air is cooled and dehumidified while passing through the hot air discharge duct 1047. In this state, the air may be re-introduced into the fan 1041.

In this regard, at least one curved portion 1047b may be formed on one surface of the hot air discharge duct 1047 opposite to the condensing water introduction port 1047a. The curved portion 1047b may be formed to bulge toward the condensing water introduction port 1047a. In the drawings, there is shown one curved portion 1047b having a convex shape as a whole. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A plurality of curved portions 1047b may be formed in a wave shape or the like (see FIG. 10).

By forming the curved portion 1047b on one surface of the hot air discharge duct 1047 in this way, it is possible to increase the contact area and the contact time of the condensing water with the air passing through the hot air discharge duct 1047.

In other words, the condensing water injected into the hot air discharge duct 1047 through the condensing water introduction port 1047a collides with the curved portion 1047b and then flows toward the lower portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 along the curved portion 1047b. This increases the area and the time in which the condensing water flows along the inner surface of the hot air discharge duct 1047, thereby increasing the contact area and the contact time of the condensing water with the air existing in the hot air discharge duct 1047. Consequently, the effect of dehumidifying and cooling the air introduced into the fan 1041 is enhanced and the drying efficiency of the drying device 1040 is increased.

The condensing water introduction port 1047a may be formed such that the area of the longitudinal cross section grows larger from the central portion toward the opposite end portions. For example, the condensing water introduction port 1047a may be formed such that the width L2 of the end portion becomes larger than the width L1 of the central portion (see FIG. 13). In addition, the condensing water introduction port 1047a may be formed in a polygonal shape with the respective sides of the transverse cross section protruding inward. For example, the transverse cross section of the condensing water introduction port 1047a may be formed in a rhombic shape as a whole with the respective sides of a rectangle protruding inward. As used herein, the term “longitudinal” may refer to the Y-axis direction on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the left-right direction when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is viewed from the front side, and the term “transverse” may refer to the X-axis direction on the basis of FIG. 3, namely the front-rear direction when the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 is viewed from the front side.

By forming the condensing water introduction port 1047a as described above, the surface area of the injected condensing water increases. This makes it possible to increase the contact area between the condensing water and the air flowing through the hot air discharge duct 1047.

A method of drying washing items with the drying device 1040 will be briefly described. When washing is completed and drying is performed by a user, the fan 1041 is operated. If the air moves along the hot air supply duct 1043 by the operation of the fan 1041, the air is heated to a high temperature by the drying heater 1045. The hot air is sequentially introduced into the tub 1020 and the drum 1030 through the tub front panel 1025. The hot air dries the washing items by making contact with the washing items existing inside the drum 1030. Thereafter, the hot air used for drying the washing items is introduced into the hot air discharge duct 1047 through a hot air discharge port 1024 formed in the rear lower portion of the tub 1020. As described above, the hot air is dehumidified by the condensing water and is re-introduced into the fan 1041. Such a process may be repeatedly performed to carry out the drying operation.

In order to enhance the drying efficiency of the drying device 1040, one end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be connected to the fan 1041. The other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043, namely the end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 on the side of the tub front panel 1025, to which the hot air is supplied, may be connected to the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the hot air supply duct 1043 may include a portion extending along the upper surface of the tub 1020 and a portion bent from the extended end portion toward the front surface of the tub 1020 to extend downward. Thus, the other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be connected to the front surface of the tub front panel 1025.

Furthermore, one end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 may be connected to the fan 1041. The other end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047, namely the end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 on the side of the tub 1020, through which the hot air is introduced from the tub 1020 into the drying device 1040, may be connected to the lower rear side of the side surface of the tub 1020. In other words, the other end portion of the hot air supply duct 1043 may be biased frontward on the basis of a centerline C1 shown in FIG. 8 and may be connected to the tub front panel 1025 above a centerline C2 shown in FIG. 7. The other end portion of the hot air discharge duct 1047 may be biased rearward on the side surface of the tub 1020 on the basis of the centerline C1 shown in FIG. 8 and may be connected to the tub 1020 below the centerline C2 shown in FIG. 7.

By connecting the hot air supply duct 1043 and the hot air discharge duct 1047 to the front upper portion of the tub 1020 and the lower rear side of the side surface of the tub 1020 as described above, the hot air is introduced from the hot air supply duct 1043 toward the front side of the tub 1020. After drying the washing items accommodated in the drum 1030, the hot air is discharged through the hot air discharge duct 1047 on the rear side of the tub 1020. Thus, the hot air supplied to the tub 1020 through the drying device 1040 may be circulated through the interior of the drum 1030 as a whole. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the drying efficiency of the washing items. A water level detecting sensor 1070 may be coupled to the tub front panel 1025. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may be formed of, for example, a pressure sensor. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may be connected to a separate pipe branched from the water drain device 1023 of the tub 1020 and may measure the internal pressure of the tub 1020. The water level detecting sensor 1070 may measure the amount of the washing water stored in the tub 1020 by sensing the internal water pressure of the tub 1020.

As one example, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed in the front upper portion of the tub front panel 1025. In this case, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed more frontward than the drying device 1040 disposed above the tub 1020. More specifically, the fan 1041 in the drying device 1040 may be disposed more rearward than the water level detecting sensor 1070.

The water level detecting sensor 1070 is sensitive to heat because it is formed of electronic parts. In other words, when heat of a predetermined temperature or more is applied to the water level detecting sensor 1070, there is a possibility that the water level detecting sensor 1070 is erroneously operated or damaged. Accordingly, it is important to set the positional relationship between the water level detecting sensor 1070 and the drying device 1040 including the drying heater 1045 as a heat generater.

In the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be disposed more adjacent to the fan 1041 than the hot air supply duct 1043 of the drying device 1040. In other words, the distance between the water level detecting sensor 1070 and the fan 1041 may be shorter than the distance between the water level detecting sensor 1070 and the hot air supply duct 1043. In this regard, the distance between certain two members refers to the minimum distance between the two members. When viewed as a whole, the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be biased toward the hot air discharge duct 1047 of the drying device 1040 on the basis of the drying device 1040.

During the operation of the drying device 1040, the air passing through the fan 1041 of the drying device 1040 is moved along the hot air supply duct 1043 and is heated by the drying heater 1045. Thereafter, the air passing through the tub 1020 and the drum 1030 is cooled and dehumidified by the condensing water while moving along the hot air discharge duct 1047. Thus, the temperature of the air introduced into the fan 1041 may be lowest among the temperatures of the air circulation lines of the drying device 1040. As a result, in the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, overheating of the water level detecting sensor 1070 may be prevented by disposing the water level detecting sensor 1070 adjacent to the fan 1041.

Meanwhile, the housing 1060 may be coupled to the rear panel 1010. The housing 1060 is a member coupled to the rear panel 1010 and configured to form an outer shell of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. The housing 1060 may include a side cover 1061 opened on the front and rear sides thereof and coupled to the rim of the rear panel 1010 on the rear side thereof, a front cover 1062 coupled to the open front side of the side cover 1061 and provided with an opening 1062b, and a door 1063 rotatably coupled to the front cover 1062 and configured to selectively close and open the opening 1062b.

An operation unit 1062a may be provided in the front cover 1062. The operation unit 1062a is provided to enable a user to control the wall-mounted washing machine 1000. Buttons of the operation unit 1062a may be exposed through the front cover 1062. The operation unit 1062a may be entirely disposed under the detour rib 1027 formed in the tub front panel 1025 described above. Thus, the washing water leaked from the interior of the wall-mounted washing machine 1000 may flow along the detour rib 1027 without entering the operation unit 1062a.

A hinge coupling portion may be formed in the front cover 1062. The hinge coupling portion may be formed on the front surface of the front cover 1062 to be depressed at a predetermined depth. A door hinge may be coupled to the hinge coupling portion.

The door 1063 may be provided to open and close the opening 1062b of the front cover 1062. For example, the door 1063 may be coupled to the front cover 1062 via the door hinge. A user may close or open the door 1063 using a handle of the door 1063. Alternatively, the door 1063 may be an electronic door opened or closed in a one touch manner through the use of an operation button provided in the front cover 1062.

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. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wall-mounted washing machine, comprising:

a tub; and

a drying device,

wherein the drying device comprises a fan coupled to the tub and configured to blow air, a hot air supply duct coupled to the fan and configured to supply the air into the tub, a drying heater provided inside the hot air supply duct and configured to heat the air introduced into the hot air supply duct, and a hot air discharge duct connected to the tub and configured to guide air passing through the tub toward the fan, the hot air discharge duct having a condensing water introduction port through which condensing water passes, and

wherein at least one curved portion is formed on a surface of the hot air discharge duct opposite to the condensing water introduction port.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the surface of the hot air discharge duct is curved to bulge toward the condensing water introduction port.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the condensing water introduction port is formed such that an area of a longitudinal cross section thereof grows larger from a central portion toward opposite end portions.

4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the condensing water introduction port is formed in a polygonal shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

5. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the condensing water introduction port is formed in a rectangular shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

6. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a rear panel configured to support the tub and capable of being hung on a wall surface;

a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items; and

a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub.

7. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the drying device is configured to supply air to a front upper portion of the tub front panel and receive air from a rear lower portion of the tub.

8. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein an end portion of the hot air supply duct on the side of the tub front panel is connected to the front upper portion of the tub front panel, and an end portion of the hot air discharge duct on the side of the tub is connected to the rear lower portion of the tub.

9. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein a hot air introduction port, through which hot air discharged from the hot air supply duct is introduced, is formed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel, and a hot air discharge port through which hot air passing through the drum is discharged is formed in a rear lower portion of the tub.

10. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein when the fan is operated, air is heated by the drying heater while moving along the hot air supply duct and is introduced into the tub through the tub front panel, and

wherein air passing through the tub is cooled and dehumidified by condensing water while moving along the hot air discharge duct and is introduced into the fan.

11. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein at least one vent hole for circulating air is formed in the rear panel.

12. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein a plurality of ribs is provided on a rear surface of the rear panel, and end portions of the ribs are cut away to form air circulation grooves.

13. A wall-mounted washing machine, comprising:

a rear panel capable of being hung on a wall surface;

a tub configured to store washing water and supported by the rear panel;

a drum rotatably installed inside the tub and configured to accommodate washing items;

a tub front panel coupled to a front surface of the tub; and

a drying device coupled to an outer surface of the tub and configured to dry the washing items,

wherein the drying device includes a hot air discharge duct connected to the tub and configured to discharge air passing through the tub, the hot air discharge duct having a condensing water introduction port, and

wherein a curved portion is formed on a surface of the hot air discharge duct opposite to the condensing water introduction port.

14. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the surface of the hot air discharge duct is curved to bulge toward the condensing water introduction port.

15. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the condensing water introduction port is formed such that an area of a longitudinal cross section thereof grows larger from a central portion toward opposite end portions.

16. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein a cross section of the condensing water introduction port is formed in a polygonal shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

17. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein a cross section of the condensing water introduction port is formed in a rectangular shape with the respective sides thereof protruding inward.

18. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the drying device is configured to supply air to a front upper portion of the tub front panel and receive air from a rear lower portion of the tub.

19. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein a hot air introduction port through which hot air discharged from the hot air supply duct is introduced is formed in a front upper portion of the tub front panel, and a hot air discharge port through which hot air passing through the drum is discharged is formed in a rear lower portion of the tub.

20. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein when the fan is operated, air is heated by the drying heater while moving along the hot air supply duct and is introduced into the tub through the tub front panel, and

wherein air passing through the tub is cooled and dehumidified by condensing water while moving along the hot air discharge duct and is introduced into the fan.