U.S. patent application number 10/853182 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for washing machine.
Invention is credited to Choi, Byung Keol, Hong, Moon Hee, Hong, Sang Wook, Jeon, Si Moon, Lee, Tae Hee, Seo, Hyun Seok.
Application Number | 20050028564 10/853182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33550325 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Tae Hee ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Washing machine
Abstract
Disclosed is a washing machine provided with a nozzle for
spraying washing water into a drum at a broadened angle, thus
improving washing efficiency and rinsing efficiency and reducing a
quantity of the washing water consumed. The washing machine
comprises a tub for containing washing water, a drum rotatably
arranged in the tub for accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating
the drum, and a washing water-circulating device for circulating
the washing water so that the washing water in the tub is sprayed
into the drum, wherein the washing water-circulating device
includes a nozzle having a vertical water-spraying angle in the
range of 30.degree. to 40.degree..
Inventors: |
Lee, Tae Hee; (Seoul,
KR) ; Choi, Byung Keol; (Kyungki-do, KR) ;
Seo, Hyun Seok; (Inchun-si, KR) ; Hong, Sang
Wook; (Seoul, KR) ; Hong, Moon Hee; (Seoul,
KR) ; Jeon, Si Moon; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
33550325 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853182 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/24 ; 68/142;
68/207; 68/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/088 20130101;
B05B 1/267 20130101; D06F 39/083 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/024 ;
068/058; 068/142; 068/207 |
International
Class: |
D06F 039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 7, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-54629 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A washing machine comprising a tub for containing washing water,
a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for accommodating laundry, a
motor for rotating the drum, and a washing water-circulating device
for circulating the washing water so that the washing water in the
tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the washing water-circulating
device includes a nozzle having a vertical water-spraying angle in
the range of 30 to 40'.
2. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the washing
water-circulating device further includes a cylinder installed on a
gasket arranged in front of the tub and provided with a through
hole for passing the circulated washing water.
3. The washing machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the washing
water-circulating device includes: a drainage bellows tube having
one end connected to a drainage hole formed in the tub for guiding
the washing water in the tub; a circulating pump to which the other
end of the drainage bellows tube is connected for pumping the
guided washing water; and a circulating hose having one end
connected to the circulating pump and the other end connected to
the cylinder for guiding the pumped washing water to the
cylinder.
4. The washing machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the through
hole of the cylinder has a diameter, which is 0.4 to 0.65 times as
large as the diameter of the nozzle.
5. The washing machine as set forth in claim 2, wherein the nozzle
includes: an upper horizontal portion protruded horizontally from a
lower end of the cylinder; a front vertical portion protruded
perpendicularly from the upper horizontal portion; and a lower
sloping portion extended from a lower end of the front vertical
portion at a vertical sloping angle in the range of 30' to
40.degree. and arranged opposite to the through hole.
6. The washing machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein a central
part of the lower sloping portion is spaced from a lower end of the
through hole by a distance of 2 mm to 4 mm.
7. The washing machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the lower
sloping portion has a length of 20 mm to 25 mm.
8. A washing machine comprising a tub for containing washing water,
a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for accommodating laundry, a
motor for rotating the drum, and a washing water-circulating device
for circulating the washing water so that the washing water in the
tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the washing water-circulating
device includes a nozzle having a horizontal water-spraying angle
in the range of 110.degree. to 130.degree..
9. The washing machine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the nozzle
has an opened rear surface and an angle between both side surfaces
thereof in the range of 130.degree. to 140.degree..
10. The washing machine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the
washing water-circulating device further includes a cylinder
installed on a gasket arranged in front of the tub and provided
with a through hole for passing the circulated washing water.
11. The washing machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes: a drainage bellows tube
having one end connected to a drainage hole formed in the tub for
guiding the washing water in the tub; a circulating pump to which
the other end of the drainage bellows tube is connected for pumping
the guided washing water; and a circulating hose having one end
connected to the circulating pump and the other end connected to
the cylinder for guiding the pumped washing water to the
cylinder.
12. The washing machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the
nozzle includes: an upper horizontal portion protruded horizontally
from a lower end of the cylinder; a front vertical portion
protruded perpendicularly from the upper horizontal portion; a
lower sloping portion extended from a lower end of the front
vertical portion and located to be opposite to the through hole of
the cylinder; and side vertical portions located between both sides
of the upper horizontal portion and the lower sloping portion at a
horizontal sloping angle in the range of 130' to 140.degree..
13. A washing machine comprising a tub for containing washing
water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for accommodating
laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, and a washing
water-circulating device for circulating the washing water so that
the washing water in the tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle having different
right and left vertical water-spraying angles.
14. The washing machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein one angle
of the right and left vertical water-spraying angles of the nozzle
is in the range of 5.degree. to 20.degree., and the other angle of
the right and left vertical water-spraying angles of the nozzle is
in the range of 30 to 50.degree..
15. The washing machine as set forth in claim 13, wherein the
washing water-circulating device further includes a cylinder
installed on a gasket arranged in front of the tub and provided
with a through hole for passing the circulated washing water.
16. The washing machine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes: a drainage bellows tube
having one end connected to a drainage hole formed in the tub for
guiding the washing water in the tub; a circulating pump to which
the other end of the drainage bellows tube is connected for pumping
the guided washing water; and a circulating hose having one end
connected to the circulating pump and the other end connected to
the cylinder for guiding the pumped washing water to the
cylinder.
17. The washing machine as set forth in claim 15, wherein the
nozzle includes: an upper horizontal portion protruded horizontally
from a lower end of the cylinder; a front vertical portion
protruded perpendicularly from the upper horizontal portion; and a
lower sloping portion extended from a lower end of the front
vertical portion, located to be opposite to the through hole of the
cylinder, and having one vertical water-spraying angle in the range
of 5 to 20 and the other vertical water-spraying angle in the range
of 30.degree. to 50.degree..
18. A washing machine comprising a tub for containing washing
water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for accommodating
laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, and a washing
water-circulating device for circulating the washing water so that
the washing water in the tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle having different
right and left horizontal water-spraying angles.
19. The washing machine as set forth in claim 18, wherein one angle
of the right and left horizontal water-spraying angles of the
nozzle is in the range of 30 to 50.degree., and the other angle of
the right and left horizontal water-spraying angles of the nozzle
is in the range of 60.degree. to 80.degree..
20 The washing machine as set forth in claim 18, wherein the
washing water-circulating device further includes a cylinder
installed on a gasket arranged in front of the tub and provided
with a through hole for passing the circulated washing water.
21. The washing machine as set forth in claim 20, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes: a drainage bellows tube
having one end connected to a drainage hole formed in the tub for
guiding the washing water in the tub; a circulating pump to which
the other end of the drainage bellows tube is connected for pumping
the guided washing water; and a circulating hose having one end
connected to the circulating pump and the other end connected to
the cylinder for guiding the pumped washing water to the
cylinder.
22. The washing machine as set forth in claim 20, wherein the
nozzle includes: an upper horizontal portion protruded horizontally
from a lower end of the cylinder; a front vertical portion
protruded perpendicularly from the upper horizontal portion; and a
lower sloping portion extended from a lower end of the front
vertical portion, located to be opposite to the through hole of the
cylinder, and having one horizontal water-spraying angle in the
range of 30' to 50.degree. and the other horizontal water-spraying
angle in the range of 60.degree. to 80.degree..
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more
particularly to a washing machine provided with an improved nozzle
for spraying washing water into a drum at a broadened angle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, washing machines are apparatuses for removing
contaminants from laundry by the action of detergent and water.
[0005] Such washing machines are divided into agitator-type washing
machines, pulsator-type washing machines, and drum-type washing
machines.
[0006] The agitator-type washing machine washes laundry placed
therein by rotating a rod rising from a central area of a washing
tank in both directions. The pulsator-type washing machine washes
laundry placed therein by means of friction between the laundry and
a water current generated by rotating a pulsator having a disk
shape installed on a lower portion of a washing tank in both
directions. The drum-type washing machine washes laundry placed in
a drum by rotating the drum including a plurality of lifters
protruded from an inner surface thereof and containing water,
detergent and the laundry.
[0007] The above-described conventional washing machines, such as
the agitator-type washing machines, the pulsator-type washing
machines, and the drum-type washing machines, are provided with
various subsidiary devices for increasing washing efficiency. For
example, a washing water-circulating device is installed in the
washing machines.
[0008] The washing water-circulating device causes water containing
detergent or pure and clean water without detergent (hereinafter,
referred to as "washing water") to soak into the laundry placed in
the drum, thus reducing a quantity of the washing water. Further,
the washing water-circulating device increases friction between the
laundry and a current of the washing water, thus increasing washing
capacity. Accordingly, the washing water-circulating device serves
to pump the washing water placed in the lower portion of a tub and
to spray the pumped washing water into the drum.
[0009] The washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle for
spraying circulating washing water into the drum. The circulating
washing water sprayed from the nozzle is required to be directed to
the inside of the drum at a broadened angle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide a washing machine provided with a nozzle for spraying
washing water into a drum at a broadened angle, thus improving
washing efficiency and rinsing efficiency, and reducing a quantity
of the washing water consumed.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a
washing machine comprising a tub for containing washing water, a
drum rotatably arranged in the tub for accommodating laundry, a
motor for rotating the drum, and a washing water-circulating device
for circulating the washing water so that the washing water in the
tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the washing water-circulating
device includes a nozzle having a vertical water-spraying angle in
the range of 30.degree. to 40.degree..
[0012] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising a tub for
containing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for
accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, and a washing
water-circulating device for circulating the washing water so that
the washing water in the tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle having a
horizontal water-spraying angle in the range of 110.degree. to
130.degree..
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a washing machine comprising a tub for containing
washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for
accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, and a washing
water-circulating device for circulating the washing water so that
the washing water in the tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle having different
right and left vertical water-spraying angles.
[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising a tub for
containing washing water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for
accommodating laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, and a washing
water-circulating device for circulating the washing water so that
the washing water in the tub is sprayed into the drum, wherein the
washing water-circulating device includes a nozzle having different
right and left horizontal water-spraying angles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an
embodiment of a washing machine in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the embodiment of
the washing machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal-sectional view of a first
embodiment of a nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded sectional view of the first
embodiment of the nozzle, through which washing water is sprayed
into a drum, in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
the nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a third embodiment of the nozzle of
the washing machine in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded sectional view of the third
embodiment of the nozzle, through which washing water is sprayed
into the drum, in accordance with the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of
the nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings. In the
drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same
reference numerals even though they are depicted in different
drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a
detailed description of known functions and configurations
incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject
matter of the present invention rather unclear.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an
embodiment of a washing machine in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal-sectional view of the
embodiment of the washing machine in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine of the
present invention comprises a casing 2, a tub 10 located in the
casing 2 so that the tub 10 is stably supported by the casing 2 for
containing washing water (w), a drum 20 rotatably arranged in the
tub 10 for accommodating laundry (m), and a driving motor 30 for
rotating the drum 20.
[0027] The casing 2 includes a base 3 provided with a damper 3a
connected to the tub 10, a cabinet 4 located on the base 3 for
surrounding both side surfaces and a rear surface of the tub 10 and
provided with a spring 4a connected thereto for suspending the tub
10 therewith, a cabinet cover 5 arranged in front of the cabinet 4
for covering a front surface of the cabinet 4 and provided with an
entrance hole 5a formed at a central area thereof for placing the
laundry (m) into the tub 10 therethrough, a top plate 6 for
covering an upper surface of the cabinet 4, and a control panel 7
installed on an upper surface of the cabinet cover 5 or the top
plate 6 for controlling the washing machine.
[0028] A door 9 for opening and closing the entrance hole 5a is
installed on the cabinet cover 5.
[0029] The door 9 includes a door frame 9c provided with an opening
at a central area thereof and a locking unit 9b locked with the
cabinet cover 5 and provided with one side connected to the cabinet
cover 5 by a hinge 9a, and a door glass 9d installed at the opening
of the door frame 9c and formed in a convex surface directed to the
drum 20.
[0030] The tub 10 includes an opening 12 for allowing the laundry
(m) to be put into the drum 20 therethrough, and a gasket 14
provided with a sealing portion, contacting a rear surface of the
door frame 9c or the door glass 9d, around the opening 12, thereby
preventing the washing water (w) from leaking from the tub 10 and
the laundry (m) from being separated from the tub 10.
[0031] The drum 20 includes an entrance hole 21 formed through a
front surface thereof for placing the laundry (m) into the drum 20
therethrough, a plurality of through holes 22 formed through a side
surface and a rear surface thereof for allowing the washing water
(w) to pass through the drum 20 therethrough, and lifters 23 formed
on an inner circumference thereof for lifting and dropping the
laundry (m). A lower portion of the drum 20 is submerged in the
washing water (w) in the tub 10.
[0032] The driving motor 30 is installed on the rear surface of the
tub 10. A rotary shaft 31 of the driving motor 30, which penetrates
the rear surface of the tub 10, is supported by the tub 10 and
connected to the rear surface of the drum 20.
[0033] A water supply unit is provided on the tub 10 for supplying
the washing water (w) into the tub 10.
[0034] The water supply unit includes a water supply valve 41
connected to an external hose 40 for intermittently controlling
clean water (w) supplied from the external hose 40, a water supply
hose 42 for guiding the water passed through the water supply valve
41, a detergent box 43 including a detergent storing space, a water
supply passage and an outlet for causing the water supplied from
the water supply hose 42 to be mixed with detergent stored by the
detergent storing space and then to be discharged therefrom, and a
water supply bellows tube 44 having one end connected to the outlet
of the detergent box 43 and the other end connected to an inlet
formed at a designated position of the upper surface of the tub 10
for guiding the water or detergent discharged from the detergent
box 43 into the tub 10.
[0035] A drainage hole 15 is formed through the lower surface of
the tub 10 for discharging the washing water (w) to the outside
therethrough, and is connected to a drainage bellows tube 48 for
guiding the washing water (w) discharged from the tub 10.
[0036] A pump unit 50, for pumping out or re-circulating into the
drum 20 the washing water (w) discharged from the tub 10 through
the drainage hole 15 and the drainage bellows tube 48, is connected
to the drainage bellows tube 48.
[0037] The pump unit 50 includes a filter case 52, a drainage pump
54, and a circulating pump 56.
[0038] The filter case 52 includes a connector connected to the
drainage bellows tube 48, a passage, for passing the washing water
(w) therethrough, connected to the drainage pump 54 and the
circulating pump 56, and a filter for filtering foreign substances,
such as waste pieces of thread, from the washing water (w).
[0039] A drainage hose 55 extended toward the outside of the casing
2 is connected to the drainage pump 54, and serves to discharge the
washing water (w) introduced into the pump case 52 to the outside
in a drain mode of the washing machine.
[0040] A circulating hose 60 extended toward the upper end of the
gasket 14 is connected to the circulating pump 56, and serves to
pump out the washing water (w) introduced into the filter case 52
in a wash or rinse mode of the washing machine.
[0041] One end of the circulating hose 60 is adjacent to the upper
end of the gasket 14.
[0042] A spraying unit provided with a nozzle for spraying the
guided washing water (w) into the drum 20 is connected to the
circulating hose 60.
[0043] FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal-sectional view of a first
embodiment of a nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with
the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded sectional
view of the first embodiment of the nozzle, through which washing
water is sprayed into a drum, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gasket 14 includes a
cylindrical rib 14b, and a through hole 14a formed through the
cylindrical rib 14b.
[0045] The spraying unit serves to spray the washing water pumped
through the circulating hose 60 from the inside of the gasket 14 to
the inside of the drum 20, and includes a cylinder 72 protruded
from the upper end of the cylindrical rib 14b, connected to the
circulating hose 60 and provided with a through hole 72a, located
in the through hole 14a and the cylindrical rib 14b for passing the
washing water (w) therethrough, and a nozzle 74 provided on a lower
end of the cylinder 72 for spraying the washing water passed
through the cylinder 72 into the drum 20 at a broadened angle.
[0046] A protrusion 72b, formed in a hook structure, is formed on
an outer circumference of the cylinder 72 and caught by an upper
portion of the cylindrical rib 14b, thereby preventing the cylinder
72 from coming out from the lower end of the gasket 14 due to a
dead weight of the cylinder 72, a water flow and external
vibration.
[0047] The cylinder 72 is pushed into the gasket 14 through the
through hole 14a.
[0048] The nozzle 74 is formed integrally with the lower end of the
cylinder 72, and located on the upper portion of the inside of the
gasket 14.
[0049] The nozzle 74 has a vertical spraying angle (a) in the range
of 30.degree. to 40.degree. so that the washing water (w) sprayed
from the nozzle 74 is directed to the lower portion of the rear
surface 26 or the circumferential portion 28 of the drum 20.
[0050] In case that the vertical spraying angle (.alpha.) of the
nozzle 74 is excessively small, the sprayed washing water (w) is
directed only to the upper portion of the rear surface 26 of the
drum 20. In case that the vertical spraying angle (.alpha.) of the
nozzle 74 is excessively large, the sprayed washing water (w) is
directed only to the front part of the circumferential portion 28
of the drum 20. Accordingly, the vertical spraying angle (a) of the
nozzle 74 is limited to 30.degree. to 40.degree. so that the
sprayed washing water (w) is uniformly directed into the drum
20.
[0051] A rear surface of the nozzle 74 facing the rear surface 26
of the drum 20 is opened, and both side surfaces of the nozzle 74
are partially opened. The nozzle 74 includes an upper horizontal
portion 75 protruded horizontally from the lower end of the
cylinder 72, a front vertical portion 76 protruded perpendicularly
from the upper horizontal portion 75, and a lower sloping portion
77 extended from a lower end of the front vertical portion 76 and
located below the through hole 72a.
[0052] The front vertical portion 76 is bent from a front end of
the upper horizontal portion 75.
[0053] In case that the lower sloping portion 77 has an excessively
small nozzle height (H), which is a distance from the lower end of
the through hole 72a to the lower sloping portion 77, it is
difficult to efficiently spray the washing water (w). In case that
the lower sloping portion 77 has an excessively large nozzle height
(H), the lower sloping portion 77 interferes with the door glass 9d
and a spraying length of the washing water (w) directed to the
inside of the drum 20 is reduced. Accordingly, preferably, the
lower sloping portion 77 has a nozzle height (H) in the range of 2
mm to 4 mm.
[0054] Preferably, the lower sloping portion 77 has a length (L)
limited to the range of 20 mm to 25 mm so as to sufficiently guide
the washing water (w) and prevent the interference with the door
glass 9d located around the lower sloping portion 77.
[0055] When the through hole 72a of the cylinder 72 has a reduced
diameter (d), the water spraying length of the lower sloping
portion 77 is increased and a passage loss is increased.
Accordingly, in case that the vertical spraying angle (.alpha.) of
the nozzle 74 is in the range of 30.degree. to 40.degree., it is
preferable that the diameter (d) of the through hole 72a of the
cylinder 70 is 0.4 to 0.65 times as large as the diameter (D) of
the nozzle 74.
[0056] Hereinafter, operation of the washing machine of the present
invention will be described in detail.
[0057] First, the laundry (m) is put into drum 20, and the door 9
is closed into the cabinet cover 5. Thereafter, the washing machine
is operated. Then, the lower portion of the tub 10, the drainage
bellows tube 48 and the filter case 52 are filled with the washing
water (w) supplied from the water supply bellows tube 44, and the
laundry (m) in the drum 20 is submerged in the washing water (w)
introduced thereinto through the through holes 22.
[0058] Thereafter, the driving motor 30 is operated so as to rotate
the drum 20, and the laundry (m) in the drum 20 is lifted and then
dropped by the lifters 23, thereby being cleaned by the action of
the detergent and the water.
[0059] In a water supply or wash mode of the washing machine, the
circulating pump 56 is operated so as to pump out the washing water
(w) within the filter case 52. The washing water (w) pumped by the
circulating pump 56 is guided to the upper portion of the gasket 14
through the circulating hose 60, passes through the through hole
72a of the cylinder 72, and is then dropped.
[0060] The washing water (w) dropped through the through hole 72a
of the cylinder 72 collides with the upper surface of the lower
sloping portion 77, and is then sprayed onto the lower portion of
the rear surface 26 or the circumferential portion 28 of the drum
20, thereby uniformly soaking the laundry (m).
[0061] Generally, the laundry (m) is lifted up to the upper portion
of the inside of the drum 20, and is then dropped. However, a part
of the laundry (m) is lifted up to a middle portion of the inside
of the drum 20 and is then dropped, and the washing water (w)
sprayed by the nozzle 72 is directed broadly to the lower portion
of the rear surface 26 or the circumferential portion 28 of the
drum 20. Therefore, the washing water (w) directly soaks the part
of the laundry (m), which is lifted up to the middle portion of the
inside of the drum 20 and is then dropped.
[0062] That is, since the washing water (w), which circulates,
uniformly soaks all of the laundry (m), the washing machine of the
present invention reduces a quantity of the supplied washing water
(w) at the same washing capacity and improves washing efficiency at
the same quantity of the washing water (w) consumed.
[0063] After the wash mode of the washing machine is finished,
contaminated water remains in the lower portion of the tub 10, the
drainage bellows tube 48 and the filter case 52. Such contaminated
water is discharged to the outside through the drainage hose 55
when the drainage pump 54 is operated.
[0064] Further, the washing machine is operated in a rinse mode, in
which clean washing water (w) is supplied into the tub 10 so as to
rinse soap bubbles out of the laundry (m). In case that the rinse
mode of the washing machine is selected, the washing water (w)
supplied from the water supply bellows tube 44 is contained in the
lower portion of the tub 10, the drainage bellows tube 48 and the
filter case 52, the motor 30 is driven so as to rotate the drum 20
for rinsing the laundry (w), and the laundry (m) in the drum 20 is
lifted by the lifters 23 and is then dropped. Thereby, soap bubbles
are rinsed out of the laundry (m) by the washing water (w).
[0065] During the water supply or rinse mode of the washing
machine, the circulating pump 56 is operated in the same manner as
in the wash mode of the washing machine, and the washing water (w)
passed through the nozzle 74 is broadly sprayed onto the lower
portion of the rear surface 26 or the circumferential portion 28 of
the drum 20 at a vertical spraying angle (.alpha.) of the lower
sloping portion 77 in the range of 30.degree. to 40.degree., thus
uniformly soaking the laundry (m). Accordingly, the washing machine
of the present invention reduces a quantity of the supplied washing
water (w) at the same rinsing capacity and improves rinsing
efficiency at the same quantity of the washing water (w).
[0066] Since the rinsing efficiency is directly proportional to the
quantity of the washing water and the square of the number of times
of rinse mode, it is preferable to repeat the rinse mode several
times using a small quantity of the washing water (w) in order to
obtain the same rinsing capacity. Since the washing water (w)
sprayed by the nozzle 74 uniformly contacts the laundry (m), the
number of times, that the rinse mode is performed, is increased in
order to reduce the quantity of the washing water (w) while
maintaining the rinsing capacity.
[0067] After the rinse mode of the washing machine is finished,
contaminated water remains in the lower portion of the tub 10, the
drainage bellows tube 48 and the filter case 52. Such contaminated
water is discharged to the outside through the drainage hose 55
when the drainage pump 54 is operated.
[0068] Thereafter, in case that a dehydration mode of the washing
machine is selected, the drum 20 is rotated at a high speed so that
the laundry (m) is centrifugally dehydrated.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
the nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with the present
invention.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle 74 of this embodiment has a
horizontal spraying angle in the range of 110.degree. to
130.degree. so that the sprayed washing water is not spread over
sides of the nozzle 74 and is directed concentrically to the inside
of the drum 20. Other elements, such as the circulating device, in
the second embodiment except for the nozzle 74 are substantially
the same as those in the first embodiment and thus denoted by the
same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different
drawings. Thus, a detailed description of such elements in the
second embodiment will be omitted because it is considered to be
unnecessary.
[0071] The washing water (w) sprayed by the nozzle 74 tends to
gradually get bent inwardly. Preferably, the nozzle 74 has an
opened rear surface and an angle between both side surfaces of the
nozzle 74 in the range of 130.degree. to 140' in order to obtain
the horizontal spraying angle of the nozzle 74 in the range of
110.degree. to 130.degree..
[0072] The nozzle 74 includes the upper horizontal portion
protruded horizontally from the lower end of the cylinder, the
front vertical portion 76 protruded perpendicularly from the upper
horizontal portion, the lower sloping portion 77 extended from the
lower end of the front vertical portion 76, and side vertical
portions 78 and 79 located between both sides of the upper
horizontal portion and the lower sloping portion 77 at a horizontal
sloping angle in the range of 130.degree. to 140.degree.. The
washing water (w) colliding with the upper surface of the lower
sloping portion 77 is collected by the side vertical portions 78
and 79, and concentrically sprayed into the drum 20.
[0073] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a third embodiment of the nozzle of
the washing machine in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
7 is a partially exploded sectional view of the third embodiment of
the nozzle, through which washing water is sprayed into the drum,
in accordance with the present invention.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the nozzle 74 of this embodiment
has left and right vertical spraying angles having different
degrees. Other elements, such as the circulating device, in the
third embodiment except for the nozzle 74 are substantially the
same as those in the first or second embodiment and thus denoted by
the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in
different drawings. Thus, a detailed description of such elements
in the third embodiment will be omitted because it is considered to
be unnecessary.
[0075] The nozzle 74 includes the upper horizontal portion 75
protruded horizontally from the lower end of the cylinder 72, the
front vertical portion 76 protruded perpendicularly from the upper
horizontal portion 75, and the lower sloping portion 77 extended
from the lower end of the front vertical portion 76 and located to
be opposite to the through hole of the cylinder 72. Here, one side
of the lower sloping portion 77 has a vertical spraying angle in
the range of 5.degree. to 20.degree., and the other side of the
lower sloping portion 77 has a vertical spraying angle in the range
of 30.degree. to 50'.
[0076] The washing water collides with the upper surface of the
lower sloping portion 77 of the nozzle 74, and is then sprayed from
both sides of the lower sloping portion 77 at different vertical
spraying angles.
[0077] That is, a part of the washing water guided to one portion
77a, having a larger vertical spraying angle, of the nozzle 74 is
sprayed onto the circumferential portion 28 of the drum 20, and the
other part of the washing water guided to the other portion 77b,
having a smaller vertical spraying angle, of the nozzle 74 is
sprayed onto the rear surface 26 of the drum 20.
[0078] Further, it is possible to linearly reduce the vertical
spraying angles of the portions 77a and 77b, to reduce the vertical
spraying angles of the portions 77a and 77b step by step, or to
irregularly arrange the portions 77a and 77b in a horizontal
direction.
[0079] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of
the nozzle of the washing machine in accordance with the present
invention.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle 74 of this embodiment has
horizontal spraying angles (Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2) of different degrees.
Other elements, such as the circulating device, in the fourth
embodiment except for the nozzle 74 are substantially the same as
those in the first, second or third embodiment and thus denoted by
the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in
different drawings. Thus, a detailed description of such elements
in the fourth embodiment will be omitted because it is considered
to be unnecessary.
[0081] The nozzle 74 includes the upper horizontal portion
protruded horizontally from the lower end of the cylinder, the
front vertical portion 76 protruded perpendicularly from the upper
horizontal portion, the lower sloping portion 77 extended from the
lower end of the front vertical portion 76 and located to be
opposite to the through hole of the cylinder, and the side vertical
portions 78 and 79, located between both sides of the upper
horizontal portion and the lower sloping portion 77, having
difference horizontal sloping angles. Here, one side of the lower
sloping portion 77 has a horizontal spraying angle in the range of
30.degree. to 50.degree., and the other side of the lower sloping
portion 77 has a horizontal spraying angle in the range of
60.degree. to 80'.
[0082] That is, the nozzle 74 has an opened rear surface, and one
side vertical portion 78 of the side vertical portions 78 and 79
has a comparatively small horizontal spraying angle (Y.sub.1),
thereby allowing washing water, which collides with the lower
sloping portion 77 and is guided along the side vertical portion
78, to be directed to the rear surface of the drum. Further, the
other side vertical portion 79 of the side vertical portions 78 and
79 has a comparatively large horizontal spraying angle (Y.sub.2),
thereby allowing washing water, which collides with the lower
sloping portion 77 and is guided along the side vertical portion
79, to be directed to the circumferential portion of the drum.
[0083] As apparent from the above description, the washing machine
of the present invention has advantages as follows.
[0084] First, the washing machine comprises a nozzle having a
vertical spraying angle in the range of 30.degree. to 40.degree. so
that washing water sprayed from the nozzle is directed to a lower
portion of a rear surface or a circumferential portion of a drum
and uniformly directed to laundry in the drum, thereby improving
washing and rinsing efficiency and reducing a quantity of the
washing water consumed.
[0085] Second, a washing machine comprises a nozzle having a
horizontal spraying angle in the range of 110.degree. to
130.degree. so that washing water sprayed from the nozzle is
concentrically directed to the drum in order to minimize washing
water leakage through a gap between the drum and the tub, thereby
improving washing and rinsing efficiency and reducing a quantity of
the washing water consumed.
[0086] Third, a washing machine comprises a nozzle having different
left and right vertical spraying angles so that a part of washing
water guided to a portion of the nozzle having a comparatively
small vertical spraying angle is directed to a rear surface of a
drum and the part of washing water guided to a portion of the
nozzle having a comparatively large vertical spraying angle is
directed to a circumferential portion of the drum, thus allowing
the washing water to be uniformly directed to laundry in the drum,
thereby improving washing and rinsing efficiency and reducing a
quantity of the washing water consumed.
[0087] Fourth, a washing machine comprises a nozzle having
different left and right horizontal spraying angles so that a part
of washing water guided to a portion of the nozzle having a
comparatively small horizontal spraying angle is directed to a rear
surface of a drum and the part of washing water guided to a portion
having a comparatively large horizontal spraying angle is directed
to a circumferential portion of the drum, thus allowing the washing
water to be uniformly directed to laundry in the drum, thereby
improving washing and rinsing efficiency and reducing a quantity of
the washing water consumed.
[0088] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *