U.S. patent application number 12/840869 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for laundry treating machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Kyungmun Jung, Youngjong Kim, Hyuksoo Lee.
Application Number | 20110016927 12/840869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43495962 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Youngjong ; et
al. |
January 27, 2011 |
LAUNDRY TREATING MACHINE
Abstract
The laundry treating machine includes a silencer for covering
the upper space over the drain hole, whereby the upper space over
the drain hole is always filled with washing water and the
generation of a vortex is prevented. Thus, abnormal noise during
drainage is prevented, thereby contributing to a quiet operation of
the washing machine and improving consumer trust.
Inventors: |
Kim; Youngjong;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Jung; Kyungmun; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Lee; Hyuksoo; (Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
43495962 |
Appl. No.: |
12/840869 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/15 ;
68/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/04 20130101;
D06F 39/083 20130101; D06F 39/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/15 ;
68/131 |
International
Class: |
D06F 29/00 20060101
D06F029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 22, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0066980 |
Jul 23, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0067365 |
Jul 23, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0067369 |
Jan 22, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0006141 |
Claims
1. A laundry treating machine comprising: an outer tub which has a
drain hole formed for discharging the washing water; and a silencer
which is arranged over the drain hole for covering the upper space
apart from the top of the drain hole in the vertical direction and
for preventing noise generated by drainage.
2. The laundry treating machine of claim 1, wherein the silencer
comprises a drain hole cap which covers the upper space top over
the drain hole and has an entrance part formed at a lateral side
for flowing the washing water in the outer tub into the lateral
direction.
3. The laundry treating machine of claim 2, wherein the drain hole
cap is disposed for going through the drain hole and is apart from
the top end of the drain hole with the predetermined distance in
the vertical direction for covering the upper space over the drain
hole.
4. The laundry treating machine of claim 1, wherein a concave
groove is formed on the bottom surface of the outer tub, and a top
end of the drain hole cap is arranged lower than a top end of the
concave groove.
5. The laundry treating machine of claim 1, wherein the drain hole
cap comprises: an exit part which is formed to be opened so as to
be connected with the drain hole and to discharge the washing
water; a cover part which is disposed to be separated from the exit
part to the vertical direction with the predetermined distance and
covers the upper space apart from the drain hole in the vertical
direction; and a connection part which connects the exit part and
the cover part.
6. The laundry treating machine of claim 5, wherein the cover part
is shaped of a plate and is formed larger than the cross-sectional
area of the drain hole.
7. The laundry treating machine of claim 1, wherein the drain hole
cap is shaped of a cylinder and the side surface and the bottom
surface of the drain hole cap are opened, and a part of the lower
body is inserted into the drain hole.
8. The laundry treating machine of claim 1, wherein the silencer
comprises a plate shaped drain hole cover which is disposed to be
separated from the drain hole to the vertical direction with the
predetermined distance and is formed to cover the upper space apart
from the drain hole.
9. The laundry treating machine of claim 8, further comprising a
heater which is disposed above the drain hole and heats the washing
water, and the plate shaped drain hole cover is disposed between
the heater and the drain hole.
10. The laundry treating machine of claim 8, wherein the plate
shaped drain hole cover comprises: a connection part which is fixed
to the outer tub; and a cover part which is extended from the
connection part and covers the drain hole by being arranged over
the drain hole.
11. The laundry treating machine of claim 9, further comprising a
heater mounting groove which is formed concave on the bottom
surface of the outer tub and mounts the heater thereon, and the
plate shaped drain hole cover comprises: a cover part which is
disposed in the heater mounting groove and covers the drain hole;
and a connection part which is bent upward at the cover part and
fixed to the outer tub which is the outside of the heater mounting
groove.
12. The laundry treating machine of claim 8, further comprising a
heater which is disposed above the drain hole and heats the washing
water, and the plate shaped drain hole cover is connected to the
heater.
13. The laundry treating machine of claim 12, wherein the plate
shaped drain hole cover comprises a heater connection part which is
mounted on the top of the heater; and a cover part which is
extended from the heater connection part and covers the drain hole
by being arranged over the drain hole for preventing noise.
14. A laundry treating machine comprising: an outer tub which has a
drain hole formed on the bottom surface for discharging the washing
water; a heater mounting groove which is formed concave on the
bottom surface of the outer tub; a heater which is disposed in the
heater mounting groove and heats the washing water in the outer
tub; and a heater cover which is disposed on the heater mounting
groove so as to cover the top of the heater and fully covers the
upper space apart from the drain hole in the vertical
direction.
15. The laundry treating machine of claim 14, wherein the heater
cover comprises a heater cover hole which forms a washing water
flow path between the outer tub and the heater mounting groove.
16. The laundry treating machine of claim 14, wherein the heater
cover hole is disposed at a position which does not overlap the
drain hole to the vertical direction.
17. The laundry treating machine of claim 14, wherein the
circumference of the heater cover hole is disposed to be separated
from the circumference of the drain hole to the vertical and
horizontal direction with the predetermined distance.
18. The laundry treating machine of claim 14, wherein the heater
cover covers the heater mounting groove, and is disposed flat with
the bottom surface of the outer tub.
19. The laundry treating machine of claim 14, wherein a plurality
of heater cover holes are shaped differently, and disposed at the
different positions.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine,
and more particularly, to a laundry treating machine which can
reduce noise generated during drainage.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, laundry treating machines are classified into
washing machines removing dirt or dust from clothes, bedclothes,
etc (hereinafter, referred to as `laundry`) by using water and
detergent and using mechanical operations, dryers drying wet
laundry by using a dry, hot wind generated by a heater and using
mechanical operations, and combination washer dryers performing
both a washing function and a drying function.
[0005] Also, the washing machines may be classified into a top
loading type washing machine having a laundry inlet/outlet hole
formed in the top surface of a cabinet and through which laundry
comes in and out and performing washing using a spinning stream of
water generated by the rotation of an inner tub and a drum washing
machine having a laundry inlet/outlet hole formed on the front
surface of a cabinet and performing washing by the falling-out of
laundry from a high point during the rotation of a drum.
[0006] A conventional top loading type washing machine includes a
cabinet forming an outer appearance of the washing machine and open
at a top surface thereof, a top cover connected to the open top
surface of the cabinet, a door rotatable installed on the laundry
inlet/outlet hole, a base installed at the bottom of the cabinet,
an outer tub installed inside the cabinet and storing water, an
inner tub disposed inside the outer tub and performing washing of
laundry, a motor unit disposed below the inner tub to rotate the
inner tub, a water supply unit for supplying water into the outer
tub, and a drain unit for draining the water in the outer tub.
Further, the washing machine includes a detergent supply device
disposed to communicate with the water supply unit, for supplying
detergent along with water.
[0007] The drain unit includes a drain hose connected to a drain
port formed on the bottom of the outer tub and a drain pump
disposed on the drain hose to pump washing water.
[0008] However, the conventional top loading type washing machine
creates a vortex because of a temporary decrease in the water
pressure of the drain port caused by a difference between an amount
of drainage and an amount of pumping in an early stage of drainage.
If a vortex is generated, air enters through an upper side of the
drain port to form an air layer through which no water flows, and
abnormal noise is generated in an early stage of drainage due to
the air layer. Noise generated during drainage makes users feel
uncomfortable. Moreover, the air layer causes lowering of pumping
performance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
laundry treating machine which can improve reliability by reducing
noise during drainage.
[0010] Accordingly, there is provided a laundry treating machine
according to one aspect of the present invention, including: an
outer tub which has a drain hole formed for discharging the washing
water; and a silencer which is arranged over the drain hole for
covering the upper space apart from the top end of the drain hole
in the vertical direction and for preventing noise generated by
drainage.
[0011] The silencer comprises a drain hole cap which covers the
upper space top over the drain hole and has an entrance part formed
at a lateral side for flowing the washing water in the outer tub
into the lateral direction.
[0012] The drain hole cap is disposed for going through the drain
hole and is apart from the top end of the drain hole with the
predetermined distance in the vertical direction for covering the
upper space over the drain hole.
[0013] A concave groove is formed on the bottom surface of the
outer tub, and a top end of the drain hole cap is arranged lower
than a top end of the concave groove.
[0014] The drain hole cap comprises an exit part which is formed to
be opened so as to be connected with the drain hole and to
discharge the washing water, and a cover part which is disposed to
be separated from the exit part to the vertical direction with the
predetermined distance and covers the upper space apart from the
drain hole in the vertical direction, and a connection part which
connects the exit part and the cover part.
[0015] The cover part is shaped of a plate and is formed larger
than the cross-sectional area of the drain hole.
[0016] The drain hole cap is shaped of a cylinder and the side
surface and the bottom surface of the drain hole cap are opened,
and a part of the lower body is inserted into the drain hole.
[0017] The silencer comprises a plate shaped drain hole cover which
is disposed to be separated from the drain hole to the vertical
direction with the predetermined distance and is formed for
covering the upper space apart from the drain hole.
[0018] The washing machine further comprise a heater which is
disposed above the drain hole and heats the washing water, and the
plate shaped drain hole cover is disposed between the heater and
the drain hole.
[0019] The plate shaped drain hole cover comprises a connection
part which is fixed to the outer tub and a cover part which is
extended from the connection part and covers the drain hole by
being arranged over the drain hole.
[0020] The washing machine further includes a heater mounting
groove which is formed concave on the bottom surface of the outer
tub and mounts the heater thereon, and the plate shaped drain hole
cover comprises a cover part which is disposed in the heater
mounting groove and covers the drain hole and a connection part
which is bent upward at the cover part and fixed to the outer tub
which is the outside of the heater mounting groove.
[0021] The washing machine may further include a heater which is
disposed above the drain hole and heats the washing water, and the
plate shaped drain hole cover is connected to the heater.
[0022] The plate shaped drain hole cover comprises a heater
connection part which is mounted on the top of the heater and a
cover part which is extended from the heater connection part and
covers the drain hole by being arranged over the drain hole for
preventing noise.
[0023] A laundry treating machine according to another aspect of
the present invention includes: an outer tub which has a drain hole
formed on the bottom surface for discharging the washing water; and
a heater mounting groove which is formed concave on the bottom
surface of the outer tub; and a heater which is disposed in the
heater mounting groove and heats the washing water in the outer
tub; and a heater cover which is disposed on the heater mounting
groove so as to cover the top of the heater and fully covers the
upper space apart from the drain hole in the vertical
direction.
[0024] The heater cover comprises a heater cover hole which forms a
washing water flow path between the outer tub and the heater
mounting groove.
[0025] The heater cover hole is disposed at a position which does
not overlap the drain hole to the vertical direction.
[0026] The circumference of the heater cover hole is disposed to be
separated from the circumference of the drain hole to the vertical
and horizontal direction with the predetermined distance.
[0027] The heater cover covers the heater mounting groove, and is
disposed flat with the bottom surface of the outer tub.
[0028] A plurality of heater cover holes are shaped differently,
and disposed at the different positions.
[0029] The laundry treating machine according to the present
invention includes a silencer covering the vertical top of the
drain hole, whereby the top of the drain hole is always filled with
washing water and the generation of a vortex is prevented. Thus,
abnormal noise during drainage is prevented, thereby contributing
to a quiet operation of the washing machine and improving consumer
trust.
[0030] Moreover, as the silencer includes a drain hole cap, the
laundry washing machine according to the present invention allows
washing water to be introduced in a lateral direction while
covering the vertical top of the drain hole. Thus, the drainage of
the washing water can be properly carried out, and abnormal noise
during drainage can be prevented.
[0031] Furthermore, the laundry treating machine according to the
present invention has the advantage of simple structure and easy
installation since the silencer includes a plate shaped drain hole
cover.
[0032] Furthermore, as the laundry treating machine according to
the present invention includes a heater cover which is disposed in
the heater mounting groove so as to cover the top of the heater and
covers the vertical top of the drain hole, washing water is drained
after being filled between the heater cover and the drain hole,
thereby preventing the generation of a vortex and abnormal
noise.
[0033] In addition, the laundry treating machine according to the
present invention includes a heater cover hole which is formed in
the heater cover for emitting heat generated from the heater and
assisting in drainage and is disposed at a position not overlapping
with the drain hole. Therefore, it is advantageous in that both
heat emission and drainage are properly carried out.
[0034] Additionally, the laundry treating machine according to the
present invention includes a heater cover which is disposed for
covering the heater mounting groove. Therefore, it is advantageous
in that a washing water stream can be properly formed by
eliminating a stepped part of the bottom surface of the outer
tub.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The above and other objects and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
preferred embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top loading type washing
machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the washing
machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a drain hole cap shown in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the drain hole cap
shown in FIG. 3;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing part A of FIG.
2;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view comparing the presence and
absence of a drain port cap;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drain hole cap according
to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing part B of FIG. 8;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a silencer shown in FIG.
9;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of
FIG. 9;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a silencer according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the silencer shown in FIG.
12;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of
FIG. 12.
[0050] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a washing
machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a view showing part C of FIG. 15; and
[0052] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a heater cover shown in FIG.
16;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] Hereinafter, a top loading type washing machine
(hereinafter, referred to as `washing machine`) according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top loading type washing
machine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
washing machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine according to
the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a
case 1 forming an outer appearance of the washing machine and a leg
assembly 10 connected to the bottom of the case 1.
[0056] The case 1 comprises a cabinet 2 configured to be open at
the top and bottom surfaces and constituting the sides of the
washing machine, a top cover installed so as to cover the open top
surface of the cabinet 2, and a base 5 installed on the open bottom
surface of the cabinet 2.
[0057] Within the cabinet 2, there are provided an outer tub 4 for
holding water, an inner tub 6 disposed inside the outer tub 4 and
receiving laundry therein, a driving mechanism such as a motor 8
for driving the inner tub 6, a water supply assembly for supplying
water into the outer tub 4, and a drainage assembly 20 for draining
the water in the outer tub 4 after completion of washing or
dehydration.
[0058] Moreover, the case 1 further comprises a detergent supply
unit 30 installed at the top cover 3 and temporarily storing
detergent therein. The detergent supply unit 30 is connected to the
water supply assembly to supply detergent along with supplied water
into the inner tub 6.
[0059] The top cover 3 includes a laundry inlet/outlet hole 3a for
loading or unloading laundry. A door 50 for opening and closing the
laundry inlet/outlet hole 3a is installed at the top cover 3. At
least part of the door 40 may be made of glass to make visible the
inside thereof. That is, the door 40 comprises a frame part 40a and
a glass part 40b fit to the frame part 40a.
[0060] Moreover, a display panel 7 is mounted at one side of the
top cover 3 to input an operation of the washing machine or display
operating conditions of the washing machine.
[0061] The outer tub 4 is disposed at an inner upper part of the
cabinet 2 so as to be suspended by a plurality of suspensions 15.
One ends of the suspensions 15 may be coupled to inner upper parts
of the cabinet 2, and the other ends thereof may be coupled to
lower parts of the outer tub 4.
[0062] A pulsator 9 is installed on the bottom surface of the inner
tub 6 to form a spinning stream of water held in the outer tub 4.
The pulsator 9 may be integrally formed with the inner tub 6 to
thus enable the pulsator 9 to rotate together with the inner tub 6
during rotation of the motor 8, or the pulsator 9 may be formed
separately from the inner tub 6 to thus allow the pulsator 9 to
rotate separately during rotation of the motor 8.
[0063] A balancer 15 is installed at an upper side of the inner tub
6 to prevent the inner tub 6 from losing balance due to laundry
leaning to one side. The balancer 15 may be a liquid balancer
having a liquid such as salt water filled therein.
[0064] An outer tub cover 14 is installed at an upper side of the
outer tub 4 to prevent laundry from falling out and prevent water
from being scattered.
[0065] The water supply assembly comprises an outer hose 11 for
guiding water supplied from an external water tap or the like to
the washing machine, a water supply valve 12 connected to the outer
hose 11 to control the supply of water, and a water supply hose 13
connecting the water supply valve 12 and the detergent supply unit
30. The water supply valve 12 and the water supply hose 13 form a
water supply flow path through which water is supplied.
[0066] The detergent supply unit 30 is disposed on the water supply
flow path. The detergent supply unit 30 comprises a detergent box
housing 31 installed to communicate with the water supply hose 30,
a detergent box 32 detachably accommodated in the detergent box
housing 31, and a detergent box cover fixed to the detergent box
housing 31 and disposed on the top surface of the detergent box 32
to spray water.
[0067] The detergent box housing 31 is installed at a detergent box
installation part formed at one side of the top cover 3.
[0068] The detergent box 32 is coupled to the detergent box housing
31 so that a user can take it out from the detergent box housing 31
in order to put detergent therein. The detergent box 32 may be
coupled to the detergent box housing 31 so as to be slidable back
and forth. At least part of the rear surface of the detergent box
32 is opened, so that detergent can be introduced during water
supply, along with water, into the detergent box housing 31 through
the rear surface of the detergent box 32.
[0069] The drain assembly 20 comprises a first drain hose 21
connected to the drain port 26 formed on the bottom surface of the
outer tub 4, a drain pump housing 24 including a drain pump for
pumping water, and a second drain hose 25 connected to the drain
pump housing 24 and draining the water pumped by the drain pump out
of the cabinet 2. A drain motor for driving the drain pump is
interposed within the drain pump housing 24.
[0070] The drain assembly 20 may be disposed between the outer tub
4 and the base 5.
[0071] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an installation
structure of a drain hole cap shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is an
enlarged perspective view of the drain hole cap shown in FIG. 3,
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing part A of FIG. 2, and FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view comparing the presence and absence of a
drain port cap.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a shaft through hole 4b, through which
a rotation shaft 8a of the motor 9 passes, is formed at the center
of the bottom surface of the outer tub 4.
[0073] Also, a concave groove 4a, which is stepped downward, is
formed on the bottom surface of the outer tub 4, and a drain hole
26 which is formed in the bottom surface of the concave groove 4a
for draining washing water temporarily stored within the outer tub
4.
[0074] The concave groove 4a may have a heater (not shown), etc
mounted thereon for heating washing water. A heater installation
part 4c for installing the heater (not shown) is formed at one side
of the concave groove 4a.
[0075] A cross-section of the drain hole 26 may be circular, and
protruded downward so as to connect the first drain hose 21
thereto.
[0076] The washing machine according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention comprises a silencer which is
formed for covering a vertical top of the drain hole 26 and for
preventing noise generated during drainage.
[0077] The silencer comprises a drain hole cap 50 for limiting a
space over the drain hole and allowing the top of the drain hole 26
to be always filled with washing water.
[0078] The drain hole cap 50 is formed for going through the drain
hole 26 in the top of the drain hole 26 and for covering the upper
space of the drain hole 26 in the vertical direction.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the drain hole cap 50 comprises an exit
part 51 which is formed to be opened so as to be connected with the
drain hole 26 and to discharge washing water, a cover part 52 which
is disposed to be separated from the exit part 51 to a vertical
direction with the predetermined distance, and a connection part 53
which connects the exit part 51 and the cover part 52.
[0080] The drain hole cap 50 may be inserted into the drain hole
26, or may be fixed by a fixing member as a bolt.
[0081] A description of this exemplary embodiment will be given
only with respect to the exit part 51 formed in a ring shape and
adapted to be press fit into the drain hole 26.
[0082] The cover part 52 has a disc shape, and a cross-sectional
area of the cover part 52 may be larger than or equal to the
cross-sectional area of the drain hole 26. That is, it is preferred
that the cover part 52 fully covers the upper space over the drain
hole 26.
[0083] The connection part 53 may have a bar shape, and may be
provided in plural, spaced apart from each other at the
predetermined interval.
[0084] The drain hole cap 50 is provided with an entrance part 54
formed at a lateral side thereof so that the washing water in the
outer tub 4 can be introduced in a lateral direction. The gaps
among a plurality of connection parts 53 form the entrance part
54.
[0085] A top end of the drain hole cap 50 is lower than a top end
of a lateral side of the concave groove 4a. That is, it is
preferred that the up-down length (l) of the drain hole cap 50 is
shorter than the depth (d) of the concave groove 4a, or the top end
of the drain hole cap 50 is not exposed to an upper side of the
concave groove 4a.
[0086] The cover part 52 of the drain hole cap 50 has to be
disposed lower than the top end of the lateral side of the concave
groove 4a so that the inside of the drain hole cap 50 is always
filled with washing water during drainage.
[0087] An operational effect of the thus-constructed washing
machine according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention will be described below.
[0088] When the drain pump is put into operation, the washing water
in the outer tub 4 is pumped by the drain pump, and sequentially
passes through the drain hole 26, the first drain hose 21, the
drain pump 24, and the second drain hose 25, and is discharged
out.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, if there is no drain hole cap 50, the
pressure of the top of the drain hole 26 is lowered due to a
difference between an amount of actual drainage and an amount of
pumping in an early stage of drainage. If the pressure of the top
of the drain hole 26 is lowered, a vortex is generated as washing
water rotates and an empty space not filled with water is formed in
the top of the drain hole 26. As air enters through such an empty
space, abnormal noise may be generated due to an air layer.
[0090] On the other hand, if there is the drain hole cap 50, the
cover part 52 of the drain hole cap 50 limit the upper space apart
from the top of the drain hole 26 in the vertical direction. That
is, the cover part 52 of the drain hole cap 50 covers the upper
space over the drain hole 26.
[0091] When drainage begins, the washing water around the drain
hole cap 50 gathers towards the drain hole cap 50 along the bottom
surface of the outer tub 4.
[0092] The washing water gathered towards the drain hole cap 50
flows to the drain hole 26 through the entrance part 54 formed at
the lateral side of the drain hole cap 50.
[0093] The washing water flown into the drain hole cap 50 through
the entrance part 54 of the drain hole cap 50 fills the inside of
the drain hole cap 50. Also, the upper space over the drain hole 26
is always filled with the washing water.
[0094] Accordingly, the empty space over the drain hole 26 is
eliminated, and hence air is not introduced into the drain hole
26.
[0095] Even when the amount of drainage is small, as in an early
stage of drainage or during intermittent dehydration, the top of
the drain hole 26 is always filled with washing water.
[0096] Therefore, the pressure of the top of the drain hole 26 is
not lowered, and introduction of air into the drain hole 26 is
prevented. As no air is introduced, this prevents the generation of
abnormal noise due to an air layer, thus contributing to a quiet
operation of the washing machine. Moreover, when air introduction
is prevented, pumping performance can be improved.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a drain hole cap according
to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, the construction and operation of the
drain hole cap 100 of the washing machine according to the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as those
in the first exemplary embodiment, except that the drain hole cap
100 comprises an exit part 101 which is to be opened so as to be
connected with the drain hole 26 and to discharge washing water, a
cover part 102 for covering the upper space over the drain hole 26,
and an entrance part 103 for connecting the exit part 101 and the
cover part 102 and introducing the washing water in the outer tub
4, and a plurality of intake holes 104 are formed in the entrance
part 103 to introduce the washing water in the outer tub 4 and,
therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0099] The drain hole cap 100 is shaped of a cylinder and the
bottom surface of the drain hole cap 100 is opened, and the
plurality of intake holes 104 has a circular shape and are disposed
apart from each other at predetermined intervals.
[0100] The washing water in the outer tub 4 is introduced into the
drain hole cap 100 through the plurality of intake holes 104, and
then discharged through the exit part 101 and the drain hole 26. At
this time, since the cover part 102 covers the upper space over the
drain hole 26 and the washing water is discharged after being
filled inside the drain hole cap 100, abnormal noise generated
during drainage can be reduced.
[0101] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing part B of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a
perspective view of a silencer shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a
cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 9.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the construction and operation
of the silencer of the washing machine according to the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as those
in the first exemplary embodiment, except that the silencer
comprises a plate shaped drain hole cover 200 which is disposed
over the drain hole 26 so as to be spaced apart from the drain hole
26 with a predetermined distance in a vertical direction and covers
the upper space over the drain hole 26 and, therefore, a detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0103] The washing machine further comprises a heater 160 which is
disposed over the drain hole and heats washing water.
[0104] A heater mounting groove 161 for mounting the heater 160
thereon is formed on the bottom surface of the outer tub 4. While
the heater mounting groove 161 is described as a concave shape, the
present invention is not limited thereto and the heater 160 may be
fixed to one side of the outer tub 4 without forming the heater
mounting groove 161.
[0105] The plate shaped drain hole cover 200 according to the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed between
the heater 160 and the drain hole 26.
[0106] The plate shaped drain hole cover 200 comprises a connection
part 201 which is fixed to the outer tub 4 and a cover part 202
which is extended from the connection part 201 and covers the drain
hole 26.
[0107] A fixing groove (not shown) may be formed on the outer tub 4
to fix the connection part 201 thereto. The connection part 201 may
be fixed to the fixing groove (not shown) by a member (not shown)
such as a bolt.
[0108] The connection part 201 is provided with fixing holes 201
for fixing the bolt (not shown).
[0109] The cover part 202 is disposed not on the same plane as the
connection part 201, but rather on a different plane from that of
the connection part 201. That is, the cover part 202 is disposed in
the heater mounting groove 161, and the connection part 201 is bent
upward from the cover part 202 and disposed on the bottom surface
of the outer tub 4.
[0110] The cover part 202 may be disposed to cover any part of the
upper space over the drain hole 26. The cover part 202 may be
disposed to cover a half of the upper space over the drain hole 26
or the entire upper space over the drain hole 26. At this time, the
cover part 202 is spaced apart from the top of the drain hole 26
with a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. Therefore,
even if the cover part 202 covers the upper space over the drain
hole 26, this does not obstruct drainage.
[0111] As pointed out above, the cover part 202 of the plate shaped
drain hole cover 200 limits the upper space over the drain hole 26.
Thus, in the case of drainage of washing water, drainage is carried
out as washing water is sufficiently filled between the cover part
202 and the drain hole 26.
[0112] Accordingly, the generation of a vortex over the drain hole
26 is prevented and no air is introduced, thus reducing abnormal
noise during drainage.
[0113] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a silencer according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a
perspective view of the silencer shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a
cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 12.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the construction and operation
of the silencer of the washing machine according to the fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as those
in the first exemplary embodiment, except that the silencer
comprises a plate shaped drain hole cover 300 which is formed so as
to cover the upper space over the drain hole 26 and the plate
shaped drain hole cover 300 is disposed over the heater 160 and,
therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0115] The plate shaped drain hole cover 300 comprises a heater
connection part 301 which is mounted on the heater 160 and a cover
part 302 which is extended from the heater connection part 301 and
covers the upper space over the top of the drain hole 26.
[0116] The heater connection part 301 has a shape corresponding to
one side surface of the heater 160 so as to be mounted on the
heater 160. This exemplary embodiment will be described with
respect to the heater 160 having a circular cross section and the
heater connection part 301 having a semi-circular cross section.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto but the
heater connection part 301 may have various shapes corresponding to
the shape of the heater 160.
[0117] The heater connection part 301 may only be mounted on the
heater 160 or may be fixed by a fixing member. For example, the
heater connection part 301 may comprise an engaging protrusion (not
shown) for engaging the heater connection part 301 after the heater
connection part 301 is mounted on the heater 160. The engaging
protrusion may have a ring shape, but the present invention is not
limited thereto and may comprise all structures that can be fixed
to the heater 160.
[0118] The heater connection part 301 may be formed in plural
number and mounted on a plurality of positions of the heater 160.
This exemplary embodiment will be described with respect to the
case where two heater connection parts 301 are provided at both
left and right sides of the cover part 302.
[0119] The cover part 302 may be disposed to cover any part of the
upper space over the drain hole 26. The cover part 302 may be
disposed to cover a half of the upper space over the drain hole 26
or the entire upper space over the drain hole 26. This exemplary
embodiment will be described with respect to the case where the
cover part 302 fully covers the upper space over the drain hole
26.
[0120] The plate shaped drain hole cover 300 is disposed over the
heater 160 and is disposed apart from the drain hole 26 by a
predetermined distance in a vertical direction. Therefore, even if
the cover part 302 of the plate shaped drain hole cover 300 covers
the upper space over the drain hole 26, this does not obstruct
drainage.
[0121] As pointed out above, the cover part 302 of the plate shaped
drain hole cover 300 limits the upper space over the drain hole 26.
Thus, in the case of drainage of washing water, drainage is carried
out as washing water is sufficiently filled between the cover part
302 and the drain hole 26.
[0122] Accordingly, the generation of a vortex above the drain hole
26 is prevented and no air is introduced, thus reducing abnormal
noise during drainage.
[0123] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a washing
machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 16 is a view showing part C of FIG. 15, and FIG. 17
is a plan view showing a heater cover shown in FIG. 16.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the construction and operation
of the washing machine according to the fifth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention are the same as those in the first
exemplary embodiment, except that the washing machine comprises a
heater cover 400 which is disposed on the heater mounting groove
161 so as to cover the top of the heater 160 and fully covers the
upper space over drain hole 26 and, therefore, a detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0125] The heater mounting groove 161 is formed concave on the
bottom surface of the outer tub 4. The heater 160 is disposed at
the heater mounting groove 161.
[0126] The drain hole 26 is formed at one lower part of the heater
mounting groove 161, and the heater 160 is disposed above the drain
hole 26.
[0127] The heater cover 400 may be shaped of a plate, and may be
made of a metal having heat resistance to endure heat generated in
the heater 160.
[0128] The heater cover 400 covers the heater mounting groove 161,
and is placed flat with respect to the bottom surface of the outer
tub 4. In the case that the bottom surface of the outer tub 4 and
the heater mounting groove 161 are stepped, the depth of water
reserved in the outer tub 4 changes depending on position. Thus, an
alpha water stream, which causes washing water to rise between the
inner tub 6 and the outer tub 4 by rapid rotation of the inner tub
6, may not be properly formed.
[0129] In this exemplary embodiment, the heater cover 400 is
disposed to cover the top of the heater mounting groove 161 and
arranged flat with respect to the bottom surface of the outer tub
4, thereby eliminating a stepped part of the bottom surface of the
outer tub 4.
[0130] As the stepped part of the bottom surface of the outer tub 4
is eliminated by means of the heater cover 400, the alpha water
stream is properly formed, thus improving washing performance.
[0131] The heater cover 400 may be fixed to the bottom surface of
the outer tub 4 by a fixing member. The heater cover 400 is
provided with a plurality of fixing holes 401, and fixed by a
fixing member such as a bolt (not shown).
[0132] Referring to FIG. 17, the heater cover 400 is provided with
a heater cover hole 402 for emitting heat generated from the heater
160 and draining washing water.
[0133] At least two heater cover holes 402 may be formed. This
exemplary embodiment will be described with respect to the case
where there are two heater cover holes 402.
[0134] The two heater cover holes 402 may have different shapes and
sizes from each other. This exemplary embodiment will be described
with respect to the heater cover holes 402 respectively having a
circular shape and a semi-circular shape. The heater cover holes
402 may be larger than or equal to the drain hole 26.
[0135] The heater cover holes 402 are formed at a position which
does not overlap the drain hole 26 in the vertical direction.
[0136] The heater cover holes 402 and the drain hole 26 are not
disposed in a line because the heater cover 400 has to fully cover
the upper space over the drain hole 26.
[0137] The circumferences of the heater cover holes 402 is disposed
to be separated from the circumference of the drain hole 26 to the
vertical and horizontal direction with the predetermine
distance.
[0138] The horizontal distance (t) between the circumference of one
of the heater cover holes 402 arranged closer to the drain hole 26
and the drain hole 26 preferably exceeds 0.
[0139] When drainage begins, the washing water in the outer tub 4
is introduced into the heater mounting groove 161 through the
heater cover holes 402 and then introduced into the drain hole
26.
[0140] Since the heater cover 400 covers the upper space over the
drain hole 26, the washing water is drained after filling the upper
space over the drain hole 26.
[0141] That is, even in an early stage of drainage or when the
amount of drainage flow is small, the washing water fills the drain
hole 26, thus preventing the pressure of the top of the drain hole
26 from being lowered. Accordingly, no vortex is generated in the
drain hole 26 and no air is introduced, thereby preventing abnormal
noise caused by air introduction. This can contribute to a quiet
operation of the washing machine, and improve pumping performance
because of the prevention of air introduction.
[0142] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
present invention can be implemented in other specific forms
without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the
present invention. The embodiments described above are therefore
considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive,
the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes and
modifications which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced
therein.
* * * * *