U.S. patent application number 13/630958 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for drain pump and washing machine having the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Jung Sang CHOI, Kwang Min CHUN.
Application Number | 20130074554 13/630958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46940390 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130074554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHUN; Kwang Min ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
DRAIN PUMP AND WASHING MACHINE HAVING THE SAME
Abstract
A drain pump capable of easily discharging air in the drain
pump, and a washing machine having the same. The drain pump
includes a washing water inlet compartment, a drain pump
compartment configured to pump washing water contained in the
washing water inlet compartment to an outside, a suction port
provided between the washing water inlet compartment and the drain
pump compartment to move the washing water from the washing water
inlet compartment to the drain pump compartment, a drain line to
connect the drain pump compartment to an outside to discharge the
washing water, and an air outlet port provided on the drain pump
compartment to discharge air contained in the drain pump
compartment to an outside, wherein the air outlet port is connected
to the drain line.
Inventors: |
CHUN; Kwang Min; (Suwon,
KR) ; CHOI; Jung Sang; (Hwaseong, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
46940390 |
Appl. No.: |
13/630958 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/200 ;
137/565.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/085 20130101;
Y10T 137/85978 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/200 ;
137/565.01 |
International
Class: |
D06B 1/00 20060101
D06B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 28, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0098255 |
Claims
1. A drain pump comprising: a washing water inlet compartment; a
drain pump compartment configured to pump washing water contained
in the washing water inlet compartment to an outside; a suction
port provided between the washing water inlet compartment and the
drain pump compartment to move the washing water from the washing
water inlet compartment to the drain pump compartment; a drain line
to connect the drain pump compartment to the outside, to discharge
the washing water; and an air outlet port provided on the drain
pump compartment to discharge air contained in the drain pump
compartment, wherein the air outlet port is connected to the drain
line.
2. The drain pump of claim 1, wherein air naturally flows from the
air outlet port to the drain line due to the difference in pressure
between the drain pump compartment and the drain line.
3. The drain pump of claim 1, wherein the air outlet port protrudes
at an upper portion of the drain pump compartment.
4. The drain pump of claim 1, further comprising an air inlet port
provided on the drain line, wherein the air outlet port is
connected to the air inlet port.
5. The drain pump of claim 4, further comprising an air passage to
connect the air outlet port to the air inlet port.
6. The drain pump of claim 5, wherein the air passage comprises a
rubber hose.
7. The drain pump of claim 4, wherein the air inlet port is
integrally formed with the drain line.
8. The drain pump of claim 4, wherein the air inlet port is
separately formed with the drain line and coupled to the drain
line.
9. The drain pump of claim 1, wherein the drain line comprises a
drain passage connected to the drain pump compartment, and an air
passage connected to the air outlet port.
10. The drain pump of claim 9, wherein the air passage is branched
from the drain passage.
11. The drain pump of claim 9, wherein the air passage is
integrally formed with the drain passage.
12. The drain pump of claim 9, wherein the air passage has a
diameter smaller than a diameter of the drain passage.
13. The drain pump of claim 1, wherein the drain line comprises an
outlet port protruded at the pump case, and a drain hose including
one end connected to the outlet port and the other end extended to
an outside.
14. A drain pump comprising: a pump case configured to accommodate
washing water; a pumping motor provided at one end of the pump case
to pump the washing water to an outside; a drain hose connected to
the pump case while being adjacent to the pumping motor such that
the washing water pumped by the pumping motor flows to an outside;
an air outlet port formed at a side of an upper portion of the pump
case to discharge air, the side adjacent to the pumping motor; an
air inlet port protruded at the drain hose; and an air passage to
connect the air outlet port to the air inlet port.
15. The drain pump of claim 14, wherein air naturally flows from
the air outlet port to the air inlet port due to the difference in
pressure between the drain hose and the pump case, the difference
in pressure caused by the difference in velocity between the
washing water flowing in the drain hose and the washing water
flowing in the pump case.
16. A drain pump comprising: a pump case configured to accommodate
washing water; a pumping motor provided at a portion of the pump
case to generate a driving force to allow the washing water to be
forcedly discharged to an outside; a drain hose connected to the
portion of the pump case, at which the pumping motor is provided,
to guide the washing water to an outside; an air outlet port
protruded at an upper portion of the pump case, at which the
pumping motor is provided, to discharge air; and an air passage
including one end connected to the air outlet port and the other
end connected to the drain hose.
17. The drain pump of claim 16, wherein the air passage is
integrally formed with the drain hose.
18. A washing machine provided with a tub, a drain pump to pump
washing water in the tub, and a drain hose configured to allow the
washing water pumped by the drain pump to flow therethrough,
wherein the drain pump comprises: a washing water inlet compartment
into which the washing water is introduced from the tub; a drain
pump compartment provided with a suction port to draw the washing
water in the washing water inlet compartment, and an outlet port
connected to a drain hose which is configured to drain the washing
water; an air outlet port protruded at an upper portion of the
drain pump compartment; and an air passage to connect the air
outlet port to the drain hose.
19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the drain hose
comprises an air inlet port protruded at the drain hose, wherein
the air passage includes one end connected to the air outlet port
and the other end connected to the air inlet port.
20. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the other end of the
air passage is integrally formed with the drain hose.
21. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a tub disposed at an
inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water; a drain pump
disposed at a lower portion of the tub to drain the washing water
contained in the tub; a drain line connected to the drain pump to
guide the washing water, which is pumped by the drain pump, to an
outside the cabinet; and an air passage to connect the drain pump
to the drain line to discharge air contained in the drain pump.
22. The washing machine of claim 21, wherein the drain pump
comprises an air outlet port protruded upward, at the drain pump,
and the drain line comprises an air inlet port protruded upward, at
the drain line, wherein one end of the air passage is connected to
the air outlet port and the other end of the air passage is
connected to the air inlet port.
23. The washing machine of claim 21, wherein the drain pump
comprises an air outlet port protruded upward, at the drain pump,
wherein one end of the air passage is connected to the air outlet
port and the other end of the air passage is integrally formed with
the drain line.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean
Patent Applications No. 10-2011-0098255, filed on Sep. 28, 2011 in
the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing
machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine provided with
a drain pump configured to pump the washing water stored in a
tub.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A washing machine designed to wash laundry by use of
electric power, in general, includes a tub to accommodate a washing
water, a rotating tub rotatably installed at an inside the tub, a
driving apparatus to rotate the rotating tub, a water supply
apparatus to supply water to an inside the tub, and a drain pump to
forcedly drain water in the tub.
[0006] In general, the drain pump includes a pump case provided
with a washing water inlet compartment to accommodate washing water
and a drain pump compartment, and a pumping motor installed at one
side of the pump case. The interior of the pump case is provided at
an inside thereof with a pump filter to filter foreign substance
contained in the washing water. The drain pump compartment is
provided with an impeller configured to be rotated by the pumping
motor.
[0007] When the impeller is rotated by the pumping motor, the
washing water in the tub is introduced into the washing water inlet
compartment. The washing water introduced into the washing water
inlet compartment passes through the filter, and is withdrawn into
the drain pump compartment. The washing water reached to the drain
pump compartment is forcedly discharged to an outside the drain
pump by the impeller.
[0008] During such a pumping process, air may be introduced into an
inside the drain pump together with the washing water. If the air
is introduced into an inside the pump, the performance of the
impeller installed in the drain pump compartment may be degraded,
and thus a drain fault may occur or an abnormal noise may be
generated.
[0009] In general, in order to discharge the air introduced into an
inside the drain pump to an outside, an air outlet port is
provided. The air outlet port is connected to the tub through a
hose. Accordingly, the air at an inside the pump is discharged to a
side of the tub through the air outlet port and the hose.
[0010] Since the region where air stays in the drain pump is an
upper part of the drain pump compartment, the position of the air
outlet port is needed to be adjusted so as to discharge the
air.
[0011] In addition, there is a need for the air to be discharged to
other side than the tub provided at an upper side of the drain pump
so as to enhance the efficiency of discharging air.
SUMMARY
[0012] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a drain pump capable of easily discharging air thereof to
an outside, and a washing machine having the same.
[0013] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the description which follows and, in part, will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
disclosure.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a
drain pump includes a washing water, a drain pump, a suction port,
a drain line and an air outlet port. The drain pump compartment may
be configured to pump washing water contained in the washing water
inlet compartment to an outside. The suction port may be provided
between the washing water inlet compartment and the drain pump
compartment to move the washing water from the washing water inlet
compartment to the drain pump compartment. The drain line may
connect from the drain pump compartment to an outside to discharge
the washing water. The air outlet port may be provided on the drain
pump compartment to discharge air contained in the drain pump
compartment to an outside. The air outlet port is connected to the
drain line.
[0015] The air naturally may flow from the air outlet port to the
drain line due to the difference in pressure between the drain pump
compartment and the drain line.
[0016] The air outlet port may protrude at an upper portion of the
drain pump compartment.
[0017] The drain pump may further include an air inlet port
provided on the drain line, wherein the air outlet port is
connected to the air inlet port.
[0018] The drain pump may further include an air passage to connect
the air outlet port to the air inlet port.
[0019] The air passage may include a rubber hose.
[0020] The air inlet port may be integrally formed with the drain
line.
[0021] The air inlet port may be separately formed with the drain
line and coupled to the drain line.
[0022] The drain line may include a drain passage connected to the
drain pump compartment, and an air passage connected to the air
outlet port.
[0023] The air passage may be branched from the drain passage.
[0024] The air passage may be integrally formed with the drain
passage.
[0025] The air passage may have a diameter smaller than a diameter
of the drain passage.
[0026] The drain line may include an outlet port protruded at the
pump case, and a drain hose including one end connected to the
outlet port and the other end extended to an outside.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a drain pump includes a pump case, a pumping motor, a drain hose,
an air outlet port, an air inlet port, and an air passage. The pump
case may be configured to accommodate washing water. The pumping
motor may be provided at one end of the pump case to pump the
washing water to an outside. The drain hose may be connected to the
pump case while being adjacent to the pumping motor such that the
washing water pumped by the pumping motor flows to an outside. The
air outlet port may be formed at a side of an upper portion of the
pump case to discharge air, the side adjacent to the pumping motor.
The air inlet port may protrude at the drain hose. The air passage
may connect the air outlet port to the air inlet port.
[0028] The air may naturally flow from the air outlet port to the
air inlet port due to the difference in pressure between the drain
hose and the pump case, the difference in pressure caused by the
difference in velocity between the washing water flowing in the
drain hose and the washing water flowing in the pump case.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a drain pump includes a pump case, a pumping motor, a drain hose,
an air outlet port and an air passage. The pump case may be
configured to accommodate washing water. The pumping motor may be
provided at a portion of the pump case to generate a driving force
to allow the washing water to be forcedly discharged to an outside.
The drain hose may be connected to the portion of the pump case, at
which the pumping motor is provided, to guide the washing water to
an outside. The air outlet port may protrude at an upper side of
the portion of the pump case, at which the pumping motor is
provided, to discharge air. The air passage may have one end
connected to the air outlet port and the other end connected to the
drain hose.
[0030] The air passage may be integrally formed with the drain
hose.
[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
with respect to a washing machine provided with a tub, a drain pump
to pump washing water in the tub, and a drain hose configured to
allow the washing water pumped by the drain pump to flow
therethrough for drainage, the drain pump includes a washing water
inlet compartment, a drain pump compartment, an air outlet port,
and an air passage. The washing water inlet compartment may be
configured to enable the washing water to be introduced thereinto
from the tub. The drain pump compartment may be provided with a
suction port to draw the washing water in the washing water inlet
compartment, and an outlet port including a drain hose, which is
configured to drain the washing water, connected thereto. The air
outlet port may be protruded at an upper portion of the drain pump
compartment. The air passage may connect the air outlet port to the
drain hose.
[0032] The drain hose may include an air inlet port protruded at
the drain hose, wherein the air passage may have one end connected
to the air outlet port and the other end connected to the air inlet
port.
[0033] The other end of the air passage may be integrally formed
with the drain hose.
[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub, a drain pump, a drain
line and an air passage. The tub may be disposed at an inside the
cabinet to accommodate washing water. The drain pump may be
disposed at a lower portion of the tub to drain the washing water
contained in the tub. The drain line may be connected to the drain
pump to guide the washing water, which is pumped by the drain pump,
to an outside the cabinet. The air passage may connect the drain
pump to the drain line to discharge air contained in the drain
pump.
[0035] The drain pump may include an air outlet port protruded
upward, at the drain pump, and the drain line comprises an air
inlet port protruded upward, at the drain line, wherein one end of
the air passage may be connected to the air outlet port and the
other end of the air passage is connected to the air inlet
port.
[0036] The drain pump may include an air outlet port protruded
upward, at the drain pump, wherein one end of the air passage is
connected to the air outlet port and the other end of the air
passage is integrally formed with the drain line.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air
outlet port is formed at an upper side of the drain pump
compartment, and the air outlet port is connected to the drain hose
to easily remove the air in the drain pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
configuration of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a drain pump and a
drain hose of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the drain pump of
the washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a pump case of the drain pump
of FIG. 3.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the drain hose of FIG. 3.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pump case
taken along line I-I.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a drain pump in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine 1 includes a
cabinet 10 forming the exterior of the washing machine 1, a tub 20
disposed at an inside the cabinet 10, a rotating tub 30 rotatably
disposed at the tub 20, and a motor 40 to drive the rotating tub
30.
[0048] The cabinet 10 includes a plurality of frames 10a, 10b, and
10c including a front side frame 10a forming the front surface of
the cabinet 10, lateral side frames 10c forming the lateral
surfaces and the rear surface of the cabinet 10, and a lower side
frame 10b framing the lower surface of the cabinet 10.
[0049] The lower side frame 10b is provided at a front side thereof
with a predetermined portion that is bent upward to be coupled to
the front side frame 10a.
[0050] The cabinet 10 is provided at a front surface thereof with
an inlet 11 through which a laundry is input into the rotating tub
30. The inlet 11 is open/closed by the door 12 installed at the
front surface of the cabinet 10.
[0051] The tub 20 is supported by a damper 25. The damper 25
connects the bottom surface of an inner side of the cabinet 10 to
an outer surface of the tub 20.
[0052] A water supply pipe 50 to supply the tub 20 with washing
water is installed at an upper portion of the tub 20. One side of
the water supply pipe 50 is connected to an outside water supply
source (not shown), and the other side of the water supply pipe 50
is connected to a detergent dispensing apparatus 52.
[0053] The detergent dispensing apparatus 52 is connected to the
tub 20 through a connection pipe 54. The water supplied through the
water supply pipe 50 is supplied to an inside the tub 20 together
with detergent via the detergent dispensing apparatus 52.
[0054] The rotating tub 30 includes a cylindrical part 31, a front
side panel 32 disposed at a front side of the cylindrical part 31,
and a rear side panel 33 disposed at a rear side of the cylindrical
part 31. The front side panel 32 has an opening 32a through which a
laundry is input/withdrawn. The rear side panel 33 is connected to
a driving shaft 41 configured to transmit a driving force of the
motor 40.
[0055] A plurality of through-holes 34 is formed through a
circumference of the rotating tub 30 for circulation of the washing
water, so that an inner space of the rotating tub 30 communicates
with an inner space of the tub 20.
[0056] A plurality of lifters 35 is installed at an inner
circumferential surface of the rotating tub 30 to enable the
ascending and descending of laundry when the rotating tub 30
rotates.
[0057] The driving shaft 41 has one end connected to the rear side
panel 33 of the rotating tub 30, and the other end extended to an
outside the tub 20. When the motor 40 drives the driving shaft 41,
the rotating tub 30 connected to the driving shaft 41 rotates about
the driving shaft 41.
[0058] A bearing housing 42 rotatably supporting the driving shaft
41 is installed at a rear wall of the tub 20. The bearing housing
42 may be formed using an aluminum alloy. The bearing housing 42
may be inserted into the rear wall of the tub 20 when the tub 20 is
formed through an injection molding. A plurality of bearings 43 is
installed between the bearing housing 42 and the driving shaft 41
to enable a smooth rotation of the driving shaft 41.
[0059] During a washing cycle, the motor 40 rotates the rotating
tub 30 in reverse/forward directions at a low speed. As the rising
and falling of the laundry at an inside the rotating tub 30 is
repeated, the dirt on the laundry is removed.
[0060] During a spin-dry cycle, the motor 40 rotates the rotating
tub 30 in one direction at a high speed, so that water is separated
from the laundry by a centrifugal force acting on the laundry.
[0061] A drain pump 100 to pump the washing water stored in the tub
20 is installed at a lower portion at an inside of the cabinet 10.
The drain pump 100 is connected to the outside through a drain hose
60.
[0062] The drain pump 100 is exposed to the front surface of the
cabinet 10 through a through-hole 13 that is provided at a portion
where the protrusion of the lower side frame 10b overlaps a lower
end of the front side frame 10a.
[0063] The drain hose 60 is coupled to an inner side of the cabinet
10 by a hose wire 92 and a hose holder 91 while preventing the
drain hose 60 from interfering with other components at an inside
the cabinet 10. The drain hose 61 is guided to an outside by a hose
guide 90.
[0064] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the drain pump of
the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a pump
case of the drain pump of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the
drain hose of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating
the pump case taken along line I-I. The pump case illustrated on
the FIG. 6 has the pump filter omitted therefrom.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a drain pump 100a includes a
washing water inlet compartment 111, a pump case 110 including a
drain pump compartment 120 and a bubble generating compartment 130,
and a pump filter 140 configured to be inserted into the washing
water inlet compartment 111. The drain pump compartment 120 and the
bubble generating compartment 130 are disposed opposite to each
other while interposing the washing water inlet compartment 111
thereinbetween.
[0066] A bubble generating motor 131 is disposed at a side of the
pump case 110 adjacent to the bubble generating compartment 130. A
circulation impeller 132 is connected to the bubble generating
motor 131. The circulation impeller 132 is disposed at an inside
the bubble generating compartment 130.
[0067] The bubble generating compartment 130 is provided, at an
upper portion of the bubble generating compartment 130, with a
circulation port 134 that protrudes upward to circulate the washing
water 20 to an inside of the tub 20. A circulation pipe 80 is
connected to the circulation port 134.
[0068] As the circulation impeller 132 is rotated by the bubble
generating motor 131, the washing water in the washing water inlet
compartment 111 is drawn into the shaft direction. Bubbles are
generated by mixing air with washing water by the difference in
pressure in the bubble generating compartment 130 due to the
pressure drop caused by the flowing of washing water. The bubbles
are introduced into the tub 20 through the circulation port 134 and
the circulation pipe 80 by the circulation impeller 132.
[0069] The pump filter 140 is mounted at the front surface of the
washing water inlet compartment 111 to remove foreign substance on
the washing water that is introduced into the tub 20.
[0070] The pump filter 140 is provided in the form of a cylinder
having a hollowness, and includes a head part 141 and a body part
145. If the pump filter 140 is mounted on the pump case 110, the
body part 145 of the pump filter 140 is accommodated at an inside
the washing water inlet compartment 111 of the pump case 110.
[0071] The head part 141 is provided at a lateral side thereof with
a second screw thread 143 that is screwed to the pump case 110. The
head part 141 is provided at a front side thereof with a grip 142
that is grippable by a user to rotate the head part 141.
[0072] The washing water inlet compartment 111 is provided at a
front side thereof with an entry 116 into which the pump filter 140
is inserted. A rim of the entry 116 is provided with a first screw
thread 117 having a shape corresponding to the second screw thread
143 of the pump filter 140.
[0073] The head part 141 of the pump filter 140 is exposed to the
front surface of the cabinet 10 by the through-hole 13 that passes
through the lower side frame 10b and the front side frame 10a. A
cover (not shown) to cover the through-hole 13 is coupled to the
front side frame 10a.
[0074] The user opens the cover (not shown) to expose the head part
141, and holds the grip 142 to rotate the head part 141 , thereby
separating the pump filter 140 from the drain pump 100a so as to
replace or clean the pump filter 140.
[0075] The pump case 110 is coupled to a lower side frame 10b
through a mount part 150 that is formed at a lower portion of the
pump case 110. As the mount part 150 is inserted into a coupling
groove 14 which is formed at a portion of the lower side frame 10b
corresponding to the mount part 150, the pump case 110 is coupled
to the lower side frame 10b.
[0076] Fastening holes 155 and 156 are formed at a lower portion of
an outer side of the bubble generating compartment 130 and the
drain pump compartment 120 of the pump case 110 such that the pump
case 110 is coupled to the protruding portion of the lower side
frame 10b. If a fastening member (not shown) is coupled to the
fastening holes 155 and 156 through the protruding portion of the
lower side frame 10b, the protruding portion of the lower surface
frame 10b is coupled to the pump case 110.
[0077] Water remaining in the pump case 110 is discharged through a
residual water outlet port 180 that is formed at a lower portion of
the pump case 110. One end of a residual water hose (not shown) is
connected to the residual water outlet port 180, and the other end
of the residual water hose is exposed to the front surface of the
cabinet 10 through the through-hole 13. Accordingly, a user removes
the water remaining in the pump case 110 by use of the residual
water hose (not shown) exposed to the front surface of the cabinet
10.
[0078] An inlet port 114 is provided on the washing water inlet
compartment 111 while protruding to the rear side of the washing
water inlet compartment 111. The washing water inlet compartment
111 communicates with the inlet port 114. A connection part
connecting the washing water inlet compartment 111 to the inlet
port 114 has an inlet hole 115 that is configured to connect the
washing water inlet compartment 111 to the inlet port 114.
[0079] An inlet hose 70 is connected to the inlet port 114 such
that the washing water in the tub 20 is introduced to the washing
water inlet compartment 111 by passing through the inlet hose 70
and the inlet port 114 via the inlet hole 115.
[0080] An impeller 122 to forcedly draw the washing water in the
washing water inlet compartment 111 and to discharge the drawn
washing water, is installed in the drain pump compartment 120 of
the pump case 110. The pumping motor 121 is connected to the
impeller 122. The impeller 122, which is rotated by the pumping
motor 121, draws in the washing water of the washing water inlet
compartment 111 in the shaft direction, and discharges the washing
water in the radial direction.
[0081] A drain hose 60a is connected to the drain pump compartment
120 and configured to guide and drain the washing water pumped by
the impeller 122 to the outside the cabinet 10.
[0082] A first suction port 123 is formed between the drain pump
compartment 120 and the washing water inlet compartment 111, and
serves as a passage, into which the washing water in the washing
water inlet compartment 111 is drawn.
[0083] A second suction port 133 is formed between the bubble
generating compartment 130 and the washing water inlet compartment
111, and serves as a passage, into which the washing water in the
washing water inlet compartment 111 is drawn.
[0084] An outlet port 124 to discharge the washing water pumped by
the impeller 122 is formed on the drain pump compartment 120 while
extending to the rear side of the drain pump compartment 120.
[0085] The drain hose 60a is connected to the outlet port 124.
[0086] The outlet port 124 and the drain hose 60a form a drain line
configured to guide the washing water from the drain pump
compartment 120 to an outside.
[0087] In order to remove the air, which is generated by collision
between the impeller 122 and the washing water, and the air, which
is introduced when the washing water is introduced into the washing
water inlet compartment 111, from the pump case 110, an air outlet
port 160 is formed on the drain pump compartment 120 while
protruding upward.
[0088] The washing water introduced into the washing water inlet
compartment 11 naturally moves. However, the washing water, after
passing through the washing water inlet compartment 111 and the
drain pump compartment 120, is drained through the outlet port 124
and the drain hose 60a while being forcedly discharged by the
impeller 122 at a high speed. Accordingly, the amount of washing
water being discharged is larger than that of washing water being
introduced.
[0089] Due to the difference in amount between the washing water
being introduced and the washing water being discharged, the upper
portion of the drain pump compartment 120 is filled with a larger
amount of air than the washing water inlet compartment 111 is.
[0090] Further, the velocity of the washing water is increased by
the impeller rotating at a high speed, and the pressure of the
drain pump compartment 120 is decreased. If the pressure falls
below the saturated vapor pressure of the washing water, cavitation
phenomenon that generates air bubbles dissolved in the washing
water occurs. The air generated in the drain pump compartment 120
fills the drain pump compartment 120.
[0091] The air filled in the upper portion of the drain pump
compartment 120 causes an abnormal oscillation and noise, and
degrades the function of the drain pump 100a. Accordingly, there is
a need for removing the air. By forming the air outlet port 160 at
the upper portion of the drain pump compartment 120 filled with the
air, the discharging of air is effectively achieved.
[0092] One end of the drain hose 60a, as described above, is guided
to an outside the cabinet 10 by the hose guide 90. The other end of
the drain hose 60a is provided with a connection part 62a
configured to connect the other end of the drain hose 60a to the
outlet port 124.
[0093] An air inlet port 61a is formed while protruding at the
drain hose 60a, and the air outlet port 160 is connected to the air
inlet port 61a through an air passage 170a. One end of the air
passage 170a is connected to the air outlet port 160, and the other
end of the air passage 170a is connected to the air inlet port
160.
[0094] The air inlet port 61 a according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure has been described as being formed on the drain
hose 60a. However, the aspect of the present disclosure is not
limited thereto, and the air inlet port 61a may be formed on the
connection part 62a or the air outlet port 160. Further, one end of
the air passage 170a may be connected directly the outside to
discharge air from the air outlet port 160. The air passage 170a
may be connected to the outside and the air inlet port 61a to
improve the discharge of the air from the air outlet port 160.
[0095] Hereinafter, the flow of the washing water and the air will
be described.
[0096] As the impeller 122 rotates, the washing water moves from
the washing water inlet compartment 111 to the drain pump
compartment 120 via the first suction port 123. Thereafter, the
washing water, by passing through an outlet hole 125 of the drain
pump compartment 120, is discharged to an outside the cabinet 10
via the outlet port 124 and the drain hose 60a.
[0097] The washing water in the drain pump compartment 120 is moved
to the outlet port 124 and the drain hose 60a by the impeller 122
at a high speed. In this case, the washing water flowing from the
washing water inlet compartment 111 to the drain pump compartment
120, that is, the washing water passing through the first suction
port 123, flows at a velocity higher than that of the washing water
passing through the outlet port 124 and the drain hose 60a.
[0098] Since the pump case 110 is not substantially different in
height from the drain hose 60a, when the heights of the pump case
110 and the drain hose 60a are assumed to be same, the pressure of
the drain hose 60a is lower than the pressure of the first suction
port 123 according to Bernoulli's principle.
u.sup.2/2+gh+.rho./=constant (Bernoulli's principle)
[0099] That is, the pressure of the air outlet port 160 is higher
than the pressure of the air inlet port 61a.
[0100] As described above, the difference in amount between the
washing water being discharged and the washing water being
introduced as well as the cavitation phenomenon cause the upper
portion of the drain pump compartment 120 to be filled with air.
The difference in pressure allows the air to flow from the air
outlet port 160 to the air inlet port 61a through the air passage
170a.
[0101] According to the above structure as such, the air in the
drain pump 100a is naturally discharged to an outside the cabinet
10 through the drain hose 60a.
[0102] Therefore, the air is removed from the drain pump 100a, in
particular, from the drain pump compartment 120, so that the
vibration and noise are removed, and the efficiency of the drain
pump is enhanced.
[0103] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a drain pump in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0104] The description of the same reference numerals will be
assigned to elements identical to the elements according to the
previous embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 7, a drain pump 100b includes a washing
water inlet compartment (111 in FIG. 6), a pump case 110 provided
with a drain pump compartment (120 in FIG. 6) and a bubble
generating compartment (130 in FIG. 6), and a pump filter 140
inserted into the washing water inlet compartment 111.
[0106] The bubble generating motor 131 is connected to one end of
the pump case 110 including the bubble generating compartment 130.
The circulation port 134 is formed at the upper portion of the
bubble generating compartment 130. The circulation pipe 80 is
connected to the circulation port 134.
[0107] The pump filter 140 is inserted into the front surface of
the drain pump 100b.
[0108] The washing inlet compartment (111 in FIG. 6) is formed in
the center at an inside of the drain pump 100b. The inlet port 114
is provided on the washing water inlet compartment 111 while
protruding to the rear side of the washing water inlet compartment
111. An inlet hose 70 is connected to the inlet port 114 such that
the washing water in the tub 20 is introduced to the washing water
inlet compartment 111. One end of the inlet hose 70 is connected to
the inlet port 114 and the other end of the inlet hose 70 is
connected to the tub (20 in FIG. 1).
[0109] The washing water in the tub 20 is introduced into the
washing water inlet compartment 111 in the drain pump 100b through
the inlet hose 70.
[0110] The drain pump compartment (120 in FIG. 6) is formed at the
opposite end of the pump case 110 including the bubble generating
motor 131. The pumping motor 121 provided with the impeller (122 in
FIG. 3) is mounted on the drain pump compartment 120.
[0111] As described above, the upper portion of the inner side of
the drain pump compartment 120 is filled with air. Accordingly, the
air outlet port 160 is provided while protruding at the upper
portion of the outer side of the drain pump compartment 120 to
discharge air.
[0112] A drain hose 60b is provided with a connection part 62b
configured to connect to the outlet port 124 that protrudes to the
rear side of the pump case 110.
[0113] An air passage 170b branches from the drain hose 60b while
being integrally formed with the drain hose 60b. The air passage
170b is connected to the air outlet port 160.
[0114] As described above, since the velocity of the washing water
at the drain hose 60b is higher than that of the washing water in
the drain pump compartment 120, the pressure in the pump case 110
is higher than the pressure in the drain hose 60b according to
Bernoulli's principle.
[0115] Accordingly, the air in the upper portion of the drain pump
compartment 120 moves along from the air outlet port 160 to the
drain hose 60b. The air reached to drain hose 60b is discharged to
an outside of the cabinet 10 together with the washing water.
[0116] As the air in the pump case 110 is reduced, the vibration
and noise occurring in the drain pump is reduced, and the
efficiency of the drain pump is enhanced.
[0117] Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *