U.S. patent application number 14/119131 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for water supply apparatus for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation. Invention is credited to Hyoung Tae Yoon.
Application Number | 20140109620 14/119131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48192395 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140109620 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoon; Hyoung Tae |
April 24, 2014 |
WATER SUPPLY APPARATUS FOR WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A water supply device for a washing machine includes a panel
connection part connected to a water supply line and having a first
wash water flow path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to
the panel connection part and having a second wash water flow path
therein that communicates with the first wash water flow path,
wherein the second wash water flow path has a width that expands
toward one side away from the panel connection part, and includes
an opening at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays
wash water.
Inventors: |
Yoon; Hyoung Tae; (Incheon,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dongbu Daewoo Electronics
Corporation
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
48192395 |
Appl. No.: |
14/119131 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 2, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2012/009207 |
371 Date: |
November 20, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/12.18 ;
68/17R; 68/212 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20130101;
D06F 23/04 20130101; D06F 39/086 20130101; D06F 39/088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/12.18 ;
68/212; 68/17.R |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08; D06F 39/02 20060101 D06F039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0113300 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0113301 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0113302 |
Claims
1. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a panel
connection part connected to a water supply line and having a first
wash water flow path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to
the panel connection part and having a second wash water flow path
therein that communicates with the first wash water flow path,
wherein the second wash water flow path has a width that expands
towards one side away from the panel connection part, and includes
an opening at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays
wash water.
2. The water supply device of claim 1, wherein the second wash
water flow path of the horizontal sprayer has a fan shape and a
width that expands toward the one side away from the panel
connection part.
3. The water supply device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal
sprayer comprises a lower flow path part forming the second wash
water flow path, and the lower flow path part forms a surface that
slopes downward toward the opening.
4. The water supply device of claim 1, wherein the water supply
line comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water
from an outside source through an opening at a bottom of the
detergent box via an inside of the detergent box; and a second
water supply line separate from the first water supply line that
transfers wash water from the outside source to the panel
connection part.
5. The water supply device of claim 4, wherein the water supply to
a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water
supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is
selected according to a control signal from a controller.
6. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a
sidewall part connected to an outer side surface of a detergent box
housing, forming a first wash water flow path through which wash
water flows, between the sidewall part and the detergent box
housing in a top panel; and a lower partition wall part connected
to the sidewall part, extending to one side and separate from a
bottom surface of the detergent box housing, forming a second wash
water flow path that communicates with the first wash water flow
path, having an opening at an end thereof that sprays wash
water.
7. The water supply device of claim 6, wherein the second wash
water flow path of the lower partition wall part has a fan shape
and a width expanding toward one side.
8. The water supply device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the lower
partition wall part comprises a lower flow path part forming the
second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path part has a
surface that slopes downward toward the opening.
9. The water supply device of claim 6, wherein the top panel
comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water from an
outside source through an opening of the detergent box housing via
the inside a detergent box; and a second water supply line
discharging wash water from the outside source through the opening
via the first wash water flow path and the second wash water flow
path.
10. The water supply device of claim 9, wherein the water supply to
a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water
supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is
selected according to a control signal from a controller.
11. A water supply device for a washing machine, comprising: a
detergent box housing in a top panel and having a detergent box
therein; and a side partition wall connected to an inner side
surface of the detergent box housing and forming a wash water flow
path, through which wash water flows vertically between the side
partition wall and the detergent box housing.
12. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein the side partition
wall extends vertically along the inner side surface of the
detergent box housing.
13. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein a bottom side of
the detergent box housing has a surface that slopes downward toward
an opening through which wash water is discharged.
14. The water supply device of claim 11, wherein the top panel
comprises: a first water supply line discharging wash water
supplied from an outside source through the opening of the
detergent box housing via the inside of the detergent box; and a
second water supply line discharging wash water supplied from the
outside through the opening of the detergent box housing via the
wash water flow path.
15. The water supply device of claim 14, wherein the water supply
to a washing tub through the first water supply line or the water
supply to the washing tub through the second water supply line is
selected according to a control signal from a controller.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply device for a
washing machine, and more particularly, to a water supply device
for a washing machine that is capable of uniformly supplying wash
water to laundry items in a washing tub.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, a washing machine includes a case, a washing
tub, a pulsator, a water supply device, a driving unit, and a drain
device. The washing tub is installed in the case and contains
laundry items to be washed therein. The pulsator is installed at
the bottom center of the washing tub, so as to agitate the laundry
items. The water supply device serves to supply wash water into the
washing tub. The driving unit rotates a rotating ring to perform
the washing process. The drain device serves to discharge wash
water from the washing tub to the outside of the case, after the
washing process is completed.
[0003] When a user opens the case to put laundry items into the
washing tub and then turns on the power, wash water is supplied
into the washing tub by the water supply device. Then, while the
washing tub is rotated by operation of the driving unit, a washing
process is performed.
[0004] After the washing process is completed, the wash water
stored in the washing tub is discharged to the outside of the case
by the drain device.
[0005] The related art of the present invention is disclosed in
Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-0010616, published on
Feb. 15, 2001, and titled "Water supply device with shower-water
supplying function and balancing function in washing machine."
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0006] In general, the water supply device for a washing machine
receives wash water through a water supply assembly at a rear side
of a cover, and passes the received wash water through a detergent
box below the water supply assembly, and supplies water into the
washing tub through an opening in the detergent box.
[0007] While the wash water supplied through the water supply
assembly passes through the detergent box, the pressure of the wash
water is reduced. Thus, the wash water supplied to the washing tub
flows substantially from the opening of the detergent box.
Therefore, the supply of the wash water may be concentrated on one
side, where the detergent box is positioned. This may degrade the
washing and rinsing performance of the washing machine.
[0008] The present invention is conceived to solve such problems of
the related art, and an aspect of the invention provides a water
supply device for a washing machine that is capable of uniformly
supplying wash water to laundry items within a washing tub, thereby
improving the washing and rinsing performance.
Technical Solution
[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a water supply
device for a washing machine includes a panel connection part
connected to a water supply line, having a first wash water flow
path therein; and a horizontal sprayer connected to the panel
connection part, having a second wash water flow path therein that
communicates with the first wash water flow path, wherein the
second wash water flow path has a width that expands toward one
side away from the panel connection part, and includes an opening
at an end of the second wash water flow path that sprays the wash
water.
[0010] The second wash water flow path of the horizontal spraying
part may have a fan shape and a width that expands toward the one
side, away from the panel connection part.
[0011] The horizontal sprayer may include a lower flow path part
that forms the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow path
part may have a surface that slopes downward toward the
opening.
[0012] The water supply line may include a first water supply line
discharging wash water from an outside source through an opening at
the bottom of the detergent box via the inside of the detergent
box; and a second water supply line separate from the first water
supply line that transfers wash water from the outside source to
the panel connection part.
[0013] The water supply to a washing tub through the first water
supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the
second water supply line may be selected according to a control
signal from a controller.
[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
water supply device for a washing machine includes a sidewall part
connected to an outer side surface of a detergent box housing and
forming a first wash water flow path through which wash water flows
between the sidewall part and the detergent box housing in a top
panel; and a lower partition wall part connected to the sidewall
part, extending to one side and separate from a bottom surface of
the detergent box housing, forms a second wash water flow path that
communicates with the first wash water flow path, and has an
opening at an end thereof that sprays wash water.
[0015] The second wash water flow path of the lower partition wall
part may have a fan shape and a width that expands toward one
side.
[0016] The lower partition wall part may include a lower flow path
part forming the second wash water flow path, and the lower flow
path part has a surface that slopes downward toward the
opening.
[0017] The top panel may include a first water supply line that
discharges wash water from an outside source through an opening of
the detergent box housing and the detergent box; and a second water
supply line discharges wash water from the outside source through
the opening via the first wash water flow path and the second wash
water flow path.
[0018] The water supply to a washing tub through the first water
supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the
second water supply line may be selected according to a control
signal from a controller.
[0019] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
water supply device for a washing machine includes a detergent box
housing in a top panel and having a detergent box therein; and a
side partition wall connected to an inner side surface of the
detergent box housing and forming a wash water flow path, through
which wash water flows vertically between the side partition wall
and the detergent box housing.
[0020] The side partition wall may extend vertically along the
inner side surface of the detergent box housing.
[0021] The bottom side of the detergent box housing may have a
surface that slopes downward toward an opening through which wash
water is discharged.
[0022] The top panel may include a first water supply line that
discharges wash water from an outside source through the opening in
the detergent box housing via the inside of the detergent box; and
a second water supply line that discharges wash water from the
outside source through the opening of the detergent box housing via
the wash water flow path.
[0023] The water supply to a washing tub through the first water
supply line or the water supply to the washing tub through the
second water supply line may be selected according to a control
signal from a controller.
Advantageous Effects
[0024] According to the first aspect of the present invention,
since wash water passing through the panel connection part is
discharged toward the washing tub, the spray range of the wash
water expands through the horizontal sprayer, and the wash water
may be uniformly supplied to laundry items in the washing tub.
Therefore, it is possible to improve the washing and rinsing
performance of the washing machine.
[0025] Furthermore, as the water supply line is separate from the
water supply line passing through the detergent box in the top
panel, wash water may be sprayed without a loss in water pressure
while water passes through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range
of the wash water may be expanded.
[0026] Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having
separate paths are selectively controlled by the controller, wash
water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing
conditions.
[0027] According to the second aspect of the present invention,
since wash water flows between a rear surface of the detergent box
housing and the sidewall part, and is sprayed to the front side
through the space between the bottom surface of the detergent box
housing and the lower partition wall part, the spray range of the
wash water may be expanded. Thus, the wash water may be uniformly
supplied to laundry items in the washing tub.
[0028] Furthermore, the water supply line having a separate path
from the water supply line passing through the detergent box in the
top panel may spray wash water without a loss in water pressure
while passing through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range of
the wash water may be expanded.
[0029] Furthermore, since the water supply line having a separate
path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box
may be formed by adding the sidewall part and the lower partition
wall part to the rear surface and bottom surface of the detergent
box housing, the manufacturing cost may be reduced, and the washing
and rinsing performance may be improved.
[0030] Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having
separate paths are selectively controlled by a controller, wash
water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing
conditions.
[0031] According to the third aspect of the present invention,
since wash water passing between the side partition wall and the
inner side surface of the detergent box housing is sprayed to the
front through the bottom of the detergent box housing, the spray
range of the wash water may be expanded to uniformly supply wash
water to laundry items in the washing tub.
[0032] Furthermore, the water supply line having a separate path
from the water supply line passing through the detergent box in the
top panel may spray wash water without a loss in water pressure
while passing through the detergent box. Thus, the spray range of
the wash water may be expanded.
[0033] Furthermore, since the water supply line having a separate
path from the water supply line passing through the detergent box
may be formed by adding the sidewall partition wall to the inner
side surface of the detergent box housing, the manufacturing cost
may be reduced, and the washing and rinsing performance may be
improved.
[0034] Furthermore, since a plurality of water supply lines having
separate paths are selectively controlled by a controller, wash
water may be supplied in various ways depending on washing
conditions.
BEST MODE
[0035] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a water supply
device installed in a washing machine in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water supply device for
a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the water supply device for a
washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device
for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the
water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a conceptual view illustrating the spray range of
wash water supplied by the water supply device for a washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a top panel,
illustrating the water supply device for a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine to
which a water supply device for the washing machine in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention is applied;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the
washing machine to which the water supply device for the washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
is applied, taken along line B-B' of FIG. 8;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device
for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line C-C' of FIG. 9;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the
water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, taken along line C-C' of FIG.
9;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device
for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line D-D' of FIG. 9;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of
wash water in the top panel of the washing machine to which the
water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is applied;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine
to which a water supply device in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention is applied;
[0050] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the
washing machine to which the wash water device in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention is applied, taken along line
E-E' of FIG. 14;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the wash water device
for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line F-F' of FIG. 15;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the
wash water device for a washing machine in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, taken along line F-F' of FIG.
15; and
[0053] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wash water
flow in the top panel of the washing machine to which the wash
water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described
in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be
noted that the drawings are not to precise scale and may be
exaggerated in thickness of lines or sizes of components for
descriptive convenience and clarity only. Furthermore, the terms as
used herein are defined by taking functions of the invention into
account and can be changed according to the custom or intention of
users or operators. Therefore, definition of the terms should be
made according to the overall disclosures set forth herein.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a water supply
device installed in a washing machine in accordance with
embodiment(s) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective
view of the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the water supply
device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along
line A-A' of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a
modification of the water supply device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual view
illustrating the spray range of wash water supplied by the water
supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a top panel,
illustrating the water supply device in a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, a water supply device 30 for a
washing machine 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention may be installed at an end of a water supply line in a
top panel 20 of the washing machine 1 to spray wash water toward a
washing tub 10.
[0057] The water supply line may include a water supply line
(hereinafter, referred to as a first water supply line L1) to
supply wash water into the washing tub 10 through an opening 21a of
a detergent box 21 or a water supply line (hereinafter, referred to
as a second water supply line L2) separate from the first water
supply line L1, without passing through the detergent box 21.
[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the water supply
device 30 is installed on the second water supply line L2. When a
water supply source such as a faucet is opened, wash water is
introduced to the second water supply line L2 through a water
supply hose 25, which is connected to the faucet and a water supply
valve 26 on the water supply hose 25.
[0059] The directional flow of the wash water that passes through
the second water supply line L2 is changed to a horizontal
direction, while the wash water passes through the water supply
device 30 connected to the end of the second water supply line L2.
Then, the wash water is sprayed toward the washing tub 10.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the water supply device 30 for a
washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention includes a panel connection part 40 connected to the
second water supply line L2 in the top panel 20 of the washing
machine 1 and a horizontal sprayer 50 connected to the bottom to
bottom of the panel connection part 40 in the horizontal
direction.
[0061] When the horizontal sprayer 50 is connected in the
horizontal direction, the horizontal spraying unit 50 may have a
length extending in the horizontal direction. Thus, a flow of wash
water is in the horizontal direction in the wash water flow path in
the horizontal sprayer 50.
[0062] Hereinafter, the wash water flow path in the panel
connection part 40 is referred to as a first wash water flow path
N1, and the wash water flow path in the horizontal spraying part 50
is referred to as a second wash water flow path N2, for convenience
of description.
[0063] The top of the panel connection part 40 is assembled to the
end of the second water supply line L2. Since the panel connection
part 40 has a hollow pipe shape, the wash water reaching the panel
connection part 40 through the second water supply line L2 may flow
downward.
[0064] The panel connection part 40 has an upper flow path part 41,
forming the first wash water flow path N1 having a semi-circular
cross-section. The upper flow path part 41 includes a curved
surface part 41a positioned at an opening 52 of the horizontal
sprayer 50 and having a curved plate shape and a flat surface part
41b opposite to of the curved surface part 41a and having a flat
plate shape.
[0065] When wash water is uniformly introduced across the entire
cross-section of the second wash water flow path N2, the spray
range through the opening 52 at the front of the second wash water
flow path N2 may be more expansive, and the wash water may be more
uniformly supplied.
[0066] The horizontal sprayer 50 includes a lower flow path part
51, which forms the second wash water flow path N2 and connected to
the bottom of the upper flow path part 41. The lower flow path part
51 has a width that expands toward one side away from the panel
connection part 40, and includes the opening 52 at the expanded end
that sprays wash water.
[0067] As the width of the lower flow path part 51 expands toward
the front side (the left side in FIG. 1 and the bottom side in FIG.
6), the spray range may expand as illustrated in FIG. 6, more than
when the lower flow path part 51 has a uniform width.
[0068] Furthermore, when the lower flow path part 51 has a fan
shape, in which a circular arc faces the front side, wash water may
be guided a further distance to the front side. Thus, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, the front spray range may expand more than
when the lower flow path part 51 has in a line shape.
[0069] Compared to when wash water flows toward the detergent box
21 or when wash water is directed to the front side, it is possible
to provides an efficient fan-shaped maximum spraying range with
respect to the washing tub 10 having a circular cross-sectional
surface, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, when the second wash water flow path N2
has a surface sloped downward toward the opening 52, the wash water
may be supplied into the washing tub 10 at a downward angle.
[0071] This structure may prevent a loss in water pressure, which
may be caused by a sharp change in direction of the wash water flow
at the connection between the first and second wash water flow path
N1 and N2. As a result, the wash water may be sprayed through the
opening 52 at higher speeds, and the spray distance of the wash
water may increase.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, the second wash water flow path N2 may
be at a right angle with respect to the first wash water flow path
N1. The second wash water flow path N2 may be through a lower flow
path part 51' in a horizontal sprayer 50'. The lower flow path part
51' has an opening 52' at an end thereof that sprays wash
water.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, both of the first water supply line L1
and the second water supply line L2 may be formed in a region B at
a rear side (the right side in FIG. 1 and the top side in FIG. 6).
Alternatively, when the first water supply line L1 is in the region
B, the second water supply line L2 may be in another region, such
as region C or D, instead of the region B.
[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the first and
second water supply lines L1 and L2 are in the same region, and the
water supply device 30 for the washing machine in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention is connected to an end of
the second water supply line L2.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, the separate second water supply line
L2 is behind the first water supply line L1. Specifically, when the
water supply device 30 for the washing machine in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the lower
end of the second water supply line L2, wash water may be supplied
through the first water supply line L1, the second water supply
line L2, and the water supply device 30 within the same region.
[0076] The water supply through the first and second water supply
lines L1 and L2 is controlled by a controller 60. Thus, the water
supply to the washing tub 10 through the first water supply line L1
or the water supply to the washing tub 10 through the second water
supply line L2 may be selected by the controller 60. Therefore, the
water supply may be performed in various ways depending on the
washing conditions.
[0077] For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other
conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be
operated.
[0078] Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
the wash water containing the detergent may be supplied from the
first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water is
sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second
water supply line L2 and the water supply device 30 for a washing
machine. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water containing the
detergent may be realized through the spray pressure of the wash
water sprayed from the rear side.
[0079] Furthermore, the first and second water supply lines L1 and
L2 may be separately installed in the regions B and C,
respectively. In this case, the detergent may be independently
placed into the washing machine, and the wash water may be
independently sprayed in a vertical or horizontal direction,
regardless of whether each of the first and second water supply
lines L1 and L2 is operated or not.
[0080] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine to
which a water supply device for the washing machine in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 9
is a cross-sectional view of the top panel of the washing machine
including the water supply device in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention, taken along line B-B' of FIG. 8. FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional view of the water supply device for a washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
taken along line C-C' of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view
of a modification of the water supply device for the washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
taken along line C-C' of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view
of the water supply device for a washing machine in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line D-D' of
FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of
wash water in the top panel of the washing machine to which the
water supply device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is applied.
[0081] When the water supply device for a washing machine in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
described with reference to the drawings, the left side of FIGS. 8
to 13 is defined as the front side, and the right side of FIGS. 8
to 13 is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the top and bottom
sides in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 12 are defined as the left and right
sides, respectively.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the water supply device 120 for
a washing machine in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention may be across the rear and bottom sides of a
detergent box housing 111 that is in the top panel 110.
[0083] The water supply device 120 for a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a
sidewall part 130 having a length extending vertically and a lower
partition wall part 140 having a length extending horizontally.
[0084] When the sidewall part 130 has a length extending
vertically, it may indicate that a downward flow of wash water is
realized through a first wash water flow path N1 formed by the
sidewall part 130. Similarly, when the lower partition wall part
140 has a length extending horizontally, it may indicate that a
horizontal flow of wash water is realized through a second wash
water flow path N2 formed by the lower partition wall part 140.
[0085] The sidewall part 130 forms a continuous sidewall along the
rear surface of the detergent box housing 111 at the rear side of
the detergent box housing 111. Thus, the sidewall part 130 forms
the first water wash flow path N1, through which wash water flows
downward between the sidewall part 130 and the detergent box
housing 111.
[0086] The lower partition wall part 140 is connected to the bottom
of the sidewall part 130, and forms the second wash water flow path
N2 communicating with the first wash water flow path N1. The lower
partition wall part 140 extends to the front side along the bottom
surface of the detergent box housing 111, and has an opening 142 at
a front end thereof that sprays wash water.
[0087] In the present embodiment, the wash water flow path between
the rear surface of the detergent box housing 111 and the sidewall
part 130 is referred to as the first wash water flow path N1, and
the wash water flow path between the bottom surface of the
detergent box housing 111 and the lower partition wall part 140 is
referred to as the second wash water flow path N2, for convenience
of description.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 10, the sidewall part 130 includes an
upper flow path part 131 forming a hollow first wash water flow
path N1 between the rear surface of the detergent box housing 111
and the sidewall part 130. The upper flow path 131 includes a
curved surface 131a disposed toward the opening 142 and having a
curved plate shape and a flat surface 131b opposite to the curved
surface 131a and having a flat plate shape. As such, the upper flow
path part 131 has a semi-circular cross-section, and the curved
surface 131a and the flat surface 131b are connected to each
other.
[0089] When wash water is uniformly introduced across the entire
cross-section of the second wash water flow path N2, a spray range
through the opening 142 at the front side of the second wash water
flow path N2 may expand more, and the wash water may be more
uniformly sprayed.
[0090] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11, a sidewall
part 130' may include an upper flow path part 131' forming a first
wash water flow path N1, and having a rectangular
cross-section.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the lower partition wall part
140 includes a lower flow path part 141, having the second water
supply flow path N2 between the bottom surface of the detergent box
housing 111 and the lower partition wall part 140. The lower flow
path part 141 has a width expanding toward the front side, and has
a fan-shaped cross-section, in which a middle portion has a curved
convex shape towards the front side.
[0092] As the lower partition wall part 140 has a width expanding
towards the front side, the spray range of the wash water in the
horizontal direction may expand more than when the lower partition
wall part 140 has a uniform width.
[0093] Furthermore, since the lower partition wall part 140 has a
fan shape, and the middle portion has a curved convex shape facing
towards the front, wash water in the middle portion of the wash
water path N2 may be guided a longer distance toward the front
side. Thus, the forward spray range of wash water may expand
more.
[0094] In accordance with the present embodiment, wash water may be
supplied across the fan-shaped area on the basis of the shape of
the lower partition wall part 140. Thus, compared to when wash
water falls from the detergent box 112 or when wash water is
narrowly supplied to the front side, it is possible to efficiently
provide a fan-shaped maximum spray range (refer to FIG. 6) with
respect to the washing tub having a circular cross-section.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, the wash water flow path N2
formed by the lower partition wall part 140 may have an angle that
slopes downward toward the opening 142.
[0096] Since the connection between the sidewall part 130 and the
lower partition wall part 140 has an angle of less than 90 degrees
(relative to a straight line), it is possible to prevent a loss in
water pressure, which may be caused by a sharp change of direction
of the wash water at the connection between the wash water flow
path N1 and the wash water flow path N2. Thus, since the wash water
may be sprayed at high speeds, the wash water may be sprayed at
longer distances.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 13, the top panel 110 includes a first
water supply line L1 and a second water supply line L2. The first
water supply line L1 supplies wash water from an outside source to
the washing tub through an opening 113 at the bottom of the
detergent box housing 111 via the inside of the detergent box 112,
and the second water supply line L2 supplies the wash water through
the opening 142 via the sidewall part 130 and the lower partition
wall part 140.
[0098] Thus, when the controller 150 selectively controls the water
supply to the washing tub through the first water supply line L1 or
the second water supply line L2, wash water may be supplied in
various ways depending on washing conditions.
[0099] For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other
conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be
operated.
[0100] Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
the wash water containing detergent may be supplied through the
first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water may be
sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second
water supply line L2. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water
containing the detergent may be realized by the spraying pressure
of the wash water sprayed from the rear side.
[0101] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a top panel of a washing machine
including a water supply device in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional
view of the top panel of the washing machine to which the wash
water device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is applied, taken along line E-E' of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is
a cross-sectional view of the wash water device for a washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
taken along line F-F' of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view
of a modification of the wash water device for a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, taken along
line F-F' of FIG. 15. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating a wash water flow in the top panel of the washing
machine including the wash water device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] When the water supply device for a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described
with reference to the drawings, the left side of FIGS. 14 to 18 is
defined as the front side, and the right side of FIGS. 14 to 18 is
defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides in
FIGS. 14, 16 and 17 are defined as the left and right sides,
respectively.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a wash water supplying device
for a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention includes a detergent box housing 211 in a top
panel 210 and a side partition wall 216 in the detergent box
housing 211.
[0104] The detergent box housing 211 has an open front side, and a
detergent box 212 containing detergent is placed in the detergent
box housing 211 through the front of the detergent box housing
211.
[0105] The wash water introduced into the detergent box housing 211
arrives at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211 through the
inside of the detergent box 212. Then, the wash water is discharged
through the opening 213 at the front side of the detergent box
housing 211 and supplied to a washing tub (not illustrated) (refer
to L1 of FIG. 18).
[0106] The side partition wall 216 forms a continuous sidewall in
the back of the detergent box housing 211 inside the detergent box
housing 211. Thus, the side partition wall 216 forms a wash water
flow path N that supplies wash water vertically downward between an
inner surface of the detergent box housing 211 and the side
partition wall 216 in the back of the detergent box 212.
[0107] In the present embodiment, the wash water flow path between
the side partition wall 216 and the inner rear surface of the
detergent box housing 211 is referred to as the wash water flow
path N.
[0108] The side partition wall 216 includes a wash water flow part
217 forming a hollow wash water flow path N between the side
partition wall 216 and the detergent box housing 211.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 16, the side partition wall 216 has a
convex shape facing toward the front side from the side surface of
the detergent box housing 211. The side partition wall 216 includes
the hollow wash water flow path part 217 having a cross-section
with a semi-circular shape. The wash water flow path part 217
includes a curved surface part 217a facing toward the detergent box
212 and having a curved plate shape and a flat surface part 217b on
an opposite side of the curved surface part 217a, and having a flat
plate shape.
[0110] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17, a side
partition wall 216' may have a hollow wash water flow path part
217' having a rectangular cross-section.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 18, the bottom of the detergent
box housing 211 forms a surface that slopes downward toward the
opening 213 at the front side thereof.
[0112] Since the rear side of the detergent box housing 211 having
the wash water flow path N and the bottom of the detergent box
housing 211 are connected at an angle of less than 90 degrees
(relative to a straight line), it is possible to prevent a loss in
water pressure, which may be caused by a sharp change of direction
of the wash water. Thus, since the wash water may be sprayed at
high speeds, the wash water may be sprayed a longer distance.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 18, the top panel 210 includes a first
water supply line L1 and a second water supply line L2. The first
water supply line L1 supplies wash water from an outside source
through the opening 213 at the bottom of the detergent box housing
211, while changing the flow direction of the wash water a
plurality of times inside the detergent box 212. The second water
supply line L2 supplies wash water vertically downward to the
bottom of the detergent box housing 211 through the wash water flow
path N and then supplies the wash water through the opening 213 at
the bottom of the detergent box housing 211.
[0114] The first water supply line L1 is a water supply flow path
through which wash water enters the front side of the detergent box
housing 211, passes through the detergent box 212 in the reverse
direction, flows downward at the rear side of the detergent box
housing 211, and flows to the front side at the bottom of the
detergent box housing 211.
[0115] The second water supply line L2 is a water supply flow path
through which wash water enters the rear side of the detergent box
housing 211, flows vertically downward and is then supplied to the
washing tub after flowing to the front side at the bottom of the
detergent box housing 211.
[0116] The first and second water supply lines L1 and L2 partially
overlap each other at the bottom of the detergent box housing 211
forming the horizontal flow path. However, the first and second
water supply lines L1 and L2 are distinguished from each other by
the following aspects. The wash water that passes through the first
water supply line L1 may contain detergent, depending on whether or
not detergent is placed in the detergent box 212, and the pressure
of the wash water is reduced as the wash water direction changes a
plurality of times. Thus, the wash water is sprayed a short
distance. Furthermore, the wash water that passes through the
second water supply line L2 has only a small pressure loss. Thus,
the wash water is sprayed at a higher speed and at a longer
distance.
[0117] Thus, when the controller 220 selectively controls the water
supply to the washing tub through the first water supply line L1 or
the second water supply line L2, the wash water may be supplied in
various ways depending on washing conditions.
[0118] For example, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
only the first water supply line L1 may be operated. Under other
conditions, only the second water supply line L2 may be
operated.
[0119] Furthermore, when detergent is placed in the detergent box,
the wash water containing detergent may be supplied through the
first water supply line L1. Simultaneously, the wash water may be
sprayed to the front side from the rear side through the second
water supply line L2. Thus, a forward flow of the wash water
containing detergent may be realized by the spraying pressure of
the wash water sprayed from the rear side.
[0120] Although some embodiments have been provided to illustrate
the invention in conjunction with the drawings, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are given by way
of illustration only, and that various modifications and equivalent
embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. The scope of the invention should be limited only
by the accompanying claims.
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