U.S. patent application number 14/123344 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for washing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dongwon Kim, Jinwoong Kim, Youngmin Kim. Invention is credited to Dongwon Kim, Jinwoong Kim, Youngmin Kim.
Application Number | 20140123712 14/123344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47260020 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140123712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Youngmin ; et
al. |
May 8, 2014 |
WASHING DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention relates to a washing device. The washing
device comprises: a case; a tub supported by the case, the tub
having a laundry entrance hole for taking laundry in or out in a
front portion thereof and an external-air inflow hole for
introducing external air therethrough; an external-air inflow tube
passing through the case and connected to the external-air inflow
hole so as to guide the external air outside the case into the
external-air inflow hole; a drum having a laundry entrance hole
corresponding to the laundry entrance hole of the tub, the drum
being rotatably installed within the tub; a shaft connected to a
rear portion of the drum; a bearing housing rotatably supporting
the shaft; and a suspension assembly for decreasing the vibration
of the drum and of a driving part comprising a motor for rotating
the shaft. Thus, the washing device may be structured for increased
washing capacity, and a pressurized environment within the tub may
be improved so as to prevent the drum from being moved forward.
Inventors: |
Kim; Youngmin;
(Geumcheon-gu, KR) ; Kim; Dongwon; (Geumcheon-gu,
KR) ; Kim; Jinwoong; (Geumcheon-gu, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kim; Youngmin
Kim; Dongwon
Kim; Jinwoong |
Geumcheon-gu
Geumcheon-gu
Geumcheon-gu |
|
KR
KR
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
47260020 |
Appl. No.: |
14/123344 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
May 18, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2012/003927 |
371 Date: |
January 2, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/20 ;
68/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/007 20130101;
D06F 39/06 20130101; D06F 25/00 20130101; D06F 37/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/20 ;
68/140 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/22 20060101
D06F037/22; D06F 25/00 20060101 D06F025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0052133 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0053726 |
Jun 3, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0053727 |
Jun 7, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0054431 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0056699 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
KR |
10-2011-0056700 |
Claims
1. A washing device comprising: a case; a tub supported by the
case, the tub having a laundry entrance hole for taking in and out
laundry at a front portion thereof and an external air introduction
hole for introducing external air therethrough; an external air
introduction tube passing through the case and connected to the
external air introduction hole in order to guide the external air
outside the case into the external air introduction hole; a drum
having, at a front portion thereof, a laundry entrance hole
corresponding to the laundry entrance hole of the tub, the drum
being rotatably installed within the tub; a driving unit comprising
a shaft connected to a rear portion of the drum, a bearing housing
rotatably supporting the shaft, and a motor for rotating the shaft;
and a suspension assembly for attenuating vibration of the
drum.
2. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the external
air introduction hole is formed at a front of the tub, and the
external air introduction tube is connected to the external air
introduction hole and inclined upward as the external air
introduction tube extends rearward in a longitudinal direction of
the tub.
3. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the external
air introduction tube is provided with a condensing plate to
condense moisture contained in air flowing backward through the
external air introduction tube.
4. The washing device according to claim 1, further comprising a
foam sensing means located within the tub and the external air
introduction tube to sense foam produced in the tub.
5. The washing device according to claim 4, further comprising a
controller to control operation of the motor according to a result
of sensing by the foam sensing means.
6. The washing device according to claim 1, further comprising an
air-blowing fan installed in a passage of the external air
introduction tube to forcibly blow the external air into the
external air introduction hole during operation of a spin-drying
cycle.
7. The washing device according to claim 1, further comprising a
heater to heat the external air moving to the tub through the
external air introduction tube.
8. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the tub further
comprises an exhaust part to discharge the external air introduced
into the tub through the external air introduction tube.
9. The washing device according to claim 8, wherein the external
air introduction hole is formed to have an area greater than an
area of an exhaust hole of the exhaust part such that a discharge
flow rate of the external air in the exhaust part is greater than
an introduction flow rate of the external air in the external air
introduction hole during a spin-drying cycle.
10. The washing device according to claim 1, further comprising a
valve installed in a flow passage of the external air to allow flow
of the external air into the tub and to prevent the foam produced
in the tub from flowing backward through the flow passage of the
external air.
11. The washing device according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one plate having a plurality of holes installed in the flow
passage of the external air to the foam produced in the tub from
flowing backward through the flow passage of the external air.
12. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the external
air introduction hole is located further forward than the laundry
entrance hole of the drum.
13. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the suspension
assembly is connected to the bearing housing.
14. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the tub has an
opening at a rear portion thereof and further comprises a rear
gasket to seal a gap between the opening and the driving unit and
allow relative movement of the driving unit with respect to the
tub.
15. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the tub is
fixedly supported compared to the drum.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device and, more
specifically, to a washing device provided with an improved
structure to increase laundry capacity and preventing forward
movement of a drum with an improved internal pressure environment
of a tub.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, a washing device is an appliance that removes
various contaminants from clothing and bedding using the softening
effect of the detergent, frictional effect of the water current
according to rotation of the pulsator or drum and impact applied to
the laundry. Electronic washing devices recently introduced
automatically perform a series of operations of washing, rinsing
and spin-drying without manipulation by the user during the
operations.
[0003] Recently, demand for a drum type washing device has been
increasing since the drum type washing device has a height less
than that of a pulsator washing device, which has a washing tub
rotating at an upright position, and rarely causes entanglement and
creases of the laundry.
[0004] The drum type washing device generally includes a cabinet
body forming the external appearance of the washing device, a tub
arranged inside the cabinet body by being supported by a damper and
a spring and configured to store washing water, and a cylindrical
drum positioned inside the tub to allow laundry to be placed
therein. The drum receives driving force from a driving unit to
wash the laundry introduced into the drum.
[0005] The drum type washing device configured as above inevitably
causes vibration due to rotational force of the drum and
maldistribution of the laundry when the drum is rotated to wash and
spin-dry the laundry in the drum. The vibration occurring during
rotation of the drum is transferred to external parts through the
tub and cabinet.
[0006] Accordingly, a spring and a damper to absorb and suppress
vibration are essentially provided between the tub and the cabinet
to prevent vibration transferred from the drum to the tub from
being transferred to the cabinet.
[0007] In often cases, the drum type washing device as described
above is installed in an existing installation environment (e.g., a
sink environment or a built-in environment) rather than being
separately installed. Accordingly, the size of the drum type
washing device needs to be limited according to the installation
environment where the washing device is installed.
[0008] In the case of the drum type washing device as described
above, changing the internal structure of the washing device is
limited by the structures of the spring and damper arranged between
the tub and the cabinet to suppress vibration. In addition, as the
installation environments for the washing device are limited,
changing the size of the washing device is limited.
[0009] Meanwhile, a lot of researches are recently being conducted
to increase the laundry capacity of the washing device to handle
the increased amount of laundry and provide convenience to the
users. However, due to the constraints as described above,
increasing the size of the tub to increase the laundry capacity is
very difficult in the structure of a conventional drum type washing
device.
[0010] In addition, when the drum of the drum type washing device
rotates at high speed, flow of a gaseous fluid is created in the
drum and the tub. Thereby, a pressure gradient may be created
around the drum. This pressure gradient may cause the drum to move
forward.
[0011] In a structure designed to allow the tub and drum to vibrate
together, forward movement of the drum may not frequently occur.
However, in the case that the tub is substantially separated from
the drum in view of kinematics, the extent of forward movement of
the drum may increase, and further the drum moving forward may
strike the inner wall of the tub, causing problems.
[0012] Accordingly, washing devices having various structures to
increase the laundry capacity and washing devices to prevent
collision between the tub and the drum are currently being
developed.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0013] An object of the present invention devised to solve the
problem lies in a washing device which may increase the capacity of
the tub with an improved support structure to support a tub and a
drum. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to
provide a drum type washing device which provides a support
structure preventing transfer of vibration from the drum to the tub
and have a new structure to support the drum in a shock-absorbing
manner.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing
device which provides an improved pressure environment in the tub
by adjusting the air pressure in the tub such that collision
between the drum and the tub is prevented.
Technical Solution
[0015] The object of the present invention can be achieved by
providing a washing device including a case, a tub supported by the
case, the tub having a laundry entrance hole for taking in and out
laundry at a front portion thereof and an external air introduction
hole for introducing external air therethrough, an external air
introduction tube passing through the case and connected to the
external air introduction hole in order to guide the external air
outside the case into the external air introduction hole, a drum
having, at a front portion thereof, a laundry entrance hole
corresponding to the laundry entrance hole of the tub, the drum
being rotatably installed within the tub, a driving unit including
a shaft connected to a rear portion of the drum, a bearing housing
rotatably supporting the shaft, and a motor for rotating the shaft,
and a suspension assembly for attenuating vibration of the
drum.
[0016] Preferably, the external air introduction hole is formed at
a front of the tub, and the external air introduction tube is
connected to the external air introduction hole and inclined upward
as the external air introduction tube extends rearward in a
longitudinal direction of the tub.
[0017] The external air introduction tube is preferably provided
with a condensing plate to condense moisture contained in air
flowing backward through the external air introduction tube.
[0018] Preferably, the washing device further includes a foam
sensing means located within the tub and the external air
introduction tube to sense foam produced in the tub.
[0019] Preferably, the washing device further includes a controller
to control operation of the motor according to a result of sensing
by the foam sensing means.
[0020] Preferably, the washing device further includes an
air-blowing fan installed in a passage of the external air
introduction tube to forcibly blow the external air into the
external air introduction hole during operation of a spin-drying
cycle.
[0021] Preferably, the washing device further includes a heater to
heat the external air moving to the tub through the external air
introduction tube.
[0022] Preferably, the tub further includes an exhaust part to
discharge the external air introduced into the tub through the
external air introduction tube.
[0023] Preferably, the external air introduction hole is formed to
have an area greater than an area of an exhaust hole of the exhaust
part such that a discharge flow rate of the external air in the
exhaust part is greater than an introduction flow rate of the
external air in the external air introduction hole during a
spin-drying cycle.
[0024] Preferably, the washing device further includes a valve
installed in a flow passage of the external air to allow flow of
the external air into the tub and to prevent the foam produced in
the tub from flowing backward through the flow passage of the
external air.
[0025] Preferably, the washing device further includes at least one
plate having a plurality of holes installed in the flow passage of
the external air to the foam produced in the tub from flowing
backward through the flow passage of the external air.
[0026] The external air introduction hole is preferably located
further forward than the laundry entrance hole of the drum.
[0027] The suspension assembly is preferably connected to the
bearing housing.
[0028] Preferably, the tub has an opening at a rear portion thereof
and further includes a rear gasket to seal a gap between the
opening and the driving unit and allow relative movement of the
driving unit with respect to the tub.
[0029] Preferably, the tub is fixedly supported compared to the
drum.
Advantageous Effects
[0030] A washing device according to one embodiment of the present
invention may provide an improved support structure that prevents
transfer of vibration of the drum to the tub, and increase the size
of the tub since the drum and tub can be separately supported in a
shock-absorbing manner.
[0031] In addition, improvement of the pressure environment in the
tub may prevent forward movement of the drum through adjustment of
pressure in the tub, thereby preventing shock from being applied to
the drum and the tub.
[0032] In addition, in a pressure environment created to prevent
forward movement of the drum, leakage of fluid such as foam from
the tub may be prevented.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a
washing device according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a suspension
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
valve of an external air introduction tube according to the third
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating
installation of a plate of an external air introduction tube
according to the fourth embodiment;
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 are views schematically illustrating the
plate of the external air introduction tube according to the fourth
embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0044] Hereinafter, a washing device according to one embodiment of
the present invention will be described in detail. In describing
the present invention, the adopted names of the constituents have
been defined in consideration of functions thereof in the present
invention. Accordingly, they should not be understood as liming the
constituents. The names adopted to define the constituents can be
replaced with other names used in the art.
[0045] A washing device according to one embodiment of the present
invention will now be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view illustrating a
washing device according to one embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a
suspension assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing device includes a cabinet
600 forming the external appearance of the washing device, a tub
100 fixedly installed and supported in the cabinet 600, a drum 300
positioned and rotatably installed in the tub 100, a shaft 351
connected to the drum 300 through the rear portion of the tub 100,
a bearing housing 400 supporting the shaft 351, a driving motor
(not shown) arranged in the bearing housing 400 to transfer the
rotational force thereof to the shaft 351, and a suspension
assembly coupled to the bearing housing 400 to support structures
connected to the bearing housing 400 and absorb vibration and/or
shock.
[0048] The cabinet 600 includes a base 610 on which constituents
are supported and seated, and a front panel (not shown) having an
opening for introduction of laundry. In addition, the cabinet 600
includes a left panel 640, a right panel 630, a rear panel 620 and
a top panel (not shown). Herein, the opening of the front panel is
provided with a door (not shown) to open and close the opening.
[0049] In addition, a water supply unit (not shown) is provided at
the inner upper portion of the cabinet 600. The water supply unit
includes a water supply hose allowing water to be supplied from an
external water source into the tub 100 therethrough, a water supply
valve installed on the water supply hose to control water flow, and
a detergent supply device (not shown) into which detergent is
introduced such that the water supplied through the water supply
hose is introduced into the tub 100 along with the detergent. In
addition, a drainage unit (not shown) is provided at the inner
lower portion of the cabinet 600. The drainage unit is provided
with a drainage hose and a drainage pump to discharge the washing
water used in washing and rising of the laundry to the outside.
[0050] The tub 100 includes a front tub 100 configuring the front
part, and a rear tub 120 configuring the rear part. The front tub
100 and the rear tub 120 are coupled to each other by coupling
members such as screws, and define a space therein to accommodate
the drum 300.
[0051] Herein, the front tub 100 is provided with a laundry
entrance hole 104 (see FIG. 3) open to the front side and arranged
adjacent to the door to allow introduction of laundry. A rim 102
protruding forward of the tub 100 is formed on the inner
circumferential surface the laundry entrance hole 104. The rim 102
is provided with a front gasket 200 formed at the front panel to
seal the laundry entrance hole 104. The front gasket 200 further
functions to prevent foreign substances from being introduced
through the gap between the tub 100 and the drum 300.
[0052] In addition, the rear surface of the rear tub 120 is
penetrated. An opening is formed in the rear surface of the rear
tub 120. The rear surface of the rear tub 120 is provided with a
tub back wall 130 and a rear gasket 250, which have a smaller size
than the opening and are positioned at the inner side of the
opening to close the rear surface of the rear tub 120. The rear
gasket 250 is sealably connected to each of the tub back wall 130
and the rear tub 120 to prevent leakage of the washing water from
the tub 100.
[0053] Herein, the tub back wall 130 and the drum 300 vibrate
together when the drum 300 rotates. The tub back wall 130 is
sufficiently spaced apart from rear tub 120 so as not to interfere
with the rear tub 120. The rear gasket 250 is arranged between the
tub back wall 130 and the rear tub 120 and is formed of a flexible
material. Accordingly, the tub back wall 130 is not interfered by
the rear tub 120 and is thus allowed to make relative movement. To
allow such relative movement of the tub back wall 130, the rear
gasket 250 may have a frilled portion which may extend a sufficient
length.
[0054] The tub 100 is supported vertically upward by a supporter
(not shown) provided to the base 610 of the cabinet 600 and fixed
by separate coupling members (e.g., screws and bolts).
Additionally, the tub 100 may be fixed to the front panel and the
rear panel 620 of the cabinet 600, or the left panel 640 and the
right panel 630 thereof by coupling members which are not
shown.
[0055] The drum 300 includes a front drum 300, a center drum 320
and a rear drum 330. A drum laundry entrance hole 301 (see FIG. 3)
corresponding to the laundry entrance hole 104 of the tub 100 is
formed at the front of the front drum 300. A weight balancer to
perform balancing operation to suppress vibration of the drum 300
is installed at the front portion or/and rear portion of each of
the front drum 300 and the rear drum 330. In addition, the inner
side surface of the center drum 320 is provided with a lift to move
the laundry.
[0056] The rear drum 330 is connected to a spider 350. The spider
350 is connected to the shaft 351. The drum 300 is rotated in the
tub 100 by the rotational force transferred thereto through the
shaft 351.
[0057] Herein, the shaft 351 is directly connected to a driving
motor through the tub back wall 130. Specifically, the rotor of the
driving motor is directly connected to the shaft 351. The bearing
housing 400 is coupled to the rear surface of the tub back wall
130.
[0058] The bearing housing 400 supports the shaft 351 between the
driving motor and the tub back wall 130 such that the shaft 351 is
rotatable. In addition, the bearing housing 400 is elastically
supported by the base 610 through the suspension assembly.
[0059] Meanwhile, the tub back wall 130 disposed at the rear
surface of the tub 100 is coupled to one surface of the bearing
housing 400. The shaft 351 coupled to the drum 300 penetrate the
interior of the bearing housing 400. the bearing housing 400 is
provided with bearings (not shown) to allow smooth rotation of the
shaft 351, the shaft 351 is supported by the bearings (not shown).
In addition, the driving motor to rotate the shaft is fastened to
the other surface of the bearing housing 400.
[0060] In addition, a first extension 420 and a second extension
421 are symmetrically formed in a laterally radial direction of the
bearing housing 400. The suspension assembly is fastened to the
first extension 420 and the second extension 421, and the bearing
housing 400 is elastically supported through the suspension
assembly.
[0061] Hereinafter, coupling of the suspension assembly will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the suspension assembly includes first
and second weights 430 and 431 respectively connected to the first
and second extensions 420 and 421 of the bearing housing, first and
second suspension brackets 440 and 450 connected to the first and
second weights 430 and 431, first, second and third spring dampers
510, 520 and 500 connected to the first and second suspension
brackets 440 and 450 and the bearing housing 400 to elastically
support the bearing housing 400, and first and second dampers 530
and 540.
[0063] The first and second weights 430 and 431 function to balance
the weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 300, and also
serve as a mass in a vibration system in which the drum 300
vibrate.
[0064] The first spring damper 510 is arranged between and
connected to the first suspension bracket 440 and the base 610. In
addition, the second spring damper 520 is arranged between and
connected to the second suspension bracket 450 and the base 610.
The third spring damper 500 is arranged between and directly
connected to the bearing housing 400 and the base 610. The
constituents are supported by the first, second and third spring
dampers 510, 520 and 500 at one rear place and two front places on
the left and right sides in a shock absorbing manner.
[0065] The first damper 530 is installed between the first
suspension bracket 440 and the rear portion of the base 610 in an
inclined manner, and the second damper 540 is installed between the
second suspension bracket 450 and the rear portion of the base in
an inclined manner.
[0066] Preferably, the first and second weights 430 and 431, the
first and second suspension brackets 440 and 450, the first and
second spring dampers 510 and 520, and the first and second dampers
530 and 540 are arranged laterally symmetric about the center of
the shaft of the drum 300. Each of the dampers are connected and
coupled to the base 610 via a separate rubber bushing so as to tilt
at a predetermined angle. Thereby, the drum 300 and the bearing
housing 400 are raised and supported by the first and second
suspension brackets 440 and 450, and the first, second and third
spring dampers 510, 520 and 50 in the tub 100.
[0067] The driving motor is fastened to the rear surface of the
bearing housing 400 and is directly connected to the shaft. The
driving motor is arranged such that the speed thereof is controlled
by a controller, which is not shown. The structure and types of the
driving motor are well known to those skilled in the art, and
various embodiments thereof are possible. Therefore, a detailed
description of the driving motor will be omitted
[0068] In this embodiment, the tub 100 is fixedly installed in the
cabinet 600, and the drum 300 is supported by the suspension
assembly such that the vibration thereof is suppressed by the
suspension assembly. The support structures of the tub 100 and the
drum 300 are substantially separated from each other. In addition,
the support structures are formed such that the tub 100 does not
vibrate even when the drum 300 vibrates. Specifically, the tub 100
may be seated on the base 610 of the cabinet 600 such that the tub
100 maintains the standing position without assistance. The front
surface of the tub may be fixedly connected to the front panel (not
shown), and the rear surface thereof may be fixedly connected to
the rear cabinet 600.
[0069] In the case of the washing machine according to the
illustrated embodiment, high-speed rotation of the drum causes
pressure difference between the interior of the drum 300 and the
space between the drum 300 and the tub 100.
[0070] When pressure difference occurs between the interior of the
drum 300 and the space between the drum 300 and the tub 100, the
drum 300 supported by the suspension assembly is caused to move
forward to the front side of the tub 100 in the tub 100. In the
case that this forward movement of the drum 300 occurs, the central
axis of the drum 300 may be displaced from the original center of
rotation. Thereby, the drum 300 may rock in vertical and horizontal
directions of the shaft of the drum 300.
[0071] When this event occurs, the drum 300 may move forward in the
tube 100 to strike the inner front of the tub 100, or may rock
vertically and laterally to strike the inner circumferential
surface of the tub 100. Thereby, shock and noise may occur.
[0072] More specifically, the tub 100 is fixedly arranged in the
cabinet 600, while the drum 300 is rotatably disposed inside the
tub 100, and thus movably arranged in the tub 100 by the suspension
assembly, the tub back wall 130, and the rear gasket 250. In
addition, this arrangement prevents vibration occurring during
rotation of the drum 300 from being transferred to the tub 100 or
the cabinet 600.
[0073] When the drum 300 arranged as above rotates at high speed
(for example, during the spin-drying operation), the air staying in
the drum 300 is moved to a space between the outer circumferential
surface of the drum 300 and the inner circumferential surface of
the tub 100 through a spin-drying hole (not shown) formed in the
drum 300 or the gap defined between the drum 300 and the tub 100 by
the centrifugal force produced according to high-speed rotation of
the drum 300. The air rotates along the space between the drum 300
and the tub 100 according to rotation of the drum 300. Accordingly,
the space in the drum 300 is set to a subvacuum state, and high
pressure is created in the space between the outer circumferential
surface of the drum 300 and the inner circumferential surface of
the tub 100.
[0074] Meanwhile, the drum 300 movably supported by the suspension
assembly draws the external air thereinto to compensate the
subvacuum state. However, air is continuously discharged in the
circumferential direction of the drum 300 by the centrifugal force
according to rotation of the drum 300. Accordingly, inflow of air
hardly occurs in circumferential direction of the drum 300, but
occurs at the laundry entrance hole 301 of the drum 300.
[0075] However, the gap between the front opening of the drum 300
and the front opening of the tub 100 is very narrow, and the space
in the tub 100 is already sealed by the door. Therefore, the
rotating air discharged to the outer circumferential surface of the
drum 300 by the centrifugal force of the drum 300 is difficult to
enter the gap between the front of the drum 300 and the front of
the tub 100.
[0076] Furthermore, the gap between the front of the drum 300 and
the front of the tub 100 is formed to be narrow to prevent the
laundry or foreign substances from being stuck therein.
Accordingly, the speed of inflow of air into the gap between the
front of the drum 300 and the front of the tub 100 increases.
Therefore, the pressure in the gap between the front of the drum
300 and the front of the tub 100 decreases compared to the other
portions.
[0077] Thereby, pressures are created between the rotating drum 300
and the tub 100 such that subvacuum is created in the drum 300, a
higher pressure is created in the space between the outer
circumferential surface of the drum 300 and the inner
circumferential surface of the tub 100 than in the drum, and a
lower pressure is created in the gap between the front of the drum
300 and the front of the tub 100 than in the space between the
outer circumferential surface of the drum 300 and the inner
circumferential surface of the tub 100. That is, the pressures are
created such that the pressure of the interior of the drum 300 is
less than the pressure of the gap between the front of the drum 300
and the front of the tub 100, and the pressure of the gap is less
than the pressure of the space between the outer circumferential
surface of the drum 300 and the inner circumferential surface of
the tub 100.
[0078] With this pressure condition maintained, if force produced
by the lower pressure of the gap between the front of the drum 300
and the front of the tub 100 exceeds the supporting force of the
suspension assembly to support the drum 300, the drum 300 will move
forward to the front side of the tub 100.
[0079] That is, according to the illustrated embodiment of the
present invention, the tub 100 is fixed to the cabinet 600, and the
drum 300 is allowed to move. Accordingly, when pressure difference
occurs between the interior and exterior of the tub 100 in the drum
300, the drum 300 may move forward. For the washing device, the tub
100 and the drum 300 are configured to vibrate together, and thus
the drum 300 is less moved forward with respect to the tub 100.
[0080] Thereby, the front of the rotating drum 300 collides with
the inner front of the tub 100 according to forward movement of the
drum 300. In addition, the supporting condition of the suspension
assembly is affected by the phenomenon of forward movement of the
drum 300. Thereby, the drum 300 is not correctly supported, and the
center of rotation of the drum 300 is changed, causing rocking of
the drum 300 during rotation.
[0081] To prevent the forward movement and rocking of the drum 300
as described above, the present invention is provided with an
external air introduction structure to introduce air into the tub
100 and the drum 300 from the outside of the tub 100 to stabilize
the pressure inside the drum 300, the pressure in the space between
the drum 300 and the tub 100, and the pressure in the gap between
the front of the drum 300 and the front of the tub 100.
[0082] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of the
external air introduction structure according to embodiments of the
present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0083] First, an external air introduction structure according to a
first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
3.
[0084] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, a front part 101 forming the front
surface of the tub 100 is provided to the front of the tub 100. The
front part 101 of the tub 100 is provided with a laundry entrance
hole 104 through which laundry is introduced or retrieved. A rim
102 protruding forward from the front part 101 of the tub 100 is
provided to the outer side of the laundry entrance hole 104 in a
manner of surrounding the laundry entrance hole.
[0086] An external air introduction hole 103 is formed at the upper
portion of the rim 102. In addition, an external air introduction
tube 23 is connected to the external air introduction hole 103.
[0087] Herein, one end of the external air introduction tube 23 is
connected to the external air introduction hole 103, and the other
end thereof is connected to an external air hole 621 formed in the
rear panel 620. Thereby, the external air 10 outside the cabinet
600 flows into the external air introduction tube 23 through the
external air hole 621, and flows into the tub 100 through the
eternal air introduction hole 103.
[0088] Meanwhile, the other end of the external air introduction
tube 23 is not necessarily connected to the rear panel 620. That
is, the external air introduction tube 23 may be connected to
panels of the cabinet 600 other than the rear panel 620, such as
the right panel 630, the left panel 640 and the top panel.
[0089] The external air introduction hole 103 is located farther
forward than the laundry entrance hole 301 of the drum 300.
Thereby, the external air 10 may directly flow into the drum 300
through the external air introduction hole 103 and through the
laundry entrance hole 301 of the drum 300.
[0090] Meanwhile, the size of the external air introduction hole
103 may be determined according to the capacity of the washing
device. The capacity of the washing device is associated with the
volume of the tub 100 or the drum 300, and accordingly, the size of
the external air introduction hole 103 may be determined according
to the volume of the tub 100 or the drum 300.
[0091] That is, as the capacity of the washing device increase, the
volume or size of the drum 300 and the tub 100 needs to
correspondingly increase, the size of the external air introduction
hole 103 and the external air introduction tube 23 for prevention
of forward movement of the drum 300 may also need to increase. For
example, a washing device having the laundry capacity of 11 kg or
13 kg may have a larger external air introduction hole 103 than a
washing device having the laundry capacity of 9 kg.
[0092] Meanwhile, the external air introduction tube 23 may be
fixed to the tub 100. For the washing device according to
embodiments of the present invention, the drum 300 is separated
from the tub 100 in consideration of vibration. Accordingly, during
the washing or spin-drying, vibration of the drum 300 is rarely
transferred to the tub 100. Thereby, the external air introduction
tube 23 may be directly fixed to the tub 100.
[0093] The external air introduction tube 23 may be installed at
the upper central portion of the tub 100 to cross the tub 100 in
the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, it may be installed at
a position off the upper central portion of the tub 100 to the left
side or right side to cross the tub 100 in the front-to-back
direction. in the case that the external air introduction tube 23
is installed at a position off the central portion, the external
air introduction hole 103 may also be formed at a position off the
upper center of the rim 102 to the left side or right side.
[0094] An air-blowing fan 25 is installed in the external air
introduction tube 23. The air-blowing fan 25 operates when the drum
300 rotates at high speed. That is, it may operate during the
spin-drying operation. Otherwise, it may operate when the rate of
rotation of the drum is equal to or greater than 200 rpm or 400
rpm.
[0095] When forward movement of the drum 300 occurs according to
pressure difference occurring between the interior of the drum 300
and the space between the drum 300 and the tub 100 according to a
high rate of rotation of the drum, external air is introduced
through the external air introduction tube 23 by the air-blowing
fan 25. As the external air introduced through the external air
introduction tube 23 flows into the drum 300 through the external
air introduction hole 103, the pressures in the drum 300 and the
space between the drum 300 and the tub 100 are stabilized and
forward movement of the drum 300 is prevented.
[0096] Hereinafter, an external air introduction structure
according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The second embodiment includes constituents similar to those of the
first embodiment. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same
constituents and functions as those of the previous embodiment will
be omitted. They should be understood with reference to the
drawings of the first embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 4, in the second embodiment, external air
introduced into the tub 100 is converted into hot air to dry
laundry in the drum 300.
[0099] That is, according to the second embodiment, the external
air introduction tube 23 is provided with a heater 21 to heat
external air passing through the external air introduction tube 23.
Thereby, the external air passing through the external air
introduction tube 23 is heated and converted into hot air, then
flowing into the drum 300 through the external air introduction
hole 103 to dry the laundry.
[0100] The heater 21 may operate when the spin-drying operation is
performed, during which external air is introduced through the
external air introduction hole 103. That is, when forward movement
of the drum 300 occurs during the spin-drying operation according
to a high rate of rotation of the drum 300, external air may be
supplied and heated by the heater 21, thereby preliminarily drying
the laundry.
[0101] Alternatively, the heater 21 may operate to dry the laundry.
That is, when the drying operation is performed, the air-blowing
fan 25 and the heater 21 may operate to cause inflow of the
external air and convert the external air into hot air to dry the
laundry.
[0102] In this case, the external air introduced into the tub 100
and used to prevent forward movement of the drum 300 and/or
preliminarily dry the laundry needs to be discharged from the tub
100. Accordingly, an exhaust part to discharge the external air
from the tub 100 is provided to the rear side of the tub 100.
[0103] The exhaust part includes an exhaust hole 622 formed at the
upper rear side of the tub 100 and an exhaust pipe 22 connected to
the exhaust hole 22 and extending toward the outside of the rear
panel 620. Thereby, during the spin-drying operation and drying
operation, the external air and hot air introduced into the drum
300 and the tub 100 are discharged through the exhaust hole 622 and
the exhaust pipe 22.
[0104] Meanwhile, designing the inflow rate of the external air
introduced through the external air introduction hole 10 to be
greater than the discharge flow rate of the air discharged through
the exhaust hole 622 may be more advantageous in reducing forward
movement of the drum 300. That is, in this embodiment, the size or
total area of the external air introduction hole 103 is preferably
formed to be greater than that of the exhaust hole 622.
[0105] With the external air introduction tube allowing inflow of
external air as in the first and second embodiments, fluids in the
tub 100 such as washing water and detergent may be discharged
through the external air introduction hole 103.
[0106] By forming the external air introduction hole 103 in an
upper portion of the tub 100, the washing water in the tub 100 may
be prevented from flowing out to some extent. However, foam
possibly produced in the tub 100 may reach the top of the tub 100
and accordingly flow out through the external air introduction hole
103.
[0107] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an
external air introduction structure for preventing the foam from
flowing out according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment
includes constituents similar to those of the first embodiment.
Accordingly, a detailed description of the same constituents and
functions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. They
should be understood with reference to the drawings of the first
embodiment.
[0108] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a valve of an
external air introduction tube according to the third
embodiment.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a valve 30a to prevent outflow of
foam is installed in the external air introduction hole 103.
Herein, the external air introduction hole 103 protrudes from the
rim 102 upward, and the external air introduction tube 23 is
connected to the external air introduction hole 103. The valve 30a
is installed at the external air introduction tube 23 or a
protrusion of the external air introduction hole 103.
[0110] A portion of the external air introduction tube 23 at least
connected to the external air introduction hole 103 may be formed
of a flexible material. For example, the hole may have a shape of a
bellows formed of rubber or a gasket.
[0111] The valve 30a includes a pair of rotating plates 32a and 33a
rotatably installed at both sides of a hinge axle 31 crossing the
flow path of the external air. When the flow path is open, the
rotating plates 32a and 33a is arranged forming a certain angle
therebetween.
[0112] Herein, when the flow path is open, each of the rotating
plates 32a and 33a is inclined at a certain angle in the flow path.
When produced foam reaches the external air introduction hole 103,
the rotating plates 32a and 33a rotates to close the flow path by
being pushed by the foam.
[0113] On the other hand, when the pressure by the foam disappears,
the rotating plates 32a and 33a return to original positions at
which they are inclined. In this embodiment, the restoring force to
return the plates is the moment of inertia according to the weight
of the rotating plates 32a and 33a.
[0114] That is, when there is no pressure from the foam, one end of
each of the rotating plates 32a and 33a is connected to the hinge
axle 31, and the other end thereof rotates downward by gravity to a
drooping position.
[0115] Herein, a torsion spring (not shown) may be additionally
provided to one end of each of the rotating plates 32a and 33a
connected to the hinge axle 31. Thereby, restoring force may be
supplemented. In this case, the valve 30a may be selectively
installed in a vertical flow path or a non-vertical flow path of
the flow paths along which the external air flows.
[0116] As described above, the valve 30a may prevent backflow of a
fluid and foam produced in the tub 100 to and out of the external
air introduction hole 103 and the external air introduction tube
23.
[0117] In the illustrated fourth embodiment, backflow of the foam
is prevented by blocking the path of the foam. Alternatively,
backflow of the foam may be prevented by eliminating the foam
flowing backward.
[0118] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an
external air introduction structure for preventing outflow of foam
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth
embodiment includes constituents similar to those of the fourth
embodiment. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same
constituents and functions as those of the fourth embodiment will
be omitted. They should be understood with reference to the
drawings of the first and fourth embodiment.
[0119] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8
is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating installation of a
plate of an external air introduction tube according to the fourth
embodiment, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are views schematically illustrating
the plate of the external air introduction tube according to the
fourth embodiment.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, plates 30b and 30c for preventing
outflow of foam are installed in the external air introduction hole
103. Herein, the external air introduction hole 103 protrudes
upward from the rim 102, and the external air introduction tube 23
is connected to the external air introduction hole 103. The plates
30b and 30c are installed at the external air introduction tube 23
or the protrusion of the external air introduction hole 103.
[0121] A portion of the external air introduction tube 23 at least
connected to the external air introduction hole 103 may be formed
of a flexible material. For example, the hole may have a shape of a
bellows formed of rubber or a gasket.
[0122] Herein, the plate 30b includes a plurality of holes 32b, as
shown in FIG. 9. The external air may flow into the tub through the
holes 32b. On the other hand, the foam produced in the tub 100
bursts as it touches a portion between the holes 32b of the plate
30b. Thereby, the foam may be eliminated or reduced to a size
allowing the foam to pass through the holes. In the plate 30b, the
holes 31b may be formed such that the total area thereof occupies
half or more of the total area of the plate 30b.
[0123] Alternatively, the plate 30c has a latticed pattern formed
by a plurality of wires 31c forming a mesh as shown in FIG. 8. The
plate 30c includes a frame 33c and the plurality of wires 31c
connected to each other by forming lattices in the frame 33c. The
external air is allowed to pass through the hoses formed between
the wires 31c.
[0124] A fluid and foam produced in the tub 100 may be prevented
from flowing backward to the external air introduction hole 103 and
the external air introduction tube 23 by the plates 30b and 30c as
described above.
[0125] As in the first and second embodiments, the external air
introduction tube for introducing the external air allows fluids in
the tub 100 such as washing water and detergent to flow out though
the external air introduction hole 103.
[0126] By forming the external air introduction hole 103 in an
upper portion of the tub 100, the washing water in the tub 100 may
be prevented from flowing out to some extent. However, foam
possibly produced in the tub 100 may reach the top of the tub 100
and accordingly flow out through the external air introduction hole
103.
[0127] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a foam
sensing structure of the external air introduction structure
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 5. The
fifth embodiment includes constituents similar to those of the
first embodiment. Accordingly, a detailed description of the same
structures and functions as those of the first embodiment will be
omitted. They should be understood with reference to the drawings
of the first embodiment.
[0128] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 11, the external air introduction structure
according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a sensing means
40 to sense outflow of the foam flowing backward into the external
air introduction tube 23 for introduction of external air.
[0130] The sensing means 40 includes at least one first electrode
41 installed at the external air introduction tube 23. In addition,
a second electrode 42 is installed at the lower portion of the tub
100. Thereby, when a electrical current flowing through the first
electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 is sensed, outflow of foam
or other fluids through the external air introduction hole 103 may
be sensed.
[0131] Alternatively, both the first electrode 41 and the second
electrode 42 may be installed at the external air introduction tube
23. Alternatively, the first electrode 41 and the second electrode
42 may be installed near the external air introduction hole 103 in
the tub 100. That is, approach of a fluid may be sensed before the
fluid flows out through the external air introduction hole 103.
[0132] Once outflow of the fluid is sensed by the sensing means 40,
the controller (not shown) of the washing device may temporarily
stop a process for washing in operation. In addition, the stopping
may be maintained for a certain time.
[0133] Alternatively, when the foam is sensed, the controller may
perform a separate operation to eliminate the foam. In addition,
the controller may resume the stopped process after a certain time
elapses or after the operation for elimination of the foam is
performed. For example, in the case that outflow of foam is sensed
during the washing operation, the washing operation may be stopped,
the operation for elimination of the foam may be performed, and
then the washing operation may be resumed.
[0134] As in the illustrated first and second embodiments, in the
case of the external air introduction tube for introducing the
external air, not only the fluids in the tub 100 such as the
washing water and detergent but also the air containing moisture
from the laundry (or steam) may be discharged through the external
air introduction hole 103. In this case, the air containing water
condenses in the external air introduction tube 23, and the
condensed water remains in the external air introduction tube
23.
[0135] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of an
external air introduction structure for eliminating the condensed
water according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The
sixth embodiment includes constituents similar to those of the
first embodiment. Accordingly, the same constituents and functions
as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. They should be
understood with reference to the drawings of the first
embodiment.
[0136] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a
washing device using an external air introduction structure
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Although
not shown in FIG. 12, the sixth embodiment may further include a
separate steam generating device.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 12, in the external air introduction
structure according to the sixth embodiment, the external air
introduction tube 23 allowing inflow of external air therethrough
may be inclined downward toward the tub.
[0138] That is, the external air introduction tube 23 is connected
to the external air introduction hole 103 formed at the rim 102 of
the tub 100 and extends to the edge of the front part 101 of the
tub 100. In addition, the pipe extends rearward in the longitudinal
direction of the tub 100. One end of the external air introduction
tube 23 is connected to the hole formed in the rear panel 620.
Herein, a portion of the external air introduction tube 23
extending in the longitudinal direction of the tub 100 is inclined
upward as it extends rearward, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0139] Herein, a condensing plate 26 may be further installed in
the external air introduction tube 23. The condensing plate 26 may
be formed of a metallic material. Particularly, in the case that
the external air introduction tube 23 is formed of a non-metallic
material such as plastics, condensing of damp air or stream
produced through drying of the laundry may be promoted by
installing the condensing plate 26 formed of a metallic material.
The external air introduction tube 23 may also be formed off a
metallic material.
[0140] During the washing operation, steam may be supplied into the
tub 100. Alternatively, in the case that the washing water in the
tub 100 is at a high temperature, water vapor may be formed in the
tub 100.
[0141] Such steam or water vapor may flow into the external air
introduction tube 23 through the external air introduction hole 10.
The temperature of the external air introduction tube 23 may be
lower than in the tub 100, and thus the steam or water vapor may
condense in the external air introduction tube 23. Or it may be
condensed by the condensing plate. Herein, the condensed water
return to the tub 100 since the external air introduction tube 23
is inclined.
[0142] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *