Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a garment processing apparatus comprising: a first nozzle water supply pipe disposed on one side of a gasket relative to a vertical line and guiding water discharged via a first circulation port to a pair of first nozzles; and a second nozzle water supply pipe disposed on the other side of the gasket relative to the vertical line and guiding water discharged via a second circulation port to a pair of second nozzles.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application with application number 201811328961.X (application date: November 9, 2018, invention title: clothing processing device). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a garment processing apparatus, and more specifically, to a garment processing apparatus having a nozzle that discharges water from an outer drum and circulates along a nozzle water supply pipe into a drum. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, garment processing equipment is a device that separates contaminants from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "garments") through the chemical breakdown of water and detergents, as well as the physical action of friction between water and garments.

[0004] This garment handling device includes an outer tub for holding water and a roller rotatably mounted in the outer tub to hold garments. Recent garment handling devices are configured to circulate water discharged from the outer tub using a circulation pump and to spray the circulated water (hereinafter referred to as "circulated water") into the roller via nozzles.

[0005] Korean Patent Application Publication No. KR20100106260A (hereinafter referred to as '260 Patent) discloses a garment processing device with two circulating nozzles on a gasket. Two water pipes are provided corresponding to the two circulating nozzles. That is, '260 Patent discloses a structure in which multiple circulating nozzles are provided, and each circulating nozzle is connected to a single water supply pipe (i.e., a structure in which circulating water is supplied to the circulating nozzles using water supply pipes equal in number to the number of circulating nozzles). The problem with this structure is that as the number of circulating nozzles increases, the number of water supply pipes also increases, thus complicating the flow path structure.

[0006] Japanese Patent Registration No. JP5671687B (hereinafter referred to as '687 Patent) discloses a structure in which multiple circulating nozzles are formed in an outer tub. Circulating water is guided along a single common flow path (nozzle water path), thus simplifying the flow path configuration. However, the circulating nozzles and nozzle water path are located on the rear surface of the front portion (the front portion forming the opening) of the outer tub (water tank 2). This structure is difficult to apply to garment handling equipment with a narrow gap between the outer tub and the roller.

[0007] Furthermore, in the '687 patent, the nozzle water path, formed as a separate component from the outer tub, is connected to the rear surface of the front portion of the outer tub to form a flow path between the rear surface of the front portion and the nozzle water path. In this case, a hygiene problem exists, as foreign matter is trapped in the gap between the rear surface of the front portion and the nozzle water path.

[0008] Furthermore, in the '687 patent, since the nozzle water path is located inside the outer tub, it is unavoidable to perforate the outer tub so that the circulating water path can pass through it in order to connect the pump located outside the outer tub to the nozzle water path via the circulating water path. In this case, the space between the perforation and the circulating water path needs to be completely sealed. However, considering that the outer tub is a vibrating body, it is difficult to maintain this seal for a long time, which may adversely affect the durability of the product.

[0009] Furthermore, since the '687 patent has a form in which the nozzles are arranged along a single common flow path (nozzle water path), that is, a shape in which the nozzles are arranged in the direction of water flow, the problem is that the jet flow rate will deviate between the nozzles located on the upstream side and the nozzles located on the downstream side. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to supply circulating water to four or more nozzles disposed on the inner circumferential surface of a gasket by using two nozzle water pipes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to arrange the first and second nozzle water supply pipes outside the gasket, thereby preventing the outer surfaces of the first and second nozzle water supply pipes from being contaminated by detergent water applied to the outer tub or drum and improving hygiene. Furthermore, given the limited internal space within the garment processing equipment, this installation of the first and second nozzle water supply pipes on the gasket allows for full utilization of this limited internal space and enables reliable installation of the first and second nozzle water supply pipes without interfering with other components of the garment processing equipment.

[0012] At least four nozzles are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the channel defined by the gasket (through which clothes are introduced and removed). These four nozzles spray water discharged from the outer tub and pumped into the drum, and are arranged in pairs on both sides of the channel. The nozzles arranged on both sides of the channel supply recirculated water evenly to the clothes inside the drum, thereby enabling more efficient washing of clothes.

[0013] The system includes a first nozzle water supply pipe and a second nozzle water supply pipe. The first nozzle water supply pipe guides circulating water (water pumped by the pump) to a pair of first nozzles arranged on one side of the channel, and the second nozzle water supply pipe guides the circulating water to a pair of second nozzles arranged on the other side of the channel. The first and second nozzle water supply pipes are housed in gaskets, with the first nozzle water supply pipe arranged on the side of the channel corresponding to the first nozzle, and the second nozzle water supply pipe arranged on the other side of the channel corresponding to the second nozzle.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a pair of nozzles on the right and left sides of a gasket, wherein the flow rate supplied to the pair of nozzles on the left side and the flow rate supplied to the pair of nozzles on the right side are substantially equal, such that the shape of the water flow ejected through the pair of nozzles on the left side and the shape of the water flow ejected through the pair of nozzles on the right side are symmetrical.

[0015] The first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe are respectively connected to the pump, such that the flow rates introduced into the first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe are substantially equal to each other. Therefore, the flow rates of the pair of first nozzles supplied with circulating water via the first nozzle water supply pipe and the flow rates of the pair of second nozzles supplied with circulating water via the second nozzle water supply pipe are substantially the same.

[0016] Furthermore, the water flow patterns ejected via the pair of first nozzles and the water flow patterns ejected via the pair of second nozzles can be substantially symmetrical.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for supplying circulating water from a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion located outside a gasket to a nozzle located on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket. A plurality of nozzle supply ports are formed on the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion, and a plurality of hollow portions communicating with the plurality of nozzles are formed in the gasket along the thickness direction of the gasket, and the plurality of nozzle supply ports are inserted into the plurality of hollow portions such that the circulating water can be supplied from the plurality of nozzle supply ports to the plurality of nozzles.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient structure in which, in a structure in which the counterweight is located on the underside of the gasket (or below the outer barrel), a pipe for supplying water circulated by a pump to nozzles located on both sides of the counterweight can be installed without interfering with the counterweight.

[0019] The first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe are arranged on both sides of the counterweight, and the first circulation pipe and the second circulation pipe of the pump are connected above the counterweight to the first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe, so that the counterweight will not become an obstacle when connecting the first circulation pipe and the second circulation pipe and the first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to prevent the first nozzle water pipe and the second nozzle water pipe from separating from the gasket. The upper ends of the first nozzle water pipe and the second nozzle water pipe are inserted in the upper part of the outer barrel between an upper balancing weight arranged around the gasket and the gasket, such that moving the upper ends of the first nozzle water pipe and the second nozzle water pipe away from the gasket is restricted by the upper balancing weight. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of the garment processing equipment shown.

[0024] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a portion of the garment processing equipment shown;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view of the component shown;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram of the washer;

[0027] Figure 6 This is the rear view of the washer;

[0028] Figure 7 It is by Figure 4 A magnified view of the portion indicated by the dashed lines;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe installed in the washer;

[0030] Figure 9 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line IX-IX;

[0031] Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line XX;

[0032] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A portion of a garment processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated;

[0033] Figure 13 Examples Figure 11 The first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe shown; and

[0034] Figure 14 A portion of a garment processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for implementing them, will become clear from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of the garment processing equipment shown. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a portion of the garment processing equipment shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view of the component shown. Figure 5 This is a 3D diagram of a washer. Figure 6 This is the rear view of the washer. Figure 7 It is by Figure 4 The enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dashed line in the image. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe installed in the gasket. Figure 9 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line IX-IX. Figure 10 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line XX;

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2According to one embodiment of the present invention, a garment processing device includes a housing 10 forming the exterior, an outer tub 30 disposed in the housing 10 and storing fluid, a roller 40 rotatably mounted in the outer tub 30 and into which garments are to be fed, and a motor 50 for rotating the roller 40.

[0038] A front panel 11 with an inlet port 12 is arranged on the front surface of the housing 10. A door 20 for opening and closing the inlet port 12 is arranged on the front panel 11, and a dispenser 14 for dispensing detergent into it can be installed. The housing 10 may be provided with a control panel 13, which receives commands for operating the garment handling equipment.

[0039] Meanwhile, the outer tub 30 can be formed as a single outer tub body, or it can be formed by fastening the first outer tub body 30a and the second outer tub body 30b to each other. In one embodiment of the invention, it is described that the first outer tub body 30a and the second outer tub body 30b are fastened to form the outer tub 30. Hereinafter, the first outer tub body 30a will be simply referred to as "outer tub 30".

[0040] An annular washer 60 is provided to form a channel 60P, which connects the inlet port 12 and the opening of the outer barrel 30. A plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d for spraying water into the drum 40 are provided on the inner circumferential surface 62 of the defined channel 60P of the washer 60.

[0041] Water supply valve 15, water supply pipe 16, and water supply hose 17 can be installed in housing 10. During water supply, the fluid passing through water supply valve 15 and water supply pipe 16 can be mixed with detergent in dispenser 14 and then supplied to outer tub 30 via water supply hose 17.

[0042] Meanwhile, the direct water supply pipe 18 is connected to the water supply valve 15, allowing fluid to be supplied directly to the outer tub 30 via the direct water supply pipe 18 without mixing with detergent. A direct water nozzle 19 may be provided for spraying water supplied via the direct water supply pipe 18 into the drum 40.

[0043] Pump 70 pumps water discharged from outer tank 30 and is connected to outer tank 30 via discharge hose 72. Pump 70 may be positioned below outer tank 30. Pump 70 may be fixed to base 101 forming the bottom of housing 10.

[0044] Pump 70 can discharge circulating water via a first circulation port 70a and a second circulation port 70b. More specifically, pump 70 may include: a pump housing forming a chamber into which water discharged from outer tank 30 via discharge hose 72 is introduced; an impeller rotatably mounted in the pump housing; and a pump motor that rotates the impeller. In the pump housing, an inlet port connected to the discharge hose 72 communicates with the chamber and may form circulation ports 70a, 70b and a discharge port 70c for discharging water pumped by the impeller. Circulation ports 70a, 70b may be connected to circulation pipes 86a, 86b, and discharge port 70c may be connected to a discharge pipe 74.

[0045] Water in the chamber can be selectively supplied to either the circulation port or the discharge port depending on the impeller's rotation direction. That is, when the impeller rotates in the forward direction, fluid is discharged through the circulation port; and when the impeller rotates in the opposite direction, fluid is discharged through the discharge port. Since the method of achieving water circulation or discharge based on the impeller's rotation direction while using a single pump is well known, further explanation will be omitted.

[0046] The pump motor can be a variable speed motor with controllable rotational speed, or it can be a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. Obviously, the rotational direction of the BLDC motor can also be controlled.

[0047] The pump 70 described above serves as a circulation pump for circulating fluid and a discharge pump for discharging fluid to the outside. Alternatively, the circulation pump and the discharge pump can be installed separately. When the circulation pump and the discharge pump are installed separately, obviously the discharge pipe 74 is connected to the discharge pump and the circulation pipe 86 is connected to the circulation pump.

[0048] The circulation pipe 86 can be made of an amorphous soft material. That is, the circulation pipe 86 can be deformed by external forces and can be made of rubber or soft synthetic resin (or deformable material).

[0049] A pair of nozzle water supply pipes 80 are provided for guiding water pumped by pump 70. The pair of nozzle water supply pipes 80 includes a first nozzle water supply pipe 80a and a second nozzle water supply pipe 80b arranged on both sides based on the groove 60P of the washer 60. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the front, the first nozzle water supply pipe 80a is arranged on one side relative to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the washer 60, and the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b is arranged on the other side relative to the vertical line OV. In one embodiment, the nozzle water supply pipe 80 has a body formed of a shaped solid surrounding an internal space that serves as a water flow path.

[0050] Water discharged through the first circulation port 70a of pump 70 is guided by the first nozzle water supply pipe 80a, and water discharged through the second circulation port 70b is guided by the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b. The first nozzle water supply pipe 80a and the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b may have substantially the same structure and may be arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides with respect to the gasket 60.

[0051] Each nozzle water supply pipe 80a, 80b may include a circulation pipe connection port 81 for water discharged from pump 70 to flow into it, a pipe section 82 for guiding water introduced via the circulation pipe connection port 81, and a plurality of nozzle water supply ports 84 branching from the pipe section 82. Hereinafter, those formed in the first nozzle water supply pipe 80a are referred to as the first circulation pipe connection port 81a, the first pipe section 82a, and the first nozzle water supply port 84a, while those formed in the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b are referred to as the second circulation pipe connection port 81b, the second pipe section 82b, and the second nozzle water supply port 84b.

[0052] The nozzle water supply pipe 80 is fixed to the washer 60. In some cases, due to various structural reasons, such as: in particular, the front end of the roller 40 (i.e., the opening of the roller 40) is positioned close to the opening of the outer tub 30 (e.g., a structure in which the opening of the roller 40 and the opening of the outer tub 30 are in the same plane, or the opening of the roller 40 protrudes forward through the opening of the outer tub 30), and furthermore, when viewed from the front, the opening of the roller 40 is located within the opening of the outer tub 30, so even when the nozzle is installed in the outer tub 30, it is impossible to spray water into the roller 40. Therefore, it is preferable that the nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are formed in the washer 60 so that water can be sprayed into the roller 40 without obstruction, and the nozzle water supply pipe 80 for supplying water to the nozzles is also installed in the washer 60.

[0053] Water discharged from pump 70 flows into circulation pipe connection port 81. Circulation pipe connection port 81 can be connected to pump 70 via circulation pipe 86a. Pump 70 can be provided with circulation ports 70a and 70b through which circulating water is discharged, in a manner corresponding to the number of nozzle water supply pipes 80. In this embodiment, pump 70 has a first circulation port 70a and a second circulation port 70b, and the first circulation port 70a is connected to circulation pipe connection port 81a of the first nozzle water pipe 80a via the first circulation pipe 86a, and the second circulation port 70b is connected to circulation pipe connection port 81b of the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b via the second circulation pipe 86b.

[0054] The pipe portion 82 is arranged outside the channel 60P defined by the gasket 60 and guides water introduced via the circulation pipe connection port 81 upward. The pipe portion 82 forms a channel communicating with the circulation pipe connection port 81, and the flow path is curved in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the gasket 60 and can extend in the vertical direction.

[0055] Multiple nozzle water supply ports 84 branch off from the pipe section 82. Circulating water transported along the pipe section 82 is discharged via the multiple nozzle water supply ports 84. These nozzle water supply ports 84 branch off from the pipe section 82 above the circulating pipe connection port 81. That is, the inlet of the nozzle water supply port 84 (i.e., the part of the nozzle water supply port 84 that connects to the pipe section 82) is located above the outlet of the circulating pipe connection port 81 (i.e., the part of the circulating pipe connection port 81 that connects to the pipe section 82).

[0056] The plurality of nozzle water supply ports 84 includes two nozzle water supply ports 84 formed at different heights. Hereinafter, the nozzle water supply port located on the lower side of the two nozzle water supply ports 84 is referred to as the lower nozzle water supply port 84a2, 84b2, and the nozzle water supply port located above the lower nozzle water supply port 84a2, 84b2 is referred to as the upper nozzle water supply port 84a1, 84b1.

[0057] The circulation pipe connection port 81 protrudes in the opposite direction to the nozzle water supply port 84 relative to the pipe portion 82. The circulation pipe connection port 81 can open in the direction away from the gasket 60 at the inlet communicating with the circulation pipe 86. Alternatively or additionally, the portion of the nozzle water supply pipe 80 adjacent to the circulation pipe connection port 81 can be formed to be bent radially outward. This protruding direction of the circulation pipe connection port 81 and / or the bending shape of the nozzle water supply pipe 80 facilitates the easy assembly of the circulation pipe 86 to the circulation pipe connection port 81 and helps in the installation of the circulation pipe 86 to avoid interfering with the balancing weights 90a, 90b.

[0058] In the nozzle water supply pipe 80, since the jet pressure of the water flow discharged from the nozzle water supply port 84 acts as a reaction force, the pipe section 82 receives a force in the opposite direction of the water flow discharge direction (i.e., the direction in which it is removed from the washer 60).

[0059] The circulation pipe connection port 81 protrudes from the pipe portion 82 in the opposite direction to the nozzle water supply port 84, such that the water flow introduced through the circulation pipe connection port 81 acts in the direction that brings the pipe portion 82 into tight contact with the gasket 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the nozzle water supply port 84 from falling out of the port insertion pipe 64, which will be described later.

[0060] An opening 32 is formed in the front surface 31 of the outer tub 30 to correspond to the insertion port 12 formed in the front panel 11 (which forms the front surface of the outer casing 10). A gasket 60 is disposed between the edge of the insertion port 12 of the front panel 11 and the edge of the opening 32 of the outer tub 30. The gasket 60 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber and has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0061] The leading edge of gasket 60 is attached to the edge of the inlet port 12 of the front panel 11, while the trailing edge of gasket 60 is attached to the edge of the opening of the outer tub 30, thereby sealing the gap between the outer tub 30 and the front panel 11. When the door 20 is closed, the front ends of the door 20 and gasket 60 are in close contact with each other, and the gap between the door 20 and gasket 60 is sealed, thus preventing fluid leakage.

[0062] For more details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The gasket 60 may include: a housing connection portion 610 connected to the circumference of the inlet port 12 of the housing 10; an outer tub connection portion 620 connected to the circumference of the opening of the outer tub 30; and an extension portion extending from a position located between the housing connection portion 610 and the outer tub connection portion 620.

[0063] Each of the outer casing connecting portion 610 and the outer tub connecting portion 620 is formed in an annular shape. The extension portion may have an annular rear end that connects to the outer tub connecting portion 620 from the annular front end connected to the outer casing connecting portion 610, and may be formed in a tubular shape extending from the front end to the rear end.

[0064] In the front panel 11 of the housing 10, the circumference of the input port 12 is rolled outward, and the housing connection portion 610 can be fitted into the recess formed by the rolled portion.

[0065] An annular groove 611 for winding the wire may be formed in the housing connection portion 610. After the wire is wound along the groove 611, both ends of the wire are restricted, thereby securing the housing connection portion 610 to the circumference of the input port 12.

[0066] The circumference of the opening of the outer tub 30 is rolled outward, and the outer tub connecting portion 620 is fitted into the recess formed by the rolled portion. An annular groove 621 for winding the wire may be formed in the outer tub connecting portion 620. After the wire is wound along the groove 621, both ends of the wire are restricted so that the outer tub connecting portion 620 is securely connected to the circumference of the opening of the outer tub 30.

[0067] Meanwhile, the outer casing connecting portion 610 is fixed to the front panel 11, but the outer tub connecting portion 620 shifts according to the movement of the outer tub 30. Therefore, the extension portion should be able to deform in response to the shift of the outer tub connecting portion 620. To facilitate such deformation, a folding portion 640 in the gasket 60, which folds when the outer tub 30 moves in the direction (or radial direction) due to eccentricity, can be formed in the portion (or extension portion) located between the outer casing connecting portion 610 and the outer tub connecting portion 620.

[0068] Specifically, the extension may include a cylindrical edge portion 630 extending rearward from the outer casing connection portion 610, and a folded portion 640 formed between the edge portion 630 and the outer barrel connection portion 620.

[0069] The gasket 60 may further include a door closing portion 615, which bends inward from the front end of the edge portion 630 and is in close contact with the rear surface of the door 20 inside the input port 12 when the door 20 is closed.

[0070] Simultaneously, the drum 40 vibrates during the rotation process (i.e., the rotation center line C of the drum 40 (see...) Figure 2 Since the outer drum 30 is movable, its centerline (which is approximately the same as the rotation centerline C of the drum 40) is also movable. In this case, the direction of movement (hereinafter referred to as the "eccentric direction") has a radial component.

[0071] The folding portion 640 folds or unfolds as the outer tub 30 moves in an eccentric direction. The folding portion 640 may include an inner diameter portion 642 bent from the edge portion 630 toward the outer casing connection portion 610 and an outer diameter portion 644 bent from the inner diameter portion 642 toward the outer tub connection portion 620, and is connected to the outer tub connection portion 620. When the center of the outer tub 30 moves in an eccentric direction, if a portion of the folding portion 640 is folded, the gap between the inner diameter portion 642 and the outer diameter portion 644 decreases at the folded portion, while the gap between the inner diameter portion 642 and the outer diameter portion 644 increases at other unfolded portions of the folding portion 640.

[0072] A first mounting groove 67a and a second mounting groove 67b extending in a circumferential direction may be formed on the outer peripheral surface 61 of the washer 60. The first mounting groove 67a and the second mounting groove 67b are formed on both sides of the groove 60P of the washer 60, and are preferably symmetrical. At least a portion of the first conduit portion 82a may be disposed in the first mounting groove 67a, and at least a portion of the second conduit portion 82b may be disposed in the second mounting groove 67b.

[0073] Reference Figure 10The cross-sectional shape of at least one of the first pipe portion 82a and the second pipe portion 82b may be such that the height h defined in the radial direction of the gasket 60 is less than the width w defined in the longitudinal direction of the groove 60P of the gasket 60.

[0074] The first mounting groove 67a and the second mounting groove 67b can be formed in the outer diameter portion 644 of the washer 60. The deformation of the washer 60 in the folded portion 640 is mainly completed at the part where the inner diameter portion 642 and the outer diameter portion 644 meet. Even if the outer barrel 30 vibrates, the outer diameter portion 644 mainly performs translational movement, but is not easily deformed (e.g., distorted) and maintains a stable shape. Therefore, by forming the first mounting groove 67a and the second mounting groove 67b in the outer diameter portion 644, the shape of the first mounting groove 67a and the second mounting groove 67b can be maintained even if the outer barrel 30 vibrates, and thus the first pipe portion 82a and the second pipe portion 82b can also be stably maintained.

[0075] On the front surface 31 of the outer barrel 30, a lower counterweight 90a can be substantially disposed below the channel 60P. The lower counterweight 90a can be configured such that a portion of the channel 60P is wound around a position below the center of the channel 60P. In particular, the lower counterweight 90a can occupy the lowermost vertically downward region of the washer 60.

[0076] The first nozzle water supply pipe 80a and the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b can be arranged on both sides based on the lower balance weight 90a. That is, when viewed from the front, the first nozzle water supply pipe 80a and the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b can be arranged on the left and right sides of the lower balance weight 90a, respectively.

[0077] The lower ends of pipe sections 82a and 82b of each nozzle water supply pipe 80a and 80b can be positioned above the lower counterweight 90a. Circulation pipe connection ports 81a and 81b protrude substantially radially outward from pipe sections 82a and 82b. Therefore, the lower counterweight 90a does not obstruct the connection between circulation pipe connection ports 81a and 81b and circulation pipes 82a and 82b.

[0078] An upper balancing weight 90b may be further provided, and at least a portion of the pipe portions 82a, 82b may extend along the outer periphery of the gasket 60 between the lower balancing weight 90a and the upper balancing weight 90b. The upper balancing weight 90b is mounted on the front surface 31 of the outer barrel 30 and may be arranged substantially above the channel 60P (i.e., on the opposite side of the lower balancing weight 90a relative to the channel 60P). The upper balancing weight 90b may be configured to wind a portion of the channel 60P at a position above the center of the channel 60P.

[0079] The closed upper end of the pipe section 82 can be arranged between the upper counterweight 90b and the washer 60. A certain gap G can be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the washer 60 and the upper counterweight 90b, and the upper end of the pipe section 82 can be positioned within the gap G. The upper nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84b1 can protrude from the upper end. When the upper nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84b1 attempt to be inserted into the pipes 64a and 64c and fall out (i.e., when the upper nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84b1 receive a force away from the washer 60), the upper counterweight 90b restricts movement while contacting the upper end of the pipe section 82, thereby preventing the nozzle water supply pipe 80 from falling out.

[0080] Compared to the circulation pipe 86, the pipe section 82 can be made of a rigid material. The pipe section 82 can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0081] Simultaneously, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path (the cross-sectional area of ​​the water guiding path) of the pipe section 82 can gradually decrease from the bottom to the top of the pipe section 82. The cross-sectional width of the flow path can also gradually decrease from the bottom to the top of the pipe section 82.

[0082] As the cross-section of the flow path narrows upwards, the flow velocity may increase, and the drop in water pressure caused by the rise in position can be compensated by the increase in flow velocity, so that the upper nozzles 66a and 66c can spray water uniformly with the lower nozzles 66b and 66d at the same water pressure.

[0083] Meanwhile, the first upper nozzle 66a, which receives water passing through the first pipe section 82a, can spray water downward toward the inside of the drum 40, and the first lower nozzle 66b, which receives water passing through the first pipe section 82a, can spray water upward toward the inside of the drum 40.

[0084] Similarly, the second upper nozzle 66c, which receives water passing through the second conduit section 82b, can spray water downward toward the inside of the drum 40, and the second lower nozzle 66d, which receives water passing through the second conduit section 82b, can spray water upward toward the inside of the drum 40.

[0085] The lower nozzles 66b and 66d, positioned at a relatively low position to achieve high-pressure water supply, spray water upwards, while the upper nozzles 66a and 66c, positioned at a relatively high position to achieve low-pressure water supply, spray water downwards, so that the spray pressure of the upper nozzles 66a and 66c and the lower nozzles 66b and 66d can be basically uniform.

[0086] Multiple nozzle water supply ports 84 branch off from the pipe section 82. Circulating water (i.e., water pumped by pump 70) transported along the pipe section 82 is discharged via the multiple nozzle water supply ports 84. These nozzle water supply ports 84 branch off from the pipe section 82 above the circulating pipe connection port 81. That is, the inlet of the nozzle water supply port 84 (i.e., the portion of the nozzle water supply port 84 connected to the pipe section 82) is located above the outlet of the circulating pipe connection port 81 (i.e., the portion of the circulating pipe connection port 81 connected to the pipe section 82).

[0087] In the following text, among the plurality of nozzle water supply ports 84, the nozzle water supply port formed in the first pipe portion 82a is referred to as the first nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84a2, and the nozzle water supply port formed in the second pipe portion 82b is referred to as the second nozzle water supply ports 84b1 and 84b2. In this embodiment, two first nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84a2 and two second nozzle water supply ports 84b1 and 84b2 are provided, but the number of nozzle water supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1 and 84b2 is not limited thereto.

[0088] Furthermore, in the following text, among the two nozzle water supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1, 84b2 located at different heights on a pipe section 82a, 82b, the nozzle water supply port located on the lower side is referred to as the lower nozzle water supply port 84a2, 84b2, and the nozzle water supply port located above the lower nozzle water supply port 84a2, 84b2 is referred to as the upper nozzle water supply port 84a1, 84b1. In this embodiment, the first lower nozzle water supply port 84a2 and the first upper nozzle water supply port 84a1 are formed in the first pipe section 82a, while the second lower nozzle water supply port 84b2 and the second upper nozzle water supply port 84b1 are formed in the second pipe section 82b.

[0089] A pipe section 82 is arranged outside the channel 60P defined by a gasket 60, and nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the channel 60P defined by the gasket 60. Multiple hollow portions 60h are formed in the gasket 60 in the thickness direction to communicate with the multiple nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d, respectively. Circulating water is supplied to the nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d by inserting multiple nozzle supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1, and 84b2 into the multiple hollow portions 60h.

[0090] Reference Figure 10Each of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d includes a nozzle inlet conduit 661 projecting from the inner circumferential surface of the washer 60 and a nozzle head 662 communicating with the nozzle inlet conduit 661. Preferably, the nozzle inlet conduit 661 projectes from the inner circumferential surface of an extension. More preferably, the nozzle inlet conduit 661 projectes from the inner circumferential surface of the outer diameter portion 644. Meanwhile, port insertion conduits 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d may project from the outer circumferential surface of the outer diameter portion 644. Water discharged from the nozzle supply ports 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d is guided via the nozzle inlet conduit 661 to the nozzle head 662 for spraying.

[0091] The first to fourth port insertion pipes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d can protrude from the outer peripheral surface 61 of the gasket 60 along the outer direction of the gasket 60 to correspond to the four nozzle water supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1, and 84b2, respectively. The four nozzle water supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1, and 84b2 can be inserted into and connected to the first to fourth port insertion pipes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d, respectively. The port insertion pipes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d communicate with the nozzle inflow pipe 661 and together define the hollow portion 60h.

[0092] The inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60 is provided with first to fourth nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d, respectively communicating with the first to fourth port insertion channels 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d. In one embodiment of the invention, the first to fourth nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are integrally formed with the gasket 60. Alternatively, the nozzles may be formed as a component separate from the gasket 60 and may be coupled to the gasket 60, or may be coupled to the first to fourth port insertion channels 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d via a separate flow path connecting member (not shown) while separated from the gasket 60.

[0093] Nozzles 61a, 66b, 66c, and 66d may be disposed on both sides of the channel 60P, and preferably, when viewed from the front, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical line OV passing through the center of the washer 60. Hereinafter, when viewed from the front, the nozzles 66a and 66b arranged on the left side with respect to the vertical line OV are referred to as first nozzles 66a and 66b, the nozzle positioned on the upper side of the two first nozzles 66a and 66b is referred to as the first upper nozzle 66a, and the other nozzle positioned on the lower side is referred to as the first lower nozzle 66b.

[0094] Similarly, the nozzles 66c and 66d arranged on the right side (or the second region) relative to the vertical line OV are referred to as the second nozzles 66c and 66d. The nozzle positioned on the upper side of the two second nozzles 66c and 66d is referred to as the second upper nozzle 66c, and the other nozzle positioned on the lower side is referred to as the second lower nozzle 66d.

[0095] With respect to the vertical plane OV to which the center C of the roller 40 belongs, when the vertical plane is divided into a first region and a second region by dividing it into a left and a right side, a first upper nozzle 66a can be arranged in the first region to spray water downward toward the second region. Additionally, a second upper nozzle 66c can be arranged in the second region to spray water downward toward the first region.

[0096] The first lower nozzle 66b can be arranged below the first and second upper nozzles in the first region, and can spray water upward toward the second region. Additionally, the second lower nozzle 66d can be arranged below the first and second upper nozzles in the second region to spray water upward toward the first region.

[0097] The first to fourth protrusions 65a to 65d can protrude from the inner circumferential surface 62 of the washer 60 toward the inside of the washer 60, and the first to fourth nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d can be formed in the protrusions 65a to 65d respectively. Therefore, circulating water discharged through the nozzle water supply port 84 can be sprayed into the roller 40 through the first to fourth nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d.

[0098] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A portion of a garment processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Figure 13 Examples Figure 11 The first nozzle water supply pipe and the second nozzle water supply pipe are shown. In the following, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the above embodiments, and their descriptions will be omitted here.

[0099] Reference Figures 11 to 13 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the garment handling apparatus is a washer-dryer having the function of blowing air into the outer tub 30. Such a garment handling apparatus includes a drying duct (not shown) for guiding air discharged from the outer tub 30, a heater (not shown) for heating the air in the drying duct (not shown), and a blower (not shown) for blowing the air in the drying duct (not shown).

[0100] It may further include a first upper balancing weight 90b1 and a second upper balancing weight 90b2, which are fixed to the outer barrel 30 on the upper side of the gasket 60' and arranged on both sides (or on both sides of the channel 60P) based on the vertical line OV. The first upper balancing weight 90b1 and the second upper balancing weight 90b2 may be respectively provided on both sides of the air supply duct 69.

[0101] The upper end of the first pipe section 82a' can be positioned between the first upper counterweight 90b1 and the washer 60. The upper end of the second pipe section 82b' can be positioned between the second upper counterweight 90b2 and the washer 60'.

[0102] The gasket 60' may include an air supply conduit 69, which communicates with a drying conduit and supplies air, blown by a blower fan, into the outer barrel 30. The air supply conduit 69 may protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface 61 of the gasket 60'. The air supply conduit 69 may be positioned between the upper end of the first nozzle water supply conduit 80a and the upper end of the second nozzle water supply conduit 80b.

[0103] The upper end of the first pipe section 82a is not connected to the upper end of the first pipe section 82b (i.e., the pipe section 82 forms an annular structure), but the upper end of the first pipe section 82a is closed, the upper end of the second pipe section 82b is closed, and there is a gap between the two closed upper ends, so that the air supply pipe 69 can be arranged in the gap.

[0104] at the same time, Figure 12 The nozzle water supply pipes 80a' and 80b' shown differ from the nozzle water supply pipe 80 according to the above embodiment only in the position of the circulation pipe connection port 81; the other configurations are essentially the same. In the case of the nozzle water supply pipe 80 according to the above embodiment, the circulation pipe connection port 81 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pipe portion 82. However, in the case of nozzle water supply pipes 80a' and 80b', the circulation pipe connection port 81 extends smoothly from the lower end of the pipe portion 82' along a curve. The nozzle water supply pipes 80a' and 80b' can also be applied to the above-mentioned... Figures 1 to 10 The described embodiments of the garment processing apparatus.

[0105] Figure 14 A portion of a garment processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. (See also...) Figure 14A nozzle 66e, positioned higher than the upper nozzles 66a and 66c, may be further formed on the washer 60". Hereinafter, nozzle 66e is referred to as the highest nozzle 66e. The configuration of the highest nozzle 66e is substantially the same as that of the other nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d. A port insertion pipe 64e communicating with the highest nozzle 66e may be further formed in the washer 60". Although not shown, it is higher than the water supply port 84b1 of the second upper nozzle (see...). Figure 13 The highest nozzle water supply port (not shown) may be further formed on the second pipe section 82b". The highest nozzle water supply port may be inserted into the port insertion pipe 64e. The port insertion pipe 64e has a structure that is substantially the same as the other port insertion pipes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d.

[0106] The highest nozzle 66e can receive circulating water from either of a pair of nozzle water supply pipes 80a' and 80b". Hereinafter, it is explained that circulating water is supplied to the highest nozzle 66e via the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b".

[0107] Except that the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b” further includes a highest nozzle water supply port 84b3 that is higher than the upper nozzle water supply ports 84a1 and 84b1, the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b” is basically the same as the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b'. The structure of the nozzle water supply port 84b3 is basically the same as the structure of the other nozzle water supply ports 84a1, 84a2, 84b1 and 84b2.

[0108] In other words, in this embodiment, circulating water is supplied to five nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, and 66e via the first nozzle water supply pipe 80a and the second nozzle water supply pipe 80b, making the spray direction of the circulating water more diverse compared to the other embodiments described above. More specifically, when the highest nozzle 66e is positioned between the first upper nozzle 66a and the second upper nozzle 66c (preferably, at the middle position of the first upper nozzle 66a and the second upper nozzle 66c), and when the water flow is sprayed in a triangular shape from each nozzle 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d, the water flow sprayed via the five nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d can achieve a star shape.

[0109] As an alternative (not shown in the figures), pump 70 may be provided with a single circulation port having branches connecting said single circulation port to a plurality of nozzle water supply lines 80a, 80b. As another alternative (not shown in the figures), a single nozzle water supply line 80 may be used instead of the first nozzle water supply line 80a and the second nozzle water supply line 80b. This single nozzle water supply line 80 may communicate with all nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d on gasket 60, or connect to port insertion lines 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d on gasket. These alternative configurations of pump 70 and / or nozzle water supply line 80 may be combined with features of other components discussed above.

[0110] In the foregoing, although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0111] Cross-references to related applications

[0112] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0148922, filed on November 9, 2017, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Claims

1.A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet having a loading port (12) formed in a front surface thereof; an outer tub (30) disposed in the cabinet and having an opening (32) formed on a front surface (31) thereof; a drum (40) rotatably installed in the outer tub (30); a gasket (60, 60', 60") forming a channel (60P) coupling the loading port (12) to the opening (32); a plurality of first nozzles (66a, 66b) provided on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket (60, 60', 60") defining the channel (60P) and spraying water into the drum (40), and arranged on one side with respect to a vertical line (OV) passing through a center (O) of the gasket (60, 60', 60"); a plurality of second nozzles (66c, 66d) provided on the inner circumferential surface and spraying water into the drum (40), and arranged on the other side with respect to the vertical line (OV); a pump (70) pumping water discharged from the outer tub (30); a first circulation conduit (86a) and a second circulation conduit (86b) connected to the pump (70); a first nozzle water supply conduit (80a, 80a') arranged on the one side with respect to the vertical line (OV); and a second nozzle water supply conduit (80b, 80b', 80b") arranged on the other side with respect to the vertical line (OV), wherein the first nozzle water supply conduit (80a, 80a') comprises: a first circulation conduit connection port (81a) connected to the first circulation conduit (86a); a first conduit portion (82a, 82a') arranged on the one side with respect to the vertical line (OV) around the gasket (60, 60', 60") and extending from the first circulation conduit connection port (81a) along an outer circumferential surface of the gasket (60, 60', 60"); a first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) protruding from the first conduit portion (82a, 82a') toward the gasket and connected to a first lower nozzle (66b) among the plurality of first nozzles (66a, 66b); and a first upper nozzle water supply port (84a1) connected to the first pipe portion at a position higher than the first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) and connected to a first upper nozzle (66a) among the plurality of first nozzles (66a, 66b) above the first lower nozzle (66b), wherein the second nozzle water supply pipe (80b, 80b', 80b") includes: a second circulation pipe connection port (81b) connected to the second circulation pipe (86b); a second pipe portion (82b, 82b', 82b") disposed around the gasket (60, 60', 60") on the other side with respect to the vertical line (OV) and extending along an outer peripheral surface of the gasket (60, 60', 60"); a second lower nozzle water supply port (84b2) protruding from the second pipe portion (82b, 82b', 82b") toward the gasket and connected to a second lower nozzle (66d) among the plurality of second nozzles (66c, 66d); and a second upper nozzle water supply port (84b1) connected to the second pipe portion at a position higher than the second lower nozzle water supply port (84b2) and connected to a second upper nozzle (66c) among the plurality of second nozzles (66c, 66d) above the second lower nozzle (66d), and wherein the first pipe portion (82a, 82a') is curved between the first circulation pipe connection port (81a) and the first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2). 2.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first pipe portion (82a) includes a bent portion bent in a direction away from the gasket (60) between the circulation pipe connection port (81a) and the first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2). 3.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) is disposed above the bent portion. 4.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The first upper nozzle water supply port (84a1) and the first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) protrude from a first side of the first pipe portion (82a) facing an outer periphery of the gasket, and wherein the circulation pipe connection port (81a) protrudes in a direction opposite to the first upper nozzle water supply port (84a1) and the first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2). 5.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) overlaps the first circulation pipe connection port (81a) in a vertical direction. 6.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The first pipe portion (82a, 82a') further includes a straight portion extending upward from the bent portion. 7.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The first lower nozzle water supply port (84a2) protrudes from the straight portion. 8.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The first pipe portion (82a, 82a') further includes a curved portion extending from the straight portion along an outer periphery of the gasket (60). 9.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The first pipe portion (82a, 82a') further includes an upper end portion extending upward from the curved portion, and The first upper nozzle water supply port (84a1) protrudes from the upper end portion. 10.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an upper balance weight (90b) disposed radially outward of the gasket (60) and above the gasket (60) in a radial direction of the gasket (60), and wherein The upper end portion of the first pipe portion (82a, 82a') is radially disposed between the gasket (60) and the upper balance weight (90b) in a radial direction of the gasket (60). 11.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a lower balance weight (90a) disposed radially outward of the gasket (60) and below the gasket (60) in a radial direction of the gasket (60). 12.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first pipe portion extends along an outer circumference of the gasket (60) between the lower balance weight (90a) and the upper balance weight (90b). 13.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first circulation pipe connection port (81a) is disposed above the lower balance weight (90a). 14.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket (60) includes a groove recessed from an outer circumference of the gasket (60) and extending in a circumferential direction of the gasket (60), and At least a portion of the first pipe portion (82a, 82a') is disposed in the groove.

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