Washing machine

Abstract

A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a gasket, wherein the gasket includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of port receiving tubes respectively communicated with the plurality of nozzles, and a distribution tube, wherein the distribution tube includes a delivery conduit and a plurality of outlet ports protruding from the delivery conduit toward a gasket body. The delivery conduit can include a first portion spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the gasket body. Among the plurality of outlet ports, a first lower outlet port protrudes from the first portion, and the first lower outlet port and a first lower port receiving tube are coupled to each other in a space spacing apart the first portion of the delivery conduit and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, such that the gasket and the distribution tube are closely connected.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application number 201910565943.1 (application date: June 27, 2019, invention name: washing machine). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine having a nozzle for spraying water discharged from a tub and circulated along a circulation pipe into a drum. Background Art

[0003] Generally speaking, a washing machine is an apparatus that removes contaminants attached to clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "clothes") using chemical decomposition of water and detergent and physical operations such as friction between water and clothes. The washing machine includes a tub containing water and a drum rotatably provided in the tub to accommodate clothes.

[0004] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2011-0040180 (hereinafter referred to as "prior art") discloses a washing machine that circulates water discharged from a tub using a circulation pump and sprays the circulated water into a drum via a spray nozzle. The washing machine has a structure in which a distributor is coupled to the circulation pump to distribute wash water, and first and second spray paths are connected to the distributor to guide the wash water to the first and second spray nozzles, respectively. Furthermore, the spray nozzles are connected to the gasket via a connector that passes through the gasket and to the spray paths.

[0005] The prior art discloses a washing machine having two spray nozzles, but the washing machine cannot uniformly wet the clothes due to the limited spray direction. In particular, although various new technologies for controlling the rotation of the drum have been developed to provide more variety in the movement of the clothes loaded in the drum, it is difficult to expect significant improvement in performance using conventional structures.

[0006] In addition, the conventional technology has a complicated structure because the spray nozzle needs to be connected to the gasket by passing the connector through the gasket. The number of spray nozzles connected to the circulation pump needs to correspond to the number of spray nozzles, and multiple flow paths and multiple connectors need to be connected separately. In addition, the manufacturing process is troublesome due to the assembly process.

[0007] In addition, multiple spray paths may interfere with structures such as balancers around the barrel. In order to avoid such interference, the structure and position of the balancer etc. are limited.

[0008] In addition, there are many parts that connect the pump, spray path, connector and spray nozzle, and washing water may leak through these parts.In addition, due to the solidification of the detergent in the washing water or the coloring of the pollutants, there is also a hygienic problem. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a plurality of nozzles for uniformly spraying water discharged from a tub to uniformly wet clothes, and simplifying a connection structure and an assembling process between a pump and the plurality of nozzles.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a gasket having a nozzle is closely connected to a distribution pipe that guides water pumped by a pump.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which closely connects a distribution pipe guiding water pumped by a pump to a nozzle and avoids interference with a structure around a tub.

[0012] The objects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned objects, and other unmentioned objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned object, a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of nozzles spraying water into a drum, and includes a distribution pipe supplying water pumped by a pump to the plurality of nozzles.

[0014] The washing machine includes a laundry input hole formed in a front surface of a housing, an opening formed in a front surface of a tub, and a gasket body forming a passage connecting the laundry input hole and the opening.

[0015] A plurality of nozzles are provided on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0016] The gasket includes a plurality of port receiving tubes communicating with the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of port receiving tubes protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0017] The distribution pipe includes a delivery pipe guiding water pumped by the pump and a plurality of outlet ports respectively coupled to the plurality of port receiving pipes.

[0018] The delivery duct is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0019] The plurality of outlet ports protrude from the delivery conduit toward the gasket body.

[0020] When the gasket body is divided left and right into a first region and a second region, the plurality of port receiving tubes include a first upper port receiving tube and a first lower port receiving tube vertically arranged in the first region.

[0021] The plurality of outlet ports includes a first upper discharge port coupled to the first upper port receiving tube and a first lower outlet port coupled to the first lower port receiving tube.

[0022] The delivery conduit may include a first portion spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0023] The first lower outlet port may protrude from the first portion.

[0024] The dispensing pipe may include an inlet port for introducing water pumped by the pump. The inlet port may protrude downward from the delivery pipe. The inlet port protrudes from the delivery pipe at a point lower than the first lower outlet port.

[0025] The delivery pipe may include a first pipe portion that is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the first region of the gasket body and guides water introduced through the inlet port upward.

[0026] The first pipe portion may include: a first lower guide section extending in an arc shape from a portion where the inlet port is arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the first area; a first curved section curved at an upper end of the first lower guide section in a direction away from the gasket body; and a lower port section extending upward from the first curved section and spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0027] The first lower outlet port may protrude from the first lower port section.

[0028] The first duct portion may include a first upper port section, at least a portion of the first upper port section being spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0029] The first upper outlet port may protrude from the first upper port section.

[0030] The first lower port receiving tube may be arranged below a horizontal line passing through the center of the gasket body. The first upper port receiving tube may be arranged above the horizontal line. The distance between the first lower port receiving tube and the horizontal line may be smaller than the distance between the first upper port receiving tube and the horizontal line.

[0031] A distance between the first lower port section and a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket body may be greater than a distance between the first upper port section and the vertical line.

[0032] The first duct portion may be formed such that at least a portion between the first lower port section and the first upper port section has an arc shape.

[0033] The first pipe portion may include: a first intermediate guide section, which extends upward from the first lower port section to a height corresponding to the center of the gasket body; and a first upper guide section, which extends in an arc shape from the upper end of the first intermediate guide section along the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0034] The first upper port section may be bent from an upper end of the first upper guide section in a direction away from the gasket body.

[0035] The first upper guide section and the first lower guide section may contact a virtual circle having a center identical to the center of the gasket body, and the first upper port section and the first lower port section may be spaced apart from the virtual circle.

[0036] Each of the first upper guide section and the first lower guide section may have at least a portion in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the washer body.

[0037] The first upper guide section and the first lower guide section may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body. The distance between the first upper port section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body may be greater than the distance between the first upper guide section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body. The distance between the first lower port section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body may be greater than the distance between the first lower guide section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0038] The first duct portion may include an inner surface opposite the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, and the first upper and lower outlet ports may protrude from inner surfaces of the first upper and lower port sections, respectively.

[0039] The inner surface of the first upper port section and the inner surface of the first lower port section may be parallel to each other.The first upper outlet port and the first lower outlet port may protrude parallel to each other.

[0040] The distribution pipe may include a first distribution pipe supplying water pumped by the pump to first and second nozzles respectively communicating with the first upper and lower port receiving pipes.

[0041] The first distribution pipe may include a first pipe portion guiding water pumped by the pump, a first inlet port for introducing water pumped by the pump, and first upper and lower outlet ports.

[0042] The first delivery duct may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the first region, and the first delivery duct may include the first portion.

[0043] The first inlet port may protrude from the first delivery conduit.The first inlet port may be arranged lower than the first lower outlet port.

[0044] The first upper outlet port and the first lower outlet port may protrude from the first delivery conduit.

[0045] The first pipe portion may include: a first introduction section, which is inclined toward the upper side in a direction further spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket and has at least an upper end spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body; and a first lower port section, which extends upward from the upper end of the first introduction section and is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket.

[0046] The first inlet port may protrude from the first introduction section.

[0047] The first lower outlet port may protrude from the first lower port section.

[0048] The first delivery conduit may include an inner surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface.

[0049] The first lower outlet port may protrude from the inner surface of the first lower port section.

[0050] The first inlet port may protrude from the outer surface of the first introduction section.

[0051] The distribution pipe may include: a first distribution pipe, which supplies the water pumped by the pump to a first upper nozzle and a first lower nozzle respectively connected to the first upper port receiving pipe and the first lower port receiving pipe; and a second distribution pipe, which supplies the water pumped by the pump to a second upper nozzle and a second lower nozzle respectively connected to the second upper port receiving pipe and the second lower port receiving pipe.

[0052] The following description and accompanying drawings include details of other implementations.

[0053] The washing machine of the present invention may have one or more of the following effects.

[0054] First, the plurality of nozzles are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket, and the distribution pipe connects the pump and the plurality of nozzles to supply water pumped by the pump to the plurality of nozzles, thereby advantageously simplifying the connection structure and assembly process between the pump and the plurality of nozzles.

[0055] Secondly, the gasket includes a plurality of port receiving tubes protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket and having holes communicated with the nozzles, and the distribution pipe includes a delivery pipe that guides water pumped by the pump and an outlet port protruding from the delivery pipe toward the gasket, wherein a port area in which the outlet port is arranged is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket in a direction outward from the gasket, and wherein the outlet port and the port receiving tube are coupled in a space between the port area and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket, thereby having the advantageous effect of tightly connecting the gasket having the nozzle and the distribution pipe that guides the water pumped by the pump to the nozzle.

[0056] Again, the distribution pipe that guides the water pumped by the pump to the nozzle is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the gasket to be tightly connected to the gasket, thereby having the advantageous effect of avoiding interference with any other structure around the tub.

[0057] The effects of the present invention should not be limited to the aforementioned effects, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0059] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a washing machine shown in FIG;

[0061] Figure 3 illustrates a portion of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the components shown in FIG.

[0063] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the gasket shown in FIG;

[0064] Figure 6 is included Figure 4 a rear view of the assembly of the gasket and the dispensing tube shown in;

[0065] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front view of the assembly shown in FIG;

[0066] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the assembly shown in FIG;

[0067] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG.

[0068] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A front view of the distribution pipe shown in FIG;

[0069] Figure 11 illustrates a portion of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 12 is included Figure 11 a perspective view of the assembly of the gasket and the dispensing tube shown in ; and

[0071] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A front view of the distribution pipe is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in a variety of different ways. The exemplary embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0073] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The washing machine according to the present invention includes a housing 10 forming an outer appearance of the washing machine, a tub 30 for containing wash water, and a drum 40 rotatably disposed in the tub 30 to accommodate laundry. Furthermore, the washing machine may include a motor (hereinafter referred to as a "drive unit") for rotating the drum 40.

[0075] The front panel 11 has a laundry input hole 12 formed therein and is arranged on the front surface of the housing 10. A door 20 for opening and closing the laundry input hole 12 is arranged on the front panel 11, and a dispenser 14 for supplying detergent may be mounted on the front panel 11.

[0076] In addition, a water supply valve 15 , a water supply pipe 16 and a water supply hose 17 are installed in the housing 10 so that the supplied wash water is mixed with the detergent in the dispenser 14 after passing through the water supply valve 15 and the water supply pipe 16 and then supplied to the tub 30 through the water supply hose 17 .

[0077] Meanwhile, the direct water supply pipe 18 may be connected to the water supply valve 15 so that wash water is directly supplied to the tub 30 through the direct water supply pipe 18 without being mixed with detergent.

[0078] In addition, a pump 70 and a distribution pipe 80 may be installed. The pump 70 and the tub 30 may be connected via a discharge hose 72, and the distribution pipe 80 and the pump 70 may be directly connected to each other or connected via a circulation pipe 86. Therefore, if the pump 70 is operated, the wash water contained in the tub 30 may be sprayed into the drum 40 through the distribution pipe 80 and circulated. The pump 70 may be connected to a discharge pipe 74 and discharge the wash water to the outside through the discharge pipe 74.

[0079] As described above, the pump 70 of the washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention serves as a drain pump for draining wash water to the outside and a circulation pump for circulating wash water. Alternatively, the drain pump and the circulation pump may be installed separately, and in this case, it is obvious that the drain pump is connected to the drain pipe 74 and the circulation pump is connected to the circulation pipe 86.

[0080] Meanwhile, the tub 30 may be formed as a single tub body or may be formed as a combination of a first tub body 30a and a second tub body 30b coupled thereto. In an embodiment of the present invention, an example is described in which the first tub body 30a and the second tub body 30b are coupled to form the tub 30. Hereinafter, the first tub body 30a is referred to as a "tub" 30.

[0081] The tub 30 is arranged in the housing 10, and the opening 32 (refer to Figure 4 ) is formed at the front of the tub 30 to correspond to the laundry input hole 12 formed in the front panel 11.

[0082] A drum 40 for accommodating laundry may be rotatably provided in the tub 30. The drum 40 receives laundry and is arranged so that an insertion hole for loading laundry is arranged at the front surface. The drum 40 rotates around a substantially horizontal rotation centerline. In this case, "horizontal" does not mean its mathematical definition. That is, even in the case where the rotation centerline is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal state, the axis is more like a horizontal state than a vertical state, and thus, the rotation centerline is considered to be substantially horizontal. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the drum 40 to introduce water contained in the tub 30 into the drum 40.

[0083] A plurality of lifters may be provided on the inner surface of the drum 40. The plurality of lifters may be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the drum 40. When the drum 40 rotates, the laundry repeatedly undergoes lifting and dropping operations of the lifters.

[0084] A driving unit 50 may be further provided for rotating the drum 40. A driving shaft rotated by the driving unit 50 may pass through the rear of the tub 30 to be coupled to the drum 40.

[0085] Preferably, the drive unit 50 includes a direct drive washing motor, and the washing motor may include a stator fixed to the rear of the tub 30 and a rotor rotated by a magnetic force acting against the stator. The drive shaft 38a may rotate integrally with the rotor.

[0086] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a gasket 60 for connecting the housing 10 and the tub 30; a plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 (refer to Figure 6 ), a plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 for spraying water into the drum 40; a pump 70 for pumping water discharged from the tub 30; and a distribution pipe 80 for guiding the water pumped by the pump 70 to the nozzles 66 and 67. In addition, the washing machine may include: a balancer 90 arranged at the front surface 31 of the tub 30; and a circulation pipe 86 for guiding the water pumped by the pump 70 to the distribution pipe 80.

[0087] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 9 The gasket 60 includes gasket bodies 61 and 62, which form a passage 60P connecting the laundry input hole 12 of the housing 10 and the opening 32 of the tub 30. The inner circumferential surfaces of the gasket bodies 61 and 62 facing the center direction of the gasket 60 may be referred to as the inner circumferential surface 62, and the outer circumferential surfaces opposite thereto may be referred to as the outer circumferential surface 61.

[0088] The inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket body may form a passage 60P connecting the laundry input hole 12 and the opening 32. The outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body may face the inner circumferential surface of the balancer 90. The outer circumferential surface of the gasket body of the gasket 60 may face the distribution pipe 80.

[0089] The gasket 60 is disposed between an edge defining the injection hole 12 of the front panel 11 and an edge defining the opening 32 of the tub 30 , thereby preventing the wash water contained in the tub 30 from leaking.

[0090] More specifically, the gasket 60 is formed of a flexible substance such as rubber and has a generally cylindrical shape (hereinafter referred to as a ring shape). For example, the gasket 60 may be formed of a substance such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), etc., but aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0091] Since the front boundary of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the inlet hole 12 of the front panel 11 and the rear boundary of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the opening 32 of the tub 30, the body portions 61 and 62 connecting the front and rear boundaries of the gasket 60 form a laundry inlet passage 60P. If the space between the tub and the front panel is sealed and the door 20 is closed, the front end of the door 20 and the gasket 60 are in close contact with each other and the space between the door 20 and the gasket 60 is sealed, thus preventing the washing water from leaking.

[0092] The front and rear end portions of the gasket 60 are annular, and the gasket 60 has a tubular shape extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion. The front end portion of the gasket 60 is fixed to the outer case 10, and the rear end portion is fixed to the inlet hole circumference 33 of the tub 30. The gasket 60 can be formed of a flexible or elastic material. The gasket 60 can be formed of natural rubber or synthetic resin.

[0093] The gasket 60 can include an outer case coupling portion 68a coupled to the circumference of the inlet hole 12 of the outer case 10, a tub coupling portion 68b coupled to the circumference of the inlet hole circumference 33 of the tub 30, and gasket bodies 61 and 62 extending between the outer case coupling portion 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b.

[0094] The outer case coupling portion 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b have an annular shape. The gasket body can include an annular front end portion connected to the outer case coupling portion 68a and an annular rear end portion connected to the tub coupling portion 68b, and has a tubular shape extending from the front end portion to the rear end portion.

[0095] The circumference of the inlet hole 12 of the front panel 11 is outwardly rolled, and the outer case coupling portion 68 can be fitted into a recessed area formed by the outwardly rolled portion.

[0096] An annular groove wound by a wire can be formed in the outer case coupling portion 61. After the wire is wound around the groove 61r, both ends of the wire are tied, thus the outer case coupling portion 61 is tightly fixed to the circumference of the inlet hole 12h.

[0097] The inlet hole circumference 33 of the tub 30 defines the opening 32 of the tub 30, is protruded from the front surface 31 and is outwardly rolled, and the tub coupling portion 68b is fitted into a recessed area formed by the outwardly rolled portion. An annular groove wound by a clamp formed of a wire can be formed in the tub coupling portion 68b. The tub coupling portion 68b of the gasket is coupled to the inlet hole circumference 33 of the tub, the clamp is wound around the groove, and both ends of the clamp are tied, thus the tub coupling portion 68b can be tightly fixed to the inlet hole circumference 33 of the tub 30.

[0098] Although the shell coupling portion 68a is fixed to the front panel 11, the tub coupling portion 68b can be displaced according to the movement of the tub 30. Therefore, the gasket body needs to be able to deform according to the displacement of the tub coupling portion 68b. In order to allow the gasket body to deform easily, the gasket 60 may include a folding portion 61b located between the shell coupling portion 68a and the tub coupling portion 68b (or the main body portion), and the folding portion 61b is folded when the tub 30 moves in the eccentric direction (or radial direction).

[0099] The gasket bodies 61 and 62 may include: an annular first flat portion 61a, which extends from the outer shell 10 (or the outer shell connecting portion 68a) toward the barrel 30 (or the barrel connecting portion 68b) (or backward); a folded portion 61b, which bends outward from the first flat portion 61a, extends toward the outer shell 10, and bends outward again; and a second flat portion 61c, which extends from the folded portion 61b in a direction toward the barrel 30 and has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first flat portion 61a.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60. The plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 may include a plurality of upper nozzles 66a and 67a, and a plurality of lower nozzles 66b and 67b arranged lower than the upper nozzles 66a and 67a. The plurality of upper nozzles 66a and 67a may be arranged higher than the center O of the gasket 60, and the plurality of lower nozzles 66b and 67b may be arranged lower than the center O of the gasket 60.

[0101] In the case where the gasket bodies 61 and 62 are divided into a first area and a second area left and right, the plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 may include a first nozzle 66 arranged in the first area and a second nozzle 67 arranged in the second area. The first nozzle 66 may be arranged on the left side of the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket, and the second nozzle 67 may be arranged on the right side of the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket.

[0102] Each of the first nozzle 66 and the second nozzle 67 may be provided in plural. In the embodiment of the present invention, two first nozzles 66 and two second nozzles 67 are provided, but aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0103] The first nozzle 66 may include a first upper nozzle 66a and a first lower nozzle 66b vertically arranged in the first region. The first lower nozzle 66b may be arranged below the center O of the gasket 60, and the first upper nozzle 66a may be arranged above the first lower nozzle 66b. The first upper nozzle 66a may be arranged above the center O of the gasket 60.

[0104] The second nozzle 67 can include a second upper nozzle 67a and a second lower nozzle 67b vertically arranged in the second region. The second lower nozzle 67b can be arranged lower than the center O of the gasket 60, and the second upper nozzle 67a can be arranged higher than the second lower nozzle 67b. The second upper nozzle 67a can be arranged higher than the center O of the gasket 60.

[0105] The first lower nozzle 66b and the second lower nozzle 67b can spray the circulating water into the drum 40 in an upward direction. The first upper nozzle 66a and the second upper nozzle 67a can spray the circulating water into the drum 40 in a downward direction. The circulating water refers to water discharged from the tub 30, pumped by the pump 70, guided to the distribution pipe 80, and sprayed into the drum 40 through the nozzles 66 and 67.

[0106] In the gasket 60, a direct nozzle for spraying water into the drum 40 can be provided, and a direct water supply pipe 18 for guiding water supplied by the water supply unit to the direct nozzle can be provided. The direct nozzle can be a whirling nozzle or a spraying nozzle, but aspects of the present application are not necessarily limited thereto. When viewed from the front, the direct nozzle can be arranged on the vertical line OV. The window 22 can protrude more toward the drum 40 than the direct nozzle. A water stream sprayed through the direct nozzle can touch the window 22, and in this case, an effect of cleaning the window 22 can be achieved.

[0107] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The gasket 60 includes a plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 communicating with the nozzles 66 and 67. The plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 can be formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. The plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 described below are inserted into the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64, and the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 are formed to protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60, and thus, leakage of water supplied from the distribution pipe 80 to the plurality of nozzles 66 and 67 through the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 and the plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 is prevented.

[0108] The number of the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 can correspond to the number of the nozzles 66 and 67. In the case where the gasket bodies 61 and 62 are divided left and right into the first and second regions, the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 can include first port receiving pipes 63 arranged in the first region and second port receiving pipes 64 arranged in the second region.

[0109] The first port receiving pipes 63 can communicate with the first nozzles 66, and the second port receiving pipes 64 can communicate with the second nozzles 67. The first port receiving pipes 63 can be arranged on the left side of the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, and the second port receiving pipes 64 can be arranged on the right side of the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0110] The first port receiving tube 63 may include a first upper port receiving tube 63a and a first lower port receiving tube 63b vertically arranged in the first region. The first lower port receiving tube 63b is arranged below the center O of the gasket 60, and the first upper port receiving tube 63a may be arranged above the first lower port receiving tube 63b. The first upper port receiving tube 63a may be arranged above the center O of the gasket 60.

[0111] The first lower port receiving tube 63b communicates with the first lower nozzle 66b, and the first upper port receiving tube 63a communicates with the first upper nozzle 66a. The first upper port receiving tube 63a and the first lower port receiving tube 63b may protrude in directions parallel to each other.

[0112] The second port receiving tube 64 may include a second upper port receiving tube 64a and a second lower port receiving tube 64b vertically arranged in the second region. The second lower port receiving tube 64b is arranged below the center O of the gasket 60, and the second upper port receiving tube 64a may be arranged above the second lower port receiving tube 64b. The second upper port receiving tube 64a may be arranged above the center O of the gasket 60.

[0113] The second lower port receiving tube 64b communicates with the second lower nozzle 67b, and the second upper port receiving tube 64a communicates with the second upper nozzle 67a. The second upper port receiving tube 64a and the second lower port receiving tube 64b may protrude in directions parallel to each other.

[0114] The upper nozzles 66a and 67a of the first and second nozzles 66 and 67 and the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a of the first and second port receiving tubes 63 and 64 may be arranged above the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The lower nozzles 66b and 67b of the first and second nozzles 66 and 67 and the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b of the first and second port receiving tubes 63 and 64 may be arranged below the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60. In order to smoothly spray water onto the laundry contained in the drum 40 and uniformly spray water onto any laundry at any position in the drum 40, a distance between each of the lower nozzles 66b and 67b and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60 may be smaller than a distance between each of the upper nozzles 66a and 67a and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60. Therefore, a distance between each of the lower port receiving tubes 63 b and 64 b and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60 may be smaller than a distance between each of the upper port receiving tubes 63 a and 64 a and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60 .

[0115] Due to gravity, the laundry received in the drum 40 accumulates at the lower side of the drum 40. In order to spray water smoothly onto the laundry received in the drum 40, the lower nozzles 66b and 67b need to be arranged at a height that is a considerable distance away from the lowest point in the gasket 60. For example, the angle formed by each of the lower nozzles 66b and 67b, the center O of the gasket 60, and the lowest point in the gasket 60 may be 45° or greater. In addition, the angle formed by the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b, the center O of the gasket 60, and the lowest point in the gasket 60 may be 45° or greater.

[0116] In order to evenly spray water onto the laundry received in the drum 40, the upper nozzles 66a and 67a need to be spaced a considerable distance from the lower nozzles 66b and 67b. For example, the angle formed by the upper nozzles 66a and 67a, the center O of the gasket 60, and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60 may be 30° or greater. Furthermore, the angle formed by each of the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a, the center O of the gasket 60, and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket 60 may be 30° or greater.

[0117] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a plurality of protrusions 65 may be formed in the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket at portions corresponding to the plurality of port receiving tubes 63 and 64 , respectively, to protrude inwardly, and a plurality of nozzles 66 may be formed at the protrusions 65 .

[0118] The plurality of protrusions 65 may include a first protrusion 65a, a second protrusion 65b, a third protrusion 65c, and a fourth protrusion 65d that protrude inwardly at portions corresponding to the first upper and lower port receiving tubes 63a and 63b, and the second upper and lower port receiving tubes 64a and 64b, respectively. The first upper and lower nozzles 66a and 66b, and the second upper and lower nozzles 67a and 67b may be formed at the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d, respectively.

[0119] Reference Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 12 The gasket 60 includes a recessed portion 610 that is more recessed inward than a portion adjacent to the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. At least a portion of the distribution pipe 80 is disposed in the recessed portion 610. At least a portion of the delivery pipes 81 and 82 may be disposed in the recessed portion 610.

[0120] The recessed portion 610 is formed to be more recessed inward than a portion adjacent to the front portion of the recessed portion 610. The recessed portion 610 may be formed as a portion recessed inwardly of the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. A vertical plate portion 61d that protrudes more outward than the surrounding area may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, and the recessed portion 610 may be formed on one side (rear side) of the vertical plate portion 61d.

[0121] The rib 615 may be formed in the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. The rib 615 may protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body in the radial direction of the gasket 60. That is, the rib 615 may extend in a direction orthogonal to a tangent line of the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body of the gasket 60.

[0122] The distribution pipe 80 may be arranged so as to allow at least a portion thereof to contact the rib 615. At least a portion of the delivery pipes 81 and 82 in the distribution pipe 80 may contact the rib 615. Since at least a portion of the distribution pipe 80 is arranged in the recessed portion 610, the rib 615 may be formed in the recessed portion 610.

[0123] Reference Figures 6 to 10 The distribution pipe 80 includes delivery pipes 81 and 82 for guiding water pumped by the pump 70, and includes outlet ports 83 and 84 protruding from the delivery pipes 81 and 82 toward the gasket 60 and connected to the port receiving pipes 63 and 64. In addition, the distribution pipe 80 may include an inlet port 85 for introducing water discharged from the pump 70, and the delivery pipe 82 may guide the water introduced through the inlet port 85 to the outlet ports 83 and 84.

[0124] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 of the distribution pipe 80 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. The distribution pipe 80 can be inserted into the gasket 60 while the plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 are inserted into the plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64. The delivery pipes 81 and 82 of the distribution pipe 80 can be arranged between the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body and the balancer 90. Therefore, the distribution pipe 80 can be installed without requiring additional space.

[0125] The dispensing pipe 80 may be formed of a synthetic resin that is harder or more rigid than the gasket 60. The dispensing pipe 80 maintains a predetermined shape despite vibrations during operation of the washing machine and is relatively rigid compared to the gasket 60 that deforms in response to vibrations of the tub 30.

[0126] In addition, the circulation pipe 86 may be flexible to deform in response to the vibration of the tub 30. In this case, the dispensing pipe 80 may be formed of a synthetic resin that is harder or more rigid than the circulation pipe 86.

[0127] The distribution pipe 80 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present application can have an upper side 88 in the shape of an open ring. That is, the distribution pipe 80 can include an inlet port 85 into which water pumped by the pump 70 is introduced, one or more outlet ports 83 and 84 that discharge the introduced water to be sprayed into the drum 40, and delivery conduits 81 and 82 that connect the inlet port 85 and the outlet ports 83 and 84. One end of the left conduit 81 of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 and one end of the right conduit 82 of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 can be connected to each other at the point at which the inlet port 85 is disposed, and the other end of the left conduit 81 and the other end of the right conduit 82 can be separated from each other.

[0128] The inlet port 85 can be formed at the lower side of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 to protrude downward, and the outlet ports 83 and 84 can be formed at each of the left and right portions of the distribution pipe 80 to protrude inward (or toward the gasket). The circulation pipe 86 can be disposed between the inlet port 85 and a circulation port 87 (formed in the pump 70) such that the washing water in the tub is introduced into the inlet port 85 through the circulation pipe 86.

[0129] The plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 can include a plurality of upper outlet ports 83a and 84a coupled to the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a of the gasket 60, and a plurality of lower outlet ports 83b and 84b coupled to the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b of the gasket 60. The plurality of upper outlet ports 83a and 84a and the plurality of lower outlet ports 83b and 84b can protrude from the delivery conduits 81 and 82 toward the gasket bodies 61 and 62 in a direction parallel to each other (in other words, a parallel direction). The plurality of upper outlet ports 83a and 84a and the plurality of lower outlet ports 83b and 84b can protrude in parallel to a horizontal line OH passing through the gasket center O.

[0130] The inlet port 85 is connected to the delivery conduits 81 and 82 at a point lower than any of the plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84. The inlet port 85 is connected to the delivery conduits 81 and 82 at a point lower than the plurality of lower outlet ports 83b and 84b.

[0131] The delivery conduits 81 and 82 include a first conduit portion 81 that forms the left side of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 with respect to the inlet port 85, and a second conduit portion 82 that forms the right side of the delivery conduits 81 and 82 with respect to the inlet port 85. The first conduit portion 81 and the second conduit portion 82 are connected at the lower side, and the inlet port 85 can protrude downward at the point at which the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion are connected to each other.

[0132] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 branch the circulating water introduced through the inlet port 84 to form a first sub-stream (water flowing along the first pipe portion 81) and a second sub-stream (water flowing along the second pipe portion 82). The first sub-stream can be sprayed into the drum 40 through the first nozzle 66, and the second sub-stream can be sprayed into the drum 40 through the second nozzle 67.

[0133] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 may be arranged between the gasket 60 and the balancer 90. The delivery pipes 81 and 82 may be arranged such that inner surfaces thereof oppose the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body and outer surfaces thereof oppose the balancer 90.

[0134] Reference Figure 10 The delivery ducts 81 and 82 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be formed into an arc shape with a central angle of 180° or greater and an open upper side, and may be bilaterally symmetrical. The delivery ducts 81 and 82 may include a first duct portion 81 disposed on the left side and a second duct portion 82 disposed on the right side. The first duct portion 81 and the second duct portion 82 may be bilaterally symmetrical about a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60.

[0135] Delivery pipes 81 and 82 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, and the distribution pipe 80 can be coupled to the gasket 60 when the outlet ports 83 and 84 are inserted into the port receiving pipes 63 and 64. A plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 protrude from the delivery pipes 81 and 82 toward the gasket bodies 61 and 62, and a plurality of port receiving pipes 63 and 64 protrude from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. Therefore, a coupling space is required between the distribution pipe 80 and the gasket 60.

[0136] Particularly, the delivery ducts 81 and 82 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment have a unique shape such that a portion where the plurality of lower outlet ports 83 b and 84 b are arranged is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0137] As described above, the distance between each of the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket is smaller than the distance between each of the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket. Therefore, the portions 81a and 82a (where the upper outlet ports 83a and 84a of the delivery pipes 81 and 82 are respectively arranged) are bent upward from the portion 81c below them, thereby ensuring sufficient space for coupling the upper outlet ports 83a and 84a to the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a. In contrast, the portions 81b and 82b (where the lower outlet ports 83b and 84b of the delivery pipes 81 and 82 are respectively arranged) are bent toward either side from the portions 81f and 82f below them, and in this case, sufficient coupling space cannot be ensured.

[0138] The delivery ducts 81 and 82 may include portions 81b and 82b spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, and the lower outlet ports 83b and 84b may be arranged in the spaced apart portions. The spaced apart portion in the first duct portion 81 is referred to as the first portion 81b, and the spaced apart portion in the second duct portion 82 is referred to as the second portion 82b. The first lower outlet port 83b protrudes from the first portion 81b, and the second lower outlet port 83b protrudes from the second portion 82b.

[0139] In order to ensure a space for coupling the lower outlet ports 83b and 84b with the lower port receiving pipes 63b and 64b, the delivery pipes 81 and 82 may have bent sections 81e and 82e that bend from the upper ends of the lower portions 81f and 82f in a direction away from the gasket bodies 61 and 62. The lower outlet ports 83b and 84b may be arranged at portions 81b and 82b that bend upward from the bent sections 81e and 82e, respectively.

[0140] Hereinafter, the overall shape of the delivery ducts 81 and 82 will be described.

[0141] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 may be divided into a plurality of port sections 81 a , 81 b , 82 a , and 82 b where outlet ports 83 and 84 (or exemplarily, outlet port 83 ) are arranged, and a plurality of guide sections 81 c to 81 f and 82 c to 82 f .

[0142] Outlet ports 83 and 84 protrude from the port sections 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b toward the gasket 60. The port sections 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b include inner surfaces from which the outlet ports 83 and 84 protrude, respectively. The outlet ports 83 and 84 protrude from the inner surfaces of the port sections 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b toward the gasket 60. The inner surfaces of the port sections 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b (that is, the inner surfaces of the upper port sections 81a and 82a and the inner surfaces of the lower port sections 81b and 82b) may be formed in parallel.

[0143] The port sections 81a, 81b, 82a and 82b may include upper port sections 81a and 82a and lower port sections 81b and 82b. The guide sections 81c to 81f and 82c to 82f may include a lower guide section 81f, a curved section 81e, an intermediate guide section 81d and an upper guide section 81c.

[0144] Hereinafter, the shapes of the delivery ducts 81 and 82 are described from the upper side to the lower side.

[0145] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 (or exemplarily the delivery pipe 81) include: upper port sections 81a and 82a (or exemplarily the upper port section 81a), in which upper outlet ports 83a and 84a (or exemplarily the upper outlet port 83a) are arranged; upper guide sections 81c and 82c (or exemplarily the upper guide section 81c), which are arranged at the lower side of the upper port section 81a and extend in an arc shape; intermediate guide sections 81d and 82d (or exemplarily the intermediate guide section 81d), which are arranged at the lower side of the upper guide section 81c. , further away from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60, toward the lower side; lower port sections 81b and 82b (or exemplified as lower port section 81b), which are arranged at the lower side of the intermediate guide section 81d; curved sections 81e and 82e (or exemplified as curved section 81e), which are bent from the lower port section 81b, closer to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60, toward the lower side; and lower guide sections 81f and 82f (or exemplified as lower guide section 81f), which extend from the lower side of the curved section 81e in an arc shape.

[0146] Hereinafter, the shapes of the delivery ducts 81 and 82 will be described from the lower side to the upper side.

[0147] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 include arcuate lower guide sections 81f and 82f. An inlet port 85 protrudes downward from the lower guide sections 81f and 82f, and the lower guide section 81f of the first pipe section 81 and the lower guide section 82f of the second pipe section 82 are connected at the point where the inlet port 85 is arranged. The lower guide section 81f of the first pipe section 81 extends in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the first area of ​​the gasket bodies 61 and 62, and the lower guide section 82f of the second pipe section 82 extends in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the second area of ​​the gasket bodies 61 and 62. Water introduced through the inlet port 85 is branched to the left and right sides, and then guided upward by the lower guide sections 81f and 82f of the first pipe section 81 and the second pipe section 82.

[0148] The delivery ducts 81 and 82 include curved sections 81e and 82e that curve at the upper ends of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f in a direction away from the gasket bodies 61 and 62. The upper ends of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f and the ends of the curved sections 81e and 82e that face the lower guide sections 81f and 82f are in contact with the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, while the other ends of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. Alternatively, the distance between each other end of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body may be greater than the distance between each one end of the curved sections 81e and 82e and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0149] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 include lower port sections 81b and 82b that are spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. The first and second portions described above are referred to as the lower port sections 81b and 82b. The lower port sections 81b and 82b extend upward from the curved sections 81e and 82e to be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. Lower outlet ports 83b and 84b protrude from the lower port sections 81b and 82b. Therefore, a space for coupling the lower outlet ports 83b and 84b to the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b is provided between the delivery pipes 81 and 82 and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0150] At least a portion of the delivery ducts 81 and 82 may include upper port sections 81a and 82a spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. Upper outlet ports 83a and 84a protrude from the upper port sections 81a and 82a.

[0151] As described above, the distance between each of the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket is shorter than the distance between each of the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a and the horizontal line OH passing through the center O of the gasket. Therefore, the distance between each of the lower port receiving tubes 63b and 64b and the vertical line OV passing through the centers of the gasket bodies 61 and 62 is shorter than the distance between each of the upper port receiving tubes 63a and 64a and the vertical line OV. In response, the distance between each of the lower port sections 81b and 82b and the vertical line OV is longer than the distance between each of the upper port sections 81a and 82a and the vertical line OV.

[0152] The delivery pipes 81 and 82 include intermediate guide sections 81d and 82d located between the lower port sections 81b and 82b and the upper port sections 81a and 82a, and include upper guide sections 81c and 82c. The intermediate guide sections 81d and 82d extend upward from the lower port sections 81b and 82b. The intermediate guide sections 81d and 82d may extend from the lower port sections 81b and 82b to a height corresponding to the center O of the gasket bodies 61 and 62 and may extend parallel to a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket bodies 61 and 62.

[0153] The upper guide sections 81c and 82c may extend from upper ends of the middle guide sections 81d and 82d in an arc shape. The upper guide sections 81c and 82c may extend from upper ends of the middle guide sections 81d and 82d in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0154] The upper port sections 81a and 82a may be bent from the upper ends of the upper guide sections 81c and 82c in a direction away from the gasket bodies 61 and 62. Thus, even if the lower ends of the upper port sections are in contact with the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, at least a portion of the upper port sections 81a and 82a may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0155] The upper port sections 81a and 82a may form left and right upper ends of the delivery pipe.The upper port section 81a of the first pipe portion and the upper port section 82a of the second pipe portion may be separated from each other.

[0156] Hereinafter, the shape of the delivery duct 81 will be described in a counterclockwise direction from the upper left end.

[0157] The delivery pipe 81 may include an upper port section 81 a in which an upper outlet port 83 a inserted into the upper port receiving tube 63 a or 64 a (or exemplarily, the upper port receiving tube 63 a ) is arranged. The upper port section 81 a may form an upper end of the delivery pipe 81 .

[0158] The upper port section 81a may have an inner surface perpendicular to the protruding direction of the upper outlet port 83a. Figure 10 As shown, if the upper outlet port 83a protrudes vertically, the upper port segment 81a may have an inner surface parallel to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The upper port segment 81a may have an outer surface inclined toward the rear surface in a direction farther away from the inner surface.

[0159] The delivery duct 81 may include an arcuate upper guide section 81c located below the upper port section 81a. The upper guide section 81c may be formed in an arcuate shape with a center angle less than 90°. The upper guide section 81c may extend in an arcuate shape from the lower side of the upper port section 81a to a height corresponding to the center O of the gasket 60. Therefore, the bottom of the upper guide section 81c may have a tangent line parallel to the vertical line OV.

[0160] The central angle of the upper guide section 81c may be within a range of 20° to 50°. Since the upper port section 81a is arranged at the upper side of the upper guide section 81c and the outlet port 83a protrudes from the upper port section 81a to supply water to the upper nozzle 66a, the position where the upper nozzle 66a is arranged on the inner circumferential surface 62 of the gasket 60 may be a corresponding position.

[0161] The delivery duct 81 may have an intermediate guide section 81 d extending downward from the upper guide section 81 c. The intermediate guide section 81 d may extend downward from the lower side of the upper guide section 81 c. The intermediate guide section 81 d may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60.

[0162] The intermediate guide section 81 d and the bent section 81 e are portions that space the lower port section 81 b apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 .

[0163] The radius of curvature of the intermediate guide section 81d may be greater than that of the upper guide section 81c, or the intermediate guide section 81d may extend from the upper guide section 81c in a direction parallel to the vertical line OV. The intermediate guide section 81d may extend in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the lower port section 81e. The intermediate guide section 81d may be further away from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 toward the lower side.

[0164] The middle guide section 81 d may connect the upper guide section 81 c and the lower port section 81 b .

[0165] The delivery duct 81 may have a lower port section 81b located at a lower side of the lower guide section 81d. The lower port section 81b may extend from the bottom of the lower guide section 81d in the same direction as the middle guide section 81d.

[0166] The upper guide section 81 c and the middle guide section 81 d may be disposed between the upper port section 81 a and the lower port section 81 b .

[0167] Meanwhile, when the outlet port 83 is coupled to the gasket 60 or when the outlet port 83 is inserted into the gasket 60, the delivery pipe 81 can be in a fixed position. However, because the gasket 60 is configured to seal between the tub 30 and the housing 10 and connect the tub 30 and the housing 10, it may not be thick enough to insert the outlet port 83 and fix the delivery pipe 81. Therefore, the gasket 60 includes port receiving tubes 63 and 64 (or exemplarily, the port receiving tube 63) protruding from the outer circumferential surface 61, and the outlet port 83 is inserted into the port receiving tube 63, so that the delivery pipe 81 can be arranged without being separated from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60.

[0168] A space for the port receiving tube 63 is required between the inner surface of the delivery duct 81 and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. The upper port section 81a has an inner surface that is further spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 in the upward direction from the upper guide section 81c, and the lower port section 81b is provided between the intermediate guide section 81d and the curved section 81e. Therefore, the space where the lower outlet port 83b or 84b (or exemplarily the lower outlet port 83b) and the lower port receiving tube 63b or 64b (or exemplarily the lower port receiving tube 63b) are located is provided between the lower port section 81b and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket.

[0169] The lower port section 81b may have an inner surface perpendicular to the protruding direction of the lower outlet port 83b. The lower port section 81b may have an outer surface parallel to the inner surface.

[0170] The delivery duct 81 can have a curved section 81e arranged at the lower side of the lower port section 81b and curved toward the lower side in a direction closer to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The curved section 81e can extend between the lower port section 81b and a lower guide section 81f.

[0171] The delivery duct 81 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present application can have arc-shaped lower guide sections 81f and 82f located below the curved sections 81e and 82e. The lower guide sections 81f and 82f form the bottoms of the delivery ducts 81 and 82.

[0172] The lower guide sections 81f and 82f can extend in an arc shape from the curved section 81e located on the left side of the delivery ducts 81 and 82, pass the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60, and then extend in an arch shape to the curved section 82e located on the right side of the delivery ducts 81 and 82. The lower guide section 81f of the first duct portion 81 and the lower guide section 82f of the second duct portion 82 can meet each other at the bottoms of the delivery ducts 81 and 82, that is, at the point where the inlet port 85 is formed, thereby forming the lower guide sections 81f and 82f. Accordingly, the first duct portion 81 and the second duct portion 82 can be connected to each other, thereby forming a single delivery duct 81 and 82.

[0173] The lower guide sections 81f and 82f can be formed in an arc shape with a central angle less than 180° and can be left-right symmetrical about the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The central angle of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f can be equal to or greater than 120° and less than 180°.

[0174] As described above, the delivery ducts 81 and 82 can be left-right symmetrical. In the counterclockwise direction, the right duct portion 82 of the delivery ducts 81 and 82 can include a curved section 82e arranged at the upper side of the lower guide section 82f and curved toward the upper side in a direction further spaced apart from the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60, a lower port section 82b arranged at the upper side of the curved section 82e, an intermediate guide section 82d arranged at the upper side of the lower port section 82b, an upper guide section 82c arranged at the upper side of the intermediate guide section 82d and formed in an arc shape, and an upper port section 82a arranged at the upper side of the upper guide section 82c.

[0175] Meanwhile, the upper port sections 81a, 82a and the lower port sections 81b, 82b may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60, and at least a portion of the upper guide sections 81b and 82b and the lower guide sections 81f and 82f may contact the outer circumferential surface of the gasket.

[0176] In addition, the upper guide sections 81b and 82b and the lower guide sections 81f and 82f may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket in the direction outward from the gasket. In this case, the distance between each of the upper port sections 81a, 82a and the lower port sections 81b, 82b and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 may be greater than the distance between each of the upper guide sections 81b and 82b and the lower guide sections 81f and 82f and the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60.

[0177] Due to this configuration, it is possible to avoid interference with any other structure (eg, balancer 90 ) disposed between dispensing pipe 80 and front surface 31 of barrel 30 and provide space for coupling outlet ports 83 and 84 with port receiving pipes 63 and 64 .

[0178] As described above, the delivery ducts 81 and 82 may include a first duct portion 81 disposed on the left side and a second duct portion 82 disposed on the right side. The upper port segment 81a, the upper guide segment 81c, the middle guide segment 81d, the lower port segment 81b, the curved segment 81e, and the lower guide segment 81f included in the first duct portion 81 may be referred to as a first upper port segment 81a, a first upper guide segment 81c, a first middle guide segment 81d, a first lower port segment 81b, a first curved segment 81e, and a first lower guide segment 81f, respectively. In addition, the upper port segment 82a, the upper guide segment 82c, the intermediate guide segment 82d, the lower port segment 82b, the bent segment 82e and the lower guide segment 82f included in the second pipe portion 82 may be respectively referred to as the second upper port segment 82a, the second upper guide segment 82c, the second intermediate guide segment 82d, the second lower port segment 82b, the second bent segment 82e and the second lower guide segment 82f.

[0179] In order to describe the shape of the delivery duct 81 from different perspectives, a virtual circle VO having the same center as the gasket 60 may be defined.

[0180] The upper port section 81 a may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO and may be adjacent to the virtual circle VO toward a lower side.

[0181] The upper guide section 81c may be in contact with the virtual circle VO.The upper guide section 81c may extend from the bottom of the upper port section 81a to a height corresponding to the center of the virtual circle VO.

[0182] The middle guide section 81d may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO. The middle guide section 81d may be a curve having a curvature radius greater than that of the upper guide section 81c, or may be formed parallel to a tangent line of the bottom of the upper guide section 81c.

[0183] The lower port section 81 b and the curved section 81 e may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO.

[0184] The lower guide sections 81f and 82f may be in contact with the virtual circle VO. The left and right sides 81f and 82f of the lower guide sections 81f and 82f may be connected to each other at the lowest point of the virtual circle VO.

[0185] Outlet ports 83 and 84 may protrude from the port sections 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b of the delivery pipe toward the center O of the gasket 60 and be inserted into the port receiving tubes 63 and 64. The outlet ports 83 and 84 may guide the circulating water flowing along the delivery pipes 81 and 82 to the nozzles 66 and 67 to spray the circulating water into the drum 40.

[0186] The diameter of each of the outlet ports 83 and 84 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of each of the port-receiving tubes 63 and 64 (the diameter of the hole communicating with the nozzles 66 and 67), so that the outlet ports 83 and 84 can be press-fitted into the port-receiving tubes 63 and 64. When circulating water flows from the outlet ports 83 and 84 toward the nozzles 66 and 67, a reaction force in the direction opposite to the gasket 60 may be applied to the port segments 81a, 81b, 82a, and 82b. To prevent the distribution tube 80 from separating from the gasket 60 due to the reaction force, the port-receiving tubes 63 and 64 may be formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60. The diameter of each of the outlet ports 83 and 84 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of each of the port-receiving tubes 63 and 64, and a protrusion may be formed on the outer circumference of each of the outlet ports 83 and 84 to increase friction.

[0187] The outlet ports 83 and 84 include a first outlet port 83 that protrudes from the first port section 81a or 81b in a direction toward a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60, and a second outlet port 84 that protrudes from the second port section 82a or 82b in a direction toward a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The first outlet port 83 is inserted into the first port receiving tube 63 to guide the circulating water to the first nozzle 66, and the second outlet port 84 is inserted into the second port receiving tube 64 to guide the circulating water to the second nozzle 67.

[0188] The first outlet port 83 may include a first lower outlet port 83b inserted into the first lower port receiving tube 63b, and a first upper outlet port 83a inserted into the first upper port receiving tube 63a. The first upper outlet port 83a and the first lower outlet port 83b may protrude from the first upper port section 81a and the first lower port section 81b, respectively, to be inserted into the first upper port receiving tube 63a and the first lower port receiving tube 63b, respectively, thereby guiding the circulating water to the first upper nozzle 66a and the first lower nozzle 66b.

[0189] The second outlet port 84 may include a second lower outlet port 84b inserted into the second lower port receiving tube 64b, and a second upper outlet port 84a inserted into the second upper port receiving tube 64a. The second upper outlet port 84a and the second lower outlet port 84b may protrude from the second upper port section 82a and the second lower port section 82b, respectively, to be inserted into the second upper port receiving tube 64a and the second lower port receiving tube 64b, respectively, thereby guiding the circulating water to the second upper nozzle 67a and the second lower nozzle 67b.

[0190] At the same time, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 One end of the circulation pipe 86 is connected to the inlet port 85 protruding from the bottom of the distribution pipe 80, and the other end of the circulation pipe 86 can be connected to the circulation port 78 of the pump 70. In the case where the circulation port 78 of the pump 70 is formed at a position facing the inlet port along a straight line, the circulation pipe 86 can have a straight pipe shape. However, in other cases, the circulation pipe 86 can be formed as a hose made of a flexible material or can be formed by bending.

[0191] The circulation pipe 86 may be formed of a flexible material capable of maintaining its shape. In an embodiment of the present invention, the circulation pipe 86b may be formed of EPDM rubber. The circulation pipe 86 may include a bellows structure.

[0192] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a balancer 90 arranged at the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The balancer 90 may be fastened to the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The balancer 90 is used to reduce vibration of the tub 30, and the balancer 90 is a weight body having a predetermined weight. The balancer 90 may include one or more balancers 90 arranged along the circumference of the front surface 31 of the tub 30.

[0193] The balancer 90 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a first balancer 91 and a second balancer 92 respectively arranged to the left and right sides of the front surface 31 of the tub 30. The first balancer 91 may be arranged to the left side of the gasket 60, and the second balancer 92 may be arranged to the right side of the gasket 60.

[0194] The first and second balancers 91 and 92 may be spaced apart from each other at both upper and lower sides. The first and second balancers 91 and 92 may have bilaterally symmetrical shapes about a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60 and may be arranged at bilaterally symmetrical positions about the vertical line.

[0195] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a gasket 60 for connecting the housing 10 and the tub 30, nozzles 66 and 67 for spraying water into the drum 40, a pump 70 for pumping water discharged from the tub 30, and a distribution pipe 800 for guiding the water pumped by the pump 70 to the nozzles 66 and 67. In addition, the washing machine may include a balancer 90 arranged at the front surface 31 of the tub 30, and a circulation pipe 860 for guiding the water pumped by the pump 70 to the distribution pipe 800.

[0196] The washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention in terms of structures regarding a balancer 90 , a distribution pipe 800 , and a circulation pipe 860 .

[0197] The balancer 90 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is arranged at the front surface 31 of the tub 30, and includes an upper balancer 93 and a lower balancer 94 that are vertically separated. The upper balancer 93 is arranged at the upper side of the gasket 60, and the lower balancer 94 is arranged at the lower side of the gasket 60. The upper balancer 93 and the lower balancer 94 are arranged to be vertically spaced apart from each other.

[0198] The distribution pipe 800 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a first distribution pipe 801 and a second distribution pipe 802 arranged on the left and right sides of the gasket 60. The first distribution pipe 801 may supply water pumped by the pump 70 to the first nozzle 66, and the second distribution pipe 802 may supply water pumped by the pump 70 to the second nozzle 67.

[0199] The first distribution pipe 801 and the second distribution pipe 802 may be formed and arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical shape with respect to a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. Alternatively, the first distribution pipe 801 and the second distribution pipe 802 may have the same shape and be arranged bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60.

[0200] The first distribution pipe 801 and the second distribution pipe 802 respectively include a first delivery pipe 810 and a second delivery pipe 820 for guiding water pumped by the pump 70, and include a first outlet port 830 and a second outlet port 840 protruding from the first delivery pipe 810 and the second delivery pipe 820 toward the gasket 60 and connected to the port receiving pipes 63 and 64. In addition, the first distribution pipe 801 and the second distribution pipe 802 may respectively include a first inlet port 851 and a second inlet port 852 through which water discharged from the pump is introduced. The first delivery pipe 810 and the second delivery pipe 820 can guide the water introduced through the first inlet port 851 and the second inlet port 852 to the port receiving pipes 63 and 64.

[0201] Delivery pipes 810 and 820 included in distribution pipe 800 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body. Each of first and second delivery pipes 810 and 820 includes an inner surface opposing the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0202] The distribution tube 800 can be coupled to the gasket 60 when the outlet ports 83 and 84 are inserted into the port receiving tubes 63 and 64. The first distribution tube 801 can be coupled to the gasket 60 when the first outlet port 830 is inserted into the first port receiving tube 63. The second distribution tube 802 can be coupled to the gasket 60 when the second outlet port 840 is inserted into the second port receiving tube 64.

[0203] First and second outlet ports 83 and 84 may protrude from inner surfaces of first and second delivery ducts 810 and 820 , respectively, and first and second inlet ports 851 and 852 may protrude from outer surfaces of first and second delivery ducts 810 and 820 , respectively.

[0204] The first and second delivery ducts 810, 820 may include portions 810b and 820b spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body, and lower outlet ports 83b and 84b may be arranged at the spaced apart portions. The spaced apart portion of the first delivery duct 810 may be referred to as a first portion 81b, while the spaced apart portion of the second delivery duct 820 may be referred to as a second portion 82b. The first lower outlet port 82b protrudes from the first portion 81b, and the second lower outlet port 83b protrudes from the second portion 82b.

[0205] Because the first delivery duct 810 and the second delivery duct 820 are symmetrically formed and arranged, as described above, the first delivery duct 810 will be described below, and a description of the second delivery duct 820 will be omitted.

[0206] The delivery conduit 810 can be divided into a port section 810a and 810b in which the outlet port 830 is disposed, a guide section 810c in which the inlet port 851 is disposed, and guide sections 810d and 810e. The port sections 810a and 810b can include an upper port section 810a and a lower port section 810b. The guide sections 810d and 810e can include an upper guide section 810d and a middle guide section 810e.

[0207] The delivery conduit 810 includes an upper port section 810a in which an upper outlet port 830 is disposed, an upper guide section 810d which is disposed at a lower side of the port section 810a and extends in an arc shape, a middle guide section 810e which is disposed below the upper guide section 810d to be further spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket 60 toward a lower side, a lower port section 810b which is disposed at a lower side of the middle guide section 810e, and a guide section 810c in which an inlet port 851 is disposed and which is disposed at a lower side of the lower port section 810b and curved toward a lower side to be close to a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60.

[0208] The upper port section 810a, the upper guide section 810d, the middle guide section 810e, and the lower port section 810b included in the delivery conduit 810 according to the second embodiment of the present application are respectively the same as the upper port section 81a, the upper guide section 81c, the middle guide section 81d, and the lower port section 81b included in the delivery conduit 81 according to the first embodiment of the present application, whereby detailed descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0209] The delivery conduit 810 can include a guide section 810c which is disposed at a lower side of the lower port section 810b and curved toward a lower side in a direction closer to a vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. The inlet port 851 can be disposed in the guide section 810c.

[0210] The guide section 810c can be inclined toward an upper side in a direction further spaced apart from the vertical line OV passing through the center O of the gasket 60. At least an upper end of the guide section 810c can be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0211] The lower port section 810b can extend upward from an upper end of the guide section 810c. The lower port section 810b can be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface 61 of the gasket body.

[0212] The inlet port 851 can protrude outward in an outer surface of the delivery conduit 810 from the guide section 810c, particularly an outer space of the guide section 810c. The inlet port 851 can protrude in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the guide section 810c.

[0213] In order to describe the shape of the delivery pipe 810 from different perspectives, a virtual circle VO having the same center as the gasket 60 may be defined.

[0214] The upper port section 810 a may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO and may be adjacent to the virtual circle VO toward a lower side.

[0215] The upper guide section 810d may be in contact with the virtual circle VO. The upper guide section 810d may extend from the bottom of the upper port section 810a to a height corresponding to the center of the virtual circle VO.

[0216] The middle guide section 810e may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO. The middle guide section 810e may be a curve having a curvature radius greater than that of the upper guide section 810d, or may be formed parallel to a tangent line of the bottom of the upper guide section 810d.

[0217] The lower port section 810 b and the guide section 810 c may be spaced apart from the virtual circle VO.

[0218] The outlet port 830 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the coupling relationship between the outlet port 830 and the gasket 60 are the same as those described in the first embodiment of the present invention, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0219] The circulation pipe 860 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a first circulation pipe 861 for guiding water pumped by the pump to the first distribution pipe 801 , and a second circulation pipe 862 for guiding water pumped by the pump to the second distribution pipe 802 .

[0220] The first circulation pipe 861 and the second circulation pipe 862 may be hoses formed of a flexible substance and connect the pump 70 and the dispensing pipe 800 , unlike the circulation pipe 86 according to the first embodiment.

[0221] The pump 70 may include two circulation ports, unlike the first embodiment, and the two circulation ports may be coupled to the first circulation pipe 861 and the second circulation pipe 862 , respectively.

[0222] Although some embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that those skilled in the art may make various modifications, changes, variations, and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are provided for illustration only and should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention in any way.

[0223] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0224] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0074390 filed on June 27, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0072392 filed on June 18, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: a housing having a clothes insertion hole formed in a front surface of the housing; a barrel disposed in the housing and having an opening at a front surface of the barrel; a drum rotatably disposed in the barrel; a gasket including a gasket body having a cylindrical shape and forming a passage connecting the laundry input hole and the opening of the tub; a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the first nozzle and the second nozzle spraying water into the drum; a pump that pumps the water discharged from the tub; as well as a distribution pipe that guides water pumped by the pump to the first nozzle and the second nozzle, wherein the distribution pipe comprises: an inlet port that introduces water pumped by the pump; a first outlet port coupled to the gasket and directing water pumped by the pump to the first nozzle; a second outlet port coupled to the gasket and directing water pumped by the pump to the second nozzle; and a delivery pipe extending along the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, the inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port being sequentially arranged on the delivery pipe, Wherein, the delivery pipeline includes: a first guide section extending from the inlet port and extending in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body; a first port section from which the first outlet port protrudes and which extends straight; and A curved section connects the first guide section and the first port section, the curved section being curved from the first port section toward a direction closer to a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket body. 2 . The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a circulation pipe connecting the pump and the inlet port of the distribution pipe.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The first nozzle and the second nozzle are provided at an inner circumferential surface of the gasket body.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The gasket further includes a first port receiving tube protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the gasket body and communicating with the first nozzle. Wherein, the first outlet port is inserted into the first port receiving tube.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein The gasket further includes a second port receiving tube protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body and communicating with the second nozzle. wherein the second outlet port is inserted into the second port receiving tube. The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein: The bent section bends from the first guide section in a direction away from the gasket body, Wherein, a distance between the first port section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body is greater than a distance between the first guide section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The delivery pipeline also includes: a second port section from which the second outlet port projects; and A second guide section connects the first port section and the second port section.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein: The second port section bends away from the gasket body from the second guide section, and Wherein, a distance between the second port section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body is greater than a distance between the second guide section and the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body.

9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein: When the gasket body is divided into a first portion and a second portion in a width direction of the housing, the delivery duct extends along an outer circumferential surface of the first portion of the gasket body, and The second guide section includes: an intermediate guide section extending upwardly from the first port section; and An upper guide section extends from the middle guide section in an arc shape along an outer circumferential surface of the first portion of the gasket body.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein The intermediate guide section is located below a horizontal line passing through the center of the gasket body, The upper guide section is located above a horizontal line passing through the center of the gasket body.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein The intermediate guide section extends straight in the vertical direction.

12. The washing machine according to claim 5, in, When the gasket body is divided into a first portion and a second portion along a width direction of the housing, the delivery duct extends along an outer circumferential surface of the first portion of the gasket body. wherein the first port receiving tube is disposed below a horizontal line passing through a center of the gasket body, and the second port receiving tube is disposed above a horizontal line passing through a center of the gasket body, Wherein, the distance between the first port receiving tube and the horizontal line is smaller than the distance between the second port receiving tube and the horizontal line.

13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein: A distance between the first port section and a vertical line passing through a center of the gasket body is greater than a distance between the second port section and a vertical line passing through a center of the gasket body.

14. The washing machine according to claim 4, in, The delivery pipe has an inner surface facing the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body, and Wherein, the first outlet port and the second outlet port protrude from an inner surface of the delivery pipe.

15. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle configured to spray water into the drum, in, The distribution pipe also includes: a third outlet port coupled to the gasket and directing water pumped by the pump to the third nozzle; and a fourth outlet port coupled to the gasket and directing water pumped by the pump to the fourth nozzle, When the gasket body is divided into first and second parts along the width direction of the housing, the first and second outlet ports are coupled to the first region of the gasket body, and the third and fourth outlet ports are coupled to the second region of the gasket body.

16. The washing machine according to claim 15, in, The delivery conduit is symmetrical about a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket body, and wherein the first outlet port and the third outlet port are symmetrically arranged about a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket body, The second outlet port and the fourth outlet port are symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the gasket body.

17. The washing machine according to claim 15, in, The delivery pipeline comprises: a first pipe portion extending along an outer circumferential surface of the first portion of the gasket body and guiding water introduced from the inlet port upward; and a second pipe portion extending along an outer circumferential surface of the second portion of the gasket body and guiding water introduced from the inlet port upward, wherein one end of the first pipe section and one end of the second pipe section are connected to a point of the delivery pipe where the inlet port is provided, and The other end of the first pipe portion and the other end of the second pipe portion are separated from each other.

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