washing machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a washing machine. The washing machine includes a casing, a tub, a drum, a gasket, at least one pump, and a distribution pipe. The gasket includes: a gasket body; a first nozzle and a second nozzle disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body; and a first port receiving pipe and a second port receiving pipe, the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body to communicate with the first nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively. The distribution pipe includes: an inlet port connected to the gasket and introducing water pumped by the pump; a delivery pipe that guides the water introduced through the inlet port upward; and a first outlet port and a second outlet port, the first outlet port and the second outlet port branching out from the delivery pipe sequentially in a bottom-to-top direction to connect to the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe, respectively.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application No. 201910565241.3 (filed on June 27, 2019, invention title: 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 the tub and circulating along a circulation pipe into the drum. Background Technology

[0003] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2018-0131894 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art") discloses a washing machine having nozzles for spraying water pumped by a pump into a drum. The washing machine includes a plurality of nozzles arranged along the inner circumferential surface of a gasket, which is inserted between the outer casing forming the exterior of the washing machine and the tub. Multiple port receiving tubes protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket can communicate with the plurality of nozzles respectively.

[0004] The system is equipped with a guide pipe for guiding water (circulating water) pumped by the pump, and the guide pipe includes multiple outlet ports protruding from the annular flow path to be respectively inserted into multiple port receiving pipes.

[0005] Each port receiving tube protrudes approximately radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket, and correspondingly, each outlet port protrudes radially inward from the annular flow path.

[0006] The guide pipe includes a circulation pipe connection port that protrudes from the annular flow path to connect to the circulation pipe, and the circulation pipe is connected to the pump. Water pumped by the pump is guided along the circulation pipe and introduced into the circulation pipe connection port.

[0007] Water discharged from the circulation pipe connection port is introduced into the annular flow path and impacts the inner surface of the flow path, splitting it into two paths. As it moves upward along the flow path, the water is discharged sequentially through the outlet port. Resistance occurs as the water discharged from the circulation pipe connection port impacts the inner surface of the flow path. This resistance generates noise and disrupts the water flow, preventing it from being evenly split into two paths.

[0008] In addition, because the output ports are inserted into the port receiving tubes in different directions, it is difficult to assemble two or more output ports into two or more port receiving tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The first object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a distribution pipe for guiding circulating water to a nozzle is composed of a plurality of outlet ports branching from a delivery pipe, and a plurality of port receiving pipes are formed in a gasket to correspond to the plurality of outlet ports, thereby uniformly spraying water flow from the plurality of outlet ports.

[0010] A second objective of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having an optimized position for a circulation pipe connecting a delivery pipe and a pump.

[0011] A third object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a plurality of nozzles for spraying washing water into a drum and disposed at a gasket, wherein the gasket has a structure that can be easily molded by injection molding.

[0012] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having two or more nozzles located on the left and right sides of a gasket and having a port receiving tube integrally formed with the gasket to fix a water supply port for supplying circulating water to the nozzles.

[0013] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having port receiving tubes arranged parallel to each other.

[0014] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which a distribution pipe for supplying circulating water to the nozzles is easily assembled into a gasket.

[0015] The purpose of this invention should not be limited to the foregoing objectives, and other objectives not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0016] In the washing machine of the present invention, a tub is disposed in a housing having an insertion hole formed in the front surface of the housing, a drum is rotatably disposed in the tub, and a gasket is installed in the tub.

[0017] The gasket includes: a gasket body forming a channel connecting the injection hole to the inlet hole of the bucket; and a first nozzle, a second nozzle, a third nozzle, and a fourth nozzle disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0018] When the washer body is divided into a first region and a second region, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are arranged sequentially in the first region from bottom to top, and the third nozzle and the fourth nozzle are arranged sequentially in the second region from bottom to top.

[0019] The washer includes a first port receiving tube, a second port receiving tube, a third port receiving tube, and a fourth port receiving tube, which are respectively connected to the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the third nozzle, and the fourth nozzle. The first port receiving tube and the second port receiving tube protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body in the first region. The third port receiving tube and the fourth port receiving tube protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body in the second region.

[0020] At least one pump is provided, configured to pump water discharged from the tank. The water pumped by the pump is directed to the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the third nozzle, and the fourth nozzle via a first distribution pipe and a second distribution pipe.

[0021] The first distribution pipe is connected to the gasket in the first region. The first distribution pipe includes: a first inlet port, which is connected to the gasket in the first region and introduces some water pumped by the at least one pump; a first delivery pipe, which guides the water introduced through the first inlet port upward; and a first outlet port and a second outlet port, which branch off from the first delivery pipe sequentially in the bottom-to-top direction to connect to the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe, respectively.

[0022] The second distribution pipe is connected to the gasket in the second region. The second distribution pipe includes: a second inlet port, which is connected to the gasket in the second region and introduces some water pumped by the at least one pump; a second delivery pipe, which guides the water introduced through the second inlet port upward; and a third outlet port and a fourth outlet port, which branch off from the second delivery pipe sequentially in the bottom-to-top direction to connect to the third port receiving pipe and the fourth port receiving pipe, respectively.

[0023] When a first side and a second side are defined relative to the first delivery pipe, the first inlet port may be arranged on the opposite side of the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe relative to the first delivery pipe.

[0024] The first distribution pipe and the second distribution pipe can be symmetrical from left to right.

[0025] The first exit port and the second exit port may extend in a direction toward a virtual vertical reference plane that bisects the channel, and the first inlet port may extend in a direction away from the reference plane.

[0026] The first delivery conduit may include: a first conduit portion from which a first outlet port and a second outlet port protrude; and a second conduit portion from which the lower end of the first conduit portion bends toward the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body to connect to the first inlet port.

[0027] The second pipe section may bend below the first outlet port. The second pipe section may bend between the first inlet port and the first outlet port.

[0028] The first inlet port may extend from the second pipe portion in a downwardly inclined direction. The first inlet port may be orthogonal to the second pipe portion.

[0029] The first, second, third, and fourth port receiving tubes may extend horizontally from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body. The first and second outlet ports may be parallel to each other, and the third and fourth outlet ports may also be parallel to each other.

[0030] The at least one pump may be arranged below the gasket.

[0031] In another general aspect of the invention, a washing machine is provided, comprising: a housing having an inlet formed in a front surface of the housing; a tub disposed in the housing to contain washing water and having an inlet formed in a front surface of the tub; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; and a gasket comprising: a gasket body forming a channel connecting the inlet to the inlet of the tub; a first nozzle and a second nozzle disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the gasket body; and a first port receiving tube and a second port receiving tube, wherein when the gasket body is divided left and right into a first region and a second region, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are positioned from bottom to top. The gasket body is arranged sequentially in the first region, wherein the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body in the first region to communicate with the first nozzle and the second nozzle, respectively; a pump configured to pump water discharged from the tank; and a distribution pipe including: an inlet port connected to the gasket and introducing water pumped by the pump; a delivery pipe that guides the water introduced through the inlet port upward; and a first outlet port and a second outlet port that branch off sequentially from the delivery pipe in an upward, bottom-to-top direction to connect to the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe, respectively.

[0032] When a first side and a second side are defined relative to the delivery pipe, the inlet port may be arranged on the opposite side of the first port receiving pipe and the second port receiving pipe relative to the delivery pipe.

[0033] The first exit port and the second exit port may extend in a direction toward a virtual vertical reference plane, and the first inlet port may extend in a direction away from the virtual vertical reference plane, which includes the center of the channel and extends in a front-back direction.

[0034] The delivery conduit may include: a first conduit portion from which a first outlet port and a second outlet port protrude; and a second conduit portion from which the lower end of the first conduit portion bends toward the outer circumferential surface of the gasket body to connect to the inlet port.

[0035] The first and second exit ports can be parallel to each other.

[0036] The washing machine according to the present invention may have one or more of the following effects.

[0037] The washing machine of the present invention can reduce the water flow resistance in the delivery pipe because the circulating water introduced into the distribution pipe through the inlet port is sequentially distributed to the first outlet port and the second outlet port as it moves along the delivery pipe. Thus, it is advantageous to supply a uniform amount of water to the first outlet port and the second outlet port.

[0038] Secondly, in the distribution pipe, the inlet port connected to the circulation pipe (connected to the pump) is arranged lower than the outlet port, so that the circulation pipe can be installed in the space below the tank (especially on the left or right side below the tank).

[0039] The effects of this invention should not be limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine.

[0043] Figure 3 An example is shown of an assembly in which the distribution tube is mounted in a gasket;

[0044] Figure 4 An example of what it looks like from the front. Figure 3 The components shown;

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the portion marked with dashed lines;

[0046] Figure 6 An example of a washer viewed from the back is shown;

[0047] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the middle; and

[0048] Figure 8 This is a front view illustrating the first and second distribution pipes. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods of implementing them, will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in various different ways. Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and fully communicates its scope to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0050] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine. Figure 3 An example is shown where the distribution pipe is mounted in a gasket. Figure 4 An example of what it looks like from the front. Figure 3 The components shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the part marked with dashed lines. Figure 6 An example of a washer viewed from the back is shown. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' in the figure. Figure 8 This is a front view illustrating the first and second distribution pipes.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 8According to one embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine includes: a housing 10 that forms the appearance of the washing machine; a tub 30 disposed in the housing 10 and containing washing water; a drum 40 that is rotatably mounted in the tub 30 to receive clothes; and a motor 50 that causes the drum 40 to rotate.

[0053] A front panel 11 may be disposed on the front surface of the housing 10 and has an inlet 12 formed therein. A door 20 for opening and closing the inlet 12 may be disposed on the front panel 11, and a dispenser 14 for introducing detergent may be mounted on the front panel 11. A control panel 13 may be disposed above the front panel 11 and is used to receive various control commands from the user to control the operation of the washing machine.

[0054] Additionally, the water supply valve 15, water supply pipe 16, and water supply hose 17 can be installed in the housing 10. During water supply, the washing water that has passed through the water supply valve 15 and water supply pipe 16 can be mixed with the detergent in the mixer 14, and then supplied to the tank 30 through the water supply hose 17.

[0055] Meanwhile, the direct water supply pipe 18 can be connected to the water supply valve 15, so that washing water can be supplied directly to the drum 30 through the direct water supply pipe 18 without mixing with detergent. Direct nozzles 19 can be provided for spraying water supplied through the direct water supply pipe 18 into the drum 40.

[0056] At least one pump 70 is provided for pumping water discharged from tank 30. The water pumped by the at least one pump 70 is supplied to a first distribution pipe 80 (1) and a second distribution pipe 80 (2). Hereinafter, an example is described in which water is supplied to the first distribution pipe 80 (1) and the second distribution pipe 80 (2) simultaneously by a single pump 70, but aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. Instead, a pump supplying water to the first distribution pipe 80 (1) and a pump supplying water to the second distribution pipe 80 (2) may be provided separately.

[0057] Pump 70 may be arranged below gasket 60. Preferably, pump 70 is arranged on either the left or right side below gasket 60.

[0058] Water is supplied through the first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2) to a plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d disposed in the gasket 60. (See reference...) Figure 6Four protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the washer 60 toward the interior of the washer 60, and each of the plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d can be formed at a corresponding protrusion of the protrusions 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d. Therefore, circulating water discharged through the outlet ports 83a, 83b, 83c, and 83d of the respective distribution pipes 80(1) and 80(2) can be sprayed into the drum 40 through the plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d.

[0059] The plurality of nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d includes two nozzles 66a / 66b and 66c / 66d that receive water through the same distribution pipe 80 and are arranged at different heights. Of the two nozzles 66a / 66b and 66c / 66d, the nozzle 66a or 66c located at the lower position is referred to as the lower nozzle, while the other nozzle located above the lower nozzle 66a or 66c is referred to as the upper nozzle.

[0060] The distribution pipe 80 may be disposed on both sides of the gasket 60. Hereinafter, the distribution pipe disposed on the left side of the gasket 60 is referred to as the first distribution pipe 80 (1), and the distribution pipe disposed on the right side of the gasket 60 is referred to as the second distribution pipe 80 (2). If the terms "first" or "second" are not used, it shall be understood that either the first distribution pipe 80 (1) or the second distribution pipe 80 (2) is indicated.

[0061] Pump 70 and tank 30 are connected via discharge hose 72. Distributor pipe 80 and pump 70 may be directly connected to each other or may be connected via circulation pipe 86. In the latter case, a first circulation pipe 86 (1) for connecting the first distribution pipe 80 (1) to pump 70 and a second circulation pipe 86 (2) for connecting the second distribution pipe 80 (2) to pump 70 may be provided.

[0062] If pump 70 is running, the washing water contained in tub 30 can be guided through first distribution pipe 80 (1) and second distribution pipe 80 (2) to multiple nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d and then sprayed into drum 40, thereby circulating the washing water. Pump 70 can be connected to drain pipe 74, through which the washing water is discharged to the outside.

[0063] The aforementioned pump 70 serves both as a circulation pump for circulating the washing water and as a discharge pump for discharging the washing water to the outside. Alternatively, the discharge pump and circulation pump can be installed separately. In this case, the discharge pump is obviously connected to the discharge pipe 74 and the circulation pump is connected to the circulation pipe 86.

[0064] Meanwhile, the bucket 30 can be formed as a single bucket body or as a combination of a first bucket body 30a and a second bucket body 30b connected thereto. In an embodiment of the present invention, an example of forming the bucket 30 by connecting the first bucket body 30a and the second bucket body 30b is described. Hereinafter, the first bucket body 30a is referred to as "bucket" 30.

[0065] An inlet hole 32 is formed on the front surface 31 of the barrel 30 to correspond to an inlet hole 12 formed in the front panel 11. At least one counterweight 90 may be fastened to the front surface 31 of the barrel 30. A first counterweight 90 (1) may be arranged above the front surface 31, and a second counterweight 90 (2) may be arranged below the front surface 31.

[0066] A gasket 60 is disposed between the edge of the inlet hole 12 defining the front panel 11 and the edge of the inlet hole 32 defining the barrel 30. The gasket may be formed of a flexible material such as rubber and have a generally cylindrical shape, thereby forming a channel 60P connecting the inlet hole 12 and the inlet hole of the barrel 30.

[0067] The front edge of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the inlet hole 12 of the front panel 11, and the rear edge of the gasket 60 is connected to the edge of the inlet hole of the tub 30, thereby sealing the space between the tub 30 and the front panel 11. When the door 20 is closed, the door 20 and the front end of 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 washing water leakage.

[0068] Reference Figure 7 The gasket 60 may include: a housing connection portion 61 connected to the circumference of the inlet hole 12 of the front panel 11; a barrel connection portion 62 connected to the circumference of the inlet hole 32; and a gasket body 63 extending between the housing connection portion 61 and the barrel connection portion 62.

[0069] The circumference of the insertion hole 12 in the front panel 11 can be turned outward, and the housing connection portion 61 can be fitted into the recessed area formed by the turned-out portion. An annular groove 61r for winding wire can be formed in the housing connection portion 61. After the wire is wound around the groove 61r, the two ends of the wire are joined together, so the housing connection portion 61 is tightly fixed to the circumference of the insertion hole 12.

[0070] The inlet hole of the barrel 30 is circumferentially outward-facing, and the barrel connecting portion 62 is fitted into the recessed area formed by the outward-facing portion. An annular groove 62r, formed by winding wire, can be formed in the barrel connecting portion 62. After the wire is wound around the groove 62r, the two ends of the wire are joined together, so that the barrel connecting portion 62 is tightly connected to the inlet hole of the barrel 30.

[0071] When the outer casing connecting portion 61 is fixed to the front panel 11, the barrel connecting portion 62 can be displaced according to the movement of the barrel 30. Therefore, the washer body 63 needs to be able to deform according to the displacement of the barrel connecting portion 62. In order to allow the washer body 63 to deform easily, the washer 60 may include a folding portion 63b located between the outer casing connecting portion 61 and the barrel connecting portion 62 (or the washer body 63), and the folding portion 63b folds as the barrel 30 moves in an eccentric direction (or radial direction).

[0072] More specifically, an annular edge portion 63a extending from the outer casing connection portion 61 toward the barrel connection portion 62 (or rearward) is formed in the washer body 63, and a folded portion 63b may be formed between the edge portion 63a and the barrel connection portion 62.

[0073] The gasket 60 may include an outer door contact portion 68, which bends outward from the front end of the edge portion 63a to contact the rear surface of the door 20 outside the insertion hole 12 when the door 20 is closed. In the housing connection portion 61, the aforementioned groove 61r may be formed at the portion extending from the outer end of the outer door contact portion 68.

[0074] The gasket 60 may further include an inner door contact portion 66, which bends inward from the front end of the edge portion 63a to contact the rear surface (preferably, window 22) of the door 20 inside the insertion hole 12 when the door 20 is closed.

[0075] Simultaneously, during rotation, the drum 40 vibrates (meaning that the rotation center line C of the drum 40 moves), and in turn, the center line of the barrel 30 (which is approximately the same as the rotation center line C of the drum 40) also moves. In this case, the direction of movement (hereinafter referred to as the "eccentric direction") has a radial component.

[0076] The folding portion 63b folds or unfolds as the barrel 30 moves in an eccentric direction. The folding portion 63b may include: an inner circumferential portion 631, which bends from the edge portion 63a toward the outer casing connecting portion 61; and an outer circumferential portion 632, which bends from the inner circumferential portion 631 toward the barrel connecting portion 62, thereby connecting to the barrel connecting portion 62. When viewed from the front, the inner circumferential portion 631 is arranged within an interior surrounded by the outer circumferential portion 632. Figure 7 As shown, the edge portion 63a and the folded portion 63b can form a cross section with an approximate "S" shape.

[0077] If a portion of the folded portion 63b folds as it moves eccentrically at the center of the barrel 30, the distance between the inner circumference 631 and the outer circumference 632 at that portion decreases, while the folded portion 63b unfolds at the portion opposite to the folded portion, thereby increasing the distance between the inner circumference 631 and the outer circumference 632 at that opposite portion.

[0078] Meanwhile, multiple nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d include a first nozzle 66a, a second nozzle 66b, a third nozzle 66c, and a fourth nozzle 66d. If the washer body 63 is divided left and right into a first region I and a second region II (refer to...) Figure 6 If the first nozzle 66a and the second nozzle 66b are arranged sequentially from bottom to top in the first region I, and the third nozzle 66c and the fourth nozzle 66d are arranged sequentially from bottom to top in the second region II, then the first region I is the left side of the washer 60 when viewed from the front (or the right side when viewed from the back), and the second region II is the right side of the washer 60 (or the left side when viewed from the back). However, the invention is not limited to this. The first region I can be the right side of the washer 60, and the second region II can be the left side of the washer 60.

[0079] Specifically, the first port receiving tube 64a and the second port receiving tube 64b protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body 63 in the first region I. The first port receiving tube 64a and the second port receiving tube 64b are respectively connected to the first nozzle 66a and the second nozzle 66b. The first port receiving tube 64a and the second port receiving tube 64b may be parallel to each other.

[0080] The third port receiving pipe 64c and the fourth port receiving pipe 64d protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body 63 in the second region II. The third port receiving pipe 64c and the fourth port receiving pipe 64d communicate with the third nozzle 66c and the fourth nozzle 66d, respectively. The third port receiving pipe 64c and the fourth port receiving pipe 64d may be parallel to each other. The first distribution pipe 80(1) and the second distribution pipe 80(2) are installed at the washer 60. Each of the distribution pipes 80(1) and 80(2) includes an inlet port 81 for introducing water discharged from the pump 70, a delivery pipe 82 for guiding the water introduced through the inlet port, and a plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 branching from the delivery pipe 82.

[0081] The plurality of outlet ports 83 and 84 includes two outlet ports 83 and 84 formed at different heights. Hereinafter, the outlet port at the lower position of the two outlet ports 83 and 84 is referred to as the first outlet port 83 or the lower outlet port, while the outlet port arranged at a position higher than the first outlet port 83 is referred to as the second outlet port 84 or the upper outlet port. The first outlet port 83 and the second outlet port 84 may be provided in each of the first distribution pipe 80 (1) and the second distribution pipe 80 (2).

[0082] The delivery conduit 82 is arranged outside the channel 60P defined by the gasket 60 and guides the water introduced through the inlet port in an upward direction. The delivery conduit 82 forms a flow path communicating with the inlet port 81, and the flow path may bend and extend vertically in a shape that generally corresponds to the circumferential surface of the gasket 60.

[0083] Specifically, the first distribution pipe 80(1) is connected to the gasket 60 in the first region I. The first distribution pipe 80(1) includes: a first inlet port 81, which introduces some water pumped by the pump 70; a first delivery pipe 82, which guides the water introduced through the first inlet port 81 upward; and a first outlet port 83 and a second outlet port 84, which branch off from the first delivery pipe 82 to be connected to a first port receiving pipe 64a and a second port receiving pipe 64b, respectively.

[0084] In the first delivery pipe 82, the second outlet port 84 is arranged higher than the first outlet port 83. Therefore, some of the water guided upward along the first delivery pipe 82 is branched into the first outlet port 83, while the remaining water is branched into the second outlet port 84.

[0085] Similarly, the second distribution pipe 80(2) is connected to the gasket 60 in the second region II. The second distribution pipe 80(2) includes: a second inlet port 81, which introduces other (or remaining) water pumped by the pump 70; a second delivery pipe 82, which guides the water introduced through the second inlet port upward; and a third outlet port 83 and a fourth outlet port 84, which branch off from the second delivery pipe 82 to connect to the third port receiving pipe 64c and the fourth port receiving pipe 64d, respectively.

[0086] In the second conveying pipe 82, the fourth outlet port 84 is arranged higher than the third outlet port 83. Therefore, some of the water guided upward along the second conveying pipe 82 is branched into the third outlet port 83, while the remaining water is branched into the fourth outlet port 84.

[0087] Water discharged from pump 70 is introduced through inlet port 81. Inlet port 81 may be connected to pump 70 by circulation pipe 86(1) or 86(2). Circulation ports 71a and 71b may be provided in pump 70, and circulation ports 71a and 71b (refer to...) Figure 3 The number of ) can correspond to the number of distribution pipes 80. In this embodiment, pump 70 includes a first circulation port 71a and a second circulation port 71b. The first circulation port 71a is connected to the first inlet port 81(1) of the first distribution pipe 80(1) by a first circulation pipe 86(1). The second circulation port 71b is connected to the second inlet port 81(2) of the second distribution pipe 80(2) by a second circulation pipe 86(2).

[0088] The circulating water conveyed along the conveying pipe 82 is discharged through multiple outlet ports 83 and 84. The multiple outlet ports 83 and 84 branch off from the conveying pipe 82 above the inlet port 81. That is, the inlet holes of the outlet ports 83 and 84 (that is, the portions of the outlet ports 83 and 84 that are connected to the conveying pipe 82) are arranged higher than the outlet holes of the inlet port 81 (that is, the portions of the inlet port 81 that are connected to the conveying pipe 82).

[0089] If the first distribution pipe 80(1) and / or the second distribution pipe 80(2) are divided into a first side and a second side relative to the conveying pipe 82, then the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) may be arranged on the first side relative to the conveying pipe 82(1) or 82(2), and the outlet ports 83a / 83b and 83c / 83d may be arranged on the second side. In other words, the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) may be arranged on the opposite side of the outlet ports 83a / 83b and 83c / 83d relative to the conveying pipe 82(1) or 82(2). The port receiving pipes 64a / 64b and 64c / 64d of the gasket 60 are arranged on the same side of the outlet port 83a / 83b or 83c / 83d relative to the conveying pipe 82(1) or 82(2), and the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) is arranged on the opposite side of the port receiving pipes 64a / 64b and 64c / 64d relative to the conveying pipe 82(1) or 82(2).

[0090] If, when viewing washer 60 from the front, a virtual vertical reference plane OV is defined passing through the center of the channel (refer to...), then... Figure 6 Each of the port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c and 64d can extend in a direction away from the reference plane OV, and the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) also extends in a direction away from the reference plane OV.

[0091] Although the water pressure discharged from outlet ports 83a, 83b, 83c, and 83d exerts a reaction force on the distribution pipe 80 in the direction away from the gasket 60, a water flow is applied through the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) into the delivery pipe 82(1) or 82(2) in the direction that pushes the inlet port 81(1) or 81(2) toward the gasket 60. Therefore, the effect is to prevent the distribution pipe 80 from separating from the gasket 60.

[0092] In other words, the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d can be arranged on the first side of the conveying pipe 82 (that is, either the left or right side of the conveying pipe 82 when viewed from the front). The lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d can extend parallel to each other. In addition, the inlet port 81 can be arranged on the second side of the conveying pipe 82 (opposite to the first side).

[0093] Water discharged through the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d flows from the delivery pipe 82 toward the first side. Therefore, the pressure of the jetting water acts as a reaction force, and the delivery pipe 82 is pushed toward the second side. Here, the second side indicates the direction in which the upper outlet ports 83b and 83d separate from the upper port receiving pipes 64b and 64d.

[0094] Conversely, the inlet port protrudes from the conveying pipe 82 in the opposite direction to the protrusion direction of the upper outlet ports 83b and 83d. Therefore, the water flow introduced through the inlet port 81 has a force that pushes the conveying pipe 82 toward the first side, thereby preventing the upper outlet ports 83b and 83d from separating from the upper port receiving pipes 64b and 64d.

[0095] At the same time, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each delivery conduit 82 may include: a first conduit portion 82a, with an outlet port 83a / 83b or 83c / 83d protruding from the first conduit portion 82a; and a second conduit portion 82b, which bends from the lower end of the first conduit portion 82a in a direction toward the outer circumferential surface of the gasket 60. An inlet port may be formed in the second conduit portion 82b. An inlet port 81 may extend from the second conduit portion 82b in a direction away from the gasket 60. The inlet port 81 may extend from the second conduit portion 82b in a downwardly inclined direction.

[0096] Because the first pipe section 82a and the second pipe section 82b are curved, water flow resistance is generated at the bends. That is, resistance is generated when water flows from the second pipe section 82b into the first pipe section 82a. As a result, the water flow does not pass through the lower outlet ports 83a or 83c, but is reflected and refracted from the inner surface of the conveying pipe 82 to be guided to the lower outlet port 83. Therefore, sufficient water can be discharged through the lower outlet port 83.

[0097] The surface forming the exit hole (i.e., the hole through which circulating water exits from the inlet port 81) may include a portion 82c orthogonal to the inlet port 81. The orthogonal portion 82c may be substantially flat. The inlet port 81 may extend from the orthogonal portion 82c in a substantially straight (or planar) shape. At the orthogonal portion 82c, the flow path in the delivery conduit 82 may extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to the inlet port 81.

[0098] As the water moves upward along the conveying pipe 82, the circulating water introduced through the inlet port is discharged through the lower outlet port 83a or 83c, while the remaining water is discharged through the upper outlet port 83b or 83d. Specifically, when water is guided upward along the conveying pipe 82 in one direction (upward), the water is branched sequentially into the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83c or 83d, thus the water flow resistance in the conveying pipe 82 is almost uniform. To ensure a uniform amount of water is discharged from the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the higher outlet port 83b or 83d, if the outlet ports 83a, 83b, 83c, and 83d, the nozzles, and the conveying pipe 82 are designed with appropriate inner diameters, a uniform amount of circulating water can be sprayed from the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d.

[0099] Meanwhile, assuming that the inlet port 81 is in contact with the conveying pipe 82 between the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d, the circulating water introduced through the inlet port 81 is vertically branched out and discharged through the upper outlet port 83b or 83d and the lower outlet port 83a or 83c. In this case, excessive water flow resistance is generated in the section where the circulating water is vertically branched, which causes interference with the water flow in the flow path, thereby supplying an uneven amount of water to the lower outlet port 83a or 83c and the upper outlet port 83b or 83d.

[0100] Meanwhile, pump 70 can be a variable-speed pump capable of changing its speed (or discharge volume). In this case, if the inlet port 81 is arranged between the lower outlet port 83a or 83b and the upper outlet port 83c or 83d and pump 70 rotates at a low speed (that is, with a low discharge volume), the effect of gravity is greater compared to when pump 70 rotates at a high speed. As a result, there is a problem that the amount of water branching to the lower side is much greater than the amount of water branching to the upper side in the delivery pipe 82, and a smaller amount of water is discharged through the upper outlet port 83b or 83d compared to the present invention.

[0101] Port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of washer 60 and protrude outward from washer 60 to correspond to four outlet ports. Each of port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d is annular in shape. One end of each of port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d is connected to the corresponding nozzle among nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d, and the other end of each of port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d is connected to outlet port 83 or 84. The four outlet ports 83 or 84 may be inserted into and connected to the four port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d, respectively.

[0102] Four nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d, respectively communicating with four port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d, are disposed in the inner circumferential surface of the gasket 60. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are integrally formed with the gasket. Conversely, the nozzles may be formed as separate components from the gasket 60 and may be coupled to the gasket 60, or may be connected to the port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d via a flow path when separated from the gasket 60.

[0103] Meanwhile, a first counterweight 90(1) is arranged on the front surface 31 of the barrel 30. The first counterweight 90(1) may include a spacer space 91, which is horizontally spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the washer 60 to define an assembly space AS between the spacer space 91 and the outer circumferential surface.

[0104] The delivery conduit 82 may include a portion 82d arranged in the assembly space AS. A second outlet port 84 protrudes from the portion 82d. An upper outlet port 83b or 83d is inserted into an upper port receiving pipe 64b or 64d within the assembly space AS.

[0105] Therefore, even if the upper outlet port 83b or 83d moves horizontally due to the pressure of the circulating water discharged from the upper outlet port 83b or 83d or due to the vibration of the tank 30, the movement of the upper outlet port 83b or 83d is restricted because part of 82d contacts the first counterweight 90(1) (or interferes with the first counterweight 90(1)). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the upper outlet port 83b or 83d from separating from the upper port receiving pipe 64b or 64d.

[0106] Meanwhile, the first distribution tube 80(1) and the second distribution tube 80(2) can be symmetrical about the left and right with respect to the gasket 60. In this case, the port receiving tubes 64a, 64b, 64c and 64d in the gasket 60 can be symmetrical about the left and right. In addition, the first distribution tube 80(1) and the second distribution tube 80(2) have basically the same structure and can be used from left to right depending on the installation position, and vice versa.

[0107] Although some embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications, changes, alterations, and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0108] Cross-references to related applications

[0109] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0074393, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 27, 2018, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0075429, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 25, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: A housing having an insertion hole on its front surface; A bucket, the bucket being disposed within the housing, and having an opening on the front surface of the bucket; A roller, which is rotatably disposed within the barrel; A washer, the washer including a washer body having a cylindrical shape and forming a channel connecting the inlet hole to the opening of the bucket; A first nozzle and a second nozzle spray water into the drum; A pump that pumps water discharged from the tank, the pump including a circulation port; A distribution pipe, which guides water pumped by the pump to the first nozzle and the second nozzle, comprises: An inlet port, wherein the pumped water is introduced; A first outlet port is connected to the gasket and directs the pumped water to the first nozzle; A second outlet port, which is connected to the gasket and directs the pumped water to the second nozzle; and A conveying pipe extending along the outer circumferential surface of the washer body, wherein the inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are sequentially disposed on the conveying pipe; and A circulation pipe connects the inlet port and the circulation port of the pump, and directs the pumped water to the inlet port. The first outlet port and the second outlet port each protrude from a first side of the outer circumferential surface of the conveying pipe facing the gasket body. The inlet port protrudes from the second side of the conveying pipe and is vertically positioned below the first outlet port, wherein the second side of the conveying pipe is opposite to the first side of the conveying pipe. The conveying pipeline includes: A first pipe portion, a first outlet port and the outlet port protruding from the first pipe portion, the first pipe portion extending along the vertical direction; and The second pipe section has an inlet port protruding from it. This second pipe section curves downwards from the lower end of the first pipe section, such that the lower end of the second pipe section is closer to the vertical line passing through the center of the channel than the upper end of the second pipe section. Wherein, at least a portion of the first outlet port overlaps with the inlet port in the vertical direction.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, When the washer body is divided into a left portion and a right portion, the delivery pipe extends along the outer circumferential surface of the left portion or the right portion of the washer body.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The pump is located below the gasket body. The circulation pipeline includes: A first loop portion connected to the inlet port, and the first loop portion extending in a direction away from the washer; and A second circulation section connects the first circulation section and the pump, the second circulation section bending from the lower end of the first circulation section toward a vertical line passing through the center of the channel.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet port extends in a direction away from the center of the channel.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the second pipe section is located below the inlet port.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet port extends downward in an inclined direction relative to the second pipe.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first angle between the first pipe section and the second pipe section is greater than the second angle between the inlet port and the second pipe section.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first pipeline section includes: A vertical portion, extending straight from the second pipe portion, and the first outlet port protruding from the vertical portion; and The curved portion extends from the upper end of the vertical portion along the outer circumferential surface of the washer body, and the second outlet port protrudes from the curved portion.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein, The vertical portion is positioned below a horizontal line passing through the center of the channel, and The curved portion is positioned above a horizontal line passing through the center of the channel.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein, The second exit port is located closer to the vertical line passing through the center of the channel than the first exit port.

11. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A first counterweight is disposed on the front surface of the bucket and above the washer body; as well as The second counterweight is disposed on the front surface of the bucket and located below the washer body. The conveying pipe is disposed between the first counterweight and extends along the vertical direction.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein, The inlet port is positioned circumferentially between the first outlet port and the second counterweight on the gasket body.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first outlet port is located below a horizontal line passing through the center of the channel, and The second exit port is located above the horizontal line passing through the center of the channel.

14. The washing machine according to claim 11, further comprising: A first port receiving tube protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body and is connected to the first outlet port; as well as The second port receiving tube protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body and is connected to the second outlet port. The first port receiving tube extends horizontally from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body.

15. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein, The first counterweight includes a spacer spaced horizontally from the outer circumferential surface of the washer body, and an assembly space is provided between the spacer space and a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the washer body. The second outlet port is inserted into the second port receiving tube within the assembly space.

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