Washing machine with dryer

Abstract

A washing machine having a dryer is disclosed. The washing machine may include a cabinet having a laundry inlet at a front portion; a tub disposed inside the cabinet and having a front opening and a rear opening connected to the laundry inlet; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub; a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve to heat air supplied into the drum; a steam generator that injects water to the condenser to generate steam by heat generated from the condenser; and a fan provided on a steam supply flow path extending from the condenser to the drum, and conveying the steam generated by the steam generator to the inside of the drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine with a dryer that can perform both washing and drying of clothes. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a washing machine for washing clothes and a dryer for drying clothes are formed as separate devices. Therefore, consumers wash clothes by using the washing machine, and then dry the washed clothes by using the dryer. In the case where the washing machine and the dryer are formed as separate devices, there is an inconvenience for the user: they have to wait until the washing is completed, then take out the washed clothes from the washing machine and put the clothes into the dryer, and then perform drying.

[0003] To solve this inconvenience, washing machines that can perform both washing and drying are being developed and used. A washing machine with a dryer has a steam function for sterilizing clothes and removing wrinkles and creases from the clothes. However, since a washing machine with a dryer includes a steam module that includes a separate heater for implementing such a steam function, there are problems in that not only the unit cost of the product increases, but also the energy efficiency is reduced. In addition, in a conventional washing machine with a dryer, a space for installing the steam module should be ensured inside, so there are limitations in the internal design of the washing machine. Summary of the Invention Technical Solution

[0004] The present disclosure considers the above problems and can provide a washing machine with a dryer that can implement a steam function without adding a separate heat source for the steam function.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine with a dryer may include: a cabinet, wherein a clothes inlet is provided on a front surface of the cabinet; a tub, disposed inside the cabinet and including a front opening and a rear opening connected to the clothes inlet; a drum configured to rotate inside the tub; a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve to heat air supplied to an inside of the drum; a steam generator configured to inject water into the condenser and generate steam by heat generated from the condenser; and a fan disposed on a steam supply passage extending from the condenser to the drum and configured to deliver steam generated at the steam generator to an inside of the drum.

[0006] The steam generator may include a nozzle disposed on an upper side of the condenser and disposed to be inclined toward one side of the condenser to be adjacent to a space provided between the condenser and the fan.

[0007] The nozzle may include: a housing arranged along the longitudinal direction of the condenser; a lid covering the open upper part of the housing; and a nozzle plate forming the bottom of the housing, and wherein a plurality of injection holes are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0008] The condenser may include a plurality of heat radiation plates arranged at specific intervals along the longitudinal direction of the condenser. In addition, the plurality of injection holes may include a first row of a plurality of injection holes arranged at specific intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing. Further, each of the plurality of injection holes in the first row may be arranged between two adjacent ones of the plurality of heat radiation plates.

[0009] The first row of the plurality of injection holes may be arranged based on the edges of the plurality of heat radiation plates facing the interior of the condenser.

[0010] The plurality of injection holes may further include a second row of a plurality of injection holes arranged to be more towards the interior of the condenser than the first row of the plurality of injection holes.

[0011] Each of the plurality of injection holes in the second row may correspond to each of the plurality of injection holes in the first row.

[0012] The number of the plurality of injection holes in the second row may be less than the number of the plurality of injection holes in the first row.

[0013] Each of the plurality of injection holes in the second row may be arranged between two adjacent heat radiation plates.

[0014] The second row of the plurality of injection holes may be offset towards one side with respect to the first row of the plurality of injection holes.

[0015] The interval between two adjacent heat radiation plates may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0016] The diameter of the first row of the plurality of injection holes may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0017] A washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a cabinet; a tub arranged inside the cabinet and having a front opening and a rear opening connected to a laundry inlet of the cabinet; a drum configured to rotate inside the tub; a heat pump configured to heat air supplied to the inside of the drum; a steam generator including a plurality of injection holes for injecting water onto some components of the heat pump and configured to generate steam by heat generated from some components of the heat pump; and a fan configured to deliver the steam generated at the steam generator to the inside of the drum. In addition, some components of the heat pump may include a plurality of heat radiation plates arranged at specific intervals along the longitudinal direction. Further, each of the plurality of injection holes may be arranged between two adjacent ones of the plurality of heat radiation plates.

[0018] Multiple injection holes can be arranged inside some components of the heat pump based on the edges of multiple heat radiation plates.

[0019] The steam generator may further include at least one row of multiple additional injection holes, and the at least one row of multiple additional injection holes are arranged further away from the edges of the multiple heat radiation plates than the multiple injection holes.

[0020] Before the following detailed description, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of specific words and phrases used throughout the patent document: The terms "comprising" and "including" and their derivatives mean including but not limiting; the phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith" and their derivatives can mean including, being included within, interconnected with, containing, being contained within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, capable of communicating with, cooperating with, interlacing, juxtaposing, adjacent to, bound to or bound with, having, having the attribute of, etc.

[0021] Definitions of specific words and phrases are provided in this patent document, and those skilled in the art should understand that in many instances (if not most instances), these definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases so defined. Description of the Drawings

[0022] To more fully understand the present disclosure and its advantages, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like components:

[0023] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 is a plan view of a washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a steam generator of a washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle of a steam generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 is an exploded bottom view of a nozzle of a steam generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 is an enlarged Figure 6 view of portion A shown;

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view of a washing machine with a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the ducts of the washing machine with the dryer are removed;

[0031] Figure 9 is along Figure 8 a sectional view taken along line B - B' shown.

[0032] Figure 10 is an enlarged Figure 9 view of portion C shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following discussion of Figures 1 to 10 and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are for illustration only and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented on any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0034] The following description with reference to the drawings is used to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure defined by the claims and their equivalents. Here, various specific details are included for facilitating understanding, but these details should be regarded only as exemplary details. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to recognize that various modifications and changes can be made to the various embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well - known functions and components may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms and words used in the claims and the following description are not limited to their literal meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to achieve a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the following description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] In addition, terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, but they are not intended to limit these elements. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and the second element may be referred to as the first element in a similar manner.

[0037] In addition, unless otherwise defined in the present disclosure, the terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be interpreted to have the meanings commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0038] In addition, terms such as "front end", "back end", "upper part", "lower part", "upper end", "lower end", etc. used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the form and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0039] Hereinafter, a washing machine with a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a washing machine with a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 , a washing machine 1 with a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10, a tub 20, a drum 30, a hot air supplier 40, and a steam generator 100.

[0042] The cabinet 10 forms the exterior of the washing machine 1 with a dryer and is generally formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The cabinet 10 may include a front surface cover 11, a rear surface cover 12, a left side cover, a right side cover, an upper cover 15, and a lower cover 16.

[0043] On the front surface of the cabinet 10, a laundry inlet 18 is provided through which laundry can be put into and taken out of the interior of the cabinet 10. For example, the laundry inlet 18 may be formed on the front surface cover 11 of the cabinet 10.

[0044] On the laundry inlet 18, an openable door 17 is installed. In the upper part of the front surface cover 11 of the cabinet 10, a control panel 19 capable of controlling the washing machine 1 may be provided. The control panel 19 may include a plurality of buttons for controlling the washing machine 1, a display for displaying information related to the washing machine 1 and the washing process, and a processor for controlling the washing machine.

[0045] The tub 20 may be installed inside the cabinet 10 and may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with a front opening 21a facing the laundry inlet 18 on the front surface cover 11. The front opening 21a of the tub 20 may be formed to have a size corresponding to the laundry inlet 18. On the rear end of the tub 20, a rear surface plate 22 is provided. On the rear surface plate 22, a rear opening may be provided through which the air inside the tub 20 is discharged.

[0046] The tub 20 can hold a specific amount of washing water required for washing. The tub 20 can be supported and fixed on the inner surface of the cabinet 10 by a tension spring, an oil damper, etc.

[0047] A diaphragm 25 can be installed between the tub 20 and the front surface lid 11 of the cabinet 10. The diaphragm 25 can be generally formed in a ring shape. One end of the diaphragm 25 can be fixed on the front surface 21 of the tub 20 provided with the front opening 21a, and the other end of the diaphragm 25 can be fixed on the inner perimeter of the clothing inlet 18 of the front surface lid 11 of the cabinet 10.

[0048] The diaphragm 25 can prevent the washing water contained in the tub 20 from leaking to the outside of the tub 20 and can form a passage through which the washing water passes. In addition, the diaphragm 25 can prevent the vibration generated when the drum 30 rotates from being transmitted to the front surface lid 11 of the cabinet 10 through the tub 20.

[0049] The drum 30 can be installed to be rotatable inside the tub 20 and can be generally formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. On the front surface of the drum 30, a drum opening 31a corresponding to the clothing inlet 18 of the cabinet and the front opening 21a of the tub can be provided, and at the rear end of the drum 30, a rear surface plate 32 can be provided.

[0050] A plurality of through holes 33a through which the washing water can pass are provided on the side surface 33 of the drum 30. A plurality of through holes can also be provided on the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30. Therefore, the air inside the drum can be discharged to the space between the drum 30 and the tub 20 through the plurality of through holes 33a provided on the side surface 33 and the plurality of through holes formed on the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30.

[0051] A plurality of lifters 34 capable of raising the clothing can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. The drum 30 can be rotated about the central axis by a driving device including a driving motor 35 installed on the rear surface plate 32.

[0052] A water supply device for supplying water to the tub 20 can be provided in the upper part of the tub 20, and a drainage device for discharging the water from the tub 20 to the outside can be arranged in the lower part of the tub 20.

[0053] The water supply device can include a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source and a water supply valve for opening or closing the water supply pipe. One end of the water supply pipe can be connected to the diaphragm 25. A detergent suction part can be provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply device can include a pipe 101 (reference Figure 4 ), for directly supplying the water provided by the external water supply source to the steam generator 100 (reference Figure 4 ).

[0054] The drainage device may be formed such that it can discharge the washing water contained in the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine 1 having a dryer. The drainage device may be installed in the lower part of the tub 20 and may include a pump and a drain pipe. When the pump operates, the washing water contained in the tub 20 may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the drain pipe.

[0055] The hot air supplier 40 for drying the laundry washed by the rotation of the drum 30 may be installed on the upper side of the tub 20. The hot air supplier 40 may be formed such that it can heat and dry the air discharged from the tub 20 to make it hot air, and circulate the hot air to the inside of the tub 20, thereby drying the laundry located inside the drum 30. The hot air may be the air heated and dried by the hot air supplier 40.

[0056] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a washing machine 1 having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a plan view showing a washing machine 1 having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 With reference to FIGS. and, the hot air supplier 40 may be installed on the upper side of the tub 20 and may be formed such that it can dry the laundry washed by the rotation of the drum 30. In addition, the hot air supplier 40 may be formed such that it can heat and dry the air discharged from the tub 20 to form hot air, and circulate the hot air to the inside of the tub 20, thereby drying the laundry located inside the drum 30.

[0058] The hot air supplier 40 may include: an upper duct 50 provided on the upper side of the tub 20; a rear duct 55 provided on the rear surface of the tub 20; a fan 41 that generates a circulating air flow; and a heat pump 70 that removes moisture included in the air flow and heats the air flow. The heat pump 70 may perform a heat pump cycle for heat exchange.

[0059] The upper duct 50 may be formed to connect the rear duct 55 and the fan 41 installed on the front side of the tub 20. The upper duct 50 may be generally formed in an L shape.

[0060] An inlet through which the air discharged from the tub 20 is introduced may be provided on the rear surface of the upper duct 50, and an outlet for discharging the air may be provided on the front surface of the upper duct 50. Here, the front surface and the rear surface of the upper duct 50 may be the surfaces corresponding to the front surface cover 11 and the rear surface cover 12 of the cabinet 10, respectively.

[0061] The upper duct 50 can be formed such that the air flow introduced from the rear side bends in the orthogonal direction, then moves in a straight line for a specific distance, then bends again in the orthogonal direction and is discharged to the outside toward the front side of the cabinet 10. For example, the upper duct 50 can form an upper flow path that guides the air flow such that the air flow introduced from the rear side bends in the orthogonal direction, then moves in a straight line through some components of the heat pump 70 (e.g., the condenser 72 and the evaporator 73) for a specific distance, and then bends again in the orthogonal direction and is discharged to the outside toward the front side of the cabinet 10.

[0062] The upper duct 50 can be installed adjacent to the front surface 21 of the tub 20. Accordingly, a space 44 can be provided between the rear surface of the tub 20 and the upper duct 50 in the upper space of the tub 20, and the compressor 71 of the heat pump 70 can be installed in the space 44. Here, the front surface 21 of the tub 20 can be the surface on which the front opening 21a is formed. In addition, one side of the tub 20 can be the left or right side based on the front surface 21 of the tub 20, and the other side of the tub 20 can be the opposite side of the one side of the tub 20 based on the front surface 21 of the tub 20.

[0063] The inlet 51a of the upper duct 50 can be set adjacent to one side and the rear surface of the tub 20. In addition, the inlet 51a of the upper duct 50 can communicate with the outlet 55b of the rear duct 55. Accordingly, the air discharged from the tub 20 can be introduced into the upper duct 50 in the direction from the rear side to the front side of the tub 20. In addition, the duct 53 of the upper duct 50 can be set adjacent to the other side and the front surface 21 of the tub 20. Accordingly, the air discharged from the upper duct 50 can be discharged toward the front side of the tub 20.

[0064] The inlet 51a and the outlet 53b of the upper duct 50 can be provided on the upper side of the tub 20 in the diagonal direction. For example, the inlet 51a of the upper duct 50 can be provided at a corner of one side of the tub 20, and the outlet 53b of the upper duct 50 can be provided at a corner of the other side of the tub 20 located on the opposite side in the diagonal direction.

[0065] The fan 41 can be installed on the outlet 53b of the upper duct 50. The fan 41 can be accommodated inside the air supply duct 54 that connects the upper duct 50 and the tub 20. The inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 can be formed such that it can suck the air discharged from the outlet 53b of the upper duct 50 to the front side. The outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 can be set such that it can discharge the air flow toward the diaphragm 25.

[0066] The upper duct 50 can include an inlet duct 51, a heat exchange duct 52, and a supply duct 53.

[0067] The inlet duct 51 can be arranged to be adjacent to one side of the tub 20 on the upper side of the tub 20, and can be formed such that an air flow discharged from the rear opening 22a of the rear panel 22 of the tub 20 can be introduced. In addition, the inlet duct 51 can be formed such that the introduced air flow flows in a straight line.

[0068] The inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51 can be connected to the outlet 55b of the rear duct 55. In addition, the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51 can form the inlet 51a of the upper duct 50. In addition, the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51 can be provided at the rear end of the inlet duct 51, and the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be provided on the side surface in contact with the heat exchange duct 52, and the heat exchange duct 52 belongs to (falls over) one side surface of the inlet duct 51. Therefore, the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can form a right angle with the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51.

[0069] The fluff filter 42 can be installed on the inlet duct 51. The fluff filter 42 can be installed so as to be separable from the inlet duct 51. In addition, the fluff filter 42 can be installed so as to be detachable from the inlet duct 51 on the front side of the tub 20.

[0070] The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed to be larger than the inlet 51a. For example, the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed to be twice or more the size of the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51. If the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 is made so much larger than the inlet, the size of the fluff filter 42 installed on the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can also be made larger. The fluff filter 42 can be formed to a size corresponding to the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52. If the size of the fluff filter 42 is made larger, the duct resistance caused by the fluff filter 42 can be reduced.

[0071] The inlet duct 51 can have a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the rear end of the inlet duct 51 can be connected to the rear duct 55. For example, the inlet 51a can be provided on the rear surface of the inlet duct 51.

[0072] The inlet duct 51 can be installed to be adjacent to one side of the tub 20 on the upper side of the tub 20. In addition, the front surface of the inlet duct 51 can be installed to be adjacent to the front surface 21 of the tub 20, and the rear surface can be installed to be adjacent to the rear surface of the tub 20.

[0073] The outlet 51b can be provided on a side surface of the inlet duct 51. The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed into a shape and size corresponding to the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52. The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 and the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 can be formed into a rectangular shape. The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed to be equal to or larger than the size of the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52. In addition, the width of the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be shorter than the length of the inlet duct 51.

[0074] The air flow introduced into the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51 can pass through the fluff filter 42 installed on the outlet 51b and can be introduced into the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0075] The heat exchange duct 52 can be provided on the upper side of the tub 20 at a substantially right angle to the inlet duct 51 and can be connected to one side of the inlet duct 51. In addition, the heat exchange duct 52 can be formed such that the introduced air flow can flow in a straight line.

[0076] The width of the heat exchange duct 52 can be made as large as possible so that the heat transfer area can be maximized. However, the width of the heat exchange duct 52 is smaller than the length of the inlet duct 51. For example, the width of the heat exchange duct 52 can be formed to be half or more of the length of the tub 20. Therefore, a part of the inlet duct 51 can protrude from the rear surface of the heat exchange duct 52 toward the rear surface lid 12 of the cabinet 10.

[0077] The inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 can be provided at one end of the heat exchange duct 52, and the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52 can be provided at the other end of the heat exchange duct 52. Therefore, the inlet 52a and the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52 can be provided to face each other in a straight line. In addition, the inlet 52a and the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52 can be formed to be the same as the cross section of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0078] The inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 can be connected to the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51. The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed into a shape and size corresponding to the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0079] The heat exchange duct 52 can have a rectangular cross section, and both side ends of the heat exchange duct 52 can be open. In addition, the heat exchange duct 52 can be formed to have the largest possible cross-sectional area so that the heat transfer area can become as large as possible.

[0080] In addition, the heat exchange duct 52 can be connected at a right angle to the inlet duct 51. Accordingly, the center line in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange duct 52 and the center line in the longitudinal direction of the inlet duct 51 can be connected to form a right angle.

[0081] The inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 can be connected to the outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51. The outlet 51b of the inlet duct 51 can be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0082] The heat exchange duct 52 can be disposed on the upper side of the tub 20 such that its front surface is adjacent to the front surface 21 of the tub 20. The rear surface of the heat exchange duct 52 can be spaced apart from the rear surface of the tub 20 by a specific distance.

[0083] The evaporator 73 and the condenser 72 of the heat pump 70 can be disposed inside the heat exchange duct 52. Accordingly, the air flow flowing in the heat exchange duct 52 can sequentially pass through the evaporator 73 and the condenser 72.

[0084] The supply duct 53 can be provided adjacent to the other side of the tub 20 on the upper side of the tub 20, and can be formed to discharge the air flow introduced from the heat exchange duct 52 to the fan 41. The supply duct 53 can be connected to the heat exchange duct 52 at a substantially right angle. In addition, the supply duct 53 can be formed such that the introduced air flow flows in a straight line.

[0085] The inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 can be connected to the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52. In addition, the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 can be provided on the side surface in contact with the heat exchange duct 52, and this heat exchange duct 52 belongs to one side surface of the supply duct 53. In addition, the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 can be provided in a shape and size corresponding to the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0086] The outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can be formed on the front surface of the supply duct 53, and can be provided at a substantially right angle to the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53. In addition, the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can be connected to the suction hole of the fan 41 (i.e., the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54). The outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can form the outlet 53b of the upper duct 50.

[0087] In addition, the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can be formed such that it can discharge air toward the front side of the tub 20. Accordingly, the air can be discharged from the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the cabinet 10.

[0088] For example, the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 and the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 (the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 being the suction hole of the fan 41 installed on the front side of the tub 20) may be formed such that the air flow discharged from the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can be sucked into the fan 41 in a straight line.

[0089] The supply duct 53 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section, and its front end may be connected to the fan 41. Accordingly, an outlet 53b may be provided at the front end of the supply duct 53. The outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the suction hole of the fan 41.

[0090] The supply duct 53 may be arranged adjacent to the other side of the tub 20 on the upper side of the tub 20. The front surface of the supply duct 53 may be arranged adjacent to the front surface 21 of the tub 20, and the rear surface may be arranged at a specific distance from the rear surface of the tub 20.

[0091] The supply duct 53 may be connected to the heat exchange duct 52 at a substantially right angle. Accordingly, the center line in the longitudinal direction of the heat exchange duct 52 and the center line in the longitudinal direction of the supply duct 53 may be connected to form a right angle.

[0092] An inlet 53a may be provided on one side surface of the supply duct 53. The inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52. For example, the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 and the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52 may be formed in a rectangular shape. In addition, the length of the supply duct 53 may be formed to be substantially the same as the width of the heat exchange duct 52.

[0093] The rear surface and the other side surface of the supply duct 53 may be connected to the inclined surface 53d1. Accordingly, the air flow introduced into the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 may collide with the inclined surface 53d1 and may be discharged to the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53. If the inclined surface 53d1 is thus installed on the supply duct 53, the air flow introduced into the supply duct 53 may be effectively guided to the outlet 53b. As another example, the inclined surface 53d1 of the supply duct 53 may also be formed as a curved surface that can guide the air flow introduced into the inlet 53a to the outlet 53b.

[0094] The front surfaces of the inlet duct 51, the heat exchange duct 52, and the supply duct 53 may be located in substantially the same plane. In addition, a space 44 may be formed between one side surface of the inlet duct 51, the rear surface of the heat exchange duct 52, the rear surface of the supply duct 53, and the rear surface of the tub 20. In the space 44, the compressor 71, the expansion valve, and the refrigerant pipe 75 of the heat pump 70 may be installed.

[0095] The rear duct 55 can be provided on the rear surface panel 22 of the tub 20 and can be formed such that it guides the air flow discharged from the tub 20 to the upper side of the tub 20. On the rear surface panel 22 of the tub 20, a rear opening 22a can be provided, and the air flow can be discharged from the rear opening 22a. The inlet of the rear duct 55 can be connected to the rear opening 22a of the tub 20.

[0096] The outlet 55b of the rear duct 55 can be provided to be inclined to one side on the rear surface of the tub 20 and can be connected to the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51. In addition, the outlet 55b of the rear duct 55 can be formed to have a size and shape corresponding to the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51. Therefore, the air discharged from the rear opening 22a of the tub 20 can be introduced into the inlet duct 51 through the rear duct 55.

[0097] The fan 41 can be formed such that it forms a flow of air (i.e., an air flow) so that the air discharged from the supply duct 53 can be supplied to the front opening 21a of the tub 20.

[0098] The fan 41 can be installed on the front surface 21 of the tub 20. In addition, the fan 41 can be formed such that the air flow is introduced into the rear surface and discharged to the bottom surface. That is, the fan 41 can be formed such that the discharge direction of the air flow and the introduction direction of the air flow form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, when the fan 41 operates, the air discharged from the outlet of the supply duct 53 toward the front side of the tub 20 can be introduced into the fan 41, and the air can be discharged downward from the fan 41 toward the diaphragm 25.

[0099] The fan 41 can be accommodated inside the air supply duct 54. The air supply duct 54 can be installed on the front surface 21 of the tub 20 and can connect the supply duct 53 and the diaphragm 25. Therefore, the air discharged from the supply duct 53 can be supplied to the inside of the diaphragm 25 through the air supply duct 54.

[0100] The air supply duct 54 can be formed such that the air flow discharged from the fan 41 can be supplied to the diaphragm 25 located below. In addition, the air supply duct 54 can be formed such that the air flow formed by the fan 41 is provided linearly to the inside of the diaphragm 25.

[0101] The inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 is provided on the rear surface and forms the suction hole of the fan 41. In addition, the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 can be connected to the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53. The inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 and the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 can be located on a straight line. Therefore, the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 can be directly connected to the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53.

[0102] The outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 can be provided on the bottom surface of the air supply duct 54 and can be connected to the inlet of the diaphragm 25. The outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 and the inlet of the diaphragm 25 can be located on a straight line. Therefore, the outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 can be directly connected to the inlet of the diaphragm 25.

[0103] The connecting portion 26 connected to the air supply duct 54 can be provided in the upper part of the diaphragm 25. The connecting portion 26 can be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the bottom surface of the air supply pipe 54, and inside it, an inlet 26a corresponding to the outlet 54b of the air supply pipe 54 can be provided.

[0104] Therefore, the air flow discharged by the fan 41 can be introduced into the interior of the diaphragm 25 (i.e., the interior of the drum 30) along a straight line through the air supply duct 54 and the connecting portion 26.

[0105] As the fan 41, a sirocco fan can be used. When the fan 41 rotates, air is inhaled into the inlet of the air supply duct 54, and then the air is discharged to the outlet 54b provided on the bottom surface of the air supply duct 54. Therefore, the direction of the air flow discharged from the outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 and the direction of the air flow inhaled into the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 form an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0106] The heat pump 70 can be formed such that it can remove the moisture of the air passing through the heat exchange duct 52 and heat the air, thereby making it high-temperature dry air. The heat pump 70 can be formed as a heat pump.

[0107] The heat pump 70 can include a compressor 71, an evaporator 73, a condenser 72, and an expansion valve. In addition, the heat pump 70 can include a refrigerant pipe 75 that connects the compressor 71, the evaporator 73, the condenser 72, and the expansion valve and circulates the refrigerant.

[0108] The heat pump 70 can be formed such that: the refrigerant is circulated through the condenser 72, the expansion valve, and the evaporator 73 by the compressor 71, the moisture included in the air is removed through heat exchange with the air, and the air is heated.

[0109] The evaporator 73 and the condenser 72 can be installed on the heat exchange duct 52. The evaporator 73 and the condenser 72 can be installed inside the heat exchange duct 52 such that they are spaced apart by a specific distance. The condenser 72 can be installed downstream of the evaporator 73 in the circulating direction of the air flow.

[0110] The evaporator 73 can be installed adjacent to the inlet duct 51 and can cool the moist air discharged from the tub 20 and remove the moisture.

[0111] The condenser 72 can be installed adjacent to the supply duct 53 and heat the air passing through the evaporator 73. Thus, the high-temperature drying air can be discharged to the diaphragm 25 through the fan 41.

[0112] The compressor 71 can be disposed outside the supply duct 53 on the upper side of the tub 20. The compressor 71 can be disposed in the space 44 between the supply duct 53 and the rear surface of the tub 20. The refrigerant pipe 75 can be disposed in the space 44 formed by the inlet duct 51, the heat exchange duct 52, the supply duct 53, and the rear surface of the tub 20 on the upper side of the tub 20.

[0113] The inlet duct 51, the heat exchange duct 52, the supply duct 53, the rear duct 55, and the air supply duct 54 can form an inlet flow path, a heat exchange flow path, a supply flow path, a rear flow path, and an air supply flow path, respectively.

[0114] For example, the internal space of the inlet duct 51 forms the inlet flow path, the internal space of the heat exchange duct 52 forms the heat exchange flow path, and the internal space of the supply duct 53 forms the supply flow path. In addition, the internal space of the rear duct 55 can form the rear flow path, and the internal space of the air supply duct 54 can form the air supply flow path.

[0115] The inlet flow path, the heat exchange flow path, and the supply flow path can form an upper flow path provided on the upper side of the tub 20. Thus, the tub 20, the rear flow path provided on the rear surface of the tub 20, the upper flow path provided on the upper side of the tub 20, and the air supply flow path provided on the front surface of the tub 20 can form a circulation flow path. Therefore, when the fan 41 disposed on the air supply flow path operates, the air inside the drum 30 can circulate according to the circulation flow path.

[0116] For example, the moist air in the drum 30 is discharged through a plurality of through holes in the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30 to the space between the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30 and the rear surface plate 22 of the tub 20. The moist air discharged to the space between the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30 and the rear surface plate 22 of the tub 20 is introduced into the rear duct 55 through the rear opening 22a of the tub 20. The moist air introduced into the rear duct 55 is discharged to the inlet duct 51 through the outlet 55b.

[0117] The moist air A1 introduced into the inlet 51a of the inlet duct 51 flows in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface cover 11 of the cabinet 10 (i.e., the front surface 21 of the tub 20). The moist air introduced into the inlet duct 51 is discharged to the heat exchange duct 52 through the lint filter 42. Here, foreign matters such as lint contained in the moist air can be filtered by the lint filter 42.

[0118] The humid air introduced into the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 flows in a direction parallel to the front surface lid 11 of the cabinet 10. For example, the air A2 flowing in the heat exchange duct 52 forms a substantially right angle with the air A1 flowing in the inlet duct 51. The moisture of the humid air introduced into the inlet 52a of the heat exchange duct 52 is removed when the air passes through the evaporator 73. The air from which the moisture has been removed is heated when it passes through the condenser 72. Therefore, the high-temperature dry air is discharged from the outlet 52b of the heat exchange duct 52 to the supply duct 53.

[0119] The high-temperature dry air introduced into the inlet 53a of the supply duct 53 flows in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface lid 11 of the cabinet 10. For example, the air A3 flowing in the supply duct 53 forms a substantially right angle with the air A2 flowing in the heat exchange duct 52 and is substantially parallel to the air A1 flowing in the inlet duct 51.

[0120] The air discharged from the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 is introduced into the suction hole of the fan 41 (i.e., the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54). Here, the outlet 53b of the supply duct 53 and the inlet 54a of the air supply duct 54 are arranged in a straight line, so that the flow path resistance of the air introduced into the fan 41 can be minimized.

[0121] The air supply duct 54 discharges the high-temperature dry air sucked into the inlet 54a downward through the outlet 54b toward the diaphragm 25. Here, the direction of the air discharged from the outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 forms a substantially right angle with the direction of the air sucked into the inlet 54a.

[0122] The high-temperature dry air discharged from the outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 is introduced into the interior of the diaphragm 25 through the connecting portion 26. Here, the outlet 54b of the air supply duct 54 and the connecting portion 26 are arranged in a straight line, so that the high-temperature dry air discharged by the fan 41 is introduced into the interior of the diaphragm 25 in a straight line. Since the diaphragm 25 communicates with the drum opening 31a provided on the front surface of the drum 30, the high-temperature dry air is introduced into the interior of the drum 30 through the diaphragm 25.

[0123] The high-temperature dry air introduced into the interior of the drum 30 contacts the laundry and dries the laundry. By drying the laundry, the high-temperature dry air becomes low-temperature humid air. The humid air inside the drum 30 is discharged to the rear duct 55 through a plurality of through holes on the rear surface plate 32 of the drum 30, and the aforementioned cycle continues.

[0124] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a steam generator of a washing machine 1 having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 4, the steam generator 100 may not include an additional heat source for generating steam, but instead use the condenser 72 of the heat pump 70 as a heat source. For example, the steam generator 100 may include the condenser 72 and a nozzle 110 disposed in the upper portion of the condenser 72.

[0126] When the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 71 is condensed, the condenser 72 may emit intense heat. The condenser 72 may include a plurality of heat radiation plates 72a which are arranged at a specific interval G (refer to Figure 7 ) in the longitudinal direction of the condenser 72 to smooth the heat radiation.

[0127] The nozzle 110 may spray water supplied through the direct water pipe 101 toward the condenser 72. The water sprayed onto the condenser 72 may evaporate due to the intense heat generated from the condenser 72 when it contacts the surface of the condenser 72, and be converted into steam.

[0128] The generated steam may mainly accumulate in the space 53c formed by the supply duct 53 provided downstream of the condenser 72, and may be sucked into the air supply duct 54 by the fan 41, and then may be provided to the inside of the drum 30 via the air supply duct 54. The clothes placed in the drum 30 may be sterilized by the steam, and the wrinkles and creases may be reduced.

[0129] Since the steam generator 100 uses the condenser 72 of the heat pump 70 for supplying hot air for drying clothes as a heat source, there is no need to add a separate heat source for generating steam. In addition, the steam generator 100 may include the nozzle 110 having an elongated shape arranged at a specific interval, and the nozzle 110 is disposed on the upper side of the condenser 72. Therefore, there is no need to provide a large space for arrangement inside the washing machine to arrange the steam generator 100, and thus the space inside the washing machine can be effectively utilized.

[0130] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a nozzle of a steam generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an exploded bottom view showing a nozzle of a steam generator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is an enlarged Figure 6 view of part A shown.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 , the nozzle 110 may include a housing 111 and a lid 113 which covers the open upper portion of the housing 111.

[0132] In the outer casing 111, an inlet port 119 connected to the direct pipe 101 may be provided on one side. The outer casing 111 may include a first space 111a and a second space 111b, and the water introduced into the inner side of the outer casing 111 through the direct water pipe 101 is temporarily stored in the first space 111a and the second space 111b. The first space 111a and the second space 111b may be partitioned by a partition wall 111c. In this case, if the water level supplied to the inside of the outer casing 111 is higher than the height of the partition wall 111c, the water in the second space 111b may be introduced into the first space 111a.

[0133] Reference Figure 6 , the outer casing 111 may include a nozzle plate 115 that forms the bottom of the outer casing 111. The nozzle plate 115 may be integrally formed with the outer casing 111 because it is insert-molded into the outer casing 111.

[0134] In the nozzle plate 115, a plurality of injection holes 117, 118 may be arranged in two rows at an interval along the longitudinal direction of the outer casing 111.

[0135] Reference Figure 7 , the number of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row and the number of the plurality of injection holes 118 in the second row may be different. For example, the number of the plurality of injection holes 118 in the second row may be about 1 / 2 of the number of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row. Since the diameter of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row is small, the injection holes may be blocked by foreign substances included in the direct water. In the present disclosure, by providing the plurality of injection holes 118 in the second row on the nozzle plate 115, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which the amount of generated steam is reduced when some of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row are blocked.

[0136] The number of the plurality of injection holes 118 in the second row is not limited thereto, and they may be set to the same number as the number of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row. In this case, the plurality of injection holes 118 in the second row may be arranged to correspond to the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row.

[0137] The plurality of injection holes 117, 118 are arranged in two rows on the nozzle plate 115. However, the injection holes are not limited thereto, and they may be formed in one row, or formed in three rows or more rows. As the heat increases, the amount of water sprayed from the plurality of injection holes may also increase. If the amount of water sprayed increases, the amount of generated steam may also increase. Thus, the steam generator 100 may adjust the amount of generated steam by the total number of the plurality of injection holes 117, 118.

[0138] Each of the plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row may be located between two adjacent heat radiation plates 72a, as Figure 7As shown. Therefore, the water ejected from the plurality of ejection holes 117 in the first row can be arranged at positions not corresponding to the upper ends of the heat radiation plates 72a. Each of the plurality of ejection holes 118 in the second row can also be located between two adjacent heat radiation plates 72a like the plurality of ejection holes 117 in the first row. Therefore, the water ejected from the plurality of ejection holes 117 and 118 in the first and second rows contacts the surface of the condenser 72 without being disturbed by the heat dissipation plates 72a, and thus evaporation can proceed smoothly.

[0139] The diameter of the plurality of ejection holes 117 in the first row can be in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm. The diameter of the plurality of ejection holes 118 in the second row can also be in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm. In this case, the interval G between two adjacent heat radiation plates 72a can be, for example, in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.

[0140] For example, in the case where the plurality of ejection holes 117 and 118 in the first and second rows are in positions corresponding to the plurality of heat radiation plates 72a, some of the water ejected from the plurality of ejection holes 117 and 118 can evaporate as the water flows downward along the heat radiation plates 72a, but the remaining water can be introduced into the drum 30 without evaporating. Therefore, the unevaporated moisture can increase the humidity inside the drum 30, thereby reducing the drying efficiency of the laundry, and the moisture can also combine with lint and remain in the flow path through which steam is supplied, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

[0141] The plurality of ejection holes 118 in the second row can be arranged at positions offset by a specific distance to one side with respect to the plurality of ejection holes 117 in the first row. In this case, when the nozzle 110 is installed inside the washing machine 1, in the case where each of the plurality of ejection holes 117 in the first row is not arranged between two adjacent heat radiation plates 72a but is located at a position corresponding to the upper end of the heat radiation plate 72a due to an assembly gap, the plurality of ejection holes 118 in the second row can be arranged between two adjacent heat radiation plates 72a, so that the amount of steam generated can be maintained.

[0142] The plurality of ejection holes 117 and 118 can have a small diameter (in the range of about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm), so that the water introduced into the first space 111a and the second space 111b of the housing 111 can pass through the plurality of ejection holes 117 and 118 due to the water pressure of the direct water and can be ejected onto the condenser 72.

[0143] Figure 8 is a plan view of a washing machine having a dryer according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the duct of the washing machine having a dryer is removed. Figure 9 is along Figure 8 the sectional view shown along line B - B'.Figure 10 is magnified Figure 9 of the C portion shown in the figure.

[0144] Referring to Figure 8 , the nozzle 110 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the condenser 72. The length of the nozzle 110 can roughly correspond to the length of the condenser 72.

[0145] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , based on the flow of the air flow passing through the condenser 72, a plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row can be arranged closer to the downstream than a plurality of injection holes in the second row. In this case, a plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row can be arranged inside the edge 72b of the heat radiation plate 72a.

[0146] For example, as Figure 10 shown, based on the virtual line L extending to the edge 72b of the heat radiation plate 72a, a plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row can be arranged on the upstream side of the condenser 72. In the case where a plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row extend beyond the virtual line L and are located on one side of the space 53c of the supply duct 53, the water ejected from a plurality of injection holes 117 in the first row may not contact the surface of the condenser 72, and thus can be sucked into the inside of the drum 30 as it is by the suction of the fan 41 without evaporation. In this case, the humidity inside the drum 30 increases, and thus the drying efficiency of the laundry may be reduced.

[0147] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments and details of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0148] Although the present disclosure has been described using various embodiments, those skilled in the art can propose various changes and modifications. The present disclosure is intended to include these changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine with a dryer, comprising: A cabinet, wherein a clothing inlet is provided on the front surface of the cabinet; A tub, arranged inside the cabinet, and including a front opening and a rear opening connected to the clothing inlet; A drum, configured to rotate inside the tub; A heat pump, including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve, to heat the air provided to the inside of the drum; A steam generator, configured to inject water into the condenser and generate steam by the heat generated from the condenser; and A fan, provided on a steam supply flow path extending from the condenser to the drum, and configured to transport the steam generated at the steam generator to the inside of the drum.

2. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The steam generator further includes: A nozzle, arranged on the upper side of the condenser, and arranged to be inclined toward one side of the condenser to be adjacent to the space provided between the condenser and the fan.

3. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 2, wherein The nozzle includes: A housing, arranged along the longitudinal direction of the condenser; A lid, covering the open upper part of the housing; and A nozzle plate, constituting the bottom of the housing, and A plurality of injection holes are provided along the longitudinal direction of the housing.

4. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 3, wherein The condenser includes a plurality of heat radiation plates arranged at specific intervals along the longitudinal direction of the condenser, The plurality of injection holes include a first row of a plurality of injection holes arranged at specific intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and Each of the plurality of injection holes in the first row is arranged between two adjacent heat radiation plates among the plurality of heat radiation plates.

5. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of injection holes in the first row are arranged toward the inside of the condenser based on the edges of the plurality of heat radiation plates.

6. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of injection holes further include a second row of a plurality of injection holes, which are arranged to be more toward the inside of the condenser than the first row of a plurality of injection holes.

7. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of injection holes in the second row respectively correspond to the plurality of injection holes in the first row.

8. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 7, wherein, The number of the plurality of injection holes in the second row is less than the number of the plurality of injection holes in the first row.

9. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of injection holes in the second row is arranged between two adjacent heat radiation plates.

10. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 9, wherein, The plurality of injection holes in the second row are offset toward one side with respect to the plurality of injection holes in the first row.

11. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 4, wherein, The interval between the two adjacent heat radiation plates is in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

12. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 11, wherein, The diameter of the plurality of injection holes in the first row is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

13. A washing machine with a dryer, comprising: A cabinet; A tub, arranged inside the cabinet, and having a front opening and a rear opening connected to the clothing inlet of the cabinet provided therein; A drum, configured to rotate inside the tub; A heat pump, configured to heat the air provided to the inside of the drum; A steam generator, including a plurality of injection holes for injecting water into some components of the heat pump, and configured to generate steam by the heat generated from some components of the heat pump; and A fan, configured to convey the steam generated at the steam generator to the interior of the drum, wherein some components of the heat pump include a plurality of heat radiation plates arranged at specific intervals in the longitudinal direction, and wherein each of the plurality of injection holes is arranged between two adjacent ones of the plurality of heat radiation plates.

14. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of injection holes are arranged based on the edges of the plurality of heat radiation plates towards the interior of some components of the heat pump.

15. The washing machine with a dryer according to claim 14, wherein, The steam generator further includes: At least one row of a plurality of additional injection holes, arranged to be further away from the edges of the plurality of heat radiation plates than the plurality of injection holes.

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