Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet accommodating a washing tub, a drum, and a driving motor rotating the drum in an inside thereof, and a water supply valve assembly installed to a rear surface of the cabinet, the water supply valve assembly including a valve housing in which a water supply flow path is formed in an inside thereof, a water supply port extending from one surface of the valve housing and communicating with an inlet of the water supply flow path, a water discharge port extending from another surface of the valve housing and communicating with an outlet of the water supply flow path, a fastening flange extending from an outer circumferential surface of the water supply port, a fastening protrusion protruding from one surface of the fastening flange, and a locking end extending from an outer circumferential surface of the water supply port, the cabinet including a water supply port through-hole through which the water supply port passes, a locking end through-hole formed at an edge of the water supply port through-hole and through which the locking end passes, a guide molding portion recessed at a position spaced apart from the water supply port through-hole in a radial direction of the water supply port through-hole and accommodating the fastening protrusion, and a protrusion hole formed at a position spaced apart from the guide molding portion in a circumferential direction of the water supply port through-hole and into which the fastening protrusion is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a washing machine is driven by a drive motor that receives power and drives the washing shaft to perform washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. Since water is used in the washing and rinsing processes, a water supply pipe is formed to supply washing water into the washing tub. A water supply valve assembly for opening and closing the water supply channel is installed at a designated position on the water supply pipe.

[0003] This water supply valve assembly has an inlet port as the inlet side for receiving water supply and an outlet port as the outlet side. According to the microcomputer control for performing washing and rinsing operations, the supply of water supply is controlled by opening or closing the valve using a diaphragm and solenoid valve installed in the flow path.

[0004] The water supply valve assembly is typically installed in the housing of a laundry appliance, including a washing machine, particularly on the back of the housing. Previously, fasteners such as bolts were used to connect the water supply valve to the housing; however, recently, fastening protrusions and locking end structures have been used instead of bolts.

[0005] When the fastening method using fastening protrusions and locking ends is applied, the protruding length of the fastening protrusions causes the locking end to not be able to fully penetrate the tank, resulting in the water supply valve assembly not being able to be firmly connected to the tank. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The present invention is proposed to improve the problems described above.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The garment handling apparatus provided by embodiments of the present invention for achieving the objectives described above includes: a housing that internally houses a washing tub, an outer tub, and a drive motor for rotating the washing tub; and a water supply valve assembly mounted on the back of the housing, the water supply valve assembly including: a valve housing having a water supply path formed internally; a water supply port extending from one side of the valve housing and communicating with the inlet of the water supply path; a water outlet port extending from the other side of the valve housing and communicating with the outlet of the water supply path; a fastening flange extending from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port; and a fastening protrusion extending from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port. The housing includes: a fastening flange protruding from one side; and a locking end extending from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port; the housing includes: a water supply port through-hole for the water supply port to pass through; a locking end through-hole formed at the edge of the water supply port through-hole for the locking end to pass through; a guide forming portion recessed at a position spaced apart from the water supply port through-hole along the radial direction and accommodating the fastening protrusion; and a protrusion hole formed at a position spaced apart from the guide forming portion along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through-hole and for the fastening protrusion to be inserted.

[0010] The housing also includes a locking step, which is formed at a position spaced apart from the locking end through hole along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

[0011] The garment handling device is characterized in that the guiding forming part and the locking step are formed by a portion of the housing protruding from the inside to the outside of the housing.

[0012] The fastening flange includes a first flange and a second flange, which extend symmetrically relative to each other at positions centered on the water supply port. The fastening protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, which protrude from one surface of the first flange and the second flange, respectively. The locking end includes an upper locking end and a lower locking end, which extend symmetrically relative to each other at positions centered on the water supply port.

[0013] The guiding molding portion includes a first guiding molding portion and a second guiding molding portion, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center, and respectively accommodate the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The locking end through hole includes an upper through hole and a lower through hole, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center, and the upper locking end and the lower locking end respectively pass through the upper through hole and the lower through hole. The locking platform... The step includes an upper locking step and a lower locking step, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center. The upper locking step and the lower locking step respectively support the upper locking end and the lower locking end. The protruding hole includes a first protruding hole and a second protruding hole, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center. The first protruding hole and the second protruding hole are inserted into the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0014] The garment handling device is characterized in that the locking step is formed at a position separated from the locking end through hole by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole, the guiding forming part is formed at a position separated from the locking step by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole, and the protruding hole is formed at a position separated from the guiding forming part by a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

[0015] The garment handling device is characterized in that a line passing through the center of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is orthogonal to a line passing through the center of the upper and lower locking ends, and a line passing through the center of the upper and lower locking steps is orthogonal to a line passing through the center of the first protrusion hole and the second protrusion hole.

[0016] The garment processing device is characterized in that, when the locking end passes through the locking end through hole, the fastening protrusion is located on one side edge of the guide forming part, and when the water supply valve assembly rotates to cause the locking end to rotate along the locking step, the fastening protrusion moves to the other side edge of the guide forming part.

[0017] The garment handling device is characterized in that, when the locking end is placed on the locking step, the fastening protrusion is inserted into the protrusion hole.

[0018] The garment processing device is characterized in that the depth of the recess of the guiding forming part gradually decreases from one edge of the guiding forming part toward the other edge.

[0019] The garment processing device is characterized in that the protruding holes are configured as circular or non-circular elongated holes.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] It has the following effect: by forming an avoidance groove defined by the guide molding part on the back plate of the housing that is combined with the water supply valve assembly, the fastening protrusion protruding from the back of the fastening flange of the water supply valve assembly is accommodated in the avoidance groove, thereby allowing the locking end of the water supply valve assembly to pass through the back plate of the housing and rotate along the back of the back plate, thereby avoiding the occurrence of poor assembly or assembly failure of the water supply valve assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, it has the following advantages: while the fastening protrusion is inserted into the protrusion hole, the locking end is placed on the locking step, so that even without additional fastening parts, the connection between the water supply valve assembly and the back plate will be stable and not wobble. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the housing of the clothing processing device equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the box as seen from the front.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of the water supply valve assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the water supply valve assembly.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view showing the initial state of the water supply valve assembly and the back plate of the housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Sectional view of section 6-6.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view showing the water supply valve assembly fully integrated with the back panel of the housing.

[0030] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 8-8 sectional view.

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 9-9 is a sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the housing of the clothing handling device equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the box as seen from the front.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The clothing handling device provided in the embodiments of the present invention, equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure, includes: a housing 10, which internally houses a washing tub, an outer tub, and a motor assembly (not shown) for driving the washing tub; and a water supply valve assembly 20, which is installed in the housing 10.

[0034] In detail, the housing 10 may include: a back panel 11 defining the back of the garment handling device; and a pair of side panels 12 defining the left and right sides of the garment handling device. Furthermore, a base (not shown) may be placed on the bottom surface of the housing 10, and a front panel is attached to the front surface of the housing 10, with a door opening formed in the front panel. The housing 10 may be defined to include the front panel. A door for opening and closing the door opening may be installed on the front panel at a location corresponding to the edge of the door opening.

[0035] On the other hand, the water supply valve assembly 20 can be installed on the upper edge of the back plate 11. The water supply valve assembly 20 can be either a cold water valve assembly or a hot water valve assembly.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of the water supply valve assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the water supply valve assembly.

[0037] Reference Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The water supply valve assembly 20 provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes: a valve housing 21, which has a water supply flow path 211 formed inside (see reference). Figure 6 ); a water supply port 22, which protrudes from the back of the valve housing; and one or more water outlet ports 24, which protrude from the front surface of the valve housing 21.

[0038] Specifically, the water supply port 22 can be configured as a cylindrical shape with a specified diameter, and has threads 221 formed on its outer circumferential surface for connection with a water supply hose. A filter 222 for filtering foreign objects can be installed inside the water supply port 22. The water supply port 22 can extend from the center of the front surface of the valve housing 21.

[0039] Depending on the type of washing machine, one or more of the aforementioned water outlet ports 24 may be formed, with multiple water outlet ports 24 extending primarily from the water supply valve assembly used for supplying cold water. Furthermore, a water supply flow path 211 corresponding to the number of water outlet ports 24 is formed inside the valve housing 21, and the water supply flow path 21 connects the water supply port 22 to the water outlet port 24.

[0040] The water supply valve assembly 20 includes one or more solenoid valves 23 coupled to the valve housing 21. The number of solenoid valves 23 corresponds to the number of water outlet ports 24, and the solenoid valves 23 selectively open and close the water supply flow path 211 formed inside the valve housing 21.

[0041] The water supply valve assembly 20 also includes a fastening flange 25, which extends from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 22 along the radial direction of the water supply port 22.

[0042] The fastening flange 25 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 22 and is in close contact with the inner side of the back plate 11, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 22 corresponds to a position that is spaced at a predetermined distance from the back of the valve housing 21. The fastening flange 25 may extend in a left-right symmetrical shape with the central axis of the water supply port 22 as the center, and can be described as including a first flange on the left and a second flange on the right.

[0043] The water supply valve assembly 20 also includes a fastening protrusion 27 protruding from the back of the fastening flange 25.

[0044] In detail, the fastening protrusion 27 includes: a first protrusion 271 protruding from the back surface of the first flange 251; and a second protrusion 272 protruding from the back surface of the second flange 252. The first and second protrusions 271 and 272 can protrude from positions adjacent to the edges of the first and second flanges 251 and 252. Furthermore, either the first protrusion 271 or the second protrusion 272 can protrude longer than the other. Moreover, the end of at least one of the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 can be formed obliquely. That is, the surface passing through the end of the first protrusion 271 or the second protrusion 272 can be orthogonal to the central axis of the first and second protrusions 271 and 272, or obliquely intersecting it.

[0045] The water supply valve assembly 20 also includes a locking end 26 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 22. The locking end 26 includes an upper locking end 261 and a lower locking end 262 opposite to each other with reference to the central axis of the water supply port 22. A line passing through the center of the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262 can be designed to be orthogonal to a line passing through the center of the first and second protrusions 271, 272. The locking end 26 can extend from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port 22, which corresponds to a position spaced a predetermined distance from the back surface of the fastening flange 25. When the water supply valve assembly 20 is fastened to the back plate 11, the back surface of the fastening flange 25 is in close contact with the inner side of the back plate 11, and the locking end 26 is in close contact with the outer side of the back plate 11. This will be described in detail later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view showing the initial state of the water supply valve assembly and the back plate of the housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Sectional view of section 6-6.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 A water supply port through hole 111 is formed on the back plate 11 constituting the housing 10, through which the water supply port 22 of the water supply valve assembly 20 passes. The water supply port through hole 111 has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the water supply port 22.

[0048] Specifically, an upper through hole 112 and a lower through hole 113 are formed at the edge of the water supply port through hole 111. The upper through hole 112 and the lower through hole 113 are formed symmetrically at opposite positions. Since the upper through hole 112 and the lower through hole 113 are holes through which the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262 pass, they can be configured to have the same shape as the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262.

[0049] The back plate 11 is provided with locking steps for mounting the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262, the locking steps including an upper locking step 118 and a lower locking step 119.

[0050] The upper locking step 118 and the lower locking step 119 are formed by extruding or molding a portion of the back plate 11 to protrude rearward.

[0051] In detail, the upper locking step 118 and the lower locking step 119 extend radially from the edge of the water supply port through hole 111 with a predetermined width. Moreover, the upper locking step 118 and the lower locking step 119 can be symmetrically arranged with the water supply port through hole 111 as the center and opposite to each other.

[0052] Furthermore, the upper locking step 118 and the lower locking step 119 are respectively formed at positions that are separated from the upper through hole 112 and the lower through hole 113 by a specified angle (or a specified distance) along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole 111.

[0053] The back plate 11 has a first protrusion hole 114 and a second protrusion hole 115 for inserting the first protrusion 271 and the second protrusion 272, respectively. The first protrusion hole 114 and the second protrusion hole 115 are formed at a predetermined distance from the edge of the water supply port through hole 111 and are formed in opposite positions to each other. The first protrusion hole 114 and the second protrusion hole 115 can be circular or non-circular elongated holes.

[0054] The lines passing through the centers of the upper locking step 118 and the lower locking step 119 can be orthogonal to each other with the lines passing through the centers of the first protrusion hole 114 and the second protrusion hole 115. This is because the lines passing through the locking end 26 and the fastening protrusion 27 are orthogonal to each other, and the angle formed by the lines passing through the locking end 26 and the fastening protrusion 27 can be used to determine the angle formed by the lines passing through the locking steps 118 and 119 and the protrusion holes 114 and 115.

[0055] The back plate 11 has a guide forming portion that extends in an arc along the rotational trajectory of the fastening protrusion 27. Specifically, the guide forming portion includes a first guide forming portion 116 and a second guide forming portion 117.

[0056] The first and second guide forming portions 116 and 117 can be understood as spaces for accommodating the first and second protrusions 271 and 272, respectively. Moreover, when the water supply port 22 is inserted into the water supply port through hole 111 and protrudes behind the back plate 11, the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 rotate along the first and second guide forming portions 116 when the water supply valve assembly 20 rotates.

[0057] Similar to the upper and lower locking steps 118 and 119, the first and second guide forming portions 116 and 117 are formed by extruding a portion of the back plate 11 rearward. Furthermore, the width of the first and second guide forming portions 116 and 117 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the fastening protrusion 27. The circumferential length of the first and second guide forming portions 116 and 117 can be shorter than the rotational trajectory of the fastening protrusion 27. Therefore, the guide forming portions 116 and 117 and the protruding holes 114 and 115 can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction.

[0058] On the other hand, in order to connect the water supply valve assembly 20 to the inner side of the back plate 11, the water supply port 22 passes through the water supply port through hole 111, and the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262 pass through the upper through hole 112 and the lower through hole 113. At this time, the water supply port 22 and the locking ends 261, 262 pass through the water supply port through hole 111 and the through holes 112, 113 in a direction from the inner side (or front surface) of the back plate 11 towards the outer side (or back surface). Thus, as shown in the figure, the first and second protrusions 271, 272 are respectively accommodated within the first and second guide forming portions 116, 117 and positioned near one end.

[0059] In this state, when the operator rotates the water supply valve assembly 20 in one direction (counterclockwise in the figure), the upper locking end 261 and the lower locking end 262 rotate towards the upper and lower locking steps 118 and 119, respectively, while remaining in close contact with the outer surface of the back plate 11. Simultaneously, the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 rotate towards the other ends of the first and second guide forming portions 116 and 117, respectively.

[0060] Here, the guide forming portions 116 and 117 are configured such that the compression depth (or recess depth) gradually decreases from one end to the other, thereby allowing the fastening protrusion 27 to smoothly disengage from the guide forming portions 116 and 117. If the recess depth at the other end of the guide forming portions 116 and 117 were the same as the recess depth at one end, during the process of the fastening protrusion 27 disengaging from the guide forming portions 116 and 117 as the water supply valve assembly 20 rotates, external force would be concentrated on the fastening protrusion 27, potentially causing it to break. Therefore, it is preferable to design the recess depth of the guide forming portions 116 and 117 to gradually decrease towards the other end of the guide forming portions 116 and 117, i.e., the end adjacent to the protrusion holes 114 and 115.

[0061] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view showing the water supply valve assembly fully assembled with the back panel of the housing. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 Sectional view of section 8-8, Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 9-9 is a sectional view.

[0062] Reference Figures 7-9 When the water supply valve assembly 20 is rotated in one direction, the upper and lower locking ends 261 and 262 are respectively placed on the upper and lower locking steps 118 and 119, while the back of the fastening flange 25 is strongly pressed against the front surface of the back plate 11.

[0063] Then, the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 pass through the other ends of the first and second guiding forming portions 116 and 117, respectively, and are inserted into the first and second protrusion holes 114 and 115, respectively. In this state, the upper and lower locking ends 261 and 262 completely overlap with the upper and lower locking steps 118 and 119, that is... Figures 7-9 The state shown.

[0064] It has the following advantages: by forming the first and second guiding forming portions 116 and 117 on the rotation trajectory of the first and second protrusions 271 and 272, the phenomenon that the upper and lower locking ends 261 and 262 cannot pass through the upper and lower through holes 112 and 113 due to the protruding length of the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 is avoided.

[0065] In other words, even if the first and second protrusions 271 and 272 protrude, they can be accommodated by the first and second guiding forming portions 116 and 117 being recessed rearward, so that the upper and lower locking ends 261 and 262 completely penetrate the upper and lower through holes 112 and 113.

[0066] As a result, while the upper and lower locking ends 261 and 262 rotate along the outer side of the back plate 11, they lock onto the upper and lower locking steps 118 and 119, so the water supply valve assembly 20 is joined to the back plate 11 without wobbling.

[0067] Furthermore, it has the following advantages: by inserting the first and second protrusions 271, 272 into the first and second protrusion holes 114, 115, the water supply valve assembly 20 will not shake due to vibration or separate from the back plate 11 even without the use of additional fastening components such as bolts.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, comprising: The housing contains the washing tub, the outer tub, and the drive motor that rotates the washing tub. as well as The water supply valve assembly is mounted on the back of the housing. The water supply valve assembly includes: The valve housing has a water supply path formed inside; A water supply port extends from one side of the valve housing and communicates with the inlet of the water supply path; The water outlet extends from the other side of the valve housing and communicates with the outlet of the water supply path; A fastening flange extends from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port; A fastening protrusion that protrudes from one face of the fastening flange; and The locking end extends from the outer peripheral surface of the water supply port. The enclosure includes: A water supply port through-hole is provided for the water supply port to pass through. A locking end through hole is formed at the edge of the water supply port through hole and through which the locking end passes; A guiding molding portion is recessed at a position spaced apart from the water supply port through hole along the radial direction of the through hole, and accommodates the fastening protrusion; and A raised hole is formed at a position spaced apart from the guide forming part along the circumferential direction of the through hole of the water supply port, and is for the fastening protrusion to be inserted.

2. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The housing also includes a locking step, which is formed at a position spaced apart from the locking end through hole along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding molding portion and the locking step are formed by a portion of the housing protruding from the inside to the outside of the housing.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The fastening flange includes a first flange and a second flange, which extend symmetrically relative to each other at positions centered on the water supply port. The fastening protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, which protrude from one surface of the first flange and the second flange, respectively. The locking end includes an upper locking end and a lower locking end, which extend symmetrically at positions opposite each other with the water supply port as the center.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The guiding molding portion includes a first guiding molding portion and a second guiding molding portion, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center, and respectively accommodate the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The locking end through hole includes an upper through hole and a lower through hole, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center. The upper locking end and the lower locking end respectively pass through the upper through hole and the lower through hole. The locking step includes an upper locking step and a lower locking step, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center. The upper locking step and the lower locking step respectively support the upper locking end and the lower locking end. The protruding hole includes a first protruding hole and a second protruding hole, which are formed at positions opposite to each other with the water supply port through hole as the center, and the first protruding hole and the second protruding hole are inserted into the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking step is formed at a position that is at a predetermined angle from the locking end through hole along the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole. The guiding molding part is formed at a position that is spaced at a predetermined angle from the locking step along the circumferential direction of the through hole of the water supply port. The protruding hole is formed at a position that is spaced at a predetermined angle from the guide forming part along the circumferential direction of the through hole of the water supply port.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The line passing through the center of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is orthogonal to the line passing through the center of the upper locking end and the lower locking end. The line passing through the center of the upper and lower locking steps is orthogonal to the line passing through the center of the first and second protruding holes.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, When the locking end passes through the locking end through hole, the fastening protrusion is located on one side edge of the guide molding portion. When the water supply valve assembly rotates and causes the locking end to rotate along the locking step, the fastening protrusion moves toward the other edge of the guide molding portion.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the locking end is placed on the locking step, the fastening protrusion is inserted into the protrusion hole.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The depth of the recess in the guide molding portion gradually decreases from one edge of the guide molding portion toward the other edge.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The protruding holes are formed in the shape of circular or non-circular elongated holes.

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