Laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet accommodating a washing tank, a tub, and a driving motor rotating the washing tank; a water supply valve assembly attached to the rear surface of the cabinet, wherein the water supply valve assembly comprises: a valve housing in which a water supply flow path is formed; a water supply port which extends on one surface of the valve housing and is in communication with the inlet of the water supply flow path; a water outlet port which extends on the other surface of the valve housing and is in communication with the outlet of the water supply flow path; a fastening flange extending from the outer circumference of the water supply port; a fastening protrusion protruding from one surface of the fastening flange; and a stopper end extending from the outer circumference of the water supply port. The cabinet comprises: a water supply port through-hole through which the water supply port passes; a stopper end through-hole which is formed in the edge of the water supply port through-hole and through which the stopper end passes; a guide forming portion which is recessed at a point spaced apart from the water supply port in the radial direction of the water supply port through-hole and accommodates the fastening protrusion; and a protrusion hole which is formed at a point spaced apart from the guide forming portion in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through-hole and into which the fastening protrusion is inserted.

Description

Laundry treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry treatment device.

[0002] In general, the washing machine is driven by a driving motor that transmits power to the washing shaft to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes. Since water is used in the washing and rinsing processes, a water supply line is formed to supply washing water into the washing tub, and a water supply valve assembly is installed at a predetermined location in this water supply line to open and close the water supply path.

[0003] A water supply valve assembly like this is formed with an inlet port for receiving the supply water and an outlet port for receiving the supply water, and a diaphragm mounted on the flow path is opened or closed by using a solenoid or the like to control the supply of the supply water according to the control of the microcomputer for washing and rinsing operations.

[0004] The above water supply valve assembly is typically mounted on the cabinet of a garment handling device, including a washing machine, particularly on the back of the cabinet. Conventionally, the water supply valve and the cabinet were connected using fasteners such as screws. However, recently, fastening protrusions and catch structures have been used instead of screws.

[0005] When applying a fastening method using a fastening projection and a catch, the protruding length of the fastening projection prevents the catch from completely penetrating the cabinet, resulting in a problem in which the water supply valve assembly is not properly connected to the cabinet.

[0006] The present invention is proposed to improve the above problems.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet accommodating a washing tub, a tub, and a driving motor for rotating the washing tub; a water supply valve assembly mounted on the rear of the cabinet, wherein the water supply valve assembly comprises: a valve housing having a water supply passage formed therein; a water supply port extending from one surface of the valve housing and communicating with an inlet of the water supply passage; a water outlet port extending from the other surface of the valve housing and communicating with an outlet of the water supply passage; 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 catch end extending from an outer circumferential surface of the water supply port, wherein the cabinet comprises: a water supply port through-hole through which the water supply port passes; a catch end through-hole formed at an edge of the water supply port through-hole and through which the catch end passes; a guide forming part recessed at a point spaced apart from the water supply port through-hole in a radial direction of the water supply port through-hole and in which the fastening protrusion is received; And it includes a protrusion hole formed at a point spaced apart from the guide forming part in the circumferential direction of the water supply port penetration hole, into which the fastening protrusion is inserted.

[0008] The above cabinet further includes a catch formed at a point spaced from the catch through hole in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

[0009] The above guide forming portion and the above catch are characterized in that a part of the cabinet is formed by protruding from the inside to the outside of the cabinet.

[0010] The above-mentioned fastening flange includes a first flange and a second flange that extend symmetrically from positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port as the center, the fastening projection includes a first projection and a second projection that protrude from one surface of the first flange and the second flange, respectively, and the engaging end includes an upper engaging end and a lower engaging end that extend symmetrically from positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port as the center.

[0011] The above guide forming part includes a first guide forming part and a second guide forming part that are formed at positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port through-hole as the center, and that receive the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively; the engaging end through-hole includes an upper through-hole and a lower through-hole that are formed at positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port through-hole, and through which the upper engaging end and the lower engaging end pass, respectively; the engaging protrusion includes an upper engaging protrusion and a lower engaging protrusion that are formed at positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port through-hole, and on which the upper engaging end and the lower engaging end are respectively placed; and the protrusion hole includes a first protrusion hole and a second protrusion hole that are formed at positions facing each other with respect to the water supply port through-hole, and into which the first and second protrusions are inserted.

[0012] The above-mentioned catch is formed at a point spaced apart from the catch end through hole by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole, the above-mentioned guide forming part is formed at a point spaced apart from the catch through hole by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole, and the above-mentioned protrusion hole is formed at a point spaced apart from the guide forming part by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

[0013] It is characterized in that the lines passing through the centers of the first and second protrusions and the lines passing through the centers of the upper and lower catches are perpendicular to each other, and the lines passing through the centers of the upper and lower catches and the lines passing through the centers of the first and second protrusion holes are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] When the above-mentioned catch passes through the catch through hole, the fastening projection is located at one edge of the guide forming portion, and when the water supply valve assembly rotates and the catch rotates along the catch jaw, the fastening projection moves toward the other edge of the guide forming portion.

[0015] When the above-mentioned hook is placed on the hook jaw, the fastening projection is characterized in that it is inserted into the projection hole.

[0016] It is characterized in that the depth of the depression of the guide forming part gradually decreases from one edge of the guide forming part to the other edge.

[0017] The above protrusion hole is characterized by being formed in the shape of a circular or non-circular long hole.

[0018] A guide forming portion is defined as a evasion groove formed on the rear plate of the cabinet to which the water supply valve assembly is coupled, and a fastening projection protruding from the rear of the fastening flange of the water supply valve assembly is received in the evasion groove, so that the engaging end of the water supply valve assembly penetrates the rear plate of the cabinet and rotates along the back surface of the rear plate, thereby preventing the occurrence of an assembly defect or failure of the water supply valve assembly.

[0019] In addition, since the fastening projection is inserted into the projection hole and the catch is secured to the catch protrusion, there is an advantage in that the water supply valve assembly is stably connected to the rear plate without shaking even without a separate fastening member.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet of a laundry treatment device equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cabinet as viewed from the front.

[0022] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a water supply valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the above water supply valve assembly.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing an initial state in which a water supply valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a rear plate of a cabinet.

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

[0026] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing the water supply valve assembly fully engaged with the rear plate of the cabinet.

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7.

[0028] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet of a laundry treatment device equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cabinet, viewed from the front.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a laundry treatment device equipped with a water supply valve fastening structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet (10) in which a washing tub, a tub, and a motor assembly (not shown) for driving the washing tub are accommodated, and a water supply valve assembly (20) mounted on the cabinet (10).

[0031] In detail, the cabinet (10) may include a rear plate (11) defining the rear of the laundry treatment device, and a pair of side plates (12) defining the left and right sides of the laundry treatment device. In addition, a base (not shown) may be placed on the bottom surface of the cabinet (10), and a front plate having a door hole formed therein may be combined on the front surface of the cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) may be defined as including the front plate. A door for opening and closing the door hole may be mounted on the front plate corresponding to the edge of the door hole.

[0032] Meanwhile, the water supply valve assembly (20) may be mounted on the upper edge of the rear plate (11). The water supply valve assembly (20) may be either a cold water valve assembly or a hot water valve assembly.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a water supply valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the water supply valve assembly.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a water supply valve assembly (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a valve housing (21) in which a water supply path (211, see FIG. 6) is formed inside, a water supply port (22) protruding from the rear of the valve housing, and one or more water outlet ports (24) protruding from the front of the valve housing (21).

[0035] In detail, the water supply port (22) is formed in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter, and a screw thread (221) may be formed on the outer circumference to allow a water supply hose to be connected. A filter (222) for filtering out foreign substances may be mounted inside the water supply port (22). The water supply port (22) may extend from the front center of the valve housing (21).

[0036] The above water outlet port (24) may be formed in one or more numbers depending on the type of washing machine, and a plurality of water outlet ports (24) are mainly extended to the water supply valve assembly for cold water supply. In addition, a water supply path (211) corresponding to the number of water outlet ports (24) is formed inside the valve housing (21), and the water supply path (21) connects the water supply port (22) and the water outlet port (24).

[0037] The above water supply valve assembly (20) includes one or more solenoid valves (23) coupled to the valve housing (21). The solenoid valves (23) are provided in a number corresponding to the number of the water outlet ports (24), and the solenoid valves (23) selectively open and close the water supply path (211) formed inside the valve housing (21).

[0038] The above water supply valve assembly (20) further includes a fastening flange (25) extending radially from the outer circumferential surface of the water supply port (22) to the water supply port (22).

[0039] The above-mentioned fastening flange (25) The above-mentioned fastening flange (25) extends from the outer circumferential surface of the above-mentioned water supply port (22) at a point spaced a predetermined distance from the rear of the above-mentioned valve housing (21), and is in close contact with the inner surface of the above-mentioned rear plate (11). The above-mentioned fastening flange (25) may extend symmetrically on the left and right sides with respect to the central axis of the above-mentioned water supply port (22), and may be described as including a first flange on the left and a second flange on the right.

[0040] The above water supply valve assembly (20) further includes a fastening projection (27) protruding from the rear of the fastening flange (25).

[0041] In detail, the fastening protrusion (27) includes a first protrusion (271) protruding from the rear surface of the first flange (251) and a second protrusion (272) protruding from the rear surface of the second flange (252). The first and second protrusions (271, 272) may protrude from points adjacent to the edges of the first and second flanges (251, 252). In addition, one of the first protrusion (271) and the second protrusion (272) may protrude longer than the other. In addition, the end of at least one of the first and second protrusions (271, 272) may be formed to be slanted. That is, the surface passing through the end of the first or second protrusion (271, 272) may be perpendicular to the central axis of the first and / or second protrusion (271, 272) or may intersect it obliquely.

[0042] The above water supply valve assembly (20) further includes a catch (26) protruding from the outer surface of the water supply port (22). The catch (26) includes an upper catch (261) and a lower catch (262) which face each other with respect to the central axis of the water supply port (22). A line passing through the centers of the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262) may be designed to be perpendicular to a line passing through the centers of the first and second protrusions (271, 272). The catch (26) may extend from the outer surface of the water supply port (22) to a point spaced a predetermined distance from the rear surface of the fastening flange (25). When the above water supply valve assembly (20) is fastened to the rear plate (11), the rear surface of the fastening flange (25) is in close contact with the inner surface of the rear plate (11), and the catch (26) is in close contact with the outer surface of the rear plate (11), and the details thereof will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0043] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing an initial state in which a water supply valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a rear plate of a cabinet, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a water supply port through-hole (111) through which a water supply port (22) of the water supply valve assembly (20) passes is formed in the rear plate (11) constituting the cabinet (10). The water supply port through-hole (111) has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the water supply port (22).

[0045] In detail, 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 in a symmetrical shape facing each other. Since the upper through hole (112) and the lower through hole (113) are holes through which the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262) pass, they can be formed in the same shape as the shapes of the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262).

[0046] In the above rear plate (11), a catch is formed for the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262) to be fixed, and the catch includes an upper catch (118) and a lower catch (119).

[0047] The upper catch (118) and lower catch (119) are formed by protruding a portion of the rear plate (11) rearward through a forming or embossing process.

[0048] In detail, the upper catch (118) and the lower catch (119) extend radially from the edge of the water supply port through-hole (111) with a predetermined width. In addition, the upper catch (118) and the lower catch (119) can be formed in a symmetrical shape at positions facing each other with the water supply port through-hole (111) as the center.

[0049] In addition, the upper catch (118) and the lower catch (119) are formed at points spaced apart from the upper through hole (112) and the lower through hole (113) by a predetermined angle (or a predetermined distance) in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole (111), respectively.

[0050] In the rear plate (11), a first protrusion hole (114) and a second protrusion hole (115) are formed, into which the first protrusion (271) and the second protrusion (272) are inserted, respectively. The first protrusion hole (114) and the second protrusion hole (115) are formed at a point spaced a predetermined distance from the edge of the water supply port through-hole (111) and are formed at positions facing each other. The first protrusion hole (114) and the second protrusion hole (115) may be circular or non-circular long holes.

[0051] The lines passing through the centers of the upper catch (118) and the lower catch (119) and the lines passing through the centers of the first protrusion hole (114) and the second protrusion hole (115) can be perpendicular to each other. This is because the lines passing through the catch (26) and the lines passing through the fastening protrusion (27) are perpendicular to each other, and the angle formed by the lines passing through the catch protrusions (118, 119) and the lines passing through the fastening holes (114, 115) can be determined in correspondence with the angle formed by the lines passing through the catch (26) and the lines passing through the fastening protrusion (27).

[0052] The rear plate (11) is formed with a guide forming portion extending in an arc shape along the rotational trajectory of the fastening projection (27). In detail, the guide forming portion includes a first guide forming portion (116) and a second guide forming portion (117).

[0053] The first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) may be understood as spaces in which the first and second protrusions (271, 272) are accommodated, respectively. In addition, when the water supply valve assembly (20) rotates while the water supply port (22) is inserted into the water supply port through-hole (111) and protrudes toward the rear of the rear plate (11), the first and second protrusions (271, 272) rotate along the first and second guide forming portions (116).

[0054] The first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) are formed by protruding a portion of the rear plate (11) rearwardly through a forming process, similar to the upper and lower catches (118, 119). In addition, the width of the first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) may be formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the fastening protrusion (27). The circumferential length of the first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) may be formed to be shorter than the rotational trajectory of the fastening protrusion (27). Therefore, the guide forming portions (116, 117) and the protrusion holes (114, 115) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction.

[0055] Meanwhile, in order to couple the water supply valve assembly (20) to the inner surface of the rear plate (11), the water supply port (22) passes through the water supply port through-hole (111) and the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262) pass through the upper through-hole (112) and the lower through-hole (113). At this time, the water supply port (22) and the catch (261, 262) pass through the water supply port through-hole (111) and the through-hole (112, 113) in a direction from the inner surface (or front) of the rear plate (11) toward the outer surface (or rear). Then, the first and second protrusions (271, 272) are accommodated in the first and second guide forming parts (116, 117), respectively, as illustrated, and are positioned at a position close to one end.

[0056] In this state, when the worker rotates the water supply valve assembly (20) in one direction (counterclockwise in the drawing), the upper catch (261) and the lower catch (262) rotate in a direction closer to the upper and lower catch protrusions (118, 119) while being in close contact with the outer surface of the rear plate (11). At the same time, the first and second protrusions (271, 272) rotate in a direction closer to the other ends of the first and second guide forming parts (116, 117), respectively.

[0057] Here, the guide forming portion (116, 117) is formed in a form in which the forming depth (or recessed depth) gradually becomes shallower from one end to the other end, so that the fastening protrusion (27) can smoothly come off the guide forming portion (116, 117). If the recessed depth of the other end of the guide forming portion (116, 117) is formed to be the same as the recessed depth of one end, there is a high possibility that the fastening protrusion (27) will be damaged as an external force is concentrated on the fastening protrusion 927) in the process of the fastening protrusion (27) coming off the guide forming portion (116, 117) as the water supply valve assembly (20) rotates. Therefore, it is preferable to design the guide forming portion (116, 117) so that the depth of the depression gradually decreases as it moves toward the other end of the guide forming portion (116, 117), that is, the end adjacent to the protrusion hole (114, 115).

[0058] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the water supply valve assembly fully engaged with the rear plate of the cabinet, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, when the water supply valve assembly (20) is rotated in one direction, the upper and lower catches (261, 262) rise along the upper and lower catches (118, 119), respectively, and the rear surface of the fastening flange (25) is strongly pressed against the front surface of the rear plate (11).

[0060] And, the first and second protrusions (271, 272) are inserted into the first and second protrusion holes (114, 115) respectively, passing through the other ends of the first and second guide forming parts (116, 117). In this state, the upper and lower catches (261, 262) are completely overlapped with the upper and lower catches (118, 119), i.e., as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0061] Since the first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) are formed on the rotational trajectories of the first and second protrusions (271, 272), there is an advantage in that the phenomenon in which the upper and lower catches (261, 262) do not penetrate the upper and lower through holes (112, 113) due to the protruding length of the first and second protrusions (271, 272) does not occur.

[0062] In other words, even if the first and second protrusions (271, 272) protrude, the first and second guide forming portions (116, 117) are formed to be recessed backward to accommodate the first and second protrusions (271, 272), thereby allowing the upper and lower catches (261, 262) to completely penetrate the upper and lower through holes (112, 113).

[0063] As a result, the upper and lower catches (261, 262) rotate along the outer surface of the rear plate (11) and catch on the upper king lower catches (118, 119), so that the water supply valve assembly (20) is coupled to the rear plate (11) without shaking.

[0064] In addition, since the first and second protrusions (271, 272) are inserted into the first and second protrusion holes (114, 115), there is an advantage in that the water supply valve assembly (20) does not shake due to vibration or separate from the rear plate (11) even without using a separate fastening member such as a screw.

Claims

1. A cabinet that houses the washing tub and tub inside and a drive motor that rotates the washing tub; Includes a water supply valve assembly mounted on the rear of the cabinet, The above water supply valve assembly, A valve housing having a water supply path formed inside; A water supply port extending from one side of the valve housing and communicating with the inlet of the water supply passage; An 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 surface of the above water supply port; A fastening projection protruding from one side of the above fastening flange; and Including a catch extending from the outer surface of the above water supply port, The above cabinet, A water supply port through hole through which the above water supply port passes; A through hole formed at the edge of the above water supply port through hole and through which the above-mentioned catch passes; A guide forming portion that is sunken at a point spaced radially from the water supply port through hole and in which the fastening protrusion is received; and A clothing treatment device including a protrusion hole formed at a point spaced from the guide forming portion in the circumferential direction of the water supply port penetration hole and into which the fastening protrusion is inserted.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cabinet, A clothing treatment device further comprising a catch formed at a point spaced apart from the catch through hole in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole.

3. In paragraph 2, The above guide forming part and the above catch are, A garment processing device characterized in that a portion of the cabinet is formed to protrude from the inside to the outside of the cabinet.

4. In paragraph 3, The above fastening flange is, It includes a first flange and a second flange extending symmetrically from a position facing each other with the above water supply port as the center, The above fastening projection is, Including a first projection and a second projection protruding from one surface of the first flange and the second flange, respectively; The above mentioned obstacles are, A garment treatment device comprising an upper hanging end and a lower hanging end extending symmetrically from opposite positions centered on the above water supply port.

5. In paragraph 4, The above guide forming part, It includes a first guide forming part and a second guide forming part formed at positions facing each other with the water supply port penetration hole as the center, and each of which accommodates the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The above hanging hole is, It includes an upper through hole and a lower through hole formed at opposite positions centered on the above water supply port through hole, through which the upper and lower catches pass, respectively. The above-mentioned stumbling block is, It includes an upper and lower catches formed at positions facing each other with the above water supply port penetration hole as the center, and on which the upper catch and the lower catch are respectively placed, The above protrusion hole is, A clothing treatment device including a first protrusion hole and a second protrusion hole formed at positions facing each other with the water supply port penetration hole as the center, into which the first and second protrusions are inserted.

6. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned catch is formed at a point spaced apart from the catch end through hole by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port through hole, The above guide forming part is formed at a point spaced apart from the catch at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port penetration hole. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above protrusion hole is formed at a point spaced apart from the guide forming part by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the water supply port penetration hole.

7. In paragraph 5, The lines passing through the centers of the first and second projections and the lines passing through the centers of the upper and lower hanging ends are perpendicular, A clothing processing device characterized in that a line passing through the centers of the upper and lower catches and a line passing through the centers of the first and second protrusion holes are perpendicular to each other.

8. In paragraph 6 or paragraph 7, When the above-mentioned hook passes through the above-mentioned hook penetration hole, the fastening projection is located on one edge of the guide forming portion, A garment treatment device characterized in that when the water supply valve assembly rotates and the catch rotates along the catch, the fastening projection moves toward the other edge of the guide forming part.

9. In paragraph 8, A garment processing device characterized in that when the above-mentioned hook is placed on the hook jaw, the fastening projection is inserted into the projection hole.

10. In paragraph 8, A garment processing device characterized in that the depth of the depression of the guide forming part gradually decreases from one edge of the guide forming part to the other edge.

11. In paragraph 8, A clothing processing device characterized in that the above protrusion hole is formed in the shape of a circular or non-circular long hole.

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