US20030051514A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents
Washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030051514A1 US20030051514A1 US10/234,189 US23418902A US2003051514A1 US 20030051514 A1 US20030051514 A1 US 20030051514A1 US 23418902 A US23418902 A US 23418902A US 2003051514 A1 US2003051514 A1 US 2003051514A1
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- Prior art keywords
- washing
- thread
- bits
- tub
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry
- D06F23/06—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and rotating or oscillating about an inclined axis
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
- D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
- D06F37/14—Ribs or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle
- D06F37/145—Ribs or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle ribs or lifters having means for circulating the washing liquid
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention relates, in general, to a washing machine for washing the laundry and, more particularly, to a washing machine, which is capable of forcibly circulating water from the lower portion of a washing tub to the upper portion of the washing tub, thereby enabling the circulation washing of the laundry.
- FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the inner construction of a conventional inner tub rotating type washing machine.
- a typical washing machine in which its washing tub is directly connected to a motor, comprises a casing 10 , a washing tub 20 mounted in the casing 10 for washing the laundry, four suspending rods 40 for suspending the washing tub 20 in the casing 10 and damping the vibration of the washing tub 20 , and a drive motor 40 mounted under the washing tub 20 for rotating the inner tub (will be described) of the washing tub 20 .
- the washing tub 20 is suspended in the casing 10 by the suspending rods 40 , and comprises an outer tub 22 for accommodating washing water and an inner tub 23 connected to the drive motor 40 and rotated by the drive motor 40 .
- a drain hose 26 and a drain valve 27 for draining washing water are disposed under one side of the outer tub 22 .
- a pulsator 25 for improving washing efficiency is disposed on the bottom of the inner tub 23 .
- a washing process is performed in such a way that the inner tub 23 is rotated by the drive motor 40 while the outer tub 22 is suspended in the casing 10 by the suspending rods 30 .
- the door 11 of the casing 10 is opened by a user.
- washing machine is operated while the laundry and a detergent are put into the inner tub 23 , washing water is supplied to the washing tub 20 and rises in the outer tub 22 and the inner tub 23 to a predetermined water level.
- the drive motor 40 is operated, a washing process is performed while the pulsator 25 and the inner tub 23 are rotated.
- the laundry is washed in such a way that the washing tub 20 is normally rotated and reversely rotated while the washing tub 20 is vertically positioned.
- the laundry since the laundry is moved symmetrically, the laundry articles may be tangled with one another.
- secondary water flow generated in the inner tub 23 by the pulsator 25 is simple, the uniform washing of the laundry is not performed and, accordingly, the washing performance of the washing machine is inferior.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which is capable of complicating the flow of washing water in such a way that its washing tub is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis, thereby preventing the laundry from being tangled and improving the washing performance of the washing machine.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which is capable of performing washing and rinsing processes while water in the lower portion of its inner tub is raised to the upper portion of the inner tub and falls down to the lower portion again, thereby allowing a small amount of water to be needed for the washing and rinsing processes and shortening an entire washing time period.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine wherein a thread-bits collecting unit is disposed on a circulation passage or under a washing tub, thereby easily removing impurities such as thread-bits and naps and automatically discharging the impurities to the outside during drainage operation.
- the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing; means for holding the washing tub in the casing so as to allow the washing tub to be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis; and means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub.
- a washing machine comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing for washing the laundry; means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub; and a tub rim mounted on a top of the washing tub, the tub rim having a water passage and one or more nozzles, the water passage being connected to the water circulation means, the nozzles sprinkling washing water to an interior of the washing tub.
- a washing machine comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing for washing the laundry; means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub; and means for vertically and uniformly sprinkling washing water to an interior of the washing tub, the sprinkling means being provided on an upper end of the water circulating means.
- FIG. 1A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing a pump and a three-way valve
- FIG. 1C is a partial sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a vertically sprinkling nozzle
- FIG. 5C is a side view of the nozzle
- FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the nozzle
- FIG. 5E is a side view showing the shape of sprinkled water
- FIG. 5F is a front view showing the shape of sprinkled water
- FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a detailed view of “B” portion of FIG. 7A;
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11B is a detailed view of “C” portion of FIG. 11A;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13B is a detailed view of “D” portion of FIG. 13A.
- FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the inner construction of a conventional inner washing tub rotating type washing machine.
- FIG. 1A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing a pump and a three-way valve
- FIG. 1C is a partial sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted.
- a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a casing 50 having a door 55 at its top, a washing tub 60 inclined at a predetermined angle ⁇ with regard to a vertical axis, four suspending rods 57 fixed to the casing 50 at their upper ends and to the washing tub 60 at their lower ends for allowing the washing tub 60 to be inclined, and a drive motor 75 positioned under the washing tub 60 for rotating the inner tub (will be described) of the washing tub 60 .
- the washing tub 60 comprises an outer tub 61 mounted in the casing 50 by means of the suspending rods 57 to be inclined, and an inner tub 65 rotated in an outer tub 61 while being connected to the drive motor 75 and provided with a pulsator 66 .
- the washing tub 60 consisting of the outer tub 61 and the inner tub 65 is mounted to be inclined at an angle ⁇ in the range of 0° ⁇ 30°.
- the water flow in the inner tub 65 has an asymmetrical pattern by the interaction of the force of gravity, centrifugal force and the inclined inner surface of the inner tub 65 and, consequently, cause complicated laundry movement, thereby improving washing efficiency and realizing uniform laundry washing.
- a tub rim 62 is radially projected from the upper end of the outer tub 61 so as to perform centrifugal washing wherein water raised along the inner surface of the outer tub 61 by means of centrifugal force owing to the rotation of the inner tub 65 comes into collision with the tub rim 62 and cascades into the inner tub 65 .
- a drain hole 63 is formed on the lowest position of the bottom of the outer tub 61 , and a drain hose 64 extending from the drain hole 63 to the outside of the washing machine is connected to the drain hole 63 .
- a circulation hose 70 is extended from the front portion of the drain hose 64 to the upper end of the inner tub 65 so as to forcibly circulate water from the low portion of the washing tub 60 to the upper portion of the washing tub 60 .
- washing water is circulated through the circulation hose 70 to sprinkle washing water from the upper portion of the washing tub 60 into the interior of the inner tub 65 when washing and rinsing processes are performed, while the washing water is drained through the drain hose 64 when a dewatering process is performed.
- the circulation hose 70 has a circulation passage 71 integrated with the wall of the outer tub 61 and is extended to the lower surface of the tub rim 62 .
- the upper end of the circulation hose 70 is connected with a nozzle 74 fixed to the tub rim 62 .
- the circulation passage 71 may not be integrated with the outer tub 61 , but is separately formed and mounted to the side of the outer tub 61 .
- a three-way valve for selectively opening one of water passages to the circulation hose 70 and the drain hose 64 is mounted at a position where the circulation hose 70 is branched off from the drain hose 64 .
- a pump 73 for forcibly circulating or draining water is positioned between the drain hole 63 and the branching position.
- FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing the pump 73 and the three-way valve 72 .
- the pump 73 is a centrifugal pump in which water enters the center of its impeller 73 a .
- the valve 72 is positioned at a position where the circulation hose 70 is branched off from the drain hose 64 .
- the three-way valve 72 switches water passages in such a way that the valve body 72 b is rotated by a solenoid actuator 72 a.
- the pump 73 serves to forcibly circulate water through the circulation hose 70 and the circulation passage 71 and to forcibly drain water through the drain hose 64 .
- FIG. 1C is a sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted.
- a centrifugal pump 83 and an axial flow pump 84 are operated while being connected to each other by a single motor shaft 82 .
- the integration type pump 80 serves to generate inhalation and discharge pressures on the centrifugal pump side in a normal operation and to generate inhalation and discharge pressures on the axial flow pump side in a reverse operation.
- the circulation hose 85 is connected to the centrifugal pump side to circulate washing water
- the drain hose 86 is connected to the centrifugal pump side.
- washing water flows to the upper portion of the washing tub 60 because pressure is generated on the centrifugal pump side when the integration-type pump 80 is normally operated, whereas washing water is drained to the outside because pressure is generated on the axial flow pump side when the integration type pump 80 is reversely operated.
- the three-way valve is not necessary, differently from the previous embodiment wherein the three-way valve is employed.
- Two inhalation side hoses 87 are respectively connected to the bottom of the outer tub 61 or a single hose connected to the bottom of the outer tub 61 is divided into two inhalation side hoses 87 .
- a circulation hose and a drain hose are separately connected to the bottom of the outer tub, and a circulation pump and a drainage pump are respectively mounted to the circulation hose and the drain hose.
- washing water rises in the washing tub 60 to a proper water level.
- the washing tub 60 is inclined, the washing tub 60 is asymmetrical with regard to a vertical axis.
- washing water can be circulated through the circulation hose 85 and be sprinkled to the inner tub 65 through the nozzle 74 together with cascading water, thereby improving washing efficiency.
- the operation in which washing water is sprinkled from the top of the inner tub 65 to the interior of the inner tub 65 causes superior effects while the rinsing process is performed. That is, the rinsing process is performed by means of agitation rinsing owing to the rotation of the inner tub 65 in the conventional art, but the rinsing process is performed by means of centrifugal rinsing, wherein washing water is sprinkled from the top of the inner tub 65 to the interior of the inner tub 65 , together with the agitation rinsing. Accordingly, the rinsing effect of the laundry is improved considerably.
- centrifugal and the agitation rinsing can be performed in such a way that water is circulated from the bottom portion of the inner tub 65 to the top portion of the inner tub 65 while the inner tub 65 is inclined, thereby achieving high rinsing performance with a relatively small amount of water.
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the circulation passage 70 is formed on the washing tub side in the first embodiment, whereas a circulation passage 70 ′ is formed on the casing side in the second embodiment.
- a drain hose 64 ′ is extended from the drain hole 63 ′ of a washing tub 60 ′ to the outside of the washing machine.
- a circulation hose 70 ′ is branched off from the drain hose 64 ′.
- a pump 73 ′ and a three-way valve are mounted in the lower portion of the casing 50 ′ at a position where the circulation hose 70 ′ is branched off from the drain hose 64 ′.
- the circulation hose 70 ′ is extended to a position under a casing cover 51 ′ of the casing 50 ′ while being fixed by means of a plurality of holders 50 a ′, and is connected at its upper end to a nozzle 74 ′ fixed to the casing cover 51 ′ to sprinkle washing water into the interior an inner tub 65 ′.
- a water supply pipe 52 ′, a detergent input hole 53 ′ and a control panel 54 ′ are mounted on the casing cover 51 ′ of the casing 50 ′.
- a door 55 ′ is mounted to the front portion of the casing cover 51 ′.
- FIG. 3A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A.
- a washing tub 160 is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle ⁇ with regard to a vertical axis as in the first and second embodiments.
- a drain hose 164 is connected to the bottom portion of a washing tub 160 , a circulation hose 170 is branched off from the drain hose 164 , and a three-way valve and a pump 173 are mounted at a position where the circulation hose 170 is branched off from the drain hose 164 .
- a circulation passage 172 connected to the circulation hose 170 is integrated with the side of an outer tub 161 into a single body.
- a tub rim 180 is a ring-shaped plate and is projected from the top of the outer tub 161 . As illustrated in FIG. 3B, a water passage 181 is radially formed along the interior of the tub rim 180 , and a plurality of nozzles 183 are formed on the inner periphery of the tub rim 180 to sprinkle washing water into the interior of the inner tub 165 .
- the nozzles 183 are formed by cutting out a plurality of the portions of the water passage 181 .
- the outer ends of the nozzles 183 may be projected to the inner tub 165 by a predetermined length.
- the nozzles 183 are preferably positioned at relatively high positions because the washing tub 160 is inclined. When seen from the front of the washing machine, the nozzles 183 are preferably positioned symmetrically.
- nozzles 183 are depicted to be formed on the tub rim 180 in FIG. 3B, four or six nozzles may be symmetrically formed on the tub rim 180 as occasion demands.
- washing tub 160 is inclined at a predetermined angle in the third embodiment as described above, complicated, asymmetrical laundry movement is generated when the inner tub 165 is rotated.
- the inner tub 165 is rotated at a speed more than a predetermined speed, centrifugal washing is achieved by the action of the tub rim 180 .
- washing water is forcibly circulated to the top of the washing tub 160 through the circulation hose 170 , the circulation passage 172 , the water passage 181 of the tub rim 180 and the nozzles 183 , and, subsequently, is sprinkled into the interior of the inner tub 165 .
- washing water is forcibly circulated to the nozzles 183 formed on the tub rim 180 using the pump 173 , circulation washing and rinsing, wherein washing water is sprinkled from the top of the washing tub 160 , can be achieved while the inner tub 165 is rotated at a speed less than the predetermined speed.
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- the washing tub 160 is inclined at a predetermined angle in the third embodiment, whereas a washing tub 160 ′ is vertically mounted in a casing 150 ′ in the fourth embodiment.
- a drain hose 164 ′ is connected to the bottom of the washing tub 160 ′, a circulation hose 170 ′ is branched off from the drain hose 164 ′, and a three-way valve and a pump 173 ′ are disposed at a position where the circulation hose 170 ′ is branched off from the drain hose 164 ′.
- a circulation passage 172 ′ is integrated with one side of an outer tub 161 ′.
- a water passage 181 ′ is circumferentially formed in the tub rim 180 ′, and is connected with the circulation passage 172 ′.
- a plurality of nozzles 183 ′ are formed by cutting out a plurality of inner portions of the water passage 181 ′ of the tub rim 180 ′.
- water is circulated through the circulating hose 170 ′, the circulating passage 172 ′, the water passage 181 ′ of the tub rim 180 ′ and the nozzle 183 ′ by the pump 173 ′ as in the third embodiment, so that circulation washing and rinsing can be performed.
- FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a vertically sprinkling nozzle.
- FIG. 5C is a side view of the nozzle.
- FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the nozzle.
- FIG. 5E is a side view showing the shape of sprinkled water.
- FIG. 5F is a front view showing the shape of sprinkled water.
- a vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 for sprinkling washing water in the form of a cascade to the interior of an inner tub 265 is provided over a tub rim 262 , and is connected with the upper end of a circulation hose 270 .
- a washing tub 260 is inclined at a predetermined angle ⁇ with regard to a vertical axis.
- the vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 comprises a nozzle body 281 widened in the form of fan toward its outer end, a flow orienting end wall 283 formed on the outer end of the nozzle body 281 for orienting circulated water to a downward direction, and a sprinkling aperture 285 formed on the lower surface of the nozzle body 281 in the vicinity of the flow orienting end wall 283 for sprinkling the circulated water to the downward direction.
- the nozzle body 281 has a fan shape in which its width is larger that its height so that water flowing from the circulation hose 270 is spread horizontally.
- the flow orienting end wall 283 is projected lower than the lower surface of the nozzle body 281 so as to orient water flowing out of the nozzle body 281 to a downward direction securely.
- the sidewalls 282 of the nozzle body 281 are extended to the lower end of the flow orienting end wall 283 .
- the sprinkling aperture 285 has the shape of a right-angled triangle that becomes widened in a direction from one side to the other side so that washing water sprinkled to the interior of the washing tub is widened in its length.
- an inner line 286 defining an inner side of the sprinkling aperture 285 is a straight line
- an outer line 284 defining an outer side of the sprinkling aperture 285 is an oblique line and is separated from the inner line 286 in a direction from one side to the other side.
- Washing water flowing into the nozzle body 281 is horizontally spread, comes into collision with the flow orienting end wall 283 and is oriented to the downward direction. Thereafter, the water is vertically sprinkled to the interior of the washing tub 260 through the sprinkling aperture 285 . At this time, the water is uniformly sprinkled over the interior of the washing tub 260 by the sprinkling aperture 285 of a lengthy triangular shape.
- the sprinkling aperture 285 of the vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 has a right-angled triangle shape and the flow orienting end wall 283 is oblique, the water falls down while being widened in its length as shown in FIG. 5E and being narrowed in its width as shown in FIG. 5F.
- the sprinkling aperture 285 of the vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 is widely formed, resistance against water is minimized when the washing water is sprinkled from the sprinkling aperture 285 , thereby preventing the sprinkling aperture 285 from being stopped up and allowing a pump of a small capacity to be utilized to circulate the washing water.
- FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- a washing tub 260 ′ is vertically disposed, and a circulation hose 270 ′ branched off from a drain hose 264 ′ is fixed to a casing 250 ′ of the washing machine.
- a vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 ′ connected to the upper end of the circulation hose 270 ′ is fixed to a casing cover 251 ′ that constitutes the top of the casing 250 ′.
- washing water is uniformly sprinkled over the interior of the washing tub 260 ′ through the vertically sprinkling nozzle 280 ′ and, consequently, circulation washing and rinsing are achieved, the washing performance of the washing machine is improved.
- FIG. 7A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a detailed view of “B” portion of FIG. 7A.
- a washing tub 360 is positioned in the casing 350 to be inclined at a predetermined angle ⁇ , a three-way valve is mounted at a position where a circulation hose 370 is branched off from a drain hose 364 for selectively opening one of water passages to the circulation hose 370 and the drain hose 364 , and a pump 373 is positioned over the three-way valve so as to forcibly circulate or drain washing water.
- the circulation hose 370 is extended to the underside of a tub rim 362 through a circulation passage 371 integrated with one side of the outer tub 361 .
- a nozzle 374 fixed to the tub rim 362 is connected to the upper end of the circulation hose 370 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of the inner tub 365 .
- a thread-bits collecting unit 380 is mounted to the upper portion of the circulation passage 371 so as to remove thread-bits and naps from washing water.
- an inward bend 371 a is formed on the upper portion of the circulation passage 371 and a bypass 372 is branched from the circulation passage 371 after the inward bend 371 a at a position where centrifugal force is relatively great.
- the bypass 372 is formed through a portion where the thread-bits and naps pass.
- a mount hole 372 a is formed on the upper portion of the bypass 372 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 380 to be mounted, and a through hole 362 a is formed on a tub rim 362 so as to receive the thread-bits collecting unit 380 .
- the thread-bits collecting unit 380 consists of a unit casing 381 and a collecting net 383 .
- the unit casing 381 is inserted into the mount hole 372 a of the bypass 372 through the through hole 362 a .
- An inlet and an outlet are formed in the unit casing 381 so as to allow washing water to pass through the casing 381 .
- the collecting net 383 is shaped in the form of a net so as to collect thread-bits and naps and is fixed to the outlet of the unit casing 381 .
- the thread-bits collecting unit 383 is removably mounted into the bypass 372 through the through hole 362 a .
- an engaging groove 362 b is formed on the tub rim 362 .
- Packing means 362 c is provided so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 383 to come into tight contact with the tub rim 362 and prevent washing water from leaking.
- a grip 385 is formed on the upper surface of the thread-bits collecting unit 380 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 380 to be easily removed from the bypass 372 .
- washing water is forcibly moved to the upper portion of the washing machine through the circulation hose 370 and the circulation passage 371 , and thread-bits and naps are moved through the bypass 372 while washing water passes through the bend 371 a of the circulation passage 371 .
- thread-bits collecting unit 380 can be removed through the through hole 362 a of the tub rim 362 , collected separated threads and naps can be easily discarded.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- the bypass 372 is branched from the circulation passage 371 and the thread-bits collecting unit 380 is disposed in the bypass 372 , whereas in accordance with the eighth embodiment, a thread-bits collecting unit 315 is directly disposed in a circulation passage 310 .
- the circulation passage 310 is bent inwardly under a tub rim 313 .
- a mount hole 312 is formed on the circulation passage 310 after a bend 311 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 315 to be mounted in the circulation passage 310 , and a through hole 314 is formed on the tub rim 313 so as to receive the thread-bits collecting unit 315 .
- the thread-bits collecting unit 315 is opened at its inlet 316 and is covered with a collecting net 317 .
- a grip 318 is formed on the upper surface of the thread-bits collecting unit 315 .
- the thread-bits collecting unit 315 is disposed in the upper portion of the circulation passage 310 .
- the lower portion of the circulation passage 310 is opened so as to allow washing water to pass through the circulation passage 310 without resistance.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- a nozzle pipe 325 for sprinkling washing water to the interior of an inner tub is combined with the upper end of a circulation passage 321 extended to the underside of a tub rim 320 .
- the nozzle pipe 325 is removably combined with the circulation passage 321 in a screw engagement fashion.
- a thread-bits collecting unit 326 is mounted in the interior of the nozzle pipe 325 so as to collect thread-bits and naps.
- the thread-bits collecting unit 326 is mounted to the entrance of the nozzle pipe 325 and is a net in the form of a pocket that is opened at its inlet.
- thread-bits and naps are caught by the thread-bits collecting unit 326 while washing water passes through the thread-bits collecting unit 326 . If the nozzle pipe 325 is removed from the circulation passage 321 and is turned upside down, the thread-bits and naps caught by the thread-bits collecting unit 326 are easily removed from the thread-bits collecting unit 326 .
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- a circulation hose 335 is branched from a drain hose 333 and fixed to a casing 331 , and a nozzle pipe 337 for sprinkling washing water is mounted to a casing cover 332 , differently from the seventh embodiment.
- the nozzle pipe 337 is removably connected with the circulation hose 335 .
- a thread-bits collecting unit 338 is mounted to the interior of the nozzle pipe 337 as in the ninth embodiment.
- a pump 334 and a three-way valve are mounted at a position where the circulation hose 335 is branched from the drain hose 333 and are fixed to the bottom of a casing 331 .
- FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11B is a detailed view of “C” portion of FIG. 11A.
- a washing machine of the eleventh embodiment comprises a washing tub 460 positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle ⁇ with regard to a vertical axis, a circulation hose 470 extended from the bottom of the washing tub 460 to the top of the washing tub 460 for sprinkling washing water from the top of the washing tub 460 , a circulation pump 471 disposed on the circulation hose 470 for forcibly circulating washing water, a cyclone thread-bits separator 480 disposed on the circulation hose 470 to collect thread-bits and naps in a cyclone fashion, a thread-bits storage chamber 485 connected to the lower portion of the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 for storing thread-bits and naps, and a drain hose 490 extended from the lower portion of the thread-bits storage chamber 485 to the outside for discharging stored thread-bits and naps.
- the circulation hose 470 may be integrated with the side of an outer tub 461 .
- the upper end portion of the circulation hose 470 is fixed to the upper portion of the washing tub 460 and is provided with a nozzle 472 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of an inner tub 465 .
- the circulation pump 471 is disposed on the circulation hose 470 at a position under the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 , and serves to provide pumping force so as to allow washing water passing through the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 to be sprinkled to the inner tub 465 .
- the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 comprises a cone-shaped collecting barrel 481 .
- the collecting barrel 481 has an inlet 482 , an outlet 483 and a circulation hole 484 .
- the inlet 482 is formed at the upper side portion of the collecting barrel 481 and receives washing water.
- the outlet 483 is formed at the bottom of the collecting barrel 481 and allows impurities or washing water to be passed through.
- the circulation hole 484 is formed at the top of the collecting barrel 481 and allows washing water free from the thread-bits and naps to flow into the circulation hose 470 .
- the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 utilizes a cyclone principle that is applied to the separation of solid materials suspended on gas or liquid.
- the thread-bits storage chamber 485 has a bulged shape so as to store the thread-bits and naps discharged from the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 .
- the drain hose 490 is extended from the underside of the thread-bits storage chamber 485 to the outside of a casing 450 .
- a drain valve 495 for selectively opening and closing a water passage is disposed on the drain hose 490 .
- Washing water passing through the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 flows into the inlet 482 in a tangential direction and, thereafter, falls down while forming a swirl of a high speed in the interior of the separator barrel 481 .
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
- a washing tub 460 ′ consisting of an outer tub 461 ′ and an inner tub 465 ′ is vertically mounted in the interior of a casing 450 ′.
- a circulation hose 470 ′ is extended from the bottom of the outer tub 461 ′ to the top of the inner tub 465 ′ to enable circulation washing.
- a cyclone thread-bits separator 480 ′ is disposed on the circulation hose 470 ′, and serves to separate solid materials such as thread-bits in a cyclone fashion.
- a pump 471 ′ is disposed on the entrance of the cyclone thread-bits separator 471 ′ to generate pumping force for the forcible circulation or drainage of washing water.
- a drain hose 490 ′ is extended from the bottom of the thread-bits storage chamber 485 ′ to the upper portion of the casing 450 ′ to discharge solid materials such as washing water and thread-bits.
- a drain valve 495 ′ for selectively opening and closing a water passage is disposed on the drain hose 490 ′.
- a cutoff valve 497 for cutting off a water passage during drainage operation is disposed on the circulation hose 470 ′ after the thread-bits separator 480 ′.
- washing and rinsing processes are performed while the inner tub 465 ′ is rotated by the operation of the drive motor 475 ′, and circulation washing is performed by the operation of the pump 471 ′.
- thread-bits are separated from washing water while the washing water passes through the thread-bits separator 480 ′ and stored in the thread-bits storage chamber 485 ′. If during the drainage of washing water, the pump 471 ′ is operated while the cutoff valve 497 is closed and the drain valve 495 ′ is opened, the thread-bits together with the washing water are discharged to the outside through the drain hose 490 ′.
- FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13B is a detailed view of “D” portion of FIG. 13A.
- the washing machine of the thirteenth embodiment includes a thread-bits collecting chamber 580 formed under a washing tub 560 for collecting impurities such as thread-bits, a circulation hose 570 extended from the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 to the top of the washing tub 560 for circulating and sprinkling washing water, a filtering net 582 mounted in the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 in the vicinity of the entrance of the circulation hose 570 for filtering impurities such as thread-bits, and a pump 572 disposed on the circulation hose 570 for forcibly circulating washing water.
- the washing machine further includes a drain hose 585 branched off from the circulation hose 570 after the pump 572 , a three-way valve 573 disposed at a position where the drain hose 585 is branched off from the circulation hose 570 for switching water passages, and a thread-bits discharge pressure generator 588 shaped in the form of a venturi tube for discharging impurities such as thread-bits from the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 by pressure difference.
- the circulation hose 570 can be integrated with the side of an outer tub 561 .
- the upper end portion of the circulation hose 570 is fixed to the upper portion of the washing tub 560 and is provided with a nozzle 574 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of an inner tub 565 .
- a pump 572 provides pumping force for the forcible circulation or drainage of washing water through the circulation hose 570 or drain hose 585 .
- the drain hose 585 is positioned to be over the full water level of the washing tub 560 at its upper end. In such a case, it is not necessary to disposed a drain valve in the drain hose 585 .
- the thread-bits discharge pressure generator 588 comprises a venturi tube 586 formed in the drain hose 585 and a thread-bits discharge passage 587 connecting the bottom of the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 with the venturi tube 586 and discharging the thread-bits to the outside.
- the thread-bits discharge passage 587 is connected to the venturi tube 586 at a position where pressure is lowest.
- a drain valve must be disposed so as to prevent washing water from being drained naturally.
- washing and rinsing processes are performed while washing water is circulated in such a way that washing water in the bottom of the washing tub is raised to the top of the washing tub, the washing and rinsing processes can be performed using a relatively small amount of water and the period of time for entire washing operation is shortened considerably.
- a thread-bits collecting unit is disposed in a circulation hose, impurities such as thread-bits and naps can be easily removed from washing water, thereby improving the washing performance of the washing machine.
- a cyclone thread-bits separator is disposed on a circulation hose or a thread-bits collecting chamber is disposed under a washing tub, impurities such as thread-bits and naps are automatically discharged to the outside during a drainage operation, thereby easily removing the impurities from the laundry and discharging the impurities to the outside.
Abstract
The present invention relates to a washing machine, which is capable of forcibly circulating water from the lower portion of a washing tub to the upper portion of the washing tub, thereby enabling circulation washing of the laundry. The washing machine includes a casing, a washing tub, an arrangement for holding the washing tub in the casing and an arrangement for forcibly circulating washing water. The washing tub is mounted in the casing. The holding arrangement serves to allow the washing tub to be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis. The water circulating arrangement forcibly circulates washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub and is extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates, in general, to a washing machine for washing the laundry and, more particularly, to a washing machine, which is capable of forcibly circulating water from the lower portion of a washing tub to the upper portion of the washing tub, thereby enabling the circulation washing of the laundry.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the inner construction of a conventional inner tub rotating type washing machine.
- As depicted in the drawing, a typical washing machine, in which its washing tub is directly connected to a motor, comprises a
casing 10, awashing tub 20 mounted in thecasing 10 for washing the laundry, four suspendingrods 40 for suspending thewashing tub 20 in thecasing 10 and damping the vibration of thewashing tub 20, and adrive motor 40 mounted under thewashing tub 20 for rotating the inner tub (will be described) of thewashing tub 20. - The
washing tub 20 is suspended in thecasing 10 by the suspendingrods 40, and comprises anouter tub 22 for accommodating washing water and aninner tub 23 connected to thedrive motor 40 and rotated by thedrive motor 40. - A
drain hose 26 and adrain valve 27 for draining washing water are disposed under one side of theouter tub 22. Apulsator 25 for improving washing efficiency is disposed on the bottom of theinner tub 23. - Accordingly, in the
washing tub 20, a washing process is performed in such a way that theinner tub 23 is rotated by thedrive motor 40 while theouter tub 22 is suspended in thecasing 10 by the suspendingrods 30. - The operation of the conventional washing machine will be described, hereinafter.
- First of all, the
door 11 of thecasing 10 is opened by a user. When the washing machine is operated while the laundry and a detergent are put into theinner tub 23, washing water is supplied to thewashing tub 20 and rises in theouter tub 22 and theinner tub 23 to a predetermined water level. Thereafter, when thedrive motor 40 is operated, a washing process is performed while thepulsator 25 and theinner tub 23 are rotated. - When time lapses after the initiation of the washing process, the
drive motor 40 is stopped, thedrain valve 27 is opened and washing water is drained to the outside through thedrain hose 26. - When the drainage is completed, water is again supplied to the
washing tub 20 and rises in thewashing tub 20 to a predetermined water level and, subsequently, a rinsing process is performed. The rinsing process consists of two or three rounds of rinsing. The rinsing process is similar to the washing process, but the time period for operating thedrive motor 40 is relatively short in the rinse process. - After the washing and rinsing processes are completed, there is performed a dewatering process wherein only the
inner tub 23 is rotated at a fast speed for dewatering the laundry. In the dewatering process, water contained in the laundry is moved to theouter tub 22 through the tiny holes of theinner tub 23 by centrifugal force created by the rapid rotation of theinner tub 23, and the water moved to theouter tub 22 is drained to the outside through thedrain hose 26. - However, in the conventional washing machine, the laundry is washed in such a way that the
washing tub 20 is normally rotated and reversely rotated while thewashing tub 20 is vertically positioned. As a result, since the laundry is moved symmetrically, the laundry articles may be tangled with one another. Additionally, since secondary water flow generated in theinner tub 23 by thepulsator 25 is simple, the uniform washing of the laundry is not performed and, accordingly, the washing performance of the washing machine is inferior. - In addition, since the
inner tub 23 must be filled with water to a considerable water level for the rinsing process, not only a great amount of water but also lengthy water supply time period and water drainage time period are needed, thus deteriorating washing efficiency and lengthening an entire washing time period. - Furthermore, since no provision is made for collecting threads and naps separated from the laundry, the threads and naps separated in the process of washing the laundry cannot be removed from the laundry, thereby imposing limitations on the washing performance of the washing machine.
- Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which is capable of complicating the flow of washing water in such a way that its washing tub is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis, thereby preventing the laundry from being tangled and improving the washing performance of the washing machine.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which is capable of performing washing and rinsing processes while water in the lower portion of its inner tub is raised to the upper portion of the inner tub and falls down to the lower portion again, thereby allowing a small amount of water to be needed for the washing and rinsing processes and shortening an entire washing time period.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine wherein a thread-bits collecting unit is disposed on a circulation passage or under a washing tub, thereby easily removing impurities such as thread-bits and naps and automatically discharging the impurities to the outside during drainage operation.
- In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing; means for holding the washing tub in the casing so as to allow the washing tub to be positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis; and means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub.
- In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a washing machine, comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing for washing the laundry; means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub; and a tub rim mounted on a top of the washing tub, the tub rim having a water passage and one or more nozzles, the water passage being connected to the water circulation means, the nozzles sprinkling washing water to an interior of the washing tub.
- In accordance with a further embodiment, there is provided a washing machine, comprising: a casing; a washing tub mounted in the casing for washing the laundry; means for forcibly circulating washing water from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub, the water circulating means being extended from the bottom of the washing tub to the top of the washing tub; and means for vertically and uniformly sprinkling washing water to an interior of the washing tub, the sprinkling means being provided on an upper end of the water circulating means.
- The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing a pump and a three-way valve;
- FIG. 1C is a partial sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted;
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A;
- FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a vertically sprinkling nozzle;
- FIG. 5C is a side view of the nozzle;
- FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the nozzle;
- FIG. 5E is a side view showing the shape of sprinkled water;
- FIG. 5F is a front view showing the shape of sprinkled water;
- FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 7A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 7B is a detailed view of “B” portion of FIG. 7A;
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 11B is a detailed view of “C” portion of FIG. 11A;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 13B is a detailed view of “D” portion of FIG. 13A; and
- FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view showing the inner construction of a conventional inner washing tub rotating type washing machine.
- FIG. 1A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing a pump and a three-way valve, and FIG. 1C is a partial sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted.
- A washing machine in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a
casing 50 having adoor 55 at its top, awashing tub 60 inclined at a predetermined angle θ with regard to a vertical axis, four suspendingrods 57 fixed to thecasing 50 at their upper ends and to thewashing tub 60 at their lower ends for allowing thewashing tub 60 to be inclined, and adrive motor 75 positioned under thewashing tub 60 for rotating the inner tub (will be described) of thewashing tub 60. - The
washing tub 60 comprises anouter tub 61 mounted in thecasing 50 by means of the suspendingrods 57 to be inclined, and aninner tub 65 rotated in anouter tub 61 while being connected to thedrive motor 75 and provided with apulsator 66. - The
washing tub 60 consisting of theouter tub 61 and theinner tub 65 is mounted to be inclined at an angle θ in the range of 0°<θ<30°. - When the
washing tub 60 is mounted to be inclined, the water flow in theinner tub 65 has an asymmetrical pattern by the interaction of the force of gravity, centrifugal force and the inclined inner surface of theinner tub 65 and, consequently, cause complicated laundry movement, thereby improving washing efficiency and realizing uniform laundry washing. - A
tub rim 62 is radially projected from the upper end of theouter tub 61 so as to perform centrifugal washing wherein water raised along the inner surface of theouter tub 61 by means of centrifugal force owing to the rotation of theinner tub 65 comes into collision with thetub rim 62 and cascades into theinner tub 65. - A
drain hole 63 is formed on the lowest position of the bottom of theouter tub 61, and adrain hose 64 extending from thedrain hole 63 to the outside of the washing machine is connected to thedrain hole 63. - A
circulation hose 70 is extended from the front portion of thedrain hose 64 to the upper end of theinner tub 65 so as to forcibly circulate water from the low portion of thewashing tub 60 to the upper portion of thewashing tub 60. - With the above construction, washing water is circulated through the
circulation hose 70 to sprinkle washing water from the upper portion of thewashing tub 60 into the interior of theinner tub 65 when washing and rinsing processes are performed, while the washing water is drained through thedrain hose 64 when a dewatering process is performed. - In detail, the
circulation hose 70 has acirculation passage 71 integrated with the wall of theouter tub 61 and is extended to the lower surface of thetub rim 62. The upper end of thecirculation hose 70 is connected with anozzle 74 fixed to thetub rim 62. - Of course, the
circulation passage 71 may not be integrated with theouter tub 61, but is separately formed and mounted to the side of theouter tub 61. - A three-way valve for selectively opening one of water passages to the
circulation hose 70 and thedrain hose 64 is mounted at a position where thecirculation hose 70 is branched off from thedrain hose 64. Apump 73 for forcibly circulating or draining water is positioned between thedrain hole 63 and the branching position. - FIG. 1B is a sectional view showing the
pump 73 and the three-way valve 72. Thepump 73 is a centrifugal pump in which water enters the center of itsimpeller 73 a. Thevalve 72 is positioned at a position where thecirculation hose 70 is branched off from thedrain hose 64. - The three-
way valve 72 switches water passages in such a way that thevalve body 72 b is rotated by asolenoid actuator 72 a. - Accordingly, the
pump 73 serves to forcibly circulate water through thecirculation hose 70 and thecirculation passage 71 and to forcibly drain water through thedrain hose 64. - FIG. 1C is a sectional view showing a case where an integration type pump is mounted. In the
integration type pump 80, acentrifugal pump 83 and anaxial flow pump 84 are operated while being connected to each other by asingle motor shaft 82. Theintegration type pump 80 serves to generate inhalation and discharge pressures on the centrifugal pump side in a normal operation and to generate inhalation and discharge pressures on the axial flow pump side in a reverse operation. - If the
circulation hose 85 is connected to the centrifugal pump side to circulate washing water, thedrain hose 86 is connected to the centrifugal pump side. - In such a case, washing water flows to the upper portion of the
washing tub 60 because pressure is generated on the centrifugal pump side when the integration-type pump 80 is normally operated, whereas washing water is drained to the outside because pressure is generated on the axial flow pump side when theintegration type pump 80 is reversely operated. - When the
integration type pump 80 is employed, the three-way valve is not necessary, differently from the previous embodiment wherein the three-way valve is employed. Twoinhalation side hoses 87 are respectively connected to the bottom of theouter tub 61 or a single hose connected to the bottom of theouter tub 61 is divided into twoinhalation side hoses 87. - On the other hand, instead of the centrifugal pump of FIG. 1B and the integration-type pump of FIG. 1C, a circulation hose and a drain hose are separately connected to the bottom of the outer tub, and a circulation pump and a drainage pump are respectively mounted to the circulation hose and the drain hose.
- The operation of the washing machine of the first embodiment is as follows.
- When the washing machine is started, washing water rises in the
washing tub 60 to a proper water level. At this time, since thewashing tub 60 is inclined, thewashing tub 60 is asymmetrical with regard to a vertical axis. - In this state, when the
drive motor 75 is operated, theinner tub 65 is rotated. Since theinner tub 65 is inclined with regard to a vertical direction, water forms a primary flow of a complicated pattern by means of the interaction of the force of gravity, centrifugal force and the inclined inner surface of theinner tub 65. - Additionally, since the
pulsator 66 mounted in theinner tub 65 is inclined with regard to a vertical axis, upward force as well as centrifugal force is generated, thereby generating a secondary water flow in an asymmetrically complicated pattern. - When the
inner tub 65 is rotated at a speed more than a predetermined speed, efficient washing is possible owing to the rotation of theouter tub 61. That is, since water raised along the inner surface of theouter tub 61 cascades into theinner tub 65 and simultaneously complicated water flow is generated in theinner tub 65, friction between washing water and laundry is increased and, consequently, washing performance is improved. - Additionally, when the
pump 73 is operated, washing water can be circulated through thecirculation hose 85 and be sprinkled to theinner tub 65 through thenozzle 74 together with cascading water, thereby improving washing efficiency. - In brief, when a washing process is performed by means of the washing machine of the first embodiment, complicated laundry movement is generated owing to the inclination of the
inner tub 65 and, at the same time, the centrifugal washing owing to the rotation of theinner tub 65 and the circulation washing owing to the operation of thepump 73 can be achieved. As a result, since the generation of the symmetrical flow is minimized, the tangling of the laundry is prevented and the effective washing of the laundry is possible due to the uniform friction between the washing water and the laundry. - Meanwhile, the operation in which washing water is sprinkled from the top of the
inner tub 65 to the interior of theinner tub 65 causes superior effects while the rinsing process is performed. That is, the rinsing process is performed by means of agitation rinsing owing to the rotation of theinner tub 65 in the conventional art, but the rinsing process is performed by means of centrifugal rinsing, wherein washing water is sprinkled from the top of theinner tub 65 to the interior of theinner tub 65, together with the agitation rinsing. Accordingly, the rinsing effect of the laundry is improved considerably. - Furthermore, since the centrifugal and the agitation rinsing can be performed in such a way that water is circulated from the bottom portion of the
inner tub 65 to the top portion of theinner tub 65 while theinner tub 65 is inclined, thereby achieving high rinsing performance with a relatively small amount of water. - That is, when the rinsing process is performed by means of the agitation rinsing owing to the rotation of the
inner tub 65, water is supplied to the height of the laundry and, thereafter, the rinsing is effected by means of friction between the washing water and the laundry. On the other hand, since the centrifugal rinsing, wherein water is circulated from the bottom portion of theinner tub 65 to the top portion of theinner tub 65 and is sprinkled from the top portion into theinner tub 65 while theinner tub 65 is inclined, together with the agitation rinsing is performed, the rinsing of the laundry is effectively performed with a relatively small amount of water. - Accordingly, for example, if 160 liters of water is used for the agitation rinsing, 50 liters of water is sufficient for the agitation and centrifugal rinsing. Additionally, with such an amount of water, the rinsing performance is increased by 10%.
- Since a time period for supplying water and draining water is shortened because the relatively small amount of water is utilized, a time period for the entire washing time period for the laundry is shortened, or the rinsing effect can be increased considerably by increasing the number of rounds of the rinsing.
- FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- The
circulation passage 70 is formed on the washing tub side in the first embodiment, whereas acirculation passage 70′ is formed on the casing side in the second embodiment. - That is, a
drain hose 64′ is extended from thedrain hole 63′ of awashing tub 60′ to the outside of the washing machine. Acirculation hose 70′ is branched off from thedrain hose 64′. Apump 73′ and a three-way valve are mounted in the lower portion of thecasing 50′ at a position where thecirculation hose 70′ is branched off from thedrain hose 64′. - The
circulation hose 70′ is extended to a position under acasing cover 51′ of thecasing 50′ while being fixed by means of a plurality ofholders 50 a′, and is connected at its upper end to anozzle 74′ fixed to thecasing cover 51′ to sprinkle washing water into the interior aninner tub 65′. - Additionally, a
water supply pipe 52′, adetergent input hole 53′ and acontrol panel 54′ are mounted on thecasing cover 51′ of thecasing 50′. Adoor 55′ is mounted to the front portion of thecasing cover 51′. - FIG. 3A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3A.
- In the washing machine of this embodiment, a
washing tub 160 is positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with regard to a vertical axis as in the first and second embodiments. - A
drain hose 164 is connected to the bottom portion of awashing tub 160, acirculation hose 170 is branched off from thedrain hose 164, and a three-way valve and apump 173 are mounted at a position where thecirculation hose 170 is branched off from thedrain hose 164. - A
circulation passage 172 connected to thecirculation hose 170 is integrated with the side of anouter tub 161 into a single body. - A
tub rim 180 is a ring-shaped plate and is projected from the top of theouter tub 161. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, awater passage 181 is radially formed along the interior of thetub rim 180, and a plurality ofnozzles 183 are formed on the inner periphery of thetub rim 180 to sprinkle washing water into the interior of theinner tub 165. - The
nozzles 183 are formed by cutting out a plurality of the portions of thewater passage 181. The outer ends of thenozzles 183 may be projected to theinner tub 165 by a predetermined length. - The
nozzles 183 are preferably positioned at relatively high positions because thewashing tub 160 is inclined. When seen from the front of the washing machine, thenozzles 183 are preferably positioned symmetrically. - Although two
nozzles 183 are depicted to be formed on thetub rim 180 in FIG. 3B, four or six nozzles may be symmetrically formed on thetub rim 180 as occasion demands. - Since the
washing tub 160 is inclined at a predetermined angle in the third embodiment as described above, complicated, asymmetrical laundry movement is generated when theinner tub 165 is rotated. When theinner tub 165 is rotated at a speed more than a predetermined speed, centrifugal washing is achieved by the action of thetub rim 180. - When the
pump 173 is operated, washing water is forcibly circulated to the top of thewashing tub 160 through thecirculation hose 170, thecirculation passage 172, thewater passage 181 of thetub rim 180 and thenozzles 183, and, subsequently, is sprinkled into the interior of theinner tub 165. - Therefore, since washing water is forcibly circulated to the
nozzles 183 formed on thetub rim 180 using thepump 173, circulation washing and rinsing, wherein washing water is sprinkled from the top of thewashing tub 160, can be achieved while theinner tub 165 is rotated at a speed less than the predetermined speed. - In particular, since a plurality of
nozzles 183 are symmetrically formed on thetub rim 180, efficient circulation washing is achieved. - FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- The
washing tub 160 is inclined at a predetermined angle in the third embodiment, whereas awashing tub 160′ is vertically mounted in acasing 150′ in the fourth embodiment. - A
drain hose 164′ is connected to the bottom of thewashing tub 160′, acirculation hose 170′ is branched off from thedrain hose 164′, and a three-way valve and apump 173′ are disposed at a position where thecirculation hose 170′ is branched off from thedrain hose 164′. - A
circulation passage 172′ is integrated with one side of anouter tub 161′. Awater passage 181′ is circumferentially formed in thetub rim 180′, and is connected with thecirculation passage 172′. - A plurality of
nozzles 183′ are formed by cutting out a plurality of inner portions of thewater passage 181′ of thetub rim 180′. - In this embodiment, water is circulated through the circulating
hose 170′, the circulatingpassage 172′, thewater passage 181′ of thetub rim 180′ and thenozzle 183′ by thepump 173′ as in the third embodiment, so that circulation washing and rinsing can be performed. - FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a vertically sprinkling nozzle. FIG. 5C is a side view of the nozzle. FIG. 5D is a bottom view of the nozzle. FIG. 5E is a side view showing the shape of sprinkled water. FIG. 5F is a front view showing the shape of sprinkled water.
- In the fifth embodiment, a vertically sprinkling
nozzle 280 for sprinkling washing water in the form of a cascade to the interior of aninner tub 265 is provided over atub rim 262, and is connected with the upper end of acirculation hose 270. - Additionally, a
washing tub 260 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ with regard to a vertical axis. - As depicted in FIGS. 5B to5D, the vertically sprinkling
nozzle 280 comprises anozzle body 281 widened in the form of fan toward its outer end, a flow orientingend wall 283 formed on the outer end of thenozzle body 281 for orienting circulated water to a downward direction, and a sprinklingaperture 285 formed on the lower surface of thenozzle body 281 in the vicinity of the flow orientingend wall 283 for sprinkling the circulated water to the downward direction. - The
nozzle body 281 has a fan shape in which its width is larger that its height so that water flowing from thecirculation hose 270 is spread horizontally. - The flow orienting
end wall 283 is projected lower than the lower surface of thenozzle body 281 so as to orient water flowing out of thenozzle body 281 to a downward direction securely. Thesidewalls 282 of thenozzle body 281 are extended to the lower end of the flow orientingend wall 283. - As illustrated in FIG. 5D, the sprinkling
aperture 285 has the shape of a right-angled triangle that becomes widened in a direction from one side to the other side so that washing water sprinkled to the interior of the washing tub is widened in its length. - That is, an
inner line 286 defining an inner side of the sprinklingaperture 285 is a straight line, whereas anouter line 284 defining an outer side of the sprinklingaperture 285 is an oblique line and is separated from theinner line 286 in a direction from one side to the other side. - As illustrated in FIGS. 5E and 5F, since the vertically sprinkling
nozzle 280 is provided in the fifth embodiment, the falling water flow is widened in its length. - Washing water flowing into the
nozzle body 281 is horizontally spread, comes into collision with the flow orientingend wall 283 and is oriented to the downward direction. Thereafter, the water is vertically sprinkled to the interior of thewashing tub 260 through the sprinklingaperture 285. At this time, the water is uniformly sprinkled over the interior of thewashing tub 260 by the sprinklingaperture 285 of a lengthy triangular shape. - Additionally, since the sprinkling
aperture 285 of the vertically sprinklingnozzle 280 has a right-angled triangle shape and the flow orientingend wall 283 is oblique, the water falls down while being widened in its length as shown in FIG. 5E and being narrowed in its width as shown in FIG. 5F. - As a result, the water falling while being widened in its length uniformly comes into collision with the laundry and, thereafter, flows radially to the outer portion of the interior of the
washing tub 265. - Furthermore, since the sprinkling
aperture 285 of the vertically sprinklingnozzle 280 is widely formed, resistance against water is minimized when the washing water is sprinkled from the sprinklingaperture 285, thereby preventing the sprinklingaperture 285 from being stopped up and allowing a pump of a small capacity to be utilized to circulate the washing water. - FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- In the sixth embodiment, a
washing tub 260′ is vertically disposed, and acirculation hose 270′ branched off from adrain hose 264′ is fixed to acasing 250′ of the washing machine. - A vertically sprinkling
nozzle 280′ connected to the upper end of thecirculation hose 270′ is fixed to acasing cover 251′ that constitutes the top of thecasing 250′. - In accordance with the sixth embodiment, since washing water is uniformly sprinkled over the interior of the
washing tub 260′ through the vertically sprinklingnozzle 280′ and, consequently, circulation washing and rinsing are achieved, the washing performance of the washing machine is improved. - FIG. 7A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a detailed view of “B” portion of FIG. 7A.
- In the seventh embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a
washing tub 360 is positioned in thecasing 350 to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ, a three-way valve is mounted at a position where acirculation hose 370 is branched off from adrain hose 364 for selectively opening one of water passages to thecirculation hose 370 and thedrain hose 364, and apump 373 is positioned over the three-way valve so as to forcibly circulate or drain washing water. - The
circulation hose 370 is extended to the underside of atub rim 362 through acirculation passage 371 integrated with one side of theouter tub 361. Anozzle 374 fixed to thetub rim 362 is connected to the upper end of thecirculation hose 370 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of theinner tub 365. - In particular, in this embodiment, a thread-
bits collecting unit 380 is mounted to the upper portion of thecirculation passage 371 so as to remove thread-bits and naps from washing water. - Referring to FIG. 7B, an
inward bend 371 a is formed on the upper portion of thecirculation passage 371 and abypass 372 is branched from thecirculation passage 371 after theinward bend 371 a at a position where centrifugal force is relatively great. - Since the thread-bits and naps are solid materials, they are moved outward by means of centrifugal force while passing through the
bend 371 a. Thebypass 372 is formed through a portion where the thread-bits and naps pass. - A
mount hole 372 a is formed on the upper portion of thebypass 372 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 380 to be mounted, and a throughhole 362 a is formed on atub rim 362 so as to receive the thread-bits collecting unit 380. - The thread-
bits collecting unit 380 consists of aunit casing 381 and a collectingnet 383. Theunit casing 381 is inserted into themount hole 372 a of thebypass 372 through the throughhole 362 a. An inlet and an outlet are formed in theunit casing 381 so as to allow washing water to pass through thecasing 381. The collecting net 383 is shaped in the form of a net so as to collect thread-bits and naps and is fixed to the outlet of theunit casing 381. - The thread-
bits collecting unit 383 is removably mounted into thebypass 372 through the throughhole 362 a. In order to fix the thread-bits collecting unit 383 to thetub rim 362, an engaginggroove 362 b is formed on thetub rim 362. Packing means 362 c is provided so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 383 to come into tight contact with thetub rim 362 and prevent washing water from leaking. - A
grip 385 is formed on the upper surface of the thread-bits collecting unit 380 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 380 to be easily removed from thebypass 372. - In accordance with the seventh embodiment, washing water is forcibly moved to the upper portion of the washing machine through the
circulation hose 370 and thecirculation passage 371, and thread-bits and naps are moved through thebypass 372 while washing water passes through thebend 371 a of thecirculation passage 371. - While the washing water passes through the
bend 371 a, the thread-bits and naps are caught by the collecting net 383 and pure washing water is sprinkled to thewashing tub 360 through thenozzle 374. Accordingly, since thread-bits and naps can be removed by the thread-bits collecting unit 380 during circulating washing and rinsing processes, the laundry can be washed effectively. - Additionally, since the thread-
bits collecting unit 380 can be removed through the throughhole 362 a of thetub rim 362, collected separated threads and naps can be easily discarded. - FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- In accordance with the seventh embodiment, the
bypass 372 is branched from thecirculation passage 371 and the thread-bits collecting unit 380 is disposed in thebypass 372, whereas in accordance with the eighth embodiment, a thread-bits collecting unit 315 is directly disposed in acirculation passage 310. - The
circulation passage 310 is bent inwardly under atub rim 313. Amount hole 312 is formed on thecirculation passage 310 after abend 311 so as to allow the thread-bits collecting unit 315 to be mounted in thecirculation passage 310, and a throughhole 314 is formed on thetub rim 313 so as to receive the thread-bits collecting unit 315. - The thread-
bits collecting unit 315 is opened at itsinlet 316 and is covered with a collectingnet 317. Agrip 318 is formed on the upper surface of the thread-bits collecting unit 315. - The thread-
bits collecting unit 315 is disposed in the upper portion of thecirculation passage 310. The lower portion of thecirculation passage 310 is opened so as to allow washing water to pass through thecirculation passage 310 without resistance. - FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- A
nozzle pipe 325 for sprinkling washing water to the interior of an inner tub is combined with the upper end of acirculation passage 321 extended to the underside of atub rim 320. Thenozzle pipe 325 is removably combined with thecirculation passage 321 in a screw engagement fashion. - A thread-
bits collecting unit 326 is mounted in the interior of thenozzle pipe 325 so as to collect thread-bits and naps. The thread-bits collecting unit 326 is mounted to the entrance of thenozzle pipe 325 and is a net in the form of a pocket that is opened at its inlet. - Accordingly, thread-bits and naps are caught by the thread-
bits collecting unit 326 while washing water passes through the thread-bits collecting unit 326. If thenozzle pipe 325 is removed from thecirculation passage 321 and is turned upside down, the thread-bits and naps caught by the thread-bits collecting unit 326 are easily removed from the thread-bits collecting unit 326. - FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the principal portion of a washing machine in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- In accordance with the tenth embodiment, a
circulation hose 335 is branched from adrain hose 333 and fixed to acasing 331, and anozzle pipe 337 for sprinkling washing water is mounted to acasing cover 332, differently from the seventh embodiment. - The
nozzle pipe 337 is removably connected with thecirculation hose 335. A thread-bits collecting unit 338 is mounted to the interior of thenozzle pipe 337 as in the ninth embodiment. - A
pump 334 and a three-way valve are mounted at a position where thecirculation hose 335 is branched from thedrain hose 333 and are fixed to the bottom of acasing 331. - FIG. 11A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a detailed view of “C” portion of FIG. 11A.
- A washing machine of the eleventh embodiment comprises a
washing tub 460 positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with regard to a vertical axis, acirculation hose 470 extended from the bottom of thewashing tub 460 to the top of thewashing tub 460 for sprinkling washing water from the top of thewashing tub 460, acirculation pump 471 disposed on thecirculation hose 470 for forcibly circulating washing water, a cyclone thread-bits separator 480 disposed on thecirculation hose 470 to collect thread-bits and naps in a cyclone fashion, a thread-bits storage chamber 485 connected to the lower portion of the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 for storing thread-bits and naps, and adrain hose 490 extended from the lower portion of the thread-bits storage chamber 485 to the outside for discharging stored thread-bits and naps. - The
circulation hose 470 may be integrated with the side of anouter tub 461. The upper end portion of thecirculation hose 470 is fixed to the upper portion of thewashing tub 460 and is provided with anozzle 472 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of aninner tub 465. - The
circulation pump 471 is disposed on thecirculation hose 470 at a position under the cyclone thread-bits separator 480, and serves to provide pumping force so as to allow washing water passing through the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 to be sprinkled to theinner tub 465. - Referring to FIG. 11B, the cyclone thread-
bits separator 480 comprises a cone-shapedcollecting barrel 481. The collectingbarrel 481 has aninlet 482, anoutlet 483 and acirculation hole 484. Theinlet 482 is formed at the upper side portion of the collectingbarrel 481 and receives washing water. Theoutlet 483 is formed at the bottom of the collectingbarrel 481 and allows impurities or washing water to be passed through. Thecirculation hole 484 is formed at the top of the collectingbarrel 481 and allows washing water free from the thread-bits and naps to flow into thecirculation hose 470. - The cyclone thread-
bits separator 480 utilizes a cyclone principle that is applied to the separation of solid materials suspended on gas or liquid. - The thread-
bits storage chamber 485 has a bulged shape so as to store the thread-bits and naps discharged from the cyclone thread-bits separator 480. - The
drain hose 490 is extended from the underside of the thread-bits storage chamber 485 to the outside of acasing 450. Adrain valve 495 for selectively opening and closing a water passage is disposed on thedrain hose 490. - In the eleventh embodiment, after circulation washing is performed by the operation of a
circulation pump 471, water collected in the underside of thewashing tub 460 passes through the cyclone thread-bits separator 480 and thecirculation hose 470 and, thereafter, is sprinkled to the interior of theinner tub 465 through thenozzle 472. - Washing water passing through the cyclone thread-
bits separator 480 flows into theinlet 482 in a tangential direction and, thereafter, falls down while forming a swirl of a high speed in the interior of theseparator barrel 481. - In such a case, solid materials such as thread-bits and naps come into collision with the inner wall of the
separation barrel 481 and, consequently, lose kinetic energy. As a result, the solid materials fall into the thread-bits storage chamber 485 through theoutlet 483, whereas washing water is discharged into the circulatinghose 470 through thecirculation hole 484. - If the
drain valve 495 is opened while the solid materials such as thread-bits and sand are stored in the thread-bits storage chamber 485, solid materials are automatically discharged together with the washing water to the outside through thedrain hose 490. - FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
- In accordance with the twelfth embodiment, a
washing tub 460′ consisting of anouter tub 461′ and aninner tub 465′ is vertically mounted in the interior of acasing 450′. - A
circulation hose 470′ is extended from the bottom of theouter tub 461′ to the top of theinner tub 465′ to enable circulation washing. A cyclone thread-bits separator 480′ is disposed on thecirculation hose 470′, and serves to separate solid materials such as thread-bits in a cyclone fashion. - A
pump 471′ is disposed on the entrance of the cyclone thread-bits separator 471′ to generate pumping force for the forcible circulation or drainage of washing water. Adrain hose 490′ is extended from the bottom of the thread-bits storage chamber 485′ to the upper portion of thecasing 450′ to discharge solid materials such as washing water and thread-bits. - A
drain valve 495′ for selectively opening and closing a water passage is disposed on thedrain hose 490′. Acutoff valve 497 for cutting off a water passage during drainage operation is disposed on thecirculation hose 470′ after the thread-bits separator 480′. - In accordance with the twelfth embodiment, washing and rinsing processes are performed while the
inner tub 465′ is rotated by the operation of thedrive motor 475′, and circulation washing is performed by the operation of thepump 471′. - In such operation, thread-bits are separated from washing water while the washing water passes through the thread-
bits separator 480′ and stored in the thread-bits storage chamber 485′. If during the drainage of washing water, thepump 471′ is operated while thecutoff valve 497 is closed and thedrain valve 495′ is opened, the thread-bits together with the washing water are discharged to the outside through thedrain hose 490′. - FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view showing a washing machine in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a detailed view of “D” portion of FIG. 13A.
- The washing machine of the thirteenth embodiment includes a thread-
bits collecting chamber 580 formed under awashing tub 560 for collecting impurities such as thread-bits, acirculation hose 570 extended from the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 to the top of thewashing tub 560 for circulating and sprinkling washing water, afiltering net 582 mounted in the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 in the vicinity of the entrance of thecirculation hose 570 for filtering impurities such as thread-bits, and apump 572 disposed on thecirculation hose 570 for forcibly circulating washing water. - The washing machine further includes a
drain hose 585 branched off from thecirculation hose 570 after thepump 572, a three-way valve 573 disposed at a position where thedrain hose 585 is branched off from thecirculation hose 570 for switching water passages, and a thread-bitsdischarge pressure generator 588 shaped in the form of a venturi tube for discharging impurities such as thread-bits from the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 by pressure difference. - The
circulation hose 570 can be integrated with the side of anouter tub 561. The upper end portion of thecirculation hose 570 is fixed to the upper portion of thewashing tub 560 and is provided with anozzle 574 so as to sprinkle washing water to the interior of aninner tub 565. - A
pump 572 provides pumping force for the forcible circulation or drainage of washing water through thecirculation hose 570 ordrain hose 585. - The
drain hose 585 is positioned to be over the full water level of thewashing tub 560 at its upper end. In such a case, it is not necessary to disposed a drain valve in thedrain hose 585. - The thread-bits
discharge pressure generator 588 comprises aventuri tube 586 formed in thedrain hose 585 and a thread-bits discharge passage 587 connecting the bottom of the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 with theventuri tube 586 and discharging the thread-bits to the outside. - In such a case, the thread-
bits discharge passage 587 is connected to theventuri tube 586 at a position where pressure is lowest. - If the upper end portion of the
drain hose 585 is positioned under the water level of thewashing tub 560, a drain valve must be disposed so as to prevent washing water from being drained naturally. - In accordance with the thirteenth embodiment, when the
pump 572 is operated, solid materials are collected in the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 because washing water passes through thefiltering net 582 in the process of entering thecirculation hose 570. - Since the above-described flow of washing water is maintained during washing and rinsing processes, impurities such as thread-bits are collected in the thread-
bits collecting chamber 580. - When the
pump 572 is operated while thedrain hose 585 is opened by the manipulation of the three-way valve 573, washing water is drained to the outside through thedrain hose 585. At this time, since relatively low pressure is generated when washing water passes through theventuri tube 586, impurities such as thread-bits stored in the thread-bits collecting chamber 580 are automatically discharged together with the washing water to the outside through thedrain hose 585. - In accordance with the present invention, since its washing tub is inclined at a predetermined angle with regard to a vertical axis and centrifugal and circulation washing is achieved, the flow of washing water is complicated during entire washing operation, thereby preventing the laundry from being tangled and improving the washing performance of the washing machine.
- Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, since washing and rinsing processes are performed while washing water is circulated in such a way that washing water in the bottom of the washing tub is raised to the top of the washing tub, the washing and rinsing processes can be performed using a relatively small amount of water and the period of time for entire washing operation is shortened considerably.
- In accordance with the present invention, since a thread-bits collecting unit is disposed in a circulation hose, impurities such as thread-bits and naps can be easily removed from washing water, thereby improving the washing performance of the washing machine.
- In accordance with the present invention, since a cyclone thread-bits separator is disposed on a circulation hose or a thread-bits collecting chamber is disposed under a washing tub, impurities such as thread-bits and naps are automatically discharged to the outside during a drainage operation, thereby easily removing the impurities from the laundry and discharging the impurities to the outside.
- Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
Claims (6)
1. A washing machine, comprising:
a washing tub mounted in a casing of the washing machine;
a circulation passage extended from a bottom of the washing tub to a top of the washing tub for sprinkling washing water to an interior of the washing tub;
a circulation pump disposed on the circulation passage for forcibly circulating washing water;
a cyclone thread-bits separator disposed on the circulation passage for collecting thread-bits and naps in a cyclone fashion;
a thread-bits storage chamber connected to a lower portion of the cyclone thread-bits separator for storing thread-bits and naps; and
drain means extended from a lower portion of the thread-bits storage chamber to the outside for discharging stored thread-bits and naps together with washing water.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein
said pump is disposed on a circulation passage portion connected with an outlet of said cyclone thread-bits separator; and
said drain means comprises a drain hose extended from a bottom of the thread-bits collecting chamber to the outside for draining water naturally and a drain valve disposed on the drain hose for selectively opening and closing a water passage.
3. The washing machine according to claim 2 , wherein said cyclone thread-bits separator comprises a cone-shaped collecting barrel, the collecting barrel having an inlet, an outlet and a circulation hole, said inlet being formed at an upper side portion of the collecting barrel and receiving washing water, said outlet being formed at a bottom of the collecting barrel and allowing impurities or washing water to be passed through, said circulation hole being formed at a top of the collecting barrel and allowing washing water free from the thread-bits and naps to flow into the circulation passage.
4. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein
said pump is disposed on a first circulation passage portion connected with an inlet of said cyclone thread-bits separator; and
said drain means comprises a drain hose extended from a bottom of the thread-bits collecting chamber to a position higher than a top of the washing tub, a drain valve disposed on the drain hose for selectively opening and closing a water passage, and a cutoff valve disposed on a second circulation passage portion connected with an outlet of said cyclone thread-bits separator.
5. The washing machine according to claim 4 , wherein said cyclone thread-bits separator comprises a cone-shaped collecting barrel, the collecting barrel having an inlet, an outlet and a circulation hole, said inlet being formed at an upper side portion of the collecting barrel and receiving washing water, said outlet being formed at a bottom of the collecting barrel and allowing impurities or washing water to be passed through, said circulation hole being formed at a top of the collecting barrel and allowing washing water free from the thread-bits and naps to flow into the circulation passage.
6. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein said cyclone thread-bits separator comprises a cone-shaped collecting barrel, the collecting barrel having an inlet, an outlet and a circulation hole, said inlet being formed at an upper side portion of the collecting barrel and receiving washing water, said outlet being formed at a bottom of the collecting barrel and allowing impurities or washing water to be passed through, said circulation hole being formed at a top of the collecting barrel and allowing washing water free from the thread-bits and naps to flow into the circulation passage.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/234,189 US20030051514A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 2002-09-05 | Washing machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (14)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1019990034190A KR100315817B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Washing machine having a fluff strainer |
KR1019990034200A KR100315820B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Washing machine having a automatic fluff discharger |
KR1999/34199 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1999/34200 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1999/34192 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1999/34188 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1019990034193A KR100347946B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Washer having a function of circulation washing |
KR1999/34193 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1999/34190 | 1999-08-18 | ||
KR1019990034192A KR100347901B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Apparatus for making a falling water of washing machine |
KR1019990034199A KR100315819B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Washing machine having a automatic fluff discharger |
KR1019990034188A KR100347945B1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Washing machine having tilting drum |
US62865000A | 2000-07-28 | 2000-07-28 | |
US10/234,189 US20030051514A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 2002-09-05 | Washing machine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US62865000A Division | 1999-08-18 | 2000-07-28 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/234,189 Abandoned US20030051514A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 2002-09-05 | Washing machine |
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US20160010262A1 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2016-01-14 | Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Washing machine and washing method thereof |
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US10167589B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-01-01 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Method for controlling rinsing cycle of washing machine |
US10513817B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2019-12-24 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
US10626537B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2020-04-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
US10738404B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2020-08-11 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
US11021827B2 (en) | 2015-10-02 | 2021-06-01 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Method for controlling washing machine |
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