BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine, and more particularly,
to a connection pipe assembly of a drum type washing machine, which connects a tub
to an exhaust duct that exhausts high temperature and humidity air in a drum to an
external side during a drying process.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Generally, a washing machine is designed to remove dirt from the laundry using surface
activation of detergent dissolved in washing water as well as water current generated
by the rotation of a drum.
[0003] In recent years, a drum type washing machine performing the washing process by allowing
laundry to collide with washing water by lifting and dropping the laundry has been
widely used. The drum type washing machine has advantages of providing less damage,
increasing washing efficiency and washing a large amount of laundry at a time.
[0004] In addition, as a drum type washing machine having a heat-drying function as well
as a washing function has been developed, there is no need of preparing additional
separated laundry dryer. The drum type washing machine with the heat-drying function
can be classified according to a drying method into a condensing type and an exhaust
type.
[0005] The drum type washing machine with the condensing type heat-drying function is designed
to eliminate humidity remaining in the laundry through a heat exchange of air circulating
between a drum and a drying duct. The drum type washing machine with the exhaust type
heat-drying function is designed to eliminate humidity remaining in the laundry by
allowing high temperature and humidity air in the drum to be exhausted through an
exhaust duct via a tub.
[0006] That is, in the drum type washing machine with the exhaust type heat-drying function,
to allow the high temperature and humidity air in the drum to be exhausted, a connection
tube is mounted to an outer circumference of the tube to the exhaust duct mounted
on a case.
[0007] Meanwhile, the drum type washing machine is designed to generate vibration by the
rotation of the drum during washing, rinsing and spin-drying processes. At this point,
since the vibration is transmitted to the connection tube, the connection tube may
be damaged. To prevent this, the connection tube is provided with an uneven portion.
The vibration transmitted to the connection tube is absorbed by the uneven surface,
thereby preventing the connection tube from being damaged.
[0008] However, the uneven portion causes the change of the flow of the air flowing along
the connection tube.
[0009] That is, due to the uneven portion of the connection tube, pressure loss is incurred
in the connection tube, whereby the wind run is reduced in proportion to the pressure
loss. Furthermore, a flow resistance of the air flowing along the connection tube
is increased.
[0010] In addition, foreign objects such as naps are caught on the uneven portion of the
connection tube, deterioration the airflow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a drum type washing machine with
a heat-drying function that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations
and disadvantages of the related art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine with
a heat-drying function, which can minimize an airflow resistance caused by an uneven
portion formed on a connection tube when high temperature and humidity air in a drum
is exhausted to an external side.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum type washing machine
with a heat-drying function, which is designed to prevent foreign objects such as
naps from being accumulated in a connection tube when high temperature and humidity
air in a drum is exhausted to an external side.
[0014] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from
practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may
be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written
description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0015] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose
of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided A drum
type washing machine comprising: a tub; a case receiving the tub; a connection tube
having a first end connected to the tub to define a passage along which air flows
from the tub, the connection tube being provided with an uneven portion having a plurality
of peaks and valleys and a plurality of straight sections connecting the peaks to
the valleys, the peaks and valleys being asymmetrically formed; and an exhaust duct
connected to a second end of the connection tube to exhaust air flowing along the
connection tube to an external side.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drum type washing
machine, including: a tub; a connection tube having a first end connected to the tub
to define a passage along which air flows from the tub, the connection tube being
provided with an uneven portion absorbing vibration transmitted from the tub; a auxiliary
pipe inserted in the connection tube; an exhaust duct connected to a second end of
the connection tube to exhaust air flowing along the connection tube to an external
side.
[0017] According to the present invention, the damage of the connection tube connecting
the tub to the exhaust duct is not damaged by vibration generated during washing,
rinsing and spin-drying processes and the flow resistance of the air flowing along
the connection tube can be minimized.
[0018] In addition, by improving an internal structure of the connection tube, the airflow
may be improved by minimizing the accumulation of foreign objects such as nips in
the connection tube.
[0019] Furthermore, pressure loss in the connection tube can be minimized by improving the
structure of the connection tube.
[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are
intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding
of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application,
illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve
to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum type washing machine to which a feature of
the present invention can be applied;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a drum type washing machine depicted in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connection tube according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of a connection tube depicted in FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connection tube according to another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a connection tube depicted in FIG. 5; and
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connection tube according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer
to the same or like parts.
[0030] FIGs. 1 and 2 show a drum type washing machine with an exhaust type heat-drying function,
to which a feature of the present invention can be applied.
[0031] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, a drum type washing machine 100 with an exhaust type
heat-drying function includes a case 2 defining an outer appearance, a front cover
111 attached on a front portion of the case 110, a door 120 pivotally mounted on a
center of the front cover 110 to selectively opening and closing a laundry loading/unloading
opening, a tub 130 disposed in the case 110 to storing washing water, a drum 135 disposed
in the tub 130 and storing laundry.
[0032] The drum type washing machine 100 further includes a driving motor 140 connected
to a shaft of the drum 135 to rotate the drum 135, a control panel 112 mounted on
a part of an upper portion of the front cover 111 and provided with a variety of buttons
for inputting an operation mode of the washing machine, a dispenser 150 inserted into
the case 110 to dispense a variety of laundry aiding agents such as a softening agent
and a detergent, and a water supply valve 180 mounted on a rear surface of the case
110 to supply the washing water to the dispenser 150.
[0033] The drum type washing machine 100 further includes a water supply tube 181 connecting
the water supply valve 180 to the dispenser 150 to allow the washing water to be directed
to the dispenser 150 and a bellows connecting the dispenser 150 to the tub 130 to
allow the washing machine directed to and mixed with the laundry aid agents to flow
into the tub 130.
[0034] The drum type washing machine 100 further comprises a damper 131 mounted on an outer
bottom of the tub 130 to absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates 135, a drain
tube 171 connected to the outer bottom of the tube 130 to define a passage to drain
wastewater after the washing process is finished, a drain pump 170 connected to a
distal end of the drain tube 171 to pump out the wastewater, and a drain hose 172
draining the wastewater pumped by the drain pump 170 out of the case 110.
[0035] The drum type washing machine further includes a drying duct 161 directing indoor
air into the drum 135 when the drying process is initiated after the washing and rinsing
processes are finished, a heater 162 mounted in the drying duct 161 to heat the indoor
air passing through the drying duct 161, a dry fan 160 mounted in the drying duct
161 to suck the indoor air, a connection tube exhausting the high temperature and
humidity air existed in the drum 135 to an external side, an exhaust duct 190 connected
to a distal end of the connection tube 200 and mounted on a sidewall of the case 110.
[0036] The operation of the above-described drum type washing machine 100 with the heat-drying
function will be described hereinafter.
[0037] The user first loads the laundry in the drum 135 after opening the door 120 and fills
the laundry aid agents such as detergent and softener in the dispenser 150. Then,
the user inputs the washing condition using the washing condition input buttons provided
on the control panel 112.
[0038] Then, the water supply valve 180 is turned on to supply the washing water to the
dispenser 150 through the water supply tube 181. The washing water supplied to the
dispenser 150 is mixed with the launder aid agents stored in the dispenser 150 and
is then dropt into the tube 130 through the bellows 151. Then, washing water is further
supplied to the tub 130 until the water is filled up to a predetermined level.
[0039] When the washing water reaches the predetermined level in the tub 130, the water
supply valve 180 is turned off and the driving motor 140 is driven. As a result, the
drum 135 shaft-connected to the driving motor 140 rotates to lift the laundry. The
laundry lifted to a top point is dropt so that the laundry can be washed by the collision
action with the washing water as well as the surface activation of the laundry aid
agents.
[0040] When the washing process performed for a preset time is finished, the wastewater
flows to the drain pump 170 along the drain tube 171. The wastewater directed to the
drain pump 170 is drained out of the washing machine along the drain hose 172 by the
pumping operation of the drain pump 170. When the rinsing process is initiated, clean
washing water is introduced into the drum 135 along the water supply tube 181. When
the rinsing process is finished, the spin-drying process is started. In the spin-drying
process, the drum 135 spins at a high speed so that the water absorbed in the laundry
can be removed by centrifugal force. When the spin-drying process is finished, the
heat-drying process is performed.
[0041] When the heat-drying process is initiated, the heater 162 is turned on and the indoor
air between the case 110 and the tub 130 is directed into the drying duct 161 by the
rotation of the dry fan 160. The air directed into the drying duct 161 is heated by
the heater 162, thereby being changed into a high temperature and dry state. The high
temperature and dry air is directed into the drum 135 to absorb the moisture socked
in the laundry, thereby being changed into the high temperature and humidity state
and exhausted out of the washing machine after being directed to the exhaust duct
190 along the connection tube 200 mounted on an upper portion of the tub 130.
[0042] That is, the connection tube 200 has a first end connected to the tub 130 and a second
end connected to the exhaust duct 190. Therefore, the vibration generated by the rotation
of the drum 135 is transmitted to the connection tube 200 via the tub 130. The vibration
transmitted to the connection tube 200 is absorbed by an uneven portion having a zigzag
section of the connection tube 200. This will be described in more detail later.
[0043] FIGs. 3 and 4 show the connection tube according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] According to a feature of the present invention, as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, the uneven
portion of the connection tube 200 is asymmetrically formed. The connection tube 200
is formed of a material having a predetermined flexibility and elasticity such as
a synthetic rubber so that it can effectively absorb the vibration transmitted from
the tub 130.
[0045] That is, the uneven portion 230 of the connection tube 200 includes a plurality of
circumferential peaks 231, a plurality of circumferential valleys 232 disposed between
the peaks 231, and a plurality of circumferential straight sections 233 interconnecting
the circumferential peaks 231 and the circumferential valleys 232. The circumferential
peaks 231 are elevated from the circumferential valleys 232 by a predetermined height
H. A diameter of each circumferential valley 232 is identical to an inner diameter
of an even portion of the connection tube 200.
[0046] Describing in more detail, vertical lines L1 extending from the circumferential peaks
231 are spaced by a predetermined distance Q1 from respective vertical lines L2 each
dividing a pitch P between the adjacent valleys 232 into equal two parts such that
the adjacent peaks 230 is asymmetrically located with reference to the respective
vertical lines L2. That is, the circumferential peaks are not located on the respective
vertical lines L2. Preferably, the circumferential peaks are located on an upstream
side of the airflow.
[0047] Generally, when the connection tube 200 is provided with the uneven portion, the
wind run is reduced by 20-30% and the pressure loss is increased by 50-60% as compared
with a case the connection pipe is not provided with the uneven portion.
[0048] In addition, when the uneven portion 230 is asymmetrically formed as described above,
it can be noted that the pressure loss is reduced and the wind run is increased as
compared with a case where the uneven portion 230 is symmetrically formed. That is,
with reference to an airflow direction, an angle □1 between one C1 of the adjacent
straight sections 233, which is located at the upstream side of the airflow, and a
horizontal plane is designed to be greater than an angle □2 between the other C2 of
the adjacent straight sections 233, which is located at the downstream side of the
airflow, and the horizontal plane. In this case, the wind run is increased and the
pressure loss is reduced.
[0049] A test for measuring the wind run and the pressure loss in the case where the uneven
portion is designed having adjacent peaks asymmetrically located as described above
was conducted. The test was conducted in a state where that a ratio between the distance
Q1 and the pitch P is set to be about 1:5. According to the test results, the pressure
loss was reduced by 8.3% and the wind run was increased by 7.5% as compared with a
case where the adjacent peaks are symmetrically located.
[0050] For the test results, it can be noted that, when the vertical lines 1 extending from
the peaks are spaced from the respective vertical lines L2, the airflow loss is reduced
and the wind run is increased.
[0051] As described above, by forming the above-described uneven portion 230 on the connection
tube 200, the transmission of the vibration and noise from the tub 130 to the exhaust
duct 190 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the peaks of the uneven portion 230
are asymmetrically formed, the airflow loss in the connection tube 200 is reduced
while the wind run is increased.
[0052] FIGs. 5 and 6 show a connection tube according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 6, a connection tube 300 of this embodiment interconnects
the tub 130 and the exhaust duct 190. The exhaust duct 190 is mounted on a sidewall
of the case 110, preferably, on a rear-upper surface of the case 110.
[0054] That is, the connection tube 300 has a tub connection portion 310 connected to the
tub 130 and an exhaust duct connection portion 320 connected to the exhaust duct 190.
An uneven portion 330 is formed between the tub connection portion 310 and the exhaust
duct connection portion 320. The connection tube 320 may be bent when the heights
of the tub 130 and the exhaust duct 190 are not identical to each other. The connection
tube 300 is formed of a material having a predetermined flexibility and elasticity
so that it can effectively absorb the vibration transmitted from the tub 130. An evenly-surfaced
sub pipe 340 is inserted in an inner circumference with an even surface pipe 340.
The connection tube 300 is provided with a fixing member 350 fixing an upstream end
of the auxiliary pipe 340.
[0055] The uneven portion 330 includes a plurality of circumferential peaks 331, a plurality
of circumferential valleys 332 located between the circumferential peaks, and a plurality
of circumferential straight sections 333 connecting circumferential peaks 331 to the
circumferential valleys 332. A diameter of each circumferential valley 332 is identical
to an inner diameter of an even portion of the connecting tube 300.
[0056] The upstream end of the auxiliary pipe 340 is fixed on the inner circumference of
the connection tube 300 by the fixing member 350. The fixing member 350 is a fastener
such as screws and strip penetrating the connection tube 300 and the auxiliary pipe
340. That is, the fixing member 350 may be formed of a plurality of screws screwed
around the connection pipe 300 at a predetermined distance from each other.
[0057] The fixing member 350 is not limited to a specific element, but formed of a variety
of elements that can fix the auxiliary pipe 340 to the inner circumference of the
connection tube 300.
[0058] In addition, the auxiliary pipe 340 may be formed of a material that is more flexible
than the connection tube 300. When the air does not flow along the connection tube
300, a downstream end of the auxiliary pipe 340, which is not fixed on the connection
tube 300, is slightly sagged by self-gravity. The uneven portion 330 of the connection
tube 330 is repeatedly contracted and expanded by the vibration generated by the drum
135 rotating by the driving motor 140, thereby absorbing the vibration transmitted
from the tub 130.
[0059] When the high temperature and humidity air flows along the connection tube 300 during
the heat-drying process, the downstream end of the auxiliary pipe 340 is returned
to completely contact the inner circumference of the connection tube 300. As a result,
the air flowing along the connection tube 300 does not collide with the uneven portion
330, thereby avoiding the vortex phenomenon. That is, the air flowing along the connection
tube 300 is not affected by the uneven portion 330 by the auxiliary pipe 340.
[0060] In addition, it is preferable that the auxiliary pipe 340 is designed having a length
at least identical or greater than that of the uneven portion 330 to completely cover
the inner circumference of the uneven portion 330, thereby preventing the air flowing
along the connection tube 300 from flowing into the uneven portion 330.
[0061] FIG. 7 shows a connection tube according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, both downstream and upstream ends of the auxiliary pipe 340
are fixed on the connection tube 300 by fixing members 350.
[0063] In this case, the auxiliary pipe 340 is formed of a material having a high flexibility.
Therefore, the vibration generation from the drum may be absorbed by the auxiliary
pipe 340 as well as the uneven portion 330. The uneven portion 330 of the connection
tube 330 is repeatedly contracted and expanded by the vibration, thereby absorbing
the vibration transmitted from the tub 130. At this same time of this, the auxiliary
pipe 340 is flexibly moved to absorb the vibration.
[0064] According to this embodiment, since the auxiliary pipe 340 having an even surface
is inserted around the inner circumference of the connection tube 300 to cover the
uneven portion 330, the pressure loss of the air is reduced and the wind run is increased.
[0065] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within
the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
1. A drum type washing machine comprising:
a tub;
a case receiving the tub;
a connection tube having a first end connected to the tub to define a passage along
which air flows from the tub, the connection tube being provided with an uneven portion
having a plurality of peaks and valleys and a plurality of straight sections connecting
the peaks to the valleys, the peaks and valleys being asymmetrically formed; and
an exhaust duct connected to a second end of the connection tube to exhaust air flowing
along the connection tube to an external side.
2. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the peaks and valleys
are formed along a circumference of the connection tube.
3. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein first vertical lines extending
from the circumferential peaks are spaced by a predetermined distance from respective
second vertical lines each dividing a pitch between the adjacent valleys into equal
two parts to an upstream side of the airflow.
4. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein an angle between one of
the adjacent straight sections, which is located at an upstream side of airflow, and
a horizontal plane is designed to be greater than an angle between the other of the
adjacent straight sections, which is located at a downstream side of the airflow,
and the horizontal plane.
5. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the connection tube is
formed of a material having a predetermined flexibility to absorb vibration transmitted
from the tub.
6. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the connection tube is
formed of a synthetic rubber.
7. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a ratio between a distance
between vertical lines extending from the adjacent valleys and a distance between
a vertical line and a vertical line dividing the distance between the adjacent valleys
into equal two parts is about 5:1.
8. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe inserted
in the connection tube.
9. The drum type washing machine according to claim 8, wherein at least a downstream
end of the pipe is fixed on an inner circumference of the connection tube.
10. The drum type washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the pipe is inserted to
cover the uneven portion so that the airflow can be smoothly realized.
11. A drum type washing machine comprising:
a tub;
a connection tube having a first end connected to the tub to define a passage along
which air flows from the tub, the connection tube being provided with an uneven portion
absorbing vibration transmitted from the tub;
a auxiliary pipe inserted in the connection tube; and
an exhaust duct connected to a second end of the connection tube to exhaust air flowing
along the connection tube to an external side.
12. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein at least downstream end
of the auxiliary pipe is fixed on the connection tube.
13. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, further comprising a fixing member
fixing at least downstream end of the auxiliary pipe on the connection tube.
14. The drum type washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the fixing member is
formed in a strip-shape formed around the connection tube.
15. The drum type washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the fixing member is
provided in plurality provided around the connection tube at a predetermined distance
from each other.
16. The drum type washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the fixing member is
formed of at least one screw.
17. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary pipe is
formed in a cylindrical shape having an even inner circumference.
18. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary pipe is
formed of a material having a predetermined flexibility.
19. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary pipe is
formed of a rubber material to effectively absorb vibration.
20. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein a flexibility of the
auxiliary pipe is greater than that of the connection tube.
21. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein a length of the auxiliary
pipe is equal to or greater than that of the uneven portion.
22. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the uneven portion having
a plurality of peaks and valleys and a plurality of straight sections connecting the
peaks to the valleys, the peaks and valleys being asymmetrically formed with reference
to a first vertical line dividing a pitch between the adjacent valleys into equal
two parts.
23. The drum type washing machine according to claim 11, wherein an angle between one
of the adjacent straight sections, which is located at an upstream side of airflow,
and a horizontal plane is designed to be greater than an angle between the other of
the adjacent straight sections, which is located at a downstream side of the airflow,
and the horizontal plane.