Patent Description:
A washing machine, which is configured in such a way that a detergent box containing detergent or bleach is provided on a water supply path, and the detergent is supplied to a washing tub from the detergent box with water at the time of water supply, thereby automatically supplying the detergent to the washing tub, is disclosed in the available prior art.

Both <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a washing machine including a water supply plate configured to supply washing water, supplied from a supply pipe, to a detergent box of a detergent supplier.

Such a washing machine has noise and residual water caused by the detergent box.

In order to prevent the residual water in a detergent container <NUM> (i.e., a detergent box), a washing machine of the available prior art may be provided with a drain aperture <NUM>, which is formed on a water supply path 31b for supplying water to a water inlet <NUM>, and an inclined portion <NUM>, which is inclined downward from the water inlet <NUM> to the drain aperture <NUM>, so as to allow water remaining in the water supply path 31b to be discharged to the drain aperture <NUM> without leaking from the water inlet <NUM>.

However, due to the structure of the detergent container <NUM>, the water supply path 31b does not have a sufficient height. Therefore, an inclination angle of the inclined portion <NUM> is very small and thus, when the residual water is large, the residual water may easily rise along the inclined portion <NUM> and then leak from the water inlet <NUM>.

Further, in such a washing machine, it is common to supply a large amount of water intensely to distribute detergent into water so as to move the detergent into a washing tub without detergent remaining in the detergent container. Therefore, noise is generated as air is drawn in the water supply path 31b or water currents collide with each other.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a washing machine capable of effectively supplying detergent to a tub while preventing noise and residual water.

In accordance with the present invention, a washing machine is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

As is apparent from the above description, a washing machine may effectively supply detergent to a tub while preventing noise and residual water.

Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary ski11 in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, the terms of "front end", "rear end", "upper portion", "lower portion", "upper end", "lower end" and the like may be defined by the drawings, but the shape and the location of the component is not limited by the term.

The following description is merely illustrative in nature and does not limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or its use. In addition, the front and rear direction, left and right direction, and up and down direction used by the following description are based on the arrow shown in <FIG> unless there is particular notice.

Hereinafter "detergent" may be used to include various types of detergents such as powder detergent and liquid detergent. In addition, the term "detergent" may be used to include not only general detergents but also various materials used for washing such as softeners and bleaches.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

A washing machine <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is a drum type washing machine. Further, the washing machine <NUM> is an automatic washing machine which is configured to automatically perform a series of process related to washing such as a washing process, a rinse process, and a dehydration process.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> includes a body <NUM>, a tub <NUM>. The washing machine may further include a drum <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, and a drain pump <NUM>. In order to automatically supply detergent while supplying water, the washing machine <NUM> further includes a detergent supplier <NUM> including a detergent box <NUM> and a water supply plate <NUM>. The detergent supplier <NUM> may further include a detergent box housing <NUM>.

The body <NUM> is a box-shaped container formed of a panel or a frame, and the body <NUM> may form an appearance of the washing machine <NUM>. The front of the body <NUM> is formed with a circular inlet <NUM> for putting in or taking out the laundry. The inlet <NUM> is provided with a door <NUM> having a transparent window. The inlet <NUM> is opened and closed by the door <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> is arranged inside the body <NUM>. Particularly, the tub <NUM> communicating with the inlet <NUM> is placed inside the body <NUM>. The tub <NUM> is formed by a cylindrical container having a bottom, and an opening of the tub <NUM> is connected to the inlet <NUM>. The tub <NUM> is supported by a damper provided inside the body <NUM> so that the tub <NUM> is stabilized in a posture in which a central axis J of the tub <NUM> is slightly inclined upward. A discharge port <NUM> is provided under the tub <NUM>. The discharge port <NUM> is connected to the drain pump <NUM>. The drain pump <NUM> discharges the water collected in the tub <NUM> such as washing water or rinsing water to the outside of the washing machine <NUM> through a discharge pipe <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> is installed in a rear part of the tub <NUM>. A shaft <NUM> of the motor <NUM> penetrates the rear of the tub <NUM> and protrudes into the tub <NUM>. A front end of the shaft <NUM> is fixed to the center of the rear part of the drum <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may be rotatably arranged inside the tub <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is formed by a cylindrical container having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the tub <NUM>, and the drum <NUM> is arranged in the tub <NUM> in a state in which the central axis J of the drum <NUM> is aligned with the tub <NUM>. A circular opening <NUM> corresponding to the inlet <NUM> is formed on a front surface of the drum <NUM>. A plurality of dehydration holes <NUM> are formed on the entire of the drum <NUM> (some of the dehydration holes are shown in <FIG>). Further, an alternate lifter <NUM> is provided in a plurality of places on the inner surface of the side portion.

Although a detailed structure is omitted, the front portion of the drum <NUM> is rotatably supported by the inlet <NUM>. Therefore, the drum <NUM> rotates about the central axis J by the drive of the motor <NUM>. In addition, a controller (not shown) including a CPU, and a memory for controlling the driving of each device of the washing machine <NUM> such as the motor <NUM> and the drain pump <NUM> is provided above the body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of a detergent supplier of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the detergent supplier <NUM> is configured to supply detergent to the tub <NUM>. The detergent supplier <NUM> may include the detergent box <NUM>, the detergent box housing <NUM>, and the water supply plate <NUM>. The detergent supplier <NUM> may be provided inside the body <NUM>, and arranged above the tub <NUM>. The detergent housing <NUM> and the water supply plate <NUM> may be fixed to the body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the detergent box <NUM> may be provided to be taken out from the front of the body <NUM>. That is, the detergent box <NUM> may be installed to be inserted into the body <NUM> and to be taken out from the body <NUM>. In other words, the detergent box <NUM> may be provided to be taken out from the detergent box housing <NUM>.

The detergent box housing <NUM> is a tray-shaped container having a length in the front-rear direction. An opening <NUM> on which the water supply plate <NUM> is mounted is formed on an upper surface of the detergent box housing <NUM>. The bottom of the detergent box housing <NUM> is inclined downward toward the rear. A water outlet <NUM> is formed at the rear end of the bottom of the detergent box housing <NUM>. Through a connection pipe 722a, the water outlet <NUM> is connected to a tub water inlet <NUM> opened on the upper portion of the tub <NUM>.

The front surface of the detergent box housing <NUM> is formed with a mounting opening <NUM> into which the detergent box <NUM> is inserted or from which the detergent box <NUM> is taken out. The detergent box housing <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM> such that the mounting opening <NUM> is opened to the front of the body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The detergent box <NUM> may include a detergent box body 71a accommodated in the detergent box housing <NUM> and a detergent box cover 71b provided in front of the detergent box body 71a. The detergent box cover 71b is provided to cover the mounting opening <NUM> based on a state of the detergent box <NUM> being accommodated in the detergent box housing <NUM>. A groove portion <NUM> serving as a handle is formed on a front surface of the detergent box cover 71b.

The detergent box body 71a may be provided with a plural ity of accommodating portions 714a, 714b, 714c, and 714d (four portions from a first to a fourth accommodating portions are provided according to an embodiment) in which detergent may be accommodated. The accommodating portions 714a, 714b, 714c, and 714d are respectively formed in the form of a tray, and a water inlet opening <NUM> is provided on the upper surface thereof.

Particularly, the first accommodating portion 714a may be arranged on the front left side of the detergent box body 71a. The second accommodating portion 714b may be arranged on the front right side of the detergent box body 71a. The third accommodating portion 714c may be arranged on the rear right side of the detergent box body 71a. The fourth accommodating portion 714d (actually, used for drainage) may be arranged on the rear left side of the detergent box body 71a. The fourth accommodating portion 714d may be referred to as a "preliminary accommodating portion".

For example, when washing is performed, detergent (powder or liquid) is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 714a. Further, softener (powder or liquid) is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 714b as needed. Bleach (powder or liquid) is accommodated in the third accommodating portion 714c.

When water is supplied to the first accommodating portion 714a, the second accommodating portion 714b, and the third accommodating portion 714c, the water is supplied from the water supply plate <NUM>. Therefore, the detergents accommodated in the accommodating portions are mixed with water. The water mixed with the detergents is discharged from the detergent box housing <NUM> through a discharge structure, and the water mixed with the detergents flows into the tub <NUM> through the water outlet <NUM>, the connection pipe 722a and the tub water inlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of a detergent supplier of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an internal structure of a water supply plate in the detergent supplier of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, an upper view is a view of an inside of the water supply plate when viewed from the top and a lower view is a cross sectional view taken along line V-V of the upper view.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water supply plate <NUM> is configured to supply water, which is supplied from the water supply pipe, to the detergent box <NUM>. The water supply plate <NUM> may be formed of a rectangular plate-shaped member having a long length in the front-rear direction and having a relatively thick thickness. The water supply plate <NUM> may be mounted on the upper portion of the detergent housing <NUM> to cover the upper portion of the detergent box body 71a of the detergent box <NUM>. A first water supply nozzle <NUM>, a second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and a third water supply nozzle <NUM> may be provided on a rear wall 73bb of the water supply plate <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> further includes a water supply pipe configured to supply water to the detergent supplier <NUM>. The water supply pipe may include a first water supply pipe <NUM> and a second water supply pipe <NUM>.

The water supply plate <NUM> further includes the water supply nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> connected to the water supply pipe. The water supply nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM>.

Through the first water supply pipe <NUM> provided in the body <NUM>, the first water supply nozzle <NUM> may be connected to a first water supply source provided outside the washing machine <NUM>. The second water supply nozzle <NUM> and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> may be connected to a second water source provided outside the washing machine <NUM> through the second water supply pipe <NUM> branched in the middle. That is, the second water supply pipe <NUM> may be branched into two water supply pipes. One of the two water supply pipes may be connected to the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the other of the two water supply pipes may be connected to the third water supply nozzle <NUM>.

One of the first water supply source and the second water supply source may supply water at room temperature (general tap water). For example, the first water supply source may supply water at room temperature, and the second water supply source may supply hot water, and vice versa.

Each branch portion of the first water supply pipe <NUM> and the second water supply pipe <NUM> may be provided with a solenoid valve <NUM> for opening and closing the flow path under the control of the controller. Each of the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> introduces water into the water supply plate <NUM> under control while supplying water.

The water supply plate <NUM> may include a plate body 73a having an open top surface, and a plate cover 73b provided to cover the open top surface of the plate body 73a. The plate body 73a and the plate cover 73b may form an exterior of the water supply plate <NUM>. The plate cover 73b may be integrated with the plate body 73a by being inserted into the open top surface of the plate body 73a. The plate cover 73b may be welded to the plate body 73a, but the plate cover 73b according to an embodiment is press-fitted to the plate body 73a. Accordingly, the inside of the water supply plate <NUM> may be sealed and a wide space in the transverse direction may be formed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water supply plate <NUM> further includes a plurality of ribs 734a, 734b, 734c, and 734d. The plurality of ribs 734a, 734b, 734c, and 734d may be provided inside the plate body 73a. Particularly, the plurality of ribs 734a, 734b, 734c, and 734d may be provided on the bottom surface of the plate body 73a. By the plurality of ribs 734a, 734b, 734c, and 734d, an inner space of the plate body 73a may be divided into a plurality of spaces having an open top surface. In addition, the plate cover 73b is press-fitted into the plate body 73a so that the upper portion of each space is closed, and thus a plurality of sealed spaces may be formed in the water supply plate <NUM>. In other words, the plurality of ribs 734a, 734b, 734c, and 734d may be provided to define flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The water supply plate <NUM> further includes water supply portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> configured to supply washing water to the accommodating portions 714a, 714b, and 714c, and the flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> configured to guide washing water, which is supplied through the water supply nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, to the water supply portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The water supply portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first water supply portion <NUM>, the second water supply portion <NUM>, and the third water supply portion <NUM>. The water supply portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed in the water supply plate <NUM>. The first water supply portion <NUM> may be arranged on the front left side of the water supply plate <NUM> and positioned above the first accommodating portion 714a. The second water supply portion <NUM> may be arranged on the front right side of the water supply plate <NUM> and positioned above the second accommodating portion 714b. The third water supply portion <NUM> may be arranged on the rear right side of the water supply plate <NUM> and positioned above the third accommodating portion 714c.

A plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM> are formed in the water supply portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Particularly, the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM> may be formed to pass through the bottom surface of each of the first water supply portion <NUM>, the second water supply portion <NUM>, and the third water supply portion <NUM>. The first water supply portion <NUM> may communicate with the first accommodating portion 714a through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM> formed in the first water supply portion <NUM>. The second water supply portion <NUM> may communicate with the second accommodating portion 714b through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM> formed in the second water supply portion <NUM>. The third water supply portion <NUM> may communicate with the third accommodating portion 714c through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM> formed in the third water supply portion <NUM>.

The flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first flow path <NUM>, the second flow path <NUM>, and the third flow path <NUM>. Details of the flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> will be described later.

The first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> are arranged in the transverse direction and fixed to a rear edge of the plate body 73a. In other words, the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> may be arranged on the rear wall 73bb of the water supply plate <NUM>. The first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> extend approximately parallel to a long side of the plate body 73a when viewed from the left and right direction corresponding to the transverse direction, as illustrated in the lower view of <FIG>. Further, the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> extend in a direction inclined with respect to the long side of the plate body 73a when viewed from the up and down direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in the upper view of <FIG>.

Particularly, the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is arranged on the left side of the rear edge of the plate body 73a and extends from the rear left side to the front right side. The second water supply nozzle <NUM> is adjacent to the first water supply nozzle <NUM> and extends substantially parallel to the first water supply nozzle <NUM> from the rear left side to the front right side. In contrast, the third water supply nozzle <NUM> is arranged on the right side of the rear edge of the plate body 73a and extends from the rear right to the front left side. The third water supply nozzle <NUM> is arranged to be line symmetrical with the second water supply nozzle <NUM> with respect to an injection axis F extending in the front-rear direction. In other words, the third water supply nozzle <NUM> and the second water supply nozzle <NUM> may be arranged in a V shape with respect to the injection axis F.

The water supply nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a water supply hole <NUM> provided to supply washing water to the flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Particularly, each of the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, the second water supply nozzle <NUM>, and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> has the water supply hole <NUM> provided on each front end thereof. The water supply hole <NUM> is formed in such a way that a flow path cross section thereof becomes narrow so as to intensely spray water using the hydraulic action.

The first flow path <NUM> may be defined by the first rib 734a and the second rib 734b. Particularly, a side portion of the first flow path <NUM> is partitioned by the first rib 734a and the second rib 734b extending substantially parallel to each other, and the first flow path <NUM> is configured to guide the water flowing from the first water supply nozzle <NUM> to the first water supply portion <NUM>. The first flow path <NUM> may be elongated in a band shape along the front-rear direction in the left portion of the water supply plate <NUM>. An upstream side end of the second rib 734b is connected to the rear edge of the plate body 73a. In other words, the upstream side end of the second rib 734b may be connected to the rear wall 73bb of the water supply plate <NUM>. A downstream side end of the second rib 734b is placed in the first water supply portion <NUM>.

In contrast, an upstream side end of the first rib 734a is bent near the rear edge of the plate body 73a and then connected to the left surface portion of the plate body 73a. In other words, the upstream side end of the first rib 734a may be connected to a left wall 73cc of the water supply plate <NUM>. Accordingly, a branch flow path <NUM> described later may be formed. A downstream side end of the first rib 734a is placed in the first water supply portion <NUM>. A downstream side end of the first flow path <NUM> is opened to an approximate center of the first water supply portion <NUM>. The upstream side end of the first flow path <NUM> is almost closed, and a front end of the first water supply nozzle <NUM> protrudes thereon.

The second flow path <NUM> may be defined by the third rib 734c and the fourth rib 734d. Particularly, a side portion of the second flow path <NUM> is partitioned by the third rib 734c and the fourth rib 734d, and the second flow path <NUM> is configured to guide the water flowing from the second water supply nozzle <NUM> and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> to the second water supply portion <NUM>. The second flow path <NUM> may be elongated along the front-rear direction in the right portion of the water supply plate <NUM>. An upstream side end of the third rib 734c and the fourth rib 734d are bent inward in a U-shape and face each other with a gap therebetween.

Accordingly, an inlet 739a of the second flow path <NUM> may be formed. The inlet 739a of the second flow path <NUM> faces a front end of the second water supply nozzle <NUM> and a front end of the third water supply nozzle <NUM> at a distance in the front-rear direction. The injection axis F passes through the approximate center of the inlet 739a of the second flow path <NUM>.

A downstream side end of the third rib 734c is connected to a front edge of the plate body 73a. In other words, the downstream side end of the third rib 734c may be connected to a front wall 73aa of the water supply plate <NUM>. A downstream side end of the fourth rib 734d is connected to an approximate center of the right side surface of the plate body 73a. In other words, the downstream side end of the fourth rib 734d may be connected to an approximate center of a right wall 73dd of the water supply plate <NUM>. The second water supply portion <NUM> is partitioned by the downstream side end of the second flow path <NUM>.

Further, the third water supply portion <NUM> is partitioned by the fourth rib 734d. An opening between the upstream side end of the fourth rib 734d and the right side surface of the plate body 73a serves as an inlet through which water flows into the third water supply portion <NUM>.

The third flow path <NUM> may be defined by the second rib 734b and the third rib 734c. Particularly, the third flow path <NUM> may be formed between the second rib 734b and the third rib 734c. The third flow path <NUM> extends rearward from the first water supply portion <NUM> along the first flow path <NUM>. The front end of the third flow path <NUM> is placed in the first water supply portion <NUM>, and opened thereon. A rear end of the third flow path <NUM> is joined to an upstream portion of the inlet 739a of the second flow path <NUM> and opened thereon. In other words, the third flow path <NUM> may be provided between the first flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM>. The third flow path <NUM> may be provided to be joined to the second flow path <NUM> at an upstream side of the third flow path <NUM>.

The second water supply nozzle <NUM> is directed to an entrance of the third water supply portion <NUM> so that the sprayed water is directed to the third water supply portion <NUM>. The third water supply nozzle <NUM> is directed to an opening of the third flow path <NUM> so that the sprayed water is directed to the third flow path <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to supply water to the third water supply portion <NUM> by spraying water from the second water supply nozzle <NUM> without spraying water from the third water supply nozzle <NUM>. In contrast, it is possible to supply water to the first water supply portion <NUM> through the third flow path <NUM> by spraying water from the third water supply nozzle <NUM> without spraying water from the second water supply nozzle <NUM>. Further, it is possible to supply water to the second water supply portion <NUM> because water is sprayed from both of the second water supply nozzle <NUM> and the third water supply nozzle <NUM> and water is joined and flows along the injection axis F.

Water may be supplied to the first water supply portion <NUM> by spraying water from the first water supply nozzle <NUM>. When water is sprayed from the first water supply nozzle <NUM> and the third water supply nozzle <NUM>, the amount of water supplied to the first water supply portion <NUM> may be increased. Water supplied to the first water supply portion <NUM> is supplied to the first accommodating portion 714a through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM>. Therefore, the water may be supplied to the tub <NUM> in the state the water is mixed with detergent.

In the same manner, water supplied to the second water supply portion <NUM> is supplied to the second accommodating portion 714b through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM>. Therefore, water may be supplied to the tub in a state in which the water is mixed with the softener. The water supplied to the third water supply portion <NUM> is supplied to the third accommodating portion 714c through the plurality of washing water moving holes <NUM>. Therefore, the water may be supplied to the tub in a state in which the water is mixed with the bleach.

When water flows into the water supply plate <NUM>, a large amount of water may flow intensely and thus noise may occur while the water currents collide with each other.

A study for the noise is reflected in the first flow path <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment. Hereinafter the noise countermeasure will be described.

<FIG> illustrates an enlarged view of a main part of <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water supply plate <NUM> further includes a flow path partition <NUM>. The flow path partition <NUM> is provided in the upstream side of the first flow path <NUM> in such a way that a flow path cross section of the first flow path <NUM> in the upstream side is smaller than a flow path cross section of the first flow path <NUM> in the downstream. The flow path partition <NUM> may protrude from the upstream side of the first flow path <NUM>. The flow path partition <NUM> may be formed on the first flow path <NUM> to be spaced apart from at least one of the first rib 734a and the second rib 734b.

Particularly, a plurality of flow path partitions <NUM> is provided along the first flow path <NUM> on the upstream side of the first flow path <NUM>. The size of the flow path cross section of the first flow path <NUM>, which is reduced by the plurality of flow path partitions <NUM>, becomes larger as the first flow path <NUM> becomes closer to the downstream of the first flow path <NUM>.

The plurality of flow path partitions <NUM> may include at least one first flow path partition 8a spaced apart from the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, and at least one second flow path partition 8b formed on the downstream side of the at least one first flow path partition 8a to be spaced apart from the at least one first flow path partition 8a. In other words, in the upstream side end of the first flow path <NUM>, the at least one first flow path partition 8a and the at least one second flow path partition 8b are sequentially installed at a distance from the upstream side. The at least one first flow path partition 8a and the at least one second flow path partition 8b are formed by a protrusion for reducing the flow path cross section of the first flow path <NUM>, particularly, the protrusion is formed in a small rib shape protruding from the inside of the first flow path <NUM>. However, the shape of the flow path partition <NUM> is not limited thereto, and thus the flow path partition <NUM> may have various shapes as long as capable of reducing the flow path cross section of the first flow path <NUM>.

Because the at least one first flow path partition 8a and the at least one second flow path partition 8b have the same top and bottom sizes, when comparing a width W1 between the at least one first flow path partitions 8a with a width W2 between the at least one second flow path partitions 8b (total value), which is proportional to the size of the flow path cross section, the width W2 between the at least one second flow path partitions 8b is greater than the width W1 of the at least one first flow path partition 8a (hereinafter the flow path cross section is expressed by D).

Accordingly, by gradually increasing the flow path cross section at a distance along the direction in which the water flows, the momentum of the flowing water may be suppressed gradually, and as a result, the noise may be effectively suppressed. In an experiment, it can be seen that a slight noise suppression effect is confirmed even when the flow path partition <NUM> is installed as one stage and a sufficient noise suppression effect is confirmed when the flow path partition <NUM> is installed as two or more stages in comparison with the singe stage of the flow path partition <NUM>.

In addition, in the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment, the water supply hole <NUM> of the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is formed smaller than a cross section of any flow path of the first flow path <NUM> which is reduced by the plurality of flow path partitions <NUM>. That is, because a flow path cross section D1 of the first flow path partition part 8a is larger than a flow path cross section D0 of the water supply hole <NUM>, the same effect as when providing the flow path partition <NUM> having three stages may be obtained. Therefore, the noise may be further suppressed.

Because the inside of the water supply plate <NUM> is a narrow space, it is likely to retain water. When there is residual water, the water supply plate <NUM> may be damaged by freezing in a cold region. Particularly, in the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment, because the flow path partitions <NUM> are provided adjacent to each other in the upstream side of the first flow path <NUM>, residual water tends to accumulate.

Therefore, the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment may effectively prevent the residual water.

The water supply plate <NUM> may further include the branch flow path <NUM>. The branch flow path <NUM> may be provided to branch from the first flow path <NUM> between the at least one first flow path partition 8a and the first water supply nozzle <NUM>. Particularly, the branch flow path <NUM> may branch from a space between the at least one first flow path partition 8a, which is placed at the most upstream side of the first flow path <NUM>, and the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, which is the space corresponds to the uppermost portion of the first flow path <NUM>. The branch flow path <NUM> is provided at a corner of the rear left side of the water supply plate <NUM> on the side opposite to the direction to which the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is directed. In other words, the water supply plate <NUM> may include the rear wall 73bb (refer to <FIG>) in which the water supply nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged, the left wall 73cc (refer to <FIG>) bent and extended from one end of the rear wall 73bb, and the right wall 73dd (refer to <FIG>) bent and extended from the other end of the rear wall 73bb to face the left wall 73cc. The branch flow path <NUM> is provided to branch from the first flow path <NUM> so as to be directed to the left wall 73cc of the water supply plate <NUM>, and the first water supply nozzle <NUM> may be installed on the rear wall 73bb of the water supply plate <NUM> in such a way that the water supply hole <NUM> is directed to the right wall 73dd of the water supply plate <NUM>. Therefore, it is difficult for the water injected from the first water supply nozzle <NUM> to flow into the branch flow path <NUM>.

Further, a flow path cross section D9 of the branch flow path <NUM> is formed smaller than the flow path cross section D1 of the first flow path <NUM> reduced by the at least first flow path partition 8a. Therefore, the water injected from the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is more difficult to flow into the branch flow path <NUM>.

A drain hole 9a may be formed on the branch flow path <NUM>. Particularly, the drain hole 9a may be formed at the end portion of the branch flow path <NUM> to penetrate the bottom surface of the water supply plate <NUM>. In other words, the drain hole 9a may be formed at a corner portion of the water supply plate <NUM> formed by the rear wall 73bb and the left wall 73cc of the water supply plate <NUM>. In addition, the drain hole 9a may be formed at the upstream side of the flow path partition <NUM>. Particularly, the drain hole 9a may be formed at the upstream of the at least one first flow path partition 8a. Thus, the water flowing into the branch flow path <NUM> may fall into the preliminary fourth accommodating portion 714d through the drain hole 9a. Further, when water is not introduced from the first water supply nozzle <NUM>, air flows into the first flow path <NUM> through the drain hole 9a and thus the inside of the first flow path <NUM> is maintained at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, water may sufficiently flow through the first water supply portion <NUM> and the first flow path <NUM>.

In addition, the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment may prevent residual water in other space. That is, an inclined surface 740a is provided in an end portion of the third flow path <NUM> on the side of the second flow path <NUM> to be inclined downward toward the second flow path <NUM>, and a drain aperture <NUM> is formed on a lower end of the inclined surface 740a. That is, the inclined surface 740a may be formed at the upstream side end of the third flow path <NUM> to be inclined downward toward the second flow path <NUM>, and the drain aperture <NUM> may be formed on an end of the inclined surface 740a directed to the second flow path <NUM>. The drain aperture <NUM> may be formed on an end of the inclined surface 740a to be adjacent to the second water supply nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line W-W of <FIG>. That is, <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross section of an end portion of the third flow path <NUM> on the side of the second flow path <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the end portion of the third flow path <NUM> on the side of the second flow path <NUM> is formed by the inclined surface 740a inclined downward toward a portion joined to the second flow path <NUM>. Further, the drain aperture <NUM> is formed to pass through the bottom surface along the second rib 734b in which the lower end of the inclined surface 740a is placed.

Therefore, water flowing back from the first water supply portion <NUM> through the third flow path <NUM> is guided to the drain aperture <NUM> by the inclined surface 740a, and the water falls into the preliminary fourth accommodating portion 714d placed below the drain aperture <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water supplied to the first water supply portion <NUM> from being incorrectly supplied to the second water supply portion <NUM> or the third water supply portion <NUM> through the third flow path <NUM>.

Because water collected in the second water supply port ion <NUM> and the third water supply portion <NUM> is discharged through the drain aperture <NUM>, it is possible to prevent water from being left on the second water supply portion <NUM> and the third water supply portion <NUM>.

Further, as for the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment, the plate cover 73b is press-fitted into the plate body 73a without being welded on the water supply plate <NUM>. Therefore, a gap may be generated between an upper end portion such as the second rib 734b, and plate cover 73b. Further, as for the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment, the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is directed to the upstream side end of the second rib 734b, and the front end of the first water supply nozzle <NUM> and the upstream side end of the second rib 734b are adjacent to each other. That is, the water supply hole <NUM> of the first water supply nozzle <NUM> may be directed to the second rib 734b.

Therefore, the water sprayed from the first water supply nozzle <NUM> may leak to the outside of the first flow path <NUM> through the gap between the second rib 734b and the plate cover 73b. On the other hand, as for the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment, the drain aperture <NUM> is formed on the outside of the portion to which the first water supply nozzle <NUM> is directed, in the first flow path <NUM>. That is, the drain aperture <NUM> is ormed on the outside of the second rib 734b to discharge the washing water leaking from the first flow path <NUM>. Particularly, the drain aperture <NUM> may be formed on the outside of the second rib 734b to be arranged between the first water supply nozzle <NUM> and the flow path partition <NUM>. More particularly, the drain aperture <NUM> may be formed on the outside of the second rib 734b to be arranged between the first water supply nozzle <NUM> and the at least one first flow path partition 8a.

Therefore, although the water may leak from the first flow path <NUM>, the water leaking from the first flow path <NUM> may be discharged through the drain aperture <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water leaking from the first flow path <NUM> from flowing into the second water supply portion <NUM> or the third water supply portion <NUM>.

In addition, as for the internal structure of the water supply plate <NUM>, the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment may prevent the residual water and discharge the leakage by using a single drain aperture <NUM>. Therefore, it is not required to provide a plurality of drain apertures.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a modification of a flow path partition in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure and <FIG> is a view illustrating a modification of the flow path partition in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a flow path partition having three stages 8a, 8b, and 8c.

It is appropriate that the flow path partition <NUM> is configured to reduce a cross section of a target flow path. Therefore, the shape and arrangement of the flow path partition <NUM> may vary according to the specification. As illustrated in a first flow path partition 8a of <FIG>, a rib configured to regulate the flow path is provided on the center of the flow path so that a flow path is generated on the left and right side of the first flow path partition 8a, respectively. The flow path partition <NUM> may be formed by multi-stages such as three stages.

Alternatively, as illustrated in a first flow path partition 8a of <FIG>, the flow path partition may be arranged to be incl ined. As illustrated in a second flow path partition 8b of <FIG>, the flow path partition may have a various shape. As illustrated in a third flow path partition 8c of <FIG>, the flow path partition may be provided on only one side of the flow path. Although not shown, the flow path partition <NUM> may reduce the cross section in the up and down direction or in the up down left and right direction as well as reducing the cross section in the left and right direction.

It is appropriate that the flow path partitions <NUM> are arranged along the flow paths at a predetermined distance, and the size (area) of the flow path cross section is increased by the flow path partition <NUM> as the flow path becomes closer to the downstream (some of the cross section may have the same size w).

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view illustrating a modification of the flow path partition in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of <FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y of <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, a first water supply nozzle <NUM> and a first flow path <NUM> are integrally formed with each other. The first water supply nozzle <NUM> is connected in a straight line shape to substantially coincide with a central axis of a first flow path <NUM>.

A diameter d of the water supply hole <NUM> is about <NUM>, a height h of the first flow path <NUM> is about <NUM>, and a width W thereof is about <NUM>. A width S1 of a vertical gap located at the center of the first flow path partition 8a and a width S2 of two vertical gaps of the second flow path partition 8b are each about <NUM>. That is, in the second flow path partition 8b, two gaps having the same width as the gap of the first flow path partition 8a may be formed in the left and right sides. The gap of the first flow path partition 8a may face a part positioned between the two gaps of the second flow path partition 8b in the flow path direction.

A length L1 from the upstream side end of the first flow path <NUM>, in which the water supply hole <NUM> is formed, to the first flow path partition 8a is about <NUM>, and a length L2 from the first flow path partition 8a to the second flow path partition 8b is about <NUM>.

However, the technique disclosed is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and other various structures are also included.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a drum type washing machine is illustrated, but the disclosed technique may be applied to a vertical type washing machine. Although the flow path partition is provided in the first flow path according to the above-mentioned embodiment, a flow path partition may also be provided in another flow path. As an example, a flow path partition may be installed in at least one flow path. That is, the flow path partition may be provided in at least one of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

Claim 1:
A washing machine comprising:
a body (<NUM>);
a tub (<NUM>) arranged inside the body;
a detergent supplier (<NUM>) configured to supply detergent to the tub; and
a water supply pipe (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to supply washing water to the detergent supplier (<NUM>),
wherein the detergent supplier (<NUM>) comprises:
a detergent box (<NUM>) comprising an accommodating portion in which the detergent is placed; and
a water supply plate (<NUM>) configured to supply the washing water, supplied from the water supply pipe, to the detergent box (<NUM>),
wherein the water supply plate comprises:
a water supply nozzle (<NUM>) connected to the water supply pipe (<NUM>);
a water supply portion (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of washing water moving holes (<NUM>) to supply washing water to the accommodating portion;
a flow path (<NUM>) configured to guide the washing water, supplied through the water supply nozzle (<NUM>), to the water supply portion (<NUM>); and
at least one flow path partition (<NUM>) provided to protrude on an upstream side of the flow path in such a way that a flow path cross section of the flow path (<NUM>) in the upstream side is smaller than a flow path cross section of the flow path (<NUM>) in a downstream side,
wherein the water supply plate (<NUM>) further comprises a first rib (734a) and a second rib (734b) provided to define the flow path (<NUM>),
wherein the water supply nozzle (<NUM>) comprises a water supply hole (<NUM>) provided to face the second rib (734b) to supply washing water to the flow path (<NUM>), and
wherein a drain aperture (<NUM>) configured to discharge washing water leaking from the flow path (<NUM>) is formed on the outside of the second rib (734b), and
characterized in that the drain aperture (<NUM>) is formed on the outside of the second rib (734b) so as to be arranged between the water supply nozzle and the at least one flow path partition.