KR101414644B1 - Laundry machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine which comprises a tub receiving washing water, a drum rotatably provided on the tub, an air supplying device supplying air to the tub, And discharging a part of the air to the outside of the tub to lower the relative humidity in the tub.

Description

{LAUNDRY MACHINE}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine with a drying function that improves an air circulation structure of a washing machine including a drying function.

Generally, a washing machine removes various pollutants adhered to clothing, bedding, etc. by using an emulsifying action, a frictional action of a water stream due to the rotation of pulsator or drum, and a shock action applied to laundry. In the automatic laundry washing machine recently introduced, a series of strokes leading to a washing course, a rinsing course, a dehydrating course and the like are automatically carried out without user's manipulation in the middle.

In addition, the drying and washing machine is a type of washing machine capable of performing the function of the above-described washing machine and washing and drying the laundry. Such a dry-type washing and drying machine includes a condensing type washing and drying machine in which air in the tub is drawn out, water in the air is removed by condensation water, and then heated and then introduced into a tub.

Accordingly, a conventional condensing drying and washing apparatus according to the prior art will be briefly described. The drying and washing apparatus includes a cabinet forming a housing space therein, a tub accommodated in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and air containing moisture drawn out from the tub can be condensed A heating duct connected to a downstream side of the condensing duct along the flow direction of the air to supply air to the inside of the tub by heating the air to flow into the tub through the condensing duct and the heating duct And a circulation fan for circulating the air.

In the drying and washing machine as described above, the air moved to the blower during drying of the laundry is heated by a heater provided in the heating duct, and the heated air (hot air) is supplied to the inside of the curve, Lt; / RTI >

The hot air that has been dried in the laundry is converted into moist air according to the drying of the laundry, and is introduced into the condensing duct in the tub to remove moisture from the condensing duct and to be supplied and circulated to the heating duct again by the blower. On the other hand, the condensing duct is provided with a separate humidifier cooling means for condensing moist air.

However, in the conventional washing machine according to the related art, since the condensing duct must be formed to be longer than a certain length in order to sufficiently condense the moisture in the air passing through the condensing duct, the duct resistance is large and the installation space is secured, There is a problem in that the volume of the container is reduced.

In addition, since a large amount of condensed water has to be flowed to the condensing duct for cooling the condensing duct, a large amount of cooling water is consumed unnecessarily, which causes a problem of a large maintenance cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of improving a drying efficiency by discharging a part of humid air by drying laundry.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a tub receiving washing water; a drum rotatably installed in the tub; an air supplying device supplying air to the tub; And an exhaust unit for discharging a part of the air supplied into the tub by the supply device to the outside of the tub to lower the relative humidity in the tub.

Preferably, the air supply device is located at an upper portion of the tub, recovers air on an outer circumferential surface of the tub, and supplies air to the front of the tub.

The air supply device includes an air recovery port positioned through an outer circumferential surface of the tub, a blowing fan positioned above the air recovery port to move air, a heating duct heating the air moved by the blowing fan, And an air outlet for supplying air heated in the duct to the front of the tub.

The exhaust unit is preferably an exhaust pipe, one side of which communicates with the side of the discharge port of the blowing fan, and the other side which communicates with the outside of the washing machine.

The exhaust unit may be an exhaust pipe connected to the tub so that one side thereof communicates with the inside of the tub, and the other side communicates with the outside of the washing apparatus.

And an exhaust part to which the exhaust pipe is connected is further formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tub.

The air conditioner includes a cabinet for forming an outer shape, a tub for receiving the washing water and protruding from the rear outer circumferential surface to form an air recovery port for recovering air and an air discharge port for supplying air in the frontward inward direction, A heating duct for guiding the air moved by the air blowing fan to the air outlet, and a heater for heating the air passing through the heating duct, An air supply device for circulating the air of the tub including a heater for heating the air supplied from the air supply device to the outside; Which is lower than that of the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipe preferably communicates the inside of the tub with the outside of the tub.
The exhaust pipe is preferably located behind the tub.
Preferably, the exhaust pipe communicates with the air supply device and the outside of the air supply device.
Preferably, the air supply device has a blowing fan for circulating the air, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the blowing fan.
Preferably, the exhaust pipe communicates the inside of the blowing fan and the outside of the cabinet.
And the exhaust pipe is connected to a discharge port of the blowing fan.
The cabinet may further include a rear panel having a through-hole through which the exhaust pipe passes, and the exhaust pipe may extend outside the cabinet through the through-hole.
The tub may further include a drain hose for draining the wash water accommodated in the tub, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the drain pipe.
The cabinet may further include a rear panel having a through-hole formed therein. The through-hole may further include a connection member fixedly inserted into the through-hole and connected to the exhaust pipe.
The tub may further include a drain hose for draining the wash water accommodated in the tub, and a drain pipe connecting the connection member and the drain hose.
It is preferable that the exhaust pipe is provided in the form of a corrugated pipe.

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1 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine according to the present invention.
2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing machine according to the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing a drying module and a tub of the washing machine according to the present invention.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a suspension of the washing machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a coupling state of a turbine and a suspension of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the air exhaust structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an air venting structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a side view showing an air vent structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a side view showing an air vent structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In describing the present invention, the names of the individual components to be defined are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limiting the technical elements of the present invention. Further, the respective names defined for each component may be referred to by other names in the art.

First, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a washing machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a washing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a drying module and a tub of the washing machine according to the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 according to the present invention includes a cabinet 110, a tub 120 fixedly installed inside the cabinet 110, A drum 130 rotatably installed in the tub 120 and a rotary shaft 135 connected to the drum 130 through the rear of the tub 120 and a bearing housing A driving motor 141 provided in the bearing housing 140 to transmit rotational force to the rotating shaft 135 and a structure coupled to the bearing housing 140 to support structures connected to the bearing housing 140, And / or a shock-absorbing suspension unit (150). The washing apparatus 100 according to the present invention is provided with an air supply device 160 fixed to the outside of the tub 120 to heat the air into the tub 120 to supply the air to the inside of the tub 120 .

The cabinet 110 includes a base 118 on which respective components are supported and seated and a front panel 111 on which an opening 112 is formed for inputting laundry, and further includes a left panel 114, a right panel 115, A rear panel 116, and a top panel 117, as shown in FIG. Here, a door 113 for closing the opening 112 is provided in the opening 112 of the front panel 111.

In addition, a water supply hose, a water supply valve installed on the water supply hose to control the water flow in and out, and a water supply hose supplied through the water supply hose are provided on the inner upper part of the cabinet 110 to supply water from the external water source into the tub 120 (Not shown) formed of a detergent supply device (not shown) in which water is introduced into the tub 120 together with the detergent. A drainage unit (not shown) including a drainage hose (not shown) and a drainage pump is provided in an inner lower portion of the cabinet 110 to discharge wash water used for washing and rinsing to the outside.

The tub 120 includes a front tub 121 constituting a front part and a rear tub 122 constituting a rear part as shown in Fig. The front tub 121 and the rear tub 122 are assembled by an assembly of screws or the like to form a space for accommodating the drum 130 therein.

In this case, the front tub 121 is formed with an inlet 123 which is connected to the door 113 in the forward direction and opens to allow laundry to be introduced. A rim portion 121b protruding forward of the tub 120 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the charging port 121a. The rim portion 121b is connected to an air discharge port 165 of the air supply device 160, which will be described later. The rim 121b is provided with a front gasket 124 for maintaining airtightness with the opening 112 formed in the front panel 111. [ The front gasket 124 further functions to prevent foreign matter from entering between the tub 120 and the drum 130.

The rear tub 122 is formed to penetrate the rear surface. The rear surface of the rear tub 122 is provided with a tub back bell 125 for closing the rear surface and a rear gasket 126. The rear gasket 126 is connected to be sealed with the tub back wall 125 and the rear tub 122, respectively, so that the washing water in the tub is not leaked.

Here, the tub trunk 125 oscillates together with the drum 130 when the drum 130 rotates. At this time, the rear tub 122 is spaced apart from the rear tub 122 at sufficient intervals so as not to interfere with the rear tub 122. [ The rear gasket 126 is made of a flexible material positioned between the ratchet 125 and the rear tub 122 to allow the tub back wall 125 to move relative to the rear tub 122 without interference. The rear gasket 126 may have a corrugation that can be extended to a sufficient length to allow such relative movement of the tub back wall 125 (see FIG. 2).

The tub 120 as described above is supported vertically upward by the supporters 118a and 118b provided on the base 118 of the cabinet 110 and at the same time is supported by a separate assembly (for example, a screw screw or a bolt) . The front panel 111 and the rear panel 116 or the left panel 114 and the right panel 115 of the cabinet 110 as shown in FIG.

The air supply unit 160 is provided at an upper portion of the tub 120 and circulates and heats the air inside the tub 120 during the drying process of the washing machine 100. That is, the air supply device 160 is configured to draw out the air inside the tub 120, then heat it and then introduce it into the tub 120 again.

The air supply device 160 includes an air recovery port 161 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tub 120 and a blowing fan 163 for recovering and moving air through the air recovery port 161, A heating duct 164 for heating the air moved by the heating duct 164 and an air outlet 165 for guiding the air heated by the heating duct 164 to the tub 120. [

Here, the air recovery port 161 is formed to penetrate the side surface of the outer circumferential surface of the tub 120. The air blowing fan 163 is provided above the air return port 161. The air inside the tub 120 flows in accordance with the operation of the air blowing fan 163 and moves toward the heating duct 164 side. On the other hand, the heating duct 164 generates hot air by heating the air moved by the air blowing fan 163. The air heated in the heating duct 164 is supplied into the tub 120 by the air outlet 165 to dry the laundry.

The remaining construction of the washing machine will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig.

The drum 130 is constituted by a front drum 131, a center drum 137, a rear drum 132, and the like. The front balancer 134 and the rear balancer 134 are provided at the front portion and the rear portion of the front drum 131 and the rear drum 132, respectively, for balancing to suppress the vibration of the drum 130 when the drum rotates. Further, a lift 133 for moving the laundry is provided on the inner surface of the center drum 137.

The rear drum 132 is connected to the spider 136 and the spider 136 is connected to the rotary shaft 135. The drum 130 is rotated in the tub 120 by the rotational force transmitted through the rotating shaft 135.

Here, the rotary shaft 135 is directly connected to the driving motor 141 through the tub back wall 125. Specifically, the rotor of the drive motor 141 and the rotary shaft 135 are directly connected. And is coupled to the bearing housing 140, which will be described later, on the rear surface of the tub half-

The bearing housing 140 rotatably supports the rotary shaft 135 between the driving motor 141 and the tub back wall 125. In addition, the bearing housing 140 is resiliently supported from the base 118 through the suspension unit 150.

On one side of the bearing housing 140, the tub 120 is coupled to the tub 100. The rotation shaft 135 coupled to the drum 130 passes through the inside of the bearing housing 140. The bearing housing 140 is provided with a bearing (not shown) for smoothly rotating the rotary shaft 135 and the rotary shaft 135 is supported by a bearing (not shown). A driving motor 141 for rotating the rotating shaft is coupled to the other surface of the bearing housing 140.

The first extending portion 142 and the second extending portion 144 are formed symmetrically in the left and right radial directions of the bearing housing 140. The suspension unit 150 is fastened to the first extended portion 142 and the second extended portion 144 and the bearing housing 140 is elastically supported through the suspension unit 150.

Hereinafter, the combined state of the suspension unit according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a suspension of a washing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing a combined state of a tub and a suspension of the washing machine according to the present invention.

The suspension unit 150 includes first and second weights 143 and 145 connected to the first and second extended portions 142 and 144 of the bearing housing and first and second weights 143 and 145 connected to the first and second weights 143 and 145 First and second suspension dampers 151 and 154 connected to the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154 and the bearing housing 140 to elastically support the bearing housing 140, (152, 155, 157), and first and second dampers (153, 156).

The first and second weights 143 and 145 serve to hold the center of gravity when the laundry is received in the drum 130 and also serve as a mass in the vibration system in which the drum 130 vibrates.

The first spring damper 152 is connected between the first suspension bracket 151 and the base 118. The second spring damper 155 is connected between the second suspension bracket 154 and the base 118. The third spring damper 157 is directly connected between the bearing housing 140 and the base 118. Is supported by the spring dampers (152, 155, 157) one at the rear and two at the front left and right by the spring dampers (152, 155, 157).

The first damper 153 is installed to be inclined between the first suspension bracket 151 and the rear portion of the base 118 and the second damper 156 is installed to be inclined between the second suspension bracket 154 and the rear portion of the base .

Preferably, the first and second weights 143 and 145, the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154, the first and second spring dampers 152 and 155 and the first and second dampers 153 and 156, And the dampers are coupled to the base 118 via a separate rubber bushing so as to be tiltable at a predetermined angle. The drum 130 and the bearing housing 140 are lifted in the tub 120 by the first and second suspension brackets 151 and 154 and the first, second and third spring dampers 152, 155 and 157, do.

The drive motor 141 is fastened to the rear surface of the bearing housing 140 and is directly connected to the rotary shaft. The driving motor 141 is provided so that its speed can be controlled by a control unit (not shown). The structure and type of the drive motor 141 are widely known to those skilled in the art and various embodiments are possible, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, a humidifier ventilation structure according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment of the present invention is for discharging a separate condensation structure and discharging a part of the humidifier generated when the laundry is dried to improve the drying performance. Therefore, the drying process can be performed without a separate condensation structure.

However, if additional additional condensation structures are included, additional drying performance may be improved. Examples of the condensing structure that can be installed here include a condensing structure in which cold water or cold air is supplied to generate condensed water on the inner surface of the condensing duct or the tub.

Therefore, although a separate condensing structure is not described in the embodiment of the present invention, the condensing structure is not exempted, and the condensing structure may be further provided for further performance improvement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, In the case of each embodiment of the present invention, are installed in the tub 120 or the air supply device 160 of the washing machine 100, respectively. Further structures of the tub 120 and the air supply device 160 will be described.

First, an air vent structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing an air exhaust structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an air exhaust structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air exhaust structure of the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an exhaust pipe 163 branched from the air blowing fan 163 of the air supplying device 160 that generates hot air to supply the hot air to the tub 120 170).

One end of the exhaust pipe 170 is connected to the discharge port side of the housing of the air blowing fan 163 and the other end is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100. The exhaust pipe 170 is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110 of the washing machine 100.

Here, a through hole (not shown) for passing the exhaust pipe 170 is additionally formed in the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110. In addition, a separate connecting member 172 for connecting the exhaust pipe 170 communicating with the blowing fan 163 may be provided on the rear panel 116. The washing machine 100 may further include a discharge pipe 174 connected to the connecting member 172 and communicating with the exhaust pipe 170.

Here, the discharge pipe 174 may be provided to discharge the humidifier moved from the exhaust pipe 170 directly to the outside of the washing machine 100. However, when the discharge pipe 174 is directly exposed to the atmosphere, the odor and moisture contained in the humidifier may be discharged to the atmosphere, which may be uncomfortable to the user.

Although not shown, a discharge pipe 174 may be connected to a drain hose (not shown) that drains the washing water when washing or rinsing, so that the humidifier discharged through the discharge pipe 174 may be discharged through the drain hose.

On the other hand, in the case of a drainage hose, a "U" shaped trap can be formed to prevent the odor or the like from flowing backward. At this time, it is preferable that the discharge pipe 174 is connected to the rear end of the trap, because a humidifier may not be discharged by the trap.

The operation of the air venting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described. The effect of the air vent structure of the present invention is exhibited during the drying process of the washing machine 100. Therefore, the description of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, etc. of the washing machine 100 will be omitted, and only the drying process associated with the present invention will be briefly described. In the meantime, each element mentioned below should be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

As the drying process is performed, the air blowing fan 163 of the air supplying device 160 is operated and the air in the tub 120 is sucked through the air returning port 161 according to the operation of the blowing fan 163 And is moved to the heating duct 164 side by the air blowing fan 163. The air that is moved to the heating duct 164 is heated by a heater (not shown) provided in the heating duct 164 and supplied to the inside of the tub 120 through the air outlet 165.

The air supplied to the inside of the tub 120 causes the laundry in the tub 120 (specifically, the drum 130) to dry. The air dried by the laundry is converted into a humidifier by the moisture evaporated in the laundry, and is then introduced into the air recovery port (161) and circulated.

In the process described above, the humidifier introduced into the air blowing fan 163 forms a high pressure by the pressure of the air blowing fan 163 while passing through the air blowing fan 163, and before being introduced into the heating duct 164, A part of the humidifier circulated through the exhaust pipe 170 communicated with the discharge port side of the compressor 163 is discharged.

That is, a part of the humidifier moved by the discharge pressure of the blowing fan 163 is moved to the heating duct 164 and the remaining part of the humidifier is discharged through the exhaust pipe 170. In this process, a portion of the humidifier is discharged to lower the relative humidity of the humidifier, and the dry air can be changed into dry air without a separate condensation structure.

Therefore, according to the air discharge structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, by discharging part of the humidifier included in the air during the drying stroke of the laundry to the outside of the washing machine 100, the humidity of the air can be lowered without a separate condensation structure There is an effect that the laundry can be effectively dried.

In addition, when a separate condensing structure is provided, it is possible to more effectively remove the moisture contained in the humidifier, thereby drying the laundry more effectively.

Hereinafter, an air venting structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8 is a side view showing an air vent structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8, the air discharge structure according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to the outer surface of the tub 120 to supply air to the tub 120, A part of the humidifier is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 before being collected in the humidifier 161.

A separate exhaust part 129 for discharging the humidifier staying in the tub 120 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tub 120 so as to protrude therefrom. Preferably, the exhaust portion 129 is formed on one side of the air recovery port 161 of the air supply device 160.

The exhaust pipe 129 is connected to an exhaust pipe 180 for exhausting the humidifier that stays in the tub 120. One end of the exhaust pipe 180 is connected to the exhaust part 129 and the other end is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100. The exhaust pipe 180 passes through the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110 of the washing machine 100 and is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100.

Here, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110 to allow the exhaust pipe 180 to pass therethrough. In addition, a separate connecting member 182 for connecting the exhaust pipe 180 may be provided on the rear panel 116. The washing machine 100 may further include a discharge pipe 184 connected to the connecting member 182 and communicating with the exhaust pipe 180.

Here, the discharge pipe 184 may be provided to discharge the humidifier moved from the exhaust pipe 180 directly to the outside of the washing machine 100. However, when the discharge pipe 184 is directly exposed to the atmosphere, the odor and moisture contained in the humidifier may be discharged to the atmosphere, which may be uncomfortable to the user.

Although not shown, a discharge pipe 184 may be connected to a discharge hose (not shown) for discharging the washing water during washing or rinsing, so that a humidifier discharged through the discharge pipe 184 may be discharged through the drain hose.

On the other hand, in the case of a drainage hose, a "U" shaped trap can be formed to prevent the odor or the like from flowing backward. At this time, it is preferable that the discharge pipe 184 is connected to the rear end of the trap, because the humidifier may not be discharged by the trap.

The operation of the air venting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described. The effect of the air vent structure of the present invention is exhibited during the drying process of the washing machine 100. Therefore, the description of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, etc. of the washing machine 100 will be omitted, and only the drying process associated with the present invention will be briefly described. In the meantime, each element mentioned below should be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

As the drying process is performed, the air blowing fan 163 of the air supplying device 160 is operated and the air in the tub 120 is sucked through the air returning port 161 according to the operation of the blowing fan 163 And is moved to the heating duct 164 side by the air blowing fan 163. The air that is moved to the heating duct 164 is heated by a heater (not shown) provided in the heating duct 164 and supplied to the inside of the tub 120 through the air outlet 165.

The air supplied to the inside of the tub 120 causes the laundry in the tub 120 (specifically, the drum 130) to dry. The air dried by the laundry is converted into a humidifier by the moisture evaporated in the laundry, and is then introduced into the air recovery port (161) and circulated.

In the process described above, the humidifier introduced into the tub 120 by the blowing fan 163 has a high pressure in the tub 120 by the blowing fan 163, and the humidifier in which the pressure is increased is formed in the tub 120 The humidifier exhausted to the exhaust unit 129 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the exhaust pipe 180 connected to the exhaust unit 129.

That is, a part of the humidifier moved by the discharge pressure of the blowing fan 163 is moved to the heating duct 164, and the remaining part of the humidifier is discharged through the exhaust pipe 180. In this process, a portion of the humidifier is discharged to lower the relative humidity of the humidifier, and the dry air can be changed into dry air without a separate condensation structure.

Therefore, according to the air discharge structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, by discharging part of the humidifier included in the air during the drying stroke of the laundry to the outside of the washing machine 100, the humidity of the air can be lowered without a separate condensation structure There is an effect that the laundry can be effectively dried.

In addition, when a separate condensing structure is provided, it is possible to more effectively remove the moisture contained in the humidifier, thereby drying the laundry more effectively.

Hereinafter, an air vent structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9 is a side view showing an air vent structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9, the air discharge structure according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected to the outer surface of the tub 120 to supply air to the tub 120, A part of the air is forcibly discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 before being recovered to the sphere 161. [

A separate exhaust part 129 for discharging the humidifier staying in the tub 120 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tub 120 so as to protrude therefrom. Preferably, the exhaust portion 129 is formed on one side of the air recovery port 161 of the air supply device 160.

The exhaust unit 129 is provided with an exhaust unit 190 for forcibly discharging the humidifier that stays in the tub 120. The exhaust unit 190 includes an exhaust fan 191 installed at the exhaust unit 129 for forcibly sucking the humidifier and an exhaust pipe 192 connected to the exhaust fan 191 for exhausting the humidifier to the outside of the washing machine 100 ).

One end of the exhaust pipe 192 is connected to the exhaust fan 191 and the other end of the exhaust pipe 192 is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100. The exhaust pipe 192 is connected to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110 of the washing machine 100.

Here, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the rear panel 116 of the cabinet 110 to allow the exhaust pipe 192 to pass therethrough. In addition, a separate connecting member 194 for connecting the exhaust pipe 192 may be provided on the rear panel 116. An exhaust pipe 196 connected to the connecting member 194 and communicating with the exhaust pipe 192 may be further provided on the outside of the washing machine 100.

Here, the discharge pipe 196 may be provided to discharge the humidifier moved from the exhaust pipe 192 directly to the outside of the washing machine 100. However, when the discharge pipe 196 is directly exposed to the atmosphere, the odor and moisture contained in the air humidifier may be discharged to the atmosphere, which may be uncomfortable to the user.

Although not shown, a discharge pipe 196 may be connected to a discharge hose (not shown) for discharging the washing water during washing or rinsing, so that the humidifier discharged through the discharge pipe 196 may be discharged through the drain hose.

On the other hand, in the case of a drainage hose, a "U" shaped trap can be formed to prevent the odor or the like from flowing backward. At this time, it is preferable that the discharge pipe 196 is connected to the rear end of the trap since the humidifier may not be discharged by the trap.

The operation of the air venting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described. The effect of the air vent structure of the present invention is exhibited during the drying process of the washing machine 100. Therefore, the description of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, etc. of the washing machine 100 will be omitted, and only the drying process associated with the present invention will be briefly described. In the meantime, each element mentioned below should be understood with reference to the above description and drawings.

As the drying process is performed, the air blowing fan 163 of the air supplying device 160 is operated and the air in the tub 120 is sucked through the air returning port 161 according to the operation of the blowing fan 163 And is moved to the heating duct 164 side by the air blowing fan 163. The air that is moved to the heating duct 164 is heated by a heater (not shown) provided in the heating duct 164 and supplied to the inside of the tub 120 through the air outlet 165.

The air supplied to the inside of the tub 120 causes the laundry in the tub 120 (specifically, the drum 130) to dry. The air dried by the laundry is converted into a humidifier by the moisture evaporated in the laundry, and is then introduced into the air recovery port (161) and circulated.

Meanwhile, in the above-described process, the humidifier introduced into the tub 120 by the blowing fan 163 temporarily stays in the tub 120 to dry the laundry. The humidifier temporarily stored in the tub 120 is forcibly discharged to the outside of the tub 120 by the exhaust unit 190 provided in the exhaust unit 129. [

That is, the humidifier staying inside the tub 120 is forcibly sucked by the exhaust fan 191 of the exhaust unit 190 connected to the exhaust unit 129 and is extruded into the exhaust pipe 192. The humidifier extruded by the exhaust pipe 192 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the exhaust pipe 192. In this process, a portion of the humidifier is discharged to lower the relative humidity of the humidifier, and the dry air can be changed into dry air without a separate condensation structure.

Therefore, according to the air discharge structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, by discharging part of the humidifier included in the air during the drying stroke of the laundry to the outside of the washing machine 100, the humidity of the air can be lowered without a separate condensation structure There is an effect that the laundry can be effectively dried.

In addition, when a separate condensing structure is provided, it is possible to more effectively remove the moisture contained in the humidifier, thereby drying the laundry more effectively.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, The present invention may be modified in various ways. Therefore, modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the scope of the present invention.

110: cabinet 120: tub
129: exhaust part 130: drum
140: Bearing housing 150: Suspension unit
160: air supply device 161: air recovery port
170, 180, 192: exhaust pipe 190: exhaust unit
191: Exhaust fan

Claims (20)

A tub which houses the washing water and protrudes through the rear outer circumferential surface to form an air recovery port for recovering the air and an air discharge port for supplying air in the frontward inward direction,
A drum rotatably provided in the tub,
An air supply device including an air blowing fan positioned above the air recovery port, a heater duct for guiding the air moved by the blowing fan to the air outlet, and a heater for heating the air passing through the heating duct, Wow,
And an exhaust unit for discharging a part of the air supplied into the tub by the air supply device to the outside of the tub to lower the relative humidity in the tub. delete delete The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust unit
And the other end is an exhaust pipe communicating with the outside of the washing machine. The exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust unit
Wherein the tub is connected to the tub so that one side thereof communicates with the inside of the tub, and the other side is connected to the outside of the washing apparatus. 6. The method of claim 5,
And an exhaust part connected to the exhaust pipe is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tub. delete A cabinet forming an external shape,
A tub for receiving the washing water and protruding through the rear outer circumferential surface to form an air recovery port for recovering air and an air discharge port for supplying air in a frontward inward direction;
A drum rotatably provided in the tub,
And a heater for heating the air passing through the heating duct, wherein the heater is disposed at an upper portion of the air recovery port and guides the air moved by the blowing fan to the air outlet, An air supply device for circulating air,
And an exhaust pipe located on the movement path of the air moved by the air supply device and communicating with the outside of the air flow path to lower the relative humidity of the air. 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the exhaust pipe communicates the inside of the tub with the outside of the tub. 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the exhaust pipe is located behind the tub. 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust pipe communicates the air supply device and the outside of the air supply device. 12. The washing machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein the air supply device includes a blowing fan for circulating the air, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the blowing fan. 13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the exhaust pipe communicates the inside of the blowing fan and the outside of the cabinet. 13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the exhaust pipe is connected to a discharge port of the blowing fan. 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cabinet further comprises a rear panel having a through-hole through which the exhaust pipe passes, the exhaust pipe extending outside the cabinet through the through-hole. 16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the tub further comprises a drain hose for draining the wash water accommodated in the tub, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the drain hose. [9] The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the cabinet further comprises a rear panel having a through-hole formed therein, and the through-hole further includes a connection member fixedly inserted into the through-hole and connected to the exhaust pipe. 18. The washing machine according to claim 17, wherein the tub further comprises a drain hose for draining the washing water accommodated in the tub, and a drain pipe connecting the connection member and the drain hose. 9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the exhaust pipe is provided in the form of a corrugated pipe. delete

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