WO2010008181A2

WO2010008181A2 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2010008181A2
Application number: PCT/KR2009/003865
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Jin Choi; Byung Keol Choi; Jae Chul Lee; Sung Min Kim; Jin Woong Kim; Hyun Seok Seo
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2008-07-15
Filing date: 2009-07-14
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: WO2010008181A3

Abstract

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes: a tub for housing washing water; a drum disposed within the tub and for housing the laundary; a division member for vertically partitioning the drum; a washing water circulation device for supplying washing water within the tub to the drum; and a plurality of nozzles for ejecting washing water supplied from the washing water circulation device to the drum.

Description

WASHING MACHINE

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine for separating and washing the laundary.

In general, a washing machine is an apparatus for washing the laundary through a process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration in order to remove a contaminating material stained in clothes and bedclothes, etc. (hereinafter, "the laundary") using an operation of water and a detergent.

The washing machine is classified into an agitator type washing machine, a pulsator type washing machine, and a drum type washing machine.

The agitator type washing machine washes the laundary by laterally rotating a washing rod protruded to the center of a washtub, the pulsator type washing machine washes the laundary using a frictional force between a water stream and the laundary by laterally rotating a circular plate shape rotation blade formed in a lower part of a washtub, and the drum type washing machine washes the laundary by injecting water, a detergent, and the laundary into a drum and rotating the drum.

In the drum type washing machine, a tub for housing washing water is mounted within a cabinet for forming an external appearance, a drum for housing the laundary is disposed within the tub, and a motor for rotating the drum is mounted at the rear side of the tub, and a drive shaft connected to the rear side of the drum by penetrating through the tub is provided to the motor. Because a lift is mounted within the drum, when the drum rotates, the laundary is lifted and tumbled and is thus washed.

When the laundary is washed using the washing machine, separation washing is requested. The laundary should be separately washed according to the kind, a color, usage, and a contamination degree of a fiber, and when a flimsy fiber is washed together with a tough fiber in the washing machine, the flimsy fiber is very quickly damaged and thus similar kinds of laundary should be washed together.

However, when separation washing is performed according to the kind, the laundary is not washed at an appropriate time point, or the laundary is washed in a small amount over several times.

The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above problems, and the present invention provides a washing machine for performing separation washing.

The present invention further provides a washing machine for improving washing performance by separating and washing the laundary.

The present invention further provides a washing machine for changing an internal space of a drum according to an amount of the laundary for performing separation washing.

The present invention further provides a washing machine for preventing different laundary from being contaminated by washing water when performing separation washing.

The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-described objects and the other objects will be understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a tub for housing washing water; a drum disposed within the tub and for housing the laundary; a division member for vertically partitioning the drum; a washing water circulation device for supplying washing water within the tub to the drum; and a plurality of nozzles for ejecting washing water supplied from the washing water circulation device to the drum.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including: a tub for housing washing water; a drum disposed within the tub and for housing the laundary; a division member for partitioning the inside of the drum and for preventing the partitioned laundary from being mixed; and a plurality of nozzles for ejecting washing water into each of the partitioned drums.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a division member in the washing machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of a fixing part of the portion A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a division member of the washing machine of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partially cut-away perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a drum of the washing machine of FIG. 10.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the detailed description given hereinafter, but can be embodied in various forms. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 110, a tub 123 disposed within the cabinet 110 to divide and house washing water, a gasket 121 disposed between the cabinet 110 and the tub 123, a drum 122 disposed within the tub 123 and for washing the laundary, a motor (not shown) for driving the drum 122, a plurality of washing water supply devices 159 for supplying washing water to the drum 122, a plurality of washing

water circulation devices

160 and 170 for supplying washing water to the drum 122 by circulating the washing water while the laundary is washed in the drum 122, and a plurality of

nozzles

165 and 175 for ejecting the washing water supplied from the plurality of washing

water circulation devices

160 and 170 to the drum 122.

The cabinet 110 includes a cabinet body 111, a cabinet cover 112 disposed at a front surface of the cabinet body 111 to be coupled to the cabinet body 111, a control panel 115 disposed at an upper part of the cabinet cover 112 and coupled to the cabinet body 111, and a top plate 114 disposed at an upper part of the control panel 115 and coupled to the cabinet body 111.

The cabinet cover 112 includes a laundary entrance hole 116 for injecting and ejecting the laundary and a door 113 for laterally rotating to open and close the laundary entrance hole 116.

The washing

water circulation devices

160 and 170 include sumps 161 and 171 formed in a lower port of the tub 123 to house washing water, drain hoses 162 and 172 for guiding washing water of the sumps 161 and 171 to the outside of the tub 123,

circulation pumps

163 and 173 for delivering a drive force for circulating washing water guided to the drain hoses 162 and 172 to the drum 122, and

circulation flow paths

164 and 174 for supplying the washing water circulated from the

circulation pumps

163 and 173, respectively, to the drum 122.

In a washing process, when the washing machine 100 operates, the washing water supply device 150 injects washing water from the outside into the washing machine 100. The injected washing water is injected into a detergent box 152 through a washing water supply flow path 151.

Washing water mixed with a detergent in the detergent box 152 is injected into the drum 122 through a feed bellows 154. In this case, the feed bellows 154 is extended from the detergent box 152, is divided into a front part 126 and a rear part 127 of the drum 122 at a position separated by a predetermined distance, and is fastened to the drum 122.

The detergent box 152 is divided into a box for a detergent supplied to the front part 126 of the drum 122 and a box for a detergent supplied to the rear part 127 of the drum 122 and houses a detergent.

The feed bellows 154 guides washing water injected through the detergent box 152 to the front part 126 of the drum 122. Further, the feed bellows 154 guides washing water injected through the detergent box 152 to the rear part 127 of the drum 122.

It is preferable that the feed bellows 154 has a valve for selectively opening a water flow path for the front part 126 and a water flow path for the rear part 127 and can supply different detergents or different amounts of washing water.

When supply of washing water to the drum 122 is completed, the laundary is washed by rotating the drum 122.

The tub 123 includes a separation member 180 for dividing washing water of the tub 123 into washing water of a first housing 128 and washing water of a second housing 129. The separation member 180 divides the tub 123 into the first housing 128 and the second housing 129 and separates washing water of the first housing 128 and washing water of the second housing 129.

Further, a height of the separation member 180 is formed higher than that of washing water injected from the outside so that the washing machine 100 performs washing. Therefore, the separation member 180 prevents washing water from being mixed due to a flow of washing water generating when the drum 122 rotates. When the washing machine 100 operates, the drum 122 rotates.

As the drum 122 rotates, the laundary is washed, and a foreign substance of the laundary is mixed with washing water. The foreign substance contaminates washing water and has an influence on the separated and washed laundary. Therefore, because the separation member 180 prevents washing water from being mixed, when the laundary is washed, the separation member 180 prevents the laundary from being contaminated.

When washing of the laundary starts, washing water is injected into the tub 123 through the washing water supply device 150. The washing water injected into the tub 123 contacts with the laundary inserted into the drum 122. Further, washing water stored in the first housing 128 contacts with the laundary inserted into the front part 126 and performs washing. Washing water stored in the second housing 129 contacts with the laundary inserted into the rear part 127 and performs washing.

The separation member 180 is formed between the first housing 128 and the second housing 129 of the tub 123 to prevent washing water stored in the first housing 128 from being injected to the second housing 129. In a process of washing the laundary through a rotation of the drum 122, washing water is moved from the laundary of the drum 122 to the tub 123. After the washing water housed in the first housing 128 of the tub 123 is housed in the first sump 161, the washing water is injected to the first circulation pump 163 through a first drain hose 162. Further, after washing water housed in the second housing 129 of the tub 123 is housed in the second sump 171, the washing water is injected to the second circulation pump 173 through the second drain hose 172.

When washing of the laundary is terminated, the first circulation pump 163 and the second circulation pump 173 pump washing water to the outside, or circulate washing water to the front part 126 and the rear part 127 of the drum 122 in a washing process. The washing water is supplied to the front part 126 of the drum 122 via the first washing water circulation flow path 164 by the first circulation pump 163. Further, the washing water is supplied to the rear part 127 of the drum 122 via the second washing water circulation flow path 174 by the second circulation pump 173.

That is, when the first circulation pump 163 and the second circulation pump 173 press the washing water and discharge the washing water through the first washing water circulation flow path 164 and the second washing water circulation flow path 174, respectively, the washing water is supplied to the front part 126 and the rear part of the drum 122 along the first washing water circulation flow path 164 and the second washing water circulation flow path 174, respectively. Therefore, the washing water pressed by the first circulation pump 163 is supplied to the front part 126 of the drum 122 through the first washing water circulation flow path 164. Further, the second circulation pump 173 supplies the washing water to the rear part 127 of the drum 122 through the second washing water circulation flow path 174.

A plurality of

nozzles

165 and 175 include a first nozzle 165 disposed at the front of the drum 122 to eject washing water and a second nozzle 175 disposed at the rear of the drum 122 to eject washing water. The first nozzle 165 is disposed at an upper part of the gasket 121, and the second nozzle 175 is disposed at the center of the drum 122. That is, washing water circulating through the first washing water circulation flow path 164 is supplied to the front part 126 through the first nozzle 165. Further, washing water circulating through the second washing water circulation flow path 174 is supplied to the rear part 127 through the second nozzle 175. Therefore, washing water is supplied to the separated drum 122 and separately washes the laundary.

The drum 122 includes a fixing part 130 for partitioning the drum 122 by mounting the division member 140. Further, the drum 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a radius of an inlet and a radius of the central part are different. The fixing part 130 is formed in the central part. However, a position of the fixing part 130 is not limited thereto and can be formed at various positions.

The user mounts the division member 140 in the fixing part 130 formed in the drum 122. The fixing part 130 includes a fastening protrusion or a fastening groove for fastening to a fastening part formed in the division member 140. Therefore, the user mounts the division member 140 in the fixing part 130 by inserting into the drum 122. When the user mounts the division member 140 in the fixing part 130, the front part 126 and the rear part 127 of the drum 122 are partitioned and separated. Therefore, because the laundary and washing water of the front part 126 and the rear part 127 are not mixed, the laundary is separated and washed. Further, because the laundary is separated and washed, washing performance is improved, and contamination of the laundary generating when the laundary is mixed can be prevented.

The washing machine 100 may further include a plurality of

heating devices

191 and 192 for heating washing water housed in the tub 123. The plurality of

heating devices

191 and 192 include the first heating device 191 for heating washing water housed in the first housing 128 and the second heating device 192 for heating washing water housed in the second housing 129.

The first heating device 191 is disposed at the first housing 128 to heat washing water stored in the first housing 128. The second heating device 192 is disposed at the second housing 129 to heat washing water stored in the second housing 129. Therefore, the first and

second heating devices

191 and 192 heat washing water to each temperature appropriate for the laundary and provide an appropriate temperature for each laundary. Further, the user sets appropriate washing water temperatures for several laundary using the first heating device 191 and the second heating device 192.

The control panel 115 includes a display 118 for representing an operational state of the washing machine 100 and a manipulation unit 119. The display 118 can dividedly or alternately display washing methods or progress situations of the laundary injected to each of the front part 126 and the rear part 127 of the drum 122. Further, the user can select each washing mode of the laundary injected into each of the front part 126 and the rear part 127 of the drum 122 through the manipulation unit 119.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a division member 140 in the washing machine of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion A in the washing machine of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the division member 140 includes a body 141 fastened to the drum 122 to partition the drum 122 and a handle 142 disposed at one side of the body 141 and formed so that the user conveniently moves the division member 140. The division member 140 includes an elastic material.

The user inserts the division member 140 into the drum 122 and fastens the division member 140 to the fixing part 130. Because the division member 140 includes an elastic material, the user can insert the division member 140 through an inlet of the drum 122.

Further, the division member 140 is inserted into the drum 122 to be mounted to the fixing part 130. The fixing part 130 can be formed in several shapes. Further, a fastening part 143 is formed to correspond to a shape of the fixing part 130 at the outside of the division member 140.

When the user pushes the division member 140 to the fixing part 130, the fastening part 143 is mounted to the fixing part 130 and the division member 140 is fixed to the fixing part 130. When the division member 140 is fixed, washing water is prevented 127 from flowing from the front part 126 to the rear part 127 due to a rotation of the drum 122. Further, washing water is prevented from flowing from the rear part 127 to the front part 126. Therefore, as the drum 122 is partitioned by the division member 140, washing water is prevented from flowing and thus the laundary is separated and washed.

The fastening part 143 includes a latch protrusion 144 formed at one side of the division member 140. Further, the fixing part 130 includes a housing 131 for fixing the division member 140 by mounting to the latch protrusion 144.

The user mounts the latch protrusion 144 in the housing 131 by inserting the division member 140 into the drum 122. When the latch protrusion 144 is mounted in the housing 131, the latch protrusion 144 is fastened to the housing 131 to fix the division member 140.

Further, the housing 131 is formed at one side of the drum 122 to be extended to the inside of the drum 122. When the housing 131 is extended to the inside of the drum 122, the user divides the drum 122 by mounting the division member 140 in the housing 131. Therefore, because the user can separate the front part 126 and the rear part 127 and perform washing, the laundary can be prevented from being contaminated, thereby improving washing performance.

FIG. 5 is an expanded cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the fixing part 130 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, a fixing part 130' has a mounting groove for mounting a division member 140'. When the mounting groove is formed in the fixing part 130' the user mounts the division member 140' in the fixing part 130' by inserting the division member 140' into the drum 122.

A fastening part 143' fastened to the mounting groove is formed at the outside of the division member 140'. The fastening part 143' is formed to correspond to the mounting groove. Therefore, when the user fastens the division member 140' to the fixing part 130', the fastening part 143' is mounted to the mounting groove to allow the division member 140' to divide the drum 122. When the drum 122 is divided, washing is performed to be identical or similar to that described above. Therefore, because washing can be performed while preventing the laundary from being contaminated, washing performance is improved.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a division member 240 in the washing machine of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the washing machine 200 is formed identical or similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The division member 240 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. When the division member 240 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the division member 240 includes a body 241 for inserting the laundary and a handle 242 formed so that the user holds the division member 241.

The body 242 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an empty space at the inside thereof in order to insert the laundary. Further, the body 242 includes a fastening part (not shown) formed to be fastened to a fixing part (not shown). The fastening part is formed identical or similar to that described in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The fixing part may not be formed in the drum 222. When the fixing part is not formed in the drum 222, one side of the drum 222 is formed to recede inwardly to the inside of the drum 222. Therefore, the division member 240 is fixed to fasten to the inside of the drum 222. The user can separate and wash the laundary.

A fixing structure of the division member 240 and the drum 222 is not limited thereto and can be applied to any means that can divide the drum 222 by fastening the division member 240 to the drum 222. Further, a structure of the fixing part is not limited to the above structure and the fixing part includes any structure for mounting the division member 240.

When the division member 240 is formed in a cylindrical shape, an opening of the division member 240 includes a cover (not shown) formed to correspond to the opening. Therefore, the user can prevent the laundary from being discharged to the opening by fastening the cover after fastening the division member 240.

Further, a hole is formed in the division member 240 so that washing water may contact with the laundary within the division member 240. As washing water flows through the hole, when the laundary is washed, washing water contacts with the laundary and when washing is completed, the washing water can be discharged to the outside of the division member 240. Therefore, the user can easily separate and wash the laundary through the division member 240. Further, several types of laundary can be separated and simultaneously washed.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the washing machine 300 is formed identical to or similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

A washing water circulation device 360 includes at least one sump 364 formed in a lower part of the tub 323 to house washing water,

drain hoses

362 and 363 for guiding washing water of the at least one sump 364 to the outside of the tub 323, a filter (not shown) for removing a foreign substance of washing water discharged from the

drain hoses

362 and 363, and a circulation pump 361 for supplying washing water in which the foreign substance is removed from the filter to a plurality of

nozzles

369A and 369B. Hereinafter, the washing water circulation device 360 including a plurality of

sumps

364 and 365 is described.

In a washing process, when the washing machine 300 operates, a washing water supply device 350 injects washing water. The injected washing water is injected into a detergent box 352 through a washing water supply flow path 351.

The washing water mixed with the detergent in the detergent box 352 is injected into a drum 322 through a feed bellows 353. In this case, the feed bellows 353 is extended from the detergent box 352 to be fastened to each of a front part 325 and a rear part 326 of the drum 322 at a position separated by a predetermined distance.

A detergent supplied to the front part 325 of the drum 322 and a detergent supplied to the rear part 326 of the drum 322 are divided and housed in the detergent box 352.

The feed bellows 353 supplies washing water injected through the detergent box 352 to the front part 325 of the drum 322. Further, the feed bellows 353 guides washing water injected through the detergent box 352 to the rear part 326 of the drum 322.

It is preferable that a feed bellows 354 has a valve for selectively opening a water flow path for the front part 326 and a water flow path for the rear part 327 and can supply different detergents or different amounts of washing water.

When supply of washing water to the drum 322 is completed, the laundary is washed by rotating the drum 322.

When the washing machine 300 starts an operation, washing water is supplied to the drum 322 through the washing water supply device 350. The supplied washing water passes through the drum 322 and is housed in the tub 323.

While washing is performed, the housed washing water is injected into the circulation pump 361 through the

drain hoses

362 and 363. When washing of the laundary is terminated, the circulation pump 361 pumps washing water to the outside, or circulates the washing water to the drum 322 in a washing process. Further, the filter removes a foreign substance of washing water injected into the circulation pump 361. The removed foreign substance is separated from the laundary to be mixed with the washing water. The removed foreign substance is mixed with the washing water to be injected into the circulation pump 361 through each

sump

364 and 365. The filter removes the foreign substance included in the washing water. When the filter removes the foreign substance, the washing water is supplied to the drum 322 through washing water

circulation flow paths

367 and 368 by the circulation pump 361.

The supplied washing water is supplied to the front part 325 and the rear part 326 of the drum 322 through the washing water

circulation flow paths

367 and 368, respectively. That is, the washing water

circulation flow paths

367 and 368 include the first washing water circulation flow path 367 for guiding the washing water to the front part 325 of the drum 322 and the second washing water circulation flow path 368 for guiding the washing water to the rear part 326 of the drum 322. Therefore, the washing water pressed by the circulation pump 361 is supplied to the front part 325 of the drum 322 through the first washing water circulation flow path 367. Further, the circulation pump 367 supplies the washing water to the rear part 326 of the drum 322 through the second washing water circulation flow path 368.

The washing machine 300 includes a gasket 321 disposed between the cabinet 310 and the tub 323.

Further, a plurality of

nozzles

369A and 369B include a first nozzle 369A disposed at the front of the drum 322 to eject washing water and a second nozzle 369B disposed at the rear of the drum 322 to eject washing water. The first nozzle 369A is disposed at an upper part of the gasket 321, and the second nozzle 369B is disposed at the center of the drum 322. That is, washing water circulating through the first washing water circulation flow path 367 is supplied to the front part 325 through the first nozzle 369A. Further, washing water circulating through the second washing water circulation flow path 368 is supplied to the rear part 326 through the second nozzle 369B. Therefore, washing water is supplied to the divided drum 322, and the laundary is separated and washed. Further, because a foreign substance can be removed by the filter, several types of laundary can be separated and washed.

A division member 340 is mounted in the drum 322, and the drum 322 includes a fixing part 390 for partitioning the drum 322. Further, the drum 322 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a radius of an inlet and a radius of a central part are different. The fixing part 390 is formed in the central part. However, a position of the fixing part 390 is not limited thereto, and the fixing part 390 can be formed at various positions.

The user mounts the division member 340 in a fixing part 390 formed in the drum 322. The fixing part 390 includes a fastening protrusion or a fastening groove for fastening to a fastening part formed in the division member 340. Therefore, the user inserts the division member 340 into the drum 322 to mount in the fixing part 390. When the user mounts the division member 340 in the fixing part 390, the front part 325 and the rear part 326 of the drum 322 are partitioned and separated. Therefore, because the laundary or washing water is not mixed in the front part 325 and the rear part 326, the laundary can be separated and washed. Further, because the laundary is separated and washed, washing performance is improved and contamination of the laundary generating due to mixing of the laundary can be prevented.

Further, the tub 323 includes a separation member 380 for dividing washing water of the tub 323 into washing water of the first housing 327 and washing water of the second housing 328. That is, the separation member 380 divides the tub 323 into the first housing 327 and the second housing 328 and divides washing water into washing water of the first housing 327 and washing water of the second housing 328.

Further, a height of the separation member 380 is formed higher than that of washing water injected from the outside so that the washing machine 300 performs washing. Therefore, the separation member 380 prevents washing water from being mixed due to flow of washing water generating when the drum 322 rotates. That is, when the washing machine 300 operates, the drum 322 rotates. While the drum 322 rotates, the laundary is washed, and a foreign substance of the laundary is mixed with washing water. The foreign substance contaminates washing water and has an influence on the separated and washed laundary. Therefore, because the separation member 380 prevents washing water from being mixed, when the laundary is washed, the laundary is prevented from being contaminated.

The division member 340 can be formed identical to or similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine 400 includes a tub 423 for separating and housing washing water, a drum 422 disposed within the tub 423 to separate and wash the laundary, and a washing water circulation device 460 for supplying and ejecting washing water within the tub 423 to the drum 422. The washing machine 400 is formed identical to or similar to that shown in FIG. 8.

The washing water circulation device 460 includes a first flow path 463 for guiding washing water housed in a first housing 427 to a sump 465 and a second flow path 464 for guiding washing water housed in a second housing 428 to the sump 465. When the first flow path 463 and the second flow path 464 are formed, washing water of the first housing 427 is injected into the sump 465 through the first flow path 463. Further, washing water of the second housing 428 is injected into the sump 465 through the second flow path 464.

Washing water injected into the first housing 427 and the second housing 428 is injected into the sump 465 to be collected. The washing water injected into the sump 465 is moved to a filter (not shown) through a drain hose 462 and is supplied to the drum 422 to be identical to or similar to that shown in FIG. 8.

The division member 440 is formed identical to or similar to that shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a partially cut-away perspective view illustrating a washing machine 500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine 500 of FIG. 10.

The washing machine 500 includes a cabinet 511 for forming an external appearance, a tub 530 for housing washing water, a drum 510 for housing the laundary, a division member 520 for partitioning the drum 510 and that can be detached, and a rail 515 for guiding the division member 520.

The cabinet 511 forms an external appearance of the washing machine 500 and has an opening at one side thereof in order to inject and eject the laundary and has a door 512 for opening and closing the opening. In order to inject the laundary from an upper part of the washing machine 500, it is preferable that an upper part of the cabinet is opened and the door 512 is formed in the upper part of the cabinet 511. The door 512 can be variously embodied in a hinged door type or a sliding door type.

The tub 530 is formed in a cylindrical shape to house washing water. It is preferable that the tub 530 has an opening in an upper part of a circumference surface in order to inject the laundary from the upper part. It is preferable that an opened portion of the tub 530 is opened or closed by the door 512, however a separate tub door (not shown) may be used.

The tub 530 is disposed within the cabinet 511 so that a damper 516 performs a buffer function. A sump 535 for collecting the housed washing water is provided in a lower part of the tub 530. The drum 510 for housing and washing the laundary is provided within the tub 530. A detailed description of the drum 510 is described later with reference to FIG. 3.

In order to circulate washing water collected at a sump 535, a pump 550 for supplying washing water and a first circulation flow path 552 and a second circulation flow path 554 are provided within the cabinet 511. The first circulation flow path 552 and the second circulation flow path 554 are connected to a first nozzle 562 and a second nozzle 564, respectively, to supply washing water.

A filter 540 for purifying washing water is provided within the cabinet 511. The filter 540 can be provided between the sump 535 and the pump 550, or between the pump 550 and the first circulation flow path 552 and the second circulation flow path 554. When separation washing is performed, the filter 540 purifies contaminated washing water by acting on each of the separated laundary, thereby preventing the separated laundary from being contaminated when washing water is again supplied.

Further, a first rotation axis 522 and a second rotation axis 524 for supporting the drum 510 so that the drum 510 rotates and a driver 514 for rotating the second rotation axis 524 are provided within the cabinet 511. The first rotation axis 522 and the second rotation axis 524 are provided in the center of both side surfaces of the drum 510. It is preferable that the first rotation axis 522 is provided to perform a freedom rotation and the second rotation axis 524 is driven by the driver 514. It is preferable that the driver 514 is embodied with a motor for generating the rotary power.

It is preferable that the first nozzle 562 and the second nozzle 564 for ejecting washing water supplied from the first circulation flow path 552 and the second circulation flow path 554 are provided in the first rotation axis 522 and the second rotation axis 524, respectively. The first rotation axis 522 and the second rotation axis 524 are formed with a hollow shaft, and the first nozzle 562 and the second nozzle 564 are provided in each hollow. The first nozzle 562 supplies washing water between one side surface of the drum 510 and the division member 520, and the second nozzle 564 supplies water supply between the other side surface of the drum 510 and the division member 520.

In order to eject and inject the laundary from and to the upper part side, it is preferable that upper parts of the cabinet 511, the tub 530, and the drum 510 are continuously opened. However, because the drum 510 rotates when washing the laundary, when washing of the laundary is completed, it is preferable that an opened portion of the drum 510 is controlled to stop to correspond to opened portions of the cabinet 511 and the tub 530.

A washing water supply device for supplying washing water and a washing water discharge device for discharging washing water may be provided within the cabinet 511 and can be embodied by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a drum 510 of the washing machine of FIG. 10.

The drum 510 has a cylindrical shape structure having an opening 512a in a part of a circumferential surface in order to inject and eject the laundary. The opening 512a of the drum 510 is opened or closed by a drum door 512. The drum door 512 can be variously embodied in a hinged door type or a sliding door type.

In order to eject washing water from the first nozzle 562 and the second nozzle 564, a first nozzle hole 563 and a second nozzle hole 565 are formed in both side surfaces of the drum 510. It is preferable that the first nozzle hole 563 and the second nozzle hole 565 are formed in the center of both side surfaces.

The division member 520 for vertically partitioning the drum in order to separate and house the laundary is provided within the drum 510. The division member 520 is provided to move in a vertical direction of the drum 510 to be adjusted according to the separated laundary.

When separation washing is not performed, the division member 520 can be moved to contact with one side surface of the drum 510. When the division member 520 is completely pushed to one side surface of the drum 510, it is preferable that a nozzle hole 522 for passing through washing water supplied through the first nozzle hole 563 or the second nozzle hole 565 is provided.

A rail 515 for guiding the division member 520 when the division member 520 moves is provided in a wall surface within the drum 510. It is preferable that the rail 515 performs a function of lifting the laundary housed within the drum 510 when washing is performed, as well as a function of guiding the division member 520. That is, the rail 515 can perform a function as a lift without a separate lift.

An operation of a washing machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration is described as follows.

In order to inject the laundary, the door 512 and the drum door 512 are opened. When a separate tub door exists, the tub door is also opened.

The division member 520 is moved according to an amount of the laundary for performing separation washing. When separation washing is not performed, the division member 520 can be completely moved to one side surface.

The laundary is appropriately separated and injected into the inside of the drum 510 partitioned by the division member 520, and when the door 512 and the drum door 512 are closed, washing is performed.

In a washing process, washing water collected to the sump 535 is purified in the filter 540, and the pump 550 supplies washing water to the first nozzle 562 and the second nozzle 564 via the first circulation flow path 552 and the second circulation flow path 554, respectively, by pumping washing water. The first nozzle 562 and the second nozzle 564 eject washing water into the drum 510 through the first nozzle hole 563 and the second nozzle hole 565, respectively. The washing water ejected into the drum 510 is housed in the tub 530, collected to the sump 535, and is circulated through the above-described process.

A washing machine according to the present invention has the following effects.

First, it is possible to perform separation washing different kinds of laundary at one time.

Second, when separation washing is performed, an internal space of a drum can be changed according to an amount of the laundary.

Third, the laundary is not contaminated by washing water.

Fourth, it is possible to prevent damage of the laundary when processing the laundary and to provide reliability of a product to a user by processing the laundary having different characteristics to correspond to the characteristics by partitioning the drum with a division member.

The effect of the present invention is not limited to the above-described effects and the other effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims.

The embodiment of the invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A washing machine comprising:

a tub for housing washing water;

a drum disposed within the tub and for housing the laundary;

a division member for vertically partitioning the drum;

a washing water circulation device for supplying washing water within the tub to the drum; and

a plurality of nozzles for ejecting washing water supplied from the washing water circulation device to the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the division member comprises an elastic material.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the division member is detachable, and

the drum comprises a fixing part for mounting and fixing the division member.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the division member is formed in a circular plate shape.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the division member is formed in a cylindrical shape.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the division member is laterally movable within the drum, and

the washing machine further comprises a rail for guiding the division member when the division member moves.
The washing machine of claim 6, wherein in the drum, a circumferential surface thereof has an opened part in order to inject the classified laundary into a portion partitioned into the division member.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of nozzles comprise:

a first nozzle disposed at the front of the drum to eject washing water; and

a second nozzles disposed at the rear of the drum to eject washing water.
The washing machine of claim 8, further comprising a gasket disposed at the tub,

wherein the first nozzle is disposed at an upper part of the gasket, and

the second nozzle is disposed at the center of the drum.
The washing machine of claim 1, further a separation member formed in the tub and for dividing the tub into a first housing and a second housing to divide the washing water.
The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the washing water circulation device comprises:

a first washing water circulation device for circulating washing water housed in the first housing to the drum; and

a second washing water circulation device for circulating washing water housed in the second housing to the drum.
The washing machine of claim 10, further comprising:

a first heating device for heating washing water housed in the first housing; and

a second heating device for heating washing water housed in the second housing.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the washing water circulation device comprises a filter for purifying washing water.
The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a display for displaying each of washing methods or progress situations of the laundary injected into each of the divided drums.
The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a manipulation unit for selecting each washing mode for the laundary injected into each of the divided drums.
A washing machine comprising:

a drum disposed within the tub and for housing the laundary;

a division member for partitioning the inside of the drum and for preventing the partitioned laundary from being mixed; and

a plurality of nozzles for ejecting washing water into each of the partitioned drums.