WO2024242321A1 - Filter device and clothes treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

This clothes treating apparatus comprises: a washing machine including a washing machine housing, a tub provided inside the washing machine housing, and a drain device for discharging the water of the tub to the outside of the washing machine housing; and a filter device which is disposed outside the washing machine housing, and which can be connected to the drain device so as to filter out foreign substances from the water discharged from the washing machine. The filter device includes: a filter case including a case inlet part and a case outlet part; a filter separably mounted in the filter case; and a drain guide guiding, to the outside of the filter device, the water discharged from the case outlet part, and including a guide part for forming a first flow path and a siphon prevention part for forming a second flow path having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first flow path.

Description

Filter devices and clothing treatment devices

The present disclosure relates to a filter device and a clothes treatment device including the filter device and a washing machine.

A washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to mix together laundry, water, and detergent placed inside a tub, thereby washing through friction between them.

The cycles performed by the washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub containing laundry and the drum is rotated to wash the laundry, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a spin-drying cycle in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry.

The washing machine may include a drain device configured to discharge water from the tub to the outside of the washing machine when performing a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and/or a spin-dry cycle. The drain device may also be configured to discharge water discharged from the tub back into the tub when performing a wash cycle and/or a rinse cycle.

The filter device can be connected to the drainage device of the washing machine. The filter device can filter foreign substances from the washing water discharged from the washing machine.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device capable of preventing unintended drainage by a siphon.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

A clothing treatment device according to the invention comprises a washing machine including a washing machine housing, a tub provided inside the washing machine housing, and a drainage device for discharging water in the tub to the outside of the washing machine housing, and a filter device disposed outside the washing machine housing, the filter device being connectable to the drainage device to filter foreign substances from water discharged from the washing machine. The filter device comprises a filter case including a case inlet and a case discharge portion, a filter detachably mountable to the filter case, and a drainage guide for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion to the outside of the filter device, the drainage guide including a guide portion forming a first flow path and an anti-siphon portion forming a second flow path having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path.

A filter device according to the invention comprises a filter housing, a filter case provided inside the filter housing and including a case inlet and a case outlet, a filter detachably mountable to the filter case, and a drain guide for guiding water discharged from the case outlet, the drain guide including a guide portion connected to the case outlet and an anti-siphon portion forming a second channel having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of a first channel formed inside the guide portion.

FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a garment handling device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of a filter device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a filter device according to one embodiment from a different direction than FIG. 7.

Figure 9 is a control block diagram of a filter device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Figure 11 illustrates a flow of water flowing into a filter case according to one embodiment and then being discharged after passing through the filter.

Fig. 12 illustrates a state in which foreign substances inside a filter are collected by a filter cleaning device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 13 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 15 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Fig. 16 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations of them.

The term "and/or" includes any combination of multiple related described elements or any one of multiple related described elements.

Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The terms "include" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in this document, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes. Washing machines are an example of clothes treatment devices, and clothes treatment devices are a concept encompassing devices that wash clothes (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothes, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothes.

Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which a laundry inlet for putting in or taking out laundry is provided to face upward, or front-loading washing machines in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating a drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer capable of drying laundry accommodated inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be seen.

The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing so that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby attenuating vibrations transmitted to the housing.

A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

The drum can be positioned inside the tub so that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry can be accommodated in the drum or taken out from the drum by passing through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence.

The drum can perform each operation of washing, rinsing, and/or dehydration while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub can flow into the inside of the drum or flow out of the outside of the drum.

The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by passing through the tub.

The drive device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and/or dehydration, or drying cycle.

The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to the detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

The water supply valve can open or close the water supply line in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve can include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to insert detergent to be used for each wash, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inserts a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The detergent supply device may include a detergent box for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term encompassing a pre-wash detergent, a main wash detergent, a fabric softener, a bleach, etc., and the detergent box may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

The washing machine may include a drain device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drain device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to a washing course and operating time of the washing machine, washing settings/rinsing settings/spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine can be output by a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wired and/or wireless means.

The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

The communication module can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

To this end, the communication module can support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., a drive motor, a water inlet valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or a memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, at least one memory storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor performing the above-described operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a garment handling device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing machine (10) of the clothing treatment device (1) may include a washing machine housing (11) that accommodates various components therein. The washing machine housing (11) may form the exterior of the washing machine (10). The washing machine housing (11) may have a box shape with one portion open.

The washing machine housing (11) may include a housing opening (12) formed to allow access to the interior of the drum (30). The housing opening (12) may be opened approximately toward the front.

The washing machine (10) may include a door (13) for opening and closing a housing opening (12) provided in the washing machine housing (11). The door (13) may be rotatably mounted to the washing machine housing (11) by a hinge (14). At least a portion of the door (13) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside of the washing machine housing (11) may be visible.

The washing machine (10) may include a tub (20) provided inside the washing machine housing (11) to store water. The tub (20) may be arranged inside the washing machine housing (11). The tub (20) may include a tub opening (22) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12). The tub opening (22) may be opened approximately forward. The tub (20) may be supported inside the washing machine housing (11). The tub (20) may have an approximately cylindrical shape with one side being open.

The tub (20) can be elastically supported from the washing machine housing (11) by a damper (80). The damper (80) can connect the washing machine housing (11) and the tub (20). The damper (80) can be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub (20) and the washing machine housing (11) to attenuate the vibration when the vibration generated when the drum (30) rotates is transmitted to the tub (20) and/or the washing machine housing (11).

The washing machine (10) may include a drum (30) provided to accommodate laundry. The drum (30) may be provided rotatably inside the tub (20). The drum (30) may perform washing, rinsing, and/or dehydration while rotating inside the tub (20). The drum (30) may include a hole (34) connecting the internal space of the drum (30) and the internal space of the tub (20). The drum (30) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. At least one lifter (35) may be installed on the inner surface of the drum (30) so that laundry may be raised and lowered when the drum (30) rotates.

The drum (30) may include a drum opening (32) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12) and the tub opening (22). Laundry may be fed into the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30) through the housing opening (12), the tub opening (22), and the drum opening (32).

The washing machine (10) may include a washing machine drive device (40) configured to rotate a drum (30). The washing machine drive device (40) may include a drive motor (41) and a rotation shaft (42) for transmitting a driving force generated from the drive motor (41) to the drum (30). The rotation shaft (42) may be connected to the drum (30) by penetrating the tub (20).

The washing machine (10) can be divided into a direct drive type in which a rotating shaft (42) is directly connected to a driving motor (41) to rotate a drum (30), and an indirect drive type in which a pulley (43) is connected between a driving motor (41) and a rotating shaft (42) to drive a drum (30).

The washing machine (10) according to one embodiment may be provided as an indirect drive type, but is not limited thereto and may also be provided as a direct drive type.

The rotary shaft (42) may have one end connected to the drum (30) and the other end connected to a pulley (43) to receive power from a drive motor (41). A motor pulley (41a) may be formed on the rotation axis of the drive motor (41). A drive belt (44) may be provided between the motor pulley (41a) and the pulley (43), so that the rotary shaft (42) may be driven by the drive belt (44).

A bearing housing (45) may be installed on a rear portion of the tub (20) to rotatably support a rotating shaft (42). The bearing housing (45) may be made of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into a rear portion of the tub (20) when the tub (20) is injection molded.

The washing machine driving device (40) may be provided to perform washing, rinsing, and/or dehydration, or drying operations by rotating the drum (30) forward or reverse.

The washing machine (10) may include a water supply device (50). The water supply device (50) may supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (50) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The water supply device (50) may include a water supply pipe (51) and a water supply valve (56) provided in the water supply pipe (51). The water supply pipe (51) may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe (51) may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device (60) and/or the tub (20). Water may be supplied to the tub (20) via the detergent supply device (60). Water may be supplied to the tub (20) without passing through the detergent supply device (60).

The water supply valve (56) can open or close the water supply pipe (51) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit (90). The water supply valve (56) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). The water supply valve (56) can include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine (10) may include a detergent supply device (60) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (60) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20) during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe (51) may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device (60). The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub (20). The detergent may include not only a laundry detergent but also a dryer rinse, a deodorizer, a sterilizer, or an air freshener. The detergent supply device (60) may be connected to the tub (20) through a connection pipe (61).

The washing machine (10) may include a drainage device (70). The drainage device (70) may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (73) for discharging water in the tub (20) to the outside of the washing machine housing (11), a connection hose (71) for connecting the tub (20) and the drainage pump (73) so that water inside the tub (20) may flow into the drainage pump (73), and a drainage hose (74) for guiding water pumped by the drainage pump (73) to the outside of the washing machine housing (11). The drainage device (70) may include a drainage valve (72) provided in the connection hose (71) for opening and closing the connection hose (71).

The washing machine (10) may provide a user interface device (15) for interaction between the user and the washing machine (10).

The washing machine (10) may include at least one user interface device (15). The user interface device (15) may include at least one input interface (16) and at least one output interface (17).

At least one input interface (16) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

At least one input interface (16) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin setting button. The at least one input interface (16) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

At least one output interface (17) can transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine (10) to the user by generating sensory information.

For example, at least one output interface (17) can transmit information related to a washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (10), washing settings/rinsing settings/spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (10) can be output by a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (17) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

The clothing treatment device (1) may include a filter device (100) that is provided to be connected to a drainage device (70) of a washing machine (10). The filter device (100) may be arranged outside of the washing machine (10). The filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances from water discharged from the washing machine (10). The filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than a size of foreign substances that can be filtered by the washing machine (10). For example, the filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than a size of foreign substances that can be filtered by the drainage device (70) of the washing machine (10).

Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the washing machine (10) may include a user interface device (15), a driving device (40), a water supply device (50), a drainage device (70), a sensor unit (95), a communication module (96), and a control unit (90).

The user interface device (15) can provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine (10).

The user interface device (15) may include at least one input interface (16) and at least one output interface (17).

At least one input interface (16) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

At least one input interface (16) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin setting button. The at least one input interface (16) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

At least one output interface (17) can transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine (10) to the user by generating sensory information.

For example, at least one output interface (17) can transmit information related to a washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (10), washing settings/rinsing settings/spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (10) can be output by a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (17) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

The driving device (40) may include a driving motor (41) that provides driving force to rotate the drum (30). The driving device (40) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

The water supply device (50) may include a water supply valve (56) that opens and closes a water supply pipe (51) extending from an external water source to the detergent supply device (60) and/or the tub (20). The water supply valve (56) may be opened and closed based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

The drain device (70) may include a drain pump (73) for discharging water from the tub (20) to the outside of the washing machine (10) housing (11). The drain pump (73) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

The sensor unit (95) may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the operating status of the washing machine (10).

For example, the sensor unit (95) may include at least one of a water level sensor that detects the water level of the tub, a sensor that detects the operating status of the driving device (40), a flow rate sensor that detects the amount of water flowing into the tub (20) through the water supply device (50), or a sensor that detects the operating status of the drainage device (70).

The sensor that detects the operating status of the driving device (40) may include, for example, a current sensor that measures the driving current applied to the driving motor (41), but is not limited thereto.

A sensor that detects the operating status of the drainage device (70) may include, for example, a current sensor that measures the driving current applied to the drainage pump (73), but is not limited thereto.

The washing machine (10) may include a communication module (96) for communicating with an external device via wires and/or wirelessly.

The communication module (96) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

The communication module (96) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a home appliance, and/or a filter device (100)), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication module (96) can establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

To this end, the communication module (96) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module (96) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine (10) or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine (10) or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit (90) can control various components of the washing machine (10) (e.g., a driving device (40), a water supply device (50)). The control unit (90) can control various components of the washing machine (10) to perform at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the control unit (90) can control a driving motor (41) to adjust the rotation speed of a drum (30), or control a water supply valve (56) of a water supply device (50) to supply water to a tub (20).

The control unit (90) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (90) may include at least one memory (92) storing data in the form of an algorithm and a program for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine (10), and at least one processor (91) performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory (92) and the processor (91) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (91) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (92) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (92) and the processor (91) may be implemented as a single chip.

Fig. 4 illustrates a garment handling device according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the washing machine (10a) of the clothing treatment device (1a) may include a housing (11a) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (11a) may form the exterior of the washing machine (10a). The housing (11a) may have a box shape with one portion open.

The housing (11a) may include a housing opening (12a) formed to allow access to the interior of the drum (30a). The housing opening (12a) may be opened approximately upwardly.

The washing machine (10a) may include a door (13a) for opening and closing a housing opening (12a) provided in the housing (11a). The door (13a) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (11a) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (13a) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside of the housing (11a) may be visible.

The washing machine (10a) may include a tub (20a) provided inside the housing (11a) to store water. The tub (20a) may be arranged inside the housing (11a). The tub (20a) may include a tub opening (22a) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12a). The tub opening (22a) may be opened approximately upward. The tub (20a) may be supported inside the housing (11a). The tub (20a) may have an approximately cylindrical shape with one side being open.

The tub (20a) can be elastically supported from the housing (11a) by the damper (80a). The damper (80a) can connect the housing (11a) and the tub (20a). The damper (80a) can be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub (20a) and the housing (11a) and attenuate the vibration when the vibration generated when the drum (30a) rotates is transmitted to the tub (20a) and/or the housing (11a).

The washing machine (10a) may include a drum (30a) provided to accommodate laundry. The drum (30a) may be provided rotatably inside the tub (20a). The drum (30a) may perform washing, rinsing, and/or dehydration while rotating inside the tub (20a). The drum (30a) may include a perforation (34a) connecting the internal space of the drum (30a) and the internal space of the tub (20a). The drum (30a) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side being open.

A balancing unit (36a) may be installed on the upper part of the drum (30a) to resolve the load imbalance caused by laundry. The balancing unit (36a) includes a housing having an annular channel and a ball or a mass of fluid that is provided to be movable inside the channel, and the ball or fluid moves according to the rotation of the drum (30a) to resolve the load imbalance of the drum (30a).

A pulsator (37a) is rotatably installed at the bottom of the drum (30a) and can generate a washing water stream. Laundry can be washed by the washing water stream generated by the pulsator (37a).

The drum (30a) may include a drum opening (32a) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12a) and the tub opening (22a). Laundry may be fed into the drum (30a) or taken out from the drum (30a) through the housing opening (12a), the tub opening (22a), and the drum opening (32a).

The washing machine (10a) may include a washing machine drive device (40a) configured to rotate a drum (30a) and a pulsator (37a). The washing machine drive device (40a) may include a drive motor (41a) and a shaft system for transmitting driving force generated from the drive motor (41a) to the drum (30a) and the pulsator (37a).

The drive motor (41a) may include a fixed stator (48a) and a rotor (49a) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (48a).

The shaft system may include a dehydration shaft (47a) provided to transmit the driving force of the driving motor (41a) to the drum (30a), a washing shaft (46a) provided to transmit the driving force of the driving motor (41a) to the pulsator (37a), and a clutch device (45a) for connecting or disconnecting the driving motor (41a) and the dehydration shaft (47a).

The dehydration shaft (47a) is formed to have a hollow space, and the washing shaft (46a) can be provided in the hollow space of the dehydration shaft (47a). The washing shaft (46a) is maintained in a state of being connected to the rotor (49a) of the driving motor (41a), and the dehydration shaft (47a) can be connected or disconnected from the rotor (49a) of the driving motor (41a) by a clutch device (45a).

When the clutch device (45a) disconnects the dehydration shaft (47a) and the driving motor (41a), power is transmitted only to the washing shaft (46a), so that only the pulsator (37a) rotates. When the clutch device (45a) connects the dehydration shaft (47a) and the driving motor (41a), power is transmitted to both the dehydration shaft (47a) and the washing shaft (46a), so that the drum (30a) and the pulsator (37a) can rotate simultaneously.

When only the pulsator (37a) rotates, a washing water flow is generated by the rotation of the pulsator (37a), and the laundry is rotated by the generated washing water flow and rubs against the drum (30a), so that the laundry can be washed. When the pulsator (37a) and the drum (30a) rotate simultaneously, the laundry inside the drum (30a) rotates and the moisture in the laundry is removed by centrifugal force, so that the laundry can be dehydrated.

The washing machine (10a) may include a water supply device (50a). The water supply device (50a) may supply water to the tub (20a). The water supply device (50a) may be located above the tub (20a). The water supply device (50a) may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to the detergent supply device (60a) and/or the tub (20a). Water may be supplied to the tub (20a) via the detergent supply device (60a). Water may be supplied to the tub (20a) without passing through the detergent supply device (60a).

The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20a). The water supply valve can include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine (10a) may include a detergent supply device (60a) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20a). The detergent supply device (60a) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20a) during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device (60a). The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub (20a). The detergent may include not only a laundry detergent but also a dryer rinse, a deodorizer, a sterilizer, or an air freshener.

The washing machine (10a) may include a drainage device (70a). The drainage device (70a) may be configured to discharge water stored in the tub (20a) to the outside. A drainage port (21a) may be formed at the bottom of the tub (20a) to drain water stored in the tub (20a) to the outside of the tub (20a). A drainage hose (74a) may be connected to the drainage port (21a), and a drainage valve (72a) for opening and closing the drainage hose (74a) may be provided in the drainage hose (74a).

The washing machine (10a) may provide a user interface device (15a) for interaction between a user and the washing machine (10a).

The washing machine (10a) may include at least one user interface device (15a). The user interface device (15a) may include at least one input interface (16a) and at least one output interface (17a).

At least one input interface (16a) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

At least one input interface (16a) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin setting button. The at least one input interface (16a) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

At least one output interface (17a) can transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine (10a) to the user by generating sensory information.

For example, at least one output interface (17a) can transmit information related to a washing course and an operating time of the washing machine (10a), washing settings/rinsing settings/spin settings to a user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (10a) can be output by a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (17a) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

The clothes treatment device (1a) may include the same filter device (100) as the filter device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the filter device (100) according to one embodiment may be connected to a front-loading washing machine or may be connected to a top-loading washing machine. The filter device (100) may be provided to be connectable to a drainage device (70a) of the washing machine (10a). The filter device (100) may be placed outside the washing machine (10a). The filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances from water discharged from the washing machine (10a). The filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than a foreign substance filterable in the washing machine (10a). For example, the filter device (100) may be provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than a foreign substance filterable in the drainage device (70a) of the washing machine (10a).

The washing machine (10a) of the clothing treatment device (1a) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may have the same control configuration applied as the control configuration of the washing machine (10) illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a filter device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a filter device according to one embodiment from a different direction than FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a filter device according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a filter device (100) according to one embodiment may include a filter housing (101) that accommodates various components. The filter housing (101) may include a housing body (102), a housing cover (103), and a housing bracket (104). For example, the housing body (102), the housing cover (103), and the housing bracket (104) may each be provided as separate components. For example, the housing body (102) may be formed integrally with the housing cover (103). For example, the housing body (102) may be formed integrally with the housing bracket (104). For example, the housing cover (103) may be formed integrally with the housing bracket (104). For example, the housing body (102) may be formed integrally with the housing cover (103) and the housing bracket (104).

The housing body (102) can form a space for accommodating various components. The housing body (102) can have a cross-section that is approximately U-shaped and is perpendicular to the direction in which the filter (120) accommodated inside extends. The housing body (102) can have a box shape with the front, back, and top surfaces open. The housing body (102) can be detachably coupled to the housing cover (103) and/or the housing bracket (104).

The housing body (102) may include a housing inlet (102a) for allowing water to flow into the interior of the filter device (100), and a housing discharge (102b) for discharging water inside the filter device (100) to the exterior of the filter device (100). The housing inlet (102a) and/or the housing discharge (102b) may be located at the lower portion of the housing body (102).

The housing inlet (102a) can be connected to the drain hose (74, 74a) of the washing machine (10, 10a). Water discharged from the washing machine (10, 10a) and flowing along the drain hose (74, 74a) can flow into the filter device (100) through the housing inlet (102a).

The housing discharge portion (102b) can be connected to a drain line (105). Water discharged through the housing discharge portion (102b) can be discharged from the clothing treatment device (1, 1a) through the drain line (105).

The housing cover (103) may be provided to cover the open front and upper surface of the housing body (102). The housing cover (103) may be detachably coupled to the housing body (102) and/or the housing bracket (104). The housing cover (103) may include a cover opening (103a) formed to allow a filter (120) to pass through. The housing cover (103) may include an installation portion (103b) in which a user interface device (197) is installed. At least a portion of the user interface device (197) may be exposed to the outside of the filter device (100) through the installation portion (103b).

The housing bracket (104) may be provided to cover the open rear surface of the housing body (102). The housing bracket (104) may be detachably coupled to the housing body (102) and/or the housing cover (103). The housing bracket (104) may include a cable opening (104a) formed to allow a power cable (109) to pass through. The housing bracket (104) may include a connector mounting portion (104b) formed to allow a connector (108) for communication with an external device, such as a washing machine (10), to be connected.

The filter device (100) may include a filter case (110) positioned inside a filter housing (101). The filter case (110) may form a passage through which water flowing into the filter device (100) passes. The filter case (110) may be provided to accommodate a filter (120). The filter case (110) may include a case body (111) and a case cover (112).

The case body (111) may extend along the direction in which the filter (120) accommodated therein extends. The case body (111) may include a case opening (111a) formed to allow the filter (120) to pass through. The case opening (111a) may be provided to correspond to the cover opening (103a). The case opening (111a) may be positioned closer to the case outlet (111b) than to the case inlet (112a), and may be provided to allow the filter (120) to pass through.

The case body (111) may include a case discharge portion (111b) for discharging water flowing into the filter case (110) from the filter case (110). The case discharge portion (111b) may be located at the lower portion of the case body (111). The case discharge portion (111b) may be located adjacent to the case opening (111a). The case discharge portion (111b) may be located close to the other end opposite to the end where the filter opening (120a) of the filter (120) is located. The case discharge portion (111b) may be located closer to the second filter portion (122) than to the first filter portion (121) of the filter (120).

The case discharge portion (111b) may be connected to the housing discharge portion (102b). The filter device (100) may include a drain guide (170) for discharging water discharged from the case discharge portion (111b) to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1, 1a) through the housing discharge portion (102b).

The case cover (112) can be detachably connected to one end of the case body (111) opposite to the end where the case opening (111a) of the case body (111) is located. For example, the case cover (112) can be formed integrally with the case body (111).

The case cover (112) may include a case inlet (112a) for allowing water to flow into the interior of the filter case (110). The case inlet (112a) may be connected to the housing inlet (102a). The filter device (100) may include an inlet guide (106) for connecting the case inlet (112a) and the housing inlet (102a).

The case cover (112) may include a motor mounting portion (112b) for mounting a filter cleaning device (130). The motor mounting portion (112b) may be located above the case inlet portion (112a). A cleaning motor (136) of the filter cleaning device (130) may be mounted on the motor mounting portion (112b).

The filter device (100) may include a filter (120) that is detachably connectable to a filter case (110). The filter (120) may be provided to be capable of filtering foreign substances of a fine size. The filter may be provided to be capable of filtering foreign substances of a size smaller than that of foreign substances that can be filtered in the drainage device (70, 70a). The filter (120) may be provided to be capable of filtering microplastics having a size of approximately 5 mm or less. The filter (120) may include a mesh filter. The filter (120) may extend approximately between a case inlet (112a) and a case outlet (111b).

The filter (120) may include a filter opening (120a) that opens toward the case inlet (112a) when mounted in the filter case (110). Water flowing into the filter case (110) through the case inlet (112a) may move into the interior of the filter (120) through the filter opening (120a).

The filter (120) may include a first filter unit (121) and a second filter unit (122). The first filter unit (121) may be positioned closer to the case inlet (112a) than the second filter unit (122). Water flowing into the filter case (110) may have foreign substances filtered out by the first filter unit (121), or may pass through the first filter unit (121) without being filtered out by the first filter unit (121) and then be filtered out by the second filter unit (122). The first filter unit (121) and the second filter unit (122) may be sequentially arranged along the direction in which the filter (120) extends. Foreign substances transferred from the first filter unit (121) by the filter cleaning device (130) may be collected in the second filter unit (122).

The filter device (100) may include a handle (129) that is at least partially exposed to the outside of the filter housing (101) when the filter (120) is mounted in the filter case (110). For example, the handle (129) may be detachably coupled to the filter (120). As the handle (129) is detachably coupled to the filter (120), the filter (120) may be easily maintained and/or repaired. The handle (129) may be rotatably coupled to the cover opening (103a) and/or the case opening (111a).

The filter device (100) may include a filter cleaning device (130) for cleaning the filter (120). The filter cleaning device (130) may be configured to transfer foreign substances filtered by the filter (120) to one end near the case discharge portion (111b). The filter cleaning device (130) may be mounted on the filter case (110). The filter cleaning device (130) may include a cleaning member (131) for cleaning the surface of the filter (120) through which foreign substances are filtered, and a cleaning driving device (135) for driving the cleaning member (131).

The cleaning member (131) may be positioned inside the filter (120). The cleaning member (131) may be provided to correspond to the first filter portion (121) of the filter (120). The cleaning member (131) may have a blade (132) extending in a spiral shape. The blade (132) may extend radially from the rotational axis of the cleaning member (131). The cleaning member (131) may be provided to contact a surface of the filter (120) where foreign substances are filtered. The cleaning member (131) may be provided to contact an inner surface of the filter (120). For example, the cleaning member (131) may include a plurality of brushes.

The cleaning member (131) may be provided to transfer foreign substances filtered in a portion of the filter (120) close to the case inlet (112a) to a portion of the filter (120) close to the case discharge portion (111b) of the filter (120) while being driven by the cleaning driving device (135). The cleaning member (131) may be provided to transfer foreign substances filtered in the first filter portion (121) to the second filter portion (122). For example, the cleaning member (131) may be provided to be rotatably located inside the filter (120). The cleaning member (131) may include a flexible material. The cleaning member (131) may rotate while in contact with the filter (120) and clean foreign substances filtered in the filter (120). The cleaning member (131) can scrape and remove foreign substances attached to the filter surface of the filter (120) while being driven in contact with the filter (120). For example, the cleaning member (131) can be provided so as to be slidable within the filter (120).

The cleaning member (131) is provided to transfer foreign substances filtered in the first filter unit (121) to the second filter unit (122), and as water flowing into the filter case (110) flows from the first filter unit (121) to the second filter unit (122), foreign substances filtered in the first filter unit (121) can be efficiently collected in the second filter unit (122). Considering the flow of water passing through the filter (120), the cleaning member (131) can be arranged behind the reference line (C) illustrated in FIG. 10, and the case discharge unit (111b) can be arranged in front of the reference line (C) illustrated in FIG. 10.

The cleaning drive device (135) may include a cleaning motor (136) and a motor shaft (137). The cleaning motor (136) may be configured to generate power for driving the cleaning member (131). The motor shaft (137) may be connected to the cleaning member (131). The cleaning motor (136) may be mounted on the filter case (110). The cleaning motor (136) may be located closer to the case inlet (112a) than to the case discharge portion (111b).

The filter device (100) may include a circuitry (190) positioned inside the filter housing (101). The circuitry (190) may be positioned at an upper portion of the inside of the filter housing (101). The circuitry (190) may be positioned on one side of the filter case (110). For example, the circuitry (190) may be positioned on the upper side of the filter case (110). For example, the circuitry (190) may be arranged on the upper side of the filter (120).

The main body (190) may be provided with a control unit (191) for controlling the filter device (100) and a communication unit (199) for communicating with the washing machine (10, 10a).

The filter device (100) may include a user interface device (197) positioned on the upper side of the front part (190). At least a portion of the user interface device (197) may be exposed to the outside of the filter device (100) through the installation part (103b) of the filter housing (101). The user interface device (197) may be positioned on the upper surface of the filter device (100). The user interface device (197) may include a first button (197a) and a second button (197b). The first button (197a) may include one of a power button and a WiFi connection button. The second button (197b) may include one of a power button and a WiFi connection button other than the first button (197a).

The filter device (100) may include a display (198) that displays visualized information related to the filter device (100). The display (198) may be located on the upper surface of the filter device (100). As an example, the display (198) may be provided as a component of the user interface device (197).

The filter device (100) may include a filter sensor (181) that obtains information about the state of the filter (120). The filter sensor (181) may be mounted on the filter case (110). The filter sensor (181) may be located on the outside of the filter case (110). The filter sensor (181) may be located adjacent to the cleaning drive device (135) mounted on the filter case (110). As an example, the filter sensor (181) may include a magnetic sensor. As an example, the filter sensor (181) may include an optical sensor. As an example, the filter sensor (181) may include a hall sensor, a limit switch, and an accelerometer.

The filter device (100) may include a water supply sensor (182) for detecting the supply of water to the filter device (100). The water supply sensor (182) may be mounted on the lower part of the filter case (110). The water supply sensor (182) may be located close to the case inlet (112a) of the filter case (110).

Referring to FIG. 9, a filter device (100) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (197) for interaction with a user, a filter sensor (181), a water supply sensor (182), a filter cleaning device (130), a display (198), a communication unit (199), and a control unit (191) for controlling various components of the filter device (100).

The control unit (191) may include at least one memory (191a) and at least one processor (191b) to perform the operations described above and the operations described below.

In one embodiment, the control unit (191) may include at least one memory (191a) that stores data in the form of an algorithm and/or a program for controlling the operation of components within the filter device (100), and at least one processor (191b) that performs the operations described above and the operations described below using the data stored in the at least one memory (191a). The memory (191a) and the processor (191b) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (191b) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (191a) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (191a) and the processor (191b) may also be implemented as a single chip.

The control unit (191) processes user input received through the user interface device (197) and can control various components of the filter device (100) (e.g., filter cleaning device (130), display (198)) based on the processed user input.

The user interface device (197) may include a first button (197a) and a second button (197b) and may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (191).

A filter sensor (181) can be mounted on the filter case (110). The filter sensor (181) can detect the amount of foreign substances collected in the filter (120).

For example, the filter device (100) may include a magnetic body that rotates together with the motor shaft (137) as the cleaning drive device (135) operates, and the filter sensor (181) may be configured to detect the magnetic body that rotates together with the motor shaft (137). For example, the filter sensor (181) may detect a magnetic field of the magnetic body and output a signal. The control unit (191) may detect a clogging of the filter (120) based on the rotation of the cleaning motor (136) detected by the filter sensor (181).

However, the type of filter sensor (181) is not limited to this, and the filter sensor (181) may include an optical sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor) that detects the amount of foreign substances collected in the filter (120), and any configuration capable of detecting the amount of foreign substances collected in the filter (120) may be adopted as the filter sensor (181).

A water supply sensor (182) can be mounted on the filter case (110). The water supply sensor (182) can detect water flowing into the filter case (110).

For example, the water supply sensor (182) may include a capacitance sensor that detects water flowing into the interior of the filter case (110). However, the type of the water supply sensor (182) is not limited thereto, and any configuration capable of detecting water flowing into the filter case (110) may be adopted as the water supply sensor (182).

The control unit (191) processes sensor data received through the filter sensor (181) and/or the water supply sensor (182), and can control various components of the filter device (100) (e.g., the filter cleaning device (130)) based on the processed sensor data.

The filter cleaning device (130) may include a cleaning member (131) that is slidably and rotatably inserted into the inner surface of the filter (120), and a cleaning motor (136) for rotating the cleaning member (131).

The control unit (191) can control the filter cleaning device (130).

In one embodiment, the control unit (191) can control a driving circuit that applies a driving current to the cleaning motor (136). The driving circuit can supply a driving current to the cleaning motor (136) in response to a driving signal of the control unit (191). The driving circuit can include a rectifier circuit that rectifies AC power of an external power source, a DC link circuit that removes a ripple of the rectified power and outputs DC power, an inverter circuit that converts the DC power into driving power in a sinusoidal wave form and outputs the driving current to the cleaning motor (136), a current sensor that measures the driving current supplied to the cleaning motor (136), and a gate driver that turns on/off a switching element included in the inverter circuit based on a driving signal of the control unit (191).

The drive circuit connected to the cleaning motor (136) may include components for driving a DC motor.

The display (198) can display visualized information related to the filter device (100). For example, the display (198) can be provided as a separate configuration from the user interface device (197). For example, the display (198) can be provided as a component of the user interface device (197).

The communication unit (199) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device based on a control signal from the control unit (191). For example, the communication unit (95) can communicate with a server and/or a user terminal device and/or a home appliance including a washing machine (10, 10a) to transmit and receive various data.

The communication unit (199) for this purpose can support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between external electronic devices (e.g., servers, user terminal devices, and/or home appliances), and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (199) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

According to various embodiments, the communication unit (199) can establish communication with a user terminal device through a server.

In various embodiments, the communication unit (199) may include a Wi-Fi module and may perform communication with an external server and/or user terminal device based on establishing communication with an access point (AP) within the home.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8 and 10, the filter device (100) may include a drain guide (170) for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion (111b) to the outside of the filter device (100). The drain guide (170) may include a material more flexible than the filter case (110).

The drain guide (170) may include a guide portion (171) connected to the case discharge portion (111b). A first flow path (P1) through which water discharged from the case discharge portion (111b) flows may be formed inside the guide portion (171).

The drain guide (170) may include an anti-siphon portion (173) provided between the guide portion (171) and the housing discharge portion (102b). The anti-siphon portion (173) may be connected to the housing discharge portion (102b). A second flow path (P2) through which water passing through the guide portion (171) flows may be formed inside the anti-siphon portion (173).

For example, the guide portion (171) may include a first guide portion connected to the case discharge portion (111b) and a second guide portion connected to the housing discharge portion (102b), and the siphon prevention portion (173) may be provided between the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

The guide part (171) and the siphon prevention part (173) can be formed integrally.

The second flow path (P2) can have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first flow path (P1). The second flow path (P2) can have a height larger than that of the first flow path (P1) in the direction of gravity. The second flow path (P2) can have a cross-section larger than that of a cross-section perpendicular to a direction in which water flows in the first flow path (P1). The second flow path (P2) can have a width larger than that of the first flow path (P1). A cross-section approximately perpendicular to a direction in which the siphon prevention portion (173) of the second flow path (P2) extends can be provided to be larger than a cross-section approximately perpendicular to a direction in which the guide portion (171) of the first flow path (P1) extends.

The siphon prevention unit (173) can form an air pocket (174) to be filled with air while water passes through the second flow path (P2). The air pocket (174) can be formed in a part of the second flow path (P2). In a region of the second flow path (P2) that has approximately the same size as that of the first flow path (P1), water passing through the first flow path (P1) can flow. In a region of the second flow path (P2) other than that having approximately the same size as that of the first flow path (P1), air can be filled.

The siphon prevention part (173) may protrude upward in the direction of gravity more than the guide part (171). The air pocket (174) may be located higher in the direction of gravity than the part corresponding to the first flow path (P1) in the second flow path (P2).

The siphon prevention unit (173) may include at least one increasing unit (173a, 173c) in which the cross-sectional area of the second flow path (P2) increases, and at least one decreasing unit (173b, 173d) in which the cross-sectional area of the second flow path (P2) decreases. In the case where the increasing units (173a, 173c) and the decreasing units (173b, 173d) are provided in multiple numbers, the increasing units (173a, 173c) and the decreasing units (173b, 173d) may be arranged alternately.

For example, the increasing portions (173a, 173c) may include a first increasing portion (173a) and a second increasing portion (173c). The second increasing portion (173c) may be spaced apart from the first increasing portion (173a) in the direction in which water flows in the second flow path (P2). The decreasing portions (173b, 173d) may include a first decreasing portion (173b) and a second decreasing portion (173d). The second decreasing portion (173d) may be spaced apart from the first decreasing portion (173b) in the direction in which water flows in the second flow path (P2). The first decreasing portion (173b) may be located between the first increasing portion (173a) and the second increasing portion (173c). The second increasing portion (173c) may be located between the first decreasing portion (173b) and the second decreasing portion (173d). The second reduction portion (173d) may be located on the opposite side of the second increase portion (173c) where the first reduction portion (173b) is located. The first increase portion (173a) may be located on the opposite side of the first decrease portion (173b) where the second increase portion (173c) is located.

For convenience of explanation, the case in which the increasing portions (173a, 173c) include a first increasing portion (173a) and a second increasing portion (173c), and the decreasing portions (173b, 173d) include a first decreasing portion (173b) and a second decreasing portion (173d) has been described, but even in the case in which the siphon prevention portion (173) includes three or more increasing portions (173a, 173c) and three or more decreasing portions (173b, 173d), the method in which the increasing portions (173a, 173c) and the decreasing portions (173b, 173d) are arranged alternately, as described above, may be applied.

Fig. 11 illustrates a flow of water flowing into a filter case according to one embodiment and then being discharged after passing through the filter. Fig. 12 illustrates a state in which foreign substances inside a filter are collected by a filter cleaning device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, water flowing into the filter device (100) through the housing inlet (102a) can be guided to the filter case (110) by the inlet guide (106). Water flowing into the interior of the filter case (110) through the case inlet (112a) can flow into the interior of the filter (120) through the filter opening (120a). Water flowing into the filter case (110) can flow into the interior of the filter (120). Water flowing into the interior of the filter (120) can pass through the filter (120) and foreign substances can be filtered out. Water passing through the filter (120) can be discharged to the outside of the filter case (110) through the case discharge portion (111b).

Water discharged through the case discharge portion (111b) can flow into the drain guide (170). The water flowing into the drain guide (170) can sequentially pass through the guide portion (171) and the siphon prevention portion (173). While the water passes through the siphon prevention portion (173), the air pocket (174) can be filled with air. The water passing through the siphon prevention portion (173) flows through a portion having a size corresponding to the first flow path (P1) formed inside the guide portion (171), and does not fill the entire second flow path (P2). Accordingly, the garment treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment can prevent siphon from occurring inside the drain guide (170). By preventing siphon from occurring inside the drain guide (170), the garment treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment can prevent unintentional drainage by siphon.

Water passing through the drain guide (170) can be discharged from the filter device (100) through the housing discharge port (102b). Water discharged from the filter device (100) can be guided to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1, 1a) through the drain line (105).

Referring to FIG. 12, while water flowing into the filter case (110) passes through the filter (120) and foreign substances are filtered, foreign substances may accumulate on the inner surface (filtering surface) of the filter (120). The filter cleaning device (130) can transfer foreign substances accumulated on the inner surface of the filter (120) to one end of the filter (120). The filter cleaning device (130) can remove foreign substances filtered on the inner surface of the filter (120) from the inner surface of the filter (120). The filter cleaning device (130) can clean the inner surface of the filter (120) where foreign substances are filtered. The filter cleaning device (130) can clean the filter (120) by rotating the filter (120) while the blade (132) is in contact with the inner surface of the filter (120).

Fig. 13 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a filter device (200) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the filter device (200) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the same components as those of the filter device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 12 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the filter device (200) may include a drain guide (270) for guiding water discharged from the filter case (110).

The drain guide (270) may include a guide portion (271) connected to the case discharge portion (111b). A first flow path (P1) through which water discharged from the case discharge portion (111b) flows may be formed inside the guide portion (271).

The drain guide (270) may include an anti-siphon portion (273) provided between the guide portion (271) and the housing discharge portion (102b). The anti-siphon portion (273) may be connected to the housing discharge portion (102b). A second flow path (P2) through which water passing through the guide portion (271) flows may be formed inside the anti-siphon portion (273).

For example, the guide portion (271) may include a first guide portion connected to the case discharge portion (111b) and a second guide portion connected to the housing discharge portion (102b), and the siphon prevention portion (273) may be provided between the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

The guide part (271) and the siphon prevention part (273) can be formed integrally.

The second passage (P2) can have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first passage (P1). The second passage (P2) can have a height larger than that of the first passage (P1) in the direction of gravity. The second passage (P2) can have a cross-section larger than that of the cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which water flows in the first passage (P1).

The siphon prevention portion (273) may be extended radially outwardly from the guide portion (271). The diameter of the second flow path (P2) formed in the siphon prevention portion (273) may be set to be larger than the diameter of the first flow path (P1) formed in the guide portion (271).

The anti-siphon portion (273) may include an expansion portion (274) configured to change the pressure of water passing through the second flow path (P2). The expansion portion (274) may change the pressure of water by changing the flow rate of water passing through the second flow path (P2).

Water discharged through the case discharge portion (111b) can flow into the drain guide (270). Water flowing into the drain guide (270) can sequentially pass through the guide portion (271) and the siphon prevention portion (273). Water passing through the first flow path (P1) flows into the second flow path (P2) and passes through the expansion portion (274). The water passing through the second flow path (P2) by the expansion portion (274) has a slower flow rate and higher pressure than water passing through the first flow path (P1). As the pressure of the water passing through the first flow path (P1) and the pressure of the water passing through the second flow path (P2) change, siphon can be prevented.

By preventing siphoning from occurring inside the drain guide (270), the garment treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment can prevent unintentional drainage by siphoning.

Fig. 15 illustrates the interior of a filter device according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 illustrates a cross-section of a part of a filter device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a filter device (300) according to one embodiment will be described. In describing the filter device (300) illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the same components as those of the filter device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 12 are given the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the filter device (300) may include a drain guide (370) for guiding water discharged from the filter case (110).

The drain guide (370) may include a guide portion (371) connecting the case discharge portion (111b) and the housing discharge portion (102b). A first flow path (P1) may be formed inside the guide portion (371) through which water discharged from the case discharge portion (111b) flows to the housing discharge portion (102b).

The drain guide (370) may include an anti-siphon portion (373) connected to the housing discharge portion (102b). The anti-siphon portion (373) may be connected to one end connected to the guide portion (371) of the housing discharge portion (102b) and the opposite end. The anti-siphon portion (373) may be provided between the drain line (105) and the housing discharge portion (102b). A second flow path (P2) through which water passing through the housing discharge portion (102b) flows may be formed inside the anti-siphon portion (373).

The guide part (371) and the siphon prevention part (373) can be provided as separate configurations.

The second passage (P2) can have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first passage (P1). The second passage (P2) can have a height larger than that of the first passage (P1) in the direction of gravity. The second passage (P2) can have a cross-section larger than that of the cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which water flows in the first passage (P1).

The siphon prevention portion (373) may be extended radially outwardly from the guide portion (371). The diameter of the second flow path (P2) formed in the siphon prevention portion (373) may be set to be larger than the diameter of the first flow path (P1) formed in the guide portion (371).

The anti-siphon portion (373) may include an expansion portion (374) configured to change the pressure of water passing through the second flow path (P2). The expansion portion (374) may change the pressure of water by changing the flow rate of water passing through the second flow path (P2).

The drain line (105) may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the siphon prevention member (373). The drain line (105) may have a cross-sectional area approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the guide member (371).

Water discharged through the case discharge portion (111b) can flow into the guide portion (371) of the drain guide (370). The water flowing into the guide portion (371) can flow into the housing discharge portion (102b) after passing through the first flow path (P1). The water passing through the housing discharge portion (102b) can flow into the anti-siphon portion (373). The water flowing into the second flow path (P2) formed inside the anti-siphon portion (373) passes through the expansion portion (374). The water passing through the second flow path (P2) by the expansion portion (374) has a slower flow rate and a higher pressure than the water passing through the first flow path (P1). As the pressure of the water passing through the first flow path (P1) and the pressure of the water passing through the second flow path (P2) change, siphon can be prevented.

By preventing siphoning from occurring inside the drain guide (370), the garment treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment can prevent unintentional drainage by siphoning.

A clothing treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment comprises a washing machine (10, 10a) including a washing machine housing (11, 11a), a tub (20, 20a) provided inside the washing machine housing, and a drainage device (70, 70a) for discharging water in the tub to the outside of the washing machine housing, and a filter device (100) disposed outside the washing machine housing, the filter device being connectable to the drainage device to filter foreign substances from water discharged from the washing machine. The above filter device includes a filter case (110) including a case inlet (112a) and a case discharge portion (111b), a filter (120) detachably mountable to the filter case, and a drain guide (170, 270, 370) for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion to the outside of the filter device, the drain guide including a guide portion (171, 271, 371) forming a first flow path (P1) and an anti-siphon portion (173, 273, 373) forming a second flow path (P2) having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first flow path (P1). According to this configuration, the clothing treatment device (1, 1a) according to one embodiment can prevent unintentional drainage by a siphon.

The above-mentioned siphon prevention member may be provided to form an air pocket (174) to be filled with air while water passes through the second flow path.

The above siphon prevention part (173) can protrude upward in the direction of gravity more than the above guide part.

The above-mentioned siphon prevention part may include an increasing part (173a, 173c) in which the cross-sectional area of the second flow path increases, and a decreasing part (173b, 173d) in which the cross-sectional area of the second flow path decreases.

The above-mentioned increase portion may include a first increase portion (173a), and a second increase portion (173c) spaced apart from the first increase portion in the direction in which the water of the second flow path flows. The above-mentioned decrease portion may include a first decrease portion (173b) located between the first increase portion and the second increase portion, and a second decrease portion (173d) located on the opposite side of the second increase portion where the first decrease portion is located.

The above-described siphon prevention member may include an expansion member (274) configured to change the pressure of water passing through the second passage.

The above siphon prevention part (273) can be extended radially outwardly from the above guide part.

The above filter device may include a filter housing (101) including a housing inlet (102a) and a housing outlet (102b). The guide portion may be connected to the case outlet. The siphon prevention portion (173, 273) may be provided between the guide portion and the housing outlet.

The above filter device may include a filter housing (101) including a housing inlet (102a) and a housing outlet (102b), and a drain line (105) for guiding water discharged through the housing outlet. The siphon prevention unit (373) may be provided between the drain line and the housing outlet.

The above drain line may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the above siphon prevention member.

The above guide part and the above siphon prevention part can be formed integrally.

The above drain guide may comprise a material more flexible than the above filter case.

The above filter may be provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than that of foreign substances that can be filtered in the drainage device.

The above filter device may include a filter cleaning device configured to transfer foreign substances filtered by the filter to one end near the case discharge portion.

A filter device (100) according to one embodiment comprises a filter housing (101), a filter case (110) provided inside the filter housing and including a case inlet (112a) and a case discharge portion (111b), a filter (120) detachably mountable to the filter case, and a drainage guide (170, 270, 370) for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion, the drainage guide including a guide portion (171, 271, 371) connected to the case discharge portion and a siphon prevention portion (173, 273, 373) forming a second flow path (P2) having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of a first flow path (P1) formed inside the guide portion.

The above siphon prevention member may be provided to form an air pocket (174) to be filled with air while water passes through the inside.

The above siphon prevention part (173) can protrude upward in the direction of gravity more than the above guide part.

The above-described siphon prevention member may include an expansion member (274) configured to change the pressure of water passing through the second passage.

The above siphon prevention part (273) can be extended radially outwardly from the above guide part.

The above filter housing may include a housing inlet (102a) and a housing outlet (102b). The above siphon prevention part (173, 273) may be provided between the guide part and the housing outlet.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the filter device and the clothes treatment device include an anti-siphon section, so that unintended drainage by a siphon can be prevented.

The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

The above has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications and implementations without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims below.

Claims (15)

A washing machine including a washing machine housing, a tub provided inside the washing machine housing, and a drainage device for discharging water in the tub to the outside of the washing machine housing; and A filter device disposed outside the washing machine housing, comprising a filter device connectable to the drainage device to filter foreign substances from water discharged from the washing machine; The above filter device, A filter case comprising a case inlet and a case outlet; A filter detachably mountable on the above filter case; and A clothing treatment device comprising: a drain guide for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion to the outside of the filter device, the drain guide including a guide portion forming a first passage and a siphon prevention portion forming a second passage having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first passage; In the first paragraph, A garment treatment device in which the above-mentioned siphon prevention member is provided to form an air pocket for filling with air while water passes through the second passage. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device in which the above-mentioned siphon prevention part protrudes upward in the direction of gravity more than the above-mentioned guide part. In the first paragraph, The above-mentioned siphon prevention unit is a garment treatment device including an increasing unit in which the cross-sectional area of the second passage increases and a decreasing unit in which the cross-sectional area of the second passage decreases. In paragraph 4, The above increase portion is, First increase; and Including a second increasing portion spaced apart from the first increasing portion in the direction in which the water of the second euro flows; The above reduction part is, a first reduction portion positioned between the first increasing portion and the second increasing portion; and A garment treatment device comprising a second reduction portion positioned on the opposite side to the side where the first reduction portion of the second increase portion is positioned. In the first paragraph, A garment treatment device wherein the above-mentioned siphon prevention member includes an expansion member configured to change the pressure of water passing through the second passage. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device in which the above-mentioned siphon prevention portion extends radially outwardly more than the above-mentioned guide portion. In the first paragraph, The above filter device includes a filter housing including a housing inlet and a housing outlet, The above guide part is connected to the case discharge part, The above siphon prevention unit is a clothing treatment device provided between the guide unit and the housing discharge unit. In the first paragraph, The above filter device, A filter housing comprising a housing inlet and a housing outlet; and Includes a drain line for guiding water discharged through the above housing discharge portion, The above siphon prevention device is a clothes treatment device provided between the drain line and the housing discharge part. In Article 9, A clothing treatment device wherein the above drain line has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the above siphon prevention member. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device in which the above guide part and the above siphon prevention part are formed integrally. In the first paragraph, A garment treatment device wherein the above drain guide comprises a material more flexible than the above filter case. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device in which the above filter is provided to filter foreign substances having a size smaller than that of foreign substances that can be filtered in the above drainage device. In the first paragraph, A clothing treatment device including a filter cleaning device configured to transfer foreign substances filtered by the filter to one end near the case discharge portion. filter housing; A filter case provided inside the above filter housing and including a case inlet and a case outlet; A filter detachably mountable on the above filter case; and A filter device comprising: a drain guide for guiding water discharged from the case discharge portion, the drain guide including a guide portion connected to the case discharge portion and a siphon prevention portion forming a second channel having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first channel formed inside the guide portion;

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