Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

A washing machine disclosed herein includes: a housing; a tub provided inside the housing; a drain housing connected to the tub and configured to receive water from the tub; a filter detachably mounted on the drain housing and configured to filter a substance from the water; a pump connected to the drain housing; and a control unit that controls the pump to discharge water in the drain housing to the outside of the drain housing when the filter is separated from the drain housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having a filter and a method for controlling the washing machine. Background Art

[0002] A washing machine is a device that washes the clothes by friction by stirring the clothes, water, and detergent put into the inside of a tub using the driving force of a driving motor.

[0003] Regardless of the type of washing machine, operations performed by the washing machine include a washing operation for washing clothes put into a tub by supplying detergent and water to the tub and rotating the drum, a rinsing operation for rinsing the clothes by supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum, and a dehydration operation for removing water from the clothes by draining the water from the tub and rotating the drum.

[0004] The washing machine includes a drain device configured to drain water stored in a tub to the outside of the washing machine while performing a washing operation, a rinsing operation and / or a dehydrating operation. The drain device is configured to drain water discharged from the tub to the tub again while performing a washing operation and / or a rinsing operation.

[0005] In the drain device, a filter for filtering foreign matter included in the water flowing out of the tub may be provided. The filter may be detachable from the drain device. Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of preventing a surrounding environment from being polluted while managing a filtering device.

[0008] The technical objects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objects not described herein will also be clearly understood from the following detailed description by a person having common knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] A washing machine according to the concept of the present disclosure includes: a housing; a tub disposed inside the housing; a drain housing connected to the tub and configured to receive water from the tub; and a filter detachably mounted in the drain housing and configured to filter material from the water. The washing machine may include: a pump connected to the drain housing; and a controller configured to control the pump to discharge water in the drain housing to the outside of the drain housing when the filter is removed from the drain housing.

[0011] The pump may be a drain pump configured to discharge water received in the drain housing from the tub to the outside of the housing.

[0012] The washing machine may further include a drain pump disposed in the drain housing and configured to drain water received in the drain housing. The pump may be a residual water pump configured to be driven independently of the drain pump.

[0013] The washing machine may further include: a drainage guide configured to guide water pumped by the drainage pump; and a residual water guide provided separately from the drainage guide and configured to guide water pumped by the residual water pump.

[0014] The remaining water pump can be installed in the drain housing.

[0015] The remaining water pump can be installed in the housing.

[0016] The washing machine may further include a remaining water space formed inside the drain housing and located below the filter in a gravity direction.

[0017] The bottom of the drain housing may include a portion formed to be inclined downward toward the remaining water space.

[0018] The drain housing may include an inlet through which water is received from the tub, and a drain opening through which water is discharged to the outside of the drain housing, and the remaining water space may be closer to the drain opening than to the inlet of the drain housing.

[0019] The washing machine may further include a sensor configured to detect installation of the filter in the drain housing. The controller may operate the pump based on detection by the sensor of removal of the filter from the drain housing.

[0020] The controller may stop operating the pump based on the sensor detecting coupling of the filter to the drain housing.

[0021] The washing machine may further include a communication module for communicating with the user terminal. The controller may operate the pump based on a command for operating the pump received from the user terminal through the communication module.

[0022] The washing machine may further include an input device configured to receive a command to operate the pump from a user. The controller may operate the pump based on receiving the command to operate the pump from the user through the input device.

[0023] The washing machine may further include a cover disposed on the front surface of the housing and configured to be movable to provide access to the drain housing through the front surface of the housing. The input device may be adjacent to the cover.

[0024] The input device may be configured to receive a command from a user to stop operating the pump. The controller may stop operating the pump based on receiving a command from the user to stop operating the pump via the input device.

[0025] A washing machine according to the concept of the present disclosure includes: a housing; a tub disposed inside the housing; a shell connected to the tub; and a filter detachably installed in the shell. The washing machine may include: a drain pump configured to drain water stored in the tub to the outside of the housing and drain water of the shell to the outside of the housing; a sensor configured to detect coupling of the filter to the shell; and a controller configured to operate the pump based on detection by the sensor of separation of the filter from the shell.

[0026] The controller may cease operating the pump based on detection by the sensor of coupling of the filter to the housing.

[0027] The washing machine may further include a remaining water space formed inside the housing and located below the filter in a gravity direction.

[0028] The sensor may be one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor.

[0029] A method for controlling a washing machine according to the concept of the present disclosure is disclosed, the washing machine including a filter detachably mounted in a housing connected to a tub, the method including: operating a pump based on detecting that the filter is separated from the housing, the pump being configured to discharge water stored in the housing to the outside of the housing. The method may include operating the pump based on user input.

[0030] Beneficial Effects

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the washing machine prevents remaining water of the drain device from being discharged when the filter device is separated from the housing of the drain device, the washing machine can prevent surrounding environment from being polluted while managing the filter device.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the washing machine prevents foreign matter collected in the filter device from being discharged together with remaining water of the drain device when the filter device is separated from the drain device, the washing machine can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted while managing the filter device.

[0033] Effects that can be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood from the following description by those having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] These and / or other embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent and more easily understood through the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1A cross-sectional view of a washing machine is shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 3 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 2 Drainage arrangement shown in .

[0038] Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Exploded view of the drain assembly shown in .

[0039] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 An exploded view of the filter device shown in FIG.

[0040] Figure 6 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0041] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0042] Figure 8 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0043] Fig. 9 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 8 The drainage device shown in .

[0044] Fig.10 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0045] Fig.11 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0046] Fig.12 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0047] Fig.13 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.12 The drainage device shown in .

[0048] Fig.14 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0049] Fig.15 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.12 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0050] Fig.16 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0051] Fig.17 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0052] Fig.18 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.17 The drainage device shown in .

[0053] Fig.19 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0054] Fig. 20 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.18 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0055] Fig.21 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0056] Fig. 22 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0057] Fig.23 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig. 22 The drainage device shown in .

[0058] Fig.24 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0059] Fig.25 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0060] Fig.26 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.25 The drainage device shown in .

[0061] Fig. 27 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.26 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0062] Fig.28 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0063] Fig.29 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.28 The drainage device shown in .

[0064] Fig.30 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0065] Fig.31 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0066] Fig.32 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0067] Fig.33 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.32 The drainage device shown in .

[0068] Fig.34 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.33 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0069] Fig.35 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0070] Fig.36 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Fig.37 A washing machine including a first filter device and a second filter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] Fig.38 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.37 The arrangement relationship of the tub, the first filter device and the second filter device of the washing machine in the front direction is shown in FIG.

[0073] Fig.39 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.37 The first filtering device shown in .

[0074] Fig.40 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Fig.37 The second filtering device shown in .

[0075] Fig.41 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figures 37 to 40 A control block diagram of a washing machine with a first filter device and a second filter device is shown in FIG.

[0076] Fig.42 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Fig.43The arrangement relationship of the tub, the first filter device, the second filter device, and the third filter device of the washing machine in the front direction according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the corresponding embodiments.

[0079] Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements.

[0080] It should be understood that singular forms of nouns corresponding to items may also include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0081] As used herein, each of phrases such as "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" may include any or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase.

[0082] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0083] As used herein, terms such as “1st” and “2nd” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (eg, importance or order).

[0084] It should be understood that if a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled to another component (e.g., the second component)”, “coupled to another component (e.g., the second component)”, “connected to another component (e.g., the second component)”, or “connected to another component (e.g., the second component)” with or without the term “operably” or “communicatively”, this means that the component can be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element connected to another component (e.g., the second component).

[0085] It should be understood that terms such as “including” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof disclosed in the specification, but are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof may exist or may be added.

[0086] It should be understood that if a component is referred to as being “coupled to another component,” “coupled to another component,” “supported on another component,” or “in contact with another component,” this means that the component may be directly coupled to another component or indirectly coupled to another component via a third component.

[0087] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0088] A washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be an example of a laundry treating apparatus.

[0089] The washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a top-loading washing machine in which an inlet through which laundry is put into the top-loading washing machine is disposed upward, or may include a front-loading washing machine in which an inlet through which laundry is put into the front-loading washing machine is disposed forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include another loading type washing machine in addition to the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

[0090] A top-loading washing machine may wash clothes by using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as an agitator. A front-loading washing machine may wash clothes by rotating a drum to repeatedly raise and lower the clothes. A front-loading washing machine may include a lifter for raising the clothes. The washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a washing machine using another washing method in addition to the washing machine using the above-mentioned washing method.

[0091] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a washing machine is shown in FIG.

[0093] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the washing machine 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing 10 in which various components are accommodated.

[0094] The housing 10 may include a housing opening 11 for allowing access to the interior of the drum 30. The tub 20 may include a tub opening 21 corresponding to the housing opening 11. The drum 30 may include a drum opening 31 corresponding to the housing opening 11 and the tub opening 21. Clothes may be put into or taken out of the drum 30 through the housing opening 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The housing opening 11 may be formed generally toward the front direction. The tub opening 21 may be formed generally toward the front direction. The drum opening 31 may be formed generally toward the front direction.

[0095] The washing machine 1 may include a control panel 14. The control panel 14 may be provided on the housing 10. The control panel 14 may include an input 14a for receiving an operation command from a user and a display 14b for displaying operation information of the washing machine 1. The control panel 14 may provide a user interface for enabling a user to interact with the washing machine 1.

[0096] The input device 14a can provide a signal to the controller 90 (see Figure 7 ) provides an electrical output signal corresponding to the user input. The input device 14a may include, for example, a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or a process selection button), and a washing / rinsing / spinning setting button. The input button may include, for example, a touch switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, etc.

[0097] The display 14b may receive a signal from the controller 90 and display information corresponding to the received signal. The display 14b may include a screen for displaying the operation time of the washing machine 1 and the washing course selected by rotating the course selection dial (or pressing the course selection button), and an indicator for displaying the washing setting / rinsing setting / spinning setting selected by the setting button. The display 14b may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, etc.

[0098] The washing machine 1 may include a door 40 for opening or closing a housing opening 11 provided in the housing 10. The door 40 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 10 through a hinge 41. At least a portion of the door 40 may be transparent or translucent to show the interior of the housing 10.

[0099] The washing machine 1 may include a tub 20 disposed inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be supported on an inner surface of the housing 10. The tub 20 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side thereof opened.

[0100] The tub 20 may be elastically supported from the housing 10 by the damper 29. The damper 29 may connect the tub 20 to the housing 10. When vibration generated according to the rotation of the drum 30 is transmitted to the tub 20 and / or the housing 10, the damper 29 may absorb vibration energy between the tub 20 and the housing 10 to attenuate the vibration.

[0101] The washing machine 1 may include a drum 30 for accommodating laundry. The drum 30 is rotatably disposed 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 through hole 34 that connects the inner space of the drum 30 to the inner space of the tub 20. The drum 30 may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. On the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30, a plurality of lifters 35 may be provided to raise and lower the laundry according to the rotation of the drum 30.

[0102] The washing machine 1 may include a driver 50 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driver 50 may include a driving motor 51 and a rotating shaft 56 for transmitting a driving force generated in the driving motor 51 to the drum 30. The rotating shaft 56 may pass through the tub 20 and be connected to the drum 30. The driver 50 may rotate the drum 30 forward and backward to perform a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and / or a dehydration operation.

[0103] The drum 30 can be connected to the drive motor 51 via the rotating shaft 56, and according to the connection type between the rotating shaft 56 and the drive motor 51, it can be a direct drive type and an indirect drive type. In the direct drive type, the rotating shaft 56 is directly connected to the drive motor 51 to rotate the drum 30, and in the indirect drive type, pulleys 52 and 57 are connected between the drive motor 51 and the rotating shaft 56 to drive the drum 30. Figure 2 A case where the washing machine 1 is of an indirect drive type is shown. However, the washing machine 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be of a direct drive type.

[0104] The washing machine 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be an indirect drive type. One end of the rotating shaft 56 may be connected to the rear of the drum 30, and the other end of the rotating shaft 56 may be connected to the shaft pulley 57 to obtain driving force from the driving motor 51. At the rotating shaft of the driving motor 51, a motor pulley 52 may be formed. A transmission belt 53 may be provided between the motor pulley 52 and the shaft pulley 57 so that the rotating shaft 56 is driven by the transmission belt 53.

[0105] The driving motor 51 may be located below the tub 20. The driving belt 53 may drive the rotating shaft 56 while rotating in the up-and-down direction of the tub 20 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

[0106] At the rear of the tub 20, a bearing housing 58 may be installed to rotatably support the rotating shaft 56. The bearing housing 58 may be made of an aluminum alloy. The bearing housing 58 may be inserted into the rear of the tub 20 when the tub 20 is injection molded.

[0107] The water supply device 60 may supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 60 may include a water supply pipe 61 and a water supply valve 62 disposed in the water supply pipe 61. The water supply pipe 61 may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe 61 may extend from the external water supply source to the detergent supply device 70 and / or the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the tub 20 through the detergent supply device 70. Water may not be supplied to the tub 20 through the detergent supply device 70.

[0108] The water supply valve 62 may open or close the water supply pipe 61 in response to an electrical signal from the controller 90. The water supply valve 62 may allow or prevent water from being supplied from an external water supply source to the tub 20. The water supply valve 62 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens or closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0109] The washing machine 1 may include a detergent supply device 70 configured to supply detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply device 70 may supply detergent to the inside of the tub 20 during the water supply process. The water supplied through the water supply pipe 61 may be mixed with the detergent by the detergent supply device 70. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the inside of the tub 20. The detergent supply device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through the connecting pipe 63. The detergent may include a conditioner for a dryer, a deodorant, a disinfectant or an air freshener, and a washing detergent.

[0110] The washing machine 1 may include a drain device 100. The drain device 100 may be configured to drain water contained in the tub 20 to the outside. The drain device 100 may be connected to the tub 20.

[0111] The washing machine 1 may include a connection guide 81 connecting the tub 20 to the drain device 100 so that water stored in the tub 20 enters the drain device 100. The connection guide 81 may guide the water discharged from the tub 20 to the drain device 100. At the lower portion of the tub 20, a drain pipe 22 for discharging the water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the tub 20 may be formed. The drain pipe 22 may be connected to the connection guide 81.

[0112] The washing machine 1 may include a drain guide 82 extending from the drain device 100 to the outside of the housing 10 to drain water entering the drain device 100 to the outside of the housing 10. The drain guide 82 may guide the water entering the drain device 100 to the outside of the housing 10. The drain guide 82 may guide water pumped by the drain pump 120.

[0113] The washing machine 1 may include a circulation guide 83 extending from the drain device 100 to the tub 20 to circulate water entering the drain device 100 to the tub 20. The circulation guide 83 may guide the water entering the drain device 100 to the tub 20.

[0114] In a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 10, a cover 19 covering the drain device 100 may be provided. A user may enter the drain device 100 by opening the cover 19.

[0115] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The drainage device shown in . Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Exploded view of the drain assembly shown in . Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded view of the filter device shown in FIG. Figure 6 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0116] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the drain device 100 may be located below the tub 20. The drain device 100 may circulate water stored in the tub 20 or discharge water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0117] The drainage device 100 may include a housing 101 and pumps 110 and 120 installed in the housing 101. The pumps 110 and 120 may include a circulation pump 110 and a drainage pump 120.

[0118] The housing 101 may form the appearance of the drain device 100. The housing 101 may extend in the X-axis direction. The housing 101 may accommodate the filter device 130. The circulation pump 110 may be installed in the housing 101. The drain pump 120 may be installed in the housing 101. The filter drive 140 may be installed in the housing 101. The housing 101 may include a first housing 101a and a second housing 101b detachably coupled to the first housing 101a. The first housing 101a and the second housing 101b may be integrated into one body. The housing 101 may be connected to the barrel 20 by a connecting guide 81.

[0119] The circulation pump 110 may be installed in the first housing 101a. An inlet 106 connected to the connection guide 81 may be formed in the first housing 101a. Water stored in the tub 20 may enter the drain device 100 through the inlet 106. A circulation opening 107 connected to the circulation guide 83 may be formed in the first housing 101a. The circulation opening 107 may be adjacent to the circulation pump 110 to guide water to circulate to the tub 20 through the circulation pump 110. In the first housing 101a, a filter insertion opening 109 may be formed, and the filter device 130 is inserted through the filter insertion opening 109.

[0120] The drain pump 120 may be installed in the second housing 101b. A drain opening 108 connected to the drain guide 82 may be formed in the second housing 101b. In order to guide the water discharged to the outside of the housing 10 by the drain pump 120, the drain opening 108 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The filter driver 140 may be installed in the second housing 101b. A driver insertion hole 105 may be formed in the second housing 101b, and a part of the filter driver 140 is inserted through the driver insertion hole 105.

[0121] The inlet 106 may be substantially perpendicular to the circulation opening 107. The inlet 106 may extend in the Y-axis direction. The circulation opening 107 may extend in the Z-axis direction. The inlet 106 and the circulation opening 107 may be formed in one end of the housing 101 where the circulation pump 110 is located. The inlet 106 and / or the circulation opening 107 may be adjacent to the circulation pump 110.

[0122] The drain opening 108 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the housing 101 extends. The drain opening 108 may extend in the Y-axis direction. The drain opening 108 may be formed in the other end of the housing 101, which is opposite to the end of the housing 101 in which the circulation pump 110 is located. The drain opening 108 may be located in the other end of the housing 101 in which the drain pump 120 is located. The drain opening 108 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120.

[0123] The drain device 100 may include a circulation pump 110 for circulating the water stored in the barrel 20. The circulation pump 110 may be installed in the housing 101. The circulation pump 110 may be installed in the first housing 101a. The circulation pump 110 may be located in one end of the housing 101 where the inlet 106 is formed. The circulation pump 110 may be adjacent to the inlet 106. The circulation pump 110 may be opposite to the inlet 106. The circulation pump 110 may include a circulation motor 111 for generating a rotational force in the Y-axis direction. The circulation motor 111 may form a water flow of the water entering the inlet 106 so that the water is discharged through the circulation opening 107.

[0124] The drain device 100 may include a drain pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The drain pump 120 may be installed in the housing 101. The drain pump 120 may be installed in the second housing 101b. The drain pump 120 may be located in the other end of the housing 101, which is opposite to the end of the housing 101 where the inlet 106 is formed. The drain pump 120 may be farther away from the inlet 106 than the circulation pump 110. The drain pump 120 may include a drain motor 121 for generating a rotational force in the X-axis direction. The drain motor 121 may form a water flow of the water entering the inlet 106 so that the water is discharged through the drain opening 108.

[0125] The rotation axis of the circulation motor 111 (parallel to the Y-axis direction) may be different from the rotation axis of the drain motor 121 (parallel to the X-axis direction). The rotation axis of the circulation motor 111 may be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drain motor 121 .

[0126] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the drain device 100 may include a filter device 130 for filtering water discharged by the drain pump 120. The filter device 130 may extend in the X-axis direction. The filter device 130 may be accommodated in the housing 101. The filter device 130 may filter water entering the drain device 100. The filter device 130 may be detachably installed in the housing 101.

[0127] The filter device 130 may include a filter 131 and a filter blade 136 rotatably disposed inside the filter 131 .

[0128] The filter 131 may be detachably installed inside the housing 101. The filter 131 may be located between the circulation pump 110 and the drain pump 120. The filter 131 may be located between the inlet 106 and the drain opening 108. The filter 131 may include a first filter portion 131a, a second filter portion 131b, and a third filter portion 131c.

[0129] The filter 131 may include a filter opening 132 that is open toward the inlet 106 in a state where the filter 131 is installed in the housing 101. Water entering the inlet 106 may move to the inside of the filter 131 through the filter opening 132.

[0130] The water entering the inside of the filter 131 through the filter opening 132 can be mainly filtered in the first filter part 131a. The first filter part 131a may include a plurality of openings. The first filter part 131a can filter foreign matter with a relatively large size. The water filtered in the first filter part 131a can be moved to the tub 20 by the circulation pump 110. The water filtered in the first filter part 131a can be moved to the second filter part 131b by the drain pump 120.

[0131] The water flowing through the first filter part 131a can be secondary filtered by flowing through the second filter part 131b and / or the third filter part 131c. In the third filter part 131c, foreign matter separated from the second filter part 131b by the filter blade 136 can be collected. The second filter part 131b and the third filter part 131c can include a mesh filter. The second filter part 131b and / or the third filter part 131c can filter foreign matter with a relatively small size. The second filter part 131b and / or the third filter part 131c can filter foreign matter with a relatively small size than the foreign matter that can be filtered by the first filter part 131a. The second filter part 131b and / or the third filter part 131c can filter fine foreign matter.

[0132] The first filter portion 131 a , the second filter portion 131 b , and the third filter portion 131 c may be sequentially disposed along a flow direction of water.

[0133] Reference Figures 3 to 6 When the circulation pump 110 operates, water entering the drainage device 100 through the inlet 106 may be filtered by passing through the first filter portion 131 a and then discharged to the outside of the drainage device 100 through the circulation opening 107 .

[0134] When the drain pump 120 operates, water entering the drain device 100 through the inlet 106 may be mainly filtered in the first filter part 131 a.

[0135] The water mainly filtered in the first filter part 131a may move to the second filter part 131b. The water secondary filtered by flowing through the second filter part 131b may flow through the third filter part 131c. The water not filtered when flowing through the second filter part 131b may be filtered in the third filter part 131c. The water flowing through the filter 131 may be discharged to the outside of the drain device 100 through the drain opening 108.

[0136] The filter 131 may include a blade mounting portion 133 in which the filter blade 136 is mounted. The blade mounting portion 133 may be located at the other end of the filter 131, which is opposite to one end of the filter 131 in which the filter handle 134 is provided.

[0137] The filter 131 may include a filter handle 134. In a state where the filter 131 is installed in the housing 101, the filter handle 134 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 101. A user may separate the filter 131 from the housing 101 by using the filter handle 134.

[0138] The filter blade 136 is rotatably disposed inside the filter 131. The filter blade 136 may include a blade wing 136a. The blade wing 136a may be formed into a spiral shape extending in a radial direction from the rotation axis of the filter blade 136 along the rotation axis direction of the filter blade 136 (i.e., the X-axis direction). The blade wing 136a may correspond to the second filter portion 131b. The blade wing 136a may remove foreign matter collected on the inner surface of the filter 131 by scraping off the foreign matter according to the rotation of the filter blade 136 inside the filter 131. The blade wing 136a may include a relatively flexible material.

[0139] The filter device 130 may include a blade support portion 137 rotatably supporting the filter blade 136. The blade support portion 137 may be fixed to the filter 131. The blade support portion 137 may be installed in the blade installation portion 133.

[0140] The blade support portion 137 may include a receiving guide 137a formed at a portion in the circumferential direction. The receiving guide 137a may be in the shape of a groove. The blade guide 146 provided in the drive bracket 143 may be received in the receiving guide 137a. When the filter device 130 is installed in the housing 101 in a state where the filter driver 140 is installed in the second housing 101b, the receiving guide 137a may be arranged to receive the blade guide 146. When the filter device 130 is installed in the housing 101, the receiving guide 137a of the filter device 130 may be guided by the blade guide 146 of the filter driver 140. Therefore, the filter device 130 may be installed at a correct position in the housing 101.

[0141] The filter guide 102 for guiding the installation of the filter device 130 may be formed inside the second housing 101b of the housing 101. The filter guide 102 may protrude from the inner surface of the second housing 101b. The filter guide 102 may be inclined in a manner that further protrudes toward the inside of the housing 101 along the direction in which the filter device 130 is installed. Therefore, the filter device 130 may be guided to the correct position while being inserted into the inside of the housing 101.

[0142] The filter device 130 may include a filter gear 138 coupled to the other end of the filter device 130, the other end being opposite to one end of the filter device 130 provided with the blade wing 136a of the filter blade 136. The filter gear 138 may be fixed to the filter blade 136. The filter gear 138 may be engaged with the drive gear 142. The filter gear 138 may have a rotation axis in the X-axis direction. The rotation axis of the filter gear 138 may be the same as the rotation axis of the drain motor 121. The filter gear 138 may be a bevel gear.

[0143] The drain device 100 may include a filter driver 140 for driving the filter device 130. The filter driver 140 may be installed in the housing 101. The filter driver 140 may be installed in the second housing 101b. The filter driver 140 may include a filter motor 141, a driving gear 142, and a driving bracket 143.

[0144] The filter motor 141 may generate power for rotating the filter blade 136. The filter motor 141 may generate a rotational force along an axis extending in the Z-axis direction. The filter motor 141 may be closer to the drain pump 120 than the circulation pump 110. The filter motor 141 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108.

[0145] The driving gear 142 may rotate in the Z-axis direction by receiving the rotational force from the filter motor 141. The rotation axis (parallel to the Z-axis direction) of the driving gear 142 may be different from the rotation axis (parallel to the X-axis direction) of the drain motor 121. The driving gear 142 may be a bevel gear.

[0146] The rotation axis of the filter gear 138 coupled to the filter blade 136 may extend along the X-axis direction, and the rotation axis of the drive gear 142 of the filter driver 140 may extend along the Z-axis direction. The rotation axis of the filter gear 138 may form a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation axis of the drive gear 142. The rotation axis of the filter gear 138 may be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive gear 142.

[0147] The driving bracket 143 may be fixed to the housing 101. A blade guide 146 may be provided in the driving bracket 143.

[0148] The washing machine 1 may include a sensor 150 for detecting the installation of the filter 131 in the housing 101. The sensor 150 may be installed in the housing 101. The sensor 150 may be adjacent to the filter 131. The sensor 150 may be adjacent to the filter handle 134. The sensor 150 may be adjacent to the other end of the filter 131, which is opposite to the end of the filter 131 in which the filter handle 134 is provided. The sensor 150 may be positioned to correspond to a substantially central portion of the filter 131 in the direction in which the filter 131 extends (X-axis direction). The sensor 150 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 101. The sensor 150 may be located between the inner circumferential surface of the housing 101 and the filter 131.

[0149] The sensor 150 may detect the connection of the filter device 130 with the housing 101. The sensor 150 may detect the removal of the filter device 130 from the housing 101. The removal of the filter device 130 from the housing 101 may refer to the filter insertion opening 109 starting to open according to the operation of the filter device 130. The sensor 150 may be one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a pressure sensor. However, the type of the sensor 150 is not limited to these, and the sensor 150 may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., an image sensor or an ultrasonic sensor) capable of detecting the connection of the filter device 130 with the housing 101.

[0150] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor 150 may detect opening or closing of the cover 19 .

[0151] Figure 7 Yes Figure 3 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0152] Will refer to Figure 7 Describe the method for removing the filter device 130 from the Figure 4 A method of preventing the remaining water existing in the housing 101 of the drain device 100 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 through the filter insertion opening 109 when the housing 101 of the drain device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0153] Reference Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 1 may include a control panel 14 for interacting with a user, a sensor 150, a controller 90 for controlling the drainage device 100 based on data and / or information received from the sensor 150, and the drainage device 100 operating based on a control signal from the controller 90.

[0154] The controller 90 may include at least one memory 92 and at least one processor 91 for performing the above-mentioned operations and operations to be described below.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may include: at least one memory 92, which stores data in the form of an algorithm and / or program for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine 1; and at least one processor 91, which performs the above-mentioned operations and the operations to be described below by using the data stored in the at least one memory 92. The memory 92 and the processor 91 can be implemented with separate chips. The processor 91 can include one, two or more processor chips or one, two or more processing cores. The memory 92 can include one, two or more memory chips or one, two or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory 92 and the processor 91 can be implemented with a single chip.

[0156] The controller 90 may process the user input received through the inputter 14a and control various components of the washing machine 1 (eg, the driving motor 51, the water supply valve 62, the display 14b, and the drain device 100) based on the processing result of the user input.

[0157] For example, the controller 90 may control the various components of the washing machine 1 to perform at least one operation including a water supply operation, a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and / or a dehydration operation according to a user input input to the control panel 14. For example, the controller 90 may control the drive motor 51 to adjust the rotation speed of the tub 20, or control the water supply valve 62 of the water supply device 60 to supply water to the tub 20.

[0158] The controller 90 may operate the circulation pump 110 to circulate water received from the drain device 100 to the tub 20 while performing a washing operation and / or a rinsing operation.

[0159] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 can detect the load of the circulation pump 110 while operating the circulation pump 110 and detect the blockage of the filter device 130 based on the load value of the circulation pump 110. For example, the controller 90 can detect the blockage of the filter device 120 based on recognizing that the load value of the circulation pump 110 exceeding the preset value is maintained for a preset time.

[0160] To this end, the washing machine 1 may include: a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the circulation pump 110; a power sensor (not shown) for detecting the power applied to the circulation pump 110; and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting a rotation speed of the circulation pump 110.

[0161] The controller 90 can obtain the load value of the circulation pump 110 while operating the circulation pump 110 based on sensor data obtained from a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the circulation pump 110, a power sensor (not shown) for detecting the power applied to the circulation pump 110, and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation speed of the circulation pump 110.

[0162] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 while performing a washing operation and / or a rinsing operation to discharge water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine 1. For example, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on completion of a washing cycle of the washing operation, and operate the drain pump 120 based on completion of a rinsing cycle of the rinsing operation.

[0163] The controller 90 may detect the load of the drain pump 120 while operating the drain pump 120, and detect the clogging of the filter device 130 based on the load value of the drain pump 120. For example, the controller 90 may detect the clogging of the filter device 130 based on recognizing that the load value of the drain pump 120 exceeding a preset value is maintained for a preset time.

[0164] To this end, the washing machine 1 may include: a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the drain pump 120 when the drain pump 120 is working; a power sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the drain pump 120 when the drain pump 120 is working; and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting a rotation speed of the drain pump 120 when the drain pump 120 is working.

[0165] The controller 90 can obtain a load value of the drain pump 120 while operating the drain pump 120 based on sensor data obtained from a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the drain pump 120, a power sensor (not shown) for detecting power applied to the drain pump 120, and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting a rotational speed of the drain pump 120.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may detect clogging of the filter device 130 based on a water level change of the tub 20 while operating the drain pump 120 .

[0167] For example, the controller 90 may detect the clogging of the filter device 130 based on recognizing that the amount of change in the water level of the tub 20 per unit time is less than a preset value while operating the drain pump 120 .

[0168] To this end, the washing machine 1 may include a water level sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level of the tub 20 .

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the filter motor 141 while operating the circulation pump 110 or the drain pump 120 .

[0170] The controller 90 may detect the load of the filter motor 141 while operating the filter motor, and detect the clogging of the filter device 130 based on the load value of the filter motor 141. For example, the controller 90 may detect the clogging of the filter device 130 based on recognizing that the load value of the filter motor 141 exceeding a preset value is maintained for a preset time.

[0171] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may control the display 14b to output visual feedback indicating the blockage of the filter device 130 based on detecting the blockage of the filter device 130. The visual feedback indicating the blockage of the filter device 130 may include various visual indications such as characters, graphics, symbols, icons, images and / or animations.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user may easily recognize clogging of the filter device 130 through visual feedback and manage the filter device 130 .

[0173] A user who wants to manage the filter device 130 can do so by opening Figure 1 The cover 19 shown in FIG. 1 then operates Figure 3 The filter handle 34 shown in FIG. 1 is used to separate the filter device 130 from the housing 101 .

[0174] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor 150 may detect the separation of the filter device 130 from the housing 101 or the opening of the cover 19 .

[0175] The controller 90 may process sensor data received through the sensor 150 and control various components of the washing machine 1 (eg, the drain device 100 ) based on the processing result of the sensor data.

[0176] For example, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on a result of processing sensor data received through the sensor 150 .

[0177] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on the detection by the sensor 150 that the filter device 130 is separated from the housing 101. Based on the detection by the sensor 150 that the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 120 to discharge the water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 through the drain opening 108.

[0178] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on the detection of the opening of the cover 19 by the sensor 150. According to the detection of the opening of the cover 19 by the sensor 150, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 120 to discharge the water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 through the drain opening 108.

[0179] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 120 based on detection of connection of the filter device 130 to the housing 101 by the sensor 150 .

[0180] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 120 based on detection of closing of the cover 19 by the sensor 150 .

[0181] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 1 can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 by operating the drain pump 120 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 1 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0182] Figure 8 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 The drainage device shown in . Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0183] Will refer to Figures 8 to 10 The drainage device 200 of the washing machine 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figures 8 to 10 In the following description of the drainage device 200 shown in Figures 3 to 6 The same components as those of the drain device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0184] Reference Figures 8 to 10 The drainage device 200 may include a shell 101, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering the water discharged by the drainage pump 120, and a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130.

[0185] Figures 8 to 10 The drainage device 200 shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted. Figures 3 to 6 The washing machine 2 may include an input device 15 for receiving a command from a user to operate the drain pump 120. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the drain device 120 by being pressed. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the drain device 120 by being touched. The input device 15 may be adjacent to the cover 19.

[0186] According to this configuration, the washing machine 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 by operating the drain pump 120 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 2 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0187] Fig.11 Yes Fig. 9 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0188] Will refer to Fig.11 Describes the method for removing the filter 131 from the Figures 8 to 10A method for preventing the remaining water present in the drain device 200 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 200 shown in FIG. 2 is removed.

[0189] Reference Fig.11 The washing machine 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control panel 14, an input device 15, a communicator 95, a controller 90, and a drainage device 200. The washing machine 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may not include Figure 7 The sensor 150 is among the components of the washing machine 1 shown in FIG.

[0190] That is, the drain device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may not include the sensor 150 .

[0191] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine 2 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input device 15 disposed adjacent to the cover 19 and not disposed on the control panel 14. For example, the input device 15 may be located on the front surface of the housing 10 below the door 40. In addition, the input device 15 may be located on the front surface of the housing 10 and on one side of the cover 19.

[0192] The input device 15 may be implemented as a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. However, the type of the input device 15 is not limited thereto.

[0193] The input device 15 may be used to operate the drain pump 120 .

[0194] The controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 .

[0195] For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may generate an electrical signal by being pressed by a user, and the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on receiving the electrical signal from the input device 15 .

[0196] A user who wants to manage the filter device 130 can operate the input device 15 before operating the filter handle 134, and according to the operation of the input device 15, the drain pump 120 can operate to prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101.

[0197] According to the present disclosure, since the input device 15 is provided around the cover 19 , the user may easily operate the drain pump 120 before opening the cover 19 .

[0198] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the input device 15 may be changed. Fig.11The inputter 14a and the input device 15 are separately shown. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may be provided on the control panel 14, or may be a component of the inputter 14a.

[0199] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may include a visual indicator indicating an operating state of the drain pump 120. For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may generate an electrical signal for operating the visual indicator by being pressed by a user.

[0200] According to the present disclosure, the user may intuitively recognize the operating state of the drain pump 120 .

[0201] The controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 120 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 while operating the drain pump 120 .

[0202] For example, the controller 90 may stop the drain pump 120 based on recognizing that the user presses the input device 15 implemented as a push switch while the drain device 120 is operating.

[0203] After the user completes the management of the filter device 130 , the user may install the filter device 130 in the housing 101 , close the cover 19 , and operate the input device 15 again to stop operating the drain device 120 .

[0204] Meanwhile, in a case where the user finishes managing the filter device 130 and then leaves without operating the input device 15 again, that is, without stopping the drain pump 120 , unnecessary energy may be consumed and noise may be generated.

[0205] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 120 based on a lapse of a preset time (eg, approximately 10 minutes) after the controller 90 operates the drain pump 120 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 .

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although the user finishes the management of the filter device 130 and then leaves without stopping the drain pump 120 , the drain pump 120 may be stopped.

[0207] Meanwhile, the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include Figure 7 The input device 15 not shown in the figure, and the above-mentioned embodiments related to the input device 15 can be applied to the washing machine 1.

[0208] The washing machine 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a communicator 95 for communicating with an external device.

[0209] The communicator 95 may transmit data to or receive data from an external device based on a control signal from the controller 90. For example, the communicator 95 may transmit and receive various data by communicating with a server and / or a user terminal and / or a home appliance.

[0210] To this end, the communicator 95 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a user terminal and / or a household appliance), and communicate through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range 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). The corresponding communication module among the communication modules can communicate with the external electronic device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct or Infrared Data Protocol (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a next generation communication network, the Internet or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). Various communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented with multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0211] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may establish communication with the user terminal through the server.

[0212] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may include a WiFi module and communicate with an external server and / or a user terminal based on communication establishment with an access point (AP) in the home.

[0213] The controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on a command for operating the drain pump 120 received from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0214] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may control the communicator 95 to transmit a message notifying the clogging of the filtering device 130 to the user terminal based on detection of the clogging of the filtering device 130 .

[0215] The user may recognize the clogging of the filter device 130 through the user terminal.

[0216] The user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for operating the drain pump 120 based on receiving a message notifying of clogging of the filtering device 130 .

[0217] The user terminal may transmit a command for operating the drain pump 120 to the communicator 95 based on selection of a user interface element for operating the drain pump 120 , and the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 120 based on receiving the command for operating the drain pump 120 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0218] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the user recognizes the clogging of the filter device 130 through the user terminal, the user may easily operate the drain pump 120 before managing the filter device 130 .

[0219] Furthermore, the user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for stopping the drain pump 120 based on transmitting a command for operating the drain pump 120 to the communicator 95 .

[0220] The user terminal may transmit a command for stopping the drain pump 120 to the communicator 95 based on selection of the user interface element for stopping the drain pump 120 , and the controller 90 may stop the drain pump 120 based on receiving the command for stopping the drain pump 120 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0221] Meanwhile, the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include Figure 7 The communicator 95 not shown in the figure, and the above-mentioned embodiments related to the communicator 95 can also be applied to the washing machine 1.

[0222] According to the present disclosure, the drain pump 120 may operate according to a user's intention to manage the filtering device 130 without the sensor 150 .

[0223] Fig.12 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 The drainage device shown in . Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0224] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 The drainage device 300 of the washing machine 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 12 to Figure 14 In the following description of the drainage device 300 shown in Figures 3 to 6 The same components as those of the drain device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0225] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14, the drain device 300 may include a housing 101, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the tub 20, a drain pump 120 for draining the water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filter device 130 for filtering water drained by the drain pump 120, a filter driver 140 for driving the filter device 130, and a sensor 150 for detecting coupling of the filter device 130 to the housing 101. The sensor 150 may detect opening or closing of the cover 19.

[0226] Reference Fig.13 , the drain device 300 may include a residual water pump 360. The residual water pump 360 may be driven independently of the drain pump 120. The residual water pump 360 may discharge water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 when the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101. The residual water pump 360 may be installed in the housing 101. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108. Each of the circulation pump 110, the drain pump 120, and the residual water pump 360 of the drain device 300 may be referred to as a pump.

[0227] The remaining water pump 360 may include a remaining water motor 361. The remaining water motor 361 may form a water flow of water stored in the housing 101 so that the water is discharged through the remaining water guide 363.

[0228] The drain device 300 may include a residual water opening 362 connected to the residual water motor 361. The residual water opening 362 may guide water discharged by the residual water pump 360 to the outside of the housing 101.

[0229] Reference Fig.12 , the drain device 300 may include a residual water guide 363 extending from the residual water pump 360 to the outside of the housing 10. The residual water guide 363 may guide the water of the drain device 300 to the outside of the housing 10. The residual water guide 363 may guide the water pumped by the residual water pump 360. The residual water guide 363 may be provided separately from the drain guide 82. The residual water pump 360 may be located upstream of the residual water guide 363 in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360.

[0230] The remaining water guide 363 may temporarily store a small amount of water remaining in the housing 101. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a diameter of the remaining water guide 363 may be smaller than a diameter of the drainage guide 82.

[0231] According to this configuration, the washing machine 3 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 3 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0232] Fig.15 Yes Fig.12 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0233] Reference Fig.15 Describe the method for preventing the remaining water in the drain device 300 from flowing out of the filter 131 Figure 12 to Figure 14 The method of discharging to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 300 shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0234] Reference Fig.15 , the washing machine 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control panel 14 , a sensor 150 , a controller 90 , and a drainage device 300 .

[0235] The drain device 300 may include a remaining water pump 360 different from the circulation pump 110 and the drain pump 120 .

[0236] The remaining water pump 360 may be a component for temporarily holding water of the housing 101 in the remaining water guide 363. Therefore, the power consumption of the remaining water pump 360 may be lower than that of the drain pump 120.

[0237] As described above, the controller 90 may control various components of the washing machine 1 to perform at least one operation including a water supply operation, a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and / or a dehydration operation according to a user input to the control panel 14 .

[0238] The controller 90 may not operate the remaining water pump 360 while performing at least one operation.

[0239] In addition, the controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on detection of a preset condition by the sensor 150 while not performing at least one operation.

[0240] A user who wants to manage the filter device 130 can do so by opening Figure 1 The cover 19 shown then operates Figure 3 The filter handle 134 shown in FIG. 1 is used to separate the filter device 130 from the housing 101 .

[0241] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor 150 may detect the separation of the filter device 130 from the housing 101 or the opening of the cover 19 .

[0242] The controller 90 may process sensor data received through the sensor 150 and control various components of the washing machine 3 (eg, the drain device 300 ) based on the processing result of the sensor data.

[0243] For example, the controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on a result of processing the sensor data received through the sensor 150 .

[0244] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the residual water pump 360 based on the detection by the sensor 150 that the filter device 130 is separated from the housing 101. Based on the detection by the sensor 150 that the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101, the controller 90 may control the residual water pump 360 to discharge the water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 through the residual water opening 362.

[0245] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on the opening of the cover 19 detected by the sensor 150. The controller 90 may control the remaining water pump 360 to discharge the water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 through the remaining water opening 362 based on the opening of the cover 19 detected by the sensor 150.

[0246] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the remaining water pump 360 based on the detection of the coupling of the filter device 130 to the housing 101 by the sensor 150 .

[0247] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the remaining water pump 360 based on detection of closing of the cover 19 by the sensor 150 .

[0248] According to the present disclosure, the washing machine 3 can prevent the water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 by operating the remaining water pump 360 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 3 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0249] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, when managing (maintaining and / or repairing) the filtering device 130 , energy may be saved by operating the remaining water pump 360 at low power consumption instead of the drain pump 120 .

[0250] Fig.16 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0251] Reference Fig.16 The drainage device 300a of the washing machine 3a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.16 In the following description of the drainage device 300a shown in Figure 12 to Figure 14The same components as those of the drain device 300 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0252] Reference Fig.16 , the washing machine 3a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a residual water pump 360a installed in the housing 10. The residual water pump 360a may be spaced apart from the drain pump 300a. The residual water pump 360a may be connected to the drain pump 300a through a residual water guide 363a. The residual water pump 360a may be located downstream of the residual water guide 363a in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360a.

[0253] For removing the filter device 130 from Figure 12 to Figure 14 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 300 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 300 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 300. Fig.16 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 300a from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 300a shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0254] According to this configuration, the washing machine 3a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 3a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0255] Fig.17 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 The drainage device shown in . Fig.19 Shows Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0256] Will refer to Figures 17 to 19 The drainage device 400 of the washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figures 17 to 19 In the following description of the drainage device 400 shown in Figure 12 to Figure 14 The same components as those of the drain device 300 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0257] Reference Figures 17 to 19 The drainage device 400 may include a shell 101, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering the water discharged by the drainage pump 120, and a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130.

[0258] The drain device 400 may include a residual water pump 360 for discharging water of the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 when the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101. The residual water pump 360 may be installed in the housing 101. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108. The residual water pump 360 may be located upstream of the residual water guide 363 in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360. Each of the circulation pump 110, the drain pump 120, and the residual water pump 360 of the drain device 400 may be referred to as a pump.

[0259] The residual water pump 360 may include: a residual water motor 361 for forming a water flow of water stored in the shell 101 so that the water is discharged through a residual water guide 363; a residual water opening 362 connected to the residual water motor 361; and a residual water guide 363 extending from the residual water pump 360 to the outside of the shell 10.

[0260] Figures 17 to 19 The drainage device 400 shown in FIG. 4 may be omitted. Figure 12 to Figure 14 The washing machine 4 may include an input device 15 for receiving a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360 by being pressed. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360 by being touched. The input device 15 may be adjacent to the cover 19.

[0261] According to this configuration, the washing machine 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 4 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0262] Fig. 20 Yes Fig.18 The control block diagram of the washing machine with the drainage device shown in FIG.

[0263] Will refer to Fig. 20 Describes the method for removing the filter 131 from the Figures 17 to 19 A control method for preventing the remaining water in the drain device 400 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 400 shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0264] Reference Fig. 20The washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control panel 14, an input device 15, a communicator 95, a controller 90, and a drainage device 400. The washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may not include Fig.15 The sensor 150 is among the components of the washing machine 3 shown in FIG.

[0265] That is, the drain device 400 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may not include the sensor 150 .

[0266] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input device 15 disposed adjacent to the cover 19 instead of being disposed on the control panel 14. For example, the input device 15 may be disposed on the front surface of the housing 10 below the door 40. In addition, the input device 15 may be disposed on the front surface of the housing 10 and disposed on one side of the cover 19.

[0267] The input device 15 may be used to operate the residual water pump 360 .

[0268] The controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 .

[0269] For example, the input device 15 implemented as the push switch 15 may generate an electrical signal by being pressed by a user, and the controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving the electrical signal from the input device 15 .

[0270] A user who wants to manage the filter device 130 can operate the input device 15 before operating the filter handle 134, and according to the operation of the input device 15, the residual water pump 360 can be operated to prevent the water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101.

[0271] According to the present disclosure, since the input device 15 is provided around the cover 19 , the user may easily operate the remaining water pump 360 before opening the cover 19 .

[0272] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the input device 15 may be changed. Fig. 20 The inputter 14a and the input device 15 are separately shown. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may be provided on the control panel 14, or may be a component of the inputter 14a.

[0273] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may include a visual indicator indicating the operating state of the remaining water pump 120. For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may generate an electrical signal for operating the visual indicator by being pressed by a user.

[0274] According to the present disclosure, the user may intuitively recognize the operating state of the drain pump 120 .

[0275] The controller 90 may stop operating the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 while the remaining water pump 360 is operating.

[0276] For example, the controller 90 may stop the remaining water pump 360 based on recognizing that the input device 15 implemented as a push switch is pressed by the user while the remaining water device 360 ​​is operating.

[0277] After the user completes the management of the filter device 130 , the user may install the filter device 130 in the housing 101 , close the cover 19 , and then operate the input device 15 again to stop operating the remaining water device 360 ​​.

[0278] Meanwhile, in a case where the user finishes managing the filtering device 130 and then leaves without operating the input device 15 again, that is, without stopping the remaining water pump 360 , unnecessary energy may be consumed and noise may be generated.

[0279] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the remaining water pump 360 based on a lapse of a preset time (eg, approximately 10 minutes) after the controller 90 operates the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 .

[0280] According to the present disclosure, although the user finishes the management of the filtering device 130 and then leaves without stopping the remaining water pump 360 , the remaining water pump 360 may be stopped.

[0281] Meanwhile, the washing machine 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include a Fig.15 The input device 15 shown in the figure and the above-described embodiments related to the input device 15 can be applied to the washing machine 3.

[0282] The washing machine 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a communicator 95 for communicating with an external device.

[0283] The controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on a command for operating the remaining water pump 360 received from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0284] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may control the communicator 95 to transmit a message notifying the clogging of the filtering device 130 to the user terminal based on detection of the clogging of the filtering device 130 .

[0285] The user may recognize the clogging of the filter device 130 through the user terminal.

[0286] The user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for operating the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving the message notifying the clogging of the filtering device 130 .

[0287] The user terminal may transmit a command for operating the remaining water pump 360 to the communicator 95 based on selection of a user interface element for operating the remaining water pump 360 , and the controller 90 may operate the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving the command for operating the remaining water pump 360 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0288] According to the present disclosure, a user who has recognized the clogging of the filter device 130 through the user terminal may easily operate the remaining water pump 360 before managing the filter device 130 .

[0289] Furthermore, the user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for stopping the remaining water pump 360 based on transmitting a command for operating the remaining water pump 360 to the communicator 95 .

[0290] The user terminal may send a command for stopping the remaining water pump 360 to the communicator 95 based on the selection of the user interface element for stopping the remaining water pump 360 , and the controller 90 may stop the remaining water pump 360 based on receiving the command for stopping the remaining water pump 360 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0291] Meanwhile, the washing machine 3 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include Fig.15 The communicator 95 is not shown in the figure, and the above-mentioned embodiments related to the communicator 95 can also be applied to the washing machine 3.

[0292] According to the present disclosure, the remaining water pump 360 may operate according to the user's intention to manage the filtering device 130 without the sensor 150 .

[0293] Fig.21 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0294] Will refer to Fig.21 The drainage device 400a of the washing machine 4a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.21 In the following description of the drainage device 400a shown in Figures 16 to 19 The same components of the drain devices 300a and 400 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0295] Reference Fig.21, the washing machine 4a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a residual water pump 360a installed in the housing 10. The residual water pump 360a may be spaced apart from the drain pump 400a. The residual water pump 360a may be connected to the drain pump 400a through a residual water guide 363a. The residual water pump 360a may be located downstream of the residual water guide 363a in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360a.

[0296] For removing the filter 131 from Figures 17 to 19 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 400 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 400 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 400. Fig.21 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 400a from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 400a shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

[0297] According to this configuration, the washing machine 4a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 4a can prevent the external environment from being polluted.

[0298] Fig. 22 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 The drainage device shown in . Fig.24 Shows Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0299] Will refer to Figure 22 to Figure 24 The drainage device 500 of the washing machine 5 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 22 to Figure 24 In the following description of the drainage device 500 shown in Figures 3 to 6 The same components as those of the drain device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0300] Reference Figure 22 to Figure 24 The drainage device 500 may include a shell 501, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering the water discharged by the drainage pump 120, a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130, and a sensor 150 for detecting the connection between the filtering device 130 and the shell 101.

[0301] Reference Fig.24, the drain device 500 may include a remaining water space 570. The remaining water space 570 may be formed inside the housing 501. The remaining water space 570 may be located below the filter device 130 in the gravity direction. The remaining water space 570 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The remaining water space 570 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108. The remaining water space 570 may be formed by the first housing 501a and the second housing 501b of the housing 501. The remaining water space 570 may be formed by forming a step at a portion of the bottom of the housing 501. The water storage capacity of the remaining water space 570 may be designed by considering the amount of water remaining in the drain guide 82 after the drain operation of the drain device 500. Although the water remaining in the drain guide 82 enters the drain device 500 again when the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 501 of the drain device 500, because the remaining water space 570 stores at least a portion of the water received from the drain guide 82, the remaining water space 570 can prevent the remaining water from being discharged to the outside of the drain device 500.

[0302] The housing 501 may include a remaining water inclined portion 501aa as a part of the bottom, which is inclined downward toward the remaining water space 570. The remaining water inclined portion 501aa may be inclined upward from the remaining water space 570 toward the inlet 106. The remaining water inclined portion 501aa may be inclined upward from the remaining water space 570 toward the filter insertion opening 109. The remaining water inclined portion 501aa may extend in a direction having a predetermined inclination angle a relative to a direction parallel to an extension direction of the upper portion of the housing 501. When the generated remaining water exceeds the water storage capacity of the remaining water space 570, the remaining water inclined portion 501aa may prevent the remaining water from being discharged through the inlet 106 and / or the filter insertion opening 109.

[0303] For removing the filter device 130 from Figures 3 to 6 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 100 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 100. Figure 22 to Figure 24 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 500 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 500 shown in FIG. 5 is removed.

[0304] because Figure 22 to Figure 24 The drain device 500 of the washing machine 5 shown in FIG. 5 includes a remaining water space 570 , and thus a predetermined amount of remaining water may be stored even though the drain pump 120 does not operate, and thus, the remaining water of the drain device 500 may be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0305] According to this configuration, the washing machine 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 by operating the drain pump 120 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 501 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 5 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0306] Fig.25 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.26 Shows Fig.25 The drainage device shown in . Fig. 27 Shows Fig.26 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0307] Reference Figure 25 to Figure 27 The drainage device 600 of the washing machine 6 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 25 to Figure 27 In the following description of the drainage device 600 shown in Figure 22 to Figure 24 The same components as those of the drain device 500 shown in FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0308] Reference Figure 25 to Figure 27 The drainage device 600 may include a shell 501, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering the water discharged by the drainage pump 120, a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130, and a remaining water space 570 and a remaining water inclined portion 501aa formed inside the shell 501.

[0309] Figure 25 to Figure 27 The drainage device 600 shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted. Figure 22 to Figure 24 The washing machine 6 may include an input device 15 for receiving a command from a user to operate the drain pump 120. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the drain pump 120 by being pressed. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the drain pump 120 by being touched. The input device 15 may be adjacent to the cover 19.

[0310] because Figure 25 to Figure 27 The drain device 600 of the washing machine 6 shown in FIG. 5 includes a remaining water space 570 , and thus a predetermined amount of remaining water may be stored even though the drain pump 120 does not operate, and thus, the remaining water of the drain device 600 may be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0311] Figure 25 to Figure 27The drain device 600 shown in FIG. 1 can discharge the water stored in the remaining water space 570 of the housing 501 to the outside of the housing 501 of the drain device 600 by operating the drain pump 120. Figures 8 to 10 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 200 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 200 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 200. Figure 25 to Figure 27 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 600 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 600 shown in FIG. 5 is removed.

[0312] According to this configuration, the washing machine 6 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 101 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 6 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0313] Fig.28 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.29 Shows Fig.28 The drainage device shown in . Fig.30 Shows Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0314] Reference Figures 28 to 30 The drainage device 700 of the washing machine 7 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figures 28 to 30 In the following description of the drainage device 700 shown in Figure 12 to Figure 14 The drainage device 300 shown in Figure 22 to Figure 24 The same components as those of the drain device 500 shown in FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0315] Reference Figures 28 to 30 The drainage device 700 may include a shell 501, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering water discharged by the drainage pump 120, a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130, a sensor 150 for detecting the connection between the filtering device 130 and the shell 101, and a remaining water space 570 and a remaining water inclined portion 501aa formed inside the shell 501.

[0316] Reference Fig.29, the drain device 700 may include a residual water pump 360, which operates to discharge water of the housing 501 to the outside of the housing 501 when the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 501. The residual water pump 360 may be installed in the housing 501. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108. The residual water pump 360 may be located upstream of the residual water guide 363 in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360. Each of the circulation pump 110, the drain pump 120, and the residual water pump 360 of the drain device 700 may be referred to as a pump.

[0317] The residual water pump 360 may include: a residual water motor 361 for forming a water flow of water stored in the shell 101 so that the water is discharged through a residual water guide 363; a residual water opening 362 connected to the residual water motor 361; and a residual water guide 363 extending from the residual water pump 360 to the outside of the shell 10.

[0318] For removing the filter device 130 from Figure 12 to Figure 14 The method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 300 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 101 when the housing 101 of the drain device 300 is removed as shown can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101. Figures 28 to 30 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 700 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 700 is removed is shown.

[0319] because Figures 28 to 30 The drain device 700 of the washing machine 7 shown in FIG. 5 includes a remaining water space 570 , and thus a predetermined amount of remaining water may be stored even though the drain pump 120 does not operate, and thus, the remaining water of the drain device 700 may be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0320] According to this configuration, the washing machine 7 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 501 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 7 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0321] Fig.31 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0322] Reference Fig.31 , the drainage device 700a of the washing machine 7a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig.31 In the following description of the drainage device 700a shown in Figures 28 to 30The same components as those of the drain device 700 shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0323] Reference Fig.31 , the washing machine 7a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a residual water pump 760a installed in the housing 10. The residual water pump 760a may be spaced apart from the drain pump 700a. The residual water pump 760a may be connected to the drain pump 700a through a residual water guide 763a. The residual water pump 760a may be located downstream of the residual water guide 763a in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 760a.

[0324] For removing the filter device 130 from Figures 28 to 30 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 700 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 700 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 700. Fig.31 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 700a from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 700a shown in FIG. 5 is removed.

[0325] Fig.31 The drainage device 700a shown in FIG. 1 may be similar to Figures 28 to 30 The drain device 700 shown in FIG. 1 includes a remaining water space formed inside the housing 501. Therefore, although the drain pump 120 does not work, due to Fig.31 The drain device 700 a shown in FIG. 5 stores a predetermined amount of remaining water, and thus the remaining water of the drain device 700 a may be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0326] According to this configuration, the washing machine 7a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 501 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 7a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0327] Fig.32 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Fig.33 Shows Fig.32 The drainage device shown in . Fig.34 Shows Fig.33 A cross-sectional view of the drainage device shown in .

[0328] Reference Figure 32 to Figure 34 The drainage device 800 of the washing machine 8 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 31 to Figure 34 In the following description of the drainage device 800 shown in Figures 28 to 30The same components as those of the drain device 700 shown in FIG. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0329] Reference Figure 32 to Figure 34 The drainage device 800 may include a shell 501, a circulation pump 110 for circulating water stored in the barrel 20, a drainage pump 120 for discharging the water stored in the barrel 20 to the outside of the housing 10, a filtering device 130 for filtering the water discharged by the drainage pump 120, a filter driver 140 for driving the filtering device 130, and a remaining water space 570 and a remaining water inclined portion 501aa formed inside the shell 501.

[0330] The drain device 800 may include a residual water pump 360, which operates to discharge water of the housing 501 to the outside of the housing 501 when the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 501. The residual water pump 360 may be installed in the housing 501. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain pump 120. The residual water pump 360 may be adjacent to the drain opening 108. The residual water pump 360 may be located upstream of the residual water guide 363 in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360. Each of the circulation pump 110, the drain pump 120, and the residual water pump 360 of the drain device 800 may be referred to as a pump.

[0331] The residual water pump 360 may include: a residual water motor 361 for forming a water flow of water stored in the shell 501 so that the water is discharged through a residual water guide 363; a residual water opening 362 connected to the residual water motor 361; and a residual water guide 363 extending from the residual water pump 360 to the outside of the shell 10.

[0332] Figure 32 to Figure 34 The drainage device 800 shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted. Figures 28 to 30 The washing machine 8 may include an input device 15 for receiving a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360 by being pressed. The input device 15 may receive a command from a user to operate the remaining water pump 360 by being touched. The input device 15 may be adjacent to the cover 19.

[0333] For removing the filter device 130 from Figures 17 to 19 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 400 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 400 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter device 130 is removed from the drain device 400. Figure 32 to Figure 34 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 800 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 800 shown in FIG. 8 is removed.

[0334] because Figure 32 to Figure 34 The drain device 800 of the washing machine 8 shown in FIG. 5 includes a remaining water space 570 , and thus a predetermined amount of remaining water can be stored even though the drain pump 120 does not operate, and thus, the remaining water of the drain device 800 can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0335] According to this configuration, the washing machine 8 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 by operating the drain pump 120 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 501 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 8 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0336] Fig.35 A washing machine including a drainage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0337] The following will refer to Fig.35 The drainage device 800a of the washing machine 8a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.35 In the following description of the drainage device 800a shown in Figure 32 to Figure 34 The same components as those of the drain device 800 shown in FIG. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0338] Reference Fig.35 , the washing machine 8a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a residual water pump 360a installed in the housing 10. The residual water pump 360a may be spaced apart from the drain device 800a. The residual water pump 360a may be connected to the drain device 800a through a residual water guide 363a. The residual water pump 360a may be located downstream of the residual water guide 363a in the direction of the water flow formed by the residual water pump 360a.

[0339] For removing the filter 131 from Figures 17 to 19 The method of preventing the remaining water of the drain device 400 from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 400 shown in FIG. 1 is removed can be applied to the case where the filter 131 is removed from the drain device 400. Fig.35 A method for preventing the remaining water of the drain device 800a from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 when the housing 501 of the drain device 800a shown in FIG. 8 is removed.

[0340] Fig.35 The drainage device 800a shown in FIG. 8 may be similar to Figure 32 to Figure 34 The drain device 800 shown in FIG. 1 includes a remaining water space formed inside the housing 501. Therefore, although the drain pump 120 does not work, Fig.35The drain device 800 a shown in FIG. 5 stores a predetermined amount of residual water, and thus the residual water of the drain device 800 a can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housing 501 .

[0341] According to this configuration, the washing machine 8a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent water remaining in the shell 501 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 when the filter device 130 is separated from the shell 501 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the filter device 130, and therefore, the washing machine 8a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0342] Fig.36 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0343] Reference Fig.36 , the controller 90 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may operate the pump 120 or 360 (operation 1200 ) based on recognizing that the operating condition of the pump 120 or 360 is satisfied (“Yes” in operation 1100 ).

[0344] 1) The operating conditions of the pump 120 or 360 may include at least one of the following conditions.

[0345] 1-1) The sensor 150 detects that the filter device 130 is removed from the housing 101

[0346] 1-2) The sensor 150 detects the opening of the cover 19

[0347] 1-3) Receiving a command inputted via the input device 15

[0348] 1-4) A command for operating the pump 120 or 360 is received from the user terminal via the communicator 95

[0349] The controller 90 may stop operating the pump 120 or 360 (operation 1400 ) based on recognizing that the stop condition of the pump 120 or 360 is satisfied while the pump 120 or 360 is operating (“Yes” in operation 1300 ).

[0350] 2) The stop condition of the pump 120 or 360 may include at least one of the following conditions.

[0351] 2-1) The connection between the filter device 130 and the housing 101 is detected by the sensor 150

[0352] 2-2) The closing of the cover 19 is detected by the sensor 150

[0353] 2-3) Receiving a command inputted via the input device 15

[0354] 2-4) A command for stopping the pump 120 or 360 is received from the user terminal via the communicator 95

[0355] 2-5) When the pump 120 or 360 is operating according to conditions 1-3 and 1-4, the operating time of the pump 120 or 360 exceeds the preset time

[0356] According to the present disclosure, when a user manages the filter device 130 , it is possible to effectively prevent water remaining in the housing 101 from being discharged to the outside through the filter insertion opening 109 .

[0357] Fig.37 A washing machine including a first filter device and a second filter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.38 Shows Fig.37 The arrangement relationship of the tub, the first filter device and the second filter device of the washing machine in the front direction is shown in FIG. Fig.39 Shows Fig.37 The first filtering device shown in . Fig.40 Shows Fig.37 The second filtering device shown in .

[0358] Reference Figures 37 to 40 A washing machine 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figures 37 to 40 In the description of the washing machine 9 shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 6 The same components as those of the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0359] Reference Fig.37 and Fig.38 , the washing machine 9 may include a first filter device 900a and a second filter device 900b. Fig.37 and Fig.38 The first filter device 900a and the second filter device 900b shown in FIG. 1 can perform the same Figures 3 to 6 The same function as the drainage device 100 shown in FIG.

[0360] The first filter device 900a may be connected to the tub 20. The washing machine 9 may include a first connection guide 81a for guiding water discharged from the tub 20 to the first filter device 900a. The washing machine 9 may include a circulation guide 83a for guiding water discharged from the first filter device 900a to the tub 20.

[0361] The second filter device 900b may be connected to the first filter device 900a. The washing machine 9 may include a second connection guide 81b for guiding water discharged from the first filter device 900a to the second filter device 900b. The washing machine 9 may include a drainage guide 82b for discharging water discharged from the second filter device 900b to the outside of the housing 10.

[0362] The washing machine 9 may include a first cover 19a for covering the first filter device 900a. The first cover 19a may be located in a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 10. A user may access the first filter device 900a by opening the first cover 19a.

[0363] The washing machine 9 may include a second cover 19b for covering the second filter device 900b. The second cover 19b may be located in a lower portion of the front surface of the housing 10. A user may approach the second filter device 900b by opening the second cover 19b.

[0364] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine 9 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input device 15 adjacent to the first cover 19a or the second cover 19b instead of being provided on the control panel 14. For example, the input device 15 may be located on the front surface of the housing 10 below the door 40. In addition, the input device 15 may be located on the front surface of the housing 10 and on one side of the first cover 19a or the second cover 19b.

[0365] The input device 15 may be implemented as a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. However, the type of the input device 15 is not limited thereto.

[0366] The input device 15 may be used to operate the drain pump 920 .

[0367] Reference Fig.39 , the first filter device 900a may include a first housing 901. The first housing 901 may form the appearance of the first filter device 900a. The first housing 901 may accommodate a first filter 931. In the first housing 901, a first filter insertion opening 901a may be formed, and the first filter 931 may be inserted into the first housing 901 through the first filter insertion opening 901a.

[0368] A first inlet 906a connected to the first connection guide 81a may be formed in the first housing 901. Water stored in the tub 20 may enter the first filter device 900a through the first inlet 906a.

[0369] In the first housing 901 , a circulation opening 907 connected to the circulation guide 83 a may be formed. The circulation opening 907 may be adjacent to the circulation pump 910 to guide water to circulate to the tub 20 through the circulation pump 910 .

[0370] A first drain opening 908a connected to the second connection guide 81b may be formed in the first housing 901. The first drain opening 908a may guide water discharged to the second filter device 900b through the drain pump 920.

[0371] The first filter device 900a may include a circulation pump 910 for circulating water of the tub 20. The circulation pump 910 may be installed in the first housing 901. The circulation pump 910 may form a flow of water received through the first inlet 906a so that the water is discharged through the circulation opening 907.

[0372] While the circulation pump 910 is working, the water stored in the tub 20 can enter the first filter device 900a through the first inlet 906a, and the water entering the first filter device 900a can pass through the first filter 931 so that foreign matter in the water is filtered, and then the water can be discharged to the tub 20 through the circulation opening 907.

[0373] The first filter device 900a may include a first filter 931 for filtering water flowing through the first filter device 900a. The first filter 931 may be accommodated inside the first housing 901. The first filter 931 may be detachably installed in the first housing 901.

[0374] The first filter 931 may be located between the first inlet 906a and the first drain opening 908a. The first filter 931 may filter foreign matter of relatively larger size than the second filter 932. Water filtered by the first filter 931 may be moved to the tub 20 by the circulation pump 910. Water filtered by the first filter 931 may be moved to the second filter device 900b by the drain pump 920.

[0375] The first filter 931 may include a first filter handle 931a. After the first filter 931 is installed in the first housing 901, the first filter handle 931a may be exposed to the outside of the first housing 901. The user may separate the first filter 931 from the first housing 901 by using the first filter handle 931a.

[0376] The washing machine 9 may include a first sensor 951 capable of identifying whether the first filter 931 is installed in the first housing 901. The first sensor 951 may be installed on the first housing 901. The first sensor 951 may be adjacent to the first filter 931. The first sensor 951 may be adjacent to the first filter handle 931a. The first sensor 951 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 901. The first sensor 951 may be located between the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 901 and the first filter 931.

[0377] The first sensor 951 can detect the connection of the first filter 931 to the first housing 901. The first sensor 951 can detect the removal of the first filter 931 from the first housing 901. Removing the first filter 931 from the first housing 901 may refer to the first filter insertion opening 901a starting to open according to the operation of the first filter 931. The first sensor 951 may be one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a pressure sensor. However, the types of the sensor 951 are not limited to these, and the first sensor 951 may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., an image sensor or an ultrasonic sensor) capable of detecting the connection of the first filter 931 to the first housing 901.

[0378] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sensor 951 may detect opening or closing of the first cover 19 a .

[0379] The first sensor 951 may be omitted.

[0380] Reference Fig.40 , the second filter device 900b may include a second housing 902. The second housing 902 may form the appearance of the second filter device 900b. The second housing 902 may accommodate a second filter 932. In the second housing 902, a second filter insertion opening 902a may be formed, and the second filter 932 may be inserted into the second housing 902 through the second filter insertion opening 902a.

[0381] A second inlet 906b connected to the second connection guide 81b may be formed in the second housing 902. Water of the first filter device 900a may enter the second filter device 900b through the second inlet 906b.

[0382] A second drain opening 908b connected to the drain guide 82b may be formed in the second housing 902. The second drain opening 908b may be adjacent to the drain pump 120 to guide water discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the drain pump 920.

[0383] The second filter device 900b may include a drain pump 920 for draining water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The drain pump 920 may be installed in the second housing 902. The drain pump 920 may form a flow of water received through the second inlet 906b so that the water is drained through the second drain opening 908b.

[0384] While the drain pump 920 is working, the water stored in the barrel 20 can enter the first filter device 900a through the first inlet 906a, the water entering the first filter device 900a can flow through the first filter 931, so that foreign matter in the water is filtered, and then the water can be discharged from the first filter device 900a through the first drain opening 908a, the water discharged from the first filter device 900a can be guided to the second filter device 900b through the second connecting guide 81b, the water guided to the second filter device 900b can enter the second filter device 900b through the second inlet 906b, the water entering the second filter device 900b can flow through the second filter 932, so that foreign matter in the water is filtered, and then the water can be discharged from the second filter device 900b through the second drain opening 908b, and guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the drain guide 82a.

[0385] The second filter device 900b may include a second filter 932 for filtering water flowing through the second filter device 900b. The second filter 932 may be accommodated inside the second housing 902. The second filter 932 may be detachably installed in the second housing 902.

[0386] The second filter 932 may be located between the second inlet 906b and the second drain opening 908b. The second filter 932 may filter foreign matter of relatively smaller size than the first filter 931. The second filter 932 may filter microplastics of 5 mm or less in size. The second filter 932 may include a mesh filter.

[0387] The second filter 932 may include a second filter handle 932a. After the second filter 932 is installed in the second housing 902, the second filter handle 932a may be exposed to the outside of the second housing 902. The user may separate the second filter 932 from the second housing 902 by using the second filter handle 932a.

[0388] The washing machine 9 may include a second sensor 952 capable of identifying whether the second filter 932 is installed in the second housing 902. The second sensor 952 may be installed in the second housing 902. The second sensor 952 may be adjacent to the second filter 932. The second sensor 952 may be adjacent to the second filter handle 932a. The second sensor 952 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the second housing 902. The second sensor 952 may be located between the inner circumferential surface of the second housing 902 and the second filter 932.

[0389] The second sensor 952 can detect the connection of the second filter 932 to the second housing 902. The second sensor 952 can detect the removal of the second filter 932 from the second housing 902. Removing the second filter 932 from the second housing 902 may refer to the second filter insertion opening 902a starting to open according to the operation of the second filter 932. The second sensor 952 may be one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a pressure sensor. However, the type of the second sensor 952 is not limited to these, and the second sensor 952 may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., an image sensor or an ultrasonic sensor) capable of detecting the connection of the second filter 932 to the second housing 902.

[0390] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sensor 952 may detect opening or closing of the second cover 19 b .

[0391] The second sensor 952 may be omitted.

[0392] Reference Fig.38 , the second filter device 900b may be located below the first filter device 900a in the direction of gravity. The height h1 of the lower end of the first filter device 900a may be higher than the height h2 of the lower end of the second filter device 900b. Because the second filter device 900b is lower than the first filter device 900a, the remaining water generated in the first filter device 900a may be moved to the second filter device 900b by gravity. According to this configuration, the washing machine 9 can prevent the water remaining in the first housing 901 from being discharged to the outside through the first filter insertion opening 901a when the first filter 931 is separated from the first housing 901 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the first filter 931, and therefore, the washing machine 9 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0393] In the washing machine 9 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the drain pump 920 may be provided in the second filter device 900b located downstream of the water flow discharged from the washing machine 9. Since the drain pump 920 is provided in the second filter device 900b located downstream of the water flow discharged from the washing machine 9, the washing machine 9 may remove the residual water generated in the first filter device 900a and the residual water generated in the second filter device 900b while the drain pump 920 is operating.

[0394] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 9 can prevent water remaining in the first shell 901 and / or the second shell 902 from being discharged to the outside through the first filter insertion opening 901a and / or the second filter insertion opening 902a by operating the drain pump 920 when the first filter 931 is separated from the first shell 901 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the first filter 931 or when the second filter 932 is separated from the second shell 902 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the second filter 932, and therefore, the washing machine 9 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0395] Fig.41 Yes Figures 37 to 40 A control block diagram of a washing machine with a first filter device and a second filter device is shown in FIG.

[0396] Reference Fig.41 Description of the method for preventing the first filter 931 from being removed from the first housing 901 of the first filter device 900a Figures 37 to 40 The present invention relates to a control method for preventing residual water in the first shell 901 of the first filter device 900a from being discharged to the outside of the first shell 901 through the first filter insertion opening 901a, and a control method for preventing residual water present in the second shell 902 of the second filter device 900b from being discharged to the outside of the second shell 902 through the second filter insertion opening 902a when the second filter 932 is removed from the second shell 902 of the second filter device 900b.

[0397] Reference Fig.41 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine 9 may include a control panel 14 for interacting with a user, an input device 15, a communicator 95, a first sensor 951, a second sensor 952, a controller 90 for controlling a drain pump 920 of a second filtering device 900b based on data and / or information received from the first sensor 951 and the second sensor 952, and a drain pump 920 that operates based on a control signal from the controller 90.

[0398] The controller 90 may include at least one memory 92 and at least one processor 91 to perform the above-mentioned operations and operations to be described below.

[0399] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may include at least one memory 92 storing data in the form of an algorithm and / or program for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine 9 and at least one processor 91 performing the above-mentioned operations and the operations to be described below by using the data stored in the at least one memory 92. The memory 92 and the processor 91 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 91 may include one, two or more processing chips or one, two or more processing cores. The memory 92 may include one, two or more memory chips or one, two or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory 92 and the processor 91 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0400] The controller 90 may process user input received through the inputter 14a and control various components of the washing machine 9 (eg, the driving motor 51, the water supply valve 62, the display 14b, the circulation pump 910, and the drain pump 920) based on the processing result of the user input.

[0401] For example, the controller 90 may control various components of the washing machine 9 to perform at least one operation including a water supply operation, a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and / or a dehydration operation according to a user input input to the control panel 14. For example, the controller 90 may control the drive motor 51 to adjust the rotation speed of the tub 20, or control the water supply valve 62 of the water supply device 60 to supply water to the tub 20.

[0402] The controller 90 may operate the circulation pump 910 to circulate water received from the first filter device 900 a to the tub 20 when performing a washing operation and / or a rinsing operation.

[0403] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may detect the load of the circulation pump 910 while operating the circulation pump 910, and detect the clogging of the first filter 931 based on the load value of the circulation pump 910. For example, the controller 90 may detect the clogging of the first filter 931 based on recognizing that the load value of the circulation pump 910 exceeding the preset value is maintained for a preset time.

[0404] To this end, the washing machine 9 may include: a current sensor (not shown) for detecting the driving current applied to the circulation pump 910; a power sensor (not shown) for detecting the power applied to the circulation pump 910; and a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation speed of the circulation pump 910.

[0405] The controller 90 can obtain the load value of the circulating pump 910 while operating the circulating pump 910 based on sensor data obtained from a current sensor (not shown) for detecting the driving current applied to the circulating pump 910, a power sensor (not shown) for detecting the power applied to the circulating pump 910, and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation speed of the circulating pump 910.

[0406] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 to discharge water stored in the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine 9 while performing a washing operation and / or a rinsing operation. For example, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on completion of a washing cycle of the washing operation, and operate the drain pump 920 based on completion of a rinsing cycle of the rinsing operation.

[0407] The controller 90 may detect the load of the drain pump 920 while operating the drain pump 920, and detect the clogging of the second filter 932 based on the load value of the drain pump 920. For example, the controller 90 may detect the clogging of the second filter 932 based on recognizing that the load value of the drain pump 920 exceeding a preset value is maintained for a preset time.

[0408] To this end, the washing machine 9 may include: a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the drain pump 920 when the drain pump 920 is working; a power sensor (not shown) for detecting the power applied to the drain pump 920 when the drain pump 920 is working; and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation speed of the drain pump 920 when the drain pump 920 is working.

[0409] The controller 90 can obtain a load value of the drain pump 920 while operating the drain pump 920 based on sensor data obtained from a current sensor (not shown) for detecting a driving current applied to the drain pump 920, a power sensor (not shown) for detecting power applied to the drain pump 920, and / or a speed sensor (not shown) for detecting a rotational speed of the drain pump 920.

[0410] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may detect clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 based on a change in the water level of the tub 20 while operating the drain pump 920 .

[0411] For example, the controller 90 may detect clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 based on recognizing that the amount of change in the water level of the tub 20 per unit time is less than a preset value while the drain pump 120 is operating.

[0412] To this end, the washing machine 9 may include a water level sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level of the tub 20 .

[0413] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may control the display 14b to output visual feedback indicating the blockage of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 based on detecting the blockage of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932. For example, the visual feedback indicating the blockage of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 may include various visual indications such as characters, graphics, symbols, icons, images, and / or animations.

[0414] According to the present disclosure, the user may easily recognize clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 through visual feedback and manage the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 .

[0415] Users who want to manage the first filter 931 can open Fig.37 The first cover 19a shown in FIG. Fig.38 The first filter handle 931a shown in FIG. 1 is used to separate the first filter 931 from the first housing 901. A user who wants to manage the second filter 932 can open the Fig.37 The second cover 19b shown in FIG. 1 then operates Fig.39 The second filter 932 is separated from the second housing 902 by using the second filter handle 932a shown in FIG.

[0416] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor 951 may detect separation of the first filter 931 from the first housing 901 or opening of the first cover 19a. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensor 952 may detect separation of the second filter 932 from the second housing 902 or opening of the second cover 19b.

[0417] The controller 90 may process the sensor data received through the first sensor 951 and the second sensor 952, and control the respective components of the washing machine 9 based on the processing results of the sensor data. For example, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on the processing results of the sensor data received through the first sensor 951 and / or the second sensor 952.

[0418] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on the detection by the first sensor 951 that the first filter 931 is separated from the first housing 901. Based on the detection by the sensor 150 that the first filter 931 is removed from the first housing 901, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 920 to discharge water of the first housing 901 to the outside of the first housing 901.

[0419] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on the detection by the second sensor 952 that the second filter 932 is separated from the second housing 902. Based on the detection by the second sensor 952 that the second filter 932 is removed from the second housing 902, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 920 to discharge the water of the second housing 902 to the outside of the second housing 902.

[0420] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on the detection of the opening of the first cover 19a by the first sensor 951. Therefore, according to the detection of the opening of the first cover 19a by the first sensor 951, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 920 to discharge the water of the first housing 901 to the outside of the first housing 901.

[0421] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on the detection of the opening of the second cover 19b by the second sensor 952. According to the detection of the opening of the second cover 19b by the second sensor 952, the controller 90 may control the drain pump 920 to discharge the water of the second housing 902 to the outside of the second housing 902.

[0422] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 based on detection of coupling of the first filter 931 to the first housing 901 by the first sensor 951 .

[0423] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 based on detection of coupling of the second filter 932 to the second housing 902 by the second sensor 952 .

[0424] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 based on detection of closing of the first cover 19 a by the first sensor 951 .

[0425] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 based on detection of closing of the second cover 19 b by the second sensor 952 .

[0426] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 9 can prevent water remaining in the first shell 901 from being discharged to the outside through the first filter insertion opening 901a by operating the drain pump 920 when the first filter 931 is separated from the first shell 901 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the first filter 931, and therefore, the washing machine 9 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0427] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 9 can prevent water remaining in the second shell 902 from being discharged to the outside through the second filter insertion opening 902a by operating the drain pump 920 when the second filter 932 is separated from the second shell 902 to manage (maintain and / or repair) the second filter 932, and therefore, the washing machine 9 can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0428] The controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 .

[0429] For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may generate an electrical signal by being pressed by a user, and the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on receiving the electrical signal from the input device 15 .

[0430] A user who wants to manage the first filter device 900a can operate the input device 15 before operating the first filter handle 931a, and according to the operation of the input device 15, the drain pump 920 can be operated to prevent water remaining in the first shell 901 from being discharged to the outside through the first filter insertion opening 901a when the first filter 931 is separated from the first shell 901.

[0431] A user who wants to manage the second filter device 900b can operate the input device 15 before operating the second filter handle 932a, and according to the operation of the input device 15, the drain pump 920 can be operated to prevent water remaining in the second shell 902 from being discharged to the outside through the second filter insertion opening 902a when the second filter 932 is separated from the second shell 902.

[0432] According to the present disclosure, since the input device 15 is provided around the first cover 19 a and / or the second cover 19 b , the user may easily operate the drain pump 920 before opening the first cover 19 a and / or the second cover 19 b .

[0433] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the input device 15 may be changed. Fig.41 The inputter 14a and the input device 15 are separately shown. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may be provided on the control panel 14, or may be a component of the inputter 14a.

[0434] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input device 15 may include a visual indicator indicating an operating state of the drain pump 920. For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may generate an electrical signal for operating the visual indicator by being pressed by a user.

[0435] According to the present disclosure, the user may intuitively recognize the operating state of the drain pump 920 .

[0436] The controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 while operating the drain pump 920 .

[0437] For example, the input device 15 implemented as a push switch may stop the drain pump 920 based on recognizing that the user presses the input device 15 when the drain device 920 is operating.

[0438] After the user completes the management of the first filter device 900 a , the user may install the first filter device 900 a in the first housing 901 , close the first cover 19 a , and then operate the input device 15 again to stop operating the drain device 920 .

[0439] After the user completes the management of the second filter device 900 b , the user may install the second filter device 900 b in the second housing 902 , close the second cover 19 b , and then operate the input device 15 again to stop operating the drain device 920 .

[0440] Meanwhile, in the case where the user finishes managing the first filter device 900a and / or the second filter device 900b and then leaves without operating the input device 15 again, that is, without stopping the drain pump 920, unnecessary energy may be consumed and noise may be generated.

[0441] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, according to the lapse of a preset time (eg, about 10 minutes) after the controller 90 operates the drain pump 920 based on receiving a command input through the input device 15 , the controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 .

[0442] According to the present disclosure, although the user finishes the management of the first filter device 900 a and / or the second filter device 900 b and then leaves without stopping the drain pump 920 , the drain pump 920 may be stopped.

[0443] The washing machine 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a communicator 95 for communicating with an external device.

[0444] The communicator 95 may transmit data to or receive data from an external device based on a control signal from the controller 90. For example, the communicator 95 may transmit and receive various data by communicating with a server and / or a user terminal and / or a home appliance.

[0445] To this end, the communicator 95 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a user terminal and / or a household appliance), and communicate through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range communication module or a GNSS communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among the communication modules can communicate with the external electronic device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct or IrDA) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). Various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented with multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0446] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may establish communication with the user terminal through the server.

[0447] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the communicator 95 may include a WiFi module and communicate with an external server and / or a user terminal based on communication establishment with an AP at home.

[0448] The controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on a command for operating the drain pump 920 received from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0449] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 90 may control the communicator 95 to transmit a message notifying clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 to the user terminal based on detecting clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 .

[0450] The user may recognize clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 through the user terminal.

[0451] The user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for operating the drain pump 920 based on receiving a message informing of clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 .

[0452] The user terminal may transmit a command for operating the drain pump 920 to the communicator 95 based on selection of a user interface element for operating the drain pump 920 , and the controller 90 may operate the drain pump 920 based on receiving the command for operating the drain pump 920 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0453] According to the present disclosure, a user who has recognized clogging of the first filter 931 and / or the second filter 932 through the user terminal may easily operate the drain pump 920 before managing the first filter device 900a and / or the second filter device 900b.

[0454] Furthermore, the user terminal may provide an interface including a user interface element for stopping the drain pump 920 based on transmitting a command for operating the drain pump 920 to the communicator 95 .

[0455] The user terminal may transmit a command for stopping the drain pump 920 to the communicator 95 based on selection of the user interface element for stopping the drain pump 920 , and the controller 90 may stop the drain pump 920 based on receipt of the command for stopping the drain pump 920 from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0456] According to the present disclosure, the drain pump 920 may operate according to a user's intention to manage the first filter device 900 a and the second filter device 900 b without the first sensor 951 and / or the second sensor 952 .

[0457] Fig.42 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0458] Reference Fig.42 , the controller 90 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate the drain pump 920 (operation 2200 ) based on recognizing that the operating condition of the drain pump 920 is satisfied (“yes” in operation 2100 ).

[0459] 1) The operating conditions of the drain pump 920 may include at least one of the following conditions.

[0460] 1-1) The first sensor 951 detects that the first filter 931 is separated from the first housing 901

[0461] 1-2) The second sensor 952 detects that the second filter 932 is separated from the second housing 902

[0462] 1-3) The first sensor 951 detects the opening of the first cover 19a

[0463] 1-4) The second sensor 952 detects the opening of the second cover 19b

[0464] 1-5) Receiving a command inputted through the input device 15

[0465] 1-6) A command for operating the drainage pump 920 is received from the user terminal through the communicator 95

[0466] The controller 90 may stop operating the drain pump 920 (operation 2400 ) based on recognizing that the stop condition of the drain pump 920 is satisfied while the drain pump 920 is operating (“Yes” in operation 2300 ).

[0467] 2) The stop condition of the drain pump 920 may include at least one of the following conditions.

[0468] 2-1) The first sensor 951 detects the connection between the first filter 931 and the first housing 901

[0469] 2-2) The second sensor 952 detects the connection between the second filter 932 and the second housing 902

[0470] 2-3) The first sensor 951 detects the closing of the first cover 19a

[0471] 2-4) The second sensor 951 detects the closing of the second cover 19b

[0472] 2-5) Receiving a command inputted via the input device 15

[0473] 2-6) A command for stopping the drain pump 920 is received from the user terminal through the communicator 95 .

[0474] 2-7) When the drain pump 920 operates according to conditions 1-3 and 1-4, the operating time of the drain pump 920 exceeds the preset time

[0475] According to the present disclosure, when the user manages the first filter 931, the water remaining in the first housing 901 can be effectively prevented from being discharged to the outside through the first filter insertion opening 901a. According to the present disclosure, when the user manages the second filter 932, the water remaining in the second housing 902 can be effectively prevented from being discharged to the outside through the second filter insertion opening 902a.

[0476] Fig.43 The arrangement relationship of the tub, the first filter device, the second filter device, and the third filter device of the washing machine in the front direction according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0477] Will refer to Fig.43 A washing machine 9a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.43 In the description of the washing machine 9a shown in FIG. Figures 37 to 40 The same components as those of the washing machine 9 shown in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0478] Reference Fig.43 , the washing machine 9a may include a first filter device 900a, a second filter device 900b and a third filter device 900c. Fig.43 The first filter device 900a shown in FIG. 1 may have Fig.38 The first filter device 900a has the same structure as shown in FIG. Fig.43 The second filter device 900b shown in FIG. 1 may have Fig.38 The second filter device 900b shown in FIG.

[0479] Fig.43 The third filter device 900c shown in FIG. 1 may have Fig.38 The structure of the second filter device 900b shown in FIG. Fig.43 The third filter device 900c shown in FIG. 1 may have a filter element 900a. Fig.38 In the second filtering device 900 b shown in FIG. 8 , the structure of the drain pump 920 is omitted.

[0480] The third filter device 900c may be connected to the first filter device 900a and the second filter device 900b. The third filter device 900c may be connected to the first filter device 900a through a first intermediate guide 81ba. The third filter device 900c may be connected to the second filter device 900b through a second intermediate guide 81bb.

[0481] The third filter device 900c may be located between the first filter device 900a and the second filter device 900b in the gravity direction. The height h3 of the lower end of the third filter device 900c may be lower than the height h1 of the lower end of the first filter device 900a. The height h3 of the lower end of the third filter device 900c may be higher than the height h2 of the lower end of the second filter device 900b. The height h3 of the lower end of the third filter device 900c may be a height between the height h1 of the lower end of the first filter device 900a and the height h2 of the lower end of the second filter device 900b.

[0482] Since the third filter device 900c is located lower than the first filter device 900a, the residual water generated in the first filter device 900a can move to the third filter device 900c by gravity. Since the third filter device 900c is located higher than the second filter device 900b, the residual water generated in the third filter device 900c can move to the second filter device 900b by gravity.

[0483] According to this configuration, the washing machine 9a can prevent the remaining water present in the first filter device 900a from being discharged to the outside of the housing 10 when the first filter device 900a is managed (maintained and / or repaired), and thus, the washing machine 9a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted. In addition, the washing machine 9a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent the remaining water present in the third filter device 900c from being discharged to the outside of the housing 10 when the third filter device 900c is managed (maintained and / or repaired), and thus, the washing machine 9a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0484] In the washing machine 9a according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the drain pump 920 may be located in the second filter device 900b located at the most downstream of the water flow discharged from the washing machine 9a. Since the drain pump 920 is provided in the second filter device 900b located at the most downstream of the water flow discharged from the washing machine 9a, the washing machine 9a can remove the residual water generated in the first filter device 900a and the third filter device 900c and the residual water generated in the second filter device 900b while the drain pump 920 is operating.

[0485] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing machine 9a can prevent residual water present in the first filter device 900a and / or the second filter device 900b and / or the third filter device 900c from being discharged to the outside of the housing 10 by operating the drain pump 920 when managing (maintaining and / or repairing) the first filter device 900a, when managing (maintaining and / or repairing) the second filter device 900b and / or when managing (maintaining and / or repairing) the third filter device 900b, and therefore, the washing machine 9a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0486] Fig.43 The case where three filter devices are present is shown. However, in the case where four filter devices are provided, similarly, the washing machine 9a can prevent the residual water present in the filter device from being discharged to the outside of the housing 10 when managing (maintaining and / or repairing) the filter device by positioning the drain pump 920 at the most downstream of the water flow discharged from the washing machine 9a and successively lowering the height of the filter device, and thus, the washing machine 9a can prevent the surrounding environment from being polluted.

[0487] So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It should be understood that various modifications can be made by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the main points of the technical concept of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Washing machine, including: shell; a barrel, arranged inside the housing; a drain housing connected to the tub and configured to receive water from the tub; a filter removably mounted in the drain housing and configured to filter material from the water; a pump connected to the drain housing; as well as The controller is configured as: When the filter is removed from the drain housing, the pump is controlled to discharge water in the drain housing to the outside of the drain housing.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The pump is a drain pump configured to discharge water received in the drain housing from the tub to the outside of the housing.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a drain pump disposed in the drain housing and configured to drain water received in the drain housing, in, The pump is a residual water pump configured to be driven independently of the drain pump.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising: a drainage guide configured to guide water pumped by the drainage pump; as well as The remaining water guide is disposed separately from the drainage guide and is configured to guide the water pumped by the remaining water pump.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The residual water pump is installed in the drainage housing.

6. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein: The remaining water pump is installed in the housing. 7 . The washing machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a remaining water space formed inside the drain housing and located below the filter in a gravity direction.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein: The bottom of the drainage housing includes a portion formed to be inclined downward toward the remaining water space.

9. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein: The drainage housing comprises: an inlet through which the water is received from the bucket, and a drain opening through which the water is discharged to the outside of the drain housing, and The remaining water space is closer to the drain opening than to the inlet of the drain housing.

10. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect installation of the filter in the drain housing, in, The controller is configured to operate the pump based on detection by the sensor that the filter is removed from the drain housing.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein: The controller is configured to stop operating the pump based on detecting, by the sensor, coupling of the filter to the drain housing.

12. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a communication module configured to communicate with a user terminal, in, The controller is configured to operate the pump based on a command for operating the pump received from the user terminal through the communication module.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising an input device configured to receive a command to operate the pump from a user, in, The controller is configured to operate the pump based on receiving the command to operate the pump from the user through the input device.

14. The laundry machine according to claim 13, further comprising a cover disposed on a front surface of the housing and configured to be movable to provide access to the drain housing through the front surface of the housing, in, The input device is adjacent to the cover.

15. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein: The input device is configured to receive a command from the user to stop operating the pump, and The controller is configured to stop operating the pump based on receiving the command to stop operating the pump from the user through the input device.

Images