Washing machine and washing machine filter device

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine, and also provides a filter device provided in a drainage channel of the washing machine. In one embodiment, the filter device includes a first chamber including a water inlet through which wash water flows, a second chamber having a water outlet for the wash water, a filter housed in the second chamber, and an opening connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, and the wash water flowing in through the water inlet passes through the first chamber, the opening, and the filter in that order before being discharged from the water outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a filter device for a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Water can be used to wash textiles such as clothing. This is called water washing. During the washing process, waste fibers and particles (e.g., lint) are generated. In particular, when washing clothing made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester, microplastics or microfibers (hereinafter referred to as microplastics) are generated. Microplastics are discharged from the drain along with the water used for washing. These discharged microplastics may flow into rivers and oceans, causing negative impacts on the marine ecosystem.

[0003] Therefore, there is an increasing need to significantly reduce or eliminate the flow of microplastics into wastewater and sewerage systems. Recently, due to environmental regulations and / or increased user awareness, there has been an increasing demand for microplastic filters that can be installed in clothing treatment devices (e.g., washing machines).

[0004] Microplastics are generally defined as small plastic particles less than 5mm in size. Due to their small size, microplastics cannot be easily filtered using conventional filtration technology. However, most commercially available washing machines are only equipped with filters that remove relatively large particles of foreign matter from washing wastewater, and do not have microplastic filters.

[0005] In response to market needs, microplastic filters applicable to washing machines have been proposed. Microplastic filters suffer from a phenomenon in which microplastics randomly adhere to the filter pores, reducing filter efficiency and requiring frequent maintenance (e.g., cleaning). Prior documents WO2022-118034A1 and WO2021-032986A1 disclose filter units that rotate a filter cage that secures a rotating porous member and filter microplastics using centrifugal force. While the filters in these documents provide improved filtering efficiency using centrifugal force, they require a drive unit (e.g., a motor) to rotate the filter cage and energy (e.g., electricity) to drive the motor. This requires a complex sealing structure to supply energy to the drive unit and the driven device, resulting in high manufacturing costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] WO2022-118034A1 [Patent Document 2] WO2021-032986A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The subject matter disclosed in this specification provides a filter device and a laundry treatment device proposed to solve the following various problems.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can minimize the drainage resistance caused by the filter, which increases with use of the filter.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can be installed even in a narrow space.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can be installed in a location that is easily accessible to the user, has a structure that makes filter replacement convenient, and is easy to maintain.

[0011] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device in which the filter area is formed relatively large and water is evenly distributed and diffused over the entire surface of the filter to be drained, thereby reducing drainage resistance.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can achieve a self-cleaning effect without requiring a separate power transmission device.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can extend the cleaning and / or replacement intervals of the filter by achieving a self-cleaning effect.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that is provided in the form of an external unit and can be installed in a clothing processing device according to the needs of the user.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic filter device that can achieve the effect of a siphon break without providing a separate siphon break in a laundry treatment device.

[0016] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to these, and other problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention provides a washing machine, and also provides a filter device provided in a drainage channel of the washing machine. In one embodiment, the filter device comprises: The washing machine includes a first chamber including a water inlet through which washing water flows, a second chamber having a water outlet for the washing water, a filter accommodated in the second chamber, and an opening communicating the first chamber with the second chamber, and the washing water flowing in through the water inlet passes through the first chamber, the opening, and the filter in that order, and is discharged from the water outlet. .

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the filter device includes a case having a water inlet and a water outlet; The washing machine includes a partition wall provided inside the case and dividing the interior of the case into a first chamber and a second chamber, an opening provided inside the partition and communicating the first chamber with the second chamber, and a filter accommodated in the second chamber of the case, and wash water flowing into the water inlet passes through the first chamber, the opening, and the filter in this order, and is discharged from the water outlet. .

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water flowing into the filter device through the water inlet first fills the first chamber. The water does not immediately flow into the second chamber, but fills the first chamber. The first chamber, which is separated from the second chamber, prevents water from immediately filling the second chamber. This prevents the filter housed in the second chamber from being completely submerged in water. If the filter were completely submerged in water, microplastics would randomly adhere to various parts of the filter, increasing drainage resistance. On the other hand, according to the structure of the embodiment, water is prevented from being submerged in water, and microplastics are prevented from randomly adhering to various parts of the filter, thereby preventing an increase in drainage resistance.

[0020] In an embodiment, a gas supply is provided downstream of the opening, To the second chamber The washing machine further includes a guide portion that guides the inflowing washing water to the side of the filter, and the washing water discharged from the opening is guided to the side of the filter by the guide portion, separating particles adhering to the side of the filter and sending the water to the bottom of the filter.

[0021] In an embodiment, the guide portion includes a guide surface extending downward from the opening and toward a side of the filter.

[0022] In an embodiment, the guide portion is a sloped surface on the inner surface of the opening.

[0023] In an embodiment, the filter includes left and right sides, front and rear sides, and a bottom surface, and the vertical lengths of the left and right sides are longer than the distance between the left and right sides, and particles separated from the left and right sides of the filter are stacked from the lower parts of the left and right sides of the filter, thereby maintaining the filtering performance of the left and right sides of the filter.

[0024] In an embodiment, the filter includes left and right sides, a front and rear side, and a bottom side, and the distance between the front and rear sides is greater than the distance between the left and right sides.

[0025] In embodiments, the filter is separable from the second chamber. (detachable) .

[0026] In an embodiment, the device further comprises a drawer for housing the filter, the drawer comprising: the second chamber can be pulled out forward from (withdrawable) .

[0027] In an embodiment, the drawer is provided with a water outlet in communication with the water outlet.

[0028] In some embodiments, the filter is removable from the drawer through the open top of the drawer.

[0029] In an embodiment, the left and right sides of the drawer are spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the left and right sides of the filter, and the bottom of the drawer is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the bottom of the filter.

[0030] In an embodiment, the drawer includes at least one of spacing protrusions provided on both sides of the drawer and a support portion provided on a bottom surface of the drawer.

[0031] In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the drawer slopes downwardly towards the water outlet.

[0032] In an embodiment, a coupling member is provided on an outer surface of one of the first chamber and the second chamber, the coupling member being detachably attached to a predetermined portion.

[0033] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the case is provided with a connecting member that is detachably attached to a predetermined portion.

[0034] In an embodiment, the coupling member includes a magnetic member and a friction member.

[0035] In an embodiment, the water inlet and the water outlet are provided to be located at the rear of the washing machine to which the filter device is attached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is prevented from being submerged in water, thereby minimizing the drainage resistance caused by the filter.

[0037] The filter device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed in a narrow side space of a laundry treatment device.

[0038] According to the filter device of one embodiment of the present invention, the filter device can be installed in a position that is easily accessible to the user, and the filter can be easily replaced.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a filter device having a relatively large area can be provided, and water can be evenly distributed and diffused over the entire surface of the filter to be drained, thereby reducing drainage resistance.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a filter device can achieve a self-cleaning effect without requiring a separate power transmission device.

[0041] According to a filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a self-cleaning effect can be obtained, thereby extending the cleaning and / or replacement intervals of the filter.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter device is provided in the form of an external unit, so that it can be installed in a laundry treatment device according to the needs of the user.

[0043] According to a filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon effect can be controlled during drainage even without a siphon break. Korean Utility Model Patent No. 20-0165755 discloses a pipeline control means (siphon break) for controlling the siphon function of a drum-type washing machine. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter device functions as a siphon break, so that the siphon effect can be controlled even without a separate siphon break.

[0044] The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] [Figure 2] 1 is a fluid flow diagram of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 3]1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front right side.

[0048] [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front left side.

[0049] [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line II' of FIG. 4. FIG.

[0052] [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing the movement of water passing through the partition wall in FIG. 7 by arrows.

[0053] [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water when a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0056] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water when a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0057] [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water when a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0058] [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plastic filter device, showing a schematic cross section taken along line II' in FIG. 4, and showing a structure to which the fifth embodiment is applied.

[0059] [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a member according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water when the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0061] [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a plastic filter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a view schematically showing the II' cross section of FIG. 4, and a structure to which the sixth embodiment is applied.

[0062] [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a member according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of water when a sixth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0064] [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a plastic filter device to which a seventh embodiment of the present invention is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0066] The present invention may be embodied in various embodiments and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unnecessary for the explanation are omitted in order to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0067] In this specification, duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0068] <Terminology>

[0069] The term "clothing treatment device" as used in the following description means any device that includes the functionality of washing clothes. For example, the clothing treatment device is a washing machine.

[0070] The term "clothing processing" used in the following description refers to processing such as washing, sterilizing, bleaching, softening, and drying performed on clothing. Clothing processing can be achieved by processes and courses performed by a clothing processing device. One or more processes are combined to form a course. One or more processes are arranged in chronological order and combined to form a course. Processes include washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, cooling, refreshing, etc. The washing process is a process of separating foreign matter attached to clothing using water and detergent. The rinsing process is a process of separating laundry from foreign matter using water. The spin-drying process is a process of removing water from laundry. The drying process is a process of removing moisture from laundry. The cooling process is a process of lowering the temperature of heated laundry. The refreshing process is a process of using air or steam to perform one or more of deodorizing, wrinkle removal, and sterilizing on laundry.

[0071] The terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "front side," and "rear side" used in the following description can be understood by referring to the coordinate system of the reference drawings. These terms are used for convenience of explanation and are used only to intuitively explain the relative positional relationship, and are not intended to limit the invention by the terms themselves. For convenience of explanation, a coordinate system will be referred to, where upper side is designated as Z, left side as X, and front side as Y. In the illustrated embodiment, the front direction of the washing machine is defined as the front, and the rear direction of the washing machine is defined as the rear.

[0072] In this specification, when a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that this also means that the component is "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to the other component, but also includes cases where there are other components between them. On the other hand, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0073] The terms used in this specification are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, when a term of a lower concept (e.g., spring) is used instead of a term of a higher concept (e.g., elastic member) to make the description of the embodiments easier to understand, this is intended to describe the embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention to the lower concept.

[0074] In this specification, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0076] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of listed items or any of the listed items. For example, "a and / or b" means "a and b," "a," or "b." Furthermore, "a or b" means "a," "b," or "a and b."

[0077] <Example>

[0078] The overall structure of the laundry processing device will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] A washing machine will be described as an example of the laundry treatment device 1. The appearance of the laundry treatment device 1 is determined by a cabinet 10.

[0080] The cabinet 10 can be configured by combining a front panel 11, a left panel (not shown), a right panel 12, an upper panel 13, and a rear panel (not shown). A space is defined inside the cabinet 10. The interior space of the cabinet 10 may be provided with interior components that constitute the garment treatment device 1, such as a drum 20.

[0081] The front panel 11 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 10. The front panel 11 is provided with a door 15.

[0082] A detergent opening is formed in the front panel 11. A detergent storage unit 40 is inserted into the detergent opening. The detergent storage unit 40 can be pulled into the cabinet 10 or pulled out to the outside of the cabinet 10 by a user.

[0083] A filter opening is formed in the front panel 11. A drain filter 50 is inserted into the filter opening. The drain filter 50 is configured to collect foreign matter from the wash water. The drain filter 50 is provided on one side of the lower part of the front panel 11. The drain filter 50 is connected to a first discharge flow path 73 (see FIG. 2) that discharges from the water tub 30. The drain filter 50 can filter foreign matter from the wash water discharged from the water tub 30 after the washing cycle has been performed. A user can pull or pull the drain filter 50 into or out of the cabinet 10 through the filter opening. The pulled-out drain filter 50 can be reused or replaced after cleaning. In an embodiment, the drain filter 50 may function as a pre-treatment filter for the plastic filter device 100, which will be described later.

[0084] A plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The plastic filter device 100 is attached to the exterior of the cabinet 10. The plastic filter device 100 is attached to a side panel. The plastic filter device 100 is attached to the upper part of the surface that constitutes the side panel. In the installation environment of a laundry treatment device 1 in some countries, the drain outlet is located approximately 75 cm higher than the installation surface of the laundry treatment device 1. The plastic filter device 100 is preferably installed at a higher position than the drain outlet to utilize the phenomenon of water falling. Figure 1 shows the plastic filter device 100 attached to the upper surface of the surface that constitutes the right panel 12.

[0085] The plastic filter device 100 may be installed in the drainage flow path 75 .

[0086] With reference to FIG. 2, the position of the plastic filter device 100 of the embodiment in the drainage flow path of the washing machine will be described.

[0087] The water required for treating clothes in the clothes treating device 1 is supplied from a water supply source S. The water supply source S can be a water supply system. In one embodiment, the supplied water is supplied to the water tub 30 via a supply flow path 71.

[0088] The detergent storage unit 40 is provided in the supply flow path 71. The supplied water flows into the detergent storage unit 40. The detergent or fabric softener stored in the detergent storage unit 40 is sent to the water tub together with the supplied water.

[0089] The supply flow path 71 includes a first supply pipe 71a connecting the water supply source S and the detergent storage unit 40, and a second supply pipe 71b connecting the detergent storage unit 40 and the water tub 30.

[0090] A discharge flow path 73 is connected to the bottom of the water tub 30. The discharge flow path 73 discharges water (e.g., wash water, rinse water) from the water tub 30 to the outside of the water tub 30. In an embodiment, a drain filter 50 is provided in the discharge flow path 73. The water discharged into the discharge flow path 73 moves to a drain flow path 75. A pump pressure for the water discharged from the discharge flow path 73 to flow along the drain flow path 75 and be drained may be provided by a drain pump 61.

[0091] In this embodiment, the drain passage 73 connects the water tank 30 to the drain pump 61. When the drain pump 61 is operated, the water flowing into the drain pump 61 is discharged to the drain passage 75. The drain passage 75 is provided with a plastic filter. Device The water drained from the water tank 30 is passed through a plastic filter. Device It is filtered through 100 and drained.

[0092] The illustrated clothing treatment device further includes a water circulation structure, so that water discharged from the discharge flow path 73 can also move to the circulation flow path 74. The water discharged from the discharge flow path 73 is either (1) drained along the drainage flow path 75 or (2) resupplied to the water tub 30 along the circulation flow path 74. The case (1) occurs when the drainage pump 61 is operated but the circulation pump 62 is not operated. The case (2) occurs when the circulation pump 62 is operated but the drainage pump 61 is not operated.

[0093] The plastic filter device 100 filters the water that flows in from the first drain hose 75a and discharges it into the second drain hose 75b. In the embodiment, in the process of draining the water into the drain outlet, the water is filtered by the plastic filter device 100. The plastic filter device 100 filters the water that is discharged in the case of (1) above. In the embodiment, in the rinsing process and the spin-drying process, it operates as in (1) above.

[0094] FIG. 3 shows a plastic filter unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Right side FIG.

[0095] The plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment is provided as an external type. In this embodiment, the plastic filter device 100 is located outside the cabinet 10. A user can purchase the plastic filter device 100 separately from the clothing treatment device 1 and attach it to the clothing treatment device 1. By attaching the plastic filter device 100, the functionality of the clothing treatment device 1 can be upgraded.

[0096] To improve the ease of installation of the plastic filter device 100, the plastic filter device 100 may further include a mounting portion 150. The mounting portion 150 may be provided on the case 110. According to one embodiment, the mounting portion 150 includes a magnetic member 151 and a friction member 152.

[0097] The magnetic member 151 may be provided as a magnet. Since the cabinet 10 is usually made of metal, the magnetic force of the magnetic member 151 can be used to attach the plastic filter device 100 to a desired position on the cabinet 10. The magnetic force provided by the magnetic member 151 must be strong enough to withstand at least the weight of the plastic filter device 100 when it is filled to the maximum with washing water. The number and arrangement of the magnetic members 151 can be designed according to the required magnetic force.

[0098] The friction member 152 can provide a frictional force to prevent the plastic filter device 100 from shifting from its fixed position. The friction member 152 according to the embodiment is made of a material with high frictional force, such as rubber, silicone, or TPE. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction member 152 is provided in a form that surrounds the magnetic member 151. Even if the magnetic member 151 provides a strong magnetic force, it may not be able to counteract slippage caused by vibrations or the like. The friction member 152 provides a sufficient frictional force to prevent the plastic filter device 100 from shifting from its fixed position due to slippage.

[0099] The structure of the plastic filter device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] The plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment includes a case 110 and a drawer 120 .

[0101] A space is formed inside the case 110. The case 110 also includes an inlet port 113 and an outlet port 114. The inlet port 113 is formed at the rear of the case 110 and extends rearward. The inlet port 113 is formed at the upper rear portion of the case 110. The inlet port 113 is connected to the first drain hose 75a. The outlet port 114 is formed below the case 110 and extends downward. The outlet port 114 is located below and rearward of the case 110. The outlet port 114 is connected to the second drain hose 75b.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the case 110 further includes a valve port 119. The valve port 119 is formed below the inlet port 113. The valve port 119 is coupled to an upper portion of a second chamber 112, which will be described later. A check valve 119a, which will be described later, is provided in the valve port 119. The structures, functions, etc. of the second chamber 112 and the check valve 119a will be described in detail below.

[0103] The case 110 houses a drawer 120. The drawer 120 is pulled out or retracted from the case 110. A handle 121a is formed on the front of the drawer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 121a is formed as an opening for a user's fingers to insert. However, the handle 121a is not limited to the embodiment described herein as long as it functions as a handle.

[0104] The structure of the plastic filter device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0105] A plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment includes a case 110, a drawer 120, and a filter 130. The filter 130 is housed in the drawer 120. The drawer 120 is housed in the case 110. The drawer 120 may be moved to the front of the case 110 and separated. The filter 130 may be separated above the drawer 120.

[0106] The internal space 110a of the case 110 is provided with a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 are in communication with each other. The first chamber 111 is in communication with an inlet port 113, and the second chamber 112 is in communication with an outlet port 114.

[0107] A drawer 120 is detachably housed in the second chamber 112. A filter 130 is detachably housed in the drawer 120. Thus, the filter is housed in the second chamber 112 (see FIG. 6).

[0108] Water flowing into the inlet port 113 flows through the first chamber 111, the filter 130, the second chamber 112, and the outlet port 114 in this order. Microplastics contained in the water are filtered out by the filter 130. In addition, the water flowing into the filter 130 from the first chamber 111 collides with the wall surface of the filter 130, thereby separating microplastics adhering to the wall surface of the filter 130. In other words, in this embodiment, microplastics collected on the wall surface of the filter 130 can be separated (self-cleaning) without a separate driving source.

[0109] In an embodiment, the internal space of the case may further include a third chamber 110b, in which a tool for cleaning the filter 130 (not shown, for example, a cleaning brush) is stored.

[0110] The structure of the drawer 120 will now be described.

[0111] The drawer 120 includes a front portion 121, a first side portion 122, a second side portion 123, and a bottom portion 124. The drawer 120 is configured to allow at least water that has passed through the filter 130 to flow out. The drawer 120 may not have a rear portion to allow water that has flowed out from the filter 130 to flow out. Alternatively, a drawer water outlet 124a is formed in the bottom portion 124 of the drawer 120. In the embodiment, the drawer 120 does not have a rear portion, but has the drawer water outlet 124a formed in the bottom portion 124. The structure of the drawer 120 combined with the internal structure of the case 110 allows the drawer water outlet 124a to form an efficient drainage structure. The filter 130 is housed in an internal space 127 defined by the front portion 121, first side portion 122, second side portion 123, and bottom portion 124 of the drawer 120.

[0112] Seats 128 on which the filter 130 is seated are formed on the first side surface 122 and the second side surface 123. In the embodiment, the seating portions 128 are provided on the upper surfaces of the first side surface 122 and the second side surface 123, and are recessed downward from the upper surfaces.

[0113] The filter 130 according to one embodiment includes a filtering member 131. The filtering member 131 filters microplastics separated from clothing. As water passes through the filtering member 131, particles contained in the water are filtered out.

[0114] In an embodiment, the filtering member 131 is provided to have pores of a size sufficient to filter microplastics. By definition, microplastics refer to particles smaller than 5 mm, so the filtering member 131 is provided to have pores sufficient to filter particles smaller than 5 mm. The filtering member 131 can be made of various materials such as steel, fiber (nylon), or resin.

[0115] The filter 130 further includes a frame 132. The frame 132 is configured to maintain the shape of the filtering member 131 in a desired shape. The frame 132 is configured to maintain the shape of the filtering member 131 in a "U-shape" when viewed from the front. The shape of the frame 132 is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and for example, the frame 132 may have a lattice structure.

[0116] A seat 132a is formed on the frame 132. The seat 132a is formed to protrude outward from the upper end of the filter 130. The seat 132a protrudes from the outside by a length that allows the filter 130 to be placed on the seat 128 of the drawer 120. By placing the seat 132a of the filter 130 on the seat 128 of the drawer 120, the filter 130 is stored in the drawer 120, and the storage position is limited to a specified position.

[0117] The filter 130 is formed with an overflow opening 134. The overflow opening 134 is configured to drain water when particles filtered by the filter 130 accumulate and the filter 130 becomes clogged, preventing further water from being discharged. Because clogging can adversely affect components such as the drain pump 61, it is preferable to forcibly drain water. Therefore, the filter 130 is formed with the overflow opening 134, which allows water to overflow from the filter 130 when the filter 130 exceeds its filtration limit. The overflow opening 134 is formed in the upper part of the filter 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the overflow opening 134 is provided as a groove recessed to a predetermined depth from the top to the bottom of the frame 132.

[0118] The interior of the filter 130 is defined by a filter chamber 135. The filter chamber 135 is defined by a filtering member 131 and a frame 132. The filter chamber 135 is open at the top. The left side, right side, and bottom surface of the filtering member 131 and the front surface of the frame 132 define the filter chamber 135. With respect to the filter chamber 135, an overflow opening 134 is formed in the top of the filter chamber 135.

[0119] In the embodiment, when viewed from the front, the filter 130 has a shorter left-right length (the distance between the left and right sides) than a longer vertical length. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the filter 130 having a shorter left-right length can be used to reduce the width of the case 110, allowing it to be installed in a narrow space. In the embodiment, when viewed from the side, the filter 130 has a longer front-to-rear length than a longer vertical length. According to the embodiment of the present invention, despite the limited width and the requirement that the filter 130 be installed higher than the drain outlet, the filter 130 is used, allowing it to be installed in a narrow space and ensuring a larger area for the filtering member 131. It is common technical knowledge that filters installed in drainage devices of washing machines are typically cylindrical. Narrowing the left-to-right width of the filter narrows the internal space of the filter, increasing drainage resistance, and therefore the filter is provided cylindrically without narrowing the left-to-right width. It is also common technical knowledge that the filter is provided cylindrically to ensure uniform drainage pressure of water flowing into the filter, and that water flows into the upper center of the cylindrical filter and is drained out the lower center of the filter.

[0120] The inventors have configured the filter 130 to be short in the left-right direction in order to provide a plastic filter device that can be installed in a narrow space. Furthermore, the filter 130 is configured to be long in the front-to-rear direction in order to ensure a sufficient filtering area. According to the embodiment of the present invention, despite the shape of the filter 130, it is possible to minimize the drainage resistance caused by the filter 130, which increases with use of the filter 130. Please refer to the description of the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 for an embodiment of the structure and technical principles that can minimize drainage resistance.

[0121] Furthermore, the vertical length of the filter 130 can be longer than the distance between the left and right sides. The self-cleaning filter 130 of this embodiment separates particles adhering to the left and right sides. The separated particles are stacked from the lower portions of the left and right sides of the filter 130, thereby maintaining the filtering performance of the left and right sides of the filter 130.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6, the plastic filter device 100 will be described in more detail.

[0123] The plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment includes a first chamber 111, a second chamber 112, a filter 130, and a partition wall 400.

[0124] As described above, the plastic filter device 100 according to one embodiment includes the case 110, the drawer 120 detachably provided in the case 110, and the filter 130 detachably provided in the drawer 120.

[0125] The case 110 defines a predetermined space and includes a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 communicate with each other. The first chamber 111 communicates with an inlet port 113, and the second chamber 112 communicates with an outlet port 114.

[0126] A drawer 120 is detachably housed in the second chamber 112. A filter 130 is detachably housed in the drawer 120. Thus, the filter 130 is housed in the second chamber 112.

[0127] Therefore, the water (washing water) that flows into the inlet port 113 flows in the order of first chamber 111, filter 130, second chamber 112, and outlet port 114. Microplastics contained in the water are filtered in filter 130. Furthermore, the water that flows into filter 130 from first chamber 111 collides with the wall surface of filter 130, separating microplastics collected on the wall surface of filter 130 from the wall surface. In other words, in this embodiment, microplastics collected on the wall surface of filter 130 can be separated (self-cleaning) without a separate driving source.

[0128] A partition wall 400 is provided inside the case 110. The partition wall 400 divides the internal space 110a of the case 110 into upper and lower spaces. The upper space is a first chamber 111, and the lower space is a second chamber 112. An opening 410a is provided in the partition wall 400, allowing the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 to communicate with each other.

[0129] The second chamber 112 is provided with a drawer 120. The drawer 120 is provided with a filter 130 therein, so that the filter 130 is located in the second chamber 112.

[0130] An additional partition wall (bottom surface 112b) may be provided at the bottom of the second chamber 112. The space between the additional partition wall 112b and the inner wall of the bottom of the case 110 forms the third chamber 110b. A cleaning tool can be stored in the third chamber 110b. For convenience of explanation, this embodiment will be described assuming that the additional partition wall 112b is present.

[0131] Each component will be described in detail.

[0132] The first chamber 111 is the space where water flowing into the plastic filter device 100 is initially stored. The first chamber 111 is long in the front-to-rear direction. The first chamber 111 is narrow in the left-to-right direction. While the specific length and width of the first chamber 111 are design considerations, an ordinary engineer should recognize that one of the technical objectives of the present invention is to "achieve a structure that can be installed in a narrow space," and should appropriately interpret terms such as "long" and "narrow" at a level that achieves this objective. At the very least, the front-to-rear length is greater in absolute value than the left-to-right width. A narrow left-to-right width means that the width is narrower than that of a typical cylindrical device, so the filtration area is secured by compensating for the narrow left-to-right width with the front-to-rear length. This allows the microplastic filter 100 to be installed even when the space next to the clothing treatment device 1 is narrow. Furthermore, even when the installation space is sufficiently large, a more aesthetically pleasing appearance can be achieved.

[0133] The first chamber 111 includes a water inlet 111a. The water inlet 111a is formed at the rear of the first chamber 111. The term "rear" does not mean to be limited to the "rear surface." The water inlet 111a may be formed at the rear of the top surface of the first chamber 111. The water inlet 111a communicates with an inlet port 113. The inlet port 113 extends from the water inlet 111a of the case 110.

[0134] Water flows into the bottom surface defining the first chamber 111 from the water inlet 111a. In this embodiment, the bottom surface defining the first chamber 111 is the upper surface 410 of the partition wall 400. The water flowing in from the water inlet 111a is temporarily stored in the first chamber 111. The temporarily stored water falls into the second chamber 112 through the opening 410a. The falling water washes away the wall surface of the filter 130 and separates microplastics adhering to the wall surface of the filter 130 from the wall surface of the filter 130. In other words, in this embodiment, microplastics adhering to the wall surface of the filter 130 are separated from the wall surface of the filter 130 without a separate driving source, thereby enabling so-called self-cleaning.

[0135] The second chamber 112 contains a filter 130 In one embodiment, the second chamber 112 accommodates a drawer 120, and the drawer 120 accommodates a filter 130. When the filter 130 is separated from the second chamber 112, water remaining in the filter 130 may leak out and contaminate the outside of the device. In the case of the drawer 120 type, when a user pulls out the drawer 120, the bottom of the drawer 120 can prevent water remaining in the filter 130 from leaking out. This improves user convenience.

[0136] The second chamber 112 has a long length in the front-to-rear direction. The second chamber 112 has a narrow width in the left-to-right direction. The specific length and width of the second chamber 112 are design considerations, but those skilled in the art should recognize that one of the technical objectives of the present invention is to "achieve a structure that can be installed in a narrow space," and should appropriately understand the terms "long" and "narrow" to the extent that this objective can be achieved. At least, the length in the front-to-rear direction is greater in absolute value than the width in the left-to-right direction. The length and width of the second chamber 112 and the filter 130 can be appropriately designed within the scope of the technical objectives, taking into account their mutual interaction.

[0137] In an embodiment, the vertical length of the second chamber 112 is longer than the vertical length of the first chamber 111. The front-to-rear length of the second chamber 112 may be equal to the front-to-rear length of the first chamber 111. Furthermore, the width of the second chamber 112 may be equal to the width of the first chamber 111. The volume of the second chamber 112 may be larger than the volume of the first chamber 111.

[0138] Because the second chamber 112 is where filtering essentially takes place, it is preferable to ensure the internal volume of the second chamber 112 so as to maximize the area of ​​the filter 130. The first chamber 111 acts as a buffer before water flows into the second chamber 112. Water flowing in through the water inlet 111a does not immediately flow into the second chamber 112 but fills the first chamber 111. The first chamber 111, which is separated from the second chamber 112, prevents water from immediately filling the second chamber 112. This prevents the filter 130 housed in the second chamber 112 from being completely submerged in water. If the filter were completely submerged in water, microplastics would randomly adhere to various parts of the filter, increasing drainage resistance. On the other hand, the structure of this embodiment prevents the filter 130 from being submerged in water and prevents microplastics from randomly adhering to various parts of the filter 130, thereby preventing an increase in drainage resistance.

[0139] The second chamber 112 includes a water outlet 112a. The water outlet 112a is formed below the second chamber 112. "Below" does not mean to be limited to the "bottom surface." The water outlet 112a may be formed below the rear surface of the second chamber 112. In an embodiment, the water outlet 112a may be provided at the rear, similar to the water inlet 111a. That is, the water outlet 112a can be formed below and behind the plastic filter device 100. Typically, the drainage channel 75 of the clothing treatment device 1 is provided at the rear. Therefore, if both the water inlet 111a and the water outlet 112a are located at the rear of the plastic filter device 100, the drainage channel 75 can be prevented from becoming long. The length of the drainage channel 75 is related to drainage resistance. If the drainage channel 75 becomes long, drainage becomes difficult and the pump pressure required for the drainage pump 61 becomes high. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the microplastic filter device 100 can be arranged near the front of the clothing treatment device 1 to improve usability and shorten the length of the drainage flow path 75.

[0140] The bottom surface 112b defining the second chamber 112 is formed to slope downward toward the water outlet 112a. If the third chamber 110b is not provided, the inner surface of the lower part of the case 110 may be sloped downward toward the water outlet 112a. Meanwhile, in the illustrated embodiment, the main component that guides water to the water outlet 112a is the bottom 124 of the drawer 120. Here, in this embodiment, the bottom 124 of the drawer 120 is formed to slope downward toward the water outlet 112a.

[0141] The water outlet 112a communicates with the outlet port 114. The outlet port 114 extends from the water outlet 112a of the case 110. Water that has permeated the filter chamber 135 flows out from the water outlet 112a.

[0142] The filter 130 is housed in the second chamber 112. The lower surface of the filter 130 is spaced apart from a bottom surface that defines the second chamber 112. According to the embodiment, the second chamber 112 is essentially defined by the drawer 120. Thus, the lower surface of the filter 130 is spaced apart from a bottom 124 of the drawer 120. The side surfaces of the filter 130 are spaced apart from the side surfaces that define the second chamber 112. According to the embodiment, the second chamber 112 is essentially defined by the drawer 120. Thus, the side surfaces of the filter 130 are spaced apart from a left side surface 122 and a right side surface 123 of the drawer 120.

[0143] A support portion 112c protruding upward is provided on the inner surface of the lower portion of the second chamber 112. The support portion 112c can support the drawer 120.

[0144] In the embodiment, the partition wall 400 separates the first space 110a of the case 110 into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. That is, the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112 can be defined by the case 110 and the partition wall 400.

[0145] In the embodiment, the partition wall 400 and the case 110 are provided separably from each other. For example, the partition wall 400 is separated from the case 110. When the partition wall 400 is provided separably as a separate component from the case 110, it is advantageous in that assembly and productivity are improved. However, the present invention does not exclude the partition wall 400 and the case 110 being formed as a single unit.

[0146] A valve port 119 is provided at the top of the second chamber 112. A check valve 119a is installed in the valve port 119. The check valve 119a prevents water in the second chamber 112 from leaking out. Meanwhile, the check valve 119a allows external air to flow in. In this embodiment, when the drain pump 61 stops operating during a laundry treatment process, water accumulated in the first drain hose 75a flows back into the laundry treatment device 1. This creates a weak negative pressure inside the plastic filter device 100. This negative pressure can hinder smooth drainage into the second drain hose 75b. The check valve 119a adjusts the pressure inside and outside the plastic filter device 100 to ensure smooth drainage. The check valve 119a is able to open even at weak negative pressure, allowing external air to flow into the plastic filter device 100 while preventing the water inside the plastic filter device 100 from overflowing. When the drain pump 61 stops, the inside of the plastic filter device 100 is put into a weak negative pressure state, and the check valve 119a opens, the anti-siphon effect is activated. The anti-siphon effect prevents the wash water from being continuously discharged.

[0147] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the siphon effect can be controlled during drainage without an additional siphon break. Korean Utility Model Patent No. 20-0165755 discloses providing a pipe control means (siphon break) for controlling the siphon function of a drum-type washing machine. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the microplastics filter device 100 functions as a siphon break, and the siphon effect can be controlled without a separate siphon break.

[0148] The drawer 120 is detachably housed in the case 110. Therefore, a watertight structure is required between the case 110 and the drawer 120. The watertight structure will be described below.

[0149] In this embodiment, a portion 129b of the portion of the drawer 120 protruding rearward from the front surface 121 is inserted into the first chamber 111. Portions 129a and 129c of the portion of the drawer 120 protruding rearward from the front surface 121 are inserted into the second chamber 112.

[0150] The drawer 120 includes a first sealing member 161 that contacts the inner surface of the case 110 that defines the front of the first space 110a and makes the open front surface of the case 110 watertight. The drawer 120 includes a first sealing seat 129a that protrudes rearward from the front surface 121 and has a shape corresponding to the first space 110a. The first sealing member 161 is provided by being fitted into the first sealing seat 129a.

[0151] The drawer 120 includes a second sealing member 162 that contacts the wall surface defining the front of the first chamber 111 and makes the front opening of the first chamber 111 watertight. The second sealing member 162 is provided by being fitted into a second sealing seat 129b. The second sealing seat 129b protrudes rearward from the front surface 121 of the drawer 120 and has a shape corresponding to the first chamber 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the second sealing seat 129b protrudes from the first sealing seat 129a.

[0152] The drawer 120 further includes a third sealing member 163 for watertightness of the portion that contacts the filter 130. The portion where the drawer 120 and the filter 130 contact is a space that forms the filter chamber 135, and therefore can be configured to be watertight. The third sealing member 163 is provided by being fitted into a third sealing seat 129c. In the illustrated embodiment, the third sealing seat 129c extends downward from the second sealing seat 129b.

[0153] The positional relationship between the drawer 120 and the filter 130 inside the case 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0154] The filter 130 is seated on a seat 128 of the drawer 120. The filter 130 is seated on the seat 128 of the drawer 120 and is supported by the drawer 120. The seat 128 is formed to have a step. The upper end of a frame 132 of the filter 130 is placed on the seat 128. At the upper end of the frame 132, a seat 132a is provided that protrudes outward.

[0155] The drawer 120 is supported by guide protrusions 115 that protrude from the inner wall of the case 110. The drawer 120 is pulled in or out along the guide protrusions 115, and this movement is guided. The guide protrusions 115 extend in the front-to-rear direction.

[0156] The side surface of the filter 130 and the inner surface of the drawer 120 are spaced apart from each other. In order to assist the separation between the filtering member 131 forming the side surface of the filter 130 and the inner surface of the drawer 120, the inner surface of the drawer 120 is provided with spacing protrusions 122a protruding inward. 123a The separating protrusions 122a, 123a A plurality of the spacing protrusions 122a, 123a In the embodiment, the spacing protrusions 122a, 123a The spacing protrusions 112a, 112b extend continuously in the front-rear direction. 123a Water may flow down from the broken part in the middle.

[0157] The partition wall 400 is provided with a guide portion 420. The guide portion 420 guides water passing through the opening 410a toward the inner surface of the filter 130. The guide portion 420 may include a guide surface 420a.

[0158] In one embodiment, the guide portion 420 is provided on the bottom surface of the partition wall 400. The guide portion 420 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the partition wall 400. The guide portion 420 includes a first extending portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the partition wall 400. The guide portion 420 includes a second extending portion and a third extending portion extending from the lower end of the first extending portion to the left and right at a predetermined angle. The upper surfaces of the second extending portion and the third extending portion become guide surfaces 420a.

[0159] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surfaces 420a are formed to be inclined toward the side surfaces of the filter 130. In the illustrated embodiment, one guide surface 420a is formed to be inclined toward the left side surface of the filter 130, and the other guide surface 420a is formed to be inclined toward the right side surface of the filter 130. The guide surfaces 420a are formed to be inclined downward. The guide surfaces 420a are formed to be inclined toward the side surfaces of the filter 130, particularly toward the upper portion. The water guided by the guide surfaces 420a washes away the side surfaces of the filter 130. When the water guided along the guide surfaces 420a is guided to the upper portion of the side surfaces of the filter 130, it washes away foreign matter from the upper side surfaces of the filter 130 downward, thereby realizing a self-cleaning function.

[0160] Please refer to Figure 8 in addition to Figure 7. The self-cleaning referred to in this specification will be explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0161] Water guided by guide surface 420a strikes the upper portion of the side surface of filter 130. In this embodiment, water guided by guide surface 420a strikes filtering member 131, which forms the side surface of filter 130. When water strikes the side surface of filter 130 and is washed downward, particles adhering to filtering member 131 can be separated from filtering member 131. This can be said to be cleaning the side surface of filtering member 131. Furthermore, particles adhering to filter 130 can be collected at the bottom of filter 130. That is, particles filtered from water can be collected from the bottom to the top of filter 130. This prevents particles from randomly adhering to the surface of filter 130. This prevents the filter 130 from being cleaned due to particles clogging the micropores of filtering member 131, even though there is still substantial filtering capacity in filter 130. This prevents the filter 130 from being unable to perform its intended function. That is, the filter cleaning cycle can be extended.

[0162] In the example, guide surface 420a is formed on guide portion 420 that protrudes downward from partition wall 400 and constitutes partition wall 400, and guide surface 420a is shown positioned below opening 410a, but guide surface 420a may be any surface that can perform the function of guiding water to the side of filter 130.

[0163] Various embodiments of the partition wall 400 and the guide portion 420 will be described below.

[0164] <First Example>

[0165] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a septum 1400 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] An opening 1410a is formed in the partition wall 1400. A guide portion 1420 is located below the opening 1410a. A guide surface 1420a is formed in the guide portion 1420. When viewed from the front, the guide portion 1420 has an inverted "Y" shape. The opening 1410a is formed as a slit that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The opening 1410a is formed as a pair of openings: opening 1410aa on the right side for discharging water and opening 1410ab on the left side for discharging water. Multiple openings 1410a are formed in the front-to-rear direction.

[0167] The length of the opening in the front-rear direction and the length of the guide portion in the front-rear direction are substantially the same.

[0168] <Second Example>

[0169] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a partition wall according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] opening 2410a There is an opening on the right side for draining water. 2410aa and an opening on the left side for draining water. 2410ab A pair of openings are formed. 2410a are formed in multiple positions in the front-to-back direction.

[0171] The guide surface 2420a may be a curved surface, and the inclination of the guide surface 2420a becomes gentler as it goes downward.

[0172] The differences between the first and second embodiments are the shape and number of openings, the length of the guide portion, and the shape of the guide portion. In the second embodiment, a plurality of small openings 2410a are provided in the partition wall 2400. The guide portion 2420 is a pair of guide portions formed long in the front-rear direction.

[0173] The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0174] The openings 2410a are formed in a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, the water pressure can be designed by using the size and number of the openings 2410a. That is, by adjusting the ratio between the total cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 2410a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water inlet 111a, an appropriate water pressure can be designed.

[0175] The water flow in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In this embodiment, water flows into the first chamber 111 through the water inlet 111a. The water flows from the rear (-Y) toward the front (+Y). In particular, because water flows into the water inlet 111a via the drainage pump 61 (see FIG. 2), the water flowing in through the water inlet 111a has a predetermined pressure. The water falling through the opening flows in at an inclination toward the +Y direction. Therefore, the water surface is not horizontal but has a predetermined inclination (∠а1), and the water level at the front is higher. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the drainage pressure at the rear where the water level is low is relatively low compared to when the water level is constant. In the structure shown in FIG. 11, where the water outlet 112a is located at the rear, the drainage pressure at the rear is weak, which may reduce the drainage efficiency. The embodiments shown after FIG. 12 relate to various structures that maintain a constant water level.

[0176] <Third Example>

[0177] A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0178] As mentioned above, in the second embodiment, the drainage pressure behind the outlet 112a is weak, which may reduce the efficiency of drainage. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the drainage pressure in the area where the outlet 112a is located. In the third embodiment, the drainage pressure in the area where the outlet 112a is located is increased.

[0179] The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is the size of the opening.

[0180] In the third embodiment, the sizes of the openings 3410a are different. The cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 3410a decreases from the rear (-Y) side to the front (+Y) side. For ease of explanation, the drawings simply assume that the openings 3410a are square. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 3410a located at the most upstream side (-Y direction) in the water flow direction is "d1Xd1", and the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 3410a located at the most downstream side (+Y direction) is "d2Xd2". "d1Xd1" > "d2Xd2".

[0181] As the size of the opening 3410a becomes smaller, the amount of water that falls decreases. Also, as the size of the opening 3410a becomes smaller, the angle of the water that is discharged from the opening 3410a decreases in the +Y direction. That is, the angle of the water that is discharged from a smaller opening 3410a is relatively closer to vertical than from a larger opening 3410a.

[0182] The third embodiment has a gentler water surface slope (∠а3) than the second embodiment. This results in a higher rear water discharge pressure than the second embodiment, resulting in faster water discharge than the second embodiment. Therefore, when compared over the same time period, the average water level in this embodiment is lower than that of the second embodiment. This reduces the area of ​​the left and right sides of the filter that is submerged in water, improving filtering efficiency.

[0183] <Fourth Example>

[0184] A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0185] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the discharge pressure at the portion where the water outlet 112a is located is increased. The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the height (depth) of the opening.

[0186] The openings in the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment are the same size, but the heights h1 and h2 of the openings are different. The height of opening 2410a in the second embodiment is h1, and the height of opening 4410a in the fourth embodiment is h2. h2>h1.

[0187] As the height of opening 4410a increases, the angle of the water discharged from opening 4410a decreases in the +Y direction. That is, the angle of the water discharged from opening 4410a is relatively closer to the vertical when the height of opening 4410a is higher than when the height of opening 4410a is lower. By adjusting the discharge angle using the height of opening 4410a, it is possible to prevent the water flow from flowing forward.

[0188] In the second embodiment, the falling water is biased in the +Y direction due to the forward straightness of the water flow being more influential than in the fourth embodiment, but in the fourth embodiment, the height of opening 4410a can be increased to reduce the forward straightness of the water flow.

[0189] Compared to the second embodiment, the falling water tends to flow less straight in the forward +Y direction (not shown as extremely straight in the drawings), so the water does not bias forward and the water surface slope (∠а4) is gentler than in the second embodiment. Also, in a structure in which the water outlet 112a is located at the rear, the water discharge pressure at the rear is higher than in the second embodiment, and the average water level is lower than in the second embodiment when compared over the same time period.

[0190] Next, an embodiment will be described in which the structure of the first chamber is modified to increase the discharge pressure at the portion where the water outlet 112a is located.

[0191] <Fifth Example>

[0192] A fifth embodiment of the plastic filter device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0193] The plastic filter device 100, particularly the first chamber 111, includes a first flow path 5410a and a second flow path 5420a. The first flow path 5410a and the second flow path 5420a are configured to guide the flow of water.

[0194] One side of the first flow channel 5410a communicates with the water inlet 111a (see FIG. 6), and the other side communicates with the second flow channel 5420a. One side of the second flow channel 5420a communicates with the first flow channel 5410a. The second flow channel 5420a communicates with an opening 5420b. In this embodiment, the opening 5420b is formed in the bottom surface that defines the second flow channel 5420a.

[0195] Water flowing into water inlet 111a (see FIG. 6) first flows into first flow path 5410a. The water flowing into first flow path 5410a flows forward and flows from the tip of first flow path 5410a into second flow path 5420a. The water flowing into second flow path 5420a is discharged into filter chamber 135 of filter 130 through opening 5420b.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 15 in addition to FIG. 14, the partition wall 5420 and the partitioning portion 5410 that form the first flow path 5410a and the second flow path 5420a in the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0197] First flow path 5410a and second flow path 5420a are formed by dividing first chamber 111. In an embodiment, first flow path 5410a and second flow path 5420a communicate with each other.

[0198] In an embodiment, the first flow channel 5410a and the second flow channel 5420a can be formed by a combination of the partition wall 5420 and the partition section 5410. The configuration in which the partition wall 5420 and the partition section 5410 are combined is referred to as a flow channel forming section 5400.

[0199] In the embodiment, the flow path forming portion 5400 separates the first space 110 a of the case 110 into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112 .

[0200] Partition 5410 separates the space of first chamber 111 into first flow path 5410a and second flow path 5420a. Therefore, the inside of partition 5410 becomes first flow path 5410a. The space between partition 5410 and the inner wall of first chamber 111 becomes second flow path 5420a.

[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 5410 is a cylindrical hollow pipe. Water inlet 111a (see FIG. 16), and its rear end communicates with second flow path 5420a. The internal space of partition 5410 is defined as first flow path 5410a. The remaining space in first chamber 111 that is not defined as first flow path 5410a is defined as second flow path 5420a.

[0202] The compartment 5410 is a watertight compartment. 5410e Further includes a watertight part. 5410e is a member that improves the adhesion between water inlet 111a and partition 5410, and improves watertightness so that water that has entered water inlet 111a flows only through first flow path 5410a defined by partition 5410.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 16, the flow of water in the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0204] Water entering through the water inlet 111a flows into a first flow path 5410a defined inside the partition 5410. The water that flows into the first flow path 5410a flows forward and flows into the second flow path 5420a from the end of the first flow path 5410a. The water that flows into the second flow path 5420a is guided rearward again. The water guided by the second flow path 5420a moves from the forward +Y direction to the rear -Y direction. The water passes through the opening 1520b and falls into the second chamber 112. The falling water is biased toward the rear -Y direction, which is the water flow direction in the second flow path 5420a. Because the water outlet 112a is located rearward, if the water is biased rearward, it can be discharged more smoothly than if the water level in the front was higher. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, the water discharge pressure at the outlet 112a located at the rear is high, and the water discharge is smooth, which may reduce the water surface inclination angle (∠a4). Also, depending on the situation, the water level at the rear may be high. Therefore, when compared over the same time period, the average water level is lower than in the previous embodiments.

[0205] <Sixth Example>

[0206] A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. The description will focus on the differences from the fifth embodiment.

[0207] Partition portion 6410 separates first chamber 111 into first channel 5410a and second channel 5420a.

[0208] The partition 6410 serves as a partition wall connecting the inner walls of the first chamber 111. The partition wall defining the partition 6410 can connect the inner walls of the first chamber 111 in a substantially horizontal direction. The upper part separated by the partition 6410 is a first flow path 6410a, and the lower part is a second flow path 6420a.

[0209] The dividing portion 6410 includes a dividing surface 2510e for moving water that has flowed into the water inlet 111a to the first flow path 6410a. The dividing surface 2510e extends downward from the rear of the dividing portion 6410 and is connected to the partition wall 6420. That is, the dividing surface 2510e blocks the rear of the second flow path 6420a. The dividing surface 2510e is formed at an incline. The dividing surface 2510e is formed at an incline that slopes upward from the rear to the front.

[0210] The partitioning portion 6410 may be provided as a single component by being combined with the partition wall 6420. The combined configuration of the partition wall 6420 and the partitioning portion 6410 is referred to as a flow path forming portion 6400.

[0211] The peripheral edge of the partition 6410 is provided so as to contact the inner wall of the first chamber 111. The partition 6410 has a portion on the front side that is separated from the wall surface that defines the first chamber 111. According to the embodiment, the length of the partition 6410 is shorter than the length of the partition wall 6420. The front side of the partition wall 6420 is longer than the front side of the partition 6410. Due to the difference in length between the partition wall 6420 and the partition 6410, the front side of the partition 6410 can be separated from the inner wall on the front side of the first chamber 111.

[0212] The flow of water in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0213] The water flowing into the water inlet 111a flows through the dividing surface. 6410e Therefore, the water does not flow through the second flow path 6420a but first flows into the first flow path 6410a. The water flows through the first flow path 6410a in the first direction +Y and is guided forward, then flows into the second flow path 6420a and is guided backward in the second direction −Y.

[0214] The water passes through the opening 6420b and falls into the second chamber 112. As with the fifth embodiment, the inclination angle (∠а5) of the water surface is relatively small compared to the other embodiments. Also, compared over the same time period, the average water level is low. For an explanation of the principle, please refer to the explanation given in the fifth embodiment.

[0215] <Seventh Example>

[0216] The following description will focus on the differences from the sixth embodiment.

[0217] In this embodiment, the guide portion of the sixth embodiment may be omitted. Instead, the opening 7420b can serve as the guide portion. The opening 7420b will be described below.

[0218] The openings 7420b are formed in pairs on the left and right. 7420b The water passing through the guide surface 7430a is guided to the side of the filter 130. One guide surface 7430a is inclined toward the left side of the filter 130, and the other guide surface 7430a is inclined toward the right side of the filter.

[0219] The structure of the opening 7420b of this embodiment can also be applied to the first, second, and third embodiments of the guide part described above, i.e., the opening 7420b of this embodiment can be adopted instead of the guide part in the first, second, and third embodiments of the guide part described above.

[0220] While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0221] Forward: +Y Rear:-Y Clothes treatment device: 1 Cabinets: 10 Plastic filter device: 100 Front panel: 11 Case: 110 First space: 110a Third chamber: 110b First chamber: 111 Inlet: 111a Second chamber: 112 Outlet: 112a Bottom: 112b Inlet port: 113 Outlet Ports: 114 Guide protrusion: 115 Valve port: 119 Check valve: 119a Right panel: 12 Drawer: 120 Front part: 121 Handle: 121a First side: 122 Second side: 123 Bottom: 124 Drawer outlet: 124a Drawer body: 125 Interior space: 127 Seating area: 128 First sealing seat: 129a Second sealing seat: 129b Third sealing seat: 129c Upper panel: 13 Filter: 130 Filtering element: 131 Frame: 132 Seating area: 132a Overflow opening: 134 Filter chamber: 135 Bulkhead: 1400 Top: 1410 Aperture: 1410a Aperture: 1410aa Opening: 1410ab Guide part: 1420 Guide surface: 1420a Doors: 15 Attachment part: 150 Magnetic member: 151 Friction material: 152 Sealing member: 160 First sealing member: 161 Second sealing member: 162 Third sealing member: 163 Drums: 20 Bulkhead: 2400 Top: 2410 Aperture: 2410a Aperture: 2410aa Aperture: 2410ab Guide part: 2420 Guide surface: 2420a Aquarium: 30 Bulkhead: 3400 Aperture: 3410a Detergent storage unit: 40 Bulkhead: 400 Aperture: 410a Guide part: 420 Guide surface: 420a Bulkhead: 4400 Aperture: 4410a Flow path forming section: 5400 Compartment: 5410 First flow path: 5410a Watertight part: 5410e Bulkhead: 5420 Aperture: 5420a Second flow path: 5420a Aperture: 5420b Guide part: 5430 Guide surface: 5430a Filter unit: 50 Drainage pump: 61 Circulation pump: 62 Flow path forming section: 6400 Bulkhead: 6420 First flow path: 6410a Split plane: 6410e Second flow path: 6420a First flow path: 6410a Aperture: 6410a Second flow path: 6420a Guide part: 6430 Guide surface: 6430a Supply channels: 71 First supply pipe: 71a Second supply pipe: 71b Discharge flow path: 73 Circulation flow path: 74 Drainage channel: 75 First drain hose: 75a Second drain hose: 75b Aperture: 7420b Guide surface: 7430a Drain: drain Average water level:Level Rotation axis: O Operation part:P Input section: P1 Display: P2

Claims

1. a first flow path having a water inlet at the most upstream side for receiving washing water and guiding the washing water in a first direction; a second flow path communicating with a downstream end of the first flow path and guiding the wash water in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a lower chamber having a water outlet through which the wash water is discharged; a filter housed in the lower chamber; an opening communicating the second flow path with the lower chamber; The washing water flowing in through the water inlet is The filter device for a washing machine, wherein water passes through the first flow path, the second flow path, the opening and the filter in this order, and is discharged from the water outlet.

2. The first flow path is defined by including a partition located inside the second flow path; 2. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the partition is spaced apart from the inner wall of the second flow path by a predetermined distance.

3. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path is provided inside the second flow path.

4. 2. The washing machine filter device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is a partition wall that forms one surface that defines the second flow path.

5. a case having a water inlet and a water outlet; a partition wall provided inside the case and dividing the inside of the case into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; a partition section that divides the upper chamber into a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path guiding the wash water flowing in through the water inlet in a first direction, and the second flow path communicating with a downstream end of the first flow path and guiding the wash water in a second direction opposite to the first direction; an opening formed in the partition wall, the opening communicating the second flow path with the lower chamber; The washing water flowing in through the water inlet passes through the first flow path, the second flow path, the opening, and the filter in this order, and is discharged from the water outlet.

6. 6. The washing machine filter device according to claim 5, wherein the first flow path is located above the second flow path.

7. the partition section crosses the upper chamber in a horizontal direction and divides the interior of the upper chamber into an upper section and a lower section, an upper portion of the upper chamber defined by the partition defines the first flow path; 6. The washing machine filter device of claim 5, wherein a lower portion of the upper chamber defined by the partition defines the second flow path.

8. 8. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water outlet is positioned offset in the second direction.

9. 9. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the partition and the compartment are provided as an integral part.

10. The washing machine further includes a guide portion located downstream of the opening and configured to guide the washing water flowing into the filter from the opening to a side of the filter, 8. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion guides the wash water discharged from the opening to the side of the filter, separating particles adhering to the side of the filter and sending the water to the bottom of the filter.

11. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the guide portion includes a guide surface extending downward from the opening and toward a side of the filter.

12. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the guide portion is an inclined surface on the inner surface of the opening.

13. The filter includes left and right sides, front and rear surfaces, and a bottom surface; The length of the left and right side surfaces in the up-down direction is longer than the distance between the left and right side surfaces, 8. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the particles separated from the left and right side surfaces of the filter are stacked from the lower portions of the left and right side surfaces of the filter, thereby maintaining the filtering performance of the left and right side surfaces of the filter.

14. The filter includes left and right sides, front and rear surfaces, and a bottom surface; The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the front and rear surfaces is longer than the distance between the left and right side surfaces.

15. 15. The washing machine filter assembly of claim 14, wherein the filter is separable from the second chamber.

16. further comprising a drawer for housing the filter; 16. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the drawer is retractable in a forward direction from the lower chamber.

17. The water inlet and the water outlet are 8. The filter device for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the filter device is provided at a rear of the washing machine in which the filter device is provided.

18. In a washing machine including a drainage channel, A washing machine comprising a filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 provided in the drainage channel.

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