Washing machine

Abstract

This washing machine comprises a housing, a drum rotatable while inside the housing, and a lifter extending from the inner circumference surface of the drum toward the rotation axis of the drum. The lifter comprises a lifter body mountable on the drum, a lifter case coupleable to and decoupleable from the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet and an outlet, a filter to be provided on the lifter case, and a lifter valve that is deformable to be away from the inlet of the lifter case to open the inlet and return toward the inlet of the lifter case to close the inlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of international application No. PCT / KR2023 / 016845, filed Oct. 27, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0157694, filed Nov. 22, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0009653, filed Jan. 25, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having a filter.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A washing machine is an apparatus for washing laundry put to the inside of the tub through friction by stirring the laundry, water, and a detergent together by using a driving force of a driving motor.

[0004] Operations that are performed by the washing machine include, regardless of the type of the washing machine, a washing operation for washing laundry put into the tub by supplying a detergent and water to the tub and rotating the drum, a rinsing operation for rinsing the laundry by supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum, and a dehydrating operation for dehydrating water of the laundry by discharging water from the tub and rotating the drum.

[0005] The washing machine includes a drain device configured to discharge water stored in the tub to the outside of the washing machine while performing the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and / or the dehydrating operation. The drain device is configured to again discharge water discharged from the tub to the tub while performing the washing operation and / or the rinsing operation.

[0006] The washing machine may include a filter configured to filter out foreign substances from wash water used to wash the laundry.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of facilitating management of a filter.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of increasing a filter replacement cycle.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of increasing the efficiency of a filter.

[0010] Technical objects of the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objects not described herein will also be clearly understood by a person who has a common knowledge in the technical field to which the disclosure pertains from the following detailed description.Technical Solution

[0011] A washing machine according to a concept of the disclosure includes: a housing; a drum rotatable while inside the housing; and a lifter extending from an inner circumferential surface of the drum toward a rotation axis of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter body mountable on the drum; a lifter case coupleable to and decoupleable from the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet and an outlet; a filter to be provided on the lifter case; and a lifter valve that is deformable to be away from the inlet of the lifter case to open the inlet and return toward the inlet of the lifter case to close the inlet. According to this configuration, the washing machine according to an embodiment may collect foreign substances in the lifter, thereby reducing the amount of foreign substances discharged from the washing machine.

[0012] A washing machine according to a concept of the disclosure includes a housing, a tub provided inside the housing, a drum rotatable while inside the tub, and a lifter extending from an inner circumferential surface of the drum toward a rotation axis of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter body mountable on the drum, a lifter case coupleable to and decoupleable from the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet and an outlet, a filter to be provided in a portion of the lifter case in which the outlet is located, and a lifter valve that is deformable to be away from the inlet of the lifter case to open the inlet and return toward the inlet of the lifter case to close the inlet, the lifter valve being capable of opening and closing the inlet portion to allow foreign substances to be introduced into the lifter case while preventing foreign substances from being discharged from the lifter case.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a lifter shown in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of part of the lifter shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a lifter valve shown in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which one end of a lifter case shown in FIG. 4 is coupled to a lifter body according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the other end of the lifter case shown in FIG. 7 is fixed to the lifter body according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of the inside of a drum shown in FIG. 2 during rotation of the drum according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 9, which shows the flow of wash water introduced into the lifter according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 9, which shows a state of foreign substances inside the lifter according to the rotation of the drum according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of part of a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of the liter shown in FIG. 12 according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section of a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates a lifter according to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of a drum of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates components of a washing machine according to an embodiment and a signal flow between the components according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method of controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which filter status information is output on a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21 illustrates a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine shown in FIG. 21 according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section of a drum shown in FIG. 22 according to an embodiment.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0036] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

[0037] With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0038] It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] As used herein, each of such phrases 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 one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

[0040] The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0041] As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (for example., importance or order).

[0042] It is to be understood that if a certain component (for example, a first component) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,”“coupled to,”“connected with,” or “connected to” another component (for example, a second component), it means that the component may be coupled with the other component directly (for example, wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0043] It is to be understood that the terms such as “including” or “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

[0044] It is to be understood that if a certain component is referred to as being “coupled with,”“coupled to,”“supported on” or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component may be coupled with the other component directly or indirectly via a third component.

[0045] It will also be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0046] A washing machine, according to various embodiments, may perform washing, rinsing, draining, and dehydrating operations. A washing machine may also be a drying combination washing machine capable of performing a drying operation on the dehydrated laundry. A washing machine may be an example of a washing machine. The washing machine is a concept that includes a device for washing clothes (objects to be washed or dried), a device for drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

[0047] The washing machine according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a top-loading washing machine, wherein an inlet through which laundry is put into the top-loading washing machine is provided upward, or a front-loading washing machine, wherein an inlet through which laundry is put into the front-loading washing machine is provided forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include another loading type of washing machine, except for the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

[0048] The top-loading washing machine may wash laundry by using water streams generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. The front-loading washing machine may wash laundry by rotating a drum to repeatedly raise and drop the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a lift for raising laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a drying combination washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The drying combination washing machine may include a heating device for high-temperature air. The drying combination washing machine may further include a condensing device for dry air. For example, the drying combination washing machine may include a heat pump. The washing machine according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a washing machine using another washing method, except for a washing machine using the above-described washing method.

[0049] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a washing machine shown in FIG. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine 1 may include a washing machine housing 11 accommodating various components therein. The washing machine housing 11 may form an exterior of the washing machine 1. The washing machine housing 11 may have the shape of a box that is at least partially open.

[0052] The washing machine housing 11 may include a housing opening 12 for allowing an access to inside of a drum 30. The housing opening 12 may open approximately forward.

[0053] The washing machine 1 may include a door 13 for opening or closing the housing opening 12 provided in the washing machine housing 11. The door 13 may be rotatably mounted on the washing machine housing 11 by a hinge 14. At least one portion of the door 13 may be transparent or translucent to show the inside of the washing machine housing 11.

[0054] The washing machine 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the washing machine housing 11 to store water. The tub 20 may be disposed inside the washing machine housing 11. The tub 20 may include a tub opening 22 provided to correspond to the housing opening 12. The tub opening 22 may open substantially forward. The tub 20 may be supported on an inner surface of the washing machine housing 11. The tub 20 may have a substantially cylindrical shape of which one side opens.

[0055] The tub 20 may be elastically supported from the washing machine housing 11 by a damper 80. The damper 80 may connect the tub 20 to the washing machine housing 11. While vibrations generated according to a rotation of the drum 30 are transferred to the tub 20 and / or the washing machine housing 11, the damper 80 may absorb vibration energy between the tub 20 and the washing machine housing 11 to attenuate the vibrations.

[0056] The washing machine 1 may include the drum 30 accommodating laundry. The drum 30 may be rotatably provided inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydrating while rotating inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may include a through hole 34 that connects an inside space of the drum 30 to an inside space of the tub 20. The drum 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape of which one side opens. On an inner circumferential surface of the drum 30, at least one lifter 100 may be provided to raise and drop laundry according to a rotation of the drum 30.

[0057] The drum 30 may include a drum opening 32 corresponding to the housing opening 12 and the tub opening 22. Laundry may be put into or withdrawn from the drum 30 through the housing opening 12, the tub opening 22, and the drum opening 32.

[0058] The washing machine 1 may include a driving device 40 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 40 may include a driving motor 41, and a rotating shaft 42 for transferring a driving force generated in the driving motor 41 to the drum 30. The rotating shaft 42 may penetrate the tub 20 and be connected to the drum 30.

[0059] The washing machine 1 may be divided into a direct drive type in which the rotating shaft 42 is directly connected to the driving motor 41 to rotate the drum 30, and an indirect drive type in which a pulley 43 is connected between the driving motor 41 and the rotating shaft 42 to drive the drum 30.

[0060] The washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may be arranged as an indirect drive type, but may also be arranged as a direct drive type, without being limited thereto.

[0061] One end of the rotating shaft 42 may be connected to the drum 30, and another end of the rotating shaft 42 may be connected to the pulley 43 to obtain a driving force from the driving motor 41. A motor pulley 41a may be formed on the rotating axis of the driving motor 41. A driving belt 44 is provided between the motor pulley 41a and the pulley 43 such that the rotating shaft 42 may be driven by the driving belt 44.

[0062] In the rear portion of the tub 20, a bearing housing 45 may be installed to rotatably support the rotating shaft 42. The bearing housing 45 may be made of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into the rear portion of the tub 20 upon injection-molding of the tub 20.

[0063] The driving device 40 may be provided to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration or drying operations by rotating the drum 30 regularly or reversely.

[0064] The washing machine 1 may include a water supply device 50. The water supply device 50 may supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 50 may be located above the tub 20. The water supply device 50 may include a water supply pipe 51, and a water supply valve 56 provided in the water supply pipe 51. The water supply pipe 51 may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe 51 may extend to a detergent supply device 60 and / or the tub 20 from the external water supply source. Water may be supplied to the tub 20 via the detergent supply device 60. Water may be supplied to the tub 20 not via the detergent supply device 60.

[0065] The water supply valve 56 may open or close the water supply pipe 51 in response to an electrical signal from a controller 90 in FIG. 19. The water supply valve 56 may allow or block supply of water from the external water supply source to the tub 20. The water supply valve 56 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that is opened or closed in response to an electrical signal.

[0066] The washing machine 1 may include the detergent supply device 60 configured to supply a detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply device 60 may supply a detergent to the inside of the tub 20 during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe 51 may be mixed with a detergent via the detergent supply device 60. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the inside of the tub 20. The detergent may include a conditioner for dryer, a deodorant, a sterilizer, or an air freshener, as well as a washing detergent. The detergent supply device 60 may be connected to the tub 20 through a connection pipe 61.

[0067] The washing machine 1 may include a drain device 70. The drain device 70 may be configured to discharge water accommodated in the tub 20 to outside. The drain device 70 may include a drain pump 73 for discharging water from the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine housing 11, a connection hose 71 connecting the tub 20 and the drain pump 73 such that water inside the tub 20 flows into the drain pump 73, and a drain hose 74 for guiding water pumped by the drain pump 73 to the outside of the washing machine housing 11. The drain device 70 may include a drain valve 72 provided on the connection hose 71 to open and close the connection hose 71.

[0068] The washing machine 1 may provide a user interface device 15 for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1.

[0069] The washing machine 1 may include at least one user interface device 15. The user interface device 15 may include at least one input interface 16 and at least one output interface 17.

[0070] At least one input interface 16 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0071] At least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / dehydrating setting button. At least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or microphone, etc.

[0072] At least one output interface 17 may transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine 1 to the user by generating sensory information.

[0073] For example, at least one output interface 17 may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the washing machine 1, and washing setting / rinsing setting / spinning setting to the user. Information on the operation of the washing machine 1 may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface 17 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates a lifter shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of part of the lifter shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a lifter valve shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a lifter 100 may extend from an inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 toward a rotation axis of the drum 30. The lifter 100 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. The lifter 100 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the drum 30. The lifter 100 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the drum 30.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the lifter 100 may include a lifter body 111 mounted on the drum 30. The lifter body 111 may be mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. The lifter body 111 may extend in a direction approximately parallel to the rotation axis direction of the drum 30. For example, the lifter body 111 may be fixed to the drum 30 in a hook manner. For example, the lifter body 111 may be fixed to the drum 30 by a screw. The lifter body 111 may support the lifter case 131.

[0077] The lifter 100 may include a lifter case 131 mounted on the lifter body 111. The lifter case 131 may be detachably mounted on the lifter body 111. The lifter case 131 is provided to be easily separated from the lifter body 111.

[0078] The lifter case 131 may include a first lifter case 131a and a second lifter case 131b mounted on the first lifter case 131b. An inlet 132 and an outlet 133 may be formed in the first lifter case 131a. The second lifter case 131b may be arranged to face the lifter body 111. The second lifter case 131b may be provided with a supporter 136 configured to support a lifter valve 140.

[0079] For example, the first lifter case 131a and the second lifter case 131b may be formed as one body.

[0080] The lifter case 131 may include an inlet 132 and an outlet 133. The lifter case 131 may be connected to the internal space of the drum 30 through the inlet 132 and the outlet 133.

[0081] Through the inlet 132, wash water and / or foreign substances inside the drum 30 may be introduced to the inside of the lifter case 131. The inlet 132 may be formed such that foreign substances smaller than or equal to a preset size and wash water may be introduced to the inside of the lifter case 131. The inlet 132 may be formed such that microplastics having a size of approximately 5 mm or smaller may pass through the inlet 132. The inlet 132 may have at least one hole.

[0082] The inlet 132 may be provided such that foreign substances larger than a preset size may not pass through the inlet 132. Foreign substances having a relatively large size may be provided to be separately collected from the drum 30. By limiting the size of foreign substances flowing into the lifter 100, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may improve the efficiency of the filter 120.

[0083] The inlet 132 may be formed on at least one surface of the lifter case 131. The inlet 132 may be formed on at least one surface of the lifter case 131 that faces a circumferential direction of the drum 30. The inlet 132 may be provided to face a rotation direction of the drum 30. The inlet 132 may be formed on a side surface of the lifter case 131.

[0084] The inlet 132 may include a first inlet 132a facing a first rotation direction of the drum 30 and a second inlet 132b facing a second rotation direction opposite to the first direction of the drum 30. While the drum 30 rotates in the first rotation direction, wash water and / or foreign substances may be introduced through the first inlet 132a. While the drum 30 rotates in the second rotation direction, wash water and / or foreign substances may be introduced through the second inlet 132b. The first inlet 132a and the second inlet 132b may be arranged to face opposite directions.

[0085] For example, one of the first inlet 132a and the second inlet 132b may be omitted.

[0086] The wash water and / or foreign substances inside the lifter case 131 may be discharged to the inside of the drum 30 through the outlet 133. The outlet 133 may have at least one hole having a size larger than the inlet 132.

[0087] The outlet 133 may be formed on at least one surface of the lifter case 131. The outlet 133 may be formed on at least one surface of the lifter case 131 facing the rotation axis of the drum 30. The outlet 133 may be provided facing the interior of the drum 30.

[0088] The lifter 100 may include a filter 120 provided on the lifter case 131. The filter 120 may be provided in a portion of the lifter case 131 in which the outlet 133 is located. The filter 120 may be provided to correspond to the outlet 133 of the lifter case 131. The filter 120 may extend along the outlet 133.

[0089] The filter 120 may be provided to filter out foreign substances discharged from the outlet 133. The filter 120 may be provided to filter out microplastics having a size of approximately 5 mm or less.

[0090] The lifter case 131 may include a chamber 139 configured to collect foreign substances filtered out by the filter 120. The chamber 139 may be formed inside the lifter case 131. When the amount of foreign substances collected in the chamber 139 exceeds a preset amount, the user may separate the lifter case 131 from the lifter body 111 and discard the lifter case 131, and mount a new lifter case 131 on the lifter body 111.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lifter 100 may include a lifter valve 140 provided to open and close the inlet 132. The lifter valve 140 may be provided as an elastic body. The lifter valve 140 may be provided to be deformable by a force exerted by the wash water and / or foreign substances while the wash water and / or foreign substances of the drum 30 are introduced through the inlet 132 as the drum 30 rotates. The lifter valve 140 may be deformed by the water flow inside the drum 30, allowing the inlet 132 to be opened and closed.

[0092] The lifter valve 140 may open and close the inlet 132 to allow foreign substances to be introduced into the chamber 139 while preventing foreign substances from being discharged from the chamber 139. The lifter valve 140 may allow the inlet 132 to be opened in a direction in which wash water and / or foreign substances are introduced through the inlet 132. The lifter valve 140 may prevent the inlet 132 from being opened in a direction in which wash water and / or foreign substances are discharged through the inlet 132. The lifter valve 140 may be provided as a check valve.

[0093] The lifter valve 140 may include a fixed portion 141 fixed to the lifter case 131 and a moving portion 142 having a thickness that decreases in a direction away from the fixed portion 141. The lifter valve 140 may open and close the inlet 132 as the moving portion 142 moves while the fixed portion 141 is fixed to the lifter case 131.

[0094] For example, the fixed portion 141 may be fixed to the second lifter case 131b. The fixed portion 141 may be supported by the second lifter case 131b.

[0095] The moving portion 142 may be provided to correspond to the inlet 132. The moving portion 142 may be provided to open and close the inlet 132. The moving portion 142 may have a shape in which the thickness becomes thinner in a direction away from the fixed portion 141. The moving portion 142 may be formed such that a thickness dl of one end adjacent to the fixed portion 141 is greater than a thickness d2 of the other end farther from the fixed portion 141. For example, the moving portion 142 may have a shape in which the thickness gradually decreases in a direction away from the fixed portion 141. For example, the moving portion 142 may have a shape in which the thickness stepwise decreases in a direction away from the fixed portion 141. The moving portion 142 may be provided with a thickness thinner than a thickness of the fixed portion 141. With such a configuration, the lifter valve 140 may have an improved elastic mobility of the moving portion 142 with respect to the fixed portion 141.

[0096] The lifter valve 140 may be provided to correspond to the inlet 132. The lifter valve 140 may include a first lifter valve 140a provided to open and close the first inlet 132a, and a second lifter valve 140b provided to open and close the second inlet 132b. The first lifter valve 140a may be provided to be movable in a direction opposite to the second lifter valve 140b.

[0097] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which one end of a lifter case shown in FIG. 4 is coupled to a lifter body. FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the other end of the lifter case shown in FIG. 7 is fixed to the lifter body.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, a process of mounting the lifter case 131 to the lifter body 111 will be described.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, the lifter body 111 may be mounted on the drum 30. The lifter body 111 may include a lifter fixing portion 115, and the drum 30 may include a lifter mounting portion 35 to which the lifter fixing portion 115 of the lifter body 111 is fixed. As the lifter fixing portion 115 of the lifter body 111 is mounted on the lifter mounting portion 35 of the drum 30, the lifter body 111 may be fixed to the drum 30. For example, the lifter body 111 may be fixed to the drum 30 via a screw.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the lifter case 131 may include a rotational coupling portion 137 provided at one end and a fixed coupling portion 138 provided at the opposite end. The lifter body 111 may include a body coupling portion 116 to which the rotational coupling portion 137 is coupled and a body fixing portion 117 to which the fixed coupling portion 138 is fixed.

[0101] In a state in which the lifter case 131 is arranged in an inclined direction with respect to the lifter body 111, the rotational coupling portion 137 of the lifter case 131 may be rotatably coupled to the body coupling portion 116 of the lifter body 111.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, in a state in which the rotational coupling portion 137 of the lifter case 131 is rotatably coupled to the body coupling portion 116 of the lifter body 111, as the lifter case 131 rotates with respect to the lifter body 111, the fixed coupling portion 138 of the lifter case 131 may be fixed to the body fixing portion 117 of the lifter body 111. The fixed coupling portion 138 of the lifter case 131 may be fixed to the body fixing portion 117 of the lifter body 111 in a hook manner.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the drum 30 of the washing machine 1 may be limited in a method of mounting the lifter 100 due to the length in a rotation axis direction.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 is configured such that the lifter case 131 is coupled by moving in an inclined direction with respect to the lifter body 111, and then fixed by rotating with respect to the lifter body 111, thereby allowing the lifter case 131 to be easily mounted to and / or separated from the lifter body 111.

[0105] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of the inside of a drum shown in FIG. 2 during rotation of the drum. FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 9, which shows the flow of wash water introduced into the lifter. FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 9, which shows a state of foreign substances inside the lifter according to the rotation of the drum.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine 1 may include a plurality of lifters 100. The plurality of lifters 100 may be arranged at approximately equal intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. For example, three lifters 100 may be arranged at approximately 120° intervals along the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. The lifters 100 may lift laundry L as the drum 30 rotates.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, while the drum 30 rotates in a first rotation direction R1, wash water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30 may be introduced to the inside of the lifter 100 through the first inlet 132a. As the drum 30 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, wash water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30 may apply force to the moving portion 142 of the first lifter valve 140a through the first inlet 132a. The first lifter valve 140a, which receives force from the wash water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30, has the moving portion 142 elastically deformed while the fixed portion 141 is fixed to the lifter case 131, allowing the first inlet 132a to be opened.

[0108] While the drum 30 rotates, foreign substances flowing to the inside of the lifter case 131 may be filtered out by the filter 120. While the drum 30 rotates, the wash water flowing to the inside of the lifter case 131 may pass through the filter 120 and be discharged to the drum 30 through the outlet 133.

[0109] While the drum 30 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the second lifter valve 140b may close the second inlet 132b. While the drum 30 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the direction of the force that the wash water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30 may exert on the second lifter valve 140b is opposite to the first rotation direction R1, so that the second lifter valve 140b may close the second inlet 132b. As the second lifter valve 140b closes the second inlet 132b, the wash water and / or foreign substances flowing to the inside of the lifter 100 may be prevented from being discharged to the drum 30 through the second inlet 132b without being filtered through the filter 120.

[0110] While the drum 30 rotates in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1, the second lifter valve 140b may open the second inlet 132b. While the drum 30 rotates in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction R1, wash water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30 may be introduced through the second inlet 132b and exerts force in a direction that opens the second lifter valve 140b. While the drum 30 rotates in the opposite direction to the first rotation direction R1, the first lifter valve 140a may close the first inlet 132a.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 11, foreign substances collected in the chamber 139 of the lifter 100 may move in a radially outward direction of the drum 30 due to centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the drum 30. Foreign substances filtered out by the filter 120 may be separated from the filter 120 and moved toward the second lifter case 131b due to centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the drum 30. With such a configuration, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may increase the replacement cycle of the filter 120.

[0112] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of part of a lifter according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section of the liter shown in FIG. 12.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a lifter 200 according to an embodiment will be described. In describing the lifter 200 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the same components as those of the lifter 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the lifter 200 may include a lifter body 211. The lifter body 211 may include a body coupling portion 116 and a body fixing portion 117.

[0115] Unlike the lifter body 111 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lifter body 211 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may include a body opening 212. The body opening 212 may be provided to face the lifter case 231.

[0116] The lifter 200 may include a lifter case 231 detachably mounted to the lifter body 211. The lifter case 231 may include a first lifter case 231a and a second lifter case 231b. The lifter case 231 may include an inlet 132. The inlet 132 may include a first inlet 132a and a second inlet 132b. The lifter case 231 may include a chamber 139 for collecting foreign substances.

[0117] Unlike the lifter case 131 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lifter case 231 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may include an outlet 233 including a first outlet 233a and a second outlet 233b.

[0118] The first outlet 233a may be formed on one side of the lifter case 231 facing the rotation axis of the drum 30. The second outlet 233b may be formed on a side opposite the one side of the lifter case 231 on which the first outlet 233a is formed. The second outlet 233b may be located radially outside of the drum 30 compared to the first outlet 233a. The second outlet 233b may be formed in the second lifter case 231b. The second outlet 233b may be provided to correspond to the body opening 212 of the lifter body 211.

[0119] Unlike the lifter 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lifter 200 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may include a filter 220 including a first filter 220a and a second filter 220b.

[0120] The first filter 220a may be provided to correspond to the first outlet 233a. The second filter 220b may be provided to correspond to the second outlet 233b. The first filter 220a may filter out foreign substances from wash water discharged through the first outlet 233a. The second filter 200b may filter out foreign substances from wash water discharged through the second outlet 233b. At least one of the first filter 220a and the second filter 200b may be provided to filter out microplastics having a size of approximately 5 mm or less.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the drum 30 may include a drum outlet 38. The drum outlet 38 may be provided to correspond to the body opening 212.

[0122] According to an embodiment, a portion of the wash water inside the lifter 200 may be discharged from the lifter 200 to the inside of the drum 30 through the first outlet 233a. Another portion of the wash water inside the lifter 200 may be discharged from the lifter 200 through the second outlet 233b. The wash water discharged through the second outlet 233b may sequentially pass through the body opening 212 and the drum outlet 38 and be discharged to the tub 20.

[0123] With such a configuration, the lifter 200 according to an embodiment may improve the fluidity of the wash water inside the tub 20.

[0124] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 14, a lifter 300 according to an embodiment will be described. In describing the lifter 300 shown in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 14, unlike the lifter 100 shown in FIG. 5, the lifter 300 may include a valve support member 350. One end of the valve support member 350 may be fixed to a first lifter valve 140a, and the opposite end of the valve support member 350 may be fixed to a second lifter valve 140b.

[0127] The valve support member 350 may apply elastic force to the first lifter valve 140a and / or the second lifter valve 140b in a direction in which the first lifter valve 140a moves away from the second lifter valve 140b. The valve support member 350 may be provided as an elastic body. The valve support member 350 may be provided as a spring. The valve support member 350 may apply force in a direction in which the first lifter valve 140a closes the first inlet 132a. The valve support member 350 may apply force in a direction in which the second lifter valve 140b closes the second inlet 132b.

[0128] The lifter 300 according to an embodiment includes a valve support member 350 that supports the lifter valve 140 in a direction in which the lifter valve 140 closes the inlet 132, which allows the lifter valve 140 to open the inlet 132 only when a force greater than or equal to a preset size is applied, thereby preventing foreign substances inside the lifter 300 from being discharged from the lifter 300 through the inlet 132.

[0129] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-section of a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 15, a lifter 400 according to an embodiment will be described. In describing the lifter 400 shown in FIG. 15, the same component numbers may be assigned to the same components as those shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 15, unlike the lifter 100 shown in FIG. 5, the lifter 400 may include a valve support member 450. One end of the valve support member 450 may be fixed to the first lifter valve 140a, and the opposite end of the valve support member 450 may be fixed to the second lifter valve 140b.

[0132] The valve support member 450 may apply an elastic force to the first lifter valve 140a and / or the second lifter valve 140b in a direction in which the first lifter valve 140a moves away from the second lifter valve 140b. The valve support member 450 may be provided as an elastic body. The valve support member 450 may be provided as a plate spring. The valve support member 450 may apply force in the direction in which the first lifter valve 140a closes the first inlet 132a. The valve support member 350 may apply force in the direction in which the second lifter valve 140b closes the second inlet 132b.

[0133] The lifter 400 according to an embodiment includes the valve support member 450 that supports the lifter valve 140 in the direction in which the lifter valve 140 closes the inlet 132, which allows the lifter valve 140 to open the inlet 132 only when a force greater than or equal to a preset size is applied, thereby preventing foreign substances inside the lifter 400 from being discharged from the lifter 400 through the inlet 132.

[0134] FIG. 16 illustrates a lifter according to an embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 16, a lifter 500 according to an embodiment will be described. In describing the lifter 500 shown in FIG. 16, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as the lifters 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 16, the lifter 500 may include a lifter body 111 and a lifter case 531 detachably mounted to the lifter body 111. Unlike the lifter 100 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lifter case 531 of the lifter 500 shown in FIG. 16 may include a window 534, window) that is transparent or translucent and allows the inside of the lifter case 531 to be visible.

[0137] The window 534 of the lifter case 531 may be provided such that foreign substances collected in the chamber 139 inside the lifter case 531 may be checked from the outside of the lifter 500. The window 534 of the lifter case 531 may be provided on one side facing the drum opening 32 of the drum 30. Accordingly, the user may check the window 534 of the lifter case 531 through the drum opening 32.

[0138] With such a configuration, the lifter 500 according to an embodiment may facilitate checking of the replacement time of the lifter case 531.

[0139] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of a drum of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 17, a washing machine 2 according to an embodiment will be described. In describing the washing machine 2 shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as the washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 17, the washing machine 2 according to an embodiment may include a lifter 100a having the same configuration as the lifter 100 of the washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. Unlike the washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the washing machine 2 shown in FIG. 17 may include a lifter 100a that does not include a filter 120. For example, the washing machine 2 according to an embodiment may include one lifter 100 including a filter 120 and two lifters 100a that do not include a filter 120. For example, a washing machine according to an embodiment may include two lifters 100 including a filter 120 and one lifter 100a not including a filter 120.

[0142] The washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 has three lifters 100 including a filter 120 arranged at equal angles with respect to the rotation axis of the drum 30, so that even when foreign substances accumulate on the lifters 100 while the drum 30 rotates, the balance of the rotation of the drum 30 may be maintained. In contrast, the washing machine 2 shown in FIG. 17 has one lifter 100 including a filter 120 and two lifters 100a not including a filter 120 arranged at equal angles with respect to the rotation axis of the drum 30, so that when foreign substances accumulate on the lifter 100 including the filter 120 while the drum 30 rotates, an unbalance may occur in the rotation of the drum 30.

[0143] FIG. 18 schematically illustrates the configurations of a washing machine according to an embodiment and the signal flow between the configurations.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 18, a control method for detecting clogging of a filter 120 of a lifter 100 of a washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 9 is described.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 18, in an embodiment, a washing machine 1 may include a user interface device 15, a driving device 40, a sensor unit 95, a communication module 96, and a controller 90.

[0146] The user interface device 15 may provide a user interface for interacting with the user and the washing machine 1.

[0147] The user interface device 15 may include at least one input interface 16 and at least one output interface 17.

[0148] The at least one input interface 16 may convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0149] At least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / dehydrating setting button. At least one input interface 16 may include a filter check button. According to various embodiments, the filter check button may be a button for operating the drum 30 to determine whether the filter 120 requires cleaning and / or replacement. At least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or microphone, etc.

[0150] At least one output interface 17 may transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine 1 to the user by generating sensory information.

[0151] For example, at least one output interface 17 may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the washing machine 1, and washing setting / rinsing setting / spinning setting to the user. Information on the operation of the washing machine 1 may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface 17 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0152] The driving device 40 may include the driving motor 41 that provides driving force to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 40 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.

[0153] The sensor unit 95 may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the operating state of the washing machine 1.

[0154] For example, the sensor unit 95 may include at least one of a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the tub, a sensor for detecting the operating state of the driving device 40, or a vibration sensor for detecting vibration of drum 30.

[0155] The sensor for detecting the operating state of the driving device 40 may include, for example, a current sensor for measuring the driving current applied to the driving motor 41, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The washing machine 1 may include a communication module 96 for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0157] The communication module 96 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0158] The communication module 96 may transmit data to an external device (e.g. a server, user device and / or home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module 96 may establish communication with a server and / or user device and / or home appliance and transmit / receive various data.

[0159] For this, the communication module 96 may establish a direct (wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device (for example, a server, a user terminal, and / or a home appliance), and support communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication module 96 may include a wireless communication module (for example, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), or a wired communication module (for example, a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among the communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device through a first network (for example, a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (for example, a telecommunication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, internet, or a computer network (for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)). Such various kinds of communication modules may be integrated into a component (for example, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of independent components (for example, a plurality of chips).

[0160] A short range communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module (Near Field Communication module), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] A long range communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communicator. The mobile communicator transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0162] In an embodiment, the communicator may communicate with an external device such as a server, user device, or other home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access relay (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine 1 or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The washing machine 1 or user device may be connected to the server through a wide area network (WAN). The controller 90 may control various components (e.g. the driving device 40 of the washing machine 1. The controller 90 may control various components of the washing machine 1 to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or dehydrating according to a user input. For example, the controller 90 may control the driving motor 41 to adjust the rotational speed of the drum 30.

[0163] The controller 90 may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 90 may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine 10, at least one memory 92 that stores data in the form of a program, and at least one processor 91 that performs the above-described operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory 92 and the processor 91 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 91 may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 92 may include one or more memory chips or may include one or more memory blocks. Also, the memory 92 and the processor 91 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 18, the controller 90 may operate the driving device 40 and the sensor unit 95 based on receiving a signal through the input interface 16.

[0165] As the driving device 40 is operated by the controller 90, the drum 30 may rotate. For example, the drum 30 may be rotated when there is no laundry inside to check a replacement timing of the filter 120 of the lifter 100.

[0166] When the amount of foreign substances accumulated in the lifter 100 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 is less than or equal to a preset amount, an unbalance in the rotation of the drum 30 may not occur.

[0167] When the amount of foreign substances accumulated in the lifter 100 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 is greater than the preset amount, an unbalance in the rotation of the drum 30 may occur

[0168] As the sensor unit 95 is operated by the controller 90, the sensor unit 95 may detect whether an unbalance occurs in the rotation of the drum 30. For example, the sensor unit 95 may detect the vibration of the drum 30 to detect whether an unbalance occurs in the rotation of the drum 30.

[0169] The controller 90 may determine whether to replace the filter 120 of the lifter 100 based on information obtained from the sensor unit 95.

[0170] For example, the controller 90 may determine that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be replaced based on the fact that the size of the vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30 is greater than a preset size, and may determine that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 does not need to be replaced based on the fact that the size of the vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30 is smaller than the preset size.

[0171] The controller 90 may indicate to the user through the output interface 17 that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be replaced based on a determination that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be replaced.

[0172] FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method of controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 19, the input interface 16 may, upon receiving a user input for checking whether the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be replaced, transmit a signal to the controller 90, and the controller 90 may receive a signal for checking whether the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced 1100. For example, when the drum 30 is stopped and there is no laundry inside the drum 30, the input interface 16 may receive a user input for checking whether the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced.

[0174] The controller 90 may generate a control signal for rotating the drum 30 (1200). The drum 30 may rotate at a preset speed based on the signal of the controller 90 (1300).

[0175] The controller 90 may operate the sensor unit 95 to detect information about the rotation of the drum 30. The sensor unit 95 may detect vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30. The controller 90 may receive information about vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30 from the sensor unit 95 (1400).

[0176] The controller 90 may determine that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 of the lifter 100 is needed based on occurrence of an unbalance in the vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30. The controller 90 may, based on a determination that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 of the lifter 100 is needed, generate a signal to stop the driving device 40 and / or a signal to indicate to the output interface 17 that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 of the lifter 100 is needed (1500).

[0177] Based on the signal generated from the controller 90, the rotation of the drum 30 may be stopped, and / or a notification to clean and / or replace the filter 120 of the lifter 100 may be displayed on the output interface 17 (1600).

[0178] The flow chart shown in FIG. 19 is not intended to limit the order of each of the operations 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600, and the order of each of the operations 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600 may be changed according to various embodiments.

[0179] For example, the operation 1100 in which the controller 90 receives a signal to check whether the filter 120 is cleaned may be omitted. The operation 1200 in which a control signal to rotate the drum 30 is generated may include generating, by the controller 90, a control signal to rotate the drum 30 for a dehydration process. The operation 1300 in which the drum 30 rotates may include the drum 30 rotating during the dehydration process.

[0180] After the dehydration process starts and a preset time elapses, the sensor unit 95 may detect the vibration of the drum 30, and the controller 90 may receive a signal from the sensor unit 951400.

[0181] After the dehydration process starts and a preset time elapses, the controller 90 may, based on vibration caused by the rotation of the drum 30 not being stabilized, determine that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced.

[0182] The controller 90 may, based on a determination that the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced, generate a signal to stop the driving device 40 and / or a signal indicating to the output interface 17 that the filter 120 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced 1500.

[0183] Based on the signal generated from the controller 90, the rotation of the drum 30 may be stopped, and / or a cleaning and / or replacement notification of the filter 120 of the lifter 100 may be displayed on the output interface 171600.

[0184] FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which filter status information is output on a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 20, the washing machine 1 may output status information of the filter 120 in response to the vibration by the rotation of the drum 30 being detected by the sensor unit 95.

[0186] For example, the controller 90 may, in response to receiving a detection signal from the sensor unit 95, control the output interface 17 to output information indicating that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 is needed.

[0187] The output interface 17 may include a display, and outputting information indicating that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 is needed may include displaying a visual indicator on the display indicating that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 is needed.

[0188] In the present disclosure, the visual indicator may include any means capable of conveying visualized information, such as text, a shape, an icon, or an animation.

[0189] That is, the controller 90 may control the output interface 17 to display a visual indicator indicating that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 is needed in response to receiving a detection signal from the sensor unit 95.

[0190] As another example, the output interface 17 may include at least one indicator lamp, and outputting information indicating that cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 120 is needed may include lighting or blinking an indicator lamp corresponding to the filter 120 among the at least one indicator lamp.

[0191] That is, the controller 90 may control the output interface 17 to light or blink an indicator lamp corresponding to the filter 120 in response to receiving a detection signal from the sensor unit 95.

[0192] At least one input interface 16 may include a filter check button. According to various embodiments, the filter check button may be a button for operating the drum 30 to check whether the filter 120 needs to be cleaned and / or replaced. In response to receiving a user input through the filter check button, the controller 90 may generate a control signal for rotating the drum 30 in a state in which no laundry is present inside the drum 30 to check whether the filter 120 of the lifter 100 needs to be replaced.

[0193] FIG. 21 illustrates a washing machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section of a drum shown in FIG. 22.

[0194] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the washing machine 1a of the washing machine 1a may include a housing 11a accommodating various components therein. The housing 11a may form an exterior of the washing machine 1a. The housing 11a may have a box shape with one part open.

[0195] The housing 11a may include a housing opening 12a formed to be accessible to the inside of the drum 30a. The housing opening 12a may open substantially upward.

[0196] The washing machine 1a may include a door 13a for opening and closing the housing opening 12a provided in the housing 11a. The door 13a may be rotatably mounted to the housing 11a by a hinge. At least a portion of the door 13a may be transparent or translucent such that an inside of the housing 11a may be seen.

[0197] The washing machine 1a may include a tub 20a provided inside the housing 11a to store water. The tub 20a may be disposed inside the housing 11a. The tub 20a may include a tub opening 22a provided to correspond to the housing opening 12a. The tub opening 22a may open substantially upward. The tub 20a may be supported inside the housing 11a. The tub 20a may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0198] The tub 20a may be elastically supported from the housing 11a by the damper 80a. The damper 80a may connect the housing 11a and the tub 20a. When the vibration generated by the rotation of the drum 30a is transmitted to the tub 20a and / or the housing 11a, the damper 80a may be provided to attenuate vibration by absorbing vibration energy between the tub 20a and the housing 11a.

[0199] The washing machine 1a may include a drum 30a provided to accommodate laundry. The drum 30a may be rotatably provided inside the tub 20a. The drum 30a may rotate within the tub 20a to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration. The drum 30a may include a through hole 34a connecting the inner space of the drum 30a and the inner space of the tub 20a. The drum 30a may have a substantially cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0200] A balancing unit 36a may be installed on top of the drum 30a to solve load unbalance caused by laundry. The balancing unit 36a includes a housing having an annular channel and a ball or a fluid mass body movably provided inside the channel and may solve the load unbalance of the drum 30a while the ball or the fluid moves according to the rotation of the drum 30a.

[0201] The pulsator 37a is rotatably provided at the bottom of the drum 30a to generate a wash water flow. Laundry may be washed by the wash water flow generated by the pulsator 37a.

[0202] The drum 30a may include a drum opening 32a provided to correspond to the housing opening 12a and the tub opening 22a. Laundry may be put into the drum 30a or taken out of the drum 30a through the housing opening 12a, the tub opening 22a, and the drum opening 32a.

[0203] The washing machine 1a may include a driving device 40a configured to rotate the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a. The driving device 40a may include a driving motor 41a and a shaft system for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor 41a to the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a.

[0204] The driving motor 41a may include a fixed stator 48a and a rotor 49a that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator 48a.

[0205] The shaft system may include a dehydration shaft 47a arranged to transmit the driving force of the driving motor 41a to the drum 30a, a washing shaft 46a provided to transmit the driving force of the driving motor 41a to the pulsator 37a, and a clutch device 45a that connects or disconnects the driving motor 41a and the dehydration shaft 47a.

[0206] The dehydration shaft 47a is formed to have a hollow, and the washing shaft 46a may be provided in the hollow of the dehydration shaft 47a. The washing shaft 46a remains connected to the rotor 49a of the driving motor 41a and the dehydration shaft 47a may be connected to or disconnected from the rotor 49a of the driving motor 41a by the clutch device 45a.

[0207] When the clutch device 45a disconnects the dehydration shaft 47a and the driving motor 41a, power is transmitted to the washing shaft 46a such that only the pulsator 37a rotates, and when the clutch device 45a connects the dehydration shaft 47a and the driving motor 41a, power is transmitted to both the dehydration shaft 47a and the washing shaft 46a such that the drum 30a and the pulsator 37a may rotate simultaneously.

[0208] When only the pulsator 37a rotates, wash water flow is generated by the rotation of the pulsator 37a, and laundry is rotated by the wash water flow and rubbed against the drum 30a, such that laundry may be washed. When the pulsator 37a and the drum 30a rotate at the same time, the laundry inside the drum 30a is rotated and the laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force, such that the laundry may be dehydrated.

[0209] The washing machine 1a may include a water supply device 50a. The water supply device 50a may supply water to the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may be located above the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to the detergent supply device 60a and / or the tub 20a. Water may be supplied to the tub 20a via the detergent supply device 60a. Water may be supplied to the tub 20a without passing through the detergent supply device 60a.

[0210] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller 90a. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water from an external water supply source to the tub 20a. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0211] The washing machine 1a may include a detergent supply device 60a configured to supply detergent to the tub 20a. The detergent supply device 60a may be configured to supply detergent into the tub 20a during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device 60a. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub 20a. The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also dryer rinse, deodorant, disinfectant or fragrance.

[0212] The washing machine 1a may include a drain device 70a. The drain device 70a may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub 20a to the outside. A drain port 21a may be formed at a lower portion of the tub 20a to drain water stored in the tub 20a to the outside of the tub 20a. A drain hose 74a may be connected to the drain hole 21a, and a drain valve 72a for opening and closing the drain hose 74a may be provided in the drain hose 74a.

[0213] The washing machine 1a may provide a user interface device 15a for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1a.

[0214] The washing machine 1a may include at least one user interface device 15a. The user interface device 15a may include at least one input interface 16a and at least one output interface 17b.

[0215] At least one input interface 16a may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0216] At least one input interface 16a may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / dehydrating setting button. At least one input interface 16a may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or microphone, etc.

[0217] At least one output interface 17b may transmit various data related to the operation of the washing machine 1a to the user by generating sensory information.

[0218] For example, at least one output interface 17b may transmit information related to a washing course, an operating time of the washing machine 1a, and washing setting / rinsing setting / spinning setting to the user. Information on the operation of the washing machine 1a may be output through a screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface 17b may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a washing machine 1a may include the same lifter 100 as the lifter 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. For example, the lifter 100 according to an embodiment may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the drum of a front-loading washing machine, or may be provided on an inner circumference surface of the drum of a top-loading washing machine. The lifter 100 may be provided to filter out foreign substances from wash water inside the drum 30a. The lifter 100 may be provided to filter out microplastics having a size of approximately 5 mm or less.

[0220] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the washing machine 1a may include a lifter 100a that does not include a filter 120, as the washing machine 2 shown in FIG. 17. For example, the washing machine 1a according to an embodiment may include one lifter 100 including a filter 120 and two lifters 100a not including a filter 120. For example, a washing machine according to an embodiment may include two lifters 100 including a filter 120 and one lifter 100a not including a filter 120.

[0221] The washing machine 1a shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 includes one lifter 100 including a filter 120 and two lifters 100a not including a filter 120 arranged at equal angles with respect to the rotation axis of the drum 30a, so that when foreign substances accumulate on the lifter 10 including the filter 120 during rotation of the drum 30a, an unbalance may occur in the rotation of the drum 30a.

[0222] The washing machine 1a shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 may employ the same control configuration as the control configuration of the washing machine 2 shown in FIG. 19. The washing machine 1a shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 may employ the same control method as the control method shown in FIG. 20 to check whether the filter 120 of the lifter 100 is replaced.

[0223] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes: a housing 11; a drum 30 rotatably provided inside the housing; and a lifter 100 extending from an inner circumferential surface of the drum toward a rotation axis of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter body 111 mounted on the drum; a lifter case 131 detachably mountable to the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet 132 and an outlet 133; a filter 120 provided on the lifter case; and a lifter valve 140 provided as an elastic body to open and close the inlet. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may collect foreign substances in the lifter 100, thereby reducing the amount of foreign substances discharged from the washing machine 1.

[0224] The filter may be provided on a portion of the lifter case in which the outlet is located. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment can filter foreign substances from wash water discharged from the lifter 100.

[0225] The outlet may be configured to face the rotation axis of the drum. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may easily discharge wash water introduced into the lifter 100 to the inside of the drum 30.

[0226] The outlet may be a first outlet 233a, and the lifter case may include a second outlet 233b facing the first outlet. According to this configuration, the lifter 200 according to one embodiment may increase the fluidity of the washing water inside the drum 30.

[0227] The second outlet may be located radially outside of the drum compared to the first outlet. According to this configuration, the lifter 200 according to one embodiment can effectively collect foreign substances by centrifugal force as the drum 30 rotates.

[0228] The inlet may be configured to face a rotation direction of the drum. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can easily allow washing water and / or foreign substances in the drum 30 to flow into the lifter 100 while the drum 30 rotates.

[0229] The lifter valve may include a fixed portion 141 fixed to the lifter case, and a moving portion 142 having a thickness that decreases in a direction away from the fixed portion. According to this configuration, the lifter 100 according to one embodiment can open and close the inlet 132 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0230] The lifter case may include: a rotating coupling portion 137 configured to be rotatably coupled to the lifter body; and a fixed coupling portion 138 provided to be fixable to the lifter body while the rotating coupling portion is being rotatably coupled to the lifter body. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can facilitate attachment and detachment of the lifter 100 to and from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30.

[0231] The inlet may include a first inlet 132a facing a first rotation direction of the drum and a second inlet 132b facing a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction of the drum. The lifter valve may include a first lifter valve 140a configured to open and close the first inlet and a second lifter valve 140b configured to open and close the second inlet. The lifter may include a valve support member 350 or 450 configured to apply elasticity to the first lifter valve in a direction away from the second lifter valve. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can prevent washing water and / or foreign substances from flowing back into the drum 30 through the inlet 132 from the inside of the lifter 300 or 400.

[0232] The lifter case may include a transparent or translucent window 534 provided on a portion facing a drum opening of the drum. According to this configuration, the lifter 500 according to one embodiment can facilitate checking of the amount of foreign matter accumulated inside.

[0233] The lifter may be a first lifter 100, and a second lifter 100a having a different configuration from the first lifter may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum.

[0234] The washing machine may further include: a driving device 40 configured to drive the drum; a vibration sensor 95 configured to detect vibration of the drum while the drum rotates; and a controller 90 configured to control the driving device based on information detected by the vibration sensor.

[0235] The controller may be configured to stop an operation of the driving device based on determining that the vibration of the drum is greater than a preset magnitude. According to this configuration, the washing machine 2 according to one embodiment can facilitate checking of a replacement timing of the filter 120 of the lifter 100.

[0236] The lifter case may include a chamber 139 configured to collect foreign substances filtered out by the filter.

[0237] The lifter valve may be configured to open and close the inlet to allow the foreign substances to be introduced into the chamber and prevent the foreign substances from being discharged from the chamber. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can prevent foreign substances from flowing back through the inlet 132 of the lifter 100.

[0238] A washing machine 1 according to one embodiment includes a housing, a tub provided inside the housing, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, and a lifter extending from an inner circumferential surface of the drum toward a rotation axis of the drum. The lifter includes a lifter body mounted on the drum, a lifter case detachably mountable to the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet and an outlet, a filter provided in a portion of the lifter case in which the outlet is located, and a lifter valve provided as an elastic body, the lifter valve being capable of opening and closing the inlet portion to allow foreign substances to be introduced into the lifter case while preventing foreign substances from being discharged from the lifter case. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can collect foreign substances in the lifter 100, thereby reducing the amount of foreign substances discharged from the washing machine 1, and preventing foreign substances from flowing back through the inlet 132 of the lifter 100.

[0239] The lifter valve may include a fixed portion fixed to the lifter case, and a moving portion provided with a thickness thinner than the fixed portion. According to this configuration, the lifter 100 according to one embodiment can open and close the inlet portion 132 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0240] The inlet may be provided to face the rotation direction of the drum. The outlet may be provided to face the rotation axis of the drum. According to this configuration, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment can improve the fluidity of the washing water inside the drum 30.

[0241] The outlet may include a first outlet provided to discharge water from the lifter case to the drum, and a second outlet provided to discharge water from the lifter case to the tub. According to this configuration, the lifter 200 according to one embodiment can increase the fluidity of the washing water inside the drum 30.

[0242] The washing machine may further include a driving device configured to drive the drum, a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration of the drum while the drum rotates, and a controller configured to control the driving device based on information detected by the vibration sensor. The controller may stop an operation of the driving device based on determining that the vibration of the drum is greater than a preset size. According to this configuration, the washing machine according to one embodiment 2 can facilitate checking a replacement timing of the filter 120 of the lifter 100.

[0243] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the washing machine can easily separate the lifter case in which foreign substances are collected from the lifter body, thereby facilitating management of the filter.

[0244] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the washing machine can collect foreign substances, which are collected inside the lifter, to be separated from the filter through centrifugal force caused by rotation of the drum, thereby increasing the replacement cycle of the filter.

[0245] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the washing machine can filter out microplastics by the lifter, thereby increasing the efficiency of the filter.

[0246] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0247] While the specific embodiments of the preset invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be variously modified and made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the technological sprit of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:a housing;a drum rotatable while inside the housing; anda lifter extending from an inner circumferential surface of the drum toward a rotation axis of the drum,wherein the lifter includes:a lifter body mountable on the drum;a lifter case coupleable to and decoupleable from the lifter body, the lifter case having an inlet and an outlet;a filter to be provided on the lifter case; anda lifter valve that is deformable to be away from the inlet of the lifter case to open the inlet and return toward the inlet of the lifter case to close the inlet.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the lifter valve is provided as an elastic body, and the filter is provided on a portion of the lifter case in which the outlet is located.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the outlet is configured to face the rotation axis of the drum.

4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the outlet is a first outlet, and the lifter case includes a second outlet facing the first outlet.

5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the second outlet is located radially outside of the drum compared to the first outlet.

6. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the inlet is configured to face a rotation direction of the drum.

7. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the lifter valve includes:a fixed portion fixed to the lifter case; anda moving portion having a thickness that decreases along a direction away from the fixed portion.

8. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the lifter case includes:a rotating coupling portion configured to be rotatable while coupled to the lifter body; anda fixed coupling portion that is provided to be fixable and coupleable to the lifter body while the rotating coupling portion is rotatable while coupled to the lifter body.

9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the inlet is a first inlet facing a first rotation direction of the drum and the lifter includes a second inlet facing a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction of the drum,the lifter valve is a first lifter valve configured to open and close the first inlet and the lifter includes a second lifter valve configured to open and close the second inlet, andthe lifter includes a valve support member configured to apply elasticity to the first lifter valve in a direction away from the second lifter valve.

10. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the lifter case includes a transparent or translucent window provided on a portion facing a drum opening of the drum.

11. The washing machine of claim 1, whereinthe lifter is a first lifter, anda second lifter having a different configuration from the first lifter is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum.

12. The washing machine of claim 11, further comprising:a driving device configured to drive the drum;a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration of the drum while the drum rotates; anda controller configured to control the driving device based on information detected by the vibration sensor.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to stop an operation of the driving device based on determining that the vibration of the drum is greater than a preset magnitude.

14. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the lifter case includes a chamber configured to collect foreign substances filtered out by the filter.

15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the lifter valve is configured to open and close the inlet to allow the foreign substances to be introduced into the chamber and prevent the foreign substances from being discharged from the chamber.

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