Filter assembly and washing machine including same

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention may provide a filter assembly and a washing machine including same. The filter assembly may comprise: a filter housing having an inlet unit and an outlet unit formed such that washing water is introduced from the outside, filtered, and then discharged; a filter unit disposed in the body of the filter housing; a cleaning unit coupled to be movable in the axial direction of the filter housing and having one side in contact with the filter unit to remove foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter unit; and a driving unit interlocked with the cleaning unit to provide a driving force to the cleaning unit.

Description

Filter assembly and washing machine including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter assembly and a washing machine including the same.

[0002] In general, laundry treatment equipment refers to various devices that treat fabrics by applying physical and chemical actions to the fabric, such as washing machines that remove stains from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "fabric") using water, detergent, and mechanical action, dryers that dry wet fabrics using dry hot air heated by a heater and mechanical action, washing machines that have both washing and drying functions, and refreshers that prevent allergies caused by fabrics by spraying heated steam on the laundry.

[0003] In addition, the washing machine can be divided into a top-load type washing machine in which a laundry entry / exit hole is formed on the upper surface of the cabinet and washing is performed by a rotating water flow generated when the washing tub rotates, and a drum type washing machine in which a laundry entry / exit hole is formed on the front of the cabinet and washing is performed by the drop of laundry when the drum rotates.

[0004] A conventional top-load type washing machine includes a cabinet forming an exterior and having an open top, a base installed at the bottom of the cabinet, an outer drum installed inside the cabinet to store water, a washing tub arranged inside the outer drum and in which laundry is washed, a driving device including a motor arranged at the bottom of the washing tub to rotate the washing tub, a water supply device for supplying water into the outer drum, and a drainage device for draining water inside the outer drum.

[0005] Meanwhile, the spread of synthetic fibers has recently increased. Consequently, the amount of microfibers in wastewater and the environment has increased, further exacerbating environmental pollution. In particular, synthetic microfibers are produced and released during the laundry process for non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, further exacerbating water pollution caused by microplastics.

[0006] In this way, various types of fine dust (fine, plastic, laundry dust, fiber dust, yellow dust, heavy metals, radioactive substances, fine dust, other harmful bacteria, etc.) emitted from laundry such as clothing remain and are emitted to the outside, which may pollute the environment.

[0007] [Prior Art Literature]

[0008] [Patent Document]

[0009] (Patent Document 0001) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2179793

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described technical problem, and its purpose is to provide a filter assembly capable of easily removing microfiber plastic residues, etc., that may be included in the wastewater of a clothing appliance, by capturing them on one side, and a washing machine including the same.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure that can easily remove residues such as microfiber plastics that may accumulate in a filtering device installed in a drainage section of a clothing appliance, thereby enabling more effective use of the filtering device for a long period of time, and to provide a filter assembly and a washing machine including the same.

[0012] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0013] A filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[0014] A filter housing having an inlet and an outlet formed so that washing water is filtered and discharged after flowing in from the outside;

[0015] A filter unit disposed inside the above filter housing body;

[0016] A cleaning unit that is axially movably coupled to the central axis of the filter housing and has one side in contact with the filter portion to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter portion; and

[0017] It may include a driving unit that is linked to the above washing unit and provides driving force to the washing unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0019] The above washing unit,

[0020] A washing unit shaft linked to the above driving unit; and

[0021] It may include at least one peeling portion formed on the washing unit axis, protruding in the outer circumferential direction of the washing unit axis, and bent or curved in a predetermined direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0023] The above peeling part,

[0024] A through hole through which the foreign substance peeled off from the above filter part passes may be included.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0026] The above through hole is,

[0027] A backflow prevention unit that prevents backflow of the above foreign substances may be included.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0029] The above peeling part,

[0030] It may contain a positive or negative pattern.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0032] The above peeling part,

[0033] It can be included in the form of a brush.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] The above driving unit may be included as a linear motor.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0037] The above peeling portion can be formed at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the contact surface of the filter portion.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0039] The above filter housing,

[0040] An opening and closing unit that can be opened and closed may be included.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] The above driving part,

[0043] It may include a drive shaft linked to the above washing unit shaft.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] The above filter part,

[0046] A filter for filtering water received from the above-mentioned intake section; and

[0047] It may include a filter fixing part that fixes the filter and is inserted and fixed on one side of the opening and closing part.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine

[0049] A washing machine housing having the exterior of a washing machine and a door formed on one side so as to be opened and closed;

[0050] A washing tub included inside the washing machine housing and containing laundry; and

[0051] A filter assembly for filtering washing water discharged from the washing tank;

[0052] The above filter assembly,

[0053] A filter housing having an inlet and an outlet formed so that washing water is filtered and discharged after flowing in from the outside;

[0054] A filter unit disposed inside the above filter housing body;

[0055] A cleaning unit that is axially movably coupled to the filter housing and has one side in contact with the filter portion to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter portion; and

[0056] It may include a driving unit that is linked to the above washing unit and provides driving force to the washing unit.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a filter assembly including a structure capable of easily removing residual microfiber plastics and the like that may be included in the wastewater of a clothing appliance and a washing machine including the same can be provided.

[0058] The filter assembly according to the present invention provides a structure that can easily remove residual materials such as microfiber plastics that may accumulate in a filtering device mounted in a drainage section of a clothing appliance, thereby enabling the filtering device to be used more effectively for a long period of time.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a washing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a filter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the operation of a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the contact surface between the washing unit and the filter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a filter assembly according to the present invention and a washing machine including the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0066] When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are assigned the same numerals whenever possible, even if they appear on different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0067] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0068]

[0069] The inlet and outlet described below may refer to a hole, i.e., a portion where a fluid flowing in the filter assembly initially enters and is finally discharged.

[0070] As described above, in the case of washing machines, most microplastics discharged from textile clothing over long periods of use can accumulate on the filter installed at the discharge point. Therefore, the present invention provides a foreign substance removal structure to easily remove such microplastics and other foreign substances attached to the vicinity of the filter, thereby improving the lifespan of the filter and enabling more effective filtration.

[0071]

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a washing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a filter part according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the operation of a filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a contact surface between a washing unit and a filter part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073]

[0074] Referring to these drawings, the filter assembly (10) according to the present invention can be disposed on the discharge path through which washing water is discharged from the washing tub without any separate restrictions on the inside and outside of the washing machine as well as the front, side, back upper or lower part of the washing machine, and can include a filter housing (110) in which an inlet (110) and a discharge (120) are formed so that washing water is introduced from the outside and then filtered and discharged, a filter unit (300) disposed inside the filter housing (110), a washing unit (400) that is axially coupled to the filter housing (100) and has one side in contact with the filter unit (300) to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter unit (300), and a driving unit (200) that is linked to the washing unit (400) and provides driving force to the washing unit (400). The washing unit (400) is movably included in the axial direction of the filter housing (100) so that the washing unit (400) can be moved in the axial direction by the driving of the driving unit (200) to peel off foreign substances that may be attached to the inner surface of the filter unit (300).

[0075]

[0076] One side of the filter housing (100) may include an inlet (110) through which water can flow in and an outlet (120) for discharging water filtered by the filter unit. In addition, one side of the filter housing (100) may include a housing cap (130) having a drive shaft insertion hole formed therein so that a drive shaft (210) of a drive unit (200) can be inserted therein, and the other side may include an opening / closing part (140) that is openable / closable. The drive shaft (210) may be inserted into the drive shaft insertion hole of the housing cap (130) to be linked with the washing unit (400).

[0077] An opening / closing portion (140) may be included on the other side of the filter housing (100). The opening / closing portion may be included on the other side of the filter housing (100) so as to be openable. The opening / closing portion (140) may be openable, so that foreign substances filtered in the filter unit (300) may be discharged to the outside by opening the opening / closing portion (140), and the filter (F) may be replaced or cleaned by opening the opening / closing portion. The opening / closing portion (140) may include a handle (141) formed to protrude, and the handle (141) may be used to easily grip, thereby allowing the opening / closing portion (140) to be easily opened and closed. In addition, the opening / closing portion (140) may include a fixing rib (142) formed to protrude into the filter housing, and the filter unit (300) may be inserted into the fixing rib (142) to be stably supported and fixed.

[0078]

[0079] The driving unit (200) can be linked to the washing unit (400) to transmit driving force. The driving unit (200) can be included in one side of the filter housing (100), and preferably, can be included in one side of the housing cap (140). The driving unit (200) can include a driving shaft (210), and can be inserted into a driving shaft insertion hole formed in the housing cap (210) to be linked to the washing unit (400). Preferably, the driving unit (200) can be included as a linear motor, but is not limited thereto. The driving unit (200) can be included as a linear motor to generate a linear driving force, and the washing unit (400) linked to the driving shaft (210) can move forward or backward to peel off foreign substances that may be attached to the surface of the filter unit (200).

[0080]

[0081] The filter unit (300) of the filter assembly (10) can be inserted into the interior of the filter housing (100) forming the outer shape of the filter assembly (10). That is, the filter unit (300) can be arranged along the inner surface of the filter housing body (110) except for the inlet (110) and the outlet (120). Accordingly, water can be filtered through the filter unit (300) and easily discharged after flowing into the interior of the filter housing (100). More specifically, the filter unit (300) can include a filter (F) that filters water received from the inlet (110) and a filter fixing unit (310) that is fixed by being combined with the filter (F) and inserted into the opening / closing unit (140). This filter (F) can be formed, for example, by bonding both ends of the filter (F) by a method such as hot melt bonding or thermal bonding. Alternatively, it can of course be formed by an insert injection molding method. The filter unit (300) can be modified according to the shape of the filter housing (100), and for example, in addition to a cylindrical shape, the filter unit can also be formed in a triangular, square, or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, the filter unit can be formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow center, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to the present invention, the filter (F) can filter out foreign substances contained in the wash water, such as microplastics discharged in large quantities from fibers. The filter (F) can be provided as an independent component that can be detached from the washing machine. Therefore, the user can easily replace the filter (F) when replacement is necessary, such as when the filter's usage period expires.

[0083] Preferably, the filter (F) may be formed into a structure capable of filtering fine particles having a fine size of less than 5 mm, but is not limited thereto. In one example, the filter (F) may be provided as a mesh net shape formed by laminating single or double layers of sheet materials such as fabric, plastic, stainless steel (Steel Use Stainless, SUS), or metal, or as a non-woven fabric formed into a tube or cylinder shape. It goes without saying that the filter (F) is not particularly limited as long as it has a shape or material capable of capturing fine fiber particles filtered by the washing water.

[0084] In one example, the filter (F) may be formed of a carbon block filter, a nano-electrostatic sheet arranged to surround the outer surface of the carbon block filter, and a UF (Ultrafiltration) sheet. The carbon block filter may include, but is not limited to, activated carbon, a binder, and an additive. The nano-electrostatic sheet may include, but is not limited to, glass fiber, cellulose, alumina fibers, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), and the UF sheet may include, but is not limited to, polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE).

[0085]

[0086] Meanwhile, the washing unit (400) according to the present invention may be arranged inside the hollow portion of the filter unit (230) included in the filter housing (100) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the filter housing (100). The washing unit may include a washing unit shaft (410) that is linked to the driving unit (200) and at least one peeling portion (420) that is formed on the washing unit shaft (410) and is formed by protruding from the outer circumference of the washing unit shaft (410) and is bent or curved in a predetermined direction.

[0087] The driving shaft (210) of the washing unit (400) and the driving unit (200) may be linked to be movable in the axial direction of the filter housing (100). Here, at least one peeling portion (420) extending a predetermined length in the outer circumferential direction is formed on the washing unit shaft (410). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the at least one peeling portion (420) may be formed to protrude in the outer circumferential direction of the washing unit shaft (410) and may be formed in a shape that is bent or curved in a predetermined direction so as to be arranged in a shape in which the inner circumferential surface of the filter unit or a part or all of the peeling portion is in contact with each other. A through hole (421) through which the foreign matter peeled from the filter unit passes may be formed on the peeling portion (420), and the through hole (421) may include a backflow prevention portion (422) that prevents backflow of the foreign matter. In addition, the peeling part (420) may be formed with a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the contact surface with the filter part (300) so that friction and stress increase during forward operation of the driving part (200) and slip during backward operation. It may be formed with a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the contact surface with the filter part (300) so that friction and stress increase during forward operation, thereby increasing the amount of scratches, thereby facilitating peeling of foreign substances attached to the filter part (300) by the peeling part (420), and by slipping during backward operation, the amount of scratches can be minimized, thereby preventing damage to the filter part (300).

[0088] In addition, the peeling part may include a positive or negative pattern, and may be formed in a brush shape that can peel off foreign substances that may be attached to the surface of the filter part, without being limited to a folded or curved shape.

[0089]

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine may include a washing machine housing having an outer shape of the washing machine and having a door formed on one side so as to be openable and closable, a washing tub included inside the washing machine housing for accommodating laundry, and a filter assembly (10) for introducing and filtering washing water discharged from the washing tub, and the filter assembly (10) may include a filter housing (110) having an inlet (110) and a discharge (120) formed therein so that washing water is introduced from the outside and then filtered and discharged, a filter unit (300) disposed inside the filter housing (110), a washing unit (400) that is axially coupled to the filter housing (100) and has one side in contact with the filter unit (300) to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter unit (300), and a driving unit (200) that is linked to the washing unit (400) and provides driving force to the washing unit (400). The washing unit (400) is movably included in the axial direction of the filter housing (100) so that the washing unit (400) can be moved in the axial direction by the driving of the driving unit (200) to peel off foreign substances that may be attached to the inner surface of the filter unit (300).

[0091]

[0092] A filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be incorporated into the drainage channel of a washing machine to filter wash water discharged from the washing tub. By filtering the wash water, microplastics that may be generated during the washing process can be filtered out.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, first, washing water is supplied to the washing tub of the washing machine. The washing water supplied is discharged to the outside of the washing machine through a pipe or hose after washing clothes, etc. is completed. The washing water discharged from the washing tub flows into the filter assembly (10) according to the present invention formed on one side of the washing machine and is filtered before being discharged to the outside. The washing water discharged from the washing tub and flowing into the filter assembly (10) passes through the filter (F) and can be filtered of fine fiber plastics. At this time, the filter assembly (10) may be provided with the aforementioned washing unit (400) so as to be structured to easily remove residues such as fine fiber plastics that may accumulate in the filter unit (300), thereby enabling the filtering device to be used more effectively for a long time.

[0094] That is, the washing water is discharged from the washing tank and then introduced through the inlet (110) formed on the upper side of the filter housing (100) of the filter assembly (10). The introduced washing water passes through a filter (F) capable of filtering microplastics formed inside the filter housing (100), and the filtered washing water is discharged to the outside through the outlet (120) formed on one side of the filter housing (120).

[0095] In this case, fine fiber plastics dissolved in the washing water may accumulate on the inner surface of the filter unit (200), thereby forming scale. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the washing unit (400) of the filtering assembly (10) is reciprocated by the driving unit (200), the scale and other foreign substances accumulated in the filter unit (200) can be easily removed by the peeling unit (4200) of the washing unit (400). The contact surface with the filter unit (300) formed in the peeling unit (420) of the washing unit (400) described above is formed at a predetermined angle (θ), so that the scale and other substances can be easily removed while minimizing damage to the filter unit (200). The foreign substances filtered by the filter unit (300) and the foreign substances attached to the filter peeled by the peeling unit (420) can be discharged to the outside by the opening of the opening / closing unit (140).

[0096]

[0097] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and that those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the possibility of various modifications and implementations within an equivalent scope. Therefore, the true scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below.

[0098] [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10: Filter assembly

[0100] 100: Filter housing

[0101] 110: Inlet

[0102] 120: Exhaust

[0103] 130: Housing cap

[0104] 140: Opening and closing part

[0105] 200: Drive unit

[0106] 210: Drive shaft

[0107] 300: Filter section

[0108] 310: Filter fixing part

[0109] 400: Washing unit

[0110] 410: Washing unit shaft

[0111] 420: Peeling Department

[0112] 421: Through hole

[0113] 422: Backflow prevention unit

Claims

1. A filter housing having an inlet and outlet formed so that washing water is filtered and discharged after flowing in from the outside; A filter part arranged inside the above filter housing body; A cleaning unit that is axially movably coupled to the filter housing and has one side in contact with the filter section to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter section; and A filter assembly, comprising a driving unit that is linked to the washing unit and provides driving force to the washing unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above washing unit, A washing unit shaft linked to the above driving unit; and A filter assembly comprising at least one peeling portion formed on the washing unit axis, protruding in the outer circumferential direction of the washing unit axis, and bent or curved in a predetermined direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above peeling part, A filter assembly including a through hole through which the foreign matter peeled off from the filter part passes; 4. In paragraph 3, The above through hole is, A filter assembly, comprising a backflow prevention unit that prevents backflow of the above foreign substances.

5. In paragraph 2, The above peeling part, A filter assembly comprising a positive or negative pattern.

6. In paragraph 2, The above peeling part, A filter assembly formed in the shape of a brush.

7. In paragraph 1, A filter assembly, wherein the above driving unit is comprised of a linear motor.

8. In paragraph 1, The above peeling part, A filter assembly formed at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to a contact surface with the above filter portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above filter housing, A filter assembly comprising an opening and closing member; 10. In paragraph 2, The above driving part, A filter assembly, comprising a drive shaft coupled with the above washing unit shaft.

11. In paragraph 9, The above filter part, A filter for filtering water received from the above-mentioned intake section; and A filter assembly comprising a filter fixing member that fixes the filter and is inserted and fixed on one side of the opening / closing member.

12. A washing machine housing having the exterior shape of a washing machine and a door formed on one side so as to be openable; A washing tub included inside the washing machine housing and containing laundry; and A filter assembly for introducing and filtering wash water discharged from the washing tank; The above filter assembly, A filter housing having an inlet and an outlet formed so that wash water is filtered and discharged after flowing in from the outside; A filter part arranged inside the above filter housing body; A cleaning unit that is axially movably coupled to the filter housing and has one side in contact with the filter section to peel off foreign substances attached to the surface of the filter section; and A washing machine, comprising: a driving unit that is linked to the washing unit and provides driving force to the washing unit.

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