Filter assembly and laundry treatment apparatus comprising same

Abstract

A filter assembly of the present invention comprises: a housing; an inlet which is formed at one side of the housing and in through which a fluid containing foreign substances flows; a first filter mounted inside the housing so as to filter out the foreign substances; a second filter mounted inside the housing so as to filter out the foreign substances, and spaced apart from the first filter; and outlets which are formed at the other side of the housing, and through which the fluid having passed through the first filter and / or the second filter is discharged, wherein the outlets include a first outlet through which the fluid having passed through the first filter is discharged and a second outlet through which the fluid having passed through the second filter is discharged, the first filter and the second filter are mounted to be separable from the housing, and the size of the pores of a first mesh constituting the first filter is larger than the size of the pores of a second mesh constituting the second filter.

Description

Filter assembly and laundry treatment device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same.

[0002] A laundry treatment device is a device that processes laundry by applying physical and chemical actions to the laundry.

[0003] The laundry treatment device includes a tub accommodated inside a cabinet, a drum that rotates inside the tub while laundry (or fabric) is accommodated therein, and a filter that removes contaminants.

[0004] The above contaminants may include contaminants on the laundry and microplastics, detergents, and fiber particles generated during the washing process.

[0005] The above filter may include a lint filter that filters out bulky foreign substances contained in the wash water when the wash water circulates during a washing process including a washing process, a rinsing process, etc.

[0006] And, during the washing process, friction may occur between laundry items due to the rotation and falling motion of the laundry items inside the drum as the drum rotates.

[0007] As technological advancements improve washing performance and increase the mechanical power transferred to laundry, the amount of microplastics separated from laundry due to friction between laundry items is increasing. Furthermore, microplastics are released into the drained wash water, increasing environmental pollution. Consequently, the need for filters that filter out microplastics before the wash water is discharged is increasing.

[0008] Users of conventional laundry machines that do not have a drain filter for filtering out microplastics are limited to discharging wash water without filtering out microplastics unless they replace the machine with a separate drain filter.

[0009] Meanwhile, the water used to wash the laundry can be drained after passing through the filter to remove contaminants. As contaminants accumulate in the filter, its filtration capacity decreases, requiring regular cleaning.

[0010] Additionally, if contaminants accumulate in the filter, not only will drainage not be smooth, but the lifespan of the filter will also be shortened, so periodic cleaning or replacement of the filter is necessary.

[0011] Meanwhile, if frequent filter cleaning or replacement is required, the convenience of use due to disassembly and assembly of the filter may decrease, and additional costs for cleaning or replacement may be incurred.

[0012] In addition, since a drain filter must be additionally installed separately from the circulation filter, space for filter installation is required within the laundry treatment device, which increases the volume of the laundry treatment device and complicates its internal structure.

[0013] In particular, when the circulation filter and the drain filter are positioned at different locations within the laundry treatment device, the formation of additional piping or a flow path is required. Consequently, the overall volume of the laundry treatment device increases, or the volume of the tub must be reduced.

[0014] Prior art document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2018-0103515) discloses a washing machine equipped with a foreign matter collection device located on a drainage channel, but discloses that the foreign matter collection device is placed outside the casing of the washing machine, and thus does not disclose a technology for reducing the overall volume of the filter assembly.

[0015] Prior art document 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 2023-0156611) discloses a washing machine including a drain filter, but does not disclose a technology for reducing the overall volume of the filter assembly while making it easy to replace in relation to a separate filter other than the drain filter.

[0016] Prior art document 3 (German Patent Publication No. DE10046349) discloses a recirculation line for recirculating water from the laundry room to the laundry room through a sump space, a drainage line for pumping water from the laundry room through the sump space during a pump-down operation, and discloses that a filter unit is provided at the bottom of the sump space. However, it does not disclose a technology for facilitating replacement and cleaning of the fine filter.

[0017] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same, which can reduce environmental pollution by additionally providing a filter to the filter assembly to remove small foreign substances before draining.

[0018] In addition, optionally or additionally, a common path for passing through a filter for filtering out large foreign substances and a common path for passing through a filter for filtering out small foreign substances are provided within the filter assembly, thereby preventing a decrease in pump performance due to clogging of the filter, and a laundry treatment device including the same are provided.

[0019] In addition, the present invention provides a laundry treatment device capable of smoothly circulating or draining washing water without impeding the performance of the pump, without a separate configuration for removing large foreign substances inside the filter assembly, optionally or additionally.

[0020] In addition, optionally or additionally, a plurality of filters are accommodated in one housing, thereby reducing the volume of the filter assembly itself and utilizing the limited space of the laundry treatment device, thereby providing a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same in which the filter assembly can be mounted.

[0021] In addition, the present invention provides a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same, which can increase the convenience of cleaning and replacing the filter by selectively or additionally easily separating the filter and the housing that accommodates the filter from the outside of the filter assembly.

[0022] In addition, optionally or additionally, the present invention provides a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same that prevents residual water from leaking out when disassembling and assembling the filter assembly by utilizing a height difference within the filter assembly.

[0023] In addition, optionally or additionally, the present invention provides a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device including the same, which can easily remove filtered foreign substances during disassembly and assembly of the filter assembly by utilizing the height difference within the filter assembly.

[0024] In order to achieve the above object, the filter assembly of the present invention comprises: a housing; an inlet formed on one side of the housing and through which a fluid including foreign substances flows in; a first filter mounted inside the housing and filtering the foreign substances; a second filter mounted inside the housing and filtering the foreign substances and spaced apart from the first filter; and an outlet formed on the other side of the housing and through which a fluid that has passed through at least one of the first filter and the second filter flows out, wherein the outlet includes a first outlet through which a fluid that has passed through the first filter flows out, and a second outlet through which a fluid that has passed through the second filter flows out, wherein the first filter and the second filter are detachably mounted from the housing, and the size of a pore of a first mesh constituting the first filter is larger than the size of a pore of a second mesh constituting the second filter.

[0025] The second filter is characterized in that it communicates with the first filter while being accommodated inside the housing.

[0026] The housing comprises a first filter housing in which a first filter space for accommodating the first filter is formed; and a second filter housing for accommodating the second filter, wherein the internal space of the second filter housing includes a second filter space for accommodating the second filter and a space excluding the second filter space, and the second filter space and the space are connected by a common flow path.

[0027] The second filter space is characterized in that it is partitioned from the separation space by a partition wall, and the partition wall is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the second filter.

[0028] The above separation space is characterized in that it forms a part of a first flow path connecting the inlet, the first filter, and the first outlet, and the second filter space forms a part of a second flow path connecting the inlet, the second filter, and the second outlet.

[0029] A filter assembly according to the present invention further comprises a first pump for flowing a fluid flowing along the first flow path; and a second pump for flowing a fluid flowing along the second flow path, wherein the first filter is disposed on the inlet side of the first pump, and the second filter is disposed on the inlet side of the second pump.

[0030] The above first pump and the above second pump are characterized in that they are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the second filter housing.

[0031] The second filter includes a first part positioned at a portion where the circulation path and the drain path overlap, and a second part extending further from the rear end of the first part and positioned on the drain path, and the diameter of the first part is characterized by being larger than the diameter of the second part.

[0032] The second filter housing includes a first case in which the first part is accommodated, and a second case in which the second part is accommodated, and the inner diameter of the first case is characterized by being larger than the inner diameter of the second case.

[0033] The housing includes a first pump housing extending from an outer surface of the first case and to which the first pump is coupled, and a second pump housing extending from an outer surface of the second case and to which the second pump is coupled.

[0034] The housing further includes a first outlet extending from an outer circumferential surface of the first pump housing and a second outlet extending from an outer circumferential surface of the second pump housing, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet extend in different directions.

[0035] The second filter includes a support defining the first part and the second part, and a mesh-shaped filter provided on the support defining the second part, and is characterized in that the pores of the mesh constituting the first filter are formed larger than the pores of the mesh constituting the filter.

[0036] Each of the first filter and the second filter is characterized in that it is detachable from the housing.

[0037] The lower part of the first filter space is characterized in that it is formed lower than the lower part of the second filter space.

[0038] The bottom of the first filter space is positioned higher than the bottom of the second filter space, and the floor of the second filter space is characterized in that it slopes downward toward the rear.

[0039] The filter assembly according to the present invention further includes a first fastening portion coupled to the front end of the second filter; a second fastening portion coupled to the rear end of the second filter; and a handle portion coupled to the first fastening portion.

[0040] The fluid introduced through the inlet is characterized in that it passes through the second connecting portion and then flows into the interior of the second filter.

[0041] The filter assembly according to the present invention further includes a housing cover coupled to the rear end of the second filter housing, and a portion of the housing cover forms a guide portion inclined in a direction intersecting the central axis of the second filter housing.

[0042] The rear end of the second filter housing is formed with an inclined portion that is inclined in the opposite direction to the guide portion, and the fluid flowing in from the inlet is guided into the second filter along the guide portion and the inclined portion.

[0043] A laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a tub installed inside the cabinet and filled with washing water; the filter assembly installed inside the cabinet; a first hose connecting the first outlet and the tub; and a second hose connecting the tub and the inlet.

[0044] The washing water inside the tub is characterized in that it circulates along a circulation path connecting the tub, the second hose, the first filter, and the first hose, or is discharged outside the tub along a drain path connecting the tub, the second hose, and the second filter.

[0045] The laundry treatment device according to the present invention further includes a recovery channel branched from the drain channel and connected to the housing.

[0046] According to the filter assembly and laundry treatment device of the present invention, environmental pollution can be reduced by removing small-sized foreign substances before draining.

[0047] Additionally, it can minimize the performance degradation of the pump due to filter clogging.

[0048] In addition, smooth circulation or drainage of washing water is possible without a separate configuration to remove large foreign substances inside the filter assembly.

[0049] Additionally, the volume of the filter assembly itself can be reduced, allowing for utilization of limited space in the laundry treatment device.

[0050] In addition, the filter and the housing that accommodates the filter can be easily separated from the outside of the filter assembly, thereby increasing the convenience of cleaning and replacing the filter.

[0051] Additionally, there is an advantage in that residual water does not leak out when disassembling and assembling the filter assembly.

[0052] Additionally, filtered foreign substances can be easily removed during disassembly and assembly of the filter assembly.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a laundry treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the lower part of a laundry treatment device.

[0057] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

[0058] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4.

[0059] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a circulation path and a drain path flowing inside the filter assembly of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Hereinafter, a filter assembly and a laundry treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail through drawings.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, a laundry treatment device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cabinet (100) forming an outer shape. The cabinet (100) may be formed by a single member or by combining multiple members.

[0066] The above cabinet (100) includes at least a front panel (110) forming the front of the cabinet (100) and an upper panel (120) forming the upper surface of the cabinet (100).

[0067] Meanwhile, in the case of the up-down direction mentioned in this description, the direction toward the floor surface on which the laundry treatment device (1) of the present invention is placed is downward, and the direction opposite to the down direction can be defined as upward. In other words, in one embodiment, the X-axis direction may be the left-right direction of the laundry treatment device (1), the Y-axis direction may be the front-back direction of the laundry treatment device (1), and the Z-axis direction may be the up-down direction of the laundry treatment device (1).

[0068] The laundry treatment device (1) may further include a door (140). The door (140) may be coupled to the front panel (110). The door (140) may open and close the space inside the cabinet (100).

[0069] The laundry treatment device (1) may further include a filter cover (130). The filter cover (130) may be coupled to the front panel (110).

[0070] For example, the filter cover (130) may be positioned to overlap horizontally with the filter assembly (400, 600) described below.

[0071] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a laundry treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the laundry treatment device (1) may further include a tub (300) disposed inside the cabinet (100). If the laundry treatment device (1) is a washing machine, washing water may be accommodated in the tub (300).

[0073] The laundry treatment device (1) may further include a drum disposed inside the tub (300) to accommodate laundry. The drum may include an opening (not shown), through which laundry may be introduced into the drum or taken out of the drum. The opening (not shown) may be opened and closed by the door (140).

[0074] In addition, the laundry treatment device (1) may further include a first hose (310) that supplies water to the tub (300) and a second hose (320) that discharges water from the tub (300).

[0075] The water that flows into the tub (300) through the first hose (310) is discharged through the second hose (320) after washing the laundry, and the water discharged through the second hose (320) can be circulated to the tub (300) by the circulation pump (4150) through the circulation filter (4130). The flow path within the laundry treatment device (1) will be described later.

[0076] Meanwhile, the laundry treatment device (1) may further include a filter assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the filter assembly (400) may be disposed at the lower front of the tub (300). Washing water supplied to the tub (300) circulates along the second hose (320), the filter assembly (400), and the first hose (310), so that foreign substances or contaminants generated during the washing process are filtered out by the filter assembly (400).

[0077] A filter assembly (400) according to one embodiment includes a filter (4130, 4230) for removing foreign substances or contaminants and a housing (4300) for accommodating the filter (4130, 4230).

[0078] The above filters (4130, 4230) can be detachably mounted inside the housing (4300). In addition, the above filters (4130, 4230) can be provided in multiple units.

[0079] The above filters (4130, 4230) may include a circulation filter (4130) that removes foreign substances or contaminants on the circulation path flowing through the above-described tub (300), and a drain filter (4230) that filters foreign substances or contaminants before the washing water is drained to the outside.

[0080] For example, the circulation filter (4130) may be a lint filter that filters out relatively large foreign substances or contaminants. The foreign substances filtered by the drain filter (4230) may be smaller than the foreign substances filtered by the circulation filter (4130). For example, the drain filter (4230) may be a microplastic filter that filters out small foreign substances or contaminants such as microplastics.

[0081] The above circulation filter (4130) and the above drain filter (4230) may be defined as a first filter (4130) and a second filter (4230), respectively.

[0082] The above first filter (4130) may include a frame and a first mesh (4130a) mounted on the frame.

[0083] The second filter (4230) includes a frame or support (4231) and a filtering unit (4232) coupled to the support (4231) to filter foreign substances. The filtering unit (4232) may be formed of a second mesh (4232a). That is, the first mesh (4130a) and the second mesh (4232a) may be formed of the same material, but may have different pore sizes.

[0084] The pores of the first mesh (4130a) constituting the first filter (4130) may be larger than the pores of the second mesh (4232a) constituting the second filter (4230). Accordingly, the size of foreign substances filtered by the first filter (4130) may be relatively larger than the size of foreign substances filtered by the second filter (4230). Specifically, the second mesh (4232a) may be set to a level where the pore size is difficult to confirm with the naked eye as a filtering unit for filtering out microplastics.

[0085] The above housing (4300) may include a first filter housing (4301) that accommodates the first filter (4130) therein, and a second filter housing (4302) that accommodates the second filter (4230) therein. In addition, the first filter housing (4301) and the second filter housing (4302) may be defined as a circulation filter housing (4301) and a drainage filter housing (4302), respectively.

[0086] Here, the first filter housing (4301) and the second filter housing (4302) may be formed integrally. In other words, a single housing (4300) may have multiple filters (4130, 4230) provided therein, and the spaces formed therein may be connected to each other.

[0087] The above housing (4300) may be, for example, injection-molded through a single mold, or multiple injection-molded parts may be joined into a single body by a fastening member including an adhesive.

[0088] Since the housing (4300) is formed as an integral body, the first filter (4130) and the second filter (4230) can be accommodated together in the housing (4300), thereby minimizing an increase in the volume of the filter assembly (400). In addition, the second filter (4230) can be additionally provided without changing the internal structure of the existing laundry treatment device (1) or changing the sizes of the components.

[0089] Meanwhile, a recessed portion (350) that accommodates at least a portion of a filter assembly (400, 600) described later may be formed in the front panel (110). The recessed portion (350) may be selectively shielded by the filter cover (130).

[0090] In detail, the recessed portion (350) can separate the external space and the internal space of the cabinet (100). Accordingly, even if the filter assembly (400, 600) inside the cabinet (100) is pulled out to the outside, the inside of the cabinet (100) may not be exposed to the outside due to the filter cover (130) shielding the recessed portion (350).

[0091] The above-mentioned recessed portion (350) may be formed to be recessed rearward from the front panel (110). At least a portion of the filter assembly (400, 600) is exposed in the space formed by the above-mentioned recessed portion (350), so that a user can easily assemble and disassemble the filter assembly (400, 600).

[0092] The filter assembly (400) may further include a first handle (4110) and a second handle (4210). The first handle (4110) and the second handle (4210) are exposed in the space formed by the recessed portion (350), so that the user can hold them by hand after opening the filter cover (130).

[0093] The first handle (4110) can open and close a hole formed in the front of the first filter housing (4301). In addition, the first handle (4110) can be separated from the filter housing (4300). Therefore, after the first filter (4130) is pulled out using the first handle (4110), the space inside the first filter housing (4301) can be cleaned.

[0094] In addition, the second handle (4210) can open and close a hole formed in the front of the second filter housing (4302). In addition, the second handle (4210) can be separated from the filter housing (4300). Therefore, after the first filter (4230) is pulled out using the second handle (4210), the space inside the second filter housing (4302) can be cleaned.

[0095] The above filter assembly (400) may further include a first fastening portion (4270) and a second fastening portion (4280).

[0096] The first fastening portion (4270) may be fastened to one end of the second filter (4230). And, the second fastening portion (4280) may be fastened to the other end of the second filter (4230).

[0097] The above second filter (4230) has a cylindrical shape and both ends can be opened.

[0098] As an example, the first fastening portion (4270) may be coupled to the second filter (4230) in a form that surrounds the outer surface of one end of the second filter (4230).

[0099] At least a portion of the first fastening portion (4270) may be inserted into the interior of the second filter (4230) and fitted into the second filter (4230).

[0100] And, the first fastening portion (4270) can be coupled with the second handle (4210). Accordingly, the second handle (4210), the first fastening portion (4270), and the second filter (4230) can be coupled to each other and aligned in a row, and the second filter (4230) can be pulled out from the second filter housing (4302) by a pulling motion of holding the second handle (4210).

[0101] The filter assembly (400) may further include a first sealing portion (4260) for sealing between the second filter housing (4302) and the first fastening portion (4270). For example, the first sealing portion (4260) may be an O-ring made of rubber or plastic. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and although not shown in the drawing, a sealing structure for preventing leakage may be additionally provided.

[0102] Meanwhile, the second fastening portion (4280) may be coupled to the second filter (4230) in a form that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the other end of the second filter. The second fastening portion (4280) may have a cylindrical shape, but may be open at both ends.

[0103] The opening of the second fastening portion (4280) may be communicated with an opening formed at the other end of the second filter (4230). Accordingly, a fluid flowing through the second fastening portion (4280) may flow into the interior of the second filter.

[0104] A protrusion (4281) is formed in the inner center of the second fastening portion (4280) to disperse foreign substances flowing into the second filter (4230). In addition, foreign substances can be prevented from accumulating on the upstream side of the internal flow path of the second filter (4230). In other words, the second fastening portion (4280) may be a spreader.

[0105] Meanwhile, the user can open the filter cover (130) and pull the handle (4110, 4210) exposed through the recessed portion (350) to separate the filter (4130, 4230) from the housing (4300).

[0106] The above handle (4110, 4210) may include a grip portion (4115) that protrudes toward the outside of the cabinet (100) to facilitate the user's grip.

[0107] For example, the filter (4130, 4230) can be separated by rotating the gripper (4115) in one direction and pulling it out of the cabinet (100).

[0108] The above handles (4110, 4210) are positioned in the space formed by the recessed portion (350), so that the user can detach the filter (4130, 4230) by holding only the handles (4110, 4210). Accordingly, the possibility of the user being injured by the structure inside the cabinet (100) can be minimized.

[0109] When the second handle (4210) is rotated and pulled to separate the second filter (4230), the first fastening portion (4270), the second filter (4230), and the second fastening portion (4280) can be pulled out as one body. Here, the first fastening portion (4270), the second filter (4230), and the second fastening portion (4280) can be defined as a second filter assembly.

[0110] The user can remove foreign substances inside the second filter (4230) by removing the second filter assembly from the second filter housing (4301) and then separating the first fastening portion (4270) and the second fastening portion (4280) from the second filter (4230).

[0111] And, the second handle (4210), the first fastening portion (4270), the second filter (4230) and the second fastening portion (4280) can be reassembled and inserted into the second filter housing (4301). This also applies to the separation and installation of the first filter (4130), and any duplicate explanation will be omitted.

[0112] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a state in which a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the lower part of a laundry treatment device, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the filter assembly (400) may further include an inlet (430) and an outlet (440, 460).

[0114] The above inlet (430) and the outlet (440, 460) may be formed in the housing (4300). Through the inlet (430), a fluid containing foreign substances or contaminants may flow into the interior of the filter assembly (400). In addition, a fluid flowing inside the filter assembly (400) may flow out through the outlet (440, 460).

[0115] The above inlet (430) and outlet (440, 460) may be provided in the form of holes through which the inside and outside of the housing (4300) are connected, or may be provided in the form of ports or sleeves extending from holes formed in the housing (4300).

[0116] The above outlets (440, 460) may include a first outlet (440) and a second outlet (460). Through the first outlet (440), the fluid that has passed through the first filter (4130) may flow out, and through the second outlet (460), the fluid that has passed through the second filter (4230) may flow out.

[0117] The first outlet (440) may be connected to the first hose (310) that supplies fluid to the tub (300), and the inlet (430) may be connected to the second hose (320) that receives fluid discharged from the tub (300).

[0118] The second outlet (460) may be connected to a drainage path. The drainage path may include a first pipe (510), and the first pipe (510) may be connected to a drainage pipe (200, see FIG. 1) that discharges water discharged from the laundry treatment device (1).

[0119] Meanwhile, the present invention may further include a recovery path branched from the drain path and connected to the housing (4300).

[0120] The above recovery path may further include a second pipe (520). The second pipe (520) may be connected to the first pipe (510) or a connector (not shown). The connector may include a branch pipe extending from the first pipe (510).

[0121] The second pipe (520) may be connected at one end to a drainage path and at the other end to a sleeve (4302a: see FIG. 8) formed in the housing (4300). The sleeve (4302a) may be formed in the second filter housing (4302) and may protrude upward.

[0122] Accordingly, a portion of the washing water flowing toward the drainage channel can be recovered and reused to clean the filter. In addition, the washing water discharged from the recovery channel can strike at least a portion of the surface area of ​​the second filter (4230), thereby separating foreign substances accumulated inside the second filter (4230).

[0123] Since the filter is washed simultaneously or sequentially while the above drainage process is performed, the filterable area of ​​the filter can be maintained.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter assembly (400) may further include a circulation pump (4150) that causes fluid to flow along the circulation path, and a drain pump (4250) that causes fluid to flow along the drain path. The circulation pump (4150) and the drain pump (4250) may be defined as a first pump (4150) and a second pump (4250), respectively.

[0125] Each of the first pump (4150) and the second pump (4250) may include an impeller and a cover that accommodates the impeller.

[0126] The housing (4300) may include a first pump housing (4304) in which the first pump (4150) is accommodated, and a second pump housing (4305) in which the second pump (4250) is accommodated.

[0127] The first pump housing (4304) is connected to the first filter housing (4301), and the second pump housing (4305) is connected to the second filter housing (4302).

[0128] The first pump (4150), the first filter (4130), the second filter (4230), and the second pump (4250) may be sequentially arranged in the left-right direction of the laundry treatment device (1). In other words, the first filter (4130) may be arranged between the first pump (4150) and the second filter (4230), and the second filter (4230) may be arranged between the first filter (4130) and the second pump (4250).

[0129] A first filter space for accommodating the first filter (4130) may be formed inside the first filter housing (4301). In addition, a second filter space for accommodating the second filter (4230) may be formed inside the second filter housing (4302). In addition, the lower end of the first filter space may be designed to form a height difference (h) with the lower end of the second filter space. Here, the lower end of the first filter space and the second filter space may refer to the space itself, or may refer to the lower end of the housing forming the first filter space and the second filter space.

[0130] For example, the lower end of the first filter space may be positioned lower than the lower end of the second filter space by the height difference (h). Accordingly, since the residual water remaining within the second filter space moves toward the first filter space by gravity, even if the user detaches the second filter (4230), the phenomenon of residual water flowing out toward the user can be prevented.

[0131] On the other hand, the lower end of the first filter space may be positioned higher than the lower end of the second filter space. Accordingly, foreign substances remaining within the first filter space move toward the second filter space, thereby allowing a greater amount of foreign substances to be removed from the filter assembly (400) while only the second filter (4230) is separated.

[0132] In this case, a problem of residual water accumulating in the second filter space may occur, but the bottom of the second filter space may be inclined downward in a direction away from the second handle (4210), or a separate collecting portion for collecting residual water may be formed to prevent the residual water from leaking toward the user.

[0133] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a circulation path and a drain path flowing inside the filter assembly of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a filter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the flow path of the filter assembly (400) of the present invention can be described as follows.

[0135] The above circulation path can be defined as a path in which the fluid introduced through the inlet (430) flows toward the first filter (4130) by the pumping action of the first pump (4150) and then flows out through the first outlet (440) and returns to the tub (300). In addition, the fluid introduced through the first outlet (440) flows back into the inlet (430) and circulates.

[0136] Specifically, when the filter assembly (400) according to one embodiment is mounted on a washing machine, which is one of the laundry treatment devices (1), the fluid flowing out through the outlet (440) can flow into the tub (300) through the first hose (310). Then, when a washing process, such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a draining process, are performed within the tub (300), the fluid within the tub (300) can flow out to the inlet (430) through the second hose (320).

[0137] And, the fluid flowing out through the second hose (320) and flowing into the inlet (430) may be laundry water containing foreign substances generated during the washing process. And, in the laundry treatment device (1), laundry water circulates through the circulation path while washing is being performed.

[0138] The above drainage path can be defined as a path through which fluid flows in from the inlet (430), passes through the second filter (4250) by the pumping action of the second pump, and is then discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment device (1) through the second outlet (460).

[0139] Here, when the filter assembly (400) according to one embodiment is mounted on the laundry treatment device (1), it can be understood that the drainage path includes the first pipe (510) connected to the second outlet (460).

[0140] In addition, the recovery path branched from the above-described drain path can be flowed toward the second filter by the second pump (4250).

[0141] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the filter assembly (400) may further include a housing cover (4240) that shields one end of the housing (4300). In addition, the filter assembly may further include a second sealing portion (4290) for sealing between the housing (4300) and the housing cover (4240). One end of the housing (4300) to which the housing cover (4240) is coupled may be defined as the rear end of the housing (4300).

[0142] The second sealing portion (4290) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the housing cover (4240) and may be formed of rubber or plastic material. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0143] The housing cover (4240) can shield an end portion adjacent to the inlet (430) of the housing (4300). For example, the housing cover (4240) can shield the rear end portion of the second filter housing (4302).

[0144] A guide portion (4241) that can be introduced into the housing (4300) may be formed on the front side of the housing cover (4240). The guide portion (4241) may guide the fluid introduced through the inlet (430) to flow toward the second filter (4230). The front side of the housing cover (4240) may be understood as a surface facing the interior of the housing (4300).

[0145] Meanwhile, the second filter (4230) may be formed into a cylindrical shape extending a predetermined length, and the extension direction of the second filter (4230) may be defined as the first direction. That is, the first direction may be understood as the front-back direction of the laundry treatment device (1).

[0146] And, the fluid guided to the inlet (430) can flow in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The guide portion (4241) can be inclined in a direction intersecting the first direction by a predetermined angle.

[0147] The above guide portion (4241) may be designed to be inclined at an acute angle with respect to the first direction. Accordingly, the fluid flowing into the housing (4300) through the inlet (430) is gently guided by the guide portion (4241) toward the rear end of the second filter (4230), thereby reducing the flow resistance of the fluid flowing into the second filter (4230).

[0148] Additionally, an inclined portion (4225) may be formed at the rear end of the housing (4300) to which the housing cover (4240) is coupled. In one embodiment, the inclined portion (4225) may be formed at the rear end side of the second filter housing (4302).

[0149] The above-mentioned inclined portion (4225) is formed to be inclined in a direction intersecting with the first direction, but is formed to be inclined in a direction opposite to the guide portion (4241), so that the flow resistance can be minimized when the fluid flowing into the inlet (430) moves into the interior of the second filter (4230). That is, by the guide portion (4241) and the inclined portion (4225), the fluid flowing into the rear end of the housing (4300) through the inlet (430) forms a curved flow path and flows to the rear end of the second filter (4230), thereby significantly reducing the flow resistance.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7, a space (450) is formed between the first filter (4130) and the second filter (4230) inside the housing (4300).

[0151] In detail, the interior of the second filter housing (4302) is formed with a main space in which the second filter (4230) is accommodated and a sub-space excluding the main space. In addition, the space (450) can be described as a sub-space, the main space is formed in a cylindrical shape to accommodate the second filter (4230), and the cylindrical wall defining the main space can be defined as a partition wall (4510).

[0152] Alternatively, the space (450) may be defined as an internal space of the second filter housing (4302), and a portion of the space (450) may be described as being partitioned into a filter space by the partition wall (4510). In addition, the space (450) (or sub-space) forms a portion of a circulation path, and the main space, i.e., the second filter space, forms a portion of a drain path.

[0153] In addition, the rear end of the second filter space is opened and communicates with the sub-space (450). Therefore, the rear space of the second filter housing (4302) can be defined as a common flow path communicating with the circulation flow path and the drain flow path.

[0154] By the common flow path, even if the first filter (4130) is blocked during the drainage process, the fluid flowing into the second filter housing (4302) through the inlet (430) flows along the drainage path including the second filter (4230).

[0155] On the other hand, even if the second filter (4230) is blocked

[0156] The passing fluid can move smoothly along the above drainage path.

[0157] Additionally, even if the second filter (4230) is blocked during circulation, the fluid passing through the first filter (4130) can move smoothly along the circulation path.

[0158] For example, at least a portion of the space (450) that becomes the common flow path may be formed on the upstream side where the flow path flows.

[0159] Meanwhile, the space (450) can be partitioned from the second filter space by a partition wall (4510) that separates the space (450) and the second filter (4230).

[0160] The above bulkhead (4510) may be formed integrally with the housing (4300) as a component of the housing (4300), or may be manufactured separately and mounted.

[0161] The above-mentioned partition wall (4510) can prevent the fluid flowing in the space (450) from flowing toward the second filter space when a circulation operation is performed according to the operation of the first pump (4150). In addition, the partition wall can prevent the fluid within the second filter space from flowing into the space (450) while being filtered through the second filter.

[0162] The above partition wall (4510) may extend in the first direction along the second filter (4230). The length of the partition wall (4510) may be equal to or shorter than the length of the second filter.

[0163] Meanwhile, the filter assembly (400) may be configured without the partition wall (4510). In this case, the second filter (4230) itself may act as a resistor and replace the role of the partition wall.

[0164] For example, the second filter (4230) may include a support member (4231) that maintains the shape of the second filter (4230) and a filter member (4232) that filters foreign substances. For example, the filter member (4232) may be formed of a net or mesh. At least a portion of the support member (4231) and at least a portion of the filter member (4232) may act as a resistor to minimize the movement of fluid within the second filter (4230).

[0165] And, the structure of the second filter (4230) can be applied regardless of the presence or absence of the partition wall (4510).

[0166] However, an embodiment in which a bulkhead (4510) is formed may be preferable when considering the lifespan and circulation and drain operation performance of the second filter (4230).

[0167] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a filter assembly (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (6300) and a filter (6130, 6230).

[0169] The above filter (6130, 6230) may include a plurality of filters, and a separate space is formed inside the housing (6300) to accommodate the plurality of filters (6130, 6230).

[0170] A filter assembly (600) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, but the overlapping configuration and description with the filter assembly (400) according to the previous embodiment will be omitted.

[0171] The above filters (6130, 6230) may include a circulation filter (6130) defined as a first filter and a drainage filter (6230) defined as a second filter.

[0172] In addition, the filter assembly (600) may further include a first handle (6110) coupled to the front of the circulation filter (6130), a second handle (6210) coupled to the drain filter (6230), and a first fastening portion (6270) coupled to the rear of the second handle.

[0173] By rotating and pulling each of the first handle (6110) and the second handle (6210), the circulation filter (6130) and the drain filter (6230) can be separated from the housing (6300) or inserted into the housing (6300).

[0174] The housing (6300) may include a first filter housing (6301) that accommodates the first filter (6130) and a second filter housing (6302, 6303) that accommodates the second filter (6230).

[0175] According to another embodiment, a second filter (6230) may include a first portion (6230a) and a second portion (6230b). In this embodiment, the first portion (6230a) may be a common portion of the circulation path and the drain path. The first portion (6230a) and the second portion (6230b) may have different diameters, and as an example, the diameter of the first portion (6230a) may be designed to be larger than the diameter of the second portion (6230b).

[0176] Specifically, the first part (6230a) may be arranged parallel to the side of the first filter (6130). In addition, the second part (6230b) may further extend in the longitudinal direction of the first part (6230a) from the rear end of the first part (6230a).

[0177] According to the present embodiment, the first pump (6150) for circulation and the second pump (6250) for drainage may be positioned closer to the second filter (6230) than to the first filter (6130). That is, the first pump (6150) and the second pump (6250) may be connected to the second filter housing (6302, 6303).

[0178] The second filter housing (6302, 6303) may include a first case (6302) that accommodates the first part (6230a) and a second case (6303) that accommodates the second part (6230b).

[0179] A first pump housing (6304) is connected to a side of the first case (6302), and a second pump housing (6305) is connected to a side of the second case (6303). The first pump (6150) is mounted on the first pump housing (6304), and the second pump (6250) is mounted on the second pump housing (6305).

[0180] A first impeller connected to the first pump (6150) is accommodated inside the first pump housing (6304), and a second impeller connected to the second pump (6250) is accommodated inside the second pump housing (6305).

[0181] The first and second pump housings (6304, 6305) may be formed on opposite sides of the first filter housing (6301).

[0182] The housing (6300) may include an inlet (630) and first and second outlets (640, 660). The inlet (630) is formed at the rear end of the first filter housing (6301), the first outlet (640) may extend from the outer circumferential surface (side surface) of the first pump housing (6304), and the second outlet (660) may extend from the outer circumferential surface (side surface) of the second pump housing (6305). In addition, the first outlet (640) and the second outlet (660) may extend in a direction intersecting each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0183] The above circulation path can be defined as a path through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet (630) sequentially passes through the first filter (6130) in the first filter housing (6301), the first part (6230a) of the second filter (6230), and the first pump housing (6304) and flows out to the first outlet (640).

[0184] In addition, the drainage path can be defined as a path through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet (630) sequentially passes through the first filter (6130), the first part (6230a), the second part (6230a), and the second pump housing (6305) and is discharged to the second outlet (660).

[0185] By designing the above circulation path and a portion of the above drain path to overlap, the washing water inevitably passes through the first filter (6130) during the circulation and drainage process.

[0186] The second filter (6230) may include a support member (6231) that maintains the shape of the second filter (6230) and a mesh-shaped filter member (6232) that filters out foreign substances.

[0187] The size of the pores of the first mesh (6130a), which is the mesh of the first filter (6130), may be larger than the size of the pores of the second mesh (6232a) constituting the filtering section (6232), and this is the same as described in the previous embodiment.

[0188] Meanwhile, when the filtering part (6232) is formed in the first part (6230a), the circulation flow of the washing water may not be smooth, so the filtering part (6232) may be formed only in the second part (6230b).

[0189] In order to increase the filtration power and increase the filtration area by the second filter (6230), the diameter of the first part (6230a) may be larger than the diameter of the second part (6230b), but the first part (6230a) may be designed to be shorter than the second part (6230b).

[0190] Additionally, when recovering a portion of the fluid on the drainage path, a sleeve (6303a) coupled with the recovery path may extend from the outer circumferential surface of the second case (6303).

[0191] According to the structure of the filter assembly (400, 600) according to the embodiments of the present invention described above, environmental pollution can be prevented by additionally providing a drain filter.

[0192] In addition, since a plurality of filters (4130, 4230, 6130, 6230) are accommodated in the communicating space inside the housing (4300, 6300) of the filter assembly (400, 600), the overall volume of the housing (4300, 6300) can be reduced. Accordingly, the space occupied can be reduced and the structure can be simplified compared to a filter assembly having a separate housing and installation location for each of the plurality of filters.

[0193] In addition, when the filter assembly (400, 600) is mounted on a laundry treatment device, etc., the space utilization of the laundry treatment device can be increased by forming the space in which the first filter and the second filter are accommodated inside the housing so as to be communicable with each other.

[0194] As the first filter (4130, 6130) is positioned closer to the tub (300) and the second filter (4230, 6230) is positioned closer to the corner of the cabinet (100), a larger space can be secured to accommodate the second filter (4230, 6230).

[0195] Accordingly, the filtering power can be further increased by increasing the size of the second filter (4230, 6230), or the user's convenience can be secured even if the replacement cycle of the second filter (4230, 6230) is shorter than the replacement cycle of the first filter (4130, 6130).

[0196] In addition, even if an additional drain filter is installed, the volume in which the filter assembly is installed in the existing laundry treatment device does not change significantly, and since no additional separate path is required, it can be applied to the existing laundry treatment device.

[0197] In addition, there is an advantage in that foreign substances inside the housing can be easily removed through the height difference inside the filter assembly, or residual water can be prevented from leaking out.

[0198] In addition, using the handle (4110, 4210, 6110, 6210), a user or worker can directly separate only the filter assembly from the housing, wash it, replace it, and then reattach it.

[0199] Additionally, the user or worker can clean the inside of the housing using a brush or the like while the filter assembly is separated.

[0200] In addition, a common path is formed within the filter assembly (400, 600) in which the circulation path and the drain path are common, so that foreign substances may not accumulate in the common path. Accordingly, even if the first filter (4130, 6130) or the second filter (4230, 6230) is clogged, the drainage or circulation operation can be performed smoothly.

Claims

1. Housing; An inlet formed on one side of the housing and through which a fluid containing foreign substances flows; A first filter mounted inside the housing to filter out the foreign substances; A second filter mounted inside the housing to filter the foreign substances and separated from the first filter; and It includes an outlet formed on the other side of the housing and through which fluid that has passed through at least one of the first filter and the second filter flows out, The above outlet is, A first outlet through which the fluid passing through the first filter flows out, It includes a second outlet through which the fluid passing through the second filter flows out, The first filter and the second filter are detachably mounted from the housing, A filter assembly, characterized in that the size of the pores of the first mesh constituting the first filter is larger than the size of the pores of the second mesh constituting the second filter.

2. In paragraph 1, The above second filter is, A filter assembly characterized in that it communicates with the first filter while being accommodated inside the housing.

3. In paragraph 2, The above housing, A first filter housing in which a first filter space for accommodating the first filter is formed; and comprising a second filter housing accommodating the second filter; The internal space of the above second filter housing is: A second filter space in which the second filter is accommodated, Including a space other than the above second filter space, A filter assembly characterized in that the second filter space and the separation space are connected by a common flow path.

4. In paragraph 3, The above second filter space is, It is separated from the above space by a bulkhead, The above bulkhead, A filter assembly characterized in that it is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the second filter.

5. In paragraph 4, The above separation space is, forming a part of the first flow path connecting the inlet, the first filter, and the first outlet; The above second filter space is, A filter assembly characterized in that it forms a part of a second flow path connecting the inlet, the second filter, and the second outlet.

6. In paragraph 5, a first pump for flowing a fluid along the first euro; and Further comprising a second pump for flowing the fluid along the second euro, The above first filter is placed on the inlet side of the above first pump, A filter assembly, characterized in that the second filter is disposed on the inlet side of the second pump.

7. In paragraph 6, A filter assembly, characterized in that the first pump and the second pump are positioned on opposite sides of the second filter housing.

8. In paragraph 2, The above second filter is, A first part located at the part where the above circulation path and the above drain path overlap, A second part extending further from the rear end of the first part and positioned on the drainage path, A filter assembly, characterized in that the diameter of the first part is larger than the diameter of the second part.

9. In paragraph 8, The above second filter housing, A first case in which the first part is accommodated, A second case is included in which the second part is accommodated, A filter assembly, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first case is larger than the inner diameter of the second case.

10. In paragraph 9, The above housing, A first pump housing extending from the outer surface of the first case and to which the first pump is coupled; A filter assembly including a second pump housing extending from the outer circumferential surface of the second case and to which the second pump is coupled.

11. In paragraph 9, The above housing, A first outlet extending from the outer surface of the first pump housing, Further comprising a second outlet extending from the outer surface of the second pump housing, A filter assembly characterized in that the first outlet and the second outlet extend in different directions.

12. In paragraph 8, The above second filter is, A support defining the first part and the second part, Including a mesh-shaped filter provided on the support defining the second part, A filter assembly characterized in that the pores of the mesh constituting the first filter are formed larger than the pores of the mesh constituting the filtering section.

13. In paragraph 3, A filter assembly, wherein each of the first filter and the second filter is detachable from the housing.

14. In paragraph 13, The bottom of the first filter space is, A filter assembly characterized in that it is formed lower than the bottom of the second filter space.

15. In paragraph 13, The bottom of the first filter space is positioned higher than the bottom of the second filter space, A filter assembly characterized in that the floor of the second filter space slopes downward toward the rear.

16. In paragraph 13, A first fastening member coupled to the front end of the second filter; A second fastening member coupled to the rear end of the second filter; and A filter assembly further comprising a handle portion coupled to the first fastening portion.

17. In paragraph 16, A filter assembly characterized in that the fluid introduced through the inlet passes through the second connecting portion and then flows into the interior of the second filter.

18. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a housing cover coupled to the rear end of the second filter housing; A filter assembly in which a portion of the housing cover forms a guide portion inclined in a direction intersecting the central axis of the second filter housing.

19. In paragraph 18, At the rear end of the second filter housing, an inclined portion is formed that is inclined in the opposite direction to the guide portion, A filter assembly characterized in that the fluid flowing in from the inlet is guided into the second filter along the guide portion and the inclined portion.

20. Cabinet; A tub installed inside the cabinet and filled with washing water; A filter assembly installed inside the cabinet, as described in any one of claims 1 to 19; a first hose connecting the first outlet and the tub; and A laundry treatment device comprising a second hose connecting the tub and the inlet.

21. In paragraph 20, The washing water inside the above tub is Circulate along the circulation path connecting the above tub, the second hose, the first filter, and the first hose, or A laundry treatment device characterized in that the laundry is discharged outside the tub along a drainage path connecting the tub, the second hose, and the second filter.

22. In paragraph 21, A laundry treatment device further comprising a return path branched from the above drain path and connected to the housing.

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