Bidirectional pump and washing machine

Abstract

A bidirectional pump and a washing machine are provided. The bidirectional pump according to one aspect of the present specification comprises: a housing formed in a cylindrical shape; an inflow pipe which extends from the housing and into which water flows from a tub; an impeller provided on the bottom portion of the housing; a first discharge pipe extending from the circumferential portion of the housing so as to discharge the water by means of the rotation of the impeller in one direction; a second discharge pipe which is spaced apart from the first discharge pipe, and which extends from the circumferential portion of the housing so as to discharge the water by means of the rotation of the impeller in the other direction; and a rib which is provided in a space between the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe in the circumferential portion of the housing and which extends in the circumferential direction.

Description

Two-way pump and washing machine

[0001] This specification relates to a bidirectional pump and a washing machine. More specifically, it relates to a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of reducing backflow.

[0002] Generally, a washing machine includes an outer tub that holds the washing water and an inner tub that is rotatably mounted inside the outer tub to accommodate laundry items such as clothing, and as the inner tub rotates, the washing and spin-drying of the laundry items are performed.

[0003] Washing machines can be classified into a top loading type, in which the center of rotation of the inner tub is formed perpendicular to the floor and the laundry cloth is loaded from the top, and a front loading type, in which the center of rotation of the inner tub is formed inclined in a direction horizontal to the floor or lower towards the rear end and the laundry cloth is loaded from the front.

[0004] Top-loading washing machines can be broadly classified into agitator type and pulsator type. The agitator type washes by rotating a washing rod raised in the center of the inner tub, while the pulsator type washes by rotating a disc-shaped pulsator formed at the bottom of the inner tub.

[0005] A front-loading washing machine is commonly referred to as a "drum washing machine," and a lifter is provided on the inner surface of the inner tub, and as the drum rotates, the lifter lifts the laundry cloth and drops it to perform washing.

[0006] Meanwhile, the washing machine may include a circulation pump for circulating water inside a tub during the washing process and a drainage pump for discharging water generated through the washing process to the outside.

[0007] Conventionally, it was common practice to configure the pumps for water circulation and drainage in washing machines using separate motors. In this case, however, installation space was restricted, and since multiple motors were required, there were problems with inefficiency in terms of cost.

[0008] To eliminate this inconvenience, conventional washing machines are configured to function as both a circulation pump and a drainage pump by using a single motor and an impeller and switching the direction of rotation of the impeller.

[0009] However, when configured to enable drainage and circulation by diverting the direction of the water flow path, a problem arose where water flowed backward toward an unwanted path during the circulation or drainage process.

[0010] The problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of reducing water backflow within the housing and minimizing the degradation of flow rate performance.

[0011] In addition, the problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a bidirectional pump and washing machine capable of maximizing backflow reduction performance and improving space efficiency.

[0012] In addition, the problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of improving backflow by reducing the axial gap between the impeller and the ribs to generate vortex flow.

[0013] In addition, the problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of improving washing performance by reducing backflow occurring during the circulation process.

[0014] In addition, the problem that this specification aims to solve is to provide a bidirectional pump and washing machine in which a rib can be easily attached to the housing.

[0015] A bidirectional pump according to one aspect of the present specification for achieving the above objective comprises a housing formed in a cylindrical shape, an inlet pipe extending from the housing and through which water flows in from a tub, an impeller installed at the bottom of the housing, a first discharge pipe extending from the circumference of the housing and through which water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller in one direction, and a second discharge pipe spaced apart from the first discharge pipe and extending from the circumference of the housing and through which water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller in the other direction.

[0016] In this case, the housing includes a rib installed in the space between the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe within the circumferential portion of the housing, and the rib may extend in the circumferential direction.

[0017] Through this, backflow of water within the housing can be reduced and the degradation of flow rate performance can be minimized.

[0018] Additionally, the rib may include a first region having a constant circumferential length and a second region extending from the first region and having a circumferential length that increases as it moves radially inward.

[0019] In this case, the first region does not overlap radially with the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe, and at least a portion of the second region may overlap radially with the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe.

[0020] Through this, backflow reduction performance can be maximized and space efficiency improved.

[0021] In addition, the rib may include a protruding area that protrudes radially inward from an area adjacent to the bottom portion.

[0022] In this case, the protruding area may face the impeller.

[0023] Through this, backflow can be improved by reducing the axial gap between the impeller and the ribs to generate vortex flow.

[0024] Additionally, the axial height of the protruding area may decrease as it extends radially inward. In this case, the axial height of the area of ​​the protruding area closest to the first discharge pipe may be higher than the axial height of the area closest to the second discharge pipe.

[0025] Additionally, among the protruding areas, the axial height may gradually decrease from the area near the first discharge pipe to the area near the second discharge pipe. In this case, the first discharge pipe may be a drain pipe that discharges water to the outside, and the second discharge pipe may be a circulation pipe that circulates water to the tub.

[0026] Through this, backflow occurring during the circulation process can be reduced, thereby improving washing performance.

[0027] Additionally, the circumferential portion of the housing may include a first groove formed concavely outward in the radial direction, and the rib may include a first projection formed convexly outward in the radial direction and sliding axially in the first groove.

[0028] Additionally, the bottom portion of the housing may include a second groove formed concavely on one side in the axial direction, and the rib may include a second projection formed convexly on one side in the axial direction and inserted into the second groove.

[0029] This allows the ribs to be easily attached to the housing.

[0030] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present specification for achieving the above objective includes a tub and a bidirectional pump.

[0031] Through the present specification, a bidirectional pump and a washing machine can be provided that can reduce water backflow within the housing and minimize the degradation of flow rate performance.

[0032] In addition, the present specification provides a bidirectional pump and washing machine capable of maximizing backflow reduction performance and improving space efficiency.

[0033] In addition, the present specification provides a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of improving backflow by reducing the axial gap between the impeller and the ribs to induce vortex flow.

[0034] In addition, the present specification provides a bidirectional pump and a washing machine capable of improving washing performance by reducing backflow occurring during the circulation process.

[0035] In addition, the present specification provides a bidirectional pump and a washing machine in which ribs can be easily attached to the housing.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump according to the prior art.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a front view of a pump according to the prior art.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a rear view with a portion of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification removed.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a housing of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a front view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the flow rate of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the backflow of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first modified example of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a first modified example of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0052] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0053] FIG. 18 is a front view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0054] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the flow rate of a first variation of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0055] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the backflow of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0056] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a second modified example of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0057] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a second modified example of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0058] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a rib of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0059] FIG. 24 is a side view of a rib of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0060] FIG. 25 is a graph showing the flow rate of a second variation of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0061] FIG. 26 is a graph showing the backflow of a second modified example of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0062] ※ Explanation of symbols

[0063] 20: Washing machine 30: Tub

[0064] 40: Bidirectional pump 100: Housing

[0065] 200: Inlet pipe 300: First discharge pipe

[0066] 400: Second discharge pipe 500: Rib

[0067] 600: Impeller

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification (discloser) will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, provided that identical or similar components are given the same reference number regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when it is mentioned that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, or that there may be other components in between.

[0070] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this specification.

[0071] Meanwhile, the term 'discloser' can be replaced with terms such as 'document', 'specification', or 'description'.

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a front view of a pump according to the prior art.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a pump (10) according to the prior art may include a housing (11) and a discharge pipe (12).

[0074] The pump (10) according to the prior art was configured with separate motors for water circulation and drainage. Accordingly, there was a problem of being inefficient in terms of cost because it was constrained by installation space and required multiple motors.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing machine (20) according to one aspect of the present specification for achieving the above objective includes a tub (30) and a bidirectional pump (40).

[0077] The washing machine (20) may be a top-loading type designed to load the laundry cloth from the top. However, the washing machine (20) according to one embodiment of the present specification may also be applied to a front-loading type.

[0078] A bidirectional pump (40) may be installed in the lower area of ​​the washing machine (20). The bidirectional pump (40) may circulate water inside the tub (30) of the washing machine (20) or discharge water generated during the washing process from the tub (30) to the outside. The bidirectional pump (40) may perform both the functions of a circulation pump and a drainage pump by using one motor and one impeller (600) and switching the rotation direction of the impeller (600).

[0079] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 6 is a rear view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification with a portion removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the housing of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 11 is a front view of a rib of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 11, a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a housing (100), an inlet pipe (200), a first discharge pipe (300), a second discharge pipe (400), a rib (500), and an impeller (600), but may be implemented excluding some of the configurations and not excluding additional configurations.

[0081] The housing (100) can form the exterior of the bidirectional pump (40). The housing (100) can be formed in a cylindrical shape overall. The housing (100) can be connected to an inlet pipe (200), a first discharge pipe (300), and a second discharge pipe (400). A rib (500) and an impeller (600) can be installed inside the housing (100).

[0082] The housing (100) may include a first bottom portion (110) and a second bottom portion (120) that face each other, and a circumferential portion (130) that connects the first bottom portion (110) and the second bottom portion (120) and extends in a circumferential direction.

[0083] The inlet hole (160) formed in the first bottom part (110) can be connected to the inlet pipe (200). An impeller (600) can be rotatably installed in the second bottom part (120).

[0084] In the cylindrical portion (130), a first discharge hole (170) communicating with the first discharge pipe (300) and a second discharge hole (180) communicating with the second discharge pipe (400) may be formed.

[0085] The circumferential portion (130) may include a first groove (140) formed concavely outward in the radial direction. The first groove (140) may extend in the axial (O) direction. A first projection (530) of the rib (500) may slide in the first groove (140).

[0086] The first bottom portion (110) may include a second groove (150) formed concavely on one side in the direction of the axis (O). The second groove (150) may be connected to the first groove (140). A second projection (540) of the rib (500) may be inserted into the second groove (150).

[0087] Through this, the rib (500) can be easily attached to the housing (100).

[0088] The inlet pipe (200) may extend from the housing (100). The inlet pipe (200) may be connected to the inlet hole (160) of the housing (100). The inlet pipe (200) may be connected to the tub (30) of the washing machine (20) to allow water used for washing to flow into the housing (100).

[0089] The first discharge pipe (300) may extend from the housing (100). The first discharge pipe (300) may be connected to the first discharge hole (170) of the housing (100). The first discharge pipe (300) may be a drain pipe that discharges water inside the housing (100) to the outside.

[0090] The second discharge pipe (400) may extend from the housing (100). The second discharge pipe (400) may be connected to the second discharge hole (180) of the housing (100). The second discharge pipe (400) may be spaced circumferentially apart from the first discharge pipe (300). The second discharge pipe (400) may be a circulation pipe that circulates water within the housing (100) to the tub (30).

[0091] The rib (500) may be installed in the housing (100). In one embodiment of the specification, the rib (500) is described as being formed as a separate member from the housing (100) and detachably coupled, but alternatively, the rib (500) may be formed integrally with the housing (100).

[0092] A rib (500) may be formed on the circumferential portion (130) of the housing (100). A rib (500) may be formed in the space between the first discharge pipe (300) and the second discharge pipe (400). Specifically, a rib (500) may be formed in the space between the first discharge hole (170) and the second discharge hole (180) in the circumferential portion (130) of the housing (100).

[0093] The rib (500) may be extended in the circumferential direction. The cross-section of the rib (500) may be formed in an arc shape. The rib (500) may be extended in the axis (O) direction.

[0094] Through this, backflow of water within the housing (100) can be reduced and the degradation of flow rate performance can be minimized.

[0095] The rib (500) may include a first region (510) having a constant circumferential length, a second region (520) extending from the first region (510) and having a circumferential length that increases as it moves radially inward, a first projection (530) formed convexly outwardly from the first region (510) and extending in the axial direction, and a second projection (540) formed convexly in one side of the axial (O) direction from the first region (510).

[0096] The first region (510) may have a constant first length (r1) in the circumferential direction. The second region (520) may have a circumferential length that gradually increases as it moves inward in the radial direction. The radially inward region of the second region (520) may have a second length (r2) in the circumferential direction. The second length (r2) may be greater than the first length (r1).

[0097] The first region (510) may not overlap radially with the first discharge pipe (300) and the second discharge pipe (400). At least a portion of the second region (520) may overlap radially with the first discharge pipe (300) and the second discharge pipe (400).

[0098] Through this, backflow reduction performance can be maximized and space efficiency improved.

[0099] The first projection (530) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first groove (140) of the housing (100). The first projection (530) may slide axially in the first groove (140) of the housing (100). In one embodiment of the present specification, the cross-section of the first projection (530) is described as having a trapezoidal shape, but is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways.

[0100] The second projection (540) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second groove (150) of the housing (100). The second projection (540) may be inserted into the second groove (150) of the housing (100) in the axial (O) direction. The second projection (540) may be formed convexly in one side in the axial (O) direction not only in the first region (510) but also in at least a part of the second region (520).

[0101] The impeller (600) may be installed in the housing (100). The impeller (600) may be rotatably coupled to the second bottom portion (120) of the housing (100). The impeller (600) may rotate in one direction or counterclockwise to discharge water inside the housing (100) into the first discharge pipe (300). The impeller (600) may rotate in the other direction or clockwise to discharge water inside the housing (100) into the second discharge pipe (400). Through this, a single motor can perform both the functions of a circulation pump and a drainage pump. The impeller (600) may be spaced apart from the first bottom portion (110) in the axial (O) direction.

[0102] In order for the bidirectional pump (40) to implement both the drainage and circulation functions, it is inevitably necessary to have two discharge holes (170, 180). When the impeller (600) is operated to implement one of the functions while the two discharge holes (170, 180) are present, the internal pressure of the bidirectional pump (40) increases, and as water is discharged through the corresponding discharge hole, the water level in the other discharge hole rises, which may cause backflow. If a rib (500) is present, it is possible to prevent backflow caused by the water level in the other discharge hole rising.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the flow rate of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the backflow of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 12, it can be seen that the flow rate increases when the rib (500) is present compared to when the rib (500) is absent. Here, the flow rate refers to the amount of water discharged from the housing (100) to the first discharge pipe (300) or the second discharge pipe (400).

[0105] Furthermore, 'high head' refers to a pump that needs to lift water to a high place, while 'low head' refers to a pump that needs to lift water to a lower place compared to a high head. For example, Korea uses low-head pumps, whereas the United States, where laundry rooms are often located in basements, uses high-head pumps.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 13, it can be seen that backflow is reduced when the rib (500) is present compared to when the rib (500) is not present.

[0107] That is, the bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification can improve the flow rate through the rib (500) while reducing backflow.

[0108] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 17 is a plan view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 18 is a front view of a rib of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 18, a first variant of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a housing (100), an inlet pipe (200), a first discharge pipe (300), a second discharge pipe (400), a rib (500), and an impeller (600), but may be implemented excluding some of the configurations and not excluding additional configurations.

[0110] The detailed configuration of a first variant of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification, which is not described below, can be understood to be identical to the detailed configuration of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0111] The rib (500) may include a protruding area (550) that protrudes radially inward from an area adjacent to the first bottom portion (110). The protruding area (550) may protrude radially inward from an area adjacent to one side of the axial (O) direction of the second area (520). In this case, the protruding area (550) may face the impeller (600) in the axial (O) direction. By doing so, the axial gap between the impeller (600) and the rib (500) is reduced, thereby creating a swirling flow and improving backflow.

[0112] The protruding area (550) may have a lower axial (O) height as it extends radially inward. Specifically, the first axial (O) height (h1) of the radially inner region of the protruding area (550) may be lower than the second axial (O) height (h2) of the radially outer region. This allows the gap between the protruding area (550) and the impeller (600) to be maintained at a constant level.

[0113] FIG. 19 is a graph showing the flow rate of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 20 is a graph showing the backflow of a first variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 19, it can be seen that the flow rate is slightly reduced when there is a protruding area (550) compared to when there is no protruding area (550).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 20, it can be seen that backflow is improved when there is a protruding area (550) compared to when there is no protruding area (550).

[0116] It can be seen that the first variant of the bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification has a slightly reduced flow rate compared to the bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification, but the backflow reduction effect is improved.

[0117] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a rib of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 24 is a side view of a rib of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 24, a second variant of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a housing (100), an inlet pipe (200), a first discharge pipe (300), a second discharge pipe (400), a rib (500), and an impeller (600), but may be implemented excluding some of the configurations and not excluding additional configurations.

[0119] The detailed configuration of a second variant of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification, which is not described below, can be understood to be identical to the detailed configuration of a first variant of a bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0120] The protruding area (550) may have a slope formed in the circumferential direction. For example, the third height (h3) in the axial (O) direction of the area of ​​the protruding area (550) that is close to the first discharge pipe (300) may be higher than the fourth height (h4) in the axial (O) direction of the area close to the second discharge pipe (400). In this case, the height in the axial (O) direction of the protruding area (550) may gradually decrease as it moves from the area close to the first discharge pipe (300) to the area close to the second discharge pipe (400).

[0121] FIG. 25 is a graph showing the flow rate of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification. FIG. 26 is a graph showing the backflow of a second variant of a bidirectional pump according to one embodiment of the present specification.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 25, it can be seen that the flow rate increases slightly when there is a slope in the protruding area (550) compared to when there is no slope.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 26, it can be seen that when the protruding area (550) has a slope compared to when there is no slope, the backflow reduction effect for drainage is reduced, whereas the backflow reduction effect for circulation is improved.

[0124] Even if a protruding area (550) exists as in the first variant of the bidirectional pump (40) according to one embodiment of the present specification to reduce backflow to a desired level, the flow rate may decrease, resulting in reduced performance under certain conditions and increased drainage time.

[0125] By lowering the axial (O) direction height of the protruding area (550) in the area close to the second discharge pipe (400), which is a circulation pipe that circulates water to the tub (30), the circulation performance can be improved, and by raising the axial (O) direction height of the protruding area (550) in the area close to the first discharge pipe (300), which is a discharge pipe that discharges water to the outside, backflow into the tub (30) can be prevented.

[0126] Through this, the flow rate can be improved while preventing the dirty water that needs to be drained during the drainage process from flowing back into the tub (30). Additionally, the flow rate can be improved even if the water that needs to be recirculated to the tub (30) during the circulation process flows back out slightly.

[0127] Some embodiments or other embodiments of this specification described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some embodiments or other embodiments of this specification described above may be used in combination or combined, each with its own configuration or function.

[0128] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0129] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of this specification shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A housing formed in a cylindrical shape; An inlet pipe extending from the above housing and through which water flows in from the tub; An impeller installed at the bottom of the above housing; A first discharge pipe extending from the circumferential portion of the above housing and through which water is discharged by the one-way rotation of the above impeller; A second discharge pipe spaced apart from the first discharge pipe and extending from the circumference of the housing, through which water is discharged by the rotation of the impeller in the other direction; and A bidirectional pump including a rib extending in the circumferential direction, installed in the space between the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe in the circumferential portion of the housing.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above rib is a bidirectional pump comprising a first region having a constant circumferential length and a second region extending from the first region and having a circumferential length that increases as it moves radially inward.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first region above does not overlap radially with the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe, and A bidirectional pump in which at least a portion of the second region overlaps radially with the first discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above rib is a bidirectional pump comprising a protruding area that protrudes radially inward from an area adjacent to the bottom portion.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above protruding area is a bidirectional pump facing the above impeller.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned protruding area is a bidirectional pump in which the axial height decreases as it moves radially inward.

7. In Paragraph 4, A bidirectional pump in which the axial height of the area near the first discharge pipe among the protruding areas is higher than the axial height of the area near the second discharge pipe.

8. In Paragraph 7, A bidirectional pump in which the axial height gradually decreases as it moves from the area close to the first discharge pipe to the area close to the second discharge pipe among the protruding areas.

9. In Paragraph 8, A bidirectional pump in which the first discharge pipe is a drain pipe for discharging water to the outside, and the second discharge pipe is a circulation pipe for circulating water to the tub.

10. In Paragraph 1, The circumferential portion of the above housing includes a first groove formed concavely outward in the radial direction, and A bidirectional pump comprising a rib that is formed convexly outwardly in the radial direction and includes a first projection that slides axially in the first groove.

11. In accordance with Paragraph 1, The bottom portion of the above housing includes a second groove formed concavely on one side in the axial direction, and A bidirectional pump comprising a rib that is formed convexly on one side in the axial direction and includes a second projection inserted into the second groove.

12. Tub; and A washing machine connected to the above tub and comprising a bidirectional pump according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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