KR20170134096A - Apparatus for collecting foreign materials and washing machine having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve a problem to be solved, a foreign matter collecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an accommodation portion provided on an inner wall of a washing tub of the washing machine; and a filter portion inserted into the accommodation portion, wherein a coupling rib for coupling the filter portion is provided at one end of the accommodation portion, wherein a detachable hook which is detachable from the coupling rib is provided at one end of the filter portion corresponding to one end of the accommodation portion, wherein an elastic member for providing a repulsive force to detach the filter portion from the accommodation portion is provided at the other end of the filter portion when the coupling rib and the detachable hook are not coupled.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a foreign substance collecting apparatus and a washing machine using the foreign substance collecting apparatus.

The present invention relates to a foreign substance collecting apparatus, and more particularly, to a foreign substance collecting apparatus applied to a washing machine and a washing machine using the same.

The washing machine can be divided into a drum type in which the washing tub rotates about the horizontal direction with respect to the ground, and a pulsator type in which the washing tub rotates about the vertical direction. In the pulsator method, the pulsator rotates to generate a water flow, and the water flow and the laundry are rubbed together or the pulsator So that the laundry is shocked to be washed.

The pulsator-type washing machine is provided with a foreign substance collecting device in the washing tub to filter various foreign substances such as lint generated in the laundry during washing.

The foreign substance collecting apparatus is usually equipped with a collecting net for filtering out foreign matter to a frame detachably attached to a washing tub. The frame is formed using an elastic material so as to be detachable from the washing tub, and the collecting net is formed of a mesh-like fiber material or a similar material having a predetermined opening ratio so that washing water can be passed through and foreign matters can be filtered out have.

In addition, the frame of the foreign substance collecting apparatus is provided with a detachable hook so as to be detachable to the washing tub, and the foreign substance collecting apparatus can be attached to the washing tub as the detachable hook is coupled to the washing tub.

In the washing machine provided with the foreign material collecting apparatus, the pulsator provided on the bottom surface of the washing tub is rotated to generate water flow, and the washing water rises along the flow path formed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the washing tub The raised washing water flows into the inside of the washing tub through a foreign substance collecting device. At this time, the washing water passing through the foreign substance collecting device is mixed with the foreign substances separated from the laundry such as lint, but the foreign matter is filtered in the course of passing through the trapping network of the foreign substance collecting device together with the washing water.

However, the foreign substance collecting apparatus of the conventional washing machine as described above has a problem that the user does not apply sufficient force, and even when the detachable hook and the washing tub are not attached, the washing tub is not completely detached from the washing tub.

That is, if the user does not apply sufficient force to the foreign substance collecting device, the foreign substance collecting device may not be detached from the washing tub even if the detachable hook of the foreign substance collecting device is not engaged with the washing tub. In this case, since it is difficult for the user of the washing machine to recognize that the foreign substance collecting device is not attached to the washing machine, the foreign substance collecting device can drive the washing machine without being adhered to the washing machine.

In addition, when the washing machine is driven in a state in which the foreign substance collecting device is not fully connected to the washing machine, the foreign substance collecting device may be detached from the washing machine during the washing process and may cause friction with the laundry in the washing machine and the washing tub, There is a problem that the tub and laundry of the washing machine can be damaged.

Particularly, in the case where the foreign substance collecting apparatus is deeply disposed in the inside of the washing tub, it is difficult for the user to transmit sufficient force for coupling the foreign substance collecting apparatus to the washing tub, and therefore, there is a need for a foreign substance collecting apparatus which clearly shows the coupling with the washing tub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a foreign substance collecting apparatus and a washing machine using the foreign substance collecting apparatus which can easily confirm whether or not the washing apparatus is attached to a washing tub.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a foreign matter collecting apparatus and a washing machine using the foreign matter collecting apparatus which can surely remove the foreign matter collecting apparatus from the washing tub when the detachable hook of the foreign substance collecting apparatus and a part of the washing tub are not completely bonded.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foreign substance collecting apparatus comprising: a receiving portion provided on an inner wall of a washing machine of a washing machine; a filter portion inserted into the receiving portion; And a detachable hook is detachably attached to the one end of the filter unit corresponding to one end of the receiving unit and the detachable hook is coupled to the other end of the filter unit, An elastic member for providing a repulsive force to detach the filter portion from the accommodating portion is provided.

In one embodiment, the elastic member provides a repulsive force smaller than a force for detaching the filter portion from the accommodating portion when the engaging rib and the detachable hook are engaged.

In one embodiment, the elastic member provides a repulsive force to detach the filter portion from the accommodating portion when the engaging rib and the detachable hook are not engaged at a predetermined temperature or more.

In one embodiment, the elastic member provides a repulsive force applied in a direction opposite to a direction in which the strength rib and the detachable hook are engaged.

In one embodiment, the filter unit includes grooves for receiving the elastic members on the left and right sides of the filter unit, respectively.

In one embodiment, the elastic member includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member that are respectively received in the grooves provided in the filter unit.

In one embodiment, the receiving portion is installed at a position spaced from the bottom of the washing tub by a predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is less than half the depth of the washing tub.

In one embodiment, the filter unit includes at least one washing water inlet and a filter unit for filtering out foreign substances in the washing water flowing from the washing water inlet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including a cabinet, a water storage tank accommodated in the cabinet and filled with washing water, a washing tank accommodated in the water storage tank and filled with laundry, And a foreign substance collecting device for filtering the foreign substance in the washing water, wherein the foreign substance collecting device comprises: a receiving part installed on the inner wall of the washing tub of the washing machine; a filter part inserted in the receiving part; The filter unit is provided with a coupling rib for coupling the filter unit to one end of the receiving unit, and a detachable hook that is detachable from the coupling rib is provided at one end of the filter unit corresponding to one end of the receiving unit. When the detachment hook is not engaged, the filter portion is detached from the accommodating portion It is provided with a resilient member to provide a force features.

Since the foreign substance collecting device is formed to fall to the bottom of the washing machine when the detachable hook of the foreign substance collecting device according to the present invention is not completely adhered to the receiving part provided on the side surface of the washing tub, Can be prevented.

Further, the washing machine provided with the foreign substance collecting device according to the present invention induces the user to completely bind the foreign substance collecting device to the washing tub, so that the foreign substance collecting device is removed from the washing tub while the washing machine is performing the washing process, It is possible to prevent movement. As a result, the laundry can be prevented from being damaged in the tub or the washing tub.

Further, the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that the user can intuitively confirm whether or not the foreign substance collecting apparatus and the washing machine are attached to each other easily without providing a separate sensor or notification device. That is, the foreign substance collecting apparatus or the washing machine provided with the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention can clearly inform the user whether the foreign substance collecting apparatus and the washing tub are combined with each other, while minimizing an increase in cost.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the user is installed deeply in the washing tub, it is difficult for the user to transmit sufficient force to the foreign substance collecting device, the effect of ensuring the combination of the washing tub and the foreign substance collecting device can be obtained.

1A is a conceptual diagram showing a general washing machine.
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing one end surface of the washing apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for collecting foreign substances in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
FIG. 2B is a rear view showing an embodiment of a foreign matter collecting apparatus according to the present invention. FIG.
2C and 2D are perspective views showing an embodiment of a foreign matter collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of a damper included in the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention.
4A and 4B are conceptual diagrams showing another embodiment of a damper included in the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. . Also, the technical terms used herein should be interpreted as being generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise in this specification, Should not be construed in a broader sense, or interpreted in an oversimplified sense.

1A to 1B, one embodiment of a general washing machine will be described.

1A, a washing machine 100 including a foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a cabinet 110 having an external appearance, a top cover 150 seated on an upper portion of the cabinet 110, And a lid 120 which is seated on the upper side of the cover 150 and opens and closes the washing tub.

A control panel (not shown) for controlling the operation of the washing machine is mounted on one side of the top cover 150, and a detergent box (not shown) is inserted into the inner inclined surface of the top cover 150.

The washing machine 100 according to the present invention includes a water storage tank (not shown) accommodated in the cabinet 110, a washing tub 140 accommodated in the water storage tank and performing washing while rotating, And a foreign body collecting device 200 mounted on one side of the inner wall of the washing machine.

More specifically, a pulsator 141 is installed on the bottom surface of the washing tub 140 to stir washing water. The operation of the washing machine 100 according to the present invention will now be described.

First, after the laundry is placed in the washing tub 140, when the washing machine 100 is powered on, the laundry is loaded into the washing tub and then a course selection button or the like mounted on the control panel is pressed to input laundry conditions do.

When the operation button is pressed to start the washing process, the washing water flows into the washing tub 140. When the washing water reaches the set water level, the pulsator 141 rotates to start washing.

Here, the laundry is mixed by the rotation of the pulsator 141, and water is formed in the washing water. In detail, since the pulsator 141 rotates, centrifugal force acts on the washing water. Therefore, the washing water is pushed toward the inner wall of the washing tub 140 and circularly moves along the inner wall of the washing tub 140.

In addition, since the pulsator 141 and the washing tub 140 change their rotating directions at predetermined time intervals, the washing water in the washing tub is mixed with each other as the direction of motion is changed.

The washing water flows into and out of the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200, and lint and other foreign substances contained in the washing water are filtered in the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200.

Referring to FIG. 1B, an embodiment related to the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 installed on the inner wall of the washing tub 140 will be described.

The foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 installed on the inner wall of the washing tub 140 may include at least one of the receiving unit 210 and the front filter unit 220 and the rear filter unit 230 .

The receiving portion 210 may be directly attached to the inner wall of the washing tub 140 and may receive the front filter portion 220 and the rear filter portion 230 forming the body of the foreign substance collecting device 200 . The front filter unit 220 and the rear filter unit 230 may be coupled to each other to form a filter unit.

The receiving portion 210 constitutes a rim portion of the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200, and the filter portion can be inserted into the receiving portion 210.

More specifically, the front filter unit 220 includes a detachable hook 221, and the receiving unit 210 may include a coupling rib 211 coupled to the detachable hook 221. Specifically, the detachable hook 221 may be installed at the upper end of the front filter unit 220, and the coupling rib 211 may be installed at the upper end of the receiving unit 210.

1B, even when the detachable hook 221 of the front filter unit 220 included in the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 is not coupled to the coupling rib 211 of the receiving unit 210, (220) may not be moved to the receiving portion (210).

1B, when a sufficient force is not applied to the conventional foreign matter collecting apparatus 200, the detachable hook 221 and the fastening rib 211 are not engaged, so that the front filter unit 220 and the rear filter 211, The filter unit, which is a combination of the filter unit 230 and the filter unit 230, may not be detached from the receiving unit 210, but may be held in a state partially supported in the receiving unit 210.

In this case, since the operation of the washing machine can be started in a state where the user does not recognize that the filter portion of the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 is not completely coupled to the receiving portion 210, the filter portion of the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 There arises a problem that the laundry may be detached from the accommodating portion 210 during operation to cause friction between the laundry in the washing tub or the washing tub and the filter portion.

Accordingly, a washing machine including the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 and the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 capable of solving such problems will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an embodiment of the foreign matter collecting apparatus 200 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 includes a receiving portion 210, a front filter portion 220, and a rear filter portion 230. Hereinafter, the combination of the front filter unit 220 and the rear filter unit 230 is defined as a filter unit.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the filter unit of the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 may be detachably coupled to the receiving unit 210. The receiving portion 210 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the washing tub 140 so that the user can insert the filter portion into the receiving portion 210 provided on the inner wall of the washing tub 140. [

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the rear surface of the front filter portion 220 is shown. The rear surface of the front filter unit 220 may be a surface facing the receiving unit 210 when the filter unit is coupled to the receiving unit 210.

2B and 2C, the front filter part 220 according to the present invention may be inserted into a filter receiving groove formed at the center of the receiving part 210. [

Specifically, the front filter unit 220 is provided with a wash water discharge port of a predetermined size on the front surface thereof, a mesh net attached to the back surface thereof, and a foreign matter contained in the wash water discharged back to the washing tub 140 through the wash water discharge port . In addition, the front filter unit 220 may be provided with a washing water inlet for introducing the washing water from the washing tub 140.

When the coupling rib 211 and the detachable hook 221 are not engaged with each other, the rear surface of the front filter unit 220 is coupled to the rear surface of the front filter unit 220, An elastic member 222 may be provided to provide a repulsive force to remove the filter portion.

A part of the filter unit which is a combination of the front filter unit 220 and the rear filter unit 230 is in contact with the receiving unit 210 but the filter unit and the receiving unit 210 are not completely coupled The filter portion may be formed to provide a repulsive force for detaching the filter portion from the accommodating portion 210.

More specifically, the coupling rib 211 of the receiving portion 210 and the detachable hook 221 of the filter portion may be separated from each other to provide a repulsive force for detaching the filter portion from the receiving portion.

The elastic member 222 may provide a repulsive force to the main body of the filter unit or the main body of the front filter unit 220 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the coupling rib 211 and the detachable hook 221 are coupled.

Therefore, when the user inserts the filter portion into the receiving portion 210, if sufficient force is not applied to the filter portion and the detachment hook of the filter portion and the fastening rib 211 of the receiving portion 210 are not completely engaged, The main body of the filter portion can be detached from the receiving portion 210 and fall to the bottom of the washing tub 140 by the repulsive force that the member 222 provides to the filter portion.

In one embodiment, the elastic member 222 can provide a repulsive force that is smaller than the engagement force of the engagement rib 211 and the detachable hook 221. That is, when the filter unit and the receiving unit 210 are coupled to each other, the elastic member 222 provides the filter unit with a repulsive force smaller than the coupling force between the filter unit and the receiving unit 210, (210) can be maintained in a coupled state.

As a result, when the user inserts the filter portion into the receiving portion 210, sufficient force is applied to the filter portion, and when the detachment hook of the filter portion and the fastening rib 211 of the receiving portion 210 are completely engaged, Can provide a repulsive force to the filter portion, the filter portion can be maintained in a coupled state without being detached from the accommodation portion 210. [

In another embodiment, the elastic member 222 may provide a repulsive force to detach the filter portion from the receiving portion 210 when the coupling rib 211 and the detachable hook 221 are not engaged, have. For example, the predetermined temperature may correspond to the highest temperature of the washing water supplied to the washing tub.

That is, since the foreign substance collecting apparatus 200 removes foreign matter from the washing water under different temperature conditions according to the washing water supplied to the washing tub, it is appropriate that the elastic member 222 is formed of a material having little thermal deformation.

Also, although the elastic member 222 according to the present invention is formed of a material that generates thermal deformation by washing water, it is appropriate that the elastic member 222 is configured to provide the same level of repulsion after thermal deformation.

2B and 2C, the filter unit may have grooves 223 for receiving the elastic members 222 on the left and right sides of the filter unit, respectively. Specifically, the grooves 223 may be provided on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the front filter unit 220.

In one embodiment, the groove 223 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the detachable hook 221 of the filter portion by a predetermined distance. In another embodiment, when the detachable hook 221 is provided at the upper end portion of the filter portion, a groove 223 for receiving the elastic member 222 may be formed at the lower end portion of the filter portion.

2B, a first elastic member and a second elastic member may be respectively received in the grooves 223 for receiving the elastic members 222 on the left and right sides of the filter unit, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2D, the internal structure of the groove 223 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2D, a fixing member 223a formed to fix the elastic member 222 may be provided in the groove 223. In one embodiment, the fixing member 223a may be formed in any three-dimensional shape derived from the inner wall of the groove 223.

An embodiment of the elastic member 222 is shown in Fig.

As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic member 222 may be formed in the shape of a gently formed hexahedron, or may be formed of a rubber material.

When the elastic member 222 formed of the rubber material is inserted into the groove 223 by the friction between the fixing member 223a and the elastic member 222, 223, respectively.

The elastic member 222 may be formed so as not to cause thermal deformation, or may be formed of a material capable of maintaining a repulsive force even when thermal deformation occurs. That is, even if the temperature of the washing water supplied to the washing tub sharply increases or decreases, the elastic member 222 may be formed to provide a repulsive force included within a predetermined range. In this case, the magnitude of the repulsive force included in the predetermined range is set such that the filter unit, which is a combination of the front filter unit 220 and the rear filter unit 230, and the accommodation unit 210 are separated from each other, It may be larger than the force required to detach.

Although the elastic member 222 of the rubber material has been described in the present specification, the elastic member of the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the elastic member of the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention can take any form as long as it provides a repulsive force so that the filter portion is detached from the receiving portion when the filter portion and the receiving portion are not completely bonded.

4A and 4B, another embodiment of the elastic member is shown.

4A, a surface of the rear filter portion 230 facing the receiving portion 210 may be provided with a first repulsive force member 231 that provides a repulsive force so that the filter portion is detached from the receiving portion.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the first repulsive force member 231 may be formed to protrude toward the receiving portion 210, and may be formed to contact the one surface of the receiving portion 210 to provide a repulsive force to the one surface. .

Referring to FIG. 4B, a second repulsive force member 224 may be provided on a surface of the front filter unit 220 facing the receiving unit 210 to provide a repulsive force so that the filter unit is detached from the receiving unit.

Since the foreign substance collecting device is formed to fall to the bottom of the washing machine when the detachable hook of the foreign substance collecting device according to the present invention is not completely adhered to the receiving part provided on the side surface of the washing tub, Can be prevented.

Further, the washing machine provided with the foreign substance collecting device according to the present invention induces the user to completely bind the foreign substance collecting device to the washing tub, so that the foreign substance collecting device is removed from the washing tub while the washing machine is performing the washing process, It is possible to prevent movement. As a result, the laundry can be prevented from being damaged in the tub or the washing tub.

Further, the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that the user can intuitively confirm whether or not the foreign substance collecting apparatus and the washing machine are attached to each other easily without providing a separate sensor or notification device. That is, the foreign substance collecting apparatus or the washing machine provided with the foreign substance collecting apparatus according to the present invention can clearly inform the user whether the foreign substance collecting apparatus and the washing tub are combined with each other, while minimizing an increase in cost.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the user is installed deeply in the washing tub, it is difficult for the user to transmit sufficient force to the foreign substance collecting device, the effect of ensuring the combination of the washing tub and the foreign substance collecting device can be obtained.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (11)

A receiving portion formed in an inner wall of the washing tub of the washing machine;
And a filter portion inserted into the accommodating portion,
Wherein the receiving portion includes a coupling rib for coupling the filter portion,
The filter unit includes:
A detachable hook formed to be detachably coupled to the coupling rib;
And an elastic member formed to provide a repulsive force to detach the filter portion from the accommodating portion when the detachable hook is separated from the engaging rib. The method according to claim 1,
The elastic member
And a repulsive force smaller than a coupling force between the coupling rib and the detachable hook is provided. The method according to claim 1,
The elastic member
Wherein the filter unit is formed to maintain the magnitude of the repulsive force when the temperature of the washing water supplied to the washing tub changes. The method according to claim 1,
The elastic member
And a repulsive force applied in a direction opposite to a direction in which the detachable hook is coupled to the coupling rib. The method according to claim 1,
The filter unit includes:
Wherein the filter unit has grooves for receiving the elastic members on the left and right sides of the filter unit. 6. The method of claim 5,
The elastic member
And a first elastic member and a second elastic member respectively accommodated in the grooves of the filter unit. The method according to claim 1,
The receiving portion includes:
Wherein the dust collecting device is formed at a position spaced apart from the bottom of the washing tub by a predetermined distance. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the predetermined distance is smaller than half the depth of the washing tub. The method according to claim 1,
The filter unit includes:
At least one wash water inlet,
And a filter unit for filtering the foreign substances in the washing water flowing from the washing water inlet. The method according to claim 1,
The coupling rib is formed at one end of the receiving portion,
The detachable hook is formed at one end of the filter portion corresponding to one end of the accommodating portion,
Wherein the elastic member is formed at the other end of the filter unit. Cabinet;
A water storage tank housed in the cabinet and filled with wash water;
A washing tub accommodated in the water tub and filled with laundry and rotated when washing or dewatering;
A pulsator installed in the washing tub to whip laundry; And
And a foreign substance collecting device for filtering foreign substances in the washing water,
The foreign substance collecting apparatus includes:
A receiving portion formed in an inner wall of the washing tub of the washing machine;
And a filter portion inserted into the accommodating portion,
Wherein the receiving portion is provided at one end thereof with a coupling rib for coupling the filter portion,
And a detachable hook is detachably attached to one end of the filter unit corresponding to one end of the receiving unit,
Wherein an elastic member is provided at the other end of the filter unit so as to provide a repulsive force to detach the filter unit from the accommodating unit in a state in which the coupling rib and the detachable hook are separated from each other.

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