WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A washing machine is provided that is capable of efficiently draining condensed fluid discharged from a heat pump module. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heat pump module installed in the cabinet to supply hot air into the drum, a backflow prevention connector installed in the cabinet to prevent backflow of wash fluid draining from the tub, and a condensed fluid drain hose connected to one end of the backflow prevention connector to drain condensed fluid from the heat pump module.

Description

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0017940, filed in Korea on Mar. 3, 2009, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2009-0014825, filed in Korea on Feb. 23, 2009, which are both incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

A washing machine is provided, and in particular, a washing machine having a heat module is provided.

2. Background

Recently developed washing machines may provide a drying function in addition to washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions. Such a washing machine may include a heater or a heat pump module to dry laundry. Such a washing machine may generate unpleasant odors due to stagnated condensed fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a draining flow of wash fluid in the washing machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a backflow prevention connector according to an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a backflow prevention connector and a condensed fluid drain hose according to an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting structure of the condensed fluid drain hose shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary condensed fluid drain system according to another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary condensed fluid drain system according to another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a backflow prevention member of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a filter assembly of a washing machine according to an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a filter assembly of a washing machine according to another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a filter assembly of a washing machine according to another embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a filter assembly of a washing machine according to another embodiment as broadly described herein; and

FIG. 13 is a rear view of a drum of the washing machine shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a washing machine according to an embodiment as broadly described herein may include a first cabinet 10 that forms a first space 100, a door 15 that opens and closes an opening formed on a front of the first cabinet 10, and a tub 110 installed in the first cabinet 10. A drum 120 is rotatably coupled to the inside of the tub 110 to receive laundry items therein. A second cabinet 20 may be detachably connected to a lower part of the first cabinet 10, thereby forming a second space 200.

The second cabinet 20 may have a heat pump module 210 that supplies hot air for drying laundry, and an inlet duct that guides air into the heat pump module 210. The second cabinet 20 may also include an outlet duct that guides the heated air from the heat pump module 210 into the tub 110, and a filter module that filters the air flowing into the inlet duct. The inlet duct and the outlet duct may be in fluid communication with the tub 110 through a circulation duct and a drying duct.

The heat pump module 210 may have a module-type structure in which various parts of a heat pump are detachably connected. The heat pump module 210 may be detachably coupled to the second cabinet 20. The heat pump module 210 may include an evaporator that produces a dry air by removing moisture from air, and a compressor that compresses a refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator. The heat pump module 210 may also include a condenser that heats air using heat from the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor, an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant being guided into the evaporator, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the above parts.

Air that flows in through the inlet duct passes through the evaporator, and heat is absorbed by the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant in the evaporator. Moisture in the air passing through the evaporator is condensed, thereby making the air dry. Latent heat generated as the moisture in the air is condensed evaporates the refrigerant in the evaporator. The evaporated refrigerant is supplied to the compressor, compressed into a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant by the compressor, and then supplied to the condenser. As the dried air passes through the condenser emitting the latent heat by compressing the refrigerant, the air is heated.

Accordingly, air flowing in through the inlet duct is heated and dried while passing through the evaporator and the condenser, and then is supplied to the tub 110 through the outlet duct. The air supplied to the tub 110 is guided to the drum 120 to be used for drying laundry items held therein.

In certain embodiments, the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 may form totally separated spaces 100 and 200. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and the second spaces 100 and 200 may be in fluid communication with each other while being partially so as to accommodate various components therein. Therefore, the heat pump module 210 may be disposed only in the second space 200, or may partially extend up into the first space 100. The second cabinet 20 may include an opening in an upper wall thereof. Portions of the heated dry air supply device disposed in the second cabinet may extend through the opening into the first space 100 defined by the first cabinet 10.

In particular, the first and second cabinets 10 and 20 may be formed a separate cabinets which may then be joined together. Providing the first and second cabinets 10 and 20 as separate cabinets which may then be joined together allows the first cabinet 10 which is configured for laundry treatment, and the second cabinet 200, which may include a heated dry air supply device, to be manufactured separately and assembled either at the manufacturing plant or at a later point. For example, the first and second cabinets 10 and 20 may be manufactured separately and then shipped to another destination for assembly. Further, a user or customer may not desire a laundry machine including the second cabinet 20 and/or the heated dry air supply device, and thus may elect to purchase only the first cabinet 10 which is configured for laundry treatment. Further, if the first and second cabinets 10 and 20 are separable, they may be separated for maintenance on one or the other.

In alternative embodiments, the tub and the drum may be mounted in a single cabinet with the heat pump module mounted near a lower part of the tub. The structures of the heat pump module and a condensed water drainage system (to be described later) may be structured in the same manner for use in a single cabinet. More specifically, the first and second cabinets 10 and 20 may be integrally formed, or formed as a single cabinet. In such a case, the single cabinet may be divided into the first and second spaces 100 and 200 by a dividing plate or partition wall, fully or partially separating the single cabinet into main and auxiliary spaces.

A main drain pump 150 may be provided near the lower part of the tub 110 to pump used/waste wash fluid collected at an inner bottom portion of the tub 110 toward a backflow prevention connector 130 so as to drain the waste wash fluid to the outside of the first cabinet 10 through a drain hose.

A check valve may be provided at a discharge outlet of the main drain pump 150, or at a lower part of the evaporator of the heat pump module 210, in order to prevent backflow of wash fluid. Alternatively, a check valve may be provided at a discharge outlet of a condensed water drain pump 220 that will be described later. An exemplary check valve 160 as shown in, for example, FIG. 8, may have a disc form disposed in a body, and may include a hollow 163 formed through the center thereof. The check valve 160 may also include a guide plate 162 having a plurality of holes 162a arranged around the hollow 163, and a ball 164 supported by the guide plate 162. The ball 164 may be brought into close contact with the hollow 163 of the guide plate 162 by the pressure of the draining wash fluid, thereby letting the wash fluid pass through the holes 162a. On the other hand, when the wash fluid flows in a reverse direction, the ball 164 is separated from the guide plate 162 and accordingly blocks an inlet of the check valve 160, thereby preventing backflow of the wash fluid. For this purpose, the inlet of the check valve 160 may have an inner diameter corresponding to a diameter of the ball 164.

Thus, fluid supplied from a supply device is supplied to the drum 120 and used for washing of laundry. Waste wash fluid is discharged to the tub 110 through a plurality of penetration holes formed on the drum 120. When waste wash fluid stagnates within the tub 110, an unpleasant odor may be generated, thereby deteriorating hygiene and consumer satisfaction. To this end, the wash fluid collected in an inner bottom of the tub 110 may be promptly drained to the outside of the tub 110 by the main drain pump 150 connected to the tub 110. The drained wash fluid passes through the backflow prevention connector 130, through the drain hose and is drained to the outside of the cabinet 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the backflow prevention connector 130 may have a U-shaped pipe form, and may be installed above the main drain pump 150 in an inverted-U position. The backflow prevention connector 130 may include a connector body 132 having an inverted-U shape mounted at an upper portion of the first space 100, a pair of connection pipes 134 that extend down from the two opposite ends of the connector body 132, and an air suction part 136 disposed at an upper part of the connector body 132 to allow for air to pass therethrough. An air brake hose 137 may be connected to the air suction part 136.

One of the connection pipes 134 functions as an inlet port 134a that guides wash fluid into the backflow prevention connector 130 from a main drain hose 130a which is connected with the main drain pump 150. The other of the connection pipes 134 functions as an outlet port 134b that drains the wash fluid, and is connected with a drain hose 130b which is in fluid communication with the outside of the first cabinet 10. The wash fluid pumped by the main drain pump 150 flows into the backflow prevention connector 130 through the main drain hose 130a, and flows out of the backflow prevention connector 130 and is drained out of the first cabinet 10 through the drain hose 130b.

The air suction part 136 may have a cylindrical form in which a siphon brake (not shown) may be inserted to prevent siphoning and backflow of the wash fluid. Alternatively, the air suction part 136 may be equipped with the air brake hose 137 which is in turn connected with one side of the tub 110 to allow air to flow between the tub 110 and the connector body 132. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the air brake hose 137 is employed.

The main drain hose 130a that connects the main drain pump 150 and the backflow prevention connector 130 may typically hold some amount of residual fluid due to the mounting position thereof. The residual fluid may prevent odors from the outside, for example from a sewer, from flowing into the washing machine through the drain hose 130b.

However, if a pressure difference occurs between the inside and the outside of the backflow prevention connector 130 while the main drain pump 150 is not in operation, the residual fluid in the discharge hose may flow back to the main drain pump 150. To this end, the siphon brake or the air brake hose 137 may be provided to prevent occurrence of such a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the backflow prevention connector 130.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air brake hose 137 is connected to the air suction guide 136 so as to provide airflow from the outside of the backflow prevention connector 130, that is, the air flowing in the tub 110, interrupting discharge of the wash fluid from the inside of the backflow prevention connector 130. This will be more specifically explained later.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the condensed fluid drain pump 220 is positioned at one side of the second cabinet 20 to drain condensed fluid being discharged from the heat pump module 210, and a condensed fluid drain hose 140 may form a path that guides the condensed fluid generated by the condenser in the heat pump module 210 to the backflow prevention connector 130.

A first end of the condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be connected to the condensed fluid drain pump 220, and a second end may be connected to one side of the backflow prevention connector 130. Hereinafter, the first end of the condensed fluid drain hose 140, connected to the condensed fluid drain pump 220, will be referred to as a lower end, while the second end, connected to the backflow prevention connector 130, will be referred to as an upper end.

Providing a dedicated drain system for chaining only condensed fluid may increase manufacturing cost and also require modification of the configuration of the various parts in the cabinet. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the condensed fluid drain hose 140 is connected to the backflow prevention connector 130 so that condensed fluid may be discharged to the tub 110, and chained together with the waste wash fluid, and a dedicated system is not required.

The backflow prevention connector 130 includes an inlet port 134a that guides fluid in, and an outlet port 134b that drains the fluid as shown in FIG. 3. The condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be connected to a side of the connector 130 where a chain pressure is generated so that the condensed fluid can be drained without flowing back. Referring to FIG. 3, the condensed fluid may be guided into any one of areas A, B and C, as drain pressure is generated at areas A, B and C.

The condensed fluid drain hose 140 could be connected to the drain hose 130b, but would require dedicated connection structure, thereby incurring additional cost. Hereinafter, the connection structure between the condensed fluid drain hose 140 and the backflow prevention connector 130 will be described in detail.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the upper end of the condensed fluid drain hose 140 is connected to the connector body 132 of the backflow prevention connector 130. The condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be connected to an upper portion of the connector body 132, that is, the area A, spaced apart from the air suction guide 136.

One of the connection pipes 134 of the backflow prevention connector 130 is connected with the main drain pump 150 so that the wash fluid in the tub 110 is guided in the main drain hose 130a. Therefore, the condensed fluid drain hose 140 is separated from the air suction guide 136 so that condensed fluid does not splash onto the air suction guide 136 or leak in through the air suction guide 136

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be connected to the area B, that is, near an upper portion of the connection pipe 134 where the drain hose 130b is connected. Therefore, a direction of draining the condensed fluid corresponds to a direction of draining the wash fluid. Accordingly, the condensed fluid draining through the condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be drained directly into the drain hose 130b draining the wash fluid. As a result, backflow of condensed fluid may be prevented. Furthermore, leakage of condensed fluid through the air suction part 136 may also be prevented.

In order to enhance the efficiency of draining the condensed fluid, the condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be connected to the area C (which is at an incline), that is, the middle part or a lower end of the connection pipe 134 disposed adjacent to the drain hose 130b, rather than the upper part of the connection pipe 134.

As shown in FIG. 6, a backflow prevention guide 142 may be connected with the connection pipe 134 adjacent to the drain hose 130b to facilitate proper connection between the condensed fluid drain hose 140 and the backflow prevention connector 130. More specifically, one end of the backflow prevention guide 142 may be connected to the condensed fluid drain hose 140, and the other end may be connected to the upper part of the connection pipe 134 adjacent to the drain hose 130b or to a position at a predetermined distance from the upper part of the connection pipe 134. The backflow prevention guide 142 may allow condensed fluid draining through the condensed fluid drain hose 140 to be directly guided to near the drain hose 130b, thus more effectively preventing backflow of the condensed fluid and improving drainage efficiency.

If a siphon brake is provided at the air suction guide 136, the condensed fluid drain hose 140 may be directly connected to the connector body 132 or the connection pipe 134 of the backflow prevention connector 130 as described above. On the other hand, if the air brake hose 137 is connected to the air suction guide 136, drainage of the condensed fluid may be performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, one end of the air brake hose 137 is connected to the air suction guide 136 and the other end is connected to the upper part of the tub 110. Alternatively, one end of the air brake hose 137 may be connected to a part of the connector body 132 distanced from the air suction guide 136 while the other end is connected to the upper part of the tub 110. Referring to FIG. 7, a T-branch or Y-branch pipe 138 may be connected with the condensed fluid drain hose 140 and the air brake hose 137. Since the air brake hose 137 is in fluid communication with the tub 110, the wash fluid may be prevented from draining from the backflow prevention connector 130 to the air brake hose 137 by air flowing in the air brake hose 137. On the other hand, air can flow from the tub 110 to the backflow prevention connector 130 because the air brake hose 137 is connected to the condensed fluid drain hose 140.

When condensed fluid flows into the air brake hose 137 through the T-branch or Y-branch pipe 138, the condensed fluid may be drained together with the wash fluid flowing into the connector body 132 by the main drain pump 150. Therefore, the T-branch or Y-branch pipe 138 may be interposed between the air brake hose 137 and the backflow prevention connector 130.

As described above, the condensed fluid generated by the heat pump module during the drying of laundry may be drained together with the wash fluid. That is, drainage of the condensed fluid may be achieved without a dedicated condensed fluid drain path.

In the combined condensing-type drying and washing machine as described above, a circulation path is provided to enable circulation of the air in the tub 110. When the air discharged from the tub 110 circulates through the circulation path, foreign substances such as dust and lint separated from the laundry are sometimes directed toward the heat pump. This may overload the heat pump or deteriorate the performance of the heat pump. To this end, a filter assembly may be provided to filter foreign substances such as lint from the circulation path. When more than a predetermined amount of foreign substances is attached to the filter assembly, the dried air may not be smoothly supplied through the circulation path unless the foreign substances need to be removed. However, it is inconvenient for the user to manually remove the foreign substances from the filter assembly. Accordingly, a filter structure as embodied and broadly described herein may automatically separate the foreign substances from the filter and discharge the foreign substances together with the wash fluid drained through the backflow prevention connector 130.

FIG. 9 illustrates a filter assembly of the washing machine according to an embodiment as broadly described herein.

The heat pump module 210 supplies dried and heated air into the tub 110 through an air supply path at an upper front part of the tub 110. After circulating through the tub 110, the air is discharged at an upper rear part of the tub 110 through an air discharge path 242. A drain path 106 (collectively including the backflow prevention connector, the discharge hose and the drain hose) extends from the lower part to the upper part of the tub 110 so as to drain the wash fluid from the inside of the tub 110.

A filter assembly 500 is positioned in the circulation path (not shown) of the air, and filters foreign substances such as lint from the air discharged from the tub 110. For example, the filter assembly 500 may be formed along the air discharge path 242, so that the air passes through the filter assembly 500 before flowing into the heat pump module 210. Since the air discharge path 242 is disposed adjacent to the drain path 106, the foreign substances separated by the filter assembly 500 can be discharged through the drain path that drains the wash fluid from the tub 110. As a result, a dedicated structure is not required to discharge the filtered foreign substances to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 9, the air discharge path 242 extends from the upper rear part of the tub 110 toward the heat pump module 210 in the second cabinet 20. If the second cabinet 20 is disposed under the first cabinet 10, the air discharge path 242 extends downward as shown in the drawing. The drain path 106 may be bent upward to form an inverted-U shape in order to prevent siphoning. Accordingly, the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 may have at least portions thereof disposed adjacent to each other at the rear side of the tub 110 as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the filter assembly 500 may be formed along the air discharge path 242, and more specifically, along the portion of the air discharge path 242 that is disposed adjacent to the drain path 106. When the filter assembly 500 is disposed adjacent to the drain path 106, the foreign substances removed by the filter assembly 500 may be discharged to the outside through the drain path 106. Furthermore, the foreign substances of the filter assembly 500 may be removed using the wash fluid draining through the drain path 106.

The filter assembly 500 shown in FIG. 9 may include a filter member 510 that may be selectively moved between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 to filter foreign substances from the air flowing through the air discharge path 242 and remove the foreign substances using the wash fluid flowing through the drain path 106. The filter member 510 may circulate between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 under the power of a circulation part including a rotating gear 520 rotated by a drive source such as a motor, and a driven gear 525 rotated in association with rotation of the rotating gear 520.

The filter member 510 may enclose the rotating gear 520 and the driven gear 525 so that when the rotating gear 520 is rotated by a motor, the driven gear 525 is accordingly rotated by the filter member 510. In this case, a portion of the air discharge path 242 to which the filter assembly 500 is mounted is positioned adjacent to the drain path 106. For example, the filter assembly 500 may be formed along a contacting portion between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106.

An opening 530 may be formed where the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 adjoin or contact each other, so that the filter member 510 can move through the opening 530. A single opening 530 may be provided. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, a pair of openings 530 may be formed to prevent the wash fluid in the drain path 106 from entering the air discharge path 242. In this case, the openings 530 may have a shape corresponding to a sectional shape of the filter member 510.

Although not shown, a shielding member may also be provided to prevent leakage of air from the air discharge path 242 through the opening 530 or leakage of wash fluid from the drain path 106. The shielding member would not completely cover the opening 530 but simply prevent passage of air and fluid as much as possible while still allowing for passage of the filter member 510 therethrough. For example, a flexible elastic member may be used for the shielding member.

Hereinafter, the operation of a filter assembly 500 according to an embodiment as broadly described herein will be provided.

First, air discharged from the tub 110 flows along the air discharge path 242, and foreign substances in the air are filtered by the filter member 510 and attached to an upper surface of the filter member 510. The amount of foreign substances attached to the filter member 510 increases as more air passes through the air discharge path 242. A controller (not shown) of the washing machine rotates the rotating gear 520 for a predetermined time period, for example, after a drying course is completed. The controller may be disposed in the air discharge path 242 and rotates the rotating gear 520 until a part of the filter member 510, to which the foreign substances are attached, is moved into the drain path 106. When the washing machine performs a course that drains the wash fluid, such as a rinsing course, the foreign substances attached to the filter member 510 are separated from the filter member 510 by the wash fluid flowing through the drain path 106, and are discharged through the drain path 106.

If the filter member 510 obstructs a large portion of the sectional area of the drain path 106, the wash fluid may not be effectively drained through the drain path 106. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, an expansion part 108 may be formed at a certain section of the drain path in which the filter member 510 is positioned/moved, the expansion part 108 having a larger diameter than remaining parts of the drain path 106. The filter member 510 covers only a part of the drain path 106 at the expansion part 108 so that wash fluid may be drained efficiently through the drain path 106.

Although the filter member 510 is cleaned by the draining wash fluid, foreign substances may still remain attached to the filter member 510. To this end, a cleaning part 540 may also be provided to remove the foreign substances not separated by the wash fluid but remaining on the filter member 510. The cleaning part 540 may be disposed at a number of positions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning part 540 is positioned along a lower one of the openings 530 to clean the filter member 510 moving from the drain path back into the air discharge path 242. If the cleaning part 540 is positioned in the drain path 106 adjacent to the lower opening 530, foreign substances removed by the cleaning part 540 may be discharged through the drain path 106 along with the wash fluid. When the cleaning part 540 is provided as described above, the filter member 510 is cleaned primarily by the wash fluid and then secondarily by the cleaning part 540, thus more effectively and efficiently removing foreign substances from the filter member 510.

FIG. 10 illustrates a filter assembly according to another embodiment as broadly described herein. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the filter assembly shown in FIG. 10 is distinctive in terms of a manner of moving the filter member.

The filter assembly shown in FIG. 10 may include a filter member 550 that rotates between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106, at corresponding portions where the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 adjoin each other. An opening 580 is formed at the corresponding portions where the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 adjoin so that the filter member 550 may be rotated in the opening 580.

The filter assembly may include a drive source that rotates the filter member 550, formed along a border between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106. According to this structure, the filter member 550 may be rotated by the operation of the drive source and thereby moved between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106.

The filter member 550 may extend radially about a driving shaft 562 of the drive source. The number of the filter members 550 extending from the driving shaft 562 is not specifically limited. For example, two filter members 550 or four filter members 550 may extend from the driving shaft 562. When two filter members 550 are provided, the filter members 550 may be arranged to form an angle of about 180° with each other. When four filter members 550 are provided, the filter members 550 may be in a cross arrangement to form an angle of about 90° therebetween, as shown in FIG. 10.

During operation, air discharged from the tub 110 is moved along the air discharge path 242, and foreign substances in the air are filtered by a third filter member 556. The filtered foreign substances are attached to an upper side of the third filter member 556 with respect to FIG. 10. The amount of foreign substances attached to the third filter member 556 gradually increases as more air passes through the air discharge path 242. The amount of foreign substances attached to a first filter member 552 disposed in the drain path in FIG. 10 are cleaned/removed from the first filter member 552 by the wash fluid drained from the tub 110 and flowing through the drain path 106.

The controller of the washing machine operates the driving part (not shown) for a predetermined time period, for example, after every drying course. When two filter members are provided, the controller may control the driving shaft 562 of the driving part (not shown) to rotate by about 180°. When four filter members are provided, the driving shaft 562 of the drive source may be rotated by about 90° or 180°.

When two filter members 550 are provided and the driving shaft 562 of the drive source is rotated by about 180°, the filter members 550 are rotated to be disposed in the air discharge path 242 after being cleaned, while the filter members having foreign substances attached thereto are disposed in the drain path 106 so as to be cleaned.

When four filter members 550 are provided and the driving shaft 562 of the drive source is rotated by about 90°, a fourth filter member 558, disposed corresponding to the border between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 is disposed in the air discharge path 242. On the other hand, the third filter member 556, to which the foreign substances are attached, is rotated and then disposed corresponding to the border between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106. In addition, a second filter member 554 disposed corresponding to the border between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 is rotated into the drain path 106, to be cleaned by the wash fluid.

FIG. 11 illustrates a filter assembly according to another embodiment as broadly described herein. This embodiment is distinctive from the previous embodiments in that it includes a removal part 620 that cleans the filter member and removes the foreign substances.

The filter assembly shown in FIG. 11 may include a filter member 610 disposed along the air discharge path 242 to filter foreign substances from air flowing therethrough, and the removal part 620 to remove foreign substances attached to the filter member 610. The removal part 620 may include a mover 630 that moves along the filter member 610 to collect the foreign substances, and a drive source that supplies a driving force for operating the mover 630.

The mover 630 moves horizontally in a reciprocating manner along an upper side of the filter member 610, thereby collecting and removing the foreign substances attached to the upper side of the filter member 610. An opening 640 may be formed at one side of the air discharge path 242, where the filter member 610 is positioned, to provide for fluid communication between the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106.

Accordingly, when the air discharged from the tub is filtered and the foreign substances are accumulated on the upper side of the filter member 610, the controller operates the mover 630, for example, from the left to the right with respect to FIG. 11. As the mover 630 is moved to the right, the foreign substances collected on the filter member 610 are separated from the filter member 630, are moved to the right by the mover 630, and are guided to the drain path 106 through the opening 640. After the foreign substances are thus removed, the controller separates the mover 630 from the opening 640, for example, by moving the mover 630 to the left with respect to FIG. 11, so as to perform cleaning for the next cycle. The foreign substances guided into the drain path 106 by the mover 630 are discharged to the outside of the washing machine along with the draining wash fluid.

Although not shown, if the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106 are positioned adjacent to each other, by not in contact with each other, a foreign-substance path (not shown) may be provided to interconnect the air discharge path 242 and the drain path 106. The foreign-substance path may be in fluid communication with the opening 640 so as to guide the foreign substances flowing into the foreign-substance path through the opening 640, to the drain path 106.

FIG. 12 illustrates a filter assembly according to another embodiment as broadly described herein. This embodiment is distinctive from previous embodiments in that cleaning of the filter assembly is performed by a rotating drum, as shown in FIG. 13.

A filter assembly as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may include a filter member 710 formed at the tub 110 along the air discharge path 242, and a cleaning member 720 formed at the drum 120 to clean the filter member 710 according to rotation of the drum 120.

More specifically, the tub 110 may include air discharge holes 104 foamed on a rear surface thereof that provide for fluid communication with the air discharge path 242. The filter member 710 is provided at the air discharge holes 104. The filter member 710 filters foreign substances from air discharged from the tub 110 to the air discharge path 242 through the air discharge holes 104. The filtered foreign substances are attached to an inner side of the filter member 710 facing the drum 120.

The cleaning member 720 is positioned at a rear side of the drum 120 corresponding to the air discharge holes 104, in order to clean the inner side of the filter member 710 facing the drum 120. That is, the cleaning member 720 is structured to rotate so that the locus of rotation of the cleaning member 720 passes through the air discharge holes 104 when the drum 120 rotates. In other words, the cleaning member 720 is rotated in association with the rotation of the drum 120, and passes through the filter member 710 while rotating. That is, the cleaning member 720 rotates the filter member 710 according to the rotation of the drum 120.

The cleaning member 720 may include a main body 722 connected to the air discharge hole 104 formed on the rear surface of the drum 120, and a brush 724 that extends from the main body 722. A length of the brush 724 may be greater than or equal to a distance between the rear surface of the drum 120 and the tub 110, such that an end of the brush 724 can reach and clean the filter member 710.

The cleaning member 720 is capable of removing foreign substances accumulated on the filter member 710 using the brush 724 according to the rotation of the drum 120. The foreign substances separated from the filter member 710 fall to the bottom of the tub 110 and are discharged out of the washing machine through the drain path 106 along with the wash fluid. As described above, the user does not have to directly remove the foreign substances. As a result, user convenience is improved.

A washing machine equipped with a drain system capable of efficiently draining condensed water discharged from a heat pump module is provided.

A washing machine as embodied and broadly described herein may include a cabinet constructing an external appearance thereof; a tub rotatably mounted in the cabinet to receive wash water; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub to receive laundry; a heat pump module mounted in the cabinet to supply hot air into the drum; and a backflow prevention connector mounted in the cabinet to prevent backflow of wash water draining from the tub, and further including a condensed water drain hose connected to a draining end of the backflow prevention connector to drain condensed water draining from the heat pump module.

The cabinet may include a first cabinet forming a first space and a second cabinet forming a second space, such that the tub, the drum and the backflow prevention connector are mounted in the first space while the heat pump module is mounted in the second space.

The backflow prevention connector may include a connector body having an inverted-U shape and mounted at an upper part of the first space; connection pipes bent downward form both ends of the connector body, including an inlet port formed at one of the connection pipes to guide in the wash water and an outlet port formed at the other one to drain the wash water; and an air suction part connected with an air brake hose connected to one side of the tub.

The condensed water hose may be connected to the outlet port of the backflow prevention connector, where a drain pressure is generated, so as to prevent backflow of the condensed water.

The condensed water drain hose may be connected to the connector body by one end thereof, to be apart from the air suction part.

The condensed water drain hose may be connected to an upper part of the connection pipe through which the wash water is drained.

The condensed water drain hose may drain the condensed water through a backflow prevention guide, one end of which is connected to a position at a predetermined distance from the upper part of the connection pipe that drains the wash water whereas the other end of which is connected to the condensed water drain hose.

The air brake hose may be connected to the air suction part or to a part of the connector body distanced from the air suction part.

The air brake hose may be equipped with a T-branch or Y-branch pipe connected to the condensed water drain hose.

A washing machine in accordance with another embodiment as broadly described herein may include a cabinet constructing an external appearance thereof; a tub mounted in the cabinet to receive wash water; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub to receive laundry; a heat pump module mounted in the cabinet to supply hot air into the drum; and a backflow prevention connector mounted in the cabinet to prevent backflow of wash water draining from the tub, and further including a condensed water drain hose connected to one end of the backflow prevention connector to drain condensed water draining from the heat pump module.

The backflow prevention connector may include a connector body having an inverted-U shape and mounted at an upper part of the first space; connection pipes bent downward form both ends of the connector body, so that the wash water is guided in through one of the connection pipes and is discharged through the other one; and an air suction part connected with an air brake hose connected to one side of the tub.

The condensed water drain hose may be selectively connected to any one of the connector body, the connection pipes, and the air brake hose.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, numerous variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A washer and dryer, comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub installed in the cabinet and configured to receive wash fluid therein;

a drum rotatably installed in the tub;

a heat pump module installed in the cabinet and configured to supply hot air into the drum;

a backflow prevention connector coupled to the cabinet and in fluid communication with the tub; and a condensed fluid drain hose coupled to a draining portion of the backflow prevention connector.

2. The washer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a first cabinet that defines a first space and a second cabinet coupled to the first cabinet that defines a second space, wherein the tub, the drum and the backflow prevention connector are installed in the first space and the heat pump module is installed in the second space.

3. The washer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the condensed fluid drain hose has a first end thereof in fluid communication with the heat pump module, and a second end thereof coupled to the backflow prevention connector, wherein the condensed fluid drain hose directs condensed fluid generated by operation of the heat pump module to the backflow prevention connector for discharge from the combined washing and drying machine together with used wash fluid.

4. The washer and dryer of claim 3, wherein the backflow prevention connector comprises:

a connector body installed in an upper portion of the cabinet, wherein the connector body has an inverted U-shape;

a pair of connection pipes that extend downward from two opposite ends of the connector body, including a first connection pipe that forms an inlet port that guides wash fluid into the backflow prevention connector and a second connection pipe that forms an outlet port through which wash fluid is drained from the backflow prevention connector; and

an air suction part coupled to an air brake hose that is in turn coupled to the tub.

5. The washer and dryer of claim 4, further comprising a first drain hose that directs waste wash fluid accumulated in the tub to the inlet port, wherein the waste wash fluid supplied to the backflow prevention connector through the first drain hose and the condensed fluid supplied to the backflow prevention connector through the condensed fluid drain hose are discharged from the machine together through a second drain hose coupled to the outlet port.

6. The washer and dryer of claim 4, wherein the second end of the condensed fluid hose is connected to the outlet port of the backflow prevention connector such that a drain pressure generated therein prevents backflow of the condensed fluid.

7. The washer and dryer of claim 6, wherein the second end of the condensed fluid drain hose is connected to an upper portion of the second connection pipe through which the wash fluid is drained.

8. The washer and dryer of claim 7, further comprising a backflow prevention guide that couples the condensed fluid drain hose to the backflow prevention connector, the backflow prevention guide having a first end connected to the backflow prevention connector at a predetermined distance from an upper portion of the second connection pipe and a second end connected to the condensed fluid drain hose.

9. The washer and dryer of claim 4, wherein the air brake hose is equipped with a T-branch or Y-branch pipe connected to the condensed fluid drain hose.

10. The washer and dryer of claim 4, wherein the second end of the condensed fluid drain hose is connected to the connector body, at a position spaced apart from the air suction part.

11. A washing machine, comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub installed in the cabinet;

a drum rotatably installed in the tub;

a heat pump module coupled to the cabinet and configured to supply hot air into the drum; and

a backflow prevention connector having an inlet end in communication with the tub, and an outlet end in communication with an outside of the washing machine; and

a condensed fluid drain hose connected to the backflow prevention connector, wherein the condensed fluid drain hose guides condensed fluid from the heat pump module to the backflow prevention connector.

12. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the backflow prevention connector comprises:

a connector body having an inverted-U shape and mounted at an upper part of the first space;

connection pipes bent downward form both ends of the connector body, so that the wash water is guided in through one of the connection pipes and is discharged through the other one; and

a pressure regulator provided at the connector body to regulate a pressure within the backflow prevention connector and prevent backflow of fluid in the backflow prevention connector.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the pressure regulator comprises:

an air suction guide; and

an air brake hose coupled to the air suction guide, the air suction guide having a first end directly connected to an intermediate portion of the connector body and a second end coupled to the air brake hose, and the air brake hose having a first end connected to the second end of the air suction guide and a second end coupled to the tub, wherein the air suction guide and the air brake hose provide for air flow between the tub and the backflow prevention connector so as to control pressure in the backflow prevention connector and prevent backflow of fluid therein.

14. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the pressure regulator comprises an air brake hose having a first end coupled to the connector body, at a position spaced apart from the condensed fluid drain hose, and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the tub, wherein the air brake hose provides for air flow between the tub and the backflow prevention connector so as to control pressure in the backflow prevention connector and prevent backflow of fluid therein.

15. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the condensed fluid drain hose is selectively connected to one of the connector body or one of the pair of connection pipes.

16. The washing machine of claim 15, further comprising a T-branch or a Y-branch pipe having a first end coupled to the backflow prevention connector, and second end coupled to the condensed fluid drain hose, and a third end coupled to the air brake hose so as to couple the condensed fluid drain hose and the air brake hose to the backflow prevention connector.

17. The washing machine of claim 16, further comprising an intermediate pipe that couples the T-branch or Y-branch pipe to the backflow prevention connector.

18. A combined washing and drying machine, comprising:

a tub provided in a cabinet;

a drum rotatably coupled to the tub;

a fluid supply in fluid communication with the tub to supply wash fluid to the tub and drum for a washing operation;

a heat pump module in air flow communication with the tub to supply air to the tub and drum for a drying operation; and

a filter assembly that filters particles from air discharged from the drum during the drying operation, and that removes particles accumulated thereon while the machine continues to operate.

19. The combined washing and drying machine of claim 18, wherein the filter assembly automatically removes particles accumulated thereon during a subsequent portion of a washing operation.

20. The combined washing and drying machine of claim 18, wherein the filter assembly includes a driver that moves the filter assembly so as to remove the accumulated particles therefrom as the machine continues to operate.