Washing machine

A washing machine includes a housing; a drum disposed inside the housing and including a rotation shaft that extends in a vertical direction; and a filter unit disposed at an inner wall of the drum, configured to filter washing water flowing in a circumferential direction of the drum and to discharge the washing water in a radial direction inside of the drum. Accordingly, when a water current is formed inside the drum in the circumferential direction of the drum, the filter unit is disposed inside the drum so that foreign substances in the washing water rotated in the circumferential direction of the drum can be easily filtered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0178555, filed on Dec. 23, 2016 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The following description relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine having a plurality of washing apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a washing machine is a machine that washes laundry by rotating a cylindrical drum containing laundry. Types of washing machines include a type of washing machine in which a drum is disposed approximately horizontally and rotates around a horizontal axis, causing laundry to rise and fall along an inner circumferential surface of the drum so that the laundry can be washed, and another type of washing machine in which a drum having a pulsator disposed therein is disposed approximately vertically and laundry is washed using a water current generated by the pulsator when the drum is rotated around a vertical axis.

A washing machine in which the drum is disposed horizontally is referred to as a front loading washing machine because a laundry port is formed in the front of the washing machine, and a washing machine in which the drum is disposed vertically is referred to as a top loading washing machine because a laundry port is formed at an upper portion of the washing machine.

However, because a washing machine according to the related art has only one washing device, when laundry needs to be separated and washed, a user has to use the washing machine twice or more. Thus, the user needs to use the washing machine for a long time even though there may be a relatively small amount of laundry.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a washing machine having a plurality of washing apparatuses.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a washing machine in which foreign substances can be easily collected inside a washing device disposed at an upper portion of the washing machine among a plurality of washing apparatuses provided in the washing machine.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a washing machine in which a washing device disposed at an upper portion of the washing machine among a plurality of washing apparatuses provided in the washing machine can be stably driven.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes: a housing; a drum disposed inside the housing and including a rotation shaft that extends in a vertical direction; and a filter unit disposed at an inner wall of the drum, configured to filter washing water flowing in a circumferential direction of the drum and to discharge the washing water in an inward radial direction inside of the drum.

The filter unit may include: a first opening opened toward one side of the filter unit with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum; a discharge portion configured to discharge the washing water, flowing through the first opening, in an inward radial direction inside of the drum; and a first valve member configured to allow the washing water flowing through the first opening to flow into the discharge portion.

The filter unit may include: a second opening opened toward an opposite side of the filter unit with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum; and a second valve member configured to allow the washing water flowing through the second opening to flow into the discharge portion.

When the washing water flows into the filter unit through the first opening, the second valve member may prevent the washing water flowing into the filter unit from flowing into the second opening and may be configured to guide the washing water toward the discharge portion.

When the washing water flows into the filter unit through the second opening, the first valve member may prevent the washing water flowing into the filter unit from flowing into the first opening and may be configured to guide the washing water toward the discharge portion.

The filter unit may further include a first frame, a second frame rotatably coupled to the first frame and having the discharge portion formed therein, and a cover member configured to cover the first frame and the second frame.

The filter unit may further include a filter member configured to filter foreign substances in the washing water and disposed between the first frame and the second frame, and the filter member may be exposed when the second frame is rotated toward the rotation shaft.

The washing water flowing into the filter unit through the first opening or the second opening may transmit the filter member and may be discharged toward an outside of the filter unit through the discharge portion.

The first opening may be disposed in one side of the cover member, and the second opening may be disposed in an opposite side of the cover member.

The first valve member and the second valve member may be supported on the second frame.

The filter unit may further include a hook member configured to be hook-coupled to an inner wall of the drum.

The filter unit may protrude from the inner wall of the drum facing a rotation shaft of the drum.

The washing machine may further include: a driving shaft configured to transfer a rotational force generated in a driving motor to the drum; and a driving shaft flange configured to connect the driving shaft to the drum, wherein a distance from a central side of the driving shaft flange to an outermost end of the driving shaft flange in a radial direction of the drum is equal to or less than ½ of a radius of the drum.

The driving shaft flange may include a first surface, a second surface parallel to the first surface, and a connection portion formed perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface and connecting the first surface to the second surface.

The washing machine may further include: a lower drum disposed at a lower side of the drum and including a rotation shaft that extends in a forward/backward direction; a first door opened upward so that laundry is put into the drum through the first door; and a second door opened forward so that the laundry is put into the lower drum through the second door.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes: a housing; a drum disposed inside the housing and including a rotation shaft that extends in a vertical direction; and a filter unit disposed at an inner wall of the drum, configured to filter washing water flowing in a circumferential direction of the drum, wherein the filter unit includes: a first valve member disposed at one side of the filter unit in the circumferential direction of the drum, configured to let through the washing water flowing into one side of the filter unit and to prevent the washing water flowing into the other side of the filter unit from flowing into the one side of the filter unit; and a second valve member disposed at the other side of the filter unit in the circumferential direction of the drum, configured to let through the washing water flowing into the other side of the filter unit and to prevent the washing water flowing into the one side of the filter unit from flowing into the other side of the filter unit.

The filter unit may further include a discharge portion, which is formed facing a rotation shaft of the drum and through which the washing water flowing into the filter unit is discharged, and the second valve member may guide the washing water flowing into one side of the filter unit to flow into the discharge portion.

The first valve member may guide the washing water flowing into the other side of the filter unit to flow into the discharge portion.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes: a first drum including a rotation shaft that extends in a vertical direction; a second drum disposed at a lower side of the first drum and including a rotation shaft that extends in a forward/backward direction; a housing configured to cover the first drum and the second drum and including a first opening opened upward to correspond to the first drum and a second opening opened forward to correspond to the second drum; and a filter unit disposed at an inner wall of the first drum, configured to filter washing water flowing in a circumferential direction of the first drum and to discharge the washing water in an inward radial direction inside of the first drum.

The washing machine may further include: a driving shaft disposed between the first drum and the second drum and configured to transfer a rotational force generated in a driving motor to the first drum; and a driving shaft flange disposed at a bottom end of the first drum to connect the driving shaft to the first drum, wherein a distance from a central side of the driving shaft flange to an outermost end of the driving shaft flange in a radial direction of the first drum is equal to or less than ½ of a radius of the first drum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described in the present specification and configuration shown in the drawings are just exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and there may be various modifications that may replace the embodiments of the present specification and the drawings at the time of filing the present application.

Like reference numerals or symbols in each of the drawings of the present specification represent components or elements that perform materially the same functions.

It will be understood that although the terms first and second are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms used herein, such as a “front end”, a “rear end”, an “upper portion”, a “lower portion”, a “top end”, and a “bottom end”, are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by the terms.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG. 2is a view of a first washing device and a second washing device of the washing machine illustrated inFIG. 1that are separated from each other, andFIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine ofFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 3, a washing machine1may include a front loading type of first washing device in which a laundry port is formed in front of a first washing space115, and a top loading type of second washing device in which the laundry port is formed at an upper portion of a second washing space215.

The washing machine1may include a first drum110having the first washing space115formed therein, and a first tub120in which the first drum110is accommodated and washing water or rinsing water to be used in a washing operation or a rinsing operation is stored. The first drum110and the first tub120may have a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one surface of the first drum110and the first tub120is open, and the open surface may face the front. In detail, the first drum110may include an opening114which is formed in the front of the washing machine1and through which laundry is to be put into the first drum110, and the first tub120may include an opening123which is formed in the front of the washing machine1and through which the laundry is to be put into the first tub120.

The washing machine1may include a first housing130in which the first drum110and the first tub120are disposed. In detail, the first housing130having an open top portion may include a pair of first side plates131that form side surfaces of the first housing130, a first rear plate134that forms a rear surface of the first housing130, and a lower plate132that forms a bottom surface of the first housing130. The pair of first side plates131and the first rear plate134may be integrally formed.

In addition, the washing machine1may include a spring151and a damper150that are capable of supporting the first tub120in the first housing130. The damper150may support the first tub120at a lower side of the first housing130by connecting an outside surface of the first tub120to the lower plate132, and the spring151may support the first tub120at an upper side of the first housing130by connecting the outside surface of the first tub120to a spring coupling portion133disposed at an upper portion of the first side plate131. The spring151and the damper150may alleviate vibration, noise, and shock that occur due to a movement of the first tub120.

An installation position of the spring151and the damper150is not limited to the upper portion of the first side plates131and the lower plate132, and the first tub120may also be supported by connecting one side surface of the first tub120and another portion of the first housing130if necessary.

The washing machine1may include a first driving motor140that is disposed behind the first tub120and rotates the first drum110. A first driving shaft141for transferring power of the first driving motor140may be connected to a rear surface of the first drum110.

A plurality of first through holes111through which washing water flows may be formed in a circumference of the first drum110. A plurality of lifters113may be installed at an inner circumferential surface of the first drum110so that, when the first drum110is rotated, the laundry can be lifted and dropped. A first balancer112may be mounted on the front of the first drum110so that the first drum110can be stably rotated during high-speed rotation.

A first driving shaft141may be disposed between the first drum110and the first driving motor140. One end of the first driving shaft141is connected to a rear plate of the first drum110, and the other end of the first driving shaft141extends to an outside of a rear wall of the first tub120. When the first driving motor140drives the first driving shaft141, the first drum110connected to the first driving shaft141is rotated around the first driving shaft141.

A bearing housing142may be installed at the rear wall of the first tub120to rotatably support the first driving shaft141. The bearing housing142may be formed of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into the rear wall of the first tub120when the first tub120is injection-molded. Bearings143are installed between the bearing housing142and the first driving shaft141so that the first driving shaft141can be smoothly rotated.

The washing machine1may include a function of washing the laundry with high-temperature water. In order to attain high-temperature water, a heater180may be disposed at a bottom surface of the first tub120to heat washing water or rinsing water accommodated in the first tub120.

The washing machine1may include a first drainage pump170, which is disposed below the first tub120and discharges water inside the first tub120out of the washing machine1; a first connection hose171, which connects a first drain173of the first tub120to the first drainage pump170so that water inside the first tub120can flow into the first drainage pump170; a circulation hose174, which connects the first drainage pump170to the first tub120so that water that flows into the first drainage pump170can be circulated into the first tub120; and first drainage holes172, which guide water pumped by the first drainage pump170out of the washing machine1.

The washing machine1may include a front cover40having a first laundry port41through which the laundry can be put into the washing machine1and which is formed in the first washing space115, and a first door160for opening/closing the first laundry port41may be coupled to the front cover40.

The first door160may correspond to the first laundry port41and may be rotated with respect to the front cover40. The first door160may include a first door frame161, a first door cover162, and a door glass163.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first door frame161has an approximately annular shape but may also have an approximately rectangular shape. The first door cover162and the door glass163may be formed of a transparent material so that a user can see an inside of the first drum110from the outside of the washing machine1even when the first door160closes the first laundry port41. The door glass163may protrude from the first door frame161convexly toward the inside of the first drum110. Through this configuration, the door glass163may be inserted into an inside of the first laundry port41when the first door160is closed.

A first hinge (not shown) is disposed on the periphery of the first laundry port41so that the first door160can be rotated with respect to the front cover40. The first hinge is coupled to a first hinge coupling portion (not shown) formed at one side of the first door frame161. A first hook166is disposed at the other side of the first door frame161, and a first hook accommodation portion42is disposed at the front cover40to correspond to the first hook166so that the first door160can be able to close the first laundry port41.

The first door160may include an auxiliary laundry port167, and an auxiliary door164for opening/closing the auxiliary laundry port167so that, even when the first door160is closed, the laundry can be put into the first washing space115. The auxiliary door164may be rotatably mounted on the first door cover162.

The laundry needs to pass through the door glass163so that the laundry can be put into the washing machine1through the auxiliary laundry port167of the first door160. To this end, a glass through-hole168is formed in the door glass163. As an alternative, an upper portion of the door glass163may be sunken so that no door glass can be disposed behind the auxiliary laundry port167.

In order to connect the auxiliary laundry port167of the first door160to the glass through-hole168of the door glass163, the first door160may include a connection guide portion165. The connection guide portion165may have both opened ends and a shape of a tube with a hollow portion.

In detail, one end of the connection guide portion165is connected to the auxiliary laundry port167, and the other end of the connection guide portion165is connected to the glass-through hole168. In the current embodiment, the connection guide portion165may be inclined downward from the front to the rear. That is, one end of the connection guide portion165connected to the auxiliary laundry port167may be higher than the other end thereof. Through this configuration, the user may put the laundry into the inside of the first drum110through the auxiliary laundry port167easily.

In the current embodiment, the auxiliary door164is provided in the first door160. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first door160may be configured without an auxiliary laundry port, an auxiliary door, or a connection guide portion.

The washing machine1may include a diaphragm121disposed between the first laundry port41of the front cover40and the opening123of the first tub120. The diaphragm121may form a path from the first laundry port41to the opening114of the first drum110and may reduce vibration transferred to the front cover40when the first drum110is rotated. Also, a portion of the diaphragm121may be disposed between the first door160and the front cover40so that washing water in the first tub120can be prevented from leaking out of the washing machine1.

The washing machine1may include a second drum210having a second washing space215formed therein, and a second tub220in which the second drum210is accommodated and washing water or rinsing water to be used in a washing operation or rinsing operation is stored. The second drum210and the second tub220may have a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one side surface thereof is open, and the open side surface may face upward.

The washing machine1may include a second housing230in which the second drum210and the second tub220are disposed and which has an open lower portion. In detail, the second housing230may include a lower frame231, which has open upper and lower portions and on which the second tub220is supported, and an upper frame232having a second laundry port234, which is formed in the second washing space215and through which the laundry can be put into the washing machine1, the upper frame232being mounted on an upper portion of the lower frame231. Also, the second housing230may include a side cover233that forms the exterior of a left side surface and a right side surface.

The washing machine1may include a second door260, which is disposed in the second housing230and opens/closes the second laundry port234. The second door260may correspond to the second laundry port234and may be rotated with respect to the upper frame232. The second door260may include a second door frame261and a second door cover262. The second door cover262may be formed of a transparent material so that, even when the second door260closes the second laundry port234, the user can see through the second tub220and the second drum210from the outside of the washing machine1.

Second hinges (not shown) are provided at both left and right sides of the second door frame261so that the second door260can be rotated with respect to the upper frame232. The second hinges are coupled to a second hinge coupling portion (not shown) formed on the periphery of the second laundry port234. A latch accommodation portion263may be provided in front of the second door frame261, and a latch device (not shown) may be provided in the upper frame232to correspond to the latch accommodation portion263of the second door frame261so that the second door260can be able to close the second laundry port234.

The second drum210may have a cylindrical shape with an open top surface and may be rotated inside the second tub220. A plurality of second through-holes211through which washing water flows may be formed in side surfaces and a bottom surface of the second drum210. A second balancer212may be mounted on an upper portion of the second drum210so that the second drum210can be stably rotated during high-speed rotation. A curved portion213for generating a water current may be formed on the bottom surface of the second drum210.

A filter unit300may be attached to an inside surface of the second drum210to filter foreign substances that may appear during washing. The filter unit300will be described below in detail.

The second tub220may have a cylindrical shape and may be supported on the lower frame231by using a suspension device250. In detail, the second tub220may be supported in a suspended form on the lower frame231by four suspension devices250. A third laundry port214may be disposed at a top surface of the second tub220to correspond to the second laundry port234, and a third door280for opening/closing the third laundry port214may be coupled to the third laundry port214.

The third door280may include a third door frame281and a third door cover282. The third door cover282may be formed of a transparent material so that, even when the third door280closes the third laundry port214, the user can see the inside of the second drum210from the outside of the second tub220.

A third hinge (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the third laundry port214so that the third door280can be rotated with respect to the second tub220. The third hinge is coupled to a third hinge coupling portion (not shown) formed at one side of the third door frame281. A handle283for opening the third door280may be provided at the other side of the third door frame281, and a second hook284may be provided at the handle283. A second hook accommodation portion (not shown) may be provided in the second tub220to correspond to the second hook284so that the third door280can be able to close the third laundry port214. When the handle283is pulled, the second hook284can be separated from the second hook accommodation portion and thus the third door280can be opened.

The washing machine1may include a second driving motor240, which is disposed outside a lower side of the second tub220and rotates the second drum210. A second driving shaft241for transferring power of the second driving motor240may be connected to the bottom surface of the second drum210. One end of the second driving shaft241is connected to a bottom surface plate of the second drum210, and the other end of the second driving shaft241extends toward an outside of a lower wall of the second tub220. When the second driving motor240drives the second driving shaft241, the second drum210connected to the second driving shaft241is rotated around the second driving shaft241.

The washing machine1may include a second drainage pump270, which is disposed below the second tub220and discharges water inside the second tub220out of the washing machine1, and a second drainage hose272, which guides water pumped by the second drainage pump270out of the washing machine1. In detail, the second drainage pump270may be mounted on an upper portion of the first housing130.

A second drainage273through which water in the second tub220can be discharged may be formed at a bottom surface of the second tub220, and the second drainage273and the second drainage pump270may be connected to each other by using a second connection hose271so that water in the second tub220can flow into the second drainage pump270.

The washing machine1may include a water supply device400that is capable of supplying washing water to the first tub120and the second tub220. The water supply device400may be disposed in the second housing230. In detail, the water supply device400may be disposed in the upper frame232, and behind the second laundry port234.

In addition, the laundry1may include a detergent supply device500that is capable of supplying detergent to the first tub120. The detergent supply device500may be disposed in the second housing230. In detail, the detergent supply device500may be disposed in the upper frame232, and in front of the second laundry port234.

The washing machine1may include a fixing bracket30that couples the first housing130to the second housing230so that the first housing130and the second housing230cannot be separated from each other. The fixing bracket30may be coupled to the front of the first housing130and the front of the second housing230.

In addition, the washing machine1may include a control panel50, which is disposed on the front cover40and through which the washing machine1can be operated. The control panel50may include an input unit through which operation instructions for the washing machine1can be input from the user, and a display unit on which operation information about the washing machine1is displayed.

Hereinafter, the filter unit300disposed inside the second drum210will be described in detail.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a configuration of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1,FIG. 5is a view showing a state in which a filter of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1is disposed inside a second drum,FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the filter of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 7is a view showing a state in which the filter of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 6has been opened.

A fully automatic washing machine according to the related art includes a pulsator disposed inside a drum. The pulsator is rotated at a lower portion of the drum and forms a water current in a vertical direction so that washing water and the laundry are stirred and the laundry can be washed.

In order to prevent foreign substances from flowing into the drum together with the washing water while the laundry is being washed, a filter that filters upward-flowing washing water into the drum is provided at an upper portion of the drum.

Alternatively, a filter is provided outside the drum to filter the washing water flowing through an additional flow path. The filter filters the washing water flowing upward by use of the pulsator, and the washing water flows downward again and flows into the drum.

The washing machine1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include both the first drum110of a drum-type washing machine having a rotation shaft that extends in a forward/backward direction, and the second drum210of a fully automatic-type washing machine, which is disposed at an upper side of the first drum110and has a rotation shaft that extends in the vertical direction.

Thus, both the first drum110and the second drum210may be disposed inside a housing of one washing machine1, and no pulsator may be disposed inside the second drum210due to a limitation of a space in the vertical direction, and a water current may be formed due to a rotational force of the second drum210so that the laundry can be washed.

Thus, no water current may be formed in the vertical direction but a water current may be formed in a direction opposite a rotation direction of the second drum210.

In order to filter foreign substances in the water current formed in a direction opposite the rotation direction of the second drum210, the filter unit300may be disposed at an inner wall216of the second drum210, i.e., inside the second drum210to filter foreign substances that flow in due to the water current formed in the direction opposite the rotation direction of the second drum210.

However, the filter unit300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be included not only in the washing machine1including a plurality of drums110and210as described above, but also in a washing machine having one drum in which a water current is formed in a circumferential direction of the drum.

In detail, the filter unit300may be disposed at the inner wall216of the second drum210, as illustrated inFIG. 4. The filter unit300may include a hook member315that extends from a rear side surface of the filter unit300. The hook member315may be hook-coupled to a hook groove217formed in one side of the inner wall216so that the filter unit300can be disposed at an inside surface of the inner wall216.

In addition, the rear side surface of the filter unit300and the inner wall216may be screw-coupled to each other so that the filter unit300can be stably supported on the inner wall216of the second drum210.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the filter unit300may include a first opening311disposed in one side of the filter unit300in the circumferential direction of the second drum210. When the second drum210is rotated in one direction R, due to a rotational force of the second drum210, the washing water inside the second drum210may form a water current W rotating in direction opposite a rotation direction R of the second drum210.

In this case, the water current W rotating in the direction opposite the rotation direction R of the second drum210may pass through a first opening311of the filter unit300along the inner wall216of the second drum210and may flow into the filter unit300.

The washing water flowing into the filter unit300may be discharged out of the filter unit300through a discharge portion335formed in an inward radial direction inside of the second drum210.

That is, the washing water may rotate in the circumferential direction of the second drum210and flow into the filter unit300in the circumferential direction of the second drum210, and when foreign substances are filtered inside the filter unit300, a flow direction of the washing water may be changed and the washing water may be discharged by the filter unit300in an inward radial direction inside of the second drum210.

A first valve member341may be disposed at one side of the filter unit300so that the washing water introduced through the first opening311flows into the discharge portion335. However, the washing water flowing into the inside of the filter unit300is limited to being discharged through the first opening311so that a direction of a water current of the washing water can be changed. This will now be described in detail.

In addition, the filter unit300may be disposed to protrude inward from the inner wall216of the second drum210. The water current W may be formed in the circumferential direction of the second drum210, as described above. Thus, the laundry may be moved in the circumferential direction of the second drum210together with the water current W and washed.

In this case, the water current W of the washing water is formed only in one direction of the circumferential direction of the second drum210or an opposite direction thereto so that the laundry can be rotated together with the water current W in a state in which the laundry is crumpled, and thus efficiency of washing can deteriorate.

However, because the filter unit300protrudes toward the inside of the second drum210, the filter unit300may collide with the laundry rotated together with the water current W so that the laundry can be dispersed. Thus, the filter unit300performs a function of dispersing the rotated laundry so that washing efficiency of the laundry can be improved.

The filter unit300may filter foreign substances that exist in the washing water and may change the flow direction of the water current W as described above so that the laundry and the washing water are stirred in various directions and thus efficiency of washing can be improved.

As described above, the filter unit300includes only one first opening311through which only the washing water flowing in a direction opposite the rotation direction R of the second drum210flows into the filter unit300.

However, although not shown inFIG. 5, the filter unit300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second opening312provided in an opposite side of the first opening311so that, when the second drum210is rotated in the opposite direction, the washing water flowing in a direction opposite a rotation direction of the second drum210may flow into the filter unit300. Also, the filter unit300includes a second valve member342disposed adjacent to the second opening312to guide the washing water flowing into the second opening312into the discharge portion335and not be discharged through the second opening312.

The second drum210is rotated in one direction R and a direction opposite a rotation direction of the second drum210during a washing operation to change a washing water current. The washing water flows into the second drum210through the first opening311and the second opening312regardless of the rotation direction of the second drum210so that the filter unit300may perform filtering of the washing water.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the filter member300may include a cover member310that has one side having a first opening311formed therein and the other side having a second opening312formed therein and covers a first frame320and a second frame330.

The cover member310may form a space for filtering by the filter member350when a flow direction of the washing water flowing through the first opening311or the second opening312is changed. A rear side surface of the cover member310is open but may be closed by the inner wall216of the second drum210, and a front side of the cover member310may include an opening portion313through which the second frame330is exposed.

The first frame320may be disposed inside the cover member310. The first frame320may rotatably support the second frame330. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the second frame330may also be rotatably supported on the cover member310.

The first frame320may include an exit prevention member321disposed at a rear side surface of the first frame320to prevent collected foreign substances from flowing to the rear side surface of the filter unit300. The exit prevention member321may include a mesh member to prevent the foreign substances collected by the filter member350from flowing into the second drum210through the rear side surface of the filter unit300.

Rotation protrusions322may be provided on one side of the first frame320so that the second frame330can be rotatably coupled to the first frame320. A pair of rotation protrusions322may be formed at upper and lower sides of the first frame320, and an insertion groove (not shown) into which the pair of rotation protrusions322are inserted may be formed in the second frame330so that the second frame330can be rotatably coupled, centering on the rotation protrusions322, to the first frame320.

A fixing portion323may be provided at the other side of the first frame320so that the second frame330can be kept fixed to the first frame320. The fixing portion323may be hook-coupled to the first frame320so that the second frame330can be kept coupled to the first frame320in a state in which it is adjacent to the first frame320.

When the user presses one side of the second frame330, the second frame330may separate from the fixing portion323and rotate with respect to the first frame320.

The second frame330may be coupled to the first frame320, as described above. A discharge portion335through which the washing water flows into the filter unit300may be provided at a front surface of the second frame330. The discharge portion335may be formed by a plurality of discharge ports336.

The discharge portion335may be formed in an inward direction of a radius of the second drum210or facing a rotation shaft A of the second drum210. Thus, the flow direction of the washing water flowing in the circumferential direction of the second drum210may be changed to an inward radial direction of the second drum210.

As described above, the insertion groove (not shown) into which the rotation protrusions322are inserted may be provided at one side of the second frame330, and a handle331through which the user can rotate the second frame330may be provided at the other side of the second frame330.

The second frame330may support the first valve member341and the second valve member342. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first valve member341and the second valve member342may be supported on the first frame320or the cover member310. The first valve member341and the second valve member342will now be described in detail.

A filter member350, through which foreign substances are filtered before the washing water flowing into the filter unit300is discharged through the discharge portion335, may be disposed at the rear side surface of the second frame330. The filter member350may be disposed between the first frame320and the second frame330.

The filter member350may be disposed in a position corresponding to the rear side surface discharge portion335of the second frame330. As described above, the water current that occurs in the second drum210may be formed in the circumferential direction of the second drum210, and the washing water flowing into the filter unit300in the circumferential direction of the second drum210may be discharged by the filter member350through the discharge portion335via the filter member350.

Thus, the washing water flowing into the filter unit300through the first opening311or the second opening312may permeate the filter unit350and may be discharged out of the filter unit300through the discharge portion335.

The filter member350may include a plurality of fine through-holes like the mesh member. Thus, the foreign substances in the washing water that permeates the filter member350may be collected in the filter member350, and only washing water that does not include foreign substances may flow into the second drum210through the discharge portion335.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the user may rotate the second frame330by gripping the handle331of the second frame330. The second frame330may be disposed in the opening portion313of the cover member310and exposed. Thus, the user may rotate the second frame330by gripping the handle331.

When the second frame330is rotated, the filter member350disposed at the rear side surface of the second frame330may also be rotated together with the second frame330and exposed. Thus, the user may easily clean the filter unit300by removing the foreign substances that have been collected in the filter member350or the foreign substances collected by the filter member350between the first frame320and the filter member350.

Hereinafter, the first valve member341and the second valve member342will be described in detail.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of a state in which washing water flows into one side of the filter of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 6, andFIG. 9is a cross-sectional view of a state in which washing water flows into the other side of the filter of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 6.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, when the second drum210is rotated in one direction R, the water current W is formed in a direction opposite the rotation direction R of the second drum210. Thus, the water current W may flow into the filter unit300through the first opening311of the filter unit300.

The washing water flowing into the first opening311presses the first valve member341, disposed adjacent to the first opening311, in a direction opposite the rotation direction R of the second drum210so that the first valve member341may be disposed in an open position O and the washing water may flow into a collecting portion325formed between the first frame320and the second frame330.

One side of the collecting portion325is opened from the outside of the filter unit300by using the first valve member341, and the other side of the collecting portion325is closed from the outside of the filter unit300when the second valve member342is in a closed position C.

The second valve member342may not be moved to the open position O but may be maintained in the closed position C when the second valve member342is pressed by the washing water in the direction opposite the rotation direction R of the second drum210.

Thus, the washing water flowing into the collecting portion325does not flow into the second opening312but may be guided by the second valve member342to flow into the discharge portion335.

Conversely, as illustrated inFIG. 9, when the second drum210is rotated in the opposite direction R′, the water current W is formed in a direction opposite a rotation direction R′ of the second drum210. Thus, the water current W may flow into the filter unit300through the second opening312of the filter unit300.

The washing water flowing into the second opening312presses the second valve member342, disposed adjacent to the second opening312, in a direction opposite the rotation direction R′ of the second drum210so that the second valve member342may be in the open position O and the washing water may flow into the collecting portion325.

One side of the collecting portion325is opened from the outside of the filter unit300by using the second valve member342, contrary to the illustration inFIG. 8, and the other side of the collecting portion325is closed from the outside of the filter unit300when the first valve member341is in the closed position C.

The first valve member341may not be moved to the open position O and may be kept in the closed position C when the first valve member341is pressed by the washing water in a direction opposite the rotation direction R′ of the second drum210.

Thus, the washing water flowing into the collecting portion325through the second opening312does not flow into the first opening311but may be guided by the first valve member341and into the discharge portion335.

Hereinafter, a driving shaft flange290that connects the second driving shaft241, which is for transferring a rotational force to the second drum210, to the second drum210will be described in detail.

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the configuration of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1,FIG. 11is a perspective view of a driving shaft flange of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1, andFIG. 12is a bottom view of a portion of the configuration of the second washing device of the washing machine ofFIG. 1.

The driving shaft flange290may connect the second drum210to the second driving shaft241so that the rotational force generated by the second driving motor240may be transferred to the second drum210via the second driving shaft241.

A driving shaft flange of a conventional fully automatic washing machine is formed as a structure that is disposed in the entire area of a lower portion of a drum to ensure rigidity and has a predetermined height in a vertical direction to ensure rigidity in the external transfer of force in the vertical direction, in particular.

However, in the washing machine1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second drum210is disposed at an upper side of the first drum110, and the first drum110and the second drum210are disposed inside the housings130and230. Thus, a distance between a lower side of the second drum210and an upper side of the first drum110is relatively small.

Thus, when the height of the driving shaft flange290is tall to secure rigidity like a conventional driving shaft flange, a distance between the first drum110and the second drum210is so small that placement of the driving shaft flange290may be not easy.

Also, a variety of implements for driving the washing machine1, except for the driving shaft flange290, are disposed between the first drum110and the second drum210so that a space in which the driving shaft flange290is to be disposed may be narrow.

Thus, the driving shaft flange290needs to be disposed in a space narrower than that in which a conventional driving shaft flange is disposed. Thus, the volume of the driving shaft flange290needs to be reduced. Thus, rigidity of the driving shaft flange290may not be secured.

To solve the above-described problem, the driving shaft flange290of the washing machine1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an improved structure that is small but capable of securing rigidity. In detail, the driving shaft flange290extends in a radial direction of the second drum210from a central portion291in which the second driving shaft241is inserted, and a length d of an arm member292connected to the second drum210is equal to or less than ½ of a radial length r of the second drum210so that the driving shaft flange290has a relatively shorter length in the radial direction of the second drum210than a conventional driving shaft flange, thus allowing space to be secured.

Also, instead of the driving shaft flange290having a short vertical height, the driving shaft flange290may include a first surface295and a second surface296parallel to each other in the vertical direction, and a connection portion297may be perpendicularly connected to the first surface295and the second surface296to ensure rigidity with respect to the external transfer of force.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the driving shaft flange290may include the central portion291into which the second driving shaft241is inserted. The second driving shaft241may be rotated in one direction or an opposite direction while being inserted into the central portion291. Thus, the driving shaft flange290may be in line with the second driving shaft241and rotated in one direction or an opposite direction.

The driving shaft flange290may include the arm member292that extends, centering on the central portion291, in the radial direction of the second drum210and is coupled to a bottom surface of the second drum210. A plurality of arm members292may be radially formed in the central portion291.

One end of each arm member292may extend from the central portion291as described above, and a drum coupling portion293coupled to a lower portion of the second drum210may be disposed at the other side of the arm member292by using a coupling member.

The second drum210may include a coupling hole219in the vertical direction in a position corresponding to the drum coupling portion293. The coupling hole219and the drum coupling portion293may be disposed in the vertical direction in a corresponding position and may be coupled to each other by a coupling member.

Thus, the central portion291is rotated by rotation of the second driving shaft241, and due to rotation of the central portion291, the arm member292that extends from the central portion291is in line with the central portion291and is rotated. The arm member292and the second drum210are coupled to each other by the coupling member. Thus, the second drum210may be rotated in line with rotation of the arm member292.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the driving shaft flange290may include the first surface295and the second surface296, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction and are parallel to each other, and an extension portion297that is disposed perpendicular to the first surface295and the second surface296and spread apart the first surface295and the second surface296in the perpendicular direction.

A plurality of extension portions297may be provided. The plurality of extension portions297may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the radial direction of the second drum210.

The first surface295, the second surface296, and one extension portion297may be provided in an H-beam form H. That is, the first surface295, the second surface296, and a plurality of extension portions297may have an H-beam shaped cross-section at a point in which the plurality of extension portions297connect the first surface295to the second surface296.

The H-beam has a strong cross-sectional primary moment value with respect to a shearing force formed thereat due to pressure in the vertical direction or external pressure with respect to the vertical direction, so that rigidity with respect to external pressure in the vertical direction may be ensured.

Thus, the vertical cross-section of the driving shaft flange290may have a shape with a plurality of H-beams. Thus, the cross-section primary moment value of the driving shaft flange290is greatly increased so that, even when the height of the driving shaft flange290in the vertical direction is relatively short, rigidity with respect to external pressure may be maintained.

In addition, because rigidity of the driving shaft flange290is secured in spite of a small size as described above, even when a length extending in the radial direction of the second drum210is short, the driving shaft flange290may be stably coupled to the second drum210.

In detail, a distance d from the central portion291of the arm member292of the driving shaft flange290to an outermost end292aof the arm member292may be equal to or less than ½ of the radial length r of the second drum210.

This is because, even though the driving shaft flange290does not have a long length in the radial direction of the second drum210, the driving shaft flange290may ensure required rigidity due to the cross-sectional structure of the first surface295, the second surface296, and the connection portion297.

Thus, the driving shaft flange290has a short height in the vertical direction that is an extension direction of a rotation shaft of the second drum210and the radial direction of the second drum210, rigidity may be maintained, and the rotational force of the second driving shaft241may be stably transferred to the second drum210, thus stably supporting the second drum210even in a narrow space.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, if necessary, laundry can be separated from each other and washed because a washing machine has a plurality of washing apparatuses. Also, a filter unit is disposed inside a drum having a rotation shaft that extends in a vertical direction and a water current inside the drum is formed in a direction opposite a rotation direction of the drum, foreign substances in the water current can be effectively collected by the filter unit. In addition, even though a length of a fixing arm of a driving shaft flange connected to a driving shaft for driving the drum is reduced, a cross-section of the fixing arm is reinforced so that the drum can be stably rotated.