Patent Description:
A cloth treating apparatus may remove contamination of laundry by putting clothes, bedding, or the like into a drum, and perform processes such as washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying, for example.

The cloth treating apparatus may be divided into a top loading system and a front loading system based on a method of putting laundry into a drum. In some examples, the front loading type cloth treating apparatus may be referred to as a drum washing machine.

In some examples, the drum washing machine may perform, when laundry is received in the drum and water is supplied to the drum, a washing process through rotation of the drum, and after the process such as rinsing and dewatering, the water or wash water may be discharged to an outside.

In some examples, the drum washing machine may include a circulation pump for circulating water in the drum during the washing process and a drainage pump for discharging water or wash water generated through the washing process to the outside.

In some cases, the drainage pump may perform roles of the circulation pump and the drainage pump using a method of switching a rotation direction of an impeller by using one motor and an impeller, which may minimize an installation space of pumps and save product cost.

In some cases, the drainage pump may include a housing for receiving water and a water flow portion disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the housing.

The water flow portion may include an asymmetric rib that protrudes inward from one end of the inner circumferential surface of the water flow portion and that is disposed between a first discharge port and a second discharge port.

In some cases, a backflow phenomenon may be generated in the circulation process of circulating the water inside the drum and the drainage process of discharging the wash water to the outside of the drum. For instance, the backflow phenomenon may include an event where water or wash water is discharged to an outside of the drum during the circulation process of circulating the water to the drum, and an event where water or wash water flows into the drum in the drainage process of discharging the wash water in the drum to the outside of the drum.

In some cases, the backflow phenomenon may be mitigated by reduction of the number of revolutions of the drain motor, where the flow (discharge) performance of the water may be lowered, and the suction flow rate may be reduced.

The present invention aims to solve the technical problem of preventing backflow of water in the drainage pump in a circulation process and a drainage process.

The present disclosure also describes a drainage pump that can secure a minimum required flow rate, and a cloth treating apparatus including the same.

The present disclosure also describes a drainage pump that can minimize vibration and noise generated in the circulation process and the drainage process of the drainage pump, and a cloth treating apparatus including the same.

The present invention is defined by the independent claim. The preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

In some implementations, the impeller may include a rotation shaft that extends along the rotation axis, and the rotation axis passes through a center of the suction port.

In some implementations, the drainage pump may further include a circulation pipe that extends from the first discharge port to the outside of the housing, and a drainage pipe that extends from the second discharge port to the outside of the housing. In some examples, the first rib may have a first thickness in a radial direction of the housing with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the housing. In some examples, the second rib may extend from an inner surface of the first rib toward the suction port.

In some examples, the second thickness of the second rib may be greater than or equal to the first thickness of the first rib.

In some implementations, the second rib may include: a first surface that contacts an inner surface of the first rib; a second surface that extends from the first surface and that contacts an inner surface of the housing; a third surface that extends from an end portion of the second surface; and a fourth surface that extends from the first surface in a direction inclined with respect to the first surface, that connects to the third surface, and that faces the impeller.

In some examples, the first surface and the fourth surface defines an inclination angle in a range from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some examples, an inner diameter of the housing may be in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> times an outer diameter of the impeller. In some examples, an inner diameter of the suction port may be in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> times an outer diameter of the impeller.

In some implementations, a radial distance between an inner surface of the first rib and a center of the suction port or a rotation shaft of the impeller is in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> times an inner diameter of the housing. In some implementations, a radial distance between an inner surface of the second rib and a center of the suction port or a rotation shaft of the impeller is in a range from <NUM> to <NUM> times an inner diameter of the housing.

In some implementations, a sectional area of the suction port increases as the suction port extends from an inlet side facing the outside of the housing to an outlet side facing the impeller. In some implementations, the suction port may define an inflow guide surface at an inside of the suction port, the inflow guide surface having a predetermined curvature. In some examples, a radius of curvature of the inflow guide surface may be in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to another aspect, a cloth treating apparatus includes: a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the cloth treating apparatus; a tub disposed inside the cabinet and configured to receive wash water; a drum disposed inside the tub and configured to receive laundry; a pulsator rotatably installed in the drum; a driving unit configured to rotate the pulsator or the drum; and a drainage pump disposed outside the tub and configured to drain or circulate wash water discharged from the tub. The drainage pump includes a housing that defines a receiving space configured to receive fluid. The housing defines a suction port configured to introduce fluid into the receiving space, and a first discharge port and a second discharge port that are configured to discharge the fluid in the receiving space to an outside of the housing. The drainage pump further includes: an impeller disposed in the receiving space and configured to rotate about a rotation axis to thereby discharge the fluid in the receiving space through the first discharge port or the second discharge port; a first rib that protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the housing toward a center of the receiving space and that is disposed between the first discharge port and the second discharge port; and a second rib that protrudes from a portion of the first rib toward the center of the receiving space.

Implementations according to this aspect may include one of more of the features described above for the drainage pump.

Reference will now be made in detail to the implementations of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, an example front loading type cloth treating apparatus will be described. The front loading type cloth treating apparatus may include a drum horizontally installed and configured to rotate about a horizontal shaft, where laundry can be put from a front side of the drum.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure is also applicable to a top loading type cloth treating apparatus in which a drum is vertically provided so that laundry can be put from above, and configured to rotate about a vertical shaft.

Hereinafter, a drainage pump and a cloth treating apparatus including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cloth treating apparatus, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of an inside of a cloth treating apparatus including a drainage pump.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a cloth treating apparatus <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> that define an outer appearance of the cloth treating apparatus <NUM>, a front cover <NUM> that is mounted on a front surface of the cabinet <NUM> and that defines a laundry entrance <NUM>, a drum <NUM> configured to receive laundry, and a tub <NUM> that accommodates the drum <NUM> and that is configured to receive water or wash water.

In some implementations, the cloth treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a motor which provides rotational power to the drum <NUM>.

In some examples, the drum <NUM> may be understood as an "inner tub" or a "washing tub", and the tub <NUM> can be understood as an "outer tub" or a "dewatering tub".

In some implementations, the cabinet <NUM> may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

The cabinet <NUM> may define one or more spaces for installing a plurality of components. The plurality of components may include, for example, a drum <NUM>, a tub <NUM>, a motor, a water supply device, a drainage device, and a control device.

The front cover <NUM> may define a laundry entrance <NUM> configured to receive laundry.

The laundry entrance <NUM> may be defined at a central portion of the front cover <NUM>. A door <NUM> for opening and closing the laundry entrance <NUM> may be rotatably installed on the front cover <NUM>.

A gasket may be provided between the door <NUM> and the tub <NUM> to maintain airtightness.

The cloth treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a control panel <NUM> provided at an upper end of a front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The control panel <NUM> may include a display for displaying an operation state of the cloth treating apparatus <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> may be provided with a plurality of buttons or knobs for operating the operation of the cloth treating apparatus <NUM>.

The cloth treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a detergent drawer <NUM> provided at an upper end of a front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The detergent drawer <NUM> may be provided on the side of the control panel <NUM>. In the detergent drawer <NUM>, a portion where the detergent is put and stored, and a portion which is exposed to a front surface may be integrally formed.

The detergent drawer <NUM> may be connected to a water supply pipe to which cold water and hot water are supplied. Cold water or hot water may flow into the detergent drawer <NUM> from the water supply pipe. The water mixed with at least one of the detergent and fabric softener of the detergent drawer <NUM> may be supplied into the drum <NUM> through which the laundry is received via the tub <NUM>.

The cloth treating apparatus <NUM> may further include a service cover <NUM> provided at the lower end of the front surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The service cover <NUM> is configured so as to be opened in a state where the cloth treating apparatus <NUM> is stopped and so as to remove residual water present in the cloth treating apparatus <NUM>.

In the drum <NUM>, a washing process in which contamination of the laundry is separated by the action of a detergent and water, a rinsing process of rinsing the laundry by the action of water, and a dewatering process of dewatering laundry by centrifugation are performed.

The drum <NUM> is provided in a cylindrical shape and is received in the tub <NUM>.

For example, the drum <NUM> is formed into a cylindrical shape which is laid at a predetermined angle, and a water hole may be formed around the drum <NUM>.

Accordingly, the wash water stored in the tub <NUM> can flow into the drum <NUM> through the water hole. In addition, the wash water in the drum <NUM> can be moved to the outside of the drum <NUM> through the water hole.

The drum <NUM> may be provided with a pulsator for inducing flow of wash water into the drum <NUM>.

In the cloth treating apparatus <NUM>, the pulsator is provided inside the drum <NUM>, and a motor for directly rotating the drum <NUM> and a power transmitting mechanism such as a clutch for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the pulsator or the drum <NUM> may be mounted on a rear end portion of the tub <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> contains wash water for washing or rinsing. The tub <NUM> is provided to receive the drum <NUM>. For example, the tub <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

The tub <NUM> may be installed in a state of being suspended from the cabinet <NUM> or the front cover <NUM>. The drum <NUM> disposed inside the tub <NUM> is rotatable by the rotational force of the motor.

In some implementations, the cloth treating apparatus <NUM> further includes a water supply device for supplying wash water to the tub <NUM> and a drainage device for draining wash water stored in the tub <NUM> to the outside.

The water supply device may include a water supply pipe connecting the tub <NUM> with an external water supply facility (for example, a faucet or the like) and a water supply valve for adjusting so as to supply water or not to supply to the tub <NUM>.

The drainage device includes a drainage pump <NUM> for discharging the water stored in the tub <NUM> to the outside, and a plurality of hoses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the drainage pump <NUM>.

The drainage pump <NUM> may be located at an inner lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>. For example, the drainage pump <NUM> may be installed below the tub <NUM>.

When the water or wash water stored in the tub <NUM> flows into the drainage pump <NUM>, the drainage pump <NUM> can perform the circulation process of allowing the water or wash water introduced to be moved by the driving of the motor toward the tub <NUM> and the drainage process of discharging the introduced water or the wash water to the outside.

The plurality of hoses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> include a suction hose <NUM> for allowing water stored in the tub <NUM> to flow into the drainage pump <NUM>, a circulation hose <NUM> for allowing the water flowing into the drainage pump <NUM> to flow into the tub <NUM>, and a drainage hose <NUM> for allowing the water flowing into the drainage pump <NUM> to be discharged to the outside of the cabinet <NUM>.

The suction hose <NUM> connects one side of the tub <NUM> and one side of the drainage pump <NUM>. For example, one end of the suction hose <NUM> may be connected to the lower surface of the tub <NUM>, and the other end thereof may be connected to one side of the drainage pump <NUM>.

The circulation hose <NUM> connects the other side of the tub <NUM> and the other side of the drainage pump <NUM>. For example, one end of the circulation hose <NUM> may be connected to the upper surface of the tub <NUM>, and the other end thereof may be connected to the other side of the drainage pump <NUM>.

One end of the drainage hose <NUM> may be connected to the drainage pump <NUM> and the other end thereof may extend outside the cabinet <NUM>.

In addition, the drainage device may further include a drainage valve for adjusting the water stored in the tub <NUM>. For instance, the drainage valve may switch between a first state (e.g., an open state) for draining the water in the tub <NUM> and a second state (e.g., a closed state) for not draining the water in the tub <NUM>. In some cases, the drainage valve may have an intermediate state (e.g., a partially open state) for partially draining the water in the tub <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example drainage pump, <FIG> is a sectional view illustrating a section taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a front view illustrating the inside of the housing of the drainage pump.

Referring to <FIG>, a drainage pump <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> forming a receiving space <NUM> through which fluid flows.

The housing <NUM> may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The housing <NUM> may include a plurality of openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for inflow or outflow of fluid. The plurality of openings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a suction port <NUM>, a circulation port <NUM>, and a drainage port <NUM>.

Here, the circulation port <NUM> is a first passage through which the fluid is discharged and may be referred to as a first discharge port, and the drainage port <NUM> is a second passage through which the fluid is discharged and may be referred to as a second discharge port.

For the convenience of explanation, the structure of the drainage pump will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The suction port <NUM> is formed on the upper surface of the housing <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> may be formed by passing through from the upper surface of the housing <NUM> to the receiving space <NUM>. The suction hose <NUM> is connected to the suction port <NUM> so that water or wash water stored in the tub <NUM> may flow into the receiving space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> through the suction hose <NUM>.

According to one implementation, the suction port <NUM> is formed at the center of the upper surface of the housing <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape. The center of the suction port <NUM> may coincide with the rotation shaft (rotation center) of the impeller <NUM> to be described below.

The circulation port <NUM> is formed on a side surface or an outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. The circulation port <NUM> may be formed by passing through from the side surface or the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> to the receiving space <NUM>. In addition, the circulation hose <NUM> is connected to the circulation port <NUM> so that water existing in the receiving space <NUM> can flow into the tub <NUM> through the circulation hose <NUM>.

The circulation port <NUM> may be disposed at any point on the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. The circulation port <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape.

The drainage port <NUM> may be formed on a side surface or an outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. The drainage port <NUM> may be formed by passing through from the side surface or the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> to the receiving space <NUM>. The drainage hose <NUM> is connected to the drainage port <NUM> so that water existing in the receiving space <NUM> can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet <NUM> through the drainage hose <NUM>.

The drainage port <NUM> may be disposed at any point on the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. The drainage port <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape. The drainage port <NUM> and the circulation port <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the drainage pump <NUM> further includes an impeller <NUM> disposed inside the housing <NUM> and a motor for providing power for rotating the impeller <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> rotates inside the housing <NUM> to form a flow of fluid (water or wash water) received in the receiving space <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> rotates clockwise or counterclockwise in the receiving space <NUM> to form a water flow.

At this time, the water received in the receiving space <NUM> may be moved to the circulation port <NUM> or the drainage port <NUM> in accordance with the rotation direction of the impeller <NUM>. In other words, the flow stream in the receiving space <NUM> can be determined by a direction of rotation of the impeller <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> is disposed to face the suction port <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. At this time, the rotation shaft or the rotation center of the impeller <NUM> may coincide with the center of the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, the water introduced through the suction port <NUM> can be moved in a circumferential direction of the impeller <NUM> after being moved in the axial direction of the impeller <NUM>. The water flowing in the circumferential direction of the impeller <NUM> can be moved through either the circulation port <NUM> or the drainage port <NUM>.

The drainage pump <NUM> further includes a circulation pipe <NUM> connected to the circulation port <NUM> and a drainage pipe <NUM> connected to the drainage port <NUM>.

The circulation pipe <NUM> extends outward from the outer surface of the housing <NUM> corresponding to the circulation port <NUM> by a predetermined length. In other words, the circulation pipe <NUM> protrudes outward along the edge of the circulation port <NUM>.

The circulation pipe <NUM> functions to guide the water passing through the circulation port <NUM> to the circulation hose <NUM>. One end of the circulation hose <NUM> is connected to the circulation pipe <NUM> and the other end thereof is connected to the tub <NUM>.

The drainage pipe <NUM> extends outward from the outer surface of the housing <NUM> corresponding to the drainage port <NUM> by a predetermined length. In other words, the drainage pipe <NUM> protrudes outward along the edge of the drainage port <NUM>.

The drainage pipe <NUM> functions to guide the water passing through the drainage port <NUM> to the drainage hose <NUM>. One end of the drainage hose <NUM> may be connected to the drainage pipe <NUM> and the other end thereof may be pulled out of the cabinet <NUM>.

The circulation pipe <NUM> and the drainage pipe <NUM> may be formed integrally with the housing <NUM>. In other words, the housing <NUM>, the circulation pipe <NUM>, and the drainage pipe <NUM> may be manufactured by being integrally molded.

In the present implementation, although it is described that the circulation pipe <NUM> and the drainage pipe <NUM> exist, the circulation pipe <NUM> and the drainage pipe <NUM> may be omitted. In this case, the circulation hose <NUM> is directly connected to the circulation port <NUM>, and the drainage hose <NUM> is directly connected to the drainage port <NUM>.

The drainage pump <NUM> further includes an impeller case <NUM> for fixing the impeller <NUM> and the motor.

The impeller case <NUM> supports the impeller <NUM> to rotate stably in the housing <NUM>. The impeller case <NUM> may be coupled to an opened surface of the housing <NUM> in a state where the impeller <NUM> is fixed. Accordingly, the impeller <NUM> can rotate in the housing <NUM> by being connected to the rotation shaft of the motor and receiving rotational force from the motor.

In addition, the impeller case <NUM> is coupled to the opened surface of the housing <NUM> to seal the inside of the housing <NUM>.

A flange portion 122a protruding outward is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the impeller case <NUM>. The flange portion 122a may be formed to surround the circumferential surface of the impeller case <NUM> in the circumferential direction.

A protrusion receiving portion 122b is formed in the flange portion 122a. The protrusion <NUM> protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> may be inserted into and be fixed to the protrusion receiving portion 122b. A plurality of protrusion receiving portions 122b may be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 122a.

The drainage pump <NUM> further includes an impeller case cover <NUM>. The impeller case cover <NUM> is coupled to the impeller case <NUM> to limit the external exposure of the impeller <NUM> and the motor.

More specifically, the housing <NUM> may be formed with a receiving space <NUM> in which water or wash water and a surface 111c thereof has an opened cylindrical shape. The upper surface 111a of the housing <NUM> is formed with the suction port <NUM> through which water or wash water flows. The suction port <NUM> is located at the center of the upper surface 111a of the housing <NUM>.

For example, the housing <NUM> includes an upper surface 111a on which the suction port <NUM> is formed and may include side surface 111b extending downward along the edge of the upper surface 111a, and an opened lower surface 111c. The lower surface 111c of the housing <NUM> may be shielded by the impeller case <NUM> which fixes the impeller <NUM>.

The impeller <NUM> is disposed in the receiving space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> is disposed to face the suction port <NUM>. At this time, the rotation shaft or the rotation center C of the impeller <NUM> may coincide with the center of the suction port <NUM>.

Here, the outer diameter D2 of the suction port <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the housing <NUM>. The outer diameter D3 of the impeller <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the housing <NUM> and larger than the outer diameter D2 of the suction port <NUM>.

In the present implementation, a length of the inner diameter D1 of the housing <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM> times a length of the outer diameter D3 of the impeller <NUM>. In addition, a length of the outer diameter D2 of the suction port <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM> times a length of the outer diameter D3 of the impeller <NUM>.

In some implementations, the drainage pump <NUM> may further include a protrusion <NUM> for coupling the housing <NUM> and the impeller case <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. A plurality of protrusions <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the housing <NUM>. For example, the protrusion <NUM> may be formed at the lower end edge of the housing <NUM> and may be inserted into the protrusion receiving portion 122b of the flange portion 122a.

The drainage pump <NUM> further includes a first rib <NUM> provided on an inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>. The first rib <NUM> protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> in a center direction or an inner direction of the receiving space <NUM>.

Particularly, the first rib <NUM> is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> corresponding to a portion between the circulation port <NUM> and the drainage port <NUM>. At this time, the first rib <NUM> protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> in a center direction of the receiving space <NUM> and extends in the vertical direction of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the first ribs <NUM> extend in the circumferential direction of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the first rib <NUM> has a length in a direction from the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> toward the center of the housing <NUM>, that is, a first thickness T1 between from an outer surface of the first rib <NUM> facing the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> and an inner surface of the first rib <NUM> facing the impeller <NUM>.

The first rib <NUM> is disposed radially outward of the impeller <NUM>. In other words, the first rib <NUM> protrudes to be close to the outer circumferential surface of the impeller <NUM> from the inner circumferential surface of the housing <NUM>.

The first rib <NUM> serves to suppress the formation of the vortex generated by the flow of water or wash water in the housing <NUM>.

Specifically, when the impeller <NUM> is rotated, water or wash water received in the housing <NUM> flows and vortex, which is a swirling flow of the fluid, may be generated. However, the water flowing in the radial direction of the impeller <NUM> may be discharged only to the circulation port <NUM> or the drainage port <NUM> by the shape of the partition of the first rib <NUM> located between the circulation port <NUM> and the drainage port <NUM>.

In other words, the first rib <NUM> suppresses the formation of the vortex generated during rotation of the impeller <NUM>, thereby preventing backflow of water or wash water to the drainage port <NUM> in the circulation process, and preventing backflow of water or wash water into the circulation port <NUM> in the drainage process.

When water or wash water flows backward into the drainage port <NUM> in the circulation process, a problem that the amount of water for circulating to the tub <NUM> is reduced is generated. However, since the moving of the water to the circulation port <NUM> or the drainage port <NUM> is smoothly performed by the first rib <NUM> according to the present disclosure, there is an advantage that the backflow of water is prevented.

In some implementations, the drainage pump <NUM> includes a second rib <NUM> further protruding from the first rib <NUM> in the center direction of the receiving space <NUM>. The second rib <NUM> protrudes from an inner surface of the first rib <NUM> toward the suction port <NUM>. The inner surface of the first rib <NUM> faces the impeller <NUM>.

Specifically, the second rib <NUM> protrudes from the inner surface of the first rib <NUM> to a space between the suction port <NUM> and the impeller <NUM>. The second rib <NUM> protrudes from the upper portion of the first rib <NUM> in the center direction of the receiving space <NUM> and may extend in the circumferential direction along the rounded inner surface of the first rib <NUM>.

Accordingly, the second rib <NUM> has a length in a direction from the inner surface of the first rib <NUM> toward the center of the housing <NUM>, that is, a second thickness T2. Here, the protrusion thickness T2 of the second rib <NUM> may be greater than or equal to the protrusion thickness T1 of the first rib <NUM>.

The distance L1 from the center of the suction port <NUM> or the rotation center C of the impeller <NUM> to the first rib <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> times a length of the inner diameter D1 of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the distance L2 from the center of the suction port <NUM> or the rotation center C of the impeller <NUM> to the second rib <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> times a length of the inner diameter D1 of the housing <NUM>.

According to one implementation, the lower surface of the second rib <NUM>, that is, the surface of the second rib <NUM> facing the impeller <NUM> is formed to be inclined.

Specifically, the second rib <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> connected to an inner surface of the first rib <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> connecting the first surface <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing <NUM> with each other, a third surface <NUM> extending downward from an end portion of the second surface <NUM>, and a fourth surface <NUM> connecting the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> with each other.

Here, the first surface <NUM> is positioned on the first rib <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> can be extended from the upper-end portion of the first surface <NUM> in the center direction of the housing <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> may be in contact with the inner surface of the upper surface 111a of the housing <NUM>.

The vertical length or the axial length of the first surface <NUM> is formed to be longer than the length of the third surface <NUM> in the vertical direction or the axial direction. Therefore, the fourth surface <NUM> connecting the lower end portion of the first surface <NUM> and the lower end portion of the third surface <NUM> may be formed to be inclined.

The reason why the lower surface of the second rib <NUM>, that is, the fourth surface <NUM> is formed to be inclined is to further limit the formation of the vortex generated during rotation of the impeller <NUM> to prevent the fluid from flowing backward. In other words, the water moving in the radial direction of the impeller <NUM> is interfered or resisted by the first rib <NUM> and the second rib <NUM>, so that the vortex generated during rotation of the impeller <NUM> can be significantly reduced.

In addition, the fourth surface <NUM> of the second rib <NUM> may have an inclination angle of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. For example, an angle formed by an imaginary line P1 passing through the first surface <NUM> and an imaginary line P2 passing through the fourth surface <NUM> can be <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In other words, the fourth surface <NUM> is formed to be inclined from the lower portion to the upper portion, thereby effectively suppressing the formation of the vortex.

In some implementations, the drainage pump <NUM> may further include an inflow guide surface 113a formed on the inner side of the housing <NUM>.

When the fluid flows into the receiving space <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>, the inflow guide surface 113a has a function of smoothly moving the fluid to limit the formation of the vortex and in which the impeller <NUM> can sufficiently receive the fluid.

Specifically, the inflow guide surface 113a is formed inside the suction port <NUM>. The inflow guide surface 113a is rounded so as to have a constant curvature at the inside of the suction port <NUM>. In other words, a portion at which the inner surface of the suction port <NUM> and the inner surface of the upper surface 111a of the housing <NUM> are connected to each other is rounded to have a predetermined curvature and thus the inflow guide surface 113a is formed. At this time, the radius of curvature R of the inflow guide surface 113a may be formed to be <NUM> to <NUM>.

Therefore, the flow sectional area of the suction port <NUM> is formed so as to gradually increase from the inlet side to the outlet side. In other words, the outer diameter D2 of the suction port <NUM> is formed such that the outlet side is larger than the inlet side. In this case, since the suction port shape is curved so that the fluid can flow smoothly, the suction flow rate can be increased and the noise due to fluid movement can be significantly reduced.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a drainage process of the drainage pump, and <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a circulation process of the drainage pump.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the water or wash water stored in the tub <NUM> flows into the drainage pump <NUM>, the drainage pump <NUM> can perform a drainage process of discharging the introduced water or wash water by the driving of the motor to the outside and a circulation process of circulating the introduced water or the wash water to the tub <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a case where the drainage pump <NUM> performs a drainage process, the water stored in the tub <NUM> flows through the suction hose <NUM> into the housing <NUM> of the drainage pump <NUM>. At the same time, the impeller <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction.

The water flowing into the housing <NUM> flows in the axial direction of the impeller <NUM>, flows in the counterclockwise direction due to the rotation of the impeller <NUM> and then can be discharged through the drainage port <NUM> and the drainage pipe <NUM> to the outside.

Particularly, in a process in which the water flowing in the housing <NUM> rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the formation of the vortex is minimized by the first rib <NUM> and the second rib <NUM> formed between the circulation port <NUM> and the drainage port <NUM>. Accordingly, during the drainage process, the backflow of the water to the circulation port <NUM> and the circulation pipe <NUM> is prevented and fluid flow can be smoothly performed to increase the suction flow rate.

In some implementations, an inflow guide surface 113a for widening the flow sectional area is formed inside the suction port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> so that when the fluid flows into the receiving space <NUM> through the suction port <NUM>, the movement of the flow is smooth and thus the impeller <NUM> sufficiently receives the fluid.

In other words, since the inflow guide surface 113a is rounded so that the flow sectional area increases from the inlet side to the outlet side of the suction port <NUM>, the suction flow rate of the drainage pump <NUM> increases and the formation of the vortex is minimized.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water stored in the tub <NUM> flows in the housing <NUM> of the drainage pump <NUM> through the circulation hose <NUM> in a case where the drainage pump <NUM> performs the circulation process. At the same time, the impeller <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction.

The water flowing into the housing <NUM> flows in the axial direction of the impeller <NUM>, flows in the clockwise direction by the rotation of the impeller <NUM> and then can be discharged through the circulation port <NUM> and the circulation pipe <NUM> to the outside.

Particularly, in a process in which the water flowing in the housing <NUM> rotates in the clockwise direction, the formation of the vortex is minimized by the first rib <NUM> and the second rib <NUM> formed between the circulation port <NUM> and the drainage port <NUM>. Accordingly, during the circulation process, the backflow of water to the drainage port <NUM> and the drainage pipe <NUM> is prevented, and the fluid movement can be smoothly performed so that the suction flow rate can be increased.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of the suction flow rate effect of the drainage pump.

<FIG> illustrates a comparison of the suction flow rates in the drainage direction and the circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure and the suction flow rates in the drainage direction and the circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the related art.

Referring to <FIG>, the vertical axis of the graph represents a flow rate (Liter Per Minute, LPM) suctioned into the drainage pump per unit time.

Here, the flow rate suctioned into the drainage pump may mean a flow rate per unit time measured at the suction port <NUM>.

Specifically, in the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the related art, the flow rate suctioned into the drainage pump represents <NUM> LPM. In addition, in the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure, the flow rate suctioned into the drainage pump is <NUM> LPM. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the suction flow rate is increased by <NUM> LPM in the drainage process as compared with the related art.

In addition, in the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the related art, the flow rate suctioned into the drainage pump indicates <NUM> LPM. In addition, in the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure, the flow rate suctioned into the drainage pump is <NUM> LPM. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the suction flow rate is increased by <NUM> LPM in the circulation process in comparison with the related art.

In summary, the drainage pump <NUM> according to the present disclosure illustrates a significant increase in the suction flow rate compared to the related art in both drainage and circulation processes.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of the discharge-side pressure of the drainage pump.

<FIG> illustrates a comparison of the discharge-side pressure in the drain direction and the circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure and the discharge-side pressure in the drain direction and the circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the related art.

Here, the discharge-side pressure in the discharge direction may mean a pressure measured at the drainage port <NUM> or the drainage pipe <NUM> in the drainage process, and the discharge-side pressure in the circulation direction may mean a pressure measured at the circulation port <NUM> or the circulation pipe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the vertical axis of the graph represents Pascal (Pa) representing the force per unit time (pressure).

Specifically, the discharge-side pressure measured at the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the related art represents <NUM> Pa. In addition, the discharge-side pressure measured at the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure represents <NUM> Pa. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the discharge-side pressure is increased by <NUM> Pa in the drainage process as compared with the related art.

In addition, the discharge-side pressure measured at the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the related art represents <NUM> Pa. In addition, the discharge-side pressure measured at the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure indicates <NUM> Pa. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the discharge-side pressure is increased by <NUM> Pa in the circulation process as compared with the related art.

In summary, the drainage pump <NUM> may have a discharge-side pressure that is greater than that of the drainage pump of the related art in both the drainage process and the circulation process. Therefore, since the discharge-side pressure is larger in the drainage process and the circulation process, the pump performance and the suction flow rate may be improved.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of the backflow-side pressure of the drainage pump.

<FIG> illustrates a comparison of the backflow-side pressure in the drain direction and the circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure and the backflow-side pressure in the drain direction and circulation direction of the drainage pump according to the related art.

In some implementations, the backflow-side pressure in the drainage direction may be a pressure measured at the circulation port <NUM> or the circulation pipe <NUM> in the drainage process, and the backflow-side pressure in the circulation direction may be a pressure measured at the drainage port <NUM> or the drainage pipe <NUM> in the circulation process.

Specifically, the backflow-side pressure measured at the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the related art represents <NUM> Pa. The backflow-side pressure measured at the drainage process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure represents <NUM> Pa. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the backflow-side pressure is reduced by <NUM> Pa in the drainage process as compared with the related art.

In addition, the backflow-side pressure measured at the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the related art represents <NUM> Pa. The backflow-side pressure measured at the circulation process of the drainage pump according to the present disclosure represents <NUM> Pa. In other words, it can be seen that, in the present disclosure, the backflow-side pressure is decreased by <NUM> Pa in the circulation process as compared with the related art.

In summary, it can be seen that, in the drainage pump <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the backflow-side pressure is decreased as compared with the related art in both the drainage process and the circulation process. Therefore, since the backflow-side pressure is smaller in the drainage process and the circulation process, the effect that the backflow phenomenon of water or wash water is improved (minimized) can be expected.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of the backflow-side pressure according to an inclination angle of the second rib and a radius of curvature of an inflow guide surface, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of the discharge-side pressure according to the inclination angle of the second rib and the radius of curvature of the inflow guide surface.

Here, the backflow-side pressure and the discharge-side pressure may be pressures measured at the circulation process of the drainage pump.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a vertical axis of the graph represents Pascal (Pa) representing the force per unit time (pressure), a upper horizontal axis of the graph represents an inclination angle α of the second rib <NUM>, and a lower horizontal axis of the graph represents a radius of curvature (mm) of the inflow guide surface 113a.

As described above, the second rib <NUM> according to the present disclosure further limits the formation of the vortex generated upon rotation of the impeller <NUM>, thereby preventing the backflow of the fluid. To this end, the lower surface of the second rib <NUM>, that is, the fourth surface <NUM> facing the impeller <NUM> is formed to be inclined.

However, if the inclination angle α, of the second rib <NUM> is too small or too large, there is a problem that vortex is formed around the discharge-side or the backflow-side to cause a backflow of the fluid. Accordingly, the inclination angle α of the second rib <NUM> needs to be appropriately designed.

In the present disclosure, the inclination angle α of the second rib <NUM> is set to <NUM>° to <NUM>°, thereby maintaining the discharge pressure and preventing the generation of the backflow.

In some implementations, the inflow guide surface 133a may have a function of increasing the suction flow rate and reducing the noise due to fluid movement by widening the outlet-side flow sectional area than the inlet-side flow sectional area of the suction port <NUM>.

In some examples, where the radius of curvature r of the inflow guide surface 133a is too small, the discharge pressure decreases and the suction flow rate may decrease. In some examples, where the radius of curvature r is too large, the backflow-side pressure may increase and backflow may be generated.

For example, in some cases, where the radius of curvature r of the inflow guide surface 133a exceeds <NUM>, the backflow-side pressure may increase and the backflow may be generated. In some cases, where the radius of curvature r of the inflow guide surface 133a is less than <NUM>, the minimum required flow rate of the pump may not be satisfied.

In some implementations, the radius of curvature r of the inflow guide surface 133a is set to be <NUM> to <NUM>, thereby satisfying the minimum required flow rate and preventing the generation of the backflow.

According to the drainage pump and the cloth treating apparatus of an implementation of the present disclosure having the configuration described above, the following effects can be obtained.

In some implementations, where a first rib protrudes in the center direction of the receiving space is formed between the first discharge port and the second discharge port formed in the drainage pump housing, there is an advantage that the formation of the vortex generated during rotation of the impeller is suppressed.

In some implementations, where a second rib protruding from the first rib in the center direction of the receiving space is additionally provided, the formation of the vortex can be further limited. In other words, since the formation of the vortex is minimized, the backflow of the water in the circulation process, and the drainage process can be prevented, and at the same time, the minimum required flow rate can be ensured and the washing performance can be improved.

In some implementations, where the inlet guide surface is rounded to have a constant curvature and disposed inside the suction port of the housing, the flow sectional area of the suction port may gradually increase from the inlet side to the outlet side. Accordingly, the suction port shape may become curved so that the fluid can smoothly flow, and as a result, the fluidity can be improved, so that the suction flow rate can be increased and the noise can be reduced.

Claim 1:
A drainage pump comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) that defines a receiving space (<NUM>) configured to receive fluid, the housing (<NUM>) defining:
a suction port (<NUM>) configured to introduce fluid into the receiving space (<NUM>), and
a first discharge port (<NUM>) and a second discharge port (<NUM>) that are configured to discharge the fluid in the receiving space (<NUM>) to an outside of the housing;
an impeller (<NUM>) disposed in the receiving space (<NUM>) and configured to rotate about a rotation axis to thereby discharge the fluid in the receiving space (<NUM>) through the first discharge port (<NUM>) or the second discharge port (<NUM>);
a first rib (<NUM>) that protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the housing (<NUM>) toward a center of the receiving space (<NUM>) and that is disposed between the first discharge port (<NUM>) and the second discharge port (<NUM>); and
a second rib (<NUM>) that protrudes from the first rib (<NUM>) toward the center of the receiving space (<NUM>), wherein the suction port (<NUM>) is disposed at the center of an upper surface (111a) of the housing (<NUM>), wherein the impeller (<NUM>) faces the suction port (<NUM>) in the receiving space (<NUM>), and
wherein the first rib (<NUM>) is disposed radially outward of the impeller (<NUM>),
wherein the first rib (<NUM>) has a first thickness in a radial direction of the housing (<NUM>) with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the housing (<NUM>)
wherein the second rib (<NUM>) has a second thickness in the radial direction with respect to the inner surface of the first rib (<NUM>);
wherein the second rib (<NUM>) extends from an inner surface of the first rib (<NUM>) to a space defined between the suction port (<NUM>) and the impeller (<NUM>),
wherein the second rib (<NUM>) extends in the circumferential direction along the rounded inner surface of the first rib (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the second rib (<NUM>) protrudes from an upper portion of the first rib (<NUM>) in the center direction, and
a lower surface of the second rib (<NUM>) that extends from the inner surface of the first rib (<NUM>) and faces the impeller (<NUM>) is formed to be inclined with respect to the inner surface of the first rib (<NUM>).