Filtering device and washing machine

Abstract

A filter device capable of inhibiting clogging of a filter to seek improvement in maintenance, and a washing machine including the filter device. The filter device (20) includes a housing (21), a filter (23) disposed within the housing (21), a rotating body (32) disposed within the filter (23), and a scraping member (33) supported by the rotating body (32) within the filter (23). The filter (23) takes in water flowing into the housing (21) from a taking-in port (25F) into the filter (23), and captures foreign matter contained in the water at an inner peripheral surface portion (23A). The rotating body (32) rotates by water pressure of the water taken into the filter (23) from the taking-in port (25F). The scraping member (33) is slidable between an advanced position close to the inner peripheral surface portion (23A) and a retracted position away from the inner peripheral surface portion (23A), and is urged by an urging member (49) toward the retracted position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filtration device and a washing machine including the filtration device. Background Technology

[0002] The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 below includes: a cabinet; a washing tub disposed within the cabinet; a drain passage for discharging water from the washing tub to the outside of the cabinet; and a drain filter attached to the drain passage. The drain filter includes a comb portion having multiple pin teeth. When the drainage flowing through the drain passage passes around the pin teeth within the drain filter, foreign objects contained in the drainage are captured by becoming entangled on the pin teeth.

[0003] The drain filter described in Patent Document 1 targets long foreign objects such as lint and hair, and therefore has a relatively large gap between adjacent teeth in the comb section, i.e., the filter pores, making the drain filter less prone to clogging. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for measures to prevent resin-based foreign objects, known as microplastics, with a size of tens of μm, from being released into the environment. To meet this demand, the filter pores can be reduced in size, but when the filter pores become smaller, the drain filter becomes more prone to clogging, requiring frequent maintenance by the user, which is very inconvenient.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-103718 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The present invention was made in this context, and its object is to provide a filter device that can suppress filter clogging to improve maintainability and a washing machine including the filter device.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This invention relates to a filtration device, comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet, wherein water from a washing machine's drain path flows into the housing through the inlet and flows out through the outlet; and a filter disposed within the housing, having a cylindrical inner circumferential surface and a plurality of filter holes, the inner circumferential surface having a longitudinally extending central axis, the plurality of filter holes being distributed on the inner circumferential surface, and the filter having an inlet for drawing water flowing into the housing from the inlet into the filter, the filter capturing water drawn in from the inlet on the inner circumferential surface. Foreign matter contained in the water flowing out of the filter from the filter holes after entering the filter; a rotating body disposed within the filter, rotating about the central axis by the water pressure of the water entering the filter from the inlet; a scraping member supported by the rotating body within the filter, scraping foreign matter from the inner circumferential surface, the scraping member being able to slide radially relative to the central axis between an advancing position close to the inner circumferential surface and a retracted position away from the inner circumferential surface towards the central axis; and a force-applying member applying force to the scraping member at the retracted position.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the rotating body includes: a blade for receiving water drawn into the filter from the inlet, the blade being disposed in the internal space of the filter at a position above the lower half, and the inlet facing the blade from a circumferential direction about the central axis or tangentially relative to the circumferential direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the filtering device includes a dropper connected to the scraping member.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that an overflow hole is provided in the region above the filter hole in the filter to allow water inside the filter to overflow to the outside of the filter, and a recess is provided in the housing in a manner that is recessed away from the overflow hole, and the outlet is disposed directly below the overflow hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is a washing machine, comprising: a washing tub for containing laundry; a drain passage having an upstream passage connected to the washing tub and a first downstream passage and a second downstream passage branching from the upstream passage; a drain valve for opening and closing the first downstream passage; a pump disposed in the second downstream passage for causing water in the upstream passage to flow to the second downstream passage; and the filter device disposed in a downstream region of the second downstream passage that is farther from the upstream passage than the pump.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, in the filtration device, water flowing through the drain path of the washing machine flows into the housing from the inlet and is drawn into the filter from the outlet. It then flows out through the filter holes on the inner circumferential surface of the filter and is discharged from the outlet of the housing to the outside of the washing machine. As the water flows out through the filter holes, foreign matter contained in the water is captured on the inner circumferential surface of the filter. When the rotating body disposed within the filter rotates due to the water pressure of the water drawn into the filter from the outlet, the scraping member supported by the rotating body counteracts the force applied by the force-applying member through centrifugal force, advancing from the retracted position to the advancing position and contacting the foreign matter on the inner circumferential surface of the filter. The rotational speed of the rotating body then temporarily decreases, thereby reducing the centrifugal force, and the scraping member retracts to the retracted position due to the force applied by the force-applying member. Then, when the rotational speed of the rotating body recovers and the centrifugal force increases, the scraping member advances again to the advancing position and contacts the foreign matter on the inner circumferential surface of the filter. Thus, during the rotation of the rotating body accompanying the drainage, the scraping component repeatedly moves back and forth between the forward and retracted positions, making multiple contacts with foreign objects on the inner circumferential surface of the filter. This efficiently scrapes foreign objects from the inner circumferential surface of the filter. Consequently, clogging of the filter in the filter holes is suppressed, thereby improving maintainability.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the blades included in the rotating body receive water drawn into the filter from the inlet, thereby causing the rotating body to rotate. The blades are positioned above the lower half of the internal space of the filter, which is more prone to water accumulation. Moreover, the inlet faces the blades circumferentially about the central axis of the inner circumferential surface of the filter, i.e., the axis of rotation of the rotating body, or tangentially relative to that circumferential direction. Thus, the blades are less susceptible to resistance from water accumulated in the lower half of the internal space of the filter, and efficiently receive water drawn into the filter from the inlet, thereby enabling the rotating body to rotate strongly. Therefore, by generating a large centrifugal force, the scraping member easily advances to the forward position, thus the scraping member can more efficiently scrape foreign matter from the inner circumferential surface of the filter. As a result, clogging of the filter in the filter holes can be further suppressed, thereby further improving maintainability.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the dropper connected to the scraping member generates a large centrifugal force, thereby facilitating the scraping member to advance to the forward position. This allows the scraping member to more efficiently scrape foreign objects from the inner circumferential surface of the filter. Consequently, clogging of the filter in the filter pores can be further suppressed, resulting in further improvements in maintainability.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the filter is clogged, the water inside the filter will overflow from the overflow hole to the outside of the filter and flow out of the outlet to the outside of the housing, thus smoothly draining the water flowing through the drain path of the washing machine to the outside of the machine. Moreover, the housing is provided with a recessed portion that is recessed away from the overflow hole, and the outlet is located directly below the overflow hole, so that the water overflowing from the overflow hole to the outside of the filter can be quickly transferred from the recessed portion to the outlet and discharged to the outside of the machine.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the drain path of the washing machine, the portion downstream of the upstream path connected to the washing tub is branched into a first downstream path and a second downstream path. A pump and a filter are provided in the second downstream path. When the pump operates with the drain valve closed in the first downstream path, water in the upstream path flows through the second downstream path and is filtered out by the filter before being discharged outside the machine. When the water level in the washing tub decreases and the pump becomes prone to absorbing air, the pump is stopped and the first downstream path is opened by the drain valve. Thus, residual water flows from the upstream path through the first downstream path and is discharged outside the machine, thereby suppressing noise caused by the pump operating with air ingress and ensuring that all water in the washing tub is discharged outside the machine without residue. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the filter device included in a washing machine.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the housing included in the filtration device.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the filter units included in the filter device.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the filters included in the filtration unit.

[0026] Figure 6 From and Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the filter as observed from different directions.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the cleaning unit included in the filter unit.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the filtration device.

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Sectional view along line A-A.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The B-B sectional view.

[0031] Figure 11 In the context of Figure 8 Longitudinal sectional views of the filter device when cut at different locations.

[0032] Figure 12 In the context of Figure 9 The same sectioning position indicates a cross-sectional view of the cleaning unit's scraping component in the forward position.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 1: Washing machine; 5: Washing tub; 12: Drainage path; 12A: Upstream path; 12B: First downstream path; 12C: Second downstream path; 12CB: Downstream area; 13: Drain valve; 20: Filter device; 21: Housing; 21G: Outlet; 21I: Inlet; 21L: Recess; 23: Filter; 23A: Inner circumferential surface; 25C: Internal space; 25F: Inlet; 25H: Overflow hole; 26A: Filter hole; 32: Rotating body; 33: Scraping component; 34: Dropper; 40E: Blade; 49: Force-applying component; K: Central axis; P: Pump; Q: Laundry; R: Radial; S: Circumferential; T: Tangential direction; Z1: Upper side. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper is called the left-right direction X of washing machine 1. Figure 1 The left-right direction in the middle is called the front-back direction Y of washing machine 1. Figure 1 The vertical direction in the image is called the vertical direction Z of washing machine 1. The horizontal direction X is... Figure 1 The inside of the paper is called the left side X1. Figure 1 The surface of the paper is called the right side X2. In the forward / backward direction Y, [the following is unclear and likely incomplete: "will"] Figure 1 The left side is called the anterior Y1, which will Figure 1 The right side is called the rear side Y2. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side is called the upper side Z1, and the lower side is called the lower side Z2.

[0036] Washing machine 1 includes top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, and twin-tub washing machines, but the following description uses a top-loading washing machine that omits the drying function and only performs washing operations as an example. Washing machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2 that forms the outline of the washing machine 1; a washing tub 5, which is composed of an outer tub 3 and an inner tub 4 disposed within the cabinet 2; a rotary vane 6 housed within the inner tub 4; an electric motor 7 that generates torque to rotate the inner tub 4 and the rotary vane 6; and a transmission mechanism 8 that switches the transmission target of the torque generated by the motor 7.

[0037] The housing 2 is made of metal and is box-shaped. An opening 2B is formed on the upper surface 2A of the housing 2, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 2. A door 9 is provided on the upper surface 2A for opening and closing the opening 2B. A display operation unit 10, consisting of a touch panel or the like, is provided in an area Y1, for example, in front of the opening 2B, on the upper surface 2A. The display operation unit may also be configured to consist of a display unit such as an LCD panel and an operation unit such as a switch or button.

[0038] The outer tub 3 is formed as a bottomed cylinder with an opening 3A at its upper end. The outer tub 3 is connected to the housing 2 via a suspension rod 11, thereby elastically supporting the washing tub 5. The opening 3A is located directly below the opening 2B of the housing 2. Water can be stored in the outer tub 3. The washing machine 1 includes a drain passage 12 for draining the water stored in the outer tub 3 to the outside of the machine, i.e., outside the washing machine 1. The drain passage 12 has an upstream passage 12A connected to the outer tub 3 from its lower side Z2, and a first downstream passage 12B and a second downstream passage 12C branching from the upstream passage 12A.

[0039] The first downstream path 12B is pulled out of the machine. The second downstream path 12C merges with the first downstream path 12B inside the housing 2. The structure related to the second downstream path 12C will be described later. A drain valve 13 is provided midway through the first downstream path 12B, which is opened and closed to start or stop the discharge of water from the outer tank 3, i.e., to drain water. When the drain valve 13 is open, the first downstream path 12B is open, and thus drainage begins (see reference). Figure 1 (Solid arrow). When drain valve 13 is closed, the first downstream path 12B is closed, thus stopping drainage.

[0040] The inner tub 4 has a central axis J extending in the vertical direction Z, and is formed into a bottomed cylinder that is slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, capable of accommodating laundry Q. An inlet / outlet 4A is formed at the upper end of the inner tub 4. The inlet / outlet 4A is connected from the lower side Z2 to the opening 3A of the outer tub 3 and the opening 2B of the casing 2. The user of the washing machine 1 opens the door 9 to open the openings 2B, 3A, and 4A, and removes the laundry Q and places it into the inner tub 4.

[0041] The inner tub 4 is coaxially housed within the outer tub 3, arranged along the vertical direction Z, i.e., longitudinally. The inner tub 4, housed within the outer tub 3, can rotate about its central axis J. Multiple through holes (not shown) are formed in the inner tub 4, through which water in the outer tub 3 can travel back and forth between the outer tub 3 and the inner tub 4. A tubular support shaft 14 is provided on the bottom wall of the inner tub 4, extending downwards along the central axis J (Z2) and penetrating the bottom wall of the outer tub 3.

[0042] The rotating vane 6, also known as a pulsator, is formed as a disc centered on the central axis J and is disposed on the bottom wall of the inner barrel 4. A rotating shaft 15 extends downwards from the center of the vane 6 along the central axis J to the lower side Z2. The rotating shaft 15 is inserted into the hollow portion of the support shaft 14, and the lower end of the rotating shaft 15 is located at a lower side Z2 than the bottom wall of the outer barrel 3.

[0043] The motor 7 has an output shaft 16 that protrudes upwards to the Z1 side and rotates around the central axis J, and is positioned on the lower Z2 side of the inner tub 4. The transmission mechanism 8 is an electric clutch clamped between the lower ends of the support shaft 14 and the rotating shaft 15 and the upper end of the output shaft 16. The transmission mechanism 8 selectively transmits the torque output from the output shaft 16 of the motor 7 to one or both of the support shaft 14 and the rotating shaft 15. When torque is transmitted to the support shaft 14, the inner tub 4 rotates; when torque is transmitted to the rotating shaft 15, the rotating blade 6 rotates.

[0044] In connection with the water supply to the outer tub 3 and the inner tub 4, the washing machine 1 includes a water supply passage 17 for supplying tap water from a faucet (not shown) to the inner tub 4. One end (not shown) of the water supply passage 17 extends out of the casing 2 and is connected to the faucet. The other end of the water supply passage 17 serves as a water inlet 17A disposed within the casing 2, facing the inlet / outlet 4A of the inner tub 4 from the upper side Z1. A closable water supply valve 18 is provided in the portion of the water supply passage 17 disposed within the casing 2.

[0045] The washing machine 1 includes a control unit 19 composed of a microcomputer or similar components. A motor 7, a transmission mechanism 8, a display operation unit 10, a drain valve 13, and a water supply valve 18 are electrically connected to the control unit 19. The user inputs operation information from the display operation unit 10 into the control unit 19, and the control unit 19 controls the display content of the display operation unit 10. The control unit 19 executes a washing operation to wash the laundry Q inside the washing tub 5 by controlling the actions of the motor 7, the transmission mechanism 8, the drain valve 13, and the water supply valve 18. The washing operation includes: a rinsing process to wash the laundry Q inside the inner tub 4 of the washing tub 5; a rinsing process to rinse the laundry Q after the rinsing process; and a spin-drying process to spin-dry the laundry Q after the rinsing process.

[0046] During the washing process, firstly, the control unit 19 supplies water to the washing tub 5 by opening the water supply valve 18 for a predetermined time while the drain valve 13 is closed (see reference). Figure 1 (The dashed arrow indicates this). It should be noted that during water supply, the control unit 19 may not open the water supply valve 18, but instead supply bath water to the washing tub 5 by activating the bath water pump (not shown). Before or after water supply, the user may also open the door 9 to add detergent into the inner tub 4 from the inlet 4A.

[0047] When the water level in the washing tub 5 rises to the specified level, the control unit 19, after stopping the water supply, controls the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8 to rotate the rotor 6. As a result, the laundry Q inside the inner tub 4 is cleaned by agitation or by the detergent breaking down the dirt. Finally, as part of the drainage process, the control unit 19 drains the washing tub 5 by opening the drain valve 13.

[0048] During the rinsing process, firstly, the control unit 19 opens the water supply valve 18 for a predetermined time while the drain valve 13 is closed, allowing tap water to accumulate in the washing tub 5. After the water supply is stopped, the control unit 19 controls the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8 to rotate the rotor 6. This rinses the laundry Q inside the inner tub 4. During the rinsing process, before or after a set time for water supply, the user can also open the door 9 to add fabric softener into the inner tub 4 through the inlet 4A. The fabric softener will permeate the laundry Q. Finally, the control unit 19 performs the draining process.

[0049] During the spin-drying process, the control unit 19 controls the motor 7 and the transmission mechanism 8 to rotate the inner tub 4 at a predetermined spin-drying speed while the drain valve 13 is open. As a result, the laundry Q inside the inner tub 4 is dehydrated by centrifugal force.

[0050] Next, the structure related to the second downstream path 12C of the drainage path 12 will be described. The second downstream path 12C has: an upstream region 12CA, which connects to a branch position of the upstream path 12A; and a downstream region 12CB, which is farther away from the branch position than the upstream region 12CA. The upstream region 12CA extends backward, for example, from the branch position, and then bends upward, Z1, extending upward along the peripheral wall of the outer barrel 3 in a space 2C located backward, Y2, within the housing 2. The downstream region 12CB is located in the space 2C, for example, backward, Y2, extending downward, Z2, and merging with the first downstream path 12B.

[0051] The washing machine 1 includes: an electric pump P, located in the upstream region 12CA; and a filter device 20, located in the downstream region 12CB. The filter device 20 captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing from the upstream channel 12A to the second downstream channel 12C in the drain channel 12. The foreign matter captured by the filter device 20 includes hair, lint, and dust. It should be noted that the dust also includes tiny debris such as microplastics. It should be noted that the structure restricting the flow of water in the first downstream channel 12B of the drain channel 12 is not located outside the drain valve 13.

[0052] The orientation of the filter device 20 is determined using the left-right (X), front-back (Y), and up-down (Z) directions of the washing machine 1. However, the lateral orientation of the filter device 20, i.e., the left-right (X) and front-back (Y) directions, can be arbitrarily changed. The filter device 20 is located at the upper end of the space 2C inside the housing 2. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the filter device 20 as viewed from the front Y1 side. The filter device 20 includes: a box-shaped housing 21, which constitutes the outer shell of the filter device 20; and a filter unit 22, most of which is housed within the housing 21.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the shell 21 as seen from the front Y1 side. The shell 21 integrally comprises: a semi-circular bottom wall 21A that bulges rearward Y2; a vertical wall 21B that rises from the leading edge of the bottom wall 21A extending in the left-right direction X; and a curved wall 21C that rises from the arcuate edge of the bottom wall 21A and is positioned between the left and right ends of the vertical wall 21B. The space surrounded by the vertical wall 21B and the curved wall 21C and blocked by the bottom wall 21A is the internal space 21D of the shell 21. The internal space 21D opens upward Z1 through a semi-circular opening 21E that is bordered by the upper edges of the vertical wall 21B and the curved wall 21C.

[0054] A cylindrical outflow passage 21F protruding downwards to the Z2 is provided at the right side of the front end of the bottom wall 21A. The internal space of the outflow passage 21F is an outlet 21G that connects to the internal space 21D from the lower Z2. A cylindrical inflow passage 21H protruding forwards to the Y1 is provided at the upper left end of the front surface of the vertical wall 21B. The internal space of the inflow passage 21H is an inflow passage 21I that connects to the internal space 21D from the front Y1. A rib-shaped first engaging portion 21J extending in the left-right direction X is provided at the upper end of the front surface of the vertical wall 21B. A rib-shaped second engaging portion 21K extending in the left-right direction X while bending is provided at the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the curved wall 21C facing the internal space 21D from the rear Y2.

[0055] Figure 4This is a perspective view of the filter unit 22 as seen from the front Y1. The filter unit 22 includes a filter 23 and a cleaning unit 24. Referencing the perspective view of the filter 23... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The filter 23 has a cylindrical shape, specifically a cylindrical overall shape, with a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 23A. This cylindrical inner peripheral surface 23A has a central axis K extending in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the vertical direction Z. It should be noted that the outer peripheral surface 23B of the filter 23 can be either cylindrical like the inner peripheral surface 23A, or it can be square.

[0056] Filter 23 includes: a cylindrical frame 25 forming the outer shell of filter 23; and a mesh 26 assembled into the frame 25 (see reference). Figure 6 It should be noted that, Figure 5 The illustration of mesh 26 is omitted. Furthermore, the radial direction relative to the central axis K will be referred to as radial R, and the circumferential direction around the central axis K will be referred to as circumferential S. Within radial R, the direction closest to the central axis K will be called radial inner R1, and the direction furthest from the central axis K will be called radial outer R2.

[0057] The frame 25 integrally comprises: a circular plate-shaped bottom wall 25A; and a cylindrical circumferential wall 25B, which rises from the entire area of ​​the outer periphery of the bottom wall 25A. The space surrounded by the circumferential wall 25B and blocked by the bottom wall 25A is the internal space 25C of the frame 25. The internal space 25C is also the internal space of the filter 23. The internal space 25C opens upward to the Z1 through a circular opening 25D that is bounded by the upper edge of the circumferential wall 25B. At approximately the center of the circumferential wall 25B in the vertical direction Z, a cylindrical relay path 25E protrudes forward to the Y1 along a tangential direction T relative to the circumferential direction S. The internal space of the relay path 25E is an inlet 25F that communicates with the internal space 25C from the tangential direction T.

[0058] Multiple through holes 25G are formed on the bottom wall 25A and the circumferential wall 25B. Eight through holes 25G formed on the bottom wall 25A are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S, and each through hole 25G is formed as an isosceles trapezoid that expands in the circumferential direction S as it tends to the radially outward R2. The multiple through holes 25G formed on the circumferential wall 25B are arranged in the area of ​​the circumferential wall 25B that avoids the relay path 25E, and each through hole 25G is formed as a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0059] Through holes 25G are arranged in three layers vertically in the approximately front half of the circumferential wall 25B, and in two layers vertically in the approximately rear half of the circumferential wall 25B. Eight through holes 25G are arranged at equal intervals along the entire circumferential direction S covering the lower end of the circumferential wall 25B. Four through holes 25G of the same size as the bottom through holes 25G are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S in the approximately rear half of the circumferential wall 25B. Three through holes 25G in the second layer from the top in the approximately front half of the circumferential wall 25B are arranged at the same height as the relay path 25E, and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S. The uppermost through-hole 25G in the region of approximately the front half of the circumferential wall 25B is provided as four overflow holes 25H, which are the smallest in both the vertical direction Z and the circumferential direction S, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The upper end of the uppermost through-hole 25G in the region of approximately the rear half of the circumferential wall 25B is positioned at approximately the same height as the center of the overflow hole 25H in the vertical direction Z.

[0060] Ribs 25I are provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall 25A at locations avoiding the through hole 25G, and on the outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 25B at locations avoiding the relay path 25E and the through hole 25G, to reinforce the frame 25. Ribs 25I extend circumferentially S and radially R on the lower surface of the bottom wall 25A (see reference). Figure 6 The circumferential wall 25B extends along the vertical direction Z and the circumferential direction S on its outer circumferential surface. At the upper end of the circumferential wall 25B, a flange 25J is provided that protrudes radially outward R2 over approximately the entire area in the circumferential direction S. At multiple locations equally spaced along the circumferential direction S in the flange 25J, notches 25K are provided, which are cut into the flange 25J in the vertical direction Z.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the mesh 26 is provided in all the through holes 25G except for the overflow hole 25H on the uppermost layer of the circumferential wall 25B, and the mesh 26 blocks all the through holes 25G to form the inner circumferential surface 23A of the filter 23 (see reference). Figure 5Each mesh 26 is configured to be bent along the circumferential direction S. Numerous filter holes 26A, acting as tiny through-holes, are formed in each mesh 26. Therefore, multiple filter holes 26A are distributed on the inner circumferential surface 23A of the filter 23. Furthermore, the overflow hole 25H is located in the filter 23 in a region Z1 above all the filter holes 26A. It should be noted that a grid (not shown) integrally formed on the frame 25 can also be provided instead of the mesh 26; in this case, the gaps within the grid function as filter holes 26A. The size of the filter holes 26A can be arbitrarily set, but when microplastics are targeted for capture, it is set to 10μm to 20μm; when microplastics are not targeted for capture, it is set to approximately 500μm.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the cleaning unit 24 as viewed from the front Y1. The cleaning unit 24 includes: a cover 30; a shaft 31 extending from the cover 30 to the lower Z2; a rotating body 32 rotatably supported by the shaft 31; a pair of scraping members 33 supported by the rotating body 32; and a drop 34 connected to each scraping member 33.

[0063] The cover 30 is shaped and sized similarly to the bottom wall 21A of the shell 21 (see reference). Figure 3 The cover 30 has a semi-circle that is roughly the same as the cover. The front edge of the cover 30, which extends in the left-right direction X, is provided with a third engaging part 30A that is frame-shaped and hangs down from the front edge.

[0064] An annular outer rib 30B is provided on the lower surface of the cover 30, which surrounds the outer periphery of the cover 30 and protrudes downward to the Z2 side. The outer rib 30B has a semi-circular outline that is slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the cover 30. A claw-shaped fourth engaging portion 30C is provided on the rearward Y2-bulging arc-shaped edge of the outer rib 30B, which protrudes downward to the Z2 side and then bends backward to the Y2 side. A sealing member 35 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the outer rib 30B to surround that outer peripheral surface. An annular inner rib 30D protruding downward to the Z2 side is provided in the area surrounded by the outer rib 30B on the lower surface of the cover 30. The lower end of the inner rib 30D is positioned higher than the lower end of the outer rib 30B, i.e., the upper Z1 side. A cylindrical support portion 30E protruding downward to the Z2 side is provided on the lower surface of the cover 30 at a position consistent with the center of the inner rib 30D.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter device 20. The filter 23 is disposed within the housing 21, and the cover 30 is assembled to block the opening 21E of the housing 21 and the opening 25D of the frame 25 of the filter 23 from the top Z1. The first engaging portion 21J of the housing 21 engages with the third engaging portion 30A of the cover 30, and the second engaging portion 21K of the housing 21 engages with the fourth engaging portion 30C of the cover 30, thereby securing the cover 30 in a manner that prevents accidental detachment (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0066] On the lower surface of the cover 30, the outer rib 30B is sandwiched between the upper ends of the vertical wall 21B and the curved wall 21C of the housing 21 and the upper end of the circumferential wall 25B of the frame 25 of the filter 23. The upper end of the circumferential wall 25B is sandwiched between the outer rib 30B and the inner rib 30D (see also...). Figure 11 In this state, the inner rib 30D and the filter 23 are coaxially arranged, so the support portion 30E provided on the lower surface of the cover 30 is arranged on the central axis K of the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. A cylindrical support portion 25L protruding upward Z1 is provided in the bottom wall 25A of the frame 25 of the filter 23 at a position consistent with the central axis K.

[0067] The gap between the housing 21 and the outer rib 30B is sealed by the seal 35. Furthermore, a claw-shaped positioning portion 30F protruding radially inward R1 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer rib 30B (see reference). Figure 11 The positioning part 30F contacts the flange 25J at the upper end of the frame 25 from the lower side Z2, thereby positioning the filter 23 inside the housing 21 with the bottom wall 25A of the frame 25 slightly suspended from the bottom wall 21A of the housing 21. It should be noted that the user only needs to offset the filter 23 circumferentially relative to the cover 30 to make the positioning part 30F contact the notch 25K of the flange 25J (see reference). Figure 5 Align the filter 23 and move it from the cover 30 downwards to the Z2 side, so that the cleaning unit 24 can be disassembled and only the filter 23 can be removed. Hereinafter, with the cover 30 assembled with the housing 21 and the filter 23 as a reference, the shaft 31, the rotating body 32, the scraping member 33 and the dropper 34 will be described using the circumferential direction S and the radial direction R.

[0068] Shaft 31, for example, is a metal shaft, disposed on the central axis K within the filter 23, specifically in the internal space 25C of the filter 23's frame 25. The upper end of shaft 31 is inserted into the support portion 30E of the cover 30, and the lower end is inserted into the support portion 25L of the filter 23's frame 25. It should be noted that, to prevent shaft 31 from detaching, a pair of washers 36 are fitted at the upper end of shaft 31 in a manner that clamps the support portion 30E. Other washers 37 are disposed on the support portion 25L.

[0069] The rotating body 32 is disposed within the filter 23. The rotating body 32 can be divided into an upper unit 40 and a lower unit 41. Figure 9 yes Figure 8A-A sectional view. The upper unit 40 integrally includes: a circular plate-shaped base 40A, coaxially arranged with the central axis K; an upper cylindrical portion 40B, protruding upward Z1 from the center of the upper surface of the base 40A; and a pair of upper guide portions 40C, disposed on the upper surface of the base 40A to clamp the upper cylindrical portion 40B. Furthermore, the upper unit 40 integrally includes: a lower cylindrical portion 40D, protruding downward Z2 from the center of the lower surface of the base 40A; and a plurality of blades 40E, disposed on the lower surface of the base 40A to surround the lower cylindrical portion 40D (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0070] At two locations 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction S on the outer periphery of the base 40A, a recess 40F is formed, each recessed radially inward R1. A pair of upper guide portions 40C are arranged one after another at the same position in the circumferential direction S as the recesses 40F, thus arranged on the same straight line extending radially R. Each upper guide portion 40C is an elongated hollow body extending radially R from the upper cylindrical portion 40B to the recess 40F. The upper cylindrical portion 40B can also be regarded as the end of the radially inward R1 of each upper guide portion 40C. Each upper guide portion 40C is provided with: an inner space 40G, located radially inward R1; an outer space 40H, located radially outward R2 than the inner space 40G; a partition wall 40I, disposed between the inner space 40G and the outer space 40H; and an end wall 40J, located radially outward R2 than the outer space 40H.

[0071] The inner space 40G and the outer space 40H are interconnected via a through hole 40K provided in the partition wall 40I. The outer space 40H opens radially outward R2 via a through hole 40L provided in the end wall 40J. The inner space 40G and the outer space 40H open upward Z1. The upper unit 40 also includes a pair of upper covers 42 corresponding to a pair of upper guides 40C. The upper covers 42 are long in the radial direction R, and the two ends of the circumferential direction S in the upper covers 42 are bent downward Z2. The upper covers 42 are fitted to the corresponding upper guides 40C, clamping the upper guides 40C from both sides of the circumferential direction S, and blocking the inner space 40G and the outer space 40H (also see) which are the internal spaces of the upper guides 40C from the upper side Z1. Figure 8 This prevents foreign objects from entering the inner space 40G and the outer space 40H. It should be noted that the upper cover 42 can be attached to and detached from the upper guide portion 40C using known locking mechanisms such as screws or clips.

[0072] The internal space of the upper cylindrical portion 40B and the internal space of the lower cylindrical portion 40D are continuous to form the upper insertion through hole 40M (see reference). Figure 8A shaft 31 is inserted through the upper through hole 40M. Thus, the entire rotating body 32 can rotate about the central axis K. The inner diameter of the upper cylindrical portion 40B is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 40D, and approximately the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 31. Therefore, the rotating body 32, especially its upper portion, can rotate smoothly without wobbling. It should be noted that a bearing (not shown) can also be arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the upper through hole 40M and the shaft 31. A locking hole 40N penetrating the lower cylindrical portion 40D in the radial direction R is provided in the lower cylindrical portion 40D (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the two locking holes 40N are respectively provided at two locations 180 degrees apart on the circumferential direction S.

[0073] The blade 40E, viewed circumferentially from the S direction, is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped blade, configured to extend radially outward R2 away from the lower cylindrical portion 40D, and connect to the outer periphery of the base 40A (see reference). Figure 7 The corners at both ends of the radial direction R at the lower end of the blade 40E are rounded. In this embodiment, eight blades 40E are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. It should be noted that each blade 40E is positioned in a different location in the circumferential direction S than the recess 40F of the base 40A and the upper guide portion 40C. Furthermore, each blade 40E is positioned in the internal space 25C of the frame 25 of the filter 23 at a position Z1 above the lower half (refer to...). Figure 8 ).

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the overflow hole 25H of the frame 25 of the filter 23 is positioned around the periphery of the connection between the vertical wall 21B and the curved wall 21C of the housing 21 when viewed from above. This connection forms an angle of the housing 21 when viewed from above, thus forming a recess 21L recessed away from the overflow hole 25H within the housing 21. A pair of left and right recesses 21L exist, forming part of the internal space 21D of the housing 21, specifically the gap 21M between the filter 23 and the housing 21. It should be noted that the portion of the housing 21 that is circumferentially offset from the overflow hole 25H is positioned along the curved wall 21C, therefore the gap 21M in this portion is narrower than the recess 21L in the radial direction R. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the overflow hole 25H on the right end overlaps with the outlet 21G of the bottom wall 21A of the housing 21. Therefore, the outlet 21G is located directly below the overflow hole 25H, that is, on the lower side Z2 of the overflow hole 25H and in the same position as the overflow hole 25H in the circumferential direction S.

[0075] Figure 10 yes Figure 8The B-B sectional view shows the inlet 25F of the frame 25 of the filter 23 positioned at the same height as the blades 40E within the filter 23, facing the blades 40E from the circumferential direction S, or more precisely, from the tangential direction T relative to the circumferential direction S. In other words, the inlet 25F faces the blades 40E from either the circumferential direction S or the tangential direction T. Furthermore, the flow inlet 21I of the housing 21 is arranged side-by-side with the inlet 25F along the tangential direction T, and is in communication with the inlet 25F.

[0076] Figure 11 It is along the circumferential S and Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view of the filter device 20 when cut at other positions offset by 180 degrees. The lower unit 41 integrally includes: a cylindrical portion 41A, disposed directly below the upper cylindrical portion 40B of the upper unit 40; a locking portion 41B, extending upward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 41A to the upper side Z1; and a pair of lower guide portions 41C, configured to clamp the cylindrical portion 41A.

[0077] The internal space of the cylindrical portion 41A forms a lower insertion through hole 41D. A shaft 31 is inserted through the lower insertion through hole 41D. The inner diameter of the lower insertion through hole 41D is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 31, thus allowing the rotating body 32, especially the lower half of the rotating body 32, to rotate smoothly without wobbling. It should be noted that a bearing (not shown) may also be arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the lower insertion through hole 41D and the shaft 31.

[0078] The locking part 41B is inserted into the internal space of the upper cylindrical part 40B, i.e., the upper insertion through hole 40M, from the lower side Z2 without contacting the shaft 31. At the upper end of the locking part 41B, there is a pair of claw parts 41E protruding radially outward R2 in opposite directions. Each of these claw parts 41E locks into the locking hole 40N of the lower cylindrical part 40D (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 8 Thus, the lower unit 41 is connected to the upper unit 40 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the upper unit 40. It should be noted that a positioning part 41F is provided in the locking part 41B, which positions the lower unit 41 relative to the upper unit 40 in the vertical direction Z by contacting the lower cylindrical part 40D from the lower side Z2.

[0079] A pair of lower guide portions 41C are arranged on the same straight line extending radially R. Each lower guide portion 41C is a hollow body that extends slenderly from the cylindrical portion 41A to the radially outer side R2. The cylindrical portion 41A can also be regarded as the end of the radially inner side R1 of each lower guide portion 41C. Each lower guide portion 41C is constructed in the same way as the upper guide portion 40C of the upper unit 40. That is, the pair of lower guide portions 41C are arranged at the same position as the pair of upper guide portions 40C in the circumferential direction S. Moreover, each lower guide portion 41C is provided with: an inner space 41G, located radially inner side R1; an outer space 41H, located radially outer side R2 beyond the inner space 41G; a partition wall 41I, arranged between the inner space 41G and the outer space 41H; and an end wall 41J, located radially outer side R2 beyond the outer space 41H.

[0080] The inner space 41G and the outer space 41H are interconnected via a through hole 41K provided in the partition wall 41I. The outer space 41H opens radially outward R2 via a through hole 41L provided in the end wall 41J. The inner space 41G and the outer space 41H open downward Z2. The lower unit 41 also includes a pair of lower covers 43 corresponding to the lower guide portion 41C. The lower covers 43 are long in the radial direction R, and the two ends of the circumferential direction S in the lower covers 43 are bent upward Z1. The lower covers 43 are fitted to the corresponding lower guide portion 41C, clamping the lower guide portion 41C from both sides of the circumferential direction S, and blocking the inner space 41G and the outer space 41H (refer to) which are the internal spaces of the lower guide portion 41C from the lower side Z2. Figure 8 This prevents foreign objects from entering the inner space 41G and the outer space 41H. It should be noted that the lower cover 43 can be attached to and detached from the lower guide portion 41C using known locking mechanisms such as screws or clips.

[0081] As described above, a pair of scraping members 33 are provided corresponding to the pair of upper guide portions 40C and lower guide portions 41C. The scraping members 33 are arranged one at each of two locations 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction S. It should be noted that the number of scraping members 33 can be arbitrarily changed; therefore, it can be an odd number or more, arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. Each scraping member 33 includes: two sliding pins 45, each disposed in the internal space of the upper guide portion 40C and the lower guide portion 41C; a seat 47, fixed to the sliding pins 45 by bolts 46; and a brush 48 disposed on the seat 47.

[0082] The sliding pin 45 is a cylindrical shape extending radially R. (See reference...) Figure 11The upper left sliding pin 45 has an annular inner flange 45A protruding from its outer circumferential surface at its radially inner end R1. At the midpoint of the radial direction R in the sliding pin 45, specifically at a radially outer position R2 beyond the inner flange 45A, an annular outer flange 45B protruding from its outer circumferential surface is provided. A threaded hole 45C is formed in the sliding pin 45, extending from its radially outer end face R2 to the outer flange 45B.

[0083] A sliding pin 45, disposed within the internal space of the upper guide portion 40C, is arranged spanning the inner space 40G and the outer space 40H of the upper guide portion 40C. In this sliding pin 45, an inner flange portion 45A is disposed in the inner space 40G, and an outer flange portion 45B is disposed in the outer space 40H. This sliding pin 45 can slide radially R. When the sliding pin 45 slides radially outward R2, the radially outward R2 end of the sliding pin 45 protrudes radially outward R2 from the through hole 40L in the end wall 40J of the upper guide portion 40C. It should be noted that the outer flange portion 45B of the sliding pin 45 faces the end wall 40J from radially inward R1, thus preventing the sliding pin 45 from dislodging from the internal space of the upper guide portion 40C.

[0084] A sliding pin 45 disposed within the internal space of the lower guide portion 41C is arranged across the inner space 41G and the outer space 41H of the lower guide portion 41C. In this sliding pin 45, an inner flange portion 45A is disposed in the inner space 41G, and an outer flange portion 45B is disposed in the outer space 41H. This sliding pin 45 can slide radially R. When the sliding pin 45 slides radially outward R2, the radially outward R2 end of the sliding pin 45 can protrude radially outward R2 from the through hole 41L in the end wall 41J of the lower guide portion 41C. It should be noted that the outer flange portion 45B of the sliding pin 45 faces the end wall 41J from the radially inward R1, thus preventing the sliding pin 45 from dislodging from the internal space of the lower guide portion 41C.

[0085] The seat 47 is a box-shaped structure that is longer in the vertical direction Z and thinner in the radial direction R, with its internal space opening radially outward R2. Therefore, the seat 47 has: a bottom wall 47A extending in the vertical direction Z; an upper wall 47B extending radially outward R2 from the upper end of the bottom wall 47A; a lower wall 47C extending radially outward R2 from the lower end of the bottom wall 47A; and a pair of side walls 47D extending radially outward R2 from both ends of the bottom wall 47A in the circumferential direction S (see reference). Figure 7 The vertical dimension Z of the side wall 47D is approximately the same as the vertical dimension Z of the internal space 25C of the frame 25 of the filter 23. The bottom wall 47A of the seat 47 is arranged radially outward R2 opposite to the upper guide portion 40C and the lower guide portion 41C located in the same position as the seat 47 in the circumferential direction S.

[0086] The brush 48 is made of bristles that are embedded in the radially outer R2 end faces of a pair of sidewalls 47D of the seat 47, protruding radially outward R2 (see also...). Figure 7 Specifically, bundles 48A composed of a predetermined number of hairs are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction Z, covering approximately the entire area of ​​the radially outer end face R2 of each sidewall 47D. It should be noted that, for example, a brush 48 may be formed by elastically deformable protrusions instead of bundles 48A composed of hairs. Furthermore, a scraper that is long in the vertical direction Z and protrudes radially outward from the sidewall 47D to the radially outer R2 may be used instead of a brush 48.

[0087] The dropper 34 is a metal plate that is Z-length in the vertical direction and is adapted to be housed within the internal space of the seat 47. The aforementioned bolts 46 pass through the bottom wall 47A of the dropper 34 and the seat 47 and are installed one by one into the threaded holes 45C of each sliding pin 45, thereby fixing the dropper 34 and the seat 47 to the upper and lower sliding pins 45 to complete each scraping member 33. Each scraping member 33 is supported within the filter 23 by the upper guide portion 40C and lower guide portion 41C of the rotating body 32 via the sliding pins 45, and can slide radially R in accordance with the sliding of the sliding pins 45. The head 46A of the bolt 46 is embedded inside the dropper 34 in a manner that does not protrude from the radially outer R2 end face of the dropper 34.

[0088] The cleaning unit 24 also includes force-applying members 49, each disposed in the internal space of the upper guide portion 40C and the lower guide portion 41C. The force-applying members 49 are helical springs extending radially R. In the upper guide portion 40C, the force-applying members 49 are disposed in the outer space 40H and surround the sliding pin 45, and are compressed between the end wall 40J and the outer flange 45B of the sliding pin 45 to always apply force radially inward R1 to the sliding pin 45. In the lower guide portion 41C, the force-applying members 49 are disposed in the outer space 41H and surround the sliding pin 45, and are compressed between the end wall 41J and the outer flange 45B of the sliding pin 45 to always apply force radially inward R1 to the sliding pin 45.

[0089] exist Figures 8-11 In this state, all sliding pins 45 are in a state of maximum retraction towards the radially inward side R1. Each scraping member 33 in this state is located in a retracted position towards the inner circumferential surface 23A of the filter 23, towards the central axis J, i.e., radially inward side R1. In each scraping member 33, the seat 47 is disposed within a recess 40F in the base 40A that is located at the same position as the seat 47 in the circumferential direction S (see reference). Figure 9 The bottom wall 47A of the seat 47 is in contact with the end wall 40J of the upper guide portion 40C and the end wall 41J of the lower guide portion 41C. Each scraping member 33 is always forced towards the retracted position by the force-applying member 49.

[0090] In the above-described drainage process, firstly, the control unit 19 operates the pump P with the drain valve 13 closed (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, pump P directs the water flowing from the washing tub 5 into the upstream channel 12A of the drain channel 12 towards the second downstream channel 12C. For example... Figure 1 As indicated by the single-dotted arrow, the water flowing through the second downstream path 12C rises in the upstream region 12CA of the second downstream path 12C, and then flows into the housing 21 from the inlet 21I of the housing 21 of the filter device 20.

[0091] like Figure 10 As indicated by the dashed arrow, water flowing into the housing 21 from the inlet 21I travels straight to the intake 25F of the filter 23 with almost no leakage along the way. It is then drawn into the filter 23 from the intake 25F and sprayed onto the blades 40E inside the filter 23 from the aforementioned tangential direction T. Consequently, the entire rotating body 32, having blades 40E that receive the water drawn into the filter 23 from the intake 25F, rotates in one direction in the circumferential direction S due to the water's force; in this embodiment, it rotates clockwise when viewed from above.

[0092] Furthermore, water drawn into the filter 23 from the inlet 25F flows out through the filter holes 26A on the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23 to the outside of the filter 23, i.e., the gap 21M between the filter 23 and the housing 21 inside the housing 21. When water passes through the filter holes 26A, foreign matter contained in the water is captured and adheres to the inner peripheral surface 23A. That is, the filter 23 captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing out of the filter 23 from the filter holes 26A on the inner peripheral surface 23A. It should be noted that, alternatively, the water flowing out of the filter 23 may not only pass radially outward R2 through the mesh 26 on the inner peripheral surface 23A, but also downward Z2 through the mesh 26 on the bottom wall 25A of the frame 25.

[0093] Water flowing out of the filter 23 exits from the outlet 21G of the bottom wall 21A of the housing 21 and flows out of the housing 21, then flows down into the downstream region 12CB of the second downstream path 12C, where it merges with the first downstream path 12B and is discharged outside the washing machine 1 (see reference). Figure 1 (The double-dotted arrow). It should be noted that if the amount of water flowing into filter 23 exceeds the amount of water flowing out of filter 23, the water in filter 23 will overflow from the overflow hole 25H located at the upper end of frame 25 (see reference). Figure 8 It overflows outside the filter 23 and flows out from the outlet 21G to the outside of the housing 21.

[0094] Currently, each scraping member 33 in the retracted position counteracts the force applied by the force-applying member 49 through the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating body 32, and slides radially outward R2, as... Figure 12As shown, the scraping members 33 are positioned in the forward position close to the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. In each scraping member 33 in the forward position, the brush 48 rotates as part of the rotating body 32 while contacting foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23, thereby scraping foreign matter from the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. When the brush 48 contacts the foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface 23A, the rotational speed of the rotating body 32 is temporarily reduced, thereby reducing the centrifugal force. Therefore, each scraping member 33 is retracted to the retraction position by the force applied by the force-applying member 49. In this way, each scraping member 33 can slide radially R between the retraction position and the forward position.

[0095] Then, when the rotational speed of the rotating body 32 returns to normal and the centrifugal force increases, each scraping member 33 advances again to the forward position and contacts the foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. Thus, during the rotation of the rotating body 32 accompanying drainage, the scraping members 33 repeatedly move back and forth between the forward and retracted positions to repeatedly contact the foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23, thereby efficiently scraping foreign matter from the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. This reduces clogging of the filter 23 in the filter holes 26A, improving maintainability. In other words, even tiny foreign matter such as microplastics and microfibers can be continuously captured over a long period while peeling off foreign matter attached to the inner peripheral surface 23A, thus capturing a larger amount of foreign matter. In particular, when the scraping member 33 is always in the forward position, the rotation of the rotating body 32 may suddenly stop due to the scraping member 33 getting stuck on the inner peripheral surface 23A, etc. However, in this embodiment, by configuring the scraping member 33 in a retractable manner, the rotation of the rotating body 32 can continue to rotate smoothly.

[0096] The blades 40E that rotate the rotating body 32 by receiving water drawn into the filter 23 from the inlet 25F are located on the upper side Z1 of the lower half of the filter 23, which is more prone to water accumulation (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, the inlet 25F is oriented from the circumferential direction S or the tangential direction T towards the blade 40E (see reference). Figure 10 Therefore, the blades 40E are less susceptible to resistance from the water stored in the lower half of the internal space 25C of the filter 23, and efficiently receive water drawn into the filter 23 from the inlet 25F, thus enabling the rotating body 32 to rotate strongly. Consequently, by generating a larger centrifugal force, the scraping member 33 easily advances to the forward position, allowing it to more efficiently scrape foreign objects from the inner circumferential surface 23A of the filter 23. This further reduces clogging of the filter 23 in the filter holes 26A, thus improving maintainability.

[0097] Furthermore, the dropper 34 connected to the scraping member 33 generates a large centrifugal force, which makes it easier for the scraping member 33 to advance to the forward position. Therefore, the scraping member 33 can more efficiently scrape foreign objects from the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23. As a result, clogging of the filter 23 in the filter holes 26A can be further suppressed, thereby further improving maintainability.

[0098] Furthermore, even if the filter 23 becomes clogged, the water inside the filter 23 will overflow from the overflow hole 25H to the outside of the filter 23 and flow out through the outlet 21G to the outside of the housing 21, thus smoothly draining the water flowing through the drain passage 12 of the washing machine 1 to the outside of the machine. Moreover, the housing 21 has a recess 21L recessed away from the overflow hole 25H, and the outlet 21G is located directly below the overflow hole 25H (see reference). Figure 9 Therefore, water that overflows from the overflow hole 25H to the filter 23 can be quickly transferred from the recess 21L to the outlet 21G and discharged outside the machine.

[0099] Thus, when pump P operates with the drain valve 13 closing the first downstream path 12B, water in the upstream path 12A flows through the second downstream path 12C and is discharged outside the machine after foreign matter is captured by the filter device 20. When the water in the washing tub 5 decreases and pump P becomes more prone to ingesting air, the control unit 19 stops pump P and opens the first downstream path 12B through the drain valve 13. As a result, water no longer flows into the filter device 20, and each scraping member 33 returns to the retracted position. In other words, the retracted position is the waiting position for each scraping member 33.

[0100] When the first downstream path 12B is opened, the residual water in the washing tub 5 will flow from the upstream path 12A through the first downstream path 12B and be discharged outside the machine. Therefore, it can suppress the noise caused by the pump P operating while swallowing air, and can discharge the water in the washing tub 5 without residue. It should be noted that the control unit 19 determines that the water in the washing tub 5 has decreased based on the detection value of the water level sensor (not shown) that detects the water level in the washing tub 5 and the elapsed time measured by the timer (not shown).

[0101] In the filter device 20, foreign objects detached from the inner peripheral surface 23A of the filter 23 accumulate from the bottom wall 25A side in the internal space 25C of the frame 25 of the filter 23. In the filter device 20, at least the cover 30 of the filter unit 22 protrudes from the upper surface 2A of the casing 2 of the washing machine 1 (see reference). Figure 1Therefore, for maintenance, the user can remove the first engaging portion 21J and the second engaging portion 21K of the housing 21 from the third engaging portion 30A and the fourth engaging portion 30C of the cover 30, respectively, to remove the filter unit 22 from the washing machine 1 and disassemble it as described above to remove foreign objects from the filter 23. As described above, the filter device 20 can continuously capture foreign objects for a long time, so the user does not need to maintain the filter 23 every day. It should be noted that the user can assemble the filter unit 22 in the reverse order and put it back into the washing machine 1.

[0102] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solution.

[0103] For example, the first downstream path 12B in the drainage path 12 can be omitted, as can the drain valve 13. In this case, the downstream path of the drainage path 12 is only the second downstream path 12C, and the downstream area 12CB of the second downstream path 12C is pulled out to the outside of the washing machine 1. Alternatively, the first downstream path 12B and the second downstream path 12C can also be pulled out to the outside of the washing machine 1 separately without merging.

Claims

1. A filtration device, characterized in that, include: The housing has an inlet and an outlet, wherein water in the drain path of the washing machine flows into the housing through the inlet and water in the housing flows out through the outlet. A filter, disposed within the housing, has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface and a plurality of filter holes. The inner circumferential surface has a longitudinally extending central axis, and the plurality of filter holes are distributed on the inner circumferential surface. The filter has an inlet for taking in water that flows into the housing from the inlet into the filter and into the filter. The filter captures foreign matter contained in the water that flows out of the filter from the filter holes after being taken into the filter from the inlet on the inner circumferential surface. A rotating body, disposed within the filter, the rotating body comprising: blades, receiving water drawn into the filter from the inlet, the rotating body rotating about the central axis by the water pressure of the water drawn into the filter from the inlet; A scraping member, supported by the rotating body within the filter, scrapes foreign matter from the inner circumferential surface. The scraping member includes an upper end disposed above the upper ends of the plurality of blades and a lower end disposed below the lower ends of the plurality of blades. The scraping member is capable of sliding radially relative to the central axis between an advancing position approaching the inner circumferential surface and a retracted position away from the inner circumferential surface towards the central axis. The force-applying component applies force to the scraping component at the retracted position; During the rotation of the rotating body associated with drainage, the scraping member, under the combined action of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating body and the applied force of the force-applying member, repeatedly moves back and forth between the forward position and the retracted position to come into multiple contact with the foreign matter on the inner circumferential surface of the filter.

2. The filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blades are positioned above the lower half of the filter's internal space. The intake port faces the blade from a circumferential direction about the central axis or from a tangential direction relative to the circumferential direction.

3. The filtration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, include: The pendulum is connected to the scraping component.

4. The filtration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, An overflow hole is provided in the filter in a region above the filter holes, allowing water inside the filter to overflow to the outside of the filter. The housing has a recess that is recessed away from the overflow hole. The outlet is located directly below the overflow hole.

5. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: A washing tub to hold laundry; The drainage path has an upstream path connected to the washing tub and a first downstream path and a second downstream path branching from the upstream path; The drain valve opens and closes the first downstream path; A pump is installed in the second downstream path to allow water in the upstream path to flow to the second downstream path; as well as The filtration device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is located in a downstream region of the second downstream path that is further downstream of the pump from the upstream path.

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