Clothes treatment device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a clothing treatment device, comprising: an outer tank; a washing tank; and a centrifugal separation part, the outer tank comprising a first outer tank water outlet and a second outer tank water outlet, the centrifugal separation part comprising a separation part inlet, a separation part outlet and a separation part flushing port, the second outer tank water outlet being higher than the separation part flushing port, the clothing treatment device comprising a circulating water circuit and a flushing water circuit, in which the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet to the centrifugal separation part via the separation part inlet, and after the centrifugal separation part centrifugally separates foreign matter contained in the washing water, the washing water returns to the outer tank from the separation part outlet, and in the flushing water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the second outer tank water outlet to the centrifugal separation part via the separation part flushing port by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part. According to the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device capable of reducing power consumption during operation can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothes treating device. Background Art

[0002] International application WO2019 / 049697 discloses a washing machine (clothing processing device) with a centrifugal separation unit 94. Figure 1 As shown, the main working principle of the washing machine is: in the washing stage, the clothes are put into the washing tank 92, and the washing machine is operated until the washing water reaches the specified water level. The circulating pump 93 is operated to send the washing water from the separation part inlet 941 to the centrifugal separation part 94 through the first switching valve 95, the circulating pump 93, and the second switching valve 96. After the centrifugal separation part 94 centrifuges the foreign matter contained in the washing water, the washing water is sent back to the outer tank 91 from the separation part outlet 942 through the third switching valve 97, and the above-mentioned circulation action is repeated until the drainage stage; in the drainage stage, the circulating pump 93 is operated to send the washing water from the separation part outlet 942 to the centrifugal separation part 94 through the first switching valve 95, the circulating pump 93, the second switching valve 96, and the third switching valve 97 to flush the centrifugal separation part 94, thereby performing the flushing action, and the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part 94 is discharged from the washing machine through the first opening and closing valve 98 and the second opening and closing valve 99.

[0003] However, in the above-mentioned washing machine (clothes processing device), a circulation pump is used to provide power to the washing water when the circulation action and the rinsing action are performed, so the power consumption during the operation increases. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] The present disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned current situation, and its object is to provide a clothes processing device capable of reducing power consumption during operation.

[0006] Solutions for solving problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first technical scheme of the present disclosure provides a clothing processing device, which includes: an outer tank, which is arranged in the shell of the clothing processing device; a washing tank, which is rotatably arranged in the outer tank; and a centrifugal separation part, which is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tank, the outer tank includes a first outer tank water outlet and a second outer tank water outlet, the centrifugal separation part includes a separation part inlet, a separation part outlet and a separation part flushing port, the second outer tank water outlet is higher than the separation part flushing port, the clothing processing device includes a circulating water circuit and a flushing water circuit, in the circulating water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet to the centrifugal separation part via the separation part inlet, after the centrifugal separation part centrifugally separates the foreign matter contained in the washing water, the washing water returns to the outer tank from the separation part outlet, and in the flushing water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the second outer tank water outlet to the centrifugal separation part via the separation part flushing port by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part.

[0008] According to the first technical solution, by making the second outer tank water outlet higher than the separation part flushing port, the washing water in the outer tank can flow from the second outer tank water outlet through the separation part flushing port to the centrifugal separation part by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part. Therefore, when performing the flushing action, there is no need to use a circulation pump to provide power to the washing water, which can effectively reduce the power consumption during the operation. In addition, the circulation pump can be omitted, which is conducive to reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0009] The second technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of the first technical solution, the first outer tank water outlet is also used as the second outer tank water outlet, and the second pipe is branched out in the middle of the first pipe connected to the first outer tank water outlet, the first pipe leads to the separation part inlet and constitutes a part of the circulating water circuit, the second pipe leads to the separation part flushing port and constitutes a part of the flushing water circuit, and the branch part of the first pipe to the second pipe is higher than the separation part flushing port.

[0010] According to the second technical solution, by using the first outer tank water outlet as the second outer tank water outlet, the number of water outlets provided in the outer tank can be reduced, which is beneficial to reducing manufacturing costs, and can reduce the risk of washing water leakage in the outer tank due to sealing problems of the water outlets. In addition, by making the branching portion of the first pipeline branching off the second pipeline higher than the separation part flushing port, it is possible to avoid forming a water trap in the second pipeline, so that the washing water can smoothly flow into the centrifugal separation part through the second pipeline to flush the centrifugal separation part.

[0011] The third technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of the second technical solution, a switching valve is provided on the branch portion of the first pipeline, and the switching valve is used to allow the washing water in the outer tub to flow selectively from the first outer tub outlet to the portion of the first pipeline located downstream of the switching valve or to the second pipeline.

[0012] According to the third technical solution, by providing a switching valve at the branch portion of the first pipeline, the flow of washing water can be effectively controlled so that the washing water flows to the circulation water path or the flushing water path at different times.

[0013] A fourth technical solution is that, based on the clothes processing device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the separation part outflow port also serves as the separation part flushing port.

[0014] According to the fourth technical solution, by using the separation section flow outlet also as the separation section flushing port, the number of ports provided in the centrifugal separation section can be reduced, which is beneficial to reducing manufacturing costs and can reduce the risk of washing water leakage in the outer tank due to sealing problems of the ports.

[0015] A fifth technical solution is that, based on the clothes processing device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the separation part outflow port and the separation part flushing port are independently provided in the centrifugal separation part.

[0016] According to the fifth technical solution, by independently arranging the separation section flow outlet and the separation section flushing port in the centrifugal separation section, it is advantageous to separately control the flow of washing water in the circulating water channel and the flow of washing water in the flushing water channel.

[0017] A sixth technical solution is, based on the clothes processing device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, in the flushing water path, the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part flows out from the separation part inlet to the outside of the centrifugal separation part.

[0018] According to the sixth technical solution, by allowing the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to flow out from the separation unit inlet to the outside of the centrifugal separation unit, there is no need to provide a port in the centrifugal separation unit for the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to flow out to the outside of the centrifugal separation unit. The number of ports provided in the centrifugal separation unit can be reduced, which is beneficial to reducing manufacturing costs and can reduce the risk of washing water leakage in the outer tank due to sealing problems of the ports.

[0019] The seventh technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the clothing processing device includes a water diversion structure, the water diversion structure includes a shell having an inner cavity, the shell is provided with a water inlet, a circulating water outlet and a drain respectively connected to the inner cavity, in the circulating water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet via the water inlet into the water diversion structure, and flows from the circulating water outlet via the separation part inlet into the centrifugal separation part, the clothing processing device includes a drainage water circuit, in the drainage water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet via the water inlet into the water diversion structure, and is discharged from the drain to the outside of the clothing processing device.

[0020] According to the seventh technical solution, by setting up a water distribution structure and making the circulating water circuit and the drainage water circuit share the water distribution structure, the water circuit design can be simplified, and the switching valves and the opening and closing valves can be reduced or omitted, thereby helping to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify the control process during operation.

[0021] The eighth technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of the seventh technical solution, in the flushing water circuit, the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part flows from the separation part inlet through the circulating water outlet to the water diversion structure, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing processing device through the drainage water circuit.

[0022] According to the eighth technical solution, by making the circulating water circuit, the flushing water circuit and the drainage water circuit share a water diversion structure, and discharging the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to the outside of the clothing processing device through the drainage water circuit, there is no need to separately set up a pipeline for discharging the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to the outside of the clothing processing device, thereby further simplifying the water circuit design.

[0023] The ninth technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of the seventh technical solution, the water diversion structure includes a circulation filter part, and the circulation filter part is assembled in the inner cavity. In the circulation water circuit, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet is filtered by the circulation filter part and then flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet.

[0024] According to the ninth technical solution, by filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the circulating filter unit before filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the centrifugal separation unit, it is possible to filter larger foreign matter (such as buttons, coins, etc.) in the washing water before the centrifugal separation unit, so as to avoid the larger foreign matter in the washing water from entering the centrifugal separation unit and causing the blockage of the separation unit inlet or the separation unit outlet, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the centrifugal separation unit. Further, the circulating water circuit is used to recycle the washing water in the outer tank. Due to the blockage of the wire scraps, the circulation process of the washing water is affected, especially when the pipeline of the circulating water circuit is narrow (for example: when the washing water in the circulating water circuit returns to the outer tank by spraying), the wire scraps are very easy to block the pipeline (spraying port), resulting in insufficient circulation, and there is a hidden danger of reduced circulation effect, that is, reduced washing effect of the clothes. However, by setting the circulating filter unit, the workload of the centrifugal separation unit can be reduced, and the foreign matter in the washing water can be separated more effectively, thereby avoiding the blockage of the circulating water circuit, and further improving the washing effect of the clothes processing device.

[0025] The tenth technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, the centrifugal separation part includes: an outer drum; a rotating drum, which is rotatably arranged in the outer drum; and a driving device, which is used to drive the rotating drum to rotate, and the clothing processing device can perform a circulation action. In the circulation action, the driving force of the driving device is utilized to circulate the washing water in the outer tank through the circulating water circuit, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifuged when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part.

[0026] According to the tenth technical solution, the washing water in the outer tank is circulated through the circulating water path by utilizing the driving force of the driving device during the circulation action. Therefore, when the circulation action is performed, it is not necessary to use a circulation pump to provide power to the washing water, which can effectively reduce the power consumption during the operation. In addition, the circulation pump can be omitted, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of foreign matter gradually accumulating in the circulation pump and causing the pump body to be blocked when the circulation action is performed for a long time.

[0027] An eleventh technical solution is, based on the clothes treating apparatus of the tenth technical solution, wherein when the clothes treating apparatus performs the circulation action, the rotating drum is driven by the driving device to rotate in any direction.

[0028] According to the eleventh technical solution, by utilizing the driving device to rotate the rotating drum in any direction when executing the circulation action, it is beneficial to centrifuge the foreign matter in the washing water, and the driving force of the driving device can be effectively utilized to circulate the washing water in the outer tank through the circulation water path.

[0029] The twelfth technical solution is that, based on the clothing processing device of the tenth technical solution, the clothing processing device can perform a flushing action. In the flushing action, the washing water in the outer tank flushes the centrifugal separation part via the flushing water path. When the clothing processing device performs the flushing action, the rotating drum is driven by the driving device to intermittently rotate in the forward direction or intermittently rotate in the reverse direction or alternately rotate in both directions.

[0030] According to the twelfth technical solution, by utilizing the driving device to cause the rotating drum to intermittently rotate in the forward direction, intermittently rotate in the reverse direction, or alternately rotate in both directions when performing the flushing action, it is helpful to shake off foreign matter attached to the centrifugal separation part and improve the flushing effect.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a clothes processing device capable of reducing power consumption during operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the description.

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a clothes processing device in the prior art.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the clothes treating apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a clothes processing apparatus according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a clothes processing apparatus according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a clothes processing apparatus according to a third modified example of the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a clothes treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a clothes processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the clothes processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 9 It is a partially cutaway perspective view of a water diversion structure of a clothes treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0043] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of the water diversion structure of the clothes treating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Fig.11 This is a cross-sectional view of the water diversion structure of the clothes treating apparatus according to the second embodiment, taken along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the casing.

[0045] Fig.12 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of a water diversion structure of a clothes treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0046] Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view of the water diversion structure of the clothes treating apparatus according to the second embodiment, cut along the axial direction of the casing.

[0047] Fig.14 It is an exploded perspective view of a centrifugal separation unit of a clothes processing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0048] Fig.15A It is a perspective view of the front side of the connection structure of the clothes processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 15B It is a perspective view of the back side of the connection structure of the clothes processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0050] Fig.16 It is a perspective view showing a connection relationship between a connection structure of a clothes processing apparatus and a centrifugal separation unit according to a second embodiment.

[0051] Fig.17 It is a perspective view of a clothes processing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0052] Fig.18 It is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the water diversion structure of the clothes treating apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0053] Fig.19 This is a cross-sectional view of the water diversion structure of the clothes treating apparatus according to the third embodiment, cut along the axial direction of the casing.

[0054] Fig. 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the water diversion structure of the laundry processing apparatus according to the third embodiment in the disassembled state, cut along the axial direction of the casing.

[0055] Fig.21 It is a perspective view of a clothes processing apparatus according to a first modified example of the third embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 22 This is a cross-sectional view of a water diversion structure of a clothes treating apparatus according to a first modified example of the third embodiment, cut along the axial direction of a casing.

[0057] Fig.23 This is a cross-sectional view of a water diversion structure of a clothes treating apparatus according to a second modified example of the third embodiment, cut along the axial direction of a casing.

[0058] Description of Reference Numerals

[0059] 1: outer tank; 100: housing; 11: first outer tank water outlet; 12: second outer tank water outlet; 14: motor; 2: washing tank; 3: water distribution structure; 31: housing; 311: chute; 312: guide recess; 313: guide protrusion; 314: partition; 315: communication port; 316: engaging hook; 317: engaging recess; 32: pump; 321: impeller; 33: housing cover; 331: first connection part; 332: second connection part; C: inner cavity; C1: first chamber; C2: second chamber; C3: the third chamber (water inlet chamber); C4: the fourth chamber (drainage chamber); P1: water inlet; P2: circulating water outlet; P3: flushing water outlet (first water outlet); P4: flushing return outlet; P5: drainage outlet (second water outlet); F1: circulating filter; F2: drainage filter; F3: water outlet filter; 4: centrifugal separation; 41: outer cylinder; 411: upper part of outer cylinder; 412: lower part of outer cylinder; 42: rotating cylinder; 43: driving device; 44: separation part inlet; 45: separation part outlet; 46: centrifugal separation; 47: centrifugal separation; 48: centrifugal separation; 49: centrifugal separation; 50: centrifugal separation; 51: centrifugal separation; 52: centrifugal separation; 53: centrifugal separation; 54: centrifugal separation; 55: centrifugal separation; 56: centrifugal separation; 57: centrifugal separation; 58: centrifugal separation; 59: centrifugal separation; 60: centrifugal separation; 61: centrifugal separation; 62: centrifugal separation; 63: centrifugal separation; 64: centrifugal separation; 65: centrifugal separation; 66: centrifugal separation; 67: centrifugal separation; 68: centrifugal separation; 69: centrifugal separation; 70: centrifugal separation; 71: centrifugal separation; 72: centrifugal separation; 73: centrifugal separation; 74: centrifugal separation; 75: centrifugal separation; 76: centrifugal separation; 77: centrifugal separation; 78: centrifugal separation; 79: centrifugal separation; 80: centrifugal separation; 81: cent 6: Separation part flushing port; 47: Base; L1: Circulation water circuit; L2: Flushing water circuit; L3: Drainage water circuit; 51: First pipeline; 52: Second pipeline; 53: Third pipeline; 54: Fourth pipeline; 55: Switch valve; 6: Fifth pipeline (connecting pipe); 61: Connecting pipe; 611: Main pipe; 612: First branch pipe; 613: Second branch pipe; 614: First check valve; 615: Second check valve; 62: Connecting pipe; 621: Main pipe; 6211: First main pipe; 6212: Second main pipe part; 622: first branch pipe part; 623: second branch pipe part; 6231: first part; 6232: second part; 624: one-way valve; 63: connecting pipe; 631: main pipe part; 632: first branch pipe part; 633: second branch pipe part; 634: one-way valve; 7: connecting structure; 71: base; 711: outer peripheral wall; 712: bottom wall; 713: inner peripheral wall; 72: pipeline supporting part; 720: spring piece; 73: connecting plate; 74: first connecting port; 75: second connecting port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The clothes processing device of the present disclosure may be, for example, a washing machine, a washing and drying machine, etc. As a typical example, it may be, for example, a drum-type washing machine, a drum-type washing and drying machine, etc. Next, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0061] 1. First Implementation

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the clothes treating device of the first embodiment includes an outer tub 1 , a washing tub 2 , a water separation structure 3 and a centrifugal separation part 4 .

[0063] The outer tank 1 and the washing tank 2 are formed, for example, in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tank 1 is disposed in the outer casing 100 of the clothing processing device, and the washing tank 2 is rotatably disposed in the outer tank 1. Specifically, the outer tank 1 is elastically supported in the outer casing 100, for example, by means of a plurality of suspension structures (not shown). An electric motor 14 is provided on the outer side of the outer tank 1, and the washing tank 2 can rotate around the rotation axis under the driving action of the electric motor 14. The electric motor 14 can adopt a known structure such as a brushless DC motor. In addition, the washing tank 2 is provided with an inlet (not shown) for putting in and taking out laundry such as clothes.

[0064] In addition, the outer tank 1 is connected to an external faucet by means of a hose or the like, so that washing water for washing the laundry can be supplied to the outer tank 1. A plurality of small holes (not shown) are provided on the peripheral wall surface of the washing tank 2, and the washing water in the outer tank 1 can flow into the washing tank 2 through these small holes, and the washing water in the washing tank 2 can flow into the outer tank 1 through these small holes.

[0065] In addition, the outer tub 1 includes a first outer tub outlet 11 and a second outer tub outlet 12. The first outer tub outlet 11 and the second outer tub outlet 12 are independently arranged at the lower side of the outer tub 1, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow out to the outside of the outer tub 1 through the first outer tub outlet 11 and the second outer tub outlet 12.

[0066] The water distribution structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical shell 31. The shell 31 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulating water outlet P2, and a drain outlet P5 which are respectively connected to the inner cavity C.

[0067] In addition, the water-dividing structure 3 further includes a circulation filter portion F1, which is assembled in the inner cavity C. The circulation filter portion F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the shell 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged along the axial direction of the shell 31. The water inlet P1 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1 and the drain port P5 are respectively arranged on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is arranged on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the second chamber C2.

[0068] In addition, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a drainage filter F2 , which is assembled in the first chamber C1 .

[0069] The centrifugal separation unit 4 is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tank 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation unit 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41, which constitutes the outer contour of the centrifugal separation unit 4; a rotating cylinder 42, which is hollow cylindrical and rotatably arranged in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43, which is used to drive the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate, and can adopt a known structure such as a brushless DC motor.

[0070] In addition, the centrifugal separation part 4 includes a separation part inlet 44, a separation part outlet 45, and a separation part flushing port 46 provided in the outer cylinder 41. The separation part inlet 44 is provided in the centrifugal separation part 4, specifically, at the lower side of the outer cylinder 41. The separation part outlet 45 and the separation part flushing port 46 are independently provided in the centrifugal separation part 4, specifically, at the upper side of the outer cylinder 41. The second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part flushing port 46.

[0071] Washing water after washing laundry usually contains various foreign matters such as lint, sand, hair and keratin dirt. When separating foreign matters in washing water, the driving device 43 drives the rotating drum 42 to rotate, so that the washing water flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the separation part inlet 44. While the washing water flows through the rotating drum 42, the washing water swirls while flowing, and the foreign matters contained in the washing water move toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating drum 42 due to the centrifugal force, thereby the washing water becomes a state of separating foreign matters, and then the washing water flows out of the centrifugal separation part 4 from the separation part outlet 45.

[0072] When flushing foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separation unit 4 , washing water is caused to flow into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit flushing port 46 , and then flow out of the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit inlet 44 after flushing the inside of the centrifugal separation unit 4 .

[0073] The clothing treatment device further includes a first pipeline 51, a second pipeline 52, a third pipeline 53, a fourth pipeline 54 and a fifth pipeline 6. The first pipeline 51 connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. The second pipeline 52 connects the second outer tank water outlet 12 of the outer tank 1 and the separation part flushing port 46 of the centrifugal separation part 4. One end of the third pipeline 53 is connected to the separation part outflow port 45 of the centrifugal separation part 4, and the other end leads to the inside of the outer tank 1 at the upper side of the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipeline 54 is connected to the drain port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end leads to the outside of the clothing treatment device. The fifth pipeline 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation part inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation part 4.

[0074] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a flushing water path L2, and a drainage water path L3.

[0075] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the first chamber C1 of the water diversion structure 3, and enters the second chamber C2 after being filtered by the circulating filter part F1. Then, the washing water flows from the circulating water outlet P2 through the fifth pipe 6 from the separation part inlet 44 to the centrifugal separation part 4. Foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4, and then the washing water returns to the outer tank 1 from the separation part outlet 45 through the third pipe 53.

[0076] In the flushing water circuit L2, since the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 uses its own weight to flow from the second outer tank water outlet 12 through the second pipe 52 from the separation part flushing port 46 to the centrifugal separation part 4 to flush the centrifugal separation part 4. The washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part 4 flows from the separation part inlet 44 through the fifth pipe 6 from the circulating water outlet P2 to the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3, and then the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 through the circulating filter part F1 into the first chamber C1.

[0077] In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the first chamber C1 of the water diversion structure 3, and is discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the fourth pipe 54 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2. In addition, the washing water in the above-mentioned flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and flows into the first chamber C1 is also discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the fourth pipe 54 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2.

[0078] The operation of the clothes processing apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

[0079] When washing clothes, the clothes processing device first performs a washing process, which is a process of supplying washing water dissolved with detergent into the outer tank 1 and performing beating washing to remove dirt from the clothes by rotating the washing tank 2. Then, a rinsing process is performed, for example, including a first intermediate dehydration process, a first rinsing process, a second intermediate dehydration process, and a second rinsing process. Finally, a dehydration process is performed.

[0080] In addition, the laundry processing device can perform circulation, flushing and drainage. That is, the method for treating washing water performed by the laundry processing device includes circulation, flushing and drainage. Specifically, the laundry processing device also has a control unit (not shown), which controls the laundry processing device to perform at least one of the circulation, flushing and drainage actions, so that the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows through the corresponding waterways in the circulation waterway L1, the flushing waterway L2 and the drainage waterway L3.

[0081] In at least one of the washing process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the washing process), the laundry processing device performs a circulation operation. In this circulation operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated through the circulation water path L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit 4. At this time, the rotating drum 42 rotates in any direction under the drive of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water, so that the washing water circulates through the circulation water path L1.

[0082] In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process and the dehydration process, the clothes processing device performs a flushing action and a drainage action. In the flushing action, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 through the flushing water path L2. At this time, under the drive of the driving device 43, the rotating drum 42 rotates intermittently in the forward direction or intermittently in the reverse direction or alternately in both directions. In the drainage action, the washing water in the outer tank 1 is discharged to the outside of the clothes processing device through the drainage water path L3. At this time, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and flows into the water diversion structure 3 is also discharged to the outside of the clothes processing device through the drainage water path L3.

[0083] The above describes the specific structure of the clothes processing device of the first embodiment. An important feature of the clothes processing device of the first embodiment is that in the flushing water path L2, the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part flushing port 46, and the washing water in the outer tank 1 can flow from the second outer tank water outlet 12 through the separation part flushing port 46 to the centrifugal separation part 4 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part 4. For other structures, appropriate changes can be made.

[0084] For example, in the first embodiment, first outer tank water outlet 11 and second outer tank water outlet 12 are independently provided in outer tank 1 , and separation unit flow outlet 45 and separation unit flushing port 46 are independently provided in centrifugal separation unit 4 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0085] like Figure 3As shown, as a first variation of the first embodiment, the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serves as the second outer tank water outlet 12. In addition, a second pipe 52 is branched out from the middle of the first pipe 51 connected to the first outer tank water outlet 11. The first pipe 51 leads to the separation portion inlet 44 and constitutes a part of the circulation water path L1, and the second pipe 52 leads to the separation portion flushing port 46 and constitutes a part of the flushing water path L2. A switching valve 55 is provided at the branching portion of the first pipe 51 where the second pipe 52 branches out. The switching valve 55 is used to selectively allow the washing water in the outer tank 1 to flow from the first outer tank water outlet 11 to the portion of the first pipe 51 located downstream of the switching valve 55 or to the second pipe 52. In addition, the first outer tank water outlet 11 which also serves as the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part flushing port 46, and the branch portion of the first pipe 51 from which the second pipe 52 branches is higher than the separation part flushing port 46. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tank 1 can also use its own weight to flow from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the separation part flushing port 46 into the centrifugal separation part 4 to flush the centrifugal separation part 4.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, as a second variation of the first embodiment, the separation portion outflow port 45 also serves as the separation portion flushing port 46. In addition, the second pipe 52 connected to the second outer tank water outlet 12 is connected to the middle of the third pipe 53, and is connected to the separation portion outflow port 45 via the third pipe 53. In addition, the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 also serving as the separation portion flushing port 46, so that the washing water in the outer tank 1 can also flow from the second outer tank water outlet 12 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the separation portion outflow port 45 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, as a third variation of the first embodiment, the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serves as the second outer tank water outlet 12, and the separation portion flow outlet 45 also serves as the separation portion flushing port 46. In addition, the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serving as the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion flow outlet 45 also serving as the separation portion flushing port 46, and the branching portion of the first pipe 51 from the second pipe 52 is higher than the separation portion flow outlet 45 also serving as the separation portion flushing port 46, so that the washing water in the outer tank 1 can also flow from the first outer tank water outlet 11 to the separation portion flow outlet 45 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0088] In addition, in the first embodiment, the structure in which the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part 4 in the washing water path L2 flows into the water diversion structure 3 from the separation part inlet 44 is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, a flow outlet for the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part 4 can be separately provided in the centrifugal separation part 4, and the washing water can be discharged to the outside of the clothing processing device by other pipelines.

[0089] In addition, in the first embodiment, the structure in which the clothes processing device has the water-dividing structure 3 is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the water-dividing structure 3 may be omitted. At this time, in the circulation water circuit L1, the first pipe 51 directly connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 and the separation portion inlet 44; in the drainage water circuit L3, the fourth pipe 54 is directly connected to the first outer tank water outlet 11, or is connected to the middle of the first pipe 51 connected to the first outer tank water outlet 11.

[0090] In addition, although not further described in the first embodiment, an on-off valve may be provided in the fourth pipe 54 of the drainage waterway L3 as a drainage valve. In addition, a drainage pump may be provided in the fourth pipe 54, and the drainage pump may provide power for the flow of washing water in the flushing waterway L2 and the drainage waterway L3. That is, the statement in the present disclosure that "the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the second outer tank water outlet 12 through the separation part flushing port 46 into the centrifugal separation part 4 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part 4" does not exclude the form of using a drainage pump to provide power to the washing water for flushing in addition to the own weight of the washing water.

[0091] 2. Second Implementation

[0092] The main difference between the clothes treating device of the second embodiment and the first embodiment (especially the second variation of the first embodiment) is that the second pipe 52 is not connected to the second outer tub water outlet 12 of the outer tub 1, but is connected to the flushing water outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 3. Figures 6 to 16 A laundry processing apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions of portions common to those of the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0093] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the clothes treating device of the second embodiment includes an outer tub 1 , a washing tub 2 , a water separation structure 3 and a centrifugal separation part 4 .

[0094] The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed, for example, in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 1 is disposed in the outer shell 100 of the laundry processing device, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 1. In addition, the outer tub 1 includes a first outer tub water outlet 11, which is disposed at the lower side of the outer tub 1, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow out to the outside of the outer tub 1 through the first outer tub water outlet 11.

[0095] The water distribution structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 31. The housing 31 has an inner cavity C and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulation outlet P2, a flushing outlet (first outlet) P3 and a drain outlet (second outlet) P5 which are connected to the inner cavity C respectively.

[0096] like Fig. 9 , Fig.10 As shown, the water inlet P1 is arranged near the center of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and the circulating water outlet P2 is arranged near one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. The circulating water outlet P2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet P1 is located relative to the central axis of the housing 31, and extends in the direction opposite to the extension direction of the water inlet P1. The flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are arranged near the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and the two are arranged close to each other.

[0097] A housing cover 33 is provided at one axial end of the housing 31 , and a pump 32 is provided at the other axial end of the housing 31 . The housing cover 33 closes one end opening of the housing 31 , and the pump 32 closes the other end opening of the housing 31 .

[0098] like Fig.11 As shown, the pump 32 has an impeller 321, and the pump 32 is installed in the housing 31 in such a manner that the impeller 321 is inserted into the housing 31, so that the housing 31 is used as the pump shell of the pump 32, and the inner cavity C of the housing 31 (specifically, the fourth chamber C4 described later) is used as the pump chamber of the pump 32. The flushing outlet P3 and the drain P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the water inlet P1 and the circulation outlet P2. Specifically, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain P5 are arranged at a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that is located radially outside the impeller 321. In addition, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain P5 are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction of the housing 31, and the two are parallel to each other. The drain P5 is arranged along the radial direction of the impeller 321. By driving the impeller 321 to rotate along the circumferential direction of the housing 31, the water flowing into the housing 31 from the water inlet P1 can flow out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3 and / or the drain P5.

[0099] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the water distribution structure 3 further includes a circulation filter part F1, a drainage filter part F2 and a water outlet filter part F3.

[0100] The circulation filter F1 is a filter plate in a roughly circular plate shape, which is connected to the housing cover 33 by means of the first connection portion 331. By installing the housing cover 33 on the housing 31, the circulation filter F1 is assembled in the inner cavity C. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter F1 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31, or abuts against a step portion or the like provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. In addition, in the axial direction of the housing 31, the circulation filter F1 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2. Thus, the circulation filter F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged along the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulation outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are respectively arranged on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is arranged on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the second chamber C2.

[0101] In addition, a partition 314 is provided in the shell 31, and the partition 314 divides the inner cavity C (specifically, the first chamber C1) into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (drainage chamber) C4 in the axial direction of the shell 31. A connecting port 315 is provided on the partition 314, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are connected via the connecting port 315. In addition, the water inlet P1 is connected to the third chamber C3, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are respectively connected to the fourth chamber C4, and the impeller 321 is located in the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet P1 is connected to the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are respectively connected to the fourth chamber C4" means that the water inlet P1 is provided on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are respectively provided on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the fourth chamber C4.

[0102] The drainage filter F2 is mounted in the first chamber C1 (specifically, the third chamber C3), is roughly conical, and has a tapered guide surface that gradually expands as it approaches the connecting port 315. The drainage filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 by means of the second connecting portion 332. The drainage filter F2 is mounted in the first chamber C1 by installing the housing cover 33 on the housing 31. At this time, there is a predetermined radial filter gap between the tapered guide surface of the circulation filter F1 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 31. In addition, an axial filter gap is provided between the drainage filter F2 and the partition 314. Thus, it is possible to prevent larger foreign objects such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 with the flow of washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 flows into the fourth chamber C4 from the connecting port 315 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2.

[0103] The outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4, and is installed on the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 corresponding to the flushing outlet P3 on the radial outer side of the impeller 321. The washing water in the fourth chamber C4 is filtered by the outlet filter F3 and then flows out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 is provided with a chute 311 for inserting and installing the outlet filter F3. The chute 311 is provided with guide recesses 312 on both sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet filter F3 is provided with guide protrusions 313 on both sides in the circumferential direction. By inserting the guide protrusions 313 into the guide recesses 312 along the axial direction of the housing 31, the outlet filter F3 is inserted and installed in the chute 311. At this time, the outlet filter F3 is extended along a circle concentric with the impeller 321, and the inner surface of the outlet filter F3 is substantially flush with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at the fourth chamber C4. In addition, a hook portion 316 is provided at the end of the outlet filter F3 on the side where the outlet filter F3 is inserted and installed toward the chute 311 along the axial direction of the housing 31, and a recessed portion 317 is provided at the bottom of the chute 311 at a position corresponding to the hook portion 316. When the outlet filter F3 is inserted and installed in the chute 311, the hook portion 316 is hooked in the recessed portion 317, thereby preventing the outlet filter F3 from shaking or falling off in the axial direction of the housing 31.

[0104] like Figures 7 to 8 , Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the centrifugal separation unit 4 is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tank 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation unit 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41, which constitutes the outer contour of the centrifugal separation unit 4; a base 47, on which the outer cylinder 41 is mounted; a rotating cylinder 42, which is in a hollow cylindrical shape and is rotatably arranged in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43, which is used to drive the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate, and for example, a known structure such as a brushless DC motor can be used.

[0105] The outer cylinder 41 is composed of an outer cylinder upper portion 411 and an outer cylinder lower portion 412. The centrifugal separation unit 4 includes a separation unit inlet 44 provided at the outer cylinder lower portion 412 and a separation unit outlet 45 provided at the outer cylinder upper portion 411.

[0106] In addition, the clothing processing device includes a connecting structure 7, which includes: a base 71, which can be connected to the separation portion flow outlet 45; a pipeline support portion 72, which is used to support the pipeline described later; and a connecting plate 73, which is arranged on the base 71 and connects the base 71 and the pipeline support portion 72.

[0107] The base 71 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder with one end open, and the end of the open side of the base 71 is connected to the separation portion flow outlet 45. The base 71 has an outer peripheral wall 711, a bottom wall 712 that blocks the other end opening of the outer peripheral wall 711, and an inner peripheral wall 713 that is protruded from the inner surface of the bottom wall 712 toward the inside of the base 71, and the inner peripheral wall 713 is in a similar shape concentric with the outer peripheral wall 711. By inserting the pipe portion of the separation portion flow outlet 45 between the outer peripheral wall 711 and the inner peripheral wall 713, the separation portion flow outlet 45 is connected to the base 71. In addition, the outer surface of the bottom wall 712 is provided with a first connection port 74 and a second connection port 75 that are respectively connected to the space in the base 71.

[0108] The pipeline support part 72 is used to support at least a part of the pipeline of the circulating water circuit L1, at least a part of the pipeline of the flushing water circuit L2, or at least a part of the pipeline of the drainage water circuit L3 described later. The pipeline support part 72 has two elastic pieces 720 arranged opposite to each other, and the elastic pieces 720 are arranged at the end of the connecting plate 73. The pipeline is supported by inserting the pipeline between the two elastic pieces 720. The pipeline support part 72 supports the pipeline at a position above the centrifugal separation part 4. In addition, the connecting plate 73 can also be configured to be adjustable in length.

[0109] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the clothing treatment device further includes a first pipeline 51, a second pipeline 52, a third pipeline 53, a fourth pipeline 54 and a fifth pipeline 6. The first pipeline 51 connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. One end of the second pipeline 52 is connected to the flushing outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation part flow outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation part 4 by means of the second connection port 75 of the connection structure 7. One end of the third pipeline 53 is connected to the separation part flow outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation part 4 by means of the first connection port 74 of the connection structure 7, and the other end leads to the inside of the outer tank 1 at the upper side of the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipeline 54 is connected to the drain port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end leads to the outside of the clothing treatment device. The fifth pipeline 6 connects the circulation outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation part flow inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation part 4.

[0110] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a flushing water path L2, and a drainage water path L3.

[0111] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, and enters the second chamber C2 after being filtered by the circulating filter part F1. Then, the washing water flows from the circulating water outlet P2 through the fifth pipe 6 from the separation part inlet 44 to the centrifugal separation part 4. Foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4. Then, the washing water returns to the outer tank 1 from the separation part outflow 45 through the space in the base 71, the first connecting port 74, and the third pipe 53.

[0112] In the flushing water path L2, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and then flows from the flushing water outlet P3 through the second pipe 52, the second connection port 75, and the space in the base 71 from the separation part outflow 45 to the centrifugal separation part 4 to flush the centrifugal separation part 4. After that, the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part 4 flows from the separation part inflow 44 through the fifth pipe 6 from the circulation water outlet P2 to the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3, and the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 through the circulation filter F1 into the third chamber C3.

[0113] In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device from the drainage port P5 through the fourth pipe 54. In addition, the washing water in the above-mentioned flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and flows into the third chamber C3 also enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device from the drainage port P5 through the fourth pipe 54.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the pipe support portion 72 supports the fourth pipe 54 (that is, at least a portion of the pipe of the drainage water channel L3), and supports the fourth pipe 54 at a position above the centrifugal separation unit 4. However, the pipe support portion 72 may also support at least a portion of the pipe of the circulation water channel L1 or at least a portion of the pipe of the flushing water channel L2.

[0115] The operation of the clothes processing apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

[0116] When washing laundry, the laundry processing device first performs a washing process, then performs a rinsing process, for example, including a first intermediate dehydration process, a first rinsing process, a second intermediate dehydration process, and a second rinsing process, etc. Finally, performs a dehydration process.

[0117] In addition, the laundry processing device can perform circulation, flushing and drainage. Specifically, the laundry processing device further includes a control unit (not shown), which controls the laundry processing device to perform at least one of the circulation, flushing and drainage actions, so that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the corresponding waterways of the circulation waterway L1, the flushing waterway L2 and the drainage waterway L3.

[0118] In at least one of the washing process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the washing process), the laundry processing device performs a circulation action. In this circulation action, the washing water in the outer tank 1 is circulated through the circulation water path L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part 4. At this time, the rotating drum 42 rotates in any direction under the drive of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water, so that the washing water circulates through the circulation water path L1. In addition, when the laundry processing device performs a circulation action, the pump 32 does not work.

[0119] In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry processing apparatus performs a rinsing action and a draining action. When the laundry processing apparatus performs at least one of the rinsing action and the draining action, the pump 32 operates.

[0120] As a form, the clothing treatment device performs a flushing action and a draining action simultaneously by operating the pump 32. In the flushing action, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to make the washing water in the outer tank 1 flush the centrifugal separation part 4 through the flushing water path L2 and return to the water diversion structure 3. At this time, driven by the driving device 43, the rotating drum 42 rotates intermittently in the forward direction or intermittently in the reverse direction or alternately in both directions. In the draining action, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to make the washing water in the outer tank 1 be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the draining water path L3. At this time, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and returns to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulating water outlet P2 is also discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the draining water path L3.

[0121] As another form, for example, the start time of the flushing action can also be earlier than the start time of the drainage action. In this form, a drain valve (not shown) can be provided in the fourth pipeline 54. When the flushing action starts, the drain valve remains closed, and the pump 32 is operated. The driving force of the pump 32 is used to flush the centrifugal separation part 4 through the flushing water path L2 and return to the water diversion structure 3. After a predetermined time, the drain valve is opened and the drainage action is started. At this time, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to discharge the washing water in the outer tank 1 to the outside of the clothing processing device through the drainage water path L3. At the same time, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and returns to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulating water outlet P2 is also discharged to the outside of the clothing processing device through the drainage water path L3.

[0122] As mentioned above, the specific structure of the clothes processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated, but 2nd Embodiment is not limited to this.

[0123] For example, in the second embodiment, the laundry processing apparatus is described as having both the water diversion structure 3 and the centrifugal separation unit 4. However, as a first variation of the second embodiment, the laundry processing apparatus may have only the water diversion structure 3.

[0124] In this first variant, compared with the second embodiment, the water diversion structure 3 omits the circulating water outlet P2 and the circulating filter F1, and includes the water inlet P1, the first water outlet (flushing outlet) P3, the second water outlet (drainage outlet) P5, the drainage filter F2 and the water outlet filter F3. In addition, the first water outlet P3 is connected to the separation part inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation part 4 by means of the second pipeline 52. At this time, the first water outlet P3 does not serve as a flushing outlet, but acts as a circulating water outlet.

[0125] The clothing treatment device includes a circulation water circuit L1 and a drainage water circuit L3. In the circulation water circuit L1, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3, and enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and then flows from the first water outlet P3 through the second pipe 52 from the separation part inlet 44 to the centrifugal separation part 4 after being filtered by the water outlet filter F3, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4, and then the washing water returns to the outer tank 1 from the separation part outflow 45 through the third pipe 53. In the drainage water circuit L3, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the water diversion structure 3, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device from the second water outlet P5.

[0126] In addition, on the basis of the above-mentioned first variant, the centrifugal separation part 4 can be further omitted to form a second variant. In the second variant, the first water outlet P3 leads to the outer tank 1 by means of the second pipe 52. The clothing treatment device includes a circulating water circuit L1 and a drainage water circuit L3. In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the first outer tank water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3, and enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and then returns to the outer tank 1 from the first water outlet P3 through the second pipe 52 after being filtered by the water outlet filter F3. In the drainage water circuit L3, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the water inlet P1 into the water diversion structure 3, and is discharged from the second water outlet P5 to the outside of the clothing treatment device.

[0127] Furthermore, although the second embodiment and its first and second modified examples all include the drainage filter F2 , the present invention is not limited thereto and the drainage filter F2 may be omitted.

[0128] In addition, some specific structures in the second embodiment can also be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and its various variations. For example, the specific structures of the circulation filter F1 and the drainage filter F2 in the second embodiment can also be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and its various variations. In addition, the connection structure 7 in the second embodiment can also be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and its various variations, and is particularly preferably applied to the second and third variations of the first embodiment.

[0129] 3. Third Implementation

[0130] The main difference between the laundry treatment device of the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that the water diversion structure 3 includes a flushing return port P4 in addition to the water inlet P1, the circulating water outlet P2, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain port P5. Figures 17 to 20 A laundry processing apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions of portions common to those of the second embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0131] The laundry processing apparatus of the third embodiment includes an outer tub 1 , a washing tub 2 , a water separation structure 3 , and a centrifugal separation unit 4 .

[0132] The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, for example. The outer tub 1 is provided in a housing (not shown) of the clothes processing device, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 1.

[0133] The water distribution structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical shell 31. The shell 31 has an inner cavity C and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulating water outlet P2, a flushing outlet (first outlet) P3, a flushing return outlet P4 and a drain outlet (second outlet) P5 respectively connected to the inner cavity C.

[0134] The water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are arranged near the center of the shell 31 in the axial direction, and the circulating water outlet P2 is arranged near one end of the shell 31 in the axial direction. The flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are arranged near the other end of the shell 31 in the axial direction, and the two are arranged close to each other. The circulating water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4 are located on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet P1 is located relative to the central axis of the shell 31, and extend in the direction opposite to the extension direction of the water inlet P1. In addition, the circulating water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4 are located on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the shell 31.

[0135] In addition, a housing cover 33 is provided at one axial end of the housing 31 , and a pump 32 is provided at the other axial end of the housing 31 . The housing cover 33 blocks one end opening of the housing 31 , and the pump 32 blocks the other end opening of the housing 31 .

[0136] In addition, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the water inlet P1, the circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4. Specifically, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided at a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that constitutes the pump chamber of the pump 32. In addition, the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are arranged in a circumferential direction of the housing 31.

[0137] In addition, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a circulation filter part F1 and a drainage filter part F2.

[0138] The circulation filter F1 is a filter plate in a roughly circular plate shape, which is connected to the housing cover 33 by means of the first connection portion 331. By installing the housing cover 33 on the housing 31, the circulation filter F1 is assembled in the inner cavity C. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter F1 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31, or abuts against a step portion or the like provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. In the axial direction of the housing 31, the circulation filter F1 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2. Thus, the circulation filter F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged along the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flushing outlet P3, the flushing reflux port P4 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulation outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3, the flushing return port P4 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is connected to the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3, the flushing return port P4 and the drain port P5 are respectively arranged on the surrounding wall of the shell 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is arranged on the surrounding wall of the shell 31 forming the second chamber C2.

[0139] In addition, a partition 314 is provided in the shell 31, and the partition 314 divides the first chamber C1 into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (drainage chamber) C4 in the axial direction of the shell 31. A connecting port 315 is provided on the partition 314, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are connected via the connecting port 315. In addition, the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are respectively connected to the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are respectively connected to the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively connected to the fourth chamber C4" means that the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are respectively provided on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively provided on the peripheral wall of the shell 31 forming the fourth chamber C4.

[0140] The drainage filter F2 is roughly conical and has a tapered guide surface that gradually expands as it approaches the connecting port 315. The drainage filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 by means of a second connecting portion 332. The drainage filter F2 is assembled in the first chamber C1 by installing the housing cover 33 on the housing 31. At this time, there is a predetermined radial filtration gap between the tapered guide surface of the circulation filter F1 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 31. In addition, an axial filtration gap is provided between the drainage filter F2 and the partition 314. Thus, it is possible to prevent larger foreign objects such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 with the flow of washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 flows into the fourth chamber C4 from the connecting port 315 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2.

[0141] In addition, although not shown in the figure, in the third embodiment, the water diversion structure 3 may further include a water outlet filter F3 as in the second embodiment. The water outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4 and is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 corresponding to the flushing outlet P3 on the radially outer side of the impeller 321. The washing water in the water diversion structure 3 is filtered by the water outlet filter F3 and then flows out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3.

[0142] In the third embodiment, the centrifugal separation unit 4 adopts the same structure as the second embodiment, that is, Fig.14As shown, the centrifugal separation part 4 is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tank 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation part 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41, which constitutes the outer contour of the centrifugal separation part 4; a base 47, on which the outer cylinder 41 is mounted; a rotating cylinder 42, which is hollow cylindrical and rotatably arranged in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43, which is used to drive the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate. In addition, the outer cylinder 41 is composed of an outer cylinder upper part 411 and an outer cylinder lower part 412. The centrifugal separation part 4 includes a separation part inlet 44 and a separation part outlet 45, the separation part inlet 44 is arranged at the outer cylinder lower part 412, and the separation part outlet 45 is arranged at the outer cylinder upper part 411.

[0143] In addition, in the third embodiment, the clothes treating apparatus includes the same connection structure 7 as that in the second embodiment. Here, the detailed description of the connection structure 7 is omitted.

[0144] In addition, the laundry processing device further includes a first pipeline 51, a second pipeline 52, a third pipeline 53, a fourth pipeline 54 and a connecting pipe 61 as a fifth pipeline. The fourth pipeline 54 of the third embodiment is different from the fourth pipeline 54 of the second embodiment (see Figures 6 to 8 ) are the same and are omitted in the illustration.

[0145] One end of the first pipeline 51 is connected to the lower part of the outer tank 1 (for example: the first outer tank water outlet), and the other end is connected to the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. One end of the second pipeline 52 is connected to the flushing outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation part outflow 45 of the centrifugal separation part 4 by means of the connecting structure 7. One end of the third pipeline 53 is connected to the separation part outflow 45 of the centrifugal separation part 4 by means of the connecting structure 7, and the other end leads to the inside of the outer tank 1 on the upper side of the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipeline 54 is connected to the drain port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end leads to the outside of the clothing processing device. The connecting pipe 61 connects the circulation outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation part inflow 44 of the centrifugal separation part 4, and also connects the flushing return port P4 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation part inflow 44 of the centrifugal separation part 4.

[0146] The connecting pipe 61 as the fifth pipeline is in an F shape, including a main pipe section 611, a first branch pipe section 612 and a second branch pipe section 613. One end of the main pipe section 611 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe section 612 and the second branch pipe section 613, the other end of the main pipe section 611 is connected to the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4, the other end of the first branch pipe section 612 is connected to the flushing reflux port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe section 613 is connected to the circulating water outlet P2. The first branch pipe section 612 is branched along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe section 611, and is roughly linear. The second branch pipe section 613 is further extended along the extension direction of the main pipe section 611, and is roughly L-shaped.

[0147] In addition, a first check valve 614 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 612, or in the flushing return port P4, or at the connection between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the flushing return port P4. Here, the first check valve 614 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the flushing return port P4. The first check valve 614 only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 612 to the inner cavity C.

[0148] A second check valve 615 is provided in the second branch pipe 613, or in the circulating water outlet P2, or at the connection between the second branch pipe 613 and the circulating water outlet P2. Here, the second check valve 615 is provided at the connection between the second branch pipe 613 and the circulating water outlet P2. The second check valve 615 only allows the wash water to flow from the inner cavity C to the second branch pipe 613.

[0149] Thus, the clothes treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a flushing water path L2, and a drainage water path L3.

[0150] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 via the first pipe 51, and enters the second chamber C2 after being filtered by the circulating filter part F1. Then, the washing water flows from the circulating water outlet P2 via the second one-way valve 615, the second branch pipe part 613 of the connecting pipe 61 and the main pipe part 611 from the separation part inlet 44 to the centrifugal separation part 4. Foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4, and then the washing water returns to the outer tank 1 from the separation part outlet 45 via the third pipe 53.

[0151] In the flushing water path L2, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 through the first pipe 51, enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and then flows from the flushing water outlet P3 through the second pipe 52 from the separation part outflow 45 to the centrifugal separation part 4 after being filtered by the water outlet filter F3 to flush the centrifugal separation part 4. The washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part 4 flows from the separation part inflow 44 through the main pipe part 611 and the first branch pipe part 612 of the connecting pipe 61, and the first check valve 614 from the flushing reflux port P4 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3.

[0152] In the drainage water path L3, similarly to the second embodiment, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 via the first pipe 51, enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device from the drainage port P5. In addition, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and flows into the third chamber C3 also enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drainage filter F2, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device from the drainage port P5.

[0153] The operation of the clothes processing apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

[0154] When washing laundry, the laundry processing device first performs a washing process, then performs a rinsing process, for example, including a first intermediate dehydration process, a first rinsing process, a second intermediate dehydration process, and a second rinsing process, etc. Finally, performs a dehydration process.

[0155] In addition, the laundry processing device can perform circulation, flushing and drainage. That is, the method for treating washing water performed by the laundry processing device includes circulation, flushing and drainage. Specifically, the laundry processing device also has a control unit (not shown), which controls the laundry processing device to perform at least one of the circulation, flushing and drainage actions, so that the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows through the corresponding waterways in the circulation waterway L1, the flushing waterway L2 and the drainage waterway L3.

[0156] In at least one of the washing process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the washing process), the laundry processing device performs a circulation action. In this circulation action, the washing water in the outer tank 1 is circulated through the circulation water path L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part 4. At this time, the rotating drum 42 rotates in any direction under the drive of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water, so that the washing water circulates through the circulation water path L1. In addition, when the laundry processing device performs a circulation action, the pump 32 does not work.

[0157] In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry processing apparatus performs a rinsing action and a draining action. When the laundry processing apparatus performs at least one of the rinsing action and the draining action, the pump 32 operates.

[0158] As a form, the clothing treatment device performs a flushing action and a draining action simultaneously by operating the pump 32. In the flushing action, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to make the washing water in the outer tank 1 flush the centrifugal separation part 4 through the flushing water path L2, and return to the water diversion structure 3 through the flushing return port P4. At this time, driven by the driving device 43, the rotating drum 42 rotates intermittently in the forward direction or intermittently in the reverse direction or alternately in both directions. In the draining action, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to make the washing water in the outer tank 1 be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the draining water path L3. At this time, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and returns to the water diversion structure 3 through the flushing return port P4 is also discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the draining water path L3.

[0159] As another form, for example, the start time of the flushing action can be earlier than the start time of the drainage action. In this form, a drain valve (not shown) can be provided in the fourth pipeline. When the flushing action starts, the drain valve remains closed, and the pump 32 is operated. The driving force of the pump 32 is used to flush the centrifugal separation part 4 through the flushing water path L2 and return to the water diversion structure 3. After a predetermined time, the drain valve is opened and the drainage action is started. At this time, the driving force of the pump 32 is used to discharge the washing water in the outer tank 1 to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the drainage water path L3. At the same time, the washing water in the flushing water path L2 that flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 and returns to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulating water outlet P2 is also discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device through the drainage water path L3.

[0160] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, detailed description of the water outlet filter portion F3, the connecting structure 7, the fourth pipe 54 and the drainage water channel L3 is omitted, but the water outlet filter portion F3, the connecting structure 7, the fourth pipe 54 and the drainage water channel L3 of the third embodiment can adopt the same structure as the second embodiment.

[0161] As mentioned above, the specific structure of the clothes processing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated, but 3rd Embodiment is not limited to this.

[0162] For example, in the third embodiment, the communicating pipe 61 as the fifth conduit has an F-shape. However, as a first modification of the third embodiment, the shape of the communicating pipe as the fifth conduit may be changed.

[0163] like Fig.21 , 22As shown, in the first variant, the clothes processing device includes a connecting pipe 62 as the fifth pipe. The connecting pipe 62 includes a main pipe portion 621, a first branch pipe portion 622 and a second branch pipe portion 623. One end of the main pipe portion 621 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion 622 and the second branch pipe portion 623, the other end of the main pipe portion 621 is connected to the separation portion inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 622 is connected to the flushing return port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 623 is connected to the circulating water outlet P2.

[0164] More specifically, the main pipe section 621 includes a first main pipe section 6211 and a second main pipe section 6212 that is bent relative to the first main pipe section 6211. The second main pipe section 6212 branches at a location away from the bent portion between the first main pipe section 6211 and the second main pipe section 6212 to form a first branch pipe section 622 and a second branch pipe section 623. The "bent portion between the first main pipe section 6211 and the second main pipe section 6212" here refers to a portion of the pipe wall of the main pipe section 621 located between the first main pipe section 6211 and the second main pipe section 6212 that extends along a curve.

[0165] The first branch pipe portion 622 is further extended along the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212, and the second branch pipe portion 623 is branched along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212. The second branch pipe portion 623 includes: a first portion 6231 branched from the second main pipe portion 6212 and extending along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212; and a second portion 6232 bent relative to the first portion 6231. The second main pipe portion 6212 is bent at 90 degrees relative to the first main pipe portion 6211, and the second portion 6232 is bent at 90 degrees relative to the first portion 6231.

[0166] In addition, a check valve 624 is provided in the first branch pipe part 622, or in the flushing return port P4, or at the connection between the first branch pipe part 622 and the flushing return port P4. Here, the check valve 624 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe part 622 and the flushing return port P4. The check valve 624 only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe part 622 to the inner cavity C.

[0167] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 is filtered through the circulating filter F1, and then flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the circulating water outlet P2 via the second branch pipe part 623 and the main pipe part 621. At this time, since a one-way valve 624 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe part 622 and the flushing return port P4, the washing water will not flow from the flushing return port P4 to the first branch pipe part 622. That is, when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe part 622 and the second branch pipe part 623 side to the main pipe part 621 side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe part 623 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe part 622.

[0168] In the flushing water path L2, a part of the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part returns to the first chamber C1 from the first branch pipe part 622 through the flushing return port P4, and another part of the washing water flows into the second chamber C2 from the second branch pipe part 623 through the circulating water outlet P2, and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulating filter part F1. At this time, since the first branch pipe part 622 is further extended along the extension direction of the second main pipe part 6212, and the second branch pipe part 623 is branched along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe part 6212, when the washing water flows from the main pipe part 621 side to the first branch pipe part 622 and the second branch pipe part 623 side, the washing water is more likely to flow to the first branch pipe part 622 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe part 622 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe part 623.

[0169] By utilizing this structure, in the flushing water circuit L2, while a portion of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 623 into the second chamber C2 via the circulating water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 via the circulating filter portion F1, the flow of the washing water can be utilized to reversely clean the circulating filter portion F1, thereby removing foreign matter attached to the circulating filter portion F1 when the washing water flows through the circulating water circuit L1.

[0170] In the third embodiment, the circulation filter F1 is described as dividing the inner cavity C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31. However, as a second variation of the third embodiment, the arrangement of the circulation filter F1 may be changed.

[0171] like Fig.23 As shown, in the second modified example, the circulation filter portion F1 is in the shape of a long strip extending along the axial direction of the housing 31, and divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31. The circulation water outlet P2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are located relative to the central axis of the housing 31.

[0172] The clothes treatment device includes a connecting pipe 63 as a fifth pipe. The connecting pipe 63 includes a main pipe portion 631, a first branch pipe portion 632, and a second branch pipe portion 633. One end of the main pipe portion 631 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion 632 and one end of the second branch pipe portion 633, the other end of the main pipe portion 631 is connected to the separation portion inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 632 is connected to the flushing return port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 633 is connected to the circulating water outlet P2.

[0173] The first branch pipe portion 632 further extends along the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631, and the second branch pipe portion 633 branches along the direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631. The first branch pipe portion 632 is substantially L-shaped, and the second branch pipe portion 633 is substantially J-shaped.

[0174] In addition, a check valve 634 is provided in the first branch pipe part 632, or in the flushing return port P4, or at the connection between the first branch pipe part 632 and the flushing return port P4. Here, the check valve 634 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe part 632 and the flushing return port P4. The check valve 634 only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe part 632 to the inner cavity C.

[0175] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 is filtered through the circulating filter F1, and then flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the circulating water outlet P2 via the second branch pipe part 633 and the main pipe part 631. At this time, since a one-way valve 624 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe part 632 and the flushing return port P4, the washing water will not flow from the flushing return port P4 to the first branch pipe part 632. That is, when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe part 632 and the second branch pipe part 633 side to the main pipe part 631 side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe part 633 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe part 632.

[0176] In the flushing water path L2, a part of the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part returns to the first chamber C1 from the first branch pipe part 632 through the flushing return port P4, and another part of the washing water flows into the second chamber C2 from the second branch pipe part 633 through the circulating water outlet P2, and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulating filter part F1. At this time, since the first branch pipe part 632 is further extended along the extension direction of the main pipe part 631, and the second branch pipe part 633 is branched along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe part 631, when the washing water flows from the main pipe part 631 side to the first branch pipe part 632 and the second branch pipe part 633 side, the washing water is more likely to flow to the first branch pipe part 632 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe part 632 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe part 633.

[0177] By utilizing this structure, in the flushing water circuit L2, while a portion of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 633 into the second chamber C2 via the circulating water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 via the circulating filter portion F1, the flow of the washing water can be utilized to reversely clean the circulating filter portion F1, thereby removing foreign matter attached to the circulating filter portion F1 when the washing water flows through the circulating water circuit L1.

[0178] In addition, the second modified example of the third embodiment describes a structure in which the circulation filter unit F1 divides the inner cavity C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shell 31. This structure can also be applied to the first embodiment, the second embodiment and their respective modified examples.

[0179] The present disclosure has been described above through the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and variations. For example, other embodiments that are realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in this specification and excluding some of the constituent elements may be used as embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, within the scope of the meaning expressed by the sentences recorded in the claims without departing from the main purpose of the present disclosure, variations obtained by implementing various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments are also included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: The laundry processing device comprises: an outer tank, which is disposed in the outer shell of the clothes processing device; A washing tank rotatably disposed in the outer tank; a motor for driving the washing tub to rotate; and a centrifugal separation unit for separating foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tank, The outer tank comprises a first outer tank water outlet and a second outer tank water outlet, The centrifugal separation part includes a separation part inlet, a separation part outlet and a separation part flushing port. The second outer tank water outlet is higher than the separation part flushing outlet. The clothes processing device comprises a circulating water circuit and a flushing water circuit. In the circulating water path, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet through the separation part inlet into the centrifugal separation part, and after the centrifugal separation of foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part, the washing water returns to the outer tank from the separation part outlet. In the flushing water path, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the centrifugal separation part from the second outer tank water outlet through the separation part flushing port by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part. The laundry treatment device comprises a water separation structure, wherein the water separation structure comprises a shell having an inner cavity, wherein the shell is provided with a water inlet, a circulating water outlet and a drain outlet respectively connected to the inner cavity. In the circulating water circuit, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the first outer tank water outlet through the water inlet into the water diversion structure, and flows from the circulating water outlet through the separation part inlet into the centrifugal separation part. The clothes treating device includes a drainage waterway, in which the washing water in the outer tub flows from the first outer tub water outlet through the water inlet into the water diversion structure and is discharged from the drainage outlet to the outside of the clothes treating device.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer tank water outlet also serves as the second outer tank water outlet. A second pipeline is branched from the middle of the first pipeline connected to the first outer tank water outlet, the first pipeline leads to the separation part inlet and constitutes a part of the circulating water path, and the second pipeline leads to the separation part flushing port and constitutes a part of the flushing water path. The branching portion of the first pipeline from which the second pipeline branches out is higher than the separation portion flushing port.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A switching valve is provided at the branch portion of the first pipeline, and the switching valve is used to allow the washing water in the outer tub to flow selectively from the first outer tub water outlet to a portion of the first pipeline located downstream of the switching valve or to the second pipeline.

4. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The separation section outflow port also serves as the separation section flushing port.

5. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The separation section outflow port and the separation section flushing port are independently provided in the centrifugal separation section.

6. The clothes processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the flushing water passage, the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit flows out from the separation unit inlet to the outside of the centrifugal separation unit.

7. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the flushing water channel, washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part flows from the separation part inlet through the circulating water outlet to the water diversion structure, and is discharged to the outside of the clothing processing device through the drainage water channel.

8. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water diversion structure includes a circulation filter part, which is assembled in the inner cavity. In the circulation water circuit, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet is filtered by the circulation filter part and then flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet.

9. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The centrifugal separation unit includes: an outer cylinder; a rotating cylinder rotatably disposed in the outer cylinder; and a driving device for driving the rotating cylinder to rotate. The clothing processing device is capable of performing a circulation action, in which the washing water in the outer tank is circulated through the circulation water path by utilizing the driving force of the driving device, and foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part.

10. The clothes treating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the laundry treating device performs the circulation action, the rotating drum is driven by the driving device to rotate in any direction.

11. The clothes treating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The laundry processing device is capable of performing a flushing operation, in which the washing water in the outer tub flushes the centrifugal separation part via the flushing water path. When the laundry treatment device performs the flushing action, the rotating drum is driven by the driving device to intermittently rotate in the forward direction or intermittently rotate in the reverse direction or alternately rotate in both directions.

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