Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus in which, in a circulation water path, wash water in an outer tub flows from a water inlet to a water distribution structure and from a circulation water outlet to a centrifugal separation part, and then returns to the outer tub, in a rinse water path, wash water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet to the water distribution structure and from a rinse water outlet to the centrifugal separation part, and then returns to the water distribution structure via a rinse backflow outlet, the laundry treating apparatus including a communication pipe, the other end of a main pipe part being connected to the centrifugal separation part, the other end of a first branch pipe part being connected to the rinse backflow outlet, the other end of a second branch pipe part being connected to the circulation water outlet, and when wash water flows from the main pipe part side to the first branch pipe part and the second branch pipe part side, the flow rate of wash water flowing through the first branch pipe part is greater than the flow rate of wash water flowing through the second branch pipe part. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design and avoiding a circulation water path blockage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] International Application No. WO2019 / 049697 discloses a washing machine (laundry treating apparatus) with a centrifugal separation part 94. As shown in the figure, the main working principle of the washing machine is as follows: in the washing stage, clothes are put into a washing tub 92, and after the washing water reaches a specified water level, a circulating pump 93 is operated to send the washing water from a separation part inflow 941 into the centrifugal separation part 94 through a first switching valve 95, the circulating pump 93, a second switching valve 96, and after the centrifugal separation part 94 centrifugally separates foreign matter contained in the washing water, the washing water is sent back into the outer tub 91 from a separation part outflow 942 through a third switching valve 97, and the above-mentioned circulating action is repeated until the draining stage; in the draining stage, the circulating pump 93 is operated to send the washing water from the separation part outflow 942 into 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 perform a flushing action to flush the centrifugal separation part 94, and the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part 94 is discharged from the washing machine through a first on-off valve 98 and a second on-off valve 99. Figure 1 However, in the above-mentioned washing machine (laundry treating apparatus), the waterway design is complex, and a circulating pump, multiple switching valves and on-off valves need to be provided, which not only increases the manufacturing cost, but also makes the control process during operation complex and prone to failure.

[0003] In addition, in the above-mentioned washing machine (laundry treating apparatus), when the flushing action is performed, the centrifugal separation part 94 is flushed in reverse, but the circulating waterway from the outer tub 92 to the centrifugal separation part 94 is not flushed in reverse, and the circulating waterway has the risk of being blocked due to long-term accumulation of foreign matter.

[0004] SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure is completed in view of the above-mentioned status, and aims to provide a laundry treating apparatus which can simplify the waterway design and avoid blockage of the circulating waterway.

[0006] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0007] The present disclosure is completed in view of the above-mentioned status, and aims to provide a laundry treating apparatus which can simplify the waterway design and avoid blockage of the circulating waterway.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the first technical solution of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus, comprising: an outer tub provided in a housing of the laundry treating apparatus; a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub; a centrifugal separation part for separating foreign substances contained in washing water in the outer tub; and a water distribution structure comprising a housing having an inner cavity, the housing being provided with a water inlet, a circulation water outlet, a rinsing water outlet, and a rinsing backflow opening respectively communicating with the inner cavity, the laundry treating apparatus comprising a circulation water path in which washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water distribution structure and flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet, and after centrifugal separation of foreign substances contained in the washing water in the centrifugal separation part, the washing water returns to the outer tub, and a rinsing water path in which washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water distribution structure and flows into the centrifugal separation part from the rinsing water outlet to rinse the centrifugal separation part, and the washing water then returns to the water distribution structure via the rinsing backflow opening, the laundry treating apparatus further comprising a communication pipe comprising a main pipe portion, a first branch pipe portion, and a second branch pipe portion, one end of the main pipe portion being connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the other end of the main pipe portion being connected to the centrifugal separation part, the other end of the first branch pipe portion being connected to the rinsing backflow opening, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion being connected to the circulation water outlet, when washing water flows from the main pipe portion side to the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side, the flow rate of washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion is greater than the flow rate of washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion.

[0009] According to the first technical solution, by providing the water distribution structure and making the circulation water path and the rinsing water path share the water distribution structure, and connecting the circulation water outlet and the rinsing backflow opening to the centrifugal separation part by one communication pipe, the water path design can be simplified, and switching valves and opening / closing valves can be reduced or omitted, thereby facilitating reduction of manufacturing cost and simplification of control process during operation. Furthermore, by making the flow rate of washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion greater than the flow rate of washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion when washing water flows from the main pipe portion side to the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side, most of the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation part can flow into the water distribution structure from the rinsing backflow opening via the first branch pipe portion with a large amount of foreign substances, while a small amount of washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation part can flow into the water distribution structure from the circulation water outlet via the second branch pipe portion, thereby enabling reverse rinsing of the circulation water path by using a small amount of washing water that is relatively clean when performing the rinsing action, and avoiding blockage of the circulation water path due to long-term accumulation of foreign substances.

[0010] The second technical solution is based on the first technical solution of the clothes treatment device, wherein the water distribution structure comprises a circulating filter part, the circulating filter part is arranged in the inner cavity, and in the circulating water path, the washing water flowing into the water distribution structure from the water inlet is filtered by the circulating filter part and then flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulating water outlet through the second branch pipe part and the main pipe part.

[0011] According to the second technical solution, by filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the circulating filter part before filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the centrifugal separation part, the larger foreign matter (such as a button, a coin, etc.) in the washing water can be filtered before the centrifugal separation part, so as to avoid the larger foreign matter in the washing water from entering the centrifugal separation part and causing the blockage of the separation inlet or the separation outlet of the centrifugal separation part, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the centrifugal separation part. Further, the circulating water path is used for recycling the washing water in the outer tank. Due to the blockage of the lint, the recycling process of the washing water is affected, especially when the pipe of the circulating water path is thin (for example, when the washing water of the circulating water path returns to the outer tank by spraying), the lint is easy to block the pipe (spray port), which causes insufficient circulation and the risk of reduced washing effect of the clothes. However, by arranging the circulating filter part, the working burden of the centrifugal separation part can be reduced, and the foreign matter in the washing water can be more effectively separated, thereby avoiding the blockage of the circulating water path, and further improving the washing effect of the clothes treatment device.

[0012] The third technical solution is based on the second technical solution of the clothes treatment device, wherein the circulating filter part divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, the water inlet and the flushing return port are respectively communicated with the first chamber, and the circulating water outlet is communicated with the second chamber. In the flushing water path, part of the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part returns to the first chamber from the first branch pipe part through the flushing return port, and another part of the washing water flows into the second chamber from the second branch pipe part through the circulating water outlet and returns to the first chamber through the circulating filter part.

[0013] According to the third technical solution, by making part of the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part flow into the second chamber through the circulating water outlet and return to the first chamber through the circulating filter part, a small amount of cleaner washing water can be used to reverse flush the circulating filter part when the flushing action is performed, so as to flush away the foreign matter mainly attached to the surface of the first chamber side of the circulating filter part in the circulating action, thereby avoiding the blockage or the reduction of the flow area of the circulating water path, ensuring that the washing water in the outer tank can be efficiently recycled by the circulating water path, and further improving the washing effect of the clothes treatment device.

[0014] The fourth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, and when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion to the main pipe portion, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion.

[0015] According to the fourth technical solution, by making the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion to the main pipe portion, most or all of the washing water can flow from the circulating water outlet to the centrifugal separation portion when the circulating action is performed, which is conducive to separating the circulating water path and the flushing water path. In particular, when the water distribution structure is provided with a circulating filter portion, most or all of the washing water can be filtered by the circulating filter portion before being filtered by the centrifugal separation portion, which is conducive to achieving the beneficial effects of the second technical solution.

[0016] The fifth technical solution is based on any one of the first to third technical solutions, and a one-way valve is arranged in the first branch pipe portion, or in the flushing return port, or at a connection position between the first branch pipe portion and the flushing return port, and the one-way valve only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion to the inner cavity.

[0017] According to the fifth technical solution, by arranging the one-way valve, all of the washing water can flow from the circulating water outlet to the centrifugal separation portion when the circulating action is performed, which is more conducive to separating the circulating water path and the flushing water path. In particular, when the water distribution structure is provided with a circulating filter portion, all of the washing water can be filtered by the circulating filter portion before being filtered by the centrifugal separation portion, which is more conducive to achieving the beneficial effects of the second technical solution.

[0018] The sixth technical solution is based on the laundry treatment device of the third technical solution, and the circulating filter portion divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber in the axial direction of the housing.

[0019] According to the sixth technical solution, by dividing the inner cavity into the first chamber and the second chamber in the axial direction of the housing by the circulating filter portion, the circulating filter portion only needs to be formed in a shape matching the cross section of the inner cavity of the water distribution structure, which is convenient for manufacturing and assembling the circulating filter portion.

[0020] The seventh technical solution is based on the laundry treatment device of the sixth technical solution, and the circulating water outlet and the flushing return port are located on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the housing.

[0021] According to the seventh technical solution, by arranging the circulating water outlet and the flushing backflow port on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the shell, the circulating water outlet and the flushing backflow port can be connected to the centrifugal separation part by using one communication pipe, thereby simplifying the water path design.

[0022] The eighth technical solution is based on the laundry treating apparatus of the sixth or seventh technical solution, the main pipe part has a first main pipe part and a second main pipe part bent relative to the first main pipe part, the second main pipe part branches at a position away from the bending part between the first main pipe part and the second main pipe part to form the first branch pipe part and the second branch pipe part, the first branch pipe part further extends along the extension direction of the second main pipe part, and the second branch pipe part branches along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe part.

[0023] According to the eighth technical solution, by making the first branch pipe part further extend along the extension direction of the second main pipe part and making the second branch pipe part branch along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe part, most of the washing water and a large amount of foreign matters after flushing the centrifugal separation part can more easily flow to the first branch pipe part when performing the flushing action, and a small amount of washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part can more easily flow to the second branch pipe part in a state with less foreign matters, thereby allowing the reverse flushing of the circulating water path to be performed by using a small amount of washing water that is relatively clean when performing the flushing action.

[0024] The ninth technical solution is based on the laundry treating apparatus of the eighth technical solution, the second branch pipe part has a first portion branched from the second main pipe part and extending along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe part, and a second portion bent relative to the first portion, the second main pipe part is bent by 90° relative to the first main pipe part, and the second portion is bent by 90° relative to the first portion.

[0025] According to the ninth technical solution, by making the second main pipe part bent by 90° relative to the first main pipe part and making the second portion bent by 90° relative to the first portion, the communication pipe can be designed to have a simple shape, and each portion constituting the communication pipe can be connected by using a general L-shaped elbow pipe, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0026] The tenth technical solution is based on the laundry treating apparatus of the third technical solution, the circulating filtration part divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shell.

[0027] According to the tenth technical solution, by separating the inner cavity into the first chamber and the second chamber in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shell through the circulation filtering part, the filtering area of the circulation filtering part can be made larger, which is beneficial to improve the filtering effect of the circulation filtering part, and further improve the overall washing effect of the clothes treatment device.

[0028] The eleventh technical solution is based on the clothes treatment device of the tenth technical solution, and the circulation water outlet is located on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet and the flushing backflow port are located with respect to the central axis of the shell.

[0029] According to the eleventh technical solution, by arranging the circulation water outlet on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet and the flushing backflow port are located with respect to the central axis of the shell, the water inlet and the circulation water outlet are more likely to communicate with the first chamber and the second chamber separated in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shell, respectively.

[0030] The twelfth technical solution is based on the clothes treatment device of the tenth or eleventh technical solution, and the first branch pipe part further extends along the extension direction of the main pipe part, and the second branch pipe part branches along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe part.

[0031] According to the twelfth technical solution, by further extending the first branch pipe part along the extension direction of the main pipe part and branching the second branch pipe part along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe part, it is more likely that most of the washing water and a large amount of foreign matters after flushing the centrifugal separation part flow to the first branch pipe part when performing the flushing action, and it is also easy that a small part of the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation part flows to the second branch pipe part in a state of less foreign matters, so that the circulation water path can be back-flushed by the cleaner washing water when performing the flushing action.

[0032] The thirteenth technical solution is based on the clothes treatment device of any one of the first to third technical solutions, and the shell is further provided with a drain port communicating with the inner cavity, and the clothes treatment device comprises a drain water path, in which the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water distribution structure from the water inlet, and is discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device from the drain port, and the washing water in the flushing water path after flushing the centrifugal separation part returns to the water distribution structure through the flushing backflow port, and is discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device through the drain water path.

[0033] According to the thirteenth technical solution, by sharing the water distribution structure by the circulating water path, the flushing water path, and the drain water path, the water path design can be further simplified. In addition, by causing the washing water after the flushing centrifugal separation part to be discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device through the drain water path, there is no need to additionally provide a pipeline for discharging the washing water after the flushing centrifugal separation part to the outside of the clothes treatment device, thereby further simplifying the water path design.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the present disclosure, a clothes treatment device capable of simplifying the water path design and avoiding the blockage of the circulating water path can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and its variations, and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the prior art.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the first embodiment of the first variation.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the first embodiment of the second variation.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the first embodiment of the third variation.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a clothes treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a clothes treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a clothes treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a water distribution structure of a clothes treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a water distribution structure of a clothes treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment taken along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing.

[0048] Figure 12 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment taken along the axial direction of the housing.

[0050] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the centrifugal separation portion of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 15A is a front side perspective view of the connection structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15B is a back side perspective view of the connection structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0053] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the connection relationship between the connection structure and the centrifugal separation portion of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0055] Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment.

[0056] Figure 19 is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment taken along the axial direction of the housing.

[0057] Figure 20 is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment taken along the axial direction of the housing in a disassembled state.

[0058] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the laundry treating apparatus of the first modification of the third embodiment.

[0059] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the first modification of the third embodiment taken along the axial direction of the housing.

[0060] Figure 23 is a sectional view of the water separation structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second modification of the third embodiment taken along the axial direction of the housing.

[0061] Reference Signs List

[0062] 1: outer tub; 100: housing; 11: first outer tub water outlet; 12: second outer tub water outlet; 14: motor; 2: washing tub; 3: water distribution structure; 31: housing; 311: sliding groove; 312: guide recess; 313: guide protrusion; 314: partition; 315: communication port; 316: engagement hook portion; 317: engagement recess; 32: pump; 321: impeller; 33: housing cover; 331: first connection portion; 332: second connection portion; C: inner chamber; C1: first chamber; C2: second chamber; C3: third chamber (water inlet chamber); C4: fourth chamber (drainage chamber); P1: water inlet; P2: circulation water outlet; P3: rinsing water outlet (first water outlet); P4: rinsing backflow port; P5: drainage port (second water outlet); F1: circulation filter portion; F2: drainage filter portion; F3: water outlet filter portion; 4: centrifugal separation portion; 41: outer cylinder; 411: outer cylinder upper portion; 412: outer cylinder lower portion; 42: rotating cylinder; 43: driving device; 44: separation portion inflow port; 45: separation portion outflow port; 46: separation portion rinsing port; 47: base; L1: circulation water passage; L2: rinsing water passage; L3: drainage water passage; 51: first pipe; 52: second pipe; 53: third pipe; 54: fourth pipe; 55: switching valve; 6: fifth pipe (communication pipe); 61: communication pipe; 611: main pipe portion; 612: first branch pipe portion; 613: second branch pipe portion; 614: first one-way valve; 615: second one-way valve; 62: communication pipe; 621: main pipe portion; 6211: first main pipe portion; 6212: second main pipe portion; 622: first branch pipe portion; 623: second branch pipe portion; 6231: first portion; 6232: second portion; 624: one-way valve; 63: communication pipe; 631: main pipe portion; 632: first branch pipe portion; 633: second branch pipe portion; 634: one-way valve; 7: connection structure; 71: base body; 711: outer peripheral wall; 712: bottom wall; 713: inner peripheral wall; 72: pipe support portion; 720: spring piece; 73: connection plate; 74: first connection port; 75: second connection port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure can be, for example, a washing machine, a washer-dryer, etc., and as a typical example, can be, for example, a drum-type washing machine, a drum-type washer-dryer, etc. Next, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] 1. First Embodiment

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the laundry treating apparatus of the first embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water distribution structure 3, and a centrifugal separation portion 4. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the laundry treating apparatus of the first embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water distribution structure 3, and a centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0066] The outer tub 1 is provided in a housing 100 of the laundry treating apparatus, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the outer tub 1 is elastically supported in the housing 100, for example, by a plurality of suspension structures (not shown). A motor 14 is provided at an outer side of the outer tub 1, and the washing tub 2 is rotatable about a rotational axis by a driving action of the motor 14. The motor 14 can employ a known structure such as a brushless DC motor. Further, a laundry inlet (not shown) for putting in and taking out laundry and the like is provided in the washing tub 2.

[0067] In addition, the outer tub 1 is connected to an external water faucet by a hose or the like, so that washing water for washing laundry can be supplied into the outer tub 1. A plurality of small holes (not shown) are provided in a peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 2, and washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow into the washing tub 2 through the small holes, and washing water in the washing tub 2 can flow into the outer tub 1 through the small holes.

[0068] In addition, the outer tub 1 includes a first outer tub water outlet 11 and a second outer tub water outlet 12. The first outer tub water outlet 11 and the second outer tub water outlet 12 are provided independently of each other at a lower side of the outer tub 1, and washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow out of the outer tub 1 to the outside through the first outer tub water outlet 11 and the second outer tub water outlet 12.

[0069] The water distribution structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical casing 31. The casing 31 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet port P1, a circulation water outlet port P2, and a drain port P5, which respectively communicate with the inner cavity C.

[0070] Further, the water distribution structure 3 further includes a circulation filter portion F1, which is fitted to 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 casing 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged in the axial direction of the casing 31. The water inlet port P1 and the drain port P5 respectively communicate with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet port P2 communicates with the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet port P1 and the drain port P5 respectively communicate with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet port P2 communicates with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet port P1 and the drain port P5 are respectively provided in a peripheral wall of the casing 31, which forms the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet port P2 is provided in a peripheral wall of the casing 31, which forms the second chamber C2.

[0071] Further, the water distribution structure 3 further includes a drain filter portion F2, which is fitted to the first chamber C1.

[0072] The centrifugal separation section 4 is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4, a rotating cylinder 42 in a hollow cylindrical shape provided in the outer cylinder 41 in a rotatable manner, and a driving device 43 for driving the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate, which can adopt a known structure such as a brushless DC motor.

[0073] In addition, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes a separation section inflow port 44, a separation section outflow port 45, and a separation section flushing port 46 provided in the outer cylinder 41. The separation section inflow port 44 is provided in the centrifugal separation section 4, specifically, the lower side of the outer cylinder 41. The separation section outflow port 45 and the separation section flushing port 46 are provided in the centrifugal separation section 4, specifically, the upper side of the outer cylinder 41, independently of each other. The second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation section flushing port 46.

[0074] After the washing of the laundry, various foreign matters such as thread ends, sand, hair, and keratin dirt are usually contained in the washing water. When the foreign matter in the washing water is separated, the washing water is caused to flow into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section inflow port 44 by driving the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate with the driving device 43, and during the flow of the washing water through the rotating cylinder 42, the washing water generates a swirl while flowing through, and the foreign matter contained in the washing water moves toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 42 due to the centrifugal force, whereby the washing water becomes in a state in which the foreign matter is separated, and then the washing water flows out of the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section outflow port 45.

[0075] In addition, when the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separation section 4 is flushed, the washing water is caused to flow into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section flushing port 46, and after the flushing of the centrifugal separation section 4, the washing water flows out of the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section inflow port 44.

[0076] The laundry treatment apparatus further includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a fifth pipe 6. The first pipe 51 connects the first outer tub water outlet 11 of the outer tub 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water distribution structure 3. The second pipe 52 connects the second outer tub water outlet 12 of the outer tub 1 and the separation section flushing port 46 of the centrifugal separation section 4. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation section outflow port 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4, and the other end is open to the inside of the outer tub 1 at the upper side of the outer tub 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the drain P5 of the water distribution structure 3, and the other end is open to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water distribution structure 3 and the separation section inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

[0077] Thus, the laundry treatment apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a flushing water path L2, and a drain water path L3.

[0078] In the circulation water path L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the first chamber C1 of the distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1, and after being filtered by the circulation filter F1, enters the second chamber C2. Then, the washing water flows from the circulation water outlet P2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 via the fifth pipe 6 from the separation part inflow port 44, and after the foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4, the washing water returns to the outer tub 1 via the third pipe 53 from the separation part outflow port 45.

[0079] In the rinse water path L2, since the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part rinse port 46, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the second outer tub water outlet 12 to the centrifugal separation part 4 via the second pipe 52 from the separation part rinse port 46 by gravity to rinse the centrifugal separation part 4. After rinsing the centrifugal separation part 4, the washing water flows from the separation part inflow port 44 to the second chamber C2 of the distribution structure 3 via the fifth pipe 6 from the circulation water outlet P2, and then the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 to the first chamber C1 via the circulation filter F1.

[0080] In the drain water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the first chamber C1 of the distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1, and after being filtered by the drain filter F2, is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus via the fourth pipe 54 from the drain port P5. In addition, the washing water in the rinse water path L2 described above, which flows into the first chamber C1 after rinsing the centrifugal separation part 4, is also drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus via the fourth pipe 54 from the drain port P5 after being filtered by the drain filter F2.

[0081] Hereinafter, the operation of the laundry treatment apparatus thus configured will be described.

[0082] When washing the laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus first performs a cleaning process, which is a process of supplying washing water in which a detergent is dissolved into the outer tub 1, and removing dirt of the laundry by beating washing using the rotation of the washing tub 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.

[0083] In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus can perform a circulation operation, a rinse operation, and a drain operation. That is, the laundry treatment apparatus performs a washing water treatment method including the circulation operation, the rinse operation, and the drain operation. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further has a control part (not shown) that controls the laundry treatment apparatus to perform at least any one of the circulation operation, the rinse operation, and the drain operation, so that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the corresponding water path among the circulation water path L1, the rinse water path L2, and the drain water path L3, respectively.

[0084] 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 treatment apparatus performs a circulation operation. In the circulation operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated by the driving force of the driving device 43 via the circulation water path L1, and foreign substances contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part 4. At this time, the rotary drum 42 is rotated in either direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water to circulate the washing water via the circulation water path L1.

[0085] In the first intermediate dewatering process, the second intermediate dewatering process, and the dewatering process, the laundry treatment apparatus performs a rinsing operation and a draining operation. In the rinsing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 rinses the centrifugal separation part 4 via the rinsing water path L2, at this time, the rotary drum 42 is intermittently rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction or is alternately rotated in both directions by the driving of the driving device 43. In the draining operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus via the draining water path L3, at this time, the washing water that rinses the centrifugal separation part 4 in the rinsing water path L2 and flows into the water distribution structure 3 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus via the draining water path L3.

[0086] The specific structure of the laundry treatment apparatus of the first embodiment is described above. One important feature of the laundry treatment apparatus of the first embodiment is that, in the rinsing water path L2, the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part rinsing port 46, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow from the second outer tub water outlet 12 to the centrifugal separation part 4 via the separation part rinsing port 46 by gravity to rinse the centrifugal separation part 4. As for the structure other than this, appropriate changes can be made.

[0087] For example, in the first embodiment, the structure in which the first outer tub water outlet 11 and the second outer tub water outlet 12 are provided independently of each other in the outer tub 1, and the separation part outflow port 45 and the separation part rinsing port 46 are provided independently of each other in the centrifugal separation part 4 is described, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] As Figure 3As shown in FIG. 6, as a first modification of the first embodiment, the first outer tub water outlet 11 is used as the second outer tub water outlet 12. In addition, the second pipe 52 is branched from the first pipe 51 connected to the first outer tub water outlet 11, the first pipe 51 leading to the separation portion inflow port 44 to constitute a part of the circulating water path L1, and the second pipe 52 leading to the separation portion flush port 46 to constitute a part of the flush water path L2. A switching valve 55 is provided at the branch portion of the first pipe 51 from which the second pipe 52 is branched, and the switching valve 55 is used to selectively flow the washing water in the outer tub 1 from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to either the portion of the first pipe 51 downstream of the switching valve 55 or the second pipe 52. In addition, the first outer tub water outlet 11 used as the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion flush port 46, and the branch portion of the first pipe 51 from which the second pipe 52 is branched is also higher than the separation portion flush port 46. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can also flow from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the separation portion flush port 46 by gravity to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, as a second modification of the first embodiment, the separation portion outflow port 45 is used as the separation portion flush port 46. In addition, the second pipe 52 connected to the second outer tub water outlet 12 is connected to the third pipe 53, and the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation portion outflow port 45. In addition, the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 used as the separation portion flush port 46. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can also flow from the second outer tub water outlet 12 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the separation portion outflow port 45 by gravity to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 8, as a third modification of the first embodiment, the first outer tub water outlet 11 is used as the second outer tub water outlet 12, and the separation portion outflow port 45 is used as the separation portion flush port 46. In addition, the first outer tub water outlet 11 used as the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 used as the separation portion flush port 46, and the branch portion of the first pipe 51 from which the second pipe 52 is branched is also higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 used as the separation portion flush port 46. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can also flow from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the separation portion outflow port 45 by gravity to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0090] Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8, as a third modification of the first embodiment, the first outer tub water outlet 11 is used as the second outer tub water outlet 12, and the separation portion outflow port 45 is used as the separation portion flush port 46. In addition, the first outer tub water outlet 11 used as the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 used as the separation portion flush port 46, and the branch portion of the first pipe 51 from which the second pipe 52 is branched is also higher than the separation portion outflow port 45 used as the separation portion flush port 46. Therefore, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can also flow from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the separation portion outflow port 45 by gravity to flush the centrifugal separation portion 4.

[0091] In addition, in the first embodiment, the structure in which the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation portion 4 flows from the separation portion inflow port 44 to the water distribution structure 3 in the flush water path L2 is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, a flow outlet for the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation portion 4 to flow from the centrifugal separation portion 4 can be provided separately on the centrifugal separation portion 4, and the washing water can be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus by means of other pipes.​

[0092] Furthermore, while the first embodiment describes a garment processing device with a water-dividing structure 3, it is not limited to this. For example, the water-dividing structure 3 may be omitted. In this case, in the circulating water path L1, the first pipe 51 is directly connected to the outlet 11 of the first outer tank and the inlet 44 of the separation section; in the drainage water path L3, the fourth pipe 54 is directly connected to the outlet 11 of the first outer tank, or connected midway to the first pipe 51 connected to the outlet 11 of the first outer tank.

[0093] Furthermore, although not further explained in the first embodiment, an on / off valve can be installed in the fourth pipe 54 of the drainage water path L3 as a drain valve. Additionally, a drain pump can be installed in the fourth pipe 54, which can provide power for the flow of washing water in the rinsing water path L2 and the drainage water path L3. In other words, the statement in this disclosure that "the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows by its own weight from the second outer tank outlet 12 through the separation section rinsing port 46 into the centrifugal separation section 4 to rinse the centrifugal separation section 4" does not exclude the possibility that, in addition to the weight of the washing water itself, a drain pump is also used to power the rinsing washing water.

[0094] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0095] The main difference between the garment handling 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 tank outlet 12 of the outer tank 1, but is connected to the rinsing outlet P3 of the water distribution structure 3. Hereinafter, refer to... Figures 6 to 16 The garment processing apparatus of the second embodiment will be described, and repeated descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0096] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the clothing processing device of the second embodiment includes an outer tank 1, a washing tank 2, a water separation structure 3, and a centrifugal separation unit 4.

[0097] The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are, for example, formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 1 is disposed inside the housing 100 of the garment handling device, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 1. In addition, the outer tub 1 includes a first outer tub outlet 11, which is disposed on 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.

[0098] The water distribution structure 3 includes a generally cylindrical shell 31. The shell 31 has an inner cavity C and is provided with an inlet P1, a circulation outlet P2, a flushing outlet (first outlet) P3, and a drain outlet (second outlet) P5 that are respectively connected to the inner cavity C.

[0099] like Figure 9 ,Figure 10 As shown, the inlet P1 is located near the center of the housing 31 along its axial direction, and the circulation outlet P2 is located near one end of the housing 31 along its axial direction. The circulation outlet P2 is located on the side opposite to the side where the inlet P1 is located relative to the central axis of the housing 31, and extends in the opposite direction to the extending direction of the inlet P1. The flushing outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are located near the other end of the housing 31 along its axial direction, and are arranged close to each other.

[0100] Additionally, a housing cover 33 is provided at one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and a pump 32 is provided at the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. 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.

[0101] like Figure 11 As shown, the pump 32 has an impeller 321. The pump 32 is installed in the housing 31 such that the impeller 321 is inserted into the housing 31, thus the housing 31 serves as the pump casing of the pump 32, and the inner cavity C of the housing 31 (specifically, the fourth chamber C4 described later) serves as the pump chamber of the pump 32. The flushing outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the inlet P1 and the circulation outlet P2. Specifically, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are located on the peripheral wall of the housing 31, radially outward from the impeller 321. Furthermore, the flushing outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are arranged circumferentially around the housing 31 and are parallel to each other. The drain outlet P5 is arranged radially along the impeller 321. By driving the impeller 321 to rotate circumferentially around the housing 31, water flowing into the housing 31 from the inlet P1 can flow out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3 and / or the drain outlet P5.

[0102] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the water distribution structure 3 also includes a circulation filter section F1, a drainage filter section F2, and an outlet filter section F3.

[0103] The circulation filter portion F1 is a filter plate in a substantially circular plate shape, and is connected to the housing cover 33 by means of a first connecting portion 331. By mounting the housing cover 33 to the housing 31, the circulation filter portion F1 is fitted to the inner cavity C, at this time, the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter portion F1 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31, or a step portion or the like provided in the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. Further, in the axial direction of the housing 31, the circulation filter portion F1 is located between the water inlet port PI and the circulation water outlet port P2. Thus, the circulation filter portion F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber CI and a second chamber C2, which are arranged in the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet port PI, the rinse water outlet port P3, and the drain port P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber CI, and the circulation water outlet port P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet port PI, the rinse water outlet port P3, and the drain port P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber CI, and the circulation water outlet port P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet port PI, the rinse water outlet port P3, and the drain port P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the first chamber CI, and the circulation water outlet port P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the second chamber C2.

[0104] Further, a partition plate 314 is provided in the housing 31, and divides the inner cavity C (specifically, the first chamber CI) into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (drain chamber) C4 in the axial direction of the housing 31. A communication port 315 is provided in the partition plate 314, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are communicated with each other via the communication port 315. Further, the water inlet port PI is communicated with the third chamber C3, the rinse water outlet port P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4, and the impeller 321 is located in the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet port PI is communicated with the third chamber C3, and the rinse water outlet port P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4" means that the water inlet port PI is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the third chamber C3, and the rinse water outlet port P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the fourth chamber C4.

[0105] The drain filter portion F2 is fitted to the first chamber CI (specifically, the third chamber C3), and has a substantially conical shape with a tapered flow surface that gradually widens as it approaches the communication port 315. The drain filter portion F2 is connected to the circulation filter portion F1 by means of a second connecting portion 332. By mounting the housing cover 33 to the housing 31, the drain filter portion F2 is fitted to the first chamber CI. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is provided between the tapered flow surface of the circulation filter portion F1 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. Further, an axial filter gap is provided between the drain filter portion F2 and the partition plate 314. Thus, it is possible to prevent larger foreign matter such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 along with the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drain filter portion F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 from the communication port 315.

[0106] The outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4. It is installed on the inner circumferential surface 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 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 groove 311 for inserting the outlet filter F3. The groove 311 has guide recesses 312 on both sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet filter F3 has guide protrusions 313 on both sides in the circumferential direction. By inserting the guide protrusions 313 along the axial direction of the housing 31 into the guide recesses 312, the outlet filter F3 is inserted and installed in the groove 311. At this time, the outlet filter F3 extends along a circle concentric with the impeller 321, and the inner surface of the outlet filter F3 is approximately flush with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at the fourth chamber C4. Furthermore, the end of the water outlet filter unit F3 that is inserted into the slide groove 311 along the axial direction of the housing 31 is provided with a locking hook portion 316, and a locking recess portion 317 is provided at the bottom of the slide groove 311 at a position corresponding to the locking hook portion 316. When the water outlet filter unit F3 is inserted into the slide groove 311, the locking hook portion 316 engages with the locking recess portion 317, thereby preventing the water outlet filter unit F3 from shaking or falling off in the axial direction of the housing 31.

[0107] 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 forms the outer outline of the centrifugal separation unit 4; a base 47 on which the outer cylinder 41 is mounted; a rotating cylinder 42, which is a hollow cylinder and is rotatably disposed inside the outer cylinder 41; and a drive device 43 for driving the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate, such as a known structure such as a brushless DC motor.

[0108] In addition, the outer cylinder 41 is composed of an upper part 411 and a lower part 412. The centrifugal separation section 4 includes a separation section inlet 44 and a separation section outlet 45. The separation section inlet 44 is located in the lower part 412 of the outer cylinder, and the separation section outlet 45 is located in the upper part 411 of the outer cylinder.

[0109] In addition, the garment processing device includes a connecting structure 7, which includes: a base 71 that can be connected to the outlet 45 of the separation section; a pipeline support 72 for supporting the pipeline described later; and a connecting plate 73 disposed on the base 71 and connecting the base 71 and the pipeline support 72.

[0110] The base 71 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with one open end, and the open end of the base 71 is connected to the outlet 45 of the separation section. The base 71 has an outer peripheral wall 711, a bottom wall 712 that seals the other end of the outer peripheral wall 711, and an inner peripheral wall 713 that protrudes from the inner surface of the bottom wall 712 toward the interior of the base 71. The inner peripheral wall 713 is concentric with the outer peripheral wall 711. The outlet 45 of the separation section is connected to the base 71 by inserting the tube portion of the outlet 45 between the outer peripheral wall 711 and the inner peripheral wall 713. In addition, a first connection port 74 and a second connection port 75 communicating with the space inside the base 71 are provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall 712.

[0111] The pipe support 72 is used to support at least a portion of the pipes in the circulating water path L1, the flushing water path L2, or the drainage water path L3 (described later). The pipe support 72 has two opposing spring clips 720 located at the ends of the connecting plate 73. The pipe is supported by engaging the pipe between the two spring clips 720. The pipe support 72 supports the pipe at a position higher than the centrifugal separator 4. Furthermore, the connecting plate 73 can also be configured to have an adjustable length.

[0112] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the garment processing device also includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a fifth pipe 6. The first pipe 51 connects the first outer tank outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the inlet P1 of the water distribution structure 3. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the rinsing outlet P3 of the water distribution structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the second connection port 75 of the connecting structure 7. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the first connection port 74 of the connecting structure 7, and the other end extends into the interior of the outer tank 1 from the upper side. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the drain outlet P5 of the water distribution structure 3, and the other end extends to the outside of the garment processing device. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation outlet P2 of the water distribution structure 3 and the separation inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

[0113] Therefore, the garment handling device includes a circulating water path L1, a rinsing water path L2, and a drain water path L3.

[0114] In the circulation water path Ll, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1, and after being filtered by the circulation filter part Fl, enters the second chamber C2. Then, the washing water flows from the circulation water outlet P2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 via the fifth pipe 6 from the separation part water inlet 44, and after the foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 4, the washing water returns to the outer tub 1 via the space in the base 71, the first connection port 74, and the third pipe 53 from the separation part water outlet 45.

[0115] In the rinse water path L2, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1, and after being filtered by the drain filter part F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and after being filtered by the water outlet filter part F3, flows from the rinse water outlet P3 to the centrifugal separation part 4 via the second pipe 52, the second connection port 75, and the space in the base 71 from the separation part water outlet 45 to rinse the centrifugal separation part 4. Then, the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation part 4 flows from the circulation water outlet P2 to the second chamber C2 of the water distribution structure 3 via the fifth pipe 6 from the separation part water inlet 44, and the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 to the third chamber C3 via the circulation filter part Fl.

[0116] In the drain water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1, and after being filtered by the drain filter part F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the fourth pipe 54 from the drain P5. Also, the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation part 4 in the above-described rinse water path L2 and flowing into the third chamber C3 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the fourth pipe 54 from the drain P5 after being filtered by the drain filter part F2.

[0117] In the second embodiment, the pipe support part 72 supports the fourth pipe 54, that is, at least a part of the pipe of the drain water path L3, at a position higher than the centrifugal separation part 4. However, the pipe support part 72 can support at least a part of the pipe of the circulation water path Ll or at least a part of the pipe of the rinse water path L2.

[0118] Hereinafter, the operation of the laundry treating apparatus thus configured will be described.

[0119] When washing the laundry, the laundry treating apparatus first performs a cleaning process. 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.

[0120] Further, the laundry treating apparatus can perform a circulating action, a rinsing action, and a draining action. Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus further has a control part (not shown) that controls the laundry treating apparatus to perform at least any one of the circulating action, the rinsing action, and the draining action, so that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the corresponding water path among the circulating water path L1, the rinsing water path L2, and the draining water path L3, respectively.

[0121] In at least any one of the rinsing process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the rinsing process), the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulating action. In the circulating action, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated to flow through the circulating water path L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign substances contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation part 4. At this time, the rotary tub 42 is rotated in either direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water to be circulated to flow through the circulating water path L1. In addition, the pump 32 is not operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulating action.

[0122] In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry treating apparatus performs the rinsing action and the draining action. The pump 32 is operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least any one of the rinsing action and the draining action.

[0123] As one aspect, the laundry treating apparatus simultaneously performs the rinsing action and the draining action by operating the pump 32. In the rinsing action, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is used to rinse the centrifugal separation part 4 through the rinsing water path L2 and is returned to the water distribution structure 3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the rotary tub 42 is intermittently rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction or is alternately rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction by the driving of the driving device 43. In the draining action, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the draining water path L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water that has rinsed the centrifugal separation part 4 in the rinsing water path L2 and has been returned to the water distribution structure 3 through the circulating water outlet P2 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the draining water path L3.

[0124] As another mode, for example, the start timing of the rinsing operation can be made earlier than the start timing of the draining operation. In this mode, a drain valve (not shown) can be provided in the fourth conduit 54, and when the rinsing operation is started, the drain valve is kept in a closed state, the pump 32 is operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 is made to flow to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the rinsing water conduit L2 by the driving force of the pump 32, and is returned to the water distribution structure 3. After a predetermined time elapses, the drain valve is opened, and the draining operation is started. At this time, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is made to flow to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining water conduit L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At the same time, the washing water that has rinsed the centrifugal separation portion 4 in the rinsing water conduit L2 and has returned to the water distribution structure 3 via the circulating water outlet P2 is also made to flow to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining water conduit L3.

[0125] The specific structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment has been described above, but the second embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0126] For example, in the second embodiment, the structure in which the laundry treating apparatus is provided with both the water distribution structure 3 and the centrifugal separation portion 4 has been described, but as a first modified example of the second embodiment, a mode in which the laundry treating apparatus is provided with only the water distribution structure 3 can also be adopted.

[0127] In this first modified example, with respect to the second embodiment, the water distribution structure 3 omits the circulating water outlet P2 and the circulating filter portion F1, and includes the water inlet P1, the first water outlet (rinsing water outlet) P3, the second water outlet (drain outlet) P5, the drain filter portion F2, and the water outlet filter portion F3. In addition, the first water outlet P3 is connected to the separation portion inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4 by means of the second conduit 52. At this time, the first water outlet P3 does not function as a rinsing water outlet, but functions as a circulating water outlet.

[0128] The laundry treating apparatus includes a circulating water conduit L1 and a draining water conduit L3. In the circulating water conduit L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the water distribution structure 3 from the water inlet P1 via the first conduit 51 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3, is filtered by the drain filter portion F2 after passing therethrough, enters the drain chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the water outlet filter portion F3 after passing therethrough, and flows from the first water outlet P3 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 from the separation portion inflow port 44 via the second conduit 52, the centrifugal separation portion 4 centrifugally separates foreign matter contained in the washing water, and after that, the washing water is returned to the outer tub 1 from the separation portion outflow port 45 via the third conduit 53. In the draining water conduit L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows to the water distribution structure 3 from the water inlet P1, and is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the second water outlet P5.

[0129] Further, the second modification example can be configured by further omitting the centrifugal separation section 4 on the basis of the first modification example. In the second modification example, the first water outlet P3 is opened to the outer tub 1 by way of the second pipe 52. The laundry treating apparatus includes a circulating water path LI and a drain water path L3. In the circulating water path LI, the wash water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51, and after being filtered by the drain filter section F2, enters the drain chamber (fourth chamber) C4, and after being filtered by the water outlet filter section F3, returns to the outer tub 1 from the first water outlet P3 via the second pipe 52. In the drain water path L3, the wash water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the water distribution structure 3, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the second water outlet P5.

[0130] Further, the second embodiment and the first and second modification examples thereof each include the drain filter section F2, but is not limited thereto, and the drain filter section F2 can be omitted.

[0131] Further, some of the specific structures of the second embodiment can be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and the various modification examples thereof. For example, the specific structures of the circulating filter section FI and the drain filter section F2 of the second embodiment can be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and the various modification examples thereof. Further, the connection structure 7 of the second embodiment can be appropriately applied to the first embodiment and the various modification examples thereof, and is particularly preferably applied to the second and third modification examples of the first embodiment.

[0132] 3. Third Embodiment

[0133] The laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the water distribution structure 3 includes a rinse backflow port P4 in addition to the water inlet P1, the circulating water outlet P2, the rinse water outlet P3, and the drain port P5. Hereinafter, the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 17 to 20 The laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment will be described, and the description of the parts common to the second embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0134] The laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment includes the outer tub 1, the washing tub 2, the water distribution structure 3, and the centrifugal separation section 4.

[0135] The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed, for example, in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer tub 1 is provided in a housing (not shown) of the laundry treating apparatus, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 1.

[0136] The water distribution structure 3 includes a housing 31 in a substantially cylindrical shape. The housing 31 has an inner chamber C, and is provided with the water inlet P1, the circulating water outlet P2, the rinse water outlet (first water outlet) P3, the rinse backflow port P4, and the drain port (second water outlet) P5, which respectively communicate with the inner chamber C.

[0137] The water inlet P1 and the flush return port P4 are provided near the center in the axial direction of the housing 31, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided near one end in the axial direction of the housing 31. The flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided near the other end in the axial direction of the housing 31, and are arranged close to each other. The circulation water outlet P2 and the flush return port P4 are located on the side opposite to the side on which the water inlet P1 is located with respect to the central axis of the housing 31, and extend in the direction opposite to the direction in which the water inlet P1 extends. In addition, the circulation water outlet P2 and the flush return port P4 are located on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the housing 31.

[0138] In addition, the housing cover 33 is provided at one end in the axial direction of the housing 31, and the pump 32 is provided at the other end in the axial direction of the housing 31. The housing cover 33 closes the opening of one end of the housing 31, and the pump 32 closes the opening of the other end of the housing 31.

[0139] In addition, the flush 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 flush return port P4. Specifically, the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided at the portion of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the pump chamber of the pump 32. In addition, the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the housing 31.

[0140] In addition, the water distribution structure 3 further includes a circulation filter portion F1 and a drain filter portion F2.

[0141] The circulation filter portion F1 is a filter plate in the shape of a substantially circular plate, and is connected to the housing cover 33 by means of the first connecting portion 331. By mounting the housing cover 33 to the housing 31, the circulation filter portion F1 is fitted to the inner cavity C, at which time the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter portion F1 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31, or a step portion or the like provided at the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. In the axial direction of the housing 31, the circulation filter portion F1 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2. Thus, 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 housing 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged in the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, the flush return port P4, and the drain port P5 are respectively in communication with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is in communication with the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, the flush return port P4, and the drain port P5 are respectively in communication with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is in communication with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, the flush return port P4, and the drain port P5 are respectively provided at the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided at the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the second chamber C2.

[0142] Further, the housing 31 is provided with a partition 314 that divides the first chamber C1 in the axial direction of the housing 31 into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (drainage chamber) C4. The partition 314 is provided with a communication port 315, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 communicate with each other via the communication port 315. Further, the water inlet port P1 and the flush return port P4 communicate with the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet port P3 and the drainage port P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet port P1 and the flush return port P4 communicate with the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet port P3 and the drainage port P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4" means that the water inlet port P1 and the flush return port P4 are provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet port P3 and the drainage port P5 are provided on the peripheral wall of the housing 31 that forms the fourth chamber C4.

[0143] The drainage filter portion F2 is substantially conical and has a tapered flow guide surface that gradually widens as it approaches the communication port 315. The drainage filter portion F2 is connected to the circulation filter portion F1 by the second connecting portion 332. By attaching the housing cover 33 to the housing 31, the drainage filter portion F2 is fitted to the first chamber C1. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is provided between the tapered flow guide surface of the circulation filter portion F1 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. In addition, an axial filter gap is provided between the drainage filter portion F2 and the partition 314. Thus, it is possible to prevent larger foreign matter such as a button or a coin from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 along with the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drainage filter portion F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 from the communication port 315.

[0144] Further, although not shown, in the third embodiment, the water distribution structure 3 can also include a water outlet filter portion F3 as in the second embodiment. The water outlet filter portion F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4 and is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at a position corresponding to the flush water outlet port P3 on the radially outer side of the impeller 321, and the washing water in the water distribution structure 3 is filtered by the water outlet filter portion F3 and then flows out of the housing 31 from the flush water outlet port P3.

[0145] Further, in the third embodiment, the centrifugal separation portion 4 has the same structure as in the second embodiment, that is, as shown in FIG. 4, the centrifugal separation portion 4 is provided with a centrifugal separation filter portion F4 that is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at a position corresponding to the drainage port P5 on the radially outer side of the impeller 321, and the washing water in the water distribution structure 3 is filtered by the centrifugal separation filter portion F4 and then flows out of the housing 31 from the drainage port P5. Figure 14As shown, the centrifugal separation section 4 is used to separate foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4, a base 47 on which the outer cylinder 41 is mounted, a rotating cylinder 42 in a hollow cylindrical shape provided in the outer cylinder 41 in a rotatable manner, and a driving device 43 for driving the rotating cylinder 42 to rotate. In addition, the outer cylinder 41 is constituted by an outer cylinder upper portion 411 and an outer cylinder lower portion 412. The centrifugal separation section 4 includes a separation section inflow port 44 provided in the outer cylinder lower portion 412 and a separation section outflow port 45 provided in the outer cylinder upper portion 411.

[0146] In addition, in the third embodiment, the laundry treatment apparatus includes the same connection structure 7 as in the second embodiment. Here, detailed description of the connection structure 7 is omitted.

[0147] In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a communication pipe 61 as a fifth pipe. The fourth pipe 54 of the third embodiment is the same as the fourth pipe 54 of the second embodiment (see Figures 6 to 8 ), and illustration thereof is omitted here.

[0148] One end of the first pipe 51 is connected to a lower portion of the outer tub 1 (e.g., a first outer tub water outlet), and the other end is connected to the water inlet P1 of the water distribution structure 3. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the rinse water outlet P3 of the water distribution structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation section outflow port 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the connection structure 7. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation section outflow port 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the connection structure 7, and the other end is open to the inside of the outer tub 1 on the upper side of the outer tub 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the drain P5 of the water distribution structure 3, and the other end is open to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus. The communication pipe 61 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water distribution structure 3 and the separation section inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4, and also connects the rinse backflow port P4 of the water distribution structure 3 and the separation section inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

[0149] The communication pipe 61 as the fifth pipe has an F shape, and includes a main pipe portion 611, a first branch pipe portion 612, and a second branch pipe portion 613. One end of the main pipe portion 611 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion 612 and the second branch pipe portion 613, and the other end of the main pipe portion 611 is connected to the separation section inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 612 is connected to the rinse backflow port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 613 is connected to the circulation water outlet P2. The first branch pipe portion 612 branches in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe portion 611, and has a substantially straight line shape. The second branch pipe portion 613 further extends in the extension direction of the main pipe portion 611, and has a substantially L shape.

[0150] In addition, a first one-way valve 614 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 612, or in the purge return port P4, or at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the purge return port P4. Here, the first one-way valve 614 is provided at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the purge return port P4. The first one-way valve 614 only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 612 to the inner cavity C.

[0151] A second one-way valve 615 is provided in the second branch pipe portion 613, or in the circulation water outlet P2, or at a connection portion between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation water outlet P2. Here, the second one-way valve 615 is provided at the connection portion between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation water outlet P2. The second one-way valve 615 only allows the washing water to flow from the inner cavity C to the second branch pipe portion 613.

[0152] Thus, the laundry treatment apparatus includes the circulation water path L1, the purge water path L2, and the drain water path L3.

[0153] In the circulation water path L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51, enters the second chamber C2 after being filtered by the circulation filter portion F1, and then flows from the circulation water outlet P2 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the second one-way valve 615, the second branch pipe portion 613 and the main pipe portion 611 of the communication pipe 61, and the separation portion inflow port 44, and the washing water in the centrifugal separation portion 4 is centrifugally separated, and then the washing water flows from the separation portion outflow port 45 to the outer tub 1 via the third pipe 53.

[0154] In the purge water path L2, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first pipe 51, enters the fourth chamber C4 after being filtered by the drain filter portion F2, and then flows from the purge water outlet P3 to the centrifugal separation portion 4 via the second pipe 52 from the separation portion outflow port 45 to wash the centrifugal separation portion 4. The washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion 4 flows from the separation portion inflow port 44 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the main pipe portion 611 and the first branch pipe portion 612 of the communication pipe 61, the first one-way valve 614, and the purge return port P4.

[0155] In the drain water path L3, as in the second embodiment, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water distribution structure 3 via the first conduit 51, is filtered by the drain filter F2 after passing through the drain filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the drain P5. In addition, the washing water in the rinse water path L2 that flows into the third chamber C3 after rinsing the centrifugal separation part 4 is also filtered by the drain filter F2 after passing through the drain filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the drain P5.

[0156] Hereinafter, the operation of the laundry treating apparatus thus configured will be described.

[0157] When washing the laundry, the laundry treating apparatus first performs the cleaning process. Next, the rinsing process is performed, for example, including the first intermediate dewatering process, the first rinsing process, the second intermediate dewatering process, and the second rinsing process. Finally, the dewatering process is performed.

[0158] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus can perform the circulating operation, the rinsing operation, and the draining operation. That is, the washing water treatment method performed by the laundry treating apparatus includes the circulating operation, the rinsing operation, and the draining operation. Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus further has a control part (not shown) that controls the laundry treating apparatus to perform at least any one of the circulating operation, the rinsing operation, and the draining operation, so that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the corresponding one of the circulating water path L1, the rinsing water path L2, and the drain water path L3, respectively.

[0159] In at least any one of the cleaning process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the cleaning process), the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulating operation. In the circulating operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated by the driving force of the driving device 43 via the circulating water path L1, and foreign substances contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water passes through the centrifugal separation part 4. At this time, the rotary drum 42 rotates in any direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water to circulate the washing water via the circulating water path L1. In addition, the pump 32 does not operate when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulating operation.

[0160] In the first intermediate dewatering process, the second intermediate dewatering process, and the dewatering process, the laundry treating apparatus performs the rinsing operation and the draining operation. The pump 32 operates when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least any one of the rinsing operation and the draining operation.

[0161] As one mode, the laundry treating apparatus performs the rinsing action and the draining action simultaneously by operating the pump 32. In the rinsing action, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is rinsed against the centrifugal separation part 4 via the rinsing waterway L2 by the driving force of the pump 32, and is returned to the water distribution structure 3 via the rinsing backflow port P4. At this time, the rotating drum 42 is intermittently rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction or is alternately rotated in both directions by the driving of the driving device 43. In the draining action, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining waterway L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water rinsed against the centrifugal separation part 4 in the rinsing waterway L2 and returned to the water distribution structure 3 via the rinsing backflow port P4 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining waterway L3.

[0162] As another mode, for example, the start time of the rinsing action can be made earlier than the start time of the draining action. In this mode, the fourth conduit is provided with a draining valve (not shown), and when the rinsing action is started to be performed, the draining valve is maintained in the closed state, the pump 32 is operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 is rinsed against the centrifugal separation part 4 via the rinsing waterway L2 by the driving force of the pump 32, and is returned to the water distribution structure 3. After a predetermined time elapses, the draining valve is opened, and the draining action is started to be performed. At this time, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining waterway L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At the same time, the washing water rinsed against the centrifugal separation part 4 in the rinsing waterway L2 and returned to the water distribution structure 3 via the circulating water outlet port P2 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the draining waterway L3.

[0163] In the above-described third embodiment, the detailed description of the water outlet filter part F3, the connection structure 7, the fourth conduit 54, and the draining waterway L3 is omitted, but the water outlet filter part F3, the connection structure 7, the fourth conduit 54, and the draining waterway L3 of the third embodiment can adopt the same structure as the second embodiment.

[0164] The above describes the detailed structure of the laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment, but the third embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0165] For example, in the third embodiment, the structure in which the communication pipe 61 as the fifth conduit is in the F shape is described, but as the first modified example of the third embodiment, the shape of the communication pipe as the fifth conduit can be changed.

[0166] As Figure 21 , 22As shown, in this first modification example, the laundry treating apparatus includes a communication pipe 62 as the fifth pipe. The communication 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, and the other end of the main pipe portion 621 is connected to the separation portion inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 622 is connected to the rinse backflow port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 623 is connected to the circulation water outflow port P2.

[0167] More specifically, the main pipe portion 621 has a first main pipe portion 6211 and a second main pipe portion 6212 bent with respect to the first main pipe portion 6211, and the second main pipe portion 6212 branches to form the first branch pipe portion 622 and the second branch pipe portion 623 at a position away from a bent portion between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212. Here, the "bent portion between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212" refers to a portion of the pipe wall of the main pipe portion 621 extending along a curve between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212.

[0168] The first branch pipe portion 622 extends further in the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212, and the second branch pipe portion 623 branches in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212. The second branch pipe portion 623 has a first portion 6231 branching from the second main pipe portion 6212 and extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe portion 6212, and a second portion 6232 bent with respect to the first portion 6231. The second main pipe portion 6212 is bent at 90° with respect to the first main pipe portion 6211, and the second portion 6232 is bent at 90° with respect to the first portion 6231.

[0169] In addition, a one-way valve 624 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 622, or in the rinse backflow port P4, or at a connection site between the first branch pipe portion 622 and the rinse backflow port P4. Here, the one-way valve 624 is provided at the connection site between the first branch pipe portion 622 and the rinse backflow port P4. The one-way valve 624 allows only the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 622 to the inner cavity C.

[0170] In the circulating water circuit L1, the washing water flowing into the water distribution structure 3 from the inlet P1 is filtered by the circulating filter section F1 and then flows into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the circulating outlet P2 via the second branch pipe section 623 and the main pipe section 621. At this time, since a one-way valve 624 is provided at the connection between the first branch pipe section 622 and the flushing return port P4, the washing water will not flow from the flushing return port P4 into the first branch pipe section 622. That is to say, when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe section 622 and the second branch pipe section 623 to the main pipe section 621, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe section 623 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe section 622.

[0171] In the rinsing water path L2, a portion of the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separator returns from the first branch pipe 622 to the first chamber C1 via the rinsing return port P4, while another portion of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe 623 into the second chamber C2 via the circulation outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 via the circulation filter F1. Since the first branch pipe 622 extends further along the extension direction of the second main pipe 6212, and the second branch pipe 623 branches along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the second main pipe 6212, when the washing water flows from the main pipe 621 side to the first branch pipe 622 and the second branch pipe 623 side, the washing water flows more readily towards the first branch pipe 622 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe 622 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe 623.

[0172] Using this structure, in the rinsing water path L2, as a portion of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe 623 through the circulation outlet P2 into the second chamber C2 and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulation filter F1, the flow of the washing water can be used to reverse clean the circulation filter F1, removing foreign matter adhering to the circulation filter F1 when the washing water flows through the circulation water path L1.

[0173] Furthermore, the third embodiment describes a structure in which the circulating filter unit F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31. However, as a second variation of the third embodiment, the arrangement of the circulating filter unit F1 can also be changed.

[0174] like Figure 23 As shown, in this second variation, the circulating filter section F1 is a long strip extending along the axial direction of the housing 31, dividing 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 circulating 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.

[0175] The laundry treating apparatus includes a communication pipe 63 as the fifth pipe. The communication 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 the second branch pipe portion 633, and the other end of the main pipe portion 631 is connected to the separation portion inflow port 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 632 is connected to the rinse backflow port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 633 is connected to the circulation water outflow port P2.

[0176] The first branch pipe portion 632 is further extended along the extension direction of the main pipe portion 631, and the second branch pipe portion 633 is branched along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe portion 631. The first branch pipe portion 632 has a substantially L shape, and the second branch pipe portion 633 has a substantially J shape.

[0177] In addition, a one-way valve 634 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 632, or in the rinse backflow port P4, or at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the rinse backflow port P4. Here, the one-way valve 634 is provided at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the rinse backflow port P4. The one-way valve 634 only allows the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 632 to the inner cavity C.

[0178] In the circulation water path L1, the washing water flowing into the water distribution structure 3 from the water inflow port P1 is filtered by the circulation filter portion F1, and then flows into the centrifugal separation portion 4 from the circulation water outflow port P2 via the second branch pipe portion 633 and the main pipe portion 631. At this time, since the one-way valve 624 is provided at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the rinse backflow port P4, the washing water does not flow from the rinse backflow port P4 to the first branch pipe portion 632. That is, when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion 632 and the second branch pipe portion 633 side to the main pipe portion 631 side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 633 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 632.

[0179] In the rinse water path L2, a part of the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation portion returns to the first cavity C1 from the first branch pipe portion 632 via the rinse backflow port P4, and another part of the washing water flows into the second cavity C2 from the second branch pipe portion 633 via the circulation water outflow port P2, and then returns to the first cavity C1 via the circulation filter portion F1. At this time, since the first branch pipe portion 632 is further extended along the extension direction of the main pipe portion 631, and the second branch pipe portion 633 is branched along a direction intersecting the extension direction of the main pipe portion 631, when the washing water flows from the main pipe portion 631 side to the first branch pipe portion 632 and the second branch pipe portion 633 side, the washing water more easily flows to the first branch pipe portion 632 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 632 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 633.

[0180] With this structure, in the rinsing water path L2, in a process in which a part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 633 to the second chamber C2 via the circulation water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 via the circulation filter portion Fl, the circulation filter portion Fl can be backwashed using the flow of the washing water, and foreign matter adhering to the circulation filter portion Fl when the washing water flows through the circulation water path Ll can be removed.

[0181] In addition, the structure in which the circulation filter portion Fl divides the inner chamber C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31 is explained in the second modification example of the third embodiment, but this structure can also be applied to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and each modification example thereof.

[0182] The present disclosure has been described above through embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and modification examples. For example, other embodiments achieved by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in the present specification, except for several constituent elements, can be used as embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, within a range that does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure, that is, the meaning expressed by the statements recited in the claims, modification examples obtained by various modifications thought of by those skilled in the art to the described embodiments are also included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1.A laundry treating apparatus, characterized by: the laundry treating apparatus comprising: an outer tub provided in a housing of the laundry treating apparatus; a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub; a centrifugal separation part for separating foreign substances contained in washing water in the outer tub; and a water distribution structure including a housing having an inner cavity, the housing being provided with a water inlet, a circulation water outlet, a rinsing water outlet, and a rinsing backflow outlet respectively communicating with the inner cavity, the laundry treating apparatus including a circulation water path and a rinsing water path, in the circulation water path, the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water distribution structure and into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet, after the centrifugal separation part centrifugally separates the foreign substances contained in the washing water, the washing water returns to the outer tub, in the rinsing water path, the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water distribution structure and into the centrifugal separation part from the rinsing water outlet to rinse the centrifugal separation part, the washing water then returns to the water distribution structure via the rinsing backflow outlet, the laundry treating apparatus further including a communication pipe including a main pipe portion, a first branch pipe portion, and a second branch pipe portion, one end of the main pipe portion being connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the other end of the main pipe portion being connected to the centrifugal separation part, the other end of the first branch pipe portion being connected to the rinsing backflow outlet, the other end of the second branch pipe portion being connected to the circulation water outlet, when the washing water flows from the main pipe portion side to the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side, a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion is greater than a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion. 2.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: the water distribution structure including a circulation filter portion fitted in the inner cavity, in the circulation water path, the washing water flowing into the water distribution structure from the water inlet is filtered through the circulation filter portion and then flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet via the second branch pipe portion and the main pipe portion. 3.The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by: the circulation filter portion dividing the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, the water inlet and the rinsing backflow outlet respectively communicating with the first chamber, the circulation water outlet communicating with the second chamber, in the rinsing water path, a part of the washing water after rinsing the centrifugal separation part returns to the first chamber from the first branch pipe portion via the rinsing backflow outlet, another part of the washing water flows into the second chamber from the second branch pipe portion via the circulation water outlet and then returns to the first chamber via the circulation filter portion. 4.The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side to the main pipe portion side, a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion is greater than a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion. 5.The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a one-way valve is provided in the first branch pipe portion, or in the rinsing backflow port, or at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion and the rinsing backflow port, the one-way valve allowing only the flow of the washing water from the first branch pipe portion to the inner cavity. 6.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the circulation filter portion divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber in the axial direction of the housing. 7.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the circulation water outlet and the rinsing backflow port are located on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the housing. 8.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the main pipe portion has a first main pipe portion and a second main pipe portion bent with respect to the first main pipe portion, the second main pipe portion being branched at a portion apart from a bend between the first main pipe portion and the second main pipe portion to form the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the first branch pipe portion is further extended in the extension direction of the second main pipe portion, the second branch pipe portion is branched in a direction crossing the extension direction of the second main pipe portion. 9.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second branch pipe portion has a first portion branched from the second main pipe portion and extended in a direction crossing the extension direction of the second main pipe portion, and a second portion bent with respect to the first portion, the second main pipe portion is bent by 90° with respect to the first main pipe portion, and the second portion is bent by 90° with respect to the first portion. 10.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the circulation filter portion divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber in a direction crossing the axial direction of the housing. 11.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the circulation water outlet is located on a side opposite to a side on which the water inlet and the rinsing backflow port are located with respect to a central axis of the housing. 12.The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first branch pipe portion is further extended in the extension direction of the main pipe portion, the second branch pipe portion is branched in a direction crossing the extension direction of the main pipe portion. 13.The laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing further has a drain port communicating with the inner cavity, the laundry treatment apparatus includes a drain water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet to the water distribution structure and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus from the drain port, the washing water in the rinsing water path after rinsing the centrifugal separation portion is returned to the water distribution structure via the rinsing backflow port and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus via the drain water path.

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