Filter devices and washing machines

Abstract

A filter device that improves strength and foreign matter capture efficiency with fewer components is provided, and a washing machine including the filter device is also provided. The filter device (17) includes a base (30), a filter (31), and a housing (32). The base (30) has a first inflow area (30FA) and a second inflow area (30FB) disposed apart from a first rib (35). The filter (31) has a first capture area (31HA) and a second capture area (31HB) disposed apart from a second rib (38); and filter holes (39A) distributed in these capture areas. The housing (32) is provided with: a first relay port (32AA) for relaying between the first inflow area (30FA) and the first capture area (31HA); a second relay port (32AB) for relaying between the second inflow area (30FB) and the second capture area (31HB); and a third rib (40) disposed between the first relay port (32AA) and the second relay port (32AB), and sandwiched between the first rib (35) and the second rib (38).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A typical washing machine includes: a washing tub that holds water and contains laundry; and a filter that is located inside the washing tub and captures foreign objects from the water inside the tub. Figure 1 The image shows an existing filter device 1 for a washing machine. The filter device 1 includes: a longitudinally elongated base 2, which is fitted into the inner periphery of a washing tub that holds laundry and is capable of storing water in the washing machine; a filter 3, which is disposed opposite to the base 2 and protrudes into the washing tub; and a housing 4, which is disposed between the base 2 and the filter 3.

[0003] like Figure 2 As shown, the surface portion 2A of the base 2 that protrudes into the washing tub has an upper opening 2B at its upper end and a lower opening 2C at its lower end. In the center of the intermediate region 2D between the upper opening 2B and the lower opening 2C in the surface portion 2A, there is a pair of left and right water flow plates 5 and a pair of left and right inflow regions 2E separated by these water flow plates 5. Each water flow plate 5 is mounted to the base 2 via a rotating shaft 6 extending in the vertical direction and can rotate around the rotating shaft 6. The right water flow plate 5 is referred to as the first water flow plate 5A, and the left water flow plate 5 is referred to as the second water flow plate 5B. In each inflow region 2E, there are multiple thin, plate-shaped guide members 2F arranged in the vertical direction. The right inflow region 2E is referred to as the first inflow region 2EA, and the left inflow region 2E is referred to as the second inflow region 2EB.

[0004] like Figure 3 As shown, the filter 3 is a plate-shaped structure that extends longitudinally. In the back portion 3A of the filter 3 opposite the base 2, an upper protrusion 3B is located at the upper end, and a lower protrusion 3C protruding towards the base 2 is located at the lower end. Multiple reinforcing ribs 3D protruding towards the base 2 are distributed between the upper protrusion 3B and the lower protrusion 3C. Between the upper protrusion 3B and the lower protrusion 3C in the filter 3, three capture areas 3E are arranged in three transverse rows, extending vertically. Figure 3 The capture region 3E at the left end of the image is called the first capture region 3EA. Figure 3 The capture area 3E at the right end is called the second capture area 3EB, and the capture area 3E in the middle is called the third capture area 3EC. In each capture area 3E, away from the reinforcing rib 3D, there are multiple through holes 3F arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. A mesh 8 is installed in each through hole 3F to block it. Numerous filter holes 8A, acting as tiny through holes, are formed in the mesh 8. It should be noted that the above... Figure 1 The illustration of mesh 8 is omitted.

[0005] The housing 4 is a rectangular plate. A relay port 4A that penetrates the housing 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 4 is provided in the center of the housing 4. A pair of housing chambers 4B that extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 4 in the form of grooves across the relay port 4A are provided in the upper surface portion of the housing 4 in the posture shown in Figure 3 Figure 3 The housing chamber 4B on the left side in the posture shown in Fig. 1 is referred to as a first housing chamber 4BA, and the housing chamber 4B on the right side is referred to as a second housing chamber 4BB. A first boundary rib 4CA that extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 4 as a boundary between the relay port 4A and the first housing chamber 4BA, and a second boundary rib 4CB that extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 4 as a boundary between the relay port 4A and the second housing chamber 4BB are provided in the housing 4. Figure 3

[0006] The end portion in the longitudinal direction of the housing 4 is coupled to the filter 3 via a rotation shaft 9. Therefore, when one of the filter 3 and the housing 4 in the state shown in Fig. 1 is rotated around the rotation shaft 9 to approach the other, the filter 3 and the housing 4 are combined as shown in Fig. 2, and the filter unit 10 is completed. When the completed filter unit 10 is assembled to the base 2 and the upper protrusion 3B and the lower protrusion 3C (see Fig. 3) of the filter 3 are respectively fitted into the upper opening 2B and the lower opening 2C (see Fig. 4) of the base 2, the filter device 1 shown in Fig. 5 is completed. Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 3 Figure 2 Figure 1

[0007] As shown in Fig. 6 that is a cross-sectional view in the A-A direction of Fig. 1, in the completed filter device 1, the first inflow region 2EA of the base 2, the first capture region 3EA of the filter 3, and the first housing chamber 4BA of the housing 4 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction, and the first housing chamber 4BA opposes the first capture region 3EA. Further, the second inflow region 2EB of the base 2, the second capture region 3EB of the filter 3, and the second housing chamber 4BB of the housing 4 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction, and the second housing chamber 4BB opposes the second capture region 3EB. On the other hand, the third capture region 3EC of the filter 3 is exposed to the base 2 side from the relay port 4A of the housing 4. Figure 1 Figure 5

[0008] ​​​​​​​​​When water flow is generated in the washing tub equipped with the filter device 1, the water in the washing tub flows into either the first inflow area 2EA or the second inflow area 2EB. As indicated by the arrow P, the water flowing into the first inflow area 2EA rotates the first water flow plate 5A toward the second water flow plate 5B side and presses the second water flow plate 5B against the second boundary rib 4CB. Then, the water is isolated from the second inflow area 2EB by the second water flow plate 5B, whereby the water passes through the relay port 4A without fail and flows out through the filter holes 8A of the mesh 8 in any of the first, second, and third capture areas 3EA, 3EB, and 3EC. In contrast, the water flowing into the second inflow area 2EB rotates the second water flow plate 5B toward the first water flow plate 5A side and presses the first water flow plate 5A against the first boundary rib 4CA, whereby the water passes through the relay port 4A without fail and then flows out through the filter holes 8A of the mesh 8 in any of the capture areas 3E (not shown). In any case, the foreign matter F contained in the water flowing out is captured in the capture area 3E.

[0009] The filter device 1 is composed of five components, the base 2, the filter 3, the housing 4, and the pair of water flow plates 5, but it is always desirable to reduce the number of components. Furthermore, in the filter device 1, the reinforcing ribs 3D of the filter 3 are in contact with the housing 4, whereby the strength of the filter unit 10 is ensured, so that deformation of the filter unit 10 at the time of contact with the laundry is suppressed, but there is room for improvement in the strength of the filter device 1 as a whole.

[0010] Also, when centrifugal force is generated as the washing tub rotates, in the filter device 1, the foreign matter F captured in the first capture area 3EA is accommodated in the first accommodation chamber 4BA in the housing 4 opposite the first capture area 3EA, and the foreign matter F captured in the second capture area 3EB is accommodated in the second accommodation chamber 4BB in the housing 4 opposite the second capture area 3EB. However, in the housing 4, the relay port 4A is opposite the third capture area 3EC, so the foreign matter F captured in the third capture area 3EC is unlikely to be received by any of the accommodation chambers 4B and is likely to leak out of the filter device 1 through the relay port 4A. Therefore, in the filter device 1, there is room for improvement in the foreign matter capture efficiency as well. Also, when the water flow plate 5, which is a movable component, is broken or falls off, the water flow plate 5 is likely to interfere with water flow and the like, so the foreign matter capture efficiency is likely to decrease. SUMMARY

[0011] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0012] The present application has been achieved in the above-described background, and aims to provide a filter device capable of improving the strength and foreign matter capture efficiency with a small number of components and a washing machine including the filter device.

[0013] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0014] The present application is a filter device including: a base fitted to an inner circumferential portion of a washing tub that houses a laundry and can store water in a washing machine, the base being provided with a surface portion facing the inside of the washing tub, a first rib arranged at the surface portion, and a first inflow area and a second inflow area arranged at the surface portion in a manner of being arranged laterally across the first rib; a filter arranged opposite the base and exposed to the inside of the washing tub, the filter being provided with a second rib protruding toward the first rib, a first capturing area and a second capturing area arranged in a manner of being arranged laterally across the second rib, and a plurality of filter holes distributed in the first capturing area and the second capturing area, respectively; and a housing arranged between the base and the filter, the housing being provided with a first relay opening, a second relay opening arranged in a manner of being arranged laterally across the first relay opening, and a third rib arranged between the first relay opening and the second relay opening, sandwiched by the first rib and the second rib, the filter device capturing foreign matter contained in water flowing into the first inflow area in the washing tub and flowing out of the filter holes of the first capturing area through the first relay opening in the first capturing area, and capturing foreign matter contained in water flowing into the second inflow area in the washing tub and flowing out of the filter holes of the second capturing area through the second relay opening in the second capturing area.

[0015] Further, the present application is characterized in that the housing is provided with: a first housing chamber recessed toward the base side from the first capturing area to receive foreign matter from the first capturing area; and a second housing chamber recessed toward the base side from the second capturing area to receive foreign matter from the second capturing area.

[0016] Further, the present application is characterized in that the filter and the housing are connected via a rotation axis, the housing is relatively rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the filter between an assembled position in which the third rib contacts the second rib and a disassembled position in which the third rib is away from the second rib, the filter and the housing in the assembled position constitute a completed filter unit that is detachable from the base.

[0017] Further, the present application is a washing machine including: a washing tub that houses a laundry and can store water; and the filter device fitted to an inner circumferential portion of the washing tub.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the filtration device is composed of a relatively small number of parts: a base, a filter, and a housing. In the filtration device, the third rib of the housing between the base and the filter is sandwiched between the first rib of the base and the second rib of the filter, thereby integrating these ribs to form a partition wall to strengthen the entire filtration device and thus improve its strength.

[0020] The first inflow area of ​​the base, the first capture area of ​​the filter, and the first relay port of the housing constitute the first internal space of the filter device. The second inflow area of ​​the base, the second capture area of ​​the filter, and the second relay port of the housing constitute the second internal space of the filter device. The first and second internal spaces are arranged laterally, separated by a partition wall composed of an integrated first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. When the filter device is installed on the inner circumference of the washing tub of a washing machine, when water flows in the first circumferential direction along the inner circumference of the washing tub, the water in the washing tub flows into the first inflow area and flows out through the filter hole of the first capture area via the first relay port. Foreign objects contained in this water are captured in the first capture area. When water flows in the second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction, the water in the washing tub flows into the second inflow area and flows out through the filter hole of the second capture area via the second relay port. Foreign objects contained in this water are captured in the second capture area. In this way, by dividing the internal space of the filter device into a first internal space and a second internal space and removing the movable parts, foreign objects are captured without omission in either the first internal space or the second internal space according to the direction of water flow in the washing tub. Thus, the filter device can capture foreign objects in a stable state, thereby improving the foreign object capture efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when centrifugal force is generated due to the rotation of the washing tub, the first receiving chamber in the housing receives foreign objects from the first capture area, and the second receiving chamber receives foreign objects from the second capture area. This prevents foreign objects painstakingly captured by the filter from leaking outside the filter, thus further improving the foreign object capture efficiency.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the filter unit, consisting of a filter and a housing, can be detached from and mounted on the base. Therefore, the user can remove foreign objects captured by the filter device for maintenance simply by removing the filter unit from the base and disassembling it. Then, the user can restore the filter device to a usable state by completing the filter unit and assembling it on the base. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is the front view of the existing filtration device.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the base included in an existing filtration device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter units included in an existing filtration device.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the completed filter unit.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line A-A.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a front view of a filtering device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a front view of the base included in the filtering device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit included in the filter device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the completed filter unit.

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 The B-B sectional view.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 11: Washing machine; 14: Washing tub; 14A: Inner periphery; 17: Filter device; 30: Base; 30A: Surface; 30FA: First inflow area; 30FB: Second inflow area; 31: Filter; 31HA: First capture area; 31HB: Second capture area; 32: Housing; 32AA: First relay port; 32AB: Second relay port; 32DA: First containment chamber; 32DB: Second containment chamber; 35: First rib; 36: Filter unit; 38: Second rib; 39A: Filter hole; 40: Third rib; 42: Rotating shaft; F: Foreign object; L: Washing material. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, with Figure 6The washing machine 11 will be described in general terms based on the vertical direction Z. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side is referred to as the upper side Z1, and the lower side as the lower side Z2. The washing machine 11 includes: a cabinet 12, formed in a box shape; a water tank 13, capable of holding water; a washing tub 14, for holding laundry L; a motor 15; and a pulsator 16 and a filter device 17, disposed within the washing tub 14. It should be noted that the washing machine 11 also includes a washer-dryer combo with a drying function for laundry L.

[0037] The upper surface of the housing 12 is provided with an opening 12A and a door 18 for opening and closing the opening 12A. The water tank 13 is made of resin, for example, and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The water tank 13 integrally has a generally cylindrical circumferential wall 13B with an opening 13A at its upper end; and a circular plate-shaped bottom wall 13C that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 13B from the lower side Z2. The opening 13A is opened and closed by a cover 19 connected to the circumferential wall 13B. A water supply passage 20 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 13, and the water tank 13 stores tap water, bath water, and liquid containing detergent supplied from the water supply passage 20. A water supply valve 21 is provided in the middle of the water supply passage 20 for opening and closing the water supply passage 20. The water in the water tank 13 is discharged to the outside of the machine, i.e., outside the housing 12, through a drain passage 22 connected to the bottom wall 13C. A drain valve 23 is installed in the middle of the drainage channel 22 to open and close the drainage channel 22.

[0038] The washing tub 14 is made of metal, for example, and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the water tub 13. The washing tub 14 integrally includes: a generally cylindrical circumferential wall 14B with an inlet / outlet 14A at its upper end; and a circular plate-shaped bottom wall 14C that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 14B from the lower side Z2. In this embodiment, the axis J passing through the center of the washing tub 14 extends vertically in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the washing machine 11 is a vertical fully automatic washing machine with the washing tub 14 arranged longitudinally. It should be noted that, alternatively, the axis J may extend obliquely with respect to both the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction H, thereby causing the washing tub 14 to be arranged at an angle.

[0039] In this embodiment, the washing tub 14 is housed within the water tub 13 and can rotate about axis J. The direction of rotation of the washing tub 14 is consistent with the circumferential direction S of both the water tub 13 and the washing tub 14. Hereinafter, the radial direction based on axis J will be referred to as radial R. Within radial R, the direction closer to axis J will be referred to as radial inner side R1, and the direction farther from axis J will be referred to as radial outer side R2.

[0040] The inlet / outlet 14A connects to the opening 13A from the lower side Z2, and the opening 13A and the inlet / outlet 14A are opened and closed together by the cover 19. When the user of the washing machine 11 opens the door 18 and the cover 19, the laundry L can be taken out and placed into the washing tub 14 through the open opening 12A, opening 13A, and inlet / outlet 14A. A through hole 14D is formed in at least one of the circumferential wall 14B and the bottom wall 14C, so that water in the water tank 13 can flow between the water tank 13 and the washing tub 14 through the through hole 14D. Therefore, water can also be stored in the washing tub 14, and the water level in the water tank 13 is the same as the water level in the washing tub 14. During the spin-drying operation of the washing machine 11, the washing tub 14 rotates with the drain valve 23 open. As a result, the water in the laundry L in the washing tub 14 seeps out by centrifugal force and is discharged to the outside of the machine through the through hole 14D and the drain passage 22. A hollow balance ring 24 containing liquid is coaxially fitted at the upper end of the circumferential wall 14B. The balance ring 24 is used to maintain the rotational balance of the washing tub 14.

[0041] Motor 15 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 13C of the water tank 13. The output shaft of motor 15 branches as follows: a tubular first output shaft 15A extending upward along axis J to the upper side Z1; and a second output shaft 15B inserted into the internal space of the first output shaft 15A with clearance. Motor 15 can output torque from one or both of the first output shaft 15A and the second output shaft 15B. It should be noted that a clutch (not shown) can also be installed in the output shaft of motor 15 to switch the torque output target of motor 15 to the first output shaft 15A and the second output shaft 15B.

[0042] The first output shaft 15A extends upward Z1 and passes through the center of the bottom wall 13C. The first output shaft 15A has a flange portion 15C that protrudes in a flange-like shape between the bottom wall 13C and the bottom wall 14C. The flange portion 15C is fixed to the bottom wall 14C, thereby connecting the first output shaft 15A to the washing tub 14. When the motor 15 is driven and torque is transmitted to the first output shaft 15A, the washing tub 14 rotates.

[0043] The impeller 16 is a disc arranged horizontally H on the bottom wall 14C of the washing tub 14. The circumferential direction of the impeller 16 is consistent with the aforementioned circumferential direction S, and the radial direction of the impeller 16 is consistent with the aforementioned radial direction R. On the upper surface of the impeller 16, a plurality of rib-like protrusions 16A are provided in a manner arranged along the circumferential direction S and rising radially R and upward Z1.

[0044] The upper end of the second output shaft 15B of motor 15, extending from the upper side Z1 of the flange 15C, passes through the center of the bottom wall 14C of washing tub 14 and is fitted to the center of impeller 16. When motor 15 is driven and torque is transmitted to the second output shaft 15B, impeller 16 rotates around axis J. At this time, washing tub 14 is in a stopped state. During the washing and rinsing operations in washing machine 11, the laundry L in washing tub 14 is agitated by the protrusion 16A of impeller 16, which rotates circumferentially S. As a result, water flow is mainly generated in the circumferential direction S in washing tub 14. It should be noted that washing tub 14 can also be rotated together with impeller 16, thereby generating a stronger water flow in the circumferential direction S.

[0045] One or more filter devices 17 are provided inside the washing tub 14, specifically in the inner circumferential portion 14E of the inner circumferential surface that forms the circumferential wall 14B. Figure 7 This is a front view of the filter device 17 as seen from the radially inner side R1. Hereinafter, as shown... Figure 7 The filter device 17 will be described based on its orientation as viewed from the radially inner side R1. Therefore, the filter device 17 will be... Figure 7 The left and right direction in the middle is called the left and right direction X of the filter device 17, which will Figure 7 The left side in the diagram is called the left side X1. Figure 7 The right side is referred to as right side X2. The left-right direction X is the same as the circumferential direction S mentioned above or is a tangential direction relative to the circumferential direction S. The filter device 17 has an overall shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The filter device 17 includes: a base 30 that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and is fitted into the inner periphery 14E of the washing tub 14; a filter 31 that is arranged opposite to the base 30 from the radially inner side R1 and protrudes into the washing tub 14; and a housing 32 that is disposed between the base 30 and the filter 31 in the radial direction R.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a front view of the base 30. The surface portion 30A of the base 30 facing the washing tub 14 has an upper opening 30B at its upper end and a lower opening 30C at its lower end. The upper opening 30B and lower opening 30C can be either through holes penetrating the base 30 radially R, or recesses recessed radially outward R2. The upper opening 30B is formed as a semi-circle bulging upward Z1, and the lower opening 30C is formed as a rectangle elongated in the left-right direction X. The base 30 has: a pair of left and right protrusions 33 protruding into the upper region of the upper opening 30B; and a locking portion 34, positioned between these protrusions 33. When viewed from the front view, i.e., from the radially inward R1, these protrusions 33 form a roughly symmetrical triangle or fan shape. The locking portion 34 is a roughly rectangular piece, its lower end located above the lower end of each protrusion 33 on the upper Z1 side and extending in the left-right direction X.

[0047] The intermediate region 30D between the upper opening 30B and the lower opening 30C in the surface portion 30A is a rectangle wider than the upper opening 30B and the lower opening 30C in the left-right direction X. The intermediate region 30D is generally flat along the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z. The outer edge portion 30E of the surface portion 30A, which is the area other than the upper opening 30B, the lower opening 30C and the intermediate region 30D, is a curved surface that bulges inward in a radial direction R1.

[0048] A first rib 35 is provided at the center of the intermediate region 30D in the left-right direction X, protruding radially inward R1 and extending in the vertical direction Z to connect the upper and lower ends of the intermediate region 30D. The first rib 35 has: an end face 35A, flat in both the left-right direction X and the vertical direction Z, and elongated in the vertical direction Z; and a pair of curved surfaces 35B, extending outward from the end face 35A in the left-right direction X, and simultaneously extending radially outward R2. It should be noted that this shape of the first rib 35 is formed by making a portion of the base 30 in the intermediate region 30D concave radially inward R1 in a V-shape (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0049] A pair of inflow regions 30F are arranged laterally, separated by a first rib 35, in the central region 30D. In each inflow region 30F, multiple guide members 30G are arranged in a vertical Z-direction. Most guide members 30G are thin plates in the vertical Z-direction, but some guide members 30G may also be elliptical in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, in the pair of inflow regions 30F, the inflow region 30F on the left (X1) will be referred to as the first inflow region 30FA, and the inflow region 30F on the right (X2) will be referred to as the second inflow region 30FB. Of course, the first inflow region 30FA and the second inflow region 30FB can also be arranged in reverse order. In any case, the first inflow region 30FA and the second inflow region 30FB are arranged symmetrically about the first rib 35.

[0050] The filter 31 and the housing 32 together constitute the filter unit 36. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of filter unit 36 ​​in a decomposed state. Figure 9 In this design, filter 31 is a longitudinally elongated plate, with the back portion 31B being the main feature compared to the surface portion 31A. The upper end of filter 31 is formed into an upwardly bulging arc shape. A recess 31C is formed in filter 31, recessed from its upper end to the lower side and penetrating through filter 31 in the plate thickness direction. An upper protrusion 31D is provided at the upper end of the back portion 31B. The upper protrusion 31D is a transversely elongated hollow body, arranged to cover the entire area of ​​the back portion 31B in the short dimension direction of filter 31. An engaging portion 37 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the upper protrusion 31D. The engaging portion 37 extends upward Z1 and bends, at... Figure 9The engagement portion 37 extends roughly horizontally and is partially disposed within the recess 31C. Such an engagement portion 37 can elastically deform at least in the vertical direction. A claw 37A extending along the short dimension direction of the filter 31 is provided on the upper surface of the engagement portion 37.

[0051] The back portion 31B has an outer peripheral rib 31E forming its outer edge. A portion of the outer peripheral rib 31E also protrudes into the recess 31C and connects to the upper surface of the upper protrusion 31D. The lower end of the outer peripheral rib 31E forms a lower protrusion 31F. The lower protrusion 31F has: a lower plate 31FA extending along the lower edge of the back portion 31B in the short dimension direction of the filter 31; and a pair of side plates 31FB rising from both ends of the lower plate 31FA in the short dimension direction.

[0052] A second rib 38 is provided in the intermediate region 31G between the upper protrusion 31D and the lower protrusion 31F in the back part 31B. The second rib 38 is disposed in the center of the intermediate region 31G in the short dimension direction of the filter 31 and is mounted between the lower plate 31FA of the upper protrusion 31D and the lower protrusion 31F.

[0053] In the middle region 31G, there is a pair of two capture regions 31H arranged horizontally, separated by the second rib 38. Hereinafter, Figure 9 The capture region 31H on the right side of the image is called the first capture region 31HA. Figure 9 The capture area 31H on the left side is called the second capture area 31HB. Of course, the first capture area 31HA and the second capture area 31HB can also be configured in reverse. In any case, the first capture area 31HA and the second capture area 31HB are configured symmetrically about the second rib 38. Each capture area 31H has a plurality of through holes 31I arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. An example of each through hole 31I is a rectangle with rounded corners and elongated horizontally. A mesh 39 is fitted into each through hole 31I in a manner that blocks the through hole 31I. Numerous filter holes 39A, which are tiny through holes, are formed in the mesh 39. The mesh 39 with the through holes 31I in the first capture area 31HA is part of the first capture area 31HA, and the mesh 39 with the through holes 31I in the second capture area 31HB is part of the second capture area 31HB. Therefore, a plurality of filter holes 39A are distributed in each capture area 31H. It should be noted that the above... Figure 7 The illustration of mesh 39 is omitted. Alternatively, a grid integrally formed in each capture area 31HA can be used instead of mesh 39, in which case the gaps in the grid function as filter holes 39A.

[0054] The housing 32 is a rectangular plate. A relay port 32A, extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 32 and penetrating the housing 32, is provided at the center of the housing 32. Figure 9 The upper surface of the housing 32 in the neutral position is provided with: an outer peripheral rib 32B, which stands upright covering the entire area of ​​the outer edge of the upper surface; an inner peripheral rib 32C, which surrounds and stands upright over the entire area of ​​the relay port 32A; and a pair of groove-shaped receiving chambers 32D, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the housing 32 across the relay port 32A. At one end of the housing 32 in the longitudinal direction ( Figure 9 The right and front ends of the middle section, a portion of the outer peripheral rib 32B and a portion of the inner peripheral rib 32C are integrated.

[0055] Will Figure 9 The containment chamber 32D on the right depth side is referred to as the first containment chamber 32DA. Figure 9 The containment chamber 32D on the left and front side is referred to as the second containment chamber 32DB. Of course, the first containment chamber 32DA and the second containment chamber 32DB can also be configured in reverse order. Each containment chamber 32D is surrounded by outer peripheral ribs 32B and inner peripheral ribs 32C. Figure 9 The upper surface of the housing 32 in the neutral position is provided with a groove-shaped third receiving chamber 32E, which connects the ends of the first receiving chamber 32DA and the second receiving chamber 32DB. Figure 9 The left and front ends are connected to each other.

[0056] A third rib 40 extending along the longitudinal direction of the housing 32 is provided within the relay port 32A of the housing 32. Thus, the relay port 32A is divided into a first relay port 32AA on the side of the first containment chamber 32DA and a second relay port 32AB on the side of the second containment chamber 32DB. The first relay port 32AA and the second relay port 32AB are arranged laterally, with the third rib 40 positioned between them. The first relay port 32AA and the second relay port 32AB are configured symmetrically about the third rib 40. Multiple transverse ribs 41 extending along the short-length direction of the housing 32 are provided within the relay port 32A. These transverse ribs 41 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the housing 32, positioned between the closest inner peripheral rib 32C and the third rib 40.

[0057] The end of the housing 32 on the third receiving chamber 32E side is disposed between a pair of side plates 31FB in the lower protrusion 31F of the filter 31. This end of the housing 32 is connected to each side plate 31FB via a rotation shaft 42 extending along the short dimension direction of the housing 32. The housing 32 is rotatable relative to the filter 31 about the rotation shaft 42. Figure 9The housing 32 is in the disassembled position, at which point the third rib 40 of the housing 32 is in a state away from the second rib 38 of the filter 31. It should be noted that the housing 32 in the disassembled position is placed on the lower plate 31FA of the lower protrusion 31F, so the housing 32 will not rotate further downward and move further away from the filter 31.

[0058] When the user rotates the housing 32, located in the disassembly position, around the rotating shaft 42 to approach the filter 31, such as Figure 10 As shown, the housing 32 is positioned in the assembly position, and the filter unit 36 ​​is completed. Thus, the housing 32 can rotate between the disassembled position and the assembly position. In the assembly position, the longitudinal direction of the housing 32 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the filter 31, and the housing 32 is positioned between the lower plate 31FA of the upper protrusion 31D and the lower protrusion 31F of the filter 31. Furthermore, the outer peripheral rib 32B of the housing 32 is disposed inside the outer peripheral rib 31E of the filter 31. The user can disassemble the filter unit 36 ​​(see reference) by rotating the housing 32 to the disassembled position. Figure 9 It should be noted that during the assembly and disassembly of the filter unit 36, the user can either rotate the filter 31 without rotating the housing 32, or rotate both the filter 31 and the housing 32.

[0059] The user assembles the completed filter unit 36 ​​onto the base 30, and inserts the upper protrusion 31D and lower protrusion 31F of the filter 31 into the upper opening 30B and lower opening 30C of the base 30, respectively (see reference). Figure 8 Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the filter unit 36 ​​is mounted on the base 30, thus completing the filter device 17. At this time, the longitudinal direction of both the filter 31 and the housing 32 aligns with the vertical direction Z, and the short direction of both the filter 31 and the housing 32 aligns with the horizontal direction X, i.e., the circumferential direction S. The claw 37A of the engaging portion 37 of the filter 31 (see reference...) Figure 9 The engaging part 34 of the base 30 is engaged from the radially outer side R2 (see reference). Figure 8 This prevents the filter unit 36 ​​from falling off the base 30. It should be noted that when the user elastically deforms the engaging part 37 downward Z2 to remove the claw 37A from the engaging part 34, the filter unit 36 ​​can be detached from the base 30.

[0060] As Figure 7 B-B sectional view Figure 11As shown, in the completed filtration device 17, the first inflow region 30FA of the base 30, the first capture region 31HA of the filter 31, and the first receiving chamber 32DA and the first relay port 32AA of the housing 32 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction X. The first receiving chamber 32DA and the first relay port 32AA are opposite the first capture region 31HA from the radially outward R2. The first receiving chamber 32DA is recessed from the first capture region 31HA towards the radially outward R2, i.e., the base 30 side. Furthermore, the second inflow region 30FB of the base 30, the second capture region 31HB of the filter 31, and the second receiving chamber 32DB and the second relay port 32AB of the housing 32 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction X. The second receiving chamber 32DB and the second relay port 32AB are opposite the second capture region 31HB from the radially outward R2. The second receiving chamber 32DB is recessed from the second capture region 31HB towards the radially outward R2.

[0061] Furthermore, the first rib 35 of the base 30, the second rib 38 of the filter 31, and the third rib 40 of the housing 32 are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction X. The end face 35A of the first rib 35 contacts the third rib 40 from the radially outer side R2. The second rib 38 protrudes towards the first rib 35, i.e., from the radially outer side R2, and contacts the third rib 40 from the radially inner side R1. Thus, the third rib 40 is sandwiched between the first rib 35 and the second rib 38 from both sides of the radial R. The first rib 35, the second rib 38, and the third rib 40 are integrated to form a partition wall 43 extending in the vertical direction Z and the radial direction R. Thus, the internal space of the filter device 17 is divided into a first internal space 17A and a second internal space 17B arranged laterally with the partition wall 43 between them. In this embodiment, the first internal space 17A is arranged to the left X1 of the second internal space 17B, but it can also be arranged in the opposite direction.

[0062] The first internal space 17A comprises a first inflow area 30FA of the base 30, a first capture area 31HA of the filter 31, and a first containment chamber 32DA and a first relay port 32AA of the housing 32. The first relay port 32AA relays between the first inflow area 30FA and the first capture area 31HA. The second internal space 17B comprises a second inflow area 30FB of the base 30, a second capture area 31HB of the filter 31, and a second containment chamber 32DB and a second relay port 32AB of the housing 32. The second relay port 32AB relays between the second inflow area 30FB and the second capture area 31HB.

[0063] During the washing and rinsing operations of the washing machine 11, in which the filter device 17 is mounted on the inner periphery 14E of the washing tub 14, the impeller 16 rotates, thereby generating water flow within the washing tub 14. When the impeller 16 rotates clockwise from a top view, the water in the washing tub 14 flows along the first circumferential direction S1 in the circumferential direction S, flowing into the space between the first inflow region 30FA and the housing 32. This space can be considered as part of the first inflow region 30FA, or its left end can be referred to as the first inlet 17C of the filter device 17. When the impeller 16 rotates counterclockwise from a top view, the water in the washing tub 14 flows along the second circumferential direction S2 in the circumferential direction S, flowing into the space between the second inflow region 30FB and the housing 32. This space can be considered as part of the second inflow region 30FB, or its right end can be referred to as the second inlet 17D of the filter device 17. The first circumferential direction S1 corresponds to the right side X2, and the second circumferential direction S2 corresponds to the left side X1. It should be noted that water flow can also be generated by rotating the washing tub 14 instead of the impeller 16. In each inflow zone 30F, the guide 30G is configured to be biased to the outer side in the left-right direction X, thus ensuring a wider space T for water intake between the guide 30G and the partition wall 43.

[0064] As indicated by arrow P1, water flowing into the first inflow area 30FA is guided to the left side of the partition wall 43 in the first internal space 17A, passes through the first relay port 32AA to reach the first capture area 31HA, and flows out radially inward R1 from the filter holes 39A of the mesh 39 in the first capture area 31HA, returning to the washing tub 14. Foreign matter F, such as lint and dust, contained in the flowing water is captured in the first capture area 31HA. As indicated by arrow P2, water flowing into the second inflow area 30FB is guided to the right side of the partition wall 43 in the second internal space 17B, passes through the second relay port 32AB to reach the second capture area 31HB, and flows out radially inward R1 from the filter holes 39A of the mesh 39 in the second capture area 31HB, returning to the washing tub 14. Foreign matter F contained in the flowing water is captured in the second capture area 31HB. Figure 11 In the diagram, the foreign objects F captured by each capture zone 31H are represented by thick dashed lines.

[0065] As described above, the filter device 17 is composed of a relatively small number of components: a base 30, a filter 31, and a housing 32. In the filter device 17, the third rib 40 of the housing 32 between the base 30 and the filter 31 is sandwiched by the first rib 35 of the base 30 and the second rib 38 of the filter 31, thereby integrating these ribs to form a partition wall 43 to strengthen the entire filter device 17 and thus improve its strength.

[0066] Furthermore, by dividing the internal space of the filter device 17 into a first internal space 17A and a second internal space 17B through the partition wall 43 and removing the movable parts, foreign matter F is captured without omission in either the first internal space 17A or the second internal space 17B according to the direction of water flow in the washing tub 14. Thus, the filter device 17 can capture foreign matter F in a stable state, thereby improving the capture efficiency of foreign matter F.

[0067] During the spin-drying operation of the washing machine 11, when the washing tub 14 rotates, the foreign matter F remaining in the first capture area 31HA and the second capture area 31HB, respectively, attempts to move radially outward R2 due to centrifugal force. As shown by arrow Q1, the foreign matter F from the first capture area 31HA is contained in the first receiving chamber 32DA in the housing 32, and as shown by arrow Q2, the foreign matter F from the second capture area 31HB is contained in the second receiving chamber 32DB in the housing 32. This prevents the foreign matter F, which has been painstakingly captured by the filter device 17, from leaking outside the filter device 17, thus further improving the capture efficiency of the foreign matter F. It should be noted that even if the first receiving chamber 32DA and the second receiving chamber 32DB are full, the third receiving chamber 32E located below them Z2 can still contain the foreign matter F.

[0068] Furthermore, the filter unit 36, consisting of the filter 31 and the housing 32, can be detached from the base 30. Therefore, the user can remove the foreign matter F captured by the filter device 17 for maintenance simply by removing the filter unit 36 ​​from the base 30 and disassembling it (see reference). Figure 9 Then, the user can restore the filter device 17 to a usable state by completing the filter unit 36 ​​and assembling it on the base 30.

[0069] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A filter device, characterized in that The filter device includes: a base fitted to an inner periphery of a washing tub that houses a laundry and can store water in a washing machine, the base being provided with a surface portion facing the inside of the washing tub, a first rib arranged at the surface portion, and a first inflow area and a second inflow area arranged at the surface portion in a manner of being laterally arranged across the first rib; a filter arranged opposite the base and exposed to the inside of the washing tub, the filter being provided with a second rib protruding toward the first rib, a first capturing area and a second capturing area arranged in a manner of being laterally arranged across the second rib, and a plurality of filter holes distributed in the first capturing area and the second capturing area, respectively; and a housing arranged between the base and the filter, the housing being provided with a first relay port relaying between the first inflow area and the first capturing area, a second relay port relaying between the second inflow area and the second capturing area and arranged in a manner of being laterally arranged across the first relay port, and a third rib arranged between the first relay port and the second relay port and sandwiched by the first rib and the second rib, the filter device capturing foreign matter contained in water flowing into the first inflow area in the washing tub and flowing out of the filter holes of the first capturing area through the first relay port in the first capturing area, and capturing foreign matter contained in water flowing into the second inflow area in the washing tub and flowing out of the filter holes of the second capturing area through the second relay port in the second capturing area.

2. The filter device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a first accommodation chamber recessed toward the base side from the first capturing area to receive foreign matter from the first capturing area, and a second accommodation chamber recessed toward the base side from the second capturing area to receive foreign matter from the second capturing area.

3. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter and the housing are connected via a rotation shaft, the housing is relatively rotatable about the rotation shaft with respect to the filter between an assembled position in which the third rib contacts the second rib and a disassembled position in which the third rib is away from the second rib, the filter and the housing constitute a completed filter unit when the housing is in the assembled position, and are detachable from the base. The filter device includes:

4. A laundry machine characterized by a washing tub that houses a laundry and can store water; and the filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 fitted to an inner periphery of the washing tub. ​ ​

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