Washing machine and filter structure

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine and a filter structure. The washing machine includes a cabinet; an outer tub housed in the tank and storing water; a drum which is disposed in the outer tub and accommodates clothes; a drain hose for draining the washing water in the outer tub; a circulation pump (20) for returning the washing water in the outer tub to the drum; and a foreign matter trap (40) that is provided upstream of the circulation pump (20) and traps foreign matter. The foreign matter trap (40) is provided with a foreign matter trapping part (41c) for trapping foreign matters, and a filter cartridge (42) for removably housing the foreign matter trapping part. The angle (alpha) of the lower surface-side collection section (41c1) of the foreign matter collection section (41c) is smaller than the insertion angle (beta) of the foreign matter collection section (41c) with respect to the filter cartridge (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, in a drum-type washing machine equipped with a circulation pump, in order to prevent foreign matter from clogging the impeller (impeller) of the circulation pump, a foreign matter trap is usually provided on the upstream side of the circulation path. The foreign matter trap is mostly composed of a grid or comb structure, etc., so that thread ends or dirt can also be wound at the same time (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, the foreign matter trap is provided at the bottom of the drum-type washing machine and is a component that is removed by the user for maintenance, so there are certain restrictions on the angle (installability) during installation (for example, about 30°).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-56263

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-153374 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to capture (accumulate) fine threads in a coarse mesh collection structure such as a grid or a comb, and washing operation is performed by reattaching threads to clothes and draining them. Reattachment to clothes is a problem directly related to complaints from users, and drainage of threads may lead to poor drainage due to clogging of the drainage elbow, and countermeasures need to be taken.

[0009] In addition, the foreign matter trap of the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires maintenance of the foreign matter trapping part, so the foreign matter trapping part is constructed as a detachable structure, and the water path and the water seal part are formed by two or more parts. However, because the foreign matter trap of the prior art is formed into a structure that can remove (pull out) the foreign matter trapping part that captures the thread ends from the shell that forms the water path, a gap is formed between the shell and the foreign matter trapping part (especially near the front end of the foreign matter trapping part). In addition, when the flow rate of cooling water for dehumidification in the drying operation of the washing machine is large, the temperature in the washing tank does not rise, and the drying efficiency deteriorates, so the cooling water is usually made to flow at a small flow rate. However, at a small flow rate, due to the surface tension generated between the inner wall surface of the shell and the cooling water, the cooling water sometimes flows along the inner wall surface of the shell. At this time, since the cooling water flows along the inner wall surface of the shell, it does not flow through the foreign matter trapping part but flows into the gap formed between the shell and the foreign matter trapping part, and flows out from the gap to the outside of the foreign matter trap. The cooling water flowing out to the outside at this time does not pass through the foreign matter trap, so it contains foreign matter such as lint. If the cooling water passes through the drain bend provided outside the foreign matter trap, the drain bend may be easily clogged by the foreign matter contained in the cooling water.

[0010] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to provide a washing machine capable of collecting lint without deteriorating the installation performance of the foreign matter trap. In addition, the present invention is intended to provide a filter structure that reduces the outflow of foreign matter to the outside.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0012] The washing machine of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a housing; an outer barrel that is accommodated in the housing and stores water; an inner barrel that is built into the outer barrel and stores clothes; a drainage path for discharging washing water in the outer barrel; a circulation pump that returns the washing water in the outer barrel to the inner side of the inner barrel; and a foreign matter trap that is arranged upstream of the circulation pump and captures foreign matter, the foreign matter trap comprising: a foreign matter trapping portion for capturing foreign matter; and a trapping box that accommodates the foreign matter trapping portion in a detachable manner, the angle of the lowest surface of the foreign matter trapping portion being smaller than the insertion angle of the foreign matter trapping portion relative to the trapping box.

[0013] In addition, the filter structure of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a foreign matter collecting portion for collecting foreign matter contained in washing water; and a shell having a storage portion for storing the foreign matter collecting portion in a detachable manner, an inflow portion for washing water to flow into is provided inside the storage portion, and a water receiving portion is provided inside the inflow portion at a position above the foreign matter collecting portion, and the water receiving portion collects water flowing along the inner wall surface of the inflow portion and drips it toward the foreign matter collecting portion.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a washing machine capable of collecting lint without deteriorating the installability of a foreign matter trap can be provided. In addition, according to the present invention, a filter structure capable of reducing the outflow of foreign matter to the outside and a washing machine having the filter structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram showing the interior of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the flow of washing water when the circulation pump is driven.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a lint filter device (foreign matter trap).

[0019] Figure 4 It is a top view of the filter unit.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view when the lint filter device (foreign matter trap) is cut in the middle of the filter portion in the front-rear direction and viewed from the front side (the side closer to the viewer).

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter device cut at the center in the left-right direction of the filter portion and viewed from the side.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of lint during water discharge in the filter unit of the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of lint during water discharge in the filter unit of the comparative example.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the water receiving portion of the foreign matter trap having the filter structure according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Fig.10 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view obtained by cutting the foreign matter trap along line A1-A1 and viewing the foreign matter trap from the front side.

[0026] Fig.11 This is a three-dimensional view of the vicinity of the water receiving part.

[0027] Fig.12 This is the picture below near the water intake.

[0028] Fig.13 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view obtained by cutting the foreign matter trap along line B1-B1 and viewing the foreign matter trap from the front side.

[0029] Fig.14 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view when the foreign matter trap is cut through the line C1-C1 and viewed from the front side.

[0030] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of cooling water during the drying operation of the foreign matter trap according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Fig.16 This is a structural explanatory diagram (1) of a foreign matter trap having a filter structure of a comparative example.

[0032] Fig.17 This is a structural illustration diagram (2) of a foreign matter trap having a filter structure of a comparative example.

[0033] Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of cooling water during the dry operation of the foreign matter trap of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and application examples are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. Figure 1 The directions shown are used as a reference for explanation. Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the left-right direction.

[0035] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the drum-type washing and drying machine of this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, a drum-type washing and drying machine (hereinafter referred to as a washing machine) 100 includes: a housing 1; an outer barrel 2 that is received in the housing 1 and stores water; a drum 3 (inner barrel) that is built into the outer barrel 2 and stores clothes; a circulation pump 20 that returns the washing water in the outer barrel 2 to the drum 3; and a foreign matter trap 40 (lint filter device) that is disposed upstream of the circulation pump 20 and captures foreign matter (lint). In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 (washing machine) uses a foreign matter trap with a mesh in order to efficiently capture fine lint and reduce the re-attachment of lint to clothes and the outflow to the outside.

[0036] The box body 1 is composed of a frame formed by combining side plates (not shown) and reinforcements (not shown) made mainly of steel plates and resin molded products on the upper part of the base 1h, and then mounting a front cover 1a, a lower front cover 1b, and an upper cover 1c made of resin molded products on the frame. In addition, a door 9 is provided on the front cover 1a to open and close when taking out and putting in laundry (clothes).

[0037] The door 9 is a member in which a door glass 9a is fixed to a door frame 9b made of resin, and is installed to the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge (not shown). The door frame 9b of the door 9 abuts against the peripheral edge of a circular opening 1s formed in the housing 1. The door glass 9a is configured to form a convex shape so as to enter the housing 1 further from the opening 1s (rear side) than the opening 1s.

[0038] The tub 2 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers (not shown) provided at the lower portion. The tub 2 has a tub cover 4 mounted on a front opening (door 9 side) formed on the front side.

[0039] The rear side of the outer tub cover 4 is connected to the front opening of the outer tub 2, and a circular opening 4a for taking out and putting in laundry is formed on the front side. In addition, a rubber door seal (also called bellows) 10 composed of an elastomer is installed on the outer tub cover 4. The door seal 10 is formed in a roughly circular ring shape, and the opening edge on the deep side (rear side) is installed on the opening 4a of the outer tub cover 4, and the opening edge on the front side (front side) is installed on the edge of the opening 1s of the box body 1. By closing the door 9, the door glass 9a is in close contact with the door seal 10, which plays a role in maintaining the water tightness of the outer tub 2 and the door 9. In this way, water leakage during washing, rinsing and dehydration can be prevented. In addition, in this specification, the washing water is rinse water in the rinsing process.

[0040] The drum 3 can accommodate laundry (clothing) formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the opening 3a is located at the front side. A fluid balancer (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the opening 3a of the drum 3 to reduce the vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry during dehydration. A plurality of lifters (not shown) for lifting the laundry are provided on the inner side of the drum 3. The drum 3 is directly connected to a motor (not shown) for driving the drum. The drum 3 has a plurality of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation in the cylindrical portion serving as the side wall. The rotation axis O of the drum 3 is inclined in a manner that the front side is higher than the rear side. In addition, the rotation axis of the drum 3 can also be configured in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0041] An air supply duct 25 (circulating air path) connecting the outer barrel 2 and an air supply fan 26 (air supply mechanism) is provided at the back of the outer barrel 2. The air supply duct 25 is a structure for guiding air flow to the laundry in the drum 3, and one end of the air supply duct 25 is connected to the lower back portion of the outer barrel 2. The air supply fan 26 is connected to the other end of the air supply duct 25 via a drying filter 27. The air supply fan 26 and the drying filter 27 are fixed to the housing 1. The wind generated by the air supply fan 26 is heated by the heater 28 to become warm air, and is ejected from the blowing nozzle 29 into the drum 3. The warm air blown to the laundry becomes high-temperature and humid air, which is sucked into the air supply duct 25, and is cooled and dehumidified by a water-cooled dehumidification mechanism (not shown) provided in the air supply duct 25 to become low-temperature air. In addition, a heat pump can also be used instead of the heater and the water-cooled dehumidification mechanism.

[0042] The circulation pump 20 is arranged below the outer tub 2 and fixed to the base 1h side of the housing 1. Washing water is supplied from the water receiving portion 2a (see Figure 2 ) is transported to the foreign matter trap 40 through the pipe 21. In addition, the drain port 2b is connected to the drain hose 24 (drainage path) via the foreign matter trap 40 and the drain valve 23, and can discharge the water in the outer barrel 2 to the outside of the machine.

[0043] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the flow of washing water when the circulation pump is driven. Figure 2 The drainage path is not shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown, the circulation pump 20 is composed of a motor 20a and an impeller 20b. During washing and rinsing, the impeller 20b is rotated by the driving force of the motor 20a, thereby sucking washing water from the drain port 2b at the bottom of the outer tub 2 as shown by the arrow, and sending it to the outer tub cover 4 (see FIG. 4 ) through the pipe 21 and the circulation path 31. Figure 1 ) is supplied from the supply section 31a into the drum 3 in a spraying manner.

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a lint filter device. Figure 3 As shown, the foreign matter collector 40 is composed of: a filter part 41 for collecting thread ends; and a filter box 42 (collection box, housing) that accommodates the filter part 41 in a detachable manner. A handle part 41a is formed on the filter part 41. By rotating the handle part 41a in one direction, the filter part 41 can be installed on the filter box 42, and by rotating the handle part 41a in the other direction, the filter part 41 can be removed from the filter box 42. In addition, Figure 3 The filter unit 41 is shown in a state where it is attached to the filter case 42 .

[0045] The filter box 42 includes: a substantially cylindrical storage portion 42a for installing the filter portion 41; and a filter housing 42a extending from the outer barrel 2 (see Figure 1 ) extends through the pipe 21 (see Figure 2 ) connected to the connecting portion 42b; and the drain hose 24 (reference Figure 1 ) connected to the connecting portion 42c (refer to Figure 6 ) In addition, a circulation pump 20 is installed on the side of the filter box 42.

[0046] The circulation pump 20 has a storage impeller 20b (see Figure 2 ) of the impeller box 20c. The impeller box 20c is formed with a circulation path 31 (refer to Figure 2 ) is connected to the connecting portion 20d. In addition, the impeller box 20c is configured to communicate with the side of the storage portion 42a of the filter box 42.

[0047] Figure 4 This is the top view of the filter unit. Figure 4 As shown, the filter unit 41 includes a receiving portion 42a (see Figure 3 ) and a foreign matter collecting portion 41c extending from the base 41b to the depth side (rear). In addition, an annular gasket (sealing member) 41d is provided on the base 41b to prevent the wash water from leaking out of the gap between the filter box 42 and the filter portion 41 when the filter portion 41 is installed in the filter box 42.

[0048] The foreign matter collecting portion 41c is a structure for collecting foreign matters including thread ends such as microplastics, and comprises a lower side collecting portion 41c1, a pair of side collecting portions 41c2, 41c2 rising from the left and right edges of the lower side collecting portion 41c1, and a front portion 41c3 rising from the front end edge of the lower side collecting portion 41c1 and connected to the side collecting portion 41c2, and has a concave shape with an upper surface open in a rectangular shape.

[0049] The lower side collecting portion 41c1 and the left and right side collecting portions 41c2 are integrally formed of, for example, a metal mesh member by insert molding (for the mesh shape of the side collecting portion 41c2, refer to Figure 6 ). In addition, the mesh mainly refers to the opening that can capture the thread ends. In addition, the mesh member is not limited to metal, and can also be a member made of chemical fibers in a mesh shape.

[0050] The front part 41c3 is not provided with a mesh member and becomes a wall without openings. In addition, the wall surface 41b1 of the base part 41b facing the front part 41c3 also becomes a wall without openings.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter device cut in the middle of the front-to-back direction of the filter unit and viewed from the front side. Figure 5 The filter unit 41 is shown in a horizontal state. Figure 5 Illustration of the motor 20a and the impeller 20b is omitted.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the filter box 42 is formed with an inflow portion 43 having a fan-shaped cross section above the filter portion 41, into which the washing water from the connection portion 42b flows. In addition, the filter box 42 is formed with an outflow portion 44 below the filter portion 41, into which the washing water that has passed through the filter portion 41 flows out. In addition, the outflow portion 44 is connected to the connection portion 42c. In addition, the outflow portion 44 is connected to the impeller box 20c via the suction port 42d.

[0053] The filter unit 41 has a slight gap 42f formed between the side collecting portion 41c2 and the side surface 42e of the filter case 42. The side collecting portion 41c2 is inclined so that the gap 42f widens from the upper end to the lower end.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter device cut at the center of the filter unit in the left-right direction and viewed from the side. Figure 6 As shown, the foreign matter trap 40 is arranged in the housing 1 in such a manner that the connection parts 42b and 42c of the filter box 42 extend in the front-rear direction and become horizontal (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the connection part 42b is located above the connection part 42c. The internal space of the connection part 42b is visible from the outside (outer barrel 2 (refer to Figure 1 )) The inlet 48 for introducing washing water into the inlet 43 functions. In addition, the connecting parts 42b and 42c are formed to extend in the same direction (rearward). In addition, the foreign matter trap 40 is inclined in a manner that the front side (front side) of the storage part 42a of the filter box 42 is higher than the deep side (rear side). In addition, since the foreign matter trap 40 is set in the box body 1 (refer to Figure 1 ), the filter portion 41 is arranged upward at a predetermined angle (e.g., 30°), and the operability of the user to install and remove the filter portion 41 is not impaired. That is, the foreign matter trap 40 is set to an angle that is easy for the user to operate in such a way that the installation and removal direction (insertion angle) of the filter portion 41 does not become an angle such as 80°, 90°, or an angle such as 0°, 10°.

[0055] In addition, in the foreign matter trap 40, by inserting the filter part 41 into the storage part 42a of the filter box 42, the filter part 41 is arranged in an inclined manner so that the front side (front side) is higher than the depth side (rear side). At this time, the lower side collecting part 41c1 of the filter part 41 is arranged in a manner smaller than the insertion angle of the filter part 41. That is, the lower side collecting part 41c1 is the lowest surface (the surface at the bottom) of the filter part 41 (foreign matter collecting part 41c), and is arranged in a manner to form an angle α (the angle of the lowest surface of the foreign matter collecting part) relative to the horizontal plane S. For example, the angle α is 20°. In addition, the filter part 41 is arranged in a manner so that the insertion angle with respect to the filter box 42 becomes an insertion angle β (the insertion angle of the foreign matter collecting part) relative to the horizontal plane S. For example, the insertion angle β is 30°. Thus, the angle α of the lower side collecting portion 41c1 of the filter portion 41 (the angle of the lowest surface of the foreign matter collecting portion) is configured to be smaller than the insertion angle β of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c to the filter box 42. The angle α can be appropriately set within a range that does not reduce the amount of foreign matter collected in the foreign matter collecting portion 41c.

[0056] In addition, a suction port 42d communicating with the circulation pump 20 is formed on the side of the storage portion 42a of the filter box 42. The suction port 42d is, for example, a circular hole. Figure 6 In the side view (side view viewed from the axial direction of the suction port 42d), the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the foreign matter collecting portion 41c. In other words, a portion of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is located above the suction port 42d. In addition, in the present embodiment, a portion of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is located above the suction port 42d, but the foreign matter collecting portion 41c may be located above the suction port 42d as a whole.

[0057] In addition, the connecting portion 42b is formed into a tubular shape in a manner that the axial direction becomes horizontal, and is communicated with the upper part of the storage portion 42a. In addition, the wall surface 41b1 of the base 41b is located on the extension line in front of the opening portion 42b1 of the connecting portion 42b relative to the storage portion 42a. In addition, the connecting portion 42c is formed into a tubular shape in a manner that the axial direction becomes horizontal, and is communicated with the lower part of the storage portion 42a. In addition, regarding the opening portion 42c1 of the connecting portion 42c relative to the storage portion 42a, the upper part of the opening portion 42c1 is opposite to the front portion 41c3.

[0058] In the foreign matter trap 40 thus constructed, when the circulation pump 20 is driven (ON) during the washing or rinsing process, the foreign matter trapped in the outer tub 2 (see Figure 1 ) is introduced into the foreign matter collecting section 41c of the filter section 41 from the introduction section 48 of the connection section 42b. Foreign matter such as thread ends and the like that are accompanied (contained) by the washing water is collected and accumulated by the foreign matter collecting section 41c, and the washing water is discharged from the mesh portion of the foreign matter collecting section 41c to the outflow section 44. Then, the washing water is sucked in from the suction port 42d and is passed through the circulation path 31 (see FIG. 2 ) by the circulation pump 20. Figure 2 ) to the roller 3 (refer to Figure 1 ) When washing and rinsing are finished, after the circulation pump 20 stops, open the drain valve 23 (refer to Figure 1 ), the washing water passes through the connection portion 42c and the drain hose 24 (refer to Figure 1 ) is discharged to a drain outlet outside the washing machine 100.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of lint during water discharge in the filter unit of the present embodiment. Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the behavior of thread ends during drainage in the filter unit of the comparative example. Figure 8 The filter part is also a mesh.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown in the above figure, when the circulation pump 20 is driven during washing and rinsing, the washing water introduced from the connection part 42b to the foreign matter trap 41c collides with the wall surface 41b1 of the filter part 41, and foreign matter 50 (thread ends) are accumulated on the wall surface 41b1 side (root side) of the foreign matter trap 41c. In addition, before drainage, the water surface 60 is located above the foreign matter trap 40, and the foreign matter trap 40 is in a completely submerged state.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown in the figure below, when the drain valve 23 (refer to Figure 1 ) is opened to discharge the washing water, the water level 60 of the washing water gradually drops while maintaining a state parallel to the installation surface (ground) of the washing machine 100. At this time, the foreign matter 50 (lint) captured and accumulated by the foreign matter trap 41c is separated from the lowering of the water level 60, and the foreign matter 50 can stay on the wall surface 41b1 side (upper side) of the root side of the foreign matter trap 41c. This is because the angle α of the lower side trap 41c1 of the foreign matter trap 41c is smaller than the insertion angle β of the foreign matter trap 41c.

[0062] On the other hand, as a comparative example, Figure 8 The foreign matter trap 200 shown in the above figure includes a filter box 110 and a filter unit mounted on the filter box 110. The angle α100 of the lower side trapping portion 120a of the foreign matter trapping portion 120 of the filter unit is the same as the insertion angle β100 of the foreign matter trapping portion 120 (for example, 30°). In the foreign matter trap 200 as a comparative example constructed in this way, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, when the foreign matter trap 200 is submerged in water, foreign matter 50 is captured and accumulated at the root side of the trapping portion 120a on the lower side of the foreign matter trap 120 (right side in the figure). When the drain valve is opened and the washing water is discharged, the water level 60 of the washing water gradually decreases while maintaining a state parallel to the installation surface (ground) of the washing machine 100. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the figure below, the foreign matter 50 accumulated in the foreign matter trap 120 flows toward the deep side (left side in the figure) of the foreign matter trap 120 as the water level 60 drops, and finally flows out of the foreign matter trap 120 together with the washing water as shown by the arrow, and is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose. Therefore, the foreign matter may clog the drain elbow and become the cause of the drain elbow clogging.

[0063] In addition, in the foreign matter trap 200, the foreign matter trap 120 is arranged at a position overlapping with the suction port 110a of the circulation pump when viewed from the side. Therefore, the washing water is sucked from the side of the foreign matter trap 120 and flows out from the foreign matter trap 120, and the foreign matter 50 may flow from the suction port 110a. Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 6As shown in the figure, the foreign matter trap 41c is arranged so that it does not overlap with the suction port 42d when viewed from the side, and a part of the foreign matter trap 41c is located above the suction port 42d. Thus, the washing water can flow mainly through the lower surface (lower side trap 41c1) of the foreign matter trap 41c toward the suction port 42d, so that the foreign matter 50 can be reliably trapped and accumulated in the foreign matter trap 41c.

[0064] As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes: a housing 1; an outer tub 2 that is housed in the housing 1 and stores water; a drum 3 that is built into the outer tub 2 and stores clothes; a drain hose 24 that discharges the washing water in the outer tub 2; a circulation pump 20 that returns the washing water in the outer tub 2 to the inside of the drum 3; and a foreign matter trap 40 that is provided upstream of the circulation pump 20 and captures foreign matter 50. The foreign matter trap 40 includes a foreign matter trap portion 41c that captures foreign matter 50 and a filter box 42 that houses the foreign matter trap portion 41c in a detachable manner. The angle α of the lower side trap portion 41c1 (lowest surface) of the foreign matter trap portion 41c is smaller than the insertion angle β of the foreign matter trap portion 41c relative to the filter box 42 (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 ). Thus, the foreign matter (thread end) 50 can be kept in the foreign matter collecting portion 41c during drainage, which can prevent the foreign matter 50 from being discharged outside the machine and prevent the drainage elbow from being blocked. In addition, the insertion angle β of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c can be set to the same angle as that of the prior art, so that the user's disassembly and assembly operability is not impaired.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is configured in a mesh shape, thereby being able to collect fine thread ends (foreign matter) compared to a lattice-shaped or comb-shaped foreign matter collecting portion.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, the filter box 42 has a suction port 42d for sucking in washing water when the circulation pump 20 is driven, and the foreign matter collecting portion 41c does not overlap with the suction port 42d when viewed from the side, and a part of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is located above the suction port 42d. Thus, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter 50 from being sucked from the side of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c, and to reliably collect the foreign matter 50 in the foreign matter collecting portion 41c.

[0067] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and includes various modified examples. For example, in this embodiment, a drum-type washing and drying machine is used as an example for description, but it can also be applied to a drum-type washing machine without a drying function. In addition, in this embodiment, a structure in which the filter part 41 is screwed and rotated to be installed in the filter box 42 is used as an example for description, but it is also possible not to screw the filter part 41 to be installed.

[0068] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 18The structure and action of the filter structure are described. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are marked on common components or the same components, and their repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 (washing machine) adopts a foreign matter trap with a mesh so that fine thread ends can be efficiently captured, and the thread ends are reduced from reattaching to the clothes and flowing out to the outside.

[0069] The prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 uses a coarse mesh capture structure such as a grid or comb teeth, but it is difficult to capture (accumulate) fine thread ends in such a capture structure. In addition, during the drying operation, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 allows the cooling water for dehumidification to flow in a state containing fine thread ends, but it is difficult to separate and capture the fine thread ends from the cooling water. Therefore, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 implements a washing operation on the basis of allowing the thread ends to reattach to the clothes and flow out to the outside. The present embodiment also intends to provide a filter structure and a washing machine that can reduce the thread ends from reattaching to the clothes and flowing out to the outside.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the foreign matter trap 40 (lint filter device) has a filter structure 101. The main feature of the filter structure 101 is that it has a water receiving portion 46 (see Figures 9 to 15 ). Below, refer to Figures 9 to 15 , the structure and operation of the filter structure 101 are explained. Fig. 9 It is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the water receiving portion 46 in the foreign matter trap 40 having the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment, and shows the structure of the vicinity of the water receiving portion 46 in an enlarged manner. Fig.10 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view obtained by cutting the foreign matter trap 40 along the line A1 - A1 and viewing it from the front side. Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the vicinity of the water receiving portion 46 . Fig.12 It is a bottom view of the vicinity of the water receiving portion 46. Fig.13 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view obtained by cutting the foreign matter trap 40 along the line B1 - B1 and viewing it from the front side. Fig.14 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is a view obtained by cutting the foreign matter trap 40 along line C1 - C1 and viewing it from the front side. Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of cooling water during the drying operation of the foreign matter trap 40 .

[0071] like Fig. 9 As shown, the filter structure 101 is inside the inlet portion 43, at the front portion 41c3 (see Figure 6) and above the foreign matter collecting portion 41c. The water receiving portion 46 is a component for collecting water (including cooling water during dry operation) flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the inlet portion 43 due to surface tension and dripping it into the foreign matter collecting portion 41c.

[0072] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the water receiving portion 46 is extended in the lateral direction and has a collecting portion 47 for collecting water in the central portion. The collecting portion 47 is shaped such that the central portion is lower than the side portions on both sides thereof. Fig.12 As shown, the collecting portion 47 is shaped such that the side portion extends further to the front side than the central portion. Fig. 9 As shown in the inclination angle γ, the central upper surface of the collecting portion 47 is shaped to be inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction so that the water collected by the collecting portion 47 can easily drip into the foreign matter collecting portion 41c.

[0073] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the filter structure 101 has collision guides 49 on both sides of the water receiving portion 46. The collision guides 49 are the parts that collide (contact) with the filter portion 41 when the filter portion 41 provided with the foreign matter collecting portion 41c is installed in the storage portion 42a. The collision guides 49 are arranged in a manner extending in the front-to-back direction. In particular, Fig.11 As shown, in this embodiment, the collision guide 49 is triangular in shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and the vertex of the protruding portion is in an arc shape, forming a shape that is consistent with the filter portion 41 (see Fig. 9 ) has a structure in which the upper surface is in surface contact or line contact.

[0074] like Fig.14 As shown, the width W1 of the water receiving portion 46 is wider than the width W2 of the introduction portion 48. This structure is to use the water receiving portion 46 to receive the water flowing from the introduction portion 48 into the inflow portion 43 (refer to Fig. 9 ) and flows along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45) of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension.

[0075] In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, when the flow rate of cooling water for dehumidification is large during the drying operation, the temperature in the drum 3 (inner barrel) does not rise, and the drying efficiency deteriorates, so the cooling water is made to flow at a small flow rate. At this time, since the water is small in amount, there is a possibility that the water flows along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45) of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension. Fig.15 The arrows D11 and D12 shown in FIG. 1 represent the flow of water at this time. Fig.15As shown, in the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment, during the dry operation, when a small amount of water (cooling water) flows, the water may enter the inlet portion 43 from the inlet portion 48 (refer to arrow D11), and flow along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45) of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension (refer to arrow D12). The filter structure 101 of the present embodiment uses the water receiving portion 46 to receive the water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45). As a result, the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment separates the water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 from the inner wall surface 45 (refer to arrow D13), gathers it in one place, drips it by gravity, and flows into the foreign matter collection portion 41c (refer to arrow D14). At this time, the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment uses the foreign matter collection portion 41c to remove foreign matter such as thread ends including microplastics contained in the water. The water from which the foreign matter has been removed passes through the connecting portion 42c and the drain hose 24 (refer to Figure 1 ) is discharged to a drain outlet outside the washing machine 100.

[0076] Here, in order to easily explain the effects of the filter structure 101 of this embodiment, refer to Figures 16 to 18 , the structure and effect of the filter structure 1101 of the comparative example are explained. Fig.16 and Fig.17 It is a structural explanatory diagram of the foreign matter trapping unit 140 having the filter structure 1101 of the comparative example. Fig.16 is with Fig.13 This is a cross-sectional view of the foreign matter trap 140 (lint filter device) cut at the same position and viewed from the front side. Fig.17 is with Fig.14 This is a cross-sectional view of a foreign matter trap 140 (lint filter device) of a comparative example cut at the same position and viewed from the front side. Fig.18 It is an explanatory diagram of the flow of cooling water during the dry operation of the filter structure 1101 of the comparative example.

[0077] The filter structure 1101 of the comparative example is equivalent to the structure of the prior art. Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the filter structure 1101 of the comparative example and the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment (see Fig.13 and Fig.14 ) is different in that the water receiving portion 46 is not provided. Fig.18As shown, when a small amount of water (cooling water) flows in the filter structure 1101 of the comparative example during dry operation, the water enters the inlet portion 43 from the inlet portion 48 (see arrow E11), and may flow along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45) of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension (see arrow E12). The water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 may not pass through the foreign matter collecting portion 41c, but may flow to the connecting portion 42c through the gap between the filter box 42 and the filter portion 41 (especially near the front end of the foreign matter collecting portion 41c) (see arrow E13). The water flowing to the connecting portion 42c may flow through the drain hose 24 (see Figure 1 ) is discharged to the drain outlet outside the washing machine 100 (see arrow E14). At this time, the water flowing out to the outside does not pass through the foreign matter trap 41c, and therefore contains foreign matter such as thread ends containing microplastics. If the water passes through the drain bend (not shown) provided outside the foreign matter trap 140, the drain bend may be easily blocked by the foreign matter contained in the water.

[0078] In contrast, Fig.15 As shown, during the dry operation, even if a small amount of water (cooling water) flows in the filter structure 101 of this embodiment, the water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension is received by the water receiving portion 46. The filter structure 101 of this embodiment is collected in one place at the water receiving portion 46, drips by gravity, and flows into the foreign matter collection portion 41c. Since the water flowing out to the outside of the filter structure 101 of this embodiment passes through the foreign matter collection portion 41c, the foreign matter collection portion 41c can efficiently capture foreign matter such as thread ends including microplastics. Therefore, the filter structure 101 of this embodiment can reduce the outflow of foreign matter to the outside. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from clogging the drainage elbow (not shown) provided outside the foreign matter trap 40.

[0079] <Main features of filter structure>

[0080] (1) Figure 6 As shown, the filter structure 101 of this embodiment includes: a foreign matter trapping portion 41c (lint filter) for trapping foreign matter contained in washing water; and a filter box 42 (housing) having a storage portion 42a for detachably storing the foreign matter trapping portion 41c. An inflow portion 43 for the washing water to flow into is provided inside the storage portion 42a. Inside the inflow portion 43, at a position above the foreign matter trapping portion 41c, a water receiving portion 46 is provided for collecting water (including cooling water during drying operation) flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the inflow portion 43 due to surface tension and dripping it to the foreign matter trapping portion 41c.

[0081] In the filter structure 101 of this embodiment, the water (cooling water) flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension is received by the water receiving portion 46 during the dry operation. Thus, the filter structure 101 of this embodiment separates the water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 from the inner wall surface 45, collects it in one place, drips it by gravity, and flows into the foreign matter collecting portion 41c. The water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 contains foreign matter such as thread ends. The filter structure 101 of this embodiment removes foreign matter such as thread ends contained in the water by the foreign matter collecting portion 41c. In the filter structure 101 of this embodiment, the foreign matter collecting portion 41c can efficiently capture foreign matter such as thread ends including microplastics contained in the cooling water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 (along the inner wall surface 45) of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension during the dry operation. As a result, the outflow of foreign matter to the outside can be reduced.

[0082] (2) Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the water receiving portion 46 may be expanded in the lateral direction and have a collecting portion 47 for collecting water in the central portion.

[0083] The filter structure 101 of this embodiment can collect water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension at one place (central part) in the collecting part 47 of the water receiving part 46 and efficiently flow into the foreign matter collecting part 41c.

[0084] (3) Fig. 9 As shown in the inclination angle γ, the upper surface of the central portion of the collecting portion 47 may be inclined downward by more than 5° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0085] The filter structure 101 of this embodiment can cause the water collected in the center of the collecting portion 47 to drop down by utilizing gravity and flow into the foreign matter collecting portion 41 c efficiently.

[0086] (4) Fig.14 As shown, the width W1 of the water receiving portion 46 may be wider than the width W2 of the introduction portion 48 for introducing water from the outside into the inflow portion 43 .

[0087] The filter structure 101 of this embodiment can make the water flowing from the inlet 48 along the inner wall surface 45 of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension gather at one place (central part) in the water receiving part 46 and efficiently flow into the foreign matter collecting part 41c during the drying operation. Therefore, the foreign matter collecting part 41c can be used to efficiently collect foreign matter such as thread ends including microplastics contained in the cooling water during the drying operation, and the outflow of foreign matter to the outside can be reduced.

[0088] (5) Figures 10 to 12As shown, the filter structure 101 of the present embodiment may have collision guides 49 on both sides of the water receiving portion 46 .

[0089] The filter structure 101 of this embodiment can prevent the foreign matter trap 41c (lint filter) from strongly colliding with the water receiving portion 46 when the foreign matter trap 41c is mounted in the storage portion 42a. Thus, the foreign matter trap 41c and the water receiving portion 46 are not damaged.

[0090] As described above, according to the filter structure 101 of this embodiment, during the drying operation, water flowing along the inner wall surface 45 of the filter box 42 (housing) due to surface tension is separated from the inner wall surface 45 at the water receiving portion 46, collected at one place, and dripped by gravity to flow into the foreign matter collecting portion 41c. Thus, the outflow of foreign matter to the outside can be reduced.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments are described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not limited to all the structures described. In addition, a part of the structure of the embodiment can be replaced with other structures, and other structures can be added to the structure of the embodiment. In addition, for a part of each structure, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0092] Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1 Cabinet

[0094] 1a Front cover

[0095] 1b Lower front cover

[0096] 1c Top cover

[0097] 1h base

[0098] 1s opening

[0099] 2 outer barrels

[0100] 2a Water receiving part

[0101] 2b Drainage outlet

[0102] 3 rollers (inner drum)

[0103] 3a, 4a opening

[0104] 4 Outer barrel cover

[0105] 9 doors

[0106] 9a Door Glass

[0107] 9b Door frame

[0108] 10 Door seals

[0109] 20 Circulation pump

[0110] 20a electric motor

[0111] 20b impeller

[0112] 20c impeller box

[0113] 20d connection

[0114] 21Piping

[0115] 23 Drain valve

[0116] 24 Drain hose (drainage path)

[0117] 25 air supply duct (circulating air path)

[0118] 26 air supply fan (air supply mechanism)

[0119] 27 Dry filter

[0120] 28 Heater

[0121] 29 Blow-out nozzle

[0122] 31 Loop Road

[0123] 31a Supply unit

[0124] 40 Foreign matter collector (lint filter device)

[0125] 41 Filter unit

[0126] 41a Handle

[0127] 41b base

[0128] 41b1 wall

[0129] 41c Foreign matter collection unit (lint filter)

[0130] 41c1 Lower side collection part

[0131] 41c2 Side collection part

[0132] 41c3 front

[0133] 41d Gasket (sealing component)

[0134] 42 filter box (capture box, shell)

[0135] 42a Storage Department

[0136] 42b, 42c connection part

[0137] 42b1, 42c1 opening

[0138] 42d suction port

[0139] 42e side view

[0140] 42f gap

[0141] 43 Inflow

[0142] 44 outflow part

[0143] 45 inner wall

[0144] 46 Water receiving department

[0145] 47 Collection Department

[0146] 48 Import Department

[0147] 49 collision guide

[0148] 50 Foreign matter

[0149] 60 Water surface

[0150] 100 Drum washing and drying machine (washing machine)

[0151] 101, 1101 filter structure

[0152] 140 Foreign matter collector (lint filter device)

[0153] α angle (angle of the lowest surface of the foreign matter collection unit)

[0154] β Insertion angle (insertion angle of the foreign matter trap).

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: include: a box body; an outer barrel housed in the box body and storing water; an inner barrel housed in the outer barrel and storing clothes; a drainage path for discharging the washing water in the outer barrel; a circulation pump for returning the washing water in the outer barrel to the inner side of the inner barrel; and a foreign matter trap disposed upstream of the circulation pump and capturing foreign matter, The foreign matter trap comprises: a foreign matter trapping portion for trapping foreign matter; and a trapping box for accommodating the foreign matter trapping portion in a detachable manner. The angle of the lowest surface of the foreign matter collecting portion is smaller than the insertion angle of the foreign matter collecting portion relative to the collecting box.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foreign matter collecting portion is configured in a mesh shape.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The collection box has a suction port for sucking in washing water when the circulation pump is driven. The foreign matter collecting portion does not overlap with the suction port when viewed from the side, and a portion of the foreign matter collecting portion is located above the suction port.

4. A filter structure, characterized in that: have: a foreign matter collecting portion for collecting foreign matter contained in wash water; and A housing is provided inside which is provided with a storage portion for detachably storing the foreign matter collecting portion. An inflow portion for washing water to flow into is provided inside the storage portion. A water receiving portion is provided inside the inflow portion at a position above the foreign matter collecting portion, and the water receiving portion collects water flowing along the inner wall surface of the inflow portion and drips the water toward the foreign matter collecting portion.

5. The filter structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water receiving portion extends in a lateral direction and has a collecting portion for collecting water at a central portion.

6. The filter structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper surface of the collecting portion is inclined downward by more than 5° relative to the horizontal direction.

7. The filter structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water receiving portion has a width greater than a width of an introduction portion for introducing water from the outside into the inflow portion.

8. The filter structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are collision guides on both sides of the water receiving portion.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a box body; an outer barrel which is received in the box body and stores water; an inner barrel which is received in the outer barrel and stores clothes; a drainage path for discharging washing water in the outer barrel; a circulation pump which returns the washing water in the outer barrel to the inner side of the inner barrel; and a foreign matter trap which is arranged upstream of the circulation pump and captures foreign matter. The foreign matter trap has the filter structure described in any one of claims 4 to 8.

Images