Washing machine

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine capable of efficiently capturing lint over a wide range of a filter. A washing machine is provided with: a filter housing (21) in which an inflow port (213) through which water flows in and an outflow port (215) through which water flows out are formed; and a lint filter (30) which is detachably accommodated in the filter housing (21). In the lint filter (30), a bottom surface collecting part (33a) for collecting foreign matters contained in water is arranged on a filter bottom plate (33), a bent part (33d) is arranged at the end part of the filter bottom plate (33), and the bent part (33d) bends upwards from the center to the end part. When the lint filter (30) is installed on the filter shell (21), the inflow port (213) is located above the bent part (33d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine using a filter. Background Art

[0002] The drum-type washing machine is provided with a drainage path for discharging washing water to the outside of a washing tub. In addition, a circulation path for returning the discharged washing water to the washing tub is also provided, and during washing, the washing water is circulated via the circulation path.

[0003] A filter is provided in the drainage path to collect garbage such as lint generated during washing. When garbage accumulates in the filter by repeated use of such a washing machine, there are problems such as reduced fluidity of the washing water, deterioration of washing performance, and time-consuming drainage. Therefore, a washing machine capable of detecting the clogging state of the filter has been proposed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-149615). Summary of the invention

[0004] A conventional washing machine is provided with a lint capturing device for capturing lint from water discharged from a washing tub to the outside of the machine, and the lint capturing device comprises: a hollow filter housing connected in communication with a drainage path, and a filter device detachably provided on the filter housing from the outside of the machine. The filter device comprises: a cover member which is watertightly mounted on the filter housing and can be detached from the outside of the machine; and a filter for capturing lint which is connected to the rear of the cover member and is arranged at a predetermined position in the water flow path of the filter housing. The filter is supported to be movable from a predetermined position by the water flow resistance which increases with the capture of lint, and has a detection unit which detects the displacement of the filter.

[0005] In conventional washing machines, clogging of the filter is detected in the filter device and notified to the user, but no consideration is given to efficiently capturing lint and suppressing clogging.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of efficiently capturing lint in a wide range of a filter by controlling a water flow to the filter.

[0007] The washing machine involved in the present disclosure includes: a filter housing, which is formed with an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out; and a filter, which is freely detachably accommodated in the filter housing, wherein the filter is provided with a collecting portion on a filter bottom plate, the collecting portion collecting foreign matter contained in water, and a bent portion is provided at an end of the filter bottom plate, the bent portion is bent upward from the center toward the end, and when the filter is installed in the filter housing, the inlet is located above the bent portion.

[0008] In the washing machine according to the present disclosure, the outflow port may be provided at a position facing an end portion of the filter bottom plate on the opposite side to the bent portion.

[0009] In the washing machine involved in the present disclosure, the collection portion can also be constructed as follows: the collection portion is formed by an opening portion and a support portion, the opening portion supplies water from one surface of the filter bottom plate to the other surface, the support portion separates the opening portion, and the support portion extends in a direction inclined relative to the water flow direction from the inlet to the outlet.

[0010] In the washing machine according to the present disclosure, the collecting portion may be provided on the filter except for a portion located directly below the inlet when the filter is attached to the filter case. Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, by making the water flow from the inlet hit the curved portion, the energy loss of the water flow can be reduced, and a strong water flow that changes direction smoothly along the curved portion can be generated. In addition, the centrifugal force of the water flow generated on the curved surface can make foreign matter approach the filter bottom plate side and efficiently capture foreign matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the main structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit as seen from the upper front obliquely. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit as seen from the upper rear oblique view. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a lint filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a top view of the lint filter. Figure 6 is a side view of the lint filter viewed from one side of the first filter side plate. Figure 7 is a side view of the lint filter viewed from one side of the second filter side plate. Figure 8 This is a side view of the lint filter as viewed from the side of the rear end plate of the filter. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter housing with a lint filter installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the main structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] The washing machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a drum type washing machine, and is provided with a main body 100 and a door 120, and a washing tub 110 having a rotary drum 111 is provided inside the main body 100. The washing tub 110 is opened on the front side of the main body 100, and its interior is sealed liquid-tightly when the door 120 is closed.

[0016] The washing tank 110 is connected to the filter unit 20 via the first pipe 131 and the second pipe 132. In addition, a circulation pump 140 is provided in the middle of the second pipe 132. That is, a circulation path composed of the first pipe 131, the second pipe 132, the filter unit 20 and the circulation pump 140 is provided outside the washing tank 110, and during washing, the washing water circulates between the washing tank 110 and the circulation path. Specifically, the washing water is transported from the washing tank 110 to the filter unit 20 through the first pipe 131, and is returned from the filter unit 20 to the washing tank 110 through the second pipe 132. At this time, garbage such as water line scraps generated during washing is captured by the filter in the filter unit 20, and the washing water with the garbage removed is returned to the washing tank 110. In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, second pipe 132 is connected to the back side of washing tub 110, but the connection position between second pipe 132 and washing tub 110 is not particularly limited.

[0017] In addition, the filter unit 20 is connected to a third pipe 133 for drainage, and a water stop valve 151 is provided in the third pipe 133. When washing, the water stop valve 151 on the third pipe 133 side is closed, and the circulation pump 140 on the second pipe 132 side is operated to circulate the washing water. When draining, the circulation pump 140 is stopped and the water stop valve 151 is opened, so that the washing water can be drained from the washing tank 110. Since the discharged washing water also passes through the filter unit 20, the garbage such as lint in the washing water is captured by the filter in the filter unit 20, and the washing water from which the garbage is removed is discharged.

[0018] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The specific structure of the filter unit 20 will be described.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit viewed from the upper front. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit as seen from the upper rear oblique view.

[0020] The filter unit 20 is composed of a filter housing 21, a lint filter 30 (an example of a filter), and a handle member 22. The filter housing 21 is a bottomed cylindrical housing member, and the lint filter 30 is stored therein. The filter housing 21 is arranged in the washing machine 10 so that the long axis of the cylindrical portion faces the front-back direction. In the following description, the orientation of the filter unit 20 shows the orientation in which it is arranged in the washing machine 10, the front corresponds to the front side of the washing machine 10, and the rear corresponds to the back side of the washing machine 10.

[0021] An insertion port 211 for inserting the lint filter 30 is provided on the front side of the filter housing 21, and the lint filter 30 can be attached to and detached from the filter housing 21 through the insertion port 211. The lint filter 30 is attached to and detached from the filter housing 21 in a state where it is attached to the handle member 22. At this time, the lint filter 30 is attached to the handle member 22 in such a manner that the front end of the lint filter 30 is inserted into the rear end of the handle member 22. In addition, a locked portion 221 is formed on the handle member 22, and a locking portion 212 is formed in the insertion port 211 of the filter housing 21. When the lint filter 30 is attached to and detached from the filter housing 21, the locked portion 221 and the locking portion 212 are locked to each other or released by rotating the handle member 22.

[0022] An inlet 213 is formed on the front side of the cylindrical portion of the filter housing 21, and an overflow port 214 and an outlet 215 are formed on the rear side of the cylindrical portion. The inlet 213 is provided at the upper part of the filter housing 21 and at the front end of the long side axis, and is connected to the first pipe 131. The overflow port 214 is provided at the upper part of the filter housing 21. The outlet 215 is provided at the lower part of the filter housing 21 and at the rear end of the long side axis, and is connected to the second pipe 132 and the third pipe 133. As for the drainage from the outlet 215, it is determined whether the drainage is supplied to the second pipe 132 or the third pipe 133 by opening and closing the water stop valve 151.

[0023] The lint filter 30 in the filter housing 21 is disposed between the inlet 213 and the outlet 215. Thus, the lint filter 30 can function as a filter for the wash water flowing from the inlet 213 to the outlet 215 in the filter housing 21. The overflow port 214 is provided to discharge the excess water supplied to the filter unit 20 in the event of abnormal operation, etc., and is designed not to discharge the water from the overflow port 214 in normal operation.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a lint filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] like Figure 4As shown, the lint filter 30 is composed of a base 31 inserted into the handle member 22 and a filter portion 32 extending from the base 31 to the rear side. The filter portion 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper opening, and has a filter bottom plate 33, a first filter side plate 34, a second filter side plate 35, and a filter rear end plate 36. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the direction along the side edge of the long side direction of the filter bottom plate 33 is sometimes referred to as the long side direction X, the direction along the side edge of the short side direction of the filter bottom plate 33 is referred to as the width direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the filter bottom plate 33 is referred to as the height direction Z.

[0026] The first filter side plate 34 extends upward from one end side of the filter bottom plate 33 extending in the long side direction X. The second filter side plate 35 extends upward from the other end side of the filter bottom plate 33 extending in the long side direction X. That is, the first filter side plate 34 and the second filter side plate 35 extend in the long side direction X in a manner opposed to each other in the width direction Y. The filter rear end plate 36 is erected from the end side extending in the short side direction (width direction Y) of the filter bottom plate 33, that is, the rear end side on the opposite side to the base 31.

[0027] As described above, the base 31, the filter bottom plate 33, the first filter side plate 34, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 are arranged so as to open the top surface of the filter portion 32 and surround the bottom surface and the side surface, thereby forming a container for temporarily storing water. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the portion of the lint filter 30 surrounded by the base 31, the filter bottom plate 33, the first filter side plate 34, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 is sometimes referred to as the inner side of the filter portion 32, and the portion facing the surface opposite to the inner side of the filter portion 32 relative to the filter bottom plate 33, the first filter side plate 34, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 is sometimes referred to as the outer side of the filter portion 32.

[0028] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 8 The detailed structure of each part of the lint filter 30 will be described.

[0029] Figure 5 is a top view of the lint filter. Figure 6 is a side view of the lint filter viewed from one side of the first filter side plate, Figure 7 is a side view of the lint filter viewed from one side of the second filter side plate, Figure 8 This is a side view of the lint filter as viewed from the side of the rear end plate of the filter.

[0030] The filter bottom plate 33, the second filter side plate 35 and the filter rear end plate 36 are provided with collecting parts (bottom collecting part 33a, side collecting part 35a and rear end collecting part 36a), and water is made to flow from one surface (the surface facing the inner side of the filter part 32, hereinafter referred to as the inner side) toward the other surface (the surface facing the outer side of the filter part 32, hereinafter referred to as the outer side). When the water passes through the collecting parts, garbage such as wire scraps contained in the water is entangled in the collecting parts.

[0031] Specifically, the filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a bottom collecting portion 33a, which is formed by a bottom opening portion 33c and a bottom support portion 33b, wherein the bottom opening portion 33c is opened in a manner to allow water to pass through, and the bottom support portion 33b divides the bottom opening portion 33c. The second filter side plate 35 is provided with a side collecting portion 35a, which is formed by a side opening portion 35c and a side support portion 35b, wherein the side opening portion 35c is opened in a manner to allow water to pass through, and the side support portion 35b divides the side opening portion 35c. The filter rear end plate 36 is provided with a rear end collecting portion 36a, which is formed by an opening for allowing water to pass through and a support that divides the opening.

[0032] In addition, the following describes the detailed structure of these collection parts, but in the collection parts disclosed in the present invention, the shapes of the openings and pillars, the ratios of the parts, etc. are not limited and can be appropriately changed as long as there is a part for water to pass and a part for blocking water and garbage from being entangled. For example, the collection part can be formed into a mesh with a plurality of small holes arranged in a row, or the pillars can be arranged in a grid with rectangular openings arranged, or a plurality of openings can be arranged irregularly. As for the shape of the collection part, it can be appropriately adjusted as long as it is considered that either the cleanability or the collection property should be given priority according to the location where it is set.

[0033] In the bottom collecting portion 33a, the bottom opening portion 33c is set as a long hole extending along the width direction Y, and a plurality of them are arranged in the long side direction X. The bottom support portion 33b is spanned along the width direction Y from the vicinity of the first filter side plate 34 to the vicinity of the second filter side plate 35, and a plurality of them are arranged in the long side direction X. That is, the bottom opening portion 33c and the bottom support portion 33b are arranged alternately along the long side direction X. The bottom collecting portion 33a is provided near the filter rear end plate 36 side of the filter bottom plate 33.

[0034] In the side collecting portion 35a, the side opening portion 35c extends to the upper end of the second filter side plate 35. That is, the side opening portion 35c is formed in a manner of cutting downward from the upper end of the second filter side plate 35. The side collecting portion 35a is provided close to the filter rear end plate 36 side of the second filter side plate 35. The side collecting portion 35a is arranged slightly apart from the filter bottom plate 33, and the lower end is provided at a position slightly higher than the filter bottom plate 33.

[0035] In the rear end collecting portion 36a, an opening is formed in a manner of notching downward from the upper end of the filter rear end plate 36, and the opening is divided by pillars erected from the filter bottom plate 33. In addition, a beam extending in the width direction Y is provided in the rear end collecting portion 36a, and the opening is further divided by the intersecting pillars and beams.

[0036] The lower surface (outer surface) of the filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a lower contact portion 33f that protrudes downward from the surrounding area. When the lint filter 30 is mounted on the filter housing 21, the lower contact portion 33f contacts the inner side surface of the filter housing 21. For the relationship between the lower contact portion 33f and the filter housing 21, refer to the following description. Fig. 9 Provide explanation.

[0037] The first filter side plate 34 is not provided with an opening, etc., but is formed as a side wall portion covering the entirety from the lower end to the upper end. That is, water entering the inner side of the filter portion 32 does not pass through the first filter side plate 34, and thus flows to the collection portion provided in other parts. In addition, the outflow port 215 of the filter housing 21 is preferably formed at a position facing the outer side of the first filter side plate 34 (see Figure 2 ). Thus, by placing the first filter side plate 34 between the inlet 213 and the outlet 215, short-circuiting of the water flow can be eliminated, and the water flow can be prevented from concentrating on a specific portion of the filter.

[0038] A rib 34a protruding outward is provided at the upper end of the first filter side plate 34. When the lint filter 30 is mounted on the filter housing 21, the rib 34a abuts against the inner side surface of the filter housing 21. Thus, by providing the rib 34a that fills the gap between the side wall portion (first filter side plate 34) and the filter housing 21, it is possible to cut off the wire scraps that are wound into the gap between the side wall portion and the filter housing 21.

[0039] The filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a bent portion 33d in addition to the bottom collecting portion 33a. The bent portion 33d is formed so as to bend toward the base portion 31 (at Figure 6 The middle is the upper end) side and bends upward (for details, refer to Fig. 9). That is, the upper surface of the curved portion 33d becomes higher near the base 31, and gradually decreases along the longitudinal direction X as it moves toward the rear end plate 36 of the filter. By providing the curved portion 33d, the direction of the water flow can be smoothly changed so that it flows along the curved portion 33d, and the stagnation of the water flow in the lint filter 30 can be avoided, thereby improving the collection of the lint. In addition, regarding the water flow flowing into the lint filter 30, refer to the following description. Fig. 9 Provide explanation.

[0040] The end of the curved portion 33d which is not inclined with respect to the filter bottom plate 33 is connected to the bottom surface collecting portion 33a. That is, with respect to the filter bottom plate 33, when the positional relationship in the long side direction X is observed, the curved portion 33d and the bottom surface collecting portion 33a are arranged in this order from the base portion 31 side toward the filter rear end plate 36 side.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter housing with a lint filter installed.

[0042] The bottom support part 33b is formed in a substantially flat plate shape with a large width, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the bottom support part 33b is formed so that the side close to the base 31 (at Fig. 9 The right side in the figure) is located above and close to the side of the filter rear end plate 36 (at Fig. 9 The bottom surface support parts 33b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the long-side direction X. The bottom surface opening part 33c located between the bottom surface support parts 33b is inclined relative to the long-side direction X along the bottom surface support parts 33b, and the bottom surface opening part 33c has different opening positions in the long-side direction on the inner surface (upper surface of the filter bottom plate 33) and the outer surface (lower surface of the filter bottom plate 33).

[0043] The extended bottom support portions 33b are arranged in an inclined state, and the positions of adjacent bottom support portions 33b in the height direction Z are offset and the ends overlap each other. As a result, when the filter bottom plate 33 is viewed from above, the bottom opening 33c appears to be covered by the bottom support portions 33b.

[0044] The filter housing 21 is installed in the washing machine 10 in such a manner that the long axis of the cylindrical portion is tilted when the washing machine 10 is placed on a horizontal surface (hereinafter referred to as a reference surface). Specifically, the filter housing 21 is tilted in such a manner that the front end side of the long axis (the insertion port 211 side) is located at the top and the rear end side of the long axis (the outflow port 215 side) is located at the bottom. In conjunction with this, the cylindrical portion of the filter housing 21 is installed in the washing machine 10 in a state in which the bottom surface (housing bottom surface 216) is tilted.

[0045] Lint filter 30 is mounted on filter case 21, and filter bottom plate 33 is inclined relative to washing machine 10, similarly to filter case 21. Specifically, filter bottom plate 33 is inclined so that the side close to base 31 is located at the top and the side close to filter rear end plate 36 is located at the bottom.

[0046] The lower abutment portion 33f abuts against the housing bottom surface 216 (the inner side surface of the filter housing). The lower abutment portion 33f protruding from the filter bottom plate 33 abuts against the housing bottom surface 216, so that the lint filter 30 is installed in the filter housing 21 in a state where the filter bottom plate 33 and the housing bottom surface 216 are separated. As a result, when the lint filter 30 is installed in the filter housing 21, a space is formed between the lower surface of the filter bottom plate 33 and the housing bottom surface 216 for the water flowing out of the outflow port 215 to pass through.

[0047] When the lint filter 30 is mounted on the filter housing 21, the inlet 213 is located above the curved portion 33d, and the outlet 215 is located near the rear end plate 36 of the filter. That is, the outlet 215 is provided at a position facing the end of the filter bottom plate 33 on the side opposite to the curved portion 33d. Therefore, the water flow from the inlet 213 to the filter portion 32 flows strongly, but does not flow directly toward the bottom surface collection portion 33a, but hits the curved portion 33d as shown by the arrow F1, and smoothly changes direction as shown by the arrow F2, and the water flows toward the bottom surface collection portion 33a. In this way, by making the water flow from the inlet 213 hit the curved portion 33d, the generation of turbulence can be reduced, and a strong laminar flow with a smoothly changed direction along the curved portion 33d can be generated. In addition, the centrifugal force of the water flow generated on the curved surface can make foreign matter approach the filter bottom plate 33 side, and the foreign matter can be efficiently captured.

[0048] The water flow that has changed its direction by hitting the curved portion 33d flows along the filter bottom plate 33 toward the outflow port 215, and when passing through the bottom collecting portion 33a, a portion of the water flow passes through the bottom opening 33c to the outside of the filter portion 32. At this time, by providing the bottom support portion 33b inclined relative to the direction of the water flow, the foreign matter that is stressed to the rear outside by the centrifugal force moves from the front to the front end of the bottom support portion 33b, and the foreign matter is hooked on the bottom support portion 33b and is easily collected. In addition, the plurality of bottom support portions 33b are configured to have approximately the same position in the height direction Z, so that it is difficult to become an obstacle to the water flow from the inflow port 213 toward the outflow port 215, and the generation of turbulence can be suppressed and the water flow can pass smoothly, and the foreign matter contained in the water can be efficiently entangled.

[0049] However, when the outflow port 215 is close to the inflow port 213, a strong water flow is directed toward the vicinity of the outflow port 215, resulting in a deviation, thereby causing the collection performance to deteriorate. However, in the present embodiment, in the direction of the water flow flowing through the inner side of the filter portion 32, the inflow port 213 is arranged on the upstream side, and the outflow port 215 is arranged on the downstream side, and the two are arranged in a manner of being separated as much as possible, so that a wide range of the bottom surface collection portion 33a can function without waste. A portion of the water flow attracted to the filter bottom plate 33 side and flowing along the filter bottom plate 33 passes through the bottom surface opening portion 33c and toward the outflow port 215. That is, the water flow is dispersed in a plurality of bottom surface opening portions 33c and passes through. Therefore, as shown by arrows F3, arrows F4 and arrows F5, the flow potential of the water flow passing through the bottom surface collection portion 33a does not produce an extreme difference between the upstream side and the downstream side. Therefore, even if it is assumed that foreign matter is concentratedly captured on the upstream side of the bottom capture portion 33a (the position indicated by the arrow F3) and the water flow is difficult to pass through the nearby bottom opening 33c, since a strong water flow is formed along the filter bottom plate 33, it is also possible to capture it on the downstream side (the position indicated by the arrow F4 and the arrow F5). At this time, the area of ​​the bottom capture portion 33a that is difficult for the water flow to pass through actually acts as an extension of the curved portion 33d, and the possibility of generating turbulence is small. In the structure of the prior art, the filter surface that captures foreign matter becomes an obstacle to the water flow, and sometimes turbulence is generated and discharged outside the filter without being captured by other filter surfaces, but in this embodiment, the bottom capture portion 33a can capture foreign matter over a wide range.

[0050] In addition, all aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and cannot be interpreted as limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not only interpreted by the above-mentioned embodiments, but is limited based on the records of the claims. In addition, all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims are included.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: a filter housing formed with an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out; as well as The filter is detachably accommodated in the filter housing. The washing machine is characterized in that The filter is provided with a collecting portion on the filter bottom plate, and the collecting portion collects foreign matter contained in water. A curved portion is provided at an end of the filter bottom plate, and the curved portion curves upward from the center toward the end. When the filter is mounted on the filter case, the inlet port is located above the bent portion.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outflow port is provided at a position facing an end portion of the filter bottom plate on the opposite side to the bent portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The collection part is formed by an opening part and a support part. The opening part allows water to pass from one surface of the filter bottom plate to the other surface. The support part divides the opening part. The support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to a water flow direction from the inlet to the outlet.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter is provided with the collecting portion except for a portion located directly below the inlet when the filter is mounted on the filter case.

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