Drain filter and washing machine

Abstract

A drain filter (100) and a washing machine (1) are provided with: a filter main body (30) attached to a housing (20) and having a plurality of comb teeth (34) extending in a first direction (D1); a compression plate (40) having a flat plate portion (41) disposed in the filter main body (30) and a peripheral edge portion (42) fitted with the plurality of comb teeth (34), the compression plate (40) being movable in the first direction (D1) in the filter main body (30); an operation portion (50) having an operation lever (53) rotatable about a rotation center line (L); and a lifting mechanism (60) that reciprocates a reciprocating member (61) in a second direction (D2) in linkage with the rotational movement of the operation lever (53) and moves the compression plate (40) in the first direction (D1); an acceptance surface (21a) that approaches or abuts against the compression plate (40) moved upward (Dup) is formed on an inner surface of the housing (20).

Description

Drain filters and washing machines Technical Field

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

[0002] As a washing machine equipped with a drain filter, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This washing machine includes a filter unit that captures foreign matter contained in the drain. A filter surface that filters the drain is formed in the basket (filter body) of the filter unit. The filter surface has slits formed by rods arranged in a comb shape, and filter holes of various sizes. When the drain is filtered, foreign matter in the drain is captured by the filter surface of the basket. The user pulls out the filter body to perform maintenance such as removing foreign matter adhering to the basket.

[0003] Maintaining a drain filter can be a significant burden for users. Furthermore, over extended use, slime and mold (likely a mold) can form in the filter, causing discomfort during maintenance. Consequently, users often desire to dispose of foreign matter without contact with lint and other foreign matter. Furthermore, the high moisture content of foreign matter can contribute to this discomfort.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-125537

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a drainage filter and a washing machine that can dehydrate foreign matter and discard the foreign matter in a manner that minimizes contact with the foreign matter.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] [1] One embodiment of the present invention is a drainage filter that captures foreign matter contained in washing water by introducing washing water into a filter body for water flow, the drainage filter comprising: a housing having an inlet for introducing washing water, an outlet for discharging filtered washing water, and an insertion port for inserting the filter body; a filter body attached to the housing via the insertion port, and having a plurality of comb teeth extending in a first direction; a compression plate having a flat plate portion arranged in the filter body and a peripheral portion engaged with the plurality of comb teeth, the compression plate being embedded in the filter body and movable in the first direction in the filter body; an operating portion assembled to the filter body and operable from the outside of the insertion port, the operating portion having an operating lever rotatable about a center line of a rotation axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a lifting mechanism that causes a reciprocating member to reciprocate in a second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating lever, and causes the compression plate to move in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement, wherein a receiving surface is formed on the inner surface of the housing that is close to or in contact with the compression plate that has moved in the first direction.

[0012] According to the drainage filter described above [1], foreign matter is captured when washing water passes through the multiple comb teeth of the filter body. During maintenance, when the user rotates the operating lever to move the compression plate, the compression plate approaches or abuts against the receiving surface of the inner surface of the shell, and the foreign matter is dehydrated. At this time, the foreign matter is scraped off by the peripheral edge of the compression plate. By removing the filter body from the shell and turning the filter body upside down, and then operating the operating lever or shaking the filter body, the user can discard the foreign matter in a manner that minimizes contact with the foreign matter. It should be noted that before removing the filter body, the operating lever is operated again to return the compression plate, whereby the water retained in the filter body is absorbed by foreign matter (such as lint, hair, etc.). This prevents the undesirable situation of water falling from the filter body (staining the floor, etc.) after the filter body is removed. According to this drainage filter, the dehydration of foreign matter can be achieved, and foreign matter can be discarded in a manner that minimizes contact with the foreign matter.

[0013] [2] Alternatively, in the drainage filter described in [1] above, the lifting mechanism may include: a first conversion mechanism for causing the compression rod to reciprocate in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating rod; and a second conversion mechanism for causing the reciprocating member to reciprocate in the second direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the compression rod, and for causing the compression plate to move in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement. According to this lifting mechanism, the driving force conversion mechanism is divided into an area near the operating rod (outside the filter body 30) and an area near the compression plate (inside the filter body 30), thereby facilitating assembly of the filter.

[0014] [3] Alternatively, in the drainage filter described in [2] above, the first conversion mechanism may include: a cylindrical cam, arranged concentrically with the rotational centerline, and rotating in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating lever, with a pair of cam holes formed in a peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical cam; and a compression lever, including an engaging portion that engages with the pair of cam holes in the cylindrical cam, and a shaft portion integral with the engaging portion and arranged along the rotational centerline, the compression lever reciprocating in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the cylindrical cam. With this configuration, the rotational driving force of the operating lever is reliably transmitted to the reciprocating member via the cylindrical cam and the compression lever.

[0015] [4] Alternatively, in the drainage filter described in [3] above, the first conversion mechanism includes: a clutch disposed between the operating lever and the cylindrical cam, which engages with the cylindrical cam via a mountain-shaped shape on the end face in the second direction, thereby transmitting the rotational driving force of the operating lever to the cylindrical cam; and a compression coil spring disposed between the operating lever and the clutch, which biases the clutch in the second direction so that the clutch engages with the cylindrical cam. According to this configuration, the clutch is biased by the compression coil spring, and the rotational driving force of the operating lever is transmitted to the reciprocating member via the cylindrical cam and the compression rod. On the other hand, as the compression plate compresses the foreign matter, the rebound force may increase. In this case, the clutch idles. This prevents damage to the lifting mechanism.

[0016] [5] Alternatively, in the drainage filter described in any one of [1] to [4] above, the lifting mechanism includes a connecting rod mechanism that connects the reciprocating member and the compression plate, converting the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member into movement of the compression plate in the first direction. This lifting mechanism enables the compression plate to be reliably and easily moved by the connecting rod mechanism. Furthermore, the volume of the filter body that can store lint and the like can be increased, making maintenance of the filter body easier.

[0017] [6] Alternatively, in any one of the drainage filters described in [1] to [5] above, the range of movement of the compression plate in the first direction by the lifting mechanism is limited to the full length of the plurality of comb teeth. In this case, the peripheral edge of the compression plate is always engaged with the plurality of comb teeth of the filter body. Thus, the compression plate can be prevented from falling off the filter body.

[0018] [7] Alternatively, in the drain filter described in any one of [1] to [6] above, the operating portion may include a rotatable detachment lever for integrally detaching the filter body, the compression plate, and the lifting mechanism from the housing, wherein the operating lever rotates integrally with the detachment lever. With this configuration, the filter assembly can be attached to and detached from the housing, and the foreign matter can be compressed and dehydrated at the same time.

[0019] [8] Alternatively, as another embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine is provided, comprising: an outer tub disposed within a housing; a wash tub disposed within the outer tub for accommodating laundry; a drain pipe connected to the outer tub for draining the wash water within the outer tub; and a drain filter according to any one of [1] to [7] above, connected to the drain pipe. According to this washing machine, even when slime or black mold is generated in the filter body, the user can discard the foreign matter without contacting it, making maintenance work comfortable. By compressing / dehydrating the lint, the frequency of maintenance can also be reduced by reducing the volume of the lint within the filter body.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to dehydrate foreign matter and discard the foreign matter without contacting the foreign matter as much as possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine to which a drain filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0023] FIG2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drain filter in FIG1 .

[0024] FIG3 is a perspective view of the drain filter in FIG1 .

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 .

[0026] FIG5 is a perspective view of a filter assembly of a drain filter.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 5 .

[0028] FIG7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first conversion mechanism.

[0029] FIG8 is an exploded perspective view of the second conversion mechanism.

[0030] FIG9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the drain filter during compression operation.

[0031] FIG10 is a perspective view of FIG9 .

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals 1: washing machine; 2: housing; 6: outer tub; 6b: recessed portion; 7: drum (washing tub); 9: driving motor; 16: drain pipe; 17: drain valve; 20: housing; 21: housing body; 21a: top surface (receiving surface); 25a: inlet; 26a: outlet; 27: insertion port; 30: filter body; 34: comb teeth; 40: compression plate; 41: flat plate portion; 42: peripheral portion; 50: operating portion; 51: disassembly lever; 53: operating lever; 60: lifting mechanism ; 61: reciprocating member; 66: connecting rod mechanism; 68: connecting rod member; 70: filter inner cover; 81: clutch; 82: cylindrical cam; 82b: cam hole; 84: compression rod; 85: shaft; 86: engaging portion; 87: compression coil spring; 88A: clutch box; 88B: cam box; A: filter assembly; D1: first direction; D2: second direction; L: rotation center line; M1: first conversion mechanism; M2: second conversion mechanism; P1: initial position; P2: upper limit position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are not necessarily the same as those in the description.

[0034] In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X-direction (first direction), Y-direction (second direction), and Z-direction (third direction) shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be used to describe washing machine 1. The X-direction and Z-direction correspond to the front-to-back direction and the height direction (or the up-down direction or the vertical direction) of washing machine 1 in the set state shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the paper in Figure 1 is the Y-direction shown in Figure 3, which corresponds to the left-right direction of washing machine 1 in the set state. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are based on the set state of washing machine 1.

[0035] First, referring to Figure 1, the overall structure of the washing machine 1 is described. The washing machine 1 is, for example, a drum washing machine. The washing machine 1 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. The shape of the housing 2 can be changed appropriately. A circular door 3 that can be opened and closed freely is installed on the front surface of the housing 2. A circular inlet 4 for putting in laundry is formed on the front surface of the housing 2. The inlet 4 is closed or opened by the door 3. An outer barrel 6 and a drum (washing barrel) 7 are arranged in the housing 2. The outer barrel 6 and the drum 7 are both cylindrical with a bottom. The outer barrel 6 is elastically supported by a plurality of shock absorbers 11 and springs 12 in the housing 2. The drum 7 is rotatably arranged in the outer barrel 6. The outer barrel 6 and the drum 7 are, for example, arranged concentrically (coaxially) with a central axis extending in the X direction. The outer barrel 6 has a circular opening 6a located in front of the opening 7a of the drum 7.

[0036] The peripheral edge of the opening 6a of the outer tub 6 and the peripheral edge of the inlet 4 of the housing 2 are connected by a circular ring-shaped gasket 8 made of an elastic material. The gasket 8 is fastened and fixed to the outer tub 6 and the inlet 4 from the outer peripheral side by, for example, a circular metal wire partially assembled with a tension coil spring or the like. The peripheral surface of the closed door 3 is in contact with the gasket 8, and the inlet 4 and the door 3 are water-sealed. The drum 7 contains laundry. A number of dehydration holes 7b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 7. A balancer 7c is also provided on the front of the inner peripheral surface of the drum 7, and a plurality of (for example, three) lifting ribs 7d are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0037] A drive motor 9 for rotating the drum 7 is provided inside the housing 2 and behind the outer barrel 6. The rotating shaft 9a of the drive motor 9 extends in the X direction and is connected to a portion of the drum 7. The rotating shaft 9a and the drum 7 can be connected via a pulley, a reduction mechanism, etc., or can be directly connected. During the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively low speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 7 is less than the gravity and the laundry tumbles. During the dehydration process, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively high speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 7 is greater than the gravity and the laundry sticks to the inner circumference of the drum 7.

[0038] A water supply pipe 13 and a water supply valve 14 are provided at the rear of the housing 2. The water supply pipe 13 may be a flexible hose or may be made of piping materials other than a hose. By opening the water supply valve 14, tap water from the faucet is supplied to the outer barrel 6 via the water supply pipe 13. The outer barrel 6 can store washing water. In this specification, "washing water" refers to liquids corresponding to various processes such as the washing process and the rinsing process of the laundry. Therefore, during the washing process, the washing water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and during the rinsing process, the washing liquid may be water. In addition, during the rinsing process, the washing water may also include a softener.

[0039] A depression 6b that is recessed downward is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 6. A drain pipe 16 is connected to the depression 6b. The drain pipe 16 includes, for example, a first drain pipe 16a and a second drain pipe 16b. These first drain pipe 16a and second drain pipe 16b may be flexible hoses or may be made of piping materials other than hoses. The drain pipe 16 drains the washing water in the outer tub 6. The drain pipe 16 is, for example, arranged downward so that the washing water is discharged through the drain pipe 16 in a naturally flowing manner. The second drain pipe 16b extends, for example, to the outside of the washing machine 1 (downward). The washing water discharged from the washing machine 1 through the first drain pipe 16a and the second drain pipe 16b is drained through a drain port provided on a waterproof tray or the like. It should be noted that the layout of the drain pipe 16 may also be appropriately changed.

[0040] The washing machine 1 includes a drain filter 100, which is provided, for example, midway along the drain pipe 16 to collect foreign matter contained in the washing water. The inlet pipe 25 (see FIG3 ) of the drain filter 100 is connected to the downstream end of the first drain pipe 16a. A drain hose H is provided at the rear end of the drain filter 100, for example, and the drain hose H is connected to the upstream end of the second drain pipe 16b. The drain filter 100 includes a housing 20 and a filter assembly A attached to the housing 20. The filter assembly A is housed in the housing 20. A drain valve 17 is provided, for example, in the second drain pipe 16b. The first drain pipe 16a, the drain filter 100, and the second drain pipe 16b form a natural drainage path. By opening the drain valve 17, the washing water flowing from the outer tub 6 and the first drain pipe 16a is introduced into the drain filter 100, and after passing through the drain filter 100 (after filtration), it is discharged through the second drain pipe 16b. It should be noted that the drain valve 17 may also be provided in the first drain pipe 16a (ie, upstream of the drain filter 100).

[0041] Washing machine 1 includes user-operated buttons and a controller (not shown) that controls the driving of drive motor 9, the opening and closing of water supply valve 14, and the opening and closing of drain valve 17. The controller operates washing machine 1 in accordance with pre-stored programs based on user operations. FIG1 omits illustration of the detergent dispenser and, if washing machine 1 has a drying function, components associated with the drying function, such as the heater, fan, and ducting.

[0042] The drain filter 100 is provided inside the housing 2, for example, near the lower right side. The drain filter 100 is fixed in the housing 2 by an appropriate method. The housing 20 is tilted so that the rear portion of the housing 20 (the right portion in the figure) is lower than the front portion of the housing 20 (the left portion in the figure). The filter assembly A can be detached from the housing 20. By opening the cover B that blocks the opening 2f in the lower right portion of the front surface of the housing 2, the user's hand can reach the filter assembly A. For example, when the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed, the filter assembly A is taken out to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the opening 2f after the user performs operations such as dehydration (details will be described later). In this way, the drain filter 100 can be maintained.

[0043] Drain filter 100 will be described in detail with reference to the necessary figures following Figure 2. Figures 2 and 3 are longitudinal cross-sectional and perspective views of drain filter 100, respectively. Drain filter 100 is tilted, but in the figures following Figure 2, drain filter 100 is shown as a single piece, disregarding this tilt. Therefore, the X-axis (front-back axis) and Z-axis (up-down axis) shown in Figure 1 are omitted in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3.

[0044] The drain filter 100 draws in wash water from the first drain pipe 16a connected to the outer tub 6, thereby capturing foreign matter contained in the wash water. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 20 includes: a generally cylindrical housing body 21; an inlet pipe 25, for example, connected to the side of the housing body 21; and a circular outlet 26a formed at the rear end of the housing body 21. The inlet 25a is formed at the connection between the inlet pipe 25 and the housing body 21 (see Figure 4). The material of the housing 20 is not particularly limited, but the housing 20 is made of resin, for example. The first drain pipe 16a is connected to the inlet pipe 25, and a drain hose H is attached to the outlet 26a. In addition, the filter assembly A is inserted into the housing body 21 to block the insertion port 27 of the housing body 21, thereby making the housing 20 airtight. The inlet 25a draws in wash water through the first drain pipe 16a, and the outlet 26a discharges the wash water after it has been filtered by the filter body 30.

[0045] The drain filter 100 of this embodiment has a structure and function that take into account the maintainability of the filter. During maintenance, the drain filter 100 can easily dehydrate foreign matter captured by the filter body 30, allowing the user to discard the foreign matter in a manner that minimizes contact with the foreign matter. The dehydration function of the drain filter 100 is described below with reference to the various figures. Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of the filter assembly A. As shown in Figure 5, the filter assembly A includes: a filter body 30; a compression plate 40 embedded in the filter body 30; and an operating unit 50 mounted on the front side of the filter body 30. The term "front" is used with reference to the user in front of the washing machine 1 (in front of the door 3 and the cover B) and is synonymous with the front side of the washing machine 1. In the filter assembly A, the filter body 30, the compression plate 40, and the operating unit 50 are integrated. By pinching the detachment lever 51 of the operating unit 50 and rotating it, the user can easily remove or attach the filter assembly A from the housing 20. The attachment and detachment lever 51 is also called a handle, and is a rotary lever for detaching the filter assembly A integrally.

[0046] Resin molded products, for example, are also used for the various parts constituting the filter assembly A. Metal may also be used in part.

[0047] The filter body 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open upward. The filter body 30 has: a bottom wall portion 31 in the shape of a rectangular plate (refer to FIG4 ); a base end wall portion 32 with a U-shaped cross section, formed on the front side of the bottom wall portion 31; and a flange portion 33, formed on the further front side of the base end wall portion 32. The filter body 30 is inserted into and attached to the housing 20 through the insertion port 27 of the housing 20 (refer to FIG2 ). In the attached state, the rear end portion 38 of the filter body 30 is exposed from the discharge port 26a of the housing 20. The attachment structure of the filter body 30 relative to the housing 20 is not particularly limited, but the rear end portion 38 may also protrude to a position further rearward than the discharge port 26a.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the filter body 30 has a plurality of comb teeth 34 rising from the bottom wall portion 31. The plurality of comb teeth 34 are arranged in a manner that forms a pair of side walls and a rear wall of the filter body 30 along a pair of side portions of the bottom wall portion 31 and a short side portion near the rear end portion 38. All comb teeth 34 are parallel and extend in the first direction D1. The comb teeth 34 set upright at a certain interval constitute the filtering surface of the filter body 30. An opening 36 is formed in the base end wall portion 32 of the filter body 30 at a position opposite to the inlet 25a, and the washing water introduced into the drainage filter 100 flows into the interior of the filter body 30. The washing water passes through the filtering surface formed by many comb teeth 34. As a result, foreign matter such as lint is hooked on the comb teeth 34 and captured. The filtered washing water passes through the intervals (gaps) between the comb teeth 34 and is discharged from the outlet 26a.

[0049] The first direction D1 is perpendicular to the bottom wall portion 31, and since the housing 20 is tilted as described above, the filter assembly A is also tilted. Therefore, the first direction D1 extends parallel to the XZ plane and forms a predetermined angle with respect to the YZ plane. The portion of the filter body 30 other than the flange portion 33 (the portion related to filtration) is embedded in the housing body 21. For example, by fixing the disassembly rod 51 to the insertion port 27 and bringing the comb teeth 34 into contact with a portion of the top surface 21a, the bottom wall portion 31, the base end wall portion 32 and the comb teeth 34 maintain a constant posture in the housing body 21. The bottom wall portion 31 and the base end wall portion 32 are separated from the peripheral wall surface of the housing body 21 including the lower end portion 21b and are not contacted and supported by any part of the inner surface of the housing body 21. The upper end of the comb teeth 34 is close to the flat top surface 21a formed on the upper inner surface of the housing body 21.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the compression plate 40 comprises a rectangular flat portion 41 housed within the filter space surrounded by the plurality of comb teeth 34, and a peripheral portion 42 that engages with the plurality of comb teeth 34 in a concave-convex manner. The flat portion 41 is positioned within the filter body 30. Along a pair of side edges and a short rear edge of the flat portion 41 are protrusions (also tooth-shaped) corresponding in number to the gaps between the comb teeth 34. There is a gap between the protrusions on the peripheral portion 42 and the comb teeth 34. This configuration allows the compression plate 40 to fit within the filter body 30 and, while maintaining this fit, to move within the filter body 30 in the first direction D1. While maintaining this fit, the compression plate 40 moves approximately parallel to the filter body 30. In other words, the compression plate 40 is restricted in its movable direction by the comb teeth 34, limiting its movement to the first direction D1. As long as the compression plate 40 is engaged with the comb teeth 34, it cannot move in any direction other than the first direction D1. The distance of the movable range of the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 substantially corresponds to the length of the comb teeth 34 .

[0051] It should be noted that each comb tooth 34 may be provided with a tapered portion (chamfered portion) to facilitate engagement with the peripheral edge portion 42 and smooth sliding of the compression plate 40. Alternatively, the peripheral edge portion 42 may also be provided with a tapered portion (chamfered portion) to facilitate engagement with the comb teeth 34 and smooth sliding of the compression plate 40.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operating unit 50 can be operated from the outside of the washing machine 1, in other words, from outside the insertion opening 27. When the cover B (see Figure 1) is opened, the user can grasp the filter assembly A with one or both hands through the opening 2f. The operating unit 50 includes a rotating mounting / dismounting lever 51 and an engaging / dismounting portion 56 that rotates integrally with the mounting / dismounting lever 51. For example, when the flat mounting / dismounting lever 51 is oriented horizontally, the filter assembly A is attached and secured to the housing 20 via the engaging / dismounting portion 56. When the user rotates the mounting / dismounting lever 51 counterclockwise approximately 90 degrees, the engaging position of the engaging / dismounting portion 56 is released, allowing the filter assembly A to be removed from the housing 20. The filter assembly A is removed, for example, along a second direction D2 that is orthogonal to the first direction D1. When attaching the filter assembly A, the filter assembly A is also attached to the housing 20 in the reverse order. The second direction D2 also extends, for example, parallel to the XZ plane.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4 , the flange portion 33 of the filter body 30 is disposed between the fitting / detachable portion 56 and the insertion opening 27 of the housing 20. An annular gasket 28 may also be provided between the flange portion 33 and the insertion opening 27 (see also Figure 6 ). In the fitted state described above, the fitting / detachable portion 56 seals the insertion opening 27 via the flange portion 33 and the gasket 28. The fitting / detachable portion 56, the flange portion 33, and the gasket 28 complete the water seal of the housing 20.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the operating portion 50 includes a rotating operating lever 53. The operating lever 53 is assembled within the assembly and disassembly lever 51 and is integral with the assembly and disassembly lever 51. The operating lever 53 rotates integrally with the assembly and disassembly lever 51 about a rotation centerline L extending along the second direction D2. The rotation centerline L is parallel to the second direction D2 and orthogonal to the first direction D1. It should be noted that the operating lever 53 may be integral with the assembly and disassembly lever 51, rather than being a separate component.

[0055] In filter assembly A, foreign matter can be removed by raising and lowering compression plate 40 within filter body 30. Filter assembly A also includes a lifting mechanism 60. This mechanism reciprocates a reciprocating member 61 in conjunction with the rotation of operating lever 53, and moves compression plate 40 in first direction D1 in conjunction with this reciprocating motion. Reciprocating member 61 engages (or is coupled) with compression plate 40. In other words, filter assembly A includes a lifting mechanism 60 that moves compression plate 40 in first direction D1 in response to rotation of operating lever 53.

[0056] The lifting mechanism 60 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a T-shaped compression rod 84 is incorporated into the lifting mechanism 60. This compression rod 84 is located on the rotational centerline L and moves translationally along the rotational centerline L. The lifting mechanism 60 includes a first conversion mechanism M1 that reciprocates the compression rod 84 in the second direction D2 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating lever 53; and a second conversion mechanism M2 that reciprocates the reciprocating member 61 in the second direction D2 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the compression rod 84, and moves the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 in conjunction with this reciprocating movement.

[0057] The first conversion mechanism M1 includes a clutch 81 and a cylindrical cam 82 that are arranged concentrically with the rotation center line L. The clutch 81 is arranged in a cylindrical clutch box 88A formed inside the operating rod 53 and rotates integrally with the operating rod 53. The clutch 81 engages with, for example, a rib formed in the clutch box 88A. The clutch 81 is arranged between the operating rod 53 and the cylindrical cam 82. The clutch 81 has a shape that is a combination of a plurality of cylindrical portions that are arranged concentrically with the rotation center line L. A mountain-shaped and annular engaging end face 81a is formed on the end face (rear end face) of the clutch 81 in the second direction D2.

[0058] Furthermore, a support member 89 is provided between the operating lever 53 and the clutch 81. The support member 89 includes a disk portion 89a that contacts the inner surface of the operating lever 53 and a rod-shaped portion 89b that extends from the disk portion 89a along the rotation centerline L. A compression coil spring 87 is provided between the operating lever 53 and the clutch 81, through which the rod-shaped portion 89b is inserted. The compression coil spring 87 is positioned between the operating lever 53 and the clutch 81. Both ends of the compression coil spring 87 contact the disk portion 89a and an annular washer 90 housed in the clutch 81, sandwiching the compression coil spring 87 and causing it to be compressed.

[0059] The cylindrical cam 82 is housed in a cam housing 88B, which is located within the clutch housing 88A. The cylindrical cam 82 is rotatably held within the cam housing 88B. The cam housing 88B abuts against the disc portion 51b of the detaching lever 51, creating a slight gap between the disc portion 51b and the end surface 82c of the cylindrical cam 82, opposite the engaging end surface 82a. This reduces the sliding resistance that might otherwise occur between the cylindrical cam 82 and the disc portion 51b during rotation.

[0060] A pair of cam holes 82b, 82b are formed on the circumferential wall of the cylindrical cam 82, whose positions and shapes are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation centerline L. The pair of cam holes 82b, 82b extend spirally relative to the rotation centerline L. A mountain-shaped, annular engaging end face 82a is formed on the end face (front end face) of the cylindrical cam 82 in the second direction D2. The engaging end face 82a meshes with the engaging end face 81a of the clutch 81, engaging in a mountain-shaped manner. The compression coil spring 87 applies force to the clutch 81 in the pushing direction Din (second direction D2) so that the clutch 81 engages with the cylindrical cam 82. The clutch 81 is guided by ribs formed on the clutch box 88A and can reciprocate in the second direction D2. When the clutch 81 is pressed against the cylindrical cam 82, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the clutch 81 to the cylindrical cam 82. The clutch 81 and the cylindrical cam 82 constitute a friction clutch mechanism.

[0061] The compression lever 84 includes an engaging portion 86 that engages with the pair of cam holes 82b, 82b, and a shaft portion 85 integral with the engaging portion 86 and arranged along the rotational centerline L. The engaging portion 86 is arranged along the diameter of the cylindrical cam 82, with the shaft portion 85 being orthogonal to the engaging portion 86. The compression lever 84 reciprocates in the second direction D2 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the cylindrical cam 82. When the operating lever 53 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front (refer to the first rotational direction R1 shown in FIG. 10 ), the cylindrical cam 82 also rotates counterclockwise, causing the compression lever 84 to move in the pushing direction Din. Furthermore, when the operating lever 53 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the front (refer to the second rotational direction R2 shown in FIG. 10 ), the cylindrical cam 82 also rotates clockwise, causing the compression lever 84 to move in the pulling direction Dout.

[0062] The lifting mechanism 60 includes a flat reciprocating member 61 and a connecting wall 62 formed on the front side of the reciprocating member 61 and protruding upward. The connecting end 85a of the shaft 85 engages with the recessed fitting portion 62a of the connecting wall 62. The connecting end 85a has an H-shaped recessed portion that engages with the protruding portion formed in the recessed fitting portion 62a. This restricts the rotation of the compression rod 84, allowing it to reciprocate (translationally).

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the reciprocating member 61 is positioned between the bottom wall 31 of the filter body 30 and the flat plate 41 of the compression plate 40. The reciprocating member 61 is movable in the second direction D2, guided by, for example, a guide groove formed in the bottom wall 31. Because the compression plate 40 is restricted in its movable direction, the lifting mechanism 60 as a whole can only move in the second direction D2. In the lifting mechanism 60, the reciprocating member 61 reciprocates in the second direction D2 in response to rotation of the operating lever 53, thereby moving the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the second conversion mechanism M2 of the lifting mechanism 60 includes: a reciprocating member 61 connected to the compression rod 84; and a link mechanism 66 connecting the reciprocating member 61 and the compression plate 40, converting the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member 61 into movement of the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1.

[0065] When the compression plate 40 is in the initial position P1, the link members 68 are in a collapsed position. For example, four parallel link members 68 are provided between the flat plate portion 41 and the reciprocating member 61. Furthermore, four rib-like protrusions, for example, are provided on the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41, each of which has an upper connecting hole 43 formed therein. The four link members 68 are arranged, for example, on the inner side of the four protrusions. An upper connecting shaft 68a is provided at the upper end of each link member 68. The upper connecting shaft 68a is embedded in and supported by the upper connecting hole 43. Furthermore, a lower connecting hole 68b is formed at the lower end of each link member 68. For example, four rib-like protrusions are provided on the lower surface of the reciprocating member 61, each of which has a lower connecting shaft 63. The positions of the four protrusions of the flat plate portion 41 and the four protrusions of the reciprocating member 61 correspond to the positions of the vertices of congruent rectangles. The lower connecting shaft 63 is embedded in the lower connecting hole 68b.

[0066] The upper connecting shaft 68a of each connecting rod member 68 is connected in a manner that can rotate in the upper connecting hole 43 provided on the lower surface side of the flat plate portion 41. In addition, the lower connecting hole 68b of each connecting rod member 68 is connected in a manner that can rotate on the lower connecting shaft 63 provided on the lower surface side of the reciprocating member 61. It should be noted that each connecting shaft and each connecting hole can also be provided on the opposite side of each member. Each connecting shaft can also be an axis component that is independent of the connecting rod member 68, the flat plate portion 41 and the reciprocating member 61. In addition, the axis component can also be omitted, and a disc and a fitting structure that holds the disc from the radial outside can be adopted, that is, a connecting structure that can slide on each other in the circumferential direction.

[0067] In order to ensure sufficient space for the four link members 68 to move, recesses 44 or holes for receiving the link members 68 may be provided on the lower surface (back surface) of the flat plate portion 41. Reciprocating member 61 may also be provided with recesses or holes for receiving the link members 68. Furthermore, bottom wall portion 31 may also be provided with holes 31b or recesses for receiving the link members 68.

[0068] In the state shown in Figure 4 , the compression plate 40 is in contact with the bottom wall 31 and is located in the initial position P1. When the operating lever 53 is rotated counterclockwise, the reciprocating member 61 moves in the pushing direction Din. With this movement, the compression plate 40 moves upward (ascends) Dup, as shown in Figure 9 . In the state shown in Figure 9 , the reciprocating member 61 abuts against a protrusion provided on the bottom wall 31, thereby preventing the reciprocating member 61 from moving in the pushing direction Din. At this point, the compression plate 40 is at the upper limit position P2 corresponding to the upper end of the comb teeth 34.

[0069] In addition, when the operating lever 53 is rotated clockwise, the reciprocating member 61 moves in the pulling-out direction Dout. With this movement, the compression plate 40 moves (descends) downward Ddown. The upper direction Dup and the lower direction Ddown are directions roughly parallel to the first direction D1. The compression plate 40 can also be called a lifting plate. In the state shown in Figure 4, the movement of the reciprocating member 61 in the pulling-out direction Dout is limited by the other end edge of the cam hole 82b of the cylindrical cam 82 abutting against the engaging portion 86 of the compression rod 84, or by the connecting wall portion 62 abutting against the stopper 91 on the bottom wall portion 31. The upward direction Dup and the downward direction Ddown are directions roughly parallel to the first direction D1. The compression plate 40 can also be called a lifting plate.

[0070] The movement range of the compression plate 40 achieved by the lifting mechanism 60 is limited to the full length of the comb teeth 34 (the length of the comb teeth 34 mentioned above). Figure 10 is a three-dimensional view of Figure 9. It should be noted that in Figure 10, only the structure of the filter assembly A on the inner side (filter body 30 side) of the gasket 28 is shown in the cross-sectional view. When the compression plate 40 is located at the upper limit position P2, the connecting rod member 68 is in a state of standing up at a specified angle, and the peripheral edge 42 of the compression plate 40 is engaged with the upper end of the comb teeth 34. However, since the compression plate 40 cannot move further upward Dup (rise), it will not fall off from the filter body 30.

[0071] At this time, the compression plate 40 approaches or contacts the top surface 21a of the housing body 21. As the compression plate 40 rises, foreign matter caught on the comb teeth 34 is scraped off by the peripheral edge portion 42 and lifted up.

[0072] It should be noted that, as shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9, a tunnel-shaped filter inner cover 70 is provided in the base end wall 32. This filter inner cover 70 covers the shaft 85 of the compression rod 84 and the connecting wall 62 (the mating recess 62a). The filter inner cover 70 protects the shaft 85, the connecting end 85a, and the connecting wall 62 (the mating recess 62a). For example, even if a large and hard foreign object such as a hairpin were to enter, this would prevent malfunction caused by such a foreign object. The filter inner cover 70 could also function to limit the range of movement of the lifting mechanism 60 (e.g., a restraining structure). Furthermore, the filter inner cover 70 prevents the O-ring 53f, which seals around the shaft 85, from loosening. An O-ring retainer 53g is provided between the O-ring 53f and the filter inner cover 70. The filter inner cover 70 abuts against the O-ring retainer 53g, preventing the O-ring 53f from loosening.

[0073] When the user maintains the drain filter 100, the user first opens the cover B while the washing machine 1 is stopped. For example, one hand is inserted through the opening 2f to rotate the disassembly rod 51 and the operating lever 53 counterclockwise. As a result, the engagement between the engagement / disassembly portion 56 and the housing 20 is released, and the foreign matter is dehydrated in the filter body 30 by the rise of the compression plate 40. It is conceivable that the foreign matter after dehydration will be attached to or fixed to the compression plate 40. Depending on the situation, the user rotates the operating lever 53 clockwise to lower the compression plate 40. A certain amount of water generated during dehydration remains in the filter body 30, but since the lint and the like absorb the water (the water returns to the lint and the like), the amount of water remaining in the filter body 30 is reduced.

[0074] The user again rotates the disassembly rod 51 and the operating rod 53 counterclockwise to pull out (remove from the housing 20) the filter assembly A. At this time, the filter assembly A is pulled out in the pulling direction Dout while being guided by the housing body 21. Then, when the user holds the filter assembly A upside down and rotates the operating rod 53 in two directions in this state, foreign matter such as lint will easily fall off due to the inertial force generated by its own weight. Alternatively, the filter body 30 can be shaken to cause foreign matter such as lint to fall off due to the inertial force. In addition, after completing the maintenance work, the user holds the filter assembly A and inserts the filter body 30 into the housing body 21, rotates the disassembly rod 51 and the operating rod 53 clockwise, and thereby attaches (installs) the filter assembly A to the housing 20. During this attachment operation, the compression plate 40 descends and is set to the initial position.

[0075] In drain filter 100, when compression plate 40 is at upper limit position P2, it can be removed by pressing link members 68 downward with a fingertip. Furthermore, when returning compression plate 40 to filter body 30, compression plate 40 can be pressed toward the four link members 68 in the lowered (falling) position. Removing compression plate 40 allows removal of lint even if it has accumulated beneath compression plate 40.

[0076] According to the drainage filter 100, foreign matter is captured when washing water passes through the multiple comb teeth 34 of the filter body 30. During maintenance, when the user rotates the operating lever 53 to move the compression plate 40, the compression plate 40 approaches or abuts the top surface 21a of the inner surface of the housing, and the foreign matter is dehydrated. At this time, the foreign matter hooked on the comb teeth 34 is scraped off by the peripheral portion 42. By removing the filter body 30 from the housing 20 and turning the filter body 30 upside down, and then pulling or shaking the operating lever 53, the user can discard the foreign matter in a manner that minimizes contact with the foreign matter. Before removing the filter body 30, operate the operating lever 53 again to return the compression plate 40, thereby allowing a certain amount of water retained in the filter body 30 to be absorbed by the foreign matter (such as lint). This can prevent the undesirable situation of water falling from the filter body 30 (staining the floor, etc.) after the filter assembly A is removed. According to the drain filter 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to dehydrate foreign matter and discard the foreign matter with minimal contact with the foreign matter.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, even if slime, black mold, or the like is formed in the filter body 30, the user can dispose of the foreign matter without touching it, making maintenance work more comfortable. By compressing and dehydrating the lint, the volume of lint within the filter body 30 is reduced, thereby reducing the frequency of maintenance.

[0078] The lifting mechanism 60 includes a first conversion mechanism M1 that reciprocates the compression rod 84 in the second direction D2 in conjunction with the rotation of the operating rod 53, and a second conversion mechanism M2 that moves the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the compression rod 84. With this lifting mechanism 60, the driving force conversion mechanism is divided into an area near the operating rod 53 (outside the filter body 30) and an area near the compression plate 40 (inside the filter body 30), thereby facilitating filter assembly.

[0079] Since the first conversion mechanism M1 includes the cylindrical cam 82 and the compression rod 84 , the rotational driving force of the operation lever is reliably transmitted to the reciprocating member 61 .

[0080] Since the first conversion mechanism M1 includes a clutch 81 and a compression coil spring 87, the clutch 81 is biased by the compression coil spring 87, transmitting the rotational drive force of the operating lever 53 to the reciprocating member 61 via the cylindrical cam 82 and the compression rod 84. On the other hand, as the compression plate 40 compresses the foreign matter, the rebound force may increase. In this case, the clutch 81 may idle. This prevents damage to the lifting mechanism 60 (the first conversion mechanism M1 and / or the second conversion mechanism M2).

[0081] The compression plate 40 can be reliably and easily moved by the lifting mechanism 60 having the link mechanism 66. In addition, the volume for accumulating lint and the like in the filter body 30 can be increased, making filter body maintenance easier.

[0082] The range of movement of the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 achieved by the lifting mechanism 60 is limited to the full length of the plurality of comb teeth 34. As a result, the peripheral edge 42 of the compression plate 40 is always engaged with the plurality of comb teeth 34 of the filter body 30. This prevents the compression plate 40 from falling off the filter body 30.

[0083] Since the operating lever 53 and the assembly / disassembly lever 51 rotate integrally, the operation of removing the filter assembly A from the housing 20 and the operation of raising the compression plate 40, that is, the operation of compressing and dehydrating foreign matter, can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, the operation of installing the filter assembly A in the housing 20 and the operation of lowering the compression plate 40 can be performed simultaneously. That is, the user (customer) only needs to perform the assembly / disassembly operation of the filter assembly A to move the compression plate 40 up and down (up and down), and no other operations are required. If the operation of raising and lowering the compression plate 40 and the assembly / disassembly operation of the filter assembly A were performed separately, it would increase the user's effort. However, in this embodiment, the vertical movement of the compression plate 40 is linked to the assembly / disassembly operation of the filter assembly A, thereby reducing the user's effort.

[0084] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, as a mechanism for causing the compression plate 40 to rise and then fall, the pair of cam holes formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical cam 82 can be bent into a "<" shape midway. This allows the compression plate 40 to rise and then fall when the detachment lever 51 and the operating lever 53 are rotated in the opening direction. This eliminates the need to return the operating lever 54, improving user convenience.

[0085] Other lifting mechanisms besides the lifting mechanism 60 provided in the above-described embodiments may also be employed. For example, four cam members extending in a third direction at an angle to both the first and second directions D1 and D2 may be integrally formed with the reciprocating member 61 within a plane perpendicular to the reciprocating member 61 and parallel to the second direction D2 (i.e., within a plane encompassing the first and second directions D1 and D2). These four cam members may be inserted into cam insertion holes formed in the flat plate portion 41. This cam mechanism can also be used to raise and lower the compression plate 40.

[0086] The compression rod 84 may be omitted. In this case, the reciprocating member 61 may extend to the position of the cylindrical cam 82 and directly engage with the cylindrical cam 82. The clutch 81 and the compression coil spring 87 may also be omitted.

[0087] The operating lever 53 may be rotatable independently of the attaching / detaching lever 51 .

[0088] The direction in which the filter assembly A (filter body 30, etc.) is attached to the housing body 21 is not limited to the first direction D1, but may be a direction intersecting the first direction D1. The drain filter may also be installed horizontally without being tilted.

[0089] The detachment lever may be a lever with a locking mechanism such as a hook that engages with the insertion port 27, or a lever that is simply inserted into the insertion port 27, rather than a rotating lever. The detachment lever may be any structure that can close the insertion port 27 of the housing 20 for water sealing.

[0090] The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The direction in which the comb teeth 34 extend and the direction in which the compression plate 40 can move may also form an angle other than 90 degrees with the second direction D2, the moving direction of the reciprocating member 61 .

[0091] The present invention may also be applied to washing machines other than drum washing machines, such as vertical washing machines.

Claims

1. A drainage filter for capturing foreign matter contained in washing water by introducing washing water into a filter body for water flow, the drainage filter comprising: a housing having an inlet for introducing the washing water, a discharge outlet for discharging the filtered washing water, and an insertion port for inserting the filter body; The filter body is attached to the housing via the insertion port and has a plurality of comb teeth extending in a first direction; a compression plate having a flat plate portion disposed in the filter body and a peripheral edge portion engaged with the plurality of comb teeth, the compression plate being embedded in the filter body and being movable in the first direction in the filter body; an operating portion, mounted on the filter body and operable from the outside of the insertion port, the operating portion having an operating lever rotatable about a rotation center line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as a lifting mechanism that causes the reciprocating member to reciprocate in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating rod, and causes the compression plate to move in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement, A receiving surface that comes into contact with or comes into contact with the compression plate that has moved in the first direction is formed on the inner surface of the housing.

2. The drainage filter according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism has: a first conversion mechanism, which causes the compression rod to reciprocate in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating rod; as well as The second conversion mechanism causes the reciprocating member to reciprocate in the second direction in conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the compression rod, and causes the compression plate to move in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating motion.

3. The drainage filter according to claim 2, wherein: The first conversion mechanism has: a cylindrical cam arranged concentrically with the rotation center line, rotating in conjunction with the rotational movement of the operating rod, and having a pair of cam holes formed in a peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical cam; and The compression rod includes an engagement portion engaged with the pair of cam holes of the cylindrical cam and a shaft portion integrated with the engagement portion and arranged along the rotation center line, and the compression rod reciprocates in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the cylindrical cam.

4. The drainage filter according to claim 3, wherein: The first conversion mechanism has: a clutch disposed between the operating lever and the cylindrical cam, engaging with the cylindrical cam through the mountain shape on the end surface in the second direction, thereby transmitting the rotational driving force of the operating lever to the cylindrical cam; and The compression coil spring is disposed between the operation lever and the clutch and biases the clutch in the second direction so that the clutch engages with the cylindrical cam.

5. The drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The lifting mechanism includes a link mechanism that connects the reciprocating member and the compression plate and converts the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member into movement of the compression plate in the first direction.

6. The drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The movement range of the compression plate in the first direction achieved by the lifting mechanism is limited to the range of the entire length of the plurality of comb teeth.

7. The drainage filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The operation portion includes a rotatable detaching lever for integrally detaching the filter body, the compression plate, and the lifting mechanism from the housing. The operating lever rotates integrally with the mounting and dismounting lever.

8. A washing machine comprising: The outer barrel is arranged in the box body; A washing tub, disposed in the outer tub, for containing washings; a drain pipe connected to the outer tub to drain the washing water in the outer tub; and The drain filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, connected to the drain pipe.

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