Filter device and washing machine or drying machine

Abstract

To provide a filter device which has excellent dust removal performance, and which can prevent clogging of a filter body.SOLUTION: The inside of a body case 1 communicates with the inside of a dust box 2 via a communication port 6, and the dust collected in a first filter body 3 can be transferred to the dust box 2 via a cleaning body 4. The first filter body 3 is substantially semicircular in a plan view. A rotary shaft 4a is positioned at the center of the substantially semicircular first filter body 3, and a rotation starting end and a rotation finishing end of a first blade 4c are positioned on the dust box 2 side in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter device for removing dust attached to a filter, and a washing machine or a dryer equipped with this filter device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lint filter that is installed so as to be communicable with the drain outlet of a washing machine and collects and removes dust is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The lint filter described in Patent Document 1 has a base, a plurality of rod-shaped protrusions formed on the base for collecting lint in a fluid, and a cover body having insertion holes into which the rod-shaped protrusions are inserted. The cover body is movable between the vicinity of the base and the vicinity of the tip of the rod-shaped protrusion in a state of being inserted into the rod-shaped protrusion. By moving the cover body from the base side to the tip side of the rod-shaped protrusion, the collected lint is removed to the tip side of the rod-shaped protrusion. The cover body is characterized in that, in a state where the cover body is moved to the maximum extent near the tip of the rod-shaped protrusion, the insertion-side opening of the insertion hole is located on the base side rather than the tip of the rod-shaped protrusion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with the lint filter described in Patent Document 1 above, it has been difficult to remove minute dust such as microplastics, which has become a problem in recent years. On the other hand, a filter cleaning device installed on the exhaust side from the tank body of a dryer is also known. However, when this is applied to the drainage side, since the filter body provided in the filter cleaning device has fine pores, there is a problem that the filter body is likely to be clogged with lint containing moisture. In order to prevent clogging of the filter body, it has been necessary to improve the dust removal performance of the filter cleaning device.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a filter device having excellent dust removal performance and capable of preventing clogging of a filter body, and a washing machine or a dryer equipped with this filter device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a filter device having a main body case detachably attachable to communicate with a drain port and a dust box. The main body case includes a first filter body provided on the bottom surface and a cleaning body for cleaning the first filter body. The dust box includes a second filter body on a side surface. The cleaning body has a rotating shaft rotated by a drive source, a cleaning body main body fixed to the rotating shaft, and a first blade fixed to the cleaning body main body and slidably contacting the first filter body. The inside of the main body case communicates with the inside of the dust box through a communication port, and dust collected by the first filter body can be transferred to the dust box through the cleaning body. The first filter body has a substantially semicircular shape in plan view, the rotating shaft is located at the center of the substantially semicircular first filter body, and the starting end and the ending end of the rotation of the first blade are located on the dust box side in plan view. The first filter body and the second filter body allow drainage to pass through, and the pores of the first filter body and the second filter body are sized to be able to collect microplastics.

[0008] In the invention of claim 1, since the first filter body is substantially semi-circular in plan view and the rotation axis is located at the center of the substantially semi-circular first filter body, the dust collected by the cleaning body on the forward and return paths can be transferred to and discarded in the dust box each time, preventing the first filter body from being clogged. Also, since the rotation start end and rotation end of the first blade are located on the dust box side in plan view, it is possible to prevent dust such as lint from adhering to the first blade. Further, since the meshes of the first filter body and the second filter body are sized to be able to collect microplastics, it is possible to reliably prevent microplastics from being discharged mixed in the drainage water.

[0009] The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the dust box is detachably installed with respect to the main body case. Thereby, dust such as lint and microplastics accumulated in the dust box can be easily discarded.

[0010] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the lowest point of the rotation axis is located above the surface of the first filter body. Thereby, it is possible to prevent dust such as thread waste from adhering to the rotation axis.

[0011] The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, the first filter body is detachably installed with respect to the main body case. Thereby, only the first filter body can be easily cleaned or replaced.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, a dust removing body for removing the dust adhering to the first blade is formed at the edge of the communication port near the first filter body. Thereby, it is possible to reliably remove the dust adhering to the first blade in the cleaning of the forward and return paths of the first filter body, and the removed dust can be accommodated in the dust box.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the bottom surface of the main body case in which the first filter body is formed is an inclined surface facing the communication port side. Thereby, when the communication port side is raised, even if the first filter body becomes clogged, it becomes difficult for the drained water to flow down to the dust box side, so that it is possible to prevent the second filter body from becoming clogged. Further, when the communication port side is lowered, the drained water easily flows down to the dust box side, so that dust such as microplastics adhering to the surface of the second filter body can be washed off from above the second filter body along the wall surface of the dust box.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, a third filter body is provided on the side surface of the main body case, and a second blade is provided at a position where the cleaning body is in sliding contact with the third filter body. Thereby, even when the first filter body becomes clogged, drainage can be performed from the third filter body side, and the dust adhering to the third filter body can be removed by the second blade.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 7, a dust removing body for removing the dust adhering to the second blade is formed at the edge of the communication port near the third filter body. Thereby, the dust adhering to the second blade can be surely removed, and the removed dust can be accommodated in the dust box.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is an invention of a washing machine or a dryer, comprising a washing machine main body or a dryer main body, a tank for storing laundry installed inside the washing machine main body or the dryer main body, a filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for removing dust such as microplastics generated from the laundry, an in-machine drain pipe having a drain port communicating the filter device and the tank, and a drain pipe communicating with the filter device for draining water to the outside. Thereby, clogging of the first filter body can be prevented, adhesion of dust such as lint to the first blade can be prevented, and discharge of microplastics mixed in the drainage can be surely prevented.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 9, the filter device is detachably installed with respect to the dryer main body or the washing machine main body. Thereby, even when the filter device fails, it can be easily repaired or replaced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The invention of the filter device according to claim 1 and the invention of the washing machine or dryer according to claim 9 can prevent clogging of the first filter body, prevent adhesion of dust such as lint to the first blade, and surely prevent discharge of microplastics mixed in the drainage. Further, the invention according to claim 2 can easily discard dust such as lint and microplastics accumulated in the dust box. Further, the invention according to claim 3 can prevent adhesion of dust such as thread waste to the rotating shaft.

[0019] The invention according to claim 4 can easily clean or replace only the first filter body. Further, the invention according to claim 5 can surely remove the dust attached to the first blade during cleaning of the forward and return paths of the first filter body, and can store the removed dust in the dust box.

[0020] In the invention of claim 6, when the communication port side is raised, even if the first filter body becomes clogged, it becomes difficult for the drained water to flow down to the dust box side, so it is possible to prevent the second filter body from becoming clogged. Further, when the communication port side is lowered, the drained water easily flows down to the dust box side, so the drained water can flow down the wall surface of the dust box from above the second filter body and wash away dust such as microplastics adhering to the surface of the second filter body.

[0021] In the invention of claim 7, drainage can be performed from the third filter body side even when the first filter body becomes clogged. Further, in the invention of claim 8, the dust adhering to the second blade can be surely removed, and the removed dust can be stored in the dust box. Further, in the invention of the washing machine or dryer of claim 10, even when the filter device fails, it can be easily repaired or replaced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a washing and drying machine in which a filter device according to the present invention is installed, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine. The washing machine or dryer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to these figures.

[0025] The washing and drying machine 40 according to the present invention has a washing and drying machine main body 30 provided with a door 30a on the front surface, and in a rotary drum 30b that is rotatably arranged in a tank body 30d and houses clothes and the like, warm air generated by a blowing means (fan) 33 and a heating means 32 is circulated and supplied through ventilation ducts 31a, 31b, 31c to enable drying of clothes. An air filter cleaning device 20 is detachably installed in the exhaust air passage of the ventilation ducts 31a, 31b, 31c from the tank body 30d. Further, the air filter cleaning device 20 is configured to be able to be taken in and out from an outlet 30e formed on the upper surface portion of the washing and drying machine main body 30. Further, a filter device 10 according to the present invention is detachably installed below the front surface of the washing and drying machine main body 30, and the filter device 10 and the tank body 30d are communicated by an in-machine drain pipe 34 having a drain port. Further, the filter device 10 is communicated with a drain pipe 35 for draining water to the outside.

[0026] Reference numeral 30c is a motor for rotating the rotary drum 30b, and this motor 30c rotates the rotary drum 30b during various processes such as a drying process, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process. As an example, a heat exchanger can be used for the heating means 32. Note that various systems such as a heat pump system and a heater system can be adopted as the heat exchanger system. Further, the washing and drying machine 40 is of a drum type, but is not limited thereto, and for example, various systems such as a vertical type can be adopted.

[0027] Further, instead of the above washing and drying machine 40, the filter device 10 according to the present invention can also be applied to a washing machine or a drying machine, and can be detachably installed on the drying machine main body or the washing machine main body. Thereby, even when the filter device 10 fails, it can be easily repaired or replaced.

[0028] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a state where the filter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a washing machine or a drying machine, FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the filter device according to the first embodiment viewed from above, and FIG. 2(c) is a perspective view of the filter device according to the first embodiment viewed from below. Further, FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2(b). The filter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to these drawings.

[0029] The filter device 10 according to the first embodiment is a filter device having a main body case 1 detachably attached to communicate with a drain port and a dust box 2. The main body case 1 includes a first filter body 3 provided on the bottom surface and a cleaning body 4 for cleaning the first filter body 3. The arrow shown in FIG. 2(a) indicates the normal drainage route, which leads from the drain port through the first filter body 3 of the main body case 1 to the drain pipe 35 and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine or the drying machine.

[0030] The dust box 2 is provided with a second filter body 5 on the side surface. The cleaning body 4 has a rotating shaft 4a rotated by a drive source (not shown), a cleaning body main body 4b fixed to the rotating shaft 4a, and a first blade 4c fixed to the cleaning body main body 4b and slidably contacting the first filter body 3.

[0031] The interior of the main body case 1 communicates with the interior of the dust box 2 via the communication port 6, and the dust collected by the first filter body 3 can be transferred to the dust box 2 via the cleaning body 4. The first filter body 3 is substantially semi-circular in plan view, the rotation axis 4a is located at the center of the substantially semi-circular first filter body 3, and the rotation start end and the rotation end of the first blade 4c are located on the dust box 2 side in plan view. Thus, the dust collected by the cleaning body 4 on the forward and return paths can be transferred and discarded to the dust box 2 each time, and clogging of the first filter body 3 can be prevented. Further, since the rotation start end and the rotation end of the first blade 4c are not located on the first filter body 3 side in plan view, it is possible to prevent dust such as lint from adhering to the first blade 4c.

[0032] And the first filter body 3 and the second filter body 5 are capable of allowing drainage to pass through, and the pores of the first filter body 3 and the second filter body 5 are sized to be able to collect microplastics. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent microplastics from being discharged mixed with the drainage.

[0033] The dust box 2 constituting the filter device 10 of the first embodiment is configured to be detachably installed with respect to the main body case 1. Thus, dust such as lint and microplastics accumulated in the dust box 2 can be easily discarded.

[0034] The cleaning body 4 constituting the filter device 10 of the first embodiment is configured such that the lowermost point 4e (see FIG. 4) of the rotation axis 4a is located above the surface of the first filter body 3. Thus, it is possible to prevent dust such as thread waste from adhering to the rotation axis 4a.

[0035] The first filter body 3 constituting the filter device 10 of the first embodiment is configured to be detachably installed with respect to the main body case 1. Thus, only the first filter body 3 can be easily cleaned or replaced.

[0036] In addition, a dust removing body 7 for removing dust adhering to the first blade 4c is formed at the edge of the communication port 6 near the first filter body 3. As a result, the dust adhering to the first blade 4c can be surely removed by the dust removing body 7 during the cleaning of the forward and return paths of the first filter body 3, and the removed dust can fall and be accommodated in the dust box 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cleaning body constituting the filter device of the first embodiment. As described above, the cleaning body 4 includes a rotation shaft 4a, a cleaning body main body 4b fixed to the rotation shaft 4a, and a first blade 4c fixed to the cleaning body main body 4b and in sliding contact with the first filter body 3. The lowermost point 4e of the rotation shaft 4a is positioned above the surface of the first filter body 3. The first blade 4c is formed of a soft member having elasticity, and a plurality of protrusions 4d, 4d are formed on the forward path cleaning side and the return path cleaning side. By these plurality of protrusions 4d, 4d, dust such as lint and microplastics adhering to the first filter body 3 can be scraped off.

[0038] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the filter device of the first embodiment. FIG. 5(a) shows the initial position (standby position where cleaning has not started) of the cleaning body 4, and the cleaning body 4 is arranged so as not to cover the drainage area where water is drained from above the first filter body 3. In addition, the first blade 4c is located on the dust box 2 side. This prevents dust X such as lint and microplastics from adhering to the cleaning body 4 during non-cleaning.

[0039] FIG. 5(b) shows the position of the cleaning body 4 during the forward path cleaning. In this state, the first blade 4c strongly contacts the first filter body 3 and transfers the dust X in the forward path direction indicated by the arrow while being bent toward the return path side.

[0040] FIG. 5(c) shows the forward path end position of the cleaning body 4. In this state, since the contact between the first blade 4c and the first filter body 3 is eliminated, the first blade 4c will bend back, and dust X such as lint containing moisture will be bounced into the dust box 2.

[0041] Also, the forward path end position of the cleaning body 4 can be set as a standby position where cleaning has not started, similar to the initial position in FIG. 5(a). In that case, the cleaning body 4 is arranged so as not to enter the drainage area where drainage occurs from above the first filter body 3, and since the first blade 4c is located on the side of the dust box 2, it prevents dust X such as lint and microplastics from adhering to the cleaning body 4 during non-cleaning.

[0042] Also, the forward path end position of the cleaning body 4 is also the return path start position. Since the dust on the first blade 4c is removed by the dust removing body 7 provided at the edge of the communication port 6 near the first filter body 3, the cleaning of the first filter body 3 can always be started by the first blade 4c in a state where the dust X has been removed.

[0043] FIG. 5(d) shows a position in the middle of the cleaning of the return path of the cleaning body 4. In this state, the first blade 4c strongly contacts the first filter body 3 and transfers the dust X in the direction of the return path indicated by the arrow while bending toward the forward path side.

[0044] FIG. 5(e) is the return path end position and also the initial position shown in FIG. 5(a). Also, since it is also the forward path start position, the dust X adhering to the first blade 4c is removed by the dust removing body 7 provided at the edge of the communication port 6 near the first filter body 3, so the cleaning of the first filter body 3 can always be started by the first blade 4c in a state where the dust has been removed.

[0045] Here, in one operation of the cleaning body 4, it can be selected by a control device that controls a drive source installed on the washing machine side or the dryer side whether to perform the operations from FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(c) or from FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(e). For example, in the case of draining during washing, the operations from FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(e) can be performed, and in the case of draining during drying, the operations from FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(c) can be performed, etc., and appropriate selection can be made as needed.

[0046] FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the filter device of the second embodiment viewed from below, FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 6(a), and FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 6(a). Further, FIG. 6(d) is a perspective view showing the cleaning body constituting the filter device of the second embodiment. The filter device of the second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to these figures.

[0047] The bottom surface of the main body case 51 of the filter device 50 of the second embodiment, on which the first filter body 53 is formed, is an inclined surface facing the communication port 56 side. And as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), when it is a conical inclined surface where the communication port 56 side is higher, even when the first filter body 53 becomes clogged, it becomes difficult for the drainage to flow down to the dust box 52 side, so it is possible to prevent the second filter body 55a from becoming clogged. Also, although not shown, when the communication port 56 side is lowered, the drainage easily flows down to the dust box 52 side, so the drainage can flow down the wall surface of the dust box 52 from above the second filter body 55a to wash away dust such as microplastics adhering to the surface of the second filter body 55a.

[0048] The filter device 50 of the second embodiment is provided with a third filter body 55b on the side surface of the main body case 51, and a second blade 54f is provided at a position where the cleaning body 54 is in sliding contact with the third filter body 55b. Thereby, even when the first filter body 53 becomes clogged, drainage can be performed from the third filter body 55b side, and the dust adhering to the third filter body 55b can be removed by the second blade 54f.

[0049] Also, the second blade 54f is formed of a soft member having elasticity, like the first blade 54c, and a plurality of protrusions 54d, 54d are formed on the forward cleaning side and the return cleaning side. By these plurality of protrusions 54d, 54d, dust such as lint and microplastics attached to the first filter body 53 and the third filter body 55b can be scraped off.

[0050] Further, the cleaning body 54 is configured such that the angle formed by the cleaning body main body 54b on which the first blade 54c is installed and the rotation shaft 54a is greater than 90 degrees. This is in correspondence with the conical inclined surface where the communication port 56 side of the first filter body 53 described above becomes higher.

[0051] In the filter device 50 of the second embodiment, a second dust removing body 57b for removing dust attached to the second blade 54f is formed at the edge of the communication port 56 near the third filter body 55b. Thereby, the dust attached to the second blade 54f can be surely removed. Also, the dust attached to the first blade 54c can be removed by the first dust removing body 57a, and the dust removed by the first dust removing body 57a and the second dust removing body 57b can be stored in the dust box 52. Since other configurations are the same as those of the filter device 10 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Industrial Applicability

[0052] The filter device according to the present invention is used for removing dust attached to the filter body. Further, the washing machine or dryer according to the present invention is used as a washing machine or dryer provided with a filter device for removing dust attached to the filter body.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1, 51 Main body case 2, 52 Dust box 3, 53 First filter body 4, 54 Cleaning body 4a, 54a Rotation shaft 4b, 54b Cleaning body main body 4c, 54c First blade 4d, 54d Protrusion 4e, 54e Lowest point 5, 55a Second filter body 6, 56 Communication port 7 Dust removal body 10, 50 Filter device 20 Air filter cleaning device 30 Washing and drying machine main body 30a Door 30b Rotating drum 30c Motor 30d Tank body 30e Outlet 31a, 31b, 31c Ventilation duct 32 Heating means 33 Air blowing means 34 Drain pipe inside the machine 35 Drain pipe 40 Washing and drying machine 54f Second blade 55b Third filter body 57a First dust removal body 57b Second dust removal body X Dust

Claims

1. A filter device having a main body case that can be communicatively attached to a drain outlet and a dust box, wherein the main body case includes a first filter body provided on a bottom surface and a cleaning body for cleaning the first filter body, the dust box includes a second filter body on a side surface, the cleaning body has a rotating shaft rotated by a drive source, a cleaning body main body fixed to the rotating shaft, and a first blade fixed to the cleaning body main body and in sliding contact with the first filter body, the interior of the main body case communicates with the interior of the dust box via a communication port, and dust collected by the first filter body can be transferred to the dust box via the cleaning body, the first filter body is substantially semi-circular in plan view, the rotating shaft is located at the center of the substantially semi-circular first filter body, and the starting and ending points of rotation of the first blade are located on the dust box side in plan view, the first filter body and the second filter body allow drainage to pass through, and the mesh of the first filter body and the second filter body is sized to collect microplastics, a filter device characterized by this

2. The filter device according to claim 1, wherein the dust box is detachably installed with respect to the main body case

3. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lowest point of the rotating shaft is located above the surface of the first filter body

4. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter body is detachably installed with respect to the main body case

5. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a dust removing body for removing dust adhering to the first blade is formed at an edge of the communication port near the first filter body

6. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom surface of the main body case on which the first filter body is formed is an inclined surface facing the communication port side

7. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a third filter body is provided on a side surface of the main body case, and a second blade is provided at a position where the cleaning body is in sliding contact with the third filter body

8. The filter device according to claim 7, wherein a dust removing body for removing dust adhering to the second blade is formed at an edge of the communication port near the third filter body

9. A washing machine or a dryer body, a tub installed inside the washing machine body or the dryer body for storing laundry, a filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for removing dust such as microplastics generated from the laundry, an in-machine drain pipe having a drain outlet communicating the filter device and the tub, and a drain pipe communicating with the filter device for draining water to the outside.

10. The washing machine or dryer according to claim 9, wherein the filter device is detachably installed with respect to the dryer body or the washing machine body.

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