Discharge filter and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a discharge filter which can prevent breakage of members, disassembling of members and the like in a mechanism for transmitting an operation force, and to provide a washing machine.SOLUTION: A discharge filter 100 includes: a filter body 30 mounted in a case 20; a reciprocation member 61 for foreign object compression movable in the filter body 30; and an operation part 50 mounted on the filter body 30. The operation part 50 includes an operation lever 53 which can be pushed in / drawn out in a second direction D2. The operation lever 53 includes: a first member 57 operated in a drawn-out direction or a push-in direction by a user; and a second member 58 detachably engaged with an engagement piece 57d of the first member 57, and for transmitting an operation force to the reciprocation member 61 via a connection part C. The engagement between the first member 57 and the second member 58 is released when the operation force becomes equal to or greater than a certain value by a reaction force of a compression operation, and the transmission of the operation force via the second member 58 becomes impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drain filter and a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A washing machine equipped with a drain filter is known, for example, from the washing machine described in Patent Document 1. This washing machine includes a filter unit that captures foreign matter contained in the drain. A basket (filter body) of the filter unit is formed with a filtering surface that filters the drain. The filtering surface has slits formed by rods arranged in a comb-like pattern, as well as large and small filtering holes. When the drain is filtered, foreign matter in the drain is captured on the filtering surface of the basket. A user pulls out the filter body to perform maintenance, such as removing foreign matter adhering to the basket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-125537 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, during maintenance, a high moisture content of lint and other foreign matter can cause discomfort to the user. To address this issue, a configuration that includes a control lever that can be pushed or pulled by the user is considered, enabling dehydration of the foreign matter. In such a configuration, a reciprocating member for compressing the foreign matter is provided within the filter body, and the tip of the control lever, for example, is connected to the reciprocating member. When the user operates the control lever in the pull-out or push-in direction, the operating force is transmitted to the reciprocating member, compressing the foreign matter.

[0005] In the above-described configuration, the reaction force of the compression operation can increase the operating force of the operating lever. When the operating force increases, the connection between the operating lever and the reciprocating member may be damaged or the components may come apart. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drain filter and a washing machine that can prevent damage or disassembly of components in the mechanism that transmits the operating force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] One aspect of the present disclosure is a drain filter that captures foreign matter contained in wash water by introducing wash water into a filter body and passing the water through it, the drain filter comprising: a case having an inlet for introducing wash water, an outlet for discharging filtered wash water, and an insertion port into which the filter body is inserted; the filter body mounted in the case and filtering the wash water that flows in from the inlet; a reciprocating member for compressing foreign matter that is movable in a predetermined movement direction within the filter body; and an operating unit attached to the filter body and operable from the outside of the insertion port, the operating unit having a connecting part at its tip that is connected to the reciprocating member and an operating lever that can be pushed and pulled in the movement direction, the operating lever including: a first member that is operated by a user in a pull-out direction or a push-in direction; and a second member that detachably engages with a part of the first member and transmits an operating force in the pull-out direction or the push-in direction to the reciprocating member via the connecting part, the engagement between the first member and the second member being released when the operating force exceeds a certain level due to the reaction force of the compression action, and the transmission of the operating force via the second member being disabled.

[0007] According to the drain filter of [1], during maintenance, the user operates the operating lever to compress and dehydrate foreign matter. The second member at the tip of the operating lever is connected to a reciprocating member for compressing foreign matter, and the first member is detachably engaged with the second member. When the first and second members move together in the pull-out or push-in direction, the reciprocating member moves toward the compression side. As the reciprocating member moves, the foreign matter is compressed, and the operating force increases due to the reaction force of the compression action. The engagement portion between the first and second members is released when the operating force exceeds a certain level, and the second member separates from the first member. In this way, a clutch structure is provided in the operating lever. The operating force cannot be transmitted via the second member or the connecting portion. This protects the connecting portion and other components, preventing damage to or disassembly of components in the mechanism that transmits the operating force.

[0008] [2] In the drain filter of [1] above, the filter body may have a plurality of comb teeth extending in a first direction intersecting the movement direction, and the filter body may be provided with a compression plate having a flat plate portion disposed within the filter body and a peripheral portion that fits onto the plurality of comb teeth. The compression plate may move in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member in response to the pushing and pulling of the operating lever. With this configuration, foreign matter is captured as the wash water passes through the plurality of comb teeth of the filter body. During maintenance, the user operates the operating lever to move the compression plate, thereby spinning out the foreign matter. At this time, the foreign matter is scraped off by the peripheral portion of the compression plate. This allows the user to dispose of the foreign matter without touching it as much as possible.

[0009] [3] In the drainage filter of [2] above, a receiving surface may be formed on the inner surface of the case, which is in close proximity to or in contact with the compression plate that has moved in the first direction. With this configuration, foreign matter is sandwiched between the receiving surface and the compression plate, thereby achieving a higher dewatering effect.

[0010] [4] In the drainage filter of any one of [1] to [3] above, the operating part may have another lever that guides the movement of the first member, and the first member may contact the other lever at a location different from the engaging part after the engaging part is disengaged, thereby restricting further movement of the first member. With this configuration, the user can recognize the completion of operation by the operating lever, for example, by the feeling transmitted to the user's hand or the sound caused by the members contacting each other.

[0011] [5] In the drain filter of [4] above, the operating part may be provided with a mark that indicates that the first member has reached its limit position when the first member and another lever come into contact at different locations. With this configuration, the user can visually recognize that the operation by the operating lever has ended.

[0012] [6] As another aspect of the present invention, a washing machine may be provided that includes an outer tub disposed within a housing, a washing tub disposed within the outer tub and containing laundry, a drain pipe connected to the outer tub for discharging wash water from the outer tub, and a drain filter according to any one of [1] to [5] above, connected to the drain pipe. With this washing machine, even if the user operates the operating lever during maintenance and the operating force increases, the clutch structure operates to prevent damage to or disassembly of components inside the drain filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, damage to members in a mechanism for transmitting an operating force, disassembly of members, etc. can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine to which a drain filter according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the drainage filter in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of a filter assembly of the drainage filter in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the drainage filter during the compression operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view showing the operating portion during the compression operation (pulling operation) shown in FIGS. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a display of the movement limit position on the operation unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0016] In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be used to describe washing machine 1. The X and Z directions correspond to the front-to-rear and height directions (or up-down or vertical directions) in the installed state of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. The direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the Y direction shown in FIG. 3, which corresponds to the left-to-right direction in the installed state of washing machine 1. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are terms based on the installed state of washing machine 1.

[0017] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of washing machine 1 will be described. Washing machine 1 is, for example, a drum-type washing machine. Washing machine 1 includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. A circular door 3 that can be opened and closed is attached to the front of housing 2. A circular loading port 4 through which laundry is loaded is formed on the front of housing 2. Loading port 4 is opened and closed by door 3. Inside housing 2, there are provided an outer tub 6 that stores wash water, and a drum (washing tub) 7 that is rotatably disposed within outer tub 6 and stores laundry. Both outer tub 6 and drum 7 are cylindrical with a bottom. Outer tub 6 is elastically supported within housing 2 by multiple dampers 11 and springs 12. Outer tub 6 and drum 7 are arranged concentrically (coaxially) with respect to a central axis extending in the X direction, for example. Outer tub 6 has a circular opening 6a located in front of an opening 7a of drum 7.

[0018] The peripheral edge of the opening 6a of the outer tub 6 and the peripheral edge of the loading port 4 of the housing 2 are connected by an annular packing 8 made of an elastic material. The peripheral surface of the closed door 3 comes into contact with the packing 8, sealing the space between the loading port 4 and the door 3 with water. A large number of dewatering holes 7b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 7. A balancer 7c is also provided at the front of the inner peripheral surface of the drum 7, and multiple (e.g., three) baffles 7d are provided at equal intervals around the circumference.

[0019] A drive motor 9 for rotating the drum 7 is installed within the housing 2 and behind the outer tub 6. The drive motor 9 has a rotation shaft 9a extending in the X direction and connected to a portion of the drum 7. The rotation shaft 9a and the drum 7 may be connected via a pulley, a speed reducer, or the like, or may be connected directly. During the washing and rinsing cycles, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively low rotation speed so that the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 7 is smaller than gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. During the spin cycle, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively high rotation speed so that the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 7 is larger than gravity, causing the laundry to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 7.

[0020] A water supply pipe 13 and a water supply valve 14 are disposed at the rear of the housing 2. The water supply pipe 13 may be a flexible hose, or may be made of a piping material other than a hose. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied into the outer tub 6 through the water supply pipe 13. In this specification, "washing water" refers to a liquid appropriate for each process, such as the washing process and rinsing process, of the laundry. Therefore, in the washing process, the washing water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and in the rinsing process, the washing liquid may be water. Furthermore, in the rinsing process, the washing water may contain fabric softener.

[0021] A recess 6b is formed in the bottom of the outer tub 6, recessed downward. A drain pipe 16 is connected to the recess 6b. The drain pipe 16 includes, for example, a first drain pipe 16a and a second drain pipe 16b. The first drain pipe 16a and the second drain pipe 16b may be flexible hoses or may be made of piping materials other than hoses. The drain pipe 16 drains the wash water from the outer tub 6. The wash water is drained by gravity through the drain pipe 16, for example, by arranging the drain pipe 16 facing downward. The second drain pipe 16b extends, for example, downward to the outside of the washing machine 1. The wash water discharged from the washing machine 1 through the first drain pipe 16a and the second drain pipe 16b is drained through a drain outlet provided in a waterproof pan or the like. The layout of the drain pipe 16 may be changed as appropriate.

[0022] The washing machine 1 is provided with a drain filter 100, which is installed, for example, midway through the drain pipe 16 and traps foreign matter contained in the wash water. An inlet pipe (not shown) of the drain filter 100 is connected to the downstream end of the first drain pipe 16a. For example, a drain hose H (see FIG. 2) is attached to the rear end of the drain filter 100, and the drain hose H is connected to the upstream end of the second drain pipe 16b. The drain filter 100 is provided with a case 20 and a filter assembly A mounted within the case 20. The filter assembly A is housed within the case 20. For example, a drain valve 17 is provided on the second drain pipe 16b. The first drain pipe 16a, the drain filter 100, and the second drain pipe 16b form a drainage path that allows gravity flow. When the drain valve 17 is opened, the wash water flowing down from the outer tub 6 and the first drain pipe 16a is introduced into the drain filter 100, passes through the drain filter 100 (after filtration), and is then discharged through the second drain pipe 16b. The drain valve 17 may be provided in the first drain pipe 16a (that is, on the upstream side of the drain filter 100).

[0023] Washing machine 1 is equipped with operation buttons operated by the user, and a controller (none of which are 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 performs various operations of washing machine 1 according to pre-stored programs in response to operations by the user. Also, in FIG. 1, the detergent dispenser and (if washing machine 1 is provided with a drying function) various parts related to the drying function, such as a heater, fan, and duct, are not shown.

[0024] The drain filter 100 is installed, for example, near the lower right side inside the housing 2. The drain filter 100 is fixed inside the housing 2 by appropriate means. The case 20 is installed at an angle so that the rear part of the case 20 (the right part in the figure) is lower than the front part of the case 20 (the left part in the figure). The filter assembly A is detachable from the case 20. A user can access the filter assembly A by opening a cover B that covers an opening 2f at the lower right side of the front of the housing 2. For example, when the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed, the filter assembly A is removed to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the opening 2f after the user performs an operation such as spin-drying (described in detail later). This allows maintenance of the drain filter 100.

[0025] The drainage filter 100 will be described in detail with reference to the necessary figures from Fig. 2 onwards. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the drainage filter 100, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the filter assembly A. The drainage filter 100 is installed in an inclined state (posture), but in Fig. 2 and subsequent figures, the drainage filter 100 is shown as a single item without taking this inclination into consideration. Therefore, in Fig. 2 and subsequent figures, the X-direction line (front-back direction line) and Z-direction line (up-down direction line) shown in Fig. 1 are omitted.

[0026] The drain filter 100 captures foreign matter contained in the wash water by introducing the wash water through a first drain pipe 16a connected to the outer tub 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the case 20 includes a substantially cylindrical case body 21, an inlet pipe 25 connected to, for example, the side of the case body 21, and a circular outlet 26a formed at the rear end of the case body 21. A circular inlet 25a is formed at the connection point of the inlet pipe 25 to the case body 21. The case 20 may be made of any material, such as resin. The first drain pipe 16a is connected to the inlet pipe 25, a drain hose H is attached to the outlet 26a, and a filter assembly A is inserted into the case body 21 to close the insertion opening 27 of the case body 21, thereby providing a hermetic seal for the case 20. The inlet 25a introduces the wash water through the first drain pipe 16a, and the outlet 26a discharges the filtered wash water that has passed through the filter body 30.

[0027] The drain filter 100 according to this embodiment has a structure and function that take filter maintenance into consideration. During maintenance, the drain filter 100 allows for easy dewatering of contaminants captured in the filter body 30, allowing the user to dispose of the contaminants with minimal contact. The dewatering function of the drain filter 100 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 3 , the filter assembly A includes the filter body 30, a compression plate 40 fitted within the filter body 30, and an operating unit 50 attached to the front side of the filter body 30. The term "front" is used with reference to a user standing in front of the washing machine 1 (in front of the door 3 and cover B) and is synonymous with the front of the washing machine 1. In the filter assembly A, these components are integrated. The user can easily remove and install the filter assembly A from and in the case 20 by grasping and rotating the attachment / detachment lever 51 of the operating unit 50. The components constituting the filter assembly A are made of, for example, resin molded parts. Metal may also be used in some parts.

[0028] 2 and 3, 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, a base end wall portion 32 that has a U-shaped cross section and is formed on the front side of the bottom wall portion 31, and a flange portion 33 that is formed on the front side of the base end wall portion 32. The filter body 30 is inserted and attached into the case 20 through the insertion opening 27 of the case 20. When the filter body 30 is attached, its rear end portion 38 is exposed (for example, protrudes) from the discharge opening 26a of the case 20. The attachment structure of the filter body 30 to the case 20 is not particularly limited.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the filter body 30 has a plurality of comb teeth 34 extending from the bottom wall 31. The comb teeth 34 are arranged along a pair of side edges of the bottom wall 31 and a short edge near the rear end 38 to form a pair of side walls and a rear wall of the filter body 30. All of the comb teeth 34 are parallel to each other and extend in the first direction D1. The comb teeth 34, spaced apart at regular intervals, form the filtering surface of the filter body 30. An opening 36 is formed in the base end wall 32 of the filter body 30 at a position facing the inlet 25a. Wash water introduced into the drain filter 100 flows into the filter body 30 through the opening 36. The wash water passes through the filtering surface formed by the numerous comb teeth 34. As a result, foreign matter such as lint is caught and captured by the comb teeth 34. The filtered wash water passes through the gaps between the comb teeth 34 and is discharged from the outlet 26a.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 31. However, because the case 20 is inclined as described above, the filter assembly A is also inclined. Therefore, the first direction D1 extends parallel to the XZ plane and forms a predetermined angle with the YZ plane. Most of the filter body 30 (portions involved in filtration) is fitted into the case body 21. For example, the bottom wall 31, the base end wall 32, and the comb teeth 34 maintain a fixed orientation within the case body 21 by fixing the attachment / detachment lever 51 at the insertion opening 27 and abutting the comb teeth 34 against portions of the top surface 21a. The bottom wall 31 and the base end wall 32 are not supported in contact with any part of the inner surface of the case body 21 and are spaced apart from the peripheral wall surface of the case body 21, including the lower end 21b. The upper ends of the comb teeth 34 are close to the flat top surface (receiving surface) 21a formed on the upper inner surface of the case body 21.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4 , the compression plate 40 has a rectangular flat plate portion 41 that fits within the filtration space surrounded by the multiple comb teeth 34, and a peripheral portion 42 that fits concave and convexly to the multiple comb teeth 34. The flat plate portion 41 is disposed within the filter body 30. Protrusions (these protrusions are also tooth-shaped) in a number corresponding to the gaps between the comb teeth 34 are aligned along a pair of side edges and a short rear edge of the flat plate portion 41. Gaps exist between the protrusions on the peripheral portion 42 and the comb teeth 34. With this configuration, the compression plate 40 fits within the filter body 30 and, while maintaining this fitted state, is movable within the filter body 30 in a first direction D1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The compression plate 40 moves substantially parallel to the filter body 30 while maintaining its posture. In other words, the direction of movement of the compression plate 40 is restricted by the comb teeth 34, and it is movable only in the first direction D1.

[0032] Each comb tooth 34 may be provided with a tapered portion (chamfered portion) that allows the comb tooth 34 to fit smoothly with the peripheral edge 42 and the compression plate 40 to slide smoothly. The peripheral edge 42 may also be provided with a tapered portion (chamfered portion) that allows the comb tooth 34 to fit smoothly with the compression plate 40 and the compression plate 40 to slide smoothly.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operating unit 50 can be operated from outside the washing machine 1, i.e., from outside the insertion opening 27. By opening the cover B (see FIG. 1), a user can hold the filter assembly A with one or both hands through the opening 2f. The operating unit 50 has a rotating attachment / detachment lever (separate lever) 51 and a fitting / detachment portion 56 that rotates integrally with the attachment / detachment lever 51. For example, when the flat-shaped attachment / detachment lever 51 faces left or right, the filter assembly A is attached and fixed to the case 20 by the fitting / detachment portion 56. When the user rotates the attachment / detachment lever 51 approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise, the fitting / detachment portion 56 is released, allowing the filter assembly A to be removed from the case 20. The filter assembly A can be removed, for example, along a second direction (movement direction) D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. When mounting the filter assembly A, the above steps are reversed to mount the filter assembly A in the case 20. The second direction D2 also extends, for example, parallel to the XZ plane.

[0034] The flange portion 33 of the filter body 30 is disposed between the fitting / detaching portion 56 and the insertion opening 27 of the case 20. An annular packing 28 (see FIG. 4) may be provided between the flange portion 33 and the insertion opening 27. In the above-described fitted state, the fitting / detaching portion 56 closes the insertion opening 27 via the flange portion 33 and the packing 28. The fitting / detaching portion 56, the flange portion 33, and the packing 28 seal the case 20 against water.

[0035] The operating unit 50 has an operating lever 53 that can be pushed and pulled in the second direction D2. The operating lever 53 extends in the second direction D2 and includes a shaft portion 58a disposed along the rotation center line L (see also FIG. 7) of the detachable lever 51. The operating lever 53 moves linearly along a guide portion 54 formed within the detachable lever 51. The operating lever 53 rotates integrally with the detachable lever 51 in the rotational direction around the rotation center line L due to the engagement between the flat body portion 57a ​​and the guide portion 54. However, the pushing and pulling action of the operating lever 53 and the rotational action of the detachable lever 51 are independent of each other. By inserting an index finger or the like into the annular finger rest 57c of the operating lever 53 and pulling the operating lever 53, the operating lever 53 moves in the pull-out direction Dout. By pushing the operating lever 53 toward the inside of the filter body 30, the operating lever 53 moves in the push-in direction Din. The pull-out direction Dout and the push-in direction Din are parallel to the second direction D2 and also parallel to the rotation center line L. The pull-out direction Dout can also be called the "pulling direction."

[0036] In the filter assembly A, the compression plate 40 moves up and down within the filter body 30, thereby enabling dewatering of foreign matter. The filter assembly A further includes a reciprocating member 61 that is connected to the tip end of the operating lever 53 (at a connecting portion C (see FIG. 7) described below) and that reciprocates in the second direction D2 in response to pushing and pulling of the operating lever 53. The reciprocating member 61 is a member for compressing foreign matter that is movable in the second direction D2 (a predetermined moving direction) within the filter body 30, and is connected to the compression plate 40. That is, the filter assembly A includes a lifting mechanism 60 that moves the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 in response to pushing and pulling of the operating lever 53. In the drainage filter 100 of this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 60 is a cam-type interlocking mechanism.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the lifting mechanism 60 includes a flat reciprocating member 61 and four parallel cam members 63 extending obliquely from the reciprocating member 61. The reciprocating member 61 includes a connecting wall portion 62 formed on its front side and protruding upward. The connecting end 58b of the operating lever 53 is fitted (e.g., H-shaped) into a fitting recess 62a of the connecting wall portion 62, thereby connecting the operating lever 53 (see also FIG. 7). The connecting end 58b and the fitting recess 62a form a connecting portion C that connects the reciprocating member 61 and the operating lever 53. Even if the operating lever 53 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the detachable lever 51, the connecting end 58b rotates idly on the fitting recess 62a, and the fitting state of the connecting end 58b in the fitting recess 62a remains unchanged. In other words, the operating lever 53 is rotatably engaged with the reciprocating member 61 (lifting mechanism 60). The four cam members 63 are integrally formed with the reciprocating member 61 and extend in a third direction that forms an angle with both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocating member 61 and parallel to the second direction D2 (i.e., in a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2). The four cam members 63 are present in a filtering space surrounded by the comb teeth 34. Each cam member 63 has a plate shape extending in the plane and is thin in the left-right direction (Y direction shown in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the flat plate portion 41 is formed with four cam insertion holes 41e through which the cam members 63 are inserted, corresponding to the four cam members 63. Each cam insertion hole 41e has a rectangular shape when viewed from the third direction. The number of cam members is not limited to four. For example, the compression plate 40 may be raised and lowered by two cam members, three cam members, or five or more cam members.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the reciprocating member 61 is disposed between the bottom wall portion 31 of the filter body 30 and the flat plate portion 41 of the compression plate 40. The reciprocating member 61 is guided, for example, by a guide groove formed on the bottom wall portion 31 and is movable in the second direction D2. The upper end of the cam member 63 is located at a height substantially equal to the upper ends of the comb teeth 34 and is close to the top surface 21a. The cam member 63 is inserted into the cam insertion hole 41e, restricting the movable direction of the compression plate 40, so that the entire lifting mechanism 60 can move only in the second direction D2 (the third direction of the cam member 63 is set in this manner). The lifting mechanism 60 moves the compression plate 40 in the first direction D1 in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating member 61 in response to the pushing and pulling of the operating lever 53.

[0039] 5, a mechanism for restricting the range of movement of the lifting mechanism 60 in the second direction D2 is provided on the underside of the reciprocating member 61. A protrusion 64 is provided on the underside of the reciprocating member 61 at the center in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a groove 31g is formed in the bottom wall 31 at the center in the left-right direction, recessed from the surface (contact surface) on which the reciprocating member 61 rests and extending in the second direction D2. A compression coil spring 65 is fitted in this groove 31g. The compression coil spring 65 is interposed between the base end wall 32 of the filter body 30 and the protrusion 64 of the lifting mechanism 60, and expands and contracts as the reciprocating member 61 moves.

[0040] In the state shown in FIG. 2, the compression plate 40 is in contact with the bottom wall portion 31 and is located at the initial position P1. The compression coil spring 65 is pressed by the protrusion 64 and is slightly compressed from its natural length. When the operating lever 53 moves in the pull-out direction Dout, the reciprocating member 61 also moves in the pull-out direction Dout. The protrusion 64 moves in the pull-out direction Dout against the spring force of the compression coil spring 65. As a result of this movement, the compression plate 40 moves upward Dup (rises), as shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the movement of the reciprocating member 61 in the pull-out direction Dout is stopped by the reciprocating member 61 abutting against a protrusion or the like provided on the bottom wall portion 31. At this time, the reciprocating member 61 is located at the structural limit position, and the compression plate 40 is located at the upper limit position corresponding to the upper ends of the comb teeth 34.

[0041] Furthermore, when the operating lever 53 is returned in the pushing direction Din, the reciprocating member 61 also moves in the pushing direction Din. Accompanying this movement, the compression plate 40 moves (descends) downward Ddown. The upward Dup and downward Ddown directions are substantially parallel to the first direction D1. The compression plate 40 can also be called a lifting plate.

[0042] In this way, the lifting mechanism 60 is provided with a compression coil spring 65 that urges the reciprocating member 61, which has been moved in the pull-out direction Dout, in the push-in direction Din (reverse direction). The range of movement of the compression plate 40 by the lifting mechanism 60 is restricted to within the range of the entire length of the comb teeth 34 (the length of the comb teeth 34 described above). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the compression plate 40 is located at a raised position P2 that is slightly lower than the upper limit position. Even when the compression plate 40 is further raised above this raised position P2 and located at the upper limit position, the peripheral edge 42 of the compression plate 40 engages with the upper ends of the comb teeth 34. The compression plate 40 cannot rise any further upward in the pull-out direction Dup, and therefore will not fall off the filter body 30.

[0043] At its upper limit position, the compression plate 40 is close to or abuts against the top surface 21a of the case body 21. As the compression plate 40 rises, foreign matter caught on the comb teeth 34 is scraped off and lifted by the peripheral portion 42, and foreign matter caught on the cam members 63 is scraped off and lifted by the flat plate portion 41. Because the driving force is transmitted by the four cam members 63, the compression plate 40 rises smoothly and stably, scraping off the foreign matter. The foreign matter is sandwiched between the compression plate 40 and the top surface 21a and dehydrated.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base end wall 32 is provided with a tunnel-shaped filter inner cover 70 that covers the mating portion (i.e., connecting portion C) between the connecting end 58b of the operating lever 53 and the connecting wall 62 (fitting recess 62a). The filter inner cover 70 protects the shaft 58a, connecting end 58b, and connecting wall 62 (fitting recess 62a). For example, even if a large, hard foreign object such as a hairpin gets mixed in, malfunctions caused by such foreign object are prevented in advance. 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 coming off.

[0045] Next, the operating lever 53 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. As described above, the operating lever 53 is connected to the reciprocating member 61 at the connecting portion C on the tip side, and can be pushed and pulled in the second direction D2. In the operating unit 50 of this embodiment, the operating lever 53 is provided with a clutch structure to protect the connecting portion C from damage, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, the operating lever 53 includes a first member 57 operated by the user in the pull-out direction Dout, a second member 58 that engages with an engaging piece 57d (see FIG. 7) of the first member 57 and transmits the operating force in the pull-out direction Dout to the reciprocating member 61 via the connecting portion C, and an intervening member 59 interposed between the first member 57 and the second member 58.

[0046] The second member 58 detachably engages with the engaging piece 57d of the first member 57. The engagement between the first member 57 and the second member 58 is released when a predetermined condition is met (described in detail below), but the first member 57, the intervening member 59, and the second member 58 move together at least from the time when the compression plate 40 is in the initial position P1 to the time when compression of the foreign object begins (when the compression plate 40 reaches the vicinity of the above-mentioned raised position P2). The first member 57, the intervening member 59, and the second member 58 can always move only in the second direction D2.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the first member 57 includes a flat main body 57a extending in the second direction D2 and the Y direction. The first member 57 further includes an engagement piece 57d (see FIG. 7) provided inside the main body 57a and a pair of left and right U-shaped folded pieces 57g provided on the tip side of the main body 57a. An operation direction indicator 57s indicating the operation direction (i.e., the pulling direction) for the user is provided on the top surface of the front side of the main body 57a. The operation direction indicator 57s displays text indicating the pulling direction (e.g., "PULL") and an arrow indicating the pulling direction (see also FIG. 8). A limit position indicator 57t indicating the movement limit position (or operation limit position) for the user is provided on the top surface of the back side of the main body 57a. The limit position indicator 57t displays text indicating the movement limit (e.g., "MAX") and an arrow indicating the position (see also FIG. 8). Finger hook 57c is formed between operation direction display section 57s and limit position display section 57t. The characters may be engraved on main body 57a or may be printed on a sticker or the like attached to main body 57a.

[0048] Intervening member 59 is disposed on the underside of first member 57, and is provided at a position spanning first member 57 and second member 58. Intervening member 59 is provided as a separate member (separate member) from first member 57 to prevent sink marks and warpage of each member. A portion corresponding to intervening member 59 may be formed integrally with first member 57.

[0049] The second member 58 includes a base portion 58c disposed adjacent to the rear side of the engagement piece 57d, and a pair of left and right holding pieces 58e extending from the base portion 58c toward the front side (forward) along the second direction D2. The pair of holding pieces 58e extend parallel to and spaced apart in the Y direction (left-right direction), with the engagement piece 57d located between the pair of holding pieces 58e. When the first member 57 and the second member 58 are engaged, the engagement piece 57d is fitted into a fitting recess 58d formed between the base portion 58c and the pair of holding pieces 58e. The engagement piece 57d, the base portion 58c, and the fitting recess 58d constitute an engagement portion E that engages the second member 58 with the first member 57. When the first member 57 and the second member 58 are disengaged, the engagement piece 57d escapes from the fitting recess 58d and is guided between the pair of holding pieces 58e to move in the second direction D2. In order to hold the engaging piece 57d that moves in the second direction D2, the pair of holding pieces 58e have some elasticity so that the distance between them in the left-right direction can be changed.

[0050] A single shaft portion 58a is provided at the rear side (tip side) of the mating recess 58d along the rotation center line L, and a connecting end 58b formed at the tip of the shaft portion 58a is fitted into the mating recess 62a of the connecting wall portion 62 (which is part of the reciprocating member 61).

[0051] In the operating unit 50, the foreign matter is compressed as the first member 57 is operated in the pull-out direction Dout, and when the operating force exceeds a certain level due to the reaction force of this compression, the engagement between the first member 57 and the second member 58 is released. That is, in the engaging portion E, the engaging piece 57d is engaged with and held in the fitting recess 58d as long as the operating force is less than a certain level, but when the operating force exceeds a certain level and exceeds the holding force of the fitting recess 58d, the engaging piece 57d escapes from the fitting recess 58d. As a result, the second member 58 is separated from the first member 57 (the second member 58 is separated from the first member 57), and the transmission of the operating force via the second member 58 becomes impossible.

[0052] From another perspective, the engagement force at the engagement portion E is smaller than the mating force at the connecting portion C. The engagement force of the clutch structure of the operating lever 53 can transmit to the reciprocating member 61 (lifting mechanism 60) and the compression plate 40 a force that compresses lint and other foreign matter to a level that prevents water dripping from the lint and other foreign matter. The engagement force is set so that the engagement is released before the connecting portion C and the lifting mechanism 60 are damaged or disassembled (in other words, before the foreign matter is overcompressed). When a predetermined amount of lint or other foreign matter is present in the filter body 30, the engagement portion E separates due to a reaction force to the operating force before the reciprocating member 61 reaches its compression limit (structural limit position) (i.e., during the process of compressing the foreign matter). When the operating force is no longer transmitted, the compression plate 40 stops. The point (or position) within the stroke of the operating lever 53 (the movable range of the compression plate 40) at which the separation occurs, i.e., the point (or position) at which the operating force reaches a certain level, may vary depending on the amount and properties of the foreign matter.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first member 57 (operating lever 53) is guided by the guide portion 54 of the detachable lever 51 and moves in the second direction D2. A pair of left and right step surfaces 51h facing rearward is formed inside the detachable lever 51 at the tip (rear end) of the guide portion 54. The pair of step surfaces 51h face the front ends of the pair of folded pieces 57g of the first member 57. After the engaging portion E separates (after disengagement), the pair of folded pieces 57g of the first member 57 abut against the pair of step surfaces 51h, which are separate from the engaging portion E. This abutment restricts further movement of the first member 57 in the pull-out direction Dout. A user pulling the first member 57 feels the contact between the members and simultaneously hears a "click" sound.

[0054] 8, the limit position indicator 57t provided on the first member 57 is exposed forward of the edge 51c of the detachable lever 51 when the folded piece 57g of the first member 57 abuts against the step surface 51h of the detachable lever 51. For example, the tip of the arrow on the first member 57 coincides (or nearly coincides) with the edge 51c, visually indicating that the first member 57 has reached the movement limit position. The limit position indicator 57t is a mark that indicates that the first member 57 has reached the movement limit position.

[0055] When performing maintenance on the drain filter 100, the user first opens the cover B while the washing machine 1 is stopped. Then, for example, the user inserts one hand through the opening 2f and pulls the operating lever 53. At this time, the attachment / detachment lever 51 is in the closed position. The fitting / detachment part 56 is fitted into the case 20, closing the insertion opening 27.

[0056] In the drainage filter 100 of this embodiment, the second member 58 at the tip end of the operating lever 53 is connected to a reciprocating member 61 for compressing foreign matter, and the first member 57 is detachably engaged with the second member 58. When the first member 57 and the second member 58 move together in the pull-out direction Dout, the reciprocating member 61 moves toward the compression side. As the reciprocating member 61 moves, the compression plate 40 rises within the filter body 30, dehydrating the foreign matter (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Compression of the foreign matter then progresses, and the operating force increases due to the reaction force of the compression operation. The engagement portion E between the first member 57 and the second member 58 is released when the operating force exceeds a certain level, and the second member 58 separates from the first member 57. In this way, the clutch structure provided in the operating lever 53 disables transmission of the operating force via the second member 58 and further via the connecting portion C. This protects the connecting portion C and the like, and prevents damage to or disassembly of various members in the lifting mechanism 60 and other mechanisms that transmit operating forces.

[0057] After compressing the lint (i.e., after the engagement portion E is separated), the user pushes in the operating lever 53. When the folded piece 57g of the first member 57 abuts against the step surface 51h, the engagement piece 57d (see FIG. 7) of the first member 57 is positioned between the pair of holding pieces 58e. That is, in the engaged state shown in FIG. 7, the distance in the second direction D2 between the front end of the folded piece 57g and the step surface 51h is shorter than the length of the holding piece 58e in the second direction D2. The engagement piece 57d is positioned between the pair of holding pieces 58e (it cannot escape from the holding pieces 58e) over the entire stroke range of the first member 57 in the second direction D2.

[0058] When the user presses the operating lever 53, the engaging piece 57d engages with the engaging recess 58d, restoring the engaged state (engaged state) at the engaging portion E. As described above, the engaging piece 57d is always held between the retaining pieces 58e even after the engaging portion E is separated, so the force required to reset the clutch is reduced, facilitating the clutch reset. The compression plate 40 is then lowered. A small amount of moisture generated during dehydration remains in the filter body 30, but the lint and other particles absorb the moisture (returning it to the lint and other particles), reducing the amount of water remaining in the filter body 30.

[0059] The user rotates the attaching / detaching lever 51 to the open position and pulls out the filter assembly A (removes it from the case 20). At this time, the filter assembly A is pulled out in the pulling direction Dout while being guided by the case main body 21. When the user holds the filter assembly A upside down and pulls the operating lever 53 in this state, foreign matter such as lint is pushed out by the four cam members 63 and easily falls out due to the inertial force generated by the assembly's own weight. Alternatively, the filter main body 30 may be shaken to cause the lint and other foreign matter to fall out due to the inertial force. Note that because the rotation of the attaching / detaching lever 51 and the pushing and pulling of the operating lever 53 are independent of each other, the filter assembly A can be removed regardless of the position of the compression plate 40.

[0060] In the past, if the lint was compressed too much, it would stick to the compression plate 40, making it difficult to dispose of. However, with the drainage filter 100 of this embodiment, the lint is compressed just enough. The clutch structure prevents the lint from being compressed too much, making it easy to dispose of. In addition, the user does not need to consider or judge how hard to pull the operating lever 53. The user simply pulls the operating lever 53 until the engagement at the engagement portion E is released, and as a result, the foreign matter is compressed just enough. In this way, operation is made easier, and operability is improved.

[0061] According to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the user operates the operating lever 53 during maintenance and the operating force increases, the above-mentioned clutch structure will function to prevent damage to or disassembly of components inside the drain filter 100.

[0062] Furthermore, with the drain filter 100 of this embodiment, foreign matter is captured as the wash water passes through the comb teeth 34 of the filter body 30. During maintenance, the user operates the operating lever 53 to move the compression plate 40, which removes the foreign matter. At this time, the foreign matter is scraped off by the peripheral portion 42 of the compression plate 40. This allows the user to dispose of the foreign matter without touching it as much as possible.

[0063] Furthermore, foreign matter may be caught between the top surface 21a formed on the inner surface of the case 20 and the compression plate 40. At the start of the compression operation when the foreign matter is caught between the top surface 21a and the compression plate 40, the engagement at the engagement portion E is maintained, and then, when the operating force increases to a certain value, the engagement portion E separates. This series of steps achieves an appropriate dewatering effect.

[0064] Furthermore, after the engagement portion E is separated, the first member 57 abuts against the stepped surface 51h of the detachment lever 51 at the folded piece 57g, thereby restricting further movement of the first member 57. For example, the user can recognize that the operation by the operating lever 53 has been completed by the feeling transmitted to the user's hand or the sound such as a "click" caused by the members abutting against each other.

[0065] In addition, the operating unit 50 is provided with a limit position indicator 57t that indicates that the first member 57 has reached the limit of movement, so the user can visually recognize that operation by the operating lever 53 has ended.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, a configuration different from that of the lifting mechanism 60 of the above embodiment may be adopted. Instead of the compression coil spring 65, a stopper that restricts (stops) the reciprocating member 61 may be provided. The stopper may be formed, for example, on a part of the bottom wall portion 31.

[0067] The compression mechanism using the operating lever 53 is not limited to a mechanism that raises and lowers the compression plate 40 as in the above embodiment. For example, the operating lever 53 may be operated by a user in the pushing direction Din, thereby compressing the foreign matter. In this case, a compression plate (reciprocating member) that moves in the second direction D2 is connected to the tip of the second member, and the second member transmits the operating force in the pushing direction Din to the reciprocating member 61 via the connecting portion C. In other words, as in the above embodiment, the compression plate 40 may compress the foreign matter as the reciprocating member 61 moves (in this case, the reciprocating member compresses the foreign matter indirectly), or the reciprocating member may directly compress the foreign matter.

[0068] The lifting mechanism 60 is not limited to a cam-type mechanism, and other mechanisms may be used. For example, a link-type mechanism having four parallel link members may be used. Other interlocking mechanisms may be used in addition to the embodiments and the above-described modified examples.

[0069] The detachable lever is not a rotating type, but may be a lever having a locking mechanism in which a hook or the like engages with the insertion opening 27, or a type of lever that simply fits into the insertion opening 27. The detachable lever may have any structure as long as it can close the insertion opening 27 of the case 20 and seal it with water.

[0070] 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 is movable may form an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the second direction D2, which is the movement direction of the reciprocating member 61.

[0071] The present invention may be applied to washing machines other than drum washing machines, for example, vertical washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...washing machine, 2...casing, 6...outer tub, 7...drum (washing tub), 16...drain pipe, 20...case, 21...case 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...periphery, 50...operation portion, 51...detachment lever (another lever), 53...operation lever, 57...first member, 57d...engagement piece (part), 57t...limit position display portion (mark), 58...second member, 59...intervening member, 60...lifting mechanism, 61...reciprocating member, 100...drain filter, A...filter assembly, C...connecting portion, D1...first direction, D2...second direction (predetermined movement direction), Din...push-in direction, Dout...pull-out direction, E...engagement portion.

Claims

1. A drain filter that captures foreign matter contained in washing water by introducing washing water into a filter body and passing the water through the filter body, a case having an inlet for introducing the washing water, an outlet for discharging the filtered washing water, and an insertion port into which the filter body is inserted; a filter body that is mounted in the case and filters the wash water introduced from the inlet; a reciprocating member for compressing foreign matter, which is movable in a predetermined direction within the filter body; an operating unit attached to the filter body and operable from outside the insertion opening, the operating unit has an operating lever that is connected to the reciprocating member at a connecting portion on a tip side and can be pushed and pulled in the movement direction, the operating lever includes a first member that is operated by a user in a pull-out direction or a push-in direction, and a second member that detachably engages with a part of the first member and transmits an operating force in the pull-out direction or the push-in direction to the reciprocating member via the connecting portion, A drainage filter in which the engagement between the first member and the second member is released when the operating force reaches a certain level due to the reaction force of the compression operation, making it impossible to transmit the operating force via the second member.

2. the filter body has a plurality of comb teeth extending in a first direction intersecting the movement direction, the filter body is provided with a compression plate having a flat plate portion disposed within the filter body and a peripheral portion that fits onto the plurality of comb teeth, The drainage filter according to claim 1 , wherein the compression plate moves in the first direction in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating member in response to pushing and pulling of the operating lever.

3. The drainage filter according to claim 2 , wherein a receiving surface is formed on an inner surface of the case, the receiving surface being in proximity to or in contact with the compression plate when the compression plate moves in the first direction.

4. the operating portion has another lever that guides the movement of the first member, A drainage filter as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first member abuts against the other lever at a location different from the engagement portion after the engagement portion is separated, thereby restricting further movement of the first member.

5. The drain filter according to claim 4, wherein the operating portion is provided with a mark that indicates that the first member has reached its limit of movement when the first member and the other lever abut at the other portion.

6. an outer tank disposed within the housing; A washing tub disposed in the outer tub and accommodating laundry; a drain pipe connected to the outer tub for discharging washing water from the outer tub; A washing machine comprising: the drain filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3 connected to the drain pipe.

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