Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

This improves maintainability in the collection of foreign objects. [Solution] The clothing processing device comprises a water tank having a drain outlet and receiving water from an external water source, and a foreign matter collection device that collects foreign matter contained in the water discharged from the drain outlet. The foreign matter collection device comprises a main body having an inlet and an outlet and through which the water discharged from the drain outlet passes, a filter provided inside the main body capable of capturing foreign matter contained in the water that flows into the main body, a cleaning body provided inside the filter so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the filter and for cleaning foreign matter attached to the filter surface of the filter, a discharge section provided connected to the bottom surface of the filter and for discharging the foreign matter cleaned by the cleaning body from the main body, an opening and closing section for opening and closing the discharge section, and a collection section provided separately from the main body for collecting foreign matter discharged from the discharge section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothing treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a filter device that captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing in the drainage path of a washing machine. In the filter device, a rotating body is disposed inside the filter, and a scraping member supported by the rotating body is provided. The scraping member is configured to repeatedly advance and retreat between an advanced position and a retracted position during the rotation of the rotating body accompanying drainage, so as to come into contact with the foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface of the filter many times. Thereby, it is intended to efficiently scrape off the foreign matter from the inner peripheral surface of the filter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional configuration, the foreign matter peeled off from the inner peripheral surface of the filter in the filter device accumulates from the bottom wall side in the internal space of the frame of the filter. That is, the filter that captures foreign matter and the part where the captured foreign matter accumulates are integrally formed. In this case, there is a risk that the foreign matter in the internal space of the frame enters the inner peripheral surface of the filter, causing the filter to become clogged. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the maintainability regarding the collection of foreign matter.

[0005] Therefore, a clothing treatment device capable of improving the maintainability regarding the collection of foreign matter is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The garment processing apparatus of the embodiment comprises a water tank having a drain port and receiving water from an external water source, and a foreign matter collection device for collecting foreign matter contained in the water discharged from the drain port, the foreign matter collection device having an inlet and an outlet, a main body through which the water discharged from the drain port passes, a filter provided inside the main body capable of capturing foreign matter contained in the water that flows into the main body, a cleaning body provided inside the filter so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the filter and for cleaning foreign matter attached to the filter surface of the filter, a discharge section provided connected to the bottom surface of the filter and for discharging the foreign matter cleaned by the cleaning body from the main body, an opening and closing section for opening and closing the discharge section, and a collection section provided separately from the main body for collecting foreign matter discharged from the discharge section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing an example of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a drain filter for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, showing the drain filter along the line X3-X3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of the control content executed by the control unit for the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing another example of a drain filter for a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing an example of a washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically shows another example of a foreign object collection device for a washing machine according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Substantially identical elements in each embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a garment processing device. For example, the washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating drum 14 is horizontal or inclined downward toward the rear. The washing machine 1 is not limited to a drum-type washing machine; it may also be a so-called fully automatic washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating drum is vertical. In Figure 1, the side of the washing machine 1 that is on the installation surface, i.e., the vertically downward side, is considered the bottom of the washing machine 1, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upward side, is considered the top of the washing machine 1. The side in front of the user of the washing machine 1, i.e., the left side of Figure 1, is considered the front of the washing machine 1, and the side opposite the user, i.e., the right side of Figure 1, is considered the rear of the washing machine 1.

[0010] The washing machine 1 comprises an outer casing 11, a door 12, a water tank 13, a rotating drum 14, a rotating drum motor 15, a water supply mechanism 16, a drainage mechanism 17, a circulation mechanism 18, and a foreign object collection device 20. The outer casing 11 is formed as a rectangular hollow box by a combination of metal or resin materials, such as stainless steel plates. The outer casing 11 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The outer casing 11 also has an opening 111 in the center of its front side that connects the inside and outside of the outer casing 11. The door 12 is provided on the front side of the outer casing 11 and opens and closes the opening 111. With the door 12 open, the user can load and unload clothes from the rotating drum 14 through the opening 111.

[0011] Both the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and are housed inside the outer casing 11. The water tank 13 is capable of storing water inside. The water tank 13 is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). As shown in Figure 1, the water tank 13 has a drain port 131 and a water inlet 132. The drain port 131 and the water inlet 132 communicate the inside and outside of the water tank 13. The drain port 131 is located, for example, at the bottom of the water tank 13 and is the part that discharges water from the water tank 13 to the outside. The water inlet 132 is the part that supplies water into the water tank 13 from an external water source, for example, a water tap. The water inlet 132 is located, for example, in the upper rear part of the water tank 13. The rotating tank 14 is rotatably arranged inside the water tank 13 and is rotationally driven by a rotating tank motor 15. The rotary tank motor 15 is located on the outside of the bottom of the water tank 13 and has the function of rotating the rotary tank 14 relative to the water tank 13. The rotary tank motor 15 is composed of, for example, a brushless direct drive motor.

[0012] The water supply mechanism 16 is for supplying water from an external water source into the water tank 13. The water supply mechanism 16 includes a main water supply valve 161, a water supply case 162, and a water supply hose 163. The main water supply valve 161 is configured to be opened and closed electromagnetically. The main water supply valve 161 opens and closes a water supply path (not shown) from the external water source to the water tank 13 via the water supply case 162. The upstream side of the water supply case 162 is connected to the main water supply valve 161, and the downstream side is connected to the water tank 13 via the water supply hose 163.

[0013] The water supply case 162 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is formed in the shape of a container. The water supply case 162 is configured to be able to contain laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener inside. When the main water supply valve 161 is opened with laundry treatment agents placed inside the water supply case 162, the laundry treatment agents placed inside the water supply case 162 are mixed with water supplied from an external water source and supplied to the water tank 13. The water supply hose 163 is made of, for example, a flexible hose. One end of the water supply hose 163 is connected to the water supply case 162, and the other end is connected to the water inlet 132. The water supplied to the water supply case 162 from an external water source is supplied to the water tank 13 from the water inlet 132 through the water supply hose 163.

[0014] The drainage mechanism 17 is for draining water from the water tank 13 to the outside of the washing machine 1. The drainage mechanism 17 can be configured with a drain valve 171 and a drain hose 172. The drain valve 171 is configured to be electromagnetically openable and closable. The inlet side of the drain valve 171 is connected to the drain port 131 of the water tank 13 via connecting hoses 191 and 192 and a drain filter 21. One end of the connecting hose 191 is connected to the drain port 131, and the other end is connected to the drain filter 21. The connecting hose 192 is located downstream of the drain filter 21. Details of the drain filter 21 will be described later.

[0015] One end of the drain hose 172 is connected to the drain valve 171, and the other end is led out of the washing machine 1. When the drain valve 171 is opened while water is stored in the water tank 13, the water stored in the water tank 13 is discharged out of the washing machine 1 through the drain hose 172. In this embodiment, the path from the drain port 131 of the water tank 13, through the drain valve 171, and out of the machine via the drain hose 172 is referred to as the drain path R1. The drain path R1 is an example of a waterway provided by the washing machine 1. The drain valve 171 opens and closes the drain path R1.

[0016] The circulation mechanism 18 is for injecting the water drained from the water tank 13 back into the water tank 13. The circulation mechanism 18 has a circulation pump 181, a circulation hose 182, and a water discharge part 183. The circulation pump 181 has a function of pumping up the water in the water tank 13. The inflow side of the circulation pump 181 is connected to the drain port 131 of the water tank 13 via connection hoses 191, 193, and a drain filter 21. The connection hose 193 is located on the downstream side of the drain filter 21. The discharge side of the circulation pump 181 is connected to the water discharge part 183 via the circulation hose 182. The circulation hose 182 is composed of, for example, a flexible hose. The water discharge part 183 is provided, for example, at the upper part of the water tank 13 and discharges water toward the inside of the water tank 13.

[0017] When the circulation pump 181 is driven with the drain path R1 closed by the drain valve 171, the circulation pump 181 pumps up the water in the water tank 13 through the drain port 131 and injects the water back into the water tank 13 from the water discharge part 183. In the present embodiment, the path from the drain port 131 of the water tank 13, passing through the circulation pump 181, and returning to the water tank 13 from the water discharge part 183 is referred to as a circulation path R2. Similar to the drain path R1, the circulation path R2 is an example of the water path provided in the washing machine 1.

[0018] The foreign matter collection device 20 is provided in the middle of the water path and has a function of collecting foreign matter F contained in the water discharged from the drain port 131 of the water tank 13. Foreign matter includes, for example, thread scraps, lint, dust, and so-called microplastics which are fine plastics with a diameter of 5 mm or less. The foreign matter collection device 20 has a drain filter 21, a discharge part 22, an on-off valve 23, and a collection part 24. The drain filter 21 is provided in at least one of the drain path R1 or the circulation path R2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the drain filter 21 is provided in the middle of the drain path R1 and in the middle of the circulation path R2. That is, the drain filter 21 is provided on a common water path located in the middle of the water path R1 from the drain port 131 to the drain valve 171 and in the middle of the water path R2 from the drain port 131 to the circulation pump 181.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the drain filter 21 has a main body portion 211, a filter 212, a cleaning body 213, and a filter motor 214. The filter 212 captures foreign matter F contained in the water flowing through the drain filter 21. The main body portion 211 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is formed in a hollow shape. The main body portion 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which the width dimension W in the width direction is larger than the height dimension H which is the dimension in the height direction. The water discharged from the drain port 131 of the water tank 13 passes through the inside of the main body portion 211. The main body portion 211 is provided in the middle of the drain path R1 and in the middle of the circulation path R2, and constitutes a part of the drain path R1 and the circulation path R2.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body portion 211 has an inlet portion 211a, an outlet portion 211b, a partition wall 211c, and a through hole 211d. The inlet portion 211a and the outlet portion 211b are formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, and are connected through the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 211 in the thickness direction. The inlet portion 211a and the outlet portion 211b are arranged within the height direction region of the main body portion 211. In this case, the inlet portion 211a and the outlet portion 211b are formed to extend in the horizontal direction. The inlet portion 211a is watertightly connected to the other end, that is, the downstream end, of the connection hose 191. The inlet portion 211a constitutes an inlet through which the water discharged from the water tank 13 flows into the main body portion 211. The inlet portion 211a is provided near the upper part of the main body portion 211.

[0021] The outlet portion 211b is watertightly connected to one end, that is, the upstream end, of the connection hose 192. The outlet portion 211b constitutes an outlet through which the water discharged from the water tank 13 and flowing through the main body portion 211 flows out. The outlet portion 211b is provided near the lower part of the main body portion 211, for example. Also, the inlet portion 211a is located on the rear surface side of the main body portion 211, and the outlet portion 211b is located on the side surface side of the main body portion 211. For this reason, the inlet portion 211a and the outlet portion 211b are provided so as not to overlap in a plan view. Note that the inlet portion 211a and the outlet portion 211b are not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a hole shape formed through the peripheral surface of the main body portion 211 in the thickness direction.

[0022] The partition wall 211c is provided in the height direction of the main body 211 between the inlet 211a and the outlet 211b, and divides a portion of the internal space S of the main body 211 into an inlet-side space S1 and an outlet-side space S2. The inlet-side space S1 is formed by the top surface and circumferential surface of the main body 211 and the partition wall 211c, and is located in the region of the internal space S that includes the inlet 211a. The outlet-side space S2 is formed by the bottom surface and circumferential surface of the main body 211 and the partition wall 211c, and is located in the region of the internal space S that includes the outlet 211b.

[0023] The partition wall 211c is formed in an annular shape and has a hole 211e. The hole 211e penetrates the partition wall 211c in the thickness direction and connects the inlet-side space S1 and the outlet-side space S2. Water flowing into the inlet-side space S1 from the inlet 211a passes through the hole 211e and flows into the outlet-side space S2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the through-hole 211d is formed, for example, on the bottom surface of the main body 211 and is provided in the portion that overlaps with the filter 212 in a plan view. The through-hole 211d is formed to penetrate the bottom surface of the main body 211 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 211d is formed, for example, in a circular shape. The through-hole 211d is for discharging foreign matter F captured by the filter 212 from the main body 211.

[0025] The filter 212 is provided within the main body 211 and is capable of capturing foreign matter F contained in the water flowing into the main body 211. The filter 212 is cylindrical with an open top and has a circular cross-sectional shape overall. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the filter 212 is provided at the bottom of the partition wall 211c and is located within the outlet-side space S2. A portion of the filter 212 is located between the hole 211e and the through hole 211d of the partition wall 211c. That is, the filter 212 is located upstream of the outlet section 211b.

[0026] The filter 212 has multiple through holes (not shown) formed on its bottom and circumferential surfaces, and a mesh portion 215 is provided so as not to protrude inward from the bottom and circumferential surfaces. The mesh portion 215 is integrated with the filter 212, for example, by insert molding. The mesh portion 215 is made of, for example, stainless steel mesh or nonwoven fabric. When water passes through the filter 212, foreign matter F is collected and removed as it passes through the mesh portion 215.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the filter 212 is provided with an aggregation section 212a and a discharge hole 212b. The aggregation section 212a is formed by bulging radially outward from the circumferential surface of the filter 212. In other words, the aggregation section 212a is formed continuously with the filter 212. The aggregation section 212a is formed, for example, in the shape of a flat plate and extends in an arc shape. The curvature of the aggregation section 212a is set to be smaller than the curvature of the circumferential surface of the filter 212. As shown in Figure 3, the aggregation section 212a forms a space radially outward from the imaginary line L1 on the circumferential surface of the filter 212. The aggregation section 212a is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 211d of the main body 211. Note that the aggregation section 212a may or may not be provided with a mesh section 215.

[0028] The discharge hole 212b is formed, for example, on the bottom surface of the filter 212, and penetrates the bottom surface of the filter 212 in the thickness direction. The discharge hole 212b is formed, for example, in a circular shape. The discharge hole 212b is for discharging foreign matter F captured by the filter 212 from the filter 212. The discharge hole 212b is provided in a portion that overlaps with the through hole 211d of the main body 211 in a plan view. In other words, the discharge hole 212b is provided so as to connect with the through hole 211d of the main body 211. As shown in Figure 3, a part of the discharge hole 212b is provided in the space between the aggregation portion 212a and the imaginary line L1 on the circumferential surface of the filter 212. Also, the discharge hole 212b is provided within the region of the aggregation portion 212a in the circumferential direction of the filter 212.

[0029] The cleaning body 213 is installed inside the filter 212 so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the filter 212. The cleaning body 213 is for cleaning foreign matter F that adheres to the filter surface, which is the inner surface of the filter 212. In other words, the cleaning body 213 cleans the foreign matter F collected by the mesh portion 215. The cleaning body 213 is rotationally driven by the filter motor 214. As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, the cleaning body 213 has a shaft portion 213a and a blade portion 213b. The shaft portion 213a is formed of a rod-shaped member and extends along the height direction of the filter 212. One end of the shaft portion 213a protrudes to the outside of the filter 212, and the other end of the shaft portion 213a is rotatably supported on the bottom side of the filter 212. The blade portion 213b is formed, for example, with a U-shaped cross-section, and the open end is connected to the shaft portion 213a. The blade portion 213b cleans by scraping off foreign matter F adhering to the filter surface of the filter 212. Specifically, the blade portion 213b is provided with an action part, such as a blade, on the end side that contacts the filter surface of the filter 212. With this action part in contact with the filter surface of the filter 212, the blade portion 213b rotates around the shaft portion 213a, thereby scraping off foreign matter F adhering to the filter surface of the filter 212.

[0030] The filter motor 214 is located outside the filter 212 and has the function of rotating the cleaning body 213 relative to the filter 212. The filter motor 214 is composed of a motor whose rotational speed can be adjusted, such as a DC motor. The filter motor 214 is connected to one end of the shaft portion 213a of the cleaning body 213 via gears or the like (not shown). The driving force of the filter motor 214 is transmitted to the shaft portion 213a of the cleaning body 213 via gears or the like, causing the shaft portion 213a and the blade portion 213b to rotate.

[0031] For example, when the cleaning body 213 is rotated by the filter motor 214 in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3, the foreign matter F scraped off by the cleaning body 213 is collected in the aggregation unit 212a and then discharged to the outside of the filter 212 through the discharge hole 212b. In this way, the aggregation unit 212a collects the foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 into the filter 212.

[0032] The discharge section 22 discharges foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 from the main body 211 of the drain filter 21. The discharge section 22 is formed of a cylindrical member and extends along the direction of gravity. The internal cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge section 22 is set to be large enough for foreign matter F captured by the filter 212 in at least one washing cycle to pass through. One end of the discharge section 22 is connected to the through hole 211d of the main body 211 and is connected to the discharge hole 212b. In other words, the discharge section 22 is provided connected to the bottom surface of the filter 212. The other end of the discharge section 22 is connected to the collection section 24.

[0033] The on-off valve 23 is configured to be opened and closed, for example, electromagnetically. The on-off valve 23 is located in the middle of the discharge section 22 and opens and closes the discharge section 22. For example, when water flows from the water tank 13 into the main body 211, the on-off valve 23 can be configured to close the discharge section 22. The state in which water flows from the water tank 13 into the main body 211 corresponds to, for example, when draining water from the water tank 13 or when the circulation pump 181 is operating. The on-off valve 23 functions as an opening and closing part. Note that the on-off valve 23 is not limited to the form of an electromagnetically openable valve, but may be other structures that can open and close the discharge section 22. The collection section 24 is located near the bottom of the outer casing 11, as shown in Figure 1. The collection section 24 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box with an open top. The collection section 24 has an operating part (not shown) on its front side and is configured to be pullable forward relative to the outer casing 11 in response to an operation on the operating part.

[0034] The collection unit 24 is located below the drain filter 21 and discharge unit 22 when housed within the outer casing 11. In other words, when housed within the outer casing 11, the collection unit 24 is positioned vertically apart from the drain filter 21. The collection unit 24 is a separate component from the main body 211. The collection unit 24 collects foreign matter F discharged from the discharge unit 22. When the on / off valve 23 is opened, the foreign matter F that flows into the discharge unit 22 is discharged to the collection unit 24 via the discharge unit 22. The user can remove the foreign matter F accumulated in the collection unit 24 by pulling the collection unit 24 forward from the outer casing 11. The collection unit 24 may be configured to be detachable from the outer casing 11.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the washing machine 1 is equipped with a washing device 30. The washing device 30 is for washing the inner surface of the collection unit 212a using water supplied from an external water source. The washing device 30 has a washing water supply valve 31, a washing hose 32, and a spray unit 33. The washing water supply valve 31 is configured to be opened and closed electromagnetically. The washing water supply valve 31 opens and closes a washing path (not shown) from an external water source through the washing hose 32 to the spray unit 33. The washing hose 32 is tubular in shape and supplies water from an external water source to the spray unit 33.

[0036] The spray unit 33 is composed of a nozzle with one or more small holes having an opening area sufficiently smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaning hose 32. The spray unit 33 is positioned to face the inner surface of the collection unit 212a. The spray unit 33 is used to spray water onto the inner surface of the collection unit 212a in a spray-like manner, utilizing the water pressure from an external water source. Spray-like means, for example, that water under water pressure from a water source is dispersed and ejected. When the cleaning water supply valve 31 is opened, water from the external water source is sprayed onto the inner surface of the collection unit 212a via the spray unit 33, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. This allows foreign matter F adhering to the inner surface of the collection unit 212a to be cleaned.

[0037] The rotary drum motor 15, main water supply valve 161, drain valve 171, circulation pump 181, filter motor 214, on-off valve 23, and washing water supply valve 31 are electrically connected to the control unit 40 and operate under control from the control unit 40. The control unit 40 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having memory areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory. The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1. The memory area of ​​the control unit 40 stores control programs for controlling and operating the washing machine 1. Each process of the control unit 40 is realized by the CPU executing the control programs. Based on the control programs, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the rotary drum motor 15, main water supply valve 161, drain valve 171, circulation pump 181, filter motor 214, on-off valve 23, and washing water supply valve 31 to perform various operations.

[0038] An example of the control content performed by the control unit 40 regarding the collection of foreign matter F will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 illustrates the case when there is no water stored in the water tank 13 and the main water supply valve 161 is closed. Cases when there is no water stored in the water tank 13 and the main water supply valve 161 is closed include, for example, before the start of operation, after the end of operation, and during the execution of the dewatering process. When the control unit 40 starts control (start), in step S11, it operates the filter motor 214 to rotate the cleaning body 213. Next, in step S12, the control unit 40 opens the on-off valve 23 to discharge the foreign matter F from inside the drain filter 21 to the collection unit 24 via the discharge unit 22.

[0039] Subsequently, in step S13, the control unit 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the on-off valve 23 (YES in step S13), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S14 and stops the filter motor 214. Next, in step S15, the control unit 40 closes the on-off valve 23 to stop the discharge of foreign matter F to the collection unit 24.

[0040] In step S16, the control unit 40 opens the cleaning water supply valve 31 and the drain valve 171 to clean the inner surface of the aggregation unit 212a. Then, in step S17, the control unit 40 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed. If a certain amount of time has elapsed since the cleaning water supply valve 31 and the drain valve 171 were opened (YES in step S17), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S18, closes the cleaning water supply valve 31 and the drain valve 171, and terminates the series of controls (end).

[0041] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 1 as a clothing processing device comprises a water tank 13 and a foreign matter collection device 20. The water tank 13 has a drain port 131 and receives water from an external water source. The foreign matter collection device 20 collects foreign matter F contained in the water discharged from the drain port 131. The foreign matter collection device 20 comprises a main body 211, a filter 212, a cleaning body 213, a discharge section 22, an on / off valve 23, and a collection section 24. The main body 211 has an inlet section 211a and an outlet section 211b, and water discharged from the drain port 131 passes through its interior. The filter 212 is provided inside the main body 211 and is capable of capturing foreign matter F contained in the water that flows into the main body 211. The cleaning body 213 is provided inside the filter 212 so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the filter 212 and cleans foreign matter F adhering to the filter surface of the filter 212.

[0042] The discharge section 22 is connected to the bottom surface of the filter 212 and discharges foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 from the main body 211. The on / off valve 23 opens and closes the discharge section 22. The collection section 24 is provided separately from the main body 211 and collects the foreign matter F discharged from the discharge section 22.

[0043] According to this design, by configuring the main body 211, which is equipped with the filter 212, and the collection unit 24 as separate components, foreign matter F in the main body 211 is discharged into the collection unit 24. This prevents problems such as clogging of the filter 212 due to foreign matter F accumulating in the main body 211. By providing an on-off valve 23 that opens and closes the discharge unit 22, it is possible to prevent foreign matter F in the collection unit 24 from entering the main body 211 and causing clogging of the filter 212. In addition, if there is water in the main body 211, the on-off valve 23 closes the discharge unit 22, preventing water from flowing from the discharge unit 22 into the collection unit 24. As a result, the user only needs to discharge the foreign matter F collected in the collection unit 24 from inside the washing machine 1, eliminating the need to clean the filter 212 and saving time and effort. Therefore, the maintainability related to the collection of foreign matter F can be improved.

[0044] The foreign matter collection device 20 further includes a collection unit 212a. The collection unit 212a is for collecting the foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 into the filter 212. This allows the foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 to be collected in the collection unit 212a and then efficiently discharged to the collection unit 24. This further improves maintainability.

[0045] Furthermore, the aggregation section 212a is formed in continuous with the filter 212. As a result, no gap is formed between the filter 212 and the aggregation section 212a, so that foreign matter F captured by the filter 212 can be properly discharged to the collection section 24 via the aggregation section 212a.

[0046] The washing machine 1 further includes a washing device 30. The washing device 30 cleans the inner surface of the aggregation unit 212a. This prevents foreign matter F from remaining on the inner surface of the aggregation unit 212a. This keeps the aggregation unit 212a clean and ensures efficient collection of foreign matter F.

[0047] The main body 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with a width W greater than the height H. This allows for space saving inside the washing machine 1 while improving maintainability.

[0048] The main body 211 has an inlet 211a and an outlet 211b located within the height region of the main body 211. Furthermore, the inlet 211a and the outlet 211b do not overlap in a plan view. This allows for space saving inside the washing machine 1 while improving maintainability.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the discharge hole 212b can be formed to be longer in the radial direction than in the circumferential direction of the filter 212 in a plan view. In other words, the discharge hole 212b can be formed to be longer in the direction in which the blade portion 213b extends. In the example in Figure 6, the discharge hole 212b is formed in a fan shape. The shape of the discharge hole 212b may also be polygonal. This allows for efficient discharge of foreign matter F adhering to the bottom surface of the filter 212. This improves the collection efficiency of foreign matter F and thus improves maintainability.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in the example in Figure 6, the foreign matter collection device 20 can be configured to have a guide section 216. The guide section 216 is provided within the filter 212. The guide section 216 is formed extending along the radial direction of the filter 212 and is provided opposite the cleaning body 213 located within the range of the aggregation section 212a in the direction of rotation. That is, in a plan view, the guide section 216 is provided at a position opposite the rotating cleaning body 213 with the discharge section 22 in between. In the example in Figure 6, the guide section 216 is composed of a plate-shaped member formed to protrude radially inward from the aggregation section 212a and is provided within the region of the aggregation section 212a in the circumferential direction of the filter 212. It is also preferable that the guide section 216 is formed in a range that does not exceed the radial boundary of the discharge hole 212b in the direction of rotation of the cleaning body 213 when viewed from above. The guide section 216 guides the foreign matter F cleaned by the cleaning body 213 to the discharge section 22.

[0051] As a result, the cleaning body 213 and the guide section 216 work together to properly discharge foreign matter F adhering to the inner surface of the filter 212 to the discharge section 22. This improves the efficiency of foreign matter F collection. In addition, the guide section 216 can also act as a barrier to prevent foreign matter F from accumulating in the aggregation section 212a. Specifically, compared to a structure without the guide section 216, providing the guide section 216 prevents foreign matter F from overcoming the discharge hole 212b and accumulating in the aggregation section 212a, for example, when the cleaning body 213 rotates significantly.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the washing machine 1 is equipped with a drying function. In this case, the washing machine 1 functions as a washer-dryer, which is an example of a clothing processing device. In this second embodiment, the washing machine 1 is equipped with a drying mechanism 50. The washing machine 1 may also be configured to be equipped with a drying mechanism 50 instead of a circulation mechanism 18. The drying mechanism 50 has the function of supplying air, such as warm air, into the water tank 13.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, the drying mechanism 50 includes an air passage 51 and a heating device 52. The air passage 51 is for supplying air into the water tank 13. The air passage 51 is located outside the water tank 13 and connects an exhaust port and an air intake port (not shown) of the water tank 13. The exhaust port is the part that discharges air from inside the water tank 13 and is located, for example, in the upper front part of the water tank 13. The air intake port is the part that supplies air into the water tank 13 and is located in the lower upper part of the bottom of the water tank 13. The air passage 51 can circulate and supply air into the water tank 13.

[0054] The air passage 51 includes an air passage filter device 511. The air passage filter device 511 is installed within the air passage 51 and captures foreign matter in the air flowing through the air passage 51. The air passage filter device 511 is formed, for example, as a rectangular box. The air that has passed through the air passage filter device 511 flows to the heating device 52 via a connecting duct 512 which forms part of the air passage 51. The heating device 52 is located in the middle of the air passage 51, downstream of the air passage filter device 511. The heating device 52 includes, for example, a well-known refrigeration cycle or heater, and generates warm air by dehumidifying and heating the air flowing through the air passage 51. The warm air generated by the heating device 52 is supplied into the water tank 13 by a blower (not shown).

[0055] In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 has an air passage-side discharge section 61 and an air passage-side discharge section on-off valve 611, as shown in Figure 7. The air passage-side discharge section 61 connects the air passage filter device 511 and the collection section 24, and discharges foreign matter captured by the air passage filter device 511 to the collection section 24. In other words, the foreign matter collection device 20 can directly discharge foreign matter captured by the air passage filter device 511 to the collection section 24 via the air passage-side discharge section 61. The air passage-side discharge section 61 is formed of a cylindrical member and extends along the direction of gravity. The internal cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage-side discharge section 61 is set to a size that allows foreign matter captured by the air passage filter device 511 in at least one drying cycle to pass through. One end of the air passage-side discharge section 61 is connected to the bottom surface of the air passage filter device 511, and the other end of the air passage-side discharge section 61 is connected to the collection section 24.

[0056] The airflow-side discharge valve 611 is configured to be openable and closable, for example, electromagnetically. The airflow-side discharge valve 611 is installed in the middle of the airflow-side discharge section 61 and opens and closes the airflow-side discharge section 61. The airflow-side discharge valve 611 functions as an airflow-side discharge section open / close unit. The control unit 40 can prevent foreign matter discharged to the collection section 24 from entering the airflow filter device 511 via the airflow-side discharge section 61 by closing the airflow-side discharge valve 611 during periods other than when foreign matter in the airflow filter device 511 is discharged from the airflow-side discharge section 61 to the collection section 24.

[0057] According to this second embodiment, the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment are achieved. Furthermore, foreign matter flowing through the air passage 51 and foreign matter F contained in the water discharged from the water tank 13 can be efficiently collected. In addition, by discharging foreign matter in the air passage filter device 511 to the collection unit 24, there is no need to clean the foreign matter in the air passage filter device 511. This further improves the maintainability of foreign matter collection.

[0058] The washing machine 1 can be configured to discharge foreign matter captured by the airflow filter device 511 to the collection unit 24 via the drain filter 21. In this case, as shown in the example in Figure 8, the washing machine 1 is equipped with a communication section 62 and an airflow-side on-off valve 63. The communication section 62 and the airflow-side on-off valve 63 can be constructed with the same structure and shape as the discharge section 22 and the on-off valve 23. The communication section 62 connects the airflow filter device 511 and the main body 211, guiding foreign matter captured by the airflow filter device 511 to the main body 211. The communication section 62 is formed of a cylindrical member and extends along the direction of gravity. One end of the communication section 62 is connected to the bottom surface of the airflow filter device 511, and the other end of the communication section 62 is connected to the top surface of the main body 211. Also, the central axis of the communication section 62 and the central axis of the discharge section 22 coincide.

[0059] The air passage-side shut-off valve 63 is configured to be openable and closable, for example, electromagnetically. The air passage-side shut-off valve 63 is located in the middle of the communication section 62 and opens and closes the communication section 62. The air passage-side shut-off valve 63 functions as an air passage-side shut-off section. The control unit 40 can prevent water from entering the air passage filter device 511 via the communication section 62 by closing the air passage-side shut-off valve 63 during periods when one or both of the main water supply valve 161 or the drain valve 171 are open. On the other hand, the control unit 40 can guide foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air passage 51 into the main body section 211 via the communication section 62 by opening the air passage-side shut-off valve 63 during periods when there is no water stored in the water tank 13 and the main water supply valve 161 and the drain valve 171 are closed. Then, foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air passage 51 guided into the main body 211 combines with foreign matter F contained in the water discharged from the water tank 13 within the main body 211, and is subsequently discharged to the collection unit 24 via the discharge unit 22.

[0060] With this configuration, foreign matter flowing through the air passage 51 and foreign matter F contained in the water discharged from the water tank 13 can be efficiently collected. This further improves maintainability regarding the collection of foreign matter. In addition, the discharge section 22 and the connecting section 62 extend in the direction of gravity. This allows foreign matter F to be sent to the collection section 24 by gravity. This efficiently improves maintainability regarding the collection of foreign matter F without increasing costs and energy consumption.

[0061] Furthermore, it is also possible to implement the above-described embodiments in any combination. Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1...Washing machine (clothing processing device), 13...Water tank, 131...Drain, 20...Foreign object collection device, 211...Main body, 211a...Inlet, 211b...Outlet, 212...Filter, 213...Cleaning unit, 22...Discharge unit, 23...On / off valve (On / off unit), 24...Collection unit

Claims

1. A water tank having a drain outlet and receiving water from an external water source, The system includes a foreign matter collection device for collecting foreign matter contained in the water discharged from the drain outlet, The aforementioned foreign matter collection device is A main body having an inlet and an outlet, through which water discharged from the drain port passes, A filter is provided within the main body and is capable of capturing foreign matter contained in the water that flows into the main body. A cleaning body is provided within the filter so as to be rotatable about the central axis of the filter, and cleans foreign matter adhering to the filter surface of the filter, A discharge section is provided connected to the bottom surface of the filter and discharges foreign matter cleaned by the cleaning body from the main body, An opening / closing part for opening and closing the aforementioned discharge part, The system includes a collection unit provided separately from the main body for collecting foreign matter discharged from the discharge unit. Garment processing device.

2. The foreign matter collection device further includes a collection unit for collecting the foreign matter cleaned by the cleaning body into the filter. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aggregation unit is formed in continuity with the filter, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The device further includes a cleaning device for cleaning the inner surface of the aforementioned aggregation section. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The discharge section is formed to be longer in the radial direction than in the circumferential direction of the filter when viewed from above. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The foreign matter collection device is formed extending along the radial direction of the filter and, in a plan view, has a rotating cleaning body and a guide section provided opposite each other on either side of the discharge section, which guides the foreign matter cleaned by the cleaning body to the discharge section. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The main body is formed in a cylindrical shape, with a width dimension greater than the height dimension. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The main body portion is such that the inlet portion and the outlet portion are located within the height-direction region of the main body portion. The aforementioned inlet and outlet do not overlap in a plan view. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A duct for supplying air into the water tank, An airflow filter device provided within the airflow path to capture foreign matter in the air flowing through the airflow path, The airflow filter device and the collection unit are connected, and the airflow side discharge unit discharges foreign matter captured by the airflow filter device to the collection unit, The system further includes an airflow-side discharge section opening / closing section for opening and closing the aforementioned airflow-side discharge section, The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A duct for supplying air into the water tank, An airflow filter device provided within the airflow path to capture foreign matter in the air flowing through the airflow path, A connecting section that connects the airflow filter device and the main body and guides foreign matter captured by the airflow filter device to the main body, The system further includes an air passage side opening / closing section for opening and closing the aforementioned communication section. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The discharge section and the communication section extend in the direction of gravity. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10.

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