Lint filter for washing machine, lint filter unit for washing machine, and washing machine

Abstract

For example, to improve the efficiency of collecting debris in lint filters. [Solution] The washing machine lint filter 30 comprises a mesh-like first filter section 32 and a second filter section 33 which is mesh-like with a lower opening ratio than the first filter section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lint filter for a washing machine, a lint filter unit for a washing machine, and a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine having a lint filter that collects dust such as lint.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a desire to improve the collection efficiency of dust, particularly lint, in the lint filter of a washing machine.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to improve, for example, the collection efficiency of dust in the lint filter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a lint filter for a washing machine includes a mesh-like first filter part and a mesh-like second filter part having a lower aperture ratio than the first filter part.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a lint filter for a washing machine includes a mesh-like first filter part and a mesh-like second filter part that is thicker than the first filter part.

[0008] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a lint filter for a washing machine comprises a first filter section and a second filter section provided on the outside of a recess into which liquid flows. The second filter section has a tapered through-hole that narrows toward the recess side.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the washing machine lint filter unit comprises the washing machine lint filter and a case to which the lint filter is attached.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the washing machine comprises the lint filter unit, a tub into which laundry is placed, a first path connecting the tub and the lint filter unit, through which liquid discharged from the tub flows toward the lint filter unit, and a second path for discharging liquid from within the lint filter unit to the outside of the lint filter unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, for example, the efficiency of collecting dust in a lint filter can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit from above. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit, seen from one side in the width direction. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lint filter, seen from one side in the width direction. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lint filter from the other side in the width direction. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first side wall (first filter section). [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second side wall (second filter section). [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view of the first side wall (first filter section) in the first modified example. [Figure 9] This is a schematic plan view of the second side wall (second filter section) in the first modified example. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first side wall (first filter section) in the second modified example. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second side wall (second filter section) in the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially common functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals and used in the explanation. In the following description, the side of the washing machine 1 on which the door 12 is provided will be referred to as the front, and the opposite side as the rear. The front-to-back direction may be referred to as the depth direction. The right and left sides are directions when viewing the washing machine 1 from the front to the rear. The left-to-right direction may be referred to as the width direction. The direction perpendicular to the depth direction and the width direction will be referred to as the height direction.

[0014] In this disclosure, "washing machine" refers to all equipment that performs various processes on laundry. Examples of processes performed by a washing machine include washing, drying, deodorizing, and disinfecting. The laundry is not particularly limited. Examples of laundry include textile products. Specific examples of laundry include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves; personal belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels; bedding such as curtains, blankets, towels, and duvet covers; carpets; stuffed animals; and more.

[0015] (Washing machine 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 has a washing machine main body 10. The washing machine main body 10 has a tub 11 into which water, chemicals such as detergents, and laundry items are loaded. The tub 11 has a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape with one end closed. In the present embodiment, the central axis of the tub 11 extends along the horizontal direction or a direction inclined with respect to each of the horizontal and vertical directions. A washing machine 1 having a tub 11 in such a form may be referred to as a drum-type washing machine. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In the present disclosure, the washing machine may be, for example, a so-called vertical washing machine having a tub with a central axis along the vertical direction.

[0016] The tub 11 may be constituted by, for example, a single tub. Further, the tub 11 may be constituted by a plurality of tubs including an outer tub and an inner tub arranged concentrically, for example.

[0017] The tub 11 is open toward the front side (the left side in the drawing in FIG. 1) in the front-rear direction (depth direction). A door 12 capable of opening and closing the opening of the tub 11 is provided on the washing machine main body 10. By setting this door 12 in an open state, laundry items can be loaded into the tub 11.

[0018] A filter unit 20 is arranged on the washing machine main body 10. The filter unit 20 and the tub 11 are connected by a first pipe 13a and a second pipe 13b, respectively. A circulation path 13 is constituted by the first pipe 13a, the second pipe 13b, the tub 11, and the filter unit 20. A pump 13c is arranged in the circulation path 13. When this pump 13c is driven, the liquid in the tub 11 (specifically, an aqueous solution containing water, detergents, fabric softeners, etc.) circulates through the circulation path 13. Specifically, the liquid discharged from the tub 11 is guided to the filter unit 20 via a first path formed in the first pipe 13a. The liquid from the filter unit 20 is guided to the tub 11 via a second path formed in the second pipe 13b.

[0019] In addition to the first pipe 13a and the second pipe 13b, a drain pipe 14 is connected to the filter unit 20. The end of the drain pipe 14 opposite to the filter unit 20 is led to the outside of the washing machine 1. Liquid from the tub 11 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 via this drain pipe 14, the filter unit 20, and the first pipe 13a. A shut-off valve 14a is provided in the drain pipe 14. When this shut-off valve 14a is closed, no liquid is drained from the drain pipe 14, and the liquid in the tub 11 circulates in the circulation path 13. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve 14a is open, at least a portion of the liquid in the tub 11 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 1 via the drain pipe 14.

[0020] (Filter unit 20) Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit 20 from above. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit 20 from one side in the width direction.

[0021] Next, the filter unit 20 will be described, mainly with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The filter unit 20 has the function of collecting dust and debris such as lint that passes through it.

[0022] The filter unit 20 includes a case 21, a lint filter 30, and a lid 25.

[0023] A housing section 21a is formed in case 21. The housing section 21a is a room for housing the lint filter 30. The housing section 21a is elongated, and one end in the longitudinal direction is open from case 21. In other words, case 21 is connected to one end of the housing section 21a in the longitudinal direction, and an opening 21a1 is formed that allows the housing section 21a to communicate with the outside of case 21. On the other hand, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the housing section 21a is closed by case 21.

[0024] The lint filter 30 is housed in the housing section 21a of the case 21. The lint filter 30 can be inserted into and removed from the housing section 21a through an opening 21a1 formed in the case 21.

[0025] The lid 25 is detachably attached to the opening 21a1 of the case 21. The lid 25 has a shape that allows it to be fixed to the case 21. The lid 25 may be configured to engage with the case 21 so that, when attached to the case 21, it becomes immobile in the longitudinal direction of the housing 21a. A fixing member may also be provided to fix the lid 25 to the case 21. The fixing member can be made of fastening members such as screws. After storing the lint filter 30 in the housing 21a, the lid 25 can be attached to the case 21 so that it cannot be displaced, thereby preventing the lint filter 30 from falling out of the housing 21a. It is preferable that the lint filter 30 is configured so that it becomes substantially immobile within the housing 21a when the lid 25 is attached to the case 21.

[0026] Case 21 has a bottom wall 21b (see mainly Figure 3), a first side wall 21c (see mainly Figure 2), a second side wall 21d (see mainly Figure 2), a top wall 21e (see Figure 3), and an end wall 21f (see mainly Figure 4). As shown in Figure 3, the bottom wall 21b is located below the housing section 21a. As shown in Figure 2, the first side wall 21c is located on one side of the housing section 21a in the width direction. The second side wall 21d is located on the other side of the housing section 21a in the width direction. As shown in Figure 3, the top wall 21e is located above the housing section 21a. The end wall 21f is located on the rear side of the housing section 21a. These bottom wall 21b, first side wall 21c, second side wall 21d, top wall 21e, and end wall 21f form a housing section 21a that opens to the front.

[0027] Case 21 has an inlet 22 as shown in Figure 3, and an outlet 23 and drain 24 as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] The inlet 22 is connected to the first pipe 13a shown in Figure 1. Liquid from the tank 11 flows from the inlet 22 through the first pipe 13a into the housing section 21a provided in the case 21. In this embodiment, the inlet 22 is provided on the top wall 21e of the case 21. The inlet 22 extends along a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the housing section 21a. Specifically, the inlet 22 extends diagonally downward from the back to the front of the housing section 21a.

[0029] The discharge port 23 is connected to the second pipe 13b shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the containment section 21a to the discharge port 23 returns to the tank 11 via the second pipe 13b. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the discharge port 23 is provided on the second side wall 21d of the containment section 21a. The discharge port 23 extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side wall 21d.

[0030] The drain port 24 is connected to the drainage pipe 14 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the liquid drained from the housing 21a into the drainage pipe 14 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 1 via the drainage pipe 14. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the drain port 24 is provided on the second side wall 21d of the housing 21a. Both the drain port 24 and the outlet port 23 are commonly provided on the second side wall 21d. The drain port 24 extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the second side wall 21d.

[0031] (Lint filter 30) Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lint filter 30 from one side in the width direction. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lint filter 30 from the other side in the width direction.

[0032] Next, the lint filter 30 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 5.

[0033] The lint filter 30 is a component that filters out lint and other debris contained in the liquid (water) that flows into the containment section 21a, thereby producing a liquid with a reduced debris content. The lint filter 30 has a filter section for filtering out debris.

[0034] Specifically, the lint filter 30 has a bottom wall 31 as shown in Figure 3, a first side wall 32 and a second side wall 33 as shown in Figure 2, and a first end wall 34 and a second end wall 35 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, when the lint filter 30 is attached to the case 21, the bottom wall 31 faces the bottom wall 21b in the height direction. A gap is formed between the bottom wall 31 of the lint filter 30 and the bottom wall 21b of the case 21.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the first side wall 32 extends upward from one end of the bottom wall 31 in the width direction. The first side wall 32 of the lint filter 30 faces the second side wall 21d of the case 21. A gap is formed between the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 21d.

[0037] The second side wall 33 extends upward from the other end of the bottom wall 31 in the width direction. The second side wall 33 of the lint filter 30 faces the first side wall 21c of the case 21. A gap is formed between the second side wall 33 and the first side wall 21c.

[0038] As primarily shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first end wall 34 extends upward from one side (the rear side) in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 31. One side of the first end wall 34 in the width direction is connected to the first side wall 32, and the other side is connected to the second side wall 33. The first end wall 34 faces the end wall 21f of the case 21. A gap is formed between the first end wall 34 and the end wall 21f.

[0039] The second end wall 35 extends upward from the other side (front side) in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 31. One side of the second end wall 35 in the width direction is connected to the second side wall 33, and the other side is connected to the first side wall 32.

[0040] These bottom wall 31, first side wall 32, second side wall 33, first end wall 34, and second end wall 35 face the inlet 22 and form a recess 30a (see Figures 2 and 3) into which liquid from the tank 11 flows. The liquid from the inlet 22 first flows into the recess 30a and is discharged outside the filter unit 20 through the outlet 23 or drain outlet 24 via the lint filter 30.

[0041] The second end wall 35 is provided to close the opening 21a1 of the case 21. No opening is formed in the second end wall 35. A lid 25 is attached to the second end wall 35. Therefore, liquid that flows into the recess 30a does not pass through the second end wall 35.

[0042] On the other hand, the bottom wall 31, the first side wall 32, the second side wall 33, and the first end wall 34 each constitute a filter section in which through holes are formed. Here, the filter section refers to a part in which through holes are formed that are too large for at least some of the debris contained in the liquid to pass through, and which filters out the debris that cannot pass through these through holes.

[0043] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 and the first end wall 34 each constitute a filter section. However, it is not necessarily required that the bottom wall and the first end wall each constitute a filter section. For example, at least one of the bottom wall and the first end wall may be provided in the form of a plate without through holes.

[0044] Specifically, as mainly shown in Figures 3 to 5, the bottom wall 31 has a plurality of through holes 31a. Each of the plurality of through holes 31a is arranged in a dot shape. The cross-sectional shape of each through hole 31a is substantially rectangular. However, in the present invention, the shape of the through holes 31a is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the through holes provided in the bottom wall may be, for example, an elongated shape such as an oval or ellipse, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, etc. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 31a are arranged in a matrix shape with intervals between them along the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the lint filter 30.

[0045] In this embodiment, the through-holes 31a are provided on substantially the entire bottom wall 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, they may be provided only on a part of the bottom wall. For example, the portion of the bottom wall 31 on the second end wall 35 side may not have through-holes 31a, while the portion with through-holes 31a may have them. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the outflow of liquid from the portion of the bottom wall 31 that directly contacts the liquid flowing into the recess 30a from the inlet 22 into the recess 30a.

[0046] As primarily shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first end wall 34 constitutes a filter section. Specifically, a portion of the upper side of the first end wall 34 constitutes the filter section. However, it is not always necessary for the first end wall 34 to constitute a filter section; for example, the first end wall may be provided in the form of a plate without through holes.

[0047] Specifically, the first end wall 34 has a plurality of through holes 34a. Each of the plurality of through holes 34a is arranged in a dot shape. The cross-sectional shape of each through hole 34a is substantially rectangular. However, in the present invention, the shape of the through holes 34a is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the through holes provided in the bottom wall may be, for example, an elongated shape such as an oval or ellipse, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, etc. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 34a are arranged in a matrix shape with intervals between them along the height direction and width direction of the lint filter 30, respectively.

[0048] Primarily, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first wall portion 32 is provided on the outside of the recess 30a into which the liquid flows. The first side wall 32 constitutes a mesh-like first filter portion. Specifically, the first side wall 32 has a plurality of dot-shaped through holes 32a formed therein. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 32a are arranged in a matrix along the longitudinal and height directions of the lint filter 30, respectively. However, the plurality of through holes 32a may be arranged randomly, for example.

[0049] The plan view shape (cross-sectional shape) of the through hole 32a is not particularly limited. The plan view shape (cross-sectional shape) of the through hole 32a may be, for example, a polygon such as a rectangle, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the first wall 32 located between adjacent through holes 32a is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the first wall 32 located between adjacent through holes 32a may be, for example, a polygon such as a rectangle, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, etc.

[0050] Primarily, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, the second wall portion 33 is located outside the recess 30a into which the liquid flows. The second wall portion 33 faces the first wall portion 32 in the width direction of the lint filter 30 via the recess 30a. The second wall portion 33 constitutes a mesh-like second filter portion. Specifically, the second wall portion 33 has a plurality of dot-shaped through holes 33a. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 33a are arranged in a matrix along the longitudinal and height directions of the lint filter 30, respectively. However, the plurality of through holes 33a may be arranged randomly, for example.

[0051] The plan view shape (cross-sectional shape) of the through-hole 33a is not particularly limited. The plan view shape (cross-sectional shape) of the through-hole 33a may be, for example, a polygon such as a rectangle, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the second wall 33 located between adjacent through-holes 33a is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the portion of the second wall 33 located between adjacent through-holes 33a may be, for example, a polygon such as a rectangle, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, etc.

[0052] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 2, the filter unit 20 has openings in the second side wall 21d for water to be discharged from the filter unit 20, such as the outlet 23 and the drain 24. As a result, of the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 33 of the lint filter 30, the second side wall 33, which is closer to the outlet 23 and the drain 24, is subjected to high water pressure. Therefore, for example, if through holes are formed in the first side wall and the second side wall with similar opening ratios, the water flow will concentrate in the second side wall, which is subjected to relatively higher water pressure, and the amount of water passing through the second side wall will be far greater than the amount of water added by the first side wall. As a result, the filtering function performed by the first side wall will be reduced, and it is possible that only the second side wall will substantially perform the filtering function.

[0053] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the lint filter 30, the opening ratio of the mesh-like second filter section provided on the second wall portion 33, which is relatively close to the second side wall 21d where the water outlet opening is formed, is lower than the opening ratio of the mesh-like first filter section provided on the first wall portion 32, which is relatively far from the first side wall 21c where the water outlet opening is formed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive water passing through the second filter section and reduce the difference between the amount of water passing through the first filter section and the amount of water passing through the second filter section. Thus, not only the second filter section but also the first filter section can perform its filtering function efficiently. As a result, the area of ​​the filter section that performs filtering function above a predetermined efficiency can be increased. Consequently, more dust can be collected, and the lint filter 30 can achieve high filtering performance.

[0054] The ratio of the opening ratio of the second filter section to the opening ratio of the first filter section can be appropriately set according to, for example, the ratio of the amount of water flowing into the first filter section to the amount of water flowing into the second filter section when the opening ratios of the first and second filter sections are equal. The opening ratio of the second filter section is preferably 0.9 times or less, preferably 0.8 times or less, and more preferably 0.7 times or less, of the opening ratio of the first filter section. However, if the opening ratio of the second filter section is too low, the amount of water passing through the second filter section will decrease too much, which may actually reduce the overall filtering function. Therefore, the opening ratio of the second filter section is preferably 0.2 times or more, and more preferably 0.3 times or more, of the opening ratio of the first filter section.

[0055] Furthermore, the water flow resistance may be adjusted by the opening ratio, or for example, by adjusting the thickness of the first filter section and the second filter section. From the viewpoint of reducing the proportion of water passing through the second filter section, it is preferable to make the second filter section thicker than the first filter section. It is preferable to make the length of the through-hole 33a provided in the second filter section shorter than the length of the through-hole 32a provided in the first filter section. The length of the through-hole 33a provided in the second filter section is preferably 1.1 times or more the length of the through-hole 32a provided in the first filter section, more preferably 1.2 times or more, and even more preferably 1.3 times or more. The length of the through-hole 33a provided in the second filter section is preferably 5 times or less the length of the through-hole 32a provided in the first filter section, more preferably 4 times or less, and even more preferably 3 times or less.

[0056] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the aperture ratio of the second filter section is lower than that of the first filter section, while the second filter section is thicker than that of the first filter section. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the aperture ratio of the second filter section may be lower than that of the first filter section, and the thickness of the second filter section may be substantially the same as that of the first filter section. For example, the aperture ratios of the second filter section and the first filter section may be substantially the same, and the second filter section may be thicker than that of the first filter section.

[0057] In this embodiment, the aperture ratio and thickness of the filter section (third filter section) provided in the bottom wall 31 are substantially equal to the aperture ratio and thickness of the first filter section provided in the first wall section 32. The aperture ratio and thickness of the third filter section can be appropriately set depending on the positional relationship between the outlet from the recess 30a and the third filter section. For example, the aperture ratio and thickness of the third filter section may be substantially equal to the aperture ratio and thickness of the second filter section. Also, the aperture ratio and thickness of the part of the third filter section closer to the outlet may be substantially equal to the aperture ratio and thickness of the second filter section, and the aperture ratio and thickness of the part further from the outlet may be substantially equal to the aperture ratio and thickness of the first filter section.

[0058] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the aspect ratio of the first through-hole 32a provided in the first wall portion 32 (first filter portion) in a plan view is lower than the aspect ratio of the second through-hole 33a provided in the second wall portion 33 (second filter portion) in a plan view. With this configuration, the major axis of the first through-hole 32a can be reduced. Therefore, dust such as lint is less likely to pass through the relatively large first through-hole 32a. Thus, the filtering function of the lint filter 30 can be improved.

[0059] The following describes some examples of modifications of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, components having substantially the same function as those in the above embodiments will be referred to by the same reference numerals and used in conjunction with the description.

[0060] (First variation) Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of the first side wall 32 (first filter section) in the first modified example. Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the second side wall 33 (second filter section) in the first modified example.

[0061] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the plan view shape of the through hole 32a provided in the first side wall 32 (first filter section) and the plan view shape of the through hole 33a provided in the second side wall 33 (second filter section) are both rectangular. The plan view shapes of the through hole 32a and the through hole 33a may be similar or dissimilar. For example, in the first modified example, as shown in Figure 8, the plan view shape of the through hole 32a provided in the first side wall 32 is rectangular. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the plan view shape of the through hole 33a provided in the second side wall 33 is circular. In this example as well, substantially the same effects as in the above embodiment are achieved.

[0062] Preferably, rectangular through-holes are arranged in a matrix pattern in the filter section with the higher aperture ratio, and circular through-holes are arranged in a matrix pattern in the filter section with the lower aperture ratio. In this case, circular through-holes 33a with a small cross-sectional area in plan view may be arranged in an oblique vector pattern.

[0063] Furthermore, the through-holes 32a and 33a provided in the first and second filter sections may both be polygonal in plan view or circular in plan view. By doing so, the aperture ratio can be increased while suppressing an increase in the major axis of the through-holes 32a and 33a.

[0064] (Second variation) Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first side wall 32 (first filter section) in the second modified example. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second side wall 33 (second filter section) in the second modified example.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which water is suitably allowed to pass through both the first and second filter sections by adjusting the opening ratio of the first and second filter sections. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The water permeability may be adjusted by, for example, making one of the first and second filter sections thicker to lengthen the through-holes, or by making the shape of the through-holes different in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] In the second modified example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first wall portion 32 (first filter portion) is thinner than the second wall portion 33 (second filter portion), and the through hole 32a is shorter than the through hole 33a.

[0067] As shown in Figure 10, the first through-hole 32a provided in the first wall portion 32 (first filter portion), where relatively high water permeability is desired, is tapered, narrowing away from the recess 30a. On the other hand, the second through-hole 33a provided in the second wall portion 33 (second filter portion), where relatively low water permeability is desired, is tapered, narrowing toward the recess 30a. In this case, the area of ​​the water inlet of the second through-hole 33a becomes smaller, thus reducing the water permeability of the second filter portion.

[0068] Thus, for example, by adjusting the length and shape of the first through-hole 32a and the second through-hole 33a, the water permeability of the second filter section may be made lower than that of the first filter section. Even in this case, substantially the same effects as those of the above embodiment will be achieved. (summary)

[0069] In the above embodiment, a washing machine lint filter is provided, comprising a mesh-like first filter section and a mesh-like second filter section with a lower opening ratio than the first filter section.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a washing machine lint filter is provided, comprising a mesh-like first filter section and a second filter section that is thicker and more mesh-like than the first filter section.

[0071] Preferably, the first filter section is thicker than the second filter section.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a washing machine lint filter is provided, comprising a first filter section and a second filter section provided on the outside of a recess into which liquid flows, wherein the second filter section has a tapered through-hole that narrows toward the recess side.

[0073] Preferably, the first filter section and the second filter section are located on the outside of the recess into which the liquid flows. The second filter section has a tapered through-hole that narrows towards the recess side.

[0074] Preferably, the washing machine lint filter comprises a bottom wall, a first side wall connected to one side of the bottom wall in a first direction, and a second side wall connected to the other side of the bottom wall in a first direction. The first side wall constitutes a first filter section. The second side wall constitutes a second filter section.

[0075] Preferably, the plan view shape of the first through-hole formed in the first filter portion and the plan view shape of the second through-hole formed in the second filter portion are dissimilar.

[0076] Preferably, the aspect ratio of the first through-hole in a plan view is lower than the aspect ratio of the second through-hole in a plan view.

[0077] Preferably, the lint filter is mounted in a case having a liquid inlet and outlet. The distance between the outlet and the first filter section is longer than the distance between the outlet and the second filter section.

[0078] Preferably, the lint filter is mounted in a case having a liquid inlet and outlet. The outlet faces the second filter section.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a washing machine lint filter unit is provided, comprising the washing machine lint filter and a case to which the lint filter is attached.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a washing machine is provided which includes the above-described lint filter unit, a tub into which laundry is placed, a first path connecting the tub and the lint filter unit, through which liquid discharged from the tub flows toward the lint filter unit, and a second path for discharging the liquid inside the lint filter unit to the outside of the lint filter unit.

[0081] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. Configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described herein are also included in the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1: Washing machine 13: Circulatory pathways 13a: First piping 13b: Second piping 14: Drainage piping 20: Filter Unit 21: Case 21a: Containment section 21a1: Opening 21c: 1st side wall 21d: 2nd side wall 22:Inlet 23: Outlet 24:Drain port 30: Lint filter 30a: Recess 32: First side wall 32a: Through hole 33: Second side wall

Claims

1. A mesh-like first filter section, A second filter section, which is mesh-like and has a lower aperture ratio than the first filter section, A lint filter for washing machines.

2. A mesh-like first filter section, A second filter section, which is a mesh thicker than the first filter section, A lint filter for washing machines.

3. The washing machine lint filter according to claim 1, wherein the first filter portion is thicker than the second filter portion.

4. It comprises a first filter section and a second filter section provided on the outside of a recess into which liquid flows, The second filter section is a lint filter for a washing machine, having a tapered through-hole that narrows toward the recessed side.

5. The first filter section and the second filter section are each provided on the outside of the recess into which the liquid flows, The washing machine lint filter according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second filter portion has a tapered through hole that narrows toward the recess side.

6. The bottom wall and, A first side wall connected to one side of the bottom wall in the first direction, A second side wall connected to the other side of the bottom wall in the first direction, Equipped with, The washing machine lint filter according to claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the first side wall constitutes the first filter portion, and the second side wall constitutes the second filter portion.

7. The washing machine lint filter according to claim 1, 2, or 4, wherein the plan view shape of the first through-hole, which is a through-hole formed in the first filter portion, and the plan view shape of the second through-hole, which is a through-hole formed in the second filter portion, are dissimilar.

8. The washing machine lint filter according to claim 7, wherein the aspect ratio of the first through-hole in a plan view is lower than the aspect ratio of the second through-hole in a plan view.

9. A lint filter that is attached to a case in which a liquid inlet and outlet are formed, The washing machine lint filter according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, wherein the distance between the outlet and the first filter section is longer than the distance between the outlet and the second filter section.

10. A lint filter that is attached to a case in which a liquid inlet and outlet are formed, The washing machine lint filter according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, wherein the outlet is facing the second filter section.

11. A washing machine lint filter according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, The case on which the lint filter is attached, A lint filter unit for washing machines, equipped with the necessary components.

12. The lint filter unit according to claim 11, A drum into which the laundry is put, The tank and the lint filter unit are connected, and a first path through which the liquid discharged from the tank flows toward the lint filter unit, A second path for discharging the liquid inside the lint filter unit to the outside of the lint filter unit, A washing machine equipped with [a specific feature].

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