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 first filter section 33 having a plurality of rod-shaped sections 33b arranged at intervals from each other along one direction, with through holes 33a formed between adjacent rod-shaped sections in one direction, and a second filter section 32 which is mesh-like.

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 debris such as lint (thread waste).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand in washing machines to improve the collection efficiency of debris, particularly lint, in the lint filter.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a lint filter for a washing machine includes a first filter portion having a plurality of rod-shaped portions arranged at intervals from each other along one direction, with through holes formed between adjacent rod-shaped portions in the one direction, and a second filter portion that is mesh-shaped.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a lint filter unit for a washing machine includes the above-described lint filter for a washing machine, and a case to which the lint filter is attached.

[0008] In yet another 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]

[0009] According to this disclosure, for example, the efficiency of collecting dust in a lint filter can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter unit, viewed from an oblique angle above and in front. [Figure 3] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter unit, seen from a diagonal upward and rearward angle. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view of the lint filter, seen from an oblique angle above and in front. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of the lint filter, seen from diagonally above and behind. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view of a lint filter. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view of the lint filter as seen from the side of the first side wall. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side view of the lint filter as seen from the side of the second side wall. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] (Washing machine 1) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine 1. As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 1 has a washing machine body 10. The washing machine body 10 has a tub 11 into which water, detergents and other chemicals, and laundry are put. The tub 11 is a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape with one end closed. In this embodiment, the central axis of the tub 11 extends along the horizontal direction, or along directions inclined with respect to both the horizontal and vertical directions. A washing machine 1 having a tub 11 in this manner may be referred to as a drum-type washing machine. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In this 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.

[0014] The tank 11 may consist of, for example, a single tank. Alternatively, the tank 11 may consist of, for example, multiple tanks including an outer tank and an inner tank arranged concentrically.

[0015] Tub 11 is open toward the front side (the left side of the paper surface in Fig. 1) in the front-rear direction (depth direction). The washing machine main body 10 is provided with a door 12 capable of opening and closing the opening of this tub 11. By bringing this door 12 into an open state, laundry to be washed can be loaded into the tub 11.

[0016] A filter unit 20 is disposed in the washing machine main body 10. The filter unit 20 and the tub 11 are connected by the first pipe 13a and the second pipe 13b respectively. These first pipe 13a, second pipe 13b, tub 11 and filter unit 20 constitute a circulation path 13. A pump 13c is disposed in the circulation path 13. When this pump 13c is driven, the liquid in the tub 11 (specifically, water, an aqueous solution containing detergent, softener, etc.) circulates through the circulation path 13. In detail, the liquid discharged from the tub 11 is guided to the filter unit 20 via the first path formed in the first pipe 13a. The liquid from the filter unit 20 is guided to the tub 11 via the second path formed in the second pipe 13b.

[0017] 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 on the side opposite to the filter unit 20 is led to the outside of the washing machine 1. The liquid and the like in the tub 11 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 via the drain pipe 14, the filter unit 20 and the first pipe 13a. The drain pipe 14 is provided with an on-off valve 14a. When this on-off valve 14a is in a closed state, no water is drained from the drain pipe 14, and the liquid in the tub 11 circulates within the circulation path 13. On the other hand, when the on-off valve 14a is in an open state, at least part of the liquid in the tub 11 is drained out of the washing machine 1 via the drain pipe 14.

[0018] (Filter Unit 20) Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter unit 20 as viewed obliquely from the upper front. Fig. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter unit 20 as viewed obliquely from the upper rear. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter unit 20.

[0019] Next, the filter unit 20 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The filter unit 20 has a function of collecting dust such as lint passing through the filter unit 20.

[0020] The filter unit 20 includes a case 21, a lint filter 30, and a lid 25.

[0021] As mainly shown in Figure 4, the case 21 is formed with an accommodating portion 21a. The accommodating portion 21a is a chamber for accommodating the lint filter 30. The accommodating portion 21a has an elongated shape, and one end in the longitudinal direction is open from the case 21. In other words, in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 21a, the case 21 is connected to one end of the accommodating portion 21a, and is formed with an opening 21a1 that communicates the accommodating portion 21a with the outside of the case 21. On the other hand, the other end of the accommodating portion 21a in the longitudinal direction is closed by the case 21.

[0022] The lint filter 30 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 21a of the case 21. The lint filter 30 can be inserted into and removed from the accommodating portion 21a through the opening 21a1 formed in the case 21.

[0023] With main reference to Figure 2, the lid 25 is attachable to and detachable from the opening 21a1 of the case 21. The lid 25 has a shape that can be fixed to the case 21. For example, the lid 25 may be configured to be engageable with the case 21 so as not to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 21a in a state of being attached to the case 21. Further, a fixing member for fixing the lid 25 and the case 21 may be provided. The fixing member can be constituted by, for example, a fastening member such as a screw. After the lint filter 30 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 21a, the lid 25 is attached to the case 21 so as not to be displaceable, whereby the lint filter 30 can be accommodated in the accommodating portion 21a so as not to fall off. The lint filter 30 is preferably configured to be substantially non-displaceable within the accommodating portion 21a when the lid 25 is attached to the case 21.

[0024] Case 21 has a bottom wall 21b (see mainly Figure 4), a first side wall 21c (see mainly Figure 2), a second side wall 21d (see mainly Figure 3), a top wall 21e (see Figures 2 to 4), and an end wall 21f (see mainly Figure 4). As shown in Figure 4, 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. As shown in Figure 3, the second side wall 21d is located on the other side of the housing section 21a in the width direction. As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0025] As primarily shown in Figure 3, the case 21 has an inlet 22, an outlet 23, and a drain 24.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] (Lint filter 30) Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the lint filter 30 from an oblique upward-front angle. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the lint filter 30 from an oblique upward-rear angle. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the lint filter 30. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the lint filter 30 viewed from the side of the first side wall 32. Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the lint filter 30 viewed from the side of the second side wall 33.

[0030] Next, the lint filter 30 will be described in detail, mainly with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lint filter 30 has a bottom wall 31, a first side wall 32, a second side wall 33, a first end wall 34, and a second end wall 35.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first side wall 32 extends upward from one end of the bottom wall 31 in the width direction. As can be seen primarily from Figure 3, 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.

[0035] The second side wall 33 extends upward from the other end of the bottom wall 31 in the width direction. As can be seen primarily from Figure 2, 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.

[0036] As primarily shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] These bottom wall 31, first side wall 32, second side wall 33, first end wall 34, and second end wall 35 form a recess 30a (see Figures 2 and 3) facing the inlet 22. The liquid from the inlet 22 first flows into the recess 30a, passes through the lint filter 30, and is discharged from the outlet 23 or drain 24.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 constitutes a filter section. However, the bottom wall does not necessarily have to constitute a filter section; for example, the bottom wall may be provided in the form of a plate without through holes.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the bottom wall 31 has a plurality of through holes 31a. The bottom wall 31 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 31b. As shown in Figure 7, each of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 31b is elongated in shape and extends along the y-axis direction, which is the width direction of the lint filter 30. Each rod-shaped portion 31b is substantially straight. The plurality of rod-shaped portions 31b are spaced apart from each other along the x-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the lint filter 30 and the direction in which the lint filter 30 is inserted into the case 21. In the bottom wall 31, a straight through hole 31a is formed between adjacent rod-shaped portions 31b in the x-axis direction.

[0043] More specifically, in this embodiment, through holes 31a are not formed throughout the entire bottom wall 31, but rather in a portion of the bottom wall 31. More specifically, through holes 31a are not formed in the portion of the bottom wall 31 on the second end wall 35 side, but are formed in the other portions. As shown in Figure 4, the portion of the bottom wall 31 in which through holes 31a are not formed includes the portion located on the extension of the inlet 22. Therefore, 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.

[0044] The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped portion 31b is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped portion 31b may be, for example, a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a triangle, or other polygon.

[0045] Primarily as shown in Figure 6, 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.

[0046] Specifically, the first end wall 34 has a plurality of through holes 34a. The first end wall 34 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 34b. The plurality of rod-shaped portions 34b are provided on a part of the first end wall 34. Each of the plurality of rod-shaped portions 34b is elongated in shape and extends along the z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively. Specifically, each rod-shaped portion 34b is substantially straight. The plurality of rod-shaped portions 34b are arranged at intervals from each other along the y-axis direction. In the first end wall 34, a straight through hole 34a is formed between adjacent rod-shaped portions 34b in the y-axis direction.

[0047] As primarily shown in Figures 6 and 8, the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 33 each constitute a filter section. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the first side wall 32 constitutes a mesh-like filter section. Specifically, the first side wall 32 has a plurality of dot-shaped through holes 32a. In this embodiment, the plurality of through holes 32a are arranged in a matrix along the x-axis and z-axis directions, respectively. However, the plurality of through holes 32a may be arranged randomly, for example.

[0048] The plan view shape of the through-hole 32a is not particularly limited. For example, as mainly shown in Figure 5, the second side wall 33 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 33b. The plurality of rod-shaped portions 33b are spaced apart from each other along the x-axis direction, which is one direction. Linear, specifically straight, through-holes 33a are formed between adjacent rod-shaped portions 33b in the x-axis direction. As a result, a plurality of slit-shaped through-holes 32a are formed in the second side wall 33. The plurality of through-holes 33a are formed substantially over the entire second side wall 33. As a result, substantially the entire second side wall 33 constitutes the filter portion. The second side wall 33 has a ladder shape extending along the x-axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of each rod-shaped portion 33b is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped portion 33b may be, for example, a polygon such as a circle, oval, ellipse, or triangle.

[0049] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 3, 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 first side wall 32 that 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 first side wall, and the amount of water passing through the first side wall will be far greater than the amount of water added by the second side wall. As a result, the filtering function of the second side wall will be reduced, and it is possible that only the first side wall will substantially perform the filtering function.

[0050] In the lint filter 30, the second side wall 33, which serves as the first filter section, has linear through-holes 33a formed between adjacent rod-shaped sections 33b. In other words, the second side wall 33, which serves as the first filter section, has a ladder shape. On the other hand, the first side wall 32, which serves as the second filter section, has a mesh shape. The mesh-like first side wall 32 has higher water flow resistance than the ladder-shaped second side wall 33. The first side wall 32, which has relatively high water flow resistance, is positioned on the side of the second side wall 21d where the outlet 23 and drain 24 are formed. The second side wall 33, which has relatively low water flow resistance, is positioned on the side further away from the second side wall 21d where the outlet 23 and drain 24 are formed. Thus, in the lint filter 30, the water flow resistance of the first side wall 32, which is subjected to high water pressure, is relatively high. Therefore, the water flow is dispersed between the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 33. Therefore, both the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 33 effectively perform their filtering functions. Thus, the lint filter 30 achieves a high filtering function. The area that performs the filtering function becomes larger. Therefore, more dust can be collected.

[0051] From the viewpoint of increasing the resistance of the first side wall 32 and thereby increasing the amount of water passing through the second side wall 33, and reducing the difference between the amount of water passing through the first side wall 32 and the amount of water passing through the second side wall 33, it is preferable that the opening ratio of the second side wall 33, which acts as the first filter section, is higher than the opening ratio of the first side wall 32, which acts as the second filter section. More specifically, the ratio of the opening ratio of the second side wall 33 to the opening ratio of the first side wall 32 can be appropriately set according to, for example, the amount of water passing through the lint filter 30 per unit time, the area of ​​the outlet 23, the drain outlet 24, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing unwanted dust from passing through the lint filter 30, it is preferable that the dimension of the through-hole 32a along the x-axis direction and the dimension of the through-hole 33a along the x-axis direction are substantially the same. Specifically, the ratio of the dimension of the through-hole 32a along the x-axis direction to the dimension of the through-hole 33a along the x-axis direction is preferably 0.8 times or more and 1.2 times or less, and more preferably 0.9 times or more and 1.1 times or less.

[0053] (modified version) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which through holes 31a are not formed in a portion of the bottom wall 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, through holes may be formed throughout the entire bottom wall 31. In that case, the portion of the bottom wall 31 located on the extension of the inlet 22 may be made into a mesh shape, and elongated through holes 31a may be formed in the other portions. By doing so, similar to the above embodiment, it is possible to suppress excessive discharge directly from the portion of the bottom wall 31 located on the extension of the inlet 22. (summary)

[0054] In the above embodiment, a washing machine lint filter is provided, comprising a first filter section having a plurality of rod-shaped sections arranged at intervals from one another along one direction, with through holes formed between adjacent rod-shaped sections in one direction, and a second filter section that is mesh-like.

[0055] 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 filter section is formed by one of the first and second side walls, and the second filter section is formed by the other side wall.

[0056] Preferably, the aperture ratio in the first filter section is higher than the aperture ratio in the second filter section.

[0057] Preferably, the lint filter is mounted on a case in which a liquid inlet and outlet are formed. The 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 the first direction. Of the first and second side walls, the side wall furthest from the outlet constitutes the first filter section, and the side wall closer to the outlet constitutes the second filter section.

[0058] Preferably, the outlet is formed in the portion of the first side wall and the second side wall of the case that is facing the side wall closer to the outlet.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 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 lateral wall 33a: Through hole 33b: Rod-shaped part

Claims

1. A first filter section having a plurality of rod-shaped sections arranged at intervals from one another along one direction, with through holes formed between adjacent rod-shaped sections in the said direction, A lint filter for a washing machine, comprising a second filter section which is mesh-like.

2. 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, wherein the first filter portion is formed by one of the first and second side walls, and the second filter portion is formed by the other side wall.

3. The lint filter for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the aperture ratio of the first filter portion is higher than the aperture ratio of the second filter portion.

4. A lint filter that is attached to a case in which a liquid inlet and outlet are formed, 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 lint filter for a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first filter section is formed by the side wall of the first side wall and the second side wall that is furthest from the outlet, and the second filter section is formed by the side wall that is closer to the outlet.

5. The lint filter for a washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the outlet is formed in the portion of the first side wall and the second side wall of the case that is facing the side wall closer to the outlet.

6. A washing machine lint filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The case on which the lint filter is attached, A lint filter unit for washing machines, equipped with the necessary components.

7. The lint filter unit according to claim 6, 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 washing machine comprising a second path for discharging the liquid inside the lint filter unit to the outside of the lint filter unit.

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