washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of collecting microplastics for prevention of delay in drain time.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises a drain channel 9 through which drain water flows from an outer tank 2 to a drain outlet 9a, a circulation channel 8 through which washing water is circulated from the outer tank 2, and a collection filter 10 for collecting microplastics in the drain channel. The water flow in the circulation channel is in the planar direction of a lint collection part. The collection filter 10 is disposed approximately in parallel with the circulation channel 8. An internal wall 10a of the collection filter 10 is flush with an internal wall 8a2 of the circulation channel 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Washer-dryers come in two types: vertical, in which the rotation axis of the inner tub is approximately perpendicular to the installation surface, and drum, in which it is horizontal or slightly tilted. For example, in a drum-type washing machine, the washing liquid is pumped up and poured onto the laundry, allowing the water containing dissolved detergent and other ingredients to penetrate the laundry evenly. In this way, drum-type washing machines wash clothes by tumbling and circulating the wash water using a circulation pump. During the washing process, lint is generated by the friction of the clothes. The lint generated includes tiny plastic particles such as microplastics and microfibers, but because these particles are so small, conventional filters have a large mesh size that makes it difficult to capture them.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a washing machine that captures microplastics by installing a filter for capturing tiny lint such as microplastics and microfibers behind the detergent case, which is part of the circulation path. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a washing machine that installs a filter for capturing microplastics at the branching point of the circulation path and the drainage path, and controls the filter device so that water flows to the second filter area when the first filter area becomes clogged, thereby extending the time until the filter becomes clogged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] WO2020 / 251513 publication [Patent Document 2] EP3663457 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, if the mesh size is reduced to improve the capture rate of generated microplastics, there is a risk that the filter may easily become clogged. Furthermore, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 2, if the mesh size is reduced to improve the capture rate of generated microplastics, water will continue to flow through the second filter area even if the first filter area becomes clogged. This means that it takes longer for the filter to become clogged than in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, but ultimately clogging occurs, which could result in an extended drain time.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can capture microplastics and prevent delays in drainage time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a washing machine having a drainage path that flows from a washing tub to a drain outlet, a circulation path that circulates washing water from the washing tub, and a lint collector that collects microplastics in the drainage path, The piping of the drainage path is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the piping of the circulation path, and the lint collecting unit is fitted into a hole formed at a branch point between the circulation path and the drainage path, and is configured so that an inner wall surface of the lint collecting unit is flush with an inner wall surface of the piping of the circulation path, The water flowing through the circulation path is in the direction of the surface of the lint trapping portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that can capture microplastics and prevent delays in drainage time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a lint collecting device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A]1 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the first embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the first embodiment when water flows through the circulation path. FIG. [Figure 4C] 3 is a schematic diagram of the lint collecting device of the first embodiment, in which the collecting filter has an inclination. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the second embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the second embodiment when water flows through the circulation path. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the third embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the third embodiment when water flows through the circulation path. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications and application examples within the technical concept of the present invention are also included within its scope. (First embodiment) FIG. 1 relates to a first embodiment of the present invention and is a schematic diagram showing the configuration when applied to a drum-type washing machine. As shown in FIG. 1, a drum-type washing machine 100A (hereinafter simply referred to as washing machine) is configured to include an outer tub 2 inside a housing 3, and an inner tub 1 (drum) inside the outer tub 2, into which laundry 7 is placed. The rotation axis of the inner tub 1 is configured to be inclined so that the front side is higher than the rear side, or to be approximately horizontal. In this embodiment, the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 1 form a washing tub. Note that the washing machine 100A shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing only the minimum essential parts in the first embodiment.

[0011] A space is provided between the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 1, allowing water to pass through. Wash water is supplied to the bottom of the outer tub 2 and circulated by using a circulation pump 4 through a circulation path 8 and back to the inner tub 1.

[0012] The washing machine 100A also includes a lint collector 110A. The lint collector 110A includes a circulation path 8, a drainage path 9, and a collection filter 10 (lint collector).

[0013] The circulation path 8 is configured with a pipe 8a connecting the bottom of the outer tank 2 to the suction side (inlet) of the circulation pump 4, and a pipe 8b connecting the discharge side (outlet) of the circulation pump 4.

[0014] Drain path 9 is a flow path through which washing water flows from the washing tub to drain outlet 9a, and is provided with piping 9b connecting the bottom of outer tub 2 to drain outlet 9a. Drain path 9 is also provided with an ON / OFF type (fully open or fully closed only) electromagnetic drain valve 6.

[0015] Furthermore, the pipe 8a of the circulation path 8 and the pipe 9b of the drainage path 9 share a path from the bottom of the outer tank 2 to the collection filter 10, and are configured by a single pipe.

[0016] With this configuration, the water (washing water) flows from the bottom of the outer tub 2 through two paths: one that enters the circulation pump 4 and the other that flows to the drain outlet 9a through the drain valve 6. The collection filter 10 is installed on the inlet side (suction side) of the circulation pump 4.

[0017] A collection filter 10 is provided in the drainage path 9 from the outer tub 2 to the drain outlet 9a. This collection filter 10 has the function of collecting lint (including microplastics and microfibers) generated from the laundry 7 and preventing the lint from flowing into the drain outlet 9a. The mesh size of the collection filter 10 is, for example, 1 μm to 3 mm, and preferably about 50 μm to 700 μm in order to collect a predetermined amount of microplastics and prevent delays in drainage time. Note that lint is generated by the friction of clothes during washing and drying.

[0018] Furthermore, a lint trapping unit 11 that traps lint is provided in the pipe 8a between the collection filter 10 and the circulation pump 4. This lint trapping unit 11 has a filter unit that can be attached to and detached from the housing 3. That is, the filter unit can be removed from the housing 3, cleaned by removing lint from the filter unit, and then reattached to the housing 3.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the collection filter 10 has the function of collecting lint 40 generated from laundry (see Fig. 1) and preventing the lint 40 from flowing into the drain outlet 9a (see Fig. 1). The lint 40 is generated by the friction of clothes during washing and drying.

[0020] The collection filter 10 is provided at the branch point S1 (branch portion) between the circulation path 8 and the drainage path 9. The pipe 9b of the drainage path 9 is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the pipe 8a of the circulation path 8. The collection filter 10 is installed approximately parallel to the flow F of water flowing through the circulation path 8 (pipe 8a). In other words, the surface (front surface) of the collection filter 10, on which a plurality of holes are formed and through which washing water that has removed foreign matter such as lint 40 can pass, is parallel or approximately parallel to the flow F of water. In other words, the flow of water flowing through the circulation path 8 is in the direction of the surface of the collection filter 10.

[0021] Additionally, a lint trapping section 11 is provided in the circulation path 8 between the circulation pump 4 and the branch point S1 (collection filter 10). When lint 40 reaches this lint trapping section 11, the lint 40 is trapped (entangled) in the filter section of the lint trapping section 11, preventing the lint 40 from returning to the inner tub 1 (see FIG. 1). The mesh size of the filter (second mesh filter) of the lint trapping section 11 is the same as or coarser than the mesh size of the collection filter 10 (mesh filter).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the pipe 8a of the circulation path 8 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and the pipe 9b of the drainage path 9 is connected to the bottom surface of the pipe 8a. The pipe 8a also has a hole 8a1 formed therethrough, the hole 8a1 having a diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the pipe 9b. A collection filter 10 is fitted into this hole 8a1. The collection filter 10 is also formed in a plate shape, and is configured so that an inner wall surface 10a of the collection filter 10 is flush with an inner wall surface 8a2 of the pipe 8a. In other words, there is no step between the collection filter 10 and the inner wall surface 8a2, and they are flat. Specifically, the collection filter 10 is positioned so as not to protrude radially inward from the inner wall surface 8a2, so as not to obstruct the flow of wash water from the outer tub 2. It is desirable that the inner wall surface 10a of the collection filter 10 and the inner wall surface 8a2 of the pipe 8a be flush with each other, but a step may be present.

[0023] Furthermore, the material of the collection filter 10 may be a fiber such as polyester or nylon, but using a metal (e.g., copper or stainless steel) is more hygienic and less likely to encourage the growth of microorganisms. Furthermore, when using a metal collection filter 10, it is preferable to use a metal plate with holes etched or otherwise perforated rather than a mesh-like filter. This is because irregularities (such as burrs) are not formed on the surface of the collection filter 10, making it less likely for threads to become entangled in the mesh of the collection filter 10 and facilitating the movement of lint. The surface of the collection filter 10 may also be treated to improve hydrophilicity using oxygen plasma, a coating agent, or the like. Such a hydrophilic treatment allows water to flow more easily, preventing delays in drainage time.

[0024] Next, the operation of washing machine 100A equipped with lint collecting device 110A will be described with reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the first embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the lint collecting device of the first embodiment when water flows through the circulation path. In washing machine 100A, after the washing cycle is completed, a draining process is performed to discharge the washing water (washing water) outside the machine, and then the spin cycle is performed. After the spin cycle is completed, the machine moves to the rinsing cycle. In the rinsing cycle, water is collected in the washing tub (outer tub 2), and the circulation pump 4 is driven to circulate the washing water, after which the draining process is performed and the spin cycle is performed.

[0025] To explain the washing process of washing machine 100A, the user places laundry 7 in inner tub 1 and starts the wash cycle. Drain valve 6 is closed, the amount of laundry (amount of laundry 7) is detected as needed, and water is supplied to outer tub 2. A predetermined amount of water is stored in outer tub 2, and the washing water is circulated through inner tub 1 using circulation pump 4. While circulating the washing water, inner tub 1 is rotated, performing a tumbling action that moves laundry 7 from top to bottom, thereby removing dirt from laundry 7. During this process, lint is generated by the friction of laundry 7. When circulation pump 4 is running, lint is present in various places along circulation path 8. After the washing cycle is completed, drain valve 6 is opened and the washing water is drained to drain outlet 9a.

[0026] 4A, the wash water from the bottom of the outer tub 2 flows into the pipe 9b of the drainage path 9 at the branch point S1. Furthermore, since the lint 40 generated during the washing cannot pass through the collection filter 10, only the wash water passes through the collection filter 10, and the lint is captured by the collection filter 10.

[0027] After the washing cycle, the machine transitions to the rinsing cycle. During the rinsing cycle, the drain valve 6 is closed again to collect water in the lower part of the outer tub 2. Then, the circulation pump 4 is driven to circulate water through the circulation path 8, rinsing the laundry 7. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4B , by driving the circulation pump 4 to circulate the water, the lint 40 captured on the surface of the collection filter 10 moves downstream (toward the circulation pump 4) with the water flow during circulation, so that the lint 40 disappears from the surface of the collection filter 10 (the lint 40 is removed from the surface of the collection filter 10). The reason why the lint 40 moves from the collection filter 10 in this way is because the collection filter 10 is arranged approximately parallel to the flow of the wash water flowing through the circulation path 8.

[0028] After the rinsing cycle is completed, the drain valve 6 is opened to drain the wash water from the outer tub 2. At this time, since there is no lint 40 on the surface of the collection filter 10, the trapped lint 40 can be prevented from causing a pressure loss and extending the drain time (delaying the drain time).

[0029] Furthermore, the provision of the collection filter 10 prevents the lint 40 from flowing through the drainage path 9 (piping 9b) to the drain outlet 9a, thereby preventing the drain outlet 9a from becoming clogged.

[0030] As described above, the washing machine 100A of the first embodiment includes the drain path 9, through which the outer tub 2 flows to the drain outlet 9a, the circulation path 8, which circulates wash water from the outer tub 2, and the collection filter 10, which collects lint 40, at the branch point S1 between the drain path 9 and the circulation path 8. The collection filter 10 is installed substantially parallel to the flow of water through the circulation path 8 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Here, "substantially parallel" means including a slight inclination, for example, a tilt of about ±1°, due to design or manufacturing errors. This prevents the lint 40 from moving away from the collection filter 10 during drainage in the rinsing cycle, thereby preventing an extended drain time. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of the lint collector of the first embodiment, in which the collection filter 10 is inclined. In this way, even if the collection filter 10 is installed at an inclination relative to the circulation path, i.e., the flow of water through the circulation path 8, that exceeds the inclination due to the design or manufacturing errors described above, an extended drain time can be prevented. The inclination may be downward or upward to the left from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water flowing through the circulation path 8.

[0031] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a circulation pump 4 is provided to circulate the wash water, and the collection filter 10 is installed on the inlet side of the circulation pump 4 (see FIG. 2). This makes it easier to generate a thrust force that moves the lint 40 accumulated on the collection filter 10 from the surface of the collection filter 10. Even if a circulation pump is not provided, the rotational force of the drum generates a water flow through the circulation path, and a thrust force that moves the lint 40 accumulated on the collection filter 10 from the surface of the collection filter 10 is generated.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the circulation path 8 is provided with a lint trapping section 11 that traps the lint 40 (see FIG. 2). This reduces the amount of lint 40 that passes through the circulation path 8 and returns to the inner tub 1.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the collection filter 10 is a metal plate with holes formed by etching. This eliminates irregularities, particularly on the edges of the holes formed in the collection filter 10, making it difficult for the threads of the lint 40 to become entangled in the mesh of the collection filter 10 and facilitating the movement of the lint when the circulation pump 4 is driven during the rinsing stroke.

[0034] Furthermore, by applying the lint collecting device 110A to the washing machine 100A, it is possible to collect microplastics, prevent delays in drainage time, and prevent the washing time from being extended.

[0035] (Second embodiment) Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram of the lint trapping device of the second embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram of the lint trapping device of the second embodiment when water flows through the circulation path. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted. 5A, the lint collecting device 110B of the second embodiment has a configuration in which a foreign object trap 12 is added to the lint collecting device 110A of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the lint collecting device 110B is applied to a drum-type washing machine, similar to the first embodiment.

[0036] Foreign object trap (foreign object capture unit) 12 is provided in pipe 8a on the inlet side of circulation pump 4 and captures foreign objects other than lint. Furthermore, foreign object trap 12 is provided upstream of lint capture unit 11. Such foreign object trap 12 prevents foreign objects, such as buttons that come off laundry 7 during washing or coins that have been forgotten to be removed from the pockets of laundry 7, from entering circulation pump 4. This prevents breakdown of circulation pump 4. Furthermore, by using a two-stage configuration in which foreign object trap 12 captures large foreign objects and lint capture unit 11 captures small lint, clogging of lint capture unit 11 can be delayed.

[0037] Furthermore, since the foreign object trap 12 is installed to prevent objects larger than lint 40, such as buttons, from entering the circulation pump 4, if a filter is used as the foreign object trap 12, the filter may have larger mesh sizes than the collection filter 10. Furthermore, by increasing the filter mesh size, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0038] The foreign matter trap 12 does not have to be a filter, but may be a lattice-shaped or rod-shaped structure with openings large enough to prevent foreign matter from passing through.

[0039] (Third embodiment) Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to a third embodiment. Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram of the lint collecting device according to the third embodiment, showing the state where water flows toward the drain outlet. Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram of the lint collecting device according to the third embodiment, showing the state where water flows through the circulation path. As shown in FIG. 6, a lint collecting device 110C of the third embodiment is mounted on a vertical washing machine (vertical washing and drying machine) 100B.

[0040] Washing machine 100B includes outer tub 22 made of synthetic resin that houses inner tub 21 (washing tub) within housing 23 (outer frame). Inner tub 21 has a rotation axis in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported within outer tub 22. Note that washing machine 100B shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing only the main parts.

[0041] The inner tub 21 has a plurality of dewatering holes 21a (only some of which are shown) on its peripheral wall for separating the wash water contained in the laundry 7 from the laundry 7 by centrifugal force and discharging the water.

[0042] A rotatable agitator blade 24 is provided at the bottom of inner tub 21. Agitator blade 24 is formed in a dish shape with its peripheral edge curved upward so that it rotates while supporting laundry 7. Agitator blade 24 also has holes (not shown) formed in multiple locations that connect the front and back surfaces. This allows wash water to flow to the back side of agitator blade 24.

[0043] In addition, rear blades 24a (blade portions) extending radially from the rotation center are formed on the rear surface (lower surface) of agitator blade 24. These rear blades 24a are arranged at equal angles (for example, every 30 degrees) in the circumferential direction. In addition, multiple reinforcing plates are provided on the rear surface of agitator blade 24 in a concentric or approximately concentric manner around the rotation axis. By providing rear blades 24a in this manner, wash water at the bottom of inner tub 21 is pushed outward in the radial direction.

[0044] A drive unit 25 is provided on the outside bottom of outer tub 22 to rotate inner tub 21 and agitator 24. This drive unit 25 has the function of rotating agitator 24 left and right while inner tub 21 is stationary (agitation mode), or rotating inner tub 21 and agitator 24 together in the same direction (spin mode). Agitator 24 also rotates forward and backward repeatedly in response to commands from a control device (not shown), and performs washing, rinsing, etc. by agitating laundry 7 placed in inner tub 21 up and down.

[0045] Furthermore, a circulation flow path member 21b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner tank 21. The circulation flow path member 21b is arranged on the inner wall surface of the inner tank 21 along the axial direction of the inner tank 21. The number of circulation flow path members 21b is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0046] The circulation flow path member 21b is configured as a substantially plate-shaped member that extends vertically with a predetermined width, and has an opening (not shown) formed at the top thereof. The circulation flow path member 21b is also provided with a lint trapping section 31 for trapping lint and the like.

[0047] The lint trapping unit 31 is configured to be detachable from the circulation flow path member 21b. That is, the filter unit can be removed from the housing 3 (inner tub 21), cleaned by removing lint from the filter unit, and then reattached to the housing 3 (inner tub 21).

[0048] The circulation flow path member 21b is made of synthetic resin, and forms an independent circulation water path 21c between itself and the inner tub 21. In addition, an inlet 21d is provided at the bottom of the circulation flow path member 21b to allow the wash water to flow into the circulation water path 21c.

[0049] In washing machine 100B provided with such circulation flow path member 21b, circulation water path 21c is provided in communication with a pump chamber formed by the inner circumferential side (inner bottom) of the bottom plate of inner tub 21 and the outer circumferential side of rear blade 24a provided on the rear surface of agitator impeller 24. Then, wash water is pushed outward by centrifugal force generated by rotation of rear blade 24a provided on the rear surface of agitator impeller 24, so that the wash water rises through circulation water path 21c and is intermittently poured out from openings provided in the upper part of circulation flow path member 21b.

[0050] The lint collecting device 110C includes a circulation path 28, a drainage path 29, and a collection filter 30 (lint collecting portion).

[0051] The circulation path 28 is a flow path that returns the wash water to the inner tub 21, and is made up of the outer periphery of the rear blade 24a, the inlet 21d, and the circulation water path 21c.

[0052] Drain path 29 is a flow path through which washing water flows from the washing tub to drain outlet 9a, and is provided with piping 29b connecting drain outlet 29a to hole 29c formed in the bottom of outer tub 22. Drain path 29 is also provided with an open / close electromagnetic drain valve 26.

[0053] The collection filter 30 is provided at a branch point S2 (see FIG. 7A) between the circulation path 28 and the drainage path 92. The collection filter 30 is also installed substantially parallel to the flow F (see FIG. 7A) of water flowing through the circulation path 28 located at the bottom surface of the inner tub 21. In other words, the collection filter 30 is configured so that the surface of the collection filter 30, on which a plurality of holes are formed and through which the wash water, from which foreign matter such as lint 40 has been removed, can pass, is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow F of water.

[0054] The collection filter 30 is formed at a position that does not overlap with the circumferential position of the circulation flow path member 21b. This prevents the wash water circulating from the outer periphery of the rear blade 24a toward the circulation flow path member 21b from passing through the collection filter 30 and being discharged to the outer tub 22 side, thereby preventing a decrease in the circulation flow rate.

[0055] A collection filter 30 is provided in the middle of the drainage path 9 from the outer tub 22 to the drain outlet 29a. This collection filter 30 has the function of collecting lint generated from the laundry 7 and preventing the lint from flowing into the drain outlet 29a. The lint is generated by the friction of clothes during washing and drying.

[0056] Next, the operation of washing machine 100B equipped with lint trapping device 110C will be described with reference to Figs. 7A and 7B. Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the lint trapping device of the third embodiment when water flows toward the drain outlet. Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the lint trapping device of the third embodiment when water flows through the circulation path.

[0057] In the washing cycle of washing machine 100B, when the user places laundry 7 in inner tub 1 and starts washing, drain valve 26 is closed, the amount of laundry (amount of laundry 7) is detected as needed, and water is supplied to outer tub 2. When a predetermined amount of water has accumulated in outer tub 2, agitator blade 24 is rotated forward and reverse to circulate the wash water through inner tub 21. At this time, lint is generated due to friction with laundry 7. After the washing cycle is completed, drain valve 26 is opened and the wash water is drained into drain outlet 29a.

[0058] 7A, the wash water from the bottom of inner tub 21 flows into pipe 29b of drainage path 29 at branch point S2. Furthermore, lint 40 generated during washing cannot pass through collection filter 30, so only the wash water passes through collection filter 30 and lint 40 is captured by collection filter 30.

[0059] After the washing cycle, the machine moves to the rinsing cycle. In the rinsing cycle, drain valve 26 is closed again to collect water in the lower part of outer tub 22. Then, agitator impeller 24 is rotated forward and reverse to circulate water through circulation path 28 and rinse laundry 7. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, by circulating the wash water (rinse water) by the rotational force of rear blade 24a of agitator impeller 24, lint 40 captured on the surface of collection filter 30 moves downstream with the water flow during circulation, and lint 40 disappears from the surface of collection filter 30 (lint 40 is removed from the surface of collection filter 30).

[0060] After the rinsing cycle is completed, the drain valve 26 is opened to drain the wash water from the outer tub 22. At this time, since there is no lint 40 on the surface of the collection filter 30, the trapped lint 40 can be prevented from causing a pressure loss and extending the drain time (delaying the drain time).

[0061] Furthermore, the provision of collection filter 30 prevents lint 40 from flowing through drainage path 29 (piping 29b) to drain outlet 29a, thereby preventing drain outlet 29a from becoming clogged.

[0062] As described above, lint collection device 110C of the third embodiment includes drainage path 29, through which water flows from inner tub 21 to drain outlet 29a, circulation path 28, which circulates wash water from inner tub 21, and collection filter 30, which collects lint 40, at branch point S2 between drainage path 29 and circulation path 28. Collection filter 30 is installed approximately parallel to the flow of water flowing through circulation path 28 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). This prevents the lint 40 from moving from collection filter 30 when water is drained during the rinsing cycle, preventing the drainage time from becoming longer.

[0063] Furthermore, by applying lint collecting device 110C to washing machine 100B, it is possible to collect microplastics and prevent delays in drainage time, thereby shortening the washing time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1,21 Inner tub (washing tub) 2,22 Outer tub (washing tub) 3,23 Case 4 Circulation Pump 6,26 Drain valve 7. Laundry 8,28 Circulation Route 9,29 Drainage route 9a,29a Drain port 10,30 Collection filter (lint collection part) 11,31 Lint catcher 12 Foreign object trap 21a Dehydration hole 21b Circulation flow path member 21c Circulation waterway 24 Stirring blade 24a Back feather 40 Lint 100A, 100B washing machine 110A, 110B, 110C Lint collector S1,S2 branch point

Claims

1. The drainage path from the washing machine tub to the drain, a circulation path for circulating washing water from the washing tub; A lint collection unit that collects microplastics in the drainage path, The piping of the drainage path is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the piping of the circulation path, The lint trapping portion is fitted into a hole formed at a branch point between the circulation path and the drainage path, and is configured so that an inner wall surface of the lint trapping portion is flush with an inner wall surface of a piping of the circulation path, The washing machine is characterized in that the flow of water flowing through the circulation path is in the direction of the surface of the lint collecting section.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the lint collecting unit is installed approximately parallel to the circulation path.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, The washing machine is characterized in that the lint collecting section is inclined with respect to the circulation path.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Equipped with a circulation pump that circulates washing water, The washing machine is characterized in that the lint collecting unit is installed on the inlet side of the circulation pump.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The washing machine is characterized in that a lint trapping section for trapping lint is provided in the circulation path.

6. In the washing machine according to claim 4, The washing machine is characterized in that it is provided with a foreign object capturing section for capturing foreign objects at the inlet side of the circulation pump.

7. In the washing machine according to claim 5, The washing machine is characterized in that a foreign object trapping section for trapping foreign objects is provided at the inlet side of the lint trapping section.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The washing machine is characterized in that the lint collecting section is a metal plate with a plurality of holes drilled therein.

9. The washing machine according to claim 5 or 7, The lint collecting unit is a mesh filter, the lint trap comprises a second mesh filter; The washing machine is characterized in that the mesh size of the second mesh filter is the same as or coarser than the mesh size of the first mesh filter.

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