Filters and washing machines

Abstract

To provide a filter capable of efficiently collecting lint.SOLUTION: A filter 30 is detachably stored in a filter case and has a filter bottom plate 33, a first filter side plate 34 and a second filter side plate 35 that are erected from side end edges along a longer direction X of the filter bottom plate 33. A bottom surface collecting part 33a formed of a bottom surface opening 33c to make water pass through and a bottom surface support part 33b partitioning the bottom surface opening 33c is provided on the filter bottom plate 33. A side surface collecting part 35a formed of a side surface opening 35c to make water pass through and a side surface support part 35b partitioning the side surface opening 35c is provided on the second filter side plate 35. An opening area of the bottom surface opening 33c is smaller than that of the side surface opening 35c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter and a washing machine using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In a drum washing machine, a drainage path for discharging washing water to the outside of the washing tub is provided. A circulation path for returning the discharged washing water to the washing tub is also provided, and during washing, the washing water is circulated via the circulation path. A filter unit having a lint filter for collecting dust such as lint generated during washing is provided in the drainage path. When such a washing machine is repeatedly used, dust accumulates in the lint filter, resulting in problems such as a decrease in the fluidity of the washing water, deterioration of the washing performance, and time-consuming drainage. This problem has been solved by removing the dust accumulated in the filter, and a washing machine capable of easily removing dust has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional washing machines include a housing, a water tank supported by the housing, a drum disposed within the water tank, a drainage path for discharging water drained from the water tank to the outside, a filter case provided in the middle of the drainage path, and a filter body removably housed inside the filter case for collecting foreign matters contained in the drained water. The filter body has a central portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter body and a plurality of side portions extending in a U-shape around the central portion.

[0005] In conventional washing machines, the water flow in the filter case can become locally stronger depending on the connection point with the drainage path. Furthermore, the direction of water flow within the filter case is not always unidirectional, meaning that lint collected by the filter may detach depending on the direction of the water flow. These factors may reduce the lint collection efficiency.

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a filter and a washing machine that can efficiently collect lint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The filter according to this disclosure is a filter that is detachably housed in a filter case having an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, and comprises a filter bottom plate and a filter side plate erected from the side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter bottom plate, wherein the filter bottom plate is provided with a bottom collection section formed by a bottom opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other and a bottom support section that partitions the bottom opening, and the filter side plate is provided with a side collection section formed by a side opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other and a side support section that partitions the side opening, and the bottom opening is characterized in that the area of ​​the opening is smaller than that of the side opening.

[0008] In the filter according to this disclosure, the bottom opening may be further divided into smaller sections by partition support sections that connect adjacent bottom support sections.

[0009] In the filter relating to this disclosure, the bottom collection section is separated from the other parts by the partition support section. Alternatively, the bottom opening may have a smaller partitioned opening, and this smaller opening may be positioned to correspond to the outlet.

[0010] In the filter according to this disclosure, the side support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, the side opening is located at a different position on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction, and adjacent bottom support portions may be configured so that their ends overlap by shifting their positions in the thickness direction of the filter side plate.

[0011] In the filter according to this disclosure, the end of the side support column may be provided with a side column end that protrudes toward the inlet side.

[0012] In the filter according to this disclosure, the end of the side column may be provided with a narrow passage projection that protrudes so as to obstruct a part of the side opening.

[0013] In the filter according to this disclosure, the end of the side column extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the angle at which the end of the side column is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction may be smaller than the angle at which the side support portion is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In the filter according to this disclosure, the side column end may be configured such that the length of the circumferential surface facing one side in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the circumferential surface facing the other side.

[0015] In the filter according to this disclosure, the length of the protruding end of the side column may be longer than the width of the side opening.

[0016] In the filter according to this disclosure, the side collection portion may be configured such that a closed portion is provided at the end on the inlet side in the longitudinal direction, which closes the side opening.

[0017] The washing machine relating to this disclosure is characterized by being equipped with the filter relating to this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to this disclosure, a filter can be made that achieves both collection efficiency and ease of cleaning.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the main part configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit seen from obliquely above and forward. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit seen from obliquely above and backward. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a lint filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the lint filter. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the first filter side plate. [Figure 7] It is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the second filter side plate. [Figure 8] It is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the filter rear end plate. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the lint filter enlarged. [Figure 10] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section near the bottom collection part of the filter bottom plate. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged perspective view showing the bottom collection part enlarged. [Figure 12] It is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection part of the second filter side plate. [Figure 13] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter case with a lint filter mounted. [Figure 14] It is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection part of the second filter side plate in Modification 1. [Figure 15] It is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection part of the second filter side plate in Modification 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] The washing machine 10 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is a drum-type washing machine and comprises a main body 100 and a door 120. Inside the main body 100 is a washing tub 110 equipped with a rotating drum 111. The washing tub 110 is open on the front side of the main body 100, and when the door 120 is closed, the inside is sealed to be liquid-tight.

[0023] A filter unit 20 is connected to the washing tub 110 via a first pipe 131 and a second pipe 132. A circulation pump 140 is also provided in the middle of the second pipe 132. In other words, a circulation path consisting of the first pipe 131, the second pipe 132, the filter unit 20, and the circulation pump 140 is provided outside the washing tub 110, and during washing, the wash water is circulated between the washing tub 110 and the circulation path. Specifically, the wash water is sent from the washing tub 110 to the filter unit 20 via the first pipe 131, and returned from the filter unit 20 to the washing tub 110 via the second pipe 132. At this time, lint and other debris generated during washing are collected by the filter in the filter unit 20, and the wash water from which the debris has been removed is returned to the washing tub 110. In Figure 1, the second pipe 132 is connected to the back side of the washing tub 110, but the connection point of the second pipe 132 to the washing tub 110 is not particularly limited.

[0024] Furthermore, a third drainage pipe 133 is connected to the filter unit 20, and a shut-off valve 151 is provided on the third pipe 133. During washing, the shut-off valve 151 on the third pipe 133 side is closed and the circulation pump 140 on the second pipe 132 side is operated to circulate the wash water. During drainage, the circulation pump 140 is stopped and the shut-off valve 151 is opened to drain the water from the washing tub 110. The drained wash water also passes through the filter unit 20, so lint and other debris in the wash water are collected by the filter inside the filter unit 20, and the wash water from which the debris has been removed is drained.

[0025] Next, the specific configuration of the filter unit 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit viewed from diagonally above and in front, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit viewed from diagonally above and in rear.

[0027] The filter unit 20 consists of a filter case 21, a lint filter 30 (an example of a filter), and a knob member 22. The filter case 21 is a bottomed cylindrical case member, and the lint filter 30 is housed inside it. The filter case 21 is positioned inside the washing machine 10 so that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion faces in the front-to-back direction. In the following description, the orientation of the filter unit 20 refers to the orientation in which it is positioned inside the washing machine 10, with the front corresponding to the front side of the washing machine 10 and the rear corresponding to the back side of the washing machine 10.

[0028] The front side of the filter case 21 is provided with an insertion opening 211 for inserting the lint filter 30, and the lint filter 30 can be attached to and detached from the filter case 21 through the insertion opening 211. The lint filter 30 is attached to and detached from the filter case 21 while attached to the knob member 22. At this time, the front end of the lint filter 30 is inserted into the rear end of the knob member 22, so that the lint filter 30 is attached to the knob member 22. It is attached to the filter case 21. The knob member 22 has a male threaded portion 221, and the insertion opening 211 of the filter case 21 has a female threaded portion 212. When attaching or detaching the lint filter 30 to or from the filter case 21, the male threaded portion 221 and the female threaded portion 212 are locked or unlocked by rotating the knob member 22. The arrow A in Figures 2 and 3 indicates the direction in which the lint filter 30 with the knob member 22 attached is inserted into the filter case 21 (particularly the insertion opening 211).

[0029] An inlet 213, an outlet 214, and a drain 215 are formed on the side of the cylindrical portion of the filter case 21. The inlet 213 is located above the filter case 21 and is connected to the first pipe 131. The outlet 214 is located on the side of the filter case 21, approximately in the center of its longitudinal axis, and is connected to the second pipe 132. The drain 215 is located on the side of the filter case 21, at the rear end of its longitudinal axis, and is connected to the third pipe 133.

[0030] The lint filter 30 inside the filter case 21 is positioned between the inlet 213, the outlet 214, and the drain 215. This allows the lint filter 30 to filter the wash water (circulating water) flowing from the inlet 213 to the outlet 214 within the filter case 21 during washing, and to filter the wash water (wastewater) flowing from the inlet 213 to the drain 215 within the filter case 21 during drainage. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the outlet 214 and the drain 215 are referred to by different names to distinguish them, but both discharge water from both, and both the outlet 214 and the drain 215 correspond to the outlets described in the claims.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a lint filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the lint filter 30 consists of a base portion 31 that is inserted into the knob member 22 and a filter portion 32 that extends rearward from the base portion 31. The filter portion 32 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with an open top and has a filter bottom plate 33, a first filter side plate 34, a second filter side plate 35, and a filter rear end plate 36. For the purposes of explanation below, the direction along the longitudinal side edge of the filter bottom plate 33 will be simply referred to as the longitudinal direction X, the direction along the short side edge of the filter bottom plate 33 will be referred to as the width direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the filter bottom plate 33 will be referred to as the height direction Z.

[0033] The first filter side plate 34 is erected from the side edge of the filter bottom plate 33 in the longitudinal direction X, on the side where the outlet 214 and drain 215 are provided. In other words, when the lint filter 30 is attached to the filter case 21, the first filter side plate 34 faces the inner surface of the filter case 21 on the side where the outlet 214 and drain 215 are provided.

[0034] The second filter side plate 35 is located at the longitudinal X-side edge of the filter bottom plate 33 and is erected from the side edge opposite to the first filter side plate 34. In other words, with the lint filter 30 attached to the filter case 21, the second filter side plate 35 faces the inner surface of the filter case 21 that is furthest from the outlet 214 and the drain 215.

[0035] The filter rear end plate 36 is the side edge of the filter bottom plate 33 in the shorter direction (width direction Y), and is erected from the side edge opposite to the base 31.

[0036] As described above, the base 31, filter bottom plate 33, first filter side plate 34, second filter side plate 35, and filter rear end plate 36 are arranged to surround the bottom and sides of the filter section 32 while leaving the top surface open, forming a container for temporarily holding water. For the purpose of explanation, the portion of the lint filter 30 enclosed by the base portion 31, the filter bottom plate 33, the first filter side plate 34, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 is sometimes referred to as the inside of the filter portion 32, and the portion facing the opposite side of the filter bottom plate 33, the first filter side plate 34, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 is sometimes referred to as the outside of the filter portion 32.

[0037] Next, the detailed structure of each part of the lint filter 30 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0038] Figure 5 is a top view of the lint filter, Figure 6 is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the first filter side plate, Figure 7 is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the second filter side plate, and Figure 8 is a side view of the lint filter seen from the side of the filter rear end plate.

[0039] The filter bottom plate 33, the second filter side plate 35, and the filter rear end plate 36 are provided with collection sections (bottom collection section 33a, side collection section 35a, and rear end collection section 36a) that allow water to pass from one side (the side facing the inside of the filter section 32, hereinafter referred to as the inside side) to the other side (the side facing the outside of the filter section 32, hereinafter referred to as the outside side). As water passes through the collection sections, debris such as lint contained in the water is trapped in the collection sections.

[0040] Specifically, the filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a bottom collection section 33a formed by a bottom opening 33c that allows water to pass through and a bottom support column 33b that partitions the bottom opening 33c. The second filter side plate 35 is provided with a side collection section 35a formed by a side opening 35c that allows water to pass through and a side support column 35b that partitions the side opening 35c. The filter rear end plate 36 is provided with a rear end collection section 36a formed by an opening that allows water to pass through and a support column that partitions the opening.

[0041] The following describes the detailed structure of these collection sections. However, the shapes of the openings and support columns, as well as the proportions of each part, are not limited in the collection sections described in this disclosure and may be modified as appropriate. It is sufficient that there are parts that allow water to pass through and parts that block and trap water and debris. For example, the collection section may be a mesh-like structure with multiple small holes arranged in a row, or support columns may be arranged in a grid pattern with rectangular openings, or multiple openings may be arranged irregularly. The shape of the collection section may be adjusted as appropriate, taking into consideration whether ease of cleaning or collection efficiency should be prioritized, depending on the location where it is provided.

[0042] In the bottom collection section 33a, the bottom opening 33c is an elongated hole extending along the width direction Y, and multiple bottom support columns are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction X. The bottom support columns 33b are stretched along the width direction Y from the vicinity of the first filter side plate 34 to the vicinity of the second filter side plate 35, and multiple bottom support columns are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the bottom openings 33c and bottom support columns 33b are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction X. The bottom collection section 33a is provided on the filter bottom plate 33, closer to the filter rear end plate 36.

[0043] In the side collection section 35a, the side opening 35c extends to the upper end of the second filter side plate 35. In other words, the side opening 35c is formed by cutting out a section downward from the upper end of the second filter side plate 35. The side collection section 35a is provided on the side of the second filter side plate 35 that is closer to the filter rear end plate 36. The detailed structure of the side collection section 35a will be explained later with reference to Figure 9.

[0044] In the rear end collection section 36a, an opening is formed by cutting out from the upper end of the filter rear end plate 36 downwards, and the opening is partitioned by a support column erected from the filter bottom plate 33. Furthermore, in the rear end collection section 36a, a beam extending along the width direction Y is provided, and the opening is further partitioned by the intersecting support column and beam.

[0045] The lower surface (outer surface) of the filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a downward contact portion 33f that protrudes downward from the surrounding area. When the lint filter 30 is attached to the filter case 21, the downward contact portion 33f abuts against the inner surface of the filter case 21. The relationship between the downward contact portion 33f and the filter case 21 will be explained later with reference to Figure 12.

[0046] The first filter side plate 34 is a side wall that covers the entire surface from the bottom to the top without any openings. In other words, water that enters the inside of the filter section 32 does not pass through the first filter side plate 34, but instead heads towards the collection section located elsewhere. A rib 34a that protrudes outward is provided at the top end of the first filter side plate 34. When the lint filter 30 is installed in the filter case 21, the rib 34a abuts against the inner surface of the filter case 21. By providing the rib 34a that fills the gap between the side wall (first filter side plate 34) and the filter case 21 in this way, lint that could seep in through the gap between the side wall and the filter case 21 can be blocked.

[0047] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a close-up of the main components of the lint filter.

[0048] Figure 9 shows the lint filter 30 viewed from an oblique angle above, with the top surface (inner surface) of the filter bottom plate 33 and the inner surface of the second filter side plate 35 visible.

[0049] In addition to the bottom collection section 33a described above, the filter bottom plate 33 is provided with a curved section 33d and a flat section 33e. The curved section 33d curves upward as it approaches the base section 31 (left end in Figure 9). In other words, the upper surface of the curved section 33d is higher near the base section 31 and gradually decreases along the longitudinal direction X towards the filter rear end plate 36 (right end in Figure 9). By providing the curved section 33d, the direction of the water flow can be smoothly changed to follow the curved section 33d, thereby preventing water stagnation within the lint filter 30 and improving the lint collection efficiency. The water flow into the lint filter 30 will be explained later with reference to Figure 13.

[0050] The end of the curved portion 33d is connected to a flat, non-sloping planar portion 33e, and the bottom surface collection portion 33a is provided at the end of the planar portion 33e. In other words, looking at the positional relationship of the filter bottom plate 33 in the longitudinal direction X, the curved portion 33d, the planar portion 33e, and the bottom surface collection portion 33a are arranged in the order from the base portion 31 side toward the filter rear end plate 36 side. As shown in Figure 9, the bottom surface collection portion 33a is provided in the longitudinal direction X from the end of the planar portion 33e to the vicinity of the filter rear end plate 36.

[0051] The second filter side plate 35 is provided with a restrictive side wall portion 35d that is erected from the upper surface of the filter bottom plate 33, and the side collection portion 35a is provided above the restrictive side wall portion 35d. In other words, the side collection portion 35a is positioned spaced apart from the filter bottom plate 33 and is located slightly higher by the amount of the restrictive side wall portion 35d. By providing the restrictive side wall portion 35d at the point where the filter bottom plate 33 and the second filter side plate 35 intersect in this way, the water flow over the filter bottom plate 33 increases, making it easier to collect lint at the bottom collection portion 33a.

[0052] The side collection section 35a is positioned in the longitudinal direction X to align with the curved section 33d, the flat section 33e, and the bottom collection section 33a. Specifically, the side collection section 35a is provided in the longitudinal direction X from the boundary between the curved section 33d and the flat section 33e to the vicinity of the filter rear end plate 36. In other words, the side collection section 35a is provided on the side of the filter rear end plate 36 that is closer to the curved section 33d. In this way, the side collection section 35a avoids the vicinity of the curved section 33d. Since 5a is provided, the curved section 33d prevents the water flow intended to return to the main stream from leaking to the outside.

[0053] The side collection section 35a is provided with a closed section 35f at the end on the inlet 213 side in the longitudinal direction X, which closes the side opening 35c. Specifically, the side collection section 35a is provided with a closing wall section 35e that connects some of the side support sections 35b located on the base 31 side. The closing wall section 35e is erected from the upper surface of the restricting side wall section 35d located between the side support sections 35b to the same height as the upper end of the second filter side plate 35. In other words, the closed section 35f with the closing wall section 35e acts like a side wall connected to the second filter side plate 35, preventing water from passing through. However, the difference in the closed section 35f is that it is not simply a side wall, but is provided with side support sections 35b. The function of the side support sections 35b will be explained with reference to Figure 12, which shows the detailed structure of the side support sections 35b.

[0054] As described above, the lint filter 30 has a structure in which the first filter side plate 34 acts as a side wall to block water from heading towards the outlet via the shortest path. However, it is not limited to this, and the first filter side plate 34 may also be provided with a collection section consisting of an opening and support columns, similar to the second filter side plate 35.

[0055] In this embodiment, the side support portion 35b is composed only of plate-shaped projections extending in the height direction Z, and no beams or other structures extending in the longitudinal direction X are provided. Therefore, the user can remove lint entangled in the side support portion 35b by moving their finger along it from the bottom end to the top end. If a member such as a beam were provided, it would be difficult to pull up the lint because it would get in the way. Thus, the side support portion 35b is designed in a comb-like shape with multiple teeth (projections) arranged in a row, taking ease of cleaning into consideration.

[0056] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the area near the bottom collection section of the filter bottom plate. In Figure 10, for the sake of clarity, the bottom support column 33b and the bottom opening 33c are shown in focus, while other parts are omitted.

[0057] Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the filter bottom plate 33 along the longitudinal direction X, with an enlarged view of the vicinity of the bottom collection section 33a. The end of the bottom support section 33b (support end 33b1) is a convex shape that protrudes toward the inlet 213. In other words, in the bottom support section 33b, the support end 33b1 located on the upper side of the filter bottom plate 33 protrudes upward from the filter bottom plate 33 (particularly the flat section 33e).

[0058] When cleaning the bottom collection section 33a, for example, the user can run their finger along the filter bottom plate 33 to remove lint tangled in the bottom support column 33b. If the support column ends 33b1 are flat and the filter bottom plate 33 is at a uniform height, there is a problem that when lint stuck to the support column ends 33b1 is pulled away towards the base 31 with a finger, it becomes entangled in the adjacent support column ends 33b1 on the base 31 side. In this embodiment, the support column ends 33b1 are made to protrude and have irregularities, so gaps are created between adjacent support column ends 33b1 and between the filter bottom plate 33 and the lint, making it easier to pull it away and thus improving cleaning efficiency.

[0059] The bottom support column 33b is broad and substantially flat, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the bottom support column 33b is inclined so that the side of the base 31 (right side in Figure 10) is positioned upward and the side of the filter rear end plate 36 (left side in Figure 10) is positioned downward. Multiple bottom support columns 33b are arranged side by side with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction X, with their positions in the height direction Z being approximately the same. The bottom opening 33c located between the bottom support columns 33b is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X along the bottom support columns 33b, and opens with an inner surface (upper surface of the filter bottom plate 33) and an outer surface (lower surface of the filter bottom plate 33). The positions are different. In Figure 10, the inclination reference line KL is shown as a dashed line, representing a straight line along the direction in which the bottom support portion 33b and the bottom opening 33c are inclined, and the auxiliary line HL is shown as a dashed line, representing a straight line parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the filter bottom plate 33. In this embodiment, the angle between the inclination reference line KL and the auxiliary line HL (inclination angle θ), that is, the angle at which the bottom support portion 33b and the bottom opening 33c are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X, is set to approximately 40°.

[0060] The adjacent bottom support columns 33b are offset in the height direction Z, so that their ends overlap. As a result, when viewing the filter bottom plate 33 from above, the bottom opening 33c appears to be covered by the bottom support columns 33b.

[0061] Next, the water flow near the bottom collection section 33a will be explained. In the filter section 32, water flows in from above the filter bottom plate 33 through the inlet 213 and flows along the flat section 33e (arrow F1). When the water reaches the bottom collection section 33a, the support end 33b1 protrudes above the flat section 33e, creating a wavy water flow that goes over the support end 33b1 (arrow F2). In addition, a portion of the water flow branches off to avoid the support end 33b1 and becomes a water flow that passes through the gap in the bottom support section 33b and through the bottom opening 33c (arrow F3). In this way, because there is a convex shape on the inside of the lint filter 30 where lint is collected, the direction of the water flow changes in a wavy manner, making it easier for lint to get entangled in the bottom support section 33b. Furthermore, since the bottom support column 33b has a wing shape that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X, water can pass through the gaps in the bottom support column 33b and through the bottom collection section 33a, making it easier for lint to get entangled in the bottom support column 33b.

[0062] The bottom support column 33b may have varying thickness in parts. In this embodiment, the upper side of the filter bottom plate 33 is made thicker, and the lower side of the filter bottom plate 33 is made thinner. Changing the thickness of the bottom support column 33b changes the width of the bottom opening 33c accordingly. In other words, the bottom opening 33c becomes narrower in the thicker parts of the bottom support column 33b, and wider in the thinner parts of the bottom support column 33b.

[0063] Figure 10 shows a bottom support column 33b that is inclined so that the base portion 31 is positioned upward and the filter rear end plate 36 is positioned downward. However, the design is not limited to this, and the direction of the inclination may be changed so that the base portion 31 is positioned downward and the filter rear end plate 36 is positioned upward.

[0064] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a magnified view of the bottom collection area.

[0065] Figure 11 shows the area near the bottom collection section 33a viewed from diagonally above, oriented along the slope of the bottom opening 33c. In the bottom collection section 33a, a partition support section 33g is provided as part of the bottom support section 33b, connecting adjacent bottom support sections 33b in the longitudinal direction X. The bottom opening 33c is partitioned in the width direction Y by the partition support section 33g. By providing the partition support section 33g in this way, the opening area of ​​the bottom opening 33c can be freely adjusted.

[0066] The bottom collection section 33a is provided with a small opening 33h, which is partitioned off to be smaller than the bottom opening 33c in other sections by bottom support columns 33b and partition support columns 33g. The partition support columns 33g may be provided in any part of the bottom collection section 33a, but in the small opening 33h, the partition support columns 33g are densely arranged. In this embodiment, the small opening 33h is provided in the bottom collection section 33a near the filter rear end plate 36. In other words, the bottom opening 33c is partitioned off to be smaller in the part close to the filter rear end plate 36 than in the part close to the flat section 33e. By providing the small opening 33h in this way, the lint collection efficiency can be partially improved.

[0067] In this embodiment, in the small opening 33h, three partition support columns 33g are provided between adjacent bottom support columns 33b. In areas other than the small opening 33h, two or three partition support columns 33g are provided between adjacent bottom support columns 33b.

[0068] In the bottom collection section 33a, multiple bottom openings 33c are formed by partitioning with bottom support columns 33b and partition support columns 33g. Similarly, in the side collection section 35a, multiple side openings 35c are formed by partitioning with side support columns 35b. Since the distance between adjacent bottom support columns 33b and the distance between adjacent side support columns 35b are approximately the same, the length in the longitudinal direction X is approximately the same for the bottom openings 33c and the side openings 35c.

[0069] By the way, since the surface orientation of the filter bottom plate 33 and the second filter side plate 35 are different, if we focus only on the orientation of the openings of the bottom opening 33c and the side opening 35c, we can consider that the width direction Y at the bottom opening 33c corresponds to the height direction Z at the side opening 35c.

[0070] The bottom collection section 33a and the side collection section 35a differ in that they are both provided with a partition support column 33g. The side collection section 35a does not have a member equivalent to the partition support column 33g, such as a beam extending in the longitudinal direction X, so the bottom opening 33c is not partitioned in the height direction Z. In contrast, the bottom opening 33c is further partitioned in the width direction Y by the partition support column 33g, and the open area is smaller than that of the side opening 35c. In this way, at the bottom, where a strong water flow hits, the lint collection efficiency can be improved by making the opening smaller. On the side, on the other hand, making the opening larger makes it easier to remove lint and improves cleanability. In this way, by making the opening size appropriate for each part, it is possible to achieve both collection efficiency and cleanability.

[0071] When the lint filter 30 is attached to the filter case 21, the drain port 215 is located right next to the filter rear end plate 36 (see Figure 13 for details). When water is drained from the drain port 215, the water flow towards the drain port 215 becomes stronger, and therefore the water flow near the filter rear end plate 36 becomes stronger. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a small opening 33h in the area where the water flow becomes stronger depending on the outlet (including the drain port 215).

[0072] Figure 12 is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection section of the second filter side plate. In Figure 12, for the sake of clarity, the upper end of the lint filter 30, including the side collection section 35a of the second filter side plate 35, is shown in detail, while the lower part (regulating side wall section 35d, etc.) is shown in a simplified manner.

[0073] The side support portion 35b, like the bottom support portion 33b, is broad and substantially flat, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the side support portion 35b is inclined so that the side of the base portion 31 (right side in Figure 12) is positioned inward, and the side of the filter rear end plate 36 (left side in Figure 12) is positioned outward. Multiple side support portions 35b are arranged side by side with their positions in the width direction Y being approximately the same, and with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction X. The side opening 35c located between the side support portions 35b is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X along the side support portion 35b, and the opening position differs between the inner surface (inner surface of the second filter side plate 35) and the outer surface (outer surface of the second filter side plate 35).

[0074] The adjacent side support sections 35b are offset in the thickness direction (width direction Y) of the second filter side plate 35, so that their ends overlap. Because their ends overlap in this way, from a viewpoint perpendicular to the second filter side plate 35 (viewpoint in the width direction Y), the side support sections 3 5b makes it appear as if the side opening 35c is covered. As a result, the side collection section 35a allows water carried by the flow to pass through, but even if a water current is generated from the outside, it is difficult for it to enter the inside. This prevents lint from wrapping around the entire circumference of the side support section 35b, causing it to get caught in one direction and making it easier to remove the lint.

[0075] The end of the side support column 35b is provided with a side column end 35b1 that protrudes toward the inlet 213. In other words, the side column end 35b1 located on the inner side of the second filter side plate 35 in the side support column 35b protrudes inward from the second filter side plate 35. The side column end 35b1 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the side column end 35b1 extends in the opposite direction to the side support column 35b, inclined so that the base 31 side is positioned outward and the filter rear end plate 36 side is positioned inward. In other words, the side column end 35b1 protrudes inward from the filter rear end plate 36 side than from the base 31 side.

[0076] As described above, in the side collection section 35a, the inlet 213 is located above the end on the base 31 side, and the water flowing in from the inlet 213 basically flows in the longitudinal direction X from the base 31 side to the filter rear end plate 36 side. Along this direction of water flow, the side support section 35b and the side column end 35b1 extend in a V shape, with one end on the upstream side as the starting point and the other ends moving away from each other. The side support section 35b extends longer than the side column end 35b1.

[0077] The angle at which the side column end 35b1 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X (end angle KA2 shown in Figure 12) is set to be smaller than the angle at which the side support portion 35b is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X (support angle KA1 shown in Figure 12). In this embodiment, the support angle KA1 is set to approximately 34°, and the end angle KA2 is set to approximately 20°. By making the inclination of the side column end 35b1 smaller than that of the side support portion 35b in this way, the protruding height of the side column end 35b1 can be reduced, resulting in a shape that does not get in the way during cleaning.

[0078] Next, the water flow near the side collection section 35a will be explained. As described above, when water flows in from above through the inlet 213, the water flows along the side wall portion of the second filter side plate 35 (arrow SF1). When the water reaches the side collection section 35a (especially the closed section 35f), the direction of the water flow changes along the side column end 35b1 because the side column end 35b1 protrudes inward from its surroundings (arrow SF2). At this time, since the closed section 35f is provided with a blocking wall portion 35e, water does not pass through the side opening 35c. In this way, by providing the side support portion 35b close to the inlet 213, while also providing the closed section 35f which blocks the side opening 35c, the strong water flow flowing in from the inlet 213 can be efficiently weakened.

[0079] Then, after passing through the closed section 35f, a portion of the water flow becomes a water flow (arrow SF3) that weaves through the gap in the side support section 35b and passes through the side opening 35c. At the same time, a portion of the water flow changes direction along the side column end 35b1 and begins to flow inward (arrow SF2). The lint (first lint LT1) that flows in with the water is carried by the two water flows (arrows SF2 and SF3) that branched near the side support section 35b, and gets caught on both the side support section 35b and the side column end 35b1. In this way, by providing the side column end 35b1, which obstructs the water flow along the side, the water flow going outward is weakened and an inward water flow is created, making it easier for the lint to remain caught on the side support section 35b.

[0080] The end portion 35b1 of the side column is provided with a narrow passage projection 35b2 that protrudes more than the surrounding area. As shown in Figure 12, the narrow passage projection 35b2 extends from the end portion of the side column end portion 35b1 that is on the side of the filter rear end plate 36. When viewed from the side of the filter rear end plate 36, the second filter side plate 35 On the outer side, the side support column 35b extends straight, while on the inner side, the narrow passage projection 35b2 protrudes more than the side support column 35b. The side opening 35c is provided between the side support columns 35b, but on the inner side, a portion of the opening is blocked by the narrow passage projection 35b2. By providing the narrow passage projection 35b2 and further weakening the outward water flow, lint is more likely to remain near the side support columns 35b, thereby improving collection efficiency.

[0081] In the washing machine 10, the outflow of water from the filter unit 20 may be stopped during operation. Also, depending on the water flow conditions beyond the outlet 214 and drain 215, the outflow rate of water from the filter unit 20 may fluctuate. In this case, water accumulates inside the lint filter 30, and a water flow (arrow SF4) different from the normal flow may occur, moving from the filter rear end plate 36 towards the base 31. Lint (second lint LT2) carried by this water flow floats irregularly inside the lint filter 30, and may get caught when it comes into contact with the narrow passage projection 35b2. As described above, by providing the narrow passage projection 35b2 on the inward-facing part and increasing the area where lint can get caught, the collection efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, lint can be collected by straddling the upstream end of the side column end 35b1 and the downstream end of the narrow passage projection 35b2, effectively preventing lint caught on the side support portion 35b from detaching due to the reversal of the water flow.

[0082] The side support column 35b may have rounded corners to prevent users from injuring their fingers when they touch it.

[0083] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filter case with a lint filter installed. Note that hatching has been omitted in Figure 13 for clarity.

[0084] The filter case 21 is installed inside the washing machine 10 such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion is inclined when the washing machine 10 is placed on a horizontal surface (hereinafter referred to as the reference surface). Specifically, the filter case 21 is inclined such that the front end of the longitudinal axis (the side with the insertion port 211, to the right in Figure 13) is positioned upwards, and the rear end of the longitudinal axis (the side with the drain port 215, to the left in Figure 13) is positioned downwards. Accordingly, the bottom surface (case bottom surface 216) of the cylindrical portion of the filter case 21 is installed in the washing machine 10 in an inclined state. In this embodiment, the angle of inclination of the case bottom surface 216 with respect to the reference surface is approximately 11°.

[0085] When the lint filter 30 is installed in the filter case 21, the filter bottom plate 33 is tilted relative to the washing machine 10, similar to the filter case 21. Specifically, the filter bottom plate 33 is tilted such that the base 31 is positioned upwards and the rear end plate 36 is positioned downwards.

[0086] As described above, when the lint filter 30 is attached to the filter case 21, the drain port 215 is located near the rear end plate 36 of the filter. The outlet port 214 is located to the side of the first filter side plate 34 and faces the vicinity of the boundary between the flat portion 33e and the bottom collection portion 33a.

[0087] When the lint filter 30 is attached to the filter case 21, the inlet 213 is located near the top of the flat section 33e. Therefore, the water flowing into the filter section 32 from the inlet 213 flows with force, but does not go directly to the bottom collection section 33a. Instead, as indicated by arrow F4, it hits the flat section 33e, where its force is weakened, and then a portion of the water flow goes to the bottom collection section 33a. In this way, the strong water flow does not directly hit the bottom collection section 33a, thus preventing lint carried by the force of the water from passing through without being collected.

[0088] Incidentally, when water hits the flat section 33e, a water flow is generated not only toward the bottom collection section 33a, but also toward the base section 31. If the filter bottom plate 33 and the base section 31 intersect perpendicularly and have an angular structure, there is a risk that water hitting the base section 31 will create turbulence and cause the water flow to stagnate.

[0089] However, in this embodiment, since a curved portion 33d is provided connected to the flat portion 33e, the water flow toward the base portion 31 is redirected along the curved portion 33d, as shown by arrow F5, to move in an arc toward the bottom collection portion 33a.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inlet 213 is positioned directly above the flat portion 33e, but the system is not limited to this configuration, and the inlet 213 may be moved further towards the base portion 31. In configurations where the position of the inlet 213 is changed, it is sufficient that the bottom collection portion 33a is provided in the portion excluding the area directly below the inlet 213.

[0091] As shown in Figure 13, the lower contact portion 33f described above is in contact with the case bottom surface 216 (the inner surface of the filter case). Since the lower contact portion 33f protruding from the filter bottom plate 33 is in contact with the case bottom surface 216, the lint filter 30 is mounted in the filter case 21 with the filter bottom plate 33 spaced apart from the case bottom surface 216. As a result, when the lint filter 30 is mounted in the filter case 21, a water-permeable space TK is formed between the lower surface of the filter bottom plate 33 and the case bottom surface 216, allowing water flowing out from the outlet to pass through. In this embodiment, the distance between the lower surface of the filter bottom plate 33 and the case bottom surface 216 is about 8 mm, but it is not limited to this, and the distance may be increased. By providing a water-permeable space TK in this way, water can flow efficiently to the bottom collection portion 33a, improving collection efficiency.

[0092] The side column end portion 35b1 is not limited to the structure described above, but may also have shapes like those shown in Modification 1 and Modification 2 below. Next, Modification 1 and Modification 2 of the lint filter 30 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0093] Figure 14 is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection section of the second filter side plate in Modification 1.

[0094] In Modification 1, the side column end 35b1 protrudes inward from the side support portion 35b. At the side column end 35b1, the apex that protrudes most inward is located closer to the filter rear end plate 36 than its center in the longitudinal direction X. The apex line LN shown in Figure 14 represents a line passing through the apex of the side column end 35b1. At the side column end 35b1, with the apex line LN as the boundary, the length of the circumferential surface facing the base portion 31 (first circumferential surface length WL1) is longer than the length of the circumferential surface facing the filter rear end plate 36 (second circumferential surface length WL2). By making the side column end 35b1 an uneven shape in this way, it is possible to smoothly change the direction of water flow from one side and to block water flow from the other side in a way that weakens its force.

[0095] Figure 15 is a schematic top view showing the vicinity of the side collection section of the second filter side plate in modified example 2.

[0096] Unlike Modification 1, Modification 2 has a uniform shape at the end of the side column 35b1, and the length of the circumferential surface facing the base 31 is the same as the length of the circumferential surface facing the rear end plate 36 of the filter.

[0097] By the way, the length of the side column end 35b1 that protrudes inward from the filter section 32 (protrusion length WL4) The protruding length WL4 may be set as appropriate, but it is preferable that it be longer than the width of the side opening 35c (opening width WL3). In other words, by making the protruding length WL4 longer than the opening width WL3, the water flow near the side collection section 35a is largely blocked by the side column end 35b1, guiding it toward the inside of the filter section 32 and weakening the water flow that goes toward the outside through the side opening 35c. In this way, by adjusting the length of the protruding side column end 35b1, the force of the water flow entering the side opening 35c can be adjusted.

[0098] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Accordingly, the technical scope of this disclosure is not to be interpreted solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. This includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Washing machines 20 filter units 21 Filter Case 213 Inlet 214 Outlet 215 Drain 216 Case bottom 30. Lint filter (an example of a filter) 31 Base 32 Filter section 33 Filter bottom plate 33a Bottom collection part 33b Bottom support section 33b1 Post end 33c Bottom opening 33d Curved section 33e Flat part 33f Lower contact part 33g Partition support section 33h small opening 34. First filter side plate 34a Rib 35. Second filter side plate 35a Side collection part 35b Side support section 35b1 Side pillar end 35b2 Defile projection 35c side opening 35d Regulation side wall section 36 Filter rear end plate 36a Rear end collection section TK water flow space X Longitudinal direction Y width direction Z (height direction)

Claims

1. A filter that is detachably housed in a filter case having an inlet for water to enter and an outlet for water to exit, Filter bottom plate and It has a filter side plate erected from the side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter bottom plate, The filter bottom plate is provided with a bottom collection section formed by a bottom opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a bottom support section that partitions the bottom opening. The filter side plate is provided with a side collection section formed by a side opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a side support section that partitions the side opening. The bottom opening has a smaller opening area than the side opening and is further divided by a partition support connecting adjacent bottom support sections. The bottom collection section has a small opening that is smaller than the other parts of the bottom opening due to the partition support section. The small opening is provided at a position corresponding to the outlet. A filter characterized by the following:

2. A filter that is detachably housed in a filter case having an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, Filter bottom plate and It has a filter side plate erected from the side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter bottom plate, The filter bottom plate is provided with a bottom collection section formed by a bottom opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a bottom support section that partitions the bottom opening. The filter side plate is provided with a side collection section formed by a side opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a side support section that partitions the side opening. The bottom opening has a smaller opening area than the side opening. The aforementioned side support portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, The aforementioned side openings are located at different positions on one surface and the other surface in the longitudinal direction. The adjacent side support columns are positioned so that their ends overlap, with a staggered position in the thickness direction of the filter side plate. A filter characterized by the following:

3. The filter according to claim 2, The end of the aforementioned side support column is provided with a side column end that protrudes toward the inlet side. A filter characterized by the following:

4. The filter according to claim 3, The end of the side column is provided with a narrow passage projection that protrudes so as to obstruct a part of the side opening. A filter characterized by the following:

5. The filter according to claim 3, The end of the side column extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, The angle at which the end of the side column is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction is smaller than the angle at which the side support portion is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction. A filter characterized by the following:

6. The filter according to claim 3, The end of the side column is such that the length of the circumferential surface facing one side in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the circumferential surface facing the other side. A filter characterized by the following:

7. The filter according to claim 3, The length of the protruding end of the side column is longer than the width of the side opening. A filter characterized by the following:

8. A filter that is detachably housed in a filter case having an inlet for water to flow in and an outlet for water to flow out, Filter bottom plate and It has a filter side plate erected from the side edge along the longitudinal direction of the filter bottom plate, The filter bottom plate is provided with a bottom collection section formed by a bottom opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a bottom support section that partitions the bottom opening. The filter side plate is provided with a side collection section formed by a side opening that allows water to pass from one side to the other, and a side support section that partitions the side opening. The bottom opening has a smaller opening area than the side opening. The side collection section is provided with a closed portion at the end on the inlet side in the longitudinal direction, which closes the side opening. A filter characterized by the following:

9. A washing machine comprising the filter described in claim 1.

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