Laundry machine

Abstract

This laundry machine comprises: an outer tank (2); a circulation path (12) for returning water in the outer tank (2) to the inside of the outer tank (2); a drainage path (13) for discharging water in the outer tank (2); a circulation filter (14) that collects foreign matter such as lint in the circulation path (12) and the drainage path (13); and a drainage filter (15) that collects foreign matter in the drainage path (13). The foreign matter on the circulation filter (14) is transferred to the drainage filter (15). The transfer of the foreign matter from the circulation filter (14) to the drainage filter (15) is executed when a circulation pump (11) is stopped.

Description

washing machine

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

[0002] Conventional washing machines have a structure in which water is circulated into an outer tub through a filter that collects lint (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2015-58113 A

[0004] However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, water circulates into the outer tub through a filter that collects lint. Therefore, in this patent document, unless the lint filter is cleaned every time, water that has passed through the lint filter accumulated from the previous or previous wash cycle enters the outer tub, and clothes and the like must be washed with that water.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that reduces the frequency of maintenance by the user and makes it easy to keep the circulating water clean.

[0006] The present invention is characterized by comprising a washing tub, a circulation path that returns water in the washing tub back into the washing tub, a drainage path that drains the water in the washing tub, a first foreign matter collection unit that collects foreign matter in the circulation path and the drainage path, and a second foreign matter collection unit that collects foreign matter in the drainage path, and by transferring foreign matter in the first foreign matter collection unit to the second foreign matter collection unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that can reduce the frequency of maintenance required by the user and easily keep the circulating water clean.

[0008] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the present embodiment. A configuration diagram of the main parts of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. A diagram explaining the flow of wash water during circulation and drainage. A perspective view showing a foreign matter collecting device. A cross-sectional view along line V-V in FIG. 4. A diagram showing the flow of water when the circulation pump is operating. A diagram showing the flow of water when the circulation pump is stopped. A schematic diagram showing a modified example of a drain filter. A bottom view of the drain filter. A diagram showing a holder for setting the drain filter. A diagram explaining the flow of wash water. A diagram explaining the flow of wash water during circulation and drainage in a washing machine according to another embodiment. A diagram explaining the operation of the washing machine shown in FIG. 8. A perspective view of a foreign matter collecting device according to another embodiment. A perspective view showing a volume reduction means. A cross-sectional view inside a storage case that stores a circulation filter. A cross-sectional view inside a storage section that stores a drain filter. A cross-sectional view when cut at the tip of the piston of the volume reduction means. A flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. A diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a washing machine according to another embodiment. A diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a washing machine according to yet another embodiment.

[0009] 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 applications within the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a washing machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 100A is a drum-type washer / dryer and includes a housing 1, an outer tub 2 (washing tub), and a drum 3 (inner tub). In addition, a door 9 that is opened and closed when loading and unloading laundry is provided on the front of housing 1. Note that this embodiment will be described using a washing machine with a washing / drying function as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to washing machines without a drying function.

[0010] The outer tub 2 is capable of storing wash water (liquid) therein, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is supported by a plurality of dampers.

[0011] The drum 3 is rotatably supported inside the outer tub 2. The drum 3 is cylindrical with a bottom and positioned with an opening at the front. The drum 3 has multiple lifters 3a for lifting laundry and numerous through-holes (not shown) for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation. A fluid balancer (not shown) is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the drum 3 to reduce vibrations caused by imbalance of the laundry during spin-drying. The drum 3 is directly connected to a driving motor (not shown). The rotation axis of the drum 3 is inclined so that the front side is higher than the rear side. The rotation axis of the drum 3 may also be configured to be approximately horizontal.

[0012] An air duct 20 is provided within the housing 1 to guide airflow to the laundry in the drum 3. A blower 30 and a heat pump unit 40 are provided in the air duct 20. The blower 30 is located downstream of the heat pump unit 40. The air duct 20 also includes an intake duct 21 that connects the back of the outer tub 2 to the heat pump unit 40, and an exhaust duct 22 that connects the outer tub 2 to the blower 30. A primary filter 6 and a secondary filter 7 for drying are provided between the outer tub 2 and the intake duct 21.

[0013] During the drying operation, the heat pump unit 40 dehumidifies and heats the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the laundry and been discharged from the outer tub 2, to make it high-temperature, low-humidity, and the dehumidified and heated warm air (drying air) is passed through the discharge duct 22 by the blower 30 and blown onto the laundry in the drum 3 from the drying outlet 25 provided at the top of the outer tub 2. The warm air blown onto the laundry becomes high-temperature, high-humidity air, passes through the primary filter 6 and then the secondary filter 7 to collect lint, and then returns to the heat pump unit 40 via the suction duct 21.

[0014] A water supply unit 70 is provided at the top of the housing 1. This water supply unit 70 includes a solenoid valve (not shown) that opens when water is supplied to the powder detergent dispenser chamber and liquid detergent dispenser chamber of the detergent case, a solenoid valve (not shown) that opens when water is supplied to the fabric softener dispenser chamber, and a solenoid valve (not shown) that opens when water is supplied directly to the water supply port (not shown) of the outer tub 2.

[0015] A recess 2a is provided in the inner bottom directly below the outer tub 2. This recess 2a is generally concave and extends in the axial direction of the drum 3. A drain outlet 2c is provided in the bottom surface 2b of the recess 2a. A circulation pump 11 is also provided below the outer tub 2 within the housing 1. This circulation pump 11 has the function of sucking wash water from the outer tub 2 through the drain outlet 2c via a pipe 12a, pumping it up to the top of the outer tub 2 through pipes 12b and 12c, and spraying it onto the laundry in the drum 3. Pipe 12c extends upward to the top of the outer tub 2.

[0016] The washing machine 100A also includes a control device 90 (controller) on top of the housing 1. The control device 90 includes electronic circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and various interfaces. The CPU reads out programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, causing the CPU to execute various processes. The control device 90 also controls the opening and closing of various electromagnetic valves in the water supply unit 70, the ON / OFF of the blower 30, the ON / OFF of the circulation pump 11 (described later), and the opening and closing of the drain valve 16.

[0017] 2 is a diagram showing the main components of the washing machine of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the washing machine 100A includes a circulation path 12 that returns water (washing water) from the outer tub 2 to the outer tub 2, a drain path 13 that drains the water from the outer tub 2, a circulation filter 14 (first foreign matter collector) that collects foreign matter (lint, etc.) in the circulation path 12 and the drain path 13, a drain filter 15 (second foreign matter collector) that collects foreign matter (lint, etc.) in the drain path 13, and a drain valve 16 provided in the drain path 13.

[0018] The circulation path 12 includes a pipe section 12a connecting the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2 and the washing water inlet 14a of the circulation filter 14, a pipe section 12b connecting the circulation side outlet 14b from which the washing water filtered by the circulation filter 14 flows out and the inlet 11a of the circulation pump 11, and a pipe section 12c connecting the outlet 11b of the circulation pump 11 and the discharge outlet 2s of the outer tub 2.

[0019] The drain path 13 includes a pipe 13a connecting a drain outlet 14c through which the washing water of the circulation filter 14 is discharged and an inlet 15a through which the washing water of the drain filter 15 is introduced, and a pipe 13b connecting an outlet 15b through which the washing water filtered by the drain filter 15 is discharged to the outside (outside the machine). The pipe 12a is configured as a common flow path for the circulation path 12 and the drain path 13.

[0020] The circulation filter 14 includes a filter portion 14f that collects foreign matter such as lint. The wash water containing foreign matter that flows into the circulation filter 14 from the outer tub 2 is collected by the filter portion 14f, and the collected wash water passes through the circulation pump 11 and returns to the outer tub 2.

[0021] Drain filter 15 includes a filter portion 15f that collects lint and other foreign matter. When drain valve 16 opens during drainage, the foreign matter (lint and other foreign matter) collected in filter portion 14f of circulation filter 14 moves to drain filter 15 along with the drained water. The wash water filtered by drain filter 15 is discharged outside the machine through pipe portion 13b.

[0022] Drain valve 16 is provided in pipe section 13a between circulation filter 14 and drain filter 15. Drain valve 16 is, for example, an open / close electromagnetic valve, and when opened, foreign matter trapped in circulation filter 14 is transferred to drain filter 15. During washing, drain valve 16 is closed, and foreign matter remains trapped in circulation filter 14.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates the flow of wash water during circulation and drainage. As shown in FIG. 3 , during the wash and rinse cycles, the drain valve 16 is closed, as indicated by the solid arrows, and the wash water in the outer tub 2 circulates through the circulation path 12. That is, during circulation, the circulation pump 11 is driven, and the wash water flowing out of the outer tub 2 passes through the circulation filter 14, where lint and other foreign matter are captured by the filter portion 14f of the circulation filter 14. The wash water filtered by the filter portion 14f is pressurized by the circulation pump 11, moves up the pipe portion 12c, and is discharged into the drum 3 through the discharge port 2s located at the top of the outer tub 2. As the wash water in the outer tub 2 circulates in this manner, lint and other foreign matter accumulate on the filter portion 14f of the circulation filter 14. When the wash and rinse cycles are completed, the circulation pump 11 is stopped, and the system transitions to the drainage cycle. Stopping the circulation pump 11 causes the water remaining in the pipe 12c to flow backward by gravity, passing through the circulation filter 14 and returning to the bottom of the outer tub 2. This flow dislodges foreign matter (lint) trapped in the circulation filter 14. During the drain stroke, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the drain valve 16 opens and the wash water in the outer tub 2 is drained through the drain path 13. At this time, the foreign matter trapped in the filter portion 14f of the circulation filter 14 is peeled off the surface of the filter portion 14f and flows through the pipe 13a of the drain path 13 to the filter portion 15f of the drain filter 15. In other words, during drainage, the foreign matter trapped in the circulation filter 14 is transferred to the filter portion 15f of the drain filter 15. The wash water filtered by the drain filter 15 is then discharged to the outside of the machine through the pipe 13b of the drain path 13.

[0024] Washing machine 100A configured in this manner includes outer tub 2, circulation path 12 that returns wash water (water) in outer tub 2 to outer tub 2, drain path 13 that drains water from outer tub 2, circulation filter 14 that collects foreign matter in circulation path 12 and drain path 13, and drain filter 15 that collects foreign matter in drain path 13, and transfers the foreign matter in circulation filter 14 to drain filter 15. This allows foreign matter in circulation filter 14 on circulation path 12 to be transferred to drain filter 15, making it possible to easily keep the water circulating through circulation path 12 clean while reducing the frequency of user maintenance.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foreign matter collection device, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, foreign matter collection device 50A (foreign matter collection unit) is an integrally configured device comprising a circulation filter 14A (first foreign matter collection unit) and a drain filter 15A (second foreign matter collection unit). Foreign matter collection device 50A also includes a cylindrical housing case (housing unit) 51 that houses circulation filter 14A and drain filter 15A, and a piston 52 that moves axially within housing case 51. Housing case 51 also includes an inlet 51a through which wash water from outer tub 2 is introduced, a pump connection 51b to which circulation pump 11 is connected, and a drain 51c (see FIG. 5) through which water is drained outside the machine. Inlet 51a is provided at the top of housing case 51. Pump connection 51b is provided on the side (periphery) of housing case 51. The drainage section 51c is provided at the bottom of the container case 51 opposite the introduction section 51a.

[0026] Piston 52 is cylindrical and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of accommodating case 51. Piston 52 is configured to be able to move in the axial direction within accommodating case 51. Piston 52 is driven by the driving force of an electric motor (not shown). Although not shown, a water seal is provided to prevent wash water introduced into accommodating case 51 from leaking out through a gap between piston 52 and accommodating case 51.

[0027] The housing case 51 also contains a circulation filter 14A and a drain filter 15A. The circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A are detachable from the housing case 51. That is, the circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A are fixed to the back of the handle 53. By rotating the handle 53 in one direction, the circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A can be removed from the housing case 51, allowing cleaning (maintenance) of the circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A. By inserting the circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A into the housing case 51 and rotating the handle 53 in the other direction, the circulation filter 14A and the drain filter 15A are fixed within the housing case 51. The handle 53 is provided with a gasket (not shown) to prevent wash water from leaking from the housing case 51.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5 , the piston 52 is located in the center of the housing case 51, with the circulation filter 14A and the drainage filter 15A disposed outside of it. The circulation filter 14A and the drainage filter 15A are constructed as a single component and are J-shaped in cross section. The circulation filter 14A is formed in a flat plate shape and is located above the piston 52, not in contact with it. The drainage filter 15A is formed in a semicircular arc shape and is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the piston 52. The circulation filter 14A and the drainage filter 15A may be made of resin and may be lattice-shaped or mesh-shaped. The circulation filter 14A and the drainage filter 15A may be the same type or different types.

[0029] FIG. 6A shows the water flow when the circulation pump is operating, and FIG. 6B shows the water flow when the circulation pump is stopped. As shown in FIG. 6A , when wash water circulates in the outer tub 2, the drain valve 16 is closed and the circulation pump 11 is operating. The piston 52 moves toward the handle 53 within the housing case 51, covering the filter surface of the drain filter 15A. In this state, when wash water from the outer tub 2 is introduced into the housing case 51 through the inlet 51a, the wash water flows along the outer peripheral surface of the piston 52 and toward the circulation filter 14A. As the wash water passes through the circulation filter 14A, lint 60 is collected in the circulation filter 14A. The wash water filtered by the circulation filter 14A is pressurized through the circulation pump 11 and returned to the outer tub 2.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6B , when the wash water in the outer tub 2 is drained outside the machine, the circulation pump 11 is stopped with the drain valve 16 closed. This causes the flow of wash water to reverse due to gravity, flowing from the circulation pump 11 toward the circulation filter 14A. This flow causes lint 60 trapped in the circulation filter 14A to peel off from the circulation filter 14A and float in the water. In this state, the piston 52 is pulled back, i.e., the piston 52 retracts from the drain filter 15A, exposing the drain filter 15A. Then, by opening the drain valve 16, the floating lint 60 in the water is collected by the drain filter 15A along with the flow of drain water toward the filter surface of the drain filter 15A. In other words, the lint 60 from the circulation filter 14A is transferred to the drain filter 15A. Then, when drainage is complete, piston 52 is pushed out, pressing lint 60 against the back of handle 53, thereby compacting lint 60 (dehydrating and compressing it). Even if wash water is circulated again after that, it becomes difficult for the water to pass through the old lint compacted by piston 52, so the water will flow toward circulation pump 11, which is the direction in which water flows most easily.

[0031] In conventional lint filters, lint is wet but not compacted and is placed on the filter surface, so the next time the wash water is circulated, the water passes through the lint as it circulates. However, in this embodiment, the lint is compacted to the point where it does not absorb water, and the filter surface of the drain filter 15A is covered by the piston 52. This prevents water from passing through the compacted lint, allowing the user to wash with clean water that does not pass through the lint while reducing the frequency of maintenance.

[0032] The washing machine 100A configured as described above includes a circulation pump 11 provided in the circulation path 12, and the transfer of foreign matter from the circulation filter 14A to the drain filter 15A is performed when the circulation pump 11 is stopped. However, when the circulation pump 11 is operating, the lint cannot be flushed away using natural drainage, and the transfer of the lint is not performed smoothly. Therefore, in this embodiment, by stopping the circulation pump 11, a reverse flow can be generated from the circulation pump 11 toward the circulation filter 14A. This allows the lint 60 to float from the circulation filter 14A, making it easier to transfer the lint 60 from the circulation filter 14A to the drain filter 15A.

[0033] Furthermore, washing machine 100A may intermittently stop circulation pump 11 during the wash cycle or the rinse cycle to perform the above-described transfer multiple times, which makes it easier to remove lint from circulation filter 14A and transfer the lint from circulation filter 14A to drain filter 15A.

[0034] Furthermore, washing machine 100A is provided with drain valve 16 between circulation filter 14A and drain filter 15A. This physically prevents lint transferred to drain filter 15 from returning to circulation path 12 (circulation filter 14 side).

[0035] Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a modified drain filter, Fig. 7B is a view of the drain filter from the bottom, Fig. 7C is a diagram showing a holder for setting the drain filter, and Fig. 7D is a diagram explaining the flow of wash water. As shown in Fig. 7A, drain filter 80 is a paper-pack-type filter that has an opening 81a at the top and includes a bag 81 into which foreign matter (lint) is introduced, and a plate 82 for holding it in a holder 83 (see Fig. 7C). Note that bag 81 is made of a material that can hold foreign matter such as lint and that allows wash water to pass through.

[0036] Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 84 are fixed to a casing 85 (accommodating section) that accommodates the drainage filter 80. The ribs 84 each have a recess 84a formed in a concave shape, and the bag body 81 is arranged inside the recess 84a.

[0037] 7B, the plurality of ribs 84 are arranged at intervals within the casing 85. This allows passages for the wash water to flow between the ribs 84.

[0038] 7C , the holder 83 includes a frame portion 83a that holds the drain filter 80, and a handle 83b that is operated when attaching or detaching the drain filter 80 to or from the washing machine 100A. The plate portion 82 of the drain filter 80 is attached to the frame portion 83a.

[0039] 7D shows the drain filter 80 housed in the casing 85. Wash water introduced through the inlet 15a formed in the upper part of the casing 85 flows into the bag 81 of the drain filter 80, where lint is collected. The wash water that flows into the bag 81 passes through the bag 81 and is discharged to the outside (outside the machine) through the outlet 15b. If the bag 81 becomes clogged, preventing the wash water from flowing through the bag 81 and causing it to overflow, the water passes through the flow path between the ribs 84 and is discharged to the outside through the outlet 15b. The provision of the ribs 84 prevents the bag 81 from expanding and bringing the bag 81 into close contact with the inner wall surface 85a of the casing 85, thereby preventing the flow path to the outlet 15b from being blocked.

[0040] In the above embodiment, a paper pack type filter is used as the drain filter, but it may be used as the circulation filter 14, which is the first foreign matter collection unit. Also, paper pack type filters may be used as both the circulation filter 14 and the drain filter 15. In this way, by using a paper pack type filter, the user does not have to touch foreign matter such as lint with their hands, which is hygienic.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the flow of wash water during circulation and drainage in a washing machine of another embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, washing machine 100B is configured by adding a second drainage path 17 to washing machine 100A. This second drainage path 17 includes a pipe section 17a that connects outlet 14d of circulation filter 14 to pipe section 13b. Furthermore, second drainage path 17 includes a drain valve 18 in pipe section 17a. Opening and closing of drainage valve 18 is controlled by control device 90.

[0042] In addition, washing machine 100B does not have a filter for collecting lint (foreign matter) in pipe section 13a from circulation filter 14 to drain filter 15 (the section where water flows from the first foreign matter collection section to the second foreign matter collection section).

[0043] Furthermore, the volume V2 of the drain filter 15 (volume of the second foreign matter collection section) is larger than the volume V1 of the circulation filter 14 (volume of the first foreign matter collection section). The volume V1 is the size of the space capable of collecting foreign matter such as lint in the circulation filter 14. The volume V2 is the size of the space capable of collecting foreign matter such as lint in the drain filter 15.

[0044] The lint compressing mechanism (volume reducing means) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 .

[0045] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the washing machine shown in FIG. 8 . Note that FIG. 9 shows the cycle from one wash / rinse cycle to the next wash / rinse cycle. As shown in the cycle diagram on the left side of FIG. 9 , during the wash / rinse cycle, both drain valve 16 and drain valve 18 are closed and circulation pump 11 is driven. That is, as shown by the solid arrows, wash water discharged from outer tub 2 passes through circulation filter 14, and lint 60 (foreign matter) is captured by filter portion 14f of circulation filter 14. Then, the wash water filtered by filter portion 14f is pressurized by circulation pump 11 and returned to outer tub 2.

[0046] As shown in the second-from-the-left process diagram in Figure 9, when draining the wash water from the outer tub 2, the circulation pump 11 is stopped and the drain valve 16 is opened. As a result, as indicated by the solid arrows, the wash water from the outer tub 2 is drained through the drain path 13, and lint 60 (foreign matter) adhering to the circulation filter 14 is peeled off from the filter portion 14f of the circulation filter 14 and transferred through the drain path 13 to the filter portion 15f of the drain filter 15. By transferring the lint in this manner, the circulation filter 14 is cleared of lint. The wash water filtered by the drain filter 15 is then discharged outside the machine through the drain path 13 (pipe portion 13b). The amount of drainage flowing through the drain path 13 is the amount sufficient to transfer the lint 60 from the circulation filter 14 to the drain filter 15. The amount of drainage can be set, for example, by the elapsed time since the drain valve 16 was opened.

[0047] As shown in the third process diagram from the left in Figure 9, the drain valve 18 of the second drain path 17 is further opened, and all remaining wash water in the outer tub 2 is drained through the second drain path 17. That is, as shown by the solid arrow, the wash water in the outer tub 2 passes through the circulation filter 14 and the second drain path 17, flows into the drain path 13 (pipe portion 13b) downstream of the drain filter 15, and is then discharged outside the machine. At this time, there is no lint 60 in the circulation filter 14, so even if water is drained through the second drain path 17, drainage problems such as the inability to drain water outside the machine can be prevented.

[0048] As shown in the process diagram on the right side of Figure 9, the machine moves to the next wash / rinse process, and the wash water in the outer tub 2 is circulated through the circulation path 12. In this way, the washing can start with the circulation filter 14 refreshed. In other words, the washing can be done with clean circulating water that does not pass through old lint 60, while reducing the frequency of user maintenance.

[0049] In this manner, in this embodiment, by transferring the lint from the circulation filter 14 to the drain filter 15, it is possible to ensure that no lint 60 remains on the circulation filter 14, and therefore drainage performance can be ensured by draining the water through the second drain path 17. Furthermore, the lint from the circulation filter 14 can continue to accumulate in the drain filter 15, reducing the frequency of cleaning.

[0050] The circulation filter 14 only needs to have a volume large enough to collect lint from one wash. The drain filter 15 preferably has a volume large enough to collect lint for a long period of time. By increasing the volume of the drain filter 15, the user can reduce the frequency of cleaning and improve usability.

[0051] As explained in the operation of the drain stroke in Fig. 9, the second stroke diagram in Fig. 9 and the third stroke diagram in Fig. 9 may be repeated, i.e., the circulation pump 11 may be stopped intermittently and the drain valve 18 may be opened to transfer the lint from the circulation filter 14 to the drain filter 15 multiple times. This increases the effectiveness of removing lint from the circulation filter 14, and ensures that the lint is transferred from the circulation filter 14 to the drain filter 15.

[0052] Washing machine 100B configured in this manner includes outer tub 2, drainage path 13 for draining wash water (water) from outer tub 2, circulation filter 14 (first foreign matter collection unit) for collecting lint 60 (foreign matter) in drainage path 13, and drainage filter 15 (second foreign matter collection unit) for collecting lint 60 in drainage path 13, and is configured so as not to have a filter in pipe section 13a (section) through which water flows from circulation filter 14 to drainage filter 15. This allows lint 60 to be transferred from circulation filter 14 to drainage filter 15, thereby maintaining drainage performance.

[0053] Washing machine 100B also includes circulation path 12, which returns wash water (water) from outer tub 2 to outer tub 2, circulation pump 11 provided in circulation path 12, and drain valve 16 provided between circulation filter 14 (first foreign matter collection unit) and drain filter 15 (second foreign matter collection unit), and drain valve 16 opens when circulation pump 11 is stopped (see FIG. 9 ). When circulation pump 11 is operating, lint adheres to circulation filter 14, so stopping circulation pump 11 frees lint 60, allowing water containing lint to flow more easily into drain filter 15.

[0054] In addition, in washing machine 100B, volume V2 of drain filter 15 is larger than volume V1 of circulation filter 14 (see FIG. 8). Lint can be collected in drain filter 15 for a long period of time, reducing the frequency of cleaning. Drain filter 15 is configured to be removable from washing machine 100B (main body).

[0055] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a foreign matter trapping device according to another embodiment, Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a volume reduction means, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of a housing case that houses a circulation filter, Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of a housing that houses a drainage filter, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the tip of the piston of the volume reduction means. As shown in Fig. 10, foreign matter trapping device 50B includes drainage filter 15B (see Fig. 13), housing section 51B that houses drainage filter 15B, and volume reduction means 54 that reduces the volume of housing section 51B. Unlike foreign matter trapping device 50A described above, foreign matter trapping device 50B has a configuration in which housing case 51A that houses circulation filter 14B (first foreign matter trapping section) and housing section 51B that houses drainage filter 15B (second foreign matter trapping section) are separately arranged.

[0056] The storage case 51A is disposed above the storage section 51B and has a rectangular box shape. The shape of the storage case 51A is not limited to a rectangular box shape and may be, for example, cylindrical. The storage case 51A is also formed with an inlet 51a through which wash water is introduced from the outer tub 2. The circulation filter 14B may be made of resin or a mesh. The storage case 51A is also formed with a pump connection 51b downstream of the circulation filter 14B to which the circulation pump 11 is connected. The circulation pump 11 is also formed with an outlet 51d that returns the wash water drawn in through the pump connection 51b to the outer tub 2.

[0057] Furthermore, upstream of the circulation filter 14B, the storage case 51A is provided with a drain valve 16 that opens and closes the flow path leading to the storage section 51B. When the drain valve 16 is opened, the wash water introduced from the outer tub 2 into the storage case 51A flows into the storage section 51B.

[0058] A lid 51s made of transparent resin is formed on the top of the container case 51A, which allows the state of the circulation filter 14B to be checked from the outside during maintenance of the foreign matter collection device 50B.

[0059] The storage section 51B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a circular opening 51e formed at the axial front end through which the drain filter 15B is inserted and removed. The drain filter 15B is provided with a handle 53 that is gripped by hand to attach and detach the filter. The storage section 51B also has a volume reduction means 54 formed at the axial rear end. A drain section 51c is formed at the bottom of the storage section 51B for discharging the wash water outside the machine.

[0060] 11, the volume reduction means 54 includes an expandable member 54a made of an elastic material such as rubber, a cap 54d that houses a piston 54b (see FIG. 13) that expands and contracts the expandable member 54a, and an electric motor 54c that drives the piston 54b. The cap 54d has a circular lid portion 54d1 attached to the rear end of the housing portion 51B. The cap 54d also has a cylindrical portion 54d2 that extends rearward from the lid portion 54d1 and houses the piston 54b.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12 , the circulation filter 14B is inclined downward toward the inlet of the drain filter 15A. The inlet is an opening 51f on the side of the lower portion of the storage case 51A. A drain valve 16 is provided in the opening 51f, and when the drain valve 16 is opened, the wash water in the storage case 51A flows into the storage section 51B. In other words, the circulation filter 14B is inclined downward from top to bottom toward the opening 51f (inlet). This allows lint to easily flow over the surface of the circulation filter 14B. As a result, water containing lint easily flows toward the drain filter 15, facilitating the transfer of lint from the circulation filter 14B to the drain filter 15.

[0062] 13, the expandable member 54a is a generally cylindrical bellows-like member that is configured to be expandable and contractible in the axial direction of the housing portion 51B. A circular, flat pressing surface 54a1 is formed at the front end of the expandable member 54a and faces the back surface 53a of the handle 53. In other words, the pressing surface 54a1 is configured to move in a direction toward and away from the back surface 53a.

[0063] A drain filter 15B is provided within the housing portion 51B. This drain filter 15B is approximately semi-cylindrical and is positioned with its concave surface facing upward. The drain filter 15B has a plurality of small circular holes 15g formed on its entire surface and is fixed to the rear surface (back surface) 53a of the handle 53. The drain filter 15B extends rearward from the back surface 53a, extending further rearward than the drain portion 51c.

[0064] The drain filter 15B is not limited to a generally semi-cylindrical shape, and the outlet side (handle 53 side) of the drain filter 15B may be cylindrical. In this case, the cylindrical portion extends to a location where drainage from the circulation filter 14B side (storage case 51A side) does not reach the drain filter. For example, the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 13 can be cylindrical. By making a portion of the drain filter cylindrical in this way, it is possible to more reliably capture lint that has flowed into the storage section 51B than if the entire filter were generally semi-cylindrical.

[0065] One axial end of the piston 54b is fixed to the rear side of the pressing surface 54a1 inside the expandable member 54a. The other axial end of the piston 54b is connected to the kinetic force converter 54e inside the cylindrical portion 54d2. An electric motor 54c is attached to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 54d2.

[0066] The volume reduction means 54 also includes a kinetic force converter 54e that converts the rotational motion (rotational force) of the electric motor 54c into linear motion of the piston 54b. The kinetic force converter 54e has a male thread 54e1, which is a helical thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical member. Meanwhile, the piston 54b has a female thread 54b1 that meshes with the male thread 54e1. When the male thread 54e1 rotates in one direction due to the rotational force of the electric motor 54c, the piston 54b moves linearly forward (in the direction pushing the piston 54b). When the male thread 54e1 rotates in the other direction, the piston 54b moves linearly backward (in the direction pulling the piston 54b). The front end of the piston 54b is fixed to the inner surface of the pressing surface 54a1 of the expandable member 54a, so that the expandable member 54a expands and contracts in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the piston 54b.

[0067] The drain filter 15B is disposed below the circulation filter 14A, so that the washing water can flow from the circulation filter 14A toward the drain filter 15B by the action of gravity.

[0068] 14, the expandable member 54a is circular and has approximately the same curvature as the drainage filter 15B. In other words, the drainage filter 15B has a shape that follows the expandable member 54a. As a result, the expandable member 54a is in contact with the drainage filter 15B at an arc, and moves while sliding against the drainage filter 15B.

[0069] Next, the lint collection operation of the washing machine will be described with reference to FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine of this embodiment. Note that, below, only the operation during the wash or rinse cycle will be described. As shown in FIG. 15 , in step S11, the control device 90 executes the wash or rinse cycle. In this cycle, the circulation pump 11 is driven (ON) and the wash water in the outer tub 2 is circulated with the drain valve 16 closed. That is, by driving the circulation pump 11, the wash water sucked in through the drain outlet 2c (see FIG. 1) at the bottom of the outer tub 2 is introduced into the container case 51A through the inlet 51a. The wash water then passes through the circulation filter 14B, where lint (foreign matter) is collected by the circulation filter 14B. The filtered wash water from which the lint has been collected is sucked in by the circulation pump 11, discharged from the outlet 51d, moves up the tube 12c (see FIG. 1), and is discharged into the drum 3 through the outlet 2s. The wash water discharged into the drum 3 passes through numerous through-holes (not shown) formed in the drum 3 for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation, and accumulates at the bottom of the outer tub 2. As the wash water circulates through the outer tub 2 in this manner, lint (foreign matter) accumulates in the circulation filter 14B.

[0070] In step S12, the control device 90 determines whether the washing step or the rinsing step has ended. If the washing step or the rinsing step has not ended (No), the process returns to step S11. If the washing step or the rinsing step has ended (Yes), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0071] Then, in step S13, the control device 90 transfers the lint. That is, by stopping the circulation pump 11, the wash water in the pipe portion 12c (see FIG. 1) flows backward by gravity, and the lint (foreign matter) collected in the circulation filter 14B is dislodged and floats in the water in the storage case 51A. After that, or simultaneously with stopping the circulation pump 11, the drain valve 16 is opened, and the wash water containing the lint flows into the storage portion 51B through the opening 51f.

[0072] When the expandable member 54a is in its initial position, the piston 54b is fully retracted, and the expandable member 54a is fully contracted. In other words, the drain filter 15B is exposed. In this state, the wash water from the housing case 51A flows into the housing portion 51B from above the drain filter 15B, transferring lint (foreign matter) to the drain filter 15B. The wash water that passes through the drain filter 15B is then discharged outside the washing machine through the drain portion 51c.

[0073] Then, in step S14, the control device 90 compresses the lint. That is, once the wash water has been discharged, the piston 54b is operated in the pushing direction (the direction in which the expandable member 54a extends). At this time, the expandable member 54a slides along the surface of the drain filter 15B. This scrapes off the lint (foreign matter) trapped in the drain filter 15B and moves it toward the back surface 53a. The piston 54b is then pushed out until the pressing surface 54a1 of the expandable member 54a contacts the back surface 53a, pressing the lint (foreign matter) against the back surface 53a. This compresses and dehydrates the lint containing water, solidifying it on the back surface 53a. After solidifying the lint, the piston 54b is moved to the position where the expandable member 54a is most contracted. This solidifies the lint (foreign matter) on one side of the drain filter 15B, the back surface 53a. By compressing the lint in this manner, the volume of the lint can be reduced, allowing the lint to be stored in the drain filter 15B for a long period of time (foreign matter can be stored for a long period of time). The storage period can be extended depending on the degree of volume reduction. After compressing the lint, the drain valve 16 is closed (step S15).

[0074] In this way, the transfer of lint to the drain filter 15B and the compression of the lint are repeated, so that the compressed lint accumulates on the back surface 53a of the drain filter 15B.

[0075] However, if lint accumulates in the storage section 51B beyond the area enclosed by the dashed square line, the lint will clog the drain section 51c, preventing proper drainage. Therefore, in this embodiment, when lint accumulates up to the area enclosed by the dashed line, the user is notified that the drain filter 15B is full. The notification is given when the most extended position of the expandable member 54a falls below a predetermined level. Whether or not the position has fallen below the predetermined level can be determined by detecting the position of the kinetic force converter 54e.

[0076] Another way to notify the user is when the load on the motor 54c exceeds a certain level. Yet another way to notify the user is when the motor 54c has been driven for a certain period of time. In other words, even if the motor 54c is driven to compress the lint, the torque (current) becomes insufficient, causing the piston 54b to remain in place.

[0077] The washing machine configured as described above includes an outer tub 2, a drain filter 15B (foreign matter collection unit) that collects lint (foreign matter) discharged from the outer tub 2, a storage unit 51B that houses the drain filter 15B, and a volume reduction unit 54 that reduces the volume within the storage unit 51B. The volume reduction unit 54 includes an expandable member 54a at one end within the storage unit 51B. The expandable member 54a reduces the volume. This allows the lint collected in the drain filter 15B to be compressed, allowing the lint to be stored in the drain filter 15B for a long period of time and reducing the frequency of cleaning.

[0078] The washing machine also includes a drain path 13 for draining water from the outer tub 2, a drain valve 16 provided in the drain path 13, and a control device 90 for controlling the drain valve 16 and the volume reduction means 54. The control device 90 controls the expandable member 54a of the volume reduction means 54 to contract when the drain valve 16 is opened. In this way, when the drain valve 16 is opened, the wastewater and lint flow from the side of the housing case 51A that houses the circulation filter 14B, and it is possible to prevent this flow from being obstructed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the washing machine, when drain valve 16 is closed, control device 90 drives volume reduction means 54 to reduce the volume inside storage section 51B. According to this, when drain valve 16 is closed, lint has accumulated in drain filter 15B, so that piston 54b is pushed out (expanding member 54a) to reduce the volume of storage section 51B.

[0080] The washing machine also notifies the user that the capacity is full when the most extended position of the expandable member 54a falls below a predetermined level, when the current value of the motor 54c that drives the expandable member 54a exceeds a predetermined level, or when the driving time of the motor 54c that drives the expandable member 54a exceeds a predetermined level. This can prompt the user to clean the drain filter 15B and prevent poor drainage.

[0081] In addition, in the washing machine, the volume reducing means 54 includes the piston 54b, and the drain filter 15B has a shape that conforms to the elastic member 54a. This makes it possible to scrape off the lint collected in the drain filter 15B.

[0082] Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and from a hygienic standpoint, a configuration for washing the piston 54b with water may be added. For example, a nozzle for spraying tap water may be provided in the housing portion 51B so that the pressing surface 54a1 that pushes out lint and the bellows-shaped expandable member 54a that scrapes the filtering surface of the drainage filter 15B to regenerate the filter can be washed with running water.

[0083] From a hygienic standpoint, a configuration for cleaning the circulation filter 14B, the drain filter 15B, or the inside of the housing case 51A and the housing portion 51B may also be provided. For example, a tap water spray nozzle may be provided to spray tap water onto the circulation filter 14B from the side opposite the collection surface of the circulation filter 14B to clean it. This removes lint and dirt adhering to the filter, prevents clogging, and keeps it clean. A cleaning spray nozzle may also be provided to thoroughly clean the surfaces inside the housing portion 51B with running water. This washes away dirt and germs adhering to the surfaces inside the housing portion 51B, suppresses the formation of biofilms, and keeps it clean. A tap water spray nozzle may also be provided to spray tap water onto the collected lint to wash away germs contained in the lint.

[0084] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the main components of a washing machine according to another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, washing machine 100C is configured by adding a second drain filter 19 (third foreign matter collection unit) to washing machine 100A shown in Fig. 2. This second drain filter 19 is provided in drain path 13 (pipe portion 13b) downstream of both circulation filter 14 and drain filter 15. In addition, second drain filter 19 collects finer foreign matter than drain filter 15, such as microplastics.

[0085] However, if the drainage filter 15 is to be used to capture fine foreign matter such as microplastics, the drainage filter 15 must be a fine-mesh filter, which poses the problem of quickly becoming clogged and preventing drainage. When relatively large lint is collected by the drainage filter 15, microplastics slip through the drainage filter 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, a second drainage filter 19 is provided as a third foreign matter collection unit that can capture the microplastics that have slipped through. The second drainage filter 19 is, for example, a mesh-like filter with finer mesh (lower aperture ratio, smaller mesh openings) than the circulation filter 14 and the drainage filter 15.

[0086] Washing machine 100C configured in this manner includes second drain filter 19 downstream of circulation filter 14 and drain filter 15. This makes it possible to capture fine foreign matter such as microplastics without clogging drain filter 15.

[0087] Furthermore, in washing machine 100C, the mesh size (opening rate) of the filter portion of second drainage filter 19 is smaller than the mesh size (opening rate) of circulation filter 14 and drainage filter 15. This makes it possible to capture microplastics without clogging circulation filter 14 and drainage filter 15.

[0088] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a washing machine according to yet another embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, washing machine 100D has a configuration in which second drainage filter 19 (third foreign matter collection unit) is added to washing machine 100B shown in Fig. 8. That is, second drainage filter 19 is provided in pipe portion 13b downstream of circulation filter 14 and drainage filter 15. In addition, second drainage filter 19 is located downstream of second drainage path 17.

[0089] The washing machine 100D configured in this manner, like the washing machine 100C described above, is capable of capturing fine foreign matter such as microplastics without clogging the circulation filter 14 and the drain filter 15.

[0090] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Outer tub (washing tub) 2c Drain port 3 Drum 11 Circulation pump 11a Inlet 11b Outlet 12 Circulation path 12a, 12b, 12c Pipe section 13 Drain path 13a Pipe section (part) 13b Pipe section 14, 14A, 14B Circulation filter (first foreign matter collection section) 14f Filter section 15, 15A Drain filter (second foreign matter collection section) 15B Drain filter (second foreign matter collection section, foreign matter collection section) 15a Inlet 15b Outlet 15f Filter section 15g Small hole 16 Drain valve 17 Second drain path 18 Drain valve 19 Second drain filter (third foreign matter collection section) 50A, 50B Foreign matter collection device 51, 51A Storage case 51B Storage section 51a Introduction section 51b Pump connection section 51c Drain section 52 Piston 53 Handle 54 Volume reduction means 54a Expandable member 54a1 Pressing surface 54b Piston 54b1 Female thread section 54c Motor 54d Cap 54d1 Lid section 54d2 Cylindrical section 54e Momentum conversion section 54e1 Male thread section 60 Lint (foreign matter) 80 Drain filter (second foreign matter collection section) 81 Bag body 81a Opening 82 Plate section 83 Holder 84 Rib 84a Recess 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Washing machine V1 Volume (volume of first foreign matter collection section) V2 Volume (volume of second foreign matter collection section)

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a washing tub; a circulation path that returns water in the washing tub back into the washing tub; a drainage path that drains the water in the washing tub; a first foreign matter collection unit that collects foreign matter in the circulation path and the drainage path; and a second foreign matter collection unit that collects foreign matter in the drainage path, wherein the foreign matter in the first foreign matter collection unit is transferred to the second foreign matter collection unit.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation pump provided in the circulation path, wherein the transfer is carried out when the circulation pump is stopped.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the circulation pump is stopped intermittently and the transfer is carried out multiple times.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a drain valve between the first foreign matter collecting section and the second foreign matter collecting section.

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