CN115491872A

CN115491872A - Water diversion structure and clothes treatment device

Info

Publication number: CN115491872A
Application number: CN202110673595.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 莫程立; 吴学文
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-17
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2022-12-20

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a water diversion structure and a clothes treatment device, the water diversion structure includes: the water inlet, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are respectively communicated with the inner cavity; a pump mounted to the housing, the pump being capable of causing water flowing into the housing from the water inlet to flow out of the housing from the first water outlet and/or the second water outlet by driving an impeller to rotate in a circumferential direction of the housing; and a water outlet filter unit which is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing at a position corresponding to the first water outlet on the radial outer side of the impeller, wherein water in the water diversion structure flows out of the housing from the first water outlet after being filtered by the water outlet filter unit. According to the present disclosure, a water diversion structure including a water outlet filter portion that can automatically perform cleaning, and a clothes treatment apparatus including the water diversion structure can be provided.

Description

Water diversion structure and clothes treatment device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a water diversion structure and a laundry treatment apparatus.

Background

Chinese utility model CN211199787U discloses a circulation drain assembly (water diversion structure) in a clothes treatment device. As shown in fig. 1, the main working principle of the circulation drainage assembly is as follows: when the laundry treatment apparatus performs a circulation operation, the first pump 86 is operated to cause the washing water in the outer tub of the laundry treatment apparatus to flow into the circulation drain unit from the water inlet 81, to be filtered by the first filter 84 having a screen shape, and to return to the outer tub from the first water outlet 82. When the laundry treatment apparatus performs a draining operation, the second pump 87 is operated to cause the washing water in the outer tub of the laundry treatment apparatus to flow into the circulation drain unit through the water inlet 81, and to be filtered by the second filter unit 85 having a conical shape, and then to be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the second water outlet 83.

However, in the above-described circulation drain assembly (water diversion structure), the first filter portion 84 is used to filter foreign matter such as lint contained in the washing water in the circulation water path during the circulation operation, and as the foreign matter accumulates in the first filter portion 84 in the form of a screen, the circulation flow rate is likely to be reduced due to clogging of the first filter portion 84. Therefore, the first filter portion 84 needs to be frequently manually taken out and cleaned, which takes time and labor.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described situation, and an object thereof is to provide a water diversion structure including a drain filter unit capable of automatically performing washing, and a clothes treatment apparatus including the water diversion structure.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a first technical aspect of the present disclosure provides a water diversion structure, including: the water inlet, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are respectively communicated with the inner cavity; a pump mounted to the housing, the pump being capable of causing water flowing into the housing from the water inlet to flow out of the housing from the first water outlet and/or the second water outlet by driving an impeller to rotate in a circumferential direction of the housing; and a water outlet filter unit which is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing at a position corresponding to the first water outlet on the radial outer side of the impeller, wherein water in the water diversion structure flows out of the housing from the first water outlet after being filtered by the water outlet filter unit.

According to the first aspect, the outlet filter unit is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing at a position corresponding to the first water outlet on the radially outer side of the impeller, so that foreign matter in the washing water flowing out from the first water outlet can be filtered by the outlet filter unit, and the foreign matter attached to the outlet filter unit can be washed by the water flow in the circumferential direction generated when the impeller rotates, and the washed foreign matter is discharged from the second water outlet. Further, by making the first water outlet and the second water outlet share one pump, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with a structure in which the first pump and the second pump are provided separately for the first water outlet and the second water outlet.

A second technical means is the water diversion structure of the first technical means, wherein the outlet filter section extends along a circle concentric with the impeller.

According to the second aspect, the outlet filter portion is provided so as to extend along a circle concentric with the impeller, and therefore foreign matter adhering to the outlet filter portion can be efficiently washed by the water flow in the circumferential direction generated when the impeller rotates, and the outlet filter portion can be efficiently and automatically cleaned.

A third technical solution is that, on the basis of the water diversion structure of the first technical solution, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged in the circumferential direction.

According to the third technical scheme, through arranging first delivery port and second delivery port in circumference, more be favorable to discharging the foreign matter that falls from the play water filter house from the second delivery port, prevent that the foreign matter that falls from adhering to the play water filter house once more, from this, can carry out self-cleaning to the play water filter house reliably.

A fourth technical solution is that, on the basis of the water diversion structure of the first technical solution, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged in parallel.

According to the fourth aspect, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are more easily formed at the same time by casting by arranging the first water outlet and the second water outlet in parallel.

A fifth technical solution is that, on the basis of the water diversion structure of the first technical solution, the second water outlet is arranged along the radial direction of the impeller.

According to the fifth aspect, the second water outlet is provided along the radial direction of the impeller, so that the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second water outlet does not change significantly regardless of the forward rotation or reverse rotation of the impeller, and the pump can be effectively used to supply power to the washing water flowing out of the second water outlet.

A sixth technical means is the water diversion structure according to any one of the first to fifth technical means, wherein a slide groove into which the effluent filter portion is inserted is provided on an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the housing.

According to the sixth aspect, the slide groove into which the outlet filter unit is inserted is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing, so that the outlet filter unit can be easily attached and detached.

A seventh technical means is the water dividing structure of the sixth technical means, wherein the slide groove is provided with guide concave portions at both sides in the circumferential direction, the outlet filter portion is provided with guide convex portions at both sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet filter portion is inserted into the slide groove by inserting the guide convex portions into the guide concave portions in the axial direction of the housing.

According to the seventh aspect, the guide concave portion is provided in the chute, and the guide convex portion is provided in the outlet filter portion, whereby the outlet filter portion can be easily attached to a correct position.

The eighth technical scheme is, on the basis of the water diversion structure of any one of the first to fifth technical schemes, be equipped with the baffle in the casing, the baffle will the inner chamber is in separate for intake cavity and drainage cavity in the axial of casing, the intercommunication mouth has been seted up on the baffle, intake cavity with drainage cavity via the intercommunication mouth intercommunication, the water inlet with intake cavity intercommunication, first delivery port the second delivery port respectively with drainage cavity intercommunication, go out the water filter house and the impeller is located drainage cavity.

According to the eighth technical scheme, through all setting up first delivery port, second delivery port and impeller in drainage cavity, can utilize the power of same pump to make the washing water flow to first delivery port, second delivery port respectively, be favorable to simplifying the water route design. In addition, the outlet filter part is also arranged in the drainage cavity, so that foreign matters attached to the outlet filter part can be washed by circumferential water flow generated when the impeller rotates, and the washed foreign matters are discharged from the second water outlet, and therefore, the outlet filter part can be automatically cleaned more efficiently.

A ninth technical scheme is, on the basis of the water diversion structure of the eighth technical scheme, the water diversion structure further comprises a drainage filtering part, the drainage filtering part is assembled in the inner cavity, and water in the water inlet cavity flows into the drainage cavity from the communication port after being filtered by the drainage filtering part.

According to the ninth technical scheme, through setting up the drainage filter house, can utilize the drainage filter house to filter the great foreign matter such as button, coin in the washing water before the washing water flows into the drainage chamber, from this, can avoid great foreign matter to get into the drainage chamber and lead to pump work unusual, can also avoid great foreign matter to get into the pipeline of being connected with the second delivery port and block up this pipeline.

A tenth technical means is the water diversion structure of the ninth technical means, wherein an axial filtering gap is provided between the drainage filtering portion and the partition plate, and the drainage filtering portion has a tapered guide surface which gradually expands as approaching the communication port.

According to the tenth technical scheme, through set up axial filter clearance and make the drainage filter house have the toper water conservancy diversion face that enlarges gradually between drainage filter house and baffle, can prevent great foreign matter such as button, coin from getting into drainage chamber, simultaneously, can make less foreign matter such as thread scraps get into drainage chamber through the flow path of buckling, can reduce the water flow resistance that the washing water that the subtend drainage chamber flowed in applyed moreover, prevent that less foreign matter such as thread scraps from piling up in drainage filter house department.

In order to achieve the above object, an eleventh technical aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus including: an outer tub provided in a casing of the laundry treating apparatus; a washing tank rotatably provided in the outer tank; and the water diversion structure according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

According to the eleventh aspect, the same advantageous effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

A twelfth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eleventh technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet and returns to the outer tub from the first water outlet.

According to the twelfth aspect, since the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and returns to the outer tub from the first water outlet, foreign matters contained in the washing water can be filtered in the circulation water path by the outlet water filter unit capable of automatically performing cleaning, and thus, the problem of a decrease in circulation effect, that is, a decrease in washing effect of laundry due to clogging of the outlet water filter unit can be reliably solved.

A thirteenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eleventh technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus comprises a centrifugal separating portion for separating foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub, the laundry treating apparatus comprises a circulation water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separating portion from the first water outlet, and the washing water returns to the outer tub after the centrifugal separating portion centrifugally separates the foreign matters contained in the washing water.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the washing effect of the laundry treatment apparatus can be improved by filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the effluent filtering unit before filtering the foreign matter in the washing water by the centrifugal separation unit. Particularly, the circulation water path is used for recycling the washing water in the outer tank, the circulation process of the washing water is influenced due to the blockage of the thread scraps, especially when the pipeline of the circulation water path is narrow (for example, when the washing water in the circulation water path returns to the outer tank in a spraying mode), the thread scraps are easy to block the pipeline (a spraying opening), so that the circulation is insufficient, the circulation effect is reduced, namely the washing effect of clothes is reduced, however, the work load of the centrifugal separation part can be reduced by arranging the drainage filtering part, the foreign matters in the washing water can be more effectively separated, the blockage of the circulation water path can be avoided, and the washing effect of the clothes treatment device can be improved.

A fourteenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eleventh technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus includes a centrifugal separating portion for separating foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub, and the laundry treating apparatus includes a washing water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water diversion structure and from the first water outlet into the centrifugal separating portion to wash the centrifugal separating portion.

According to the fourteenth technical scheme, through making the washing water in the outer groove flow in the minute structure from the water inlet and flow in from first delivery port to centrifugal separation portion in order to wash centrifugal separation portion, can utilize out the washing water filter house to wash the washing water in the water route and filter, from this, can utilize the washing water after the filtration to wash centrifugal separation portion, be favorable to improving the washing effect to centrifugal separation portion.

A fifteenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus includes a drainage water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet and is discharged to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the second water outlet.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus from the second water outlet, whereby the foreign matters flushed from the outlet filter unit can be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus from the second water outlet, and the flushed foreign matters are prevented from adhering to the outlet filter unit again, whereby the outlet filter unit can be reliably and automatically cleaned.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present disclosure, a water diversion structure including a water outlet filter portion that can automatically perform cleaning, and a clothes treatment apparatus including the water diversion structure can be provided.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and their modifications together with the description, and serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a water distribution structure of a laundry treatment apparatus according to the related art.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a laundry treating apparatus of a first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a laundry treating apparatus of a second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a water distribution structure of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a water distribution structure of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the water distribution structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment, taken along a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the casing.

Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a water diversion structure of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the water distribution structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment, taken along the axial direction of the casing.

Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a centrifugal separation part of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 15A is a front side perspective view of a connection structure of a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 15B is a rear side perspective view of the coupling structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a connection relationship between a centrifugal separation part and a connection structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the water diversion structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the water distribution structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the third embodiment, taken along the axial direction of the casing.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the water distributing structure in the disassembled state of the laundry treating apparatus according to the third embodiment, taken along the axial direction of the housing.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the water diversion structure of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the first modification of the third embodiment, taken along the axial direction of the casing.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the water dividing structure of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the second modification of the third embodiment, taken along the axial direction of the casing.

Description of the reference numerals

1: an outer tank; 100: a housing; 11: a first outer tank water outlet; 12: a water outlet of the second outer groove; 14: an electric motor; 2: a washing tank; 3: a water diversion structure; 31: a housing; 311: a chute; 312: a guide recess; 313: a guide projection; 314: a partition plate; 315: a communication port; 316: a hook part is clamped; 317: a snap-fit recess; 32: a pump; 321: an impeller; 33: a housing cover; 331: a first connection portion; 332: a second connecting portion; c: an inner cavity; c1: a first chamber; c2: a second chamber; c3: a third chamber (intake chamber); c4: a fourth chamber (drain chamber); p1: a water inlet; p2: a circulating water outlet; p3: a flush water outlet (first water outlet); p4: flushing a reflux port; p5: a drain outlet (second water outlet); f1: a circulating filtration part; f2: a drainage filtering part; f3: a water outlet filtering part; 4: a centrifugal separation section; 41: an outer cylinder; 411: the upper part of the outer cylinder; 412: the lower part of the outer cylinder; 42: a rotary drum; 43: a drive device; 44: a separation part inlet; 45: a separation part outlet; 46: a separation part flushing port; 47: a base; l1: a circulating water path; l2: a flushing waterway; l3: a water discharge waterway; 51: a first pipeline; 52: a second pipeline; 53: a third pipeline; 54: a fourth pipeline; 55: a switching valve; 6: a fifth pipe (communicating pipe); 61: a communicating pipe; 611: a main pipe portion; 612: a first branch pipe portion; 613: a second branch pipe portion; 614: a first check valve; 615: a second one-way valve; 62: a communicating pipe; 621: a main pipe portion; 6211: a first main pipe portion; 6212: a second main pipe portion; 622: a first branch pipe portion; 623: a second branch pipe portion; 6231: a first portion; 6232: a second portion; 624: a one-way valve; 63: a communicating pipe; 631: a main pipe portion; 632: a first branch pipe portion; 633: a second branch pipe portion; 634: a one-way valve; 7: a connecting structure; 71: a base; 711: an outer peripheral wall; 712: a bottom wall; 713: an inner peripheral wall; 72: a pipeline support portion; 720: a spring plate; 73: a connecting plate; 74: a first connection port; 75: a second connection port.

Detailed Description

The laundry treatment apparatus of the present disclosure may be, for example, a washing machine, a washing and drying machine, and may be, as a typical example, a drum-type washing machine, a drum-type washing and drying machine, and the like. Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. First embodiment

As shown in fig. 2, the laundry treating apparatus of the first embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water separating structure 3, and a centrifugal separating part 4.

The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed in a bottomed tubular shape, for example. The outer tub 1 is provided in a casing 100 of the laundry treating apparatus, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the outer tub 1 is elastically supported in the casing 100 by a plurality of suspension structures (not shown), for example. A motor 14 is provided outside the outer tub 1, and the washing tub 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis by the driving of the motor 14. The motor 14 may be a known structure such as a brushless dc motor. The washing tub 2 is provided with an inlet (not shown) for introducing and taking out laundry such as clothes.

The outer tub 1 is connected to an external faucet through a hose or the like, so that washing water for washing the laundry can be supplied into the outer tub 1. A plurality of small holes (not shown) are provided in the peripheral wall surface of washing tub 2, and washing water in outer tub 1 can flow into washing tub 2 through these small holes, and washing water in washing tub 2 can flow into outer tub 1 through these small holes.

In addition, the outer tank 1 includes a first outer tank water outlet 11 and a second outer tank water outlet 12. The first and second outer

tub water outlets

11 and 12 are provided at a lower side of the outer tub 1 independently of each other, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow out of the outer tub 1 through the first and second outer

tub water outlets

11 and 12.

The water diversion structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 31. The housing 31 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulating water outlet P2, and a water outlet P5, which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity C.

In addition, the water diversion structure 3 further comprises a circulating filter part F1, and the circulating filter part F1 is assembled in the inner cavity C. The circulation filter F1 divides the inner chamber C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged along the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2. Here, the phrase "the water inlet P1 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1 and the water outlet P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the second chamber C2.

Further, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a drain filter portion F2, and the drain filter portion F2 is fitted to the first chamber C1.

The centrifugal separation part 4 separates foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4; a rotary cylinder 42 having a hollow cylindrical shape and rotatably provided in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43 for driving the rotary drum 42 to rotate, and may be a known structure such as a brushless dc motor.

The centrifugal separation unit 4 includes a separation unit inlet 44, a separation unit outlet 45, and a separation unit flushing port 46 provided in the outer cylinder 41. The separation section inlet 44 is provided below the centrifugal separation section 4, specifically, the outer cylinder 41. The separation section outlet 45 and the separation section flushing port 46 are provided independently of each other on the centrifugal separation section 4, specifically, on the upper side of the outer cylinder 41. The second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation part flushing port 46.

The washing water after washing the laundry usually contains various foreign substances such as lint, sand, hair, and keratin dirt. When foreign matters in the washing water are separated, the rotary drum 42 is driven by the driving device 43 to rotate, so that the washing water flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the separation part inlet 44, and while the washing water flows through the rotary drum 42, the washing water swirls while flowing through, and the foreign matters contained in the washing water move toward the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 42 by a centrifugal force, so that the washing water is in a state where the foreign matters are separated, and thereafter, the washing water flows out of the centrifugal separation part 4 from the separation part outlet 45.

In addition, when washing foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separation section 4, washing water is caused to flow into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section washing port 46, and after washing the inside of the centrifugal separation section 4, washing water flows out of the centrifugal separation section 4 from the separation section inflow port 44.

The laundry treating apparatus further includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a fifth pipe 6. The first pipeline 51 connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. The second pipe 52 connects the second outer tank water outlet 12 of the outer tank 1 and the separation section flushing port 46 of the centrifugal separation section 4. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation section outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4, and the other end opens into the outer tank 1 above the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the water discharge port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is led to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

Thus, the laundry treatment apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a flushing water path L2, and a drain water path L3.

In the circulation water passage L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 through the first pipe line 51 from the water inlet P1 into the first chamber C1 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the circulation filter unit F1, enters the second chamber C2, flows from the circulation water outlet P2 through the fifth pipe line 6 from the separation unit inlet 44 into the centrifugal separation unit 4, centrifugally separates foreign matter contained in the washing water in the centrifugal separation unit 4, and returns from the separation unit outlet 45 through the third pipe line 53 into the outer tub 1.

In the flushing water passage L2, since the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation unit flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit flushing port 46 through the second pipe line 52 from the second outer tank water outlet 12 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation unit 4, the washing water flushed from the centrifugal separation unit 4 flows into the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3 from the separation unit inlet 44 through the fifth pipe line 6 from the circulation water outlet P2, and then flows into the first chamber C1 from the second chamber C2 through the circulation filter unit F1.

In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 through the first pipe line 51 from the water inlet P1 into the first chamber C1 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter F2, and is discharged from the drainage port P5 through the fourth pipe line 54 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus. In the above-described washing water path L2, the washing water flowing into the first chamber C1 after washing the centrifugal separation part 4 is also filtered by the drain filter part F2 and then discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the fourth pipe line 54.

The operation of the laundry treatment apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

When washing laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus first performs a washing step of supplying washing water in which a detergent is dissolved into outer tub 1 and removing dirt from the laundry by beating with the rotation of washing tub 2. Next, a rinsing step is performed, and includes, for example, a first intermediate dehydration step, a first rinsing step, a second intermediate dehydration step, a second rinsing step, and the like. Finally, a dehydration process is performed.

Further, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a circulation action, a washing action, and a draining action. That is, the method of treating the washing water performed by the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation motion, a rinsing motion, and a draining motion. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the laundry treatment apparatus to perform at least one of the circulation operation, the flushing operation, and the draining operation such that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through a corresponding one of the circulation water path L1, the flushing water path L2, and the draining water path L3.

The laundry treating apparatus performs a circulation operation in at least one of the washing step, the first rinsing step, and the second rinsing step (for example, in the washing step). In this circulation operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated through the circulation water passage L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit 4. At this time, the rotary tub 42 is rotated in either direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby supplying power to the washing water and circulating the washing water through the circulation water passage L1.

In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry treating apparatus performs a rinsing operation and a draining operation. In the flushing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 via the flushing water passage L2, and at this time, the rotary drum 42 is driven by the driving device 43 to rotate intermittently in the forward direction, intermittently in the reverse direction, or alternately in both directions. During the draining operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3, and at this time, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 3 after washing the centrifugal separation part 4 in the washing water path L2 is also drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3.

The specific structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described above. An important feature of the laundry treating apparatus according to the first embodiment is that in the washing water path L2, the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation unit washing port 46, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the second outer tub water outlet 12 through the separation unit washing port 46 by its own weight to wash the centrifugal separation unit 4. Other configurations can be modified as appropriate.

For example, in the first embodiment, the first outer tank water outlet 11 and the second outer tank water outlet 12 are provided in the outer tank 1 independently of each other, and the separation section outlet 45 and the separation section flushing port 46 are provided in the centrifugal separation section 4 independently of each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in fig. 3, as a first modification of the first embodiment, the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serves as the second outer tank water outlet 12. A second pipe line 52 branches off from the first pipe line 51 connected to the first outer tank water outlet 11, the first pipe line 51 leading to the separation unit inlet 44 and forming a part of the circulation water path L1, and the second pipe line 52 leading to the separation unit flushing port 46 and forming a part of the flushing water path L2. A switching valve 55 is provided at a branching portion of the first pipe line 51 from which the second pipe line 52 branches, and the switching valve 55 is used to selectively flow the washing water in the outer tub 1 from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to a portion of the first pipe line 51 downstream of the switching valve 55 or the second pipe line 52. Further, since the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serving as the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation unit flushing port 46 and the branched portion of the first pipe line 51 from which the second pipe line 52 is branched is higher than the separation unit flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 can flow into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the first outer tank water outlet 11 via the separation unit flushing port 46 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation unit 4.

As shown in fig. 4, as a second modification of the first embodiment, the separation portion outlet 45 also serves as the separation portion flushing port 46. The second pipe line 52 connected to the second outer tank water outlet 12 is connected to a middle portion of the third pipe line 53, and is connected to the separation section outlet 45 via the third pipe line 53. Further, since the second outer tub water outlet 12 is higher than the separation section outlet 45 that also serves as the separation section flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the second outer tub water outlet 12 via the separation section outlet 45 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation section 4.

As shown in fig. 5, as a third modification of the first embodiment, the first outer tank water outlet 11 also serves as the second outer tank water outlet 12, and the separation section water outlet 45 also serves as the separation section flushing port 46. Further, since the first outer tank outlet 11 also serving as the second outer tank outlet 12 is higher than the separation section outlet 45 also serving as the separation section flushing port 46 and the branch portion of the first pipe line 51 from which the second pipe line 52 branches is higher than the separation section outlet 45 also serving as the separation section flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 can flow into the centrifugal separation section 4 from the first outer tank outlet 11 via the separation section outlet 45 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation section 4.

In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the washing water having washed centrifugal separation unit 4 in washing water path L2 flows from separation unit inlet 44 to water diversion structure 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an outlet port through which the washing water having washed the centrifugal separation part 4 flows out of the centrifugal separation part 4 may be separately provided in the centrifugal separation part 4, and the washing water may be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through another pipe.

In the first embodiment, the laundry treatment apparatus has been described as including the water diversion structure 3, but the laundry treatment apparatus is not limited to this. For example, the water diversion structure 3 may be omitted. At this time, in the circulation water passage L1, the first pipe line 51 directly connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 and the separation section inlet 44; in the drainage water passage L3, the fourth pipe 54 is connected directly to the first outer tank water outlet 11 or to a middle portion of the first pipe 51 connected to the first outer tank water outlet 11.

In the first embodiment, although not described further, an on-off valve may be provided as the drain valve in the fourth line 54 of the drain water path L3. The fourth pipe 54 may be provided with a drain pump capable of supplying power to the flow of the washing water in the flushing water passage L2 and the drain water passage L3. That is, the expression "the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the second outer tub water outlet 12 through the separation part flushing port 46 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation part 4" in the present disclosure does not exclude a form in which the washing water for flushing is supplied with power by the drain pump in addition to its own weight.

2. Second embodiment

The laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment (particularly, the second modification of the first embodiment) in that the second pipe 52 is not connected to the second outer tub water outlet 12 of the outer tub 1, but is connected to the flush water outlet P3 of the water dividing structure 3. Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 6 to 16, and redundant description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in fig. 6 to 8, the laundry treating apparatus of the second embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water separating structure 3, and a centrifugal separating part 4.

The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed in a bottomed tubular shape, for example. The outer tub 1 is provided in a casing 100 of the laundry treating apparatus, and the washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in the outer tub 1. In addition, the outer tub 1 includes a first outer tub water outlet 11, the first outer tub water outlet 11 is provided at a lower side of the outer tub 1, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 can flow out of the outer tub 1 through the first outer tub water outlet 11.

The water diversion structure 3 includes a substantially cylindrical housing 31. The housing 31 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulating water outlet P2, a flushing water outlet (first water outlet) P3, and a water outlet (second water outlet) P5, which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity C.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the water inlet P1 is provided near the center of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided near one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. The circulation outlet P2 is located on the opposite side of the inlet P1 with respect to the central axis of the housing 31, and extends in the opposite direction to the extending direction of the inlet P1. The flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided near the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and are disposed close to each other.

Further, a housing cover 33 is provided at one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and a pump 32 is provided at the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. The case cover 33 closes one end opening of the case 31, and the pump 32 closes the other end opening of the case 31.

As shown in fig. 11, the pump 32 includes an impeller 321, and the pump 32 is attached to the casing 31 such that the impeller 321 is inserted into the casing 31, whereby the casing 31 serves as a pump casing of the pump 32, and an inner cavity C (specifically, a fourth chamber C4 described later) of the casing 31 serves as a pump chamber of the pump 32. The flushing outlet P3 and the draining outlet P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the inlet P1 and the circulating outlet P2. Specifically, the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided in the circumferential wall of the casing 31 at positions radially outside the impeller 321. The flushing water outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are arranged in parallel with each other in the circumferential direction of the housing 31. The drain port P5 is provided in the radial direction of the impeller 321. By driving the impeller 321 to rotate in the circumferential direction of the housing 31, the water flowing into the housing 31 from the water inlet P1 can flow out of the housing 31 from the flush water outlet P3 and/or the water outlet P5.

As shown in fig. 9 to 13, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a circulation filter portion F1, a drainage filter portion F2, and an effluent filter portion F3.

The circulation filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the case cover 33 via a first connection portion 331. When the circulation filter unit F1 is attached to the cavity C by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31, the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter unit F1 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case 31 or with a step provided on the inner peripheral surface of the case 31. In addition, the circulation filter F1 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2 in the axial direction of the housing 31. Thereby, the circulation filter F1 divides the inner chamber C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged along the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2. Here, the phrase "the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, and the water outlet P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the second chamber C2.

Further, a partition 314 is provided in the housing 31, and the partition 314 partitions the inner chamber C (specifically, the first chamber C1) into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (water discharge chamber) C4 in the axial direction of the housing 31. The partition 314 is opened with a communication port 315, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are communicated via the communication port 315. In addition, the water inlet P1 is communicated with the third chamber C3, the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4, and the impeller 321 is located in the fourth chamber C4. Here, the phrase "the water inlet P1 communicates with the third chamber C3 and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4, respectively" means that the water inlet P1 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the third chamber C3 and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the fourth chamber C4, respectively.

The drain filter F2 is attached to the first chamber C1 (specifically, the third chamber C3), has a substantially conical shape, and has a tapered guide surface that gradually expands as it approaches the communication opening 315. The drainage filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 via a second connection portion 332. The drain filter F2 is mounted to the first chamber C1 by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is formed between the conical guide surface of the circulation filter F1 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. Further, an axial filter gap is provided between the drain filter F2 and the partition 314. This prevents large foreign matter such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 with the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drain filter F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 through the communication port 315.

The outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4, and is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall of the casing 31 at a position corresponding to the flushing outlet P3 radially outside the impeller 321, and the washing water in the fourth chamber C4 is filtered by the outlet filter F3 and then flows out of the casing 31 through the flushing outlet P3. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 is provided with a slide groove 311 into which the outlet filter F3 is inserted. The slide groove 311 is provided with guide concave portions 312 in a concave manner on both sides in the circumferential direction, the outlet filter portion F3 is provided with guide convex portions 313 in a convex manner on both sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet filter portion F3 is inserted into and attached to the slide groove 311 by inserting the guide convex portions 313 into the guide concave portions 312 in the axial direction of the housing 31. At this time, the outlet filter F3 extends along a circle concentric with the impeller 321, and the inner surface of the outlet filter F3 is substantially flush with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at the fourth chamber C4. Further, an engagement hook portion 316 is provided at an end portion of the outlet filter portion F3 on a side inserted into the slide groove 311 in the axial direction of the housing 31, and an engagement recess 317 is provided at a position corresponding to the engagement hook portion 316 at a bottom portion of the slide groove 311. When the outlet filter F3 is inserted into and attached to the slide groove 311, the engagement hook portion 316 is engaged with the engagement recess 317, and thus the outlet filter F3 can be prevented from wobbling or falling off in the axial direction of the housing 31.

As shown in fig. 7 to 8 and 14 to 16, the centrifugal separator 4 separates foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4; a base 47 to which the outer cylinder 41 is attached; a rotary cylinder 42 having a hollow cylindrical shape and rotatably provided in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43 for driving the rotary cylinder 42 to rotate, and may be a known structure such as a brushless dc motor.

The outer cylinder 41 is composed of an outer cylinder upper part 411 and an outer cylinder lower part 412. The centrifugal separation part 4 includes a separation part inlet 44 and a separation part outlet 45, the separation part inlet 44 is provided in the lower part 412 of the outer cylinder, and the separation part outlet 45 is provided in the upper part 411 of the outer cylinder.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus includes a connecting structure 7, and the connecting structure 7 includes: a base 71 connectable to the separation portion outlet 45; a conduit supporting portion 72 for supporting a conduit described later; and a connection plate 73 provided on the base 71 and connecting the base 71 and the pipe support portion 72.

The base 71 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open, and an end of the base 71 on the opening side is connected to the separation portion outlet 45. The base 71 has an outer peripheral wall 711, a bottom wall 712 closing the other end opening of the outer peripheral wall 711, and an inner peripheral wall 713 provided projecting from an inner surface of the bottom wall 712 toward the inside of the base 71, the inner peripheral wall 713 being in a similar shape concentric with the outer peripheral wall 711. The tube portion of the separation portion outlet 45 is inserted between the outer circumferential wall 711 and the inner circumferential wall 713, whereby the separation portion outlet 45 is connected to the base 71. Further, the outer surface of the bottom wall 712 is provided with a first connection port 74 and a second connection port 75 which communicate with the space in the base 71, respectively.

The pipe support portion 72 is used to support at least a part of the pipe of the circulation water passage L1, at least a part of the pipe of the flushing water passage L2, or at least a part of the pipe of the drain water passage L3, which will be described later. The pipe support portion 72 has two elastic pieces 720 disposed opposite to each other, and the elastic pieces 720 are disposed at the end of the connecting plate 73. The tubing is supported by snapping it between the two clips 720. The pipe support portion 72 supports the pipe above the centrifugal separation portion 4. The connecting plate 73 may be configured to be adjustable in length.

As shown in fig. 6 to 8, the laundry treating apparatus further includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a fifth pipe 6. The first pipeline 51 connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the flush water outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation section outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the second connection port 75 of the connection structure 7. One end of the third pipe line 53 is connected to the separation section outlet port 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the first connection port 74 of the connection structure 7, and the other end opens into the inside of the outer tank 1 on the upper side of the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the water discharge port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is opened to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

In the circulation water path L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the circulation filter unit F1, and then enters the second chamber C2, and then flows from the circulation outlet P2 through the fifth pipe 6 from the separation unit inlet 44 into the centrifugal separation unit 4, and the centrifugal separation unit 4 centrifugally separates foreign matters contained in the washing water, and then the washing water returns from the separation unit outlet 45 into the outer tub 1 through the space in the base 71, the first connection port 74, and the third pipe 53.

In the flushing water path L2, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, is filtered by the outlet filter F3, flows from the flushing outlet P3 through the second pipe 52, the second connection port 75, and the space in the base 71 from the separation section outlet 45 to the centrifugal separation section 4, and flushes the centrifugal separation section 4. Thereafter, the washing water having washed the centrifugal separation unit 4 flows from the separation unit inlet 44 through the fifth pipe 6 from the circulation water outlet P2 into the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3, and the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 into the third chamber C3 through the circulation filter unit F1.

In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged from the drainage port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the fourth pipe 54. In the washing water path L2, the washing water that has been washed by the centrifugal separation unit 4 and then flows into the third chamber C3 is also filtered by the drain filter unit F2, then enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the fourth pipe line 54.

In the second embodiment, the pipe support portion 72 supports the fourth pipe 54 (i.e., at least a part of the pipe in the drain water passage L3) and supports the fourth pipe 54 above the centrifugal separation portion 4. However, the pipe support portion 72 may support at least a part of the pipe of the circulation water path L1 or at least a part of the pipe of the flushing water path L2.

When washing laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus first performs a washing process. Next, a rinsing process is performed, for example, including a first intermediate dehydration process, a first rinsing process, a second intermediate dehydration process, a second rinsing process, and the like. Finally, a dehydration process is performed.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a circulation motion, a washing motion, and a draining motion. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the laundry treatment apparatus to perform at least one of the circulation operation, the flushing operation, and the draining operation such that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through a corresponding one of the circulation water path L1, the flushing water path L2, and the draining water path L3.

The laundry treating apparatus performs a circulation operation in at least one of the washing process, the first rinsing process, and the second rinsing process (for example, in the washing process). In this circulation operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated through the circulation water passage L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit 4. At this time, the rotary drum 42 is rotated in either direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby providing power to the washing water and circulating the washing water through the circulation water passage L1. In addition, the pump 32 is not operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation operation.

In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry treating apparatus performs a rinsing operation and a draining operation. The pump 32 is operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least any one of the washing motion and the draining motion.

In one form, the laundry treating apparatus operates the pump 32 to simultaneously perform the flushing operation and the draining operation. In the flushing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is flushed through the flushing water path L2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 by the driving force of the pump 32, and returned to the water diversion structure 3. At this time, the rotary cylinder 42 is driven by the driving device 43 to rotate intermittently in the forward direction or intermittently in the reverse direction or alternately in both directions. In the draining operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water in the washing water path L2, which has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and returned to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulation water outlet P2, is also discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3.

As another mode, for example, the start time of the flushing operation may be made earlier than the start time of the draining operation. In this embodiment, a drain valve (not shown) may be provided in the fourth line 54, and when the flushing operation is started, the drain valve may be kept closed, the pump 32 may be operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 may be flushed through the flushing water path L2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 by the driving force of the pump 32, and returned to the water diversion structure 3. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve is opened to start the draining action. At this time, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At the same time, the washing water in the washing water path L2, which has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and returned to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulation water outlet P2, is also discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3.

The specific configuration of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment has been described above, but the second embodiment is not limited thereto.

For example, in the second embodiment, the configuration in which the laundry treatment apparatus includes both the water diversion structure 3 and the centrifugal separation part 4 has been described, but as a first modification of the second embodiment, a configuration in which the laundry treatment apparatus includes only the water diversion structure 3 may be adopted.

In this first modification, the water diversion structure 3 includes the water inlet P1, the first water outlet (flush water outlet) P3, the second water outlet (drain outlet) P5, the drain filter F2, and the outlet filter F3, without omitting the circulation water outlet P2 and the circulation filter F1, as compared with the second embodiment. The first water outlet P3 is connected to the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via a second pipe 52. At this time, the first water outlet P3 functions not as a flush water outlet but as a circulation water outlet.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1 and a drain water path L3. In the circulation water passage L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the inlet P1 into the inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter unit F2, then enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the outlet filter unit F3, then flows from the first outlet P3 through the second pipe 52 into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit inlet 44, is centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation unit 4 from foreign matters contained in the washing water, and then returns from the separation unit outlet 45 through the third pipe 53 into the outer tub 1. In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the water diversion structure 3 through the water inlet P1, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the second water outlet P5.

In addition to the first modification, a second modification may be configured without the centrifugal separation section 4. In this second variant, the first water outlet P3 opens into the outer tank 1 via a second line 52. The laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1 and a drain water path L3. In the circulation water path L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 via the first pipe 51, is filtered by the drainage filter unit F2, then enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the water outlet filter unit F3, and then returns to the outer tub 1 from the first water outlet P3 via the second pipe 52. In the drainage water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the water diversion structure 3 through the water inlet P1, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the second water outlet P5.

In addition, the second embodiment, the first modification example thereof, and the second modification example thereof each include the drainage filter F2, but are not limited thereto, and the drainage filter F2 may be omitted.

In addition, some specific configurations in the second embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment and its respective modifications as appropriate. For example, the specific configurations of the circulation filter F1 and the drain filter F2 in the second embodiment can be also applied to the first embodiment and its respective modifications as appropriate. The connection structure 7 in the second embodiment can be also applied to the first embodiment and its respective modifications as appropriate, and is particularly preferably applied to the second modification and the third modification of the first embodiment.

3. Third embodiment

The laundry treating apparatus of the third embodiment is mainly different from the second embodiment in that the water diversion structure 3 includes a washing return port P4 in addition to the water inlet P1, the circulation water outlet P2, the washing water outlet P3, and the water discharge port P5. Hereinafter, a laundry treating apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 17 to 20, and redundant description of portions common to the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

The laundry treating apparatus according to the third embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water separating structure 3, and a centrifugal separating part 4.

The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 2 are formed in a bottomed tubular shape, for example. Outer tub 1 is provided in a casing (not shown) of the laundry treatment apparatus, and washing tub 2 is rotatably provided in outer tub 1.

The water diversion structure 3 includes a housing 31 having a substantially cylindrical shape. The housing 31 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet P1, a circulation water outlet P2, a flushing water outlet (first water outlet) P3, a flushing backflow port P4, and a water outlet (second water outlet) P5, which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity C.

The water inlet P1 and the flushing water return port P4 are provided near the center of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided near one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. The flush outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are provided near the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and are disposed close to each other. The circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4 are located on the opposite side of the central axis of the housing 31 from the side where the water inlet P1 is located, and extend in the opposite direction from the extending direction of the water inlet P1. In addition, the circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing water return port P4 are located on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the housing 31.

Further, a casing cover 33 is provided at one end of the casing 31 in the axial direction, a pump 32 is provided at the other end of the casing 31 in the axial direction, the casing cover 33 closes one end opening of the casing 31, and the pump 32 closes the other end opening of the casing 31.

In addition, the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the water inlet P1, the circulation water outlet P2, and the flushing water return port P4. Specifically, the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at positions constituting the pump chamber of the pump 32. The flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the housing 31.

Further, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a circulation filter F1 and a drainage filter F2.

The circulation filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the case cover 33 via a first connection portion 331. When the circulation filter unit F1 is attached to the cavity C by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31, the outer peripheral surface of the circulation filter unit F1 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case 31 or with a step provided on the inner peripheral surface of the case 31. In the axial direction of the housing 31, the circulation filter F1 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2. Thereby, the circulation filter portion F1 divides the inner chamber C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are aligned in the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3, the flushing backflow port P4 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, the flush return port P4, and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, the flush return port P4, and the water outlet P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the second chamber C2.

Further, a partition plate 314 is provided in the housing 31, and the partition plate 314 partitions the first chamber C1 into a third chamber (water inlet chamber) C3 and a fourth chamber (water discharge chamber) C4 in the axial direction of the housing 31. The partition 314 is opened with a communication port 315, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are communicated via the communication port 315. In addition, the water inlet P1 and the flushing backflow port P4 are respectively communicated with the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet P1 and the flush back-flow port P4 are respectively communicated with the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4" means that the water inlet P1 and the flush back-flow port P4 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the case 31 forming the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the case 31 forming the fourth chamber C4.

The drainage filter F2 has a substantially conical shape and a tapered flow guide surface that gradually expands as it approaches the communication opening 315. The drain filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 via a second connection portion 332. The drain filter F2 is mounted to the first chamber C1 by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is formed between the conical guide surface of the circulation filter F1 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 31. Further, an axial filter gap is provided between the drain filter F2 and the partition 314. This prevents large foreign matter such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 with the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drainage filter F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 through the communication port 315.

Further, although not shown, in the third embodiment, the water diversion structure 3 may further include a discharged water filter unit F3, as in the second embodiment. The outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4, and is mounted on the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall of the housing 31 at a position corresponding to the flushing outlet P3 radially outside the impeller 321, and the washing water in the water diversion structure 3 flows out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3 after being filtered by the outlet filter F3.

In the third embodiment, the centrifugal separation unit 4 has the same structure as that of the second embodiment, that is, as shown in fig. 14, the centrifugal separation unit 4 is used to separate foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4; a base 47 to which the outer cylinder 41 is attached; a rotary cylinder 42 having a hollow cylindrical shape and rotatably provided in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43 for driving the rotary cylinder 42 to rotate. The outer cylinder 41 is composed of an outer cylinder upper part 411 and an outer cylinder lower part 412. The centrifugal separation part 4 includes a separation part inlet 44 and a separation part outlet 45, the separation part inlet 44 is provided in the lower part 412 of the outer cylinder, and the separation part outlet 45 is provided in the upper part 411 of the outer cylinder.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus includes the same connecting structure 7 as the second embodiment. Here, a detailed description of the connection structure 7 is omitted.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus further includes a first duct 51, a second duct 52, a third duct 53, a fourth duct 54, and a communication pipe 61 as a fifth duct. The fourth pipe 54 of the third embodiment is the same as the fourth pipe 54 of the second embodiment (see fig. 6 to 8), and illustration thereof is omitted.

One end of the first pipeline 51 is connected to the lower part of the outer tank 1 (for example, the first outer tank water outlet), and the other end is connected to the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. One end of the second pipe 52 is connected to the flush water outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is connected to the separation section outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the connection structure 7. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation section outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the connection structure 7, and the other end opens into the inside of the outer tank 1 above the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the water discharge port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is led to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The communication pipe 61 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation unit inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation unit 4, and also connects the flushing return port P4 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation unit inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation unit 4.

The communication pipe 61 as the fifth pipe has an F-shape and includes a main pipe portion 611, a first branch pipe portion 612, and a second branch pipe portion 613. One end of the main pipe portion 611 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion 612 and one end of the second branch pipe portion 613, the other end of the main pipe portion 611 is connected to the separation portion inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 612 is connected to the flush return port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 613 is connected to the circulation water outlet P2. The first branch pipe portion 612 is branched in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion 611, and has a substantially straight line shape. The second branch pipe portion 613 is formed to extend further along the extending direction of the main pipe portion 611, and has a substantially L-shape.

Further, a first check valve 614 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 612, or in the flushing return port P4, or at a connection point between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the flushing return port P4. Here, a first check valve 614 is provided at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 612 and the flushing return port P4. The first check valve 614 allows only the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 612 to the inner chamber C.

A second check valve 615 is provided in the second branch pipe portion 613, or in the circulation water outlet P2, or at a connection point between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation water outlet P2. Here, a second check valve 615 is provided at a connection point between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation water outlet P2. The second check valve 615 allows only the washing water to flow from the inner chamber C to the second branch pipe portion 613.

In the circulation water passage L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 through the first pipe line 51, is filtered by the circulation filter unit F1, and then enters the second chamber C2, and then flows from the circulation water outlet P2 into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit inlet 44 through the second check valve 615, the second branch pipe portion 613 of the communication pipe 61, and the main pipe portion 611, and the foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation unit 4, and then the washing water returns from the separation unit outlet 45 into the outer tub 1 through the third pipe line 53.

In the flushing water path L2, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 through the first pipe 51, is filtered by the drainage filter unit F2, then flows into the fourth chamber C4, is filtered by the water outlet filter unit F3, and then flows from the flushing water outlet P3 into the centrifugal separation unit 4 through the second pipe 52 from the separation unit outlet 45 to flush the centrifugal separation unit 4. The washing water having flushed the centrifugal separation unit 4 flows from the separation unit inlet 44 through the main pipe portion 611 and the first branch pipe portion 612 of the communication pipe 61 and the first check valve 614 from the flushing return port P4 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3.

In the drainage water path L3, as in the second embodiment, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 via the first pipe 51, is filtered by the drainage filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus from the drainage port P5. The washing water flowing into the third chamber C3 after washing the centrifugal separation part 4 in the washing water path L2 is also filtered by the drain filter part F2, and then enters the fourth chamber C4 and is discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus.

When washing laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus first performs a washing process. Next, a rinsing step is performed, and includes, for example, a first intermediate dehydration step, a first rinsing step, a second intermediate dehydration step, a second rinsing step, and the like. Finally, a dehydration process is performed.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a circulation motion, a washing motion, and a draining motion. That is, the method of treating the washing water performed by the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation motion, a rinsing motion, and a draining motion. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a control unit (not shown) that controls the laundry treatment apparatus to perform at least one of the circulation operation, the flushing operation, and the draining operation such that the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through a corresponding one of the circulation water path L1, the flushing water path L2, and the draining water path L3.

The laundry treating apparatus performs a circulation operation in at least one of the washing step, the first rinsing step, and the second rinsing step (for example, in the washing step). In this circulation operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated through the circulation water path L1 by the driving force of the driving device 43, and foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit 4. At this time, the rotary tub 42 is rotated in either direction by the driving of the driving device 43, thereby supplying power to the washing water and circulating the washing water through the circulation water passage L1. In addition, the pump 32 is not operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation operation.

In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry treating apparatus performs a rinsing operation and a draining operation. The pump 32 is operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least any one of the rinsing motion and the draining motion.

In one form, the laundry treating apparatus operates the pump 32 to simultaneously perform the flushing operation and the draining operation. In the flushing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is flushed through the flushing water passage L2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 by the driving force of the pump 32, and returned to the water diversion structure 3 through the flushing return port P4. At this time, the rotary drum 42 is driven by the driving device 43 to rotate intermittently in the forward direction, intermittently in the reverse direction, or alternately in both directions. In the draining operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water in the washing water path L2, which has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and returned to the water diversion structure 3 through the washing return port P4, is also discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3.

As another mode, for example, the start time of the flushing operation may be made earlier than the start time of the draining operation. In this embodiment, a drain valve (not shown) may be provided in the fourth line, and when the flushing operation is started, the drain valve may be kept closed, the pump 32 may be operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 may be flushed through the flushing water passage L2 by the driving force of the pump 32 to return to the water diversion structure 3. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve is opened to start the draining action. At this time, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At the same time, the washing water in the washing water path L2, which has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and returned to the water diversion structure 3 through the circulation water outlet P2, is also discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path L3.

In the third embodiment, the outlet filter F3, the connection structure 7, the fourth pipe 54, and the drain water passage L3 are not described in detail, but the outlet filter F3, the connection structure 7, the fourth pipe 54, and the drain water passage L3 of the third embodiment may have the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

While the specific configuration of the laundry treating apparatus according to the third embodiment has been described above, the third embodiment is not limited thereto.

For example, although the third embodiment has been described with the configuration in which the communication pipe 61 as the fifth pipe has an F-shape, the shape of the communication pipe as the fifth pipe may be changed as the first modification of the third embodiment.

As shown in fig. 21 and 22, in the first modification, the laundry treating apparatus includes a communicating pipe 62 as a fifth conduit. The communication pipe 62 includes a main pipe portion 621, a first branch pipe portion 622, and a second branch pipe portion 623. One end of the main pipe portion 621 is connected to one end of the first branch pipe portion 622 and one end of the second branch pipe portion 623, the other end of the main pipe portion 621 is connected to the separation portion inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 622 is connected to the flush reflux port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 623 is connected to the circulation water outlet P2.

More specifically, the main tube portion 621 includes a first main tube portion 6211 and a second main tube portion 6212 bent with respect to the first main tube portion 6211, and the second main tube portion 6212 is branched at a portion separated from the bent portion between the first main tube portion 6211 and the second main tube portion 6212 to form a first branch tube portion 622 and a second branch tube portion 623. The term "bent portion between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212" as used herein means a portion of the main pipe portion 621 between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212 where a pipe wall extends along a curved line.

The first branch pipe portion 622 further extends in the extending direction of the second main pipe portion 6212, and the second branch pipe portion 623 branches in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the second main pipe portion 6212. The second branch pipe portion 623 has: a first portion 6231 branching from the second main tube portion 6212 and extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the second main tube portion 6212; and a second portion 6232 that is bent relative to the first portion 6231. The second main tube portion 6212 is bent at 90 ° with respect to the first main tube portion 6211, and the second portion 6232 is bent at 90 ° with respect to the first portion 6231.

Further, a check valve 624 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 622, or in the flushing return port P4, or at a connection point between the first branch pipe portion 622 and the flushing return port P4. Here, a check valve 624 is provided at a connection point between the first branch pipe portion 622 and the flushing return port P4. The check valve 624 allows only the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe part 622 to the inner chamber C.

In the circulation water path L1, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 is filtered by the circulation filter unit F1, and then flows into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the circulation water outlet P2 via the second branch pipe portion 623 and the main pipe portion 621. At this time, since the check valve 624 is provided at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 622 and the flushing return port P4, the washing water does not flow into the first branch pipe portion 622 from the flushing return port P4. That is, when the washing water flows from the first and second

branch pipe portions

622 and 623 to the main pipe portion 621 side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 623 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 622.

In the flush water path L2, a part of the flush water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit returns from the first branch pipe portion 622 to the first chamber C1 through the flush return port P4, and the other part of the flush water flows from the second branch pipe portion 623 into the second chamber C2 through the circulation water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulation filter unit F1. At this time, since the first branch pipe portion 622 is further extended in the extending direction of the second main pipe portion 6212 and the second branch pipe portion 623 is branched in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the second main pipe portion 6212, when the washing water flows from the main pipe portion 621 side to the first branch pipe portion 622 and the second branch pipe portion 623 side, the washing water flows more easily to the first branch pipe portion 622 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 622 is larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 623.

With this configuration, in the flushing water passage L2, while a part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 623 to the second chamber C2 via the circulation water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 via the circulation filter unit F1, the circulation filter unit F1 can be cleaned back by the flow of the washing water, and foreign substances attached to the circulation filter unit F1 when the washing water flows through the circulation water passage L1 can be removed.

In addition, although the third embodiment has described the configuration in which the circulation filter F1 partitions the inner chamber C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 31, the arrangement of the circulation filter F1 may be changed as a second modification of the third embodiment.

As shown in fig. 23, in the second modification, the circulation filter portion F1 has a long plate shape extending in the axial direction of the housing 31, and divides the cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31. The circulation water outlet P2 is located on the opposite side of the central axis of the housing 31 from the side where the water inlet P1 and the flushing-return port P4 are located.

The laundry treating apparatus includes a communicating pipe 63 as a fifth conduit. The communication pipe 63 includes a main pipe portion 631, a first branch pipe portion 632, and a second branch pipe portion 633. One end of the main pipe portion 631 is connected to one ends of the first branch pipe portion 632 and the second branch pipe portion 633, the other end of the main pipe portion 631 is connected to the separation portion inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of the first branch pipe portion 632 is connected to the flushing return port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 633 is connected to the circulation water outlet P2.

The first branch pipe portion 632 is further extended along the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631, and the second branch pipe portion 633 is branched along a direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631. The first branch pipe portion 632 has a substantially L-shape, and the second branch pipe portion 633 has a substantially J-shape.

Further, a check valve 634 is provided in the first branch pipe portion 632, or in the flushing return port P4, or at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the flushing return port P4. Here, a check valve 634 is provided at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the flushing return port P4. The check valve 634 allows only the washing water to flow from the first branch pipe portion 632 to the inner chamber C.

In the circulation water path L1, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 3 from the water inlet P1 is filtered by the circulation filter unit F1, and then flows into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the circulation water outlet P2 via the second branch pipe unit 633 and the main pipe unit 631. At this time, since the check valve 624 is provided at the connection portion between the first branch pipe portion 632 and the flushing return port P4, the washing water does not flow into the first branch pipe portion 632 from the flushing return port P4. That is, when the washing water flows from the first and second

branch pipe portions

632 and 633 to the main pipe portion 631 side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 633 is greater than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 632.

In the flushing water passage L2, a part of the washing water flushed through the centrifugal separation unit is returned from the first branch pipe portion 632 to the first chamber C1 through the flushing return port P4, and the other part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 633 to the second chamber C2 through the circulation water outlet P2 and is returned to the first chamber C1 through the circulation filter unit F1. At this time, since the first branch pipe portion 632 is further extended in the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631 and the second branch pipe portion 633 is branched in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion 631, when the washing water flows from the main pipe portion 631 side to the first branch pipe portion 632 and the second branch pipe portion 633 side, the washing water flows more easily to the first branch pipe portion 632 side, and the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion 632 is larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion 633.

With this configuration, in the flush water path L2, while a part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe 633 to the second chamber C2 through the circulation water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulation filter unit F1, the circulation filter unit F1 can be cleaned back by the flow of the washing water, and foreign substances attached to the circulation filter unit F1 when the washing water flows through the circulation water path L1 can be removed.

In addition, in the second modification of the third embodiment, the configuration in which the circulation filter F1 partitions the inner chamber C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31 is described, and this configuration can be similarly applied to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modifications thereof.

The present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and the modifications. For example, other embodiments may be employed as embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the constituent elements described in the present specification are arbitrarily combined, and some of the constituent elements are excluded. Further, the present disclosure also includes modifications obtained by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, i.e., within the meaning expressed by the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A water diversion structure, which is characterized in that,

the water diversion structure comprises:

the water inlet, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are respectively communicated with the inner cavity;

a pump mounted to the housing, the pump being capable of causing water flowing into the housing from the water inlet to flow out of the housing from the first water outlet and/or the second water outlet by driving an impeller to rotate in a circumferential direction of the housing; and

and a water outlet filter unit which is mounted on an inner peripheral surface of a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing corresponding to the first water outlet on a radial outer side of the impeller, and through which water in the water diversion structure flows out of the housing from the first water outlet after being filtered by the water outlet filter unit.

2. The water diversion structure according to claim 1,

the outlet water filtering part extends along a circle concentric with the impeller.

3. The water diversion structure according to claim 1,

the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged in the circumferential direction.

4. The water diversion structure according to claim 1,

the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged in parallel.

5. The water diversion structure according to claim 1,

the second water outlet is arranged along the radial direction of the impeller.

6. The water diversion structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall of the shell is provided with a sliding groove for inserting and installing the water outlet filtering part.

7. The water diversion structure of claim 6,

the sliding groove is concavely provided with guide concave parts at two sides in the circumferential direction, the outlet water filtering part is convexly provided with guide convex parts at two sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet water filtering part is inserted into the sliding groove by inserting the guide convex parts into the guide concave parts along the axial direction of the shell.

8. The water diversion structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

a partition board is arranged in the shell and divides the inner cavity into a water inlet cavity and a water discharge cavity in the axial direction of the shell, a communication opening is formed in the partition board, the water inlet cavity is communicated with the water discharge cavity through the communication opening,

the water inlet with intake chamber intercommunication, first delivery port the second delivery port respectively with drainage cavity intercommunication, go out water filter house and the impeller is located drainage cavity.

9. The water diversion structure of claim 8,

the water diversion structure further comprises a drainage filtering part, the drainage filtering part is assembled in the inner cavity, and water in the water inlet cavity flows into the drainage cavity from the communication port after being filtered by the drainage filtering part.

10. The water diversion structure of claim 9,

an axial filtering gap is arranged between the drainage filtering part and the clapboard,

the drainage filter part is provided with a conical flow guide surface which gradually expands along with approaching the communication port.

11. A laundry treating apparatus, characterized in that,

the laundry treating apparatus includes:

an outer tub provided in a casing of the laundry treating apparatus;

a washing tank rotatably provided in the outer tank; and

the water-dividing structure of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path in which wash water within the outer tub flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet and returns to the outer tub from the first water outlet.

13. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a centrifugal separating part for separating foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path in which the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separation unit from the first water outlet, and the washing water returns to the outer tub after the centrifugal separation unit centrifugally separates foreign substances contained in the washing water.

14. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a washing water path in which washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water dividing structure and from the first water outlet into the centrifugal separation part to wash the centrifugal separation part.

15. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a drain water path in which wash water in the outer tub flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet and is discharged to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the second water outlet.