CN115491873A - Clothes treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a clothes treatment device, in the circulation water route, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows in to centrifugal separation portion from the circulation delivery port, later return the outer tank, in the washing water route, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water diversion structure and flows in to centrifugal separation portion from the washing delivery port from the water inlet, return to the water diversion structure again via washing backward flow mouth, clothes treatment device includes communicating pipe, the other end of main pipe portion is connected in centrifugal separation portion, the other end of first branch pipe portion is connected in washing backward flow mouth, the other end of second branch pipe portion is connected in the circulation delivery port, when the washing water flows to first branch pipe portion and second branch pipe portion side from the main pipe portion side, the flow of the washing water that flows through first branch pipe portion is greater than the flow of the washing water that flows through second branch pipe portion. According to the present disclosure, a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design and avoiding clogging of a circulation water path can be provided.

Description

Clothes treating apparatus

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus.

Background

International application WO2019/049697 discloses a washing machine (laundry treatment apparatus) with a centrifugal separation portion 94. As shown in fig. 1, the main operation principle of the washing machine is as follows: in the washing stage, laundry is put into the washing tub 92, the washing machine is operated until the washing water reaches a predetermined water level, the circulation pump 93 is operated, the washing water is sent from the separation part inlet 941 into the centrifugal separation part 94 through the first switching valve 95, the circulation pump 93, and the second switching valve 96, foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated by the centrifugal separation part 94, and then the washing water is sent back into the outer tub 91 from the separation part outlet 942 through the third switching valve 97, and the above-described circulation operation is repeated to the drain stage; in the water discharge stage, the circulation pump 93 is operated to send the washing water from the separation unit outlet 942 to the centrifugal separation unit 94 through the first switching valve 95, the circulation pump 93, the second switching valve 96, and the third switching valve 97 to flush the centrifugal separation unit 94, and the washing operation is performed, and the washing water flushed by the centrifugal separation unit 94 is discharged out of the washing machine through the first opening/closing valve 98 and the second opening/closing valve 99.

However, in the above-described washing machine (laundry treatment apparatus), the water path design is complicated, and a circulation pump, a plurality of switching valves, and an on-off valve need to be provided, which not only increases the manufacturing cost, but also complicates the control flow during operation, and is prone to malfunction.

In the washing machine (laundry treatment apparatus) described above, although the centrifugal separation part 94 is backwashed when the washing operation is performed, the circulation water path from the outer tub 92 to the centrifugal separation part 94 is not backwashed, and the circulation water path may be clogged due to the long-term accumulation of foreign matter.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design and avoiding clogging of a circulation water path.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a first 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; a centrifugal separation part for separating foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tank; and a water diversion structure including a housing having an inner cavity, the housing being provided with a water inlet, a circulation water outlet, a flush water outlet, and a flush water return port which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, the laundry treatment apparatus including a circulation water path in which wash water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet into the water diversion structure and flows from the circulation water outlet to the centrifugal separation portion, the wash water returning to the outer tub after the centrifugal separation portion centrifugally separates foreign matters contained in the wash water, the laundry treatment apparatus further including a main pipe portion, a first branch pipe portion, and a second branch pipe portion, one end of the main pipe portion being connected to one ends of the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the other end of the main pipe portion being connected to the centrifugal separation portion, the communication pipe portion being connected to a side of the first branch pipe portion, the other end of the first branch pipe portion being connected to a side of the second branch pipe portion, and the wash water flowing through the second branch pipe portion when the wash water flows through the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the wash water flowing through the second branch pipe portion.

According to the first technical scheme, the water diversion structure is arranged, the circulating water path and the flushing water path share the water diversion structure, and the circulating water outlet and the flushing backflow port are connected to the centrifugal separation part by utilizing the communication pipe, so that the water path design can be simplified, and a switching valve and an opening and closing valve can be reduced or omitted, thereby being beneficial to reducing the manufacturing cost and simplifying the control flow in the operation process. Further, by making the flow rate of the washing water flowing from the main pipe portion side to the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion, it is possible to cause most of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion to flow into the water diversion structure from the washing return port via the first branch pipe portion while a small part of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion flows into the water diversion structure from the circulation water outlet via the second branch pipe portion, thereby enabling the circulation water path to be backwashed with a relatively clean small part of the washing water during the washing operation, and avoiding clogging of the circulation water path due to long-term accumulation of foreign matter.

A second technical means is the laundry processing apparatus according to the first technical means, wherein the water diversion structure includes a circulation filter unit, the circulation filter unit is attached to the inner chamber, and in the circulation water path, after washing water flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet is filtered by the circulation filter unit, the washing water flows into the centrifugal separation unit from the circulation water outlet via the second branch pipe portion and the main pipe portion.

According to the second aspect, the foreign matter in the washing water is filtered by the circulation filter unit before the foreign matter in the washing water is filtered by the centrifugal separation unit, so that large foreign matter (for example, buttons, coins, and the like) in the washing water can be filtered before the centrifugal separation unit, and the centrifugal separation unit can be ensured to normally operate by preventing the large foreign matter in the washing water from entering the centrifugal separation unit and blocking the inlet port of the centrifugal separation unit or the outlet port of the centrifugal separation unit. Furthermore, the circulating water path is used for recycling the washing water in the outer tank, the circulation process of the washing water can be influenced due to the blockage of the thread scraps, particularly when the pipeline of the circulating water path is narrow (for example, when the washing water in the circulating water path returns to the outer tank in a spraying mode), the thread scraps can easily block the pipeline (a spraying opening), so that the circulation is insufficient, the circulation effect is reduced, namely the hidden trouble that the washing effect of clothes is reduced is caused, however, the work load of the centrifugal separation part can be reduced by arranging the circulating filtering part, the foreign matters in the washing water can be effectively separated, the blockage of the circulating water path can be avoided, and the washing effect of the clothes treatment device can be improved.

A third technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the second technical means, wherein the circulation filtering portion divides the inner chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the water inlet and the washing return port are respectively communicated with the first chamber, the circulation water outlet is communicated with the second chamber, and in the washing water path, a part of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion is returned from the first branch pipe portion to the first chamber through the washing return port, and the other part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion to the second chamber through the circulation water outlet and is returned to the first chamber through the circulation filtering portion.

According to the third aspect, a part of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part flows into the second chamber through the circulation water outlet and returns to the first chamber through the circulation filter part, so that the circulation filter part can be backwashed by a small part of the relatively clean washing water during the washing operation, and the foreign matters mainly attached to the surface of the first chamber side of the circulation filter part during the circulation operation are washed away, thereby preventing the circulation water path from being blocked or reducing the flow area, ensuring that the washing water in the outer tank can be efficiently recycled by the circulation water path, and further improving the washing effect of the clothes treatment device.

A fourth mode is the laundry treating apparatus according to any one of the first to third modes, wherein when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion to the main pipe portion side, a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion is larger than a flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion.

According to the fourth aspect, when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion to the main pipe portion side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion is made larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion, so that most or all of the washing water can flow into the centrifugal separation portion from the circulation water outlet when the circulation operation is performed, and separation between the circulation water path and the flush water path is facilitated. Especially, under the condition that the water diversion structure is provided with the circulating filter part, most or all of the washing water can be filtered by the circulating filter part before the foreign matters in the washing water are filtered by the centrifugal separation part, and the beneficial effect of the second technical scheme is favorably realized.

A fifth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus as defined in any one of the first to third technical means, wherein a check valve is provided in the first branch pipe portion, or in the flushing return port, or at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion and the flushing return port, the check valve allowing only the flow of the washing water from the first branch pipe portion to the inner chamber.

According to the fifth technical scheme, by arranging the check valve, all washing water can flow into the centrifugal separation part from the circulating water outlet when the circulating action is executed, and the separation of the circulating water path and the flushing water path is more favorably realized. Particularly, in the case where the water diversion structure is provided with the circulation filter unit, the circulation filter unit can be used to filter the entire washing water before the centrifugal separation unit is used to filter the foreign matters in the washing water, which is more advantageous to achieve the advantageous effect of the second technical means.

A sixth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the third technical means, wherein the circulation filter divides the inner chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber in an axial direction of the casing.

According to the sixth technical scheme, the inner cavity is divided into the first cavity and the second cavity in the axial direction of the shell by the circulating filter part, the circulating filter part is formed into a shape matched with the cross section of the inner cavity of the water diversion structure, and the manufacturing and the assembling of the circulating filter part are facilitated.

A seventh technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the sixth technical means, wherein the circulation water outlet and the flushing water return port are located on a straight line parallel to an axial direction of the casing.

According to the seventh technical scheme, through locating the water outlet that circulates and washing the backward flow mouth on the straight line parallel with the axial of casing, be convenient for utilize a communicating pipe with both connect in centrifugal separation portion water outlet and washing the backward flow mouth, and then simplify the water route design.

An eighth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the sixth or seventh technical means, wherein the main pipe portion has a first main pipe portion and a second main pipe portion bent with respect to the first main pipe portion, the second main pipe portion branches at a portion apart from a bent portion between the first main pipe portion and the second main pipe portion to form the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion, the first branch pipe portion further extends in an extending direction of the second main pipe portion, and the second branch pipe portion branches in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the second main pipe portion.

According to the eighth aspect, by further extending the first branch pipe portion in the extending direction of the second main pipe portion and branching the second branch pipe portion in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the second main pipe portion, it is possible to make it easier for most of the washing water and a large amount of foreign matters after washing the centrifugal separation portion to flow to the first branch pipe portion and a small amount of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion to flow to the second branch pipe portion with a small amount of foreign matters during the washing operation, thereby making it possible to reversely wash the circulation water passage with a small amount of cleaner washing water during the washing operation.

A ninth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eighth technical means, wherein the second branch pipe portion includes: a first portion that branches from the second main pipe portion and extends in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the second main pipe portion; and a second portion bent with respect to the first portion, the second main tube portion being bent at 90 ° with respect to the first main tube portion, the second portion being bent at 90 ° with respect to the first portion.

According to the ninth aspect, the communication pipe can be designed into a simple shape by bending the second main pipe portion at 90 ° with respect to the first main pipe portion and bending the second portion at 90 ° with respect to the first portion, and the respective portions constituting the communication pipe can be connected by the general L-shaped bent pipe, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

A tenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the third technical means, wherein the circulation filter divides the inner chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the casing.

According to the tenth technical scheme, through utilizing the circulation filter part to separate the inner chamber for first cavity and second cavity in the direction with the axial cross of casing, can form the filter area of circulation filter part bigger, be favorable to improving the filter effect of circulation filter part, and then improve the holistic washing effect of clothing processing apparatus.

An eleventh technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the tenth technical means, wherein the circulation water outlet is located on a side opposite to the side where the water inlet and the flushing return port are located with respect to a central axis of the casing.

According to the eleventh technical scheme, the circulating water outlet is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet and the flushing backflow port are arranged relative to the central axis of the shell, so that the water inlet and the circulating water outlet are easily communicated with the first chamber and the second chamber which are separated in the direction crossing the axial direction of the shell respectively.

A twelfth mode is the laundry treating apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh mode, wherein the first branch pipe portion is further extended in an extending direction of the main pipe portion, and the second branch pipe portion is branched in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion.

According to the twelfth aspect, the first branch pipe portion is further extended in the extending direction of the main pipe portion, and the second branch pipe portion is branched in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the main pipe portion, so that most of the washing water and a large amount of foreign matters after washing the centrifugal separation portion can more easily flow to the first branch pipe portion when the washing operation is performed, and a small portion of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation portion can easily flow to the second branch pipe portion in a state where the foreign matters are few, whereby the circulation water path can be backwashed with a small clean portion of the washing water when the washing operation is performed.

A thirteenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of any one of the first to the third technical means, wherein the casing further has a drain port communicating with the inner chamber, 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 port and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the drain port, and wash water in the wash water path after washing the centrifugal separation portion is returned to the water dividing structure through the wash water return port and is then discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the drain water path.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the water path design can be further simplified by sharing the water diversion structure among the circulation water path, the flushing water path, and the drainage water path. Further, since the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path, it is not necessary to separately provide a pipe for discharging the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus, and thus, the design of the water path can be further simplified.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present disclosure, a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design and avoiding clogging of a circulation water path 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 schematic view of a related art laundry treating apparatus.

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 perspective view of the back side of the coupling structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating 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 of 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 second outer tank water outlet; 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 the backflow 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 section 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 substrate; 711: an outer peripheral wall; 712: a bottom wall; 713: an inner peripheral wall; 72: a pipe support; 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 according to the first embodiment includes an outer tub 1, a washing tub 2, a water separating structure 3, and a centrifugal separating part 4.

Outer tub 1 and 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 removing laundry such as laundry.

The outer tub 1 is connected to an external faucet through a hose or the like, and 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 housing 31 having a substantially cylindrical shape. 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 portion 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 the foreign matter in the washing water is separated, the washing water flows into the centrifugal separation part 4 from the separation part inlet 44 by rotating the rotary drum 42 by the driving device 43, and while the washing water flows into the rotary drum 42, the washing water swirls while flowing through, and the foreign matter contained in the washing water moves toward the inner circumferential surface of the rotary drum 42 by a centrifugal force, whereby the washing water is in a state where the foreign matter is 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 is opened to 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 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 part inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation part 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 path 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, and the washing water flushed through 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 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 machine 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 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.

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 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 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 treatment 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.

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 outlet 11, the first pipe line 51 leading to the separation section inlet 44 and forming a part of the circulation water path L1, and the second pipe line 52 leading to the separation section 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 a 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 also serving 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 water outlet 11 also serving as the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation portion outlet 45 also serving as the separation portion 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 portion outlet 45 also serving as the separation portion flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 can flow into the centrifugal separation portion 4 from the first outer tank water outlet 11 via the separation portion outlet 45 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation portion 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 treating apparatus has been described as including the water diversion structure 3, but the laundry treating apparatus is not limited thereto. 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 path L3, the fourth pipe 54 is connected directly to the first outer tank outlet 11 or to a part of the first pipe 51 connected to the first outer tank outlet 11.

In the first embodiment, although not described further, an on-off valve may be provided as the water discharge valve in the fourth line 54 of the water discharge 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 pipeline 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 diversion 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. An outer tub 1 is provided in a casing 100 of the laundry treatment apparatus, and a 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 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, and a drainage 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 water outlet P2 is located on the opposite side of the side where the water inlet P1 is located with respect to the central axis of the housing 31, and extends in the opposite direction to the extending direction of the water inlet P1. 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.

Further, a casing cover 33 is provided at one end of the casing 31 in the axial direction, and a pump 32 is provided at the other end of the casing 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 circulation 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 drain port 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 circulating filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the housing cover 33 via the 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 portion 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 aligned in 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 plate 314 is provided in the housing 31, and the partition plate 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 communicate with each other via the communication port 315. In addition, the water inlet P1 communicates with the third chamber C3, the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4, respectively, 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 drain filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 via a second connection portion 332. The drain filter F2 is attached to the first chamber C1 by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is provided between the tapered guide surface of the circulation filter portion 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 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 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 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 drum 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. Centrifugal separation unit 4 includes separation unit inlet 44 and separation unit outlet 45, separation unit inlet 44 is provided in lower part 412 of the outer tube, and separation unit outlet 45 is provided in upper part 411 of the outer tube.

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 first connection port 74 and the second connection port 75, which communicate with the space in the base 71, are provided on the outer surface of the bottom wall 712.

The pipe support portion 72 supports 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 arranged oppositely, and the elastic pieces 720 are arranged 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 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 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 part inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation part 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 third chamber C3 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 then 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 line 53.

In the flushing water passage L2, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub 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, then flows into the fourth chamber C4, is filtered by the outlet filter F3, then flows from the flushing water outlet P3 through the second pipe 52, the second connection port 75, and the space in the base body 71 from the separation section outlet 45 into 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 pipes of 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.

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 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 a circulation operation, a flushing operation, and a 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 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 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 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 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 set 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 the 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 is configured to include the inlet port P1, the first outlet port (flushing outlet port) P3, the second outlet port (drain port) P5, the drainage filter F2, and the outlet filter F3, without the circulation outlet port 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, the centrifugal separation section 4 may be omitted to constitute a second modification. 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 tank 1 flows from the first outer tank 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 portion F2, then enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the water outlet filter portion F3, and then returns to the outer tank 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.

The second embodiment, the first modification example thereof, and the second modification example thereof are each provided with 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 of 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 circulating 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 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 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 circulating filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the housing cover 33 via the first connection portion 331. When the circulation filter unit F1 is fitted 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 314 is provided in the housing 31, and the partition 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 phrase "the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 communicate with the third chamber C3, respectively, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4, respectively" means that the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are provided in the peripheral wall of the case 31 forming the third chamber C3, respectively, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are provided in the peripheral wall of the case 31 forming the fourth chamber C4, respectively.

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 attached to the first chamber C1 by attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is provided between the tapered guide surface of the circulation filter portion 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.

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 portion 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 portion 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. Centrifugal separation unit 4 includes separation unit inlet 44 and separation unit outlet 45, separation unit inlet 44 is provided in lower part 412 of the outer tube, and separation unit outlet 45 is provided in upper part 411 of the outer tube.

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 flushing 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 opened to the outside of the laundry treatment 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 water 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.

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 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 flushing return port P4 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 from the separation unit inlet port 44 via the main pipe portion 611 and the first branch pipe portion 612 of the communication pipe 61, and the first check valve 614.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 tank 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 and the draining action is started. 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 communication 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 ends of the first branch pipe portion 622 and 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 flushing/returning port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe portion 623 is connected to the circulation outlet P2.

More specifically, the main pipe portion 621 includes a first main pipe portion 6211 and a second main pipe portion 6212 bent with respect to the first main pipe portion 6211, and the second main pipe portion 6212 branches at a portion separated from the bent portion between the first main pipe portion 6211 and the second main pipe portion 6212 to form a first branch pipe portion 622 and a second branch pipe 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 portion 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 flush water path 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 path L1 can be removed.

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

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 flush water path L2, a part of the flush water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit returns from the first branch pipe portion 632 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 633 to the second chamber C2 through the circulation water outlet port P2 and returns 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 flushing 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 F1, the circulation filter F1 can be cleaned back by the flow of the washing water, and foreign substances attached to the circulation filter 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 the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and the modifications. For example, another embodiment in which the constituent elements described in the present specification are arbitrarily combined and some of the constituent elements are excluded may be used as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure also includes modifications of the above-described embodiments, which are made by various modifications that may occur to those skilled in the art, within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, i.e., the meaning expressed by the terms of the claims.

Claims (13)

1. A clothes 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;

a centrifugal separation part for separating foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tank; and

the water diversion structure comprises a shell with an inner cavity, the shell is provided with a water inlet, a circulating water outlet, a flushing water outlet and a flushing backflow port which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path and a rinsing water path,

in the circulation water path, the washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulation water outlet, and after the centrifugal separation part centrifugally separates foreign matters contained in the washing water, the washing water returns to the outer tub,

in the washing water path, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separation part from the washing water outlet to wash the centrifugal separation part, and the washing water returns to the water diversion structure through the washing return port,

the clothes treatment device further comprises a communicating pipe, the communicating pipe comprises a main pipe part, a first branch pipe part and a second branch pipe part, one end of the main pipe part is connected with one end of the first branch pipe part and one end of the second branch pipe part, the other end of the main pipe part is connected with the centrifugal separation part, the other end of the first branch pipe part is connected with the flushing return port, the other end of the second branch pipe part is connected with the circulating water outlet,

when the washing water flows from the main pipe portion side to the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion side, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion is larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion.

2. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the water diversion structure comprises a circulating filter part, the circulating filter part is assembled in the inner cavity, and in the circulating water path, washing water flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet flows into the centrifugal separation part from the circulating water outlet through the second branch pipe part and the main pipe part after being filtered by the circulating filter part.

3. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2,

the circulating filter part divides the inner cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity,

the water inlet and the flushing backflow port are respectively communicated with the first chamber, the circulating water outlet is communicated with the second chamber,

in the washing water path, a part of the washing water after washing the centrifugal separation part returns from the first branch pipe part to the first chamber through the washing return port, and the other part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe part to the second chamber through the circulation water outlet and returns to the first chamber through the circulation filter part.

4. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

when the washing water flows from the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion to the main pipe portion, the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the second branch pipe portion is larger than the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the first branch pipe portion.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

a check valve is provided in the first branch pipe portion, or in the flushing return port, or at a connection portion between the first branch pipe portion and the flushing return port, and the check valve allows only the flow of the washing water from the first branch pipe portion to the inner chamber.

6. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3,

the circulating filter part divides the inner cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity in the axial direction of the shell.

7. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 6,

the circulating water outlet and the flushing backflow port are positioned on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the shell.

8. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,

the main pipe portion has a first main pipe portion and a second main pipe portion bent with respect to the first main pipe portion, the second main pipe portion is branched at a portion apart from a bent portion between the first main pipe portion and the second main pipe portion to form the first branch pipe portion and the second branch pipe portion,

the first branch pipe portion is further extended along an extending direction of the second main pipe portion,

the second branch pipe portion is branched in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the second main pipe portion.

9. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8,

the second branch pipe portion has: a first portion that branches off from the second main pipe portion and extends in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the second main pipe portion; and a second portion bent with respect to the first portion,

the second main pipe portion is bent at 90 degrees relative to the first main pipe portion, and the second portion is bent at 90 degrees relative to the first portion.

10. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 3,

the circulation filter portion divides the inner cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the housing.

11. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10,

the circulating water outlet is positioned on the side opposite to the side where the water inlet and the flushing backflow port are positioned relative to the central axis of the shell.

12. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10 or 11,

the first branch pipe portion is further extended along an extending direction of the main pipe portion,

the second branch pipe portion is branched in a direction intersecting with an extending direction of the main pipe portion.

13. The laundry processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the shell is also provided with a water outlet communicated with the inner cavity,

the laundry treating apparatus includes a drain water path in which wash water within 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 water discharge port,

the washing water in the washing water path after washing the centrifugal separation part is returned to the water diversion structure through the washing return port, and then discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path.

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