CN215289364U

CN215289364U - Clothes treating device

Info

Publication number: CN215289364U
Application number: CN202121347112.6U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 余丽霞; 王士坤; 徐城烽
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-17
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2021-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-17

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus, including: an outer tank; 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 and a flushing water outlet which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, the laundry treatment apparatus including a circulation water path and a flushing 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, after the centrifugal separation part performs centrifugal separation on foreign matters contained in the washing water, the washing water returns to the outer tub, in the flushing 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 flushing water outlet to flush the centrifugal separation part, and then returns to the water diversion structure. According to the present disclosure, a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design can be provided.

Description

Clothes treating device

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 part 94. As shown in fig. 1, the main operation principle of the washing machine is as follows: in the washing stage, the 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 inlet 941 of the separation part into the centrifugal separation part 94 through the first switching valve 95, the circulation pump 93 and the second switching valve 96, the foreign matters contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated in the centrifugal separation part 94, and then the washing water is sent from the outlet 942 of the separation part back into the outer tub 91 through the third switching valve 97, and the above-described circulation operation is repeated to the water discharge 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 makes it easy for malfunction to occur.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Problem to be solved by utility model

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

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, and a washing water outlet which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, the laundry treatment apparatus including a circulation water path in which washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separation portion from the circulation water outlet, returns to the outer tub after the centrifugal separation portion centrifugally separates foreign matters contained in the washing water, and in the washing water path, washing water in the outer tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet and flows into the centrifugal separation portion from the washing water outlet to wash the centrifugal separation portion and returns to the water diversion structure.

According to the first technical scheme, the water dividing structure is arranged, the circulating water path and the flushing water path share the water dividing structure, the water path design can be simplified, and switching valves and opening and closing valves can be reduced or omitted, so that the manufacturing cost is favorably reduced, and the control flow in the operation process can be simplified. In addition, by dividing the circulation water path and the flushing water path at the water dividing structure, the circulation water path and the flushing water path can be designed differently as required, and for example, different foreign matter filtering requirements can be met by adding different filtering portions in the circulation water path and the flushing water path.

A second technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the first technical means, wherein the housing is provided with 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 an outside of the laundry treating apparatus from the drain port.

According to the second technical scheme, the waterway design can be further simplified by using the water diversion structure shared by the circulating waterway, the flushing waterway and the drainage waterway.

A third technical means is the laundry processing apparatus of the first technical means, wherein the water diversion structure comprises a circulation filter unit, the circulation filter unit is assembled in the inner chamber, and in the circulation water path, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet is filtered by the circulation filter unit and then flows into the centrifugal separation unit from the circulation water outlet.

According to the third 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 fourth mode is the laundry processing apparatus according to the first mode, wherein the centrifugal separation unit includes: an outer cylinder; a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the outer cylinder; and a driving device for driving the rotary drum to rotate, wherein the laundry treatment device is capable of performing a circulation operation in which the washing water in the outer tub is circulated through the circulation water path by a driving force of the driving device, and foreign substances contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit.

According to the fourth aspect, since the washing water in the outer tub is circulated and flowed through the circulation water path by the driving force of the driving device during the circulation operation, it is not necessary to supply power to the washing water by the circulation pump when the circulation operation is performed, the circulation pump can be omitted, the water path structure can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

A fifth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the second technical means, wherein the water diversion structure is provided with a pump, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a flushing operation in which the washing water in the outer tub is flushed through the flushing water path by a driving force of the pump and returned to the water diversion structure.

According to the fifth aspect, the washing water in the washing water path is powered by the pump, and the foreign matter attached to the inside of the centrifugal separation portion can be washed away more easily, thereby improving the washing effect.

A sixth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the fifth technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a drain operation in which wash water in the outer tub is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the drain water path by a driving force of the pump, and the laundry treating apparatus performs the flushing operation and the drain operation at the same time by operating the pump.

According to the sixth technical scheme, power is provided for washing water in the washing water path and washing water in the drainage water path by using one pump, pumps do not need to be arranged for the washing water path and the drainage water path respectively, the water path design can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. In addition, the pump is operated to simultaneously execute the flushing action and the water draining action, thereby being beneficial to shortening the washing time of the clothes treatment device and improving the working efficiency of the clothes treatment device.

A seventh technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the fifth technical means, wherein the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a draining operation in which the washing water in the outer tub is drained to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the drainage water path by a driving force of the pump, and a start timing of the flushing operation is earlier than a start timing of the draining operation.

According to the seventh technical scheme, power is provided for washing water in the washing water path and washing water in the drainage water path by using one pump, pumps do not need to be respectively arranged for the washing water path and the drainage water path, the water path design can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. Further, by setting the start timing of the flushing operation to be earlier than the start timing of the draining operation, it is possible to avoid the washing water in the flushing water passage from becoming weak due to the washing water being diverted to the draining water passage, and it is possible to enhance the flushing effect on the centrifugal separation portion.

An eighth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the fifth technical means, wherein the flushing water outlet and the draining outlet are closer to the pump than the water inlet and the circulation water outlet.

According to the eighth technical means, by making the flushing water outlet and the draining outlet closer to the pump than the water inlet and the circulation water outlet, it is possible to supply power to the washing water in the flushing water path and the washing water in the draining water path by one pump.

A ninth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eighth technical means, wherein the flushing water outlet is provided in parallel with the drain opening.

According to the ninth aspect, by arranging the flush water outlet and the drain opening in parallel, it is easier to form the flush water outlet and the drain opening simultaneously by cast molding.

A tenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the eighth technical means, wherein the drain port is provided along a radial direction of the impeller of the pump.

According to the tenth aspect, the drain port is provided along the radial direction of the impeller of the pump, so that the flow rate of the washing water flowing through the drain port does not change greatly regardless of the normal rotation of the impeller or the reverse rotation of the impeller, and thus the pump can be effectively used to supply power to the washing water in the drain water passage.

An eleventh technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of any one of the first to the tenth technical means, wherein the casing is provided with 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 diversion structure from the water inlet port and is discharged to an 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 diversion structure via the circulation water outlet port and is then discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus via the drain water path.

According to the eleventh aspect, the water path design can be further simplified by sharing the water diversion structure with the circulation water path, the flushing water path, and the drainage water path, and discharging the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path, without separately providing a pipe for discharging the washing water after flushing the centrifugal separation unit to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus.

A twelfth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of any one of the fifth to the tenth technical means, further comprising a control unit which controls the laundry treating 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 flows through a corresponding one of the circulation water path, the flushing water path, and the draining water path, respectively, wherein the pump is not operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation operation, and the pump is operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least one of the flushing operation and the draining operation.

According to the twelfth aspect, the pump does not operate when the circulation operation is performed, and therefore the problem that the pump body is clogged due to the accumulation of foreign matter in the pump gradually when the circulation operation is performed for a long time can be effectively avoided. Further, by operating the pump when at least one of the flushing operation and the draining operation is performed, the power can be supplied to the washing water in the flushing water passage and the washing water in the draining water passage by the pump.

A thirteenth technical means is the laundry treating apparatus of the fourth technical means, wherein the rotary drum is rotated in either direction by the driving means when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation operation.

According to the thirteenth aspect, when the circulation operation is performed, the rotation cylinder is rotated in either direction by the driving force of the driving device, which is advantageous for centrifugal separation of foreign matter in the washing water, and the washing water in the outer tub can be circulated and flowed through the circulation water passage by effectively using the driving force of the driving device.

A fourteenth technical means is the laundry processing apparatus of the twelfth technical means, wherein the centrifugal separation part includes: an outer cylinder; a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the outer cylinder; and a driving device for driving the rotary drum to rotate, wherein when the washing action is executed by the clothes treatment device, the rotary drum rotates in a positive direction intermittently or in a reverse direction intermittently or in a bidirectional alternating manner under the driving of the driving device.

According to the fourteenth aspect, when the washing operation is performed, the rotary drum is driven by the driving device to rotate intermittently in the forward direction, intermittently in the reverse direction, or alternately in both directions, so that foreign matters adhering to the inside of the centrifugal separation section are shaken off, and the washing effect is improved.

Effect of the utility model

According to the present disclosure, a laundry treatment apparatus capable of simplifying a water path design 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 showing a connection relationship between a centrifugal separation part and a connection structure of the laundry treating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

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

Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the water diversion structure of the laundry treating apparatus 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 water outlet of the second outer groove; 14: an electric motor; 2: a washing tank; 3: a water diversion structure; 31: a housing; 311: a chute; 312: a guide recess; 313: a guide projection; 314: a partition plate; 315: a communication port; 316: a hook part is clamped; 317: a clamping concave part; 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 (water inlet 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 part inlet; 45: a separation part outlet; 46: a separation part flushing port; 47: a base; l1: a circulating water path; l2: a flushing waterway; l3: a drainage 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 pipeline support portion; 720: a spring plate; 73: a connecting plate; 74: a first connection port; 75: a second connection port.

Detailed Description

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

1. First embodiment

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

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

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

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

tub water outlets

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

tub water outlets

11 and 12.

The water diversion structure 3 includes a 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 respectively communicating with the inner cavity C.

In addition, the water diversion structure 3 further includes a circulation filter part F1, and the circulation filter part F1 is fitted to 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 water inlet P1 and the water outlet P5 communicate with the first chamber C1 and the circulation water outlet P2 communicates with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1 and the water outlet P5 are 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 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 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 matters accumulated in the centrifugal separation section 4, the 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, the 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 pipe 51 connects the first outer tank water outlet 11 of the outer tank 1 and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 3. The second pipe 52 connects the second outer tank water outlet 12 of the outer tank 1 and the separation section flushing port 46 of the centrifugal separation section 4. One end of the third pipe 53 is connected to the separation section outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4, and the other end opens into the outer tank 1 above the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the water discharge port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is opened to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

Thus, the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1, a washing 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 matters contained in the washing water in the centrifugal separation unit 4, and returns the washing water from the separation unit outlet 45 through the third pipe line 53 into the outer tub 1.

In the flushing water passage L2, since the second outer tank water outlet 12 is higher than the separation unit flushing port 46, the washing water in the outer tank 1 flows into the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit flushing port 46 through the second pipe 52 by its own weight to flush the centrifugal separation unit 4, and the washing water flushed from the centrifugal separation unit 4 flows into the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3 from the separation unit inlet 44 through the fifth pipe 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 drain water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub outlet 11 through the first pipe line 51 from the inlet port P1 to the first chamber C1 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drain filter unit F2, and is discharged from the drain port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the fourth pipe line 54. In the above-described washing water path L2, the washing water that has been washed by centrifugal separator 4 and flowed into first chamber C1 is also filtered by drain filter F2 and discharged from drain port P5 to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through fourth pipe line 54.

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

When washing laundry, the laundry treatment apparatus first performs a washing step of supplying washing water in which a detergent is dissolved into outer tub 1 and removing dirt from the laundry by beating with the rotation of washing tub 2. Next, a rinsing 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 rinsing motion, and a draining motion. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a controller (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 outer tub 1 flows through a corresponding one of circulation water path L1, flushing water path L2, and draining water path L3, respectively.

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 supplying power to the washing water and circulating the washing water through the circulation water passage L1.

In the first intermediate dehydration process, the second intermediate dehydration process, and the dehydration process, the laundry treating apparatus performs a rinsing operation and a draining operation. In the flushing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flushes the centrifugal separation part 4 via the flushing water passage L2, and at this time, the rotary drum 42 is driven by the driving device 43 to rotate intermittently in the forward direction, intermittently in the reverse direction, or alternately in both directions. During the draining operation, the washing water in outer tub 1 is drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through drain water path L3, and at this time, the washing water in washing water path L2, which washes centrifugal separator 4 and flows into water separation structure 3, is also drained to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through drain 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, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

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

As shown in fig. 4, as a second modification of the first embodiment, the separation portion outlet 45 also serves as 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 part 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 passage L2 flows from separation unit inlet 44 to water diversion structure 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an outlet port through which the washing water having washed the centrifugal separation part 4 flows out of the centrifugal separation part 4 may be separately provided in the centrifugal separation part 4, and the washing water may be discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through another pipe.

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

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

2. Second embodiment

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

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

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

The water diversion structure 3 includes a 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, and a water outlet (second water outlet) P5 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 circulating 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 is located, 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 housing cover 33 is provided at one end of the housing 31 in the axial direction, and a pump 32 is provided at the other end of the housing 31 in the axial direction. The case cover 33 closes one end opening of the case 31, and the pump 32 closes the other end opening of the case 31.

As shown in fig. 11, the pump 32 includes an impeller 321, and the pump 32 is attached to the casing 31 such that the impeller 321 is inserted into the casing 31, whereby the casing 31 serves as a pump housing 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 drain outlet P5 are closer to the pump 32 than the inlet P1 and the circulating outlet P2. Specifically, the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided in the peripheral wall of the casing 31 at positions radially outward of the impeller 321. The flush 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 along the circumferential direction of the housing 31, the water flowing into the housing 31 from the water inlet P1 can be made to flow out of the housing 31 from the flush water outlet P3 and/or the water outlet P5.

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

The circulation filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the case cover 33 via the first connection unit 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 addition, 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. Thus, the circulation filter portion F1 divides the inner cavity C into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2, and the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are arranged 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 water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1, the flush water outlet P3, and the water outlet P5 are respectively provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the second chamber C2.

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

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 flow guide surface that gradually expands as it approaches the communication port 315. The drain filter F2 is connected to the circulation filter F1 by a second connection portion 332. By attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31, the drain filter F2 is fitted to the first chamber C1. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is formed between the conical 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 portion F2 and the partition plate 314. This prevents large foreign matter such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 due to the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drainage filter F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 through the communication port 315.

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 housing 31 at a position corresponding to the flush 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 housing 31 from the flush 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 F3 is provided with guide convex portions 313 in a convex manner on both sides in the circumferential direction, and the outlet filter F3 is inserted into and attached to the slide groove 311 by inserting the guide convex portions 313 into the guide concave portions 312 in the axial direction of the housing 31. At this time, the outlet filter F3 extends along a circle concentric with the impeller 321, and the inner surface of the outlet filter F3 is substantially flush with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 31 at the fourth chamber C4. Further, an end portion of the outlet filter F3 on the side inserted into the slide groove 311 in the axial direction of the housing 31 is provided with an engagement hook 316, and an engagement recess 317 is provided at a position corresponding to the engagement hook 316 at the bottom of the slide groove 311. When outlet filter F3 is inserted into slide groove 311, engagement hook 316 engages with engagement recess 317, thereby preventing outlet filter F3 from wobbling or falling off in the axial direction of housing 31.

As shown in fig. 7 to 8 and 14 to 16, the centrifugal separator 4 separates foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub 1. Specifically, the centrifugal separation section 4 includes: an outer cylinder 41 constituting an outer contour of the centrifugal separation section 4; a base 47 to which the outer cylinder 41 is attached; a rotary cylinder 42 having a hollow cylindrical shape and rotatably provided in the outer cylinder 41; and a driving device 43 for driving the rotary 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. The centrifugal separation part 4 includes a separation part inlet 44 and a separation part outlet 45, the separation part inlet 44 is provided in the lower part 412 of the outer cylinder, and the separation part outlet 45 is provided in the upper part 411 of the outer cylinder.

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

The base 71 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open, and an end of the base 71 on the opening side is connected to the separation portion outlet 45. The base 71 has an outer peripheral wall 711, a bottom wall 712 closing the other end opening of the outer peripheral wall 711, and an inner peripheral wall 713 provided projecting from an inner surface of the bottom wall 712 toward the inside of the base 71, the inner peripheral wall 713 being in a similar shape concentric with the outer peripheral wall 711. The tube portion of the separation portion outlet 45 is inserted between the outer circumferential wall 711 and the inner circumferential wall 713, whereby the separation portion outlet 45 is connected to the base 71. Further, the 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 is used to support at least a part of a pipe of the circulation water passage L1, at least a part of a pipe of the flushing water passage L2, or at least a part of a 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 pipe 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 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 second connection port 75 of the connection structure 7. One end of the third pipe line 53 is connected to the separation section outlet port 45 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the first connection port 74 of the connection structure 7, and the other end opens into the inside of the outer tank 1 on the upper side of the outer tank 1. One end of the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the water discharge port P5 of the water diversion structure 3, and the other end is opened to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The fifth pipe 6 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4.

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 to 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 line 51 from the inlet P1 to the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, is filtered by the outlet filter F3, flows from the flushing outlet P3 through the second pipe line 52, the second connection port 75, and the space in the base 71, and flows from the separation section outlet 45 to the centrifugal separation section 4 to flush 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 to the second chamber C2 of the water diversion structure 3, and the washing water flows from the second chamber C2 through the circulation filter unit F1 to the third chamber C3.

In the drain 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 drain filter unit F2, 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 54. In the above-described washing water path L2, the washing water that has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and flowed into the third chamber C3 is also filtered by the drain filter part 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 passage L1 or at least a part of the pipe of the flushing water passage L2.

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

Further, the laundry treating apparatus is capable of performing a circulation action, a washing action, and a draining action. Specifically, the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a controller (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 outer tub 1 flows through a corresponding one of circulation water path L1, flushing water path L2, and draining water path L3, respectively.

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 supplying power to the washing water and circulating the washing water through the circulation water passage L1. In addition, the pump 32 is not operated when the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation operation.

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

In one form, the laundry treating apparatus operates the pump 32 to simultaneously perform the flushing operation and the draining operation. In the flushing operation, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is flushed through the flushing water passage L2 to the centrifugal separation part 4 by the driving force of the pump 32, and returned to the water diversion structure 3. 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 passage L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water in the washing water passage 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 passage L3.

As another mode, for example, the start time of the flushing operation may be made earlier than the start time of the draining operation. In this embodiment, a drain valve (not shown) may be provided in the fourth line 54, and when the flushing operation is started, the drain valve may be kept closed, the pump 32 may be operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 may be flushed through the flushing water passage L2 by the driving force of the pump 32 to return to the water diversion structure 3. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve is opened to start the draining action. At this time, the washing water in outer tub 1 is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through water discharge passage L3 by the driving force of pump 32. At the same time, the washing water in the washing water passage 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 passage 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 provided with the water inlet P1, the first water outlet (flush water outlet) P3, the second water outlet (drain port) P5, the drain filter F2, and the outlet filter F3, without omitting the circulation water outlet P2 and the circulation filter F1, as compared with the second embodiment. The first water outlet P3 is connected to the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4 via the second pipe line 52. In this case, 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 line 51 from the inlet P1 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter unit F2, enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the outlet filter unit F3, flows from the first outlet P3 through the second pipe line 52 to the centrifugal separation unit 4 from the separation unit inlet 44, centrifugally separates foreign matters contained in the washing water in the centrifugal separation unit 4, and then returns from the separation unit outlet 45 to the outer tub 1 through the third pipe line 53. In the drain 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 modification, the first water outlet P3 opens into the outer tub 1 through the second pipe 52. The laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation water path L1 and a drain water path L3. In the circulation water path L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the first outer tub water outlet 11 through the first pipe 51 from the water inlet P1 to the water inlet chamber (third chamber) C3 of the water diversion structure 3, is filtered by the drainage filter unit F2, enters the drainage chamber (fourth chamber) C4, is filtered by the water outlet filter unit F3, and returns to the outer tub 1 through the second pipe 52 from the first water outlet P3. In the drain water path L3, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the water diversion structure 3 through the water inlet P1, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the second water outlet P5.

In addition, the second embodiment, the first modification example thereof, and the second modification example thereof are each provided with the drainage filter F2, but the present invention is 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 applied to the first embodiment and its 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 dividing structure 3 includes a rinse return port P4 in addition to the water inlet port P1, the circulation water outlet port P2, the rinse water outlet port P3, and the drain 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 shell 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 return 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 flush 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 flush back water inlet P4 are 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 extend in the opposite direction to the extending direction of the water inlet P1. In addition, the circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return water outlet 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 circulating 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 outlet P3 and the drain outlet P5 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the housing 31.

Further, the water diversion structure 3 includes a circulation filter section F1 and a drain filter section F2.

The circulation filter unit F1 is a filter plate having a substantially disk shape, and is connected to the case cover 33 via the first connection unit 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. Thus, the circulation filter portion F1 divides the inner cavity 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 aligned in the axial direction of the housing 31. The water inlet P1, the flushing water outlet P3, the flushing return 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 water 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 water 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 communicate with each other through the communication port 315. The water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4 are respectively communicated with the third chamber C3, and the flushing water outlet P3 and the water outlet P5 are respectively communicated with the fourth chamber C4. Here, "the water inlet P1 and the flush return port P4 communicate with the third chamber C3, respectively, and the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 communicate with the fourth chamber C4, respectively" means that the water inlet P1 and the flush return port P4 are provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the third chamber C3, and the flush water outlet P3 and the drain port P5 are provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 31 forming the fourth chamber C4, respectively.

The drain filter F2 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 by a second connection portion 332. By attaching the case cover 33 to the case 31, the drain filter F2 is fitted to the first chamber C1. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap is formed between the conical 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 portion F2 and the partition plate 314. This prevents large foreign matter such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 due to the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the drainage filter F2 and then flows into the fourth chamber C4 through the communication port 315.

Further, although not shown, in the third embodiment, the water diversion structure 3 may further include a discharged water filter unit F3, as in the second embodiment. The outlet filter F3 is located in the fourth chamber C4, and is attached to 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 is filtered by the outlet filter F3 and flows out of the housing 31 from the flushing outlet P3.

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

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

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus further includes a first pipe 51, a second pipe 52, a third pipe 53, a fourth pipe 54, and a communication pipe 61 as a fifth pipe. 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 part outlet 45 of the centrifugal separation part 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 treating apparatus. The communication pipe 61 connects the circulation water outlet P2 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation unit inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation unit 4, and also connects the flushing return port P4 of the water diversion structure 3 and the separation unit inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation unit 4.

The communication pipe 61 as the fifth pipe has an F-shape and includes a main pipe portion 611, a first branch pipe portion 612, and a second branch pipe portion 613. One end of main pipe portion 611 is connected to one end of first branch pipe portion 612 and second branch pipe portion 613, the other end of main pipe portion 611 is connected to separation portion inlet 44 of centrifugal separation portion 4, the other end of first branch pipe portion 612 is connected to flush return port P4, and the other end of second branch pipe portion 613 is connected to circulation 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 linear 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 point 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 outlet port P2, or at a connection point between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation outlet port P2. Here, a second check valve 615 is provided at a connection point between the second branch pipe portion 613 and the circulation water outlet P2. The second check valve 615 allows only the washing water to flow from the inner chamber C to the second branch pipe portion 613.

In the circulation water passage L1, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water diversion structure 3 through the first pipe 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 unit 613 of the communication pipe 61, and the main pipe unit 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 53.

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

In the drain water path L3, as in the second embodiment, 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 drain filter unit F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the water discharge port P5. In the above-described washing water path L2, the washing water that has washed the centrifugal separation part 4 and flowed into the third chamber C3 is also filtered by the drain filter part F2, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drain port P5.

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 outer tub 1 is flushed through flushing water passage L2 to centrifugal separation unit 4 by the driving force of pump 32, and returned to water diversion structure 3 through 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 passage L3 by the driving force of the pump 32. At this time, the washing water in the washing water passage 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 passage L3.

As another mode, for example, the start time of the flushing operation may be made earlier than the start time of the draining operation. In this embodiment, a drain valve (not shown) may be provided in the fourth line, and when the flushing operation is started, the drain valve may be kept closed, the pump 32 may be operated, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 may be flushed through the flushing water passage L2 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 outer tub 1 is discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through water discharge passage L3 by the driving force of pump 32. At the same time, the washing water in the washing water passage 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 passage 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 treatment apparatus according to the third embodiment has been described above, the third embodiment is not limited thereto.

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

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

More specifically, the main 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 part 622 to the inner chamber C.

In the circulation water passage 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 point 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 passage 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 to 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 passage L2, while a part of the washing water flows from the second branch pipe portion 623 to the second chamber C2 through the circulation water outlet P2 and returns to the first chamber C1 through the circulation filter unit F1, the circulation filter unit F1 can be back-cleaned by the flow of the washing water, and foreign substances adhering to the circulation filter unit F1 when the washing water flows through the circulation water passage L1 can be removed.

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

As shown in fig. 23, in the second modification, the circulation filter unit 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 the direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31. The circulation outlet port P2 is located on the opposite side of the central axis of the housing 31 from the side where the inlet port P1 and the flush back 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 631 is connected to one ends of the first branch pipe 632 and the second branch pipe 633, the other end of the main pipe 631 is connected to the separation section inlet 44 of the centrifugal separation section 4, the other end of the first branch pipe 632 is connected to the flushing return port P4, and the other end of the second branch pipe 633 is connected to the circulation 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 point 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 passage 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 point 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 passage 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 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 flush water passage 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 back-cleaned by the flow of the washing water, and foreign substances adhering to the circulation filter F1 when the washing water flows through the circulation water passage L1 can be removed.

In the second modification of 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 direction intersecting the axial direction of the housing 31 has been described, and the 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, other embodiments may be employed as embodiments of the present disclosure, in which the constituent elements described in the present specification are arbitrarily combined, and some of the constituent elements are excluded. Further, the present disclosure also includes modifications 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

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 and a flushing water outlet 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 tub flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet, flows into the centrifugal separation part from the washing water outlet to wash the centrifugal separation part, and returns to the water diversion structure.

2. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

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

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

3. 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 after being filtered by the circulating filter part.

4. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1,

the centrifugal separation section includes: an outer cylinder; a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the outer cylinder; and a driving device for driving the rotary cylinder to rotate,

the laundry treating apparatus may perform a circulation operation in which the washing water in the outer tub is circulated through the circulation water path by the driving force of the driving device, and foreign substances contained in the washing water are centrifugally separated when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separation unit.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 2,

the water diversion structure is provided with a pump,

the laundry treating apparatus may perform a washing operation in which the washing water in the outer tub is returned to the water diversion structure after washing the centrifugal separation part via the washing water path by the driving force of the pump.

6. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5,

the laundry treating apparatus may perform a draining operation in which wash water in the outer tub is drained to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the drainage water path by a driving force of the pump,

the laundry treating apparatus simultaneously performs the flushing action and the draining action by operating the pump.

7. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5,

the flushing action is started earlier than the draining action.

8. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 5,

the flushing water outlet and the water outlet are closer to the pump than the water inlet and the circulating water outlet.

9. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8,

the flushing water outlet is arranged in parallel with the water outlet.

10. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 8,

the drain port is disposed in a radial direction of an impeller of the pump.

11. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the shell is 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 circulation water outlet and then discharged to the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus through the drainage water path.

12. The laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10,

the laundry treatment apparatus further includes a control unit 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 flows through a corresponding one of the circulation water path, the flushing water path, and the draining water path,

the pump does not operate while the laundry treating apparatus performs the circulation motion,

the pump operates when the laundry treating apparatus performs at least any one of the rinsing motion and the draining motion.

13. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 4,

when the clothes treatment device executes the circulation action, the rotary drum rotates in any direction under the driving of the driving device.

14. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 12,

when the clothes treatment device executes the washing action, the rotating drum rotates forwards and intermittently or reversely and alternately in two directions under the driving of the driving device.