CN220364749U

CN220364749U - Clothes treating apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN220364749U
Application number: CN202321849155.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 余丽霞; 王士坤
Original assignee: Panasonic Appliances Washing Machine Hangzhou Co Ltd; Panasonic Appliances China Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Appliances Washing Machine Hangzhou Co Ltd; Panasonic Appliances China Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-13
Filing date: 2023-07-13
Publication date: 2024-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-13

Abstract

The utility model provides a clothes treatment device capable of reducing the frequency of manual maintenance. The laundry treating apparatus includes: an outer tub provided in a housing of the laundry treating apparatus; a foreign matter processor for processing 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 and a circulating water outlet which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, the water diversion structure comprises a first filtering part and a second filtering part which are respectively assembled in the inner cavity, the first filtering part can filter foreign matters finer than the foreign matters which can be filtered by the second filtering part, in a circulating waterway of the clothes treatment device, washing water in an outer groove flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet, flows into the foreign matters processor from the circulating water outlet after being filtered by the second filtering part and the first filtering part in sequence, and returns to the outer groove after the foreign matters contained in the washing water are treated by the foreign matters processor.

Description

Clothes treating apparatus

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a laundry treatment apparatus.

Background

In a conventional laundry machine, a water diversion structure is provided to simplify the water path design, and a common water diversion structure is used for a circulation water path and a flushing water path. For example, a laundry treatment apparatus disclosed in chinese utility model CN115491874a (patent document 1) includes a centrifugal separation portion and a water separation structure including a circulation filter portion and a drain filter portion. In the circulation water path, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure flows into the centrifugal separation part after being filtered by the circulation filtering part, and in the drainage water path, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure is filtered by the drainage filtering part by the driving force of the pump and is discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device from the drainage outlet.

However, in patent document 1, the foreign matter (for example, small foreign matter such as lint and hair) filtered out by the circulation filter portion and the large foreign matter such as button and coin filtered out by the drainage filter portion are present in the same chamber, and the small foreign matter such as lint and hair is easily adsorbed and entangled with the large foreign matter such as button and coin, so that the small foreign matter such as lint and hair filtered out by the circulation filter portion cannot be discharged through the drainage waterway in time, which may cause rapid accumulation of a large amount of foreign matter in the chamber of the water diversion structure, and a user is required to frequently remove the foreign matter manually from the chamber of the water diversion structure.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the utility model

The present utility model has been made in view of the above-described situation, and an object thereof is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing the frequency of manual maintenance.

Solution for solving the problem

In order to achieve the above object, the present utility model provides a laundry treating apparatus comprising: an outer tub provided in a housing of the laundry treating apparatus; a washing tank rotatably provided in the outer tank; a foreign matter processor for processing foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub; and a water diversion structure including a housing having an inner cavity, the housing having a water inlet and a circulating water outlet which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, the water diversion structure including a first filtering portion and a second filtering portion, the first filtering portion and the second filtering portion being respectively assembled in the inner cavity, the first filtering portion being capable of filtering foreign matters finer than the foreign matters which can be filtered by the second filtering portion, in a circulating waterway of the laundry treatment apparatus, washing water in the outer tank flowing into the water diversion structure from the water inlet, sequentially passing through the second filtering portion and the first filtering portion, flowing into the foreign matters processor from the circulating water outlet, and returning to the outer tank after the foreign matters contained in the washing water are treated by the foreign matters processor.

By adopting the structure, the second filtering part is used for filtering larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins in the washing water, and the first filtering part is used for filtering smaller foreign matters such as thread scraps and hairs in the washing water, so that the foreign matters can be classified and filtered, and the phenomenon that the larger foreign matters such as thread scraps and hairs are adsorbed and wound on the larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins to cause the rapid accumulation of more foreign matters in the water diversion structure is avoided, thereby reducing the manual maintenance frequency.

Preferably, the foreign matter treatment device comprises an outer cylinder and a foreign matter treatment part positioned in the outer cylinder, wherein at least one part of the outer cylinder is integrally formed with the shell of the water diversion structure.

With this structure, at least a part of the outer tube of the foreign matter processor is integrally formed with the casing of the water diversion structure, and the foreign matter processing portion located in the outer tube is used to realize the function of the foreign matter processor for processing foreign matters in the washing water. Thus, the laundry treatment apparatus can be miniaturized, reduced in cost and reduced in space inside the apparatus while maintaining the function of the foreign matter processor.

Preferably, the foreign matter treatment portion is a separation portion for separating foreign matters from the washing water, so that the foreign matter treatment device is a foreign matter separator for separating foreign matters from the washing water, and at least a part of a separator inflow port communicating with the circulation water outlet is formed at an integrally formed portion between the foreign matter treatment device and the housing of the water separation structure.

With this structure, the washing water can flow into the foreign matter processor from the circulating water outlet of the water diversion structure via the separator inflow port formed at the integrally formed part between the foreign matter processor and the casing of the water diversion structure, thereby omitting the communicating pipe for communicating the circulating water outlet and the separator inflow port, and reducing the manufacturing cost of the clothes treating apparatus. Further, the foreign matter in the washing water flowing into the foreign matter treatment device through the separator inflow port can be separated by the separating portion, thereby realizing the function of purifying the washing water.

Preferably, the separation part of the foreign matter processor is capable of separating foreign matters finer than the foreign matters filterable by the first filtering part from the washing water.

With this structure, the function of purifying the washing water can be further improved by the separation section having a high foreign matter separation capability.

Preferably, the foreign matter processor is a centrifugal separator for separating foreign matters from washing water by centrifugation, comprising: the outer cylinder; a separation tube rotatably provided as the foreign matter treatment section in the outer tube; and a driving device for driving the separation cylinder to rotate, wherein at least a part of the outer cylinder of the foreign matter processor is integrally formed with the housing of the water separation structure.

With this structure, at least a part of the outer tube of the centrifugal separator is integrally formed with the casing of the water separation structure, and the foreign matter is separated based on the centrifugal action by driving the separation tube provided in the outer tube to rotate by the driving device. Thus, the laundry treatment apparatus can be miniaturized, reduced in cost and reduced in space inside the apparatus while efficiently separating foreign matters from the washing water.

Preferably, the foreign matter processor includes a swirling flow generating portion having an inner space surrounded by a first circumferential wall and a second circumferential wall having a curvature larger than that of the first circumferential wall, the separator inflow port is a downstream end opening of a cylindrical water supply passage for supplying washing water containing foreign matters to the swirling flow generating portion, the water supply passage has a first wall portion connected to the first circumferential wall and a second wall portion connected to the second circumferential wall, the first wall portion is tangent to the first circumferential wall at the separator inflow port, the second wall portion is tangent to the second circumferential wall, a cylindrical protrusion for guiding flow is provided at the swirling flow generating portion, and a center of the cylindrical protrusion is aligned with a center of the second circumferential wall.

With this configuration, the swirling flow generating portion has the first circumferential wall and the second circumferential wall having different curvatures, the water supply passage has the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the first wall portion is tangent to the first circumferential wall at the separator inflow port, and the second wall portion is tangent to the second circumferential wall at the separator inflow port. Therefore, the washing water flowing into the swirling flow generating portion from the water supply passage flows along the circumferential wall of the swirling flow generating portion, and generates a stable swirling flow having a rotation center coincident (including almost coincident) with the center of the second circumferential wall in the swirling flow generating portion. Therefore, the swirling effect of the swirling flow is improved, and the centrifugal separation ability of the foreign matter based on the swirling effect is improved. In addition, since the cylindrical protrusion for guiding the flow is provided in the swirling flow generating portion and the center of the cylindrical protrusion is aligned with the center of the second circumferential wall, the rotation center of the generated swirling flow can be further ensured to be consistent with the center of the second circumferential wall, and the swirling effect of the swirling flow and the centrifugal separation capability of foreign matters based on the swirling effect can be further improved.

Preferably, the casing is provided with a flushing water outlet and a flushing return port which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity, in a flushing waterway of the clothes treating apparatus, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water dividing structure from the water inlet, flows into the foreign matter processor from the flushing water outlet after being filtered by the second filtering part so as to flush the foreign matter processor, and returns to the water dividing structure through the flushing return port.

With this configuration, the washing water in the washing water path flows into the foreign matter processor after being filtered by the second filtering unit, and thereby the foreign matter processor can be washed efficiently and nondestructively by the washing water containing no large foreign matter.

Preferably, a check member is provided at a portion integrally formed between the foreign matter processor and the water diversion structure, and the check member allows only the wash water to flow from the foreign matter processor to the water diversion structure at the flushing return port.

By adopting the structure, the washing water in the inner cavity of the water diversion structure can be prevented from flowing into the foreign matter processor in the circulating waterway through the flushing return port instead of the circulating water outlet, and the washing water in the flushing waterway can be ensured to flow into the water diversion structure from the flushing return port. Accordingly, the washing water can reliably flow through the circulation water path and the washing water path, and the operation efficiency of the laundry treatment apparatus can be improved.

Preferably, the casing is provided with a drain port communicating with the inner chamber, and in a drain water path of the laundry treating apparatus, the washing water in the outer tub flows into the inner chamber from the water inlet, is filtered by the second filtering part, and is drained from the drain port to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus.

With this configuration, the washing water in the water discharge path is filtered by the second filter unit before being discharged from the water discharge port, whereby clogging of the water discharge port due to the large foreign matter such as buttons or coins contained in the washing water to be discharged from the water discharge port can be prevented.

Preferably, the washing water in the washing water path after washing the foreign matter processor is returned to the water separation structure through the washing return port, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry machine through the water discharge path without being filtered by the second filter unit.

The washing water flowing into the foreign matter processor in the circulating waterway is filtered by the second filtering part and the first filtering part in sequence, so that larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins can be reliably prevented from entering the foreign matter processor. In addition, the washing water in the washing water channel is filtered by the second filtering part before the foreign matter processor is washed, so that the washing water for washing the foreign matter processor can be prevented from containing larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins. Accordingly, the washing water after washing the foreign matter processor can be reliably discharged through the water discharge channel without being filtered by the second filtering part, and the water discharge outlet is not blocked. Therefore, the washing efficiency of the laundry treating apparatus can be improved.

Preferably, the casing is cylindrical, the circulation water outlet is located at one end of the casing in the axial direction, the flushing return port is located at a side wall of the casing at one end of the casing in the axial direction, and at least a part of the foreign matter processor is integrally formed with the casing at one end of the casing in the axial direction.

With this structure, at least a part of the foreign matter processor is integrally molded with the casing of the water dividing structure at one end in the axial direction of the casing, and thus, a space in the laundry treating apparatus along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the casing of the water dividing structure can be saved. In addition, the circulating water outlet and the flushing reflux port are conveniently arranged by utilizing the integral forming part of the foreign matter processor and the shell of the water distribution structure.

Preferably, the separator inflow port is respectively communicated with the circulating water outlet and the flushing reflux port.

With this structure, the foreign matter processor and the casing of the water diversion structure can be formed integrally with each other easily in a state where the separator inflow port is communicated with the circulation water outlet and the flushing return port, respectively. Further, since the separator inflow port is also in communication with the flushing return port, the washing water after flushing the foreign matter processor in the flushing water path is returned to the water dividing structure through the separator inflow port and the flushing return port in order. Therefore, the communicating pipe for communicating the flushing return port on the shell of the water diversion structure with the foreign matter processor is not required to be independently arranged, and the flushing waterway of the clothes treatment device can be arranged in a low-cost and space-saving mode.

Preferably, the water dividing structure is provided with a pump provided at a side wall of the housing for providing driving force for the flow of the washing water in the washing water path and the drainage water path.

With this structure, the washing water in the flushing water path and the draining water path is powered by the pump, so that the foreign matters adhering to the foreign matter treatment device can be washed off more easily, and the washing water can be discharged more easily, thereby improving the flushing effect and the draining effect. Further, by providing the pump on the side wall of the casing of the water dividing structure, the space in the laundry treating apparatus along the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the casing of the water dividing structure can be effectively utilized.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the present utility model, it is possible to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of reducing the frequency of manual maintenance.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features and aspects of the utility model and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the utility model.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a foreign matter processor.

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the foreign matter processor.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view I-I of FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a front view of an upper portion of the outer cylinder of the foreign matter processor.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view II-II of FIG. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the lower part of the outer cylinder of the foreign matter processor.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of iii-iii of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the separator cartridge.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the separator cartridge.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the separator bowl.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a first example of the structure in which the water dividing structure and the foreign matter treatment device are integrally formed.

Fig. 12 is a side view showing a first example of the structure in which the water dividing structure and the foreign matter treatment device are integrally formed.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view A-A of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a B-B cross-sectional view of fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a structure of a second example in which the water dividing structure and the foreign matter treatment device are integrally formed.

Fig. 16 is a side view showing a structure of a second example in which a water dividing structure and a foreign matter treatment device are integrally formed.

Fig. 17 is a C-C cross-sectional view of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a D-D sectional view of fig. 16.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a foreign matter processor; 2: a water dividing structure; 3: a non-return member; 4: a swirling flow generating section; 6: a water supply passage; 7: a water outlet passage; 9: a driving device; 10: an outer cylinder; 11: a separation cylinder; 12: the lower part of the outer cylinder; 13: the upper part of the outer cylinder; 20: a pump; 21: a housing; 23: a first filtering part; 24: a second filtering part; 27: a first connection portion; 28: a second connecting portion; 25: a housing cover; 33: a separator outflow port; 41: a first circumferential wall; 42: a second circumferential wall; 43: a cylindrical protrusion; 60: a separator inflow port; 61: a first wall portion; 62: a second wall portion; 70: a connection structure; 71: a third wall portion; 72: a fourth wall portion; 74: a first connection port; 75: a second connection port; 111: a bottom wall; 112: a first opening; 113: a top wall; 121: a bottom wall; 122: a second opening; 123: a top wall; 131: a peripheral sidewall; 132: a third circumferential wall; 133: a fourth circumferential wall; 210: a partition plate; 211: a communication port; 1101: an annular flow guiding member; 1102: a fan blade; c: an inner cavity; c1: a first chamber; c2: a second chamber; and C3: a third chamber; and C4: a fourth chamber; c5: an upstream side chamber; c6: a downstream side chamber; p1: a water inlet; p2: a circulating water outlet; p3: flushing a water outlet; p4: flushing the reflux port; p5: a water outlet; o: a round hole; o (O) ₁ : and a hole portion.

Detailed Description

Next, a specific embodiment of the present utility model will be described with reference to the drawings.

The foreign matter processor 1 shown in fig. 1 is a member for processing foreign matters contained in washing water in an outer tub in a laundry treatment apparatus. The laundry treating apparatus includes: an outer tub (not shown) provided in the housing of the laundry treating apparatus; a washing tank (not shown) rotatably provided in the outer tank; a foreign matter processor 1; a water dividing structure 2.

Next, a specific configuration of the foreign matter processor 1 will be described by taking the case where the foreign matter processor 1 is a centrifugal separator that separates foreign matters from washing water by centrifugation. The foreign matter processor 1 is not limited to a centrifugal separator, and may be configured to separate and collect foreign matters in the washing water by other means such as filtration.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the foreign matter processor 1 is, for example, a foreign matter separator for separating foreign matters from washing water, and includes: an outer tube 10 composed of an outer tube lower portion 12 and an outer tube upper portion 13; and a separation section as a foreign matter treatment section, which is located in the outer tube 10. The separation unit is, for example, a cylindrical separation tube 11 for separating foreign matter from the washing water. The outer tube lower portion 12 and the outer tube upper portion 13 may be connected to each other by screw connection or the like through a seal ring, or may be connected to each other by thermal welding.

As shown in fig. 3, 6 and 7, the outer tub lower 12 includes a first circumferential wall 41, a second circumferential wall 42, a bottom wall 121 and a top wall 123. The curvature of the second circumferential wall 42 is greater than the curvature of the first circumferential wall 41. The outer tube lower portion 12 is formed with a swirling flow generating portion 4 and a separator inflow port 60. The swirling flow generating portion 4 has an inner space surrounded by the first circumferential wall 41 and the second circumferential wall 42. The separator inflow port 60 is a downstream end opening of the tubular water supply passage 6 for supplying the washing water containing the foreign matters to the swirling flow generating portion 4. The water supply passage 6 has a first wall portion 61 connected to the first circumferential wall 41 and a second wall portion 62 connected to the second circumferential wall 42. At the separator inflow opening 60, the first wall portion 61 is tangential to the first circumferential wall 41 and the second wall portion 62 is tangential to the second circumferential wall 42.

As the water flow direction upstream side of the water flow passage 6 in which the washing water is supplied to the swirling flow generating portion 4 is changed from a circular shape to a rectangular shape, the cross section of the water flow passage 6 is preferably changed from a circular shape to a square shape, and more preferably, the cross section of the water flow passage 6 is changed from a circular shape to a square shape with rounded corners.

As shown in fig. 3, the separation tube 11 is rotatably provided in a space surrounded by the outer tube lower portion 12 and the outer tube upper portion 13. The foreign matter processor 1 further includes a driving device 9 for driving the separation cylinder 11 to rotate. A circular first opening 112 centered on the rotation axis of the separation cylinder 11 is provided in the bottom wall 111 of the separation cylinder 11. A circular second opening 122 is formed in the top wall 123 of the outer tub lower 12. The first opening 112 is opposite to the second opening 122, and the diameter of the first opening 112 is smaller than the diameter of the second opening 122. The ratio of the diameter of the first opening 112 to the diameter of the second opening 122 is preferably in the range of 0.6 to 0.99, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 0.9.

As shown in fig. 8 to 10, a circular hole O centered on the rotation axis of the separation cylinder 11 and an annular flow guide member 1101 located in the circular hole O when the top wall 113 of the separation cylinder 11 is viewed from above are provided in the top wall 113 of the separation cylinder 11. A plurality of elongated blades 1102 extend radially outward from the outer peripheral wall of the annular flow guide member 1101, and the blades 1102 have a constant height in the direction along the rotation axis of the separation tube 11. When the top wall 113 of the separation cylinder 11 is viewed from above, a plurality of hole portions O are formed by dividing the inner wall surface of the circular hole O, the outer peripheral wall of the annular flow guide member 1101, and the fan blades 1102 ₁ . The root of the fan blade 1102 at least on the side of the annular flow guide member 1101 is curved, and the angle between the tangent line tangent to the root and the straight line passing through the center of the circular hole O and the root is 60 to 80 degrees.

A plurality of hole parts O ₁ The top wall 113 of the separation cylinder 11 is disposed along a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis of the separation cylinder 11. A plurality of hole parts O ₁ The radially outermost portions of the respective inner peripheral walls are located at a distance from the rotational axis of the separation cylinder 11 that is smaller than the radius of the first opening 112. A plurality of hole parts O ₁ The ratio of the distance of the radially outermost portion of the respective inner peripheral walls from the rotational axis of the separation cylinder 11 to the radius of the first opening 112 is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.9, more preferablyPreferably in the range of 0.6 to 0.8.

The plurality of hole portions O ₁ The formation is not limited to the above, and for example, a plurality of holes O may be directly formed in the top wall 113 of the separation cylinder 11 ₁ Instead of forming a plurality of hole portions O by dividing together the inner wall surface of the circular hole O, the outer peripheral wall of the annular flow guide member 1101, and the fan blades 1102 ₁ . Instead of the fan blades 1102, fan blades having a shape bent in a straight line may be used, which gradually increase in height from the outer peripheral wall of the annular flow guide member 1101 to the radial outside in the direction along the rotation axis of the separation tube 11. However, the fan blades 1102 are more preferable because the flow potential of the washing water is less burdened with the rotation of the separation cylinder 11 when the separation cylinder 11 is driven to rotate, and the input power required for driving the separation cylinder 11 can be reduced by about 15%.

As shown in fig. 3 and 7, a cylindrical protrusion 43 for guiding flow is provided in the swirling flow generating portion 4, and it is preferable that the center of the cylindrical protrusion 43 is aligned with the center of the second circumferential wall 42, and it is further preferable that the cylindrical protrusion 43 is provided in the bottom wall 121 of the outer cylinder lower portion 12 so as to stand up along the rotation axis of the separation cylinder 11 with the rotation axis as the center. In the planar view of the swirling flow generating portion 4, the ratio of the distance between the center of the cylindrical protrusion 43 and the portion of the second circumferential wall 42 that is tangent to the second wall portion 62 to the distance between the center of the cylindrical protrusion 43 and the portion of the first circumferential wall 41 that is tangent to the first wall portion 61 is preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.8, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.7.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the outer tube upper portion 13 has a separator outflow port 33 and a water outflow passage 7 communicating with the separator outflow port 33 formed in the peripheral wall 131. The peripheral side wall 131 includes a third peripheral wall 132 and a fourth peripheral wall 133, the curvature of the fourth peripheral wall 133 being greater than the curvature of the third peripheral wall 132. The water outlet passage 7 has a third wall portion 71 connected to the third circumferential wall 132 and a fourth wall portion 72 connected to the fourth circumferential wall 133. The third circumferential wall 132 is tangential to the third wall portion 71 and the fourth circumferential wall 133 is tangential to the fourth wall portion 72. An inner space surrounded by the third circumferential wall 132 and the fourth circumferential wall 133 is formed inside the circumferential wall 131 and in the vicinity of the separator outflow port 33, and the washing water from which foreign matter has been separated by the separation cylinder 11 flows out of the separator outflow port 33 through the inner space.

Next, a specific structure of the water diversion structure 2 and a first example of the structure in which the water diversion structure 2 and the foreign matter processor 1 are integrally formed will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 11 and 13, the water diversion structure 2 includes a casing 21 having a cylindrical shape (for example, a substantially cylindrical shape). The housing 21 has an inner cavity C, and is provided with a water inlet P1 and a circulating water outlet P2 which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity C. The water dividing structure 2 has a housing cover 25 at one end in the axial direction of the housing 21, and a pump 20 at the other end in the axial direction of the housing 21. The housing cover 25 closes one end opening of the housing 21, and the pump 20 closes the other end opening of the housing 21. The water inlet P1 is provided near the center of the side wall of the housing 21 in the axial direction, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided near one end of the housing 21 in the axial direction. The circulation water outlet P2 is located on the opposite side to the water inlet P1 with respect to the central axis of the housing 21.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the water separation structure 2 includes a first filter portion 23, and the first filter portion 23 is a substantially disc-shaped filter plate and is connected to a housing cover 25 via a first connection portion 27. The first filter unit 23 can filter small foreign matters such as lint and hair. The first filter unit 23 is fitted to the inner chamber C by attaching the housing cover 25 to the housing 21. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the first filter portion 23 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21, or in contact with a stepped portion or the like provided on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21. In addition, the first filter portion 23 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2 in the axial direction of the housing 21. Thereby, the first filter portion 23 divides the inner chamber C into the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 in the axial direction of the housing 21. The first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are aligned along the axial direction of the housing 21. The water inlet P1 is communicated with the first chamber C1, and the circulating water outlet P2 is communicated with the second chamber C2. Here, "the water inlet P1 communicates with the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 communicates with the second chamber C2" means that the water inlet P1 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 21 forming the first chamber C1, and the circulation water outlet P2 is provided in the peripheral wall of the housing 21 forming the second chamber C2. The structure communicating with the cavity C described later has the same meaning.

Further, a partition plate 210 is provided in the housing 21, and the partition plate 210 divides the first chamber C1 into a third chamber C3 and a fourth chamber C4 in the axial direction of the housing 21. The partition 210 is provided with a communication port 211, and the third chamber C3 and the fourth chamber C4 are communicated via the communication port 211. In this case, the water inlet P1 communicates with the third chamber C3.

The water diversion structure 2 further includes a second filter portion 24, and the second filter portion 24 is assembled to the first chamber C1 (specifically, the third chamber C3) in a substantially conical shape and has a tapered diversion surface that gradually expands as approaching the communication opening 211. The second filter portion 24 is connected to the first filter portion 23 via a second connection portion 28. The second filter portion 24 is fitted to the first chamber C1 by attaching the housing cover 25 to the housing 21. At this time, a predetermined radial filter gap exists between the tapered flow guide surface of the second filter portion 24 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 21. An axial filter gap is provided between the second filter portion 24 and the partition plate 210. This prevents large foreign matters such as buttons and coins from moving from the third chamber C3 to the fourth chamber C4 in accordance with the flow of the washing water, and the washing water in the third chamber C3 is filtered by the second filter 24 and flows into the fourth chamber C4 from the communication port 211.

The first filter unit 23 can filter foreign matters finer than the foreign matters that can be filtered by the second filter unit 24. Further, the separation portion (for example, the separation cylinder 11) of the foreign matter processor 1 can separate foreign matters finer than the foreign matters that can be filtered by the first filtering portion 23 from the washing water. The specific configurations of the first filter unit 23, the second filter unit 24, and the separation unit are not limited to the above-described configuration, and any configuration change may be made as long as the above-described relationship between the sizes of the foreign substances that can be filtered and separated can be satisfied.

As shown in fig. 11 to 13, a part of the outer tube lower portion 12 of the outer tube 10 of the foreign matter treatment device 1 is integrally formed with the housing 21 of the water diversion structure 2 and connected together. In this case, the other portion of the outer tube lower portion 12 and the portion integrally formed with the housing 21 are connected by means of heat welding, screw connection, or the like. The entire outer tube lower portion 12 may be integrally formed with the housing 21. The specific portion of the outer tube 10 integrally formed with the housing 21 is not limited as long as at least a part of the outer tube 10 is integrally formed with the housing 21.

The specific mode of the integral molding is not limited, and the whole or a part of the outer tube lower portion 12 and the housing 21 may be molded integrally by a mold, or the whole or a part of the outer tube lower portion 12 and the housing 21 may be molded separately and then molded integrally by heat welding or the like.

The foreign matter processor 1 is not limited to being integrally molded with the housing 21 by the outer tube 10. In the case where the foreign matter processor 1 is not a centrifugal separator including the outer tube 10, at least a part of the foreign matter processor 1 may be integrally formed with the housing 21.

At least a part of the separator inflow port 60 is formed at a portion integrally formed between the foreign matter processor 1 (outer tube 10 in the case where the foreign matter processor 1 is a centrifugal separator including the outer tube 10) and the housing 21. The separator inflow port 60 and the circulation water outlet P2 communicate with each other via a passage formed at an integrally formed portion between the foreign matter treatment device 1 and the housing 21, and a check member (for example, a check plate or a check valve) that allows only the inflow of the washing water from the circulation water outlet P2 to the separator inflow port 60 may be provided in the passage, or the check member may not be provided.

As shown in fig. 11 and 13, the casing 21 of the water diversion structure 2 is further provided with a flushing water outlet P3 and a flushing return P4 which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity C. More specifically, the flushing water outlet P3 communicates with the fourth chamber C4, and the flushing return P4 communicates with the third chamber C3. The flushing water outlet P3 is provided near the end of the housing 21 where the pump 20 is provided. The flushing return port P4 is provided near the center in the axial direction of the housing 21, on the opposite side to the water inlet port P1 with respect to the center axis of the housing 21. The circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return P4 are positioned on a straight line parallel to the axial direction of the casing 21 on the side wall of the cylindrical casing 21. At least a part of the foreign matter processor 1 (for example, the outer cylinder lower portion 12) is integrally formed with the housing 21 at a side wall of the housing 21. The separator inflow port 60 and the flushing return port P4 communicate with each other via a passage formed at a portion integrally formed between the foreign matter treatment device 1 and the housing 21, and preferably, a check member 3 (for example, a check piece or a check valve) is provided in the passage, and the check member 3 allows only the wash water to flow from the foreign matter treatment device 1 to the water dividing structure 2 at the flushing return port P4.

As shown in fig. 11, the casing 21 of the water diversion structure 2 is further provided with a drain port P5 communicating with the inner chamber C. More specifically, the drain port P5 communicates with the fourth chamber C4. The drain port P5 is provided near the end of the housing 21 where the pump 20 is provided, and is disposed near the flushing water outlet P3.

The clothes treating apparatus includes a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline and a fourth pipeline. The piping is not shown. The first pipeline is connected with the outer groove water outlet of the outer groove and the water inlet P1 of the water diversion structure 2. One end of the second pipeline is connected to the flushing water outlet P3 of the water diversion structure 2, and the other end is connected to the separator outflow port 33 of the foreign matter processor 1 via the second connection port 75 of the connection structure 70. One end of the third pipe is connected to the separator outflow port 33 of the foreign matter treatment device 1 via the first connection port 74 of the connection structure 70, and the other end opens into the interior of the outer tank at the upper side of the outer tank. One end of the fourth pipeline is connected to the water outlet P5 of the water diversion structure 2, and the other end of the fourth pipeline is led to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus.

Thus, the laundry treating apparatus includes a circulation waterway, a washing waterway, and a drain waterway.

In the circulation water path, the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water dividing structure 2 through the first pipe, flows from the circulation water outlet P2 into the foreign matter treatment device 1, treats the foreign matter contained in the washing water by the foreign matter treatment device 1, and returns to the outer tub through the third pipe from the separator outflow port 33. Since the first filter 23 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2 in the axial direction of the housing 21, the washing water flowing from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water dividing structure 2 in the circulation water path is filtered by the first filter 23, enters the second chamber C2, and then flows from the circulation water outlet P2 into the foreign matter processor 1. When the separator inflow port 60 communicates with the circulation water outlet P2, the washing water flows into the foreign matter treatment device 1 from the circulation water outlet P2 through the separator inflow port 60.

In the flushing water path, the washing water in the outer tank flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water dividing structure 2 through the first pipe from the water outlet of the outer tank, is filtered by the second filter 24, and then flows into the fourth chamber C4, and flows from the flushing water outlet P3 into the foreign matter processor 1 through the second pipe to flush the foreign matter processor 1. The washing water after washing is returned from the separator inflow port 60 to the inner chamber C of the water separation structure 2 via the washing return port P4. Preferably, the washing water after washing the foreign matter processor 1 in the washing water path is returned to the water diversion structure 2 through the washing return port P4, and is discharged from the water discharge port P5 to the outside of the laundry machine through the fourth pipe.

In the drain water path, the washing water in the outer tub flows from the water inlet P1 into the third chamber C3 of the water dividing structure 2 through the first pipe from the water outlet of the outer tub, is filtered by the second filter 24, enters the fourth chamber C4, and is discharged from the water outlet P5 to the outside of the laundry machine through the fourth pipe.

The pump 20 provided in the water dividing structure 2 provides driving force for the flow of the washing water in the washing water path and the drainage water path.

Next, a structure of a second example in which the water diversion structure 2 and the foreign matter processor 1 are integrally formed will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the second embodiment differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in the specific installation positions of the foreign matter processor 1, the pump 20, the water inlet P1, the circulation water outlet P2, the flushing water outlet P3, the flushing return P4, the drain outlet P5, the first filter unit 23, and the second filter unit 24. Next, the differences between the configuration of the second example and the configuration of the first example will be described.

As shown in fig. 15, at least a part of the foreign matter processor 1 (for example, the outer cylinder lower portion 12) is integrally molded with the housing 21 at one end in the axial direction of the housing 21. The water diversion structure 2 has a housing cover 25 at the other end portion in the axial direction of the housing 21, and a pump 20 is provided on the side wall of the housing 21. The water inlet P1 is provided on a side wall of the housing 21 on a side closer to the housing cover 25 and on a side opposite to the side on which the pump 20 is located across the center axis of the housing 21.

As shown in fig. 15 to 17, the circulation water outlet P2 is located at one end in the axial direction of the casing 21, and the flushing return port P4 is located on the side wall of the casing 21 at one end in the axial direction of the casing 21 (specifically, one end integrally formed with the foreign matter processor 1 in the axial direction of the casing 21 with respect to the one end). The separator inflow port 60 communicates with the circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4, respectively. The flushing water outlet P3 is provided near the side wall of the housing 21 where the pump 20 is provided. The drain port P5 is provided near the side wall of the housing 21 where the pump 20 is provided, and is provided near the flushing water outlet P3.

As shown in fig. 17 to 18, in the axial direction of the housing 21, the first filter portion 23 is located between the water inlet P1 and the circulation water outlet P2 and between the circulation water outlet P2 and the flushing return port P4, and the second filter portion 24 is located between the water inlet P1 and the first filter portion 23 (more specifically, between the water inlet P1 and the flushing return port P4). In the circulation water path, the washing water flowing into the water diversion structure 2 from the water inlet P1 is filtered by the second filtering part 24 and the first filtering part 23 in order, and then flows into the foreign matter treatment device 1 from the circulation water outlet P2. The washing water after washing the foreign matter processor 1 in the washing water path is returned to the water diversion structure 2 through the washing return port P4, and is discharged to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus through the water discharge path without being filtered by the second filter unit 24.

In the second example of the structure in which the water diversion structure 2 and the foreign matter processor 1 are integrally formed, the structure is not limited to the structure in which the water diversion structure 2 and the foreign matter processor 1 are integrally formed, and a structure in which the water diversion structure 2 and the foreign matter processor 1 are separately provided and connected may be adopted. However, from the viewpoint of downsizing, space saving, and cost reduction of the entire apparatus, it is preferable that the water dividing structure 2 is integrally formed with the foreign matter processor 1.

In the structure of the second example, as compared with the structure of the first example, the washing water in the circulation water path flows into the upstream side chamber C5 from the water inlet P1 and is filtered by the second filter 24 so that larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins contained in the washing water are left in the upstream side chamber C5, and then the washing water flows into the downstream side chamber C6 and is filtered by the first filter 23 so that smaller foreign matters such as lint and hair contained in the washing water are left in the downstream side chamber C6. By collecting larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins and smaller foreign matters such as thread scraps and hair in different chambers, the phenomenon that the smaller foreign matters such as thread scraps and hair are adsorbed and wound on the larger foreign matters such as buttons and coins to cause that the smaller foreign matters such as thread scraps and hair filtered by the circulating filtering part cannot be timely discharged through the water drainage channel can be avoided.

Claims

1. A clothes treating apparatus, characterized in that,

the laundry treating apparatus includes:

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

a washing tank rotatably provided in the outer tank;

a foreign matter processor for processing foreign matters contained in the washing water in the outer tub; and

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

the water diversion structure comprises a first filtering part and a second filtering part, the first filtering part and the second filtering part are respectively assembled in the inner cavity, the first filtering part can filter foreign matters finer than the foreign matters which can be filtered by the second filtering part,

in the circulating waterway of the clothes treating apparatus, the washing water in the outer tank flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet, flows into the foreign matter treating device from the circulating water outlet after being filtered by the second filtering part and the first filtering part in sequence, and returns to the outer tank after the foreign matter treating device treats the foreign matters contained in the washing water.

2. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the foreign matter processor comprises an outer cylinder and a foreign matter processing part positioned in the outer cylinder, wherein at least one part of the outer cylinder and the shell of the water diversion structure are integrally formed.

3. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

the foreign matter treatment part is a separation part for separating foreign matters from the washing water, so that the foreign matter treatment device is a foreign matter separator for separating foreign matters from the washing water,

at least a part of a separator inflow port is formed at a part of the integrated part between the foreign matter processor and the housing of the water diversion structure,

the separator inflow port is communicated with the circulating water outlet.

4. A laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the separating part of the foreign matter processor can separate foreign matters finer than the foreign matters filtered by the first filtering part from the washing water.

5. A laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the foreign matter processor is a centrifugal separator for separating foreign matters from washing water by centrifugation, comprising: the outer cylinder; a separation tube rotatably provided as the foreign matter treatment section in the outer tube; and a driving device for driving the separating cylinder to rotate,

at least a part of the outer cylinder of the foreign matter processor is integrally formed with the housing of the water diversion structure.

6. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein,

the foreign matter processor includes a swirling flow generating portion,

the swirling flow generating portion has an inner space surrounded by a first circumferential wall and a second circumferential wall having a curvature larger than that of the first circumferential wall,

the separator inflow port is a downstream end opening of a tubular water supply passage for supplying washing water containing foreign matters to the swirling flow generating part, the water supply passage has a first wall portion connected to the first circumferential wall and a second wall portion connected to the second circumferential wall,

the separator flow inlet is characterized in that the first wall part is tangent to the first circumferential wall, the second wall part is tangent to the second circumferential wall, a cylindrical protrusion for flow guiding is arranged on the swirling flow generating part, and the center of the cylindrical protrusion is aligned with the center of the second circumferential wall.

7. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,

the shell is provided with a flushing water outlet and a flushing return port which are respectively communicated with the inner cavity,

in the washing waterway of the clothes treatment device, the washing water in the outer groove flows into the water diversion structure from the water inlet, flows into the foreign matter processor from the washing water outlet after being filtered by the second filtering part so as to wash the foreign matter processor, and returns to the water diversion structure through the washing return port.

8. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein,

and a non-return member is arranged at a position integrally formed between the foreign matter processor and the water diversion structure, and the non-return member only allows washing water to flow into the water diversion structure from the foreign matter processor at the flushing reflux port.

9. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein,

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

in the water drainage path of the clothes treatment device, the washing water in the outer groove flows into the inner cavity from the water inlet, is filtered by the second filtering part, and is discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device from the water outlet.

10. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 9, wherein,

the washing water in the washing water path after washing the foreign matter processor returns to the water dividing structure through the washing return port, and is discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus through the water discharging water path without being filtered by the second filtering part.

11. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 7, wherein,

the shell is cylindrical, the circulating water outlet is positioned at one end part of the shell in the axial direction, the flushing reflux port is positioned at the side wall of the shell at one end part side of the shell in the axial direction,

at least a part of the foreign matter processor is integrally formed with the housing at one end in the axial direction of the housing.

12. The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 11, wherein,

the separator inflow port is respectively communicated with the circulating water outlet and the flushing reflux port.

13. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein,

the water dividing structure is provided with a pump, and the pump is arranged on the side wall of the shell and is used for providing driving force for the flow of the washing water in the flushing waterway and the drainage waterway.