JP2020199147A - Centrifugal separator and washing machine including centrifugal separator - Google Patents

Abstract

To effectively separate a foreign matter included in a liquid flowing through a water channel.SOLUTION: A centrifugal separator 20 is for centrifuging a foreign matter included in a liquid flowing through water channels 19a, 19b and comprises a case 21 that is connected in communication with the water channels 19a, 19b, a rotary cylinder 22 provided rotatably in the case 21, a liquid inlet 22a that allows the liquid to flow into the rotary cylinder 22 from the water channel 19a, a liquid outlet 22b that allows the liquid to flow out from the inside of the rotary cylinder 22 into the water channel 19b, and a cylinder motor 23 for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 22. A protrusion 26 is provided at a rotation center of the rotary cylinder 22 for displacing a flow of the liquid passing through the inside of the rotary cylinder 22 toward an inner peripheral surface 22c side of the rotary cylinder 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a centrifuge device for centrifuging foreign substances contained in a liquid flowing through a water channel, and a washing machine provided with the centrifuge device.

As an example of mounting a centrifuge on a washing machine, it is considered that foreign matter such as dirt released from the laundry during washing is separated from the washing water by the centrifuge to purify the washing water. As a result, it is possible to prevent the separated stains and the like from reattaching to the laundry (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a centrifuge device mounted on a conventional washing machine, which is described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the centrifuge 51 is provided in a water channel 52 that circulates the washing water in the washing tub. The centrifuge 51 separates foreign matter contained in the washing water in the washing tub (not shown). Therefore, the centrifuge 51 includes a cylindrical case 53 communicated with the water channel 52, a cylindrical rotary cylinder 54 rotatably provided in the case 53, and a cylinder motor for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 54. It has 55 and.

The washing water flowing through the water channel 52 passes through the rotating cylinder 54. The washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 54 from the washing water inlet 56 provided at the lower part of the rotary cylinder 54, and flows out from the washing water outlet 57 provided at the upper part of the rotary cylinder 54. Here, the pump blades 58 constituting the pump are integrally formed with the rotary cylinder 54 on the washing water outlet 57 side of the rotary cylinder 54. Then, the rotary cylinder 54 and the pump blade 58 are integrally rotated by the cylinder motor 55. The washing water inlet 56 and the washing water outlet 57 are provided around the rotating shaft 59 of the rotating cylinder 54.

When the cylinder motor 55 is driven, the rotary cylinder 54 and the pump blade 58 rotate. As a result, the washing water in the washing tub is circulated through the centrifuge 51 provided in the water channel 52. At this time, foreign matter such as dirt released from the laundry by the washing operation receives the centrifugal force due to the high-speed rotation of the rotary cylinder 54 when passing through the centrifuge device 51. Therefore, the foreign matter is separated and the washing water is purified.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-183277

However, in the conventional configuration, the washing water inlet 56 and the washing water outlet 57 are provided around the rotating shaft 59 of the rotating cylinder 54, and the washing water passes near the center of the rotating cylinder 54 rotating at high speed. To do. Therefore, the centrifugal force may not sufficiently act on the foreign matter contained in the washing water. That is, it may not be possible to effectively separate foreign matter from the washing water. Therefore, when the washing water that has passed through the centrifuge 51 contains a dirty substance and circulates to the washing tub, there is a problem that the dirty substance may reattach to the laundry in the washing tub.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a centrifuge capable of effectively separating foreign substances contained in a liquid flowing through a water channel, and a washing machine provided with the centrifuge. The purpose.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention is a centrifugal separator provided in a water channel to centrifuge foreign matter contained in a liquid flowing through the water channel, and is a case connected to the water channel and a case inside the case. It is equipped with a rotary cylinder that is rotatably provided, a liquid inlet that allows liquid to flow into the rotary cylinder from the water channel, a liquid outlet that allows liquid to flow out from the inside of the rotary cylinder to the water channel, and a cylinder motor that rotationally drives the rotary cylinder. A convex portion is provided at the center of rotation of the rotating cylinder to displace the flow of liquid passing through the rotating cylinder toward the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder.

As a result, the liquid (including foreign matter) passing through the rotating cylinder is displaced outward by the convex portion provided at the rotation center portion of the rotating cylinder, and flows outward from the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder. That is, the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder can be strongly acted on the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder. Therefore, it is possible to realize a centrifuge device capable of effectively separating foreign substances contained in the liquid.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention has a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water which is a liquid, a water channel for circulating the washing water in the washing tub, and a water channel. It is provided with a pump unit for circulating washing water and the above-mentioned centrifuge device provided in the water channel for centrifuging foreign matter contained in the washing water flowing through the water channel.

As a result, foreign substances such as dirty substances contained in the washing water (liquid) are effectively separated by the centrifuge device, and the reattachment of the dirty substances and the like to the laundry can be suppressed to enhance the cleaning effect.

The centrifuge of the present invention and the washing machine provided with the centrifuge can effectively separate and purify foreign matter from the liquid.

Schematic configuration of the washing machine provided with the centrifuge according to the first embodiment. Perspective view of the centrifuge device according to the first embodiment Sectional sectional view of the main part of the centrifuge device according to Embodiment 1. DD cross-sectional view of FIG. EE sectional view of FIG. Block configuration diagram of a washing machine provided with a centrifuge according to the first embodiment Sectional sectional view of the main part of the centrifuge device according to Embodiment 2. Cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the third embodiment Cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the fourth embodiment FF sectional view of FIG. Cross-sectional view of the main part of the conventional centrifuge

The first invention is a centrifuge device provided in a water channel to centrifuge foreign matter contained in a liquid flowing through the water channel, and a case connected to the water channel and a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case. A liquid inlet that allows liquid to flow into the rotating cylinder from the water channel, a liquid outlet that allows liquid to flow out from the inside of the rotating cylinder to the water channel, and a cylinder motor that rotationally drives the rotating cylinder are provided at the center of rotation of the rotating cylinder. A convex portion is provided to displace the flow of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder toward the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder.

As a result, the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder is displaced outward from the rotation center of the rotating cylinder by the convex portion provided at the rotating center of the rotating cylinder, and the liquid flows away from the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder. That is, the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder can be strongly applied to the liquid. Therefore, it is possible to realize a centrifuge device capable of effectively separating foreign substances contained in the liquid.

The second invention is, in particular, in the centrifuge of the first invention, the rotary cylinder and the cylinder motor are connected by fixing the shaft of the cylinder motor to a convex portion.

As a result, the rotation drive by the cylinder motor is transmitted to the liquid through the convex portion provided at the rotation center portion of the rotary cylinder.

In the third invention, in particular, in the centrifuge of the first or second invention, ribs are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion so as to project radially toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder.

As a result, the liquid flowing along the convex portion in the rotary cylinder is agitated in the swirling direction by the ribs. Then, a strong swirling flow can be generated for the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder by the synergistic action with the rotation of the rotating cylinder. As a result, the centrifugal force acting on the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder can be strengthened. Therefore, when the liquid passes through the centrifuge, the foreign matter contained in the liquid can be effectively separated.

The fourth invention is particularly provided in the centrifuge device of any one of the first to third inventions, in which the convex portion is provided on at least one of the inflow side and the outflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder. It is an invention.

As a result, the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder flows at a position separated from the rotation axis by the convex portion, so that a centrifugal force can be applied to the foreign matter contained in the liquid.

The fifth invention is, in particular, in the centrifuge device of any one of the first to third inventions, in which the convex portion is continuously provided from the inflow side to the outflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder. Is.

As a result, the liquid that has flowed into the rotating cylinder from the liquid inlet flows at a position away from the rotation axis along the convex portion up to the liquid outlet, so that a centrifugal force is applied to the foreign matter contained in the liquid. be able to.

A sixth invention is a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water which is a liquid, a water channel for circulating the washing water in the washing tub, a pump unit provided in the water channel for circulating the washing water, and a water channel. A washing machine provided with a centrifuge device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions for centrifuging foreign matter contained in washing water flowing through a water channel.

This makes it possible to realize a washing machine that effectively separates foreign substances such as dirty substances contained in washing water (liquid) by a centrifuge. Then, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of dirty substances and the like to the laundry and enhance the cleaning effect.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
An example of using the centrifuge of the present invention in a washing machine will be described. The centrifuge is not limited to a washing machine, but can be used as a device for separating foreign substances contained in a liquid flowing through a water channel.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine provided with a centrifuge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine has an outer tub 1 and a rotary tub 4 rotatably provided in the outer tub 1 as a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water which is a liquid. .. The outer tub 1 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape, and is elastically supported by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 inside the housing 2 that constitutes the outer frame of the washing machine. The rotary tank 4 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape and is arranged in the outer tank 1. On the front side (left direction in FIG. 1) of the washing machine, an input port 6 for taking in and out textile products such as clothes to be washed (hereinafter referred to as laundry 5) is provided.

The rotary tub 4 is rotatably provided around the tub rotary shaft 7 and accommodates the laundry 5. The peripheral wall surface of the rotary tank 4 is provided with a plurality of (for example, three) baffles 8 protruding inward and a large number of small holes 9. Further, the inside of the outer tank 1 and the inside of the rotary tank 4 communicate with each other through the small holes 9. The outer tank 1, the rotary tank 4, and the tank rotary shaft 7 are arranged at an angle θ (for example, 20 °) upward (upper left direction in FIG. 1) with respect to the horizontal.

The rotary tank 4 is configured to be rotatable forward and reverse by a motor 10 provided at the rear of the outer tank 1. The motor 10 is composed of, for example, a brushless DC motor. The motor 10 is configured so that the rotation speed can be freely changed by the inverter control of the control unit 31, which will be described later.

A door 11 formed in a substantially circular shape is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. The user takes the laundry 5 in and out of the rotary tub 4 by opening and closing the door 11 and the inlet 6. The opening 1a of the outer tank 1 is formed so as to face the inlet 6. Further, the opening 1a and the housing 2 are connected to each other by ensuring an airtight structure by a stretchable bellows-shaped packing 12.

The water supply port 13 is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the housing 2 to supply washing water. The water supply port 13 is connected to the faucet 13a of the water supply. Therefore, the washing water is tap water supplied from the water supply port 13. Further, a water supply valve 14 and a detergent case 15 are provided on the downstream side of the water supply port 13. The water supply valve 14 is opened and closed by the control unit 31 to supply and stop the washing water.

As shown by the arrow A, the detergent case 15 is configured so that the detergent charging portion 15a can be pulled out from the detergent case 15 toward the front side. As a result, the user can easily put the detergent into the detergent case 15. The washing water supplied from the water supply port 13 flows into the detergent case 15 as shown by the arrow B. Then, the washing water flows into the outer tub 1 while dissolving the detergent charged in the detergent case 15.

Further, a drain port 16 for discharging washing water is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 1. A drainage channel 17 is connected to the drainage port. A drain valve 18 that can be opened and closed is provided in the drain channel 17. The drain valve 18 is opened and closed and driven by the control unit 31 to store and drain the washing water in the outer tub 1.

One end of the water channel 19 is connected to a drainage channel 17 that communicates with the drain port 16, and the other end is connected to the lower part of the outer tank 1 near the front. Here, the water channel 19 is formed in the front-rear direction below the outer tank 1. Further, the water channel 19 is communicatively connected to the centrifuge device 20 provided below the outer tank 1. Further, the water channel 19 has a water channel 19a and a water channel 19b. Then, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the centrifuge device 20 through the water channel 19a. Further, the washing water that has passed through the centrifuge 20 flows out into the outer tub 1 through the water channel 19b.

The washing water flows from the drain port 16 through the drain channel 17 to the water channel 19, and then passes through the centrifuge device 20. Then, when the washing water passes through the centrifuge device 20, foreign substances contained in the washing water are separated as described below. The foreign matter includes dirt and lint released from the laundry, a water softener contained in the detergent put into the washing water, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the centrifuge device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG.

The centrifuge device 20 centrifuges foreign matter contained in the liquid flowing through the water channel 19. The centrifuge 20 includes a case 21 communicated with and connected to a water channel 19, a hollow rotary cylinder 22 rotatably provided in the case 21, and a cylinder motor 23 for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 22. ..

The rotary cylinder 22 is provided with a liquid inlet 22a for flowing a liquid from the water channel 19a into the rotary cylinder 22 and a liquid outlet 22b for flowing the liquid from the inside of the rotary cylinder 22 into the water channel 19b. Further, the rotary cylinder 22 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 22c.

Since the centrifuge device 20 in the first embodiment is mounted on the washing machine, the liquid will be referred to as washing water, the liquid inlet 22a will be referred to as washing water inlet 22a, and the liquid outlet 22b will be referred to as washing water outlet 22b. That is, the liquid is washing water for washing the laundry 5. The washing water includes water containing detergent (for example, tap water), water not containing detergent, rinsing water during rinsing operation, and the like.

The centrifuge device 20 is provided with a swirling flow generating unit 24 which is a connecting portion on the inflow side of the washing water passing through the rotating cylinder 22. The swirl flow generation unit 24 communicates and connects the water channel 19a and the case 21. Further, the swirling flow generating unit 24 is provided with a connecting portion outlet 24a facing the washing water inlet 22a of the rotary cylinder 22.

The water channel 19a is unevenly connected to the side of the swirling flow generation unit 24. That is, the swirling flow generation unit 24 generates a swirling flow with respect to the washing water flowing through the water channel 19a. The washing water to which the swirling component is applied in the swirling flow generating section 24 flows out from the connecting portion outlet 24a and flows into the rotary cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a.

The rotating shaft 22d of the rotating cylinder 22 is set in the vertical direction. Further, the connecting portion outlet 24a, the washing water inlet 22a, and the washing water outlet 22b are formed concentrically so that the rotating shaft 22d of the rotating cylinder 22 passes through the central portion thereof. Here, the diameter d1 of the connection portion outlet 24a is set to be equal to or less than the diameter d2 of the washing water inlet 22a, and d1 ≦ d2. Further, the diameter d1 of the connecting portion outlet 24a is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter d3 of the washing water outlet 22b, and d1 ≧ d3.

The washing water in the outer tub 1 passes through the connecting portion outlet 24a from the water channel 19a, and flows into the rotating cylinder 22 without resistance from the washing water inlet 22a provided at the center of the bottom surface of the rotating cylinder 22. The washing water that has flowed into the rotary cylinder 22 flows out to the water channel 19b from the washing water outlet 22b provided on the upper portion of the rotary cylinder 22.

Here, since the connection portion outlet 24a and the washing water inlet 22a are below the washing water outlet 22b, the washing water passing through the centrifuge 20 passes through the rotary cylinder 22 from the lower side to the upper side in the rotation shaft 22d direction. It is configured to flow. The centrifuge device 20 may be installed so that the flow direction of the washing water is vertical, or may be installed so that the water flows horizontally or diagonally.

The cylinder motor 23 is set to rotate the rotary cylinder 22 at a high speed of, for example, about 4000 rpm. As a result, the washing water introduced into the rotary cylinder 22 swirls in the rotary cylinder 22, and a high-speed swirling flow is generated. The washing water receives centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotary cylinder 22 while passing through the rotary cylinder 22. As a result, the foreign matter contained in the washing water is centrifuged and accumulated toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22.

The centrifuge 20 is provided with a pump chamber 25 on the outflow side of the washing water passing through the case 21. In the pump chamber 25, a pump blade 25a, which is a pump portion integrally formed with the rotary cylinder 22, is arranged. The water channel 19b is connected to the pump chamber 25 so as to be biased sideways from the center of rotation of the pump blade 25a.

The rotary cylinder 22 and the pump blade 25a are rotated by the drive of the cylinder motor 23. Due to the pumping action of the pump blades 25a, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the water channel 19 formed below the outer tub 1 and passes through the centrifuge device 20. As a result, the washing water circulates as shown by the arrow C in FIG. At this time, the flow velocity of the washing water flowing through the water channel 19 can be set by the capacity of the pump. The capacity of the pump can be set by the number of pump blades 25a (8 in the first embodiment), the shape, and the like, in addition to the rotation speed of the pump blades 25a.

As a result, the washing water flows through the water channel 19 and circulates between the centrifuge 20 and the outer tub 1. When the flow velocity of the circulating flow in which the washing water passes through the centrifuge 20 is V1 and the flow velocity of the swirling flow in which the washing water swirls in the rotary cylinder 22 is V2, the flow velocity V2 of the swirling flow is higher than the flow velocity V1 of the circulating flow. It is set to be high speed, that is, V2> V1.

Here, a convex portion 26 is provided at the center of rotation in the rotary cylinder 22. The convex portion 26 is formed in a columnar shape at the washing water outlet 22b, and extends in the direction of the rotation shaft 22d toward the washing water inlet 22a. The rotary cylinder 22 and the tubular motor 23 are connected by fixing the shaft 23a of the tubular motor 23 to the convex portion 26 of the rotary cylinder 22. Specifically, the shaft 23a is inserted into a hole provided in the center of the convex portion 26. As a result, the washing water that has flowed into the rotating cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a is displaced from the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 22 toward the inner peripheral surface 22c by the convex portion 26, and thus is easily subjected to centrifugal force. There is.

The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 22c centered on the rotating shaft 22d of the rotating cylinder 22 is larger than the maximum diameter of the washing water inlet 22a and the washing water outlet 22b, and is formed from the rotating center which is the rotating shaft 22d of the rotating cylinder 22. The centrifugal force becomes stronger toward the inner peripheral surface 22c.

Therefore, as the foreign matter separated by the centrifugal force from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 22 approaches the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22, the foreign matter is held on the inner peripheral surface 22c by a stronger centrifugal force. The foreign matter separated by the centrifugal force is not drawn into the circulating flow of the washing water passing through the rotating cylinder 22, and it is possible to prevent the dirt from reattaching to the laundry 5 and improve the washing power. Can be done.

The control unit 31 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2. FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine provided with a centrifuge according to the first embodiment. The control unit 31 has an output of a cloth amount detection unit 32 that detects the amount of laundry 5 put into the rotary tub 4 and a water amount detection unit 33 that detects the amount of washing water supplied to the outer tub 1. The output and the output of the rotation detection unit 34 that detects the rotation drive of the rotary tank 4 are input.

The control unit 31 controls the drive of the motor 10, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 18, the cylinder motor 23, and the like based on the washing course set by the user by the operation display unit 35, and executes the washing operation. The washing operation includes each step such as a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step.

The operation and operation of the washing machine equipped with the centrifuge configured as described above will be described below. In the washing operation, the washing step is a step in which washing water in which detergent is dissolved is supplied into the outer tub 1 and the washing is washed by the rotation of the rotary tub 4 to remove stains on the laundry 5. Following the washing step, a rinsing step is performed. In the rinsing step, for example, each operation of the first intermediate dehydration operation, the first rinsing operation, the second intermediate dehydration operation, and the second rinsing operation is performed. Then, following the rinsing step, the dehydration step, which is the final step of the washing operation, is executed.

The details of the washing operation will be described below. First, at the beginning of the washing operation, the user opens the door 11 provided on the front surface of the housing 2 and loads the laundry 5 into the rotary tub 4 from the loading port 6. Next, the user turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 35 provided on the upper front surface of the housing 2 to set the washing course. After that, the user operates the start switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 35 to start the washing operation.

Upon the start of the washing operation, the control unit 31 first detects the amount of the laundry 5 charged into the rotary tub 4 by the cloth amount detecting unit 32. The amount of laundry 5 is detected from the amount of torque applied to the motor 10 when the rotary tub 4 is rotated, the current value of the motor 10, and the like.

The control unit 31 sets the time and the amount of washing water for each step such as the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step according to the detected amount of the laundry 5. At the same time, the amount of detergent set in advance according to the amount of laundry 5 is displayed on the operation display unit 35. The user pulls out the detergent charging unit 15a from the detergent case 15, charges the detergent according to the guideline of the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display unit 35, and then moves the detergent charging unit 15a into the detergent case 15.

In the washing process, the control unit 31 opens the water supply valve 14 and allows the washing water to flow into the detergent case 15 from the water supply port 13. As shown by the arrow B in FIG. 1, the inflowing washing water is supplied to the outer tub 1 while dissolving the added detergent. The washing water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 1 flows into the rotary tub 4 through the small holes 9. The amount of washing water collected in the outer tub 1 is detected by the water amount detecting unit 33. When the amount of washing water accumulated in the outer tub 1 reaches a predetermined amount set in advance according to the amount of the laundry 5, the control unit 31 closes the water supply valve 14 to stop the water supply.

When the above water supply is completed, the control unit 31 rotates the rotary tank 4 by the motor 10. The laundry 5 in the rotary tub 4 is lifted in the rotational direction by the baffle 8 and falls from above, and is struck by the laundry 5 accumulated on the bottom surface of the rotary tub 4 or the bottom of the rotary tub 4. In addition to the chemical power of the detergent, this mechanical power is used for tapping and washing. The rotation speed of the rotary tub 4 when the laundry 5 is beaten and washed is, for example, 45 rpm. The control unit 31 inverts the rotary tank 4 every predetermined time (for example, every few minutes) to drive the rotary tank 4 in forward and reverse rotation.

In the washing step described above, the control unit 31 drives the cylinder motor 23. As a result, the rotary cylinder 22 and the pump blade 25a rotate, and the pump action by the pump blade 25a occurs. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the swirling flow generating unit 24, which is the connecting portion of the centrifuge device 20, through the water channel 19a.

The washing water flows into the swirling flow generation unit 24 from the water channel 19a, and a swirling component is applied. After that, the washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a through the connecting portion outlet 24a. At this time, since the rotary cylinder 22 is rotated at high speed by the cylinder motor 23, the washing water introduced into the rotary cylinder 22 generates a high-speed swirling flow in the rotary cylinder 22.

The washing water is introduced from the washing water inlet 22a, passes through the rotary cylinder 22, and flows out from the washing water outlet 22b. At this time, the foreign matter contained in the washing water and having a specific gravity heavier than that of the washing water is directed toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22 by the strong centrifugal force generated by the high-speed swirling flow.

Further, when the washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a, the convex portion 26 provided at the rotation center of the rotary cylinder 22 causes the outside of the rotary shaft 22d, that is, the inside of the rotary cylinder 22. It is displaced toward the peripheral surface 22c and flows. As a result, the foreign matter contained in the washing water receives a stronger centrifugal force than when passing through the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 22, heads toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotating cylinder 22, and is separated from the washing water.

As described above, the high-speed swirling flow generated by the centrifuge 20 separates the dirt substances contained in the washing water, which have a higher specific gravity than water (sand, hair, keratin dirt, etc.), and wash water. Can be removed from. Further, even if the specific gravity is lighter than that of water (such as oils typified by sebum), the one that is attached to the substance having a specific gravity heavier than water (such as lint) can be separated and removed from the washing water. That is, it is possible to separate fine dirt substances peculiar to laundry contained in washing water.

The washing water that is on the inner peripheral surface 22c side of the rotating cylinder 22 and fills the rotating cylinder 22 with respect to the circulating flow passing through the rotating cylinder 22 is circulated by the only washing water inlet 22a and the washing water outlet 22b of the rotating cylinder 22. It is occupied by the flow. In addition, a strong centrifugal force acts on the washing water in the rotary cylinder 22 toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22 due to a high-speed swirling flow.

Therefore, the dirt substance separated from the washing water by the centrifugal force and directed toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22 receives a strong centrifugal force in the centrifugal separator 20. Therefore, the separated contaminants are not drawn into the circulating flow passing through the centrifuge 20 and return to the outer tank 1. That is, it is possible to prevent the separated dirt substances from reattaching to the laundry 5.

The washing water from which the dirty substances have been separated in the rotary cylinder 22 flows out from the washing water outlet 22b to the pump chamber 25. Then, the washing water that has flowed into the pump chamber 25 flows into the outer tub 1 through the water channel 19b by the pumping action of the pump blades 25a. In this way, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated with the centrifuge device 20 through the water channel 19 by the pump function provided in the centrifuge device 20, and the purification of the washing water proceeds.

Here, in the centrifuge device 20, a pump blade 25a having a pumping action is provided integrally with the rotary cylinder 22. Therefore, the control unit 31 rotates the rotary cylinder 22 to circulate the washing water between the centrifuge 20 and the outer tub 1. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a pump for circulating washing water separately from the centrifuge device 20, and the configuration can be simplified.

At the time of drainage, the control unit 31 opens the drain valve 18. The washing water flows in the direction opposite to the direction of circulation in the water channel 19. Further, the foreign matter collected on the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22 rides on the flow of the washing water and is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain valve 18. As described above, the control unit 31 drains the washing water in the outer tub 1 through the drain valve 18 after tapping and washing for a predetermined time.

In the rinsing step after the washing step, as in the washing step, the control unit 31 supplies a predetermined amount of washing water into the outer tub 1 and rotates the rotary tub 4 in the forward and reverse directions. As a result, the laundry 5 is rinsed. In the dehydration step performed after the rinsing step, the control unit 31 opens the drain valve 18 to drain the washing water in the outer tub 1 to the outside of the machine. Then, the control unit 31 spins the rotary tub 4 containing the laundry 5 at high speed by the motor 10 to dehydrate it. As described above, the control unit 31 performs the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step to end the washing operation.

In the washing step, rinsing step, and dehydration step of the washing operation, the vibration caused by the rotation of the rotary tub 4 causes the vibration of the entire outer tub 1 to occur. This vibration is absorbed by the suspension mechanism 3 and the vibration of the housing 2 is suppressed.

The separation of foreign substances contained in the washing water can be performed not only in the washing step but also in the rinsing step. In the rinsing step, the rinsing effect can be enhanced by separating the foreign matter from the laundry 5 into the washing water with the centrifuge device 20. At the time of rinsing, it is possible to remove zeolite having a specific gravity heavier than that of water among the cleaning aids contained in the detergent, and the rinsing performance is improved.

As described above, the centrifuge device 20 of the first embodiment is provided in the water channel 19 to centrifuge foreign matter contained in the liquid (washing water) flowing through the water channel 19, and is continuously connected to the water channel 19. The case 21, the rotary cylinder 22 rotatably provided in the case 21, the liquid inlet 22a (washing water inlet) for flowing the liquid into the rotary cylinder 22 from the water channel 19a, and the water channel 19b from the inside of the rotary cylinder 22. A liquid outlet 22b (washing water outlet) for flowing out liquid to the rotary cylinder 22 and a cylinder motor 23 for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 22 are provided, and a flow of liquid passing through the rotary cylinder 22 is rotated at the rotation center of the rotary cylinder 22. A convex portion 26 that is displaced toward the inner peripheral surface 22c side of the cylinder 22 is provided.

As a result, the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder 22 is displaced outward from the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 22 by the convex portion 26 provided at the rotating center of the rotating cylinder 22, and the liquid flows away from the rotating shaft 22d. .. That is, the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 22 can be strongly applied to the liquid. Therefore, it is possible to realize a centrifuge device capable of effectively separating foreign substances contained in the liquid.

Further, the rotary cylinder 22 and the cylinder motor 23 are connected by fixing the shaft 23a of the cylinder motor 23 to the convex portion 26.

As a result, the power of the cylinder motor 23 is transmitted via the convex portion 26 provided at the rotation center portion of the rotary cylinder 22. When the shaft 23a of the tubular motor 23 is arranged and connected in the convex portion 26, the outer diameter of the convex portion 26 is inevitably thickened, and the liquid rotates along the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 26. It flows at a position away from the shaft 22d to the outside. Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on the foreign matter contained in the liquid can be strengthened, and the centrifuge device 20 can be miniaturized.

Further, the convex portion 26 is provided on the outflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder 22.

As a result, the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder 22 flows at a position distant from the rotating shaft 22d by the convex portion 26, so that a centrifugal force can be applied to the foreign matter contained in the liquid.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the second embodiment is that the convex portion 26 is provided on the inflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder 22. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 7, the convex portion 26 is formed in an inward columnar shape at the center of the washing water inlet 22a (liquid inlet). Further, the convex portion 26 extends in the direction of the rotation shaft 22d toward the washing water outlet 22b (liquid outlet). Therefore, the washing water (liquid) flows into the rotary cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a through the outside of the convex portion 26 by the convex portion 26, and is displaced from the rotation center of the rotary cylinder 22 toward the inner peripheral surface 22c side. Flows.

As a result, the washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 22 away from the rotation center of the rotary cylinder 22. The foreign matter contained in the washing water receives a stronger centrifugal force than when passing through the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 22, heads toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotating cylinder 22, and is separated from the washing water. That is, centrifugal force can be applied to foreign substances contained in the washing water.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the third embodiment is that the convex portion 26 is continuously provided from the inflow side to the outflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder 22. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 8, the convex portion 26 is formed in a columnar shape at the center of the rotary cylinder 22, and is continuously provided from the washing water inlet 22a (liquid inlet) to the washing water outlet 22b (liquid outlet). There is.

As a result, the washing water flows into the rotating cylinder 22 from the washing water inlet 22a and flows outward from the rotating shaft 22d along the convex portion 26 up to the washing water outlet 22b. The foreign matter contained in the washing water receives a stronger centrifugal force than when passing through the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 22, heads toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotating cylinder 22, and is separated from the washing water. That is, centrifugal force can be applied to foreign substances contained in the washing water.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the centrifuge device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. The feature of the fourth embodiment is that the rib 26a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 26. The ribs 26a are provided so as to project radially toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotary cylinder 22. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the convex portion 26 is integrally formed with the rotary cylinder 22 and is provided at the center of rotation in the rotary cylinder 22. The convex portion 26 is formed in a columnar shape at the washing water outlet 22b (liquid outlet), and extends in the direction of the rotation shaft 22d toward the washing water inlet 22a (liquid inlet). The rotary cylinder 22 and the tubular motor 23 are connected by inserting the shaft 23a of the tubular motor 23 into the convex portion 26 of the rotary cylinder 22.

A plurality (for example, 6) ribs 26a are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 26. The ribs 26a project radially toward the inner peripheral surface 22c of the rotating cylinder 22, and are formed elongated in the direction of the rotating shaft 22d along the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 26.

As a result, the washing water flowing along the convex portion 26 in the rotary cylinder 22 is agitated in the turning direction by the rib 26a. Then, by synergistic action with the high-speed rotation of the rotary cylinder 22, a strong swirling flow is generated for the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 22, and the centrifugal force acting on the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 22 is strengthened. be able to. Therefore, when the washing water passes through the centrifuge device 20, foreign substances contained in the washing water can be effectively separated.

As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments, the centrifuge and the washing machine provided with the centrifuge have been described. That is, the washing machine is provided in a washing tub (outer tub 1 and washing tub 4) for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water which is a liquid, a water channel 19 for circulating the washing water in the washing tub, and a water channel 19. The centrifuge device 20 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the pump unit 25a for circulating the washing water and the centrifugal separation device 20 provided in the water channel 19 for centrifuging the foreign matter contained in the washing water flowing through the water channel 19 are provided. It is prepared.

As a result, it is possible to realize a washing machine that effectively separates foreign substances such as dirt substances released from the laundry 5 contained in the washing water by the centrifugal separator 20. Then, it is possible to suppress the reattachment of dirty substances and the like to the laundry 5 and enhance the cleaning effect.

Although the pump portion of the washing machine is provided integrally with the rotary cylinder 22 in the above embodiment, a circulation pump (not shown) may be separately provided in the water channel 19. Further, the convex portion 26 may be composed of only the shaft 23a of the tubular motor 23. Further, the convex portion 26 may be provided in a conical shape instead of a columnar shape. As a result, when the liquid passes through the rotating cylinder 22, the flow of the liquid can be displaced more smoothly toward the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder 22.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the centrifuge is used in the washing machine has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The centrifuge can be used as a device for separating and purifying foreign substances from liquids.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drum type washing machine has been described as an example of the washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, any washing machine may be used to wash the laundry with washing water. That is, any configuration such as a configuration in which tap washing is performed like a drum-type washing machine, a configuration in which stirring washing is performed like a vertical washing machine, a configuration in which push washing is performed in a storage case, or a shower cleaning configuration is performed. It is also applicable to washing machines.

As described above, the centrifuge according to the present invention and the washing machine provided with the centrifuge can effectively separate and purify foreign substances from the liquid, and thus the centrifuge and the centrifuge. It is useful as a washing machine equipped with a device.

1 Outer tub (washing tub)
4 rotary tub (washing tub)
19, 19a, 19b, 52 Water channels 20, 51 Centrifuges 21, 53 Cases 22, 54 Rotating cylinders 22a, 56 Washing water inlet (liquid inlet)
22b, 57 Washing water outlet (liquid outlet)
22c Inner peripheral surface 23, 55 Cylinder motor 23a Shaft 24 Swirling flow generator 24a Connection part outlet 25a, 58 Pump blade (pump part)
26 convex part 26a rib

Claims (6)

A centrifuge provided in a water channel to centrifuge foreign matter contained in a liquid flowing through the water channel.
A case connected to the waterway and
A rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case and
A liquid inlet that allows the liquid to flow into the rotating cylinder from the water channel,
A liquid outlet for discharging the liquid from the inside of the rotary cylinder to the water channel,
A cylinder motor for rotating and driving the rotary cylinder is provided.
A centrifuge device provided with a convex portion at the rotation center of the rotary cylinder to displace the flow of liquid passing through the rotary cylinder toward the inner peripheral surface side of the rotary cylinder. The centrifuge according to claim 1, wherein the rotary cylinder and the cylinder motor are connected by fixing a shaft of the cylinder motor to the convex portion. The centrifuge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion is provided with ribs that project radially toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portion is provided on at least one of an inflow side and an outflow side of a liquid passing through the rotating cylinder. The centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the convex portion is continuously provided from the inflow side to the outflow side of the liquid passing through the rotating cylinder. A washing tub that houses the object to be washed and the washing water that is the liquid,
The water channel that circulates the washing water in the washing tub and
A pump unit provided in the water channel to circulate the washing water and
A washing machine provided with the centrifuge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided in the water channel and centrifuges the foreign matter contained in the washing water flowing through the water channel.