JP7142213B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Contaminants derived from human activities and the human body, such as germs, sebum and protein components, adhere to laundry such as clothes. These dirt components are washed off from the laundry during the washing process by the cleaning effect of the surfactant contained in the detergent. However, when washing is continued with washing water containing dirt components washed off from the laundry, the removed dirt and the like adhere to the laundry again. This reduces the quality of the wash finish.

In addition, if there is unwashed dirt, yellowing occurs during storage even if the unwashed residue is invisible. In addition, when the quality of the finish of washing is low, such as reattachment of stains to the laundry, if the same washing is repeated, the laundry will darken.

In addition, if the used bath water is used for washing in order to save water, the above-mentioned problems are likely to occur because the used bath water contains dirt on the human body. . In order to address these problems, it has been proposed to provide a cyclone separator in the bath water supply channel when washing is performed using bath water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the conventional washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. , a cyclonic separator 54 is provided.

When the bath water supply pump 55 is driven during washing, the water in the drum 56 passes through the connecting pipe 57 and then the cyclone separator 54 . Foreign matter such as dirt and lint released from the laundry is removed in a cyclonic separator 54 . The water that has passed through the cyclone separator 54 is returned to the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51 and circulated. When washing is finished, the drain valve 58 and the valve 59 provided on the connecting pipe 57 are opened. Wash water in the drum 56 is drained through the connection pipe 57 and the cyclone separator 54 .

Moreover, as a method of discharging the foreign matter removed from the washing water, there is a method of separating the foreign matter from the aqueous solution in which the foreign matter is mixed by centrifugation (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 2, after depositing foreign matter on the inner wall of a separation tank by centrifugal separation, the deposited foreign matter is removed by injecting a liquid from the central portion of the separation tank. is proposed.

In general, the dirt adhering to laundry such as clothes is human body dirt and sebum, mud, spilled food and drink, and the like. These different kinds of dirt are released from the laundry by washing and mixed with the washing water. The foreign substances separated from the washing water are substances such as sebum, which have a specific gravity lighter than water, and fine foreign substances separated from the laundry.

However, in the conventional configuration using the cyclone separator 54, it is difficult to separate fine foreign matter, which is peculiar to soiled laundry, from washed water soiled by washing. In addition, it is difficult to discharge the foreign matters to the outside of the washing machine only by allowing the washing water in the drum 56 to flow into the cyclone separator 54 after the washing is completed.

Moreover, even when the foreign matter is centrifuged, there are the following problems. That is, when a strong centrifugal force acts on the washing water due to the swirling flow caused by the high-speed rotation of the rotating portion, the fine foreign matter peculiar to the dirt matter separated from the washing water is strongly applied to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating portion. It adheres when pressed and deposits in the form of a film. The film-like deposited foreign matter cannot be easily peeled off by water flowing on the surface of the foreign matter.

For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to simultaneously separate fine foreign substances peculiar to the soiling substances from the washing water soiled by washing, and detach and discharge the separated and accumulated foreign substances. .

JP 2005-152212 A JP-A-8-243556

The present disclosure solves the above problems, and aims to provide a washing machine capable of separating foreign matter from washing water and discharging the separated foreign matter from the washing water circulation path. do.

Specifically, the washing machine of the present disclosure includes a housing, a water tub elastically supported in the housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, and a first It comprises a motor, a purifying unit for separating foreign substances contained in the washing water in the washing tub, a circulation path including the tub and the purifying unit, a pump for circulating the washing water in the circulation path, and a control unit.

The purifying unit has a case, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotating the rotating cylinder. and an outflow outlet.

The control unit rotates the rotary cylinder by the second motor to separate the foreign matter from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder, and rotates the rotary cylinder by the second motor to accumulate the foreign matter in the rotary cylinder. A detachment operation for detaching the foreign matters from the rotary cylinder, and a discharge operation for draining the washing water in the washing tub through the purifying unit and discharging the foreign matters detached from the rotary cylinder to the outside of the circulation path. and is configured to run

With such a configuration, it is possible to purify the washing water by separating foreign matters from the washing water passing through the purifying unit during the washing process or the like. In addition, it is possible to detach foreign substances such as dirt substances separated from the washing water and adhering to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder from the rotary cylinder, and to discharge the detached foreign substances from the circulation path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

A diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is executed in the washing machine according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter is removed and discharged in the washing machine according to the first embodiment; A block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is executed in the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter is removed and discharged in the washing machine according to the second embodiment; A diagram showing the flow of washing water when a foreign object is removed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is executed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter is removed and discharged in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment; The figure which shows the other example of the washing machine in the same Embodiment 4. A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine

A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a water tub elastically supported in the housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, and a first a purifying unit for separating foreign substances contained in the washing water in the washing tub, a circulation path including the water tub and the purifying unit, a pump for circulating the washing water in the circulation path, and a control unit.

The purifying unit has a case, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotating the rotating cylinder. and an outlet.

The control unit rotates the rotary cylinder with the second motor to perform a separation operation of centrifugally separating foreign matter from the washing water passing through the purification unit, and rotates the rotary cylinder with the second motor to rotate the rotary cylinder. a detachment operation for detaching the foreign matter accumulated in the rotating barrel from the rotating barrel; and an ejection operation of ejecting to the outside of the.

With such a configuration, it is possible to separate foreign substances from the washing water passing through the purifying unit and purify the washing water. In addition, it is possible to detach foreign matter such as contaminants separated from the washing water and adhering to the inner surface of the rotating cylinder from the rotating cylinder and to discharge it from the circulation path. As a result, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the cleaning section, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

In the washing machine according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the controller may be configured to simultaneously perform the detachment operation and the discharge operation.

With such a configuration, the detachment operation and the ejection operation are performed simultaneously, so the foreign matter can be efficiently detached and ejected.

In addition, since the rotary cylinder is driven to rotate in the discharging process, a swirling flow is generated in the washing water that has flowed into the rotary cylinder, and the shear force generated by the swirling flow removes foreign matter such as dirt adhered to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder. It can be desorbed efficiently.

In the washing machine according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to perform the detachment operation while wash water is present in the rotating cylinder.

With such a configuration, the rotary cylinder is rotationally driven in water, and foreign matter such as fouling substances adhering to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder can be efficiently detached by the shearing force generated by the swirling flow accompanying the rotational drive. .

In the washing machine according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the number of rotations of the rotating cylinder when performing the separation operation may be higher than the number of rotations of the rotating cylinder when performing the detachment operation.

With such a configuration, the foreign matter is separated by a sufficient centrifugal force when the separation operation is performed, and adheres to the inner surface of the rotation cylinder more than the centrifugal force acting on the water in the rotation cylinder when the detachment operation is performed. The shear force acting on the foreign object can be made larger. Therefore, foreign substances such as contaminants held on the inner surface of the rotary barrel are easily removed from the rotary barrel.

In the washing machine according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating cylinder may rotate forward and backward in the detachment operation.

Such a configuration makes it easier for foreign matter to be removed from the rotating cylinder.

In the washing machine according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an adsorbent that adsorbs foreign matter contained in the wash water may be arranged inside the rotating cylinder.

With such a configuration, foreign substances such as dirt substances dispersed in the washing water are efficiently captured by the adsorbent, and the washing water can be efficiently purified.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
[1. Overall configuration of the washing machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1 , washing machine 100 has tub 1 , housing 2 , washing tub 4 and first motor 9 . The washing machine 100 also has an operation display section 35 and a control section 31 .

Water tank 1 is configured in a cylindrical shape and is arranged inside housing 2 of washing machine 100 . The water tank 1 is elastically supported within the housing 2 by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 .

The washing tub 4 is configured in a tubular shape and arranged in the water tub 1 . On the front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the washing tub 4, there is provided an inlet 5 through which articles to be washed (hereinafter referred to as laundry) such as clothes are put in and taken out. A plurality (for example, three) of baffles 7 protruding inward and a large number of small holes 8 are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4 . Inside the tub 1 , the inside and the outside of the washing tub 4 are communicated through a small hole 8 .

The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 6 . The water tub 1, the washing tub 4, and the rotating shaft 6 are provided with their front sides tilted upward by an angle θ (for example, 15°) with respect to the horizontal. The first motor 9 is composed of, for example, a brushless DC motor, and is configured such that its rotational speed can be freely changed by inverter control of the control section 31 .

A door 10 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 . A door 10 opens and closes an inlet 5 through which laundry is put in and taken out. The housing 2 and the opening 11 of the water tank 1 formed opposite to the inlet 5 are airtightly connected by a flexible packing 12 that can be stretched.

The washing tub 4 is driven to rotate forward and backward by a first motor 9 provided on the back side of the tub 1 .

A water supply pipe 14 is connected to the upper portion of the housing 2, and the water supply pipe 14 is connected to a water faucet (not shown). A water supply valve 13 is provided in the water supply pipe 14 , and tap water is supplied and stopped by opening and closing the water supply valve 13 . The washing water (tap water) supplied through the water supply pipe 14 flows into the detergent case 15 and flows into the water tank 1 through the water supply path 14a while dissolving the detergent put into the detergent case 15. - 特許庁

A drain port 16 for discharging washing water is provided at the bottom of the water tank 1 . One end of a drainage path 18 is connected to the drainage port 16 . The drainage path 18 is a path from the drainage port 16 to the outside of the washing machine 100 . Washing water is drained to the outside of washing machine 100 from the other end of drain path 18 .

A drain valve 17 is provided in the drain path 18 . A first switching valve 19 is provided between the drain port 16 and the drain valve 17 in the drain path 18 . By opening and closing the drain valve 17 and the first switching valve 19, the washing water in the water tub 1 is drained and stopped.

One end of a water supply channel 20 is connected to the washing tub 4 . The one end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to a discharge port 20a provided in the lower front portion of the washing tub 4 . The other end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to the drainage channel 18 via the first switching valve 19 . The first switching valve 19 switches the flow of washing water to the water supply path 20 side or the drain valve 17 side. The water tub 1 and a purifying unit 22, which will be described later, are connected to a part of the drainage path 18 and the water supply path 20 to form a washing water circulation path.

A pump 21 and a purifier 22 are provided in order from the first switching valve 19 side in the water supply path 20 . When the pump 21 is driven with the first switching valve 19 switched to the water supply path 20 side, the washing water in the water tank 1 flows from the drain port 16 through the drain path 18, the first switching valve 19, and the The water is discharged into the washing tub 4 from the outlet 20a through the water supply path 20 and circulated. At this time, the washing water passes through the pump 21 and the purifier 22 on the water supply path 20 .

A second switching valve 23 is provided between the cleaning unit 22 and the pump 21 on the inlet side of the cleaning unit 22, that is, on the upstream side of the cleaning unit 22 during circulation of the washing water. The pump 21 circulates the washing water through the circulation path.

Further, in the water supply path 20, a third switching valve 25 is provided on the outlet side of the purifier 22, that is, downstream of the purifier 22 during washing water purification (during a separation operation to be described later).

A water passage 24 connecting the second switching valve 23 and the third switching valve 25 is provided so as to bypass the purifying section 22 .

Furthermore, the water supply path 20 is connected to a drainage path 27 leading to the drainage path 18 between a rotary cylinder 29 of the purification unit 22 and the second switching valve 23, which will be described later. An on-off valve 26 is provided on the drainage channel 27 .

When the wash water flowing through the water supply channel 20 passes through the purifier 22, foreign substances contained in the wash water are separated as described later. The foreign substances include dirt substances and lint that have been washed off from the laundry and auxiliaries contained in the detergent added to the washing water.

[2. purification department]
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. is a diagram showing the flow of washing water.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the purifier 22 includes a case 28 forming an outer shell, a rotating cylinder 29 rotatably provided in the case 28, and a rotating cylinder as a driving part for rotating the rotating cylinder 29. a motor (second motor) 30; The case 28 has a case inlet 28a on the upstream side and a case outlet 28b on the downstream side.

The rotating cylinder 29 is cylindrical and hollow. The rotary cylinder 29 is provided with a peripheral side portion 29c and an inlet 29a and an outlet 29b through which washing water flows through the rotary cylinder 29. As shown in FIG.

The inlet 29 a is provided near the center of rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 . The inlet 29a is configured by forming a plurality of (for example, two) slit-like holes in an arc shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 30a in a plan view of the rotating cylinder 29 . When viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 30a, the diameter of the peripheral side portion 29c is configured to be larger than the maximum diameters of the inlet 29a and the outlet 29b.

When the pump 21 is driven, the washing water that has flowed into the purifier 22 through the water supply channel 20 passes through the case inlet 28a, flows upward in FIG. .

Further, the rotating cylinder motor 30 is driven to rotate the rotating cylinder 29, thereby performing a separation operation described later. When the separation operation is performed, the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 causes a centrifugal force to act on the washing water flowing through the rotary cylinder 29, and this centrifugal force causes foreign matter such as dirt to move to the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29. go to These foreign substances adhere to the inner surface of the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 and are separated from the washing water.

[3. control unit]
FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to this embodiment.

Outputs of the cloth amount detection unit 32 , the water amount detection unit 33 and the rotation detection unit 34 are input to the control unit 31 .

The laundry amount detector 32 detects the amount of laundry put into the washing tub 4 . The water amount detection unit 33 detects the amount of washing water supplied into the water tub 1 . The rotation detector 34 detects rotation of the washing tub 4 .

The control unit 31 operates the first motor 9, the water supply valve 13, the drain valve 17, the first switching valve 19, the pump 21, the second valve, and the like based on the input from the operation display unit 35 operated by the user. By controlling the driving of the switching valve 23, the third switching valve 25, the on-off valve 26, the rotating cylinder motor 30, etc., the washing operation, which will be described later, is executed.

The washing operation includes processes such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dewatering process.

In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a foreign matter separation operation, which will be described later, is executed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the washing operation was started, the predetermined period of time is set by the timer section 36 .

[4. motion]
The operation and action of the washing machine constructed as described above will be described below.

[4-1. Washing operation]
In the washing operation, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dewatering process, and the like are performed.

In the washing process, washing water in which detergent is dissolved is supplied into the water tank 1, and the laundry is beat-washed by the rotation of the washing tank 4. - 特許庁Dirt on the laundry is removed by executing the washing process.

Following the washing process, a rinsing process is performed. In the rinsing process, for example, a first intermediate dehydration operation, a first rinsing operation, a second intermediate dehydration operation and a second rinsing operation are performed.

Finally, a dehydration step is performed.

Prior to the washing operation, the user opens the door 10 provided on the front surface of the housing 2 and puts laundry into the washing tub 4 from the inlet 5 . Then, the user operates the power switch and the start switch of the operation display section 35 provided in front of the upper surface of the housing 2 . This starts the washing operation.

When the washing operation is started, the controller 31 first detects the amount of laundry put into the washing tub 4 by the laundry amount detector 32 . The amount of laundry is detected from the amount of torque applied to the first motor 9 when the first motor 9 is driven to rotate the washing tub 4, the change in the current value of the first motor 9, or the like. be.

The control unit 31 sets the time for each step of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process, the amount of washing water, and the amount of detergent, according to the detected amount of laundry. The detergent amount set by the control unit 31 is displayed on the operation display unit 35 .

The user fills the detergent case 15 with the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display unit 35 as a guide. The control unit 31 suspends the washing operation until the detergent is completely added.

When the temporary stop of the washing operation is released, the controller 31 opens the water supply valve 13 . When the water supply valve 13 is opened, tap water flows through the water supply pipe 14 and into the detergent case 15 . The tap water is supplied to the water tank 1 as washing water while dissolving the introduced detergent. Washing water accumulated at the bottom of the tub 1 flows into the washing tub 4 through the small holes 8. - 特許庁

In the present embodiment, the washing water means the water supplied into the water tank 1. As shown in FIG.

The amount of washing water accumulated in the water tank 1 is detected by the water amount detection section 33. - 特許庁The control unit 31 controls the water supply valve 13 to close the water supply valve 13 when a predetermined amount of wash water preset according to the amount of laundry is supplied.

When the water supply is completed, the controller 31 drives the first motor 9 to rotate the washing tub 4 . When the washing tub 4 rotates, the laundry in the washing tub 4 is lifted by the baffle 7 in the direction of rotation. After that, the laundry falls from above and is slammed against the bottom surface of the washing tub 4 or the laundry accumulated at the bottom of the washing tub 4 .

In this way, the laundry is beat-washed by the chemical and mechanical forces of the detergent. When the laundry is beat-washed, the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 is, for example, 45 rpm. By reversing the direction of rotation of the first motor 9 at predetermined time intervals, the washing tub 4 rotates forward and backward.

The control unit 31 controls the drain valve 17 to open the drain valve 17 after the washing process is performed for the set time. As a result, the washing water in water tank 1 is drained to the outside of washing machine 100 . After draining is completed, a rinsing step is performed, followed by a first intermediate dewatering operation followed by a first rinsing operation. In the rinsing process, similarly to the washing process, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the tub 1, and the washing tub 4 is rotated to rinse the laundry.

In the dehydration process that is performed at the end of the washing operation, first, the drain valve 17 is opened to drain the washing water in the tub 1 to the outside of the washing machine 100 . Then, the washing tub 4 containing the laundry is rotated at high speed by the first motor 9 to dewater the laundry. When the dehydration process is completed, the controller 31 ends the washing operation.

[4-2. Separation of Foreign Matter]
Next, the purification of washing water by the purification unit 22, that is, the operation of separating foreign matter, will be described with reference to FIG. 2A.

Wash water in the washing process contains various foreign substances such as dirt substances. Dirt substances include, for example, sand, fiber waste including lint, and substances having a higher specific gravity than water, such as hair or keratin stains. In addition, there are dirt substances, such as sebum, which are lighter than water themselves, but which adhere to substances having a higher specific gravity than water, such as lint.

In the washing process, the control unit 31 drives the pump 21 to cause the washing water in the water tub 1 containing foreign matter such as dirt to flow into the cleaning unit 22 .

When the washing process is executed and the pump 21 is driven, the wash water in the tub 1 flows into the water pipe 20 through the first switching valve 19 (see FIG. 1) switched to the water pipe 20 side. . At this time, the second switching valve 23 and the third switching valve 25 are switched to the purification section 22 side (see FIG. 2A). Therefore, the washing water flows into the purifier 22 from the case inlet 28 a provided on the upstream side of the case 28 .

After passing through the purification unit 22 and the third switching valve 25, the washing water passes through the water supply path 20 and flows into the washing tub 4 from the outlet 20a. At this time, the washing water is discharged from the discharge port 20a and applied to the laundry being beat-washed.

Thereafter, the washing water in the washing tub 4 contains foreign matter washed off the laundry, and then flows out from the drain port 16 of the tub 1 to the water supply channel 20 again. Thus, the wash water circulates through the circulation path.

At the initial stage of the washing process, the rotating barrel motor 30 is not rotationally driven. That is, the rotating barrel 29 is in a stopped state.

Next, the control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 when the washing process has progressed to some extent and the amount of dirt in the washing water has increased, that is, when a predetermined time has passed since the washing operation was started. to rotate the rotary cylinder 29. The time from when the washing operation is started until the rotating cylinder 29 is driven is appropriately set by the timer section 36 according to, for example, the amount of laundry and the degree of staining.

After the predetermined time set by the timer unit 36 has passed since the washing operation was started (for example, after 2 minutes when the time for the washing process is set to 9 minutes), the control unit 31 rotates. The cylinder motor 30 is controlled to rotate the rotary cylinder 29 .

Thus, the control unit 31 does not rotate the rotary cylinder 29 at the initial stage of the washing process, that is, at the stage where dirt is washed off the laundry by the action of the detergent. This prevents the detergent component from being separated from the washing water in the purification unit 22, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of the detergent component.

After the dirt has been washed off the laundry, the control unit 31 rotates the rotary cylinder 29 in one direction to centrifugally separate foreign matter such as dirt from the washing water. The rotation speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 when the foreign matter is separated is, for example, 4000 rpm.

When foreign substances are separated from the wash water, that is, when the wash water is purified, the wash water flows in the direction of arrows shown in FIG. 2A. At this time, the on-off valve 26 is closed. Washing water flows into the rotating cylinder 29 from the inlet 29a. Washing water flows through the rotating rotary cylinder 29 and flows out from the outlet 29b. The washing water flows into the rotating cylinder 29 from the inlet 29a and flows out from the outlet 29b in a swirling flow. Therefore, a centrifugal force acts on the washing water in the rotating cylinder 29 . Foreign matter contained in the washing water and having a higher specific gravity than the washing water is directed toward the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotating cylinder 29 by centrifugal force and pressed against the peripheral side portion 29c, thereby being held and accumulated on the peripheral side portion 29c. be.

As described above, the purifier 22 applies centrifugal force to the washing water to centrifuge the foreign matter, and holds the separated foreign matter on the peripheral side portion 29 c of the rotary cylinder 29 . In addition, among the dirt substances contained in the washing water, those having a lower specific gravity than water, such as sebum and the like, are also separated in the purification unit 22 by adhering to lint and the like. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the washing machine 100 can be enhanced.

In this manner, the washing water is purified in the purification unit 22 so that foreign matter contained in the washing water is reduced, and flows through the water supply path 20 and into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 20a. . The washing water, when flowing into the washing tub 4, is splashed on the laundry being beat-washed in the washing tub 4. - 特許庁The washing water that has flowed into the washing tub 4 will contain foreign matter again in the washing tub 4 . After that, the washing water flows out from the water outlet 16 of the water tank 1 into the water supply channel 20, circulates in the circulation path, and is purified again by the purification unit 22. - 特許庁As the washing water is purified and circulated in this manner, washing of the laundry proceeds.

[4-3. Detachment and discharge of foreign matter]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2B, a detachment operation in which the foreign matter held and accumulated in the rotary barrel 29 is detached from the rotary barrel 29 and an ejection operation in which the detached foreign matter is ejected from the circulation path will be described. do.

The controller 31 switches the first switching valve 19 (see FIG. 1) from the water supply path 20 side to the drain valve 17 side after the washing process has been performed for a set predetermined time (for example, 9 minutes). This opens the flow path to the drainage path 18 . Also, the drain valve 17 is opened by the controller 31 and the washing water in the water tank 1 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 . The washing water is thereby drained.

After the water is drained, the rinsing process is started. In the rinsing process, first, a first intermediate dewatering operation is performed. This drains most of the wash water contained in the laundry. After that, a first rinsing operation is performed. Subsequently, a second intermediate dewatering operation and a second rinsing operation are performed in the same manner as the first intermediate dewatering operation and the first rinsing operation.

In the rinsing process, as in the washing process, a predetermined amount of tap water is supplied as washing water into the water tank 1 . At this time, the rotation of the washing tub 4 is controlled to rinse the laundry.

After the second rinsing operation is finished, the washing water in the washing tub 4 is drained. At the same time when the washing water is drained, the removing operation and the discharging operation of the foreign matter accumulated in the cleaning unit 22 are performed. When the foreign matter is removed and discharged, the control unit 31 controls a plurality of valves so that the wash water flows back through the purification unit 22 and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 as waste water.

Specifically, the first switching valve 19 (see FIG. 1) is switched to the water supply path 20 side. The second switching valve 23 is switched so that the waste water flows to the water channel 24 side. The third switching valve 25 is switched so that waste water flows from the water channel 24 to the purification section 22 . Furthermore, the on-off valve 26 and the drain valve 17 are opened.

As a result, the washing water flows in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2B during the foreign object detachment operation. At this time, the pump 21 is driven at a low speed, and the drainage passes through the first switching valve 19, the second switching valve 23, the water channel 24 and the third switching valve 25, passes through the purification unit 22, and is opened. The water is then discharged from the on-off valve 26 to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drainage path 27 .

Further, the control unit 31 drives the rotary barrel motor 30 to rotate the rotary barrel 29 when executing the operation for removing the foreign matter. As a result, a swirling flow is generated in the waste water flowing through the inside of the rotary cylinder 29 .

The number of rotations S2 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 at this time is, for example, 100 rpm, which is lower than the number of rotations S1 (rotational speed) during execution of the foreign matter separation operation. That is, the shearing force acting on the foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the drainage. As a result, foreign matter such as dirt held on the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29 c is removed from the rotary cylinder 29 .

It should be noted that the rotation direction of the rotary cylinder 29 during the operation of removing the foreign matter may be one direction, or the rotation in the forward direction and the reverse direction may be alternately repeated. By rotating the rotary barrel 29 in the forward direction and the reverse direction, the effect of detaching the foreign matter from the rotary barrel 29 is strengthened.

Further, in a state in which the interior of the purification unit 22 is filled with the wastewater from the second rinsing operation, the rotary cylinder motor 30 is driven to rotate the rotary cylinder 29, thereby detaching and detaching the foreign matter. Foreign matter is efficiently discharged from the rotating cylinder 29 .

In this way, when the waste water from the second rinsing operation is flowing into the cleaning unit 22, that is, in a state where the washing water is present in the rotating cylinder 29, the rotating cylinder 29 is rotated to Foreign matter accumulated on the inner surface of the peripheral side portion 29c can be efficiently removed.

Drainage from the second rinsing operation containing the foreign matter detached from the rotary cylinder 29 passes through the on-off valve 26, the drainage path 27, and the drainage valve 17 (see FIG. 1) to the drainage path 18. It is guided and discharged to the outside of washing machine 100 .

At this time, the removed foreign matter is discharged to the outside of the circulation path, so it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification unit 22, prevent the growth of various bacteria, and generate an unpleasant odor. can be suppressed.

Note that the timing at which the operation for removing and discharging the foreign matter is performed is not limited to when the water is drained after the second rinsing operation described above, and may be performed when the water is drained after the first rinsing operation.

Further, the operation of removing the foreign matter may be performed both during drainage after the first rinsing operation and during drainage after the second rinsing operation.

Also, the operation of removing the foreign matter may be performed when the water is drained after the washing process is finished.

Further, the operation for removing the foreign matter may be performed separately as an operation process independent from the washing operation. That is, the control unit 31 may be configured to cause new water to be injected into the washing tub 4 after the washing operation is completed, and perform the operation of removing the foreign matter.

Note that the operation of removing the foreign matter may be performed in a state where there is no washing water in the rotary cylinder 29 . In this case also, the rotating barrel 29 is rotated so that the shear force acting on the accumulated foreign matter is greater than the centrifugal force acting on the accumulated foreign matter, so that the foreign matter is accumulated inside the rotating barrel 29 . It is possible to detach the foreign matter that has been removed from the rotating cylinder 29 .

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the operation for removing foreign matter and the operation for discharging foreign matter are performed at the same time has been described, but the operation for removing foreign matter may be performed after the operation for removing foreign matter is performed.

[5. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the housing 2, the water tank 1 elastically supported in the housing 2, the washing tub 4 rotatably provided in the water tub 1, and the washing tub 4 a purifier 22 for separating foreign matter contained in the washing water in the washing tub 4; a circulation path including the tub 1 and the purifier 22; and the washing water circulating through the circulation path. and a control unit 31.

The purifier 22 also has a case 28 , a rotating cylinder 29 rotatably provided in the case 28 , and a rotating cylinder motor 30 that rotates the rotating cylinder 29 .

Further, the rotary cylinder 29 has an inlet 29a into which washing water flows and an outlet 29b into which washing water flows out.

Then, the control unit 31 rotates the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotary cylinder motor 30 to perform a separation operation of centrifugally separating foreign substances from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 29, and rotates the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotary cylinder motor 30. a detachment operation for detaching the foreign matter accumulated in the rotating cylinder 29 from the rotating cylinder 29, and the washing water in the washing tub 4 is drained through the purification unit 22 to be detached from the rotating cylinder 29. and a discharging operation for discharging the foreign matter to the outside of the circulation path.

With such a configuration, the foreign matters are separated from the washing water passing through the purifier 22 during the washing process or the like, so that the washing water can be purified.

In addition, by executing the operation for removing the foreign matter, the foreign matter such as dirt matter separated from the washing water and adhering to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder 29 is removed from the rotary cylinder 29 by the swirling flow generated by the rotational driving of the rotary cylinder 29. is detached from Then, the detached foreign matter is discharged from the purifier 22 to the outside of the circulation path together with the waste water. As a result, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the cleaning section 22, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

Further, the control unit 31 is configured to simultaneously execute the operation of removing foreign matter and the operation of discharging the foreign matter, and to drain the washing water in the water tank 1 through the purification unit 22 .

As a result, foreign substances such as dirt substances separated from the washing water and adhering to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder 29 are efficiently detached from the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 using the water used for washing. can be discharged. As a result, the rotary cylinder 29 can be washed at the set drainage timing without extending the washing time.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the operation for detaching and the operation for discharging foreign matter is performed.

Unlike the first embodiment, the present embodiment does not have the second switching valve 23, the third switching valve 25, and the water passage 24 connecting them. Further, a fourth switching valve 37 is provided in the water supply path 20 on the downstream side of the purification unit 22, and the drain path 27 is connected to the fourth switching valve 37, which is different from the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

When the foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing process or the like, as shown in FIG. The switching valve 37 is switched. Therefore, the washing water circulates between the purification unit 22 and the water tank 1 and the purified washing water is discharged to the washing tub 4 .

4B, the washing water passes through the purifier 22 in the same direction as when the foreign matter separation operation is performed, and flows into the rotary cylinder 29. Detach the retained foreign matter. At this time, the switching valve 37 is switched so that the washing water flows to the drainage path 27 side, and the washing water containing the foreign matter is discharged from the drainage path 27 to the outside of the washing machine through the drainage path 18. .

As a result, the detached foreign matter is discharged from the purifier 22 to the outside of the circulation path together with the waste water. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, one switching valve 37 can switch the flow of washing water when performing the foreign matter separation operation, the detachment operation, and the discharge operation. . Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the purification unit 22 and the configuration for discharging foreign matter.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter removing operation of the washing machine is executed according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

A feature of the present embodiment is that the rotary cylinder 29 is driven to rotate in a state in which the on-off valve 26 is closed and water is stored in the purifier 22, that is, in a state in which wash water exists in the rotary cylinder, and the water is detached. It is configured for action. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

In the present embodiment, the foreign matter removing operation is performed after the foreign matter separating operation is performed, such as when draining water after the second rinsing operation is finished. As in Embodiment 1, the first switching valve 19 is switched so that the washing water flows to the water supply path 20 side (see FIG. 1). The second switching valve 23 is switched so that the washing water flows to the water channel 24 side.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the third switching valve 25 is switched so that the washing water flows from the water channel 24 to the purification section 22, and the on-off valve 26 and the drain valve 17 are opened.

When the operation for removing the foreign matter is started, the pump 21 is driven at a low speed, and the washing water in the water tub 1 begins to flow through the water supply channel 20 and accumulate in the purification section 22 . After a predetermined period of time until the washing water is collected in the cleaning unit 22, the open/close valve 26 is closed and the driving of the pump 21 is stopped. As a result, the washing water is stored in the purifier 22 , that is, the washing water is present in the rotating cylinder 29 .

In this state, the control unit 31 drives the rotary barrel motor 30 to rotate the rotary barrel 29 . The number of revolutions S2 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 is, for example, 100 rpm, which is lower than the number of revolutions S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 during the foreign matter separation operation of separating the foreign matter from the washing water. be.

A swirling flow is generated in the rotating barrel 29 by the controller 31 rotating the rotating barrel 29 for a predetermined time. Due to the swirling flow, a shearing force acts on the foreign matter adhering to the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29. As shown in FIG. The foreign matter is detached from the rotating cylinder 29 by the shearing force.

After that, the on-off valve 26 is opened, and the washing water in the rotary cylinder 29 containing the removed foreign matter is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 from the drainage path 27 together with the foreign matter.

As a result, the detached foreign matter is discharged from the purifier 22 to the outside of the circulation path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 31 is configured to rotationally drive the rotating cylinder 29 in a state in which washing water is present in the rotating cylinder 29, thereby executing the operation of removing the foreign matter. It is a thing.

With this configuration, the rotating cylinder 29 is rotated in water, and foreign substances such as dirt adhering to the inner surface of the rotating cylinder 29 can be efficiently detached by the swirling flow of the washing water accompanying the rotation.

Then, the washing water containing the detached foreign matter is discharged from the purification unit 22, whereby the foreign matter is discharged, and the accumulation of dirt in the purification unit 22 can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the flow of washing water when the operation of detaching and discharging the foreign matter is performed.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an adsorbent 38 for adsorbing foreign matter contained in the washing water is provided inside the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29. As shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the inner surface of the peripheral side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 is provided with an adsorbent 38 that adsorbs foreign substances in the washing water. In the present embodiment, the adsorbent 38 is composed of a fiber aggregate made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The adsorbent 38 is formed in a sheet shape. The adsorbents 38 are arranged in a strip shape continuously or intermittently over a wide range of the peripheral side portion 29c. As a result, the adsorbent 38 is more likely to receive water pressure from the washing water acting on the centrifugal force.

Various stains washed off from the laundry adhere to the adsorbent 38 due to the affinity between the material of the fibers that make up the adsorbent 38 and the dirt matter. Specifically, staining substances such as water-soluble proteins and pigments are likely to adhere to natural fibers such as cotton. In addition, sebum and fat-soluble soiling substances tend to adhere to synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and polyester. Therefore, it is desirable that the adsorbent 38 be made of a plurality of types of fibrous materials so as to optimize the affinity with the contaminants. In addition, since the adsorbent 38 is configured as a fiber assembly, the surface area of the adsorbent 38 that comes into contact with the soiling substances in the washing water is increased. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt substances contained in the washing water are efficiently captured.

During the foreign object separation operation, the washing water flows as indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 6A.

The control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 to rotate the rotary cylinder 29, thereby centrifugally separating foreign substances such as contaminants from the washing water. The rotation speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 at this time is, for example, 1000 rpm. In the present embodiment, since the adsorbent 38 is provided in the rotating cylinder 29, even if the rotating cylinder 29 is rotated at a lower speed than when the adsorbent 38 is not provided, the Foreign matter can be separated.

Next, when the foreign matter is removed and discharged, the washing water flows as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6B and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 .

At the time of executing the operation of removing the foreign matter, the control section 31 rotates the rotating cylinder 29 for a predetermined time. As a result, the contaminants adhering to the adsorbent 38 are separated from the adsorbent 38 by the swirling flow generated within the rotary cylinder 29 . In addition, the washing water is discharged from the open/close valve 26 along with the foreign matters to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain path 27, thereby discharging the foreign matters from the circulation path. Further, the surface of the adsorbent 38 is restored to a state capable of adsorbing the foreign matter again by performing the operation of desorbing the foreign matter, so that the adsorption ability of the adsorbent 38 is restored.

Further, the number of revolutions S2 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 during execution of the foreign matter detachment operation is, for example, 400 rpm. This is a speed lower than the rotation speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 when the foreign matter separation operation is performed.

FIG. 7 shows another example of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, an adsorbent 48 is provided inside the rotating cylinder 29 . In the example shown in FIG. 7, the adsorbent 48 provided inside the rotating cylinder 29 is configured to be movable within the rotating cylinder 29 .

Specifically, the adsorbent 48 moves within the rotary cylinder 29 due to the swirling flow of the wash water generated by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 when the foreign matter is removed.

The adsorbent 48 accommodated in the rotating cylinder 29 is shaped into a substantially cylindrical shape, and similar to the adsorbent 38 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, fibers made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers. composed of aggregates. Washing water passing through the rotating cylinder 29 flows through a hollow portion 48a formed in the central portion of the adsorbent 48, and the adsorbent 48 is provided so as to be positioned outside the flow.

With such a configuration, the adsorbent 48 receives water pressure from the swirling flow of washing water generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 29, and moves within the rotating cylinder 29 due to the action of the swirling flow. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt substances contained in the washing water are efficiently captured by the adsorbent 48 .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the adsorbent 38 or the adsorbent 48 that adsorbs foreign matter contained in the washing water is provided inside the rotary cylinder 29 . When the washing water passes through the rotating cylinder 29 in the washing process or the like, centrifugal force acts on the washing water due to the swirling flow generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 29 . The washing water is pressed against the adsorbent 38 or the adsorbent 48 provided in the rotary cylinder 29 by the water pressure due to the centrifugal force. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt substances washed off the laundry and dispersed in the washing water are efficiently captured by the adsorbents 38 or 48, so that the washing water can be efficiently purified.

Also, foreign matters such as dirt substances adsorbed by the adsorbent 38 or adsorbent 48 are detached from the adsorbent 38 or adsorbent 48 by the water flow generated by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 and discharged from the purifier 22 . As a result, the detached foreign matter is discharged from the purifier 22 to the outside of the circulation path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, prevent the growth of various germs, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors.

Moreover, since the surface of the adsorbent 38 or the adsorbent 48 is regenerated to a state capable of adsorbing foreign matter, the adsorbing ability of the adsorbent 38 or the adsorbent 48 can be restored.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present disclosure can purify the washing water by separating foreign matter from the washing water passing through the purification unit, and remove the foreign matter separated from the washing water and adhering to the rotating cylinder. Since it can be discharged separately, it is possible to prevent the growth of various bacteria and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is useful as a washing machine.

1 water tub 2 housing 3 suspension mechanism 4 washing tub 5 inlet 6 rotating shaft 7 baffle 8 small hole 9 first motor 10 door 11 opening 12 packing 13 water supply valve 14 water supply pipe 15 detergent case 16 drain port 17 drain valve 18 Drainage route 19 1st switching valve 20 Water supply channel 20a Discharge port 21 Pump 22 Purification part 23 2nd switching valve 24 Water channel 25 3rd switching valve 26 On-off valve 27 Drainage channel 28 Case 28a Case inlet 28b Case outlet 29 Rotating cylinder 29a inlet 29b outlet 29c circumferential side 30 rotary cylinder motor (second motor)
31 Control Part 32 Cloth Quantity Detection Part 33 Water Quantity Detection Part 34 Rotation Detection Part 35 Operation Display Part 36 Timer Part 37 Switching Valve 38 Adsorbent 48 Adsorbent 48a Cavity 100 Washing Machine

Claims (6)

a housing;
a water tank elastically supported within the housing;
a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub;
a first motor that rotationally drives the washing tub;
a purifying unit for separating foreign substances contained in the washing water in the water tank ;
a circulation path including the water tank and a water supply path provided with the purification unit;
a pump provided in the water supply channel for circulating the washing water;
a control unit;
The purification unit has a case, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotating the rotating cylinder,
the rotating cylinder has an inlet through which the washing water flows in and an outlet through which the washing water flows out;
The control unit
a separation operation for centrifugally separating foreign matter from the washing water passing through the rotating cylinder by rotating the rotating cylinder by the second motor;
a detachment operation of rotating the rotating barrel by the second motor to detach foreign matter accumulated in the rotating barrel from the rotating barrel;
a discharging operation of discharging the washing water in the water tank through the purifying unit and discharging the foreign matter separated from the rotating cylinder to the outside of the circulation path;
is configured to run
The water supply channel is
Switching valves provided upstream and downstream of the purifying unit, a water channel connecting the plurality of switching valves to bypass the purifying unit, and connecting between the purifying unit and the switching valve on the upstream side. and a drainage channel provided with an on-off valve,
during the separating operation, the washing water passes through the purifier and circulates through the circulation path;
At the time of the desorption operation, the plurality of switching valves are switched so that the washing water does not flow backward through the water channel and through the purification unit and does not circulate through the circulation path,
The on-off valve is opened during the draining operation, and the washing water flowing back through the purifying unit is discharged to the outside .
washing machine. wherein the control unit is configured to simultaneously perform the desorption operation and the discharge operation;
The washing machine according to claim 1. The control unit is configured to perform the detachment operation in a state where the washing water exists in the rotating cylinder.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The number of rotations of the rotating barrel during execution of the separating operation is greater than the number of rotations of the rotating barrel during execution of the detachment operation.
The washing machine according to claim 3. When the detachment operation is performed, the rotating barrel is rotated in forward and reverse directions.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4. An adsorbent for adsorbing foreign matter contained in the washing water is arranged inside the rotary cylinder,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-5.

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