JP7198980B2 - Centrifugal separator and washing machine equipped with the centrifugal separator - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a centrifugal separation device provided in a water channel for centrifuging foreign matter contained in water flowing through the water channel, and a washing machine equipped with the centrifugal separation device.

In a conventional centrifugal separator, a configuration has been proposed in which impurities such as dirt and lint released from the laundry during washing are separated from the washing water to purify the washing water and prevent reattachment to the laundry. (See Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example).

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine shown in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13 , a cyclone separator 54 is provided in a bath water supply path composed of a first water supply pipe 51 , a second water supply pipe 52 and a third water supply pipe 53 . When the bath water supply pump 55 is driven during washing with water stored in the drum 56, the water in the drum 56 is introduced from the connecting pipe 57 into the cyclone separator 54, where the water is washed. Impurities such as dirt and lint loose from objects are removed. The water from which impurities have been removed is returned into the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51 .

Further, in Patent Document 2, it is considered to separate lint and solid substances mixed in the washing water by a cyclone lint separator in a so-called vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the washing tub is set in the vertical direction. .

JP 2005-152212 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-70694

Conventional cyclone separators can separate foreign matter with a higher specific gravity than the water contained in the washing water, but have the problem that it is difficult to separate substances with a lower specific gravity such as sebum from the washing water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a centrifugal separator capable of separating foreign matter having a specific gravity heavier than water and foreign matter having a specific gravity lighter than water from washing water, thereby enhancing the washing effect.

The centrifugal separator of the present invention is provided in a water channel and has a configuration for centrifugally separating foreign substances contained in water flowing in the water channel, and includes a case forming an outer shell, and a case formed in the case, connected to the water channel and connected to the water channel. A case inlet for allowing water to flow into the case and a case outlet formed in the case and connected to a water channel for discharging water in the case to the water channel are provided. a rotatable hollow rotating cylinder provided inside the case; a rotating cylinder inlet formed in the rotating cylinder for allowing water to flow into the rotating cylinder; and a rotating cylinder outlet for flowing out. Further, the direction in which the water flows through the rotating cylinder coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder, and the rotating cylinder removes heavy foreign matter separated from the through flow toward the outer peripheral side by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. A separating portion having an inner peripheral surface for holding and separating light foreign matters collected near the rotating shaft of the rotating tube without being affected by centrifugal force from among the foreign matters passes through the outlet of the rotating tube. The separation unit is provided near the center including the rotation shaft so that part of the water passing through the separation unit collects the separated lightweight foreign matter.
Further, the washing machine of the present invention comprises the above-described centrifugal separator, comprising: a housing; an outer tub elastically supported within the housing; a washing tub rotatably provided within the outer tub; A motor for rotating the washing tub and a water supply path for circulating washing water in the outer tub are provided. Furthermore, a circulation pump that circulates the washing water and the centrifugal separation device that centrifuges foreign matter contained in the washing water are provided in the water supply channel, and the motor and the circulation pump are controlled to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration. It has a controller that sequentially controls each step and executes the washing operation.
Further, the washing machine of the present invention includes a water passage for circulating the washing water in the outer tub, a circulation pump for circulating the washing water, a centrifugal separation device for centrifuging foreign matter contained in the washing water, a circulation pump and and a lint filter provided on the upstream side of the centrifugal separator for filtering large foreign matters contained in the washing water. In the centrifugal separator, the direction in which the water flowing through the water passage flows through the inside of the rotating cylinder coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder, and the rotating cylinder is separated from the foreign matter by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. It has an inner peripheral surface for holding heavy foreign matter separated to the outer peripheral side, and inside the rotating cylinder, there is a position along the rotating shaft, among the foreign matter, near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder without being affected by centrifugal force. A separating portion for separating light contaminants that gather is provided, one end of a separating water channel communicating with the outside of the rotary cylinder is connected to the separating portion, and the other end of the separating water channel is connected to the water feeding channel on the upstream side of the lint filter. Connected.

With this arrangement, the wash water flows through the rotating barrel while swirling around its axis of rotation. When the wash water flows through the rotating cylinder, substances contained in the washing water, which have a higher specific gravity than the washing water, are separated toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder by centrifugal force. For this reason, among the dirt contained in the washing water, even if the specific gravity is heavier than water such as sand, fiber waste, hair, keratin dirt, etc., and oil such as sebum is lighter than water. , lint, etc., which adheres to objects having a higher specific gravity than water, are removed from the washing water, and dirt substances peculiar to the laundry contained in the washing water are separated.

The washing machine of the present invention can separate and purify the soiled substances from the washing water soiled by washing by the centrifugal separator, and suppresses the reattachment of the separated soiled substances to the laundry to enhance the washing effect. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the invention. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a rotating cylinder and a separating section of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a centrifugal separator according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a centrifugal separator according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the centrifugal separator according to the second embodiment of the present invention is removed. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a centrifugal separator according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to the third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[1-1. Constitution]
[1-1-1. Configuration of washing machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a bottomed cylindrical outer tub 1 is elastically supported by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 inside a housing 2 that constitutes the outer frame of the washing machine. A bottomed cylindrical washing tub 4 is provided in the outer tub 1 . The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 4 are provided with an opening 6 on the front side (left side in FIG. 1) through which the user takes in and out laundry 5 such as clothes.

The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 7 . A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 8 protruding inward are provided on the peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4 . Furthermore, a large number of small holes 9 are provided in the peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4 , and the inside and outside of the washing tub 4 inside the outer tub 1 are communicated through the small holes 9 . The outer tub 1, the washing tub 4, and the rotary shaft 7 are inclined forward and upward by an angle θ (for example, 20°) with respect to the horizontal.

The washing tub 4 is rotatable forward and backward by a motor 10 provided at the rear portion of the outer tub 1 . The motor 10 is, for example, a brushless DC motor, and is configured such that its rotational speed can be freely changed by inverter control of a controller 22, which will be described later.

The opening 1 a of the outer tub 1 and the opening 2 a of the housing 2 are formed to face the opening 6 of the washing tub 4 . The opening 1a of the outer tub 1 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are connected to each other by an elastic bellows-shaped packing 12 to ensure an airtight structure. A door 11 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 to open and close the opening 2a.

A water supply port 13 for supplying washing water is provided on the upper rear surface of the housing 2 . The water supply port 13 is connected to a water faucet 13a. The water supply port 13 is connected to one end of the water supply path 13b. The other end of water supply path 13b is connected to detergent case 15 . A water supply valve 14 is provided in the water supply path 13b. The water supply valve 14 is driven to open and close by the controller 22 to supply and stop water supply. Detergent case 15 is configured such that detergent input portion 15a can be pulled out from detergent case 15 to the front side (left side in FIG. 1) as indicated by arrow A. As shown in FIG. Thereby, 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 via the water supply path 13b as indicated by an arrow B. The washing water further dissolves the detergent put into the detergent case 15 and flows into the outer tub 1 .

A controller 22 is provided at the bottom inside the housing 2 .

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 16 . A drain valve 18 is provided in the drain channel 17 . The drain valve 18 is driven to open and close by the controller 22 to store and drain the washing water in the outer tub 1. - 特許庁

The water supply channel 19 has one end connected to the drainage channel 17 and the other end connected to the lower front surface of the outer tank 1 to form a circulation channel. Connected to the water pipe 19 are a circulation pump 20 for circulating the washing water in the outer tub 1, a centrifugal separator 21, and a lint filter 27 for filtering large foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing through the water pipe 19. . The centrifugal separator 21 is provided downstream of the circulation pump 20 in the circulation path including the water supply channel 19 .

FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the invention. The controller 22 is provided with the output of the laundry amount detector 23 for detecting the amount of the laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4 and the output of the water amount detector 24 for detecting the amount of washing water supplied into the outer tub 1. and the output of the rotation detector 25 for detecting the rotation of the washing tub 4 are input. The controller 22 controls the driving of the motor 10, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 18, the circulation pump 20, and a rotary cylinder motor 21c, which will be described later, based on the washing course set by the user through the operation display unit 26, thereby performing the washing operation. Run. A washing operation includes washing, rinsing, and spin-drying steps. Operation settings set by the user are displayed on the operation display unit 26 .

[1-1-2. Configuration of Centrifugal Separator]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment of the invention. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a rotating cylinder and a separation section of the centrifugal separator of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The centrifugal separator 21 includes a case 21a, a rotatable bottomed cylindrical rotating cylinder 21b provided in the case 21a, a separation section 21i provided at a position along the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder 21b, and the rotating cylinder 21b. and a rotating barrel motor 21c which is a drive unit for rotating the .

The case 21a is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and constitutes the outer shell of the centrifugal separator. In FIG. 4, a case inlet 21g connected to the water channel 19 is formed on the lower peripheral surface of the case 21a. A case outlet 21h connected to the water supply channel 19 is formed on the upper surface of the case 21a. The wash water circulated through the water channel 19 by the circulation pump 20 flows into the case 21a from the case inlet 21g and flows out to the water channel 19 from the case outlet 21h.

A hollow cylindrical rotary cylinder 21b is provided inside the case 21a. The rotary cylinder 21b is configured to be rotatable. A rotary tube inlet 21e is formed in the lower end face of the rotary tube 21b. The rotary tube inlet 21e is formed by providing a plurality of (for example, four) slit-like holes on the outer side of the rotating shaft of the rotary tube 21b. A rotary tube outlet 21f is formed near the rotary shaft on the upper end surface of the rotary tube 21b, through which the washing water circulated by the circulation pump 20 flows out from the rotary tube 21b. The rotary tube outlet 21f is formed to match the opening of the water supply channel 19 connected to the case outlet 21h. The water supply passage 19, the rotary tube inlet 21e, and the rotary tube outlet 21f have substantially the same opening area. Further, the openings of the water supply path 19, the rotary tube inlet 21e, and the rotary tube outlet 21f are configured to align their centers and communicate substantially linearly.

In FIG. 4, the rotary cylinder inlet 21e is provided below the rotary cylinder outlet 21f, and the washing water passing through the centrifugal separator 21 is configured to flow upward from the bottom. A diameter D1 centered on the rotation axis of the rotary tube 21b is configured to be larger than a maximum diameter D2 of the rotary tube inlet 21e and the rotary tube outlet 21f. Although FIG. 4 shows the relationship of D1>D2 where D2 is the diameter of the rotary tube inlet 21e, the relationship of D1>D2 is maintained even when the diameter of the rotary tube outlet 21f is D2. The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21b and the inner peripheral surface of the case 21a is configured to be as narrow as possible so as to reduce the flow rate of washing water within a range that does not hinder the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the separating portion 21i is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 21b by a supporting member 21j. The separating portion 21i has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open bottom in FIG. A plurality of small holes 21k are formed in the downstream end face of the separating portion 21i. In FIG. 4, the opening position where the small hole 21k of the separating portion 21i is formed is located below the opening position of the rotary cylinder 21b.

Note that the separating portion 21i does not need to be connected to the rotary cylinder 21b, and may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the case 21a. 4 and 6 has a cylindrical shape, the separating portion 21i does not have to be cylindrical, and may have a flat plate shape without a side peripheral surface.

The rotary cylinder motor 21c is provided on the outer bottom of the case 21a. The rotating cylinder motor 21c and the rotating cylinder 21b are connected by a shaft 21m. Rotation of the rotating barrel motor 21c is transmitted to the rotating barrel 21b via the shaft 21m. The rotation speed of the rotating cylinder 21b is, for example, 2000 rpm to 4000 rpm. As the washing water circulates through the water supply path 19 by the circulation pump 20, the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated.

[1-2. motion]
[1-2-1. Operation of washing machine]
The operation and function of the washing machine constructed as described above will be described below.

In the washing operation, the washing process is a process in which washing water in which a detergent is dissolved is supplied into the outer tub 1, and dirt on the laundry 5 is removed while the washing tub 4 rotates to perform beating washing. The washing step is followed by a rinsing step, for example, a first intermediate dewatering, a first rinsing, a second intermediate dewatering, and a second rinsing. Finally, a dehydration step is performed.

First, the user opens the door 11 provided on the front surface of the housing 2 and puts the laundry 5 into the washing tub 4 through the opening 6 . Next, turn on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 26 (see FIG. 2) provided on the front upper part of the housing 2, and operate the start switch (not shown) to start the washing operation. .

When the washing operation is started, the controller 22 first detects the amount of the laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4 by the laundry amount detector 23 (see FIG. 2). The amount of the laundry 5 is detected from the amount of torque applied to the motor 10 when the washing tub 4 is rotated at a low speed, the current value of the motor 10, or the like.

The controller 22 sets the time for each step of washing, rinsing and spin-drying and the amount of washing water according to the amount of the laundry 5 detected. In addition, the amount of detergent preset according to the amount of laundry 5 is displayed on the operation display section 26 . The user pulls out the detergent loading portion 15a from the detergent case 15, loads the detergent according to the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display portion 26, and then moves the detergent loading portion 15a into the detergent case 15.例文帳に追加

The controller 22 opens the water supply valve 14 at the time when the addition of the detergent is completed. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, washing water flows into the detergent case 15 from the water supply port 13, and is supplied to the outer tub 1 as shown by arrow B while dissolving the introduced detergent. Washing water accumulated in the bottom of the outer tub 1 flows into the washing tub 4 through the small holes 9. - 特許庁The washing water accumulated in the outer tub 1 is detected by the water amount detecting portion 24. - 特許庁The controller 22 closes the water supply valve 14 when determining that a predetermined amount of wash water preset according to the amount of the laundry 5 has been supplied.

When the water supply is completed, the controller 22 drives the motor 10 to rotate the washing tub 4 . When the washing tub 4 rotates, the laundry 5 in the washing tub 4 is lifted in the rotating direction by the baffle 8 and falls from above, hitting the bottom of the washing tub 4 or the laundry 5 accumulated at the bottom of the washing tub 4. be done. In this way, dirt and the like on the laundry 5 are removed by beating washing by the mechanical force together with the chemical force of the detergent. The rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in which the laundry 5 is beat-washed is, for example, 45 rpm, and is reversed at predetermined time intervals and driven to rotate forward and backward.

At the start of the washing process, the controller 22 drives the circulation pump 20 to circulate the washing water in the outer tub 1 in the water supply channel 19 . Further, the controller 22 drives the rotating barrel motor 21c to rotate the rotating barrel 21b. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 can be circulated during the washing process, and foreign matter having a higher specific gravity than the water contained in the washing water can be separated.

After the washing process has been performed for a predetermined period of time, the controller 22 stops the operation of the circulation pump 20, and then stops the operation of the rotary cylinder motor 21c. After that, the controller 22 opens the drain valve 18 to drain the washing water in the outer tub 1 out of the machine. After draining is complete, a rinsing step follows, with a first intermediate dehydration followed by a first rinse. In the rinsing process, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the outer tub 1, and the laundry 5 is rinsed by rotating the washing tub 4 in the same manner as in the washing process.

In the final dehydration process, after the controller 22 opens the drain valve 18 to drain the washing water in the outer tub 1, the motor 10 rotates the washing tub 4 containing the laundry 5 at high speed. and the laundry is spun. When the dehydration process is completed, the controller 22 terminates the washing operation.

[1-2-2. Water purification action by the centrifugal separator 21]
Next, the action of purifying washing water in the centrifugal separator 21 will be described.

In the washing process, the wash water contains various foreign substances such as dirt substances. For example, contaminants include those with a higher specific gravity than water such as sand, fiber waste, hair, and keratin stains (hereafter referred to as heavy foreign matter), and those with a lower specific gravity than water such as sebum (hereafter referred to as light weight contaminants). foreign matter), etc.

In the washing process, controller 22 drives circulation pump 20 . When the circulation pump 20 is driven, the washing water containing contaminants in the outer tub 1 flows through the water supply channel 19 and reaches the centrifugal separator 21 .

The washing water that has reached the centrifugal separator 21 flows into the rotating cylinder 21b from the rotating cylinder inlet 21e and flows out from the rotating cylinder outlet 21f into the water supply path 19, as indicated by arrow C in FIG. At this time, the controller 22 drives the rotary cylinder motor 21c to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b, so that the washing water flows in the arrow C direction while turning inside the rotary cylinder 21b. Since the cross-sectional area inside the rotary tube 21b is larger than the opening area of the rotary tube inlet 21e, when the wash water flows from the rotary tube inlet 21e into the rotary tube 21b, the flow velocity of the washing water is slowed down. . Further, since the washing water in the rotating cylinder 21b is swirled by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21b, heavy foreign matters contained in the washing water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b by centrifugal force. Washing water on the outer peripheral side of the throughflow and the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary tube 21b is occupied by the throughflow from the rotary tube inlet 21e and the rotary tube outlet 21f of the rotary tube 21b, and also from the throughflow portion. Since the centrifugal force directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d is always applied, the washing water in the flow-through portion is hardly mixed with the washing water. Therefore, the foreign matter can be held on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b during the centrifugal separation, and the foreign matter once separated from the washing water by the centrifugal force can be prevented from returning to the washing water flowing through the rotary cylinder 21b. can be prevented.

In addition, light foreign matters such as sebum contained in the washing water are less affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, so they gather near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 21b. The lightweight foreign matter collected near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 21b flows into the separating portion 21i. The washing water that has flowed into the separation portion 21i flows out of the separation portion 21i through the small holes 21k in the bottom portion of the separation portion 21i. Here, some of the foreign substances contained in the washing water are not drained from the small holes 21k and accumulate at the bottom of the separating portion 21i.

The foreign matter collected on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b is discharged out of the machine through the drain valve 18 along with the flow of the washing water flowing in the water supply path 19 in the opposite direction to that during circulation. This eliminates the need for a configuration in which part of the purified wash water is discarded during centrifugation.

As described above, when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separator 21, heavy foreign matter such as mud contained in the washing water and light foreign matter such as sebum can be separated by centrifugation. 5 is prevented from being contaminated again, and the detergency of the washing machine is improved.

In addition, since the water to be drained can be used to discharge heavy and light foreign matter, maintenance work for the centrifugal separator 21 becomes unnecessary.

Further, when the rotating cylinder 21b rotates, the supporting member 21j also rotates. Rotation of the support member 21j increases the swirling force of the washing water in the rotary cylinder 21b, thereby improving the centrifugal separation effect.

Further, the controller 22 is configured to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b after stopping the operation of the circulation pump 20. FIG. As a result, the rotation speed of the rotary cylinder 21b is reduced, and the foreign matter sticking to the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder 21b floats in the rotary cylinder 21b, flows through the water supply path 19 from the case outlet 21h, and is discharged to the washing tub 4. can be prevented.

It should be noted that the separation of foreign substances contained in the washing water can be performed in the rinsing process as well as in the washing process. It is possible to enhance the rinsing effect by removing foreign matter from the laundry in the washing water during the rinsing step and foam containing a high concentration of detergent components. At the time of rinsing, it is possible to remove zeolite, which has a specific gravity higher than that of water, among cleaning aids contained in the detergent, thereby improving the rinsing performance.

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, the centrifugal separator 21 in the present embodiment is provided in the water channel 19 and configured to centrifuge the water flowing through the water channel 19 . In addition, a case 21a forming an outer shell, a case inlet 21g formed in the case 21a and connected to the water channel 19 to allow the water in the water channel 19 to flow into the case 21a, formed in the case 21a and connected to the water channel 19. and a case outlet 21h for causing the water in the case 21a to flow out to the water supply channel 19. Further, a rotatable hollow rotating cylinder 21b provided inside the water supply passage 19, a rotating cylinder inlet 21e formed in the rotating cylinder 21b for allowing water to flow into the rotating cylinder 21b, and a rotating cylinder 21b formed in the rotating cylinder 21b. A rotating cylinder outlet 21f is provided for discharging the water in the cylinder 21b to the outside of the rotating cylinder 21b. Further, the direction in which the water flows through the inside of the rotating cylinder 21b coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation cylinder 21b, and foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the rotation cylinder 21b is placed in the rotation cylinder 21b along the rotation axis. is provided.

With this configuration, when the wash water flows through while rotating around the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 21b, heavy foreign substances contained in the washing water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b by centrifugal force. Therefore, the heavy foreign matter contained in the washing water is separated from the washing water, and the reattachment of the dirty substances to the laundry 5 can be suppressed. In addition, since the light foreign matter contained in the washing water is hardly affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 21b and passes through the separating section 21i. The washing water that has flowed into the separating portion 21i flows out of the separating portion 21i through the small holes 21k at the bottom of the separating portion 21i, but some of the lightweight foreign matter contained in the washing water is not drained from the small holes 21k. It accumulates at the bottom of the separating portion 21i. As a result, important foreign matter and light foreign matter contained in the washing water can be removed from the washing water, and the washing effect can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a centrifugal separator according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a centrifugal separator for a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the centrifugal separator according to the second embodiment of the present invention is removed.

The feature of the second embodiment is that a separation channel 121n is provided to connect a separation unit 121i provided inside the centrifugal separator 121 and a water supply channel 119 on the upstream side of the lint filter 27. be.

A second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG.

[2-1. Constitution]
Separation channel 121n is connected to separation part 121i provided in case 121a of centrifugal separator 121 . As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the separation portion 121i is supported and fixed by a support member 121k provided on the inner peripheral surface of the case 121a. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the separating portion 121 i is connected to a separation water channel 121 n , which communicates with the water supply channel 119 on the upstream side of the lint filter 27 . The separation part 121i is provided near the rotation axis of the rotary cylinder 121b. The opening 121j of the separating portion 121i is located upstream of the rotary tube outlet 121f.

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.

[2-2. Operation/Action]
The water purification action of the centrifugal separator of this embodiment will be described below.

The washing water that has reached the centrifugal separator 121 by the circulation pump 20 flows into the rotating cylinder 121b from the rotating cylinder inlet 121e and flows out from the rotating cylinder outlet 121f into the water supply path 119 as indicated by arrow C in FIG. At this time, the controller 22 drives the rotary cylinder motor 121c to rotate the rotary cylinder 121b, so that the washing water flows through the rotary cylinder 121b while swirling. Therefore, in particular, heavy foreign matters contained in the washing water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface 121d of the rotating cylinder 121b by centrifugal force.

In addition, light foreign substances such as sebum contained in the washing water are not so affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, so they gather near the rotating shaft of the rotary cylinder 121b. The lightweight foreign matter collected near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 121b flows into the separating water passage 121n from the opening 121j of the separating portion 121i. The wash water flowing through the separated water channel 121n flows into the water channel 119 again. Light foreign matter such as skin oil gathers in the separation channel 121n and becomes in close contact with the foreign matter.

The user removes the lint filter 27 from the housing 2 and discharges the captured foreign matter, if necessary. Thus, the lint filter 27 can be maintained.

As described above, when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separator 121, heavy foreign substances such as mud and light foreign substances such as sebum contained in the washing water can be centrifuged, so that dirt substances are removed from the laundry. 5 is prevented from being contaminated again, and the detergency of the washing machine is improved.

[2-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, the centrifugal separator 121 in the present embodiment is provided in the water channel 119 and configured to centrifuge the water flowing through the water channel 119 . In addition, a case 121a forming an outer shell, a case inlet 121g formed in the case 121a and connected to the water channel 119 to allow the water in the water channel 119 to flow into the case 121a, formed in the case 121a and connected to the water channel 119. and a case outlet 121h for causing the water in the case 121a to flow out to the water supply path 119. In addition, a rotatable hollow rotary cylinder 121b provided inside the water supply passage 119, a rotary cylinder inlet 121e formed in the rotary cylinder 121b and allowing water to flow into the rotary cylinder 121b, and a rotary cylinder 121b formed in the rotary cylinder 121b to rotate A rotating cylinder outlet 121f is provided for discharging the water in the cylinder 121b to the outside of the rotating cylinder 121b. Further, the direction in which the washing water flows through the inside of the rotating cylinder 121b coincides with the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 121b. A separation channel 121n connected to the channel 119 is provided.

With this configuration, when the washing water flows through the rotary cylinder 121b while rotating around the rotation axis, heavy foreign matter contained in the washing water is directed toward the inner peripheral surface 121d of the rotary cylinder 121b by centrifugal force. Therefore, the heavy foreign matter contained in the washing water is separated from the washing water, and the reattachment of the dirty substances to the laundry 5 can be suppressed.

In addition, since the light weight foreign matter contained in the washing water is not much affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotary cylinder 121b and passes through the separation water channel 121n connected to the separation section 121i. , again flows into the water supply path 119 on the upstream side of the lint filter 27 . Here, light-weight foreign matter such as sebum is collected and adhered to the lint filter 27, so that it is easily caught. As a result, important foreign matter and light foreign matter contained in the washing water can be removed from the washing water, and the washing effect can be improved.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a centrifugal separator according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram of a washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator according to the third embodiment of the invention.

The feature of the third embodiment is that the centrifugal separator 221 is provided on the downstream side of the drain valve 18 of the drain passage 17 and the water tank 229 is provided on the rear surface of the housing 2 .

A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG.

[3-1. Constitution]
As shown in FIG. 10, a centrifugal separator 221 is provided on the downstream side of the drain valve 18 in the drain channel 17 . A three-way valve 232 is provided downstream of the centrifugal separator 221 in the drainage channel 17 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one side of the three-way valve 232 is connected to the water reservoir 17a that communicates with the water tank 229, and the other side of the three-way valve 232 is a first water discharger that drains water to the outside of the housing 2. is connected to the drainage channel 17b. The three-way valve 232 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. When the three-way valve 232 is not energized, the three-way valve 232 closes the path on the side of the reservoir 17a and opens the path on the side of the first drain 17b. When the three-way valve 232 is energized, the three-way valve 232 closes the path on the side of the first drainage channel 17b and opens the path on the side of the water storage channel 17a.

The water tank 229 and the outer tank 1 are communicated by a water channel 230 . The water channel 230 is provided with a water supply pump 231 for supplying the water in the water tank 229 to the outer tank 1 .

A drain port (not shown) is formed in the inner bottom of the water tank 229 . The drain port is connected to a second drain channel 17c (see FIG. 12) that communicates with the water tank 229 and the outside. A drain valve 233 (see FIG. 12) is provided in the second drain channel 17c.

The configuration of the centrifugal separator 221 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 11 .

A separating portion 221i and a separating water channel 221p connected to the separating portion 221i are provided in the case 221a of the centrifugal separator. The separation portion 221i is supported and fixed by a support member (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral surface of the case 221a. The separation channel 221p is connected to the first drainage channel 17b, as shown in FIG. The separation water channel 221p is provided near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 221b. In FIG. 11, the opening 221j of the separating portion 221i to which the separating water channel 221p is connected is located above the rotating cylinder outlet 221f.

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.

[3-2. Operation/Action]
The operation and effect of the above configuration will be described.

After completion of the rinsing process, the controller 22 (see FIG. 2) opens the drain valve 18 while operating the rotary cylinder motor 21c of the centrifugal separator 221 to rotate the rotary cylinder 221b. When the drain valve 18 is opened, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows in the direction of the arrow G1 through the water supply channel 19 and the drain channel 17 and flows into the centrifugal separator 221 . The washing water that has flowed into the centrifugal separator 221 flows into the rotating cylinder 221b from the rotating cylinder inlet 21e, and flows through the rotating cylinder 221b while rotating. It is pressed against the surface 21d.

In addition, since the light foreign matter contained in the washing water is hardly affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 221b. The lightweight foreign matter collected near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder 221b flows into the separating water passage 221p from the opening 221j of the separating portion 221i. The wash water that has flowed into the separation water channel 221p is drained to the outside of the housing 2 via the first drainage channel 17b. Washing water that has not flowed into the separation water channel 221p from the opening 221j of the separation part 221i flows into the water tank 229 or is drained from the case outlet 21h through the three-way valve 232.

As described above, when the washing water flows through the centrifugal separator 221, heavy foreign matter such as mud and light foreign matter such as sebum contained in the washing water can be centrifuged. The washing water that passes through the washing water is in a clean state from which foreign substances such as dirt and sebum are separated.

Also, during water discharge, the controller 22 energizes the three-way valve 232 until a predetermined period of time elapses. As described above, when the three-way valve 232 is energized, the three-way valve 232 opens the path on the water reservoir 17a side. 229 and is stored in the water tank 229 .

After a predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 22 stops energizing the three-way valve 232 . When the three-way valve 232 is not energized, the three-way valve 232 opens the path on the side of the first drainage channel 17b, so that the washing water that has passed through the centrifugal separator 221 is drained to the outside of the housing 2. .

By the above control, the centrifugally separated relatively clean washing water can be stored in the water tank 229, and the contaminants separated in the centrifugal separator 221 can be drained.

The time during which the three-way valve 232 is energized is determined by the water level in the water tank 229, the water level in the outer tank 1, and the like. With the above configuration, the required amount of water can be stored in the water tank 229 .

When the next washing is started, the controller 22 drives the water supply pump 231 . As a result, the washing water stored in the water tank 229 flows through the water channel 230 in the direction of the arrow G2 under water pressure, so that the water can be supplied into the outer tub 1 . As a result, the amount of tap water to be supplied from the faucet 13a can be reduced, so that a water-saving effect can be obtained.

When draining the water in the water tank 229 , the controller 22 opens the drain valve 233 . By opening the drain valve 233, the water in the water tank flows through the second drain channel 17c and is drained.

In addition, it is preferable to provide the water tank 229 with a structure for sterilizing the stored washing water and suppressing the propagation of bacteria. As a configuration for sterilizing the washing water, for example, a method of providing an ozone generator to emit ozone to sterilize, a method of providing an adsorbent that adsorbs and removes sebum components from the washing water, and a method of irradiating with ultraviolet rays. and the like. With such a configuration, even when the water is stored in the water tank 229 for a long period of time, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like. Further, it is also possible to combine the constituent elements described in the first to third embodiments to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

In the first to third embodiments, one of the case inlets 21g, 121g and the case outlets 21h, 121h is formed on the peripheral surface of the cases 21a, 121a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the case inlets 21g and 121g may be formed on the bottom surfaces of the cases 21a and 121a, and the case outlets 21h and 121h may be formed on the upper surfaces of the cases 21a and 121a. With this configuration, the direction of flow into the cases 21a and 121a matches the direction of flow out of the cases 21a and 121a, so the resistance of the water flow when flowing through the cases 21a and 121a can be reduced, and the force of the water flow can be increased. can be maintained.

In the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the rotating cylinders 21b and 121b are rotated by the rotating cylinder motors 21c and 121c has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotating cylinders 21b and 121b may be provided with feather-shaped water receiving portions, and the water flowing into the rotating cylinders 21b and 121b may rotate the water receiving portions, thereby rotating the rotating cylinders. Such a configuration eliminates the need for a driving unit, so that the centrifugal separator can be configured at low cost.

In the first to third embodiments, a holding member may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinders 21b, 121b to hold foreign matter in the rotary cylinders 21b, 121b. The holding member is, for example, a mesh filter or the like. With such a configuration, when the rotation speed of the rotary cylinders 21b and 121b is reduced and the foreign matter sticking to the inner peripheral surfaces of the rotary cylinders 21b and 121b is less affected by the centrifugal force. However, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter from floating in the rotary cylinders 21b, 121b, flowing through the water pipes 19, 119 from the case outlets 21h, 121h, and being discharged into the washing tub 4.

In the third embodiment, the rinsing water is centrifuged by the centrifugal separator 221, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be configured such that the water is centrifuged at 221 and stored in a water tank 229 . With such a configuration, washing water containing a large amount of detergent components can be stored in the water tank 229 and used for the next washing, so that the washing effect can be improved at the next washing.

In the third embodiment, as an example of the water tank 229, the structure arranged on the back surface inside the housing 2 has been described. The water tank 229 may be provided at any position as long as it is configured to store the drained washing water. For example, it may be provided in the lower part of the outer tub 1 or may be provided outside the housing 2 .

Also, the centrifugal separators 21, 121, and 221 shown in the first to third embodiments may be combined to form a washing machine. For example, the water supply channel 19 may be provided with the centrifugal separator 21 or the centrifugal separator 121 and the drain channel 17 may be provided with the centrifugal separator 221 . With such a configuration, it is possible to remove dirt substances from the wash water during washing and rinsing, thereby improving the washing effect. In addition, dirt contained in the used washing water can be removed and the water can be stored in a water tank and reused for the next washing, so a water-saving effect can be obtained.

In the first to third embodiments, the configuration in which the centrifugal separators 21, 121, 221 are provided in the water supply channels 19, 119 or the drainage channel 17 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the water supply channel 13b It is good also as a structure which provides a centrifugal separator. With this configuration, it is possible to separate dirt, iron rust, and the like from the supplied water, so that the centrifugal separator 21 and the At 121, 221, dirt matter can be removed and clean water can be supplied. Moreover, the centrifugal separators 21, 121, and 221 may be detachable so that the user can maintain the centrifuge devices 21, 121, and 221 as necessary.

In the first to third embodiments, the configuration of the drum-type washing machine was described as an example of the washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a vertical washing machine.

Note that the embodiments described so far are for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of claims or equivalents thereof. .

As described above, the centrifugal separator in the first disclosure is provided in a water channel and configured to centrifuge water flowing in the water channel. In addition, a case constituting an outer shell, a case inlet formed in the case and connected to the water channel to allow water in the water channel to flow into the case, and a case inlet formed in the case to connect to the water channel and allow water in the case to flow out to the water channel. and a case outlet. a rotatable hollow rotating cylinder provided inside the case; a rotating cylinder inlet formed in the rotating cylinder for allowing water to flow into the rotating cylinder; a rotary tube outlet for flowing out to the outside. Furthermore, the direction in which the water flows through the inside of the rotating cylinder is aligned with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotation cylinder, and a separation mechanism is provided in the rotation cylinder at a position along the rotation axis for separating foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the rotation cylinder. department is provided.

With this configuration, the lightweight foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the water channel is less affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirl of the water, so it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder and passes through the separation section. The water that has flowed into the separation section flows out of the separation section through a small hole in the bottom of the separation section, but some of the foreign substances contained in the water remain in the bottom of the separation section without being drained from the small hole. As a result, lightweight foreign matter contained in water can be separated.

The centrifugal separator according to the second disclosure may be configured such that, particularly in the first disclosure, the separation unit is connected to a separation water channel that communicates with the outside of the rotating cylinder.

With this configuration, lightweight foreign matter can be efficiently separated from the water flowing through the centrifugal separator.

The centrifugal separation device according to the third disclosure may be configured, particularly, according to the second disclosure, in which the lint filter is arranged in the water channel and the separating water channel is connected upstream of the lint filter in the water channel.

With this configuration, lightweight foreign matter can be efficiently separated from the water flowing through the centrifugal separator.

The centrifugal separation device according to the fourth disclosure may be configured to hold the foreign matter centrifuged in the rotary barrel on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary barrel, particularly in the first disclosure.

With this configuration, when the water flows through the rotating cylinder while rotating around the rotating shaft, the heavy foreign matters contained in the water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder by centrifugal force. Therefore, heavy contaminants contained in water are separated from the water.

The centrifugal separation device in the fifth disclosure may be configured to hold the foreign matter centrifuged in the rotary barrel on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary barrel, particularly in the second disclosure.

With this configuration, when the water flows through the rotating cylinder while rotating around the rotating shaft, the heavy foreign matters contained in the water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder by centrifugal force. Therefore, heavy contaminants contained in water are separated from the water.

The centrifugal separation device in the sixth disclosure may be configured to hold the foreign matter centrifuged in the rotary barrel on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary barrel, particularly in the third disclosure.

With this configuration, when the water flows through the rotating cylinder while rotating around the rotating shaft, the heavy foreign matters contained in the water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder by centrifugal force. Therefore, heavy contaminants contained in water are separated from the water.

The washing machine according to the seventh disclosure is particularly equipped with the centrifugal separation device according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, and includes a housing, an outer tub elastically supported in the housing, and a rotation inside the outer tub. A washing tub that can be provided, a motor that rotates the washing tub, a water passage that circulates the washing water in the outer tub, and a circulation pump that is provided in the water passage and circulates the washing water. good. Further, it may be configured to include a controller that controls motors, pumps, etc. to sequentially control each step of washing, rinsing, spin-drying, etc., and executes the washing operation.

With this configuration, when the washing water flows through the rotating cylinder while rotating around the rotating shaft, the heavy foreign matters contained in the washing water are directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder by centrifugal force. Therefore, the heavy foreign matter contained in the washing water is separated from the washing water, and the reattachment of the soiled substances to the laundry can be suppressed.

In addition, since the light-weight foreign matter contained in the washing water is hardly affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder and accumulates at the bottom of the separating section. Alternatively, the lightweight contaminants are separated from the wash water by passing through a separation channel connected to the separation unit and communicating with the outside. Alternatively, the lightweight foreign matter passes through the separation water channel connected to the separation unit and flows again into the water channel on the upstream side of the lint filter. Here, light foreign matters such as sebum are collected and adhered to each other, so that they are easily caught by the lint filter.

As a result, heavy and light foreign matter contained in the washing water can be removed from the washing water, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

The washing machine of the eighth disclosure, particularly the washing machine of the seventh disclosure, may be configured such that the controller operates the pump during the rinsing process.

This configuration facilitates rinsing by removing detergent-rich suds.

The washing machine according to the ninth disclosure is particularly equipped with the centrifugal separator according to the second or fourth disclosure, a housing, an outer tub elastically supported in the housing and having a drain port at the bottom, and an outer tub A washing tub rotatably provided inside, a motor for rotationally driving the washing tub, and a drainage channel connected to a drain port for draining the washing water in the outer tub may be provided.

With this configuration, the washing water that has flowed into the centrifugal separator circulates and flows through the rotating cylinder, so that heavy foreign matter contained in the washing water is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder. In addition, since the light foreign matter contained in the washing water is hardly affected by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the washing water, it gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder. Lightweight foreign matter collected near the rotating shaft of the rotary cylinder flows into the separation water channel. As a result, the washing water that has passed through the centrifugal separator is in a clean state, with foreign substances such as dirt and sebum separated from it.

The washing machine according to the tenth disclosure, particularly the washing machine according to the ninth disclosure, may comprise a water tank connected to the drainage channel, and may be configured to reuse the washing water in the water tank for the next washing.

With this configuration, the stored water can be reused for the next washing, so a water-saving effect can be obtained.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can separate and purify foreign substances such as dirt substances from washing water that has been soiled by washing, and suppresses the reattachment of the separated dirt substances to the laundry. Since the cleaning effect can be enhanced, it is useful as a washing machine.

1 Outer Tub 2 Housing 4 Washing Tub 10 Motor 17 Drainage Channel 17a Water Reservoir 17b First Drainage Channel 17c Second Drainage Channel 19, 119 Water Supply Channel 20 Circulation Pump 21, 121, 221 Centrifugal Separator 21a, 121a, 221a Cases 21b, 121b, 221b Rotary cylinders 21c, 121c Rotary cylinder motors 21d, 121d Inner peripheral surfaces 21e, 121e Rotary cylinder inlets 21f, 121f, 221f Rotary cylinder outlets 21g, 121g Case inlets 21h, 121h Case outlets 21i, 121i, 221i Separation Part 22 Controller 230 Waterway 21m Shaft 121n, 221p Separation waterway 229 Water tank

Claims (5)

A centrifugal separation device provided in a water channel for centrifuging foreign substances contained in water flowing through the water channel,
a case forming an outer shell;
a case inlet formed in the case and connected to the water channel to allow water from the water channel to flow into the case;
a case outlet formed in the case and connected to the water channel to allow water in the case to flow out to the water channel;
a rotatable hollow rotating cylinder provided inside the case;
a rotating cylinder inlet formed in the rotating cylinder for allowing water to flow into the rotating cylinder;
a rotating cylinder outlet formed in the rotating cylinder for causing water in the rotating cylinder to flow out of the rotating cylinder,
the direction in which the water flows through the rotating cylinder coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder;
The rotating cylinder has an inner peripheral surface for holding heavy foreign matter separated from the flow-through toward the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder, and
In the rotating cylinder, a separating part for separating light foreign matters collected near the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder without being affected by the centrifugal force is provided in the rotating cylinder. is provided near the center including the rotation axis so that the
The separation unit stores the separated lightweight foreign matter,
Centrifuge. A washing machine comprising the centrifugal separator according to claim 1,
a housing;
an outer tank elastically supported in the housing;
a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub;
a motor that rotates the washing tub;
a water channel for circulating the washing water in the outer tub,
a circulation pump for circulating the washing water and a centrifugal separation device for centrifuging foreign matter contained in the washing water in the water supply path;
A controller that controls the motor and the circulation pump to sequentially control each step including washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and executes a washing operation;
Washing machine. a housing;
an outer tank elastically supported in the housing;
a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub;
a motor that rotates the washing tub;
a water channel for circulating the washing water in the outer tub,
a circulation pump for circulating the wash water; a centrifugal separator for centrifugally separating foreign substances contained in the wash water; and a lint filter in the water passage,
A washing machine comprising a controller that controls the motor and the circulation pump to sequentially control each process including washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, and executes a washing operation,
The centrifugal separator is
a case forming an outer shell;
a case inlet formed in the case and connected to the water channel to allow water from the water channel to flow into the case;
a case outlet formed in the case and connected to the water channel to allow water in the case to flow out to the water channel;
a rotatable hollow rotating cylinder provided inside the case;
a rotating cylinder inlet formed in the rotating cylinder for allowing water to flow into the rotating cylinder;
a rotating cylinder outlet formed in the rotating cylinder for causing water in the rotating cylinder to flow out of the rotating cylinder,
the direction in which the water flows through the rotating cylinder coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder;
The rotating cylinder has an inner peripheral surface for holding heavy foreign matter separated from the flow-through toward the outer peripheral side by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder, and
A separation unit is provided in the rotating cylinder at a position along the rotating shaft for separating light-weight foreign matter from the foreign matter that gathers near the rotating shaft of the rotating barrel without being affected by the centrifugal force,
One end of the separation water channel communicating with the outside of the rotary cylinder is connected to the separation unit, and the other end of the separation water channel is connected to the water supply channel on the upstream side of the lint filter.
Washing machine. The controller operates the circulation pump during the rinsing process.
The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3. The foreign matter collected in the centrifugal separator is configured to be discharged to the outside of the washing machine during drainage along with the flow of the washing water flowing through the water passage in a direction opposite to that during circulation.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2-4.

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