JP7308388B2 - Centrifugal separator and washing machine equipped with the centrifugal separator - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a centrifugal separation device that centrifuges foreign substances contained in inflowing water, and a washing machine equipped with the centrifugal separation device.

In a conventional washing machine equipped with a centrifugal separator, impurities such as dirt and lint released from the laundry during washing are separated from the washing water to purify the washing water, and the separated foreign matter is washed. It is considered to prevent reattachment to objects (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 , a cyclone separator 54 is provided in a bath water supply passage 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, the water in the drum 56 is introduced into the cyclone separator 54 through the connection pipe 57 . A cyclone separator 54 then removes impurities such as dirt and lint loose from the laundry. 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 .

In addition, in a so-called vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the washing tub is set in the vertical direction, it is considered to separate lint and solid substances mixed in the washing water with a cyclone lint separator (for example, , see Patent Document 2).

Foreign substances contained in the washing water include fine substances and substances having a specific gravity lighter than water, such as sebum separated from the laundry. However, it is difficult to separate these with a hydrocyclone device. Moreover, even if the foreign matter can be separated, it is difficult to retain the separated foreign matter inside the liquid cyclone device in order to prevent it from being re-mixed into the circulating washing water.

Further, when separating foreign matters by a hydrocyclone device, it is generally necessary to discard part of the liquid to be treated by the hydrocyclone device during operation of the hydrocyclone device. Therefore, when washing water is purified using a liquid cyclone device, the amount of washing water decreases during washing. Therefore, replenishment water is required during washing in order to maintain an appropriate amount of washing water supplied according to the amount of laundry when the washing operation is started. Therefore, the amount of water used during the washing operation increases.

Here, in the washing machine, it is conceivable to provide a centrifugal separation part in the circulation path of the washing water, and apply a centrifugal force to the washing water containing the foreign matter, thereby centrifuging the foreign matter and separating the foreign matter from the washing water. be done.

However, even in such a configuration in which the centrifugal separation section is provided, if the foreign matter is highly viscous, the foreign matter may not be separated from the centrifugal separation section and discharged to the outside of the washing machine.

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

The centrifugal separation device of the present disclosure includes a case, a rotating cylinder provided in the case so as to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and having a water inlet for inflowing water and a water outlet for outflowing water; and a driving unit that rotates the rotating cylinder in a first direction and a second direction, and when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the first direction, the substances to be removed contained in the water are centrifuged. It is configured such that when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the second direction toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder, centrifugal separation of substances to be removed contained in water is not performed.

With this configuration, when the rotating shell is rotated in the first direction, foreign matter contained in the inflowing water can be separated by centrifugal separation and deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating shell. Further, when the foreign matters are discharged from the centrifugal separator, by rotating the rotary tube in the second direction, the foreign matters deposited on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary tube can be efficiently discharged.

Further, the washing machine of the present disclosure includes a washing tub containing laundry and washing water, the above-described centrifugal separator, a first water supply channel for causing the washing water in the washing tub to flow into the centrifugal separator, A second water supply path that allows washing water to flow into the laundry from a first outlet provided in the centrifugal separator, and a second outlet provided in the centrifugal separator to discharge the washing water out of the washing machine. a drainage channel;

With this configuration, by rotating the rotating cylinder in the first direction, foreign matter in the washing water can be separated while circulating the washing water. Further, by rotating the rotating cylinder in the second direction, the separated foreign matter can be discharged when the washing water is drained.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a centrifugal separator according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal separator of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal separator of FIG. 1 taken along line BB. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine.

A centrifugal separation device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, and a water inlet that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction in the case, and has a water inlet that allows water to flow in and a water outlet that allows water to flow out. A rotating cylinder and a driving unit for rotating and driving the rotating cylinder in a first direction and a second direction are provided, and when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the first direction, the object to be removed contained in the water is removed. The centrifugal separation is directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder, and when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the second direction, the centrifugal separation of the removal target contained in the water is not performed. .

With this configuration, by rotating the rotating cylinder in the first direction, foreign matter having a higher specific gravity than the water contained in the inflowing water gathers near the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder due to the action of the centrifugal force caused by the swirling water. . Therefore, foreign matter can be separated from water. Further, by rotating the rotary barrel in the second direction, foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the rotary barrel can be removed. Therefore, by switching the direction of rotation of the rotary tube, the foreign matter accumulated in the rotary tube can be easily discharged to the outside of the centrifugal separator.

A centrifugal separation device according to another aspect of the present disclosure may have a configuration in which projections are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder, and the projections have an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder.

With this configuration, the state of the water in the rotating barrel changes depending on whether the rotating barrel is rotated in the first direction or in the second direction. Therefore, by switching the rotation direction of the rotating cylinder, it is possible to perform centrifugal separation of the foreign matter and discharge of the centrifuged foreign matter.

A centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure is configured such that the area of the portion of the surface of the protrusion facing the first direction and the area of the portion facing the second direction are different. may

With this configuration, the state of the water in the rotary cylinder changes depending on whether it is rotated in the first direction or in the second direction. Therefore, by switching the rotation direction of the rotating cylinder, it is possible to perform centrifugal separation of the foreign matter and discharge of the centrifuged foreign matter.

A centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that the area of the portion of the surface of the protrusion facing the second direction is larger than the area of the portion facing the first direction.

With this configuration, when the rotary tube is rotated in the first direction, a laminar flow is generated along the inner peripheral surface of the rotary tube. Therefore, foreign matter can be effectively separated by centrifugal force. Further, when the rotating barrel is rotated in the second direction, turbulent flow is generated in the rotating barrel and the water is agitated. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively remove the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder.

A centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that a portion of the surface of the protrusion facing the first direction is recessed in the first direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively generate turbulence in the rotating barrel when the rotating barrel is rotated in the second direction.

In a centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the protrusion may be composed of a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged substantially evenly on the circumference of the inner peripheral surface when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the rotary cylinder.

With this configuration, when the rotary tube is rotated in the first direction, a uniform swirling flow can be generated in the rotary tube, and foreign matter can be effectively centrifuged.

A centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that the direction from the water inlet to the water outlet of the rotating shell substantially coincides with the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotating shell.

With this configuration, when the rotary tube is rotated in the first direction, a uniform swirling flow can be generated in the rotary tube, and foreign matter can be effectively centrifuged.

A centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure may further include a pump section having an impeller downstream of the rotating cylinder. The pump portion has a first discharge port from which water is discharged when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the first direction, and a second discharge port from which water is discharged when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the second direction. 2 outlets may be provided.

With this configuration, the water in the centrifugal separator can be transferred by the pump action of the impeller rotating in the pump section. Therefore, purified water can be supplied to the first outlet while separating foreign substances from the water flowing into the centrifugal separator. Moreover, the water containing the foreign matter can be discharged from the second discharge port while removing the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separator and mixing the foreign matter with the water again. As a result, the need for cleaning the inside of the centrifugal separator can be reduced, and the water transfer performance of the centrifugal separator can be maintained for a long period of time.

In a centrifugal separator according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first discharge port and the second discharge port may be provided to the sides of the pump section.

With this configuration, water can be smoothly discharged from the first discharge port and the second discharge port.

A washing machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a washing tub in which laundry and washing water are stored, a centrifugal separator, a first water supply channel for causing the washing water in the washing tub to flow into the centrifugal separator, A second water supply channel for flowing the washing water into the washing tub from the first outlet of the centrifugal separator, and a drain channel for discharging the washing water from the second outlet of the centrifugal separator to the outside of the washing machine. Prepare.

With this configuration, during washing or rinsing, foreign matter can be removed while washing water is circulated between the washing tub and the centrifugal separator by rotating the rotating cylinder of the centrifugal separator in the first direction. can. Further, when the washing water is drained, the washing water in the washing tub is discharged out of the washing machine by rotating the rotating cylinder in the second direction, and at the same time, the foreign substances accumulated in the centrifugal separator are removed from the washing machine together with the washing water. can be discharged outside.

In a washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the centrifugal separator further includes a swirling flow generating section upstream of the rotating cylinder, and the first water supply path is a water supply connection provided on a side surface of the swirling flow generating section. may be connected to the

With this configuration, a swirling component is imparted to the water flowing into the rotating shell, so that the swirling flow generated within the rotating shell can be made faster and more powerful.

Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to maximize the effect of separating foreign matter by the swirling flow in the centrifugal separator, and realize a washing machine with excellent washing performance and rinsing performance.

A centrifugal separation device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, and a water inlet that allows water to flow in and a water outlet that allows water to flow out. a driving unit that rotates the rotating cylinder in a first direction and a second direction; and a protrusion that is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder and has an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder. And prepare. Furthermore, a pump section having an impeller is provided downstream of the rotary cylinder, and the pump section has a first discharge port through which water is discharged when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the first direction, and a second and a second outlet through which water is spouted when rotated in the direction of .

With this configuration, the state of the water flow in the rotating barrel can be made different between when the rotating barrel is rotated in the first direction and when it is rotated in the second direction. Therefore, by switching the direction of rotation of the rotary barrel, it is possible to switch between the operation of centrifuging foreign matter contained in water and the operation of removing foreign matter accumulated in the rotary barrel. With this configuration, the water in the centrifugal separator can be transferred by the pump action of the impeller rotating in the pump section. Therefore, purified water can be supplied to the first outlet while separating foreign substances from the water flowing into the centrifugal separator. Moreover, the water containing the foreign matter can be discharged from the second discharge port while removing the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separator and mixing the foreign matter with the water again. As a result, the need for cleaning the inside of the centrifugal separator can be reduced, and the water transfer performance of the centrifugal separator can be maintained for a long period of time.

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)
[1-1. Configuration of Centrifugal Separator]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a centrifugal separator according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal separator of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifugal separator of FIG. 1 taken along line BB.

As shown in FIG. 1, the centrifugal separator 21 includes a case 21a, a hollow rotating cylinder 21b rotatably provided in the case 21a, and a rotating cylinder motor (rotating cylinder motor) that rotates the rotating cylinder 21b around a rotating shaft 21g. drive unit) 21c. In addition, the centrifugal separator 21 has a water inlet 21e that allows water to flow into the rotating cylinder 21b, and a water outlet 21f that allows water to flow out of the rotating cylinder 21b.

The rotating barrel motor 21c rotates the rotating barrel 21b in both a first rotating direction (first direction) and a second rotating direction (second direction) opposite to the first rotating direction. rotationally driven.

Further, in the example of the centrifugal separator 21 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pump chamber (pump section) 44 having an impeller 43 is provided. The pump chamber 44 has a first discharge port 41 and a second discharge port 42, which are discharge ports for water from the centrifugal separator 21 (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 1, the water inlet 21e and the water outlet 21f of the rotating shell 21b are arranged so that the direction in which water passes through the rotating shell 21b substantially coincides with the direction of the rotating shaft 21g of the rotating shell 21b. It is As a result, when the rotary tube 21b is rotated in the first direction, a uniform swirling flow can be generated in the rotary tube 21b, and foreign matter can be effectively centrifuged.

As an example, the case where the centrifugal separator 21 is configured such that the water inlet 21e of the rotating cylinder 21b is positioned downward and the rotating shaft 21g of the rotating cylinder 21b is positioned vertically will be described. The water inlet 21e and the water outlet 21f are provided substantially at the center of the bottom and top surfaces of the rotary cylinder 21b, respectively. The water outlet 21f is located directly above the water inlet 21e, and the direction of the line connecting the centers of the water inlet 21e and the water outlet 21f substantially coincides with the direction of the rotating shaft 21g of the rotary cylinder 21b.

The water inlet 21e is provided substantially at the center of the bottom surface of the rotary cylinder 21b. The water inlet 21e may be formed by providing a plurality of (for example, four) slit-shaped holes on the outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft 21g of the rotating cylinder 21b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pump chamber 44 is provided downstream of the rotary cylinder 21b. The pump chamber 44 communicates with the rotary cylinder 21b and is formed integrally with the case 21a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pump chamber 44 is provided with a first discharge port 41 and a second discharge port 42 . When the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction, water is discharged from the first discharge port 41 and the second discharge port 42 is rotated in the second direction. Water is ejected from the second ejection port 42 at the time. Also, the first discharge port 41 and the second discharge port 42 are provided sideways of the pump chamber 44 . That is, the first discharge port 41 and the second discharge port 42 are configured to discharge water along the tangential direction of the outer periphery of the pump chamber 44 .

Specifically, the angle formed by the first direction (tangential direction T1) in the first ejection port 41 and the direction (W1) in which water is ejected from the first ejection port 41 is an acute angle. On the other hand, the angle between the first direction (tangential direction T2) in the second outlet 42 and the direction (W2) in which water is discharged from the second outlet 42 is an obtuse angle. Similarly, the angle formed by the second direction (tangential direction T3) in the second outlet 42 and the direction (W2) in which water is discharged from the second outlet 42 is an acute angle. On the other hand, the angle formed by the second direction (tangential direction T4) in the first ejection port 41 and the direction (W1) in which water is ejected from the first ejection port 41 is an obtuse angle. As a result, water is smoothly discharged from the first discharge port 41 when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction. Further, when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction, water is smoothly discharged from the second discharge port 42. As shown in FIG.

In addition, the first discharge port 41 and the second discharge port 42 are arranged at positions within 90° on the circumference of the pump portion 44 in plan view. As a result, since the first discharge port 41 and the second discharge port 42 are arranged close to each other, when the centrifugal separation device 21 is incorporated into a device, the positions of pipes and the like can be put together, and the device can be saved. Spatialization can be realized.

An impeller 43 is arranged in the pump chamber 44 . As shown in FIG. 2, the impeller 43 is composed of a plurality of (for example, four) plate-like blades. The impeller 43 is rotated together with the rotary cylinder 21b. For example, the impeller 43 is made of the same member as the rotary barrel 21b, or is made of a separate member from the rotary barrel 21b and is fixed to the rotary barrel 21b. As a result, the impeller 43 rotates with the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the swirling flow generating portion 21h is provided on the water inflow side of the water inlet 21e. In the swirling flow generating portion 21h, similarly to the second outlet 42, the water supply connection portion 21i is provided on the side surface of the swirling flow generating portion 21h. Specifically, the water supply connection portion 21i is provided at a position biased to the side of the swirl flow generation portion 21h. That is, the water supply connection portion 21i is configured such that water flows in along the tangential direction of the outer circumference of the swirl flow generation portion 21h when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction. The outer shell of the swirling flow generating portion 21h is formed of the same member as the case 21a, or formed of a separate member from the case 21a and fixed to the case 21a, thereby being integrally formed with the case 21a.

As shown in FIG. 3, a protrusion 21j is provided on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b. The projecting body 21j protrudes toward the inside of the rotating cylinder 21b from the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b. In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 21j (eg, three) are provided.

The protrusion 21j has an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the rotary cylinder 21b. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 21j has an area facing the first direction (the direction of the solid line arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3) and an area facing the second direction (the direction opposite to the solid line arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3). are configured so that the areas facing the That is, the area of the portion (S1) facing the first direction and the area of the portion (S2) facing the second direction on the surface (S) of the protrusion 21j are different. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the area of S2 is larger than the area of S1. In other words, in the example of FIG. 3, it can be said that the projected area of S2 onto the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary barrel 21b is larger than the projected area of S1 onto the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary barrel 21b.

As described above, on the surface S of the protrusion 21j, the area of the portion S2 facing the second direction is large. Not greatly disturbed by body 21j. Therefore, when the rotating barrel 21b is rotated in the first direction, a stratified water flow is formed along the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating barrel 21b. That is, along with the rotation of the rotary tube 21b, a rotating flow (swirling flow) is formed along the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary tube 21b.

On the other hand, when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction (opposite direction of the arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3), the area of the portion S1 facing the first direction on the surface S of the protrusion 21j is is small, the water in the rotary shell 21b is disturbed by the rotation of the rotary shell 21b to form a turbulent flow.

That is, the state of the water in the rotary barrel 21b differs between when the rotary barrel 21b is rotated in the first direction and when it is rotated in the second direction.

In other words, the protrusions 21j are arranged so that the resistance received from the water in the rotating barrel 21b differs depending on whether the rotating barrel 21b is rotated in the first direction or in the second direction. It is configured. The resistance force that the protrusion 21j receives from water when it is rotated in the first direction is smaller than the resistance force when it is rotated in the second direction.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion S1 of the surface S of the protrusion 21j facing the first direction may be recessed in the first direction. As a result, when the rotating barrel 21b is rotated in the second direction, the resistance that the water receives from the protrusions 21j increases, and the water in the rotating barrel 21b is greatly disturbed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of protrusions 21j may be arranged substantially evenly on the circumference of the inner peripheral surface 21d when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the rotary cylinder 21b. As a result, when the rotary tube 21b is rotated in the first direction, a uniform swirling flow can be generated in the rotary tube 21b, and foreign matter can be effectively centrifuged.

[1-2. motion]
The operation of the centrifugal separator 21 configured as above will be described.

When the rotating cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 are rotated in the first direction, for example, at about 4000 rpm while water is in the centrifugal separator 21, the pump action caused by the rotation of the impeller 43 causes the water to flow out of the first discharge port 41. is discharged. By continuing the rotation in the first direction, raw water, which is water before being centrifuged, is supplied to the water inlet 21e through the swirling flow generating portion 21h. As a result, water can continue to flow inside the centrifugal separator 21 .

At this time, water flows into the swirling flow generating portion 21h from the water supply connection portion 21i so as to generate a swirling flow in the same swirling direction as the first direction. As a result, a swirling component in the same swirling direction as the first direction is imparted to the water flowing into the rotary cylinder 21b. Therefore, a high-speed swirl flow can be more easily generated in the rotary cylinder 21b, and the swirl flow can be made stronger.

In the centrifugal separator 21, the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b in the first direction forms a water flow (swirling flow) that rotates at a higher speed. As a result, the water that has flowed into the centrifugal separator 21 is subjected to centrifugal force while passing through the rotating cylinder 21b, and foreign matter heavier than the water contained in the raw water is accumulated on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b. . That is, foreign matter contained in the raw water is centrifuged. As a result, the water discharged from the first discharge port 41 becomes water from which the foreign substances are separated and removed.

The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 21d centered on the rotating shaft 21g of the rotary cylinder 21b is larger than the maximum diameter of the water inlet 21e and the water outlet 21f. As a result, the centrifugally separated foreign matter is held on the inner peripheral surface 21d with stronger centrifugal force. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter separated by the centrifugal force from being drawn into the water flow passing while rotating in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 21g and being mixed again with the water discharged from the first discharge port 41.例文帳に追加

Here, when the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b is stopped, the foreign matter centrifugally separated by the action of the swirling flow described above separates from the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b and is dispersed in the water. Therefore, when the water in the centrifugal separator 21 is drained in this state, the foreign substances are also drained together with the water. However, if the amount of foreign matter is large, or if the foreign matter is sticky, the foreign matter may adhere and accumulate on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b. In such a case, it is necessary to remove the foreign matter deposited on the rotary cylinder 21b.

In the present embodiment, when the rotary cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 are rotated in the second direction (opposite direction of the solid-line arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3), the rotation of the impeller 43 causes the pump action to open the second discharge port 42. water is discharged from By continuing to supply raw water to the water inlet 21e and continuing to rotate in the second direction, water can continue to flow into the centrifugal separator 21. FIG. Inside the centrifugal separator 21, the rotating cylinder 21b rotates, and turbulent flow occurs in the rotating cylinder 21b due to the structure of the projections 21j (see FIG. 3) on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b. It is formed. As a result, the water that has flowed into the centrifugal separator 21 is not subjected to centrifugal force, and the foreign substances contained in the raw water are discharged together with the water from the second discharge port 42 as they are. Further, even if foreign matter adheres to the inner peripheral surface 21d or the like due to centrifugal separation of the foreign matter by rotating the rotary tube 21b in the first direction, a turbulent flow is formed in the rotary tube 21b. By doing so, the foreign matter is separated from the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary tube 21b and the like, and the foreign matter can be efficiently removed from the inside of the rotary tube 21b.

Further, at this time, water flows from the water supply connection portion 21i into the swirling flow generating portion 21h so as to generate a swirling flow in a direction opposite to the second direction. As a result, when the rotating shell 21b is rotated in the second direction, turbulent flow is generated more effectively in the rotating shell 21b, thereby further removing the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating shell 21b. can be effectively removed.

Note that even when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction, there is a possibility that a weak swirling flow is generated and foreign matter is centrifugally separated from the water passing through the rotary cylinder 21b. However, even in such a case, the amount of foreign matter centrifuged when the rotary barrel 21b is rotated in the first direction is greater than the amount of foreign matter that is centrifuged when the rotary barrel 21b is rotated in the second direction. The amount of foreign matter that is exposed is greater. Further, when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction, the foreign matter is separated by the turbulent flow, which acts on the water in the rotary cylinder 21b more than the foreign matter is centrifugally separated by the weak swirling flow. a large percentage of

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, the centrifugal separator 21 according to the present embodiment includes a case 21a that forms an outer shell, a hollow rotary cylinder 21b that is rotatably provided in the case 21a, and water that flows into the rotary cylinder 21b. Equipped with an inlet 21e, a water outlet 21f for discharging water from the rotary cylinder 21b, and a rotary cylinder motor 21c (driving section) for selectively rotating and driving the rotary cylinder 21b in both of the first direction and the second direction. . Further, the water inlet 21e and the water outlet 21f are disposed so that the direction in which water passes through the rotating shell 21b substantially coincides with the direction of the rotating shaft 21g of the rotating shell 21b. When rotating in the first direction, foreign matter contained in the water is centrifuged and directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b, and when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction, It is configured so that the contained foreign matter is not centrifuged.

With this configuration, when the rotary barrel 21b is rotated in the first direction, foreign matter contained in the water flowing into the rotary barrel 21b and having a higher specific gravity than the water is removed from the rotary barrel 21b by the action of the centrifugal force caused by the swirling of the water. Since the foreign substances gather near the inner peripheral surface 21d, the foreign substances can be separated from the water. When the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b is stopped, the foreign matters are separated from the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary tube 21b and dispersed in the water. Therefore, when the water in the centrifugal separator 21 is drained in this state, the foreign matters are also discharged at the same time. . However, if the amount of foreign matter is large or sticky, the foreign matter may adhere to the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary barrel 21b. In this case, when rotating the rotary shell 21b in the second direction, the water in the rotary shell 21b is agitated, so that the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary shell 21b can be effectively removed. Also, foreign matter can be easily discharged out of the centrifugal separator 21 .

In addition, a plurality of protrusions 21j are provided on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b. The protrusion 21j is configured such that the area facing the first direction and the area facing the second direction are different.

With this configuration, when the rotating cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction, a laminar flow is generated along the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b, so that foreign matter can be separated more effectively by centrifugal force. can. Further, when the rotating cylinder 21b is rotated in the second direction, a turbulent flow is generated in the rotating cylinder 21b to agitate the water, thereby more effectively removing the foreign matters adhering to the inner peripheral surface 21d. can be done.

Further, the centrifugal separator 21 is provided with a swirling flow generating portion 21h that generates a swirling flow in the same swirling direction as the first direction on the water inflow side of the rotating cylinder 21b, and the water supply connection portion 21i into which water flows is swirling. It is provided on the side of the flow generator 21h.

With this configuration, a swirling component in the same swirling direction as the first direction can be imparted to the water flowing into the rotating tube 21b, making it easier to generate a high-speed swirling flow inside the rotating tube 21b, can be made powerful. As a result, foreign substances contained in the water flowing into the centrifugal separator 21 can be separated more effectively.

Further, the centrifugal separator 21 includes an impeller 43 that pumps water by rotating, and a pump chamber 44 that contains the impeller 43, on the outflow side of the water from the rotary cylinder 21b. The pump chamber 44 has a first discharge port 41 that communicates with the water outlet 21f of the rotary cylinder 21b and discharges water when the rotary cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction, and the rotary cylinder 21b is the second outlet. A second spout 42 is provided that spouts water when rotated in the opposite direction.

With this configuration, water can be transferred by the pumping action of the impeller 43 rotating within the pump chamber 44 . Further, by rotating the rotating cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 in the first direction, it is possible to remove foreign substances from the water flowing into the centrifugal separator 21 while supplying purified water to the first discharge port 41. can. On the other hand, by rotating the rotating cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 in the second direction, the foreign matter stored in the centrifugal separator 21 is removed and mixed with water again, and the foreign matter in the centrifugal separator 21 is removed. Contained water can be discharged from the second outlet 42 . As a result, it is possible to provide the centrifugal separator 21 that requires less cleaning of the interior of the centrifugal separator 21 and that can maintain water transfer performance over a long period of time.

In addition, in the present embodiment, a projection 21j is provided on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b. However, the configuration of the centrifugal separator 21 is not limited to this. For example, by controlling the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21b in the first direction and the second direction, the centrifugal separation and detachment of foreign matter may be switched. That is, the rotation speed may be increased when rotating the rotating barrel 21b in the first direction, and may be decreased when rotating in the second direction. Further, when detaching foreign matter from the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b, the direction of rotation may be switched between the first direction and the second direction in small steps.

(Embodiment 2)
Washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure is a washing machine equipped with centrifugal separator 21 similar to that of Embodiment 1 above. In addition, in the present embodiment, a drum-type washing machine will be described as an example of a washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, any washing machine that uses washing water to wash the laundry may be used. In other words, any configuration of washing, such as a configuration for pounding washing like a drum type washing machine, a configuration for agitation washing like a vertical washing machine, or a configuration for push washing or shower washing in a storage case It is also applicable to machines.

[2-1. Configuration of washing machine]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the washing machine 100 has an outer tub 3 and a rotating tub 4 rotatably provided in the outer tub 3 as the washing tub 1 . The washing machine 100 also has a motor 10 that drives the rotating tub 4 , a centrifugal separator 21 , and a controller 22 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer tub 3 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is elastically supported inside the housing 2 of the washing machine 100 by a plurality of suspension mechanisms.

The rotating tub 4 is arranged inside the outer tub 3 . Rotating tub 4 stores textile products such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as laundry 5) on the front side (left side in FIG. 4). The rotary tub 4 is provided with an inlet 6 formed in a substantially circular shape through which the laundry 5 is put in and taken out. An opening 3 a is provided on the front side of the outer tub 3 so as to face the inlet 6 of the rotating tub 4 .

A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 8 protruding inward and a large number of small holes 9 are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotary tub 4 . Inside the outer tub 3 , the inner side and the outer side of the rotating tub 4 are communicated through a small hole 9 .

The rotating tub 4 is rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 7 . Each of the outer tub 3, the rotating tub 4, and the rotating shaft 7 is provided with its front side inclined upward by an angle θ (for example, 20°) with respect to the horizontal.

The rotating tub 4 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions by a motor 10 provided at the rear portion of the outer tub 3 . The motor 10 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 unit 22, which will be described later.

The front surface of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 2a that faces the opening 3a of the outer tub 3 . The opening 2a is provided with a door 11 for opening and closing the opening 3a of the outer tub 3 through which the laundry 5 is put in and taken out. The opening 3a of the outer tub 3 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are airtightly connected with each other by a packing 12 having flexible elastic accordion-like shape.

A water supply port 13 for supplying washing water to the outer tub 3 and the rotating tub 4 is provided above the rear portion of the housing 2 . The water supply port 13 is connected to a water faucet 13a. A water supply valve 14 and a detergent case 15 are provided downstream of the water supply port 13 . The water supply valve 14 is driven to open and close by the control unit 22 to supply water and stop the water supply. The washing water (tap water) supplied from the water supply port 13 flows into the detergent case 15 as indicated by an arrow A, and flows into the outer tub 3 while dissolving the detergent put into the detergent case 15.例文帳に追加Thus, the washing water is contained in the washing tub 1. - 特許庁

As indicated by an arrow B, the detergent charging portion 15a of the detergent case 15 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the detergent case 15 toward the front side. Thereby, the user can easily put the detergent into the detergent case 15 .

A drain port 16 for discharging the washing water in the washing tub 1 is provided at the lower rear portion of the outer tub 3 .

[2-2. Configuration of centrifuge device]
The washing machine according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the centrifugal separator according to the first embodiment, and is equipped with a centrifugal separator 21 that operates and acts in the same manner.

In the present embodiment, the centrifugal separator 21 is arranged in the lower front part of the outer tank 3 so that the water inlet 21e of the rotating cylinder 21b is positioned downward and the rotating shaft 21g of the rotating cylinder 21b is in the vertical direction. It is

The drain port 16 and the centrifugal separator 21 are communicated and connected by a pipe-shaped flexible water supply channel (first water supply channel) 19 . One end of the water supply channel 19 is connected to the drain port 16 of the outer tank 3 , and the other end is connected to the swirling flow generating section 21 h of the centrifugal separator 21 . In the present embodiment, the water supply channel 19 is connected to a water supply connection portion 21i provided biased to the side of the swirling flow generating portion 21h and communicated with a water inlet 21e.

A first discharge port 41 of the centrifugal separator 21 is connected to the circulation path (second water supply path) 31 so as to return washing water into the outer tub 3 . A second outlet 42 of the centrifugal separator 21 is connected to the drainage channel 32 so as to discharge washing water to the outside of the washing machine.

In the centrifugal separator 21, when the rotating cylinder 21b is rotated in the first direction (the direction of the solid-line arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3) by the rotating cylinder motor 21c, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is rotated by the rotation of the impeller 43. By the pumping action of the water, it flows in the direction of arrow C through the water supply channel 19, the centrifugal separator 21, the first discharge port 41, and the circulation path 31 formed below the outer tank 3, and circulates. In addition, a bellows portion (not shown) for damping vibrations of the outer tub 3 is provided in the water supply passage 19 that is connected to the outer tub 3 .

The flow rate of the washing water flowing through the water supply channel 19 can be set by the pump performance caused by the rotation of the impeller 43 . The capacity of the pump can be set by the number of impellers 43 (four in this embodiment), the shape, etc., in addition to the number of rotations of the impeller 43 by the rotary cylinder motor 21c. When the flow velocity of the circulation flow passing through the centrifugal separator 21 is V1, and the flow velocity of the swirl flow in which the washing water swirls in the rotary cylinder 21b is V2, the flow velocity V2 of the swirl flow is higher than the flow velocity V1 of the circulation flow. V2>V1.

The washing water that flows from the drain port 16 through the water supply channel 19 and flows into the centrifugal separator 21 from the water supply connection portion 21i is separated from foreign matter contained in the washing water when passing through the centrifugal separator 21 . The foreign matter includes dirt and lint released from the laundry 5, water softener contained in the detergent dissolved in the washing water, and the like.

Further, when the rotating cylinder 21b of the centrifugal separator 21 is rotated in the second direction (opposite direction of the solid-line arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3), the water supply passage 19, the centrifugal separator 21, the second discharge port 42, , and the drainage channel 32 in order, and the washing water in the outer tub 3 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100 .

[2-3. control section]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the control unit 22 is provided in the lower part inside the housing 2. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 22 includes the output of a laundry amount detection unit 23 for detecting the amount of laundry 5 put into the rotating tub 4, and the amount of washing water supplied to the outer tub 3. The output of the water amount detection unit 24 that detects the rotation of the rotary tub 4, the output of the rotation detection unit 25 that detects the rotational drive of the rotary tub 4, and the like are input. The control unit 22 controls driving of the motor 10, the water supply valve 14, the rotary cylinder motor 21c, etc. based on the washing course set by the user through the operation display unit 26, and executes the washing operation. The washing operation includes, for example, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dewatering process, and the like.

In the washing operation, for example, a washing process is first performed. Then, following the washing process, a rinsing process is performed. In the rinsing step, for example, each step of first intermediate dehydration, first rinsing, second intermediate dehydration, and second rinsing is performed in order. After the rinsing process is completed, the dehydration process is finally performed.

[2-4. motion]
The operation and action of the washing machine 100 configured as described above will be described below.

[2-4-1. washing process]
First, the user opens the door 11 provided on the front side of the housing 2 and puts the laundry 5 into the rotating tub 4 from the inlet 6 . Next, the user turns on the power switch of the operation display unit 26 provided on the upper front side of the housing 2, inputs and sets the washing operation course and various washing conditions, and then operates the start switch. Start the washing operation.

When the washing operation is started, the washing process is started. The control unit 22 first detects the amount of the laundry 5 put into the rotating tub 4 by the laundry amount detection unit 23 . The amount of the laundry 5 is detected from the amount of torque applied to the motor 10 or the current value of the motor 10 when the rotary tub 4 is driven to rotate at a low speed.

The control unit 22 sets the time for each process such as the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process, and the amount of washing water, according to the detected amount of the laundry 5 . Further, the control unit 22 causes the operation display unit 26 to display the amount of detergent preset according to the amount of the laundry 5 . The user pulls out the detergent charging part 15a from the detergent case 15, loads the detergent according to the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display part 26, and then moves the detergent charging part 15a into the detergent case 15.例文帳に追加

The control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 14 when the detergent is completely injected (after a predetermined time required for detergent injection has passed). When the water supply valve 14 is opened, washing water flows from the water supply port 13 into the detergent case 15 . Washing water is supplied to the outer tub 3 as indicated by an arrow A while dissolving the detergent that has been introduced. Washing water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 3 flows into the rotating tub 4 through the small holes 9 .

The amount of washing water accumulated in the outer tub 3 is detected by the water amount detection section 24 . The controller 22 closes the water supply valve 14 when a predetermined amount of wash water preset according to the amount of the laundry 5 is supplied into the outer tub 3 .

When the water supply is completed, the controller 22 drives the motor 10 to rotate the rotary tub 4 . When the rotary tub 4 rotates, the laundry 5 in the rotary tub 4 is lifted in the rotating direction by the baffle 8 and falls from above, hitting the bottom surface of the rotary tub 4 or the laundry 5 accumulated at the bottom of the rotary tub 4. be done. In this way, the laundry 5 is beat-washed by mechanical force in combination with the chemical force of the detergent. The rotation speed of the rotary tub 4 when the laundry 5 is beat-washed is, for example, 45 rpm. The rotating tub 4 is driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions by reversing the direction of rotation every predetermined time.

In the washing process, the wash water contains various foreign substances such as dirt substances. For example, soiling substances include those with a higher specific gravity than water, such as sand, fiber waste, hair, and keratin stains, and those that are lighter than water, such as oil, such as sebum. Some adhere to objects with a higher specific gravity.

In the washing process, the control unit 22 drives the rotary cylinder motor 21c to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 of the centrifugal separator 21 in the first direction. By the pumping action of the rotation of the impeller 43, the washing water in the outer tub 3 flows through the water supply channel 19 into the centrifugal separator 21, passes through the centrifugal separator 21, and then flows through the circulation path 31 to the outer tub 3. go back inside. Thereby, washing water circulates. At this time, the rotational speed of the rotating barrel 21b and the impeller 43 is high (for example, 4000 rpm), and the rotating barrel 21b and the impeller 43 are rotationally driven at high speed.

Washing water is introduced into the centrifugal separator 21 through the water inlet 21e from the swirling flow generator 21h by driving the rotary cylinder motor 21c. Washing water passes through the rotating cylinder 21b, flows into the pump chamber 44 from the water outlet 21f, and flows out from the first discharge port 41. As shown in FIG. Since the water inlet 21e is below the water outlet 21f, the washing water flows upward through the rotating cylinder 21b.

At this time, the washing water flows into the swirling flow generating portion 21h from the water supply passage 19 that is biased and connected to the side of the swirling flow generating portion 21h. It flows into the cylinder 21b. The rotating barrel 21b is rotationally driven by a rotating barrel motor 21c. As a result, the washing water introduced into the rotating cylinder 21b becomes a high-speed swirling flow within the rotating cylinder 21b.

Foreign matter, which is separated from the laundry 5 and contained in the wash water and has a higher specific gravity than water, is directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b by the centrifugal force caused by the high-speed swirling flow generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b. As a result, foreign matter is centrifugally separated from the washing water that passes while swirling inside the rotary cylinder 21b. In this way, among the dirt contained in the washing water, those with a higher specific gravity than water (such as sand, hair and keratin stains) and those with a lighter specific gravity than water (such as sebum) etc.), foreign matter such as those adhering to objects having a higher specific gravity than water (such as lint) are separated and removed from the washing water.

In the rotary cylinder 21b, the washing water flows as an upward flow from the bottom to the top while swirling in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 21g of the rotary cylinder 21b. The water inlet 21e of the rotary cylinder 21b and the water outlet 21f leading to the pump chamber 44 are occupied by an upward flow. A strong centrifugal force acts in the direction from the upward flow portion toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b to the washing water filling the inside of the rotating cylinder 21b outside the upward flow and inside the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b. are doing. Therefore, the foreign matter separated from the washing water by the centrifugal force and directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b is drawn into the ascending flow passing through the rotating cylinder 21b and does not return to the ascending flow again.

In addition, in the centrifugal separator 21, the washing water passes through the rotating cylinder 21b from the bottom to the top while swirling. At this time, air bubbles generated by the detergent contained in the wash water or air bubbles in the water supply passage 19 may enter the rotary cylinder 21b together with the wash water.

Even in such a case, since these bubbles are lighter than water, they are collected at the center of the rotating cylinder 21b by the swirling flow. Furthermore, due to the action of the air bubbles rising upward and the upward flow of the washing water, these air bubbles are easily discharged out of the rotary cylinder 21b from the water outlet 21f leading to the pump chamber 44 above.

As a result, it is possible to prevent an imbalance in the distribution of water and air bubbles in the rotating barrel 21b caused by air bubbles lighter than water remaining in the rotating barrel 21b. Therefore, fluctuations in the torque required to rotate the rotary barrel 21b can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent rotation speed fluctuations of the rotary cylinder 21b caused by torque fluctuations. In addition, since rotational vibration (rotation blurring) due to unbalance can be prevented, the rotary cylinder 21b can be made larger, and the performance of the centrifugal separator 21 can be improved.

Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the turbulence of the water flow in the rotating barrel 21b caused by air bubbles lighter than water remaining in the rotating barrel 21b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter once separated and held on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b from returning to the washing water due to the turbulence of the flow.

The washing water from which the foreign matter is separated and removed in the rotary cylinder 21b flows out into the pump chamber 44 from the water outlet 21f. The washing water that has flowed into the pump chamber 44 flows into the outer tub 3 through the circulation path 31 due to the pump action caused by the rotation of the impeller 43 . Thus, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is circulated between the outer tub 3 and the centrifugal separator 21 through the water supply channel 19 and the circulation path 31 by the pump function provided in the centrifugal separator 21, and purified. be. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the separated foreign matter from adhering to the laundry 5 again, and the washing performance of the washing machine 100 can be improved.

After performing the washing process for a predetermined time, the control unit 22 drives the rotary cylinder motor 21c to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 of the centrifugal separator 21 in the second direction opposite to that during the washing process (Fig. 2. Rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow in FIG. By the pumping action of the rotation of the impeller 43, the washing water in the outer tub 3 flows through the water supply channel 19 into the centrifugal separator 21, passes through the centrifugal separator 21, and then is discharged from the second discharge port 42. It is discharged out of washing machine 100 via path 32 . At this time, the foreign matter stored on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b of the centrifugal separator 21 is peeled off from the inner peripheral surface 21d by the turbulent flow generated in the rotating cylinder 21b, and mixed with the washing water again. It is discharged out of the washing machine 100 together with the washing water.

[2-4-2. Rinsing process and dehydration process]
After the water is completely drained, the rinsing process is started. In the rinsing process, first, a first intermediate dewatering operation is performed, followed by a first rinsing operation. Also in the rinsing process, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the outer tub 3 in the same manner as in the washing process. Then, the rotation of the rotary tub 4 is controlled to rinse the laundry 5 .

Separation of foreign matter contained in the washing water by the centrifugal separator 21 can also be performed in the rinsing process by the same operation as in the case of separating foreign matter in the washing process. In the rinsing process, the centrifugal separator 21 separates the foreign matter from the laundry 5 into the washing water, thereby enhancing the rinsing effect. During rinsing, for example, it is possible to remove zeolite, which has a higher specific gravity than water, among the cleaning aids contained in the detergent. Therefore, the rinsing performance of the washing machine 100 can be improved.

After the first rinsing operation, 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. Then, the control unit 22 ends the rinsing process and executes the final dehydration process.

In the final dehydration process, the control unit 22 drives the rotary cylinder motor 21c to move the rotary cylinder 21b and the impeller 43 of the centrifugal separator 21 in the second direction (opposite direction of the solid arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3). direction). As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is discharged out of the washing machine 100 from the second outlet 42 through the drainage channel 32 . After that, the control unit 22 causes the motor 10 to rotate the rotary tub 4 containing the laundry 5 at high speed to dehydrate the laundry 5 . When the dehydration process is completed, the controller 22 ends the washing operation.

[2-5. effects, etc.]
As described above, the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment includes the outer tub 3 elastically supported within the housing 2, and the rotating tub 4 rotatably provided within the outer tub 3 and accommodating the laundry 5. , a motor 10 that rotates the rotary tub 4; a centrifugal separator 21 that separates foreign matter contained in the washing water in the outer tub 3; a circulation path 31 for supplying washing water from a first outlet 41 of the centrifugal separator 21 into the outer tub 3; A drainage channel 32 for discharging water and a control unit 22 for controlling the washing operation are provided.

With this configuration, when washing or rinsing, the rotary cylinder 21b of the centrifugal separator 21 is rotated in the first direction, thereby circulating washing water between the outer tub 3 and the centrifugal separator 21 to remove foreign matter. can be removed. Further, when draining water, by rotating the rotary cylinder 21b in the second direction, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100, and the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifugal separator 21 is washed together with the washing water. It can be discharged outside the machine 100 . Further, even if a configuration is adopted in which the washing water is not drained below the outer tub 3, there is no need to use a separate drainage pump. As a result, the washing machine 100 with improved detergency and rinsing performance can be provided at a low cost.

Further, the water supply channel 19 is connected to the water supply connection portion 21i of the swirling flow generating portion 21h of the centrifugal separator 21 . A water connection portion 21i through which water flows into the centrifugal separator 21 is provided on the side of the swirling flow generating portion 21h. Therefore, a swirling component is imparted to the water flowing into the rotating tube 21b, and a high-speed swirling flow is more likely to occur within the rotating tube 21b, and the swirling flow becomes stronger.

Also, a reliable and powerful high-speed swirling flow inside the rotary cylinder 21 b is sent into the pump chamber 44 . As a result, discharge from the first discharge port 41 to the circulation path 31 during washing or rinsing, and discharge from the second discharge port 42 to the drainage channel 32 during drainage can be performed reliably and smoothly. will be

Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to maximize the effect of the centrifugal separator 21 for separating foreign matter contained in the washing water by the swirling flow. Thereby, the washing machine 100 having excellent detergency and rinsing performance can be realized.

In addition, although this Embodiment demonstrated the structure which circulates or drains washing water by driving the rotary cylinder motor 21c, it is not restricted to this. For example, together with the rotary cylinder motor 21c, a circulation pump that circulates the washing water in the rotary tub 4, a drainage pump that discharges the washing water in the washing tub 1 to the outside of the washing machine, and functions of both circulation and drainage of the washing water. may be used.

As described above, the centrifugal separator according to the present disclosure can separate foreign substances such as contaminants from inflowing water, purify the water, and discharge the purified water from the first discharge port. Also, the separated foreign matter can be discharged from the second outlet together with the water. For this reason, it is particularly useful as various centrifugal separators and the like mounted in washing machines, cleaning devices, and the like that circulate water to purify objects. In addition, the washing machine according to the present disclosure can separate foreign matter from the washing water that has been soiled by washing to purify the washing water, and suppress reattachment of the separated foreign matter to the laundry to enhance the washing effect. Therefore, it is particularly useful as various washing machines for washing laundry by circulating washing water.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 washing tub 2 housing 3 outer tub 4 rotating tub 10 motor 14 water supply valve 19 water channel (first water channel)
21 centrifugal separator 21a case 21b rotating cylinder 21c rotating cylinder motor (driving unit)
21d inner peripheral surface 21e water inlet 21f water outlet 21h swirl flow generator 21i water supply connector 21j projection 22 controller 23 cloth amount detector 24 water amount detector 25 rotation detector 26 operation display 31 circulation path (second feed waterway)
32 drainage channel 41 first discharge port 42 second discharge port 43 impeller 44 pump chamber (pump section)
100 washing machine

Claims (11)

A centrifuge device,
a case;
a rotating cylinder provided within the case so as to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and having a water inlet for inflowing water and a water outlet for outflowing the water;
a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating cylinder in the first direction and the second direction,
The centrifugal separator is
when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the first direction, the objects to be removed contained in the water are centrifuged and directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder;
When the rotating cylinder is rotated in the second direction, the object to be removed contained in the water is not centrifuged ,
A pump unit having an impeller is further provided downstream of the rotating cylinder,
in the pump section,
a first discharge port through which the water is discharged when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the first direction;
a second discharge port through which the water is discharged when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the second direction;
Centrifuge. A protrusion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder,
The protrusion has an asymmetric shape in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder,
2. The centrifugal separation device of claim 1. The area of the portion facing the first direction and the area of the portion facing the second direction of the surface of the protrusion are different,
3. Centrifuge device according to claim 2. The area of the portion of the surface of the protrusion facing the second direction is larger than the area of the portion facing the first direction,
4. Centrifuge device according to claim 3. a portion of the surface of the protrusion facing the first direction is recessed in the first direction;
The centrifugal separation device according to any one of claims 2-4. The projection is composed of a plurality of projections,
The plurality of protrusions are
are arranged substantially evenly on the circumference of the inner peripheral surface when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the rotating cylinder;
The centrifugal separation device according to any one of claims 2-5. the direction from the water inlet of the rotating barrel to the water outlet substantially coincides with the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating barrel;
The centrifugal separation device according to any one of claims 1-6. The first discharge port and the second discharge port are provided sideways of the pump unit,
Centrifuge device according to any one of claims 1-7 . a washing machine,
a washing tub containing laundry and washing water;
The centrifugal separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
a first water supply channel for causing the washing water in the washing tub to flow into the centrifugal separator;
a second water supply passage for flowing the washing water into the washing tub from the first outlet of the centrifugal separator;
a drainage channel for discharging the washing water from the second outlet of the centrifugal separator to the outside of the washing machine;
washing machine. The centrifugal separator further comprises a swirling flow generator upstream of the rotating cylinder,
The first water supply channel is connected to a water supply connection part provided on the side surface of the swirl flow generating part,
The washing machine according to claim 9 . a case;
a rotating cylinder provided within the case so as to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction, and having a water inlet for inflowing water and a water outlet for outflowing the water;
a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating barrel in a first direction and a second direction;
a protrusion disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder and having an asymmetrical shape in the circumferential direction of the rotating cylinder;
with
A pump unit having an impeller is further provided downstream of the rotating cylinder,
in the pump section,
a first discharge port through which the water is discharged when the rotating cylinder is rotated in the first direction;
a second discharge port through which the water is discharged when the rotary cylinder is rotated in the second direction;
Centrifuge.

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