JPWO2019107480A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine (100) includes a housing (2), an outer tub (1), a washing tub (4) provided in the outer tub (1), and a motor (10) for rotationally driving the washing tub (4). ), A water channel (19) for circulating the washing water in the outer tub (1), a centrifugal separation unit (20) for separating foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing in the water channel (19), and outside the washing water. A pump unit (21) that circulates washing water between the tub (1) and the centrifugal separation unit (20), a drainage channel (18) that drains the washing water in the outer tub (1), and a drainage channel (18). ) Is provided with a drain valve (17) and a control unit (22) for controlling the washing operation. When the washing water in the outer tub (1) is drained, the control unit (22) drives the pump unit (21) to separate the washing water in the outer tub (1) from the outer tub (1). It is configured to circulate with (20) and then drain through the centrifuge (20) and the drainage channel (18).

Description

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine for washing textile products such as clothing.

In a conventional washing machine, it is considered to separate foreign substances such as dirt released from the laundry during washing from the washing water to purify the washing water and prevent the separated foreign substances from reattaching to the laundry. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine. As shown in FIG. 9, a cyclone type 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, the water in the drum 56 is introduced into the cyclone type separator 54 from the connecting pipe 57, and the cyclone type separator 54 removes dirt, lint, etc. released from the laundry. The impurities are removed. The water from which impurities have been removed is returned to the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51. Impurities removed by the cyclone separator 54 are retained in a collection container 58 provided below the cyclone separator 54.

When the washing is completed, the valve 59 and the drain valve 60 provided in the connecting pipe 57 are opened. The washing water in the drum 56 is drained via the connecting pipe 57, the cyclone type separator 54, and the collection container 58. At this time, the impurities collected in the collection container 58 are also discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain hose 61 together with the washing water.

Further, 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 that the lint and solid substances mixed in the washing water are separated by a cyclone lint separator (for example). , Patent Document 2). The lint and solid substances separated together with the washing water are discharged to the outside of the washing machine after washing.

Further, it is considered that the foreign matter mixed in the aqueous solution is centrifuged and the separated foreign matter is deposited on the inner wall of the separation tank (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Patent Document 3 proposes to remove foreign matter by injecting a liquid onto the accumulated foreign matter from the central portion of the separation tank.

Generally, the stains adhering to the laundry are dirt and sebum of the human body, mud, and spilled food and drink. Then, during the washing operation, these different kinds of stains are released from the laundry and mixed with the washing water. Foreign substances contained in the washing water include those having a specific gravity lighter than that of water and those having a finer specific gravity, such as sebum released from the laundry.

However, it is difficult to separate them with a liquid cyclone. Further, even if it can be separated, it is difficult to keep the separated foreign matter inside the liquid cyclone in order to prevent the foreign matter from being re-mixed into the circulating washing water.

Further, even when the foreign matter is centrifuged, there are the following problems. That is, fine foreign substances such as dirt substances separated from the washing water adhere to and accumulate in the centrifuge and are deposited in the form of a film. Foreign matter deposited in the form of a film is difficult to remove.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-152212 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-70694 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-243556

The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of separating foreign substances such as dirty substances from the washing water polluted by the washing operation to purify the washing water, and appropriately discharging the foreign substances separated from the washing water.

Specifically, the washing machine according to the present disclosure rotationally drives a housing, an outer tub elastically supported in the housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and a washing tub. A first motor, a water channel for circulating the washing water in the outer tub, a centrifuge provided in the water channel to separate foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing in the water channel, and a water channel provided for washing water. It includes a pump unit that circulates between the outer tub and the centrifuge, a drainage channel that drains the washing water in the outer tub, a drain valve provided in the drainage channel, and a control unit that controls the washing operation. .. The centrifuge has a case connected to a water channel, a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case through which washing water passes through the case, and a second motor for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder. When the washing water in the outer tub is drained, the control unit drives the pump part to circulate the washing water in the outer tub between the outer tub and the centrifuge, and then the centrifuge and the drainage channel. It is configured to drain through.

With such a configuration, foreign substances such as dirty substances can be separated from the washing water polluted by the washing operation to purify the washing water. Further, since the foreign matter separated from the washing water is appropriately discharged, the centrifuge portion is kept in a clean state, and the generation of an unpleasant odor due to the growth of various germs can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a view of a part of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the FF direction. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the appearance of the filter of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion shown in FIG. 4 cut along the line DD. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion shown in FIG. 4 cut along the line EE. FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine at the time of drainage in the same embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine.

The washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, an outer tub elastically supported in the housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and a first washing tub that is rotationally driven. Motor, a water channel for circulating the washing water in the outer tub, a centrifuge provided in the water channel to separate foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing in the water channel, and a centrifuge provided in the water channel to circulate the washing water in the outer tub. It is provided with a pump unit that circulates between the water and the centrifuge unit, a drainage channel for draining the washing water in the outer tub, a drain valve provided in the drainage channel, and a control unit for controlling the washing operation. The centrifuge has a case connected to the water channel, a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder, and the control unit is in the outer tank. When draining the washing water, the washing water in the outer tub is driven to circulate between the outer tub and the centrifuge, and then drained through the centrifuge and the drainage channel. Has been done.

With such a configuration, foreign substances such as dirty substances can be separated from the washing water polluted by the washing operation to purify the washing water. Further, at the time of drainage, the washing water in the outer tub is circulated through the centrifuge, so that the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifuge is desorbed. Further, since the foreign matter desorbed from the centrifuge is discharged together with the washing water, the centrifuge is kept in a clean state, and the generation of an unpleasant odor due to the growth of various germs can be suppressed.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that the control unit circulates the washing water in a state where the washing tub is exposed from the surface of the washing water in the outer tub at the time of drainage. ..

With such a configuration, the water level in the outer tub is lowered at the time of drainage, and the washing water is circulated in a state where the washing tub is exposed from the water surface. It is avoided to adhere to objects. Further, since the water used in the washing operation can be circulated to wash the inside of the centrifuge, water saving can be realized.

In the washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to intermittently drive the pump unit during drainage.

With such a configuration, the washing water in the centrifuge portion suddenly moves when the pump portion is driven, and a water flow is generated. Further, the generated water flow repeatedly acts on the foreign matter adhering to the rotating cylinder. Therefore, the effect of removing foreign matter from the rotating cylinder is enhanced.

In the washing machine according to the other aspect of the present disclosure, the pump part may be provided separately from the centrifuge part.

With such a configuration, the drive of the rotary cylinder motor when foreign matter is separated from the washing water and the drive of the pump part that circulates the washing water between the outer tub and the centrifuge part at the time of drainage are individually performed. Can be controlled. Therefore, purification of the washing water by centrifugation of the foreign matter, discharge of the separated foreign matter, and cleaning of the inside of the centrifuge portion are optimally performed.

The washing machine according to the other aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that the control unit circulates the washing water at the time of drainage in at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step of the washing operation.

With such a configuration, the inside of the centrifuge can be washed using the water used in the washing step or the rinsing step, so that water saving is realized.

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

(Embodiment)
[1. Constitution]
[1-1. Overall configuration of washing machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The left side in FIG. 1 shows the front side of the washing machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 2 that constitutes an outer frame of the washing machine 100, an outer tub 1 provided inside the housing 2, and washing provided inside the outer tub 1. It has a tank 4 and.

The washing machine 100 is provided with a control unit 22. Further, an operation display unit 26 is provided on the upper part of the front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the washing machine 100.

The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 4 are formed in a bottomed tubular shape. The outer tank 1 is elastically supported by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 inside the housing 2. On the front side of the washing tub 4, a loading port 6 is provided for the user to put in and take out textile products such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as laundry 5).

The washing tub 4 is rotatably provided about the tub rotation shaft 7. The washing tub 4 accommodates the laundry 5. A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 8 protruding inward are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4. A large number of small holes 9 are further provided on the side surface of the inner circumference. In the outer tub 1, the inside and the outside of the washing tub 4 are communicated with each other through the small holes 9.

The outer tub 1, the washing tub 4, and the tub rotating shaft 7 are provided so that the front side thereof is tilted upward by an angle θ (for example, 20 °) with respect to the horizontal. The washing tub 4 is configured to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by a motor (first motor) 10 provided on the back side of the outer tub 1. The motor 10 is composed of, for example, a brushless DC motor, and its rotation speed can be freely changed by the inverter control of the control unit 22.

On the front side of the housing 2, a door 11 for opening and closing the loading port 6 into which the laundry 5 is taken in and out is provided. The door 11 is configured to have a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front side. The opening 1a of the outer tub 1 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are formed so as to face the inlet 6 of the washing tub 4. The opening 1a of the outer tank 1 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are connected by a stretchable bellows-shaped flexible packing 12 in a state where an airtight structure is ensured.

A water supply port 13 is arranged above the rear portion of the housing 2, and the water supply port 13 is connected to a water faucet 13a. A water supply valve 14 is provided on the downstream side of the water supply port 13, and water is supplied and stopped by opening and closing the water supply valve 14. The washing water (tap water) supplied from the water supply port 13 flows as shown by the arrow A and flows into the detergent case 15, and flows into the outer tub 1 while dissolving the detergent put into the detergent case 15.

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

FIG. 2 is a view of a part of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the FF direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, a bulging portion 1b that bulges downward is provided in the lower portion of the outer tank 1. The bulging portion 1b extends in the front-rear direction along the inclination of the outer tub 1 whose front surface side is inclined upward, and the inside of the bulging portion 1b is formed in a groove shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, a drain port 16 for discharging the washing water in the outer tub 1 is provided at the rear end of the bulging portion 1b. A drainage channel 18 is connected to the drainage port 16. A drain valve 17 is provided in the drainage channel 18. When the drain valve 17 is opened and closed by the control unit 22, the washing water in the outer tub 1 is drained and stopped. The drain valve 17 constitutes a drainage portion having a function of draining washing water.

A water channel 19 is connected to the drainage channel 18. The drainage channel 18 is formed in a pipe shape.

The water channel 19 is provided to circulate the washing water in the outer tub 1. One end of the water channel 19 is connected to the drain channel 18 between the drain port 16 and the drain valve 17. The other end of the water channel 19 is connected to the lower portion on the front surface side of the outer tank 1. In the present embodiment, the other end of the water channel 19 is connected to the lower part near the front of the bulging portion 1b provided at the bottom of the outer tank 1. The water channel 19 has a portion near the other end of the water channel 19 extending in the front-rear direction of the washing machine 100 below the outer tub 1.

The water channel 19 is provided with a centrifuge portion 20, which will be described later, provided below the outer tank 1. The water channel 19 includes a first water channel 19a that allows the washing water in the outer tub 1 to flow into the centrifuge section 20, and a second water channel 19b that allows the washing water that has passed through the centrifuge section 20 to flow into the outer tank 1. Have.

The outer tub 1, the centrifuge 20, a part of the drainage channel 18, and the water channel 19 constitute a circulation path for washing water. The washing water circulates between the outer tub 1 and the centrifuge 20.

Further, an inlet 19c is provided at one end of the water channel 19, and an outlet 19d is provided at the other end. The inlet 19c is open at the connection between the first water channel 19a and the drainage channel 18. The outlet 19d opens from the second water channel 19b toward the inside of the outer tank 1 at the connection portion between the second water channel 19b and the bulging portion 1b.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the appearance of the filter of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a filter 19e (see FIG. 3) is provided in the vicinity of the outlet 19d. The filter 19e prevents buttons and the like that have come off the laundry 5 from entering the second water channel 19b.

Further, a drainage filter 18a is provided on the inlet 19c of the first waterway 19a and the upstream side of the drainage valve 17 of the drainage channel 18. The drainage filter 18a prevents a button or the like that has come off from the laundry 5 during a washing operation or the like from entering the first water channel 19a or the drainage channel 18. The drainage filter 18a is provided so that the user can attach and detach it from the drainage channel 18, and the user can take out the collected buttons and the like.

The washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the drain port 16 to the water channel 19 via the drain channel 18.

When the washing water passes through the centrifuge section 20, foreign substances contained in the washing water are separated from the washing water, as will be described later. Foreign substances include dirt and lint released from the laundry, and a water softener contained in a detergent dissolved in washing water.

[1-2. Centrifuge]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion shown in FIG. 4 cut along the line DD. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge portion shown in FIG. 4 cut along the line EE.

As shown in FIG. 4, the centrifuge 20 includes a case 20a, a rotary cylinder 20b rotatably provided in the case 20a, and a rotary cylinder motor (second motor) 20c for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 20b. ,have.

The rotary cylinder 20b has a cylindrical shape and is hollow. The inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b has a cylindrical shape. The rotary cylinder 20b has a washing water inlet 20e in which washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 20b from the first water channel 19a, and a washing water outlet 20f in which washing water flows out from the rotary cylinder 20b to the second water channel 19b. doing. The rotating shaft 20g of the rotating cylinder 20b is arranged along the vertical direction.

The washing water in the outer tub 1 flows into the rotary cylinder 20b from the washing water inlet 20e provided at the center of the bottom surface of the rotary cylinder 20b through the first water channel 19a. The washing water that has flowed into the rotary cylinder 20b flows out from the washing water outlet 20f provided on the upper portion of the rotary cylinder 20b. At this time, the rotary cylinder motor 20c is driven to rotate the rotary cylinder 20b, and the washing water in the rotary cylinder 20b receives centrifugal force. By this centrifugal force, the foreign matter is centrifuged from the washing water and directed toward the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b.

The rotary cylinder 20b is rotationally driven by the rotary cylinder motor 20c. The rated rotation speed a of the rotary cylinder 20b is the rotation speed at which the washing water is circulated and the foreign matter is centrifuged in the washing step or the rinsing step. In this embodiment, for example, it is set to 3500 rpm. The rated rotation speed a is not limited to one, and may be set in a plurality of stages.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the washing water inlet 20e of the centrifuge 20 is below the washing water outlet 20f. That is, the washing water flowing into the centrifuge 20 is configured to flow from the lower side to the upper side in the rotary cylinder 20b along the direction of the rotary shaft 20 g. The centrifuge 20 is configured so that the washing water introduced into the rotary cylinder 20b swirls in the rotary cylinder 20b and a high-speed swirling flow is generated in the rotary cylinder 20b.

The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 20d centered on the rotating shaft 20g of the rotating cylinder 20b is larger than the maximum diameter of the washing water inlet 20e and the maximum diameter of the washing water outlet 20f.

The centrifugal force acting on the washing water is stronger from the rotating shaft 20g, which is the center of the rotating cylinder 20b, toward the inner peripheral surface 20d. Therefore, the foreign matter separated from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 20b by the centrifugal force receives a larger centrifugal force as it approaches the inner peripheral surface 20d.

Therefore, the separated foreign matter is held on the inner peripheral surface 20d by a strong centrifugal force. Therefore, foreign matter separated from the washing water by centrifugal force can be prevented from being drawn into the circulating flow of the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 20b and reattaching to the laundry 5, so that the washing performance of the washing machine can be improved. Can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a swirling flow generation unit 20h is provided on the inflow side of the washing water in the centrifuge unit 20. The swirl flow generation unit 20h is integrally formed with the case 20a.

A first water channel 19a is connected to the swirling flow generation unit 20h. The first water channel 19a is provided along the tangential direction of the outer circumference of the swirl flow generation unit 20h when the rotary cylinder 20b is viewed from below, and is connected to the swirl flow generation unit 20h (see FIG. 6). ). With such a configuration, the washing water smoothly flows in from the first water channel 19a to the swirling flow generating unit 20h while swirling. Therefore, the washing water also flows into the rotary cylinder 20b including the swirling component, and the swirling flow is generated more efficiently.

The second water channel 19b is provided along the tangential direction of the outer circumference of the rotary cylinder 20b when the rotary cylinder 20b is viewed from above (see FIG. 5). With such a configuration, the washing water smoothly flows out to the second water channel 19b along the swirling flow, so that the rotary cylinder 20b is smoothly rotated.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pump unit 21 is provided in the middle of the water channel 19. In the present embodiment, the pump unit 21 is provided on the upstream side of the centrifuge unit 20, that is, in the first water channel 19a. The pump unit 21 is provided separately from the centrifuge unit 20.

When the pump unit 21 is driven, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the water channel 19 and passes through the centrifuge unit 20 as shown by the arrow C in FIG. In this way, the pump unit 21 circulates the washing water between the outer tub 1 and the centrifuge unit 20.

In the present embodiment, the flow velocity of the circulating flow when the washing water flows through the water channel 19 to become a circulating flow and passes through the centrifuge 20 is V1, and the swirling flow when the washing water swirls in the rotary cylinder 20b. The pump capacity of the pump unit 21 is set so that the flow velocity V2 of the swirling flow becomes larger than the flow velocity V1 of the circulating flow, that is, V2> V1 when the flow velocity of is V2.

As a result, the foreign matter is efficiently centrifuged in the centrifuge section 20, and the separated foreign matter is reliably held on the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b.

[1-3. Control unit]
The washing machine 100 has a control unit 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 22 is provided, for example, in the lower part of the housing 2.

FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

The control unit 22 controls the drive of the motor 10, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 17, the rotary cylinder motor 20c, the pump unit 21, and the like based on the washing course set by the user on the operation display unit 26, and performs the washing operation. To execute. The washing operation includes a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydration step and the like.

Further, the control unit 22 controls the rotary cylinder motor 20c to rotate and drive the rotary cylinder 20b at a predetermined rotation speed.

The control unit 22 has an output of a cloth amount detecting unit 23 that detects the amount of laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4, and an output of a water amount detecting unit 24 that detects the amount of washing water supplied to the outer tub 1. , And the output of the rotation detection unit 25 or the like that detects the rotation of the washing tub 4 is input.

The washing step in the washing operation is a step in which washing water in which detergent is dissolved is supplied into the outer tub 1 and the washing tub 4 is rotated to wash the laundry 5 to remove stains on the washing tub 5. ..

Following the washing step, a rinsing step is performed. In the rinsing step, for example, each step of the first intermediate dehydration, the first rinse, the second intermediate dehydration, and the second rinse is performed in order. Then, when the rinsing step is completed, the dehydration step is finally performed.

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

[2-1. Washing operation]
First, the user opens the door 11 provided on the front side of the housing 2 and loads the laundry 5 into the washing tub 4 from the loading port 6. Next, the user turns on the power switch of the operation display unit 26 provided on the upper part of the front surface side of the housing 2 and operates the start switch to start the washing operation.

When the washing operation is started, the washing process is started. In the washing step, the control unit 22 first detects the amount of the laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4 by the cloth amount detecting unit 23. The amount of the laundry 5 is detected by the amount of torque applied to the motor 10 or the current value of the motor 10 when the washing tub 4 is rotated.

The control unit 22 sets the time of each step such as the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step, 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 a preset amount of detergent according to the amount of the laundry 5 (see FIG. 7).

The user pulls out the detergent charging unit 15a from the detergent case 15, charges the detergent with the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display 26 as a guide, and then moves the detergent charging unit 15a into the detergent case 15 (FIG. 1). reference).

The control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 14 after the time for completing the addition of the detergent has elapsed. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, washing water flows into the detergent case 15 from the water supply port 13. As shown by arrow A, the washing water is supplied to the outer tub 1 while dissolving the added detergent. The washing water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 1 flows into the washing tub 4 through the small holes 9 (see FIG. 1).

The amount of washing water accumulated in the outer tub 1 is detected by the water amount detecting unit 24. The control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 14 when the washing water is supplied until the set water level (L1) set in advance according to the amount of the laundry 5 is reached.

When the water supply is completed, the control unit 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 rotation direction by the baffle 8 and falls from above, and hits the bottom surface of the washing tub 4 or the laundry 5 collected on the bottom of the washing tub 4. Be done.

In this way, the laundry 5 is beaten and washed by mechanical force in addition to the chemical force of the detergent. The rotation speed of the washing tub 4 when the laundry 5 is beaten is, for example, 45 rpm. Then, the rotation direction of the motor 10 is reversed at predetermined time intervals, so that the washing tub 4 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse rotation directions.

[2-2. Centrifugation of foreign matter]
Next, the purification of the washing water by the centrifuge unit 20, that is, the operation of centrifuging the foreign matter will be described with reference to FIG.

In the washing process, the control unit 22 drives the pump unit 21. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows from the drain port 16 through the drainage channel 18 and from the inlet 19c of the water channel 19 into the first water channel 19a (see FIG. 1). Then, the washing water reaches the centrifuge section 20 and flows into the swirling flow generating section 20h.

The washing water flows into the swirling flow generation unit 20h from the tangential direction to impart a swirling component, and flows into the rotary cylinder 20b from the washing water inlet 20e. The washing water that has flowed into the rotary cylinder 20b flows toward the second water channel 19b. At this time, the rotary cylinder 20b is rotationally driven by the rotary cylinder motor 20c. Therefore, a high-speed swirling flow of washing water is generated in the rotary cylinder 20b.

The washing water flows in from the washing water inlet 20e, passes through the rotary cylinder 20b, and flows out from the washing water outlet 20f. At this time, the foreign matter contained in the washing water and having a specific gravity heavier than that of the washing water and the foreign matter adhering to the foreign matter move toward the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b due to the strong centrifugal force generated by the high-speed swirling flow. As a result, among the stains contained in the washing water, those having a heavier specific gravity than water (sand, hair, keratin stains, etc.) and those having a lighter specific gravity than water such as oils typified by sebum, have a higher specific gravity than water. Foreign matter such as dirt adhering to heavy objects (thread waste, etc.) is separated from the washing water. Therefore, the foreign matter contained in the washing water can be separated.

Further, the foreign matter separated from the washing water receives a strong centrifugal force and adheres to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b in the form of a film and is deposited.

Here, the washing water flows as a circulating flow in the vicinity of the rotating shaft 20g of the rotating cylinder 20b, and the vicinity of the washing water inlet 20e and the washing water outlet 20f of the rotating cylinder 20b is occupied by the circulating flow. There is. Further, the washing water that is outside the circulating flow and fills the inside of the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotating cylinder 20b is strong in the direction from the rotation center of the rotating cylinder 20b toward the inner peripheral surface 20d due to the high-speed swirling flow. Centrifugal force is acting.

Therefore, foreign matter such as a dirty substance separated from the washing water by centrifugal force is not drawn into the circulating flow passing through the rotary cylinder 20b and returns to the circulating flow again. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as dirty substances once separated from reattaching to the laundry 5, and improve the cleaning performance of the washing machine 100.

The washing water from which foreign substances such as dirt substances are separated in the rotary cylinder 20b flows into the outer tub 1 from the washing water outlet 20f through the second water channel 19b. In this way, the washing water in the outer tub 1 circulates between the outer tub 1 and the centrifuge 20 through the water channel 19. This purifies the washing water.

The timing at which the operation of separating the foreign matter contained in the washing water is performed is not limited to the washing step described above, and may be performed in the rinsing step. When the foreign matter is separated in the rinsing step, the rinsing effect can be improved. In the rinsing step, for example, among the cleaning aids contained in the detergent, zeolite having a specific gravity heavier than water can be removed.

[2-3. Discharge of foreign matter]
Next, the operation in which the foreign matter held and accumulated on the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b is separated from the rotary cylinder 20b and discharged will be described.

After the washing process is performed for a predetermined time, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 17 and reversely drives the pump unit 21. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 and in the water channel 19 including the centrifuge 20 is drained.

As a result, the foreign matter separated from the washing water is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 together with the washing water at the time of drainage. Therefore, the centrifuge 20 is kept in a clean state, and the generation of an unpleasant odor due to the growth of various germs can be suppressed.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine at the time of drainage in the present embodiment.

When the washing water is drained, the control unit 22 detects the water level in the outer tub 1 by the water amount detecting unit 24. As shown in FIG. 8, the drain valve 17 is opened in T1 and drainage is started, and as the drainage progresses, the water level of the washing water in the outer tub 1 decreases. Then, in T2, when the water amount detecting unit 24 detects that the water level of the outer tank 1 has changed from L1 to the water level L2, the control unit 22 keeps the drain valve 17 closed and stops the drainage. As a result, a predetermined amount of washing water remains in the outer tub 1. Here, the water level L2 is a water level at which the lower end portion 4a (see FIG. 1) of the washing tub 4 arranged in the outer tub 1 is exposed from the surface of the remaining washing water.

A timer may be used in addition to the water amount detecting unit 24 as a method of leaving a predetermined amount of washing water in the outer tub 1 at the time of drainage. For example, based on the water level lowering characteristic of the washing water in the outer tub 1 derived from the amount of drainage per unit time, the time from when the drain valve 17 is opened until the lower end portion 4a is exposed from the water surface is predicted. , The drain valve 17 may be closed when the time has elapsed.

When the water amount detecting unit 24 detects that the water level in the outer tank 1 has reached the water level L2, the control unit 22 drives the pump unit 21 to rotate in the forward direction. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows through the water channel 19 in the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 1 for the predetermined time T (for example, 20 seconds) shown in FIG. As a result, the washing water in the outer tub 1 circulates between the outer tub 1 and the centrifuge 20.

At this time, the control unit 22 controls the rotary cylinder motor 20c to rotationally drive the rotary cylinder 20b at a rotation speed b lower than the rated rotation speed a at the time of centrifugation of the foreign matter. Specifically, the rotation speed b does not undergo a centrifugal separation action in the centrifuge portion 20, but adheres to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b, and the accumulated foreign matter is deposited from the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b. The number of revolutions that can be removed may be (for example, 50 to 100 rpm).

When the rotary cylinder 20b is rotationally driven at such a rotation speed b, a swirling flow is generated by the washing water flowing into the centrifuge portion 20. On the other hand, the centrifugal force that adheres to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b and acts on the deposited foreign matter is small. Therefore, the shearing force generated by the swirling flow is larger for the foreign matter adhering to and deposited on the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b. Therefore, the foreign matter deposited on the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b is easily peeled off and can be separated from the rotary cylinder 20b.

Further, the control unit 22 may control the rotary cylinder motor 20c to drive the rotary cylinder 20b to rotate in both forward and reverse rotation directions. For example, a forward rotation for 1 second and a reverse rotation for 1 second may be alternately repeated.

Further, the rotary cylinder 20b may be rotationally driven intermittently. For example, driving for 1 second in forward rotation and stopping for 1 second may be alternately repeated. In this case, the rotation direction of the rotary cylinder 20b may be one direction, or may be reversed to forward rotation and reverse rotation. As a result, a turbulent water flow is generated in the rotary cylinder 20b, and the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b is more easily peeled off.

That is, the rotation speed and the rotation direction of the rotary cylinder 20b are such that the shearing force acting on the foreign matter by the swirling flow rather than the centrifugal force acting on the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b during drainage. It may be set to be larger. By rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 20b in this way, foreign matter can be detached from the rotary cylinder 20b.

The washing water that has passed through the centrifuge section 20 and has flowed into the outer tub 1 from the outlet 19d of the second water channel 19b by the drive of the pump section 21 is arranged so that the back side is tilted downward. It flows toward the rear of the bulging portion 1b and reaches the drain port 16. At this time, as the washing water passes through the centrifuge section 20, the water flow acts on the foreign matter adhering to and deposited on the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b. Therefore, the foreign matter adhering to the inner peripheral surface 20d of the rotary cylinder 20b is peeled off from the inner peripheral surface 20d and separated, and the inside of the centrifuge portion 20 is washed.

Further, in the predetermined period T, the water level in the outer tub 1 is the water level L2, and as described above, the washing tub 4 is in a state of being exposed from the water surface of the outer tub 1. That is, a space is formed between the water surface of the outer tub 1 and the lower end portion 4a of the washing tub 4. Therefore, even when the washing water is circulated as described above in the predetermined period T, the washing water flowing into the bulging portion 1b from the outlet 19d of the second water channel 19b is still in the washing tub 4. It reaches the drain port 16 without invading. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter peeled off from the rotary cylinder 20b from flowing into the washing tub 4 and adhering to the laundry 5 due to the circulation of the washing water at the time of drainage.

When circulating the washing water at the time of drainage, the control unit 22 intermittently drives the pump unit 21 (for example, 1 second ON / 3 seconds OFF) for a predetermined period T (for example, 20 seconds). May be good. As a result, the washing water in the centrifuge section 20 suddenly moves when the pump section 21 is driven, and a water flow is generated. Further, the generated water flow repeatedly acts on the foreign matter adhering to the rotary cylinder 20b. Therefore, the effect of removing foreign matter from the rotating cylinder 20b is enhanced.

At the time of drainage, when the washing water is circulated for a predetermined period T, in T3, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 17 and reversely drives the pump unit 21 to restart the drainage. As a result, the washing water left in the outer tub 1 passes through the drainage channel 18 from the drainage port 16 and is drained from the drainage valve 17. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, when the outlet 19d of the second water channel 19b is underwater, the washing water in the outer tub 1 flows out from the outlet 19d to the second water channel 19b. Then, the washing water in the water channel 19 including the centrifuge portion 20 flows in the direction opposite to the direction shown by the arrow C in FIG. 1 and is drained from the drain valve 17.

When the drainage progresses and the outlet 19d of the second water channel 19b is exposed from the water surface, the outflow of the washing water from the outer tub 1 to the second water channel 19b stops. After that, the washing water in the water channel 19 including the centrifuge 20 is drained, and the washing water in the outer tub 1 is discharged only from the drain port 16.

In the present embodiment, since the washing water is circulated when the washing water is drained, the time for the washing water to pass through the centrifuge 20 can be lengthened. Therefore, the centrifuge 20 is surely washed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the drain valve is closed for the predetermined period T, a sufficient time for the washing water to circulate can be secured.

As long as the washing water is present in the centrifuge 20 at the time of drainage, the control unit 22 may rotationally drive the rotary cylinder 20b, not limited to the predetermined period T. As a result, the foreign matter accumulated in the centrifuge 20 can be desorbed and discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 together with the washing water.

In T4, when all the washing water in the outer tub 1 and the water channel 19 including the centrifuge 20 is drained and discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100, the control unit 22 moves the pump unit 21 and the rotary cylinder motor. The drive of 20c is stopped. After that, the process proceeds to a rinsing step, in which the first intermediate dehydration and the first rinsing are performed.

The washing water is drained at the following timing, for example. Then, at the timing of these drainages, as in the above case, the washing water may be circulated, and then the foreign matter accumulated on the rotary cylinder 20b may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 together with the drainage of the washing water. Good.

After the washing step is performed for a predetermined time, the rinsing step is started. In the rinsing process, first, the washing water supplied in the washing process is drained. At this time, the foreign matter collected in the washing process is discharged. Then, the first intermediate dehydration is performed. As a result, the washing water contained in the laundry 5 is drained.

Further, after the first intermediate dehydration is performed in the rinsing step, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the outer tub 1 and the first rinsing is performed as in the washing step. Then, the washing tub 4 is rotated and controlled in the forward direction and the reverse direction, and the laundry 5 is rinsed. After that, it is drained and the foreign matter collected in the first rinse is discharged. Then, a second intermediate dehydration is performed, whereby the washing water contained in the laundry 5 is drained.

At the time of drainage in the rinsing step, the water used in the rinsing step can be flowed from the outer tank 1 to the centrifuge 20 to clean the inside of the centrifuge 20. Since the washing water drained from the outer tub 1 in the rinsing step is less dirty than the washing water drained in the washing step, the inside of the centrifuge 20 is washed more effectively.

Further, in the dehydration step performed at the end of the washing operation, the washing water supplied in the second rinse is drained and foreign matter is discharged. After that, the washing tub 4 containing the laundry 5 is rotated at high speed by the motor 10, and the laundry 5 is dehydrated. Then, when the dehydration process is completed, the washing operation is completed.

The pump unit that circulates the washing water can be configured integrally with the centrifuge unit 20, but in the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, the pump unit 21 is separate from the centrifuge unit 20. It is provided on the body. Therefore, the drive of the rotary cylinder motor 20c when the foreign matter is separated from the washing water and the drive of the pump part 21 when the washing water is circulated between the outer tub 1 and the centrifugal separation part 20 at the time of drainage are performed. It can be controlled individually. Therefore, purification of the washing water by centrifugation of the foreign matter, discharge of the separated foreign matter, and cleaning of the inside of the centrifuge portion 20 are optimally performed.

The control unit 22 performs the above-mentioned operation of circulating the washing water in the outer tub 1 between the outer tub 1 and the centrifuge 20 at the time of drainage in at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step of the washing operation. It may be configured to perform. As a result, the inside of the centrifuge 20 can be washed using the water used in the washing step or the rinsing step, so that water saving is realized.

The washing machine according to the present disclosure can be used as a washing machine or the like because it can separate foreign substances such as dirty substances from the washing water contaminated by the washing operation to purify the washing water and appropriately discharge the foreign substances separated from the washing water. It is useful.

1 Outer tub 1a Opening 1b Bulging 2 Housing 2a Opening 4 Washing tub 4a Lower end 5 Laundry 6 Input port 7 Tank rotating shaft 10 Motor (first motor)
11 Door 12 Packing 13 Water supply port 13a Faucet 14 Water supply valve 15 Detergent case 15a Detergent inlet 16 Drainage port 17 Drainage valve (drainage part)
18 Drainage channel 18a Drainage filter 19 Channel 19a First channel 19b Second channel 19c Inlet 19d Exit 19e Filter 20 Centrifuge 20a Case 20b Rotating cylinder 20c Rotating cylinder motor (second motor)
20d Inner peripheral surface 20e Washing water inlet 20f Washing water outlet 20g Rotating shaft 20h Swirling flow generator 21 Pump part 22 Control part 23 Cloth amount detection part 24 Water amount detection part 25 Rotation detection part 26 Operation display part 100 Washing machine

Claims (5)

With the housing
An outer tank elastically supported in the housing and
A washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub and
The first motor that rotationally drives the washing tub and
A water channel for circulating the washing water in the outer tub and
A centrifuge that is provided in the water channel and separates foreign substances contained in the washing water flowing through the water channel.
A pump unit provided in the water channel and circulating the washing water between the outer tub and the centrifuge unit.
A drainage channel for draining the washing water in the outer tank and
The drain valve provided in the drainage channel and
Equipped with a control unit that controls the washing operation
The centrifuge includes a case connected to the water channel, a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case through which the washing water passes through the case, and a second motor for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder. Have,
When the washing water in the outer tub is drained, the control unit drives the pump unit to circulate the washing water in the outer tub between the outer tub and the centrifuge. After that, it was configured to drain water through the centrifuge and the drainage channel.
Washing machine. The control unit is configured to circulate the washing water in a state where the washing tub is exposed from the surface of the washing water in the outer tub at the time of drainage.
The washing machine according to claim 1. The control unit is configured to intermittently drive the pump unit during the drainage.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. The pump unit is provided separately from the centrifuge unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit is configured to circulate the washing water during drainage in at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step of the washing operation.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.