WO2018225444A1

WO2018225444A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2018225444A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/018055
Authority: WO
Inventors: 脇田　克也; 倉掛　敏之
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2017-06-05
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2018-12-13
Also published as: JP2018201850A

Abstract

A washing machine (50) provided with: a water tank (1) elastically supported within a housing (2); a washing water purification part (22) that purifies washing water within the water tank (1); a pump (21) that circulates the washing water between the water tank (1) and the washing water purification part (22); a water supply path (19) through which the washing water flows, the water supply path (19) connecting the water tank (1), the pump (21), and the washing water purification part (22); and a control unit (27) that successively controls steps that include washing, rinsing, and drying. The washing water purification part (22) has a case (23) provided to the water supply path (19), a rotating cylinder provided within the case (23) so as to be capable of rotating, and a drive unit (25) that drives the rotation of the rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder is provided with an adsorption body that adsorbs foreign matter included in the washing water.

Description

Washing machine

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

Laundry such as clothes are contaminated with human activities such as bacteria, sebum, and protein components, and dirt components derived from the human body. These soil components are washed off from the laundry by the washing effect of the surfactant contained in the detergent during the washing process.

However, if washing is continued with washing water containing dirt components washed off from the laundry, the removed dirt will adhere to the laundry again. Thereby, the finish after washing falls.

In addition, although it is not visible, if there is dirt left unwashed, the laundry may become yellowed during storage, or the laundry may become dark due to repeated washing with the stain reattached. . In addition, when washing is performed using bath water for the purpose of saving water, the above-mentioned problem is likely to occur because the bath water after use contains dirt on the human body.

In response to these problems, it has been proposed to provide a cyclone separator in the bath water supply path when washing with bath water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As shown in FIG. 10, the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is provided in a bath water supply path constituted by a first water supply pipe 51, a second water supply pipe 52, and a third water supply pipe 53. A cyclonic separator 54 is provided. When the bath water supply pump 55 is driven during washing, the water in the drum 56 passes through the cyclone separator 54 from the connection pipe 57. Impurities such as dirt and lint free from the laundry are removed by a cyclonic separator 54. In this way, the water in the drum 56 is returned to the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51 and circulated.

Further, it has been proposed to purify washing water by providing a non-woven fabric that captures dirt in a baffle provided in a drum (for example, see Patent Document 2).

In this configuration, when the washing water flowing into the baffle passes through the nonwoven fabric, fine and different kinds of dirt contained in the washing water are captured by the nonwoven fabric.

However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a cyclone separator in the supply channel. The cyclone separator is a separator that uses a centrifugal force generated by rotation to separate a substance by a specific gravity difference. When bath water or washing water is used, separation based on the specific gravity difference between the water and the object to be separated is performed.

For this reason, water and sand particles and dust having a large specific gravity difference with water can be separated relatively easily. However, organic substances such as sebum and bacterial cells are difficult to separate from water, and are difficult to separate unless the centrifugal force, that is, the rotational speed is increased.

Furthermore, as described above, in a substance having a small specific gravity difference with water, when the rotational speed fluctuates, the equilibrium state is barely obtained and the separated state collapses and is mixed again, making separation difficult.

Also, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, washing water is passed through a filter housed in a baffle to capture dirt. For this reason, when the filter is configured so as to capture fine dirt, clogging occurs, and it becomes difficult to pass the washing water, and it is difficult to achieve both passage of the washing water and capture of the fine dirt.

Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the auxiliary agent washed together with the laundry is mixed with the laundry. For this reason, it is possible to remove only the soiling substances present in the vicinity of the adjuvant. Moreover, when loosening the laundry that has been hardened in the final dehydration step after washing, it is necessary to remove the adjuvant from the laundry, which is inconvenient.

JP-A-2005-152212 JP 2011-78483 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-10473

The present disclosure solves the above-described conventional problems, and separates and purifies dirt substances from washing water soiled by washing, suppresses reattachment of the separated dirt substances to the laundry, and enhances the cleaning effect. The present invention provides a washing machine that can handle.

A washing machine of the present disclosure includes a water tub elastically supported in a housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, a water supply unit that supplies washing water to the water tub, A drainage unit for draining the washing water in the aquarium, a washing water purification unit for purifying the washing water in the aquarium, and a pump for circulating the washing water between the aquarium and the washing water purification unit are provided. The washing machine also includes a water supply channel through which the washing water flows, connecting the water tank, the pump, and the washing water purification unit, and a control unit that sequentially controls processes including washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The washing water purification unit includes a case provided in the water supply channel, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating cylinder. And the adsorption body which adsorb | sucks the foreign material contained in washing water is provided in the rotation cylinder.

With this configuration, during the washing process, dirt substances (for example, human body stains, sebum, protein components, and bacteria) that are washed away from laundry such as clothing, dispersed in the washing water, and present in a free state And the like) are captured by the adsorbent provided in the rotating cylinder of the washing water purification unit and removed from the washing water when circulating through the water supply channel together with the washing water.

Therefore, the dirt substance present in the washing water is reduced, and the redeposition of the dirt substance to the laundry can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of darkening and yellowing of the clothes after washing, and the generation of an unpleasant odor derived from the metabolites of bacteria that inhabit the aircraft and the clothes.

</ RTI> According to the washing machine of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress separation of the soiled material washed away from the laundry from the washing water and reattachment to the laundry. Therefore, it is possible to suppress darkening and yellowing of clothes after washing, and to suppress an unpleasant odor derived from a bacterial metabolite.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing water purification unit of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing water purifying unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing water purifying unit of a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing water purifying unit of a washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a main part configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing water purifying unit of a washing machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine.

A washing machine according to a first aspect includes a water tub elastically supported in a housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, a motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, and a water supply unit that supplies washing water to the water tub A drainage unit that drains the washing water in the aquarium, a washing water purification unit that purifies the washing water in the aquarium, a pump that circulates the washing water between the aquarium and the washing water purification unit, a water tank and a pump, And a water supply channel through which the washing water is connected to the washing water purification unit. Moreover, the washing machine includes a control unit that sequentially controls processes including washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The washing water purification unit includes a case provided in the water supply channel, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder is provided with an adsorbent that adsorbs foreign matter contained in the washing water.

With this configuration, during the washing process, dirt substances (for example, human body stains, sebum, protein components, bacteria, etc.) that are washed away from laundry such as clothing and dispersed in the washing water and exist in a free state ) Is trapped by the adsorbent provided in the rotating cylinder of the washing water purifying section and removed from the washing water when circulating in the water supply path together with the washing water. Therefore, the dirt substance which exists in washing water reduces, and the redeposition of the dirt substance to the laundry can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to suppress blackening and yellowing of clothes after washing, and generation of an unpleasant odor derived from the metabolites of bacteria that inhabit the body and clothes.

2nd aspect WHEREIN: The adsorption body may be provided in the surrounding side part of the rotation cylinder in the 1st aspect.

With this configuration, when the washing water flowing through the water supply passage passes through the rotating cylinder, the dirt substance is adsorbed by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling flow generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. Pressed against the body. The adsorbent can effectively capture the dirt substance. As a result, the cleaning of the washing water progresses with circulation, and reattachment of dirt to the laundry can be suppressed.

The third aspect may be the one in which, in the second aspect, a passage hole through which washing water is passed is provided in the peripheral side portion of the rotating cylinder provided with the adsorbent.

With this configuration, the washing water that has flowed into the washing water purification unit further flows out to the water supply path through the adsorbent and the passage hole by the centrifugal force due to the swirling flow generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. Therefore, the dirt substance contained in the washing water is effectively captured by the adsorbent, and the washing water is purified as it circulates, so that the redeposition of dirt on the laundry can be suppressed.

The fourth aspect may be configured such that, in the first aspect, the adsorbent is provided on the peripheral side portion side of the rotating cylinder and is movable in the wash water in the rotating cylinder.

This configuration further causes the adsorbent to idle with the swirling flow of washing water generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. The washing water swirls smoothly and can effectively contact the adsorbent. Therefore, the adsorbent can effectively capture the dirt substance contained in the washing water without resisting the circulation of the washing water passing through the rotating cylinder.

According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the rotating cylinder has an accommodating portion in which the adsorbent is accommodated, the accommodating portion has a partition through which the washing water passes, and the accommodating portion is the partition. Therefore, it may be formed in an annular shape along the peripheral side portion of the rotating cylinder.

With this configuration, the adsorbent can be allowed to move freely in the accommodating portion together with the swirling flow of the washing water generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder. And the freedom degree of a magnitude | size, thickness, a shape, etc. for improving the mobility of an adsorption body can be raised, and a contact with washing water can be made favorable. Therefore, the adsorbent can effectively capture the dirt substance contained in the washing water without resisting the circulation of the washing water passing through the rotating cylinder.

In the sixth aspect according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the adsorbent may be composed of a fiber assembly made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers.

This configuration can further increase the surface area of the adsorbent. Therefore, the configuration of the fibers of the adsorbent can be optimized for the affinity with the dirt substance, and the dirt substance contained in the wash water can be effectively captured.

According to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first water supply path in which the washing water purification unit is provided and the second water supply in which the washing water purification unit is not provided. You may further provide the switching part which switches a water channel, the state in which wash water flows through the said 1st water supply channel, and the state in which wash water flows through the 2nd water supply channel. The control unit may be configured to switch between a state in which the washing water flows through the first water passage and a state in which the washing water flows through the second water passage by the switching unit.

With this configuration, the control unit further switches the washing water to flow to the second water supply path where the washing water purifying unit is not provided at the stage where washing is started and the dirt is washed out from the laundry due to the effect of the detergent. The part can be switched. In addition, the control unit can switch the switching unit so that the washing water flows through the first water supply path provided with the washing water purifying unit when the washing process proceeds and the amount of dirt substances in the washing water increases.

This makes it possible to prevent the detergent from adhering to the adsorbent and decreasing at the stage of washing away dirt from the laundry. Therefore, the deterioration of the cleaning effect is prevented, and the dirt substance in the washing water is effectively separated and collected, and the reattachment to the laundry can be reduced.

8th aspect WHEREIN: A timer part may be further provided in the 7th aspect. The control unit measures the time by the timer unit, and after a predetermined time from the start of washing, the switching unit switches from the state in which the washing water flows to the second water supply channel to the state in which the washing water flows to the first water supply channel. It may be configured as described above.

With this configuration, it is possible to set a time for washing away dirt from the laundry by the effect of the detergent after the start of washing. For example, according to at least one of the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt, The waterway can be switched at the optimal timing.

According to a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the adsorption body provided in the rotating cylinder of the washing water purifying unit is configured to be removable from the rotating cylinder. It may be a thing.

With this configuration, the adsorbent can be further removed from the washing water purification unit, so that the dirt substance that adheres to the adsorbent and accumulates can be removed. As a result, the adsorbent can remove the accumulated dirt substance, regenerate the adsorption ability or the trapping ability, and can maintain the effect of removing the dirt substance from the washing water.

According to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the washing water purifying unit has a connecting portion on each of the inlet side and the outlet side of the washing water in the water passage, and the connecting portion is detachable from the water passage. The rotating cylinder may include a coupling portion into which the rotating shaft of the driving unit is inserted, and the rotating shaft and the coupling portion may be configured to be detachable.

With this configuration, the washing water purification unit can be further removed from the water supply channel, and the rotating cylinder can be separated from the drive unit and taken out from the washing water purification unit. Therefore, the dirt substance adhering to the adsorbent can be easily removed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine 50 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a water tank 1 configured in a bottomed cylindrical shape is elastically supported by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 inside a casing 2 of a washing machine.

The washing tub 4 configured in a bottomed cylindrical shape is disposed in the water tub 1. The washing tub 4 has, on the front side, an insertion port 5 formed in a substantially circular shape, into which an object to be cleaned such as clothing (hereinafter referred to as laundry) is taken in and out.

The washing tub 4 is provided so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 6 and accommodates laundry. A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 7 and a large number of small holes 8 projecting inward are provided on the peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4. The inside of the water tub 1 and the inside of the washing tub 4 communicate with each other through a small hole 8. The water tub 1, the washing tub 4 and the rotating shaft 6 are disposed so as to be inclined forwardly by an angle θ (for example, 20 °) with respect to the horizontal direction.

The washing tub 4 is driven in both forward and reverse directions by a motor 9 provided at the rear of the water tub 1. The motor 9 is composed of, for example, a brushless DC motor, and is configured so that the rotation speed can be freely changed by inverter control.

A door 10 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. The door 10 opens and closes the insertion port 5 through which the laundry is taken in and out. The opening 1a of the water tank 1 formed to face the charging port 5 is connected to the housing 2 while securing an airtight structure by a flexible packing 12 that can be expanded and contracted.

A water supply pipe 14 provided with a water supply valve 13 serving as a water supply unit is connected to a water tap (not shown). The tap water is supplied and stopped by opening and closing the water supply valve 13. Washing water (tap water) supplied through the water supply pipe 14 flows into the detergent case 15 and is supplied to the water tank 1 through the water supply path 14a while dissolving the detergent put in the detergent case 15.

At the bottom of the water tank 1, a drain port 16 for discharging washing water is provided. A drainage path 18 provided with a drainage valve 17 that is a drainage part that can be opened and closed is connected to a drainage port 16. By the opening / closing operation of the drain valve 17, the washing water in the water tank 1 is drained and stopped. The switching valve 20 is provided in the drainage path 18 between the drainage port 16 and the drainage valve 17.

The pipe-shaped water supply passage 19 has one end on the upstream side connected to the drainage passage 18 via a switching valve 20 and the other end formed with a discharge port 19c. The other end is disposed in the lower front part of the water tank 1. The flow of the washing water in the aquarium 1 is switched by the switching valve 20 between the water channel 19 side and the drain valve 17 side.

A pump 21 and a washing water purification unit 22 are connected to the water supply channel 19 from the upstream side. When the switching valve 20 is switched to the water supply channel 19 side and the pump 21 is driven, the washing water in the water tank 1 passes from the drain port 16 of the water tank 1 through the drainage path 18 and the switching valve 20 to the outside of the water tank 1. The water passes through the water supply passage 19 formed below, passes through the pump 21 and the washing water purification unit 22, and is discharged from the discharge port 19c into the water tank 1 and circulates.

When the washing water flowing through the water supply channel 19 passes through the washing water purification unit 22, foreign matters contained in the washing water are separated from the washing water. The foreign matters include dirt substances, lint, and cleaning aids contained in detergents that have been thrown away from the laundry and released from the laundry.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing water purifying unit 22 of the washing machine 50 according to the present embodiment.

The washing water purifying unit 22 includes a case 23, a rotating cylinder 24 rotatably provided in the case 23, and a rotating cylinder motor (driving unit) 25 that rotates the rotating cylinder 24.

The rotary cylinder 24 is formed in a cylindrical hollow shape. A washing water inlet 24 a through which washing water flows into the rotating cylinder 24 is provided at the lower part of the rotating cylinder 24. A washing water outlet 24 b through which washing water flows from the rotating cylinder 24 to the water supply channel 19 is provided at the upper part of the rotating cylinder 24. An adsorbing body 26 that adsorbs foreign matter in the washing water is provided on the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24 (the inner surface of the outer wall of the rotating cylinder 24).

The washing water that has flowed through the water supply channel 19 and reached the washing water purification unit 22 is introduced into the rotating cylinder 24 from the washing water inlet 24a, flows upward from below, and flows out from the washing water outlet 24b. At this time, when the rotary cylinder motor 25 is driven and the rotary cylinder 24 is rotating, the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the rotary cylinder 24 acts on the washing water. Due to this centrifugal force, the dirt substance separated from the washing water is directed to the peripheral side portion 24 c of the rotating cylinder 24.

Further, in the washing water inlet 24a provided at the substantially central portion (including the central portion) of the rotating cylinder 24, a plurality of slit-like holes are formed in an arc shape on the outside of the rotating shaft 25a of the rotating cylinder motor 25 (for example, 2) (see FIG. 9). The diameter of the peripheral side part 24c centering on the rotating shaft 25a is configured to be larger than the maximum diameters of the washing water inlet 24a and the washing water outlet 24b.

The adsorbing body 26 that adsorbs foreign matter is provided inside the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24. The adsorbent 26 is composed of a fiber assembly made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The adsorbent 26 is formed in a sheet shape, and is continuously or intermittently disposed in a wide band in the peripheral side portion 24c so as to be easily subjected to centrifugal force acting on the washing water.

The adsorbent 26 can adhere a variety of stains washed away from the laundry due to the affinity between the fiber material and the dirt substance. Specifically, when the laundry is natural fibers such as cotton, water-soluble proteins and dirt substances such as pigments are likely to adhere. In addition, when the laundry is a synthetic fiber such as polypropylene and polyester, sebum and fat-soluble dirt substances are likely to adhere. Therefore, it is desirable that the adsorbent 26 is composed of a plurality of fiber materials and has an optimized affinity with a dirt substance. By forming the fiber assembly, the surface area of the washing water in contact with the dirt substance can be increased, and the dirt substance contained in the washing water can be effectively captured.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. The control unit 27 provided in the housing 2 controls driving of the motor 9, the water supply valve 13, the drain valve 17, the switching valve 20, the pump 21, the rotary cylinder motor 25, and the like based on the setting of the user. Then, the predetermined process is sequentially controlled. Thereby, the washing operation is executed. The washing operation includes steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The control unit 27 includes an output of a cloth amount detection unit 28 that detects the amount of laundry put into the washing tub 4, and an output of a water amount detection unit 29 that detects the amount of washing water supplied into the water tub 1. The output of the rotation detection unit 30 that detects the rotational drive of the washing tub 4 is input. The control unit 27 may control the timer unit 32, the operation display unit 31, and the water channel switching valve 33.

The function of the control unit 27 may be realized by a microcomputer and a peripheral circuit as an example.

It should be noted that the microcomputer and the peripheral circuit may be in any form as long as they perform control described later. The control unit 27 may include an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processing unit include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A memory is exemplified as the storage unit. The control program recorded in the storage unit is executed by the arithmetic processing unit.

Also, the control unit 27 may be configured with hard logic. If configured with hard logic, it is effective in improving the processing speed. Each component may be composed of one semiconductor chip or physically composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips. When the control unit 27 is configured by a plurality of semiconductor chips, each control described later can be realized by a different semiconductor chip.

About the washing machine 50 comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. The washing process in the washing operation is a process in which the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied into the water tank 1 and the laundry is cleaned while the washing tank 4 is tapped and washed by the rotation of the washing tank 4. Following the washing process, a rinsing process is performed. In the rinsing step, for example, intermediate dehydration 1, rinsing 1, intermediate dehydration 2, and rinsing 2 are performed. And finally, a dehydration process is performed.

First, the user opens the door 10 provided on the front surface of the housing 2 and puts the laundry into the washing tub 4 from the insertion port 5. And a user turns on the power switch (not shown) of the operation display part 31 provided in the upper surface front part of the housing | casing 2, operates a start switch (not shown), and, thereby, a washing operation starts Is done.

The control unit 27 first detects the amount of the laundry put into the washing tub 4 by the cloth amount detection unit 28 at the start of the washing operation. The amount of laundry is detected from at least one of the amount of torque applied to the motor 9 and the current value of the motor 9 by driving the motor 9 to rotate the washing tub 4.

The control unit 27 sets the time of each step of washing, rinsing, and dewatering, and the amount of washing water and detergent according to the detected amount of laundry. Then, the set amount of detergent is displayed on the operation display unit 31. The user puts the detergent into the detergent case 15 using the detergent amount displayed on the operation display unit 31 as a guide. The control unit 27 temporarily stops the washing operation until the detergent is completely charged.

When the control unit 27 releases the temporary stop, the control unit 27 opens the water supply valve 13. When the water supply valve 13 is opened, the tap water flows through the water supply pipe 14 and flows into the detergent case 15, and is supplied to the water tank 1 as washing water while dissolving the detergent that has been charged. Washing water collected at the bottom of the water tub 1 flows into the washing tub 4 through the small holes 8. The amount of washing water accumulated in the water tank 1 is detected by the water amount detection unit 29. The control unit 27 closes the water supply valve 13 when a predetermined amount of washing water set in advance according to the amount of laundry is supplied.

When the water supply is completed, the control unit 27 drives the motor 9 to rotate the washing tub 4. The laundry in the washing tub 4 is lifted in the rotational direction by the baffle 7, falls from above, and is struck against the laundry stored on the bottom of the washing tub 4 or the bottom of the washing tub 4. In this way, the washing is performed by the mechanical force together with the chemical force of the detergent. When the laundry is beaten and washed, the washing tub 4 rotates, for example, at 45 rpm, reverses at predetermined time intervals, and rotates in both directions.

The control unit 27 opens the drain valve 17 and drains the washing water in the water tank 1 outside the machine when the washing process is performed for a set time. After the drainage is completed, a rinsing process is performed, and the intermediate dehydration 1 is followed by the rinse 1. Also in the rinsing step, as in the washing step, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the water tub 1, the laundry tub 4 is rotated, and the laundry is rinsed.

In the final dehydration step, the drain valve 17 is opened and the washing water in the water tub 1 is discharged outside the machine. Then, the washing tub 4 containing the laundry is rotated at a high speed by the motor 9 to perform washing. Things are dehydrated.

When the dehydration process is completed, the control unit 27 ends the washing operation.

Next, the operation of washing water purification in the washing water purification unit 22 will be described.

In the washing process, the washing water contains various foreign substances such as dirt substances. For example, as a soiling substance, the specific gravity is lighter than water, such as sand, fiber scraps, hair, and keratinous dirt, which has a higher specific gravity than water, and the fat content represented by sebum. However, there are things such as lint that adhere to things having a specific gravity heavier than water.

In the washing process, the control unit 27 drives the pump 21 to circulate the washing water containing the dirt substance in the water tank 1 to the washing water purification unit 22. When the pump 21 is driven, the washing water in the water tank 1 flows through the water supply channel 19 through the switching valve 20 that is switched to the water supply channel 19 side, and passes through the washing water purification unit 22.

At the initial stage of the washing process, the rotary cylinder 24 driven to rotate by the rotary cylinder motor 25 is in a stopped state. Further, the washing water passes through the water supply channel 19 and is applied from the discharge port 19c to the laundry being beaten and washed in the washing tub 4. Then, the washing water circulates through the water supply channel 19 from the drain 16 of the water tank 1 after containing the foreign matter washed away from the laundry.

The control unit 27 drives the rotary cylinder motor 25 to rotate the rotary cylinder 24 at the stage where the washing process has progressed and dirt substances in the wash water have increased. The predetermined time from the start of washing until the rotary cylinder 24 is driven is optimally set by the timer unit 32 according to at least one of the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt, for example. The controller 27 causes the rotating cylinder motor 25 to rotate the rotating cylinder after a predetermined time from the start of washing by the timer 32 (for example, 2 minutes if the washing process time is set to 9 minutes). 24 is driven. The rotational speed of the rotary cylinder 24 is, for example, 100 rpm to 1000 rpm.

In this way, the control unit 27 prevents the detergent component from being removed by the adsorbent 26 at the initial stage of washing away dirt from the laundry by the action of the detergent in the washing process, thereby enhancing the washing effect. And the control part 27 drives the rotation cylinder 24 in the step where dirt was washed off from the laundry, and removes foreign substances, such as a dirt substance, from washing water.

After the washing water is introduced from the washing water inlet 24a, it passes through the rotating rotating cylinder 24 and flows out of the washing water outlet 24b. Centrifugal force is generated. The foreign matter contained in the wash water and having a heavier specific gravity than the wash water moves toward the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24 by the centrifugal force and is captured by the adsorbent 26.

On the other hand, the washing water that fills the peripheral side portion 24c from the vicinity of the rotation axis of the rotating cylinder 24 has a flow-through portion in addition to the washing water inlet 24a and the washing water outlet 24b of the rotating cylinder 24 being occupied by the flow-through. Since the centrifugal force toward the peripheral portion 24c is always applied, the washing water in the flow-through portion is hardly mixed. For this reason, the foreign matter directed toward the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24 is maintained in a state of being captured by the adsorbent 26 due to centrifugal force, and does not return to the flow through near the rotating shaft.

Therefore, the washing water purifying unit 22 can reliably capture the foreign matter separated by applying centrifugal force to the washing water with the adsorbent 26. Further, among the soil substances contained in the washing water, those having a specific gravity lighter than water, such as fats represented by sebum, are also captured by the adsorbent 26 and have a synergistic effect with separation by centrifugal force, so that the washing water The cleaning effect can be enhanced.

In this way, the washing water whose foreign matter has been reduced in the washing water purifying unit 22 passes through the water supply passage 19 and is applied to the laundry being beaten and washed in the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 19c. including. Then, the washing water flows from the drain port 16 of the water tank 1 through the water supply channel 19 and circulates. The washing water is purified again by the washing water purification unit 22, and the washing of the laundry proceeds.

It should be noted that the separation of foreign matter contained in the washing water can be performed not only in the washing process but also in the rinsing process. In the rinsing step, the foreign matter that has flowed out of the laundry into the washing water is separated by the washing water purification unit 22, so that the rinsing effect can be enhanced. At the time of rinsing, it is possible to remove zeolite having a specific gravity heavier than water among the cleaning aids contained in the detergent, and the rinsing performance is improved.

As described above, the washing machine 50 according to the present embodiment rotationally drives the water tub 1 elastically supported in the housing 2, the washing tub 4 rotatably provided in the water tub 1, and the washing tub 4. A motor 9, a water supply valve 13 that is a water supply part that supplies washing water to the aquarium 1, and a drain valve 17 that is a drainage part that drains the washing water in the water tank 1 are provided. The washing machine 50 includes a washing water purification unit 22 that purifies the washing water in the water tank 1, a pump 21 that circulates the washing water between the water tank 1 and the washing water purification unit 22, the water tank 1, the pump 21, and the laundry. A water supply path 19 through which washing water is connected to the water purification unit 22 and a control unit 27 that sequentially controls each process such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration are provided. The washing water purifying unit 22 includes a case 23 provided in the water supply channel 19, a rotary cylinder 24 rotatably provided in the case 23, and a rotary cylinder motor 25 that is a drive unit that rotationally drives the rotary cylinder 24. Have. Further, the rotating cylinder 24 of the washing water purifying unit 22 is provided with an adsorbing body 26 that adsorbs foreign matters contained in the washing water.

With this configuration, dirt substances (for example, human body stains, sebum, protein components, and germs) that have been washed off from laundry such as clothing, dispersed in the wash water, and present in a free state are washed away in the wash water. At the same time, when circulating through the water supply path 19, it is captured by the adsorbent 26 provided on the rotating cylinder 24 of the washing water purifying unit 22 and removed from the washing water. As a result, the soil substances present in the washing water are reduced, and the soil substances can be prevented from reattaching to the laundry. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the darkening and yellowing of clothes after washing, and the generation of unpleasant odors from the clothing and the metabolites of the bacteria that inhabit the body.

Further, the adsorbent 26 is provided on the peripheral side portion 24 c of the rotating cylinder 24. When the washing water flowing through the water supply passage 19 passes through the rotating cylinder 24, the dirt substance is adsorbed on the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24 by the centrifugal force due to the swirling flow generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 24. It is pressed against the body 26. Thereby, the adsorbent 26 can effectively capture the dirt substance. As a result, the washing water is purified as it circulates, and reattachment of dirt to the laundry can be suppressed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing water purifying unit 22 of the washing machine 50 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, a passage hole 24d is provided in the peripheral side portion 24c outside the adsorbent 26 disposed in the rotating cylinder 24. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description uses those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. .

An adsorbing body 26 is disposed on the peripheral side portion 24 c of the rotating cylinder 24. A passage hole 24d is provided in the peripheral side portion 24c outside the adsorbent 26. In the present embodiment, the passage hole 24d is formed of a net-like body. The passage hole 24d is not limited to this example, and may be formed so that the washing water can pass smoothly.

Rotating flow is generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 24 in the washing water flowing into the rotating cylinder 24 from the washing water inlet 24a. Then, due to the centrifugal force, the washing water moves in a direction in which it is pressed against the adsorbing body 26 disposed on the peripheral side portion 24c, passes through the adsorbing body 26 and the passage hole 24d, and flows out of the rotating cylinder 24. . At this time, the dirt substance contained in the washing water is captured by the adsorbent 26.

The washing water that has passed through the adsorbent 26 flows out between the case 23 and the rotating cylinder 24 and flows out into the water supply channel 19. Then, the washing water that has flowed out merges with the washing water that has flowed out from the washing water outlet 24 b and flows out to the water supply channel 19.

Thus, a part of the washing water passing through the washing water purification unit 22 passes through the adsorbent 26 and flows out from the passage hole 24d to the water supply channel 19. For this reason, the amount of passage increases without resisting the circulation of the washing water passing through the adsorbent 26, and the dirt substance contained in the washing water can be effectively captured.

According to the present embodiment, the washing water that has flowed into the washing water purifying unit 22 passes through the adsorbent 26 and the passage hole 24d by the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 24, and the water supply channel. It flows out to 19. Thereby, the dirt substance contained in the washing water is effectively captured by the adsorbent 26. The washing water can be purified as it circulates, and the reattachment of dirt to the laundry can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing water purifying unit 22 of the washing machine 50 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the adsorbent 26 is configured to be movable so as to move with the washing water in the rotary cylinder 24. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description uses those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

The adsorbent 26 accommodated in the rotating cylinder 24 is composed of a fiber assembly made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers, and has an outer diameter and a length that can be accommodated in the space of the rotating cylinder 24. It has a hollow cylindrical shape.

A swirling flow is generated in the wash water flowing into the rotary cylinder 24 from the wash water inlet 24 a by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 24. The adsorbent 26 receives the centrifugal force due to the swirling flow of the washing water in the central portion 26a, and swirls in the rotating cylinder 24 so as to be dragged by the swirling flow. Then, the washing water passes through the adsorbing body 26 while smoothly turning together with the adsorbing body 26, and flows out of the rotating cylinder 24 from the washing water outlet 24b. At this time, the dirt substance contained in the washing water is captured by the adsorbent 26.

According to the present embodiment, the adsorbent 26 idles in the rotating cylinder 24 along with the swirling flow of washing water generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 24. Then, the washing water can turn smoothly and can effectively contact the adsorbent 26. Thereby, the adsorbent 26 can effectively capture the dirt substance contained in the washing water without resisting the circulation of the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 24.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing water purifying unit 22 of the washing machine 50 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, an accommodating portion 24e for accommodating the adsorbent 26 is provided in the rotating cylinder 24. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description uses those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. .

The accommodating portion 24e in which the adsorbent 26 is accommodated is formed in an annular shape along the peripheral side portion 24c of the rotating cylinder 24. The accommodating portion 24e is partitioned from the central portion by a partition 24f made of a net-like body so that washing water and foreign matter passing through the rotary cylinder 24 can smoothly pass into the accommodating portion 24e. The partition 24f is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

And the partition 24f is arrange | positioned so that the washing water inlet 24a and the washing water outlet 24b may be enclosed in the inner side, and the upper end and the lower end are contacting the upper part and the lower part of the rotation cylinder 24, respectively. The partition 24f is not limited to the mesh body, and may be configured to allow the washing water to pass smoothly. In order to allow foreign matter such as lint to pass through, a large opening such as a slit shape may be provided.

The washing water that has flowed into the rotating cylinder 24 from the washing water inlet 24a passes through the cylindrical shape of the partition 24f while turning, and flows out from the washing water outlet 24b.

The adsorbent 26 is formed of a fiber piece made of a fiber assembly made of at least one of synthetic fiber and natural fiber. The fiber pieces are formed in a shape, size, thickness, and the like that are excellent in mobility due to the swirling flow of the washing water in the accommodating portion 24e. The shape of the fiber piece is not particularly limited, and may be a discrete individual or a hollow cylindrical integrated product as long as it has a size that does not pass through the opening of the partition 24f.

Rotating flow is generated by the rotation of the rotating cylinder 24 in the washing water flowing into the rotating cylinder 24 from the washing water inlet 24a. In particular, on the inner side of the partition 24f, a flow through while turning occurs. The foreign matter contained in the washing water receives the centrifugal force due to the swirling flow, and moves from the opening of the partition 24f to the washing water in the housing portion 24e.

The adsorbent 26 receives a centrifugal force due to the swirling flow of the washing water and swirls in the accommodating portion 24e of the rotating cylinder 24 so as to be dragged by the swirling flow. And the washing water in the accommodating part 24e passes the adsorption body 26, turning smoothly with the adsorption body 26. FIG. At this time, the dirt substance contained in the washing water is captured by the adsorbent 26.

According to the present embodiment, the adsorbent 26 can be freely moved in the accommodating portion 24e by the swirling flow of the washing water generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotating cylinder 24. And the freedom degree of a magnitude | size, thickness, a shape, etc. for improving the mobility of the adsorption body 26 can be raised, and the contact with the adsorption body 26 and washing water can be made favorable. As a result, the adsorbent 26 can effectively capture the contaminants contained in the wash water without resisting the circulation of the wash water passing through the rotary cylinder 24.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a main part configuration diagram of the washing machine 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the first water channel 19a provided with the washing water purification unit 22 and the second water channel 19b provided with no washing water purification unit 22 are configured to be switchable. . Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description uses those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

When the washing operation is started, the control unit 27 sets the water channel switching valve 33 to the second water supply channel 19b side and stops the rotary cylinder motor 25. Then, at the stage where the washing process has progressed and dirt substances in the washing water have increased, the control unit 27 switches the water channel switching valve 33 to the first water supply channel 19a side, drives the rotary cylinder motor 25, and rotates. The cylinder 24 is rotated. The predetermined time from the start of washing until the water channel switching valve 33 is switched and the rotary cylinder 24 is driven is determined by, for example, the timer unit 32 according to at least one of the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt. Set optimally.

That is, the control unit 27 starts the washing operation, and at the stage where dirt is washed away from the laundry due to the effect of the detergent, the controller 27 is not provided with the water channel switching valve 33 that is the switching unit. It switches so that washing water may flow into 2 water supply channel 19b. The control unit 27 proceeds to a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) from the start of washing by the timer unit 32 at the stage where the washing process has progressed and the dirt has been washed away from the laundry and the amount of dirt in the washing water has increased. ) After that, the water channel switching valve 33 is switched so that the washing water flows into the first water channel 19a in which the washing water purification unit 22 is provided.

In this way, in the initial stage of the washing process, which removes dirt from the laundry, the detergent substance is prevented from being removed and the washing effect is enhanced. Then, at the stage where the dirt is washed out from the laundry, the washing water is passed through the washing water purifying unit 22 to remove foreign substances such as dirt substances. As a result, it is possible to effectively capture dirt substances in the wash water and reduce the reattachment of dirt to the laundry. In addition, after the start of washing, it becomes possible to set the time for washing away the dirt from the laundry by the effect of the detergent. For example, the optimum time depends on at least one of the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt. At the timing, the switching unit can be switched to the first water supply channel 19a side.

Note that the structure of this embodiment can be implemented in combination with any of the other embodiments.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the washing water purifying unit 22 of the washing machine 50 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

In the feature of the present embodiment, the washing water purification unit 22 is configured to be detachable from the water supply channel 19. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description uses those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the washing water purifying unit 22, connecting portions 34 (34 a, 34 b) with the water supply channel 19 are provided at two locations on the upstream side and the downstream side of the case 23, respectively. The connecting portion 34 is connected to the water supply passage 19 with a screw or the like in a watertight manner via a seal member (not shown) such as an O-ring. Accordingly, the washing water purification unit 22 is configured to be detachable with respect to the water supply channel 19.

The rotary cylinder 24 has a coupling part 35 into which the rotary shaft 25a of the rotary cylinder motor 25 is inserted at the bottom. The coupling portion 35 is provided with a locking portion 35a to which the protrusion 25b provided on the rotary shaft 25a is locked. When the rotation shaft 25a is inserted into the coupling portion 35, the protrusion 25b of the rotation shaft 25a and the locking portion 35a are engaged, and the rotation shaft 25a is held by the coupling portion 35. Thereby, the rotation of the rotary cylinder motor 25 is transmitted to the rotary cylinder 24. The rotary cylinder motor 25 and the coupling part 35 are configured to be detachable.

As shown in FIG. 8, the washing water purification unit 22 can be removed from the water supply channel 19 by the connecting unit 34. The rotary cylinder motor 25 is held in the water supply passage 19. The user first removes the downstream connecting portion 34 b located above from the water supply channel 19. Then, the case lid 23 a that covers the upper opening of the case 23 is removed. Then, the rotating cylinder 24 accommodated inside is exposed. Further, when the user removes the rotating cylinder lid 24g covering the upper opening of the rotating cylinder 24, the adsorbent 26 accommodated therein can be taken out. As a result, the user can remove the dirt substance that has adhered to the adsorbent 26 and has accumulated.

Furthermore, when the user pulls out the rotating cylinder 24 from the rotating shaft 25 a inserted in the coupling portion 35, the rotating cylinder 24 can be taken out from the case 23. As a result, the user can easily perform the operation of removing the dirt substance adhering to the adsorbent 26. It is also possible to replace the adsorbent 26.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to remove the adsorbent 26 from the washing water purification unit 22 and remove the adhered dirt substance. The adsorbent 26 can maintain the effect of removing the dirt substance from the washing water by removing the accumulated dirt substance and regenerating the adsorption ability or the trapping ability.

Further, since the rotating cylinder 24 can be separated from the rotating cylinder motor 25 and taken out from the washing water purifying unit 22, the dirt substance adhering to the adsorbent 26 can be easily removed.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the connecting portion 34 has two (the connecting

portions

34a and 34b) is shown. However, if the configuration has at least the upper connecting portion 34b, the adsorbent 26 and the rotation described above are used. The tube 24 can be removed.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the separation of the dirt substance washed away from the laundry from the washing water and the reattachment to the laundry. Therefore, it is useful as a washing machine and the like because it can suppress darkening and yellowing of clothes after washing, and can suppress unpleasant odors derived from metabolites of bacteria generated from clothes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water tank 1a Opening part 2 Housing | casing 3 Suspension mechanism 4 Washing tank 5 Input port 6 Rotating shaft 7 Baffle 8 Small hole 9 Motor 10 Door 12 Packing 13 Water supply valve (water supply part)
14 Water supply pipe 14a Water supply path 15 Detergent case 16 Drain port 17 Drain valve (drainage part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 Drain path 19 Water supply path 19a 1st water supply path 19b 2nd water supply path 19c Discharge port 20 Switching valve 21 Pump 22 Washing water purification | cleaning part 23 Case 23a Case cover 24 Rotating cylinder 24a Washing water inlet 24b Washing water outlet 24c Circumferential side Part

24d passage hole

24e accommodation part 24f partition 24g rotating cylinder lid 25 rotating cylinder motor (drive part)
25a Rotating shaft 25b Protrusion 26 Adsorbent 26a Central part 27 Control part 28 Cloth amount detection part 29 Water quantity detection part 30 Rotation detection part 31 Operation display part 32 Timer part 33 Waterway switching valve (switching part)
34, 34a, 34b Connecting portion 35 Connecting portion 35a Locking portion 50 Washing machine

Claims

A water tank elastically supported in the housing;
A washing tub provided rotatably in the water tub;
A motor for rotationally driving the washing tub;
A water supply unit for supplying washing water to the water tank;
A drainage section for draining the washing water in the water tank;
A washing water purification unit for purifying the washing water in the water tank;
A pump for circulating the washing water between the water tank and the washing water purification unit;
A water passage through which the washing water flows, connecting the water tank, the pump, and the washing water purification unit;
A controller that sequentially controls processes including washing, rinsing, and dehydration,
The washing water purifying unit includes a case provided in the water supply channel, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating cylinder,
A washing machine in which the rotating cylinder is provided with an adsorbent that adsorbs foreign matter contained in the washing water.
The adsorbent is provided on a peripheral side portion of the rotating cylinder,
The washing machine according to claim 1.
A passage hole for allowing the washing water to pass therethrough is provided in the peripheral side portion of the rotating cylinder provided with the adsorbent,
The washing machine according to claim 2.
The adsorbent is provided on the peripheral side of the rotating cylinder and is configured to be movable in the washing water in the rotating cylinder.
The washing machine according to claim 1.
In the rotating cylinder, having an accommodating portion for accommodating the adsorbent,
The accommodating portion has a partition through which the washing water passes,
The accommodating portion is formed in an annular shape along the peripheral side portion of the rotating cylinder by the partition.
The washing machine according to claim 4.
The adsorbent is composed of a fiber assembly composed of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A first water passage provided with the washing water purification unit; a second water passage not provided with the washing water purification unit; a state in which the washing water flows through the first water passage; and A switching unit that switches a state in which the washing water flows through the second water supply channel,
The control unit is configured to switch between the state in which the washing water flows through the first water passage and the state in which the washing water flows through the second water passage by the switching unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A timer part,
The control unit measures the time by the timer unit, and after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of washing, the switching unit causes the washing machine to flow from the state where the washing water flows into the second water supply channel. Configured to switch to a state that flows to the waterway,
The washing machine according to claim 7.
The adsorbent provided in the rotating cylinder of the washing water purification unit is configured to be removable from the rotating cylinder.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The washing water purification unit has a connecting part on each of the inlet side and the outlet side of the washing water of the water passage,
The connecting portion is configured to be detachable from the water supply path,
The rotating cylinder has a coupling portion into which the rotating shaft of the driving unit is inserted,
The rotating shaft and the coupling portion are configured to be detachable,
The washing machine according to claim 9.