WO2019049697A1

WO2019049697A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019049697A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/031465
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: 2017-09-06
Filing date: 2018-08-27
Publication date: 2019-03-14
Also published as: JPWO2019049697A1; JP7142213B2

Abstract

A purification unit (22) is provided in a washing water circulation passage. The purification unit (22) has a case (28), a rotating cylinder which is rotatably provided within the case (28), and a second motor (30) which rotates the rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder has an inlet into which washing water flows, and an outlet from which washing water flows. A control unit (31) is configured to perform: separation operation in which the rotating cylinder is rotated by the second motor (30) to centrifugally separate foreign matter from washing water passing through the purification unit (22); removal operation in which the rotating cylinder is rotated by the second motor (30) to remove foreign matter accumulated within the rotating cylinder; and discharge operation in which washing water within a washing tank (4) is discharged through the purification unit (22) to discharge, to the outside of the circulation passage, the foreign matter having been removed from the rotating cylinder.

Description

Washing machine

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

Laundry materials such as dressings are contaminated with dirt components derived from human activities and human bodies, such as bacteria, sebum and protein components. These dirt components are washed out of the laundry in the washing process by the cleaning effect of the surfactant contained in the detergent. However, when the washing is continued with the washing water containing the dirt component washed off from the laundry, the removed dirt and the like adhere to the laundry again. This reduces the quality of the laundry finish.

Also, if there is dirt left behind, yellowing will occur during storage even if the residue is not visible to the eye. In addition, when the quality of the finish of the washing is low, for example, when the stain is re-adhered to the washing, if the same washing is repeatedly performed, the washing becomes dark.

In addition, when washing is performed using the bath water after use for the purpose of saving water, the bath water after use contains human body stains, and thus the above problems are likely to occur. . In order to cope with these problems, it has been proposed to provide a cyclone separator in the bath water supply path when washing is performed using bath water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 8, in the bath water supply passage constituted of the first water supply pipe 51, the second water supply pipe 52 and the third water supply pipe 53. , A cyclone separator 54 is provided.

When the bath water supply pump 55 is driven during washing, the water in the drum 56 passes through the connecting pipe 57 and then passes through the cyclone separator 54. Foreign substances such as dirt and lint that are released from the laundry are removed by the cyclone separator 54. The water having passed through the cyclone separator 54 is circulated back into the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51. When the washing is completed, the drain valve 58 and the valve 59 provided in the connection pipe 57 are opened. The washing water in the drum 56 is drained through the connection pipe 57 and the cyclone separator 54.

Further, as a method of discharging the foreign matter removed from the washing water, there is a method of separating the foreign matter from the aqueous solution in which the foreign matter is mixed by centrifugation (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Then, in Patent Document 2, after foreign matter is deposited on the inner wall of the separation tank by centrifugation, the foreign matter is removed by ejecting liquid from the central portion of the separation tank to the deposited foreign matter. Has been proposed.

Generally, the stains attached to laundry such as clothes are human eyebrows and sebum, mud, food spills and the like. These different types of stains are released from the laundry by washing and are mixed with the washing water. And, the foreign matter separated from the wash water is a fine foreign matter which is released from the laundry and whose specific gravity such as sebum is lighter than water.

However, in the conventional configuration in which the cyclone type separator 54 is used, it is difficult to separate the fine foreign matter peculiar to the soiling substance of the laundry from the laundry soiled by the washing. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to discharge foreign substances to the outside of the washing machine only by flowing the washing water in the drum 56 into the cyclone separator 54 after the washing is completed.

In addition, even when foreign matter is centrifuged, there are the following problems. That is, when a strong centrifugal force is applied to the washing water by the swirling flow caused by the high speed rotation of the rotating portion, the fine foreign matter peculiar to the dirt substance separated from the washing water becomes strong on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating portion. It is pressed, attached and deposited in the form of a film. The foreign matter deposited in the form of a film is not easily peeled off to such an extent that water flows on the surface of the foreign matter.

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

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

The present disclosure is to solve the problems as described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of separating foreign matter from washing water and discharging the separated foreign matter from the washing water circulation path. Do.

Specifically, the washing machine of the present disclosure includes: a housing; a water tank elastically supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; A motor, a purification unit for separating foreign matter contained in wash water in the washing tank, a circulation path including a water tank and the purification unit, a pump for circulating wash water in the circulation path, and a control unit.

The purification unit has a case, a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotating the rotary cylinder, and the rotary cylinder has an inlet through which washing water flows, and washing water And an outlet outlet.

The control unit rotates the rotary cylinder by the second motor to separate the foreign matter from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder, and rotates the rotary cylinder by the second motor, and stores the rotary cylinder in the rotary cylinder. The detachment operation for detaching the foreign substance from the rotary cylinder, and the drainage operation for draining the washing water in the washing tank through the purification unit and discharging the foreign substance detached from the rotary cylinder to the outside of the circulation path And is configured to perform.

With such a configuration, it is possible to separate the foreign matter from the wash water passing through the purification unit at the time of the washing process or the like to purify the wash water. Further, foreign substances such as dirt and the like separated from the washing water and attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder can be detached from the rotary cylinder, and the detached foreign substances can be discharged from the circulation path. Therefore, it can suppress that a foreign material and dirt accumulate in the purification part, and can prevent the growth of various bacteria and can suppress generation | occurrence | production of an unpleasant odor.

A diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of the isolation | separation operation | movement of a foreign material in the washing machine which concerns on the Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of the detachment operation of a foreign material, and discharge | emission operation | movement in the washing machine which concerns on the Embodiment 1. Block diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment The washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this indication WHEREIN: The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of the isolation | separation operation | movement of a foreign material. The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of detachment | desorption operation and discharge operation of a foreign material in the washing machine which concerns on the Embodiment 2. The washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this indication WHEREIN: The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of the detachment operation of a foreign material. The washing machine concerning Embodiment 4 of this indication WHEREIN: The figure which shows the flow of the wash water at the time of execution of the isolation | separation operation | movement of a foreign material. The washing machine which concerns on the Embodiment 4 WHEREIN: The figure which shows the flow of the washing water at the time of execution of the detachment operation of a foreign material, and discharge | emission operation | movement. The figure which shows the other example of the washing machine in the Embodiment 4. A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine

A washing machine according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a housing; a water tank elastically supported in the housing; a washing tank rotatably provided in the water tank; A cleaning unit for separating foreign matter contained in the washing water in the washing tank, a circulation path including a water tank and the purification unit, a pump for circulating the washing water in the circulation path, and a control unit.

The purification unit has a case, a rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor for rotating the rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder has an inlet through which the washing water flows and the washing water flows out And an outlet.

The control unit rotates the rotary cylinder by the second motor to separate the foreign matter from the washing water passing through the purification unit, and the second motor rotates the rotary cylinder to rotate the rotary cylinder. The foreign substance accumulated in the rotary cylinder is detached from the rotary cylinder, and the washing water in the washing tank is drained through the purification unit, and the foreign matter detached from the rotary cylinder is circulated. And an exhaust operation for exhausting to the outside.

With such a configuration, foreign matter can be separated from the wash water passing through the purification unit to purify the wash water. Further, foreign substances such as dirt and the like separated from the washing water and attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder can be removed from the rotary cylinder and discharged from the circulation path. As a result, accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section can be suppressed, and the growth of various bacteria can be prevented, and the generation of unpleasant odor can be suppressed.

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

With such a configuration, since the detachment operation and the ejection operation are simultaneously performed, the detachment and ejection of foreign matter can be efficiently performed.

Further, in the discharging step, since the rotary cylinder is driven to rotate, a swirling flow is generated in the washing water flowing into the rotary cylinder, and a foreign substance such as a dirt substance adhering to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder is generated by the shearing force by the swirling flow. It can be efficiently removed.

In the washing machine according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to perform the detachment operation in a state where the washing water is present in the rotary cylinder.

With such a configuration, since the rotary cylinder is rotationally driven in water, foreign materials such as dirt and the like attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder can be efficiently separated by the shear force generated from the swirling flow accompanying the rotary drive. .

In the washing machine according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the rotation speed of the rotary cylinder at the time of execution of the separation operation may be larger than the rotation speed of the rotary cylinder at the time of execution of the detachment operation.

With such a configuration, the foreign matter is separated by a sufficient centrifugal force at the time of the separation operation, and adheres to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder rather than the centrifugal force acting on the water in the rotary cylinder at the time of the separation operation. The shear force acting on the foreign matter can be made larger. Therefore, foreign substances such as dirt and the like held on the inner surface of the rotary cylinder are easily detached from the rotary cylinder.

In the washing machine according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating cylinder may be rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction in the detachment operation.

With such a configuration, foreign matter is easily detached from the rotary cylinder.

In the washing machine according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, an adsorber that adsorbs foreign matter contained in the washing water may be disposed inside the rotary cylinder.

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

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

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

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

The water tank 1 is formed in a tubular shape, and is disposed inside the housing 2 of the washing machine 100. The water tank 1 is elastically supported in the housing 2 by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3.

The washing tub 4 is formed in a tubular shape, and is disposed in the water tank 1. On the front side (the left side in FIG. 1) of the washing tub 4, there is provided an insertion slot 5 through which an object to be cleaned such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as a laundry) is taken in and out. A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 7 protruding inward and a large number of small holes 8 are provided on the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 4. In the water tank 1, the inside and the outside of the washing tub 4 are in communication through the small hole 8.

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

A door 10 is provided on the front of the housing 2. The door 10 opens and closes the insertion opening 5 through which the laundry is put in and out. The housing 2 and the opening 11 of the water tank 1 formed so as to face the inlet 5 are connected in a state in which airtightness is secured by a flexible packing 12 having flexibility.

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

A water supply pipe 14 is connected to an upper portion of the housing 2, and the water supply pipe 14 is connected to a tap of a water supply (not shown). A water supply valve 13 is provided in the water supply pipe 14, and the water supply of the tap water and its stop are performed by the opening and closing operation of the water supply valve 13. The washing water (tap water) supplied through the water supply pipe 14 flows into the detergent case 15, and flows into the water tank 1 through the water supply passage 14a while dissolving the detergent introduced into the detergent case 15.

At the lower part of the water tank 1, a drainage port 16 for discharging the washing water is provided. One end of the drainage path 18 is connected to the drainage port 16. The drainage path 18 is a path from the drainage port 16 to the outside of the washing machine 100. The washing water is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100 from the other end of the drainage path 18.

The drainage path 18 is provided with a drainage valve 17. Further, in the drainage path 18, a first switching valve 19 is provided between the drainage port 16 and the drainage valve 17. By the opening and closing operation of the drainage valve 17 and the first switching valve 19, drainage of the washing water in the water tank 1 and its stop are performed.

One end of a water supply channel 20 is connected to the washing tub 4. The one end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to the discharge port 20 a provided at the lower front of the washing tub 4. The other end of the water supply channel 20 is connected to the drainage path 18 via a first switching valve 19. The first switching valve 19 switches the flow of washing water to the water supply channel 20 side or the drainage valve 17 side. The water tank 1 and a purification unit 22 described later are connected to a part of the drainage passage 18 and the water supply passage 20, and constitute a circulation passage of washing water.

The pump 21 and the purification unit 22 are provided in the water supply passage 20 in order from the first switching valve 19 side. When the pump 21 is driven in a state where the first switching valve 19 is switched to the water supply channel 20 side, the washing water in the water tank 1 is discharged from the drainage port 16 to the drainage path 18, the first switching valve 19, and The water is discharged from the discharge port 20a into the washing tank 4 through the water supply channel 20 and circulated. At this time, the wash water passes through the pump 21 and the purification unit 22 on the water supply passage 20.

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

Further, in the water supply passage 20, a third switching valve 25 is provided on the outlet side of the purification unit 22, that is, on the downstream side of the purification unit 22 at the time of purification of washing water (during separation operation described later).

Further, a water passage 24 connecting the second switching valve 23 and the third switching valve 25 is provided so as to bypass the purification unit 22.

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

When the wash water flowing through the water supply passage 20 passes through the purification unit 22, as described later, foreign matter contained in the wash water is separated. Foreign substances include soiling substances washed off from the laundry, lint, and auxiliary agents contained in the detergent added to the washing water.

[2. Purification section]
FIG. 2A is a view showing the flow of washing water at the time of execution of the separation operation of foreign matter in the washing machine of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is at the time of execution of detachment operation and discharge operation of foreign matter in the same washing machine. It is a figure which shows the flow of the wash water of.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the purification unit 22 is a case 28 constituting an outer shell, a rotary cylinder 29 rotatably provided in the case 28, and a rotary cylinder that is a drive unit for rotating the rotary cylinder 29. And a motor (second motor) 30. The case 28 has a case inlet 28a on the upstream side and a case outlet 28b on the downstream side.

The rotary cylinder 29 is cylindrical and is hollow. The rotary cylinder 29 is provided with a circumferential side portion 29 c and an inlet 29 a and an outlet 29 b for washing water to flow through the rotary cylinder 29.

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

When the pump 21 is driven, the washing water flowing through the water supply passage 20 and flowing into the purification unit 22 flows through the case inlet 28a, flows upward in the rotary cylinder 29 upward in FIG. 2A, and flows out from the case outlet 28b. .

Further, the rotation cylinder motor 30 is driven to rotate the rotation cylinder 29, whereby the separation operation described later is performed. At the time of execution of the separation operation, centrifugal force acts on the washing water flowing through the inside of the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29, and foreign matter such as a dirt substance is circumferentially sided 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 by this centrifugal force. Head for These foreign matters adhere to the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29 c of the rotary cylinder 29 and are separated from the washing water.

[3. Control unit]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

The control unit 31 receives the outputs of the cloth amount detection unit 32, the water amount detection unit 33, and the rotation detection unit 34.

The cloth amount detection unit 32 detects the amount of laundry loaded into the washing tub 4. The water amount detection unit 33 detects the amount of wash water supplied to the water tank 1. The rotation detection unit 34 detects the rotational driving of the washing tub 4.

The control unit 31 controls the first motor 9, the water supply valve 13, the drain valve 17, the first switching valve 19, the pump 21, and the second control unit 31 based on the input from the operation display unit 35 operated by the user. The driving of the switching valve 23, the third switching valve 25, the open / close valve 26, the rotary cylinder motor 30, etc. is controlled to execute the washing operation described later.

The washing operation includes steps such as a washing step, a rinsing step and a dewatering step.

In addition, in the case of the configuration in which the separation operation of the foreign matter described later is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing operation, the predetermined time is set by the timer unit 36.

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

[4-1. Laundry operation]
In the washing operation, a washing step, a rinsing step and a dewatering step are performed.

In the washing step, the washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied into the water tank 1, and the rotation of the washing tub 4 causes the laundry to be hit and washed. By performing the washing process, the dirt on the laundry is removed.

Following the wash step, a rinse step is performed. In the rinse step, for example, a first intermediate dewatering operation, a first rinse operation, a second intermediate dewatering operation, and a second rinse operation are performed.

Finally, the dehydration step is performed.

Prior to the washing operation, the user opens the door 10 provided on the front surface of the housing 2 and loads the laundry into the washing tub 4 from the loading port 5. Then, the user operates the power switch and the start switch of the operation display unit 35 provided in front of the upper surface of the housing 2. The laundry operation is started by this.

When the washing operation is started, the control unit 31 first detects the amount of laundry loaded into the washing tank 4 by the cloth amount detection unit 32. The amount of laundry is detected from the amount of torque applied to the first motor 9 or the change in the current value of the first motor 9 when the first motor 9 is driven to rotate the washing tub 4. Ru.

The control unit 31 sets the time of each process of the washing process, the rinsing process and the dewatering process, and the amount of washing water and the amount of detergent in accordance with the detected amount of laundry. The detergent amount set by the control unit 31 is displayed on the operation display unit 35.

The user inserts the detergent into the detergent case 15 with the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display unit 35 as a guide. The control unit 31 temporarily suspends the washing operation until the introduction of the detergent is completed.

When the temporary stop of the washing operation is released, the control unit 31 opens the water supply valve 13. When the water supply valve 13 is opened, tap water flows through the water supply pipe 14 and flows into the detergent case 15. The tap water is supplied to the water tank 1 as washing water while dissolving the supplied detergent. The washing water collected at the bottom of the water tank 1 flows into the washing tank 4 from the small holes 8.

In the present embodiment, the washing water means water supplied to the inside of the water tank 1.

The amount of washing water accumulated in the water tank 1 is detected by the water amount detection unit 33. The control unit 31 controls the water supply valve 13 to close the water supply valve 13 when the predetermined amount of washing water previously set according to the amount of the laundry is supplied.

When the water supply is completed, the control unit 31 drives the first motor 9 to rotate the washing tub 4. When the washing tub 4 rotates, the laundry in the washing tub 4 is lifted by the baffle 7 in the rotational direction. Thereafter, the laundry is dropped from above, and is hit on the laundry accumulated on the bottom surface of the washing tub 4 or the bottom of the washing tub 4.

In this way, chemical washing with a detergent and mechanical force are performed to hit the laundry. When the laundry is struck and washed, the rotation speed of the washing tub 4 is, for example, 45 rpm. Then, the rotation direction of the first motor 9 is reversed at predetermined time intervals, whereby the washing tub 4 rotates in the forward direction and the reverse direction.

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

In the dewatering process performed at the end of the washing operation, first, the drain valve 17 is opened and the washing water in the water tank 1 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100. Then, the first motor 9 rotates the washing tub 4 containing the laundry at high speed to dehydrate the laundry. When the dewatering process is completed, the control unit 31 ends the washing operation.

[4-2. Foreign object separation]
Next, purification of the wash water by the purification unit 22, that is, the separation operation of the foreign matter will be described using FIG. 2A.

The washing water in the washing step contains various foreign matters such as, for example, dirt substances. Examples of soiling substances include sand, fiber waste including lint, and hair having a specific gravity greater than that of water, such as hair or horny soil. Further, there are dirt substances such as fats represented by sebum, which are lighter than water, but adhere to substances having a specific gravity greater than water, such as thread waste.

In the washing step, the control unit 31 drives the pump 21 to cause the washing water in the water tank 1 containing foreign matter such as a dirty substance to flow into the purification unit 22.

When the washing process is performed and the pump 21 is driven, the washing water in the water tank 1 flows into the water supply channel 20 from the first switching valve 19 (see FIG. 1) switched to the water supply channel 20 side. . At this time, the second switching valve 23 and the third switching valve 25 are switched to the purification unit 22 side (see FIG. 2A). For this reason, the washing water flows into the purification unit 22 from the case inlet 28 a provided on the upstream side of the case 28.

The washing water that has passed through the purification unit 22 and has passed through the third switching valve 25 passes through the water supply passage 20 and flows into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 20 a. At this time, the washing water is discharged from the discharge port 20a and applied to the laundry which is being hit and washed.

After that, the washing water in the washing tank 4 becomes a state including the foreign matter washed out from the laundry, and then flows out again from the drainage port 16 of the water tank 1 to the water supply channel 20. Thus, the wash water circulates in the circulation path.

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

Next, the control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 when the washing process proceeds to a certain extent and the dirt in the wash water increases, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing operation. The rotary cylinder 29 is rotated. The time from when the washing operation is started to when the rotary cylinder 29 is driven is appropriately set by the timer unit 36 according to, for example, the amount of laundry and the degree of dirt.

The control unit 31 rotates after a predetermined time set by the timer unit 36 has elapsed since the start of the washing operation (for example, after 2 minutes when the time of the washing step is set to 9 minutes) The cylinder motor 30 is controlled to rotationally drive the rotary cylinder 29.

As described above, the control unit 31 does not rotationally drive the rotary cylinder 29 in the initial stage of the washing process, that is, the stage in which the dirt is washed away from the laundry by the action of the detergent. This prevents the detergent component from being separated from the wash water in the purification section 22, and the cleaning effect by the detergent component can be enhanced.

Then, at a stage after the dirt has been washed away from the laundry, the control unit 31 rotationally drives the rotary cylinder 29 in one direction to centrifugally separate foreign substances such as dirt from the washing water. The rotational speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 when separation of foreign matter is performed is, for example, 4000 rpm.

When foreign matter is separated from the wash water, that is, when purification of the wash water is performed, the wash water flows as shown by the arrows in FIG. 2A. At this time, the on-off valve 26 is closed. The washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 29 from the inlet 29a. The washing water flows through the rotating rotary cylinder 29 and flows out from the outlet 29b. The washing water flows into the rotary cylinder 29 from the inlet 29a and flows in a swirling flow from the outlet 29b. For this reason, a centrifugal force acts on the washing water in the rotary cylinder 29. Foreign matter contained in the washing water, which has a specific gravity greater than that of the washing water, is held by the circumferential side 29c by being pushed to the circumferential side 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 by centrifugal force and pressed against the circumferential side 29c. Ru.

As described above, the purification unit 22 centrifugally separates the foreign matter by applying a centrifugal force to the washing water, and holds the separated foreign matter on the circumferential side portion 29 c of the rotary cylinder 29. Further, among the soiling substances contained in the washing water, those having a specific gravity smaller than that of water, such as oils represented by sebum, are also separated in the purification section 22 by adhering to thread waste and the like. Thus, the cleaning effect of the washing machine 100 can be enhanced.

In this manner, the washing water is purified by the purification unit 22 so that foreign matter contained in the washing water is reduced, and flows into the washing tub 4 from the discharge port 20a through the water conduit 20. . When the washing water flows into the washing tub 4, it is applied to the laundry that is being tapped and washed in the washing tub 4. The washing water that has flowed into the washing tub 4 contains foreign matter again in the washing tub 4. Thereafter, the washing water flows out from the drainage port 16 of the water tank 1 to the water supply channel 20, circulates in the circulation path, and is purified again by the purification unit 22. Thus, washing of the laundry proceeds by purifying and circulating the washing water.

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

The control unit 31 switches the first switching valve 19 (see FIG. 1) from the water supply channel 20 side to the drain valve 17 side after the washing process is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 9 minutes) set. Thereby, the flow path to the drainage path 18 is opened. Further, the drain valve 17 is opened by the control unit 31, and the washing water in the water tank 1 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100. Thereby, the washing water is drained.

When drainage is complete, the rinse process is started. In the rinsing step, first, a first intermediate dewatering operation is performed. Thereby, most of the wash water contained in the laundry is drained. Thereafter, a first rinse operation is performed. Subsequently, the second intermediate dewatering operation and the second rinsing operation are performed in the same manner as the first intermediate dewatering operation and the first rinsing operation.

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

After the second rinsing operation is completed, the washing water in the washing tub 4 is drained. Then, simultaneously with the drainage of the washing water, the detachment operation and the ejection operation of the foreign matter accumulated in the purification unit 22 are performed. When executing the detachment operation and the discharge operation of the foreign matter, the control unit 31 controls the plurality of valves so that the washing water flows back to the purification unit 22 and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 as the drainage.

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

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

Further, the control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 to rotate the rotary cylinder 29 at the time of execution of the foreign matter detachment operation. As a result, a swirling flow is generated in the waste water flowing in the rotating cylinder 29.

The rotation speed S2 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 at this time is, for example, 100 rpm, which is lower than the rotation speed S1 (rotational speed) at the time of the execution of the foreign matter separation operation. That is, the shear force acting on the foreign matter attached to the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 is larger than the centrifugal force acting on the drainage. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt and the like held on the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29 c are detached from the rotary cylinder 29.

The rotation direction of the rotary cylinder 29 may be one direction during the detachment operation of the foreign matter, and the rotation in the forward direction and the reverse direction may be alternately repeated. The rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 in the forward direction and the reverse direction enhances the effect of the foreign matter being detached from the rotary cylinder 29.

Further, in the state where the inside of the purification unit 22 is filled with the drainage by the second rinsing operation, the rotation cylinder motor 30 is driven to rotate the rotation cylinder 29, so that the foreign matter is detached and detached. The foreign matter is efficiently discharged from the rotary cylinder 29.

As described above, when the drainage of the second rinsing operation is flowing into the purification unit 22, that is, in the state where the washing water is present in the rotary cylinder 29, the rotary cylinder 29 is rotated to rotate the rotary cylinder 29. Foreign matter accumulated on the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29c can be efficiently removed.

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

At this time, since the detached foreign matter is discharged to the outside of the circulation path, accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification unit 22 can be suppressed, and the growth of various bacteria can be prevented, and the generation of unpleasant odor is caused. Can be reduced.

The timing at which the detachment operation and the discharge operation of the foreign matter are performed is not limited to the drainage after the second rinse operation described above, and may be performed at the drainage after the first rinse operation.

Also, the foreign matter detachment operation may be performed both at the time of drainage after the first rinse operation and at the time of drainage after the second rinse operation.

Further, the detachment operation of the foreign matter may be performed at the time of drainage after the washing process is completed.

Further, the detachment operation of the foreign matter may be separately executed as an operation process independent of the washing operation. That is, the control unit 31 may be configured to cause fresh water to be poured into the washing tub 4 after the end of the washing operation to execute the foreign matter detachment operation.

In addition, the detachment operation of the foreign matter may be performed in a state in which the washing water is not present in the rotary cylinder 29. Also in this case, the rotation cylinder 29 is rotated so that the shear force acting on the accumulated foreign matter is larger than the centrifugal force acting on the accumulated foreign matter, so that the fluid is accumulated inside the rotation cylinder 29. The removed foreign matter can be detached from the rotary cylinder 29.

Further, in the present embodiment, although an example in which the detachment operation and the ejection operation of the foreign matter are simultaneously performed has been described, the ejection operation may be performed after the detachment operation is performed.

[5. Effect etc]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the housing 2, 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 cleaning unit 22 for separating foreign matter contained in the washing water in the washing tank 4, a circulation path including the water tank 1 and the purification unit 22, and the washing water being circulated in the circulation path And a control unit 31.

Further, the purification unit 22 has a case 28, a rotating cylinder 29 rotatably provided in the case 28, and a rotating cylinder motor 30 for rotating the rotating cylinder 29.

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

Then, the control unit 31 rotates the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotary cylinder motor 30 to separate the foreign matter from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 29, and rotates the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotary cylinder motor 30. And removing the foreign matter accumulated in the rotary cylinder 29 from the rotary cylinder 29 and draining the washing water in the washing tank 4 through the purification unit 22 and separating it from the rotary cylinder 29. And a discharge operation for discharging the foreign matter to the outside of the circulation path.

With such a configuration, by performing the separation operation of the foreign matter in the washing process or the like, the foreign matter can be separated from the wash water passing through the purification unit 22 to purify the wash water.

In addition, the foreign matter such as dirt and the like separated from the washing water and attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder 29 by the detachment operation of the foreign matter is generated by the rotational flow of the rotary cylinder 29 by the rotational drive of the rotary cylinder 29. It is detached from Then, the separated foreign matter is discharged from the purification unit 22 to the outside of the circulation path together with the water of the drainage. As a result, accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22 can be suppressed, and the growth of various bacteria can be prevented, and the generation of unpleasant odor can be suppressed.

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

Thereby, foreign substances such as dirt and the like separated from the washing water and attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder 29 are efficiently detached from the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29 using the water used for washing. It can be discharged. As a result, the rotary cylinder 29 can be cleaned at the set drainage timing without prolonging the washing time.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the flow of wash water when a foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a view showing the flow of washing water when the foreign matter detachment and discharge operations are performed.

Unlike the first embodiment, the present embodiment does not have the second switching valve 23, the third switching valve 25, and the water channel 24 which communicates these. Further, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fourth switching valve 37 is provided in the water conduit 20 on the downstream side of the purification unit 22 and the drain 27 is connected to the fourth switching valve 37. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the detailed description uses that of the first embodiment.

At the time of execution of the separation operation of the foreign matter in the washing step etc., as shown in FIG. 4A, the washing water after the foreign matter is separated flows from the purification section 22 to the discharge port 20a (see FIG. 1). The switching valve 37 is switched. Therefore, the washing water circulates between the purification unit 22 and the water tank 1, and the purified washing water is discharged to the washing tub 4.

Further, at the time of execution of the detachment operation and discharge operation of the foreign matter, as shown in FIG. 4B, the washing water passes through the inside of the purification unit 22 from the same direction as the execution of the foreign operation. Detach the foreign object held. At this time, the switching valve 37 is switched so that the washing water flows to the drainage channel 27 side, and the washing water containing the foreign matter is discharged from the drainage channel 27 through the drainage channel 18 to the outside of the washing machine .

As a result, the removed foreign matter is discharged from the purification unit 22 to the outside of the circulation path together with the water of the drainage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, and to prevent the growth of various bacteria and to suppress the generation of unpleasant odor.

As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the flow of washing water at the time of executing the separation operation and the detachment operation and the discharge operation of the foreign object by one switching valve 37. . Therefore, the configuration of the purification unit 22 and the configuration for discharging the foreign matter can be simplified.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of washing water at the time of execution of the foreign object detachment operation of the washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

A feature of the present embodiment is that the rotary cylinder 29 is rotationally driven in a state in which the on-off valve 26 is closed and water is stored in the purification unit 22, that is, washing water is present in the rotary cylinder, An operation is configured to be performed. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the detailed description uses that of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the foreign matter detachment operation is performed after the foreign matter separation operation is performed, for example, at the time of drainage after the second rinse operation is completed. As in the first embodiment, the first switching valve 19 is switched so that the washing water flows to the water supply channel 20 side (see FIG. 1). The second switching valve 23 is switched so that the washing water flows to the water channel 24 side.

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

When the execution of the foreign object detachment operation is started, the pump 21 is driven at a low speed, and the washing water in the water tank 1 flows through the water supply channel 20 and starts to be accumulated in the purification unit 22. Then, the open / close valve 26 which has been opened is closed and the driving of the pump 21 is stopped after a predetermined time for the washing water to be accumulated in the purification section 22. As a result, the washing water is stored in the purification unit 22, that is, the washing water is present in the rotary cylinder 29.

In this state, the control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 to rotate the rotary cylinder 29. The rotation speed S2 (rotational speed) of the rotation cylinder 29 is, for example, 100 rpm, and is lower than the rotation speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotation cylinder 29 at the time of execution of the separation operation for separating foreign matter from washing water. is there.

When the control unit 31 rotates the rotating cylinder 29 for a predetermined time, a swirling flow is generated in the rotating cylinder 29. A shear force acts on the foreign matter attached to the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29 c of the rotary cylinder 29 by the swirling flow. Foreign matter is detached from the rotating cylinder 29 by the shear force.

Thereafter, the on-off valve 26 is opened, and the washing water in the rotary cylinder 29 in a state containing the detached foreign matter is discharged from the drainage 27 to the outside of the washing machine 100 together with the foreign matter.

Thereby, the removed foreign matter is discharged from the purification unit 22 to the outside of the circulation path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, and to prevent the growth of various bacteria and to suppress the generation of unpleasant odor.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 31 is configured to rotationally drive the rotary cylinder 29 in a state in which washing water is present in the rotary cylinder 29 to execute the detachment operation of foreign matter. It is

With this configuration, the rotary cylinder 29 can be rotated in water, and foreign matter such as dirt and the like attached to the inner surface of the rotary cylinder 29 can be efficiently detached by the swirling flow of the washing water accompanying the rotation.

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

Embodiment 4
FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the flow of wash water when a foreign matter separation operation is performed in the washing machine according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the flow of wash water when the foreign matter detachment and discharge operations are performed.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an adsorbing member 38 for adsorbing foreign matter contained in washing water is provided in the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the detailed description uses that of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, on the inner surface of the circumferential side portion 29c of the rotary cylinder 29, an adsorber 38 for adsorbing foreign matter in the washing water is provided. In the present embodiment, the adsorbent 38 is composed of a fiber assembly made of at least one of synthetic fibers and natural fibers. The adsorber 38 is formed in a sheet shape. The adsorbing body 38 is disposed in a band shape and continuously or intermittently for a wide range of the circumferential side 29c. As a result, the adsorbent 38 is susceptible to the water pressure by the washing water subjected to the action of the centrifugal force.

Due to the affinity of the material of the fibers making up the adsorber 38 and the dirt substance, various stains washed off from the laundry are attached to the adsorber 38. Specifically, soiling substances such as water-soluble proteins and dyes are easily attached to natural fibers such as cotton. In addition, sebum and fat-soluble soiling substances are easily attached to synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and polyester. Therefore, it is desirable that the adsorbent 38 be composed of a plurality of types of fiber materials so as to optimize the affinity to the dirt substance. In addition, the adsorbent 38 is configured as a fiber assembly, whereby the surface area in contact with the dirt substance in the wash water is increased. Thereby, foreign substances such as dirt and the like contained in the wash water are efficiently captured.

When the foreign matter separation operation is performed, the wash water flows as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6A.

The control unit 31 drives the rotary cylinder motor 30 to rotate the rotary cylinder 29, and centrifugally separates foreign substances such as dirt from the washing water. The rotational speed S1 (rotational speed) of the rotary cylinder 29 at this time is, for example, 1000 rpm. In the present embodiment, since the adsorber 38 is provided in the rotary cylinder 29, the rotary cylinder 29 can be efficiently rotated even if the rotary cylinder 29 is rotated at a speed lower than the rotational speed in the case where the adsorbent 38 is not provided. It becomes possible to separate foreign matter.

Next, the washing water flows as shown by arrows in FIG. 6B and is drained to the outside of the washing machine 100 at the time of executing the detachment operation and the discharging operation of the foreign matter.

At the time of execution of the foreign matter detachment operation, the control unit 31 rotates the rotating cylinder 29 for a predetermined time. As a result, the foreign matter attached to the adsorber 38 is released from the adsorber 38 by the swirling flow generated in the rotary cylinder 29. Further, the washing water is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain valve 27 from the open / close valve 26 together with the foreign matter, whereby the foreign matter is discharged from the circulation path. In addition, since the foreign matter detachment operation is performed, the surface of the adsorbent 38 is regenerated again to be in a state capable of adsorbing the foreign matter, so that the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent 38 is recovered.

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

FIG. 7 shows another example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, an adsorber 48 is provided in the rotary cylinder 29. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the adsorber 48 provided in the rotary cylinder 29 is configured to be movable in the rotary cylinder 29.

Specifically, the adsorber 48 moves in the rotary cylinder 29 by the swirling flow of the washing water generated by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 when the foreign matter detachment operation is performed.

The adsorbing body 48 housed in the rotary cylinder 29 is molded into a substantially cylindrical shape, and as in the adsorbing body 38 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a fiber made of at least one of a synthetic fiber and a natural fiber It is composed of an aggregate. The washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 29 flows through the hollow portion 48a formed in the central portion of the adsorbing member 48, and the adsorbing member 48 is provided outside the flow.

With such a configuration, the adsorbing body 48 receives water pressure generated by the rotational flow of the washing water generated by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29 at a high speed, and moves in the rotational cylinder 29 by the action of the rotational flow. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt and the like contained in the wash water are efficiently captured by the adsorber 48.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 that adsorbs the foreign matter contained in the washing water is provided in the rotary cylinder 29. In the washing process and the like, when the washing water passes through the rotary cylinder 29, a centrifugal force acts on the washing water by the swirling flow generated by the high speed rotation of the rotary cylinder 29. Then, the washing water is pressed against the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 provided on the rotary cylinder 29 by the water pressure by the centrifugal force. As a result, foreign substances such as dirt and the like which are washed out of the laundry and dispersed in the washing water can be efficiently captured by the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48, and the wash water can be efficiently purified.

Further, foreign matter such as a dirt substance adsorbed by the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 is desorbed from the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 by a water flow generated by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 29, and is discharged from the purification unit 22. As a result, the removed foreign matter is discharged from the purification unit 22 to the outside of the circulation path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of foreign matter and dirt in the purification section 22, and to prevent the growth of various bacteria and to suppress the generation of unpleasant odor.

In addition, the surface of the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 is regenerated into a state capable of adsorbing foreign matter again, so that the adsorbing ability of the adsorber 38 or the adsorber 48 can be recovered.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present disclosure can separate the foreign matter from the wash water passing through the purification unit to purify the wash water, and remove the foreign matter separated from the wash water and attached to the rotary cylinder. Since it can be released separately, the growth of various bacteria can be prevented and the generation of unpleasant odor can be suppressed. Therefore, it is useful as a washing machine.

Reference Signs List 1 water tank 2 housing 3 suspension mechanism 4 washing tank 5 inlet 6 rotating shaft 7 baffle 8 small hole 9 first motor 10 door 11 opening 12 packing 13 water supply valve 14 water supply piping 15 detergent case 16 water outlet 17 water discharge valve 18 Drainage path 19 first switching valve 20 water supply channel 20a discharge port 21 pump 22 purification unit 23 second switching valve 24 water channel 25 third switching valve 26 on-off valve 27 drainage channel 28 case

28a case inlet

28b case outlet 29 rotary cylinder 29a inlet 29b outlet 29c circumferential side 30 rotary cylinder motor (second motor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 Control part 32 Cloth amount detection part 33 Water quantity detection part 34 Rotation detection part 35 Operation display part 36 Timer part 37 Switching valve 38 Adsorbent 48 Adsorbent 48a Hollow part 100 Washing machine

Claims

And
A water tank elastically supported in the housing;
A washing tub rotatably provided in the water tank;
A first motor that rotationally drives the washing tub;
A purification unit for separating foreign matter contained in washing water in the washing tank;
A circulation path including the water tank and the purification unit;
A pump for circulating the wash water in the circulation path;
And a control unit,
The purification unit includes a case, a rotating cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a second motor that rotates the rotating cylinder.
The rotary cylinder has an inlet through which the washing water flows and an outlet through which the washing water flows out.
The control unit
A separation operation of rotating the rotary cylinder by the second motor to centrifugally separate foreign matter from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder;
A separation operation of rotating the rotary cylinder by the second motor to separate foreign matter accumulated in the rotary cylinder from the rotary cylinder;
Draining the washing water in the washing tub through the purification unit, and discharging the foreign matter detached from the rotary cylinder to the outside of the circulation path;
Configured to run,
Washing machine.
The control unit is configured to simultaneously execute the detachment operation and the ejection operation.
The washing machine according to claim 1.
The control unit is configured to execute the detachment operation in a state where the washing water is present in the rotary cylinder.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2.
The number of revolutions of the rotary cylinder at the time of execution of the separation operation is larger than the number of revolutions of the rotary cylinder at the time of execution of the detachment operation.
The washing machine according to claim 3.
At the time of execution of the detachment operation, the rotary cylinder is rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
An adsorbent for adsorbing foreign matter contained in the washing water is disposed inside the rotary cylinder,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.