JP6948510B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing textile products such as clothes.

In a conventional washing machine, it is considered to separate foreign substances such as dirt released from the laundry during washing from the washing water to purify the washing water and prevent reattachment to the laundry (for example, patent). Refer to Documents 1 and 2).

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine. As shown in FIG. 8, a cyclone type separator 54 is provided in a bath water supply path composed of a first water supply pipe 51, a second water supply pipe 52, and a third water supply pipe 53. When the bath water supply pump 55 is driven during washing, the water in the drum 56 is introduced from the connecting pipe 57 into the cyclone type separator 54, and impurities such as dirt and lint released from the laundry by the cyclone type separator 54 are introduced. Is removed. The water from which impurities have been removed is returned to the drum 56 through the second water supply pipe 52 and the first water supply pipe 51.

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

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

However, the conventional configuration has a problem that it is difficult to surely separate the foreign matter from the washing water and prevent the separated foreign matter from being re-mixed into the circulating washing water.

Generally, the stains adhering to the laundry are dirt, sebum, mud, spilled food and drink, etc. of the human body, and these different types of stains are released from the laundry and mixed with the washing water. .. That is, the foreign matter separated from the washing water includes those having a lighter specific density than water, such as sebum released from the laundry, and those having a finer value. Therefore, it is difficult to separate them with a liquid cyclone. In addition, it has been difficult to keep the separated foreign matter inside the liquid cyclone and prevent it from re-mixing into the circulating washing water.

Further, in the separation of foreign matter by the liquid cyclone, it is generally necessary to dispose of the separated foreign matter during operation. At that time, a part of the liquid to be treated also flows out at the same time, and the washing water is reduced during washing. Therefore, in order to maintain an appropriate amount of washing water supplied according to the amount of laundry at the start of operation, there is a problem that make-up water is required during washing and the amount of water used during washing increases.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and separates and purifies a dirty substance from washing water that has been soiled by washing, suppresses reattachment of the separated dirt substance to the laundry, and enhances the cleaning effect. The purpose is to provide a washing machine that can be used.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention rotationally drives the outer tub elastically supported in the housing, the washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, and the washing tub. The motor, the water supply channel provided to circulate the washing water in the outer tub, the pump provided in the water supply channel to circulate the washing water, and the foreign matter contained in the washing water provided in the water supply channel are separated. The centrifugal separator is provided with a case provided in the water supply channel through which washing water passes, a hollow rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and the rotary cylinder. and a driving unit, the rotary barrel, washing water circulating by the pump a washing water inlet and the washing water outlet is provided so as to flow through the interior, front Symbol opening of the washing water outlet, the water supply channel It is formed so as to be substantially equal to the opening area, and each opening is configured to be centered and linearly communicated, and the volume flow rate of the washing water passing through the centrifuge portion per unit time is measured at the washing water inlet. Alternatively, the larger of the flow velocity slowed by the opening area of the washing water outlet is defined as the speed V1, and the flow velocity in the swirling direction near the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder or the swirling speed of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder is defined as the speed. When defined as V2, the pump and the driving unit are controlled so that the speed V2> the speed V1 when the foreign matter contained in the washing water is separated.

As a result, the washing water passes through the centrifuge as a circulating flow while swirling around the central axis of the rotating cylinder. Then, due to the circulating flow and the high-speed swirling flow generated outside the circulating flow, dirt such as sebum released from the laundry having a lighter specific gravity than water and different kinds of dirt containing fine substances are removed from the washing water. It can be separated and the dirt substance peculiar to the laundry contained in the washing water can be removed. Further, since the separated dirt substance receives a strong centrifugal force at the centrifuge, it does not return to the circulating flow passing through the centrifuge. As a result, it is possible to prevent the separated dirt substances from reattaching to the laundry and enhance the cleaning effect.

The washing machine of the present invention can separate and purify the dirty substances from the washing water soiled by washing by the centrifuge, and suppress the reattachment of the separated dirt substances to the laundry to enhance the washing effect. be able to.

Schematic configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention Enlarged view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine in this embodiment Relationship diagram of D1 and D2 of the centrifuge part of the washing machine in this embodiment EE sectional view in FIG. Block configuration diagram of the washing machine in this embodiment Enlarged view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FF sectional view in FIG. Schematic configuration of a conventional washing machine

The washing machine of the first invention includes an outer tub elastically supported in a housing, a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a motor for rotationally driving the washing tub, and the inside of the outer tub. It is provided with a water supply channel provided to circulate the washing water, a pump provided in the water supply channel to circulate the washing water, and a centrifugal separation unit provided in the water supply channel to separate foreign substances contained in the washing water. The centrifugal separation unit has a case provided in the water supply channel through which washing water passes, a hollow rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a drive unit for rotating the rotary cylinder. rotating barrel, washing water circulating by the pump is provided with a washing water inlet and the washing water outlet to flow through the interior, front Symbol opening of the washing water outlet, so as to be substantially equal to the opening area of the water supply channel to be formed, is configured such that the respective openings are in communication linearly centered, the volumetric flow rate per unit of the washing water time through the centrifuge unit in the opening area of the wash water inlet or wash water outlet When the larger of the slowed flow velocity is defined as the speed V1, and the flow velocity in the swirling direction near the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder or the swirling speed of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder is defined as the speed V2, the pump And the drive unit is controlled so that the speed V2> the speed V1 when separating the foreign matter contained in the washing water.

With this configuration, the washing water passes through the centrifuge as a circulating flow while swirling around the central axis of the rotating cylinder. Then, due to the circulating flow and the high-speed swirling flow generated outside the circulating flow, dirt such as sebum released from the laundry having a specific gravity smaller than that of water and different kinds of dirt containing fine substances are removed from the washing water. It can be separated and the dirt substance peculiar to the laundry contained in the washing water can be removed. Further, since the separated dirt substance receives a strong centrifugal force at the centrifuge, it does not return to the circulating flow passing through the centrifuge. As a result, it is possible to prevent the separated dirt substances from reattaching to the laundry and enhance the cleaning effect.

A second invention, particularly in the first invention, is such that the centrifuge is configured so that washing water flows from bottom to top inside. With this configuration, even when bubbles generated by detergent or bubbles generated by pump air enter the rotating cylinder, they are easily discharged from the washing water outlet to the outside of the rotating cylinder. As a result, it is possible to prevent an imbalance between water and bubble distribution in the rotating cylinder caused by bubbles lighter than water staying in the rotating cylinder, and to prevent fluctuations in the rotation speed and rotational vibration of the rotating cylinder. Further, it is possible to suppress the turbulence of the flow in the rotating cylinder and prevent the foreign matter once separated and held from returning to the washing water.

A third invention, in particular, in the first or second invention, is that the centrifuge unit is such that the rotary cylinder and the drive unit are connected via a transmission unit. With this configuration, the rotary cylinder can be rotated at a higher speed than the drive unit, and by increasing the speed of the swirling flow generated in the rotary cylinder, the centrifugal force acting on the washing water can be strengthened to enhance the separation effect of dirty substances. can.

In the fourth invention, particularly in the third invention, in the centrifuge, the rotation axis of the rotary cylinder and the rotation axis of the drive unit are arranged in parallel, and the case and the drive unit are integrally arranged. It is composed. With this configuration, the rotational operation of the drive unit can be accurately transmitted to the rotary cylinder, and the high-speed rotational operation of the rotary cylinder can be stably performed.

A fifth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, is that the centrifuge is provided with an inwardly projecting protrusion on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the transmission loss when the rotating motion of the rotating cylinder is transmitted to the washing water, and to reduce the speed difference between the rotating cylinder and the swirling flow. Then, by increasing the speed of the swirling flow generated in the rotating cylinder, the centrifugal force acting on the washing water can be strengthened and the effect of separating dirty substances can be enhanced.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer tub 1 having a bottomed cylindrical shape is elastically supported by a plurality of suspension mechanisms 3 inside the housing 2 constituting the outer frame of the washing machine. The washing tub 4 having a bottomed cylindrical shape is provided in the outer tub 1. The outer tub 1 and the washing tub 4 are provided with an opening 6 on the front side (left side in FIG. 1) for the user to put in and take out laundry 5 such as clothes.

The washing tub 4 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft 7. A plurality of (for example, three) baffles 8 protruding inward are provided on the peripheral wall surface 4a of the washing tub 4. Further, a large number of small holes 9 are provided in the peripheral wall surface 4a, and the inside and outside of the washing tub 4 communicate with each other through the small holes 9 in the outer tub 1. The rotation shafts 7 of the outer tub 1 and the washing tub 4 are provided so as to be tilted forward by an angle θ (for example, 20 °) with respect to the horizontal.

The washing tub 4 is configured to be rotatable forward and reverse by a motor 10 provided at the rear of the outer tub 1. The motor 10 is, for example, a brushless DC motor, and is configured so that the rotation speed can be freely changed by the inverter control of the control unit 22 described later.

The opening 1a of the outer tub 1 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are formed so as to face the opening 6 of the washing tub 4. The opening 1a of the outer tank 1 and the opening 2a of the housing 2 are connected by a stretchable bellows-shaped packing 12 to ensure an airtight structure. A door 11 for opening and closing the opening 2a is provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

A water supply port 13 for supplying washing water is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the housing 2. The water supply port 13 is connected to the water faucet 13a. The washing water is tap water supplied from the water supply port 13. A water supply valve 14 and a detergent case 15 are provided on the downstream side of the water supply port 13. The water supply valve 14 is opened and closed by the control unit 22 to supply and stop water. As shown by the arrow A, the detergent case 15 is configured so that the detergent charging portion 15a can be pulled out from the detergent case 15 toward the front side. As a result, the user can easily put the detergent into the detergent case 15.

The washing water supplied from the water supply port 13 flows into the detergent case 15 as shown by the arrow B. The washing water further flows into the outer tub 1 while further dissolving the detergent charged in the detergent case 15.

A drain port 16 for discharging washing water is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 1. A drainage channel 17 is connected to the drainage port 16. A drain valve 18 is provided in the drainage channel 17. The drain valve 18 is opened and closed by the control unit 22, and the washing water is stored and drained in the outer tub 1.

One end of the water supply channel 19 is connected to the drainage channel 17, and the other end is connected to the lower part of the front surface of the outer tank 1 to form a circulation path. A pump 20 for circulating the washing water in the outer tub 1 and a centrifuge 21 are connected to the water supply channel 19. The centrifuge 21 is provided on the downstream side of the pump 20. The washing water in the outer tub 1 is circulated by the pump 20 from the drainage channel 17 through the water supply channel 19 as shown by an arrow C, and passes through the centrifuge section 21.

The washing water flowing through the water supply channel 19 is configured to flow at a flow rate of, for example, about 2 to 3 m / s. This flow rate can be set by the capacity of the pump 20.

When the washing water passes through the centrifuge section 21, foreign substances contained in the washing water are separated. Foreign substances include dirt and lint released from the laundry, water softener contained in the detergent dissolved in the washing water, and the like.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a relationship diagram of D1 and D2 of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG.

The centrifuge 21 is a case 21a provided in the water supply channel 19 through which washing water passes, a hollow rotary cylinder 21b rotatably provided in the case 21a, and a rotary cylinder which is a drive unit for rotating the rotary cylinder 21b. It has a motor 21c. The rotary cylinder 21b is provided with a washing water inlet 21e and a washing water outlet 21f so that the washing water circulated by the pump 20 flows through the inside of the rotary cylinder 21b. The rotary cylinder motor 21c rotates the rotary cylinder 21b in accordance with the circulation of washing water in the water supply channel 19 by the pump 20. The rotary cylinder motor 21c is set to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b at a high speed, for example, at about 4000 r / min. When the rotary cylinder 21b rotates, the washing water introduced into the rotary cylinder 21b swirls in the rotary cylinder 21b, and a high-speed swirling flow is generated.

The washing water introduced into the centrifuge 21 flows into the rotary cylinder 21b from the washing water inlet 21e and flows out from the washing water outlet 21f, and is swirled by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b to receive the centrifugal separation force. In this way, foreign matter such as dirt substances contained in the washing water is configured to be directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b by centrifugal force. In the present embodiment, the washing water inlet 21e is provided below the washing water outlet 21f, and the washing water passing through the centrifuge 21 flows from the bottom to the top.

In the present embodiment, the flow velocity in the rotation axis direction of the circulating flow in which the washing water circulates in the water supply channel 19 and passes through the centrifuge 21 is V1, and the flow velocity in the turning direction in which the washing water swirls in the rotary cylinder 21b is V2. Then, the flow velocity V2 is configured to be higher than the flow velocity V1 (V2> V1). The flow velocity is specifically defined as follows. For example, the flow velocity V1 is a flow rate in which the volumetric flow rate of the washing water passing through the centrifuge 21 per unit time is moderated by the opening area of the washing water inlet 21e or the washing water outlet 21f, and the larger flow rate is used. be. Further, the flow velocity V2 is a flow velocity in the turning direction near the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b. The flow velocity V2 may be replaced with the velocity of the inner peripheral surface 21d.

Further, the washing water inlet 21e provided in the central portion of the lower end surface of the rotary cylinder 21b is formed by providing a plurality (for example, four) of slit-shaped holes on the outside of the rotary shaft 21g. The washing water outlet 21f provided at the center of the upper end surface of the rotary cylinder 21b is provided so as to match the opening of the water supply channel 19. The opening areas of the water supply channel 19, the washing water inlet 21e, and the washing water outlet 21f are formed to be substantially the same. Then, each opening is configured to be centered and communicate linearly.

The diameter D1 centered on the rotating shaft 21g of the rotary cylinder 21b is larger than the maximum diameter D2 of the washing water inlet 21e and the washing water outlet 21f. The centrifugal force acting on the washing water of the rotating rotary cylinder 21b increases from the center toward the outer inner peripheral surface 21d. Therefore, as the foreign matter separated by the centrifugal force from the washing water passing through the rotary cylinder 21b approaches the inner peripheral surface 21d, the foreign matter is held on the inner peripheral surface 21d by a stronger centrifugal force. As a result, foreign matter separated by centrifugal force is drawn into the flow of washing water passing through the rotating cylinder 21b and floats again, so that problems such as reattachment of dirt to the laundry 5 can be prevented, and the cleaning power can be prevented. Can be improved.

The gap between the outer surface of the rotary cylinder 21b and the inner surface of the case 21a is configured to be as narrow as possible so as to reduce the flow of washing water within a range that does not hinder the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b.

The control unit 22 is provided at the lower part in the housing 2. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. The control unit 22 has an output of a cloth amount detecting unit 23 that detects the amount of laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4 and a water amount detecting unit 24 that detects the amount of washing water supplied to the outer tub 1. The output and the output of the rotation detection unit 25 or the like that detects the rotation drive of the washing tub 4 are input. The control unit 22 controls the drive of the motor 10, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 18, the pump 20, the rotary cylinder motor 21c, and the like based on the washing course set by the user by the operation display unit 26, and executes the washing operation. do. The washing operation includes steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

The operation and operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below. In the washing operation, the washing step is a step in which washing water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied into the outer tub 1 and the laundry 5 is cleaned by tapping and washing by the rotation of the washing tub 4. Following the washing step, a rinsing step is performed, for example, each step of intermediate dehydration 1, rinsing 1, intermediate dehydration 2, and rinsing 2. Finally, the dehydration step is executed.

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

Upon starting the washing operation, the control unit 22 first detects the amount of the laundry 5 put into the washing tub 4 by the cloth amount detecting unit 23. The amount of the laundry 5 is detected from the amount of torque applied to the motor 10 when the washing tub 4 is rotated at a low speed, the current value of the motor 10, and the like.

The control unit 22 sets the time for each step of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating and the amount of washing water according to the detected amount of laundry 5. At the same time, a preset amount of detergent according to the amount of laundry 5 is displayed on the operation display unit 26. The user pulls out the detergent charging unit 15a from the detergent case 15, charges the detergent according to the guideline of the amount of detergent displayed on the operation display unit 26, and then moves the detergent charging unit 15a into the detergent case 15.

The control unit 22 opens the water supply valve 14 at the time when the addition of the detergent is completed. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, the washing water flows into the detergent case 15 from the water supply port 13 and is supplied to the outer tank 1 while dissolving the added detergent as shown by the arrow B. The washing water collected at the bottom of the outer tub 1 flows into the washing tub 4 through the small holes 9. The washing water collected in the outer tub 1 is detected by the water amount detecting unit 24. The control unit 22 closes the water supply valve 14 when a predetermined amount of washing water preset according to the amount of the laundry 5 is supplied.

When the water supply is completed, the control unit 22 drives the motor 10 to rotate the washing tub 4. When the washing tub 4 rotates, the laundry 5 in the washing tub 4 is lifted in the rotation direction by the baffle 8 and falls from above, and hits the bottom surface of the washing tub 4 or the laundry 5 collected on the bottom of the washing tub 4. Be done. In this way, in addition to the chemical force of the detergent, the mechanical force of the detergent is used for tapping and washing. The rotation speed of the washing tub 4 in which the laundry 5 is beaten and washed is, for example, 45 r / min, which is reversed at predetermined time intervals and driven in forward and reverse rotation.

When the washing step is performed for a predetermined time, the control unit 22 opens the drain valve 18 to drain the washing water in the outer tub 1 to the outside of the machine. After the drainage is completed, a rinsing step is performed, and the intermediate dehydration 1 is followed by the rinsing 1. In the rinsing step as well, a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the outer tub 1 as in the washing step, and the washing tub 4 is rotated to rinse the laundry 5.

In the final dehydration step, after the drain valve 18 is opened and the washing water in the outer tub 1 is discharged to the outside of the machine, the washing tub 4 containing the laundry 5 is rotated at high speed by the motor 10 to wash. Things are dehydrated. When the dehydration step is completed, the control unit 22 ends the washing operation.

Next, the action of purifying the washing water in the centrifuge section 21 will be described.

In the washing process, the washing water contains various foreign substances such as dirt substances. For example, dirt substances have a heavier specific density than water such as sand, fiber waste, hair, and keratin stains, and even if they are lighter than water such as oils such as sebum, they are thread waste and the like. Some of them adhere to things that have a heavier specific density than water.

In the washing step, the control unit 22 drives the pump 20 to circulate the washing water containing a dirty substance in the outer tub 1 to the centrifuge unit 21. When the pump 20 is driven, the washing water in the outer tub 1 passes through the water supply channel 19 and reaches the centrifuge section 21. The flow velocity V1 in the rotation axis direction in which the washing water passes through the rotary cylinder 21b of the centrifuge 21 is, for example, about 2 to 3 m / s. As described above, the flow velocity V1 is a flow rate in which the volumetric flow rate of the washing water passing through the centrifuge 21 per unit time is moderated by the opening area of the washing water inlet 21e or the washing water outlet 21f.

At this time, in the centrifuge section 21, the rotary cylinder motor 21c rotates the rotary cylinder 21b. Then, the rotary cylinder 21b rotates at, for example, about 4000 r / min. Therefore, the washing water that has flowed into the rotary cylinder 21b becomes a high-speed swirling flow in the rotary cylinder 21b. In the swirling flow swirling in the rotating cylinder 21b, the flow velocity V2 in the swirling direction in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotating cylinder 21b is, for example, about 16 m / s to 17 m / s. Since the swirling flow is pulled by the rotation of the rotary cylinder 21b, the inner wall surface 21d is rotating at a slightly faster speed than this.

In this way, the washing water flows in from the washing water inlet 21e, passes through the rotary cylinder 21b while swirling, and flows out from the washing water outlet 21f. At this time, a foreign substance having a specific gravity heavier than that of the washing water contained in the washing water heads toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b due to the strong centrifugal force generated by the high-speed swirling flow. In this way, the dirt substance is separated from the washing water circulating in the water supply channel 19 and removed.

On the other hand, with respect to the circulating flow passing near the center along the rotation axis of the rotary cylinder 21b, the washing water that fills the inner peripheral surface 21d side of the rotary cylinder 21b becomes a high-speed swirling flow and has a strong centrifugal force. Is working. In addition to this, since the washing water inlet 21e and the washing water outlet 21f are occupied by the circulating flow, the dirty substance separated from the washing water and directed toward the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b passes through the rotary cylinder 21b. It hardly mixes with the circulating flow, is drawn into the circulating flow and does not return, and the washing water is purified by the centrifuge 21 so as to circulate in the water supply channel 19.

Therefore, the centrifugal separation unit 21 can hold the foreign matter on the inner peripheral surface 21d of the rotary cylinder 21b during the centrifugation, and the foreign matter once separated from the washing water by the centrifugal force flows through the rotary cylinder 21b for washing. It can prevent it from returning to water. As a result, problems such as reattachment of dirty substances to the laundry 5 are prevented, and the cleaning power of the washing machine is improved.

Further, in the rotary cylinder 21b of the centrifuge portion 21, the washing water swirls and passes from the bottom to the top. At this time, air bubbles generated by the detergent and air bubbles generated by the air in the pump 20 may enter the rotating cylinder 21b in the washing water. Even in such a case, first, air bubbles lighter than water gather at the center of the rotary cylinder 21b due to the swirling flow, and further, the action of trying to ascend upward and the flow of washing water from the bottom to the top are combined. It is easily discharged from the washing water outlet 21f to the outside of the rotary cylinder 21b. This prevents imbalance between water and bubble distribution in the rotary cylinder 21b caused by bubbles lighter than water staying in the rotary cylinder 21b, and minimizes fluctuations in torque required to rotate the rotary cylinder 21b. be able to. Further, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed fluctuation of the rotary cylinder 21b caused by the torque fluctuation. Further, since the rotational vibration due to the unbalance can be prevented, the rotary cylinder 21b can be made larger. Further, the turbulence of the flow in the rotary cylinder 21b caused by the bubbles lighter than water staying in the rotary cylinder 21b is eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter once separated and held due to the turbulence of the flow from returning to the washing water.

Of the stains contained in washing water, those with a higher specific density than water (thread waste, sand, hair, keratin stains, etc.) as well as those with a lower specific density than water (fat content typified by sebum, etc.) Can be separated and removed by adhering to a substance having a specific density higher than that of water. Therefore, it is possible to separate the dirt substance contained in the washing water, which has a small specific gravity peculiar to the laundry.

The washing water from which the foreign matter has been removed by the centrifuge 21 flows into the outer tub 1 through the water supply channel 19 and further circulates between the centrifuge 21 and the outer tub 1 for purification. Progresses. The foreign matter collected on the inner peripheral surface 21d is discharged to the outside of the machine through the opened drain valve 18 on the flow of the washing water flowing in the direction opposite to the circulation in the water supply channel 19 at the time of drainage. As a result, it is not necessary to dispose of a part of the purified washing water during centrifugation.

The separation of foreign substances contained in the washing water can be performed not only in the washing step but also in the rinsing step. The rinsing effect can be enhanced by separating the foreign matter that has come out of the laundry into the washing water in the rinsing step by the centrifuge section 21. At the time of rinsing, it is also possible to remove zeolite having a specific density heavier than that of water among the cleaning aids contained in the detergent, and the rinsing performance is improved.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the outer tub 1 elastically supported in the housing 2, the washing tub 4 rotatably provided in the outer tub 1, and the motor for rotationally driving the washing tub 4 10, a water supply channel 19 provided to circulate the washing water in the outer tub 1, a pump 20 provided in the water supply channel 19 to circulate the washing water, and a foreign substance contained in the washing water provided in the water supply channel 19. It is provided with a centrifuge section 21 for separating the above. The centrifuge 21 has a case 21a through which washing water passes, a hollow rotary cylinder 21b rotatably provided in the case 21a, and a drive unit 21c for rotating the rotary cylinder 21b. The washing water inlet 21e and the washing water outlet 21f are provided in the 21b so that the washing water circulated by the pump 20 flows through the inside, and the centrifuge 21 is swiveled in the rotating cylinder 21b due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder 21b. The flow velocity is configured to be higher than the velocity of the circulating flow passing through the centrifuge 21.

With this configuration, the washing water passes through the centrifuge 21 as a circulating flow while swirling around the central axis of the rotary cylinder 21b. Then, due to the circulating flow and the high-speed swirling flow generated outside the circulating flow, dirt such as sebum released from the laundry 5 having a lighter specific gravity than water and different kinds of dirt containing fine substances are washed water. It is separated from the washing water and can remove the dirt substance peculiar to the laundry contained in the washing water. Further, since the separated dirt substance receives a strong centrifugal force at the centrifuge section 21, it does not return to the circulating flow passing through the centrifuge section 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent the separated dirt substances from reattaching to the laundry and enhance the cleaning effect.

Further, the centrifuge section 21 is configured so that the washing water flows from the bottom to the top inside. With this configuration, even when air bubbles generated by the detergent or air bubbles generated by the air of the pump 20 enter the rotating cylinder 21b in the washing water, they are easily discharged to the outside of the rotating cylinder 21b from the washing water outlet 21f. As a result, it is possible to prevent the imbalance between the water and the bubble distribution in the rotary cylinder 21b caused by the bubbles lighter than water staying in the rotary cylinder 21b, and to prevent the rotation speed fluctuation and the rotational vibration. Further, it is possible to suppress the turbulence of the flow in the rotating cylinder and prevent the foreign matter once separated and held from returning to the washing water.

It also has the following effects. For example, the dirt substances that have been washed off the laundry by washing and come out into the washing water will not return once they are separated from the washing water, so the detergent surfactant will be applied again to the separated dirt substances. It can be prevented from acting and being consumed, and the detergent can be used efficiently to enhance the detergency.

Further, since it is possible to prevent the dirty substance from reattaching to the laundry, it is possible to circulate the washing water between the washing tub 4 and the centrifuge portion 21 during the washing process, and the washing water is centrifuged in one pass. A higher purification effect of washing water can be obtained as compared with the case of passing through the separating portion 21.

Also, unlike a general liquid cyclone, it is not necessary to discard a part of the purified water during centrifugation. Therefore, the washing water containing the detergent is not discarded during the washing operation, and it is not necessary to replenish the washing water. As a result, the concentration of the detergent does not decrease, the amount of water used does not increase, the water saving is improved, and it is possible to wash while purifying the washing water. In addition, unlike a liquid cyclone, the removal capacity can be increased by centrifugal force without depending on the inflow rate, so that it can be configured without the need for a large pump.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the centrifuge portion of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. The feature of the present embodiment is that the centrifugal separation unit 31 is formed by connecting the rotary cylinder 31b and the drive unit 31c that rotationally drives the rotary cylinder 31b via the transmission unit 32. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the centrifuge 31 rotates with a case 31a provided in the water supply channel 19 through which washing water passes, and a hollow rotary cylinder 31b rotatably provided in the case 31a. It has a drive unit 31c such as a motor that rotates the cylinder 31b. The rotary cylinder 21b is provided with a washing water inlet 31e and a washing water outlet 31f so that the washing water circulated by the pump 20 flows through the inside of the rotary cylinder 31b. The drive unit 31c rotates the rotary cylinder 31b by the pump 20 as the washing water circulates in the water supply channel 19.

The rotary cylinder 31b and the drive unit 31c are connected via a speed change unit 32. The speed change unit 32 is composed of a rotary shaft gear 32a provided on the cylinder rotary shaft 31 g of the rotary cylinder 31b and a drive shaft gear 32b provided on the drive rotary shaft 31h of the drive unit 31c. For example, when the gear ratio between the drive shaft gear 32b and the rotary shaft gear 32a is set to 2: 1 and the rotation speed of the rotary cylinder 31b is, for example, 4000 r / min, the rotation speed of the drive unit 31c is halved. 2000r / min.

The case 31a and the drive unit 31c are attached to the upper surface of the support portion 33, and are integrally fixed to the bottom portion in the housing 2 via the support portion 33. Further, the cylinder rotating shaft 31g of the rotating cylinder 31b and the driving rotating shaft 31h of the driving unit 31c are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, respectively.

The washing water flowing through the water supply channel 19 is introduced into the centrifuge section 31, and while flowing into the rotary cylinder 31b from the washing water inlet 31e and flowing out from the washing water outlet 31f, the washing water is swirled by the high-speed rotation of the rotary cylinder 31b. Receives centrifugal force. In this way, foreign matter such as dirt substances contained in the washing water is configured to be directed toward the inner peripheral surface 31d of the rotary cylinder 31b by centrifugal force. In the present embodiment, the washing water inlet 31e is provided below the washing water outlet 31f, and the washing water passing through the centrifuge 31 flows from the bottom to the top.

A protruding portion 31i protruding inward is provided on the inner peripheral surface 31d of the rotary cylinder 31b. A plurality (for example, four) of the projecting portions 31i are provided in the vertical direction in the same direction as the cylinder rotation shaft 31g.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the centrifugal separation unit 31, the rotary cylinder 31b and the drive unit 31c for rotationally driving the rotary cylinder 31b are connected via the speed change unit 32. As a result, the rotation speed of the drive unit 31c can be converted to rotate the rotary cylinder 31b at an arbitrary rotation speed. At this time, if the gear ratio is set to increase as described above, the swirling flow generated in the rotary cylinder 31b can be made faster, and the centrifugal force acting on the washing water is strengthened to enhance the separation effect of dirty substances. Can be done.

Further, in the centrifugal separation unit 31, the cylinder rotation shaft 31g of the rotation cylinder 31b and the drive rotation shaft 31h of the drive unit 31c are arranged in parallel, and the case 31a and the drive unit 31c are integrally configured. As a result, the rotational operation of the drive unit 31c can be accurately transmitted to the rotary cylinder 31b, and the high-speed rotational operation of the rotary cylinder 31b can be stably performed.

Further, the centrifuge 31 is provided with a protruding portion 31i protruding inward on the inner peripheral surface 31d of the rotary cylinder 31b, and a transmission loss when the rotational operation of the rotary cylinder 31b is transmitted to the washing water. It is possible to reduce the speed difference between the rotary cylinder 31b and the swirling flow. Then, by increasing the speed of the swirling flow generated in the rotating cylinder 31b, the centrifugal force acting on the washing water can be strengthened to enhance the effect of separating dirty substances.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can separate and purify foreign substances such as dirt substances from the washing water soiled by washing, and suppress the reattachment of the separated dirt substances to the laundry. It is useful as a washing machine because it can enhance the cleaning effect.

1 Outer tub 2 Housing 4 Washing tub 10 Motor 19 Water supply channel 20 Pump 21, 31 Centrifugal separator 21a, 31a Case 21b, 31b Rotating cylinder 21c Rotating cylinder motor (drive unit)
21e, 31e Washing water inlet 21f, 31f Washing water outlet 31c Drive unit 31g Cylinder rotation shaft 31h Motor rotation shaft 31i Protruding part 32 Transmission part

Claims (5)

An outer tank elastically supported inside the housing,
A washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub and
A motor that rotationally drives the washing tub and
A water supply channel provided so that the washing water in the outer tank circulates, and
A pump provided in the water supply channel to circulate washing water,
The water supply channel is provided with a centrifuge that separates foreign substances contained in the washing water.
The centrifuge has a case provided in the water supply channel through which washing water passes, a hollow rotary cylinder rotatably provided in the case, and a drive unit for rotating the rotary cylinder.
The rotary cylinder is provided with a washing water inlet and a washing water outlet so that the washing water circulated by the pump flows through the inside.
Opening before Symbol wash water outlet, the water pass is formed to be substantially equal to the opening area of, is configured such that the respective openings are in communication linearly centered,
The volumetric flow rate of the washing water passing through the centrifuge per unit time is defined as the velocity V1 which is the larger of the flow velocities gradually reduced by the opening area of the washing water inlet or the washing water outlet, and the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder. When the flow velocity in the vicinity of the turning direction or the turning speed of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder is defined as the speed V2,
A washing machine in which the pump and the driving unit are controlled so that the speed V2> the speed V1 when the foreign matter is separated. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the centrifuge is configured so that washing water flows from the bottom to the top inside. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centrifugal separation unit is a washing machine in which the rotary cylinder and the drive unit are connected via a transmission unit. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein in the centrifuge, the rotating shaft of the rotating cylinder and the rotating shaft of the driving unit are arranged in parallel, and the case and the driving unit are integrally formed. Claims 1 to 1 in which the centrifuge portion is provided with a protruding portion protruding inward on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder.
The washing machine according to any one of 4.

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