Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of drying a drain filter efficiently by warm air.SOLUTION: A washing machine 1 includes: an outer tub 6; a drum 7 arranged in the outer tub; a drain pipe 16 for discharging washing water in the outer tub 6; a drain filter 20 connected to the drain pipe 16, and for collecting foreign objects contained in the washing water; a warm air generation unit 30 for generating warm air; and a filter drying duct 60 which is arranged outside of the outer tub 6, and in which a downstream end 62 is connected to the drain filter 20. The warm air generated in the warm air generation unit 30 is supplied to the drain filter 20 through the filter drying duct 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] In a washing machine having a water tub provided in a housing and an inner tub rotatably provided within the water tub, a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the water tub, and a technology is known in which wash water flows into a drain filter provided in the drain pipe (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The drain filter collects foreign matter such as lint and thread scraps. In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a fan and a heating unit are provided in an air blowing path branched off from the drain pipe, and the air blowing path is connected to the top of the water tub. With this configuration, drying air is sent into the water tub and flows into the drain pipe. The drying air passes through the drain filter, thereby drying the drain filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-16228 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the drying air (hot air) always flows into the drain pipe via the water tub. Since the drying air is once sent to the water tub, it is difficult to efficiently guide the drying air to the drain pipe. For example, the drying air may be sent to another location in the water tub or the inner tub, or may come into contact with laundry or the like in the inner tub. There is a risk that the heat and humidity of the drying air (low humidity for drying) may not be fully utilized for drying the drain filter.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a washing machine that can efficiently dry a drain filter with hot air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer tub disposed within a housing, a washing tub disposed within the outer tub in which laundry is stored, a drain pipe connected to the outer tub for discharging wash water from the outer tub, a drain filter connected to the drain pipe for collecting foreign matter contained in the wash water, a hot air generating unit disposed within the housing for generating hot air, and a filter drying duct disposed between the hot air generating unit and the drain filter and disposed outside the outer tub, the downstream end of which is connected to the drain filter or a pipe leading to the drain filter, and the hot air generated by the hot air generating unit is supplied to the drain filter through the filter drying duct.

[0007] According to the washing machine of [1], the drain filter captures foreign matter contained in the wash water. A filter drying duct is connected to the drain filter or the piping connected to the drain filter. Hot air is supplied to the drain filter through the filter drying duct, thereby reducing the moisture content of the foreign matter captured by the drain filter. This reduces slime or black mold on the drain filter, and reduces discomfort during maintenance. In this way, since a dedicated filter drying duct is disposed outside the outer tub, hot air is supplied directly to the drain filter, and the drain filter can be dried efficiently.

[0008] [2] The washing machine of [1] may further include an intake duct connected to the outer tub and the hot air generating unit, and an air-path switching damper attached to an air path from the hot air generating unit. A laundry drying duct that supplies hot air to the washing tub and a filter drying duct may be connected to the air-path switching damper, and the air-path switching damper may be capable of switching the air path of the hot air between the laundry drying duct and the filter drying duct. According to this configuration, by switching the air path in the air-path switching damper, the laundry and the drain filter can be dried in a short time while sharing the hot air generating unit.

[0009] [3] In the washing machine according to the above [1] or [2], a drain outlet of the drain filter may be connected to a drain discharge pipe, a valve may be provided on the drain discharge pipe, and a downstream end of the filter drying duct may be connected to a position upstream of the valve. With this configuration, hot air can be more efficiently supplied to the drain filter.

[0010] [4] In the washing machine according to any one of the above [1] to [3], the hot air supplied through the filter drying duct may pass through the inside of the drain filter case and be discharged to the outer tub through the drain pipe. With this configuration, the hot air can be returned to the hot air generating unit (through the intake duct or the like), and the drying air can be circulated and reused.

[0011] [5] In the washing machine according to any one of [1] to [4] above, the drain filter may have a case connected to the drain pipe, a filter section housed in the case and including a bottom plate section and a plurality of comb teeth extending in a direction intersecting the bottom plate section, and a stripper detachably attached to the filter section, fitted to the bottom plate section of the filter section when attached, and pulled up in the above direction along the comb teeth when performing maintenance. According to this configuration, by pulling up the stripper during maintenance, foreign matter captured in the filter section and having a reduced moisture content (i.e., dried to a certain extent) can be easily separated from the filter section.

[0012] [6] The washing machine according to any one of [1] to [5] above may further include a control unit that performs a normal washing operation and a drain filter drying operation in the washing machine, and the control unit may perform the drain filter drying operation only when the user selects a mode for performing the drain filter drying operation. In this case, the drain filter drying operation can be performed only when the user judges it necessary (not every time washing is performed, but at an appropriate time). Depending on the degree of accumulation of foreign matter such as lint in the drain filter, more appropriate drying of the drain filter is possible. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the drainage filter can be efficiently dried by hot air. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the door and front panel removed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the washing machine of FIG. 1 with the side panel removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the drainage filter in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a filter portion and a stripper of the drainage filter of FIG. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(c) are respectively a front view and left and right side views of the air-path switching damper, and FIG. 6(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VID-VID in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA in FIG. 6(a), and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIIA-VIIIA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stripper is pulled up during maintenance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. In some figures, directional lines perpendicular to each other, such as up / down, left / right, and front / rear, are shown. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", and "right" are terms based on the installation state of the washing machine 1.

[0016] First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the overall configuration of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described. The washing machine 1 is, for example, a drum-type washer-dryer. The washing machine 1 includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. The shape of the housing 2 can be appropriately changed. A part (any face, etc.) of the housing 2 may be rounded, or the front face, etc. of the housing 2 may be inclined at an angle to the vertical direction. A circular door 3 that can be opened and closed is attached to a front panel 2a (see FIG. 2) of the housing 2. A circular input port 4 through which laundry is input is formed on the front face of the housing 2. The input port 4 is closed or opened by the door 3. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the door 3 and the front panel 2a are removed (a state in which the inside of the housing 2 is exposed).

[0017] An outer tub 6 and a drum (washing tub) 7 are disposed within the housing 2. Both the outer tub 6 and the drum 7 are cylindrical with a bottom. The outer tub 6 is elastically supported within the housing 2 by a damper and a spring (not shown). The drum 7 is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 6. The outer tub 6 and the drum 7 are disposed concentrically (coaxially) with respect to a central axis extending in the front-rear direction, for example. The outer tub 6 has a circular opening 6a located slightly forward of the opening 7a of the drum 7.

[0018] The peripheral portion of the opening 6a of the outer tub 6 and the peripheral portion of the input port 4 of the housing 2 are connected by an annular packing 8 made of an elastic material. The cross-sectional shape of the packing 8 may be set appropriately. The peripheral surface of the closed door 3 comes into contact with the packing 8, and the gap between the input port 4 and the door 3 is water-sealed.

[0019] Laundry is stored inside drum 7. A large number of dewatering holes 7b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of drum 7. A plurality of (e.g., three) baffles 7d are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of drum 7. A balancer (not shown) may be provided on the inner peripheral surface at the front of drum 7.

[0020] A drive motor 9 for rotating the drum 7 is installed in the housing 2 and behind the outer tub 6. A rotating shaft 9a of the drive motor 9 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to a part of the drum 7. The rotating shaft 9a and the drum 7 may be connected via a pulley or a reduction mechanism, or may be directly connected. During the washing and rinsing steps, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively low rotation speed such that the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 7 is smaller than gravity and the laundry tumbles. During the spin-drying step, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a relatively high rotation speed such that the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 7 is larger than gravity and the laundry sticks to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 7.

[0021] A water supply pipe 13 and a water supply valve 14 are disposed at the rear of the housing 2. The water supply pipe 13 may be a flexible hose, or may be made of a piping material other than a hose. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied into the outer tub 6 through the water supply pipe 13. The outer tub 6 can store washing water. In this specification, "washing water" includes liquids corresponding to each process such as the washing process and rinsing process of the laundry, and liquids (washing water) corresponding to the cleaning process of the drying filter 37 performed before the washing process. In the washing process, the washing water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and in the cleaning process and rinsing process of the drying filter 37, the washing liquid may be water. In the rinsing process, the washing water may contain fabric softener.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a recess 6b that is recessed downward is formed in the bottom of the outer tub 6. A drain pipe 16 is connected to the recess 6b. The drain pipe 16 may be a flexible hose, or may be made of a piping material other than a hose. The drain pipe 16 drains the wash water in the outer tub 6. The wash water is drained by gravity through the drain pipe 16, since the drain pipe 16 is disposed facing downward.

[0023] Washing machine 1 is connected to drain pipe 16 and includes drain filter 20 for collecting foreign matter contained in wash water. The downstream end of drain pipe 16 is connected to inlet 21a of drain filter 20 (see Figs. 4 and 5). Drain filter 20 is installed in housing 2, for example, near the lower right.

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drain filter 20 has a substantially cylindrical case 21 connected to the drain pipe 16, and a filter portion 22 housed in the case 21. The case 21 is installed in the housing, for example, in a position slightly inclined with respect to the front-to-rear direction (see Figure 3). An inlet 21a for introducing wash water is formed on the front side of the case 21, and a drain outlet 21b for discharging the filtered wash water is formed on the rear of the case 21. The case 21 is installed so that the rear is slightly lower than the front.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a drain discharge pipe 18 is connected to the drain outlet 21b of the case 21. More specifically, a connection part 18a (the upstream end of the drain discharge pipe 18) having a tapered pipe diameter is connected to the drain outlet 21b of the drain filter 20. A drain valve 17 is provided in the drain discharge pipe 18, which can allow or block the drainage (flow) of the washing water through the drain pipe 16 and the drain filter 20. The drain valve 17 is provided downstream of the connection part 18a. By opening the drain valve 17, the washing water is drained from the outer tub 6, passes through the drain pipe 16, and is filtered in the drain filter 20. While the drain valve 17 is closed, the washing water is retained in the pipes upstream of the drain valve 17 (the drain pipe 16, the drain filter 20, and the connection part 18a).

[0026] Drain discharge pipe 18 extends, for example, outside of washing machine 1 (downward). Washing water discharged from washing machine 1 through drain discharge pipe 18 is drained through a drain outlet provided in a waterproof pan or the like. Drain pipe 16, drain filter 20, and drain discharge pipe 18 form a drainage path that flows by gravity. The layout of drain pipe 16, drain filter 20, and drain discharge pipe 18 may be changed as appropriate. Drain pipe 16, drain filter 20, and drain discharge pipe 18 are installed in the space below outer tub 6.

[0027] 4 and 5, the filter portion 22 and other components of the drainage filter 20 will be described in more detail. The filter portion 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open upward. The filter portion 22 has a rectangular bottom plate portion 23 and a plurality of comb teeth 24 that rise from the bottom plate portion 23. When the filter portion 22 is attached to the case 21, the rear end portion is exposed from the drainage opening 21b of the case 21. The attachment structure of the filter portion 22 to the case 21 is not particularly limited, but the rear end portion may protrude rearward from the drainage opening 21b.

[0028] The comb teeth 24 are arranged along a pair of side edges and a short side edge of the bottom plate 23 to form a pair of side walls and a rear wall of the filter section 22. All the comb teeth 24 are parallel to each other and extend in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the bottom plate 23. The comb teeth 24 arranged at regular intervals form a filter surface F of the filter section 22. Washing water introduced into the drain filter 20 flows into the inside of the filter section 22. The washing water passes through the filter surface F consisting of the numerous comb teeth 24. As a result, foreign matter such as lint is caught by the comb teeth 24 and captured (collected). The filtered washing water passes through the gaps (intervals) between the comb teeth 24 and is discharged from the drain outlet 21b.

[0029] The drainage filter 20 further includes a stripper 70 detachably attached to the filter portion 22. The stripper 70 includes a lattice-shaped bottom portion 71, a plurality of scraping portions 72 formed on a pair of side edges of the bottom portion 71 and disposed in the gaps between the comb teeth 24, and a pair of handle portions 73 formed to rise from the scraping portions 72. As shown in FIG. 8(a), for example, a lattice-shaped groove portion 23a is formed on the bottom plate portion 23 of the filter portion 22, and the bottom portion 71 of the stripper 70 is fitted in the groove portion 23a. When the stripper 70 is attached to the filter portion 22, the bottom portion 71 of the stripper 70 is fitted in the bottom plate portion 23 of the filter portion 22. Note that the bottom portion 71 of the stripper 70 is not limited to being fitted in the bottom plate portion 23 of the filter portion 22, and the bottom portion 71 may be fitted in such a way that it overlaps the bottom plate portion 23.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the drain filter 20 has an operating lever 29 provided at a position protruding forward from the case 21. The operating lever 29 is connected to and integrated with the filter unit 22. A user can operate the operating lever 29 from outside the washing machine 1. By opening the cover B (see Fig. 3), the user can hold the operating lever 29 with one hand or both hands. When the user rotates the operating lever 29 counterclockwise by about 90 degrees, the engagement between the operating lever 29 and the case 21 is released, and the filter unit 22 and the stripper 70 can be removed from the case 21. When the filter unit 22 is attached, it is attached to the case 21 in the reverse order to that described above.

[0031] 4, drain filter 20 is provided with annular packing 28, and in the above-mentioned fitted state, case 21 is closed and water-sealed in case 21. Filter unit 22 is removed from case 21 by a user when, for example, operation of washing machine 1 is completed, and taken out of washing machine 1. This allows maintenance of filter unit 22.

[0032] During maintenance of the filter portion 22, a user holds the pair of handle portions 73 with their fingers and pulls the stripper 70 upward (in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 23) along the comb teeth 24. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8(b), each scraping portion 72 rises through the gaps between the comb teeth 24. As the scraping portions 72 and the bottom portion 71 rise, foreign matter such as lint and hair captured in the filter portion 22 is lifted together with the stripper 70 and removed from the filter portion 22.

[0033] Next, a configuration related to drying laundry and drying the drain filter 20 provided in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the washing machine 1 is provided in the housing 2 and includes a hot air generating unit 30 that generates hot air, and an intake duct 15 connected to the outer tub 6 and the hot air generating unit 30. The hot air generating unit 30 generates dehumidified hot air. The intake duct 15 is connected to an air intake port 6c formed in the lower back surface of the outer tub 6 and a unit case 31.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the hot air generating unit 30 has a heater 34 (heater) for heating air and a fan 36 for sending air to the heater 34. For example, a combination of the heater 34 and a heat pump is applied as a heating / temperature increasing mechanism. The heater 34 may function as an auxiliary for heating (temperature increase) at start-up. The hot air generating unit 30 may have, for example, a dehumidification unit (for example, a desiccant type dehumidification unit, etc.) for dehumidifying air. A drying filter 37 for removing foreign matter in the air is provided in the air path in the hot air generating unit 30. The drying filter 37 is provided, for example, in the suction part (inside the duct) of the fan 36, but the drying filter 37 may be provided in another position. Each device related to the generation of hot air, such as the heater 34, the fan 36, and the drying filter 37, is housed, for example, in a unit case 31 provided in the upper part of the housing 2. The heat pump may be omitted and only the heater 34 may be provided, or the heater 34 may be omitted and only the heat pump may be provided. The configuration of the hot air generating unit 30 may be appropriately changed based on a known configuration provided in a washer / dryer.

[0035] The hot air generating unit 30 is provided for both drying laundry and drying the drainage filter 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the washing machine 1 includes an air-path switching damper 40 attached to an air passage from the hot air generating unit 30. A laundry drying duct 50 for supplying hot air to the drum 7 is provided between the air-path switching damper 40 and the drum 7. A filter drying duct 60 for supplying hot air to the drainage filter 20 is provided between the air-path switching damper 40 and the drainage filter 20.

[0036] 1, 2 and 6, the air outlet 32 ​​of the hot air generating unit 30 is provided with a damper connection member 33 having a triangular shape in front view, and the air-path switching damper 40 is attached to the damper connection member 33 (air path). The air-path switching damper 40 is provided between the hot air generating unit 30 and the upper end of the drum 7 (or the input port 4) in the vertical direction (height direction). As shown in Figs. 6(a) to 6(d), the air-path switching damper 40 includes a rectangular parallelepiped damper case 41, a switching plate 42 housed in the damper case 41 and rotatable about a pair of shaft supports 43, a stepping motor 44 that rotates the switching plate 42, and a limit switch 47 that detects the rotation position of the switching plate 42. The stepping motor 44 is housed in a motor case 46.

[0037] The damper case 41 extends long in the left-right direction, and has a rectangular first outlet 48 at its lower end. A rectangular cylindrical laundry drying duct 50 is connected to the first outlet 48. A surrounding duct 51 (see FIG. 2) that defines a circular space around the input port 4 is further connected to the laundry drying duct 50. The surrounding duct 51 is connected to the opening 6a of the outer tub 6. The above-mentioned packing 8, for example, doubles as the surrounding duct 51. The hot air generated in the hot air generating unit 30 can be supplied into the drum 7 through an outlet 52 formed in the upper part of the opening 7a.

[0038] The air passage switching damper 40 is controlled by a control unit 90, which will be described later. The air passage is switched to the laundry drying duct 50 by the control unit 90, and the laundry drying operation is performed. The warm air (warm air whose humidity has increased by drying the laundry) supplied to the drum 7 passes through the inside of the drum 7 and returns to the warm air generating unit 30 through the air intake 6c and the suction duct 15. The laundry drying operation is performed last as part of the normal washing operation. The length of the laundry drying operation is, for example, about 1 to 2 hours, but can be appropriately changed by the user's setting operation.

[0039] The damper case 41 has, in the front thereof, a second outlet portion 49a having, for example, a rectangular shape. The opening area of ​​the second outlet portion 49a is smaller than the opening area of ​​the first outlet portion 48. A filter drying air blower 49 is attached to the front of the damper case 41 for blowing out warm air through a separate route (different from the laundry drying duct 50) via the second outlet portion 49a. An upstream end 61 of a filter drying duct 60 is connected to the cylindrical filter drying air blower 49 (see FIG. 1).

[0040] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the filter drying duct 60 is disposed in the space inside the housing 2 and outside the outer tub 6. For example, the filter drying duct 60 having a circular cross section extends rightward (horizontally) from the filter drying blower 49 of the air path switching damper 40, then extends downward (vertically), and is connected to the drain filter 20 after bending several times near the lower right of the housing 2. The downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 is connected to, for example, the hot air inlet 21c (see Fig. 4) formed at the rear upper part of the case 21. That is, the downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 is connected to a position upstream of the drain valve 17 described above (based on the drain direction of the washing water). In the drain filter 20, the hot air inlet 21c faces the space inside the filter surface F of the filter part 22 (space where foreign matter is collected).

[0041] The control unit 90 switches the air passage to the filter drying duct 60, and the hot air generated by the hot air generating unit 30 is supplied to the drain filter 20 through the filter drying duct 60. This causes a drying operation of the drain filter 20 to be performed. The drying operation of the drain filter 20 is performed following the laundry drying operation (normal washing operation). The length of the drying operation of the drain filter 20 is, for example, about 5 to 20 minutes, but can be appropriately changed by the user's setting operation.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the hot air inlet 21c is formed at the rear of the case 21. The drain valve 17 is open during the drying operation of the drain filter 20. The hot air supplied through the filter drying duct 60 passes through the inside of the case 21 of the drain filter 20 and is discharged to the outer tub 6 through the inlet 21a and the drain pipe 16. Since the drain discharge pipe 18 is connected to a drain trap, the hot air does not flow into the drain discharge pipe 18 at this time. Since the drain valve 17 is open, moisture (due to dehumidification) generated with the drying of the drain filter 20 condenses and flows down the drain discharge pipe 18. In practice, an air release mechanism is provided in the outer tub 6 to release the expansion of the air in the tub due to drying and temperature rise. Therefore, even if the drain valve 17 is closed, it is possible to dry the lint (foreign matter) in the drain filter 20.

[0043] The hot air discharged from the inlet 21a of the case 21 to the outer tub 6 (hot air with increased humidity due to drying the drain filter 20) mainly passes through the gap between the drum 7 and the outer tub 6 (i.e., outside the drum 7) and returns to the hot air generating unit 30 through the air intake 6c and the suction duct 15. This reduces the risk of odors from the drainage path getting onto the laundry (odor transfer).

[0044] In the washing machine 1, air is circulated and utilized both in the laundry drying operation and in the drying operation of the drain filter 20. The volume of hot air is the same in these drying operations. This volume of air is not so strong as to destroy the water seal in the drain trap, so there is no particular problem even if the drying operation of the drain filter 20 is performed with the same volume of air.

[0045] The washing machine 1 includes operation buttons (not shown) operated by a user, and a control unit 90 (see FIG. 1) that controls the driving of the driving motor 9, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14, the opening and closing of the drain valve 17, the driving of the stepping motor 44, and the like. The control unit 90 is a controller provided at an appropriate position in the housing 2. The control unit 90 is a computer having, for example, a storage medium such as a read only memory (ROM) in which programs and the like are stored, a random access memory (RAM) in which data is temporarily stored, and a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). In the control unit 90, for example, the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the ROM. The control unit 90 performs various operations in the washing machine 1 according to a program stored in advance in response to an operation by the user.

[0046] 6 and 7, the rotation control of the switching plate 42 in the air-path switching damper 40 will be described. During the laundry drying operation, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the switching plate 42 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left. The switching plate 42 includes a large rectangular plate-like first closing portion 42a corresponding to the shape and size of the first outlet portion 48, and a rectangular frame-like (cylindrical) second closing portion 42b corresponding to the shape and size of the second outlet portion 49a (see FIG. 6(d)). The second closing portion 42b is erected on the first closing portion 42a. When the switching plate 42 is positioned at the first closing position P1 shown in FIG. 7(a), the second closing portion 42b closes the second outlet portion 49a, and the air path is switched to the first outlet portion 48 (laundry drying duct 50). At this time, an operating piece 47a (see FIG. 6(b)) attached to one of the pivot supports 43 rotates together with the switching plate 42. When the switching plate 42 reaches the first closed position P1, the operating piece 47a turns on the limit switch 47 (see the operating piece 47a indicated by the dashed line in the figure). This causes the control unit 90 to stop the switching plate 42. Note that, although FIG. 6(b) is a left side view, the stepping motor 44 and the motor case 46 are not shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0047] During the drying operation of the drain filter 20, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the switching plate 42 is rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise as viewed from the left. When the switching plate 42 is located at the second closing position P2 shown in FIG. 7(b), the first closing portion 42a abuts against the rectangular frame-shaped step portion 41c to close the first outlet portion 48, and the air passage is switched to the second outlet portion 49a (filter drying duct 60). At this time, the limit switch 47 is not used, and the control unit 90 stops the switching plate 42 based on the rotation amount of the stepping motor 44. In this embodiment, the control using the limit switch 47 is performed only during the laundry drying operation, but the limit switch 47 may be used during both operations. In addition, the limit switch 47 enables detection of the initial position of the switching plate 42 (during a power outage while the stepping motor 44 is in operation, etc.).

[0048] Next, the operation (operation method) of the hot air generating unit 30 in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. A user sets a drying operation (drying process) for the drain filter 20 in advance using the operation button. For example, the drying operation for the drain filter 20 is set by pressing the "add drain filter drying button". Hot air is sent to the drain filter 20 after the normal washing operation. That is, only when the user selects a mode for performing the drain filter drying operation, the control unit 90 performs the drain filter drying operation. Note that the operation using the operation button is not limited to the above, and for example, the washing operation (drying operation) is performed by pressing the button for the washing course (drying course) once, but hot air may be sent to the drain filter 20 after the normal washing operation by pressing the button for the washing course (drying course) twice. The drying operation for the drain filter 20 may be set as a dedicated course and operated independently of the washing operation.

[0049] First, prior to the washing process, a cleaning process is performed on the drying filter 37. Cleaning water is supplied to the drying filter 37 from a cleaning water line (not shown), and foreign matter such as lint collected on the drying filter 37 is washed away. At this time, the drain valve 17 is open, and the cleaning water flows down through the drain pipe 16 and is introduced into the drain filter 20.

[0050] During normal operation of the washing machine 1, the drain valve 17 is closed, and the wash water in the outer tub 6 fills the drain pipe 16 and the drain filter 20. At the end of the washing and rinsing steps, the drain valve 17 is opened, and the wash water in the outer tub 6 flows down through the drain pipe 16 and is introduced into the drain filter 20. The wash water passes between the comb teeth 24 of the filter portion 22. At this time, foreign matter such as lint is collected by the filter portion 22. Depending on the operation mode of the washing machine 1, the above filtering process in the drain filter 20 may be performed only once or multiple times.

[0051] After the washing step and the rinsing step are completed, the spin-drying step and the drying step are performed. The drain valve 17 is open. Hot air is generated by the hot air generating unit 30, the switching plate 42 of the air-path switching damper 40 is located at the first closing position P1 (see FIG. 7(a)), and the hot air is supplied into the drum 7 through the laundry drying duct 50. The temperature of the hot air is, for example, about 60 degrees or higher. After a predetermined operation time has elapsed, the supply of hot air from the hot air generating unit 30 is stopped. Then, the drain filter drying step is performed. The switching plate 42 of the air-path switching damper 40 moves to the second closing position P2 (see FIG. 7(b)), and the hot air is supplied into the drain filter 20 through the filter drying duct 60. In this case, the temperature of the hot air is, for example, about 60 degrees or higher. The hot air flows from the rear to the front inside the case 21 (in the filter section 22). After a predetermined operation time has elapsed, the supply of hot air from the hot air generating unit 30 is stopped. It is sufficient to dry the foreign matter such as lint collected in the filter section 22 only if the surface of the foreign matter is dry, and it is not necessary to completely dry the whole of the foreign matter. The drying time is set to an appropriate length.

[0052] After the drain filter drying process is completed, the user opens the cover B and rotates the operating lever 29 counterclockwise. The user holds the operating lever 29 and lifts the filter part 22 and the stripper 70 from the case 21. The user then lifts the stripper 70 to separate the foreign matter from the filter part 22 and discard it.

[0053] According to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the drain filter 20 is connected to the filter drying duct 60. By supplying warm air to the drain filter 20 through the filter drying duct 60, the moisture content of the foreign matter captured in the drain filter 20 decreases. This reduces slime or black mold on the drain filter 20, and reduces discomfort during maintenance. In this way, since the dedicated filter drying duct 60 is disposed outside the outer tub 6, warm air is directly supplied to the drain filter 20, and the drain filter 20 can be efficiently dried.

[0054] Furthermore, by drying the lint, it is possible to prevent moisture from dripping from the lint when removing the drain filter 20 for maintenance. This allows for cleaning without wetting the floor. When disposing of the lint in a trash can, it is possible to dispose of it hygienically. Furthermore, by periodically drying the drain filter 20, it is possible to prevent odors specific to drainage paths such as the drain pipe 16 (such as a black mold odor) from being transferred to laundry.

[0055] The air path switching damper 40 can switch the air path of the hot air between the laundry drying duct 50 and the filter drying duct 60. This allows the laundry and the drainage filter 20 to be dried in a short time while sharing the hot air generating unit 30. The components of the hot air generating unit 30 are shared, which allows for compactness and reduces additional costs.

[0056] A downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 is connected to a position upstream of the drain valve 17. This allows hot air to be supplied to the drain filter 20 more efficiently.

[0057] The hot air supplied through the filter drying duct 60 passes through the inside of the case 21 of the drain filter 20 and is discharged to the outer tank 6 through the drain pipe 16. This allows the hot air to be returned to the hot air generating unit 30 through the intake duct 15, and the drying air can be circulated and reused.

[0058] According to the configuration in which the drainage filter 20 is provided with the stripper 70, by lifting the stripper 70 during maintenance, foreign matter that has been captured by the filter portion 22 and has a reduced moisture content (i.e., has dried to a certain extent) can be easily separated from the filter portion 22. The user can perform maintenance of the filter portion 22 without getting his / her hands wet or touching lint.

[0059] Also, the drain filter drying operation is performed only when the user judges it necessary (not every time washing is done, but at the appropriate time). Through the use of the washing machine 1, the user can grasp the degree of accumulation of foreign matter such as lint in the drain filter 20. Depending on the degree of accumulation of foreign matter, the drain filter can be dried more appropriately.

[0060] Since the temperature of the hot air is 60° C. or higher, the surface temperature of the filter portion 22 also becomes 60° C. or higher. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of slime, black mold, and the like.

[0061] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 may be connected to a pipe connected to the drain filter 20. For example, the downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 may be connected to the drain discharge pipe 18. In this case, it is necessary to change the settings, such as reducing the air volume, so as to maintain (not destroy) the water seal in the drain trap provided downstream of the drain discharge pipe 18.

[0062] If the downstream end 62 of the filter drying duct 60 is connected to the drain filter 20 or the drain discharge pipe 18, the drain valve 17 may be opened during the drain filter drying operation.

[0063] The hot air supplied through the filter drying duct 60 may pass backward through the case 21. The hot air does not have to be circulated. In that case, a structure is required to maintain (not break) the water seal in the drain trap provided downstream of the drain discharge pipe 18.

[0064] The multiple comb teeth 24 may extend in a direction that forms an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the bottom plate portion 23 (a direction that intersects with the bottom plate portion 23).

[0065] Regardless of the user's setting, the drain filter drying operation may be performed every time a normal cleaning operation is performed.

[0066] The filter drying duct, heater (heat pump), fan, hot air filter, etc. may be provided separately from the hot air generating unit for drying laundry. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a simple washing machine (drum type washing machine or vertical washing machine) that does not have a hot air generating unit for drying laundry. In that case, only a dedicated hot air generating unit consisting of the filter drying duct, heater (heat pump), fan, hot air filter, etc. is provided.

[0067] The present invention may be applied to a washing / drying machine other than a drum washing machine, for example, a vertical washing / drying machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...washing machine, 2...casing, 6...outer tub, 7...drum (washing tub), 15...suction duct, 16...drain pipe, 17...drain valve (valve), 18...drain discharge pipe, 20...drain filter, 21...case, 21a...inlet, 21b...drain outlet, 22...filter section, 23...bottom plate section, 24...comb teeth, 30...hot air generating unit, 40...air path switching damper, 50...laundry drying duct, 60...filter drying duct, 61...upstream end, 62...downstream end, 90...control section.

Claims

1. An outer tank disposed within the housing; A washing tub disposed in the outer tub and accommodating laundry; A drain pipe connected to the outer tub for discharging washing water from the outer tub; A drain filter connected to the drain pipe for collecting foreign matter contained in the washing water; A hot air generating unit that is provided in the housing and generates hot air; A filter drying duct is provided between the hot air generating unit and the drainage filter and disposed outside the outer tank, and a downstream end of the filter drying duct is connected to the drainage filter or a pipe connected to the drainage filter. The hot air generated by the hot air generating unit is supplied to the drainage filter through the filter drying duct.

2. An intake duct connected to the outer tub and the hot air generating unit; An air path switching damper attached to an air path from the hot air generating unit, 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a laundry drying duct that supplies warm air to the washing tub and the filter drying duct are connected to the air-path switching damper, and the air-path switching damper is capable of switching an air path of the warm air between the laundry drying duct and the filter drying duct.

3. A drainage discharge pipe is connected to the drain outlet of the drain filter, and a valve is provided on the drainage discharge pipe, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the downstream end of the filter drying duct is connected to a position upstream of the valve.

4. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the hot air supplied through the filter drying duct passes through a case of the drain filter and is discharged into the outer tub through the drain pipe.

5. The drainage filter is A case connected to the drain pipe; a filter unit that is accommodated in the case and includes a bottom plate unit and a plurality of comb teeth that extend in a direction intersecting the bottom plate unit; 3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a stripper that is detachably attached to the filter portion, that fits into the bottom plate portion of the filter portion when the filter portion is attached, and that is pulled up in the direction along the comb teeth when the filter portion is attached for maintenance.

6. The washing machine further includes a control unit that performs a normal washing operation and a drain filter drying operation, The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit performs the drain filter drying operation only when a mode for performing the drain filter drying operation is selected by a user.

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