Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of removing a detergent residue and sebum stains in a water channel filter.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 of the present invention includes: an outer tank for storing water; a drainage path for draining the water in the outer tank; and a water channel filter unit 52 provided in the drainage path and having a water channel filter 523 for collecting lint contained in the drainage. The washing machine includes a washing nozzle 524 for washing the water channel filter 523. The washing machine supplies water to the washing nozzle 524 to wash the water channel filter 523 in a state where a part of the water channel filter 523 is submerged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a lint filter that collects lint and other foreign matter contained in wash water used for washing. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a washer-dryer that is provided with a lint filter in a circulating air duct that circulates dry air into the drum and is equipped with a water injection nozzle that washes away lint trapped in the lint filter (see Abstract). This washer-dryer is configured such that a filter device is inserted in the main drain pipe, and the lint washed away from the lint filter is captured and collected by the filter device (see paragraph 0029). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-187449 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The washer-dryer of Patent Document 1 takes into consideration the cleaning of the lint filter in the circulating air duct, but does not take into consideration the cleaning of the filter device installed in the main drain pipe. The filter device of Patent Document 1 is a filter installed in the drain pipe, and will be referred to as the water channel filter in the following explanation. On the other hand, the lint filter installed in the circulating air duct will be referred to as the air channel filter in the following explanation. If detergent residue or sebum stains are left adhering to the water channel filter, it can cause water stains and slime. For this reason, it is preferable to remove detergent residue and sebum stains while retaining the captured matter such as lint.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of removing detergent residue and sebum stains from a water channel filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention comprises: An outer tank for storing water; A drainage path for draining water from the outer tank; a water channel filter unit provided in the drainage path and having a water channel filter for collecting lint contained in the drainage; A washing machine comprising: A cleaning nozzle for cleaning the waterway filter is provided. With a portion of the water channel filter submerged in water, water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle to clean the water channel filter. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to remove detergent residue and sebum stains from the water channel filter, and to suppress the occurrence of limescale and slime on the water channel filter. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing / drying machine according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing / drying machine according to the present invention as viewed from the side; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a waterway filter unit according to the present invention viewed from above; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing the flow of drainage water (washing mode) when the water level of the washer / dryer is higher than a predetermined value and the entire water channel filter is submerged in the drainage water. FIG. [Figure 6] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a cleaning mode when the water level of the washer / dryer is lower than a predetermined value and a part of the water channel filter is not submerged in water. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an ultrasonic vibrator is arranged as a second cleaning device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which LEDs that irradiate ultraviolet rays are arranged as the second cleaning device. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the cleaning of the water channel filter after a drying process. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for cleaning the water channel filter after a tank cleaning process. [Figure 11] 13 is a flow chart for allowing a user to select cleaning of a waterway filter. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a filter cleaning process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where the water channel filter unit is placed at a position lower than the drain outlet of the outer tank. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where the water channel filter unit is disposed at a position higher than the drain outlet of the outer tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The washing machine according to the present invention may be a washing machine that performs a washing process including spin-drying, or a washing machine that performs both a washing process and a drying process, that is, a so-called washer-dryer. In the following embodiment, a washing machine (washer-dryer) that performs both a washing process and a drying process will be described. For this reason, the washing machine will be described as a washer-dryer. In this embodiment, a drum-type washer-dryer having an inner tub whose rotation axis extends substantially horizontally or in a direction inclined from the vertical direction will be described as the washer-dryer, but the present invention is also applicable to a vertical washer-dryer having an inner tub whose rotation axis extends substantially vertically.

[0010] [Case] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a washer / dryer 100 according to the present invention. The washer / dryer 100 is a drum-type washer / dryer, and a frame is formed by combining side panels 1b, which are mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, and reinforcing materials (not shown) on the upper part of a base 1a, and a front cover 1c and a top cover 1d are further attached on top of the frame to form a housing 1. The front cover 1c is provided with a door 1e for loading and unloading laundry. A power switch, buttons for selecting operation programs, and a display 1f are provided on the upper front part of the top cover 1d. The top cover 1d is also provided with a cover 1g for a storage section for a detergent box and a fabric softener box.

[0011] [Outer tank / inner tank] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a washer / dryer 100 according to the present invention as seen from the side. An outer tub 2 is provided inside a housing 1. The outer tub 2 is supported by a plurality of suspensions (not shown), and its upper part is suspended by a spring (not shown). A door 1e is opened and laundry is put into a rotating drum (inner tub) 3 inside the outer tub 2. A fluid balancer 3a is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 3 to reduce vibrations caused by imbalance of the laundry during spin-drying. A plurality of lifters 3b are provided inside the rotating drum 3 to lift up the laundry. The rotating drum 3 is directly connected to a motor (drive unit) 4 for driving the drum via a main shaft (not shown).

[0012] A tub cover 2a is provided in front of the outer tub 2, and an elastic rubber bellows 2b is attached to the opening of the tub cover 2a. The bellows 2b maintains the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 2 and the door 1e. This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing and spin-drying. The rotating drum 3 has many small holes 3c on its side and back for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation. A drain port (outer tub drain port) 2c is provided at the lower part (bottom) of the outer tub 2, and a drain path (drain hose) 5 is connected to the drain port 2c.

[0013] A hose 2d1 of a water level sensor 2d is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 2, and the water level of the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 2d.

[0014] [Drainage route] As shown in FIG. 2, a drain valve 51 and a water channel filter unit 52 are provided in the middle of the drain path 5. The drain path 5 can be divided into an upstream drain path 5a and a downstream drain path 5b at the drain valve 51. The drain valve 51 is composed of an electromagnetic valve or the like, and is provided in the upstream drain path 5a. When the drain valve 51 is closed, washing water is stored in the outer tub 2, and when the drain valve 51 is opened, the washing water stored in the outer tub 2 is discharged outside the machine through the downstream drain path 5b. When the washing water stored in the outer tub 2 is discharged outside the machine, the water channel filter unit 52 collects lint (lint) LNT contained in the washing water. The lint LNT collected by the water channel filter unit 52 is cleaned off by the user as appropriate.

[0015] In addition, when a cleaning device (cleaning nozzle) is provided on the air duct filter 61a provided on the circulation air duct (circulation duct) 61 of the drying device 6 described later, the lint LNT contained in the cleaning water that cleans the air duct filter 61a is also collected by the water duct filter unit 52. This cleaning water is drained to the drainage path (drainage hose) 5 through the drain outlet 2c or the water drain hose 61b. In this embodiment, a dehumidifier 62 is provided on the circulation air duct 61 provided on the rear side of the outer tub 2 to dehumidify the circulating air. The dehumidifier 62 is composed of a water-cooled dehumidifier, and the cooling water used for dehumidification comes into contact with the circulating air and contains the lint LNT contained in the circulating air. This lint LNT also flows to the water duct filter unit 52 through the water drain hose 61b and is collected by the water duct filter unit 52.

[0016] The outer tub 2 is provided with an overflow drainage path 53. The overflow drainage path 53 is equipped with a trap (not shown) that allows water to pass through and store water in the path and blocks air flow by storing water. The overflow drainage path 53 is connected to a drainage path (drainage hose) 5 downstream of the trap.

[0017] Between the water channel filter unit 52 and the outer tub 2, there are provided circulation water channels (circulation flow paths) 54, 55 and a circulation pump 56 for circulating the water in the outer tub 2. The circulation water channel 54 is a shower circulation hose that sprays water on laundry. The circulation water channel 55 is a detergent dissolving circulation hose that circulates wash water to dissolve the detergent.

[0018] [Water supply unit] As shown in Fig. 2, the mains water is connected to the water supply unit 8 via the water supply port 7. The water supply unit 8 has a solenoid valve 81 and a detergent case 82. The solenoid valve 81 is configured as a four-way valve. The four-way valve 81 includes a main water supply valve 81a, a softener water supply valve 81b, a shower water supply valve 81c, and a cooling water supply valve 81d. The four water supply valves 81a, 81b, 81c, and 81d can set the flow rate range that can be supplied with water according to the water supply pressure.

[0019] Water supplied from the main water supply valve 81a is supplied to the detergent case 82 through a main water supply hose 81a1, and enters the outer tub 2 together with the detergent in the detergent case 82. Water supplied from the softener water supply valve 81b is supplied to the detergent case 82 through a softener water supply hose 81b1, and enters the outer tub 2 together with the softener in the detergent case 82. Water supplied from the shower water supply valve 81c is sprayed into the outer tub 2 through a shower water supply hose 81c1. Water supplied from the cooling water supply valve 81d is supplied to the water-cooled dehumidifier 62 in the circulating air duct 61 through a cooling water supply hose 81d1.

[0020] Furthermore, the shower water supply valve 81c supplies cleaning water through a protective filter cleaning water supply hose 81c2 to the protective filter 63a provided at the suction port of the blower 63. Moreover, the cooling water supply valve 81d supplies cleaning water through a water channel filter cleaning water supply hose 81d2 to the water channel filter cleaning nozzle 52a that cleans the water channel filter unit 52.

[0021] [Control unit] The control unit 9 controls the motor 4 for driving the washing tub, the fan motor of the blower 63, and the solenoid valve 81, and controls the operation of the washing process and the drying process. The outer tub 2 is provided with a vibration sensor 91, and the control unit 9 modifies the operation contents in the washing process and the drying process according to the vibration of the outer tub 2 detected by the vibration sensor 91.

[0022] [Drying equipment] The washer / dryer 100 performs a drying operation of the laundry using the drying device 6. The drying device 6 has a circulation air passage (circulation duct) 61, a water-cooled dehumidifier 62, a blower 63, and a heater 64. The blower 63 sends drying air (circulating air) through the circulation air duct 61 to the heater 64, and blows the drying air heated by the heater 64 into the inside of the outer tub 2 from a warm air outlet 61b provided on the front side of the outer tub 2. The drying air used to dry the laundry in the outer tub 2 passes through the air duct filter 61a and the circulation air duct 61 to reach the water-cooled dehumidifier 62. The drying air dehumidified by the water-cooled dehumidifier 62 passes through the circulation air duct 61 and is sucked into the blower 63.

[0023] The circulation air passage (circulation duct) 61 has a first air passage section (upstream air passage section) 61A provided upstream of the blower 63 in the flow direction of the drying air, and a second air passage section (downstream air passage section) 61B provided downstream of the blower 63. The first air passage section 61A is provided between the outer tub 2 and the blower 63, and the first air passage section 61B is provided between the blower 63 and the outer tub 2. The water-cooled dehumidifier 62 is disposed in the first air passage section 61A, and the heater 64 is disposed in the second air passage section 61B. The protective filter 63a is disposed at a connection section between the first air passage section 61A and the blower 63.

[0024] [Waterway Filter] The water channel filter unit 52 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the water channel filter unit 52 according to the present invention as seen from above. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3.

[0025] Water channel filter unit 52 collects lint and other foreign matter (hereinafter simply referred to as lint) contained in wastewater from washer / dryer 100. Water channel filter unit 52 has a casing 521, a lid 522 for casing 521, a water channel filter (lint filter) 523 that captures lint, and a cleaning nozzle 524 that cleans water channel filter 523. An O-ring 525 is provided between casing 521 and lid 522 to improve watertightness.

[0026] A circulation pump 56 is connected to the casing 521. The circulation pump 56 is provided with, as discharge ports, a shower circulation hose joint 56a to which the shower circulation hose 54 is connected, and a detergent dissolving circulation hose joint 56b to which the detergent dissolving circulation hose 55 is connected.

[0027] Water channel filter 523 is made of a mesh-like material and is stored inside casing 521. Water channel filter 523 in this embodiment is made of a metal mesh. When performing maintenance on water channel filter 523, a user removes cover 522 that closes the opening of casing 521 from casing 521, and takes out water channel filter 523 from casing 521.

[0028] The lid 522 also serves as a handle that the user grasps when removing the filter from the casing 521. In this embodiment, the lid 522 and the water channel filter 523 are integrated, and the water channel filter 523 can be removed from the casing 521 by removing the lid 522 from the casing 521. After removing the water channel filter 523 from the casing 521, the user removes the lint collected in the water channel filter 523 from the water channel filter 523.

[0029] The water channel filter 53 and the cleaning nozzle 524 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 5 and 6 in addition to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of drainage water (cleaning mode) when the water level of the washer-dryer 100 is higher than a predetermined value and the entire water channel filter 53 is submerged in the drainage water. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the cleaning mode when the water level of the washer-dryer 100 is lower than a predetermined value and a part of the water channel filter 53 is not submerged. Fig. 5 shows a VV cross section of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 shows a VI-VI cross section of Fig. 4.

[0030] The water channel filter 523 has a bottom surface 523a, a pair of first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c that face each other and stand upward from the bottom surface 523a, and a third side surface 523d ​​that connects the first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c. The bottom surface 523a is rectangular, and the first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c stand from two opposing sides of the bottom surface 523a. A lid 522 is provided on one of the remaining two sides of the bottom surface 523a, and the third side surface 523d ​​is provided on the other side and is disposed in a position facing the lid 522.

[0031] A metal mesh 523f is provided on a frame (filter frame) 523e on the bottom surface 523a, the first side surface 523b, the second side surface 523c, and the third side surface 523d. The upper surface of the water channel filter 523 is open, forming an opening 523g.

[0032] The water channel filter 523 is attached to the casing 521 so that the bottom surface 523a is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. In this case, the bottom surface 523a is inclined so that the third side surface 523d ​​side is lower than the lid 522 side. In other words, the bottom surface 523a is inclined so that the lid 522 side is higher than the third side surface 523d ​​side. The first side surface 523b and the second side surface 523c have a height dimension h1 of the end portion on the lid 522 side that is larger than a height dimension h2 of the end portion on the third side surface 523d ​​side.

[0033] The water channel filter 523 has a small gap 526 between the third side surface 523d ​​and the casing 521, so that the lid 522 can reliably close the opening of the casing 521.

[0034] The cleaning nozzle 524 is a hole provided on a side surface of the casing 521, and tap water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 524 via the water channel filter cleaning water supply hose 81d2. The cleaning nozzle 524 is provided at a position facing each of the first side surface 523b and the second side surface 523c of the water channel filter 523. The cleaning nozzle 524 is not necessarily provided one each for the first side surface 523b and the second side surface 523c, and a plurality of cleaning nozzles 524 may be provided on each of the sides 523b, 523c.

[0035] 6, the projection surface of the opening of the cleaning nozzle 524 is included in at least a part of the metal mesh of the water channel filter 523. This allows tap water to be supplied to the side surfaces 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523 where the water flow is likely to stagnate during drainage. The supplied tap water hits the metal mesh 523f of the water channel filter 523, some of which passes through, while the majority of the water flows along the surface of the metal mesh 523f on the cleaning nozzle 524 side, cleaning the side surfaces 523b and 523c.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the flow of drainage water (cleaning mode) when the water level in the washer / dryer 100 is higher than a predetermined value and the entire water channel filter 523 is submerged in the drainage water, and the water channel filter 523 is cleaned by the strong flow of drainage water from the outer tub 2.

[0037] 6 shows a cleaning mode in which the water level in the washer / dryer 100 is lower than a predetermined value and part of the water channel filter 523 is not submerged. In this cleaning mode, the drainage flow is weak and the water flow is likely to stagnate, particularly at the sides 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523. As a result, the cleaning effect of the water channel filter 523 is reduced. Therefore, in this cleaning mode, it is recommended that water be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 524 and that the sides 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523 be mainly cleaned with tap water.

[0038] When there is a predetermined amount of water in the outer tub 2, even if the water channel filter 523 is washed with the washing nozzle 524, dirt in the outer tub 2 may adhere to the water channel filter 523 during subsequent drainage, reducing the cleaning effect of the water channel filter 523. For this reason, it is preferable to perform washing with the washing nozzle 524 when the water level in the outer tub 2 falls below a predetermined value.

[0039] When the filter cleaning process is started when the water level is higher than a predetermined value, opening the drain valve 51 creates a water flow on the inner surface 527a of the drain hose joint 527. At this time, dirt such as detergent residue and sebum, which cause water stains and mold, is partially peeled off by the water flow. Then, when the time has passed until the water level reaches a level where at least a part of the water channel filter 523 is submerged, the cooling water supply valve (water channel filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d is opened and tap water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 524. At this time, tap water flows around the sides 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523 and the downstream surface 523a2 of the bottom surface 523a, where water flow is less likely to occur during drainage, so detergent residue and sebum attached there are also washed away.

[0040] Water can be saved by washing the inner surface of the drain hose joint with drainage water. However, it is also possible to close drain valve 51, supply water from washing nozzle 524, collect tap water, and then drain it to wash inner surface 527a of drain hose joint 527. This allows the inner surface of the drain hose joint to be washed with clean water, improving the washing effect.

[0041] When the water channel filter 523 is completely submerged (nozzle submerged, FIG. 5), the cleaning nozzle operates in water, so that a wide area of ​​the water channel filter 523 can be cleaned using the water flow. On the other hand, when the water channel filter 523 is not completely submerged (for example, when the cleaning nozzle 524 is exposed), the cleaning nozzle 524 operates in the air. In this case, the vicinity of the position facing the cleaning nozzle 524 can be cleaned with a strong water flow. In this embodiment, the gap 528 between the casing 521 and the water channel filter 523 is narrowed, and the cleaning nozzle 524 is opposed to the side surfaces 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523 where the water flow during drainage tends to stagnate, so that the cleaning effect of the water channel filter 523 can be improved. The bottom surface 523a of the water channel filter 523 can be cleaned of detergent residue, sebum, and other dirt by the water flow flowing in the depth direction of the paper surface where the drain outlet is located.

[0042] By operating the cleaning nozzle 524 while the water path filter 523 is partially submerged, cleaning can be started without waiting for the water in the water path filter unit 52 to be completely drained, thereby shortening the operation time. Furthermore, the timing of operation of the cleaning nozzle 523 does not require detection of complete drainage of the water in the water path filter unit 52, and the start timing can be detected by the water level sensor 2d, resulting in a more inexpensive configuration. Conversely, to operate the cleaning nozzle only when the water path filter 523 is not completely submerged, it is necessary to detect the amount of water in the water path filter unit 52.

[0043] Providing the cleaning nozzle 524 on the water channel filter unit 52 allows tap water to be supplied without passing through the outer tub 2, thereby improving the cleaning effect. This is different from the air channel filter 61a, and even though it is necessary to continue to hold the collected lint LNT, it is possible to wash away dirt such as detergent residue and sebum contained in the lint LNT, so hygiene can be maintained.

[0044] In this embodiment, dirt such as detergent residue and sebum on bottom surface 523a and side surfaces 523b, 523c of water channel filter 523 can be washed away, and the user can perform maintenance of water channel filter unit 52 by removing lint LNT collected on upstream surface 523a1 of bottom surface 523a. In addition, the lint itself is expected to maintain the hygiene of LNT, so discomfort when removing it can be reduced. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the time and effort required for maintenance of water channel filter unit 52.

[0045] [Second cleaning device] 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an ultrasonic vibrator 537 is arranged as the second cleaning device. When the cleaning nozzle 524 is used as the first cleaning device, the ultrasonic vibrator 527 is arranged around the water channel filter 523 as the second cleaning device, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the water channel filter 523.

[0046] FIG. 7(a) shows an example in which ultrasonic vibrator 527 is disposed on downstream surface 523a2 side of water channel filter 523, which can improve the cleaning effect on downstream surface 523a2 side where the cleaning effect by drainage is low.

[0047] FIG. 7(b) shows an example in which ultrasonic vibrator 527 is disposed on upstream surface 523a1 side of water channel filter 523, which can improve the cleaning effect on upstream surface 523a1 side where collected lint is likely to accumulate.

[0048] FIG. 7(c) shows an example in which ultrasonic transducer 527 is disposed on an extension of bottom surface 523a of water channel filter 523, which can uniformly improve the cleaning effect on both sides 523a1, 523a2 of bottom surface 523a of water channel filter 523.

[0049] FIG. 7(d) shows an example in which ultrasonic vibrator 527 is directly disposed on water channel filter 523. By directly vibrating bottom surface 523a of water channel filter 523, a significant cleaning effect can be expected.

[0050] 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which LEDs 529 that irradiate ultraviolet light are arranged as the second cleaning device. The water channel filter unit 52 of this example is provided with LEDs 529 that irradiate ultraviolet light to the water channel filter 523. In the case of the LEDs 529, the purpose is particularly to disinfect the lint itself.

[0051] [Washing timing with cleaning nozzle] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the cleaning of the water channel filter 523 after the drying process. When the operation for performing the washing and drying steps is started, the washing step S1 is performed first. The washing step S1 is followed by the rinsing step S2. Note that a spin-drying operation is appropriately performed during the washing step S1 and the rinsing step S2. The rinsing step S2 is followed by the tub cleaning step S3. The tub cleaning step S3 is followed by the spin-drying step S4. The spin-drying step S4 is followed by the drying step S5. The drying step S5 is followed by the filter cleaning step S10, in which the water channel filter 523 is cleaned using the cleaning nozzle 524.

[0052] In the drying step S5, the drying air is circulated to collect lint in the air path filter 61a. In this example, the water path filter 523 is washed after the lint collected in the air path filter 61a is washed, so that the state after the washing of the water path filter 523 can be maintained for a long time.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the cleaning of the water channel filter 523 after the tank cleaning process. In this example, the filter cleaning step S10 is performed after the tank cleaning step S3. In this example, a cleaning effect on lint generated in the drying step S5 cannot be expected, but since most lint is thought to be generated in the washing step S1, the rinsing step S2, and the tank cleaning step S3, a sufficient cleaning effect can be expected by performing the filter cleaning step S10 after the tank cleaning step S3.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a flow chart that allows the user to select cleaning of the water channel filter 523. In this example, when the washer-dryer 100 is in the standby mode S11, the user presses the filter cleaning button 1f to start the filter cleaning step S10. When the washer-dryer 100 is in the standby mode S11, the user can execute the filter cleaning step S10 at any timing. For example, the user can remove the cleaned water channel filter 523 from the water channel filter unit 52 by executing the filter cleaning step S10 before performing maintenance on the water channel filter unit 52.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the filter cleaning step S10. When the filter cleaning process S10 is started, the drain valve 51 is opened to start draining (S14). The water level in the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 2d, and the process waits for the water level to reach a predetermined value (S15). When the water level reaches the predetermined value, the cooling water supply valve (water path filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d is opened to supply tap water to the cleaning nozzle 524 (S16). Next, it is monitored whether a predetermined time has passed (S17), and when the predetermined time has passed, it is determined that cleaning has ended and the cooling water supply valve (water path filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d is closed (S18), ending the filter cleaning process S10.

[0056] The above-mentioned flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 12 are executed by the control unit 9.

[0057] [Location of waterway filter unit] The position of the water channel filter unit 52 in the height direction can be roughly classified according to whether it is higher or lower than the drain outlet 2 c of the outer tub 2 .

[0058] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where the water channel filter unit 52 is disposed at a position lower than the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2. In FIG. In the case of FIG. 13, the water channel filter 523 is disposed below the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2, and the water channel filter 523 can be washed by directly using the drainage water from the outer tub 2.

[0059] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a case where the water channel filter unit 52 is disposed at a position higher than the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2. In FIG. In the case of FIG. 14, in order to utilize the wastewater from the outer tank 2, it is necessary to pump the wastewater with a circulation pump 56.

[0060] The above-described washing machine 100 according to the present invention has the following features.

[0061] (1) an outer tank 2 for storing water; A drainage path 5 for draining water from the outer tank 2; A water channel filter unit 52 having a water channel filter 523 that is provided in the drainage path 5 and collects lint contained in the drainage water; A washing machine 100 comprising: A cleaning nozzle 524 for cleaning the water channel filter 523 is provided. With the water channel filter 523 partially submerged, water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 524 to clean the water channel filter 523.

[0062] (2) A water supply valve 81d is provided to supply tap water to the cleaning nozzle 524.

[0063] (3) The water channel filter 523 has a bottom surface 523a and a pair of side surfaces 523b, 523c that are erected from the bottom surface 523a and face each other, and is housed in the casing 521. The cleaning nozzle 524 is disposed so as to face the side surfaces 523 b and 523 c of the water channel filter 523 .

[0064] (4) The water channel filter unit 52 has an ultrasonic vibrator 527 for cleaning the water channel filter 523 .

[0065] (5) The water channel filter unit 52 has an LED 529 that irradiates the water channel filter 523 with ultraviolet light.

[0066] (6) The water channel filter unit 52 is provided at a position lower than the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2.

[0067] (7) A circulation pump 56 is provided to circulate the washing water from the drain of the outer tub 2 to the outer tub 2, The water channel filter unit 52 is provided at a position higher than the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2. The wastewater from the drain port 2c of the outer tank 2 is pumped to the water channel filter unit 52 by using the circulation pump 56 and then discharged. In this case, the water channel filter 523 is washed with the wastewater pumped by the circulation pump 56.

[0068] (8) The water channel filter 523 is washed after the drying step S5.

[0069] (9) The water channel filter 523 is cleaned after the tank cleaning process S3.

[0070] (10) The water channel filter 523 is cleaned by the user pressing the filter cleaning button 1f.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of the embodiments with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1f...filter cleaning button, 2...outer tub, 2c...drain outlet of outer tub 2, 5...drainage path, 52...water channel filter unit, 56...circulation pump, 81d...water supply valve for supplying tap water to cleaning nozzle 524, 100...washing machine, 521...casing, 523...water channel filter, 523a...bottom of water channel filter 523, 523b...side of water channel filter 523, 523c...side of water channel filter 523, 524...cleaning nozzle, 527...ultrasonic transducer, 529...LED, S3...tub cleaning process, S5...drying process.

Claims

1. An outer tank for storing water; A drainage path for draining water from the outer tank; a water channel filter unit provided in the drainage path and having a water channel filter for collecting lint contained in the drainage; A washing machine comprising: A cleaning nozzle for cleaning the waterway filter is provided. The washing machine supplies water to the cleaning nozzle to clean the water channel filter while a part of the water channel filter is submerged in water.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The washing machine is provided with a water supply valve for supplying tap water to the washing nozzle.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, The waterway filter has a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces that are erected from the bottom surface and face each other, and is housed in a casing; The washing machine, wherein the cleaning nozzle is disposed so as to face the side surface of the water channel filter.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, The water channel filter unit is a washing machine having an ultrasonic vibrator for cleaning the water channel filter.

5. The washing machine according to claim 3, The water channel filter unit is a washing machine having an LED that irradiates the water channel filter with ultraviolet light.

6. The washing machine according to claim 3, The water channel filter unit is provided at a position lower than a drain outlet of the outer tub.

7. The washing machine according to claim 3, A circulation pump is provided for circulating the washing water from a drain outlet of the outer tub to the outer tub, The water channel filter unit is provided at a position higher than the drain outlet of the outer tank, The washing machine pumps the drainage water from the drain port of the outer tub to the water channel filter unit using the circulation pump and drains the water.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The washing machine performs cleaning of the water channel filter after a drying process.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The washing machine performs cleaning of the water channel filter after a tub cleaning process.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The washing machine in which the water channel filter is cleaned by a user pressing a filter cleaning button.

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