Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of easily washing a filter unit provided in a drain passage, using a detergent.SOLUTION: In a drum type washing and drying machine 1, in a filter washing operation capable of washing a filter unit 300, a control part executes: a standby step of spraying a detergent in a filter storage part 310, and waiting for a drain filter 320 to be stored in the filter storage part 310 where the detergent is sprayed; and a rinsing step of supplying water inside the filter storage part 310 in which the drain filter 320 is stored by operating a water supply device 50, and by opening a drain valve 43 discharging the water containing the detergent from the filter storage part 310 through a drain passage 40a, and rinsing inside the filter storage part 310.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a washing machine, for example, a drum-type washing machine, has been known in which a filter unit is provided in a drainage channel that drains water from the outer tub to the outside of the machine. The filter unit includes a filter housing that forms part of the drainage channel and a drainage filter housed in the filter housing. The filter housing has an insertion opening exposed on the front surface of the washing machine's housing, and the drainage filter is inserted into the filter housing through the insertion opening. The insertion opening is covered by an openable door. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the drainage water from the outer tub is captured by the drainage filter.

[0003] An example of such a washing machine is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-41820 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the washing machine, a biofilm caused by detergent and dirt can form on the inner wall surface of the filter housing and on the drain filter during use. When a biofilm forms, it becomes easy for black mold to grow using the biofilm as nutrients.

[0006] If biofilm or black mold grows on the inner wall surface of the filter housing or on the drainage filter, the user can remove the biofilm or black mold by using a cleaning agent with mold-removing properties, such as a chlorine-based detergent. In this case, with the drainage filter removed, the user applies a liquid or foam cleaning agent to the inner wall surface of the filter housing through the insertion port.

[0007] However, the drainage channel has a drain valve downstream of the filter housing, and the drain valve is closed when the washing cycle is not in progress. This makes it difficult to flush the detergent out of the filter housing by rinsing it with water, and requires wiping the detergent off, making it time-consuming to remove. This makes it difficult for users to easily clean the filter unit with detergent.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine in which a filter unit provided in a drainage channel can be easily cleaned using a detergent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A washing machine according to a main aspect of the present invention includes an outer tub arranged within a housing and configured to store water, an inner tub arranged within the outer tub and configured to accommodate laundry, a water supply device that supplies water into the outer tub, a drainage channel through which water drained from the outer tub flows, a drain valve provided in the drainage channel, a filter housing that constitutes a part of the drainage channel, and a filter unit having a drainage filter removably housed in the filter housing, and a control unit that performs a filter washing operation to wash the filter unit. In the filter washing operation, the control unit performs a standby process in which a detergent is sprayed into the filter housing and the control unit waits for the drainage filter to be housed in the filter housing with the detergent sprayed, and a rinsing process in which the control unit operates the water supply device to supply water into the filter housing containing the drainage filter and opens the drain valve to discharge the water containing the detergent from the filter housing through the drainage channel and rinse the filter housing.

[0010] According to the washing machine of this aspect, the user can clean the filter unit using the detergent and water supplied from the water supply device simply by attaching and detaching the drain filter to and from the filter housing section and spraying the detergent inside the filter housing section. This allows the user to easily clean the filter unit.

[0011] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to open the drain valve in the standby step.

[0012] According to the above configuration, even if a large amount of cleaning agent is placed in the filter housing portion, the cleaning agent can be prevented from overflowing from the filter housing portion.

[0013] In the case of the above configuration, the control unit may further be configured to execute a leaving step between the waiting step and the rinsing step, in which the filter accommodating unit is left with the cleaning agent still applied for a predetermined leaving time, and to close the drain valve during the leaving step.

[0014] With this configuration, the cleaning agent can be sufficiently permeated into the biofilm and black mold inside the filter housing while the device is left unused, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of removing the biofilm and black mold. Moreover, since the drain valve opened during the standby step is closed, the cleaning agent inside the filter housing can be prevented from flowing out downstream of the drain valve while the device is left unused.

[0015] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to operate the water supply device with the drain valve closed during the rinsing process to collect water in the filter housing section, and then open the drain valve to drain water from the filter housing section.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the inside of the filter housing can be rinsed by storing water in the filter housing and then discharging the water. Furthermore, the cleaning agent contained in the stored water acts on the drain filter, thereby cleaning the drain filter.

[0017] When the above configuration is adopted, the control unit can further be configured to stop the water supply device during the rinsing process when water accumulates in the filter accommodating unit, and then wait for a predetermined water storage time to elapse before opening the drain valve.

[0018] With this configuration, the cleaning agent contained in the water will penetrate sufficiently into the biofilm and black mold that has formed on the drainage filter over the course of the water storage time, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the drainage filter.

[0019] When the above configuration is adopted, the control unit can further be configured to stop the water supply device before the water comes into contact with the inner tank when, during the rinsing process, the water supply device is operated with the drain valve closed to collect water in the filter accommodating section.

[0020] With this configuration, the water accumulated in the filter accommodating section contains detergent, but since the water containing such detergent does not come into contact with the inner tub, even if laundry is present in the inner tub, the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry.

[0021] When the above configuration is adopted, the control unit can further be configured to open the drain valve during the rinsing process, and then operate the water supply device with the drain valve open to supply water into the filter accommodating unit.

[0022] With this configuration, the inside of the filter housing can be rinsed with water flowing through the filter housing, thereby allowing the cleaning agent to be sufficiently removed from the filter unit.

[0023] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to operate the water supply device with the drain valve open during the rinsing process to supply water into the filter accommodating unit.

[0024] According to the above configuration, water flows through the filter housing portion, and the cleaning agent is washed away by the water, thereby rinsing the inside of the filter housing portion.

[0025] The washing machine according to this aspect may further include a detection unit that detects whether the drain filter is housed in the filter housing unit. In this case, the control unit may be configured not to proceed to a step subsequent to the standby step if the drain filter is not housed in the filter housing unit.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the filter cleaning operation cannot proceed unless the drain filter is housed in the filter housing section, thereby preventing water from being supplied to the open filter housing section and leaking out from the filter housing section.

[0027] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the water supply device may be configured to include a first water supply unit that supplies water to the outer tub via the inner tub and a second water supply unit that supplies water to the outer tub without passing through the inner tub. In this case, the control unit may be configured to supply water into the filter housing unit by supplying water from the second water supply unit into the outer tub during the rinsing process.

[0028] According to the above configuration, even if laundry remains in the inner tub, the laundry is less likely to get wet with water.

[0029] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the water supply device may include a detergent case into which detergent is added from outside, a first water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub via the detergent case, and a second water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub without passing through the detergent case. In this case, the control unit supplies water to the filter housing unit by supplying water into the outer tub from the second water supply path during the rinsing process.

[0030] According to the above configuration, even if an acidic substance is accidentally introduced into the detergent case from the outside during the filter cleaning operation, water containing the acidic substance will not be supplied into the filter accommodating section, thereby preventing the water containing the acidic substance from mixing with the chlorine-based cleaning agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine in which a filter unit provided in a drainage channel can be easily cleaned using a detergent.

[0032] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an upper part of a drum type washer-dryer showing a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of a filter unit and a connecting pipe according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a drainage filter according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to the first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to the first modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to another modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A drum type washer / dryer as an embodiment of a washing machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer 1. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper part of the drum type washer-dryer 1, showing a drying device 60.

[0036] The drum type washer-dryer 1 includes a rectangular housing 10. A circular loading opening 11 through which laundry is loaded is formed on the front of the housing 10. The loading opening 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

[0037] An outer tub 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A horizontal-axis drum 23, which serves as an inner tub, is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. The drum 23 may rotate around an inclined axis that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0038] The outer tub 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. The outer tub 20 includes an annular packing 24 made of an elastic material provided on the periphery of the opening 20a. The packing 24 is connected to the periphery of the input port 11. The periphery of the closed door 12 comes into contact with the packing 24, and the space between the input port 11 and the door 12 is watertight.

[0039] A large number of dewatering holes 23b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. In addition, three baffles 25, each having a substantially triangular prism shape, are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0040] A drive motor 30 is disposed behind the outer tub 20, generating torque for rotating the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor DC brushless motor. During the washing and rinsing cycles, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is smaller than the gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. On the other hand, during the spin cycle, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much larger than the gravity, causing the laundry to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 23.

[0041] A heater 26 is disposed at the bottom of the outer tub 20, and a tub temperature sensor 27 is disposed near the heater 26. The heater 26 heats the water stored in the outer tub 20. The tub temperature sensor 27 is, for example, a thermistor, and detects the temperature of the water stored in the outer tub 20.

[0042] A tubular drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain unit 40 that drains water from the outer tub 20 is connected to the drain outlet 20b. The drain unit 40 includes a drain pipe 41, a filter unit 300, a connecting pipe 42, a drain valve 43, and a drain hose 44.

[0043] A drain pipe 41 is connected to the lower end of the drain outlet 20b. The filter unit 300 includes a filter housing portion 310 and a drain filter 320 housed in the filter housing portion 310. The filter housing portion 310 is positioned at a slight incline so that the front side is higher.

[0044] A drain pipe 41 is connected to the inlet of the filter housing portion 310. A drain valve 43 is provided downstream of the filter unit 300 and includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve. The outlet of the filter housing portion 310 and the drain valve 43 are connected by a connecting pipe 42.

[0045] A drain hose 44 is connected to the drain valve 43. The drain hose 44 includes an inner hose 44a disposed inside the housing 10 and an outer hose 44b disposed outside the housing 10. The outer hose 44b of the drain hose 44 is connected to a drain trap 2 provided in an installation location (for example, a waterproof pan) of the drum type washer-dryer 1. A drain pipe 3 extending to under the floor of a house is connected to the drain trap 2.

[0046] The drain pipe 41, the filter housing portion 310, the connecting pipe 42, and the drain hose 44 form a drain channel 40a through which wastewater flows, extending from the outer tub 20 to the outside of the machine. The filter housing portion 310 forms a part of the drain channel 40a.

[0047] When the drain valve 43 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 20 is discharged into the drain pipe 3 through the drain outlet 20b, the drain channel 40a, and the drain trap 2. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the wastewater is captured by the drain filter 320.

[0048] An opening 14 is provided at the bottom of the front face of the housing 10, and an insertion port 311 provided on the front face of the filter accommodating section 310 is connected to the opening 14. The opening 14 is covered by an openable door 15. By opening the door 15, the user can remove the drainage filter 320 from the filter accommodating section 310 to the outside of the housing 10 through the insertion port 311 and the opening 14, and can also store the drainage filter 320 in the filter accommodating section 310 from the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 14 and the insertion port 311.

[0049] A water supply device 50 is disposed on the left side of the upper portion of the housing 10, and a drying device 60 is disposed on the right side. The water supply device 50 supplies water to the outer tub 20. The water supply device 50 also functions as an automatic detergent dispenser, and automatically dispenses liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener into the outer tub 20. The drying device 60 dries the laundry in the drum 23.

[0050] The water supply device 50 includes a water supply valve unit 51, a water injection unit 52, and a nozzle unit 53.

[0051] The water supply valve unit 51 includes a water supply valve 110, a first water supply hose 120, a second water supply hose 130, and a third water supply hose 140. The water supply valve 110 has a first valve 111, a second valve 112, and a third valve 113. A water supply port 114 of the water supply valve 110 is connected to a water faucet via a connecting hose (not shown).

[0052] The inlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected to the first valve 111, and the inlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected to the second valve 112. When the first valve 111 is opened, water flows into the first water supply hose 120, and when the second valve 112 is opened, water flows into the second water supply hose 130.

[0053] The water injection unit 52 includes a water injection port member 150 with an opening at the front, a liquid agent tank 160 accommodated in the water injection port member 150 so as to be removable, and a water channel forming member 170 arranged on the upper surface of the water injection port member 150.

[0054] A water inlet 151 is formed at the bottom of the water inlet member 150. A water inlet pipe 54 extending from the water inlet 151 is connected to the outer tub 20.

[0055] The liquid tank 160 has a detergent chamber in which liquid detergent is stored and a fabric softener chamber in which liquid fabric softener is stored. The liquid tank 160 is accommodated in the water inlet member 150 through an accommodation port 13 provided on the front surface of the housing 10. A lid 161 that closes the accommodation port 13 is provided on the front surface of the liquid tank 160.

[0056] Inside the water channel forming member 170, a first water channel to which the outlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected and a second water channel to which the outlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected are formed.

[0057] Water supplied from first water supply hose 120 to water channel forming member 170 flows through the first water channel, is discharged to the bottom of water inlet member 150, and is supplied into outer tub 20 via water inlet 151 and water inlet pipe 54. When liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener is automatically dispensed into outer tub 20, the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener is introduced into the first water channel from liquid tank 160 by a detergent pump or fabric softener pump (not shown) before first valve 111 is opened. The liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener is mixed with the water flowing through the first water channel and supplied into outer tub 20.

[0058] Water supplied from the second water supply hose 130 to the water channel forming member 170 flows through the second water channel and is sent to the nozzle unit 53.

[0059] Nozzle unit 53 includes a shower nozzle 180 arranged inside the upper part of packing 24, and a water supply hose 181 extending from the second water channel of water channel forming member 170 and connected to shower nozzle 180.

[0060] The water outlet of shower nozzle 180 faces downward and rearward, i.e., toward the bottom of drum 23. Water flowing out from the second waterway passes through water supply hose 181 to shower nozzle 180, and is then sprayed in a shower-like manner from the outlet of shower nozzle 180 toward the inside of drum 23. This causes water to splash on the laundry inside drum 23, making it easier for the water to penetrate into the laundry.

[0061] The water supply path from the second valve 112 of the water supply valve 110 and the second water supply hose to the shower nozzle 180 is a first water supply section WS1 that supplies water into the outer tub 20 via the inside of the drum .

[0062] The drying device 60 includes a circulation path 61 , a blower fan 62 , a cooler 63 , a heater 64 , a drying filter 65 , a water supply member 66 , and a wiper 67 .

[0063] The circulation path 61 is an air path through which air flows, and is connected to the outer tub 20. One end of the circulation path 61 is connected to an exhaust port 20c provided on the back surface of the outer tub 20, and the other end is connected to an intake port 20d provided in the packing 24 of the outer tub 20.

[0064] The blower fan 62 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and is arranged in the circulation path 61 to circulate air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 61. Air discharged from the outer tub 20 through the exhaust port 20c flows through the circulation path 61 and returns to the outer tub 20 through the intake port 20d.

[0065] The cooler 63 and the heater 64 are disposed downstream of the blower fan 62 within the circulation path 61. The cooler 63 and the heater 64 are respectively configured by an evaporator and a condenser included in a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor, an expansion valve, etc. that configure a refrigeration circuit together with the evaporator and the condenser.

[0066] A low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the cooler 63. The cooler 63 cools the air flowing in the circulation path 61 by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant, thereby dehumidifying the air.

[0067] A high-temperature refrigerant flows inside the heater 64. The heater 64 heats the air that has been dehumidified by the cooler 63 and flows through the circulation path 61 by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0068] The cooler 63 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger or the like, and the heater 64 may be a semiconductor heater or the like.

[0069] The drying filter 65, the water supply member 66, and the wiper 67 are disposed upstream of the blower fan 62 in the circulation path 61. The drying filter 65 is disposed in the circulation path 61 so as to block the air flow path, and captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air discharged from the outer tub 20.

[0070] The water supply member 66 and wiper 67 are used to clean the drying filter 65. The water supply member 66 is disposed above the drying filter 65 and is connected to the third valve 113 of the water supply valve 110 via a third water supply hose 140. The water supply member 66 directs water supplied from the third valve 113 into the drying filter 65, washing away foreign matter adhering to the drying filter 65. The wiper 67 is driven by a drive mechanism including a drive source, and wipes off foreign matter adhering to the drying filter 65.

[0071] When cleaning the drying filter 65, the drain valve 43 is opened. Water from the water supply member 66 flows through the drying filter 65, then flows upstream in the circulation path 61, and is discharged from the exhaust port 20c into the outer tub 20. The water discharged into the outer tub 20 is then discharged outside the machine through the drain path 40a. Foreign matter contained in the wastewater is captured by the drain filter 320.

[0072] The third valve 113 of the water supply valve 110 and the third water supply hose 140 constitute a second water supply section WS2 that supplies water into the outer tub 20 without passing through the drum 23.

[0073] 3(a) and 3(b) are respectively a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view of the filter unit 300 and the connecting pipe 42. FIG.

[0074] The filter unit 300 includes a filter housing portion 310, a drain filter 320, and a filter detection sensor 330.

[0075] The filter accommodating portion 310 is made of a resin material. The filter accommodating portion 310 has a generally cylindrical shape that is long in the front-rear direction, with an insertion opening 311 at its front end face and an outlet opening 312 at its rear end face. A pair of engaging ribs 313 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner wall surface at the front end of the filter accommodating portion 310. A cylindrical inlet opening 314 that protrudes leftward is provided at the front of the left side surface of the filter accommodating portion 310. A mounting portion 315 is provided at the front of the right side surface of the filter accommodating portion 310. A filter detection sensor 330 is attached to the mounting portion 315. The filter detection sensor 330 serves as a detector and detects that the drain filter 320 has been accommodated in the filter accommodating portion 310. In this embodiment, the filter detection sensor 330 includes a reed switch.

[0076] A connecting pipe 42 is connected from the rear to the outlet 312 of the filter housing portion 310. The connecting pipe 42 is made of a rubber material, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a diameter that narrows toward the rear.

[0077] The drainage filter 320 includes a filter body 340 and a cap 350. The filter body 340 has a configuration in which a collection section 341, which is a rectangular box-like structure elongated in the front-rear direction and has open top and front surfaces, and a disk-shaped lid 342 that closes the front of the collection section 341, are integrally formed from a resin material. A rectangular inlet 343 is formed on the left side of the collection section 341. In addition, comb-like portions 344, each consisting of a plurality of rods 344a arranged with slit-like gaps between them, are formed on the front sides of the left and right sides of the collection section 341 and on the rear side of the collection section 341. A ring-shaped gasket 345 made of a rubber material is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the lid 342.

[0078] The cap 350 is rotatably attached to the lid portion 342, i.e., the front side of the filter body 340. The cap 350 has a configuration in which a flat, bottomed, cylindrical body portion 351 and a square-shaped knob portion 352 protruding forward from the body portion 351 are integrally formed from a resin material. A pair of engagement grooves 353 corresponding to the pair of engagement ribs 313 of the filter accommodating portion 310 are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the body portion 351. A magnet 354 is embedded inside the cap 350 on the right side.

[0079] The drainage filter 320 is housed in the filter accommodating section 310 through the insertion opening 311. The inlet 343 of the collection section 341 is aligned with the inlet 314 of the filter accommodating section 310. The insertion opening 311 is closed by the cap 350 and the lid section 342. When the cap 350 is turned, the engagement groove 353 engages with the engagement rib 313, preventing the drainage filter 320 from being removed from the filter accommodating section 310. The gasket 345 of the lid section 342 comes into close contact with the inner wall surface of the filter accommodating section 310, creating a water seal between the drainage filter 320 and the filter accommodating section 310. When the magnet 354 of the cap 350 approaches the reed switch of the filter detection sensor 330, the reed switch is turned on. This allows the filter detection sensor 330 to detect that the drainage filter 320 is housed in the filter accommodating section 310.

[0080] The filter detection sensor 330 does not have to be configured using a reed switch. For example, the filter detection sensor 330 may be configured using a photosensor. In this case, for example, a light-shielding plate is provided on the drainage filter 320, and when the drainage filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310, the light-shielding plate blocks light from reaching the photosensor.

[0081] Wastewater that flows into the filter housing section 310 from the inlet 314 flows into the collection section 341 of the drainage filter 320 from the inlet 343. The wastewater then flows out of the collection section 341 through the comb-like portions 344 on the left, right, and rear sides of the collection section 341, and flows into the connecting pipe 42 through the outlet 312. At this time, foreign matter such as lint contained in the wastewater cannot pass through the comb-like portions 344 and is left in the collection section 341. In this way, the collection section 341, i.e., the drainage filter 320, captures foreign matter contained in the wastewater.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum type washer-dryer 1. As shown in FIG.

[0083] In addition to the above-described configuration, the drum type washer-dryer 1 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a sound output unit 205, a water level sensor 206, a motor drive unit 207, a water supply drive unit 208, a drain drive unit 209, a fan drive unit 210, and a compressor drive unit 211.

[0084] The operation unit 203 includes a power button for turning the power on and off, a course selection button for selecting an operation course from a plurality of operation courses related to washing operation, washing and drying operation, filter cleaning operation, etc., and a start button for starting and pausing operation. The operation unit 203 outputs an input signal to the control unit 201 according to the button operated by the user.

[0085] The display unit 204 includes a display such as a light-emitting element such as an LED or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected operation course, the progress of the washing operation, notifies of abnormalities, etc. according to a control signal from the control unit 201.

[0086] The operation unit 203 and the display unit 204 may be configured as an operation display unit such as a touch panel.

[0087] The sound output unit 205 includes a speaker, and outputs sounds such as voice and alarm sounds from the speaker.

[0088] The water level sensor 206 detects the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 is connected, for example, via a hose to an air trap provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20 or in the drain pipe 41, and detects the air pressure in the air trap, which changes depending on the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 outputs a frequency signal to the control unit 201 as a water level signal having a value according to the detected water level.

[0089] When the filter detection sensor 330 detects that the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310 , it outputs a detection signal to the control portion 201 .

[0090] The motor drive unit 207 drives the drive motor 30 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 207 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control unit 201. Furthermore, the motor drive unit 207 includes a current sensor that detects the current flowing through the drive motor 30.

[0091] The water supply driving unit 208 drives the first valve 111, the second valve 112, and the third valve 113 of the water supply valve 110 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The drain driving unit 209 drives the drain valve 43 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201.

[0092] The fan driving unit 210 drives the blower fan 62 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The compressor driving unit 211 drives the compressor 68 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201, and operates the cooler 63 and the heater 64.

[0093] The storage unit 202 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 202 stores programs for executing various operation courses, such as washing operations, etc. The storage unit 202 also stores various parameters and control flags used in executing these programs.

[0094] The control unit 201 includes a CPU, etc., and controls the display unit 204, sound output unit 205, motor drive unit 207, water supply drive unit 208, drain drive unit 209, fan drive unit 210, compressor drive unit 211, etc., based on signals from the operation unit 203, water level sensor 206, filter detection sensor 330, etc., in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 202.

[0095] In the drum type washer-dryer 1, various courses are operated under the control of the control unit 201 based on the user's operation of the operation unit 203. The operation of the drum type washer-dryer 1 includes a washing and drying operation in which a washing process, an intermediate spin-drying process, a rinsing process, a final spin-drying process, and a drying process are performed in sequence, and a washing operation in which the washing process through the final spin-drying process are performed but the drying process is not performed.

[0096] In the washing process, detergent-containing water is filled in the outer tub 20 up to a wash water level set according to the load of laundry in the drum 23. Then, the drum 23 is repeatedly rotated forward and backward, causing the laundry immersed in the detergent-containing water to tumble. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the laundry, and the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling remove dirt adhering to the surface and interior of the laundry.

[0097] During the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward repeatedly while water is stored in the outer tub 20 up to a rinse level set according to the load, tumbling the laundry. This causes the detergent contained in the laundry to be discharged along with the water, rinsing the laundry. In addition to the above-described reservoir rinse, the rinsing process can also perform a water injection rinse, in which water is drained by intermittently opening the drain valve 43 while water is supplied by the water supply device 50, and the water in the outer tub 20 is replaced while rinsing.

[0098] In the intermediate spin-drying step and the final spin-drying step, drive motor 30 rotates in one direction at high speed, causing drum 23 to rotate in one direction at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside drum 23 is much greater than gravity. The centrifugal force presses the laundry against the inner circumferential surface of drum 23, causing it to be dewatered. In the final spin-drying step, drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed higher than that in the intermediate spin-drying step.

[0099] In the drying process, air circulates between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 61 by the operation of the blower fan 62, and the air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated by the operation of the heater 64, becoming hot air. Furthermore, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward, tumbling the laundry. Hot air introduced into the outer tub 20 from the air intake 20d hits the tumbling laundry, drying it. After removing moisture from the laundry, the hot air returns to the circulation path 61 from the air exhaust 20c. Within the circulation path 61, the hot air passes through the cooler 63 before being heated by the heater 64, and is dehumidified by the cooler 63. Foreign matter such as lint from the laundry is taken into the circulation path 61 along with the hot air. The foreign matter is captured by the capturing surface of the drying filter 65 as the hot air passes through it.

[0100] Before the washing process, a load detection process is performed to detect the laundry load. The drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed that tumbles the laundry inside the drum 23, and the load applied to the drum 23 during rotation is detected from the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 30. The greater the laundry load, the greater the load applied to the drum 23, and the greater the value of the current flowing through the drive motor 30. The load is determined based on the magnitude of the current value, and the amount of detergent to be dispensed in the washing process and the amount of fabric softener to be dispensed in the rinsing process are determined based on the load. The greater the load, the greater the amount to be dispensed.

[0101] By performing a predetermined operation in a predetermined operating course, the temperature of the water stored in outer tub 20 during the washing process can be set. For example, the set temperature can be selected from 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C. When the water temperature is set, if the water temperature at the time of water supply is lower than the set temperature, heater 26 operates and the water in outer tub 20 is heated to the set temperature. The water temperature in outer tub 20 is detected by tub temperature sensor 27. After the water temperature reaches the set temperature, heater 26 is controlled on and off based on the temperature detected by tub temperature sensor 27 so that the water temperature is maintained close to the set temperature.

[0102] As the drum type washer-dryer 1 is used, a biofilm caused by detergent and dirt may form on the inner wall surface of the filter housing portion 310 and on the drain filter 320 of the filter unit 300. When a biofilm is formed, it becomes easier for black mold to grow using the biofilm as nutrients.

[0103] Therefore, the drum type washer-dryer 1 of this embodiment is provided with a filter cleaning operation course that cleans and disinfects the filter unit 300, i.e., removes biofilm and black mold, using a detergent having a mold-removing effect, such as a chlorine-based detergent. The filter cleaning operation will be described in detail below.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit 201.

[0105] The user selects the filter cleaning operation course using the course selection button on the operation unit 203, and presses the start button, which starts the filter cleaning operation.

[0106] 6, the control unit 201 first executes the waiting process of S101 to S104. That is, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S101), and then waits for a restart operation using the start button on the operation unit 203 (S102).

[0107] The user removes drain filter 320 from filter housing portion 310 and pours foam or liquid detergent into filter housing portion 310 through insertion port 311. The detergent is also poured into connecting pipe 42. The user then places drain filter 320 into filter housing portion 310 and performs the restart operation.

[0108] Normally, when filter detection sensor 330 detects that drain filter 320 has been removed from filter housing portion 310 during a washing operation, control portion 201 displays an error on display portion 204, but during the standby step, no error display is displayed even if drain filter 320 is removed from filter housing portion 310. Furthermore, the removed drain filter 320 may or may not be washed separately.

[0109] When a restart operation is performed (S102: YES), the control unit 201 determines whether or not the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310 based on the detection result of the filter detection sensor 330 (S103). If the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310 (S103: YES), the control unit 201 ends the standby process.

[0110] It is possible that the user may perform a restart operation without having forgotten to attach the drain filter 320. In this case, the control unit 201 determines that the drain filter 320 is not housed in the filter housing unit 310 (S103: NO), and issues a corresponding notification by displaying an error code on the display unit 204, outputting a sound from the sound output unit 205, or the like (S104).

[0111] In this way, in the waiting process, the control unit 201 monitors the restart operation that triggers restart, and waits for the cleaning agent to be sprayed into the filter accommodating section 310 and for the drain filter 320 to be accommodated in the filter accommodating section 310 to which the cleaning agent has been sprayed.

[0112] In addition, the control unit 201 may end the standby process when a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the start of operation or the opening of the drain valve 43, or when the filter detection sensor 330 detects that the drain filter 320 has been placed in the filter accommodating section 310, as a trigger for resumption.

[0113] Next, the control unit 201 executes the leaving step of S105 to S106. That is, after closing the drain valve 43 (S105), the control unit 201 waits for a predetermined leaving time to elapse (S106). During the leaving time, the filter accommodating unit 310 is left with the cleaning agent still applied. The leaving time can be set to a time recommended for the cleaning agent, which is the time required for the cleaning agent components to fully penetrate biofilm and black mold, and can be, for example, about 30 minutes. The user may be able to set the leaving time by operating the operation unit 203.

[0114] When the standing time has elapsed (S106: YES), the control unit 201 ends the standing step.

[0115] Next, the control unit 201 executes the rinsing process of S107 to S115. In the rinsing process, the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 to supply water into the filter accommodating unit 310 in which the drain filter 320 is accommodated, and also opens the drain valve 43 to discharge the water containing the detergent from inside the filter accommodating unit 310 to the outside of the machine through the drain path 40a, thereby rinsing the inside of the filter accommodating unit 310.

[0116] That is, in the rinsing process, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 (S107). As a result, water discharged from the water supply member 66 passes through the circulation path 61 and is supplied to the outer tub 20 without passing through the drum 23. The water that flows through the outer tub 20 is supplied to the filter housing portion 310 through the drain pipe 41. Because the drain valve 43 is closed, water accumulates in the filter housing portion 310. When the accumulated water reaches the outer tub 20 and the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a specified water level (S108: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S109). The specified water level can be, for example, the lowest water level that the water level sensor 206 can detect. At this time, the water accumulated in the outer tub 20 does not come into contact with the drum 23 and does not reach the drum 23.

[0117] As described above, water from third valve 113 does not pass through drum 23, and water accumulated in outer tub 20 does not reach drum 23. Therefore, even if washed laundry remains in drum 23, the laundry will not get wet. Furthermore, although the water accumulated in filter housing 310 contains detergent, such detergent-containing water does not come into contact with drum 23, and therefore the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry in drum 23.

[0118] The control unit 201 monitors whether a predetermined water storage time has elapsed since the specified water level was reached (S110). The water accumulated in the filter housing unit 310 contains a detergent and functions as cleaning water. Therefore, as the water storage time elapses, the cleaning water accumulated in the filter housing unit 310 cleans the drain filter 320, removing biofilm and black mold. The drain pipe 41 is also cleaned with the cleaning water. The water storage time is set by conducting experiments in advance to a time that allows the cleaning water to effectively exert its effect on the drain filter 320. The water storage time is set to, for example, about 20 minutes. The user may be able to set the water storage time by operating the operation unit 203.

[0119] When the water storage time has elapsed (S110: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S111), causing the cleaning water to be discharged from the filter housing unit 310, flow through the drain path 40a, i.e., the drain hose 44, and be discharged into the drain pipe 3 outside the machine.

[0120] In this way, by performing the first rinsing operation in which water is temporarily stored in the filter housing portion 310 and then discharged, the cleaning agent is flushed out and the inside of the filter housing portion 310 is rinsed. Furthermore, the drain filter 320 is cleaned.

[0121] Thereafter, the control unit 201 again opens the third valve 113 (S112). As a result, water is supplied into the filter housing portion 310. At this time, the drain valve 43 remains open, and the drain capacity (drain flow rate) of the drain valve 43 is set to be greater than the water supply capacity (water supply flow rate) of the third valve 113. Therefore, even if water is accumulated in the filter housing portion 310 immediately after the third valve 113 is opened, the water will eventually flow into the filter housing portion 310, which is in a state where no water is accumulated.

[0122] The third valve 113 may be opened at the same time as the drain valve 43 is opened, or may be opened after waiting for a time when almost all of the cleaning water has been drained from the filter accommodating section 310 by opening the drain valve 43.

[0123] When a predetermined drain time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed since the third valve 113 was opened (S113: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S114), thereby stopping the water supply to the filter housing unit 310.

[0124] In this way, following the first rinsing operation, a second rinsing operation is performed in which water is run through the filter accommodating portion 310, thereby thoroughly rinsing the inside of the filter accommodating portion 310. This allows the cleaning agent to be sufficiently removed from the filter unit 300.

[0125] Thereafter, the control unit 201 closes the drain valve 43 (S115), thereby completing the rinsing process and the filter cleaning operation.

[0126] The likelihood of biofilm and black mold growing on the filter unit 300 varies depending on the usage conditions of the drum type washer-dryer 1. Therefore, the timing for cleaning the filter unit 300 may differ for each machine.

[0127] Therefore, in the drum type washer-dryer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 201 calculates individual points for each washing operation and each washing-drying operation by adding a positive or negative status point for each washing operation to a predetermined reference point each time a washing operation is performed, and accumulates the individual points. Then, when the accumulated value of the individual points reaches a predetermined threshold, the control unit 201 causes the display unit 204, which is an alarm unit, to notify the need for cleaning of the filter unit 300.

[0128] Condition points include liquid points, rinse points, temperature points, hot water points, dry points, and the like.

[0129] The liquid agent points are awarded according to the amount of liquid agent, i.e., detergent and fabric softener, used. The more liquid agent is used, the more likely liquid agent residue will adhere to the filter unit 300, which may lead to the growth of biofilm and black mold. Therefore, the more liquid agent is used, the more liquid agent points are awarded.

[0130] Rinse points are awarded depending on whether a pool rinse or a water rinse is performed during the rinsing step of a washing operation. Water rinse has better rinsing performance than pool rinse, making it less likely for detergent residue to adhere to the filter unit 300 and potentially reducing the likelihood of biofilm and black mold growth. Therefore, when water rinse is performed, the rinse points are lower than when pool rinse is performed.

[0131] The temperature points are assigned based on the ambient temperature of the appliance when the washing or drying cycle is completed. The higher the ambient temperature, the more likely biofilm and black mold may develop, so the more temperature points are assigned. The ambient temperature can be measured indirectly, for example, by the tub temperature sensor 27.

[0132] Hot water points are awarded depending on whether the washing process of a washing operation is performed with hot water (for example, water at 40°C or higher). When hot water is used, detergent residue is less likely to remain, which makes it less likely for detergent residue to adhere to the filter unit 300, and may make it less likely for biofilm and black mold to grow. Therefore, when hot water is used, the hot water points are lower than when hot water is not used.

[0133] The dryness point is a point that is assigned depending on whether or not a drying process has been performed. If a drying process has been performed, the moisture in the filter unit 300 is reduced, which may make it less likely for biofilm or black mold to grow. Therefore, if a drying process has been performed, the dryness point is lower than if a drying process has not been performed.

[0134] In addition, if the drum type washer-dryer 1 is equipped with a bath water pump, the status points may include a water type point. Also, if the drum type washer-dryer 1 is equipped with a humidity sensor, the status points may include a humidity point.

[0135] Water type points are awarded depending on whether bath water is used in the wash cycle. When bath water is used, it tends to contain dirt such as sebum, which can make it easier for biofilm and black mold to grow. Therefore, if bath water is used, more water type points are awarded than if bath water is not used.

[0136] Humidity points are awarded based on the humidity around the appliance when the washing or drying cycle is completed. The higher the humidity, the more likely it is that biofilm and black mold will grow, so the higher the humidity point.

[0137] In this way, the timing for cleaning the filter unit 300 is notified in accordance with the usage status of the drum type washer-dryer 1, so that cleaning of the filter unit 300 can be performed at the optimum timing.

[0138] In the drum type washer-dryer 1 of the present embodiment, the filter cleaning operation can also be used to clean the drain hose 44 of the drain channel 40a, and the drain trap 2 and drain pipe 3 connected to the drain hose 44. In this case, the filter cleaning operation in FIG. 6 also serves as the drain channel cleaning operation. When the filter cleaning operation, i.e., the drain channel cleaning operation, is started, the user injects a liquid pipe cleaning agent into the filter housing 310 through the insertion port 311. The injected pipe cleaning agent flows through the drain hose 44 and reaches the drain trap 2 and the drain pipe 3. In the leaving step, the pipe cleaning agent is left until a leaving time has elapsed. Then, in the rinsing step, water supplied to the filter housing 310 is flowed through the drain hose 44, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3, whereby the pipe cleaning agent is washed out of the drain hose 44, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3.

[0139] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, in the filter cleaning operation shown in FIG. 6 that can clean the filter unit 300, the control unit 201 executes a standby process in which a cleaning agent is sprayed into the filter accommodating portion 310 and awaits the placement of the drain filter 320 in the filter accommodating portion 310 to which the cleaning agent has been sprayed, and a rinsing process in which the water supply device 50 is operated to supply water into the filter accommodating portion 310 in which the drain filter 320 is accommodated, and the drain valve 43 is opened to discharge the water containing the cleaning agent from inside the filter accommodating portion 310 through the drain path 40a, thereby rinsing the inside of the filter accommodating portion 310.

[0140] According to this configuration, the user can clean the filter unit 300 using the cleaning agent and water supplied from the water supply device 50 simply by attaching and detaching the drainage filter 320 to and from the filter accommodating section 310 and spraying the cleaning agent inside the filter accommodating section 310. This allows the user to easily clean the filter unit 300 and remove biofilm and black mold that have formed on the filter unit 300.

[0141] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 in the standby step.

[0142] According to this configuration, even if a large amount of cleaning agent is placed in filter housing portion 310, the cleaning agent can be prevented from overflowing from insertion opening 311 of filter housing portion 310.

[0143] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 executes a leaving step between the waiting step and the rinsing step in which the filter accommodating unit 310 is left with the cleaning agent still applied for a predetermined leaving time, and closes the drain valve 43 during the leaving step.

[0144] With this configuration, while the standing time passes, the cleaning agent can be allowed to sufficiently penetrate into the biofilm and black mold inside the filter accommodating portion 310, thereby enhancing the effect of removing the biofilm and black mold. Moreover, since the drain valve 43 opened during the standby step is closed, the cleaning agent inside the filter accommodating portion 310 can be prevented from flowing out downstream of the drain valve 43 while the device is left standing.

[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the rinsing process, the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 with the drain valve 43 closed to collect water in the filter accommodating section 310, and then opens the drain valve 43 to drain the water from the filter accommodating section 310.

[0146] According to this configuration, water can be stored in the filter housing portion 310 and then discharged to rinse the inside of the filter housing portion 310. Furthermore, the detergent contained in the stored water acts on the drainage filter 320, thereby cleaning the drainage filter 320.

[0147] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the rinsing process, the control unit 201 stops the water supply device 50 when water accumulates in the filter accommodating section 310, and then waits for a predetermined water storage time to elapse before opening the drain valve 43.

[0148] According to this configuration, the cleaning agent contained in the water will sufficiently penetrate into the biofilm and black mold that have grown on the drainage filter 320 while the water is stored, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the drainage filter 320.

[0149] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the water supply device 50 is operated during the rinsing process with the drain valve 43 closed to collect water in the filter accommodating section 310, the control section 201 stops the water supply device 50 before water collects in the outer tub 20 to the point where it comes into contact with the drum 23.

[0150] According to this configuration, the water accumulated in the filter accommodating section 310 contains detergent, but since the water containing such detergent does not come into contact with the drum 23, even if laundry is present in the drum 23, the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the rinsing process, after the water storage time has elapsed, the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 with the drain valve 43 open to supply water into the filter accommodating section 310.

[0152] According to this configuration, the inside of the filter housing portion 310 can be rinsed with water flowing through the filter housing portion 310. Therefore, the cleaning agent can be sufficiently removed from the filter unit 300.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the drain filter 320 is not housed in the filter housing portion 310, the control portion 201 does not proceed to the step next to the standby step.

[0154] According to this configuration, the filter cleaning operation cannot proceed unless the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing section 310, which prevents water from being supplied to the open filter housing section 310 and leaking out from within the filter housing section 310.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water supply device 50 includes a first water supply unit WS1 that supplies water into the outer tub 20 via the inside of the drum 23, and a second water supply unit WS2 that supplies water into the outer tub 20 without passing through the inside of the drum 23. Then, in the rinsing process, the control unit 201 supplies water into the filter housing unit 310 by supplying water from the second water supply unit WS2 into the outer tub 20.

[0156] With this configuration, even if laundry remains in the drum 23, the laundry is less likely to get wet with water.

[0157] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention are possible.

[0158] <Change example 1> FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer 1 according to the first modified example.

[0159] Drum type washer-dryer 1 of this modified example includes circulation pump 70 below outer tub 20. The suction port of circulation pump 70 is connected to connecting pipe 42 via suction pipe 71, and the discharge port of circulation pump 70 is connected to shower nozzle 80 provided on top of packing 24 via discharge pipe 72. Water supply device 50 does not include nozzle unit 53. Furthermore, water supply valve unit 51 does not include second valve 112 and second water supply hose 130, and water injection unit 52 does not include a second water channel in water channel forming member 170.

[0160] During the washing and rinsing steps, when circulation pump 70 operates with water stored in outer tub 20, the water in outer tub 20 passes through drain pipe 41, filter housing 310, connecting pipe 42, suction pipe 71, circulation pump 70, and discharge pipe 72 to shower nozzle 80, and is then sprayed in a shower-like manner from the outlet of shower nozzle 80 into drum 23. This sprays water onto the laundry in drum 23.

[0161] The filter cleaning operation can also be performed in the drum type washer-dryer 1 of this modified example.

[0162] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning operation executed by the control unit 201 according to the first modification.

[0163] Hereinafter, the filter cleaning operation shown in FIG. 8 will be described in terms of processing that differs from the filter cleaning operation of the above embodiment shown in FIG.

[0164] In the rinsing process, after water has been stored in the filter accommodating portion 310 (S107 to S109), when the water storage time has elapsed (S110: YES), the control portion 201 operates the circulation pump 70 (S121). This causes water to circulate between the outer tub 20 and the filter accommodating portion 310, creating a water flow within the filter accommodating portion 310. The flowing water comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the filter accommodating portion 310 and the drain filter 320, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of these components.

[0165] When a predetermined circulation time (for example, about one minute) has elapsed (S122: YES), the control unit 201 stops the circulation pump 70 (S123) and opens the drain valve 43 (S111).

[0166] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, in the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of Figure 6, the inside of the filter accommodating section 310 is rinsed by performing a first rinsing operation (S107 to S111) in which water is stored in the filter accommodating section 310 and then allowed to flow, and a second rinsing operation (S112 to S115) in which water is allowed to flow into the filter accommodating section 310 in which no water has accumulated.

[0167] However, as shown in FIG. 9 , the second rinsing operation may be performed without performing the first rinsing operation, i.e., without accumulating water in the filter accommodating portion 310. In this case, when the standing step ends due to the lapse of the standing time (S106: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S111) and opens the third valve 113 (S112). Water flows through the filter accommodating portion 310, and the cleaning agent is flushed out by the water. This allows the inside of the filter accommodating portion 310 to be rinsed. Thereafter, when the drain time has elapsed (S113: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S114) and closes the drain valve 43 (S115). The drain time is preferably longer than the drain time of the rinsing step of the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6 , and may be, for example, approximately one minute. Note that with this configuration, the drain filter 320 is difficult to clean. Therefore, it is desirable that the drainage filter 320 removed from the filter housing portion 310 be thoroughly cleaned by the user during the waiting step.

[0168] 10, after the first rinsing operation has been performed, a third rinsing operation may be performed instead of the second rinsing operation, in which water is stored in the filter accommodating portion 310 and the stored water is then drained. That is, when the water storage time has elapsed in the rinsing process (S110: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 for a predetermined drain time (for example, about 15 seconds) to drain water from the filter accommodating portion 310 (S131 to S133). Thereafter, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 until the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a specified water level, and after water is again stored in the filter accommodating portion 310 (S134 to S136), opens the drain valve 43 for the drain time to drain water from the filter accommodating portion 310 (S137 to S139).

[0169] Note that neither the second nor the third rinse operation may be performed in the rinse step, in which case the processes of S134 to S139 are not performed in the filter cleaning operation of FIG.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S101) in the standby step of the filter cleaning operation in Fig. 6. However, if there is no need to worry about the cleaning agent overflowing from the filter accommodating portion 310 because the volume or depth of the filter accommodating portion 310 is sufficiently large, the control unit 201 may keep the drain valve 43 closed in the standby step.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the rinsing step of the filter cleaning operation of Fig. 6, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 to supply water to the filter housing unit 310. However, the control unit 201 may open the first valve 111. In this case, the water supply path from the first valve 111 and the first water supply hose 120 to the water injection pipe 54 becomes a second water supply unit that supplies water into the outer tub 20 without passing through the drum 23.

[0172] Furthermore, considering that it is rare for washed laundry to remain in the drum 23 when the filter cleaning operation is performed, during the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation in Figure 6, the control unit 201 may open the second valve 112 and supply water to the filter accommodating section 310 using the first water supply unit WS1, which supplies water to the outer tub 20 via the drum 23.

[0173] 6, water is supplied until the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a specified water level in order to accumulate water in the filter housing portion 310. However, a water supply time may be determined in advance so that water is accumulated at least throughout the filter housing portion 310, and water may be supplied for only that water supply time.

[0174] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply device 50 is configured to function as an automatic detergent dispenser. However, in addition to the function of the automatic detergent dispenser, the water supply device 50 may also have a detergent case in the water injection unit 52 into which a single dose of detergent is dispensed from the outside. In this case, the water supply device 50 is configured such that, when the first valve 111 is opened, water flowing through the first water passage is discharged to the bottom of the water inlet member 150 via the detergent case and then supplied to the outer tub 20 through the water injection pipe 54. The water supply path from the first valve 111 to the water injection pipe 54 is a first water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub 20 via the detergent case. On the other hand, the water supply path through the third valve 113 and the third water supply hose 140 is a second water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub 20 without passing through the detergent case. In the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the third valve 113 is opened and the first valve 111 is not opened during the rinsing process. That is, in the rinsing process, water is supplied into the filter housing portion 310 by being supplied into the outer tub 20 from the second water supply path, and water is not supplied into the outer tub 20 from the first water supply path. Therefore, even if an acidic substance is introduced into the detergent case from the outside during the filter cleaning operation, water containing the acidic substance will not be supplied into the filter housing portion 310, and therefore it is possible to prevent the water containing the acidic substance from mixing with the chlorine-based cleaning agent.

[0175] Furthermore, the above embodiment has been exemplified by a drum type washer-dryer 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than drum type washer-dryer, such as a drum type washer without a drying function, a fully automatic washing machine having a vertical axis type washing and spin-drying tub as an inner tub inside an outer tub, and a fully automatic washer-dryer with a drying function.

[0176] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. Drum type washer-dryer 10. Cabinet 20 Outer tank 23 Drum (inner tank) 40a drainage canal 43 Drain valve 50 Water supply equipment 201 Control Unit 300 Filter Unit 310 Filter housing 320 Drainage filter 330 Filter detection sensor (detection unit) WS1 1st water supply section WS2 Second Water Supply Section

Claims

1. an outer tank disposed within the housing and configured to store water; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub and configured to accommodate laundry; a water supply device that supplies water into the outer tank; a drainage channel through which water discharged from the outer tank flows; a drain valve provided in the drainage channel; a filter unit having a filter housing portion constituting a part of the drainage channel and a drainage filter removably housed in the filter housing portion; a control unit that executes a filter cleaning operation capable of cleaning the filter unit; Equipped with The control unit, in the filter cleaning operation, a waiting step of spraying a cleaning agent into the filter housing portion and waiting for the drainage filter to be housed in the filter housing portion to which the cleaning agent has been sprayed; a rinsing step in which water is supplied into the filter housing portion in which the drain filter is housed by operating the water supply device, and the water containing the detergent from the filter housing portion is discharged through the drainage channel by opening the drainage valve, thereby rinsing the inside of the filter housing portion. A washing machine characterized by:

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The control unit opens the drain valve in the waiting step. A washing machine characterized by:

3. In the washing machine according to claim 2, The control unit a leaving step of leaving the filter accommodating section with the cleaning agent still applied thereto for a predetermined leaving time between the waiting step and the rinsing step; In the leaving step, the drain valve is closed. A washing machine characterized by:

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the rinsing step, the control unit operates the water supply device with the drain valve closed to store water in the filter accommodating unit, and then opens the drain valve to drain water from the filter accommodating unit. A washing machine characterized by:

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, In the rinsing step, the control unit stops the water supply device when water accumulates in the filter accommodating unit, and then opens the drain valve after waiting for a predetermined water storage time to elapse. A washing machine characterized by:

6. The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, When the control unit operates the water supply device to store water in the filter accommodating unit with the drain valve closed in the rinsing step, the control unit stops the water supply device before the water comes into contact with the inner tub. A washing machine characterized by:

7. The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, In the rinsing step, the control unit opens the drain valve, and then operates the water supply device with the drain valve open to supply water into the filter accommodating unit. A washing machine characterized by:

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit operates the water supply device in a state where the drain valve is open to supply water into the filter accommodating unit during the rinsing process. A washing machine characterized by:

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A detection unit that detects that the drainage filter is housed in the filter housing unit is further provided, When the drainage filter is not accommodated in the filter accommodating portion, the control unit does not proceed to a step subsequent to the standby step. A washing machine characterized by:

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The water supply device is a detergent case into which detergent is added from the outside; a first water supply path for supplying water into the outer tub via the detergent case; a second water supply path for supplying water into the outer tub without passing through the detergent case, The control unit supplies water into the filter accommodating unit by supplying water into the outer tub from the second water supply path during the rinsing process. A washing machine characterized by:

Images