Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of easily washing a drain passage and a drain pipe of a house to which the drain passage is connected, using a detergent.SOLUTION: A drum type washing and drying machine 1 includes: a drain passage 40a which is connected to a drain pipe 3 extending to the outside of the machine from an outer tub 20 and provided in an installation place, and where the water drained from the outer tub 20 flows; a drain valve 43 provided at the drain passage 40a; an insertion port 311 provided further on the outer tub 20 side than the drain valve 43 in the drain passage 40a, and connected to the outside of a housing 10; and a control part for executing a drain passage washing operation capable of washing the drain passage 40a and the drain pipe 3. In the drain passage washing operation, the control part executes: an injection step of opening the drain valve 43, and waiting for a detergent to be injected in the drain passage 40a through the insertion port 311; and a water flowing step of supplying water to the drain passage 40a by operating a water supply device 50, and flowing water in the drain passage 40a and the drain pipe 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a conventional washing machine, a drainage channel for draining water from the outer tub to the outside of the machine extends outside the housing and connects to a drain pipe in the house installed in the location where a waterproof pan, etc. is installed. When a drain valve installed in the drainage channel is opened, the water from the outer tub flows through the drainage channel into the drain pipe.

[0003] As washing machines are used, dirt contained in the wastewater and fine lint that cannot be captured by filters accumulate inside the drain pipes, narrowing the drainage passage and making it difficult for the wastewater to flow. Furthermore, a biofilm formed inside the drain pipes from detergent residue and dirt can easily become a source of nutrients for black mold to grow. For this reason, it is recommended that drain pipes be cleaned regularly.

[0004] The following Patent Document 1 describes a cleaning method for cleaning a drain pipe in a house to which a drain pipe of a washing machine is connected. In a washing machine, a drain pipe connected to a water tank is connected to a dirt intake port having a removable dirt filter. Another drain pipe extending to the drain pipe is connected to the dirt intake port, and a water stop valve is provided midway along this drain pipe. When cleaning the drain pipe, a spin button on the washing machine is pressed to open the closed water stop valve. In this state, the dirt filter is removed and the dirt intake port is opened. Then, a hose connected to a cleaning nozzle is inserted through the dirt intake port, and the cleaning nozzle is extended down to the drain pipe.

[0005] With this cleaning method, even if the drain pipe is hidden under the washing machine when it is installed, the drain pipe can be cleaned without moving the washing machine from its installed position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4124801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The method for cleaning a washing machine drain pipe in Patent Document 1 requires the user to prepare a hose with a cleaning nozzle, and when cleaning, the hose must be connected to a water faucet near the washing machine. This places a burden on the user and makes it difficult to easily clean the drain pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, like drain pipes, dirt and the like can accumulate in drainage channels such as the drain pipes of washing machines, so it is desirable to be able to clean the drainage channels as well.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can easily clean a drainage channel and a drainage pipe in a house to which the drainage channel is connected using a detergent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] 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 to the outer tub, a drain channel extending from the outer tub to the outside of the washing machine and connected to a drain pipe provided at an installation location, through which water discharged from the outer tub flows, a drain valve provided in the drain channel, an injection port provided in the drain channel closer to the outer tub than the drain valve and connected to the outside of the housing, and a control unit that performs a drain channel cleaning operation to clean the drain channel and the drain pipe. Here, in the drain channel cleaning operation, the control unit performs an injection process of opening the drain valve and waiting for a detergent to be injected into the drain channel through the injection port, and a flushing process of operating the water supply device to supply water to the drain channel and flow through the drain channel and the drain pipe.

[0011] According to the washing machine of this aspect, the user can inject a detergent into the drain channel through the inlet, and then use the detergent and water supplied from the water supply device to clean the drain channel and the drain pipe. This allows the user to easily clean the drain channel and the drain pipe and remove dirt and other contaminants.

[0012] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to execute a leaving step between the injection step and the running water step, in which the drainage channel and the drainage pipe are left with the detergent applied thereto for a predetermined leaving time.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the cleaning agent components can sufficiently dissolve and decompose dirt and other contaminants accumulated in the drainage channel and drainage pipes while the device is left standing, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of removing dirt and other contaminants.

[0014] In the washing machine according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to operate the water supply device during the water flow process with the drain valve closed to collect water in the drain channel upstream of the drain valve, and then open the drain valve.

[0015] With this configuration, water accumulated in the drainage channel upstream of the drain valve flows into the drainage channel and the drain pipe downstream of the drain valve all at once, creating a strong water flow, which makes it easier to remove dirt and other contaminants from the drainage channel and the drain pipe.

[0016] When the above configuration is adopted, the configuration may further include a filter accommodating section that forms part of the drainage channel upstream of the drainage valve and has an insertion port that serves as the injection port, and a drainage filter that is accommodated in the filter accommodating section through the insertion port.

[0017] With this configuration, the cleaning agent contained in the water stored in the filter housing portion acts on the drain filter, thereby cleaning the drain filter.

[0018] When the above configuration is adopted, the control unit can further be configured to stop the water supply device during the water flow process when water accumulates in the drainage channel upstream of the drainage valve, and then wait for a predetermined water storage time to elapse before opening the drainage valve.

[0019] With this configuration, the cleaning agent contained in the water will act sufficiently on the biofilm and black mold that has grown on the drainage filter over the course of the water storage period, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the drainage filter.

[0020] 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 water flow process, the water supply device is operated with the drain valve closed to accumulate water in the drainage channel upstream of the drainage valve.

[0021] With this configuration, the water accumulated in the drainage channel upstream of the drain valve contains detergent, but since this water containing detergent does not come into contact with the inner tub, it is possible to prevent the detergent from adhering to laundry even if laundry is present in the inner tub.

[0022] The washing machine according to this aspect may be configured to further include a closing member that closes the injection port in an openable and closable manner.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the water supplied into the drainage channel can be prevented from leaking out from the inlet.

[0024] In the above configuration, a detection unit that detects whether the injection port is blocked by the blocking member may be further provided, and in this case, the control unit may be configured not to proceed to a step subsequent to the injection step if the injection port is not blocked by the blocking member.

[0025] With this configuration, the drainage channel cleaning operation cannot proceed unless the injection port is blocked by the blocking member, which prevents water from being supplied into the open drainage channel and leaking out of the drainage channel.

[0026] 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 to the drain channel by supplying water from the second water supply unit to the outer tub during the water flowing step.

[0027] According to the above configuration, even if laundry remains in the inner tub, the laundry is less likely to get wet with water.

[0028] 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 drain channel by supplying water into the outer tub from the second water supply path during the water running step.

[0029] According to the above configuration, even if an acidic substance is accidentally introduced into the detergent case from outside during drain cleaning operation, water containing the acidic substance will not be supplied into the drain, thereby preventing the water containing the acidic substance from mixing with the chlorine-based cleaning agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided that can easily clean a drainage channel and a drainage pipe in a house to which the drainage channel is connected using a detergent.

[0031] 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]

[0032] [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 the drainage channel cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the drainage channel cleaning operation executed by the control unit according to the first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] A drain hose 44 is connected to the drain valve 43. The drain hose 44 includes an internal hose 44a disposed inside the housing 10 and an external hose 44b disposed outside the housing 10. The external hose 44b of the drain hose 44 is connected to a drain trap 2 provided in the installation location (for example, a waterproof pan) of the drum type washer-dryer 1. A drain pipe 3 extending to under the floor of the house is connected to the drain trap 2. The internal hose 44a of the drain hose 44 is slightly inclined so that the downstream side is lower.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Note that the drain trap 2 and the drain pipe 3 may be located directly below the installed drum type washer-dryer 1. In this case, the drum type washer-dryer 1 is placed on a raised stand to separate it from the installation surface. The drain hose 44 is passed under the drum type washer-dryer 1 and connected to the drain trap 2.

[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 section 310 is made of a resin material. The filter accommodating section 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 section 310. A cylindrical inlet opening 314 that protrudes leftward is provided at the front of the left side surface of the filter accommodating section 310. A mounting section 315 is provided at the front of the right side surface of the filter accommodating section 310. A filter detection sensor 330 is attached to the mounting section 315. The filter detection sensor 330 detects that the drain filter 320 has been accommodated in the filter accommodating section 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 insertion port 311 of the filter housing part 310 serves as an injection port for the cleaning agent during the drainage channel cleaning operation described below. The cap 350 and lid part 342 of the drainage filter 320 serve as blocking members that close the injection port. Furthermore, since the cap 350 and lid part 342, which are blocking members, block the insertion port, which is the injection port, when the drainage filter 320 is housed in the filter housing part 310, the filter detection sensor 330 can be said to be a detection part that detects that the injection port is blocked by a blocking member.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum type washer-dryer 1. As shown in FIG.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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, drain 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The operation unit 203 and the display unit 204 may be configured as an operation display unit such as a touch panel.

[0088] The sound output unit 205 includes a speaker, and outputs sounds such as voice and alarm sounds from the speaker.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 .

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] As the drum-type washer-dryer 1 is used, dirt contained in the wastewater, detergent residue, fine lint that cannot be captured by the filter, and the like accumulate inside the drain channel 40a, drain trap 2, and drain pipe 3 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "drain channel 40a, etc."), narrowing the drain passage and making it difficult for the wastewater to flow. Furthermore, a biofilm formed by detergent residue and dirt forms inside the drain channel 40a, etc., and this biofilm serves as a nutrient source for the growth of black mold. For this reason, it is desirable to periodically clean the drain channel 40a, etc.

[0104] Therefore, the drum type washer-dryer 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an operation course of a drainage channel cleaning operation in which a pipe cleaning detergent is used to clean and sterilize the drainage channel 40a, etc. The drainage channel cleaning operation will be described in detail below.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the drainage channel cleaning operation executed by the control unit 201.

[0106] The user selects the operation course of the drainage channel cleaning operation using the course selection button on the operation unit 203, and presses the start button, thereby starting the drainage channel cleaning operation.

[0107] 6, the control unit 201 first executes the injection 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).

[0108] The user removes drain filter 320 from filter housing portion 310 and injects liquid detergent into filter housing portion 310 through insertion port 311. The detergent flows through drain channel 40a (filter housing portion 310, connecting pipe 42, drain hose 44) after filter housing portion 310, reaches drain trap 2, and flows into drain pipe 3. As a result, the detergent is applied to the inner wall surfaces of drain channel 40a, drain trap 2, and drain pipe 3. The user then places drain filter 320 inside filter housing portion 310 and performs the restart operation.

[0109] Normally, when the filter detection sensor 330 detects that the drain filter 320 has been removed from the filter accommodating section 310 during the washing operation, the control section 201 displays an error on the display section 204. However, during the injection process, no error is displayed even if the drain filter 320 is removed from the filter accommodating section 310.

[0110] When the 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, i.e., whether or not the insertion opening 311 is blocked by the cap 350 and the lid portion 342, 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 injection process.

[0111] 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).

[0112] In this way, in the injection step, the control unit 201 monitors the restart operation that triggers restart, and waits until the cleaning agent is injected into the drainage channel 40a. Furthermore, the control unit 201 waits until the drainage filter 320 is accommodated in the filter accommodating portion 310, that is, until the insertion port 311 is closed by the cap 350 and the lid portion 342.

[0113] In addition, the control unit 201 may terminate the injection process when a predetermined waiting 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 storage section 310, as a trigger for resuming the operation.

[0114] 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 drain channel 40a and the like are left with the cleaning agent still applied. The leaving time can be set to a time recommended for the cleaning agent, such as 15 to 30 minutes, so that the cleaning agent components can sufficiently dissolve and decompose dirt and the like accumulated inside the drain channel 40a and the like. At this time, because the drain valve 43 is closed, the cleaning agent on the inner wall surfaces of the filter housing portion 310 and the connecting pipe 42 is unlikely to flow downstream. The user may be able to set the leaving time by operating the operation unit 203.

[0115] When the standing time has elapsed (S106: YES), the control unit 201 ends the standing step.

[0116] Next, the control unit 201 executes the flushing process of S107 to S111. In the flushing process, the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 to supply water to the drainage channel 40a, and causes water to flow in the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3.

[0117] That is, in the water flowing step, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S107) and then opens the third valve 113 (S108). 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, and the water that has flowed through the outer tub 20 is supplied to the drain channel 40a. After flowing through the drain channel 40a, the water further flows through the drain trap 2 and the drain pipe 3. This water flow removes dirt and the like dissolved or decomposed by the detergent from the inner wall surfaces of the drain channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3.

[0118] When a predetermined drain time (for example, about one minute) has elapsed since the third valve 113 was opened (S109: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S110), thereby stopping the water supply to the drain channel 40a.

[0119] Thereafter, the control unit 201 closes the drain valve 43 (S111), thereby completing the water flow process and the drain channel cleaning operation.

[0120] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, in the drain channel cleaning operation shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 201 executes an injection process in which the drain valve 43 is opened and awaits the injection of cleaning agent into the drain channel 40a through the insertion port 311, which is an injection port, and a water flow process in which the water supply device 50 is operated to supply water to the drain channel 40a and cause water to flow into the drain channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3.

[0121] With this configuration, if the user injects a cleaning agent into the filter housing portion 310, i.e., into the drainage channel 40a, through the insertion port 311, the user can clean the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3 using the cleaning agent and the water supplied from the water supply device 50. This allows the user to easily clean the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3 to remove dirt and the like.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 executes a leaving step between the standby step and the running water step in which the drainage channel 40a, the drainage trap 2 and the drainage pipe 3 are left with the cleaning agent still applied for a predetermined leaving time.

[0123] According to this configuration, the cleaning agent components can sufficiently dissolve and decompose dirt and other contaminants accumulated in the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drainage pipe 3 during the time that the cleaning agent is left standing, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of removing dirt and other contaminants.

[0124] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cap 350 and the lid portion 342 that openably close the insertion opening 311 are provided as closing members.

[0125] This configuration can prevent water supplied into the drainage channel 40a from leaking out from the insertion opening 311.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if insertion port 311 is not closed by cap 350 and lid portion 342, control unit 201 does not proceed to the next step of the injection step.

[0127] According to this configuration, the drainage channel cleaning operation cannot proceed unless the insertion port 311 is blocked by the cap 350 and the lid portion 342, which prevents water from being supplied into the open drainage channel 40a and leaking out of the drainage channel 40a.

[0128] 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, the control unit 201 supplies water into the drainage channel 40a by supplying water from the second water supply unit WS2 into the outer tub 20 during the water flowing process.

[0129] With this configuration, even if laundry remains in the drum 23, the laundry is less likely to get wet with water.

[0130] 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.

[0131] <Change example 1> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the drainage channel cleaning operation executed by the control unit 201 according to the first modified example.

[0132] In the drainage channel cleaning operation of this modified example, the contents of the water running process differ from those of the drainage channel cleaning operation of the above embodiment shown in FIG.

[0133] When the flushing cycle is initiated, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 while keeping the drain valve 43 closed (S121). This causes water from the third valve 113 to be supplied into the drain channel 40a and accumulate in the filter housing 310, i.e., in the drain channel 40a upstream of the drain valve 43. When the accumulated water reaches the outer tub 20 and the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a specified water level (S122: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S123). The specified water level may be, for example, the lowest water level detectable by the water level sensor 206. 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. Therefore, even if washed laundry remains in the drum 23, the laundry will not be wetted with water. Furthermore, although the water accumulated in the drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43 contains detergent, such water containing detergent does not come into contact with the drum 23, so that the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry in the drum 23.

[0134] The control unit 201 monitors whether a predetermined water storage time has elapsed since the specified water level was reached (S124). 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, making it possible to remove 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.

[0135] When the water storage time has elapsed (S124: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S125). As a result, the water stored in the drain channel 40a upstream of the drain valve 43 and in the outer tank 20 is immediately flushed into the drain channel 40a (drain hose 44) downstream of the drain valve 43, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3. This makes it easier for a strong water flow to occur in the drain channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3, making it easier to remove dirt and other contaminants from inside these components.

[0136] Thereafter, the control unit 201 again opens the third valve 113 (S126). This causes water to be supplied into the drainage channel 40a, and the water flows through the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3. This further removes dirt and the like from the drainage channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3.

[0137] When a predetermined drain time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed since the third valve 113 was opened (S127: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S128), thereby stopping the water supply to the drain channel 40a.

[0138] Thereafter, the control unit 201 closes the drain valve 43 (S129), thereby completing the water flow process and the drain channel cleaning operation.

[0139] In this modified example, the user can also perform cleaning that mainly focuses on cleaning the filter unit 300 (removing biofilm and mold) by performing the drainage channel cleaning operation of Fig. 7 using a cleaning agent that has a mold removal effect, such as a chlorine-based detergent, instead of the cleaning agent for pipe cleaning. In this case, the drainage channel cleaning operation becomes a filter cleaning operation.

[0140] As described above, according to this modified example, during the water flow process, the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 with the drain valve 43 closed to collect water in the drain channel 40a upstream of the drain valve 43, and then opens the drain valve 43.

[0141] According to this configuration, water accumulated in the drain channel 40a upstream of the drain valve 43 flows all at once into the drain channel 40a downstream of the drain valve 43, into the drain trap 2, and into the drain pipe 3, which tends to create a strong water flow. This makes it easier to remove dirt and the like from the drain channel 40a, the drain trap 2, and the drain pipe 3. Furthermore, the detergent contained in the water accumulated in the filter housing portion 310 acts on the drain filter 320, thereby cleaning the drain filter 320.

[0142] Furthermore, according to this modified example, the control unit 201 stops the water supply device 50 when water accumulates in the drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43 during the water flow process, and then waits for a predetermined water storage time to elapse before opening the drainage valve 43.

[0143] According to this configuration, the cleaning agent contained in the water acts sufficiently on 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.

[0144] Furthermore, according to this modified example, when the control unit 201 operates the water supply device 50 with the drain valve 43 closed during the water flow process to collect water in the drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43, it stops the water supply device 50 before water collects in the outer tank 20 to the point where it comes into contact with the drum 23.

[0145] According to this configuration, the water accumulated in the drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43 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.

[0146] Furthermore, according to this modified example, in the water flowing step, 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 drain channel 40a.

[0147] According to this configuration, dirt and the like inside the drainage channel 40a, the drainage trap 2, and the drainage pipe 3 can be more easily removed.

[0148] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the filter unit 300 is provided in the drainage section 40, and thus a portion of the drainage channel 40a is configured by the filter housing section 310. However, as shown in FIG. 8 , the filter unit 300 may not be provided in the drainage section 40, and instead of the filter housing section 310, an injection pipe 70 having an injection port 71 may be provided between the drainage pipe 41 and the connecting pipe 42. The injection port 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends upward from the upper front end of the injection pipe 70. The injection pipe 70 is also provided with a blocking member 72 that blocks the injection port 71. Furthermore, a detection section (not shown) that detects that the injection port 71 is blocked by the blocking member 72 is provided.

[0149] An opening 16 is provided at the lower front of the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the injection port 71. The opening 16 is covered by an openable door 17. During the drainage channel cleaning operation, the user can open the door 17 and the blocking member 72 and inject the cleaning agent from the injection port 71 into the injection pipe 70, i.e., into the drainage channel 40a.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the standing step of the drain channel cleaning operation in Fig. 6, the control unit 201 closes the drain valve 43 (S105). However, the control unit 201 may leave the drain valve 43 open in the standing step. In this case, the process of opening the drain valve 43 in S107 is not performed at the beginning of the water running step.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the water flowing step of the drain channel cleaning operation of Fig. 6, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 to supply water to the drain channel 40a. 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.

[0152] Furthermore, considering that it is rare for washed laundry to remain in the drum 23 when the drainage channel cleaning operation is performed, during the water flow process of the drainage channel cleaning operation in Figure 6, the control unit 201 may open the second valve 112 and supply water to the drainage channel 40a using the first water supply unit WS1, which supplies water to the outer tub 20 via the drum 23.

[0153] 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 drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43. However, a water supply time may be determined in advance so that water accumulates in the entire drainage channel 40a upstream of the drainage valve 43, and water may be supplied for only that water supply time.

[0154] 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 drainage channel cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the third valve 113 is opened and the first valve 111 is not opened during the water running cycle. That is, in the flushing cycle, water is supplied into the outer tub 20 from the second water supply path, thereby supplying water into the drainage channel 40a, and water is not supplied into the outer tub 20 from the first water supply path. Therefore, even if an acidic substance is externally introduced into the detergent case during drainage channel cleaning operation, water containing the acidic substance will not be supplied into the drainage channel 40a, thereby preventing the water containing the acidic substance from mixing with the chlorine-based detergent.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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]

[0157] 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 311 Insertion port (injection port) 320 Drainage filter 330 Filter detection sensor (detection unit) 342 Lid (closing member) 350 Cap (closing member) 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 extending from the outer tub to the outside of the machine and connected to a drainage pipe provided at the installation location, through which water discharged from the outer tub flows; a drain valve provided in the drainage channel; an inlet provided on the drainage channel closer to the outer tank than the drainage valve and connected to the outside of the housing; a control unit that executes a drainage channel cleaning operation capable of cleaning the drainage channel and the drain pipe; Equipped with The control unit, during the drainage channel cleaning operation, an injection step of opening the drain valve and waiting for the cleaning agent to be injected into the drain channel through the injection port; a water flowing step of supplying water to the drainage channel by operating the water supply device and flowing water into the drainage channel and the drainage pipe; A washing machine characterized by:

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The control unit executes a leaving step between the injection step and the running water step, in which the drainage channel and the drainage pipe are left in a state in which the cleaning agent is still applied for a predetermined leaving time. A washing machine characterized by:

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, The control unit, in the water flowing process, operates the water supply device with the drain valve closed to collect water in the drain channel upstream of the drain valve, and then opens the drain valve. A washing machine characterized by:

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, a filter accommodating section that constitutes a part of the drainage channel upstream of the drainage valve and has an insertion port that serves as the injection port; The drainage filter is further provided to be accommodated in the filter accommodating section through the insertion port. A washing machine characterized by:

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, In the water flow process, the control unit stops the water supply device when water accumulates in the drainage channel upstream of the drainage valve, and then opens the drainage valve after waiting for a predetermined water storage time to elapse. A washing machine characterized by:

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, When the control unit operates the water supply device with the drain valve closed to store water in the drain channel upstream of the drain valve in the water flowing process, the control unit stops the water supply device before the water comes into contact with the inner tank. A washing machine characterized by:

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Further provided with a blocking member that closes the injection port in an openable and closable manner. A washing machine characterized by:

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, a detection unit that detects whether the injection port is blocked by the blocking member, the control unit does not proceed to a step subsequent to the injection step when the injection port is not blocked by the blocking member. A washing machine characterized by:

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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 drainage channel by supplying water from the second water supply path into the outer tub during the water flowing process. A washing machine characterized by:

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