Washing machine

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of removing residual detergent and sebum stains in a water channel filter.　A washing machine 100 according to the present invention comprises: an outer tub for storing water; a drainage passage for draining water from the outer tub; and a water passage filter unit 52 having a water passage filter 523 that is provided in the drainage passage and that collects lint contained in the drainage water. The washing machine 100 comprises a cleaning nozzle 524 for cleaning the water passage filter 523. The water passage filter 523 is cleaned by supplying water to the cleaning nozzle 524 in a state in which a part of the water passage filter 523 is submerged.

Description

washing machine

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

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

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-187449

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

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

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine comprising: an outer tub for storing water; a drainage path for draining water from the outer tub; and a water channel filter unit provided in the drainage path and having a water channel filter for collecting lint contained in the drainage water; the washing machine is also provided with a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the water channel filter, and water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle while part of the water channel filter is submerged in water to clean the water channel filter.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to remove detergent residue and sebum stains from the water channel filter, and to prevent the formation of limescale and slime on the water channel filter. Other problems, configurations, and effects will become clear from the description of the following embodiments.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washer / dryer according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer / dryer according to the present invention as seen from the side; FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a water channel filter unit according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of drainage water (cleaning mode) when the water level of the washer / dryer is higher than a predetermined value and the entire water channel filter is submerged in drainage water; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cleaning mode when the water level of the washer / dryer is lower than a predetermined value and a part of the water channel filter is not submerged; FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a configuration in which an ultrasonic vibrator is arranged as a second cleaning device; FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a configuration in which an LED for irradiating ultraviolet light is arranged as a second cleaning device; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing cleaning of a water channel filter after a drying process; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing cleaning of a water channel filter after a tub cleaning process; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a configuration in which a water channel filter unit is arranged at a position lower than the drain outlet of an outer tub;

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

[0010] [Housing] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a washer-dryer 100 according to the present invention. The washer-dryer 100 is a drum-type washer-dryer. A framework is formed on top of a base 1a by combining side panels 1b, made primarily of steel plates and resin molded parts, and reinforcing members (not shown). A front cover 1c and a top cover 1d are further attached to the framework to form the housing 1. The front cover 1c is provided with a door 1e for loading and unloading laundry. A power switch, buttons for selecting operation modes, and a display 1f are provided at the front upper portion of the top cover 1d. The top cover 1d also has a cover 1g for housing a detergent box and a fabric softener box.

[0011] [Outer Tub and Inner Tub] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a washer / dryer 100 according to the present invention. An outer tub 2 is provided inside a housing 1. The outer tub 2 is supported by multiple suspensions (not shown), and its upper portion is suspended by springs (not shown). Laundry is placed into a rotating drum (inner tub) 3 located inside the outer tub 2 by opening a door 1e. A fluid balancer 3a is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 3 to reduce vibrations caused by imbalance of the laundry during spin-drying. A plurality of lifters 3b are provided inside the rotating drum 3 to lift up the laundry. The rotating drum 3 is directly connected to a drum-driving motor (drive unit) 4 via a main shaft (not shown).

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

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

[0014] [Drainage Path] As shown in FIG. 2 , a drain valve 51 and a water channel filter unit 52 are provided along the drainage path 5. The drainage path 5 can be divided into an upstream drainage path 5a and a downstream drainage path 5b, separated by the drain valve 51. The drain valve 51 is configured with an electromagnetic valve or the like and is provided along the upstream drainage path 5a. When the drain valve 51 is closed, wash water is stored in the outer tub 2. When the drain valve 51 is open, the wash water stored in the outer tub 2 is discharged outside the machine through the downstream drainage path 5b. When the wash water stored in the outer tub 2 is discharged outside the machine, the water channel filter unit 52 collects lint (LNT) contained in the wash water. The lint LNT collected by the water channel filter unit 52 is cleaned off by the user as needed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] [Control Unit] Control unit 9 controls washing tub drive motor 4, fan motor of blower 63, and solenoid valve 81, and controls operation of the washing process and drying process. Outer tub 2 is provided with a vibration sensor 91, and control unit 9 adjusts operation details in the washing process and drying process according to vibrations of outer tub 2 detected by vibration sensor 91.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] The water channel filter 523 has a bottom surface 523a, a pair of opposing first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c extending upward from the bottom surface 523a, and a third side surface 523d ​​connecting the first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c. The bottom surface 523a is rectangular, and the first and second side surfaces 523b and 523c extend from two opposing sides of the bottom surface 523a. A lid 522 is provided on one of the remaining two sides of the bottom surface 523a, and the third side surface 523d ​​is provided on the other side and is positioned opposite the lid 522.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] When the filter cleaning process is started while the water level is higher than a predetermined value, opening the drain valve 51 creates a water flow on the inner surface 527a of the drain hose joint 527. At this time, the water flow removes some of the detergent residue, sebum, and other contaminants that can cause limescale and mold. Then, when time has passed until the water level reaches a level where at least a portion of the water channel filter 523 is submerged, the cooling water supply valve (water channel filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d is opened, and tap water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 524. At this time, tap water flows around the side surfaces 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523 and the downstream surface 523a2 of the bottom surface 523a, where water flow is less likely to occur during drainage, washing away detergent residue, sebum, and other contaminants that may have been present there.

[0040] Water can be saved by using drainage water to clean the inner surface of the drain hose joint. However, the drain valve 51 can be closed, water is supplied from the cleaning nozzle 524, tap water is collected, and then the water is drained to clean the inner surface 527a of the drain hose joint 527. This allows the inner surface of the drain hose joint to be washed with clean water, improving the cleaning effect.

[0041] When the water channel filter 523 is completely submerged (nozzle submerged, Figure 5), the cleaning nozzle operates underwater, allowing the water flow to clean a wide area of ​​the water channel filter 523. On the other hand, when the water channel filter 523 is not completely submerged (e.g., when the cleaning nozzle 524 is exposed), the cleaning nozzle 524 operates in the air. In this case, a strong water flow can clean the area facing the cleaning nozzle 524. In this embodiment, the gap 528 between the casing 521 and the water channel filter 523 is narrowed, and the cleaning nozzle 524 is positioned opposite the side surfaces 523b and 523c of the water channel filter 523, where the water flow tends to stagnate during drainage, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of the water channel filter 523. The water flow flowing in the depth direction of the drawing, where the drain outlet is located, can clean the bottom surface 523a of the water channel filter 523 of detergent residue, sebum, and other dirt.

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

[0043] By providing the water channel filter unit 52 with a cleaning nozzle 524, it is possible to supply tap water without passing through the outer tub 2, thereby improving the cleaning effect. Unlike the air channel filter 61a, this means that even though it is necessary to continue to hold the collected lint LNT, it is possible to wash away dirt such as detergent residue and sebum contained in the lint LNT, and therefore hygiene can be maintained.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] [Timing of cleaning using a cleaning nozzle] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing how the water channel filter 523 is cleaned after the drying process. When the operation for the washing and drying processes is started, the washing process S1 is performed first. The washing process S1 is followed by a rinsing process S2. Note that a spin-drying operation is performed as appropriate during the washing process S1 and the rinsing process S2. The tub cleaning process S3 is performed following the tub cleaning process S3. The spin-drying process S4 is performed following the spin-drying process S4. The drying process S5 is performed following the drying process S5. The filter cleaning process S10 is performed, and in the filter cleaning process S10, the water channel filter 523 is cleaned using the cleaning nozzle 524.

[0052] In the drying step S5, lint is collected in the air path filter 61a by circulating the drying air. In this example, the water path filter 523 is cleaned after the lint collected in the air path filter 61a is washed away, so that the state of the water path filter 523 after cleaning can be maintained for a long time.

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

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

[0055] 12 is a flowchart of the filter cleaning process S10. When the filter cleaning process S10 is initiated, the drain valve 51 is opened to begin draining water (S14). The water level in the outer tub 2 is detected by the water level sensor 2d, and the process waits for the water level to reach a predetermined value (S15). Once the water level reaches the predetermined value, the cooling water supply valve (water path filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d is opened to supply tap water to the cleaning nozzle 524 (S16). Next, it is monitored whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S17). Once the predetermined time has elapsed, the process determines that cleaning is complete and closes the cooling water supply valve (water path filter cleaning water supply valve) 81d (S18), thereby terminating the filter cleaning process S10.

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

[0057] [Arrangement of Water Channel Filter Unit] The arrangement of the water channel filter unit 52 in the height direction can be roughly classified into whether it is higher or lower than the drain outlet 2 c of the outer tub 2 .

[0058] Fig. 13 shows the case where the water channel filter unit 52 is placed at a position lower than the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2. In the case of Fig. 13, the water channel filter 523 is placed below the drain outlet 2c of the outer tub 2, and the water channel filter 523 can be washed using the drainage water from the outer tub 2 as is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: an outer tub for storing water; a drainage path for draining water from the outer tub; and a water channel filter unit having a water channel filter provided in the drainage path for collecting lint contained in the drainage water, the washing machine further comprising a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the water channel filter, the washing machine supplying water to the cleaning nozzle while a portion of the water channel filter is submerged in water to clean the water channel filter.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply valve for supplying tap water to the washing nozzle.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the water channel filter has a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces standing upright from the bottom surface and facing each other, and is housed in a casing, and the cleaning nozzle is positioned so as to face the side surfaces of the water channel filter.

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

5. A washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the water channel filter unit has an LED for irradiating the water channel filter with ultraviolet light.

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

7. A washing machine as described in claim 3, further comprising a circulation pump for circulating wash water from the drain outlet of the outer tub to the outer tub, the water channel filter unit being positioned higher than the drain outlet of the outer tub, and the water discharged from the drain outlet of the outer tub being pumped to the water channel filter unit using the circulation pump for drainage.

8. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water channel filter is cleaned after a drying process.

9. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the washing of the water channel filter is carried out after a tub cleaning process.

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

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