Washing machine

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure is a washing machine capable of easily cleaning, by using a cleaning agent, a filtering unit provided in a drainage passage. In a drum-type washer-dryer (1), a control unit executes, in a filter cleaning operation capable of cleaning a filtering unit (300): a standby process of waiting for a cleaning agent to be dispensed into a filter containing portion (310) and a drainage filter (320) to be accommodated in the filter containing portion (310) into which the cleaning agent is dispensed; and a rinsing process in which a water supply device (50) is caused to work so as to supply water into the filter containing portion (310) accommodating the drainage filter (320), and a drainage valve (43) is opened to discharge the cleaning agent-containing water in the filter containing portion (310) through a drainage passage (40a), thereby rinsing the inside of the filter containing portion (310).

Description

Washing machine TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a washing machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, in a washing machine such as a drum-type washing machine, a structure is known in which a filter unit is provided in a drain path through which water is drained from inside an outer tub to the outside of the machine. The filter unit includes a filter housing portion that constitutes a part of the drain path and a drain filter housed in the filter housing portion. The filter housing portion has an insertion port that is exposed to a front surface of a cabinet of the washing machine, and the drain filter is inserted into the filter housing portion from the insertion port. The insertion port is covered by a door that can be opened and closed. Foreign matter such as lint contained in the water drained from the outer tub is captured by the drain filter.

[0003] One example of such a washing machine is described in Patent Literature 1, for example.

[0004] In the above-described washing machine, as use progresses, the inner wall surface of the filter housing portion and the drain filter can form a biofilm resulting from detergents and dirt. When a biofilm is formed, black mold is likely to proliferate using the biofilm as a nutrient.

[0005] In the case where a biofilm and black mold are formed on the inner wall surface of the filter housing portion and the drain filter, the user can remove the biofilm and black mold by using a detergent having a mold-removing effect such as a chlorine-based detergent. In this case, in the filter housing portion, the detergent in a liquid or foam state is applied to the inner wall surface with the drain filter removed through the insertion port.

[0006] However, in the drain path, a drain valve is provided on the downstream side of the filter housing portion, and the drain valve is closed when a washing operation is not performed. Therefore, it is difficult to cause the detergent to flow out of the filter housing portion by rinsing the filter housing portion with water, and it is necessary to perform an operation such as scraping off the detergent, and the removal of the detergent is laborious. Therefore, the user cannot easily perform cleaning of the filter unit using the detergent.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0008] PATENT LITERATURE

[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-41820 SUMMARY

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a washing machine that enables easy cleaning of a filter unit provided in a drain path using a detergent.

[0012] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0013] The laundry machine according to the main aspect of the present application includes an outer tub disposed in a cabinet to store water, an inner tub disposed in the outer tub to accommodate laundry, a water supply device to supply water into the outer tub, a drain path through which water drained from the outer tub flows, a drain valve provided in the drain path, a filter unit having a filter accommodation portion constituting a part of the drain path and a drain filter accommodated in the filter accommodation portion in a removable manner, and a control portion to perform a filter cleaning operation capable of cleaning the filter unit. Here, the control portion performs, in the filter cleaning operation, a standby process of waiting for a cleaning agent to be applied to the filter accommodation portion and the drain filter to be accommodated in the filter accommodation portion to which the cleaning agent is applied, and a rinsing process of supplying water into the filter accommodation portion in which the drain filter is accommodated by operating the water supply device, and draining the cleaning agent-containing water from the filter accommodation portion through the drain path by opening the drain valve, to rinse the filter accommodation portion.

[0014] According to the laundry machine according to the present aspect, the user can clean the filter unit using the cleaning agent and water supplied from the water supply device by performing only the operations of attaching and detaching the drain filter to and from the filter accommodation portion and applying the cleaning agent to the filter accommodation portion. Thus, the user can easily clean the filter unit.

[0015] In the laundry machine according to the present aspect, the control portion can be configured to open the drain valve in the standby process.

[0016] According to the above structure, even if a large amount of cleaning agent enters the filter accommodation portion, the cleaning agent can be prevented from overflowing from the filter accommodation portion.

[0017] In the case of adopting the above structure, further, the control portion can be configured to perform, between the standby process and the rinsing process, a standing process of allowing the filter accommodation portion to stand for a prescribed standing time in a state in which the cleaning agent is applied, and to close the drain valve in the standing process.

[0018] If such a structure is adopted, during the passage of the standing time, the cleaning agent can be allowed to sufficiently penetrate the biofilm and black mold in the filter accommodation portion, and thus the removal effect of the biofilm and black mold can be improved. Also, the drain valve opened in the standby process is closed, and thus the cleaning agent in the filter accommodation portion can be prevented from flowing downstream of the drain valve during the standing.

[0019] In the laundry machine according to the present aspect, the control portion can be configured to, in the rinsing process, open the drain valve to drain water from the filter accommodation portion after allowing the water supply device to supply water into the filter accommodation portion in a state in which the drain valve is closed.

[0020] According to the above structure, the filter housing portion can be rinsed by storing water in the filter housing portion and discharging the water. Further, the drain filter can be cleaned by the cleaning agent contained in the stored water.

[0021] In the case of adopting the above structure, further, the control portion can be configured to, during the rinsing process, open the drain valve after the water storage in the filter housing portion and stop the water supply device, and then open the drain valve after a predetermined water storage time elapses.

[0022] If such a structure is adopted, the cleaning agent contained in the water sufficiently penetrates into the biofilm and black mold generated in the drain filter during the water storage time elapses, and thus the cleaning effect of the drain filter is improved.

[0023] In the case of adopting the above structure, further, the control portion can be configured to, during the rinsing process, operate the water supply device to store water in the filter housing portion while the drain valve is closed, and then stop the water supply device before the water contacts the inner tub.

[0024] If such a structure is adopted, although the water stored in the filter housing portion contains the cleaning agent, such cleaning agent-containing water does not contact the inner tub, and thus the cleaning agent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry even if the laundry is present in the inner tub.

[0025] In the case of adopting the above structure, further, the control portion can be configured to, during the rinsing process, operate the water supply device to supply water to the filter housing portion while the drain valve is open after the drain valve is opened.

[0026] If such a structure is adopted, the filter housing portion can be rinsed by the water flowing in the filter housing portion. Thus, the cleaning agent can be sufficiently removed from the filter unit.

[0027] In the laundry machine of the present scheme, the control portion can be configured to, during the rinsing process, operate the water supply device to supply water to the filter housing portion while the drain valve is open.

[0028] According to the above structure, the water flows in the filter housing portion, and the cleaning agent flows out through the water. Thus, the filter housing portion can be rinsed.

[0029] In the laundry machine of the present scheme, a detection portion that detects that the drain filter is housed in the filter housing portion can be further provided. In this case, the control portion can be configured to, in the case where the drain filter is not housed in the filter housing portion, not proceed to the subsequent process.

[0030] According to the above structure, the filter cleaning operation is not performed in a state where the drain filter is not accommodated in the filter accommodation portion, and thus water is not supplied to the open filter accommodation portion to leak from the filter accommodation portion.

[0031] In the laundry machine of the present embodiment, the water supply device can be configured to include a first water supply portion that supplies water to the outer tub via the inner tub, and a second water supply portion that supplies water to the outer tub without passing through the inner tub. In this case, the control portion can be configured to supply water to the filter accommodation portion by supplying water to the outer tub from the second water supply portion during the rinsing process.

[0032] According to the above structure, even if the laundry is left in the inner tub, the laundry is not easily wetted by water.

[0033] In the laundry machine of the present embodiment, the water supply device can be configured to include a detergent box into which detergent is externally supplied, a first water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub via the detergent box, and a second water supply path that supplies water to the outer tub without passing through the detergent box. In this case, the control portion supplies water to the filter accommodation portion by supplying water to the outer tub from the second water supply path during the rinsing process.

[0034] According to the above structure, even if an acidic substance is accidentally supplied into the detergent box from the outside during the filter cleaning operation, water containing the acidic substance is not supplied to the filter accommodation portion, and thus the water containing the acidic substance is prevented from being mixed with the chlorine-based cleaning agent.

[0035] Effects of Invention

[0036] According to the present invention, a laundry machine that can easily clean a filter unit provided in a drain path using a cleaning agent can be provided.

[0037] The effects and the significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the upper portion of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment, in which a drying device is shown.

[0040] In FIG. 3, (a) is a perspective view of a filter unit and a connecting pipe according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a side sectional view of the filter unit and the connecting pipe according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a drain filter of the embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine of the embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation performed by the control section of the embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine of Modification 1.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation performed by the control section of Modification 1.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation performed by the control section of another modification.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a filter cleaning operation performed by the control section of another modification.

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1: drum-type washing and drying machine; 10: cabinet; 20: outer tub; 23: drum (inner tub); 40a: drain path; 43: drain valve; 50: water supply device; 201: control section; 300: filter unit; 310: filter housing; 320: drain filter; 330: filter detection sensor (detection section); WS1: first water supply section; WS2: second water supply section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, a drum-type washing and drying machine as one embodiment of a washing machine of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine 1. Fig. 2 is a side sectional view showing the upper portion of the drum-type washing and drying machine 1 of the drying device 60.

[0051] The drum-type washing and drying machine 1 is provided with a square cabinet 10. A circular inlet port 11 for putting in a laundry is formed in the front surface of the cabinet 10. The inlet port 11 is covered by a door 12 which is openable and closable.

[0052] An outer tub 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape is disposed in the cabinet 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 of a horizontal shaft type as an inner tub is rotatably disposed in the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates about a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening portion 23a in the front surface thereof. The drum 23 can also rotate about an inclined axis inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0053] The outer tub 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. The outer tub 20 includes a ring-shaped seal 24 provided to the peripheral portion of the opening 20a and made of an elastic material. The seal 24 is attached to the peripheral portion of the inlet port 11. The peripheral surface of the closed door 12 is in contact with the seal 24, thereby sealing the inlet port 11 from the door 12.

[0054] A plurality of dewatering holes 23b are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. Further, three lifting ribs 25 having a substantially triangular prism shape are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23.

[0055] A drive motor 30 that generates torque for rotating the drum 23 is disposed at the rear of the outer tub 20. The drive motor 30 is, for example, a DC (direct current) brushless motor of the outer rotor type. The drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 23 is smaller than the gravitational force and the laundry will tumble during the washing process and the rinsing process. On the other hand, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry in the drum 23 is much larger than the gravitational force and the laundry will adhere to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 during the dewatering process.

[0056] A heater 26 is disposed at the bottom in the outer tub 20, and a tub temperature sensor 27 is disposed in the vicinity of the heater 26. The heater 26 heats the water accumulated in the outer tub 20. The tub temperature sensor 27 is, for example, a thermistor that detects the temperature of the water accumulated in the outer tub 20.

[0057] A tubular drain port 20b is formed in the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain 40 that performs drainage from the outer tub 20 is connected to the drain port 20b. The drain 40 includes a drain pipe 41, a filter unit 300, a connection pipe 42, a drain valve 43, and a drain hose 44.

[0058] The drain pipe 41 is connected to the lower end portion of the drain port 20b. The filter unit 300 includes a filter housing 310 and a drain filter 320 housed in the filter housing 310. The filter housing 310 is disposed slightly inclined in a manner that the front side is higher.

[0059] The drain pipe 41 is connected to the inflow port of the filter housing 310. The drain valve 43 is provided downstream of the filter unit 300 and includes, for example, a valve body and a torque motor that opens and closes the valve body. The outflow port of the filter housing 310 and the drain valve 43 are connected by the connection pipe 42.

[0060] The drain hose 44 is connected to the drain valve 43. The drain hose 44 includes an inner hose 44a disposed inside the cabinet 10 and an outer hose 44b disposed outside the cabinet 10. The outer hose 44b of the drain hose 44 is connected to a drain trap 2 provided at a setting place (e.g., a waterproof tray) of the drum-type washer-dryer 1. The drain trap 2 is connected to a drain pipe 3 extending downward from a floor of a house.

[0061] The drain path 40a extending outside the machine from the outer tub 20 and through which water flows is constituted by the drain pipe 41, the filter housing 310, the connecting pipe 42, and the drain hose 44. The filter housing 310 constitutes a part of the drain path 40a.

[0062] When the drain valve 43 is opened, the water accumulated in the outer tub 20 is discharged to the drain pipe 3 through the drain port 20b, the drain path 40a, and the drain trap 2. The foreign matter such as lint contained in the water is captured by the drain filter 320.

[0063] The opening 14 is provided at a lower portion of the front surface of the cabinet 10, and a insertion port 311 provided at a front surface of the filter housing 310 is connected to the opening 14. The opening 14 is covered by a door 15 which is openable and closable. The user can take out the drain filter 320 from the filter housing 310 to the outside of the cabinet 10 through the insertion port 311 and the opening 14 by opening the door 15, and in addition, can house the drain filter 320 in the filter housing 310 from the outside of the cabinet 10 through the opening 14 and the insertion port 311.

[0064] At an upper portion in the cabinet 10, a water supply device 50 is disposed at a left side, and a drying device 60 is disposed at a right side. The water supply device 50 performs water supply into the outer tub 20. In addition, the water supply device 50 has a function as an automatic detergent feeding device, and automatically feeds liquid detergent and liquid softener into the outer tub 20. The drying device 60 performs drying of the laundry in the drum 23.

[0065] The water supply device 50 is provided with a water supply valve unit 51, a water injection unit 52, and a nozzle unit 53.

[0066] 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 cock via a connection hose not shown.

[0067] An inlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected to the first valve 111, and an inlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected to the second valve 112. When the first valve 111 is opened, water flows to the first water supply hose 120, and when the second valve 112 is opened, water flows to the second water supply hose 130.

[0068] The water injection unit 52 includes a water injection port member 150 opened at a front surface, a liquid cartridge 160 accommodated in the water injection port member 150 in a pull-out manner, and a water path forming member 170 disposed at an upper surface of the water injection port member 150.

[0069] A water injection port 151 is formed at a bottom of the water injection port member 150. A water injection pipe 54 extending from the water injection port 151 is connected to the outer tub 20.

[0070] The liquid cartridge 160 has a detergent chamber storing a liquid detergent and a softener chamber storing a liquid softener. The liquid cartridge 160 is accommodated in the water injection port member 150 through an accommodation port 13 provided at a front surface of the cabinet 10. A cover 161 blocking the accommodation port 13 is provided at a front surface of the liquid cartridge 160.

[0071] A first water path for connection of an outlet of the first water supply hose 120 and a second water path for connection of an outlet of the second water supply hose 130 are formed inside the water path forming member 170.

[0072] Water supplied from the first water supply hose 120 to the water path forming member 170 flows through the first water path and is discharged to the bottom of the water injection port member 150, and is supplied into the outer tub 20 through the water injection port 151 and the water injection pipe 54. When the liquid detergent or the liquid softener is automatically introduced into the outer tub 20, the liquid detergent or the liquid softener is introduced into the first water path from the liquid cartridge 160 through a detergent pump or a softener pump, not shown, before the first valve 111 is opened. The liquid detergent or the liquid softener is supplied into the outer tub 20 after being mixed with water flowing through the first water path.

[0073] Water supplied from the second water supply hose 130 to the water path forming member 170 flows through the second water path and is delivered to the nozzle unit 53.

[0074] The nozzle unit 53 includes a shower nozzle 180 disposed at an inner side of an upper portion of the seal 24 and a water delivery hose 181 extending from the second water path of the water path forming member 170 and connected to the shower nozzle 180.

[0075] A water discharge port of the shower nozzle 180 faces a rear lower direction, i.e., a direction of a bottom of the drum 23. Water flowing from the second water path reaches the shower nozzle 180 through the water delivery hose 181, and is discharged from the water discharge port of the shower nozzle 180 in a showering manner into the drum 23. Thus, the water is sprinkled onto the laundry in the drum 23, and the water easily penetrates into the inside of the laundry.

[0076] A water supply path from the second valve 112 of the water supply valve 110 and the second water supply hose 130 to the shower nozzle 180 is a first water supply portion WS1 for supplying water into the outer tub 20 through the inside of the drum 23.

[0077] The drying device 60 has a circulation path 61, a blowing fan 62, a cooler 63, a heater 64, a drying filter 65, a water supply member 66, and a wiper 67.

[0078] The circulation path 61 is an air flow path for air to flow, 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 a suction port 20d provided on the seal 24 of the outer tub 20.

[0079] The blowing fan 62, which is, for example, a centrifugal fan, is disposed in the circulation path 61 to circulate air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 61. Air discharged from the inside of the outer tub 20 through the exhaust port 20c flows through the circulation path 61 and is returned to the inside of the outer tub 20 through the suction port 20d.

[0080] The cooler 63 and the heater 64 are disposed in the circulation path 61 on the downstream side of the blowing fan 62. The cooler 63 and the heater 64 are each constituted by an evaporator and a condenser included in a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor, an expansion valve, and the like that constitute, together with the evaporator and the condenser, a cold heat circuit.

[0081] Low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the cooler 63. The cooler 63 cools air flowing through the circulation path 61 by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant, and performs dehumidification of the air.

[0082] High-temperature refrigerant flows inside the heater 64. The heater 64 heats air flowing through the circulation path 61 after being dehumidified by the cooler 63 by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0083] Note that the cooler 63 can be a water-cooled heat exchanger or the like, and the heater 64 can be a semiconductor heater or the like.

[0084] The drying filter 65, the water supply member 66, and the wiper 67 are disposed in the circulation path 61 on the upstream side of the blowing fan 62. The drying filter 65 is disposed in the circulation path 61 in a manner to block the flow path of air, and captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in air discharged from the outer tub 20.

[0085] The water supply member 66 and the wiper 67 are used to clean the drying filter 65. The water supply member 66 is disposed in the upper portion of the drying filter 65, and is connected to the third valve 113 of the water supply valve 110 via the third water supply hose 140. The water supply member 66 causes water supplied from the third valve 113 to flow toward the drying filter 65, and washes away foreign matter adhering to the drying filter 65. The wiper 67 is driven by a driving mechanism including a driving source, and scrapes off foreign matter adhering to the drying filter 65.

[0086] When the drying filter 65 is cleaned, the drain valve 43 is opened. Water from the water supply member 66 is drained to the outer tub 20 from the exhaust port 20c after flowing through the drying filter 65, through the circulation path 61 upstream thereof. The water drained to the outer tub 20 is drained to the outside of the machine through the drain path 40a. Foreign matter contained in the drain is captured by the drain filter 320.

[0087] The third valve 113 of the water supply valve 110 and the third water supply hose 140 are a second water supply part WS2 that does not supply water to the outer tub 20 from inside the drum 23.

[0088] Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the filter unit 300 and the connecting pipe 42, and Fig. 3(b) is a side sectional view of the filter unit 300 and the connecting pipe 42. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the drain filter 320.

[0089] The filter unit 300 includes, in addition to the filter housing 310 and the drain filter 320, a filter detection sensor 330.

[0090] The filter housing 310 is formed of a resin material. The filter housing 310 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is longer in the front-rear direction, with a front end face opened as an insertion port 311 and a rear end face opened as a flow port 312. At the front end portion of the filter housing 310, a pair of engagement ribs 313 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner wall face. Further, at the front portion of the left side face of the filter housing 310, a cylindrical flow inlet port 314 protruding in the left direction is provided. Moreover, at the front portion of the right side face of the filter housing 310, a fitting portion 315 is provided. The filter detection sensor 330 is fitted to the fitting portion 315. As a detection portion, the filter detection sensor 330 detects that the drain filter 320 has been housed in the filter housing 310. In the present embodiment, the filter detection sensor 330 includes a reed switch.

[0091] The connecting pipe 42 is connected to the flow port 312 of the filter housing 310 from the rear. The connecting pipe 42 is formed of a rubber material, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a diameter that decreases as it tends toward the rear.

[0092] The drain filter 320 includes a filter body 340 and a cap 350. The filter body 340 has a structure in which a square box-shaped collection portion 341, whose upper surface and front surface are open and longer in the front-rear direction, and a disc-shaped lid portion 342, which plugs the front surface of the collection portion 341, are integrally formed of a resin material. In the collection portion 341, a square-shaped flow inlet 343 is formed in the left side surface. Further, a comb-shaped portion 344 in which a plurality of rod bodies 344a are arranged with gaps in a slit-like manner is formed in the front side of the left side surface of the collection portion 341, the front side of the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the collection portion 341. A ring-shaped seal 345 composed of a rubber material is provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the lid portion 342.

[0093] The cap 350 is fitted to the front side of the lid portion 342, that is, the filter body 340, in a rotatable manner. The cap 350 has a structure in which a flat bottomed cylindrical-shaped main body portion 351 and a square-shaped knob portion 352 protruding forward from the main body portion 351 are integrally formed of a resin material. A pair of engagement groove portions 353 corresponding to the pair of engagement ribs 313 of the filter housing portion 310 is formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the main body portion 351. Inside the cap 350, a magnet 354 is embedded in the right side.

[0094] The drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310 via the insertion port 311. The flow inlet 343 of the collection portion 341 is aligned with the flow inlet 314 of the filter housing portion 310. The insertion port 311 is plugged by the cap 350 and the lid portion 342. By turning the cap 350, the engagement groove portions 353 are engaged with the engagement ribs 313, and the drain filter 320 does not fall out of the filter housing portion 310. The seal 345 of the lid portion 342 is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the filter housing portion 310, and water seal between the drain filter 320 and the filter housing portion 310 is achieved. By bringing the magnet 354 of the cap 350 close to the reed switch of the filter detection sensor 330, the reed switch is turned on. Thus, it is detected by the filter detection sensor 330 that the drain filter 320 has been housed in the filter housing portion 310.

[0095] Note that the filter detection sensor 330 can also be a structure other than one using a reed switch. For example, the filter detection sensor 330 can also be a structure using a photoelectric sensor. In this case, for example, a light shielding plate is provided in the drain filter 320, and the light shielding plate performs light shielding of the photoelectric sensor when the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing portion 310.

[0096] The water drained from the inflow port 314 into the filter housing portion 310 flows into the trapping portion 341 of the drain filter 320 from the inflow port 343. Then, the water flows out of the trapping portion 341 through the comb-tooth-shaped portion 344 of the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the trapping portion 341, and flows toward the connection pipe 42 through the outflow port 312. At this time, the foreign matter such as lint contained in the water cannot pass through the comb-tooth-shaped portion 344 and remains in the trapping portion 341. In this way, the foreign matter contained in the water is trapped by the trapping portion 341, that is, the drain filter 320.

[0097] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the structure of the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1.

[0098] The drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 has, in addition to the above-described structure, a control portion 201, a storage portion 202, an operation portion 203, a display portion 204, a sound output portion 205, a water level sensor 206, a motor drive portion 207, a water supply drive portion 208, a drain drive portion 209, a fan drive portion 210, and a compressor drive portion 211.

[0099] The operation portion 203 includes a power button that performs the on and off of the power, a mode selection button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from among a plurality of operation modes involved in the washing operation, the washing and drying operation, the filter cleaning operation, and the like, and a start button for starting and pausing the operation. The operation portion 203 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the control portion 201.

[0100] The display portion 204 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and performs the display of the selected operation mode, the display of the progress of the washing operation, the notification of an abnormality, and the like in accordance with a control signal from the control portion 201.

[0101] Note that the operation portion 203 and the display portion 204 can also be constituted by an operation and display portion such as a touch panel.

[0102] The sound output portion 205 includes a speaker from which a voice, an alarm sound, and the like are output.

[0103] The water level sensor 206 detects the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 is connected to an air trap provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20, the drain pipe 41, for example, via a hose, and detects the air pressure in the air trap that changes in accordance with the water level in the outer tub 20. A frequency signal is output from the water level sensor 206 to the control portion 201 as a water level signal corresponding to the detected water level.

[0104] The filter detection sensor 330 outputs a detection signal to the control portion 201 when it detects that the drain filter 320 has been housed in the filter housing portion 310.

[0105] The motor drive section 207 drives the drive motor 30 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The motor drive section 207 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, and the like, and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control section 201. Also, the motor drive section 207 includes a current sensor that detects the current flowing through the drive motor 30.

[0106] The water supply drive section 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 section 201. The water discharge drive section 209 drives the water discharge valve 43 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201.

[0107] The fan drive section 210 drives the air supply fan 62 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The compressor drive section 211 drives the compressor 68 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201, and causes the cooler 63 and the heater 64 to operate.

[0108] The storage section 202 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage section 202 stores programs for performing various operation modes such as washing operation. Also, the storage section 202 stores various parameters and various control flags for execution of these programs.

[0109] The control section 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the display section 204, the sound output section 205, the motor drive section 207, the water supply drive section 208, the water discharge drive section 209, the fan drive section 210, the compressor drive section 211, and the like in accordance with the programs stored in the storage section 202, based on various signals from the operation section 203, the water level sensor 206, the filter detection sensor 330, and the like.

[0110] Also, in the drum-type washer / dryer 1, various modes of operation are performed under the control of the control section 201 based on the user's operation of the operation section 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 sequentially performed, and a washing operation in which the washing process is performed from the washing process to the final spin-drying process without performing the drying process.

[0111] In the washing process, the detergent-containing water is accumulated in the outer tub 20 to a washing water level set in accordance with the load amount of the laundry in the drum 23. Then, the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the drum 23 are repeatedly performed, whereby the laundry immersed in the detergent-containing water is tumbled. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the inside of the laundry, and the dirt adhering to the surface and the inside of the laundry is peeled off by the effect of the detergent and the mechanical force generated by the tumbling.

[0112] In the rinsing process, the drum 23 is repeatedly rotated forward and reversed in a state where the outer tub 20 is filled with water to a rinsing water level set in accordance with the load amount, and the laundry is tumbled. Thus, the detergent contained in the laundry is discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed. Note that, in the rinsing process, in addition to the above-described water-filling rinsing, water supply by the water supply device 50 can be performed while the drain valve 43 is intermittently opened to perform water discharge, and water in the outer tub 20 can be replaced while water-filling rinsing is performed.

[0113] In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the drive motor 30 is rotated at high speed in one direction, and the drum 23 is rotated in one direction at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is much greater than the gravity. By the action of the centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum 23 and is dehydrated. In the final dehydration process, the drum 23 is rotated at a higher rotational speed than in the intermediate dehydration process.

[0114] In the drying process, air is circulated between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 61 by the operation of the air supply fan 62, and the air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated to become hot air by the operation of the heater 64. Also, the drum 23 is rotated forward and reversed, and the laundry is tumbled. The hot air introduced into the outer tub 20 from the air suction port 20d is blown onto the tumbled laundry, and the laundry is dried. The hot air from which moisture is taken from the laundry returns to the circulation path 61 from the air discharge port 20c. In the circulation path 61, the hot air is cooled by the cooler 63 before being heated by the heater 64, and is dehumidified by the cooler 63. Foreign matter such as lint washed out from the laundry is sucked into the circulation path 61 together with the hot air. The foreign matter is captured by the capturing surface of the drying filter 65 when the hot air passes through the drying filter 65.

[0115] Before the cleaning process, a load amount detection process of detecting the load amount of the laundry is performed. The drum 23 is rotated at a rotational speed at which the laundry in the drum 23 will tumble, and the load applied to the drum 23 when rotating is detected based on the current value flowing through the drive motor 30. The more the load amount of the laundry, the greater the load applied to the drum 23, and the greater the current value flowing through the drive motor 30. The load amount is determined based on the magnitude of the current value, and the amount of detergent to be put in the cleaning process and the amount of softener to be put in the rinsing process are determined based on the load amount. The more the load amount, the greater the amount.

[0116] In the prescribed operation mode, the temperature of the water accumulated in the outer tub 20 during the cleaning process can be set by performing a prescribed operation. For example, the set temperature can be selected from among 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C. In the case where the water temperature is set, when the water temperature at the time of water supply is lower than the set temperature, the heater 26 is operated to heat the water in the outer tub 20 to the set temperature. The water temperature in the outer tub 20 is detected by the tub temperature sensor 27. After the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the heater 26 is controlled to be turned on / off based on the detected temperature of the tub temperature sensor 27 so as to maintain the water temperature around the set temperature.

[0117] In addition, as the washing and drying integrated machine 1 is used, a biofilm generated from the detergent and dirt can be formed on the inner wall surface of the filter housing portion 310 and the drain filter 320 in the filter unit 300. When the biofilm is formed, black mold is likely to proliferate using the biofilm as a nutrient.

[0118] Therefore, the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 of the present embodiment has an operation mode of a filter cleaning operation in which the filter cleaning operation using a chlorine-based detergent or the like having a mold-removing effect is performed to remove the biofilm and black mold in the filter unit 300. Hereinafter, the filter cleaning operation will be described in detail.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning operation performed by the control portion 201.

[0120] The user selects the operation mode of the filter cleaning operation by the mode selection button in the operation portion 203 and presses the start button. Thus, the filter cleaning operation is started.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, the control portion 201 first performs the standby process of S101 to S104. That is, the control portion 201 waits for a restart operation by the start button in the operation portion 203 after opening the drain valve 43 (S101).

[0122] The user takes out the drain filter 320 from the filter housing portion 310, and pours a foam-like or liquid-like cleaning agent into the filter housing portion 310 through the insertion port 311. The cleaning agent is also poured into the connection pipe 42. Then, the user houses the drain filter 320 in the filter housing portion 310, and performs the restart operation.

[0123] Note that, in general, the control portion 201 performs error display by the display portion 204 in the case where the drain filter 320 is detected by the filter detection sensor 330 to be taken out of the filter housing portion 310 in the washing operation, but does not perform error display even if the drain filter 320 is taken out of the filter housing portion 310 in the standby process. In addition, the taken-out drain filter 320 can be cleaned or can not be cleaned.

[0124] When the restart operation is performed (S102: YES), the control section 201 determines whether the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing section 310 based on the detection result of the filter detection sensor 330 (S103). If the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing section 310 (S103: YES), the control section 201 ends the standby process.

[0125] It is possible that the user performs the restart operation without housing the drain filter 320. In this case, the control section 201 determines that the drain filter 320 is not housed in the filter housing section 310 (S103: NO), and performs notification corresponding to the determination by error code display in the display section 204, voice output from the sound output section 205, or the like (S104).

[0126] Thus, in the standby process, the control section 201 waits for the detergent to be applied to the filter housing section 310 and the drain filter 320 to be housed in the filter housing section 310 to which the detergent is applied, by monitoring the restart operation as an opportunity for restart.

[0127] Note that the control section 201 can also end the standby process with the lapse of a predetermined standby time from the start of operation or the opening of the drain valve 43, the filter detection sensor 330 detecting that the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing section 310 as an opportunity for restart.

[0128] Next, the control section 201 executes the placement process of S105-S106. That is, the control section 201 waits for a predetermined placement time to elapse after the drain valve 43 is closed (S105) (S106). During the placement time, the filter housing section 310 is left standing in the state in which the detergent is applied. The placement time can be set to a recommended time of the detergent as a time in which components of the detergent sufficiently penetrate the biofilm and black mold, and can be set to about 30 minutes, for example. The user can also set the placement time by operation in the operation section 203.

[0129] When the placement time elapses (S106: YES), the control section 201 ends the placement process.

[0130] Next, the control section 201 executes the rinsing process of S107-S115. In the rinsing process, the control section 201 supplies water to the filter housing section 310 in which the drain filter 320 is housed by operating the water supply device 50, and causes the water containing the detergent from the filter housing section 310 to be discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain path 40a by opening the drain valve 43, thereby rinsing the filter housing section 310.

[0131] That is, during the rinsing process, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 (S107). By this, the water discharged from the water supply member 66 is supplied to the tub 20 through the circulation path 61 without passing through the inside of the drum 23, and the water flowing through the inside of the tub 20 is supplied to the filter housing portion 310 through the drain pipe 41. Since the drain valve 43 is closed, the water is stored in the filter housing portion 310. When the stored water reaches the inside of the tub 20 and the water level in the tub 20 reaches a predetermined water level (S108: YES), the control unit 201 closes the third valve 113 (S109). The predetermined water level can be set to, for example, a lower limit water level that can be detected by the water level sensor 206. At this time, the water stored in the tub 20 does not come into contact with the drum 23 and does not reach the inside of the drum 23.

[0132] As described above, the water from the third valve 113 does not pass through the inside of the drum 23, and the water stored in the tub 20 also does not reach the inside of the drum 23. Therefore, even if the laundry after washing is left in the drum 23, the laundry does not get wet with water. Also, although the water stored in the filter housing portion 310 contains the detergent, such detergent-containing water does not come into contact with the drum 23, and thus the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry in the drum 23.

[0133] The control unit 201 monitors whether or not a predetermined water storage time has elapsed since the predetermined water level is reached (S110). The water stored in the filter housing portion 310 contains the detergent and functions as a detergent water. Therefore, during the water storage time, the drain filter 320 is cleaned by the detergent water stored in the filter housing portion 310, and biofilm and black mold are removed. In addition, the drain pipe 41 is also cleaned by the detergent water. The water storage time is set to a time at which the effect of the detergent water on the drain filter 320 is good, by, for example, a preliminary experiment. The water storage time is set to, for example, a time of about 20 minutes. The user can also set the water storage time by an operation in the operation unit 203.

[0134] When the water storage time has elapsed (S110: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (S111). By this, the detergent water is discharged from the filter housing portion 310 and flows through the drain path 40a, i.e., the drain hose 44, to the drain pipe 3 outside the machine.

[0135] Thus, by performing the first rinsing operation of temporarily storing water in the filter housing portion 310 and then discharging the water, the detergent flows out and the filter housing portion 310 is rinsed. Also, the drain filter 320 is cleaned.

[0136] Thereafter, the control section 201 opens the third valve 113 again (S112). By this, water is supplied into the filter housing portion 310. At this time, the drain valve 43 is maintained in the open state, and in addition, the drain capacity (drain flow rate) of the drain valve 43 is larger than the water supply capacity (water supply flow rate) of the third valve 113. Therefore, even if water is stored in the filter housing portion 310 at the moment when the third valve 113 is opened, it becomes a state in which water flows into the filter housing portion 310 which is not stored with water shortly thereafter.

[0137] Note that the third valve 113 can be opened at the same time as the opening of the drain valve 43, or can be opened after waiting for a time in which almost all of the rinse water is drained from the filter housing portion 310 by the opening of the drain valve 43.

[0138] When a predetermined drain time (for example, about 30 seconds) elapses after the opening of the third valve 113 (S113: YES), the control section 201 closes the third valve 113 (S114). By this, the supply of water to the filter housing portion 310 is stopped.

[0139] Thus, the second rinse operation in which water is flushed into the filter housing portion 310 is performed after the first rinse operation, and by this, the filter housing portion 310 is rinsed finely. By this, the detergent can be sufficiently removed from the filter unit 300.

[0140] Thereafter, the control section 201 closes the drain valve 43 (S115). By this, the rinsing process ends, and the filter cleaning operation ends.

[0141] The ease of generation of biofilm and black mold in the filter unit 300 varies depending on the usage conditions of the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1. Therefore, the timing at which the filter unit 300 should be cleaned can vary depending on the apparatus.

[0142] Therefore, in the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 of the present embodiment, the control section 201 calculates the individual score of each washing operation, washing and drying operation by adding a predetermined reference score to a positive or negative condition score of each washing operation each time the washing operation is performed, and accumulates the individual scores. Then, the control section 201 causes the display section 204 which is a notification section to notify the necessity of cleaning of the filter unit 300 when the accumulated value of the individual scores reaches a predetermined threshold value.

[0143] The condition score includes a liquid agent score, a rinsing score, a temperature score, a hot water score, a drying score, and the like.

[0144] The liquid agent score is a score which is given in accordance with the usage amount of liquid agent, that is, the detergent and the softening agent. The more the usage amount of liquid agent, the more the liquid agent residue is likely to adhere to the filter unit 300, and therefore, biofilm and black mold are likely to be generated. Therefore, the more the usage amount of liquid agent, the more the liquid agent score.

[0145] The rinse score is a score given by either of a water-accumulation rinse and a water-injection rinse during the rinse course of the washing operation. In the water-injection rinse, the rinse performance is better than in the water-accumulation rinse, and thus detergent residue is less likely to adhere to the filter unit 300, and biofilm and black mold are less likely to occur. Therefore, in the case where the water-injection rinse is performed, the rinse score is less than in the case where the water-accumulation rinse is performed.

[0146] The temperature score is a score given according to the temperature around the apparatus at the end of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation. The higher the temperature around, the more likely biofilm and black mold are to occur, and thus the temperature score is more. The temperature around can be measured indirectly, for example, by the tub temperature sensor 27.

[0147] The warm water score is a score given according to whether or not the cleaning course of the washing operation is performed using warm water (e.g., water of 40°C or higher). In the case where warm water is used, detergent residue is less likely to remain, and thus detergent residue is less likely to adhere to the filter unit 300, and biofilm and black mold are less likely to occur. Therefore, in the case where warm water is used, the warm water score is less than in the case where warm water is not used.

[0148] The drying score is a score given according to whether or not the drying course is performed. In the case where the drying course is performed, the moisture of the filter unit 300 is reduced, and thus biofilm and black mold are less likely to occur. Therefore, in the case where the drying course is performed, the drying score is less than in the case where the drying course is not performed.

[0149] Further, in the case where the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 is provided with a bath water pump, the water type score can be included in the condition score. Further, in the case where the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 is provided with a humidity sensor, the humidity score can be included in the condition score.

[0150] The water type score is a score given according to whether or not bath water is used in the washing operation. In the case where bath water is used, dirt components such as sebum are likely to be contained in the bath water, and thus biofilm and black mold are likely to occur. Therefore, in the case where bath water is used, the water type score is more than in the case where bath water is not used.

[0151] The humidity score is a score given according to the humidity around the apparatus at the end of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation. The higher the humidity around, the more likely biofilm and black mold are to occur, and thus the humidity score is more.

[0152] Thus, the notification of the cleaning timing of the filter unit 300 is performed according to the usage condition of the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1, and thus the cleaning of the filter unit 300 can be performed at the optimal timing.

[0153] In the drum-type washing / drying integrated machine 1 of the present embodiment, the filter cleaning operation can also be used to clean the drain hose 44 of the drain path 40a, the drain trap 2 connected to the drain hose 44, and the drain piping 3. In this case, the filter cleaning operation of Fig. 6 also serves as a drain path cleaning operation. When the filter cleaning operation, i.e., the drain path cleaning operation, is started, the user injects a liquid pipe cleaner into the filter housing 310 through the injection port 311. The injected pipe cleaner flows through the drain hose 44 to the drain trap 2 and the drain piping 3. After the pipe cleaner is left to stand for a prescribed standing time, the water supplied to the filter housing 310 is sprayed toward the drain hose 44, the drain trap 2, and the drain piping 3 during the rinsing process, whereby the pipe cleaner is rinsed out of the drain hose 44, the drain trap 2, and the drain piping 3.

[0154] <Effects of the Embodiment>

[0155] According to the present embodiment, the control section 201 performs, in the filter cleaning operation of Fig. 6 in which the filter unit 300 can be cleaned, a standing process in which the filter cleaning operation is waited for while the pipe cleaner is applied to the filter housing 310 and the drain filter 320 is housed in the filter housing 310 to which the pipe cleaner is applied, and a rinsing process in which water is supplied to the filter housing 310 in which the drain filter 320 is housed by operating the water supply device 50, and the water containing the pipe cleaner from the filter housing 310 is discharged through the drain path 40a by opening the drain valve 43, and the filter housing 310 is rinsed.

[0156] According to this structure, the user can clean the filter unit 300 using the pipe cleaner and the water supplied from the water supply device 50 by performing the operation of detaching and attaching the drain filter 320 to / from the filter housing 310 and the operation of applying the pipe cleaner to the filter housing 310. Thus, the user can easily clean the filter unit 300, and can remove the biofilm and black mold generated in the filter unit 300.

[0157] Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 opens the drain valve 43 during the standing process.

[0158] According to this structure, even if the pipe cleaner enters the filter housing 310 in a large amount, the pipe cleaner can be prevented from overflowing from the injection port 311 of the filter housing 310.

[0159] Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 performs, between the standing process and the rinsing process, a standing process in which the filter housing 310 is left to stand for a prescribed standing time in a state in which the pipe cleaner is applied, and closes the drain valve 43 during the standing process.

[0160] According to this structure, during the elapse of the standing time, the detergent can sufficiently permeate into the biofilm and black mold in the filter housing 310, so the removal effect of the biofilm and black mold can be improved. Also, the drain valve 43 opened during the standby process is closed, so the detergent in the filter housing 310 can be prevented from flowing downstream of the drain valve 43 during the standing.

[0161] Also, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 causes the water supply device 50 to operate to store water in the filter housing 310 in a state where the drain valve 43 is closed during the rinsing process, and then opens the drain valve 43 to drain the water from the filter housing 310.

[0162] According to this structure, the filter housing 310 can be rinsed by storing water therein and then discharging the water. Also, the drain filter 320 can be cleaned by allowing the detergent contained in the stored water to act on the drain filter 320.

[0163] Also, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 opens the drain valve 43 after waiting for a prescribed water storage time to elapse after stopping the water supply device 50 based on the water stored in the filter housing 310 during the rinsing process.

[0164] According to this structure, during the elapse of the water storage time, the detergent contained in the water can sufficiently permeate into the biofilm and black mold generated in the drain filter 320, so the cleaning effect of the drain filter 320 can be improved.

[0165] Also, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 stops the water supply device 50 before storing water in the outer tub 20 to contact the drum 23 when causing the water supply device 50 to operate to store water in the filter housing 310 in a state where the drain valve 43 is closed during the rinsing process.

[0166] According to this structure, although the water stored in the filter housing 310 contains the detergent, such detergent-containing water does not contact the drum 23, so even if laundry is present in the drum 23, the detergent can be prevented from adhering to the laundry.

[0167] Also, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 causes the water supply device 50 to operate to supply water to the filter housing 310 in a state where the drain valve 43 is opened after the elapse of the water storage time during the rinsing process.

[0168] According to this structure, the filter housing 310 can be rinsed by the water flowing in the filter housing 310. Thus, the detergent can be sufficiently removed from the filter unit 300.

[0169] Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 does not proceed to the subsequent process of the standby process in the case where the drain filter 320 is not accommodated in the filter accommodation section 310.

[0170] According to this structure, the filter cleaning operation is not performed in the state where the drain filter 320 is not accommodated in the filter accommodation section 310, and thus it is possible to prevent water from being supplied to the open filter accommodation section 310 and leaking from the filter accommodation section 310.

[0171] Further, according to the present embodiment, the water supply device 50 includes a first water supply section WSI that supplies water into the outer tub 20 via the inside of the drum 23, and a second water supply section WS2 that supplies water into the outer tub 20 without passing through the inside of the drum 23. Further, the control section 201 supplies water into the filter accommodation section 310 by supplying water into the outer tub 20 from the second water supply section WS2 during the rinsing process.

[0172] According to this structure, even if the drum 23 is always filled with the laundry, the laundry is not easily wetted by water.

[0173] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application can be variously changed from the above-described content.

[0174] <Modification Example 1>

[0175] Fig. 7 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 according to Modification Example 1.

[0176] The drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 according to the present modification example is provided with a circulation pump 70 below the outer tub 20. The suction port of the circulation pump 70 is connected to the connection pipe 42 via a suction pipe 71, and the discharge port of the circulation pump 70 is connected to a spray nozzle 80 provided at the upper portion of the seal member 24 via a discharge pipe 72. The nozzle unit 53 is not provided in the water supply device 50. Further, the second valve 112 and the second water supply hose 130 are not provided in the water supply valve unit 51, and the second water passage is not provided in the water passage forming member 170 in the water filling unit 52.

[0177] In the cleaning process and the rinsing process, when the circulation pump 70 is operated in the state where water is stored in the outer tub 20, the water in the outer tub 20 is sent to the spray nozzle 80 via the drain pipe 41, the filter accommodation section 310, the connection pipe 42, the suction pipe 71, the circulation pump 70, and the discharge pipe 72, and is discharged in a spray shape from the discharge port of the spray nozzle 80 toward the inside of the drum 23. Thus, the water is applied to the laundry in the drum 23.

[0178] In the drum-type washing and drying integrated machine 1 according to the present modification example, the filter cleaning operation can also be performed.

[0179] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning operation of the modification 1 executed by the control section 201.

[0180] Hereinafter, in the filter cleaning operation shown in Fig. 8, the process different from the filter cleaning operation of the above embodiment shown in Fig. 6 will be described.

[0181] In the rinsing process, after the water is stored in the filter housing portion 310 (S107-S109), when the storage time elapses (SI 10: YES), the control section 201 operates the circulating pump 70 (S121). Thereby, the water circulates between the outer tub 20 and the filter housing portion 310, and the flow of the water is generated in the filter housing portion 310. The inner wall surface of the filter housing portion 310 and the drain filter 320 are contacted with the flowing water, and thereby the cleaning effect of them is improved.

[0182] When the predetermined circulating time (for example, about 1 minute) elapses (S122: YES), the control section 201 stops the circulating pump 70 (S123), and opens the drain valve 43 (SI 11).

[0183] <Other Modification>

[0184] In the above embodiment, in the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of Fig. 6, the rinsing of the filter housing portion 310 is performed by the first rinsing operation (S107-S111) of storing the water in the filter housing portion 310 and then discharging the water, and the second rinsing operation (SI 12-S115) of discharging the water into the filter housing portion 310 which is not stored with the water.

[0185] However, as shown in Fig. 9, the first rinsing operation can not be performed, that is, the second rinsing operation can be performed without storing the water in the filter housing portion 310. In this case, when the standing process is ended in accordance with the elapse of the standing time (SI 06: YES), the control section 201 opens the drain valve 43 (SI 11), and opens the third valve 113 (SI 12). The water flows in the filter housing portion 310, and the detergent flows out through the water. Thereby, the rinsing of the filter housing portion 310 can be performed. Then, when the drain time elapses (SI 13: YES), the control section 201 closes the third valve 113 (SI 14), and closes the drain valve 43 (SI 15). It is desirable that the drain time is longer than the drain time of the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of Fig. 6, and for example, it can be set to a time of about 1 minute. Note that in this structure, the drain filter 320 is difficult to be cleaned. Therefore, it is desirable that the drain filter 320 taken out from the filter housing portion 310 is well cleaned by the user in the standby process.

[0186] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, instead of the second rinsing operation, a third rinsing operation of storing water in the filter housing 310 and then discharging the stored water can be performed after the first rinsing operation. That is, during the rinsing process, when the water storage time has elapsed (SI 10: YES), the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 for a predetermined drain time (for example, about 15 seconds) to perform the drain from the filter housing 310 (SI 31-SI 33). Then, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 until the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a predetermined water level, stores water in the filter housing 310 again (SI 34-SI 36), and then opens the drain valve 43 for the drain time to perform the drain from the filter housing 310 (SI 37-SI 39).

[0187] Note that, during the rinsing process, neither the second rinsing operation nor the third rinsing operation can be performed. In this case, in the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 10, the processes of SI 34-SI 39 are not performed.

[0188] Also, in the above embodiment, during the standby process of the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the control unit 201 opens the drain valve 43 (SI 01). However, in a case where the volume and the depth of the filter housing 310 are large enough and the like, and there is no concern that the cleaning agent will overflow from the filter housing 310, the control unit 201 can maintain the state of closing the drain valve 43 during the standby process.

[0189] Also, in the above embodiment, during the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the control unit 201 opens the third valve 113 to supply water to the filter housing 310. However, the control unit 201 can 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 the second water supply portion that supplies water to the outer tub 20 without passing through the inside of the drum 23.

[0190] Also, considering that the case where the washed laundry remains in the drum 23 when the filter cleaning operation is performed is rare, it can be that, during the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the control unit 201 opens the second valve 112 to supply water to the filter housing 310 through the first water supply portion WS1 that supplies water to the outer tub 20 by passing through the inside of the drum 23.

[0191] Also, in the above embodiment, during the rinsing process of the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, water is supplied until the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a predetermined water level in order to store water in the filter housing 310. However, it can be that at least the water supply time for storing the entire filter housing 310 with water is determined in advance, and water is supplied for the water supply time.

[0192] Moreover, in the above embodiment, the water supply device 50 is configured to function as the detergent automatic feeding device. However, the water supply device 50 can be configured such that the water injection unit 52 has a detergent box that feeds a one-time amount of detergent from the outside, in addition to the function of the detergent automatic feeding device. In this case, the water supply device 50 is configured such that, when the first valve 111 is open, the water flowing through the first water path is discharged to the bottom of the detergent box via the water injection port member 150, and is supplied into the outer tub 20 via the water injection pipe 54. The water supply path from the first valve 111 to the water injection pipe 54 becomes a first water supply path that supplies water into the outer tub 20 via the detergent box. On the other hand, the water supply path constituted by the third valve 113 and the third water supply hose 140 is a second water supply path that supplies water into the outer tub 20 without passing through the detergent box. In the filter cleaning operation of FIG. 6, the third valve 113 is open and the first valve 111 is not open during the rinsing process. That is, during the rinsing process, water is supplied into the filter accommodation portion 310 by supplying water into the outer tub 20 from the second water supply path, and water is not supplied into the outer tub 20 from the first water supply path. Therefore, in the filter cleaning operation, even if an acidic substance is accidentally fed into the detergent box from the outside, water containing the acidic substance is not supplied into the filter accommodation portion 310, and thus the water containing the acidic substance can be prevented from mixing with the chlorine-based cleaning agent.

[0193] Moreover, in the above embodiment, the drum-type washer-dryer 1 is exemplified. However, the present application can also be applied to washing machines other than the drum-type washer-dryer, such as a drum-type washing machine without a drying function, a fully-automatic washing machine having a longitudinal-axis-type washing and dewatering tub as an inner tub in the outer tub, and a fully-automatic washer-dryer with a drying function.

[0194] In addition, the embodiments of the present application can be appropriately changed in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims

1. A laundry machine characterized by, Possessing: an outer tub configured in a cabinet to accumulate water; an inner tub configured in the outer tub to contain laundry; a water supply device to supply water to the outer tub; a drain path for water discharged from the outer tub to flow; a drain valve provided in the drain path; a filter unit having a filter housing constituting a part of the drain path and a drain filter housed in the filter housing in a removable manner; and a control portion to execute a filter cleaning operation capable of cleaning the filter unit, the control portion executes, in the filter cleaning operation: a standby process to wait for a cleaning agent to be applied in the filter housing and the drain filter to be housed in the filter housing to which the cleaning agent is applied; and a rinsing process to supply water to the filter housing in which the drain filter is housed by operating the water supply device and to discharge cleaning agent-containing water from the filter housing through the drain path by opening the drain valve, and to rinse the filter housing.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control portion opens the drain valve in the standby process.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: the control portion executes, between the standby process and the rinsing process, a standing process to make the filter housing stand for a prescribed standing time in a state in which the cleaning agent is applied, in the standing process, the control portion closes the drain valve.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: in the rinsing process, the control portion opens the drain valve to discharge water from the filter housing after making the water supply device operate to accumulate water in the filter housing in a state in which the drain valve is closed.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: in the rinsing process, the control portion opens the drain valve after the water supply device is stopped in accordance with water being accumulated in the filter housing, after a prescribed water storage time elapses.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: in the rinsing process, the control portion stops the water supply device before water contacts the inner tub when the water supply device is operated to accumulate water in the filter housing in a state in which the drain valve is closed.

7. The washing machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: in the rinsing process, the control portion operates the water supply device to supply water to the filter housing in a state in which the drain valve is opened after the drain valve is opened.

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: in the rinsing process, the control portion operates the water supply device to supply water to the filter housing in a state in which the drain valve is opened.

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by further comprising a detection portion to detect that the drain filter has been housed in the filter housing, ​ ​ The control section does not proceed to a subsequent process of the standby process if the drain filter is not accommodated in the filter accommodation portion.

10. The laundry machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The water supply device includes: a detergent box into which a detergent is externally charged; a first water supply path that supplies water into the outer tub via the detergent box; and a second water supply path that supplies water into the outer tub without passing through the detergent box, The control section supplies water into the filter accommodation portion by supplying water into the outer tub from the second water supply path during the rinsing process.

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