JP2011010770A - Washing machine for clothes - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for making good use of a function of an ozone generator and preventing damage due to bad smell when a washing machine includes the ozone generator for sterilizing and deodorizing clothes to be washed and dried since impurities attach to a drainage canal leading up to a public sewer system from the washing machine, they cause contamination and go rotten to generate bad smell, the bad smell flows in the cleaning tank to cause the clothes to be washed and dried to catch the bad smell, and the bad smell floats around the washing machine.SOLUTION: In the washing machine including a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in the cleaning tank, a drainage canal cleaning course in which cleaning water having higher ozone concentration than one in the sterilization mode is generated in the cleaning tank and is drained into the drainage canal of the washing machine.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of deodorizing and sterilizing clothes, and more particularly to a technique for deodorizing and sterilizing a drainage channel including a washing machine with a clothes drying function, in which drainage of the washing machine flows.

  Conventionally, it is known to deodorize and disinfect clothes by supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator to clothes in a washing tub for washing and drying the contained clothes. In the invention described in Document 1, ozone is not supplied in the state where the clothes are wet, but in the state where the clothes are not wet, such as during the dehydration process for dehydrating the clothes or after the washing / drying process is completed. There has been proposed a washing machine in which the generated ozone is supplied into the washing tub so that the deodorizing and disinfecting effects of the clothes by ozone are improved.

JP 2007-175223 A

  Thus, in a washing machine that deodorizes and disinfects clothing using ozone, a drain trap portion is provided in the drainage channel in order to perform air washing in accordance with the clothing drying process. On the other hand, a drainage channel leading from a building such as a house to public sewage may be provided with a known drainage trap unit. In this case, the outlet of the external drainage hose extending from the washing machine is connected to the drainage trap unit. Connected to the entrance. When the drain trap part is provided in this way, the circulation of the drainage is ensured, but since a part of the drainage is accumulated, the air circulation through the drainage channel is interrupted, so the bad smell of public sewage flows back to the washing machine. This can be prevented.

  However, in the case where such a drain trap part is provided, if the frequency of use of the washing machine is high, the water in the drain trap part is less likely to rot because it is replaced by drainage, but the use frequency is low And under circumstances where the ambient temperature is high, the water in the drain trap section may become contaminated and rot, producing a foul odor. If this foul odor occurs, it will flow back into the washing tub, and the next time washing and drying, the foul odor will adhere to clothing or the door or lid of the washing machine will be opened. Spills out to the surroundings and causes discomfort.

  In addition, when impurities adhere to the inner wall of the drainage channel and it rots, or when the external drainage hose extending from the washing machine is composed of a bellows-like flexible pipe, the water remaining in the bellows-like valley portion Even if the soil is contaminated or rotted, a bad odor may be generated and the same phenomenon may occur.

  Moreover, the drainage trap part may not be provided in the drainage channel from the building such as a house to the public sewage. In this case as well, impurities may adhere to the drainage channel leading from the washing machine to the public sewage, which may become contaminated, rot and give off a foul odor and exhibit the same phenomenon.

  In view of these points, the present invention effectively utilizes this function when the washing machine is equipped with an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes to be washed or dried. It provides the technology to prevent harmful effects.

  In the present invention, both a washing machine having a washing and dehydrating function but not a drying function and a washing machine having a clothes drying function having a washing, dehydrating and drying function are collectively referred to as a washing machine.

  A first invention is a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, wherein the sterilization is performed by ozone generated by the ozone generator. A drainage channel cleaning course is provided in which cleaning water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the fungus mode is generated in the washing tub, and then the cleaning water flows to the drainage channel of the washing machine.

  A second invention is a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, wherein a drainage course is provided, and the drainage course Then, the cleaning water generation mode for generating cleaning water in the washing tub with ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode by the ozone generated by the ozone generator, and the cleaning water flowing to the drainage channel A drainage mode and a drainage washing mode for draining the water after being poured into the washing tub again are performed.

  A third invention is a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, wherein a drainage course is provided, and the drainage course Then, the washing water tank is poured into the washing water tank to rotate or rotate the washing water tank, and the washing water tank is washed, and the washing water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is washed. A washing water generating mode generated in the water tank, a draining mode for flowing the washing water to the drainage channel, and a draining channel washing mode for draining the water after pouring into the washing water tank again are performed. .

  A fourth invention is a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub. Preliminary washing mode in which the washing tub is rotated or rotated for a predetermined time and then drained, and washing water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode in a state where water is poured into the washing tub to a predetermined water level. A washing water generation mode to be generated in the water tank, a draining mode in which the washing water is passed to the drainage channel, and a drainage channel for draining the water after being poured into the washing water tank again while rotating or rotating the washing water tank. It is characterized by having a drain course cleaning course that performs the flush mode.

  A fifth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first invention to the fourth invention, the drainage channel cleaning course can be arbitrarily started by a selection switch.

  In the present invention, in a washing machine equipped with a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in the washing tub, the ozone generated in the ozone generator is used in the washing tub. Wash water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is generated in the washing water tank, and the wash water is allowed to flow into the drain of the washing machine. For this reason, the ozone generator provided in order for the washing machine to perform sterilization and deodorization of clothes to be washed or dried can be effectively used to prevent harmful effects caused by the bad odor of the drainage channel.

  Moreover, when the drain trap part is formed in the drainage channel, the odor generated from the drain trap can be prevented by washing off the water accumulated in the drain trap part and deodorizing and sterilizing the water. . In addition, when a part of the drainage channel is formed of a bellows-like flexible pipe, the water remaining in the bellows-like valley is washed away, and the water is deodorized and sterilized. The same odor prevention effect can be obtained.

  Further, by flowing the washing water into the drainage channel, the adhesion of dirt such as scale adhering to the inner wall of the drainage channel is reduced, so that the dirt is peeled off and drained along with the drainage. The effect which can also prevent the malodor generated from the filth adhering to the inner wall can be produced.

  In addition, the degree of disappearance of ozone increases when it touches the dirt attached to the back of the washing tub, but the washing tub is rotated or rotated in a state where the ozone generator is not operated by injecting water into the washing tub to a substantially full state. Since the pre-cleaning mode is provided, it is possible to remove in advance the dirt adhering to the back of the washing tub in this pre-cleaning mode. When entering the cleaning water generation mode, ozone touches the dirt adhering to the back of the washing tub. The degree of disappearance can be reduced, the time to raise the ozone concentration to the predetermined level in the wash water generation mode can be shortened, and the back of the washing tub can be cleaned and the drainage channel can be effectively washed with wash water having a high ozone concentration. it can.

  Furthermore, since the drainage course can be arbitrarily executed by a user (user) of the washing machine operating an operation key (not shown), the drainage course is executed when a smell is felt from the washing machine. For example, it can be executed once or twice a month, or can be arbitrarily selected and executed.

It is a principal part vertical side view of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure centering on the water channel and wind path of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the content of the control in the drainage channel washing | cleaning course of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a timing diagram explaining operation | movement in the drainage channel washing | cleaning course of the washing machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the increase state of the ozone concentration of the water stored in the washing tub of the washing machine which concerns on this invention.

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, and cleaning with an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode. After the water is generated in the washing tub, a drainage channel cleaning course is provided in which this cleaning water flows to the drainage channel of the washing machine.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described based on a washing machine 1 with a clothes drying function (hereinafter referred to as a washing / drying machine 1) among the generic washing machines according to the present invention.
First, the washing function and the drying function of the washing / drying machine 1 will be described.
In FIG. 1, a washing / drying machine 1 includes a washing tub 3 disposed obliquely in a housing 2, and the washing tub 3 rotates into the outer tub 4 and an outer tub 4 for collecting water during washing. A drum 5 accommodated freely is included. The drum 5 is provided with a large number of water passage holes (not shown) through which the water accumulated in the outer tub 4 circulates on its peripheral side surface, and is rotated by a DD motor 6 provided behind the outer tub 4. 7 is rotated around. The rotating shaft 7 extends obliquely upward toward the front, and has a so-called oblique drum structure. The entrance 8 on the front side of the drum 5 and the entrance 9 on the front side of the outer tub 4 are opened and closed by a circular door 10 attached to the housing 2. The door 10 has a transparent surface corresponding to the entrance / exit 8 of the drum 5 so that the inside of the drum 5 can be seen through. The door 10 is opened, and clothes (laundry) are put into and out of the drum 5 through the entrances 8 and 9. The washing tub 3 is suspended and supported at a plurality of locations by a suspension (not shown) including a coil spring and a damper.

  An operation / display unit 13 is disposed on the front upper portion of the housing 2 (above the door 10). A plurality of operation keys (not shown) and a display (not shown) are arranged in the operation / display unit 13, and the operation of the washing / drying machine 1 can be performed by operating the operation keys (not shown). The operation status of the washing / drying machine 1 is displayed on a display (not shown).

  A blower 21 (purification air extinguishing means and air blowing means) that is rotationally driven in a drying process described later, and air circulated into the washing tub 3 by the blower 21 are heated above the housing 2 (in other words, in other words). For example, a heater 100 (heating means) for heating the air in the washing tub 3 is disposed.

  In the upper part of the washing tub 3, a faucet 16 as shown in FIG. 2, a water supply valve 17 for controlling supply of water from the faucet 16 to the water channel, a water inlet unit 18, ozone ( An ozone generator 19 (hereinafter referred to as an ozone generator 19) that generates (purifying air) and a filter blower unit 70 are provided. The filter blower unit 70 includes a blower 21, a drying filter unit 22, and a heater 100. The blower 21 is for circulating air in the drying air passage 20 (circulation air passage) in the drying step, and the drying filter unit 22 is included in the air circulated through the drying air passage 20 by the blower 21. It is for capturing foreign matter such as lint.

  In the washing process, the water supply valve 17 is controlled, and the tap water supplied from the faucet 16 is stored in the washing tub 3. At that time, if the water passes through the detergent container 29 (see FIG. 2) in the water inlet unit 18 and reaches the washing tub 3, the water in which the detergent is dissolved can be stored in the washing tub 3. In the washing process, the drum 5 is rotated by the DD motor 6. Further, water in the washing tub 3 is pumped out by the circulation pump 25 via the filter unit 15, and the pumped water is circulated so as to return to the washing tub 3 through the second circulation water channel 57. A venturi pipe 58 is interposed in the middle of the second circulation water channel 57, and in the venturi pipe 58 (also referred to as a gas-liquid mixer or an ejector), the ozone generated by the ozone generator 19 is mixed into the water flowing through the circulation water channel 57. As described above, the air inlet 60 of the venturi pipe 58 is connected to the ozone generator 19 via the air tube 61.

  Thus, when ozone is mixed in water, water is purified by the strong oxidation and sterilization action of ozone. That is, the water in the washing tub 3 is circulated in the washing process and is used for washing while being purified by mixing ozone into the circulated water.

  In the drying process, air is sucked out from below the rear surface of the washing tub 3 and guided upward through the drying air passage 20, and foreign matter is filtered by the drying filter unit 22, and washing is performed from the upper front side of the washing tub 3. It is circulated so as to flow into the water tank 3. When air circulates in the dry air passage 20, the hot and humid air is cooled and dehumidified by exchanging heat with water. Therefore, water is supplied into the dry air channel 20 from the water channel 39 or the water channel 41 as described later.

  The control unit 12 (control means) is a control center of the washing / drying machine 1 and is configured by a microcomputer. For example, the control unit 12 (control means) is disposed below the inside front of the housing 2. Further, the control unit 12 includes a timer (operation time setting means). The control unit 12 includes a DD motor 6, an operation / display unit 13, a water supply valve 17, an ozone generator 19, a blower 21, a first drain valve 44 described later, a water level sensor 47, a second drain valve 48 described later, and a heater 100. And a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air in the washing tub 3 are electrically connected.

  In the operation / display unit 13 (see FIG. 1), when the user operates an operation key (not shown) for executing a washing process (washing process and rinsing process), a drying process, and an air wash operation, Based on the operation (operation start signal), the control unit 12 controls the operation or driving of each component connected to the control unit 12 to perform a washing process (washing process and rinsing process), a drying process, Perform wash operation. At this time, the timer sets time or measures elapsed time.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the whole structure centering on the water channel and wind path of the washing-drying machine 1 is demonstrated in detail.
First, the structure of the water channel and the air channel of the washing / drying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration centering on a water channel and an air channel of the washing / drying machine 1. The faucet 16 is connected to the inlet of the water supply valve 17. The water supply valve 17 has four outlets, and the outlet from which water is discharged can be switched. The first outlet 28 of the water supply valve 17 is connected to the water inlet unit 18. The water inlet unit 18 includes a two-branch water channel that is divided by a branching device 23 into a water channel that leads water supplied from the first outlet 28 from the water supply channel 32 to the washing tub 3 and a water channel that leads to the priming water channel 33. It is. With the faucet 16 opened, water supplied from the first outlet 28 of the opened water supply valve 17 to the water inlet unit 18 passes through the priming water channel 33, the bath water pump 34, and the water channel 37. Flow into the detergent container 29. And it flows in from the water supply path 30 to the washing tub 3 via the detergent storage chamber partitioned in the detergent container 29. Further, the water that is branched and flows to the water supply channel 32 may be configured to flow from the water supply channel 32 to the washing tub 3 through the detergent storage chamber partitioned in the detergent container 29. Further, a part of the water that branches off and flows into the water supply channel 32 flows into the washing tub 3 from the upper part of the door 10 (see FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the washing tub 3 through the inner surface of the door 10. Has been. The second outlet 31 of the water supply valve 17 is also connected to the water inlet unit 18, and the water supplied from the second outlet 31 when the second outlet 31 is opened contains the softener partitioned in the detergent container 29. It flows into the washing tub 3 from the water supply channel 30 through the chamber.

On the other hand, when the bath water pump 34 is driven, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 35 is pumped up through the bath water hose 36 and flows into the water inlet unit 18 from the water channel 37 and passes through the detergent storage chamber of the detergent container 29 to supply water. It is supplied from the path 30 to the washing tub 3.
In this way, water is supplied to the washing tub 3 through the water supply channel 30.
The third outlet 38 of the water supply valve 17 is connected to a predetermined position of the drying air passage 20 by a water passage 39. The fourth outlet 40 of the water supply valve 17 is connected to a predetermined position of the drying air passage 20 by a water passage 41. The third outlet 38 is a relatively small diameter outlet, and the fourth outlet 40 is a relatively large diameter outlet. For this reason, when the third outlet 38 is opened, a relatively small amount of water is supplied to the drying air passage 20 via the water passage 39. This water is brought into contact with hot and humid circulating air in the drying air passage 20 and contributes to heat exchange. When the fourth outlet 40 is opened, a relatively large amount of water is supplied to the drying air passage 20 through the water passage 41 in a shower shape. This water contributes to washing away lint and other foreign matters contained in the circulating air rising in the dry air passage 20 and lint and other foreign matters adhering to the inner wall of the dry air passage 20.

  In the washing process (washing process and rinsing process), water is stored in the washing tub 3 by the above water supply. A drain port 42 is formed at the bottom bottom of the washing tub 3 (more specifically, the bottom bottom of the outer tub 4). An inflow port of a first drain valve 44 is connected to the drain port 42 via a water channel 43, and an outlet port of the first drain valve 44 is connected to an inlet port of the filter unit 15 via a water channel 45. By closing the first drain valve 44, water can be stored in the washing tub 3 (outer tub 4). The water level in the washing tub 3 is detected by a water level sensor 47 based on a pressure change in the air hose 46 branched from the water channel 43 and extending upward. In a state where water is stored in the washing water tank 3 (outer tank 4), the drum 5 is rotated by the DD motor 6 to perform a predetermined washing process.

  The filter unit 15 has a case 150, and a filter main body 83 for capturing foreign matter is provided in the case 150. The case 150 is formed with the inflow port 151 and the drainage port 152. The drainage port 152 is connected to the inflow port of the second drainage valve 48, and the outlet port of the second drainage valve 48 is the first drainage port. An external drainage hose 50 that forms a second drainage channel is connected via a channel 49. Thereby, the drainage channel downstream from the outlet of the second drainage valve 48 constitutes the drainage channel 24 of the present invention.

  As will be described later, in the washing / drying machine 1, a drain trap portion is provided in the drain channel 24 in order to perform air washing in accordance with the clothes drying process. In the embodiment, a drain trap part 69 is formed in the middle of the first drain channel 49. The drain trap section 69 is configured to ensure the circulation of the drainage, but when the part of the drainage is accumulated, the air circulation through the drainage channel 24 is blocked, and this configuration is publicly known.

  In such a configuration, when the first drain valve 44 and the second drain valve 48 are opened, the water in the washing tub 3 is drained from the drain port 42, the water channel 43, the first drain valve 44, the water channel 45, the filter unit 15, The water is drained to the sewer through the drain port 152, the second drain valve 48, the first drain channel 49, the drain trap part 69, and the external drain hose 50. A part of the drainage is collected by the drain trap part 69, and the state where the air flow in the drainage channel 24 is blocked by the water is maintained.

  One end (lower end) of the overflow water channel 52 joins the first drainage channel 49. The other end (upper end) of the overflow water channel 52 communicates with an overflow port 53 provided in the outer tub 4. For this reason, when the water is excessively accumulated in the washing tub 3 and the water level becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, the water overflows from the overflow port 53, and the water is overflowed regardless of whether the second drain valve 48 is opened or closed. Is discharged to the sewer through the drainage channel 24.

  A pressure adjusting hose 54 is connected between the middle part of the overflow water channel 52 in the vertical direction and the drain port 152 of the filter unit 15. By providing the hose 54, the pressure in the washing tub 3 and the pressure on the drain outlet 152 side of the filter unit 15 become equal, and problems such as reverse flow of water in the filter unit 15 are prevented.

  One end of the first circulation channel 55 is connected to the outlet 152 of the filter unit 15, and the other end of the first circulation channel 55 is connected to the suction port of the circulation pump 25. One end of a second circulation water channel 57 is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 25 via a Venturi tube 58. The other end side of the second circulating water channel 57 extends upward to a position higher than the normal water level of the water stored in the washing tub 3, and has a U-turn portion (not shown) that extends downward from the top. Then, it communicates with the inside of the washing tub 3 (inside the outer tub 4).

  In the washing step and / or the rinsing step, a certain amount of water is stored in the washing tub 3, the first drain valve 44 is opened, and the second drain valve 48 is closed in the washing step and / or the rinsing step. Then, when the circulation pump 25 is driven, the water stored in the washing tub 3 is drained 42 → water channel 43 → first drain valve 44 → water channel 45 → inlet 151 of the filter unit 15 → case 150 → The outlet 152 → the first circulation water channel 55 → the circulation pump 25 → the second circulation water channel 57 → the U-turn part → the washing water tank 3 is circulated, and the washing of the clothes in the washing water tank 3 is performed with the rotation of the drum 5. Or a rinse is performed.

  The venturi pipe 58 is provided with an air inlet 60, and the ozone generator 19 is connected to the air inlet 60 via an air tube 61. In the sterilization mode in which the ozone generator 19 is operated when water flows from the circulation pump 25 to the venturi pipe 58, the air (purification air) containing ozone generated by the ozone generator 19 passes through the air tube 61. Through the air inlet 60 and into the venturi 58. The inflow principle is that air containing ozone (purification air) is sucked through the air tube 61 by the pressure difference (negative pressure) generated by the water flowing in the venturi 58, and ozone is mixed into the circulated water. . When ozone is mixed into the circulated water, the circulated water is purified by the strong oxidizing power and sterilizing power of ozone, and washing in the washing tub 3 can be performed using the purified water.

  After the washing step and / or the rinsing step are performed in the washing tub 3 as described above, when the water supply valve 17 is closed and the first drain valve 44 and the second drain valve 48 are opened, the water in the washing tub 3 is discharged. , Drain 42, water channel 43, first drain valve 44, water channel 45, filter unit 15, drain port 152, second drain valve 48, first drain channel 49, drain trap part 69 and external drain hose 50. Drained into a waterway. A part of the drainage is collected by the drain trap part 69, and the state where the air flow in the drainage channel 24 is blocked by the water is maintained.

  The washing / drying machine 1 is provided with the drying air path 20 in order to execute a drying process based on the operation of the control unit 12. The drying air channel 20 is disposed outside the washing tub 3 (outer tub 4), sucks out air in the washing tub 3 from the lower back of the outer tub 4, and washes the air from the upper front side of the outer tub 4. It is an air passage for circulating air so as to flow into the water tank 3. The drying air path 20 includes a connection pipe 66, a filter blower unit 70, and a connection pipe 67. That is, one end (lower end) of the drying air passage 20 is connected to the lower portion of the washing tub 3, and the other end (connection pipe 67) of the drying air passage 20 is connected to the upper portion of the washing water tub 3. When the blower 21 is driven to rotate, the air in the washing tub 3 circulates between the drying air passage 20 and the washing tub 3. In other words, the blower 21 circulates the air in the washing tub 3 using the drying air passage 20. In the drying process, the drum 5 is rotated at a low speed, and the clothes are stirred by the baffle 73 (see FIG. 1) of the drum 5, so that the clothes in the drum 5 are dried well.

  In the drying air passage 20, a heater 100 is provided in the air passage connecting the filter blower unit 70 to the connection pipe 67, and the circulated air is heated. For example, a semiconductor heater can be used as the heater 100. Referring to FIG. 2, in the dry air channel 20, the hot and humid air sucked out from the washing tub 3 exchanges heat with a small amount of water supplied to the dry air channel 20 via the water channel 39. Dehumidified. Also, a large amount of water such as lint contained in the air circulating in the drying air passage 20 and foreign matter adhering to the inner wall of the drying air passage 20 is supplied to the drying air passage 20 in a shower form via the water passage 41. Washed away by. Then, the water that has flowed downward in the drying air passage 20 passes through the drain port 42 from below the outer tub 4 with foreign matters such as lint, and goes to the water channel 43 → the first drain valve 44 → the water channel 45 → the filter unit 15. And flow. In the filter unit 15, foreign matters such as lint are captured and removed.

  Further, the ozone generator 19 is connected to the filter blower unit 70 via an air tube 71. For this reason, in the sterilization mode in which the ozone generator 19 is operated in the drying process, the purification air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator 19 is sucked into the filter blower unit 70 and circulated to the washing tub 3. Air containing ozone can be mixed into the air. Both ozone and air containing ozone are used as purification air. With this purifying air, it is possible to deodorize and disinfect (dry air) the clothes to be dried. In addition, regarding this air wash, since the clothes are washed with air by the purification air (air), the sterilization and deodorization are performed. Therefore, the applicant of the present application uses the purification air. The sterilization and deodorization of clothing is called air wash. The filter blower unit 70, the air tube 71, and the ozone generator 19 function as purification air supply means for supplying purification air to the washing tub 3. In such an air wash operation, when the user has selected to rotate the drum 5, the control unit 12 drives the DD motor 6 to rotate the drum 5 in the purification process. Thereby, since clothing is agitated by the baffle 73 (refer FIG. 1) of the drum 5, cleaning air can be poured on clothing favorably.

  Moreover, in the washing / drying machine 1 having such an air wash function (deodorizing function), only the air wash is performed independently of the washing process and the drying process, separately from performing the air wash in accordance with the drying process described above. The operation to be performed (air wash operation) is executed. In the air wash operation, not only the above-described clothing but also personal items such as shoes, hats and bags can be deodorized in the washing tub 3. In this case, the drum 5 is not rotated. In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that clothing is air washed.

  Here, regarding the air wash, a water supply trap portion 68 is provided in the middle of the water supply passage 30, and a water discharge trap portion 69 is provided in the middle of the drainage passage 24. When air washing is performed, a predetermined amount of water is caused to flow in the water supply passage 30 in advance so that water is stored in the water supply trap portion 68 to form a water supply trap, and a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the drainage passage 49. As a result, water is stored in the drain trap part 69 to form a drain trap. As a result, the inside of the washing tub 3 is sealed, and after these traps are formed, the clothes stored in the washing tub 3 are deodorized by the purifying air supplied to the washing tub 3, and the washing tub 3 is in the air wash. The purifying air inside is prevented from leaking out of the washing / drying machine 1.

  The water supply channel 30 is connected to a detergent container 29 that communicates with the outside, and the drainage channel 49 communicates with the outside via an external drainage hose 50. Therefore, the water supply channel 30 and the drainage channel 49 are places where the leakage of the cleaning air in the washing tub 3 is most concerned, and in these places, the traps are formed as described above prior to the air wash. The water tank 3 is sealed.

  On the other hand, check valves (not shown) are provided in places other than the water supply channel 30 and the drainage channel 49, for example, the water supply channel 32, the priming water channel 33, and the water channel 37. Further, when the inlet and outlet of the water supply valve 17 are closed, the cleaning air in the washing tub 3 does not leak to the faucet 16 side. In other words, the cleaning air in the washing tub 3 hardly leaks to the outside in places other than the water supply channel 30 and the drainage channel 49.

  As described above, in the washing / drying machine 1, the control unit 12 controls the water supply trap unit 68 and the drainage channel 24 of the water supply channel 30 based on the operation start signal described above prior to the deodorization (air wash) of clothes. Since the trap is formed in each drain trap part 69, the washing tub 3 is sealed. After the trap is formed, the clothes stored in the washing tub 3 are deodorized by the purifying air supplied to the washing tub 3. At this time, since the washing tub 3 is sealed, there is no fear that the washing air leaks from the washing tub 3 to the outside of the washing dryer 1.

  As described above, it has an air wash function for deodorizing and sterilizing (air wash) the clothes in the washing tub 3 and a purified water function for mixing ozone into the water in the washing tub 3. With regard to the washing machine to be used, the model can be determined by the combination of the air wash function as standard equipment and the purified water function as an optional function, which increases costs.

  As described above, in the washer / dryer 1, the drain trap portion 69 is provided in the drain passage 24 in order to perform air washing in accordance with the clothes drying process. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a known drain trap 51 may be provided in a drainage channel that leads from a building such as a house to public sewage. In this case, the outlet of the external drain hose 50 is connected to the entrance of the drain trap part 51. In the drain trap part 51, the circulation of the drainage is ensured but a part of the drainage is collected, whereby the air circulation through the drainage channel 24 is achieved. Is configured to be blocked. Moreover, the drain trap part 51 may not be provided in the drainage channel which leads to public sewage from buildings, such as a house.

  As described above, when the drainage trap unit 69 is provided in the washing / drying machine 1 or when the drainage trap unit 51 is provided in a drainage channel leading from a building such as a house to public sewage, as described above. In addition, the water accumulated in the drain trap part 69 and the drain trap part 51 rots and causes bad odor, and the bad odor flows upstream in the drainage channel 24 and enters the washing tub 3 to perform washing etc. next time. When doing this, when the odor adheres to clothing, or when the door or lid of a clothes dryer, washing machine or washing machine with clothes drying function is opened, the odor will flow out to the surroundings and give a sense of discomfort. It becomes.

  In addition, there is a case where such a drain trap part is not provided, even if a drain trap part is provided, or even if it is not provided, when impurities adhere to the drainage channel inner wall and this decays, In the case where the external drainage hose extending from the washing / drying machine is composed of a bellows-like flexible pipe, even if the water remaining in the bellows-like trough rots, a bad odor is generated and the same phenomenon occurs. May be present.

  In view of these points, the present invention is concerned with the generation of malodor due to the decay of water in the drain trap part, the occurrence of malodor due to the decay of residual water in the drainage channel, and the generation of malodor due to the decay of impurities attached to the drainage channel. In order to prevent the occurrence, the drainage channel 24 is provided with a drainage channel cleaning course for cleaning the drainage channel 24 with cleaning water having a high ozone concentration.

  Hereinafter, this drainage channel cleaning course will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the control in the drainage channel cleaning course. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation in the drainage channel cleaning course. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an increase state of ozone concentration of water stored in the washing tub 3.

  When the user operates an operation key (not shown) for selecting a drainage course in the operation / display unit 13 (see FIG. 1), the control unit 12 is based on the operation (operation start signal). The operation or drive of each component connected to the control unit 12 is controlled to execute the drainage course. At this time, the drainage course is executed by the timer included in the control unit setting time or measuring the elapsed time.

  In FIG. 3, as described above, when an operation key (not shown) for selecting the drainage course is selected (step S1), it is determined whether or not the drainage course is selected (step S2). When the drainage course is selected, Yes. By this Yes, the preliminary cleaning mode is set, the second drain valve 48 is closed, the water supply valve 17 is opened and the water supply to the washing tub 3 is started, the first drain valve 44 is opened, and the circulation pump 25 is driven. (Timing T0 in FIG. 4). In this case, the circulation pump 25 may be driven in a state where the water supply has advanced to some extent. In the same manner as described above, this water supply passes through the water tap 16, branches from the first outlet 28 of the water supply valve 17 through the water inlet unit 18, and branches from the water supply path 32 to the washing tub 3 at a predetermined high water level (in the embodiment, full water state Water is supplied until The high water level of the washing tub 3, that is, the full water state is set by the water supply time controlled by the control unit 12 by the timer, but the water supply amount per unit time may be small. This is a mechanism that extends the water supply time until it is detected.

  The water stored in the washing tub 3 is drained 42 → water channel 43 → first drain valve 44 → water channel 45 → inlet 151 of the filter unit 15 → case 150 → outlet 152 → first circulation water channel 55 → circulation pump. 25 → second circulation water channel 57 → U-turn portion → wash water tank 3 Further, the drum 5 is rotated by the DD motor 6 at the timing T1 in FIG. 4 before the full water supply ends, and the rinsing operation is started in the washing tub 3 until the timing T2 in FIG. 4 at the end of the full water supply. This operation time is about 4 minutes (step S3). Upon completion of full water supply, the water supply valve 17 is closed and the circulation pump 25 is stopped (timing T2 in FIG. 4). This is a preliminary cleaning process. T0 shown in FIG. 4 is the start timing of the drainage channel cleaning course and the start timing of the preliminary cleaning process. T2 is the end timing of the preliminary cleaning process.

  The preliminary cleaning process ends and the preliminary cleaning drainage process starts (timing T2 in FIG. 4). In the preliminary washing drainage process, the water supply valve 17 is closed, the first drainage valve 44 and the second drainage valve 48 are opened, and the water in the washing tub 3 is drained from the drainage port 42, the water channel 43, and the first drainage valve 44. The water is drained to the sewer through the water channel 45, the filter unit 15, the drain port 152, the second drain valve 48, the first drain channel 49, the drain trap part 69, and the external drain hose 50. At timing T3, the second drain valve 48 is closed, and the preliminary cleaning drain process is completed. Thus, the preliminary washing and draining process starts at the timing T2 shown in FIG. 4 and ends at the timing T3. The preliminary cleaning mode ends when the preliminary cleaning drainage process ends. The preliminary cleaning mode is a period of timing T0 to T3 shown in FIG. 4, and in the preliminary cleaning mode, the ozone generator 19 is in a stopped state.

  This pre-cleaning mode is an operation for removing in advance the dirt adhering to the wall of the washing tub 3, particularly the back side (outer surface) of the drum 5. In the washing water generation mode described later, ozone is placed on the back side of the washing tub 3. This is to reduce the degree of disappearance by touching the attached dirt.

  After the preliminary cleaning mode ends, the cleaning water generation mode starts. In the washing water generation mode, a water supply process for supplying water (also referred to as water injection) to a predetermined water level (predetermined low water level in the embodiment) in the washing tub 3 is started. This water supply process is started at a timing T3 in FIG. 4, the water supply valve 17 is opened in the same manner as described above, passes through the water tap 16, branches from the first outlet 28 of the water supply valve 17 through the water inlet unit 18, and is branched. Is supplied to the washing tub 3 until a predetermined low water level is reached. The low water level water supply state of the washing tub 3 is set by the timer-controlled water supply time, but since there is a case where the water supply amount per unit time is small, until the low water level state is detected by the detection of the water level sensor 47, The water supply time is extended. This water supply is step S4 and ends at timing T6 in FIG.

  During this water supply, the ozone water generation process starts, the circulation pump 25 is driven at timing T4 in FIG. 4, and the ozone generator 19 is activated at timing T5 in FIG. The DD motor 6 is in a stopped state, and the drum 5 is stopped and stopped (step S5).

  In the ozone water generation process, the circulation pump 25 is driven, so that the water stored in the washing tub 3 is drained 42 → water channel 43 → first drain valve 44 → water channel 45 → filter unit 15 as described above. Inlet 151 → Case 150 → Outlet 152 → First circulating water channel 55 → Circulating pump 25 → Venturi pipe 58 → Second circulating water channel 57 → U-turn part → Washing water tank 3 is circulated. In parallel with this, when water flows from the circulation pump 25 to the venturi pipe 58, the air containing ozone generated by the ozone generator 19 (purification air) passes from the air inlet 60 via the air tube 61. Ozone is mixed into the water that flows into the venturi 58 and circulates, and the ozone concentration of the water in the washing tub 3 increases (step S6). This circulating path is purified by the circulated water.

  After timing T6 in FIG. 4, the circulation pump 25 is driven and the ozone generator 19 is operated, so that the ozone concentration in the circulating water rises, which causes the circulation pump 25 and the ozone generator 19 to stop in FIG. Continue until timing T7. The time from timing T5 to timing T7 in FIG. 4 is the time to increase the ozone concentration in the circulating water until it reaches a predetermined value. Control methods for increasing the ozone concentration of water in the washing tub 3 to a predetermined concentration include time control and concentration measurement control. In the case of concentration measurement control, a concentration detection device is required and the cost is increased. However, in the case of time control, the ozone generator 19 may be operated for a predetermined time by the timer of the control unit 12, thereby reducing the cost. Suitable. In the case of this time control, a time until the ozone concentration in the circulating water reaches a predetermined value (0.3 ppm in FIG. 3) is determined in advance by a test, and the ozone generator 19 is operated at this time. Good (20 minutes in FIG. 3). Step S6 in FIG. 3 indicates that the process proceeds to step S7 when 0.3 ppm is reached or when the ozone generator 19 is operated for 20 minutes.

  The predetermined value of the ozone concentration in the circulating water is determined by the sterilization mode in which the ozone generator 19 is operated in the drying process in the washing tub 3 or the removal in the washing process and / or the rinsing process in the washing tub 3. The concentration is higher than the ozone concentration in the fungus mode. In the examples, the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is set to a concentration that does not adversely affect the human body or the like and does not damage the clothing, and is 0.04 ppm to 0.08 ppm. The ozone concentration in the cleaning water generation mode is a range that does not adversely affect the human body and the like, and is set to a concentration suitable for cleaning the drainage pipe 24 and the like, and is 0.1 ppm to 0.8 ppm. In this way, if the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is set to a concentration that does not adversely affect the human body and the like and does not damage the clothes, the cleaning in the range of 1.25 to 7.5 times that is performed. Setting the ozone concentration in the water generation mode is a preferable state for cleaning the drainage pipe 24 and the like.

Thus, water is poured into the washing tub 3 to a predetermined water level (predetermined low water level in the embodiment), and washing water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is generated in the washing tub 3. This is the washing water generation mode, which is step S4 to step S6 in FIG. 3, and the period from timing T3 to T7 shown in FIG.
In this cleaning water generation mode, if the drum 5 is rotated or rotated for a predetermined time, it is possible to obtain an effect of reducing adhesion force such as scale on the back side of the drum 5 with ozone.

  After this washing water generation mode, the circulation pump 25 and the ozone generator 19 are stopped (step S7 in FIG. 3 and timing T7 in FIG. 4), and the washing water draining mode in which the washing water having the high ozone concentration flows to the drainage channel 24. Carry out. In this washing water draining mode, the water supply valve 17 is closed, the first draining valve 44 and the second draining valve 48 are opened (step S8 in FIG. 3, timing T8 in FIG. 4), and the washing tank 3 is washed. The water passes through the drain port 42, the water channel 43, the first drain valve 44, the water channel 45, the filter unit 15, the drain port 152, the second drain valve 48, the first drain channel 49, the drain trap part 69, and the external drain hose 50. Drained into the sewer. This washing water drainage mode is completed at timing T9 in FIG. 4, and step S9 in FIG. 3 indicates that the process proceeds to step S10 upon termination of this washing water drainage mode.

  In this flush water drain mode, flush water having a high ozone concentration that drains flows downstream from the drain port 42, and is particularly effective for washing the drainage channel 24 on the downstream side of the second drain valve 48. By the drainage of the washing water, the water collected in the drain trap part 69 is exchanged with the washing water, and when the external drainage hose 50 has a bellows shape, the water accumulated in the bellows part is also exchanged with the washing water. Therefore, the drainage channel 24 can be sterilized and deodorized. At the same time, the adhesion force of the scale (impurities) adhering to the inner wall of the drainage channel 24 including the drain traps 69 and 51 is attenuated by the action of this high ozone concentration cleaning water, and therefore easily peels off.

  In the present invention, the drainage channel washing mode is provided for washing away the scale (impurities) having weak adhesion. When the washing water draining mode is completed, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. 3 to shift to the drainage flushing mode. In the drainage flush mode, first, a water supply process for supplying water at a predetermined water level into the washing tub 3 is started. In this water supply process, the second drain valve 48 is closed (step S10 in FIG. 3, timing T9 in FIG. 4), and then the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. 3, where a predetermined water level (in the embodiment, a predetermined low level) is set. Water supply (also called water injection). This water supply starts at timing T9 in FIG. 4 and, similarly to the above, passes through the water tap 16 and branches from the first outlet 28 of the water supply valve 17 through the water inlet unit 18 and branches from the water supply path 32 to the washing tub 3 in a predetermined manner. The water is supplied until it reaches a high water level (full water in the embodiment). The high water level water supply of the washing tub 3 is set according to the water supply time controlled by the timer, but since the water supply amount per unit time may be small, until the high water level state is detected by the detection of the water level sensor 47, This is a mechanism to extend the water supply time. This water supply ends with the water supply valve 17 being closed at the timing T12 in FIG. 4 (step S13 in FIG. 3).

  During this water supply, circulation pump 25 is driven at timing T10 in FIG. 4, DD motor 6 is started at timing T11 in FIG. 4, and drum 5 rotates or rotates (step S12 in FIG. 3). By rotating or rotating the drum 5, it is possible to promote the peeling off of the water scale adhered to the back side of the drum 5 and clean the inside of the washing tub 3. Note that the operation of the ozone generator 19 is stopped.

  After the predetermined low water level water supply into the washing tub 3, a washing and draining process of flowing the water in the washing tub 3 to the drainage channel 24 is performed. In this flush drainage process, the water supply valve 17 is closed, the first drainage valve 44 and the second drainage valve 48 are opened (step S14 in FIG. 3, timing T12 in FIG. 4), and the water in the washing tub 3 is , Drain 42, water channel 43, first drain valve 44, water channel 45, filter unit 15, drain port 152, second drain valve 48, first drain channel 49, drain trap part 69 and external drain hose 50. Drained into a waterway.

  This drainage completes the drainage course. The drainage is finished for a predetermined time by the timer of the control unit 12 (step S15 in FIG. 3). In consideration of the case where ozone has accumulated in the drum 5 immediately after the end of the drainage channel cleaning course, as a measure to prevent the ozone from leaking when the door 10 is opened immediately after the end of the drainage channel cleaning course. During this drainage time, an ozone elimination process for eliminating ozone contained in the air in the washing tub 3 can be executed. In this deodorization process, the blower 21 is driven to rotate, the heater 100 is energized as appropriate, and the air temperature exceeds 50 ° C. at which ozone disappears, and this air circulates between the drying air passage 20 and the washing tub 3. By doing so, a deodorizing effect can be obtained.

  Thus, in the drainage channel cleaning course, the cleaning water having a high ozone concentration flows into the drainage channel 24 in the cleaning water draining mode, so that the scale (impurities) adhered to the inner wall of the drainage channel 24 including the drain trap portions 69 and 51. The adhesive strength of is weakened and it is washed away. For this reason, the combination of the washing water draining mode in which the washing water having a high ozone concentration is passed to the drainage channel 24 and the drainage channel flushing mode are used to remove scales adhered to the back side of the drum 5 and to disinfect the drainage channel 24. The odor and the effect of washing away the scale of the drainage channel 24 can be obtained, and the bad odor generated from the drainage channel 24 of the washing machine 1 can be prevented.

  The drainage channel cleaning course includes the preliminary cleaning mode in which water is poured into the washing tub 3 and the washing tub 3 is washed while rotating or rotating the drum 5 of the washing tub 3, and the ozone generated by the ozone generator 19 After the washing water generating mode for generating cleaning water in the washing tub 3 having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode, the draining mode for flowing the washing water to the drainage channel 24, and water injection in the washing tub 3 It is the structure which performs the drainage flush mode which drains this water. In this case, the preliminary cleaning mode is a step of removing dirt from the washing tub 3 in advance before generating cleaning water having a high ozone concentration. If the washing tub 3 is almost free of dirt, the preliminary washing is performed. Since the mode is unnecessary, the preliminary cleaning mode may be omitted and the cleaning water generation mode may be executed.

  The drainage course is applicable to both the washing machine 1 having a washing and dehydrating function but not a drying function, and a washing machine having a clothes drying function having a washing, dehydrating and drying function. A washing machine that does not have a drying function may be provided with an ozone generator 19 that mixes ozone into the washing water in the washing step and / or the rinsing water in the rinsing step.

  Moreover, since the drainage course can be arbitrarily executed by the user (user) of the washing machine 1 operating an operation key (not shown), when the odor is felt from the washing machine 1, In consideration of the frequency of use of the washing machine 1, for example, it can be executed once or twice a month, or can be arbitrarily selected and executed.

  The drain interval cleaning course is automatically executed when the operation interval of the washing machine 1 and the ambient temperature are recognized by the control unit and the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed several times. Also good.

  The washing machine according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment, and the vertical washing machine having a rotating drum with an opening on the upper surface can perform the same operation as described above. The present invention can be applied to various forms of washing machines, and includes various forms within the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing / drying machine 3 Washing water tank 4 Outer tank 5 Drum 17 Water supply valve 19 Ozone generator 20 Drying air path 21 Blower 24 Drainage path 25 Circulation pump 30 Water supply path 42 Drainage port 44 1st drainage valve 48 2nd drainage valve 49 1st Drainage channel 50 Second drainage channel (external drainage hose)
51 Drain trap section 68 Water supply trap section 69 Drain trap section 70 Filter blower unit 71 Air tube 100 Heater

Claims (5)

  In a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is determined by ozone generated by the ozone generator. A washing machine comprising: a drainage course for flowing the washing water to a drainage path of the washing machine after generating washing water having a higher ozone concentration in the washing water tank.   In a washing machine equipped with a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, a drain cleaning course is provided, and the ozone generation is performed in the drain cleaning course. A cleaning water generation mode for generating cleaning water in the washing tub with ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode by ozone generated by the apparatus, a draining mode for flowing the cleaning water to the drainage channel, and again A washing machine characterized by performing a drainage washing mode for draining the water after pouring into the washing tub.   In a washing machine having a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, a drain washing course is provided, and in the drain washing course, the washing tub A pre-washing mode for washing the washing tub while pouring water into the washing tub while rotating or rotating the washing tub, and cleaning water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode are generated in the washing tub. A washing machine that performs a washing water generation mode, a draining mode in which the washing water flows into the drainage channel, and a drainage flushing mode in which the water is drained after being poured into the washing tub again.   In a washing machine equipped with a sterilization mode for supplying ozone generated by an ozone generator for sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub, the washing tub is set in a state in which the washing tub is filled to substantially full water Preliminary washing mode in which water is drained after rotating for a time or rotating, and washing water having an ozone concentration higher than the ozone concentration in the sterilization mode is generated in the washing water tank in a state where water is poured into the washing water tank to a predetermined water level. A washing water generation mode, a draining mode in which the washing water flows to the drainage channel, and a drainage flushing mode in which the water is poured into the washing basin again while rotating or rotating the washing basin and then drained. A washing machine characterized by a drainage course.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drainage channel cleaning course can be arbitrarily started by a selection switch.

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