Washing and drying integrated machine

Abstract

A washer-dryer (1) includes a washing tub (3) that accommodates a laundry (L), a circulation path (20) that has a taking-out port (20D) and a returning port (20E) connected to the washing tub (3), a blowing section (21) that circulates air in the washing tub (3) by taking out the air from the taking-out port (20D) into the circulation path (20) and returning the air from the returning port (20E) into the washing tub (3), a heating section (22) that heats the circulated air, a water filter (30) that has a container (40) that can store water, takes in the air flowing through the circulation path (20) and passes the air through the water in the container (40), thereby capturing foreign matters from the air, an air exhaust path (36) that exhausts the air in the container (40) to the outside of the machine, and an air intake path (37) that is connected to the circulation path (20) and supplies outside air to the circulation path (20). The ease of use can be improved, and the drying performance can be inhibited from being reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washer-dryer combo machine. Background Technology

[0002] The washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1 includes: an outer tub for holding water; a drum disposed within the outer tub and holding laundry; and a circulating air duct. The circulating air duct includes an air intake and an air exhaust connected to the outer tub, and an air supply unit having a blower, a heater, and a drying filter. During drying operation, the blower operates, circulating air within the outer tub by being drawn into the circulating air duct from the air intake and flowing back into the outer tub from the air exhaust. The circulating air is heated by the heater within the circulating air duct. The heated air dries the laundry within the drum. The drying filter has a mesh filter element that captures foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the circulating air duct.

[0003] In the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1, if the dryer filter element becomes clogged, air cannot circulate smoothly during drying operation. Consequently, it is foreseeable that drying time will be extended, power consumption will increase, and drying performance will be reduced. Therefore, to prevent this reduction in drying performance, users need to frequently remove and clean the dryer filter, which is time-consuming.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-244984 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The present invention was made in view of this background, and its object is to provide a washer-dryer combo machine that improves ease of use during drying operation and suppresses the decline in drying performance.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] This invention relates to a washer-dryer combo, comprising: a washing drum for holding laundry; a circulation path having an outlet and a return outlet connected to the washing drum; an air supply unit for circulating air by taking air from the washing drum through the outlet into the circulation path and returning it to the washing drum through the return outlet; a heating unit for heating the circulating air; a water filter having a water-holding container for taking in air flowing through the circulation path and passing it through water in the container, thereby capturing foreign matter from the air; an exhaust path for discharging air from the container to the outside of the machine; and an intake path connected to the circulation path for supplying external air to the circulation path.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the intermediate portion of the circulation path is divided into: a first branch that bypasses the container and proceeds to the return port; and a second branch that is connected to the container. The washer-dryer includes: a switching unit that switches the flow of air within the circulation path so that the air within the circulation path flows through one of the first branch and the second branch in the intermediate portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washer-dryer includes: an opening and closing unit for opening and closing the air intake path; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or temperature change of the circulating air; and a control unit for operating the air supply unit and the heating unit to perform drying operation, or controlling the flow of circulating air in the circulation path during the drying operation. When the temperature sensor's detection value during the drying operation is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit, with the air intake path closed by the opening and closing unit, uses the switching unit to allow the air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch in the intermediate section. When the temperature sensor's detection value during the drying operation is above the threshold, the control unit opens the air intake path by the opening and closing unit and switches the flow of air in the circulation path by the switching unit to allow the air in the circulation path to flow through the second branch in the intermediate section.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washer-dryer includes: an opening and closing unit for opening and closing the air intake path; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature or temperature change of the circulating air; and a control unit for operating the air supply unit and the heating unit to perform drying operation, or controlling the flow of the circulating air in the circulation path during the drying operation. When the detected value of the temperature sensor during the drying operation is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit, with the air intake path closed by the opening and closing unit, uses the switching unit to allow the air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch in the intermediate section. When the detected value of the temperature sensor during the drying operation is above the threshold, the control unit, while maintaining the state of the air in the circulation path flowing through the first branch in the intermediate section, opens the air intake path by the opening and closing unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the washer-dryer includes: an opening and closing unit for opening and closing the air intake path; and a control unit for operating the air supply unit and the heating unit to perform drying operation, or for controlling the flow of circulating air in the circulation path during the drying operation. During the drying operation, the control unit, with the air intake path opened by the opening and closing unit, uses the switching unit to cause the air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch in the intermediate section.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, during the drying operation of the washer-dryer, the air supply unit operates, thereby circulating the air inside the washing drum by drawing it from the outlet into the circulation path and returning it to the washing drum from the return outlet. The circulating air is heated by the heating unit to become hot air, drying the laundry inside the washing drum. A water filter with a water-holding container draws in the air flowing through the circulation path and passes it through the water in the container, thereby capturing foreign objects such as dust and lint from the air and storing them in the container. In this case, simply emptying the water in the container will also discharge the foreign objects stored in the container, thus making the water filter easy to maintain. Therefore, ease of use can be improved for drying operation.

[0017] If air were to circulate continuously within the container during drying operation, pressure loss would occur due to resistance from the water and the narrow internal space of the container, potentially weakening airflow within the circulation path. However, in this washer-dryer combo, the air passing through the water within the container is discharged outside the machine via the exhaust duct without recirculation. That is, during drying operation, the washer-dryer combo circulates air while drying the laundry in the washing drum; after capturing impurities from the air, this air is purified by a water filter and then discharged outside the machine without recirculation. Therefore, it suppresses the weakening of airflow within the circulation path caused by resistance from water within the container. Even when air is discharged outside the machine via the exhaust duct after passing through the water filter, external air is supplied to the circulation path through the intake duct to supplement the corresponding air discharge. Thus, the amount of air distributed to the laundry during drying operation is maintained at or above the necessary level. As a result, the necessary amount of air can continue to be smoothly distributed to the laundry in the washing drum, thus suppressing any decrease in drying performance.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the intermediate section of the circulation path is configured such that a first branch bypasses the water filter and leads to the return port, and a second branch is connected to the container. A switching unit switches the airflow within the circulation path so that the air flows through either the first or second branch in the intermediate section. During drying operation, when the switching unit switches the airflow within the circulation path so that air flows through the first branch in the intermediate section, the laundry in the washing drum is dried through air circulation. During drying operation, when the switching unit switches the airflow within the circulation path so that air flows through the second branch in the intermediate section, this air is drawn into the water filter, purified, and then discharged outside the machine. That is, during drying operation, the switching unit allows for either air circulation or air purification through the water filter before discharge outside the machine.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the temperature sensor detecting the temperature or temperature change of the air circulating during the drying operation is less than a predetermined threshold, the foreign matter contained in the circulating low-temperature air is so minimal that it does not need to be immediately captured by the water filter. Conversely, when the temperature sensor detection value is above the threshold, the circulating high-temperature air contains so much foreign matter that it needs to be immediately captured by the water filter. Therefore, in the washer-dryer, when the temperature sensor detection value during the drying operation is less than the threshold, i.e., when it is not necessary to capture foreign matter from the circulating air by the water filter, the control unit performing the washing operation in the washer-dryer uses the switching unit to allow the air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch in the intermediate section while the air intake path is closed by the opening and closing unit. As a result, a predetermined amount of air is circulated and distributed to the laundry in the washing drum, thus promoting the drying of the laundry. On the other hand, when the temperature sensor reading during drying operation exceeds a threshold, meaning foreign matter needs to be captured from the circulating air via a water filter, the control unit opens the intake path via an opening / closing unit and switches the airflow within the circulation path via a switching unit, causing the air to flow through a second branch in the intermediate section. Thus, the air used for drying the laundry is purified by the water filter and discharged outside the machine. Meanwhile, outside air is supplied from the intake path to the circulation path and distributed to the laundry in the washing drum. Therefore, while drying the laundry continues, the air that aids in drying is purified and discharged outside the machine.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the temperature sensor reading during the drying operation is less than a threshold (i.e., the drying of the laundry is in its initial stage), the control unit, which performs the washing operation in the washer-dryer, closes the air intake path via the opening / closing unit and then uses the switching unit to allow air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch path in the intermediate section. This circulates a predetermined amount of air and distributes it to the laundry in the washing drum, thus promoting drying. On the other hand, when the temperature sensor reading during the drying operation is above the threshold (i.e., the drying of the laundry has progressed), the control unit maintains the air in the circulation path flowing through the first branch path in the intermediate section while opening the air intake path via the opening / closing unit. This allows external air to be supplied from the air intake path to the circulation path, increasing the air circulation volume and further promoting drying.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the washer-dryer combo, the control unit that performs the washing operation opens the air intake path via the opening and closing section during the drying operation, and then switches the air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch path in the intermediate section. As a result, external air is supplied from the air intake path to the circulation path, thereby increasing the air circulation volume and thus promoting the drying of the laundry. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washer-dryer combo according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the main components of a washer-dryer combo.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of a washer-dryer combo.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the drying operation performed in a washer-dryer combo.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the drying operation.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the drying operation.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a modified washer-dryer combo.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1: Washer-dryer combo; 3: Washing drum; 20: Circulation path; 20BC: Intermediate section; 20BD: First branch path; 20BE: Second branch path; 20D: Outlet; 20E: Return outlet; 21: Air supply section; 22: Heating section; 30: Water filter; 36: Exhaust path; 37: Intake path; 38: Opening and closing section; 39: Switching section; 40: Container; 60: Control section; 62: Temperature sensor; L: Laundry. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional right view of a washer-dryer combo 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface is called the left-right direction X of the washer-dryer combo 1. Figure 1 The left-right direction in the middle is called the front-back direction Y of the washer-dryer combo 1. Figure 1 The vertical direction is referred to as the vertical direction Z of the washer-dryer combo 1. The horizontal direction X is... Figure 1 The inside of the paper is called the left side X1. Figure 1 The surface of the paper is called the right side X2. In the forward / backward direction Y, [the following is unclear and likely incomplete: "will"] Figure 1 The left side of the middle is called the anterior Y1. Figure 1 The right side is called the rear side Y2. In the vertical direction Z, the upper side is called the upper side Z1, and the lower side is called the lower side Z2.

[0032] The washer-dryer combo 1 is a type of drum washer-dryer combo that performs washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. The washer-dryer combo 1 includes: a housing 2; a washing drum 3 housed within the housing 2; a water supply line 4 and a drain line 5 connected to the washing drum 3; a drain filter 6 to capture foreign objects from the water flowing through the drain line 5; a drum 7 housed within the washing drum 3; a motor 8 to rotate the drum 7; and a drying unit 9 to dry the laundry L inside the drum 7.

[0033] The housing 2 is box-shaped. The front surface 2A of the housing 2 is, for example, a vertical surface. An opening 2B is formed on the front surface 2A, allowing communication between the inside and outside of the housing 2. A door 10 for opening and closing the opening 2B and a display and operation unit 11 consisting of a switch, an LCD panel, etc., are provided on the front surface 2A. Users can freely select the operating conditions of the washer-dryer 1 or instruct the washer-dryer 1 to start or stop operation by operating the switch, etc., on the display and operation unit 11. Information related to the operation of the washer-dryer 1 is displayed visually on the LCD panel, etc., of the display and operation unit 11.

[0034] The washing drum 3 is connected to the housing 2 via a support member 15 such as a shock absorber, and is elastically supported by the support member 15. The washing drum 3 has: a cylindrical circumferential wall 3A centered on an axis J extending horizontally in the front-rear direction Y; a disc-shaped back wall 3B vertically disposed and blocking the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the rear side Y2; and an annular front wall 3C connected to the front end edge of the circumferential wall 3A. A through hole 3D is formed at the center of the back wall 3B, penetrating the back wall 3B along the axis J in the front-rear direction Y. The front wall 3C has: an annular first front portion 3E protruding from the front end edge of the circumferential wall 3A toward the axis J; a cylindrical second front portion 3F protruding from the inner periphery of the first front portion 3E toward the front side Y1; and an annular third front portion 3G protruding from the front end edge of the second front portion 3F toward the axis J. An entrance 3H is formed on the inner side of the third front part 3G, which connects to the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the front Y1. The entrance 3H is positioned opposite and connected to the opening 2B of the box 2 from the rear Y2.

[0035] The water supply circuit 4 has one end (not shown) connected to a faucet (not shown) and another end 4A connected to, for example, the circumferential wall 3A of the washing tub 3. An elastically deformable portion 4B, for example made of a bellows, is provided at the other end 4A, thus suppressing the transmission of vibrations of the washing tub 3 to the entire water supply circuit 4. During water supply, water from the faucet is supplied from the water supply circuit 4 into the washing tub 3. The washing tub 3 contains tap water, detergent solution, etc. A water supply valve 13 is provided midway through the water supply circuit 4 to open or close the water supply.

[0036] The drain passage 5 is connected to the lower end of the washing drum 3, for example, the lower end of the first front part 3E of the front wall 3C. Water inside the washing drum 3 is discharged from the machine through the drain passage 5. An elastic deformation part 5A, for example, made of a bellows, is provided at the end of the drain passage 5 that connects to the washing drum 3, thereby suppressing the transmission of vibration of the washing drum 3 to the entire drain passage 5. A drain valve 14 is provided in the middle of the drain passage 5 to start or stop draining.

[0037] The drain filter 6 is located in the drain passage 5, closer to the upstream portion of the washing drum 3 than the drain valve 14. The front end of the drain filter 6 protrudes from the front surface 2A of the housing 2, allowing the user to grasp the front end of the drain filter 6 to install or remove it from the housing 2. The structure of the drain filter 6 can use a known structure.

[0038] The drum 7 is slightly smaller than the washing tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry L inside. The drum 7 has: a cylindrical circumferential wall 7A, coaxially arranged with the circumferential wall 3A of the washing tub 3; a disc-shaped back wall 7B, blocking the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 7A from the rear Y2; and an annular wall 7C, protruding from the front edge of the circumferential wall 7A towards the axis J. Multiple through holes 7D are formed in the drum 7, at least in the circumferential wall 7A, through which water in the washing tub 3 flows between the washing tub 3 and the drum 7. Therefore, the water level in the washing tub 3 is the same as the water level in the drum 7. A support shaft 15 extending rearward Y2 along the axis J is provided at the center of the back wall 7B of the drum 7. The rear end of the support shaft 15 passes through the through hole 3D of the back wall 3B of the washing tub 3 and is positioned rearward Y2 than the back wall 3B.

[0039] An inlet / outlet 7E is formed on the inner side of the annular wall 7C, connecting the front side Y1 to the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 7A. The inlet / outlet 7E is positioned opposite and connected to the inlet / outlet 3H of the washing drum 3 and the opening 2B of the housing 2 from the rear side Y2. The inlet / outlet 3H and inlet / outlet 7E, along with the opening 2B, are opened and closed by the door 10. The user of the washer-dryer 1 allows laundry L to enter and exit the drum 7 through the open opening 2B, inlet / outlet 3H, and inlet / outlet 7E.

[0040] The motor 8 is disposed within the housing 2 on the rear side Y2 of the back wall 3B of the washing drum 3. The motor 8 is connected to the support shaft 15 of the drum 7. The driving force generated by the motor 8 is transmitted to the support shaft 15, and the drum 7 rotates around the axis J with the support shaft 15. It should be noted that a clutch mechanism (not shown) for transmitting or disconnecting the driving force of the motor 8 to the support shaft 15 can also be provided between the motor 8 and the support shaft 15.

[0041] The drying unit 9 includes: a circulation path 20 connected to the washing drum 3; an air supply section 21 that generates airflow within the circulation path 20; and a heating section 22 that heats the air within the circulation path 20. The circulation path 20 is a flow path disposed within the housing 2 on the rear Y2 and upper Z1 sides of the washing drum 3. The circulation path 20 has: a horizontal portion 20A extending horizontally in the front-rear direction Y; a rear portion 20B extending downward from the rear end of the horizontal portion 20A to the lower Z2 side; and a front portion 20C extending downward from the front end of the horizontal portion 20A to the lower Z2 side. The circulation path 20 is fixed to the housing 2. An outlet 20D is formed in the rear portion 20B. The outlet 20D is connected to, for example, the back wall 3B of the washing drum 3, and is in a state of communication with the washing drum 3 from the rear Y2 side. A return port 20E is formed at the lower end of the front portion 20C. The return port 20E is connected to the upper end of the second front part 3F of the front wall 3C of the washing drum 3, and is in a state of communication with the inside of the washing drum 3 from the upper side Z1. The two ends of the circulation path 20 connected to the washing drum 3 are provided with elastic deformation parts 20F, for example, made of bellows, so as to suppress the transmission of vibration of the washing drum 3 to the entire circulation path 20.

[0042] The air supply section 21, commonly referred to as a blower, includes rotating blades 23 disposed inside the circulation path 20 near the outlet 20D and a motor (not shown) that rotates the rotating blades 23. During drying operation, by rotating the rotating blades 23, as indicated by the bold dashed arrows V1 and V2, air from the washing drum 3 and the drum 7 is drawn from the outlet 20D into the circulation path 20, and then returned to the washing drum 3 from the return port 20E. Thus, the air in the washing drum 3 circulates sequentially through the washing drum 3 and the circulation path 20.

[0043] The heating unit 22 is a heat exchanger in a heat pump or a general heater, and at least a portion of it is located within the circulation path 20. The portion of the heating unit 22 located within the circulation path 20 has multiple finned heat dissipation sections 22A. During drying operation, the heating unit 22 operates to raise the heat dissipation sections 22A to a high temperature, thus heating the air flowing through the circulation path 20 as it passes around the heat dissipation sections 22A, turning it into hot air. During drying operation, foreign objects such as lint and dust are generated and flow with the hot air. When these foreign objects adhere to and accumulate in the heat dissipation sections 22A of the heating unit 22, the heating efficiency of the heating unit 22 may decrease, and performance may deteriorate due to poor airflow in the circulation path 20; therefore, it is necessary to capture these foreign objects.

[0044] The drying unit 9 includes: a water filter 30, which uses water to capture foreign objects contained in the air flowing through the circulation path 20; an inlet path 31, which supplies water to the water filter 30; and an inlet valve 32, which opens and closes the inlet path 31. The drying unit 9 also includes: an outlet path 33, which guides the water in the water filter 30 to the drain path 5; an outlet valve 34, which opens and closes the outlet path 33; and an overflow path 35, which allows the water in the water filter 30 to overflow into the outlet path 33. The drying unit 9 also includes: an exhaust path 36, which exhausts the air in the water filter 30 to the outside of the machine; an intake path 37, which supplies external air to the circulation path 20; and an opening and closing section 38, which opens and closes the intake path 37. Hereinafter, after a detailed description of the circulation path 20 constituting the drying unit 9, the water filter 30, inlet path 31, inlet valve 32, outlet path 33, outlet valve 34, overflow path 35, exhaust path 36, intake path 37, and opening and closing section 38 will be described.

[0045] The portion of the circulation path 20 closer to the outlet 20D than the heat dissipation section 22A of the heating section 22 is referred to as the upstream portion 20G. The upstream portion 20G consists of a part of the horizontal portion 20A and the entire rear portion 20B. It should be noted that when the rotating blades 23 of the air supply section 21 are positioned closer to the outlet 20D than the heat dissipation section 22A, the portion of the circulation path 20 closer to the outlet 20D than the rotating blades 23 can also be considered as the upstream portion 20G. The rear portion 20B includes: a first portion 20BA extending, for example, rearward from the outlet 20D towards the rear Y2; a second portion 20BB extending downward from the rear end of the horizontal portion 20A towards the downward Z2; and a midway portion 20BC connecting the first portion 20BA and the second portion 20BB. An elastically deformable portion 20F is provided in the first portion 20BA. The first portion 20BA can also be formed by bending into an L-shape across the back wall 3B and the circumferential wall 3A of the washing drum 3 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0046] The intermediate section 20BC branches into two branches: a first branch 20BD, extending from the rear end of the first section 20BA, for example, towards the rearward side Y2, and connecting to the second section 20BB; and a second branch 20BE, extending from the rear end of the first section 20BA, for example, towards the downward side Z2. A switching section 39, for example composed of a multi-way valve and a flap, is provided at the branching point of the first branch 20BD and the second branch 20BE in the intermediate section 20BC. The switching section 39 is openable and closable. The switching section 39 switches the airflow within the circulation path 20 so that the air taken from the outlet 20D into the circulation path 20 flows through one of the first branch 20BD and the second branch 20BE in the intermediate section 20BC.

[0047] The water filter 30 is disposed inside the housing 2 in the lower part of the rear area 2C of the periphery of the back wall 3B of the washing drum 3, and is fixed to the housing 2. It should be noted that the water filter 30 can also be disposed on the right side X2 of the circumferential wall 3A of the washing drum 3 (see reference). Figure 2 The water filter 30, for example, has a box-shaped container 40 made of resin. The container 40 has, for example, a plate-shaped bottom wall 41 extending horizontally; a cylindrical side wall 42 that extends upward from the bottom wall 41 while edging the outer edge of the bottom wall 41; and a top wall 43 connected to the upper edge of the side wall 42. The internal space 40A of the container 40 is surrounded by the bottom wall 41, the side wall 42, and the top wall 43.

[0048] In the upstream portion 20G and the downstream portion 20B of the circulation path 20, the lower end of the second branch 20BE of the intermediate section 20BC passes through the top wall 43 of the container 40 of the water filter 30 and is disposed in the internal space 40A, opening in the internal space 40A, thereby connecting to the container 40. On the other hand, the first branch 20BD of the intermediate section 20BC is connected to the second portion 20BB as described above, thereby bypassing the container 40 and heading to the return port 20E. In the intermediate section 20BC, the first branch 20BD is the main flow of the circulation path 20, therefore the water filter 30 connected to the second branch 20BE is configured separately from the main flow of the circulation path 20.

[0049] The inflow path 31 branches off from the portion of the water supply path 4 closer to the faucet than the water supply valve 13, and connects to the side wall 42 of the container 40. The inflow valve 32 is located midway through the inflow path 31. The first portion 33A of the outflow path 33, forming the end on the side of the water filter 30, connects from the lower side Z2 to the bottom wall 41 of the container 40 and communicates with the internal space 40A of the container 40. The second portion 33B of the outflow path 33, forming the end opposite to the first portion 33A, connects to the upstream portion of the drainage path 5, closer to the washing drum 3 than the drain filter 6. The second portion 33B can also be directly connected to the drain filter 6. The first portion 33A and the second portion 33B are each provided with an elastic deformation portion 33C, for example, made of a bellows, so that the first portion 33A and the second portion 33B can elastically deform.

[0050] An outlet valve 34 is located in the first portion 33A of the outlet passage 33. An overflow passage 35 connects the side wall 42 of the container 40 to the first portion 33A. The portion of the overflow passage 35 connected to the side wall 42 serves as an overflow outlet 35A facing the internal space 40A of the container 40. The overflow outlet 35A is positioned in the side wall 42 at a lower location than the location connected to the inflow passage 31.

[0051] The exhaust passage 36 is a flow path, with one end 36A connected to, for example, the top wall 43 of the container 40 of the water filter 30. The other end 36B of the exhaust passage 36 is configured, for example, to face outwards from the rear wall 2D of the housing 2. Alternatively, the exhaust passage 36 can be configured such that it extends upwards to the Z1, with the other end 36B facing outwards from the top wall 2E of the housing 2 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0052] The intake passage 37 is a flow path, with one end 37A connected to, for example, the upper end of the rear portion 20B in the circulation path 20. The other end 37B of the intake passage 37 is configured, for example, to face outward from the rear wall 2D of the housing 2. Alternatively, the intake passage 37 may be part of the housing 44 that houses the rotating blades 23 in the air supply section 21, with the other end 37B formed in the housing 44 (see reference). Figure 2 The housing 44 forms part of the circulation path 20.

[0053] The opening / closing part 38 is located midway through the intake passage 37. An example of the opening / closing part 38 is a solenoid valve or a baffle. The opening / closing part 38 opens and closes the intake passage 37 by its own opening and closing. When the opening / closing part 38 is closed, the intake passage 37 is in a closed state and isolated from the outside. When the opening / closing part 38 is open, the intake passage 37 is in an open state and connected to the outside.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the washer-dryer combo 1. The washer-dryer combo 1 also includes a control unit 60, a water level sensor 61, and a temperature sensor 62. The control unit 60 is configured as a microcomputer, including: a CPU (central processing unit) 63; a memory 64 such as ROM (Read-Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing various count values, thresholds, etc., as described later; and a timer 65 for timing. The control unit 60 is built into the housing 2. The motor 8, display and operation unit 11, water supply valve 13, drain valve 14, air supply unit 21, heating unit 22, inflow valve 32, outflow valve 34, opening and closing unit 38, switching unit 39, water level sensor 61, and temperature sensor 62 are all electrically connected to the control unit 60.

[0055] Reference Figure 1The control unit 60 controls the rotation of the motor 8 to generate driving force or to stop the rotation of the motor 8. When the user operates the display operation unit 11 to select the operating conditions of the laundry L, the control unit 60 accepts the selection. The control unit 60 controls the display of the display operation unit 11. The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 13 and the drain valve 14. When the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 13 with the drain valve 14 closed, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply passage 4 and is supplied from the other end 4A of the water supply passage 4 and stored in the washing drum 3. When the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 14, the water in the washing drum 3 is discharged from the machine through the drain passage 5.

[0056] The control unit 60 operates the air supply unit 21, generating air within the circulation path 20 that flows from the outlet 20D to the return outlet 20E, circulating it between the drum 7 and the circulation path 20. The control unit 60 also operates the heating unit 22, making the air circulating between the drum 7 and the circulation path 20 hot air. The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the inflow valve 32 and the outflow valve 34 associated with the water filter 30. When the control unit 60 opens the inflow valve 32 with the outflow valve 34 closed, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply path 4 and the inflow path 31 into the container 40 of the water filter 30 and is stored in the internal space 40A of the container 40. When the control unit 60 opens the outflow valve 34, the water in the container 40 flows out through the outflow path 33, passes through the drain path 5, and is discharged outside the machine.

[0057] The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the opening and closing unit 38. The control unit 60 supplies external air from the intake passage 37 to the circulation passage 20 by opening the opening and closing unit 38. The control unit 60 stops supplying external air to the circulation passage 20 by closing the opening and closing unit 38. The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the switching unit 39 to cause the air taken from the outlet 20D into the first section 20BA of the circulation passage 20 to flow through the intermediate section 20BC through either the first branch 20BD or the second branch 20BE.

[0058] The water level sensor 61 is a known sensor for detecting the water level inside the container 40 of the water filter 30, for example, installed near the portion of the container 40 connected to the overflow path 35. The detection value of the water level sensor 61 is input to the control unit 60 in real time.

[0059] Temperature sensor 62 can be a known temperature sensor. For example, temperature sensor 62 is installed around the outlet 20D within the circulation path 20. Temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of the air drawn from the washing drum 3 through the outlet 20D, and also detects the temperature of the air circulating according to the operation of the air supply unit 21. It should be noted that temperature sensor 62 may also use the temperature change of the circulating air relative to a predetermined reference temperature as the detection value, instead of detecting the temperature of the circulating air itself. The detection value of temperature sensor 62 is input to control unit 60 in real time.

[0060] The control unit 60 operates the motor 8 to open and close the water supply valve 13 and the drain valve 14 respectively, thereby sequentially performing cleaning operation, rinsing operation, and dehydration operation. Multiple rinsing operations can be performed, and dehydration operation can be performed between cleaning operations and rinsing operations, and between rinsing operations and the next rinsing operation.

[0061] Before the washing operation begins, detergent is added to the drum 7. During the washing operation, with the drain valve 14 closed, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 13 for a predetermined time, supplying water from the water supply line 4 to the washing tub 3 and the drum 7, and then the motor 8 rotates the drum 7. This causes the laundry L inside the drum 7 to be tumbled. During tumbling, the laundry L is repeatedly lifted to a certain extent and then naturally falls to the water surface, tumbling repeatedly. The impact generated by the tumbling and the detergent components contained in the detergent water stored in the drum 7 remove dirt from the laundry L. When the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of tumbling, the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 14 to drain the water, and the washing operation ends.

[0062] During the rinsing operation, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 13 for a predetermined time to supply water to the washing drum 3 and the drum 7, and then the motor 8 rotates the drum 7. This tumbling process is repeated, thus rinsing the laundry L with the tap water inside the drum 7. The rinsing operation ends when the control unit 60 drains the water after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of tumbling. During the spin-drying operation, the control unit 60 rotates the drum 7 with the drain valve 14 open. The laundry L inside the drum 7 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 7. Water that seeps out of the laundry L during spin-drying is discharged from the machine through the drain passage 5.

[0063] After the dehydration operation, the control unit 60 activates the air supply unit 21 and the heating unit 22, and controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 13, drain valve 14, inflow valve 32, outflow valve 34, opening and closing unit 38, and switching unit 39 respectively, thereby performing the drying operation. The washer-dryer 1 can also perform only the drying operation without going through the washing, rinsing, and dehydration operations. The first, second, and third embodiments of the drying operation are listed below, and will be described sequentially.

[0064] Refer to the flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the drying operation. Figure 4 When the drying operation begins, the control unit 60, with the opening / closing unit 38 closed, first uses the switching unit 39 to allow air in the circulation path 20 to flow through the first branch 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC (step S1). Next, the control unit 60 activates the air supply unit 21 and the heating unit 22 (step S2). Thus, the air, heated as described above, circulates sequentially through the washing drum 3 and the circulation path 20. This air is distributed to the laundry L inside the drum 7 to absorb moisture from the laundry L. Thus, the laundry L is dried. The air after drying the laundry L inside the washing drum 3... Figure 1 As indicated by the thick dashed arrow V1, the material is taken out from outlet 20D and fed into circulation path 20, as shown in the image. Figure 1 As shown by the thick dashed arrow V2, the stream flows through the first branch 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC, and then flows towards the return port 20E. It should be noted that steps S1 and S2 can also be in reverse order.

[0065] The control unit 60 opens the inflow valve 32 while the outflow valve 34 is closed (step S3). Water from the faucet is then supplied through the water supply path 4 and the inflow path 31 and stored in the container 40 of the water filter 30. When the water level in the container 40, detected by the water level sensor 61, rises to the reference water level W near the lower end of the second branch 20BE of the circulation path 20, the water filter 30 is activated, and the control unit 60 closes the inflow valve 32, ending the water supply to the water filter 30. It should be noted that the water supply to the water filter 30 in step S3 can also be performed before step S2, and the water filter 30 can remain in a state where it is always filled with water.

[0066] The reference water level W is set below the overflow outlet 35A, but can also be higher than the lower end of the second branch 20BE. It should be noted that when the water level in the container 40 rises to the overflow outlet 35A, a portion of the water in the container 40 overflows through the overflow outlet 35A into the overflow path 35 outside the container 40 and is guided by the overflow path 35 to the outflow path 33, and is discharged outside the machine through the outflow path 33 and the drainage path 5.

[0067] When the laundry L is dried using circulating hot air, the control unit 60 checks the detection value of the temperature sensor 62 (step S4). If the detection value is less than a predetermined threshold, the circulating low-temperature air contains so few foreign objects such as dust and lint that it does not need to be immediately captured by the water filter 30. "Severe foreign objects" also includes the absence of foreign objects. Conversely, if the detection value is above the threshold, the circulating high-temperature air contains so many foreign objects that it needs to be immediately captured by the water filter 30. This threshold is predetermined through experiments and stored in the memory 64. It should be noted that when the detection value of the temperature sensor 62 is the temperature of the circulating air itself, an example of this threshold is 45 degrees Celsius.

[0068] When the temperature sensor 62 detects a value less than the threshold during drying operation ("No" in step S4), meaning it is not necessary to capture foreign objects from the circulating air through the water filter 30, as described above, the control unit 60, with the intake path 37 closed by the opening / closing unit 38, uses the switching unit 39 to allow air in the circulation path 20 to flow through the first branch 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC. That is, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value less than the threshold during drying operation, the control unit 60 controls the airflow in the circulation path 20, causing the air to circulate in a manner that does not pass through the water in the container 40 of the water filter 30.

[0069] On the other hand, when the temperature sensor 62 detected a value above the threshold ("Yes" in step S4), that is, when it is necessary to capture foreign objects from the circulating air through the water filter 30, the control unit 60 opens the suction path 37 by opening the opening and closing unit 38, and switches the airflow in the circulation path 20 by the switching unit 39 so that the air in the circulation path 20 flows through the second branch 20BE in the intermediate section 20BC (step S5).

[0070] Thus, the air that is drawn from outlet 20D into circulation path 20 and flows through second branch 20BE is like... Figure 1 As indicated by the thick dashed arrow V3, the air descends and is drawn into the container 40 of the water filter 30. The air drawn into the container 40 passes through the water stored in the container 40 and descends. At this time, foreign matter contained in the air is captured by the water in the container 40 and stored in the container 40 along with the water.

[0071] Air that has passed through and fallen in the water within container 40 changes direction and rises in front of the bottom wall 41 of container 40. This air... Figure 1As shown by the thick dashed arrow V4, the water rises further above the water level in container 40 to reach the top wall 43, flows through the exhaust passage 36, and is discharged outside the machine from the other end 36B. That is, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value above the threshold during drying operation, the control unit 60 controls the airflow in the circulation path 20 so that the air passes through the water in container 40 of the water filter 30 in a non-circulating, unidirectional manner and is discharged outside the machine.

[0072] Then, after a predetermined operating time for the drying cycle has elapsed ("Yes" in step S6), the control unit 60 stops the heating unit 22 (step S7). In this state, the air supply unit 21 continues to operate, so cold air is distributed to the laundry L inside the drum 7, thereby cooling the laundry L. Then, after the cooling of the laundry L by the cold air has continued for a predetermined time of several tens of minutes, as a process to end the drying cycle, the control unit 60 stops the air supply unit 21 and performs drainage of the water filter 30 by opening the outlet valve 34 (step S8). As a result, the water and foreign matter in the container 40 of the water filter 30 are discharged to the outlet path 33 and guided from the outlet path 33 to the drain path 5. That is to say, as long as the water in the container 40 is emptied, the foreign matter accumulated in the container 40 is also discharged with the water.

[0073] Foreign objects guided to drainage path 5 are filtered by drainage filter 6 (see reference). Figure 1 (Capture). If the user removes the foreign matter stored in the drain filter 6, the foreign matter in the container 40 will also be removed, thus eliminating the need for maintenance involving contact with the water filter 30 to remove foreign matter from the container 40. This simplifies the maintenance of the water filter 30, thereby improving ease of use during drying operations. It should be noted that the drain filter 6 can also be omitted; in this case, the foreign matter guided to the drain passage 5 is directly discharged outside the machine through the drain passage 5.

[0074] The drying operation ends when there is no water in container 40. The control unit 60 can determine whether there is water in container 40 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 61, or by measuring the elapsed time. This elapsed time is predetermined through experiments and stored in the memory 64. In this way, container 40 is emptied, thus preventing the growth of mold and bacteria in container 40 due to residual water between the end of the drying operation and the start of the next drying operation.

[0075] If air were to circulate through the water in container 40 during drying, pressure loss would occur due to resistance caused by the water in container 40 and the narrow internal space 40A of container 40, potentially weakening the airflow in circulation path 20. However, in washer-dryer 1, the air passing through the water in container 40 is discharged outside the machine through exhaust path 36 without recirculation. That is, during drying operation, washer-dryer 1 circulates air while drying the laundry L in washing drum 3, and after capturing foreign objects from the air, it is purified by water filter 30 before being discharged outside the machine. Therefore, the weakening of airflow in circulation path 20 due to resistance caused by water in container 40 can be suppressed. Thus, even if air is discharged outside the machine through exhaust path 36 from water filter 30, external air is supplied to circulation path 20 through intake path 37 to supplement the corresponding air discharge. As a result, the amount of air distributed to the laundry L during drying operation is maintained above the necessary level.

[0076] Specifically, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value less than the threshold during drying operation, meaning it is not necessary to capture foreign objects from the circulating air through the water filter 30 (No in step S4), the control unit 60, with the intake path 37 closed by the opening / closing unit 38, uses the switching unit 39 to allow air in the circulation path 20 to flow through the first branch path 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC (step S1). As a result, a predetermined amount of air is circulated and distributed to the laundry L in the washing drum 3, thus promoting the drying of the laundry L.

[0077] On the other hand, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value above the threshold during drying operation, meaning it is necessary to capture foreign objects from the circulating air through the water filter 30 ("Yes" in step S4), the control unit 60, with the intake path 37 open via the opening / closing unit 38, controls the airflow within the circulation path 20 via the switching unit 39, causing the air within the circulation path 20 to flow through the second branch 20BE in the intermediate section 20BC (step S5). Thus, the air used for drying the laundry L is purified by the water filter 30 and discharged outside the machine. Meanwhile, external air is supplied from the intake path 37 to the circulation path 20 and then distributed to the laundry L within the washing drum 3. Therefore, while continuing to dry the laundry L, the air is purified and discharged outside the machine.

[0078] The result is that, until the middle of the drying operation, the necessary amount of air can be smoothly circulated through the switching unit 39 without passing through the water filter 30, thus suppressing the reduction in drying performance. Furthermore, although the air is purified by the water filter 30 and discharged outside the machine through the switching unit 39 from the middle of the drying operation, by supplementing the circulation path 20 with external air, the necessary amount of air can continue to be smoothly distributed to the laundry L in the washing drum 3, thus suppressing the reduction in drying performance.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the drying operation. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the subsequent diagrams, regarding... Figure 4 The processing steps are the same as the processing steps marked with the same annotation. Figure 4 The same step numbers are used, and detailed descriptions of these processing steps are omitted. In the second embodiment, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value less than the threshold during drying operation ("No" in step S4), that is, when the drying of the laundry L is in its initial stage, the control unit 60, similar to the first embodiment, uses the switching unit 39 to allow air in the circulation path 20 to flow through the first branch 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC while the air intake path 37 is closed by the opening and closing section 38. As a result, a predetermined amount of air is circulated and distributed to the laundry L in the washing drum 3, thus promoting the drying of the laundry L.

[0080] On the other hand, when the temperature sensor 62 detects a value above the threshold during drying operation ("Yes" in step S4), meaning that the drying of the laundry L has progressed, in the second embodiment, the control unit 60 maintains the state in which air in the circulation path 20 flows through the first branch 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC, while opening the suction path 37 by opening the opening / closing unit 38 (step S10). As a result, external air is supplied from the suction path 37 to the circulation path 20, thereby increasing the amount of air circulating and thus further promoting the drying of the laundry L.

[0081] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the drying operation. In the third embodiment, at the beginning of the drying operation, the control unit 60, with the intake path 37 opened by opening the opening / closing unit 38, uses the switching unit 39 to allow air in the circulation path 20 to flow through the first branch path 20BD in the intermediate section 20BC (step S11), and this state continues during the drying operation. Thus, similar to the second variation, external air is supplied from the intake path 37 to the circulation path 20, thereby increasing the air circulation volume and further promoting the drying of the laundry L.

[0082] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical solution.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, the loop path 20 branches into a first branch path 20BD and a second branch path 20BE at the midpoint 20BC of the rear portion 20B (see reference). Figure 1 It can also be used as a substitute, like Figure 7 As shown in the variant example, the intermediate portion 20BC does not branch but bends from the rear end of the first portion 20BA and extends downward to the Z2, penetrating the top wall 43 and being disposed in the internal space 40A. It should be noted that in... Figure 7 In this drawing, components that have the same function as the aforementioned components are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the modified example, the lower end of the intermediate section 20BC is connected to the container 40 through an opening in the internal space 40A. Therefore, as shown by the thick dashed arrow, the air taken from the outlet 20D into the circulation path 20 for circulation must pass through the container 40 of the water filter 30 to the return outlet 20E.

[0084] In a modified example, one end 36A of the exhaust passage 36 is connected to the second part 20BB of the rear portion 20B of the circulation passage 20, and a switching section 39 is provided at the connection between one end 36A and the second part 20BB. The control unit 60 controls the switching section 39 to switch the airflow in the circulation passage 20 so that the air in the circulation passage 20 continues to flow through the rear portion 20B or flows to the exhaust passage 36 and is discharged outside the machine. In a modified example, when the washing clothes L in the washing drum 3 are dried during drying operation, the control unit 60 controls the switching section 39 to circulate the air so that the air in the circulation passage 20 continues to flow through the rear portion 20B while the container 40 of the water filter 30 is emptied. Therefore, the container 40 is empty during air circulation, thus preventing the air circulation from weakening due to water in the container 40 becoming a resistance.

[0085] On the other hand, when foreign objects are captured from the air, the control unit 60, while supplying water to the container 40 of the water filter 30, draws the air into the water filter 30 for purification and then discharges it outside the machine through the exhaust passage 36. Thus, even when the control unit 60 discharges air from the water filter 30 through the exhaust passage 36, it opens the opening / closing part 38 to supply external air from the intake passage 37 to the circulation passage 20 to supplement the corresponding air discharge. Therefore, the amount of air distributed to the laundry L during drying operation can be maintained above the necessary amount. As a result, even in the modified example, the necessary amount of air can flow smoothly and be distributed to the laundry L during drying operation, thus suppressing any decrease in drying performance.

[0086] The various features described above can be appropriately combined. For example, in the drum washer-dryer 1 of the above embodiments, the drum 7 can also be arranged with the axis J inclined relative to the horizontal direction. In addition, the washer-dryer 1 can also be a vertical washer-dryer with the axis J extending longitudinally.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer combo machine, characterized in that, include: A washing drum to hold laundry; The circulation path has an outlet and a return outlet connected to the washing drum; The air supply unit circulates the air by taking air from the outlet into the circulation path and returning it to the washing drum from the return port. Heating unit heats the circulating air; A water filter having a water-storing container takes in air flowing through the circulation path and passes it through water in the container, thereby capturing foreign matter from the air; An exhaust duct discharges the air inside the container to the outside of the machine. as well as An intake path is connected to the circulation path, supplying external air to the circulation path; The middle part of the loop is: a first branch, which bypasses the container and goes to the return port; And a second branch, connected to the container, The washer-dryer includes a switching unit that switches the airflow within the circulation path, so that the air in the circulation path flows through either the first branch or the second branch in the intermediate section. The washer-dryer combo also includes: The opening and closing section opens and closes the intake path; Temperature sensors detect the temperature or temperature change of the circulating air; and The control unit activates the air supply unit and the heating unit to perform drying operations, or controls the flow of circulating air within the circulation path during the drying operation. If the temperature sensor detects a value less than a predetermined threshold during the drying operation, the control unit, with the air intake closed by the opening and closing unit, uses the switching unit to allow air in the circulation path to flow through the first branch in the intermediate section. When the temperature sensor detects a value above the threshold during the drying operation, the control unit opens the air intake path through the opening and closing part, and switches the airflow in the circulation path through the switching part so that the air in the circulation path flows through the second branch in the intermediate part.

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