Washer and dryer

Abstract

This invention provides a washer-dryer that prevents clogging of the air path filter by discharging lint generated in the air path from the back side of the air path filter to the blower. It comprises: a drum (11) that holds laundry and rotates during washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes; an outer tub (10) that surrounds the drum (11) and collects water; a drain (70) that drains water from the outer tub (10); blowers (32, 33) that supply air to the drum (11) and the outer tub (10); an air path (39) connecting the outer tub (10) and the blowers; and an air path filter (36) disposed between the outer tub (10) and the air path (39) to collect lint flowing towards the air path (39). The lint is drawn into the inlet of the roller (11); and a lint discharge channel (9), one end of which is connected to the air channel (39) and the other end of which is connected to the drain channel (70). The air channel (39) has a recess (39a) that is recessed toward the roller (11). One end (9a) of the lint discharge channel (9) is connected to the recess (39a). When observing the side section of the roller (11) and the lint discharge channel (9), the back side of the lint discharge channel (9) is located in a position that is more inward than the back side of the air channel (39).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As conventional washer-dryers, it is known that they utilize water flow to remove foreign matter adhering to the air path filter on the upstream side of the blower. For example, in embodiment 1 of patent document 1, "a drying washing machine is described as follows: a water tank; a rotating drum disposed in the water tank in a rotatable manner; a dehumidification section for dehumidifying air guided from the rotating drum; a heating section for heating the air dehumidified by the dehumidification section; an air supply section for guiding air from the rotating drum to the dehumidification section and blowing air heated by the heating section into the rotating drum; and a filter unit disposed between the rotating drum and the air supply section and on the path upstream of the airflow generated by the air supply section during the drying process, i.e., the intake side, and disposed such that it is immersed in the washing water supplied to the water tank during the washing or rinsing process. The drying washing machine is characterized by comprising: a cleaning unit that generates a water flow based on the rotation drive of the rotating drum to remove foreign matter attached to the filter unit; and a rotating drum rotation control unit that changes the rotation speed of the rotating drum during the washing or rinsing process."

[0003] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, as in that document... Figure 5 As shown, by placing a filter on the lower back of the water tank immersed in washing water during the washing and rinsing processes, foreign objects such as cotton dust and lint (hereinafter referred to as "lint") contained in the circulating air during the drying process, which have a roughness greater than the mesh size of the filter (1 mm to 3 mm in paragraph 0060 of this document), are captured, preventing foreign objects from entering the blower and heater downstream of the filter.

[0004] Thus, in the washing and drying machine of Patent Document 1, the water flow generated by the rotating drum during subsequent washing and rinsing processes removes the lint adhering to the filter surface during the drying process and discharges it from the drain outlet at the bottom of the water tank. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the blockage on the filter surface and suppress the reduction of the circulating air volume during the drying process.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3863167 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, generally speaking, the lint in the circulating air during the drying process is mostly tens to hundreds of micrometers smaller than the mesh size of the filter. Therefore, most of the lint in the circulating air passes through the filter and enters the air passage from the filter to the blower. The fine lint that enters the air passage absorbs the cooling water supplied to the air passage for dehumidification during the drying process, or the water supplied to the water tank during the washing or rinsing process, and combines with the surrounding lint to form lint clumps that accumulate on the back side of the filter. In the cleaning method of Patent Document 1, the lint clumps larger than the mesh size that accumulate on the back side of the filter do not flow back to the filter surface. Therefore, if the drying process is repeated, the adhesion of lint to the back side of the filter gradually increases, and the blockage on the back side of the filter gradually progresses.

[0010] Thus, in the washer-dryer of Patent Document 1, the blockage on the back side of the filter progresses over time, resulting in a decrease in the airflow of the circulating air during the drying process, leading to insufficient drying of clothes or poor drainage in the air duct.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a washer-dryer that can prevent clogging of the air path filter by discharging lint generated in the air path from the back side of the air path filter to the blower.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] One aspect of the present invention for solving the aforementioned problem is a washer-dryer comprising: a drum for receiving laundry and rotating during washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes; an outer tub surrounding the drum and storing water; a drain passage for draining water from the outer tub; a blower for supplying air to the drum and the outer tub; an air passage connecting the outer tub and the blower; an air passage filter disposed between the outer tub and the air passage for capturing lint directed toward the air passage's inlet; and a lint discharge passage, one end of which is connected to the air passage and the other end to the drain passage, the air passage having a recessed portion toward the drum, one end of the lint discharge passage being connected to the recessed portion, and the rearmost part of the lint discharge passage being recessed into the drum and the rearmost part of the air passage being located further inward than the rearmost part of the air passage when viewed in a side cross-section.

[0014] More specific structures of the present invention are described within the scope of the technical solution.

[0015] According to the present invention, a washing and drying machine can be provided that can prevent clogging of the air path filter by discharging lint generated in the air path from the back side of the air path filter to the blower.

[0016] Other issues, structures, and effects will become clear through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first example of a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the first example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the first example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, taken from the side, in the case where there is no recess in the circulating air path facing the inside of the drum.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, in which the wall for preventing drainage is changed to a slope for preventing drainage, viewed from the side.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the state of a portion of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 1 of the present invention after disassembly.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the state of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 1 of the present invention with the cover installed.

[0031] Figure 15It means from Figure 14 The diagram shows the state of the outer tank and drum of a drum-type washer-dryer after the drum has been removed.

[0032] Figure 16 It means Figure 15 Front view of the outer trench and piping section.

[0033] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0034] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A sectional view of the lower part of the piping section.

[0035] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of part B. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and the same descriptions will not be repeated.

[0037] The various constituent elements of this invention do not necessarily need to exist independently. It is permissible for a constituent element to be composed of multiple components, multiple constituent elements to be composed of one component, a constituent element to be part of other constituent elements, or a part of a constituent element to be repeated with a part of other constituent elements.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a first example of a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a first example of a drum-type washing machine according to the present invention, viewed from the side. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure and operation of the washer-dryer 100 are briefly described.

[0039] First, the directions used for illustration are defined. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction when viewing the washer-dryer 100 from the user's viewpoint is defined as the left-right direction, the height direction as the up-down direction, and the depth direction as the front-back direction.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the washing and drying machine 100, the outer casing 1 is composed of a U-shaped casing body 1b formed of steel plates on both sides and the back, a bottom plate (not shown) disposed below the casing body 1b, a front cover 1a (not shown) covering the front surface of the casing body 1b, and an upper cover 1c disposed on the top. Additionally, a door 2 that can be opened and closed is disposed on the front surface of the casing 1.

[0041] Door 2 is supported by hinges on the front cover so that it can be opened and closed. Door 2 is opened to the front by pulling the door opening handle 2a, which disengages the locking mechanism, and is locked and closed by pressing door 2 against the front cover.

[0042] The front cover 1a is in relation to the outer groove 10 ( Figure 2 The door 2 has a circular opening (not shown) at the same center as the opening for taking out and putting in clothes, and a window 3 is provided on the door 2 to cover the opening.

[0043] Door 2 has an operating unit (not shown) equipped with operating switches and other features. The operating unit is a glass touchscreen, and is connected to the control unit 20 located inside the housing 1. Figure 2 Electrical connection.

[0044] The washer-dryer 100 has an outer tank 10 for storing water inside its housing 1. A drum 11 for holding laundry is inserted into the outer tank 10. The outer tank 10 is suspended from the housing 1 by springs (not shown), which suspend the center of gravity of the outer tank 10 from the left and right. The lower part of the outer tank 10 is supported by a vibration damping component 12 fixed to the housing 1.

[0045] A rotating shaft 4 connected to the roller 11 is located behind the outer groove 10, and a pulley 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 4. A motor 13 is connected to the pulley 5 via a belt 6. The motor 13 drives the roller 11 to rotate via the belt 6, the pulley 5, and the rotating shaft 4.

[0046] The control unit 20 controls the rotational speed of the motor 13.

[0047] Additionally, the control unit 20 acquires the sensor values ​​of the vibration sensor (not shown) provided in the washer-dryer 100. During the spin-drying process, if the vibration amplitude of the outer tub 10 detected by the vibration sensor exceeds a preset threshold due to an imbalance of the clothes fed into the drum, the spin-drying process is temporarily stopped, and the drum 11 is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to correct the imbalance of the clothes before restarting the spin-drying process. When the motor 13 is driven, the drum 11 is rotated in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0048] The inner circumferential surface of the drum 11 includes: a plurality of dewatering holes 11a for draining washing water from the drum to the outer tub 10; and a plurality of baffles 14, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the drum 11 for lifting clothes placed inside the drum. The baffles 14 are arranged to extend in the front-back direction of the drum 11.

[0049] The opening of the outer tank 10 is connected to the inlet of the housing 1 via a bellows 15 that is easily expandable and contractible in the front-to-back direction. The bellows 15 is formed of an annular elastic member and forms a water seal on the drum 11 by closing the door 2. In addition, the inlet of the housing 1, the opening of the outer tank 10, and the opening of the drum 11 are connected, and clothing can be taken out and put into the drum 11 by opening the door 2.

[0050] Next, use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a first example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the rear. (See image.) Figure 3 As shown, the washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a housing 1, a door 2, an outer tank 10, a drum 11, an air supply device (air blower 32, heater 33, blowout 34, circulating air path 39, air path hose 35), an air path filter 36, a drainage path (internal drainage path 70, water path filter 42, drainage hose 41), and a drainage pump 40.

[0052] The dashed arrows indicate the airflow during drying. The air supply device generates the circulating air shown by the dashed arrows in the diagram during the drying process to dry the laundry. Air blown from the blower 32 is heated by the downstream heater 33 and then supplied to the drum 11 through the outlet 34. The air supplied to the drum 11 heats the damp laundry contained within it, removing moisture, and then flows through the outer peripheral holes of the drum 11 into the space between the drum 11 and the outer groove 10. Furthermore, it passes through the air path filter 36, which acts as a mesh filter, and reaches the circulating air path 39.

[0053] The solid arrows indicate the flow of cooling water during drying. The air flowing into the circulating air passage 39 becomes more humid as it draws moisture from the laundry. Therefore, cooling water, indicated by the solid arrows in the diagram, is supplied from the upper part of the circulating air passage 39. This cooling water causes water vapor to condense, dehumidifying the air. The dehumidified, dried air then returns to the blower 32 through the air passage hose 35. In this way, the air supply device supplies high-temperature, drying air to the damp laundry inside the drum 11, promoting the drying process.

[0054] The internal drainage channel 70 is connected to the bottom opening of the outer tank 10 and serves as a path for draining water from the outer tank 10. It consists of a water filter 42 that collects lint from the drain water flowing in the internal drainage channel 70 and a drain hose 41 through which the water is supplied and drained. In addition, the lint collected by the water filter 42 is cleaned appropriately by the user.

[0055] The drain pump 40 is located downstream of the water filter 42 and drains water through the internal drain passage 70.

[0056] During the washing and rinsing processes, lint is generated due to the mechanical force of the laundry rubbing against each other inside the drum 11, and the mechanical force generated by the air supplied to the drum 11 during the drying process. The lint is heavier in the initial wet state during the drying process and therefore does not float, but it becomes lighter and begins to float as drying progresses. Lint larger than the mesh size of the airflow filter 36 is captured by the airflow filter 36 and discharged into the internal drain 70 after subsequent washing and rinsing processes.

[0057] On the other hand, during the drying process, lint particles smaller than the mesh size of the airflow filter 36, which are floating in the airflow, pass through the airflow filter 36 and enter the circulating airflow 39. Therefore, if the service life of the washer-dryer 100 increases, lint particles will accumulate on the inside of the airflow filter 36 for the same reasons explained in the "Problems to be Solved by the Invention" section.

[0058] The washer-dryer 100 of the present invention is provided with a lint discharge water passage 9 connecting the lower part of the circulating air passage 39 and the internal drainage passage 70. The lint discharge water passage 9 is connected to the circulating air passage 39 of the drum 11 via the lint discharge water passage air passage side connection 9a. In addition, it is connected to the internal drainage passage 70 via the lint discharge water passage drainage passage side connection 9b.

[0059] The circulating air passage 39 of the drum 11 has a recess 39a that is recessed towards the inner side of the drum 11, and a lint drain water passage side connection portion 9a is provided in this recess 39a. With this structure, when viewing the side section of the washing machine, the lint drain water passage 9 will not protrude beyond the depth limit line 31 of the circulating air passage and outwards from the drum 11. That is, when viewing the side section of the drum 11 and the lint drain water passage 9, the rearmost part of the lint drain water passage 9 is recessed to a position further inward than the rearmost part of the circulating air passage 39. With this structure, the lint drain water passage 9 can be installed even when there is insufficient space for the washing machine in terms of depth. Therefore, a washing machine with a lint drain water passage 9 can be provided without affecting the overall size of the washing machine.

[0060] In the washer-dryer of this embodiment with the described structure, when the mesh roughness of the air path filter 36 is set to, for example, several hundred μm, lint of about tens of μm in size enters the circulating air path 39 through the air path filter 36 during the drying process. Inside the circulating air path 39, lint clumps are generated through the same action as described in the comparative example. However, since the initial lint clumps are small enough, they are discharged along with the cooling water during the drying process. In addition, during drainage after the washing and rinsing processes, the lint is discharged into the internal drainage path 70 through the lint discharge water path 9 along with the drainage from the outer tank 10. At this time, the air path side connection 9a of the lint discharge water path is preferably located at a position lower than the maximum height reached by the water flow agitated by the high-speed rotation of the drum 11. Thus, in addition to the lint discharge function based solely on cooling water, the function of discharging water used for washing is also performed, enabling more reliable lint discharge.

[0061] Furthermore, the diameter of the lint discharge channel 9 can be around several millimeters, but in order to discharge even lint clumps that have grown to a certain extent, it is preferable to design the lint discharge channel 9 to have a diameter of around 6 to 10 millimeters. In addition, in order to use the water filter 42 to capture the lint discharged through the lint discharge channel 9, it is preferable to connect the lint discharge channel drain side connection 9b, which is located at the lower end of the lint discharge channel 9, to the upstream side of the water filter 42. However, it is also possible to connect the lint discharge channel drain side connection 9b to the downstream side of the water filter 42, so that the lint clumps flow directly into the drain, etc.

[0062] As described above, the circulating air passage 39 of the roller 11 has a recessed portion facing inward towards the roller 11. By providing a lint discharge water passage air passage side connection portion 9a in this recessed portion, the lint discharge water passage 9 is R-shaped. As a result, lint can be discharged into the internal drainage passage 70 without being hooked on the lint discharge water passage 9.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The washing machine shown Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The difference in the washing machine shown is that the lint drain channel side connection 9b of the lint drain channel 9 is not located in the internal drain channel 70, but in the outer tank 10. This structure also achieves the effects of the present invention.

[0064] As explained above, according to the present invention, a washing and drying machine is provided that can prevent clogging of the air path filter by discharging lint generated in the air path from the back side of the air path filter to the blower.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the side. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a second example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the front. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a third example of the drum-type washing machine of the present invention, viewed from the front. Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 The washing machine shown Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The difference in the washing machine shown is that the lower end of the air duct filter 36 is set at a position higher than the lint discharge water duct air duct side connection part 9a, and a drainage prevention wall 43 is provided in the area from the lower end of the air duct 39 to the lower end of the air duct filter 36.

[0066] In the first and second examples, the cooling water is drained not only from the lint drain channel 9 but also from the lower part of the airflow filter 36. Therefore, lint generated during the drying process accumulates on the surface of the airflow filter 36, but does not accumulate in the lower part of the airflow filter 36 due to the drainage of the cooling water. If the air intake decreases due to the accumulation of lint in the airflow filter 36, the intake of circulating air is concentrated in the lower part of the airflow filter 36 where lint has not accumulated due to the drainage of the cooling water, increasing the air velocity of the intake air passing through the lower part of the airflow filter 36. As a result, sometimes cooling water is swept up towards the fan unit (not shown), blowing water from the fan unit's outlet onto the clothing, leading to poor drying.

[0067] On the other hand, in the third example, the airflow filter 36 in the first and second examples is divided vertically at a position higher than the airflow side connection 9a of the lint discharge water path, so that the upper part remains as the airflow filter 36, and the lower part is blocked by the drainage-preventing wall 43. Here, the drainage-preventing wall 43 can be formed by the airflow filter outer frame 45, or by other components such as sheet metal. Alternatively, the same structure as the outer tank can be used. By setting the drainage-preventing wall 43, the drainage path of the cooling water is limited to the lint discharge water path 9. Since the drainage from the airflow filter 36 side disappears, the lint is evenly attached to the airflow filter 36, and air is drawn in evenly from the entire airflow filter 36. Therefore, there is no phenomenon of increased air velocity drawn in through the lower part of the airflow filter 36, and the cooling water is not swirled up. By designing the structure in this way, lint generated in the air path from the back of the air path filter 36 to the blower 32 can be discharged, preventing the air path filter 36 from becoming clogged and suppressing the generation of cooling water swirling, thus enabling normal drying operation.

[0068] Furthermore, the structure that limits the drainage path of the cooling water to the lint discharge water channel 9 may not be... Figure 7 The structure of the wall 43 for preventing drainage as described in the text is not, for example, Figure 11 The structure of the inclined member 44 for preventing drainage is shown. This inclined member 44 for preventing drainage can be a part of the air filter 36 or the lint discharge water passage 9, or it can be other components.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the circulating air path 39 of the roller 11 may also be designed without a recessed portion facing the inside of the roller 11.

[0070] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The washing and drying machine 100 is shown as an embodiment 1 of the washing and drying machine of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the washer-dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a sectional view taken from the side, showing the internal structure of a washer-dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a top view of a washer-dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the exploded view of a portion of the washer-dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover 1c is installed on the washer-dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The following uses Figure 12 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 13 The structure of the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment will be explained. Additionally, Figure 1 , Figure 2 As stated above.

[0073] First, the directions of the washer-dryer 100 used for illustration are defined. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction when the washer-dryer 100 is viewed from the user's point of view is defined as the left-right direction, the height direction is defined as the up-down direction, and the depth direction is defined as the front-back direction.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 of the washer-dryer 100 includes: a casing body 1b formed of an integral steel plate on both sides and the back, and having a U-shaped shape when viewed from above; a bottom plate (not shown) disposed below the casing body 1b; and a front cover 1a (see reference 1) covering the front surface of the casing body 1b. Figure 13 ); and an upper cover 1c disposed on the upper part. In addition, a door 2 that can be opened and closed is disposed on the front surface of the housing 1.

[0075] The upper back of the housing 1 has a water supply hose connection port 207 for supplying water from a faucet to the washer-dryer 100 (see reference). Figure 12 Additionally, the door 2 is supported by a hinge on the front cover 1a so that it can be opened and closed. By pulling the door opening handle 2a, the locking mechanism disengages and the door opens to the front. By pressing the door 2 against the front cover 1a, the door is locked and closed.

[0076] Additionally, the front cover 1a is in contact with the outer groove 10 (see reference). Figure 2 The opening has the same center as the opening of the garment, which has a circular opening for taking out and putting in the garment.

[0077] Additionally, door 2 has an operating section (not shown) equipped with operating switches, but this operating section is a glass baffle, which is different from the control unit 20 (see reference) inside the housing 1. Figure 2 Electrical connection.

[0078] Additionally, a drain hose 208 for drainage is installed on the back of the housing 1 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0079] Additionally, at the upper part of the housing 1 and in front of the water supply hose connection port 207, there is a water supply unit 230 including a water supply valve 231 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0080] The water supply unit 230 includes a detergent storage section 232a for storing detergent and a finishing agent storage section 232b for storing finishing agents. The detergent storage section 232a and the finishing agent storage section 232b are connected to the water supply valve 231 via hoses. The water supply unit 230 can be pulled forward. In the pulled-out state, the user puts the detergent and finishing agent into the detergent storage section 232a and the finishing agent storage section 232b.

[0081] Furthermore, during the washing process of the washer-dryer 100 in this embodiment, when the water supply valve 231 is opened, water flows in from the water supply hose connection port 207 and is supplied to the outer tank 10 via the detergent collection section 232a. Detergent is pre-placed in the detergent collection section 232a, and the detergent is added to the outer tank 10 together with the supplied water. Similarly, during the rinsing process in the washer-dryer 100, the finishing agent is added to the outer tank 10 together with the supplied water from the finishing agent collection section 232b.

[0082] In addition, a drain pump (not shown) is provided on the drain path of the drain hose 208 provided at the lower part of the outer tank 10. When the drain pump is not activated, the water supplied to the outer tank 10 is stored in the outer tank 10. When the drain pump is activated, the washing water of the outer tank 10 is discharged from the drain hose 208 to the outside of the washer-dryer 100.

[0083] In addition, a drying unit 240 for drying clothes is provided on the upper part of the housing 1 (outer tank 10). The drying unit 240 includes a heating section 241 equipped with a heater for heating air and a fan 242 for supplying air to the heating section 241.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 20, water supply unit 230, and drying unit 240 extend in the front-rear direction of the housing 1, and are arranged in the left-right direction. Moreover, in this embodiment, as... Figure 14 As shown, a control unit 20 is arranged between the water supply unit 230 and the drying unit 240 in the left-right direction.

[0085] In addition, the drying unit 240 generates circulating air during the drying process to dry the laundry. Specifically, the air blown from the air supply fan 242 of the drying unit 240 is heated by the downstream heating unit 241 and then supplied to the drum 11. The air supplied to the drum 11 heats the damp laundry stored in the drum 11 to remove moisture, and then flows out through the outer peripheral hole of the drum 11 into the space between the drum 11 and the outer tub 10, reaching the pipe section 221 connecting the drying unit 240 and the outer tub 10 (see reference). Figure 16 , Figure 17 ).

[0086] The air flowing into the duct section 221 becomes humid because it draws moisture from the laundry. Therefore, cooling water is supplied from the top of the duct section 221 to cool the humid air and cause water vapor to condense, thus dehumidifying the air. The dehumidified and dried air then returns to the blower fan 242 of the drying unit 240.

[0087] In this way, the drying unit 240 supplies high-temperature drying air to the damp laundry inside the drum 11, promoting the drying of the laundry.

[0088] Next, the operation of the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0089] In the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment configured as described above, the washer-dryer 100 is first started by the user pressing the power button located on the operation unit of the door 2. Then, the user pulls the door opening handle 2a to open the door 2 and put clothes into the drum 11. After the user closes the door 2, the washing process is started by operating the switch on the operation unit.

[0090] During the washing process, the water supply valve 231 is opened, and water supplied from the water supply hose connection port 207 is supplied to the outer tub 10 along with detergent through the water supply hose and detergent collection section 232a. At this time, the more clothes the machine is designed to handle based on the speed and current value of the motor 13, the more water is supplied during the washing process. Afterward, a washing action is performed for a predetermined time, in which the drum 11 repeatedly rotates forward, stops, reverses, and stops. During this time, the action of lifting and lowering the clothes by the baffle 14 is repeated, thereby increasing the washing power of the clothes.

[0091] After the washing process, the process moves to the spin-drying process. In the spin-drying process, the drum 11 is initially rotated at a low speed to prevent clothes from sticking. At this low speed, the clothes containing water from the washing process are lifted by the baffle 14 as the drum 11 rotates, and spread out on the inner circumference of the drum 11 as they fall. If the clothes begin to spread out, the speed of the drum 11 is gradually increased, using centrifugal force to stick the clothes to the drum 11. When the clothes stick to the drum 11, the speed of the drum 11 is increased, and the resonance range of the outer tub 10 is increased by the vibration of the outer tub 10, while the target speed is reached to centrifuge and dehydrate the water contained in the clothes.

[0092] After the dehydration process, a rinsing process is performed. In this rinsing process, the water supply valve 231 is opened, and water supplied from the water supply hose connection port 7 is supplied to the outer tank 10 through the finishing agent storage section 232b. In addition, similar to the washing process, the more clothes there are, the more water is supplied.

[0093] In addition, in this rinsing process, similar to the washing process, the drum 11 is repeatedly rotated forward, stopped, reversed, and stopped. At this time, the clothes lifted by the baffle 14 are agitated and dropped for a predetermined time.

[0094] Then, the dehydration and rinsing processes are repeated a predetermined number of times before being transferred to the final dehydration process.

[0095] After the dehydration process is completed, the process proceeds to the drying process. During the drying process, the drum 11 is repeatedly rotated forward, stopped, reversed, and stopped, while the heating unit 241 and the blower fan 242 are activated. The heating unit 241 heats the air blown by the blower fan 242, blowing warm air into the drum 11. Inside the drum 11, the warm air blown onto the clothes lifted by the rotation of the drum 11 causes the moisture contained in the clothes to evaporate. Then, after the drying process has run for a predetermined time, the heating unit 241, the blower fan 242, and the motor 13 are stopped, ending the drying process.

[0096] And, as Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment is provided with a filter 222 for capturing cotton lint that is directed toward the drying unit 240 in the pipe section 221 that connects the drying unit 240 and the outer tank 10. A thermistor 223 for detecting the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the pipe section 221 is provided in the pipe section 221 where the filter 222 is provided.

[0097] The following uses Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 To explain it in further detail.

[0098] Figure 15 From Figure 14 Take out the diagrams of the outer groove 10 and the roller 11. Figure 16 This is the front view of the outer tank 10 and the pipe section 221. Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of line AA. Figure 18 This is a sectional view of the lower part of pipe section 221. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of part B.

[0099] As described above, the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment is characterized in that a filter 222 for capturing lint toward the drying unit 240 is provided in the pipe section 221 connecting the drying unit 240 and the outer tank 10, and a thermistor 223 for detecting the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the pipe section 221 is provided in the pipe section 221 where the filter 222 is provided.

[0100] like Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the pipe section 221 includes: a plurality of serpentine ribs 221a, which form a first cooling water passage 221b for cooling water to flow while serpentine (cooling water flows while serpentine from the top to the bottom of the pipe section 221); and a cooling water guiding rib 221c, which guides the cooling water flowing from the first cooling water passage 221b of the serpentine rib 221a to the thermistor 223 via a second cooling water passage 221d.

[0101] In addition, the serpentine ribs 221a are provided to form a first cooling water passage 221b between the serpentine ribs 221a by passing through multiple stages from one side (the upper side) of the cooling water inflow pipe section 221. On the other hand, the cooling water guide ribs 221c are provided to form a second cooling water passage 221d between the cooling water guide ribs 221c by passing through multiple stages below the final stage of the serpentine ribs 221a.

[0102] Furthermore, one segment of the serpentine rib 221a is located in the axial direction of the outer groove 10 ( Figure 18 and Figure 19 Multiple plate-shaped members 221a1 are arranged on the left and right sides, inclined in one direction (from bottom to top or from top to bottom), and the inclination directions of the serpentine ribs 221a of adjacent segments are different from each other.

[0103] On the other hand, one segment of the cooling water guide rib 221c is composed of an inclined plate-shaped member 221c1, and the plate-shaped members 221c1 of different lengths form a second cooling water passage 221d between the cooling water guide ribs 221c. The multiple segments are inclined in the same direction (in this embodiment, from top to bottom), and the inclination direction of each plate-shaped member 221c1 (from top to bottom) is different from the inclination direction of the plate-shaped member 221a1 of the final segment of the serpentine rib 221a (from bottom to top).

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the thermistor 223 is positioned near the bottom of the cooling water guide rib 221c, and, as Figure 19As shown, a recess 224 is provided at the boundary between the thermistor 223 and the mounting portion of the pipe 221, configured such that cooling water guided by the cooling water guide rib 221c (in) Figure 19 (Indicated by arrows) Temporarily accumulated in the recessed part 224.

[0105] As described above, according to this embodiment, a filter 222 is provided in the duct section 221 to capture lint that is directed toward the drying unit 240, thereby preventing lint from accumulating in the drying unit 240 and generating the airflow required for the drying performance of the laundry.

[0106] In addition, a thermistor 223 is provided in the pipe section 221 to detect the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the pipe section 221. This configuration allows the cooling water flowing in the first cooling water path 221b of the serpentine rib 221a to be guided to the thermistor 223 via the second cooling water path 221d and the cooling water guide rib 221c. Therefore, the thermistor 223 can reliably detect the temperature of the cooling water.

[0107] Furthermore, a recessed portion 224 is provided at the boundary between the thermistor 223 and the mounting portion of the pipe portion 221, which is configured such that cooling water guided by the cooling water guide rib 221c temporarily accumulates in the recessed portion 224. Therefore, the cooling water temporarily accumulates in the recessed portion 224, thus enabling the temperature detection time of the thermistor 223 to be obtained, and the water temperature of the cooling water of the thermistor 223 can be detected more reliably.

[0108] Therefore, according to this embodiment, lint will not accumulate in the runner of the drying unit 240, and the air volume required for the drying performance of the laundry can be output. The thermistor 223 can reliably detect the water temperature of the cooling water.

[0109] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the described embodiments are detailed for the purpose of readily understanding and illustrating the present invention, and are not limited to having all the described structures. Additionally, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and structures of other embodiments can be added to the structure of one embodiment. Furthermore, for a portion of the structure of each embodiment, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0110] Symbol Explanation

[0111] 1—Box body, 1b—Box body, 1c—Top cover, 2—Door, 2a—Door handle, 3—Window, 9—Lint drain water path, 9a—Lint drain water path air path side connection, 9b—Lint drain water path drainage path side connection, 10—Outer trough, 11—Roller, 31—Circulating air path depth limit line, 32—Blower, 33—Heater, 34—Blowout, 35—Air path hose, 36—Air path filter, 37—Air flow during drying, 38—Cooling water flow during drying, 39—Circulating air path, 39a—Recess, 40—Drain pump, 41—Drain hose, 42—Water path filter, 70—Internal drainage path, 100—Washer and dryer.

Claims

1. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: A drum is used to collect laundry and rotates during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. The outer trough surrounds the roller and collects water. A drainage channel that drains water from the outer tank; A blower supplies air to the drum and the outer trough; A ventilation duct that connects the outer trough and the blower; An air duct filter is disposed between the outer trough and the air duct to capture lint that is directed toward the air duct's intake port; as well as The lint drain channel has one end connected to the air duct and the other end connected to the drainage channel. The air passage has a recess facing the roller, and one end of the lint discharge water passage is connected to the recess. When observing the side cross-section of the roller and the lint discharge channel, the outermost part of the lint discharge channel is located further inward than the outermost part of the air channel. The drainage channel has an internal drainage channel located on the outside of the outer tank, and the other end of the lint drainage channel is connected to the internal drainage channel.

2. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: A drum is used to collect laundry and rotates during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. The outer trough surrounds the roller and collects water. A drainage channel that drains water from the outer tank; A blower supplies air to the drum and the outer trough; A ventilation duct that connects the outer trough and the blower; An air duct filter is disposed between the outer trough and the air duct to capture lint that is directed toward the air duct's intake port; as well as The lint drain channel has one end connected to the air duct and the other end connected to the drainage channel. The air passage has a recess facing the roller, and one end of the lint discharge water passage is connected to the recess. When observing the side cross-section of the roller and the lint discharge channel, the outermost part of the lint discharge channel is located further inward than the outermost part of the air channel. The drainage channel has an internal drainage channel located inside the outer tank, and the other end of the lint drainage channel is connected to the internal drainage channel.

3. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: A drum is used to collect laundry and rotates during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. The outer trough surrounds the roller and collects water. A drainage channel that drains water from the outer tank; A blower supplies air to the drum and the outer trough; A ventilation duct that connects the outer trough and the blower; An air duct filter is disposed between the outer trough and the air duct to capture lint that is directed toward the air duct's intake port; as well as The lint drain channel has one end connected to the air duct and the other end connected to the drainage channel. The air filter is installed only at a position higher than the air path connection point of the cotton lint discharge water path. A drainage prevention wall is provided from the lower end of the air duct to the lower end of the air duct filter.

4. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: A drum is used to collect laundry and rotates during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. The outer trough surrounds the roller and collects water. A drainage channel that drains water from the outer tank; A blower supplies air to the drum and the outer trough; A ventilation duct that connects the outer trough and the blower; An air duct filter is disposed between the outer trough and the air duct to capture lint that is directed toward the air duct's intake port; as well as The lint drain channel has one end connected to the air duct and the other end connected to the drainage channel. The air filter is installed only at a position higher than the air path connection point of the cotton lint discharge water path. A drainage prevention tilting component is provided from the lower end of the air duct to the lower end of the air duct filter.

5. The washer-dryer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The drainage channel has an internal drainage channel located on the outside of the outer tank, and the other end of the lint drainage channel is connected to the internal drainage channel.

6. The washer-dryer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The drainage path has a drainage hose, and the other end of the lint discharge water path is connected to the drainage hose.

7. The washer-dryer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The outer tank has a lint discharge water passage and a drainage path side connection part, and the other end of the lint discharge water passage is connected to the lint discharge water passage and drainage path side connection part.

8. The washer-dryer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The air passage has a recess facing the roller, and one end of the lint discharge water passage is connected to the recess. When observing the side cross-section of the roller and the lint discharge channel, the backmost side of the lint discharge channel is located inside the backmost side of the air channel.

9. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that, have: Box; The outer groove is located inside the box; A drum, which is inserted into the outer groove, has an inlet for putting in laundry; A water supply unit that supplies detergent and water to the outer tank; A drying unit that blows air into the drum; The piping section connects the drying unit and the outer tank; A filter, disposed in the duct section, captures lint moving toward the drying unit; and A thermistor, disposed in the pipe section, detects the temperature of the cooling water flowing within the pipe section. The pipe section consists of multiple serpentine ribs forming a first cooling water path for the flow of the cooling water, and cooling water guide ribs that guide the cooling water flowing from the first cooling water path through the serpentine ribs to the thermistor via a second cooling water path.

10. The washer-dryer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The serpentine ribs are configured such that the first cooling water passage is formed between the serpentine ribs through multiple stages from one side of the cooling water flowing into the pipe section, and the cooling water guide ribs are configured such that the second cooling water passage is formed between the cooling water guide ribs through multiple stages below the final stage of the serpentine ribs.

11. The washer-dryer according to claim 10, characterized in that, One segment of the serpentine rib is provided with a plurality of plate-shaped components inclined in one direction along the axial direction of the outer groove, and the inclination directions of the serpentine ribs in adjacent segments are different from each other.

12. The washer-dryer according to claim 11, characterized in that, One segment of the cooling water guide rib is composed of an inclined plate-shaped component, and multiple segments are arranged inclined in the same direction between the plate-shaped components of different lengths to form the second cooling water channel between the cooling water guide ribs. Furthermore, the inclination direction of each plate-shaped component is different from the inclination direction of the plate-shaped component of the final segment of the serpentine rib.

13. The washer-dryer according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The thermistor is positioned near the bottom of the cooling water guide rib.

14. The washer-dryer according to claim 13, characterized in that, A recess is provided at the boundary between the thermistor and the mounting portion of the pipe, and the cooling water guided by the cooling water guide rib is temporarily stored in the recess.

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