Washing and drying machine

Abstract

To provide a washing and drying machine in which water in a trap on a drain flow passage side is not easily drained during drying of clothing.SOLUTION: A washing and drying machine includes: a heat pump unit 300; a discharge flow passage 311 which is a flow passage for supplying the air dried and heated in the heat pump unit 300 into a washing tub; a return flow passage 312 for returning the air supplied into the washing tub from the discharge flow passage 311 from the washing tub to the heat pump unit 300; a blower 2 arranged on the downstream side of the heat pump unit 300, and for supplying the air from the heat pump unit 300 to the discharge flow passage 311 side; a drain passage connected to the outer tub 20 side, and for draining the water in the outer tub 20 to the outside; and a trap provided in the drain passage, and for shielding the circulation of the air via the discharge passage between the outer passage 20 side and the outside, by storing the water circulating in the drain passage inside by being bent. A pressure loss of the air in a dehumidifier and a heater of the return flow passage 312 and the heat pump unit 300 is smaller than that in the discharge flow passage 311.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine. [Background technology]

[0002] As background art in this technical field, there is Japanese Patent No. 5887487 (Patent Document 1). This publication states that "a washer-dryer comprising a water tub elastically supported within a housing, a rotating tub rotatably disposed within the water tub, a motor for driving the rotation of the rotating tub, a water supply means for supplying wash water to the water tub, a drainage means for discharging the wash water in the water tub, a drainage path for discharging the wash water in the water tub to the outside of the housing via the drainage means, a circulating air duct for introducing drying air into the water tub, an air blowing means for blowing air into the circulating air duct, a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the drying air discharged from the water tub, a heating means for heating the drying air dehumidified by the dehumidifying means, a drying filter device for capturing lint contained in the drying air, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure in the water tub, and a control means for controlling washing and drying operations, wherein the drainage path has a drainage trap formed in a substantially U-shape within the housing, and the control means is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the air blowing means when the pressure in the water tub increases during the drying operation and reaches a predetermined value" (see claims). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5887487 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of making it more difficult for water in the trap on the drainage channel side to escape while clothes are being dried. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying machine in which water in a trap on the drainage channel side is less likely to drain out while clothes are being dried. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub disposed within the outer tub, a drying / heating device that dries and heats air by a heat pump method, a discharge flow path that supplies the air dried and heated by the drying / heating device into the washing tub, a return flow path that returns the air supplied from the discharge flow path into the washing tub from inside the washing tub to the drying / heating device, a blower that supplies air from the drying / heating device to the discharge flow path, a discharge path that is connected to the outer tub side and discharges water in the outer tub to the outside, a trap that is disposed in the discharge path and is bent to keep water flowing through the discharge path inside, thereby blocking the flow of air through the discharge path between the outer tub side and the outside side, and a pressure loss in the return flow path of the air and in the dehumidifier and heater of the drying / heating device during operation of the drying / heating device is smaller than the pressure loss in the discharge flow path. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing and drying machine in which water in a trap on the drainage channel side is less likely to drain out while clothes are being dried. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a device configuration of a heat pump unit of a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an air flow path portion of a heat pump unit of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5]2 is a rear view showing the arrangement of each component inside the housing of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of each member in the housing of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a drainage path of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a washing tub portion of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry treatment liquid tank and its surroundings of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connections of a control system of the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an air blowing control unit of the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 6 is a graph illustrating a process executed by an air blowing control unit of the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a graph illustrating the effects of the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the up / down, left / right, front / rear directions are indicated by arrows as appropriate. These directions are as viewed by a user standing in front of the washer / dryer, are for convenience, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a washer / dryer according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washer / dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the washer / dryer 100 is an example of a drum-type washer / dryer, and a frame is formed on the upper part of a base 1h by combining side panels 1a and reinforcing materials (not shown) made mainly of steel plates and resin molded parts, and a front cover 1c and a top cover 1e are further attached thereon to form a housing 1. The front cover 1c is provided with a door 9 for inserting and removing laundry 30 (see FIG. 2). The washer / dryer 100 may be configured as a vertical washer / dryer.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, an outer tub 20 is provided inside the housing 1. The outer tub 20 is supported at its lower part by a plurality of suspensions 5a, and is suspended at its upper part by springs 5b. A door 9 is opened and laundry 30 is put into a rotating drum 29 (inner tub) inside the outer tub 20. The washing tub 41 is mainly composed of the outer tub 20 and the rotating drum 29 (inner tub). A fluid balancer 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 29 to reduce vibration caused by imbalance of the laundry 30 during spin-drying. A plurality of lifters 33 for lifting up the laundry 30 are provided inside the rotating drum 29. The rotating drum 29 is directly connected to a motor M10 for driving the drum via a main shaft 35 connected to a metal flange 34 for the rotating drum. The mechanism for driving the rotating drum 29 may be a so-called belt drive configuration in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft 35 and a motor fixed to the outer tub 20 are connected via a belt to drive the drum.

[0011] A rubber bellows 10 made of an elastic body is attached to the opening of the outer tub 20. The bellows 10 maintains the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 20 and the door 3. This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing and spin-drying. The rotating drum 29 has many small holes (not shown) on its side wall for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation. A drainage path 42 for draining water from the washer / dryer 100 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20 (described later). Drying is performed by a hot air drying method in which air (circulating air) is circulated between rotating drum 29 and heat pump unit 300 (drying / heating device) by blower 2 (FIG. 4). In this embodiment, washer / dryer 100 also includes discharge flow path 311 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for blowing hot air into rotating drum 29, and return flow path 312 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for returning moist air discharged from rotating drum 29 to heat pump unit 300 (both described below).

[0012] 3 is a perspective view showing an outline of the device configuration of the heat pump unit 300. The heat pump unit 300 is mainly composed of a compressor 307, a condenser 301, a variable expansion valve 308, and an evaporator 302. In this embodiment, the variable expansion valve 308 is used as the expansion means, but fixed expansion means such as a capillary tube may also be used. The flow of circulating air is such that it passes through the evaporator 302 (dehumidifier) ​​and then flows into the condenser 301 (heater), and reaches the intake port of the blower 2 (FIG. 4).

[0013] The circulating air returning from the washing tub 41 to the heat pump unit 300 is dehumidified by heat exchange with a low-temperature refrigerant in the evaporator 302. Then, the dehumidified circulating air, whose temperature has been reduced, exchanges heat with a high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser 301, where the temperature is increased, and is sent back into the washing tub. In the evaporator 302, the circulating air exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant, so that the air is dehumidified and condensed water (drain water) is generated. To drain this condensed water to the outside, a drain pump 221 (FIG. 7) is provided as necessary. Note that FIG. 3 is illustrated ignoring the relative positions of the various parts within the washer / dryer 100.

[0014] 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air flow path of the heat pump unit. The blower 2 supplies air from the heat pump unit 300 to the discharge flow path 311. As shown in FIG. 4, the blower 2 is located on the outermost right side of the heat pump unit 300.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a rear view showing the arrangement of each component in the housing. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of each component in the housing. Discharge flow path 311 is a flow path that supplies circulating air dried and heated by heat pump unit 300 from blower 2 into outer tub 20 (washing tub 41). Discharge flow path 311 rises from heat pump unit 300 at the back of outer tub 20 to the right end of housing 1 (Fig. 1) (Fig. 5), and further extends horizontally directly below top cover 1e (Fig. 1) of housing 1 (Fig. 6) to connect to outer tub 20 (washing tub 41).

[0016] The return flow path 312 is a flow path that returns the circulating air supplied from the discharge flow path 311 into the outer tub 20 (washing tub 41) from inside the outer tub 20 to the heat pump unit 300. The return flow path 312 rises from the heat pump unit 300 at the rear of the outer tub 20 (washing tub 41) to the left end of the housing 1 (FIG. 1), turns to the right in the left-right direction at the upper part, extends to the upper side of the outer tub 20 (washing tub 41), and is connected to the outer tub 20 (washing tub 41) (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0017] 7 is a system diagram of the drainage path. The drainage path 42 includes a drainage flow passage 201, which is a path for draining water accumulated in the outer tub 20, and a discharge path 211, which is a path for overflow drainage when the water accumulated in the outer tub 20 exceeds a predetermined water level. The drainage flow path 201 is a path for draining water accumulated in the outer tub 20, and includes an internal drainage channel 202, a water channel filter 203, a drain valve 204, and a drain hose 205. The internal drainage channel 202 is connected to the bottom surface of the outer tub 20, and the water channel filter 203 collects lint in the drainage water flowing through the internal drainage channel 202. The lint collected by the water channel filter 203 is cleaned off by the user as appropriate.

[0018] The discharge passage 211 is connected to an overflow port 212 that drains the water in the outer tub 20 when the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a predetermined level or higher. A part of the discharge passage 211 is bent to form a trap 213 that blocks the flow of air through the discharge passage between the outer tub 20 side and the outside side by retaining the water flowing through the discharge passage 211 inside. The trap 213 is bent downward in a substantially U-shape, for example. The discharge passage 211 downstream of the trap 213 is connected to a drain hose 205. That is, the drain flow path 201 and the discharge passage 211 join at the drain hose 205, and the drain hose 205 is both the drain flow path 201 and the discharge passage 211. The drain hose 205 drains the water in the outer tub 20 to the outside.

[0019] In heat pump unit 300, condensation water generated by dehumidifying the circulating air through heat exchange with low-temperature refrigerant in evaporator 302 is discharged by drain pump 221 (pump). This condensation water is guided by condensation water hose 222 (condensation water flow path) having one end connected to drain pump 221 and the other end connected to drain hose 205, and is discharged to the outside by drain hose 205. Condensation water hose 222 is positioned higher in the vertical direction than drainage flow path 201 to prevent water from flowing back from drain hose 205 to heat pump unit 300. In addition, a circulation water channel 231 for circulating the water in the outer tub 20 and a circulation pump 232 are provided between the water channel filter 203 and the outer tub 20.

[0020] Meanwhile, the trap 213 stores the water flowing from the outer tub 20 during the washing operation of the washer-dryer 100, and during the drying operation of the washer-dryer 100, this stored water blocks the air flow between the outer tub 20 side and the outside, preventing the bad smell of limescale from rising up into the washing tub 41. Therefore, during the drying operation, it is necessary to prevent the water stored in the trap 213 from leaking out.

[0021] Meanwhile, the circulating air dried and heated by the heat pump unit 300 is sent out by the blower 2 towards the outer tub 20. The circulating air leaving the blower 2 has the highest pressure at the outlet of the blower 2, and as it flows through the discharge flow path 311, it encounters resistance in the flow path, and its pressure drops to a certain extent before flowing into the outer tub 20, and the pressure at that time becomes the internal pressure of the outer tub 20. Thereafter, as it flows through the return flow path 312, the circulating air in the outer tub 20 encounters resistance in the flow path, and its pressure drops further, and at the inlet of the blower 2, it becomes approximately atmospheric pressure.

[0022] In this case, if the pressure loss of the circulating air in the return flow path 312 is large, the internal pressure of the outer tank 20 becomes relatively high. If the internal pressure of the outer tank 20 is high in this way, the air pressure on the side of the discharge path 211 communicating with the outer tank 20 also becomes high, and the water remaining in the trap 213 is pushed out by the air pressure, increasing the possibility that little water remains in the trap 213.

[0023] Therefore, in this embodiment, a means for making it difficult for water in the trap 213 to escape during the drying operation will be described below. (1) First, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, the pressure loss in the air return flow path 312 and in the evaporator 302 and condenser 301 of the heat pump unit 300 is designed to be smaller than the pressure loss in the discharge flow path 311 while the heat pump unit 300 is in operation. (2) Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 is designed so that, while the heat pump unit 300 is operating, the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 and the inlet port of the blower 2 is smaller than the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 and the outlet port of the blower 2.

[0024] In order to realize the above (1) and (2), the washer / dryer 100 has the following components. 5 and 6, the length of the return flow path 312 is set to be shorter than the length of the discharge flow path 311. As a result, the degree to which the circulating air is reduced in pressure due to resistance in the discharge flow path 311 is greater than the degree to which the circulating air is reduced in pressure due to resistance in the return flow path 312. Next, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path 312 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path 311. As a result, the degree to which the circulating air is depressurized due to resistance in the discharge flow path 311 is greater than the degree to which the pressure is depressurized due to resistance in the return flow path 312. The portion of the return flow path 312 that has the minimum cross-sectional area is a portion of the return flow path 312 (connection portion 701) (FIG. 6). The portion of the discharge flow path 311 that has the minimum cross-sectional area is portion 702 of the discharge flow path 311 (FIG. 6).

[0025] In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part 711 (FIG. 4) between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part (part 702 (FIG. 6)) between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20. That is, the part where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes suddenly becomes a large resistance to the circulating air. The connection part 711 between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 and the connection part (part 702 (FIG. 6)) between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20 both correspond to the part where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes suddenly. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20, which can contribute to making the discharge flow path 311 side more circulating air resistant than the return flow path 312 side.

[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the washing tub part. In the washing tub 41, a communication port 401 to which the return flow path 312 is connected is provided at the top of the outer tub 20. That is, of the circulating air, the air returning from the washing tub 41 to the heat pump unit 300 flows into the return flow path 312 from the communication port 401. This communication port 401 is provided with a primary filter 402 (filter) and a secondary filter 403 (filter). The primary filter 402 and the secondary filter 403 are filters that remove dust from the circulating air that flows from the washing tub 41 to the return flow path 312. The circulating air that flows from the washing tub 41 to the return flow path 312 is sequentially removed dust by the primary filter 402 and the secondary filter 403. It is to be noted that three or more such filters may be provided. In this embodiment, the primary filter 402 and the secondary filter 403 are provided at the inlet portion of the return flow path 312, but they may be provided anywhere in the air flow path, including the return flow path 312 between the outer tank 20 and the evaporator 302 of the heat pump unit 300.

[0027] The presence of primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403 makes it possible to prevent dust from clogging the return flow path 312 side, which would increase the pressure loss of the circulating air on the return flow path 312 side. In addition, since a plurality of the filters, primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403, are provided, dust in the circulating air can be effectively removed. Furthermore, the communication port 401 is provided with a secondary filter cleaning piece 431 (filter cleaning device).

[0028] 9 is a perspective view of the laundry treatment liquid tank and its surroundings. A cleaning hose 433 is provided near the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 to supply tap water to a secondary filter cleaning piece 431. A four-way valve (electromagnetic valve) 432 (filter cleaning device) opens and closes the cleaning hose 433 to selectively supply water from the cleaning hose 433 to the secondary filter cleaning piece 431.

[0029] 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical connections of the control system of the washer / dryer. This control system is mainly composed of a control device 441 made up of a microcomputer or the like, to which a four-way valve 432 and a motor M10 are connected via a predetermined interface. Based on a predetermined program or the like, the control device 441 realizes the function of a cleaning control unit 434. The cleaning control unit 434 controls the four-way valve 432 and the motor M10 to clean the primary filter 402 and the secondary filter 403 at a predetermined timing.

[0030] That is, the secondary filter 403 is washed by spraying tap water introduced into the washer-dryer 100 from the secondary filter washing piece 431 directly onto the secondary filter 403 under the control of the four-way valve 432. The water used for washing the secondary filter 403 is stored in the washing tub 41, and the rotating drum 29 (inner tub) is rotated under the control of the motor M10, so that the primary filter 402 is also washed with the water in the rotating drum 29 (inner tub). As an example of the timing of these cleaning steps, secondary filter 403 is cleaned before the main washing step of the washing process. Also, primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403 are cleaned before the spin-drying step after the main washing step and rinsing step. In this way, it is preferable to clean these filters after every wash.

[0031] In this way, if primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403 are cleaned automatically and frequently, there is no risk of forgetting to clean them for a long period of time, as occurs when cleaning is done manually, and therefore clogging due to dust on the return flow path 312 side can be suppressed. Therefore, the pressure loss on the return flow path 312 side of the circulating air can be reduced.

[0032] The above are the specific means for achieving the above (1) and (2). In addition, in order to reduce the internal pressure in the washing tub 41 during the drying process, the following means are also adopted in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, a water level sensor 551 (sensor) (Fig. 7) for detecting the internal pressure in washing tub 41 and predicting the water level in washing tub 41, and a motor driving blower 2 are connected to control device 441 via a predetermined interface. That is, the water level in washing tub 41 is linked to the internal pressure in washing tub 41. Control device 441 realizes the function of air blowing control section 552 based on a predetermined program.

[0033] Fig. 11 is a flowchart explaining the process executed by the air blowing control unit. Fig. 12 is a graph explaining the process executed by the air blowing control unit. This graph shows the relationship between the rotation speed of the fan 2 over time and the water level sensor 551 over time.

[0034] The process of FIG. 11 starts with the start of operation of heat pump unit 300 in the drying step. First, when the operation of heat pump unit 300 starts, air blowing control unit 552 rotates blower 2 at a first rotation speed (step S1) (reference numeral 553 in FIG. 12). After that, air blowing control unit 552 compares the internal pressure of washing tub 41 detected by water level sensor 551 with a preset judgment value (step S2). As a result, when the internal pressure of washing tub 41 exceeds the judgment value (No in step S2), air blowing control unit 552 returns to step S1.

[0035] When the internal pressure of washing tub 41 is below the judgment value (Yes in step S2), next, air blowing control unit 552 performs an operation observation process (step S3). This operation observation process is a process for judging whether water level sensor 551 is operating properly or not. In this process, air blowing control unit 552 increases or decreases the rotation speed of blower 2 (reducing the rotation speed below the first rotation speed at reference numeral 554 in FIG. 12, and then returning it to the first rotation speed at reference numeral 555), and observes the corresponding fluctuation in the detection value of water level sensor 551 (fluctuation at reference numeral 556 in FIG. 12).

[0036] This observation is for observing how much the detection value of water level sensor 551 has changed due to fluctuations in the internal pressure of washing tub 41 caused by fluctuations in the rotation speed of blower 2, and for checking whether there is an abnormality in the detection value of water level sensor 551. If there is an abnormality, such as an excessively high detection value of water level sensor 551 (No in step S4), air blowing control unit 552 returns to step S1. If it is normal (Yes in step S4), air blowing control unit 552 sets the rotation speed of blower 2 to a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed (step S5) (reference number 557 in FIG. 12).

[0037] By this process, when the internal pressure of washing tub 41 is high, blower 2 is not shifted to the second rotation speed, but is maintained at the first rotation speed, so that the internal pressure of washing tub 41 does not increase. Also, since there may be an error (product variation) in water level sensor 551, blower 2 is set to the second rotation speed after confirming that water level sensor 551 is correctly capturing the internal pressure of washing tub 41, so that the internal pressure of washing tub 41 does not increase unintentionally. Water level sensor 551 is originally a sensor for predicting the water level in washing tub 41, but since it measures the internal pressure of washing tub 41, by using water level sensor 551 as the sensor used for this control, it is not necessary to provide a separate pressure sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0038] The washer / dryer 100 also suppresses water leakage from within the trap 213 by the following configuration. 7, the condensation water hose 222 (condensation water flow path) connects the drain pump 221 (pump) and the drain hose 205 (discharge path), and causes the condensation water discharged by the drain pump 221 to flow to the drain hose 205. The drain path 42 is connected to the downstream side of the trap 213 of the discharge path 211 and upstream side of the condensation water hose 222 (condensation water flow path), and includes a pressure relief flow path 411 that releases pressure on the downstream side to the atmosphere.

[0039] Condensed water discharged by the drain pump 221 is discharged to the outside through the condensed water hose 222 and the drain hose 205. At that time, there is a risk that the discharge path 211 downstream of the trap 213 will become negative pressure as the condensed water flows through the drain hose 205. At that time, there is a risk that the water in the trap 213 will escape due to this pressure. Therefore, the pressure in the discharge path 211 downstream of the trap 213 can be released to the atmosphere through the pressure relief flow path 411, thereby preventing the water in the trap 213 from escaping.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a laundry treatment liquid tank 412 is provided in the upper part of the housing 1. The laundry treatment liquid tank 412 stores laundry treatment liquid such as detergent and fabric softener, and the stored laundry treatment liquid is automatically poured into the washing tub 41 in a predetermined amount at a predetermined timing by a predetermined mechanism (a well-known mechanism and therefore a description thereof is omitted). The end 413 of the pressure relief flow path 411 is connected to the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 as shown in Fig. 9. That is, the inside of the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 is at atmospheric pressure, and has an area where water does not cause any problems even if it enters. Also, when the water in the trap 213 is drained, there is a possibility that water vapor from the washing tub 41 flows through the pressure relief flow path 411, but the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 has an area where condensation does not cause any problems. For these reasons, the end 413 of the pressure relief flow path 411 is connected to the laundry treatment liquid tank 412.

[0041] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the blower 2 is disposed downstream of the heat pump unit 300. If the heat pump unit 300 were disposed downstream of the blower 2, the following problems would arise. That is, in this case, it would be difficult to make the wind speed of the circulating air uniform. In addition, the wind blown out by the blower 2 has directionality, and if each heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 300 is present downstream of the blower 2, the wind would only hit a part of the heat exchanger, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange performance.

[0042] Therefore, in this respect, it is desirable that blower 2 is disposed downstream of heat pump unit 300. However, in this case, the air discharged from washing tub 41 not only undergoes pressure loss in return flow path 312, but also undergoes pressure loss when passing through heat pump unit 300, so that the pressure loss on the return side of the circulating air from washing tub 41 becomes large, and the internal pressure of washing tub 41 becomes relatively high.

[0043] 13 is a graph showing the change in pressure of the circulating air from the outlet of the blower through the washing tub to the inlet of the blower. The horizontal axis shows the path of the circulating air from the outlet of the blower 2 through the washing tub 41 to the inlet of the blower 2, and the vertical axis shows the pressure of the circulating air. The solid graph line indicated by reference numeral 601 in this graph is an example in which blower 2 is disposed upstream of heat pump unit 300. The pressure of the circulating air rises sharply in discharge flow path 311 from the outlet of blower 2, which is at approximately atmospheric pressure, and then starts to drop. Then, the internal pressure in washing tub 41 remains high, and thereafter, due to pressure loss in return flow path 312 and heat pump unit 300, the circulating air becomes approximately atmospheric pressure at the inlet of blower 2.

[0044] To address this issue, the following measures are taken in this embodiment. (1) First, in the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment, the pressure loss in the air return flow path 312 and in the evaporator 302 and condenser 301 of the heat pump unit 300 is designed to be smaller than the pressure loss in the discharge flow path 311 while the heat pump unit 300 is in operation. (2) Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 is designed so that, while the heat pump unit 300 is operating, the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 and the inlet port of the blower 2 is smaller than the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 and the outlet port of the blower 2.

[0045] As a result, the pressure loss of the circulating air in the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 can be reduced, and the pressure loss of the circulating air on the discharge flow path 311 side can be relatively increased, and the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 can be reduced. In this case, in Fig. 13, the pressure of the circulating air becomes as shown by the reference symbol 602, and the internal pressure of the washing tub 41 can be reduced more than that in the graph line of the reference symbol 601. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water in the trap 213 from escaping due to the high internal pressure of the washing tub 41 during the drying process.

[0046] In order to realize the above (1) and (2), the following various measures are taken in this embodiment. 5 and 6, the length of the return flow path 312 is set to be shorter than the length of the discharge flow path 311. This makes it possible for the circulating air to be depressurized to a greater extent by resistance in the discharge flow path 311 than by resistance in the return flow path 312. This makes it possible to achieve the above-mentioned (1) and (2).

[0047] Next, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path 312 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path 311. As a result, the degree to which the circulating air is depressurized due to resistance in the discharge flow path 311 is greater than the degree to which the circulating air is depressurized due to resistance in the return flow path 312. This makes it possible to realize the above-mentioned (1) and (2). In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 is larger than that of the connection part between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20. That is, the part where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes suddenly becomes a large resistance to the circulating air. The connection part between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 and the connection part between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20 are both parts where the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the circulating air changes suddenly. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection part between the return flow path 312 and the heat pump unit 300 is larger than that of the connection part between the discharge flow path 311 and the outer tub 20, which can contribute to making the resistance of the circulating air larger on the discharge flow path 311 side than on the return flow path 312 side. Thus, the above (1) and (2) can be realized.

[0048] The presence of primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403 can prevent dust from clogging the return flow path 312 side, which can cause an increase in pressure loss on the return flow path 312 side of the circulating air. Therefore, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be realized. In addition, since a plurality of the filters, namely, primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403, are provided, dust in the circulating air can be effectively removed. Note that three or more filters may be provided. Thus, the above-mentioned (1) and (2) can be realized.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, if primary filter 402 and secondary filter 403 are automatically and frequently cleaned under the control of control device 441, there is no risk of forgetting to clean for a long period of time, as occurs when cleaning is done manually, and clogging due to dust on the return flow path 312 side can be suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce pressure loss on the return flow path 312 side of the circulating air. This makes it possible to achieve the above-mentioned (1) and (2).

[0050] In addition to the above, in this embodiment, the following means is also adopted to reduce the internal pressure in washing tub 41 during the drying process. First, by the process of FIG. 11, when the internal pressure of washing tub 41 is high, blower 2 is not shifted to the second rotation speed, but is maintained at the first rotation speed, thereby preventing the internal pressure of washing tub 41 from becoming high. In this case, since there may be an error (product variation) in water level sensor 551, by confirming that water level sensor 551 is correctly detecting the internal pressure of washing tub 41 and setting blower 2 to the second rotation speed, the internal pressure of washing tub 41 is prevented from inadvertently becoming excessively high.

[0051] In this case, water level sensor 551 is originally a sensor for predicting the water level in washing tub 41, but since it measures the internal pressure of washing tub 41, by using water level sensor 551 as the sensor to be used for this control, it is not necessary to provide a separate pressure sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following means is also used to prevent the water in the trap 213 from leaking out. That is, the condensed water discharged by the drain pump 221 is discharged to the outside through the condensed water hose 222 and the drain hose 205. At that time, the condensed water flowing through the drain hose 205 may cause the discharge path 211 downstream of the trap 213 to become negative pressure. At that time, the water in the trap 213 may escape due to the pressure. Therefore, the discharge path 211 downstream of the trap 213 is allowed to escape to the atmosphere through the pressure relief flow path 411, thereby preventing the water in the trap 213 from escaping.

[0053] This pressure relief flow path 411 is connected to the laundry treatment liquid tank 412. That is, the inside of the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 is at atmospheric pressure, and has an area where water does not cause any problems even if it enters. Also, when the water in the trap 213 is drained, there is a possibility that water vapor from the washing tub 41 flows through the pressure relief flow path 411, but the laundry treatment liquid tank 412 has an area where condensation does not cause any problems. For these reasons, it is appropriate that the destination 413 of the pressure relief flow path 411 is the laundry treatment liquid tank 412.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to easily explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiment having all of the described configurations. In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as the program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0055] In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 2. Blower 20 Outer tank 29 Rotating drum (inner tank) 41 Washing tub 100 Washer / dryer 205 Drain hose (drainage channel) 211 Exhaust channel 213 Trap 221 Drainage pump (pump) 222 Condensation water hose (condensation water flow path) 300 Heat pump unit (drying and heating device) 311 Discharge flow path 312 Return flow path 402 Primary filter (filter) 403 Secondary Filter (Filter) 411 Pressure relief channel 431 Secondary filter cleaning piece (filter cleaning device) 432 4-way valve (filter cleaning device) 434 Cleaning control section 551 Water level sensor (sensor) 552 Air flow control unit 701 Connection 702 Part (Connection)

Claims

1. A washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub provided in the outer tub; A drying and heating device that dries and heats air using a heat pump system; A discharge flow path which is a flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying and heating device into the washing tub; A return flow path which is a flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path into the washing tub from the washing tub to the drying / heating device; a blower disposed downstream of the drying / heating device and configured to supply air from the drying / heating device to the discharge flow path; A drainage path connected to the outer tank side for draining water in the outer tank to the outside; a trap that is provided in the discharge passage and is bent to keep water flowing through the discharge passage inside, thereby blocking the flow of air through the discharge passage between the outer tank side and the outside side; wherein, during operation of the drying / heating device, a pressure loss in the return flow path of air and in a dehumidifier and a heater of the drying / heating device is smaller than a pressure loss in the discharge flow path.

2. A washing tub having an outer tub and an inner tub provided in the outer tub; A drying and heating device that dries and heats air using a heat pump system; A discharge flow path which is a flow path for supplying the air dried and heated by the drying and heating device into the washing tub; A return flow path which is a flow path for returning the air supplied from the discharge flow path into the washing tub from the washing tub to the drying / heating device; a blower disposed downstream of the drying / heating device and configured to blow air from the drying / heating device toward the discharge flow path; A drainage path connected to the outer tank side for draining water in the outer tank to the outside; a trap that is provided in the discharge passage and is bent to keep water flowing through the discharge passage inside, thereby blocking the flow of air through the discharge passage between the outer tank side and the outside side; During operation of the drying / heating device, a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the washing tub and the inlet of the blower is smaller than a pressure difference between the internal pressure and the outlet of the blower.

3. 2. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a length of the return flow path is shorter than a length of the discharge flow path.

4. 2. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the return flow path is greater than a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge flow path.

5. 2. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​a connection between the return flow path and the drying / heating device is larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​a connection between the discharge flow path and the outer tub.

6. 2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, further comprising a filter for removing dust provided in an air flow path including the return flow path between the outer tub and a dehumidifier of the drying and heating device.

7. 7. The washing / drying machine according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the filters are provided in the air flow path.

8. a pump for discharging condensation water generated by drying the air in the drying and heating device; A drainage path for draining water from the washing tub to the outside; a condensation water flow path that connects the pump and the discharge path and causes the condensation water discharged by the pump to flow to the discharge path; 2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure relief flow path connected to the discharge path downstream of the trap and upstream of the condensation water flow path, for releasing pressure on the downstream side to the atmosphere.

9. a filter cleaning device for cleaning the filter with water; 8. The washing / drying machine according to claim 6, further comprising a cleaning control unit that controls the filter cleaning device to clean the filter at a predetermined timing.

10. A sensor for determining an internal pressure in the washing tub; 2. The washer-dryer according to claim 1, further comprising an air blowing control unit that controls the blower so that, when the drying / heating device is driven, the blower is started to be driven at a first rotation speed, and then, when the internal pressure of the washing tub is lower than a predetermined judgment value of the internal pressure detected by the sensor, the blower is driven at a second rotation speed faster than the first rotation speed.

11. 11. The washer-dryer according to claim 10, wherein the air blowing control unit, after starting to drive the blower at the first rotation speed, increases or decreases the rotation speed of the blower to observe fluctuations in the detection value of the sensor, and drives the blower at the second rotation speed according to the observation results.

Images