Washing and drying machine

Abstract

To provide a washing and drying machine having a configuration in which a first dry filter can be automatically cleaned in a circulation path and a second dry filter can be removed from the circulation path and cleaned by a user at good timing.SOLUTION: In a washing and drying machine 1, a control part detects whether clogging occurs on a whole dry filter including a first dry filter 140 and a second dry filter 170 on the basis of presence or absence of reduction in air capacity flowing in a circulation path 110 due to occurrence of the clogging. When detecting occurrence of the clogging, the control part makes a water feeding member 150 and a wiper mechanism 160 clean the first dry filter 140. When detecting that the clogging is not removed after the first dry filter 140 is cleaned, the control part makes a display part execute a first notification based on occurrence of the clogging on the second dry filter 170.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a drum-type washer-dryer in which a circulation air duct (circulation path) is provided outside the water tub (outer tub) for circulating and supplying warm air for drying into the drum, and a lint capture unit with a double-layered filter consisting of a main filter and a backup filter is provided within the circulation air duct.

[0003] The washer-dryer of Patent Document 1 further includes a filter cleaning mechanism in the lint trapping section for cleaning the main filter and the backup filter. The filter cleaning mechanism includes a first cleaning member for cleaning the main filter, a second cleaning member for cleaning the backup filter, and a drive mechanism for simultaneously driving these members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes the first cleaning member to reciprocate over the surface of the main filter, and the second cleaning member to reciprocate over the surface of the backup filter. This removes lint accumulated on the main filter and the backup filter.

[0004] In the washer-dryer of Patent Document 1, both of the two filters are automatically cleaned in the circulating air duct by a filter cleaning mechanism.

[0005] On the other hand, in a washing machine in which a first drying filter and a second drying filter that capture foreign matter such as lint are placed at different positions within the circulation path, rather than being configured to automatically clean the two filters as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the first drying filter cannot be removed from the circulation path but is automatically cleaned by a filter cleaning unit, and the second drying filter can be removed from the circulation path and manually cleaned while removed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-196271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When the latter configuration is adopted, it is desirable to notify the user when clogging occurs in the second drying filter so that the user can clean the second drying filter.

[0008] Generally, clogging of a drying filter can be detected by detecting whether or not the volume of air flowing through the circulation path is reduced using the current flowing through the drying fan, etc. However, as described above, when two drying filters are arranged in the circulation path, it is not possible to identify that the second drying filter is clogged simply by detecting whether or not the volume of air is reduced. Therefore, it is difficult to notify the user when clogging of the second drying filter occurs.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a washing / drying machine configured so that the first drying filter can be automatically cleaned within the circulation path and the second drying filter can be removed from the circulation path, allowing the user to clean the second drying filter at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A washer-dryer according to a main aspect of the present invention comprises an outer tub arranged within a housing, an inner tub arranged within the outer tub and containing laundry, a circulation path connected to the outer tub, a blower fan that circulates air between the outer tub and the circulation path, a heater arranged within the circulation path and heating the air, a first drying filter arranged within the circulation path and capturing foreign matter contained in the air, the first drying filter being non-removable from the circulation path, a second drying filter arranged in a position within the circulation path different from the first drying filter and capturing foreign matter contained in the air, a filter cleaning unit that cleans the first drying filter within the circulation path and removes the captured foreign matter, a control unit, and an alarm unit. Here, the control unit detects whether clogging has occurred in the first drying filter and the second drying filter as a whole based on whether or not there is a decrease in the air flow rate flowing through the circulation path due to the clogging, and if it detects that clogging has occurred, it causes the filter cleaning unit to clean the first drying filter, and if it detects that the clogging has not been resolved after the first drying filter has been cleaned, it causes the notification unit to issue a first notification based on the fact that clogging has occurred in the second drying filter.

[0011] For example, to detect whether the volume of air flowing through the circulation path has decreased due to clogging, the volume of air itself may be detected by an air volume sensor, or a physical quantity that changes depending on the volume of air, such as the value of the current flowing through the blower fan, may be detected by another detection unit.

[0012] Also, for example, within the circulation path, the heater can be positioned downstream of the air flow from the blower fan, one of the first drying filter and the second drying filter can be positioned upstream of the air flow from the blower fan, and the other drying filter can be positioned between the blower fan and the heater.

[0013] Note that "removable" means that it can be removed without using tools or the like, and "non-removable" means that it cannot be removed without using tools or the like.

[0014] According to the washer-dryer of this aspect, the first notification issued by the notification unit allows the user to clean the second drying filter at an appropriate timing when clogging occurs in the second drying filter.

[0015] In the washer-dryer according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to, when it detects that the clogging has been cleared after the first drying filter has been cleaned, execute a drying process in which laundry in the inner tub is dried using air circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path while being heated by the heater.

[0016] For example, if clogging is detected before the drying process, such as before the washing process or after the final spin-drying process, the clogging is cleared and the drying process is restarted from the beginning. On the other hand, if clogging is detected during the drying process, the drying process is interrupted, the first drying filter is cleaned, and the clogging is cleared, and the drying process is restarted from the point where it was interrupted.

[0017] According to the above configuration, if the clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated by cleaning the first drying filter, the drying process is carried out and the laundry in the inner tub is dried.

[0018] In the washer-dryer of this aspect, the control unit may be configured to cause the alarm unit to issue the first alert, and then monitor whether the second drying filter has been reattached to the circulation path after being removed from the circulation path, and if it detects that the clogging has not been resolved after the second drying filter has been reattached to the circulation path, cause the alarm unit to issue a second alert based on the fact that the first drying filter is clogged.

[0019] According to the above configuration, if the clogging of the entire drying filter is not cleared even after cleaning of the second drying filter, the user can be notified that the first drying filter is clogged by the second notification issued by the notification unit.

[0020] In the above configuration, the control unit may be further configured to, when it detects that the clogging has been cleared after the second drying filter is reattached to the circulation path, execute a drying process in which the laundry in the inner tub is dried using air that is heated by the heater and circulates between the outer tub and the circulation path, and not execute the drying process when it does not detect that the clogging has been cleared after the second drying filter is reattached to the circulation path.

[0021] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the drying process from being carried out in a state where the laundry in the inner tub cannot be dried properly due to an insufficient volume of heated air circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, a washing / drying machine can be provided in which the first drying filter can be automatically cleaned within the circulation path and the second drying filter can be removed from the circulation path, allowing the user to clean the second drying filter at an appropriate time.

[0023] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit executed in the washing and drying operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a filter clogging detection process executed by the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the control operations of the control unit executed in the washing and drying operation according to the modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit executed in the washing and drying operation according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a washing / drying machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a washer / dryer 1. As shown in FIG.

[0027] The washer-dryer 1 of this embodiment is a so-called drum-type washer-dryer. The washer-dryer 1 includes a rectangular housing 10. A circular loading opening 11 through which laundry is loaded is formed on the front of the housing 10. The loading opening 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

[0028] An outer tub 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A horizontal-axis drum 23 is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. The drum 23 may also rotate around an axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The drum 23 corresponds to the inner tub of the present invention.

[0029] The outer tub 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. The outer tub 20 includes an annular packing 24 made of an elastic material provided on the periphery of the opening 20a. The packing 24 is connected to the periphery of the input port 11. The periphery of the closed door 12 comes into contact with the packing 24, and the space between the input port 11 and the door 12 is watertight.

[0030] A large number of dewatering holes 23b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. In addition, three baffles 25, each having a substantially triangular prism shape, are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0031] A drive motor 30 is disposed behind the outer tub 20 to generate torque for rotating the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor DC brushless motor. During the washing, rinsing, and drying processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is smaller than the gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. On the other hand, during the spin-drying process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much larger than the gravity, causing the laundry to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 23.

[0032] A drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain unit 40, which drains water from the outer tub 20, is connected to the drain outlet 20b. The drain unit 40 is composed of a drain valve 41, a drain hose 42, and a drain filter 43. The drain filter 43 is connected to the lower end of the drain outlet 20b. The drain valve 41 is provided downstream of the drain filter 43 and includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve. The drain hose 42 is connected to the drain valve 41. When the drain valve 41 is opened, water stored in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain outlet 20b, the drain filter 43, and the drain hose 42. Foreign matter such as lint is captured by the drain filter 43.

[0033] A water supply device 50 is disposed at the top of the housing 10. The water supply device 50 includes a first water supply valve 51, a second water supply valve 52, a first water supply hose 53, and a second water supply hose 54. The first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 are configured as dual electromagnetic valves. One end of the first water supply hose 53 is connected to the first water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to a water inlet 20c provided on the rear surface of the outer tub 20. The second water supply hose 54 has one end connected to the second water supply valve 52, and the other end connected to the water supply member 150.

[0034] When the first water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from the water faucet flows through the first water supply hose 53 and is supplied from the water inlet 20c into the outer tub 20. When the second water supply valve 52 is opened, tap water flows through the second water supply hose 54 and is supplied to the water supply member 150.

[0035] The first water supply hose 53 may be connected to a detergent box that houses a detergent container. In this case, a water injection pipe that is connected to the detergent box and through which water flows via the detergent container may be connected to the upper front part of the outer tub 20. Alternatively, instead of the detergent box, an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener into the outer tub 20 may be provided. The automatic dispenser includes, for example, a water supply channel, a liquid agent tank that stores the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener, and a pump that sends the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener from the liquid agent tank into the water supply channel. In this case, as water from the first water supply hose 53 flows through the water supply channel, the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener that has been discharged into the water supply channel is washed away by the water and supplied into the outer tub 20 via the water injection pipe.

[0036] A drying device 100 is disposed in an upper portion of the housing 10 for drying the laundry in the drum 23. The drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a blower fan 120, a cooler 131, a heater 132, a first drying filter 140, a water supply member 150, a wiper mechanism 160, and a second drying filter 170.

[0037] The circulation path 110 is an air path through which air flows and is connected to the outer tub 20. The circulation path 110 includes a first duct 111, a fan casing 112, a second duct 113, a first connection hose 114, and a second connection hose 115. One end of the first duct 111 is connected to an exhaust port 20d provided on the back surface of the outer tub 20, and the other end is connected to an intake port of the fan casing 112 via the first connection hose 114. One end of the second duct 113 is connected to an exhaust port of the fan casing 112 via the second connection hose 115, and the other end is connected to an intake port 20e provided near the opening 20a of the outer tub 20.

[0038] The blower fan 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and includes a fan 121 arranged in the fan casing 112 and a fan motor 122 for driving the fan 121 to rotate. The blower fan 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110. Air discharged from the outer tub 20 through the exhaust port 20d flows through the circulation path 110 via the first duct 111, the fan casing 112, and the second duct 113 in this order, and returns to the outer tub 20 through the intake port 20e.

[0039] The cooler 131 and the heater 132 are respectively disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the second duct 113. The cooler 131 and the heater 132 are respectively configured by an evaporator and a condenser included in a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor 133 (see FIG. 2) and an expansion valve that configure a refrigeration circuit together with the evaporator and the condenser.

[0040] A low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the cooler 131. The cooler 131 cools the air flowing in the circulation path 110 by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant, thereby dehumidifying the air.

[0041] A high-temperature refrigerant flows inside the heater 132. The heater 132 heats the dehumidified air flowing through the circulation path 110 by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0042] The cooler 131 may be a water-cooled heat exchanger or the like, and the heater 132 may be a semiconductor heater or the like.

[0043] The first drying filter 140, the water supply member 150, and the wiper mechanism 160 are disposed in the circulation path 110 upstream of the blower fan 120 in the air flow.

[0044] The first drying filter 140 is disposed in the circulation path 110 so as to block the air flow path. A mesh is formed on the surface of the first drying filter 140, which is the capturing surface. The first drying filter 140 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air discharged from the outer tub 20 using the capturing surface. The first drying filter 140 is fixed inside the circulation path 110 and cannot be removed from the circulation path 110. Therefore, the user cannot access the first drying filter 140 from the outside to perform cleaning or the like.

[0045] The water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 are intended to automatically clean the first drying filter 140 and remove trapped foreign matter. The water supply member 150 is disposed above the first drying filter 140 and causes water supplied from the second water supply valve 52 to flow over the surface of the first drying filter 140, washing away foreign matter adhering to the first drying filter 140. The wiper mechanism 160 includes a wiper 161 and an actuator 162. The wiper 161 is driven by the actuator 162 and moves back and forth over the surface of the first drying filter 140, thereby wiping off foreign matter adhering to the first drying filter 140. The water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 correspond to a filter cleaning unit of the present invention.

[0046] The second drying filter 170 is disposed in the circulation path 110 between the blower fan 120 and the heater 132 and cooler 131 so as to block the air flow path. A mesh is formed on the surface of the second drying filter 170, which is the capture surface. The second drying filter 170 has finer mesh than the first drying filter 140. The second drying filter 170 is inserted into the circulation path 110 from the upper surface of the circulation path 110 and can be removed upward from the circulation path 110. A handle 171 is attached to the upper end of the second drying filter 170 to be gripped when attaching or detaching the second drying filter 170 to or from the circulation path 110.

[0047] An entrance 13 is formed in the top surface of the housing 10 at a position that overlaps in the vertical direction with the arrangement position of the second drying filter 170 in the circulation path 110. The entrance 13 is closed by an openable and closable lid 14. When cleaning the second drying filter 170, the user can open the lid 14 and take the second drying filter 170, which has been removed from the circulation path 110, out of the housing 10 through the entrance 13. Furthermore, the user can open the lid 14, put the cleaned second drying filter 170 into the housing 10 through the entrance 13, and attach it to the circulation path 110.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washer / dryer 1.

[0049] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the washer-dryer 1 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a sound output unit 205, a water level sensor 206, a filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207, a fan current detection unit 208, a motor drive unit 209, a water supply drive unit 210, a drain drive unit 211, a fan drive unit 212, a compressor drive unit 213, and an actuator drive unit 214.

[0050] The operation unit 203 includes a power button for turning the power on and off, a course selection button for selecting an arbitrary course from a plurality of courses relating to operation such as washing operation, washing and drying operation, etc., and a start button for starting and pausing operation. The operation unit 203 outputs an input signal to the control unit 201 according to the button operated by the user.

[0051] The display unit 204 includes a display such as a light-emitting element like an LED or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected course, the progress of the operation, notifies of abnormalities, etc. in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The abnormality notification includes a clogging notification that notifies of clogging of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170. The display unit 204 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention.

[0052] The operation unit 203 and the display unit 204 may be configured as an operation display unit such as a touch panel.

[0053] The sound output unit 205 includes a speaker, and outputs sounds such as voice and alarm sounds from the speaker.

[0054] The water level sensor 206 detects the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 is connected, for example, via a hose to an air trap provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20, and detects the air pressure in the air trap, which changes depending on the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 outputs a frequency signal to the control unit 201 as a water level signal having a value according to the detected water level.

[0055] The filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 detects attachment / detachment of the second drying filter 170 to / from the circulation path 110. The filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 is configured, for example, by a reed switch. In this case, a magnet is attached to the handle portion 171. When the second drying filter 170 is attached to the circulation path 110, the magnet approaches the reed switch, turning the reed switch on, and an ON signal is output from the filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 to the control unit 201. When the second drying filter 170 is removed from the circulation path 110, the magnet moves away from the reed switch, turning the reed switch off, and an OFF signal is output from the filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 to the control unit 201. The filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 may be configured by another detector, such as a microswitch.

[0056] The fan current detection unit 208 is configured with a current detection circuit and the like, and detects the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing through the blower fan 120, i.e., the fan motor 122. In this embodiment, the fan current detection unit 208 is used to detect clogging of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170. That is, the fan current detection unit 208 functions as a clogging detection unit for detecting clogging.

[0057] The motor drive unit 209 drives the drive motor 30 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 209 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control unit 201. Furthermore, the motor drive unit 209 includes a current detection circuit that detects the current flowing through the drive motor 30.

[0058] The water supply driving unit 210 drives the first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The drain driving unit 211 drives the drain valve 41 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201.

[0059] The fan driving unit 212 drives the fan motor 122 of the blower fan 120 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The compressor driving unit 213 drives the compressor 133 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201, and operates the cooler 131 and the heater 132. The actuator driving unit 214 drives the actuator 162 of the wiper mechanism 160 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201.

[0060] The storage unit 202 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. Programs for executing various courses of operation are stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 also stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

[0061] The control unit 201 includes a CPU, etc., and controls the display unit 204, sound output unit 205, motor drive unit 209, water supply drive unit 210, drain drive unit 211, fan drive unit 212, compressor drive unit 213, actuator drive unit 214, etc. in accordance with programs stored in the memory unit 202 based on signals from the operation unit 203, water level sensor 206, filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207, fan current detection unit 208, etc.

[0062] In the washer-dryer 1, various courses are operated under the control of the control unit 201 based on the user's operation of the operation unit 203. The operations of the washer-dryer 1 include a wash-dry operation in which a washing step, an intermediate spin-drying step, a rinsing step, a final spin-drying step, and a drying step are performed in that order, and a wash operation in which the washing step through the final spin-drying step are performed but the drying step is not performed.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit 201 executed during the washing and drying operation.

[0064] On the operation unit 203, when a course related to the washing and drying operation is selected using the course selection button and then the start button is pressed, the washing and drying operation of the selected course is started.

[0065] 3, when the washing and drying operation is started, the control unit 201 detects the load amount of laundry in the drum 23 (S1). For example, the control unit 201 operates the drive motor 30 to rotate the drum 23 at a predetermined rotation speed, and detects the load amount based on the magnitude of the load applied to the drum 23. The magnitude of the load applied to the drum 23 can be detected based on the magnitude of the current flowing through the drive motor 30. The greater the load amount, the greater the load applied to the drum 23.

[0066] Next, the control unit 201 sets the water level in the outer tub 20 based on the detected load amount, and causes the display unit 204 to display the amount of detergent corresponding to the set water level (S2). Furthermore, the control unit 201 causes the display unit 204 to display the remaining operation time corresponding to the set water level (S3).

[0067] Next, the control unit 201 executes the washing step, the intermediate spin-drying step, the rinsing step, and the final spin-drying step in this order (S4 → S5 → S6 → S7).

[0068] In the washing process, water containing detergent is filled in the outer tub 20 up to a wash water level corresponding to the load of laundry, and laundry immersed in the water is tumbled by repeatedly rotating the drum 23 forward and backward. The detergent-containing water penetrates deep into the laundry, and the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling remove dirt adhering to the surface and interior of the laundry.

[0069] In the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward with water filled to a predetermined rinse level in the outer tub 20, tumbling the laundry. This expels the detergent contained in the laundry together with the water, rinsing the laundry.

[0070] In the intermediate spin-drying step and the final spin-drying step, drive motor 30 rotates in one direction at high speed, causing drum 23 to rotate in one direction at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside drum 23 is much greater than gravity. The centrifugal force presses the laundry against the inner circumferential surface of drum 23, causing it to be dewatered. In the final spin-drying step, drum 23 rotates at a rotation speed higher than that in the intermediate spin-drying step.

[0071] If the selected course includes two rinsing steps, the control unit 201 repeats the intermediate spin-drying step (S5) and the rinsing step (S6) twice.

[0072] When the final spin-drying step is completed, the control unit 201 executes a filter clogging detection process for the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 (S8).

[0073] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the filter clogging detection process executed by the control unit 201.

[0074] 4, the control unit 201 detects whether clogging has occurred in the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 as a whole, based on whether or not the volume of air flowing through the circulation path 110 has decreased due to the occurrence of clogging (S101). In this embodiment, the current value of the blower fan 120, which changes depending on the volume of air, is used to detect whether or not the volume of air has decreased.

[0075] That is, the control unit 201 rotates the blower fan 120 at a predetermined rotation speed, for example, the same rotation speed as that in the drying process, and the fan current detection unit 208 detects the value of the current flowing through the blower fan 120. When the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 as a whole become clogged due to the adhesion of a large amount of foreign matter, the volume of air flowing through the circulation path 110 due to the rotation of the blower fan 120 becomes smaller than the volume of air when no clogging occurs, and the current value of the blower fan 120 becomes smaller than when no clogging occurs. The control unit 201 can detect whether the current value of the blower fan 120 is smaller than a threshold value determined in advance by testing or the like, thereby detecting whether the drying filter as a whole is clogged.

[0076] If the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and that the drying filter as a whole is not clogged (S102: NO), it sets a drying flag, for example, to allow the drying process (S103).

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 is smaller than the threshold value and that the entire drying filter is clogged (S102: YES), it automatically cleans the first drying filter 140 using the water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 (S104).

[0078] That is, after opening the drain valve 41, the control unit 201 opens the second water supply valve 52 for a predetermined water supply time to supply water from the water supply member 150. Water flows onto the capture surface of the first drying filter 140, washing away foreign matter adhering to the capture surface. The foreign matter flows together with the water from the circulation path 110 to the outer tub 20, then into the drain hose 42, and is collected by the drain filter 43. Next, the control unit 201 drives the actuator 162 to move the wiper 161 back and forth for a predetermined wiper operation time. The wiper 161 moves while rubbing against the capture surface of the first drying filter 140, thereby scraping off the foreign matter adhering to the capture surface. Finally, water is again supplied from the water supply member 150, and the foreign matter scraped off by the wiper 161 flows together with the water from the circulation path 110 to the outer tub 20, then into the drain hose 42, and is collected by the drain filter 43. In this way, foreign matter is removed from the first drying filter 140.

[0079] The control unit 201 again detects clogging in the same manner as in S101 (S105). Then, when the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and that the clogging of the drying filter as a whole has been eliminated (S106: YES), it sets the drying process to be permitted (S103).

[0080] If clogging of the entire drying filter is mainly due to clogging of the second drying filter 170, it is difficult to eliminate the clogging even if the first drying filter 140 is cleaned. When the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 remains smaller than the threshold value and that clogging of the entire drying filter has not been eliminated (S106: NO), it causes the display unit 204 to issue a first notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the second drying filter 170. For example, a clogging indicator lamp included in the display unit 204 is turned on. This notifies the user that it is time to clean the second drying filter 170.

[0081] The control unit 201 uses the filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 to monitor whether the second drying filter 170 has been removed from the circulation path 110 and then reattached to the circulation path 110 (S108).

[0082] The user removes the second drying filter 170 from the circulation path 110 and takes it out of the housing 10, and cleans the capturing surface of the second drying filter 170 by washing it with water or the like to remove foreign matter from the capturing surface. Thereafter, the user returns the second drying filter 170 to the circulation path 110.

[0083] When the filter attachment / detachment detection unit 207 detects that the second drying filter 170 has been attached to the circulation path 110 and thus determines that the second drying filter 170 has been reattached to the circulation path 110 (S108: YES), the control unit 201 again performs a clog detection similar to S101 (S109). Then, when the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and that the clogging of the drying filter as a whole has been eliminated (S110: YES), it sets the drying process to be permitted (S103).

[0084] Automatic cleaning was performed because the clogging of the entire drying filter was mainly due to clogging that occurred in the first drying filter 140, but if the foreign matter could not be removed properly due to deterioration or malfunction of the wiper 161, poor water supply from the water supply member 150, or strong adhesion of foreign matter, and as a result, if it is detected in S106 that the clogging has not been cleared and the first notification is issued on the display unit 204, the clogging will be difficult to clear even if the user cleans the second drying filter 170.

[0085] When the control unit 201 detects that the current value of the blower fan 120 remains smaller than the threshold value and that the clogging of the entire drying filter has not been eliminated (S110: NO), it causes the display unit 204 to issue a second notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the first drying filter 140 (S111). The user cannot access the first drying filter 140 in the circulation path 110 and cannot clean it manually. There is also the possibility of a malfunction of the water supply member 150 or the wiper mechanism 160. Therefore, for example, an error code indicating an abnormality notification related to the first drying filter 140 is displayed on the display unit 204 as the second notification.

[0086] Furthermore, if the clogging of the drying filter as a whole cannot be eliminated, the amount of heated air circulating between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 will be insufficient, and the laundry may not be dried properly in the drying process. Therefore, the control unit 201 sets the drying process to be disallowed by, for example, keeping the drying flag in the reset state (S112).

[0087] 3, when the filter clogging detection process ends, the control unit 201 determines whether or not a setting to permit the drying process has been made (S9). If a setting to permit the drying process has been made (S9: YES), the control unit 201 starts the drying process (S10). That is, the control unit 201 executes the drying process when the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 are not clogged as a whole from the beginning, or when clogging has occurred but the clogging has been eliminated by automatic cleaning of the first drying filter 140 or manual cleaning of the second drying filter 170 by the user.

[0088] In the drying process, the blower fan 120 operates to circulate air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110, and the heater 132 operates to heat the air introduced into the outer tub 20. Furthermore, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward to tumble the laundry. The heated air hits the tumbling laundry, drying it.

[0089] Foreign matter such as lint and dust from the laundry is taken into the circulation path 110 together with the air. The foreign matter is captured by the first drying filter 140 as the air passes through it. Furthermore, small foreign matter that could not be captured by the first drying filter 140 is captured by the second drying filter 170 as the air passes through it. This makes it difficult for foreign matter to adhere to the blower fan 120 located downstream of the first drying filter 140 or the cooler 131 and heater 132 located downstream of the second drying filter 170. The air that has removed moisture from the laundry is dehumidified by heat exchange with the cooler 131 before being heated by the heater 132.

[0090] At the end of the drying process, automatic cleaning is performed on the first drying filter 140. This automatic cleaning is similar to the automatic cleaning performed in S104 of the filter clogging detection process in FIG.

[0091] When the drying process is completed, the washing and drying operation is completed.

[0092] In S9, if the setting to prohibit the drying process is set (S9: NO), the control unit 201 does not start the drying process. That is, if the clogging of the first drying filter 140 causes clogging of the entire drying filter, the control unit 201 does not execute the drying process. In this case, the washing and drying operation ends without executing the drying process.

[0093] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the control unit 201 detects whether or not clogging has occurred in the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 as a whole, based on whether or not there is a decrease in the air flow rate flowing through the circulation path 110 due to the occurrence of the clogging.If the control unit 201 detects that clogging has occurred, it causes the water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 to clean the first drying filter 140.If it detects that the clogging has not been resolved after the first drying filter 140 has been cleaned, it causes the display unit 204 to issue a first alert based on the fact that clogging has occurred in the second drying filter 170.

[0094] According to this configuration, the first notification provided by the display unit 204 enables the user to clean the second drying filter 170 at an appropriate timing when clogging of the second drying filter 170 occurs.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 executes the drying process when it detects that the first drying filter 140 has been cleaned and is no longer clogged.

[0096] According to this configuration, once the clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated by cleaning the first drying filter 140, the drying process is carried out and the laundry in the drum 23 is dried.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, after causing the display unit 204 to issue a first alert, the control unit 201 monitors whether the second drying filter 170 has been reattached to the circulation path 110 after being removed from the circulation path 110, and if it detects that the clogging has not been resolved after the second drying filter 170 has been reattached to the circulation path 110, it causes the display unit 204 to issue a second alert based on the fact that clogging has occurred in the first drying filter 140.

[0098] According to this configuration, if the clogging of the entire drying filter is not cleared even after cleaning of the second drying filter 170, the user can be informed that the first drying filter 140 is clogged by the second notification provided by the display unit 204.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 executes the drying process when it detects that the clogging has been cleared after the second drying filter 170 has been reattached to the circulation path 110, and does not execute the drying process when it does not detect that the clogging has been cleared after the second drying filter 170 has been reattached to the circulation path 110.

[0100] This configuration can prevent the drying process from being performed in a state where the laundry in the drum 23 cannot be dried normally due to an insufficient amount of heated air circulating between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention are possible.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, in the wash / dry operation, the control unit 201 executes the filter clogging detection process (S8) of FIG. 4 after the final spinning step (S7) and before the drying step (S10). However, as shown in FIG. 5(a), in the wash / dry operation, the control unit 201 may execute the filter clogging detection process (S8) immediately after the start of the operation, i.e., before the load amount detection (S1). Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in the wash / dry operation, the control unit 201 may execute the filter clogging detection process (S8) after the remaining time display (S3) and before the washing step (S4). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, in the wash / dry operation, the control unit 201 may execute the filter clogging detection process (S8) after the drying step (S10).

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 201 may execute a filter clogging detection process during the drying process (S10). In this case, if clogging is detected in S102 of the filter clogging detection process and a first notification is issued in S107, the drying process is suspended until the clogging is cleared and permission for the drying process is set in S103. Also, if the clogging is not cleared after the first notification is issued in S107 and a second notification is issued, the suspended drying process is not resumed and the washing and drying operation ends.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the current value of the blower fan 120, which changes depending on the air volume, is used to detect whether or not the volume of air flowing through the circulation path 110 has decreased due to the occurrence of clogging. However, the air volume itself may be detected by an air volume sensor. Alternatively, the drying time required for the previous drying process may be detected as a physical quantity that changes depending on the air volume, similar to the current value of the blower fan 120. In this case, a configuration is adopted in which the drying process is terminated when it is detected that the laundry is dry using a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air discharged from the outer tub 20. Therefore, the smaller the air volume, the longer the drying time. Furthermore, to detect whether or not the volume of air has decreased, a temperature sensor may be used to detect the temperature rise inside the drum 23 during the drying process. In this case, the smaller the air volume, the slower the temperature rise inside the drum 23.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 are used as a filter cleaning unit that automatically cleans the first drying filter 140. However, only one of the water supply member 150 and the wiper mechanism 160 may be used.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the second drying filter 170 and the second notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the first drying filter 140 may be made by an alarm sound or voice from the sound output unit 205 in addition to or instead of the display unit 204. In this case, the sound output unit 205 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the clogging is not cleared after the first notification is issued in S107 of the filter clogging detection process and the second notification is issued, control unit 201 sets the drying process to be disallowed and does not execute the drying process. However, if the threshold value compared with the current value of blower fan 120 is set to a value that ensures minimum drying performance even if the clogging is not cleared, a configuration may be adopted in which the drying process is executed in that wash and dry operation even if the setting to disallow the drying process is set.

[0108] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a second drying filter 170 is arranged upstream of the blower fan 120 within the circulation path 110, and a first drying filter 140, a water supply member 150 and a wiper mechanism 160 are arranged between the blower fan 120 and the heater 132 and the cooler 131.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the washer / dryer 1 is a drum-type washer / dryer equipped with a horizontal-axis drum 23. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called vertical-type washer / dryer equipped with a vertical-axis washing / spinning tub having a pulsator inside.

[0110] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10. Cabinet 20 Outer tank 23 Drum (inner tank) 110 Circulation path 120 Blower fan 132 Heater 140 First drying filter 150 Water supply member (filter cleaning part) 160 Wiper mechanism (filter cleaning part) 170 Second Drying Filter 201 Control Unit 204 Display unit (notification unit)

Claims

1. an outer tank disposed within the housing; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub and configured to accommodate laundry; a circulation path connected to the outer tank; a blower fan that circulates air between the outer tank and the circulation path; a heater disposed in the circulation path and configured to heat the air; a first drying filter disposed in the circulation path and configured to capture foreign matter contained in the air and not removable from the circulation path; a second drying filter that is detachable from the circulation path and that is disposed at a position different from the first drying filter in the circulation path and that captures foreign matter contained in the air; a filter cleaning unit that cleans the first drying filter in the circulation path and removes trapped foreign matter; A control unit; a notification unit, The control unit detecting whether clogging has occurred in the first drying filter and the second drying filter as a whole based on whether or not a volume of air flowing through the circulation path has decreased due to the clogging; when the occurrence of clogging is detected, the filter cleaning unit is caused to clean the first drying filter; when it is detected that the clogging has not been eliminated after the first drying filter has been cleaned, the notification unit is caused to issue a first notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the second drying filter. A washer-dryer characterized by the above.

2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, When the control unit detects that the clogging has been eliminated after the first drying filter has been cleaned, the control unit executes a drying process in which the laundry in the inner tub is dried by air circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path while being heated by the heater. This is a washing machine / dryer that is characterized by the above.

3. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit After causing the notification unit to issue the first notification, monitoring whether the second drying filter has been removed from the circulation path and then reattached to the circulation path; when it is detected that the clogging has not been eliminated after the second drying filter is reattached to the circulation path, the notification unit issues a second notification based on the occurrence of clogging in the first drying filter. A washer-dryer characterized by the above.

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3, The control unit When it is detected that the clogging has been eliminated after the second drying filter is reattached to the circulation path, a drying step is carried out in which the laundry in the inner tub is dried by air circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path while being heated by the heater, and the drying step is not performed if it is not detected that the clogging has been eliminated after the second drying filter is reattached to the circulation path. A washer-dryer characterized by the above.

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