Washer dryer

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing and drying machine that can stably adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air in each step of the drying operation. [Solution] The washing machine according to the present invention includes a return duct 62 that returns circulating air from the outer tub 2 to the heat pump unit 10, and an exhaust duct 210 whose one end is connected to the return duct 62 and which is capable of exhausting circulating air to the outside. The exhaust duct 210 includes a valve housing duct section 212, and an upstream exhaust duct section 211 and a downstream exhaust duct section 213 connected to the valve housing duct section 212. The valve housing duct section 212 includes an upstream valve housing duct hole 212a to which the upstream exhaust duct section 211 is connected, a downstream valve housing duct hole 212b to which the downstream exhaust duct section 213 is connected, and a valve 220 that can open and close holes 212a and 212b. The valve 220 switches between a state in which part or all of hole 212a is closed and a state in which part or all of hole 212b is closed, thereby switching the amount of circulating air to be exhausted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine that performs washing and drying.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of conventional washing and drying machines are described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a washing and drying machine that includes a heat pump device. In the drying process, after moisture is taken from the clothes in the inner tub, the moist air is repeatedly cooled and dehumidified by a heat absorber and heated by a radiator, thereby advancing the drying of the clothes in the inner tub (for example, paragraph

[0033] ). In this washing and drying machine, part of the air circulating in the circulation air duct is exhausted from the exhaust port and appropriately radiates heat outside the circulation air duct, so that an overload can be prevented from being applied to the compressor of the heat pump device and the operation can be stopped.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a washing and drying machine in which, during the drying operation, by appropriately switching the opening and closing state of the lid of the exhaust port, a drying operation according to the amount of moisture evaporation from the laundry and the drying state of the laundry is performed, so that an efficient drying operation can be expected (for example, refer to paragraph

[0003] ).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] To perform efficient drying operations, it is necessary to adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air according to the drying operation conditions, such as the drying process. Conventional technologies, such as the technology described in Patent Document 2, adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air by opening and closing the exhaust port using an exhaust damper (lid) and a motor that drives the exhaust damper. However, with such a configuration, since the exhaust volume is adjusted by the opening and closing angle of the exhaust damper, it is difficult to stably adjust the exhaust volume due to the effects of play in the exhaust damper shaft and motor gears.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying machine that can stably adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air in each step of the drying operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The washing and drying machine according to the present invention comprises an outer tub capable of holding water, an inner tub located inside the outer tub and capable of rotational drive, a heat pump unit equipped with a heat exchanger, a supply duct that sends circulating air from the heat pump unit to the outer tub, a return duct that returns the circulating air from the outer tub to the heat pump unit, and an exhaust duct having one end connected to the return duct or the outer tub and the other end open to the outside, capable of exhausting the circulating air to the outside. The exhaust duct comprises a valve housing duct section provided between the one end and the other end, an upstream exhaust duct section connected to the valve housing duct section and having the one end which is the upstream side of the circulating air being exhausted, and a downstream exhaust duct section connected to the valve housing duct section and having the other end which is the downstream side of the circulating air being exhausted. The valve housing duct section comprises an upstream valve housing duct hole to which the upstream exhaust duct section is connected, a downstream valve housing duct hole to which the downstream exhaust duct section is connected, and a valve capable of opening and closing the upstream valve housing duct hole and the downstream valve housing duct hole. The valve switches between a state in which part or all of the upstream valve housing duct hole is closed and a state in which part or all of the downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, thereby switching the exhaust volume of the circulating air.

[0009] Furthermore, the washing machine and dryer according to the present invention may also have the following configuration: that is, the washing machine and dryer according to the present invention includes an outer tub capable of holding water, an inner tub located inside the outer tub and capable of rotational drive, a heat pump unit equipped with a heat exchanger, and an exhaust duct capable of switching the amount of circulating air circulating between the heat pump unit, the outer tub, and the inner tub to the outside in at least three stages, according to the drying process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can stably adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air in each step of the drying operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the washing machine and dryer with the side panel removed. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the washer-dryer as viewed from the rear at an angle, with the rear and side panels removed. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the outer tub of a washer-dryer. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a rear view of the washer-dryer, with the top panel, side panels, and rear panel removed. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of the upper right side of the washer-dryer shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the valve housing duct section. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section where the valve is in a closed state. [Figure 6C] This is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section where the valve is in a partially closed state. [Figure 6D] This is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section with the valve in the open position. [Figure 7]It is a view of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. 1 seen from the rear, and shows the washing and drying machine with the upper panel, side panel, and rear panel attached. [Figure 8] It is a view of the washing and drying machine seen from obliquely rearward, and shows the washing and drying machine with the upper panel, rear panel, and side panel removed. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the heat pump unit provided in the washing and drying machine. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the time changes of the supply air temperature and the return air temperature during the drying operation of the washing and drying machine, the states of the valves in each drying process, and an example of the exhaust volume of the circulating air. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the time changes of the condenser refrigerant temperature and the return air humidity during the drying operation of the washing and drying machine, the states of the valves in each drying process, and an example of the exhaust volume of the circulating air. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The washing and drying machine according to the present invention can stably adjust the circulating air to an appropriate exhaust volume according to each step of the drying operation, and can perform an efficient drying operation.

[0013] Hereinafter, the washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0014] The outline of the configuration of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0015] A FIG. 1 is a view of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment seen from the side, and shows the washing and drying machine 100 with the side panel removed.

[0016] Figure 2 is a view of the washer-dryer 100 shown in Figure 1, taken from the rear at an angle, and shows the washer-dryer 100 with the rear panel 1b and side panels removed.

[0017] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the outer tub 2 of the washing and drying machine 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0018] In this specification, when viewing the washer-dryer 100 from the front, the side visible on the right will be referred to as the right side, and the side visible on the left will be referred to as the left side. In addition, in the washer-dryer 100, the left-right direction may be referred to as the width direction, the front-back direction as the depth direction, and the up-down direction as the height direction.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the washer-dryer 100 is a drum-type washer-dryer having both washing and drying functions, and comprises a housing 1. The housing 1 comprises a front design panel 1a, a rear panel 1b, a top panel 1d, a base 1e, a front panel 1f, and side panels (not shown).

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the frame is formed by combining reinforcing materials such as side panels and front panel 1f (see Figure 3), mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, on the upper part of the base 1e. The housing 1 is then formed by attaching the front side design panel 1a, the rear panel 1b, and the top panel 1d on top of this frame. The front side design panel 1a has an opening for loading and unloading laundry such as clothes. This opening is covered by a door (not shown) that can be opened.

[0021] An outer tank 2 is installed inside the housing 1. The outer tank 2 can hold liquid (e.g., water) and is supported by multiple suspensions 21.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, a heat pump unit 10 for achieving the drying function is located on the rear side of the washer-dryer 100. The heat pump unit 10 includes an evaporator (cooler), compressor, condenser (heater), expansion valve, and gas-liquid separator, etc. (not shown). The evaporator and condenser constitute a heat exchanger. The condenser is located downstream of the evaporator.

[0023] The air circulating between the heat pump unit 10 and the outer tank 2 and inner tank 3 (see Figure 3) is blown by a blower 11, cooled and dehumidified in an evaporator, and then heated in a condenser. The air dehumidified and heated in the heat pump unit 10 dries laundry such as clothes in the inner tank 3, becoming hot and humid, and then returns to the heat pump unit 10. An air circulation path is configured between the heat pump unit 10 and the outer tank 2 so that the air used to dry the laundry circulates between the heat pump unit 10 and the inner tank 3. This circulation path is called an air circulation duct 6.

[0024] As will be described later with reference to Figure 4, the air circulation duct 6 comprises an air circulation duct section called a supply duct 61 and an air circulation duct section called a return duct 62.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, an inner tub 3 is installed inside the outer tub 2. The inner tub 3 has a cylindrical side portion 3b with numerous holes 3a, and the back side of the side portion 3b is closed by a bottom surface 3c. The inner tub 3 has an opening 3d on its front side, and a fluid balancer 31 is provided on the outer circumference (periphery) of the opening 3d. The fluid balancer 31 is provided to reduce vibrations caused by the unbalanced laundry during the spin cycle.

[0026] The inner tank 3 is configured to be rotationally driven via a drive shaft 51 by a motor 5 located on the bottom (rear) of the outer tank 2. For this reason, the inner tank 3 is also called a rotating drum.

[0027] The air circulation duct 6 will be explained using Figure 4.

[0028] Figure 4 is a view of the washing machine 100 shown in Figure 1 from the rear (back side), and shows the washing machine 100 with the top panel 1d, side panels, and rear panel 1b removed.

[0029] In this specification, the configuration of the air circulation duct 6 is defined with respect to the heat pump unit 10. In this embodiment, since the blower 11 (see Figure 2) is integrated with the heat pump unit 10, the configuration of the air circulation duct 6 is defined with respect to the blower 11 and the heat pump unit 10.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the air circulation duct 6 comprises a supply duct 61, which is an air circulation duct section located upstream of the inner tank 3 (see Figure 3), a return duct 62, which is an air circulation duct section located downstream of the inner tank 3, and an exhaust device 200 that exhausts a portion of the circulating air.

[0031] The supply duct 61 is located between the heat pump unit 10 and the outer tank 2, and constitutes an air circulation duct section that supplies air from the heat pump unit 10 to the outer tank 2. More specifically, the supply duct 61 is located between the blower 11, which is downstream of the heat pump unit 10, and the outer tank 2, and is connected to the heat pump unit 10 via the blower 11.

[0032] The return duct 62 is located between the outer tank 2 and the heat pump unit 10, and constitutes an air circulation duct section that returns air from the outer tank 2 to the heat pump unit 10.

[0033] The exhaust device 200 is a device that exhausts a portion of the circulating air between the heat pump unit 10, the outer tub 2, and the inner tub 3 to the outside of the washing and drying machine 100. As shown in Figure 4, the exhaust device 200 includes an exhaust duct 210 having a valve housing duct section 212 and an upstream exhaust duct section 211.

[0034] The exhaust system 200 will be explained using Figures 5 to 7.

[0035] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the upper right side of the washing machine 100 shown in Figure 4.

[0036] Figures 6A to 6D are cross-sectional views of the valve housing duct section 212 located at the top of the washing machine 100 shown in Figure 4. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the valve housing duct section 212. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section 212 with the valve 220 in a closed state. Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section 212 with the valve 220 in a partially closed state. Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view showing the valve housing duct section 212 with the valve 220 in an open state.

[0037] Figure 7 is a view of the washing machine 100 shown in Figure 1 from the rear (back side), and shows the washing machine 100 with the top panel 1d, side panels, and rear panel 1b attached.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, in the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment, the exhaust device 200 is connected to the return duct 62 and opens to the outside through the exhaust port 214 shown in Figure 7. The exhaust device 200 exhausts the hot, humid circulating air from the outer tub 2, which has had moisture removed from the clothes, to the outside of the washing machine 100. In the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment, this exhaust action of the exhaust device 200 promotes dehumidification.

[0039] The exhaust device 200 may be connected to the outer tub 2 instead of the return duct 62 and open to the outside at the exhaust port 214. A washing machine 100 with such a configuration can also exhaust hot and humid circulating air to the outside of the washing machine 100, and can obtain the same dehumidifying effect as the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment.

[0040] The exhaust system 200 includes an exhaust duct 210 that exhausts the high-temperature, high-humidity circulating air that has passed through the outer tank 2 to the outside of the air circulation duct 6 via a return duct 62. One end of the exhaust duct 210 is connected to the return duct 62, and the other end opens to the outside at an exhaust port 214 as shown in Figure 7, allowing the circulating air to be exhausted to the outside. When the exhaust system 200 is connected to the outer tank 2, one end of the exhaust duct 210 is connected to the outer tank 2, and the other end opens to the outside at an exhaust port 214. One end of the exhaust duct 210 is on the upstream side of the circulating air being exhausted, and the other end is on the downstream side of the circulating air being exhausted.

[0041] The exhaust duct 210 comprises a valve housing duct section 212 provided between one end and the other end, an upstream exhaust duct section 211 connected to the valve housing duct section 212, and a downstream exhaust duct section 213 connected to the valve housing duct section 212. The upstream exhaust duct section 211 is provided on the upstream side of the circulating air exhausted to the valve housing duct section 212 and comprises one end of the exhaust duct 210. The downstream exhaust duct section 213 is provided on the downstream side of the circulating air exhausted to the valve housing duct section 212 and comprises the other end of the exhaust duct 210.

[0042] The upstream exhaust duct section 211 is a duct section that connects the return duct 62 and the valve housing duct section 212, and comprises one end 211a, which is the upstream end, and the other end 211b, which is the downstream end. The one end 211a is connected to the downstream end of the return duct 62. The other end 211b is connected to the valve housing duct section 212. The upstream exhaust duct section 211 includes a connecting member 211c made of a bellows or the like between the one end 211a and the other end 211b. The upstream exhaust duct section 211 constitutes a flow path that directs a portion of the high-temperature, high-humidity circulating air upward and forward.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6A, the valve housing duct section 212, which constitutes a part of the exhaust duct 210, is provided with an upstream valve housing duct hole 212a that opens toward one end of the exhaust duct 210 (the upstream side of the circulating air being exhausted). The valve housing duct section 212 is also provided with a downstream valve housing duct hole 212b that opens toward the other end of the exhaust duct 210 (the downstream side of the circulating air being exhausted). Furthermore, the valve housing duct section 212 is equipped with a valve 220 that can open and close the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a and the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. The upstream exhaust duct section 211 is connected to the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a. The downstream exhaust duct section 213 is connected to the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. In other words, the valve 220 can open and close the upstream exhaust duct section 211 and the downstream exhaust duct section 213.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, an exhaust port 214 is provided on the back of the washing machine 100. The downstream end of the downstream exhaust duct section 213 is connected to the exhaust port 214.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6A, the valve housing duct section 212 is equipped with a drive device 221 that electrically controls the valve 220. The valve 220 is driven by the drive device 221 to open and close the exhaust duct 210.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6B, the valve 220 can completely block the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a. In this state, the valve 220 completely blocks the upstream exhaust duct section 211, and the exhaust duct 210, i.e., the exhaust device 200, does not exhaust the circulating air. All of the circulating air then circulates between the outer tank 2 and the inner tank 3 and the heat pump unit 10.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6B, the state in which the valve 220 completely blocks the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a, that is, the entire upstream exhaust duct section 211, is called the blocked state. In the blocked state, all of the circulating air circulates between the outer tank 2 and the inner tank 3 and the heat pump unit 10. In other words, the circulating air is not exhausted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6C, the valve 220 can block a portion of the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. In this state, the valve 220 blocks a portion of the downstream exhaust duct section 213, and the exhaust duct 210, i.e., the exhaust device 200, exhausts a portion of the circulating air. The portion of the circulating air flows through the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a, the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, the downstream exhaust duct section 213, and the exhaust port 214, and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine / dryer 100. The valve 220 is configured not to block the entire downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, i.e., the entire downstream exhaust duct section 213, but to block only a portion of it. For example, the valve 220 is sized so as not to block the entire downstream valve housing duct hole 212b.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6C, the state in which the valve 220 blocks a portion of the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, that is, a portion of the downstream exhaust duct section 213, is called a partial blockage state. In the partial blockage state, a portion of the circulating air is exhausted.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6D, the valve 220 can open both the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a and the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b without making contact with either of them. In this state, the valve 220 opens both the upstream exhaust duct section 211 and the downstream exhaust duct section 213 without making contact with either of them. As a result, the exhaust duct 210, i.e., the exhaust device 200, exhausts more circulating air than in the partially closed state (when the valve 220 partially closes the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b).

[0051] As shown in Figure 6D, the state in which the valve 220 does not block both the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a and the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b, that is, both the upstream exhaust duct section 211 and the downstream exhaust duct section 213, is called the open state. In the open state, more circulating air than in the partially blocked state flows through the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a, the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b, the downstream exhaust duct section 213, and the exhaust port 214 and is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100.

[0052] In the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment, the valve 220 housed in the valve housing duct section 212 is driven by the drive device 221, allowing the valve 220 to switch between the closed state, the partially closed state, and the open state, thereby allowing the amount of circulating air exhausted to the outside of the washing machine 100 to be switched in at least three stages. In the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment, the state of the valve 220 can be switched according to the drying process to appropriately adjust the amount of circulating air exhausted, enabling efficient drying operation.

[0053] The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment is configured such that the valve 220 completely closes the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a (see Figure 6B), but the valve 220 may also be configured to close only a portion of the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a. Even with the configuration in which the valve 220 partially closes the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a, the exhaust volume of circulating air can be adjusted in stages by making the exhaust volume larger or smaller than when the valve 220 partially closes the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b. Therefore, in the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment, whether the valve 220 completely closes the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a or partially closes it, the exhaust volume of circulating air can be appropriately adjusted in each stage of the drying operation, enabling efficient drying.

[0054] The drive unit 221 (see Figure 6A) that drives the valve 220 preferably includes a stepping motor. The stepping motor drives the valve 220 so that even after the valve 220 has come into contact with the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a or the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, it continues to drive the valve 220 and keep it pressing against the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a or the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. When the drive unit 221 includes a stepping motor, the valve 220 can continue to press the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a or the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b extra in this way, which can suppress rattle in the stepping motor gears and stabilize the exhaust volume of circulating air.

[0055] The washing machine 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration that allows the valve 220 to switch between a state in which the entire upstream valve storage duct hole 212a is closed (closed state shown in Figure 6B), a state in which a part of the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b is closed (partially closed state shown in Figure 6C), and a state in which both the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a and the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b are open (open state shown in Figure 6D). By configuring the valve 220 to completely close the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a, when the valve 220 is closed (when circulating air is not exhausted), it is possible to suppress steam leakage from the shaft portion of the stepping motor to the outside of the valve storage duct portion 212 and condensation inside the housing 1 caused by this steam leakage.

[0056] The washing machine 100 according to this embodiment may have a configuration in which the valve 220 closes not all but most of the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a. Most of it means almost all of the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a. In other words, the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a may be slightly open when the valve 220 is in contact with the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a.

[0057] The state in which valve 220 blocks most of the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a is called the mostly blocked state. In the mostly blocked state, a small amount of circulating air is exhausted, but the amount of circulating air exhausted at this time is less than the amount exhausted in the partially blocked state and the open state. Even in the mostly blocked state, it is possible to suppress steam leakage from the shaft portion of the stepping motor to the outside of the valve housing duct portion 212 and condensation inside the housing 1 caused by this steam leakage.

[0058] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment may also be configured to switch between a state in which the valve 220 partially closes a portion of the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a (partially closed state), a state in which the valve 220 completely closes the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b (closed state), and a state in which the valve 220 does not contact either the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a or the downstream valve storage duct hole 212b, leaving both open (open state). In the partially closed state, there is a concern that the flow velocity of the circulating air will locally increase at the partially closed area, leading to an increase in fluid noise. In this configuration, the upstream valve storage duct hole 212a, which is located upstream and far from the exhaust port 214, is in a partially closed state, which prevents the noise generated during the drying operation from becoming louder even if the fluid noise increases.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6A, it is preferable that the valve 220 is provided with a sealing member 220a on the surface in contact with the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a and a sealing member 220b on the surface in contact with the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. The sealing members 220a and 220b are made of an elastically deformable material. By pressing the sealing member 220a against the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a, or by pressing the sealing member 220b against the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, the effects of rattle and other issues in the valve 220 and the drive unit 221 can be suppressed, and the exhaust volume of circulating air can be stabilized. Note that the valve 220 may be provided with either the sealing member 220a or the sealing member 220b on only one of the surfaces in contact with the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a and the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b.

[0060] Preferably, the drive unit 221 equipped with a stepping motor is configured such that the stepping motor is not energized except when driving the valve 220 to switch the exhaust volume of circulating air. The upstream valve housing duct hole 212a has a small cross-sectional area and is subjected to small pressure. Therefore, the torque applied to the valve 220 can be small, and the holding torque of the stepping motor when it is not energized is sufficient to seal the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a. This configuration shortens the time the stepping motor is energized, resulting in energy savings and an improved lifespan for the stepping motor.

[0061] Using Figures 8 to 10, the switching control of the circulating air exhaust volume performed by the washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment during drying operation will be explained.

[0062] Figure 8 is a view of the washing machine 100 from the rear at an oblique angle, showing the washing machine 100 with the top panel 1d, rear panel 1b, and side panels removed.

[0063] In this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a supply duct temperature sensor 61a on the supply duct 61 connected to the inlet side of the inner tub 3. The supply duct temperature sensor 61a detects the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the supply duct 61 (supply air temperature), that is, the temperature of the circulating air that passes through the heat pump unit 10 and flows into the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 3.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the washing and drying machine 100, the return duct 62 connected to the outlet side of the inner tub 3 is equipped with a return duct temperature sensor 62a and a return duct humidity sensor 62b. The return duct temperature sensor 62a detects the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the return duct 62 (return air temperature), that is, the temperature of the circulating air that passes through the inner tub 3 and the outer tub 2 and flows into the heat pump unit 10. The return duct humidity sensor 62b detects the humidity of this circulating air (return air humidity).

[0065] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment includes a control device 90 for controlling the washer-dryer 100. The control device 90 will be described later.

[0066] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the heat pump unit 10 of the washing machine / dryer 100.

[0067] The heat pump unit 10 includes a condenser 101 for circulating refrigerant within the heat pump unit 10, and a condenser refrigerant temperature sensor 101a. The condenser refrigerant temperature sensor 101a detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser 101 (condenser refrigerant temperature).

[0068] Figure 10 shows an example of the time variation of the supply air temperature and return air temperature during the drying operation of the washer-dryer 100, the state of the valve 220 at each drying stage, and the exhaust volume of circulating air.

[0069] In this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 100 opens and closes the valve 220 during the drying operation, for example, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows the time change of the supply air temperature (temperature detected by the supply duct temperature sensor 61a), the time change of the return air temperature (temperature detected by the return duct temperature sensor 62a), the state of the valve 220, and the amount of circulating air exhausted during each drying process. Furthermore, Figure 10 also shows the time change of the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature.

[0070] In this embodiment, the drying process includes a heating process to raise the temperature of the clothes, a hot air drying process to dry the clothes by maintaining a constant temperature of circulating hot air, and a cooling process to lower the temperature of the clothes and the temperature inside the tub after drying is complete. The hot air drying process includes a constant-rate drying process in which there is sufficient evaporation of moisture from the clothes and the dehumidification rate in the evaporator of the heat pump unit 10 is high, and a reduced-rate drying process in which evaporation from the clothes is reduced and the dehumidification rate in the evaporator is low.

[0071] The drying process at the start of the drying cycle is a heating process. During the heating process, the valve 220 completely blocks the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a, resulting in a blocked state (see Figure 6B). At this time, the washing and drying machine 100 does not exhaust air to the outside. This prevents heated air from escaping and allows the clothes in the tub to be heated efficiently, thus shortening the time required for the heating process.

[0072] After the heating process is complete, a constant-rate drying process is performed. The drive unit 221 drives the valve 220, and the valve 220 transitions from a closed state to a partially closed state (see Figure 6C) in which it closes a portion of the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b. During the constant-rate drying process, the washing and drying machine 100 exhausts a portion of the circulating air to the outside of the machine.

[0073] In the constant-rate drying process, a large amount of moisture evaporates from the clothes, and the circulating air (return air) flowing from the inner tub 3 to the heat pump unit 10 is highly humid. Therefore, exhausting the hot circulating air within a range where its temperature does not drop promotes dehumidification and shortens the drying time. Furthermore, exhausting the air prevents the compressor of the heat pump unit 10 from overheating, thus preventing overheating of the clothes by maintaining a constant temperature of the hot air, and also reduces power consumption by lowering the discharge pressure of the compressor.

[0074] After the constant-rate drying process is completed, the reduced-rate drying process is performed. The drive unit 221 drives the valve 220, and the valve 220 transitions from a partially closed state to an open state (see Figure 6D) in which it does not contact either the upstream valve housing duct hole 212a or the downstream valve housing duct hole 212b, but opens both. In the reduced-rate drying process, the washing dryer 100 exhausts circulating air to the outside of the machine. The amount of circulating air exhausted in the reduced-rate drying process is greater than the amount exhausted in the constant-rate drying process.

[0075] In the reduced-rate drying process, the amount of moisture evaporated from the clothes decreases, and the return air becomes less humid, significantly reducing the amount of dehumidification in the evaporator of the heat pump unit 10. Therefore, the effect of dehumidification promotion by the circulating air exhausted outside the machine becomes greater, and the drying time can be shortened by increasing the exhaust volume of circulating air. In addition, as the temperature of the compressor of the heat pump unit 10 rises towards the end of the drying operation, increasing the exhaust volume of circulating air can suppress overheating of the clothes and reduce power consumption by lowering the discharge pressure of the compressor. Furthermore, since the exhaust volume is increased when the return air is less humid, the risk of condensation on the wall surface near the washer-dryer 100 can be reduced.

[0076] After the reduction drying process is completed, a cooling process is performed. During the cooling process, the valve 220 remains open, the compressor of the heat pump unit 10 is stopped, and only the blower 11 (see Figures 2 and 8) operates. The cooling process is a process to lower the temperature of the clothes inside the tub. By exhausting a large amount of the hot air inside the tub to the outside of the machine and drawing in cold air from outside, the temperature of the clothes inside the tub is reduced, and the time required for the cooling process can be shortened.

[0077] As described above, the appropriate exhaust volume of circulating air varies depending on the drying process. The washing machine 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with an exhaust duct 210 that can switch the exhaust volume of circulating air in at least three stages depending on the drying process. Therefore, the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment can achieve efficient drying operation by switching, for example, between a closed state (no exhaust volume), a partially closed state (small exhaust volume), and an open state (large exhaust volume) depending on the drying process.

[0078] In the washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment, the machine detects when the supply air temperature reaches a set value and when the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature reaches a set value, and then proceeds to each step of the drying process.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10, when the supplied air temperature reaches a preset value, the process transitions from the heating process to the constant-rate drying process. By performing the transition from the heating process to the constant-rate drying process based on the supplied air temperature, the temperature rise of the circulating air flowing into the tank can be detected with high sensitivity, and overheating of the tank can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, when the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature reaches a preset value, the machine transitions from a constant-rate drying process to a decreasing-rate drying process. During drying, as the clothes dry, the amount of moisture evaporated from the clothes decreases, the temperature of the clothes and the temperature inside the drum rise, and consequently the temperature of the return air also rises. The supply air temperature is controlled to remain almost constant. Therefore, as drying progresses, the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature decreases. Thus, the progress of drying can be detected by the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature. Therefore, the transition from the constant-rate drying process to the decreasing-rate drying process is performed based on the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature. By using this temperature difference, the detection of the drying state of the clothes and the transition between processes can be performed independently of the humidity at the installation location of the washing machine 100.

[0081] The transitions between each step of the drying process described above are performed by the control device 90 of the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment. The control device 90 uses the supply air temperature detected by the supply duct temperature sensor 61a and the return air temperature detected by the return duct temperature sensor 62a to detect when the supply air temperature has reached a set value and when the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature has reached a set value. Once the control device 90 detects these, it controls the drive unit 221 to drive the valve 220 and transitions between each step of the drying process.

[0082] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 90.

[0083] The control device 90 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcontroller") 901.

[0084] The microcontroller 901 acquires information signals from the operation switch 902 operated by the user of the washing machine 100, as well as information signals from sensors installed in the washing machine 100 during the washing and drying processes. The sensors installed in the washing machine 100 include, for example, a supply duct temperature sensor 61a, a return duct temperature sensor 62a, a return duct humidity sensor 62b, a condenser refrigerant temperature sensor 101a, a water level sensor 34, a drain temperature sensor T1, an outside air temperature sensor T4, and a conductivity sensor 904.

[0085] Furthermore, the microcontroller 901 is connected to the drive unit 221 via a drive circuit and controls the valve 220 by controlling the drive unit 221. The microcontroller 901 is also connected to the motor 5, water supply solenoid valve 22, drain valve 5a, circulation pump 5f, blower 11, compressor 12, variable expansion valve 14, drain pump 15, and variable resistor 956 via a drive circuit and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and energization. In addition, the microcontroller 901 controls a display unit 1g, a buzzer (not shown), etc., to inform the user of information regarding the washing machine 100.

[0086] The microcontroller 901 also includes an operation pattern database 911, a process control unit 912, a rotation speed calculation unit 913, a clothing weight calculation unit 914, a conductivity measurement unit 915, a detergent amount / wash time determination unit 916, a turbidity determination unit 917, and a threshold storage unit 918. When the power switch (not shown) is pressed and power is turned on, the microcontroller 901 starts up and executes the washing and drying control processing program.

[0087] The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can transition through each stage of the drying process based on the condenser refrigerant temperature and the return air humidity. Below, we will describe an example in which the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment detects that the condenser refrigerant temperature has reached a preset value and that the return air humidity has reached a preset value, and then transitions through each stage of the drying process.

[0088] Figure 11 shows an example of the time-dependent changes in condenser refrigerant temperature and return air humidity during the drying operation of the washer-dryer 100, the state of the valve 220 at each drying stage, and the exhaust volume of circulating air.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, when the condenser refrigerant temperature reaches a preset value, the process transitions from the heating process to the constant-rate drying process. By performing the transition from the heating process to the constant-rate drying process based on the condenser refrigerant temperature, it is possible to sensitively detect the temperature rise of the circulating air flowing into the tank, similar to the transition based on the supply air temperature, and suppress overheating of the tank. Furthermore, by detecting the condenser refrigerant temperature and starting exhaust, it is possible to suppress the increase in the load on the compressor due to the refrigerant temperature becoming too high.

[0090] Furthermore, when the humidity of the return air reaches a preset value, the process switches from constant-rate drying to decreasing-rate drying. During drying, the amount of moisture evaporated from the clothes decreases as they dry. Therefore, the progress of drying can be detected from the humidity of the return air. Because the humidity of the return air is detected directly, the decrease in the amount of moisture evaporated from the clothes can be detected with high sensitivity, and the process can be switched accordingly.

[0091] The transitions between each step of the drying process, as described with reference to Figure 11, are performed by the control device 90 (see Figure 12) provided in the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment. The control device 90 uses the condenser refrigerant temperature detected by the condenser refrigerant temperature sensor 101a and the return air humidity detected by the return duct humidity sensor 62b to detect when the condenser refrigerant temperature and the return air humidity have reached a set value. Once the control device 90 detects these, it controls the drive unit 221 to drive the valve 220 and transitions between each step of the drying process.

[0092] The following describes an example of control for adjusting the exhaust volume of circulating air in the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment. The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can adjust the exhaust volume of circulating air even outside of the transitions between each stage of the drying process.

[0093] For example, during drying operations in a low-temperature environment, when transitioning from a heating process to a constant-rate drying process and starting to exhaust circulating air, or when transitioning from a constant-rate drying process to a reduced-rate drying process and increasing the amount of circulating air exhausted, the temperature of the circulating air, which is warm air, may drop lower than expected. In this case, even in a constant-rate drying process (partially closed state), switching to a closed state, or even in a reduced-rate drying process (open state), switching to a closed or partially closed state eliminates or reduces the amount of circulating air exhausted, thereby reducing the heat released outside the machine and preventing a drop in the temperature of the warm air and suppressing an increase in drying time.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, during drying operations in high-temperature environments, the compressor temperature tends to rise. In this case, by opening valve 220 during the constant-rate drying process and increasing the exhaust volume of circulating air, overheating of the clothes can be suppressed. In addition, the discharge pressure of the compressor can be suppressed, which reduces power consumption.

[0095] The washing machine 100 can detect whether it is performing a drying operation in a low-temperature or high-temperature environment using the ambient temperature sensor T4 (Figure 12). The ambient temperature sensor T4 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the air surrounding the washing machine 100.

[0096] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the embodiments described above are explained in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to embodiments having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment. It is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to delete parts of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...Housing, 1a...Front design panel, 1b...Rear panel, 1d...Top panel, 1e...Base, 1f...Front panel, 1g...Display unit, 2...Outer tub, 3...Inner tub, 3a...Hole, 3b...Side section, 3c...Bottom, 3d...Opening, 5...Motor, 5a...Drain valve, 5f...Circulation pump, 6...Air circulation duct, 10...Heat pump unit, 11...Blower, 12...Compressor, 14...Variable expansion valve, 15...Drain pump, 21...Suspension, 22...Water supply solenoid valve, 31...Fluid balancer, 34...Water level sensor, 51...Drive shaft, 61...Feed duct, 61a...Feed duct temperature sensor, 62...Return duct, 62a...Return duct temperature sensor, 62b...Return duct humidity sensor, 90...Control device, 100...Washer dryer, 101...Condenser, 101a...Condenser refrigerant temperature sensor, 2 00... Exhaust device, 210... Exhaust duct, 211... Upstream exhaust duct section, 211a... One end, 211b... Other end, 211c... Connecting member, 212... Valve housing duct section, 212a... Upstream valve housing duct hole, 212b... Downstream valve housing duct hole, 213... Downstream exhaust duct section, 214... Exhaust port, 220... Valve, 220a... Sealing member, 220b... Sealing member, 221... Drive device, 901...Microcontroller, 902...Operation switch, 904...Conductivity sensor, 911...Operation pattern database, 912...Process control unit, 913...Rotation speed calculation unit, 914...Clothing weight calculation unit, 915...Conductivity measurement unit, 916...Detergent amount / wash time determination unit, 917...Turbidity determination unit, 918...Threshold storage unit, 956...Variable resistor, T1...Wastewater temperature sensor, T4...Outside air temperature sensor.

Claims

1. An outer tank that can hold water, An inner tank located inside the outer tank and capable of rotational drive, A heat pump unit equipped with a heat exchanger, A supply duct that sends circulating air from the heat pump unit to the outer tank, A return duct that returns the circulating air from the outer tank to the heat pump unit, An exhaust duct having one end connected to the return duct or the outer tank, and the other end open to the outside, capable of exhausting the circulating air to the outside, Equipped with, The aforementioned exhaust duct is A valve housing duct section is provided between the aforementioned one end and the aforementioned other end, An upstream exhaust duct section connected to the valve housing duct section and having one end which is on the upstream side of the circulating air to be exhausted, A downstream exhaust duct section is connected to the valve housing duct section and has the other end which is the downstream side of the circulating air that is exhausted, Equipped with, The valve housing duct section is, The upstream valve housing duct hole to which the upstream exhaust duct section is connected, The downstream valve housing duct hole to which the downstream exhaust duct section is connected, A valve capable of opening and closing the upstream valve housing duct hole and the downstream valve housing duct hole, Equipped with, The valve switches between a state in which part or all of the upstream valve housing duct hole is closed and a state in which part or all of the downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, thereby switching the exhaust volume of the circulating air. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

2. The valve can switch between a state in which part or all of the upstream valve housing duct hole is closed, a state in which part or all of the downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, and an open state in which neither the upstream nor the downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, thereby switching the exhaust volume of the circulating air in three stages. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

3. The valve is driven by a drive device equipped with a stepping motor, The stepping motor continues to drive the valve even after the valve has come into contact with the upstream valve housing duct hole or the downstream valve housing duct hole, to continue pressing the valve against the upstream valve housing duct hole or the downstream valve housing duct hole. A washing machine and dryer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The valve can switch between a state in which the entire upstream valve housing duct opening is closed, a state in which a part of the downstream valve housing duct opening is closed, and an open state in which neither the upstream nor the downstream valve housing duct opening is closed, thereby allowing the exhaust volume of the circulating air to be switched in three stages. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

5. The valve can switch between a state in which a portion of the upstream valve housing duct hole is closed, a state in which the entire downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, and an open state in which neither the upstream nor the downstream valve housing duct hole is closed, thereby allowing the exhaust volume of the circulating air to be switched in three stages. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

6. The valve is provided with a sealing member on at least one of the surfaces that contact the upstream valve housing duct hole and the downstream valve housing duct hole. The sealing member is made of a material that is elastically deformable. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

7. The drive device does not energize the stepping motor except when driving the valve to switch the exhaust volume of the circulating air. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3.

8. The aforementioned supply duct is equipped with a supply duct temperature sensor that detects the supply air temperature, which is the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the supply duct. The valve switches the exhaust volume of the circulating air when the supply air temperature reaches a preset value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned supply duct is equipped with a supply duct temperature sensor that detects the supply air temperature, which is the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the supply duct. The return duct is equipped with a return duct temperature sensor that detects the return air temperature, which is the temperature of the circulating air flowing through the return duct. The valve switches the exhaust volume of the circulating air when the difference between the supply air temperature and the return air temperature reaches a preset value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

10. The heat pump unit comprises a refrigerant condenser and a condenser refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the condenser refrigerant temperature, which is the temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser. The valve switches the exhaust volume of the circulating air when the condenser refrigerant temperature reaches a preset value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

11. The return duct is equipped with a return duct humidity sensor that detects the return air humidity, which is the humidity of the circulating air flowing through the return duct. The valve switches the exhaust volume of the circulating air when the humidity of the return air reaches a preset value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

12. An outer tank that can hold water, An inner tank located inside the outer tank and capable of rotational drive, A heat pump unit equipped with a heat exchanger, The system includes an exhaust duct that can switch the amount of circulating air circulating between the heat pump unit, the outer tank, and the inner tank to be exhausted to the outside in at least three stages, according to the drying process. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

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