Washer dryer

Abstract

Improve the water film removal performance of the drying filter to improve drying efficiency. [Solution] The washing machine and dryer comprises a housing 1, an outer tub 20, an inner tub (rotating drum 11), a blower 2 that supplies air to the inner and outer tubs, a drainage path 40 that discharges water from inside the outer tub to the outside of the housing, an overflow port 61 provided in the outer tub that allows overflow drainage when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, an overflow path 60 connecting the overflow port and the drainage path, a drying filter 33 that collects lint and is washed with water, a solenoid valve 62 provided in the overflow path, and a control unit 101 that controls the blower and the solenoid valve. The control unit 101 can execute an operating mode in which the blower 2 is driven with the solenoid valve 62 closed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as technologies related to washing and drying machines, for example, those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 exist. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a washing and drying machine having a drying filter washed with water. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a washing and drying machine provided with a U-shaped trap (hereinafter, a water seal trap) in an overflow water pipe (hereinafter, an overflow path) which is an overflow port when washing water overflows.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem that a water film may remain on the drying filter, and the drying efficiency may be reduced due to the remaining water film.

[0005] For example, when the drying filter is washed with water, a water film forms on the drying filter. In a washer-dryer, the fan speed is increased at the beginning of the drying cycle to raise the internal pressure of the air passage and remove the water film. However, if the drying filter is clogged with lint or other debris, the force required to remove the water film increases. In this case, the washer-dryer further increases the fan speed. However, increasing the fan speed increases the pressure in the outer tub, which may cause the water seal trap from the outer tub to the drain to break. If the water seal trap breaks, drying air will flow into the drain, reducing drying efficiency and potentially extending the drying time. Also, if the fan speed is limited to prevent the water seal trap from breaking, the water film on the drying filter may not be broken (removed). In this case, the drying air cannot be circulated sufficiently, reducing drying efficiency and potentially leading to poor drying.

[0006] Furthermore, to address these issues, it is desirable to improve the pressure resistance of the water seal trap to prevent it from collapsing. However, the water seal trap, which is installed in the drainage path, is located at the bottom of the outer tub so that the water in the water seal can be replaced during washing and spinning, but the pressure resistance of the water seal is limited by the installation height of the outer tub. Therefore, the pressure resistance of the water seal trap cannot be increased to a sufficient level. Consequently, conventional technology cannot prevent the water seal trap from collapsing, and the drying efficiency may decrease due to the residual water film.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its main objective is to provide a washing machine with improved drying efficiency by improving the water film removal performance of the drying filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a washing and drying machine comprising: a housing; an outer tub; an inner tub; a blower that supplies air to the inner tub and the outer tub; a drainage path for discharging water from inside the outer tub to the outside of the housing; an overflow port provided in the outer tub that allows overflow drainage when the water level exceeds a predetermined level; an overflow path connecting the overflow port and the drainage path; a drying filter that collects lint and is washed with water; a solenoid valve provided in the overflow path; and a control unit that controls the blower and the solenoid valve, wherein the control unit is configured to execute an operating mode in which the blower is driven with the solenoid valve closed. Other methods will be described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the water film removal performance of the drying filter can be improved, thereby improving drying efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of the inside of a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is an explanatory diagram of the sealant material installed between the bellows and the tank cover. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the drainage path of a washing machine / dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the pressure sensor and thermistor. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a timing chart showing the operation of the washing machine and dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the drainage path of a comparative example washer-dryer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "these embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure is merely a schematic representation to the extent necessary for a thorough understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each figure, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] <Washer-dryer configuration> The configuration of the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of the washing machine 100. In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 will be described as a drum-type washing machine.

[0013] First, the appearance of the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a housing 1 on top of a base 1h. The housing 1 is formed by combining side plates 1a and 1b, mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, a rear cover 1d, and reinforcing materials (not shown) on top of the base 1h to form a frame, and further by attaching a front cover 1c to the front and a top cover 1e to the top. A detergent dispenser 7 is provided on the top cover 1e. An operation switch 3 for operating the washing machine 100 is provided on the upper part of the front cover 1c. In addition, a door 9 for loading and unloading laundry 99 (Figure 2) such as cloth is provided in the center of the front cover 1c. The door 9 is made of a resin door frame 9b with a door glass 9a fixed to it, and is attached to the housing 1 so as to be able to open and close by a hinge. The washing machine 100 is also equipped with a control unit 101 inside that controls the overall operation.

[0014] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the schematic structure inside the washing and drying machine 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine 100 includes an outer tub 20 inside. The outer tub 20 is supported by a plurality of suspensions 5 provided at the lower part (however, FIG. 2 shows only one of the plurality of suspensions 5), and the upper part is suspended by a spring (not shown). The outer tub 20 houses a substantially cylindrical rotary drum 11. Here, the "substantially cylindrical" includes a cylinder and a tube having a shape close to a cylinder. The rotary drum 11 accommodates laundry 99. A fluid balancer 22 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotary drum 11 to reduce vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry 99 during dehydration. Also, a plurality of lifters 23 for lifting the laundry 99 are provided inside the rotary drum 11. The rotary drum 11 is directly connected to a main motor for drum driving 12 via a main shaft 13 connected to a metal flange 14 for the drum. However, the rotary drum 11 may have a configuration of a so-called belt drive system in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft and a motor fixed to the outer tub 20 are connected via a belt.

[0015] A tub cover 21 for protecting the outer tub 20 is provided outside the outer tub 20. A bellows 10 is attached to the tub cover 21 at the opening of the outer tub 20. The bellows 10 is a rubber-based packing made of an elastic body. This bellows 10 plays a role in maintaining the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 20 and the door 9. The washing and drying machine 100 can prevent water leakage during the washing process, rinsing process, and dehydration process by the bellows 10. The rotary drum 11 has a large number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on the side wall and the back wall.

[0016] On the upper part of the back surface of the outer tub 20, a duct 31 inside the tub for temporarily retaining heated circulating air (warm air) is provided. In the duct 31 inside the tub, a primary filter 32 for collecting lint (dust) and a drying filter 33 are provided, and a watering mechanism 35 for cleaning the drying filter 33 with a cleaning nozzle 34 is provided. Above the outer tub 20, a water supply solenoid valve 16 and a water supply port 17 for supplying water into the outer tub 20 are provided. Further, below the outer tub 20, a water receiving part 24 for receiving water is provided, and at the bottom of the water receiving part 24, a drain port 41 for draining the water in the water receiving part 24 is provided. The drain port 41 is connected to a drain hose 45 for draining water to the outside via a drain valve 44.

[0017] The washing and drying machine 100 includes a circulation pump 51 at the lower part. The circulation pump 51 is a pumping means for lifting the washing water up to the upper part of the outer tub 20 and spraying it onto the laundry 99 inside the rotating drum 11. The circulation pump 51 is preferably fixed to the side of a base 1h (FIG. 1) disposed below the outer tub 20. The washing water enters the suction port side of the circulation pump 51 from the drain port 41 of the water receiving part 24 provided below the outer tub 20 during the washing process and the rinsing process (steps S110 and S115 in FIG. 7), and is pressurized by the circulation pump 51. The washing water pressurized by the circulation pump 51 is returned to the water receiving part 24 again from a circulation discharge port (not shown) provided to communicate with the circulation pump 51. Further, the washing water pressurized by the circulation pump 51 is sprayed into the inside of the rotating drum 11 from a water spraying nozzle (not shown) provided to communicate with the circulation pump 51.

[0018] The washer-dryer 100 is configured to use a hot air drying method in which air is circulated between the rotating drum 11 and the heat pump unit 300 by a blower 2 during the drying process. The heat pump unit 300 is a unit that incorporates a heat pump having a compressor 301, a condenser 302, an expansion means 303 (expansion valve), and an evaporator 304. The compressor 301, condenser 302, expansion means 303, and evaporator 304 are housed inside the heat pump unit case 310. The washer-dryer 100 includes a blower 2 for circulating air, a heat pump unit 300 for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air, an outlet air passage 30b (Figure 5) for guiding the heated circulating air (hot air) into the rotating drum 11, and a return air passage 30a (Figure 5) for returning the moist air discharged from the rotating drum 11 to the outer tub 20 back to the heat pump unit 300. The washer-dryer 100 sends circulating air (warm air) that has been dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 300 to the outlet air passage 30b (Figure 5), and blows it into the rotating drum 11 from the outlet nozzle 203 to dry the laundry 99. After drying the laundry 99, the washer-dryer 100 also sends the moist air discharged from the rotating drum 11 to the outer tub 20 to the return air passage 30a (Figure 5), returning it to the heat pump unit 300.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the blower 2 will be described with reference to Figure 3A. Furthermore, the configuration of the caulking material 25 provided between the bellows 10 and the drum cover 21 will be described with reference to Figure 3B. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the inside of the washing machine 100. Figure 3B is an explanatory diagram of the caulking material 25 provided between the bellows 10 and the drum cover 21.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3A, the blower 2 mainly consists of a fan casing 2a, a motor 2b, and an impeller 2c. The blower 2 is connected downstream of the heat pump unit 300 (Figure 2). The blower 2 rotates the impeller 2c with the motor 2b, sending circulating air (hot air) heated by the heat pump unit 300 (Figure 2) into the rotating drum 11.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, a sealant 25 is applied to the contact surface between the bellows 10 and the tank cover 21. The sealant 25 prevents water leakage that would occur if the watertightness of the contact surface between the bellows 10 and the tank cover 21 were lost due to the increased internal pressure (tank pressure) of the outer tank 20 during drying operation.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the configuration of the drainage path 40 of the washing machine 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the drainage path 40 of the washing machine 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, in the washing and drying machine 100, a drainage path 40, a circulation water channel 50, and an overflow path 60 are provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20.

[0024] The drainage path 40 is a path for draining water accumulated in the outer tank 20. The drainage path 40 has an internal drainage channel 42 located between the drain port 41 provided at the bottom of the water receiving section 24 (Figure 2) and the drainage hose 45, a water channel filter 43 and a drain valve 44 located along the path of the internal drainage channel 42. The internal drainage channel 42 is in communication with the bottom surface of the outer tank 20, and the water channel filter 43 collects lint (lint) in the wastewater flowing through the internal drainage channel 42. The lint collected by the water channel filter 43 is cleaned by the user as needed. A condensation water hose 71 is connected to the downstream side of the drainage hose 45 for draining water dehumidified by the heat pump unit 300 using a condensation water pump 72. The condensation water hose 71 has a structure in which a portion of it is folded upward in a U-shape to prevent backflow of water from the drainage hose 45 to the heat pump unit 300. In other words, the condensation water hose 71 is designed so that a portion of it is raised to a position higher vertically than the overflow path 60. The condensation water hose 71 is connected to the heat pump unit 300.

[0025] The circulating water channel 50 is a path for circulating the water in the outer tank 20. The circulating water channel 50 is located between the water channel filter 43 and the outer tank 20. The circulating water channel 50 is equipped with a circulation pump 51 for circulating the water.

[0026] The overflow path 60 is a path for draining water that overflows when the water accumulated in the outer tank 20 exceeds a predetermined water level. The overflow path 60 is arranged to connect the overflow port 61, which is located below the outer tank 20, with the drain hose 45. The overflow path 60 is equipped with a solenoid valve 62 that selectively closes the overflow path 60.

[0027] Now, referring to Figure 8, the configuration of the drainage path 40 of the washing machine / dryer 100com, a comparative example corresponding to the conventional technology, will be described.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the comparative example washing machine 100com differs from the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment in the following respects. (1) The overflow path 60 of the comparative example washing machine 100com has a structure that bends back in a U shape midway, and a water seal trap 69 is provided in the U-shaped part. The water seal trap 69 is a component that maintains the water level of the stored water at the height at which the water seal trap 69 is provided by allowing water to remain in the U-shaped part of the overflow path 60. (2) The comparative example washing and drying machine 100com is equipped with a relief path 80 that branches off from the overflow path 60 downstream of the water seal trap 69. The relief path 80 is a path for releasing a portion of the pressure in the overflow path 60 into the atmosphere.

[0029] In other words, the washing machine 100 (Figure 4) according to this embodiment differs from the comparative example washing machine 100com (Figure 8) in the following respects. (1) The overflow path 60 of the washing machine 100 according to this embodiment does not have a structure that bends back in a U shape in the middle and does not have a water seal trap 69 (Figure 4). (2) The washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment does not have an escape path 80 (Figure 4).

[0030] In this embodiment, the control unit 101 is capable of executing an operating mode in which the blower 2 is driven with the solenoid valve 62 closed. When executing this operating mode, the control unit 101 detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 based on an index correlated with the pressure inside the outer tank 20 or the airflow rate of the drying air supplied by the blower 2. The relative change in frequency of the pressure sensor SN11 can be used as the index. Alternatively, the temperature change value around the solenoid valve 62 measured by the thermistor SN12 can also be used as the index. Now, with reference to Figure 5, the positions of the pressure sensor SN11 and thermistor SN12 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the pressure sensor SN11 and thermistor SN12. The pressure sensor SN11 is a sensor that measures the pressure in the outer tank 20. The thermistor SN12 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the air (drying air) passing through the air outlet passage 30b.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a return air passage 30a and an outlet air passage 30b. The return air passage 30a is a path that returns drying air from the outer tub 20 to the heat pump unit 300. A drying filter 33 is provided in the return air passage 30a. The outlet air passage 30b is a path that sends drying air from the blower 2 to the outer tub 20. A thermistor SN12 is provided in the outlet air passage 30b. A pressure sensor SN11 is provided in communication with the outer tub 20. The pressure sensor SN11 indirectly detects fluctuations in the water level of the outer tub 20 by measuring fluctuations in the internal pressure of the outer tub 20 and the internal pressure of the rotating drum 11 (inner tub).

[0032] The user can remove lint (lint) collected on the drying filter 33 by washing it with water at any time. At this time, a water film is formed on the drying filter 33. The washer-dryer 100 removes the water film by increasing the rotation speed of the blower 2 and raising the internal pressure of the air outlet passage 30b at the beginning of the drying operation. This allows the washer-dryer 100 to circulate the drying air sufficiently and improve drying efficiency. However, if the water film remains on the drying filter 33, the drying air sent from the blower 2 cannot return to the heat pump unit 300 through the return air passage 30a, and the internal pressure of the outer tub 20 (tub pressure) rises. Fluctuations in tub pressure are expressed as the frequency of the pressure sensor SN11. The frequency of the pressure sensor SN11 fluctuates according to the temperature measured by the thermistor SN12. Therefore, the washer-dryer 100 detects the tub pressure using the pressure sensor SN11 to avoid false detection of the presence or absence of a water film. The washing and drying machine 100 then detects the presence or absence of a water film based on a relative change value obtained by correcting the internal pressure in accordance with the temperature detected by the thermistor SN12.

[0033] <How the washer-dryer works> The operation of the washer-dryer 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washer-dryer 100. Figure 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the washer-dryer 100.

[0034] Suppose the user operates the operation switch 3 to instruct the machine to perform a wash and dry cycle. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the washer-dryer 100 starts the wash and dry cycle (step S105). At this time, the washer-dryer 100 performs the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles (steps S110, S115, S120).

[0035] After step S120, the washing machine 100 performs a detection process for the presence or absence of a water film based on the measured values ​​of the pressure sensor SN11 and thermistor SN12 (step S125). Then, the washing machine 100 determines whether or not a water film is present (step S130).

[0036] If the determination in step S130 determines that a water film is present ("Yes"), the washing machine 100 executes a special drying operation mode specific to this embodiment (step S135). In the special drying operation mode, the washing machine 100 closes the drain valve 44 (Figure 4) and the solenoid valve 62 (Figure 4) (step S140). Then, in the first half of the drying operation, with the solenoid valve 62 closed, the washing machine 100 drives the heat pump unit 300 and temporarily drives the blower 2 at a faster rotational speed than during normal drying operation (step S145).

[0037] After step S145, the washing machine 100 detects the rupture of the water film from the measurements of the pressure sensor SN11 and thermistor SN12 (step S150). Alternatively, the washing machine 100 may measure the elapsed time (the time it takes to temporarily speed up and then slow down) without detecting the rupture of the water film.

[0038] Regarding the rupture of the water film, the measurement value at which the water film can be determined to have ruptured can be set in advance through experiments or simulations. Furthermore, the timing of increasing the rotation speed of the blower 2, and the temporary duration (length) of the increased rotation speed, can be set appropriately within a range that improves the water film removal performance.

[0039] After step S150, the washer-dryer 100 returns the rotation speed of the blower 2 to the rotation speed during normal drying operation (step S155). Then, the washer-dryer 100 determines whether or not the drying operation has reached its completion condition (step S160). If the determination in step S160 is that the drying operation has not reached its completion condition ("No"), the process returns to step S155. On the other hand, if the determination in step S160 is that the drying operation has reached its completion condition ("Yes"), the washer-dryer 100 terminates the series of routine processes.

[0040] Furthermore, if the determination in step S130 indicates that there is no water film ("No"), the washing machine 100 executes the normal drying mode (default drying mode) (step S165). In the normal drying mode (default drying mode), the washing machine 100 drives the blower 2 at the rotational speed of the normal drying operation while driving the heat pump unit 300 (step S170). The washing machine 100 then determines whether the drying operation has reached its completion condition (step S175). If the determination in step S175 indicates that the drying operation has not reached its completion condition ("No"), the process returns to step S170. On the other hand, if the determination in step S175 indicates that the drying operation has reached its completion condition ("Yes"), the washing machine 100 terminates the series of routine processes.

[0041] The time chart shown in Figure 7 indicates that at time T11, the drain valve 44 (Figure 4) and the solenoid valve 62 (Figure 4) are closed and the blower 2 is driven. The time chart also shows that after time T11, the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 is determined based on the relative value of the pressure sensor SN11, and if a water film is present, at time T12, the blower 2 is driven at a higher rotational speed than during normal drying operation. Furthermore, the time chart shown in Figure 7 indicates that after time T12, the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 is determined based on the relative value of the pressure sensor SN11, and if there is no water film, the rotation speed of the blower 2 is returned to the rotation speed during normal drying operation at time T13. The washing machine / dryer 100 may also be configured to return the rotation speed of the blower 2 to the rotation speed during normal drying operation after a set amount of time has elapsed.

[0042] <Main features of a washer-dryer> The washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment can be configured to have the following features.

[0043] (1) As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 1, an outer tub 20, a rotating drum 11 (inner tub), a blower 2, a drainage path 40, an overflow port 61, an overflow path 60, a drying filter 33, a solenoid valve 62, and a control unit 101. The blower 2 is a device that supplies air to the rotating drum 11 and the outer tub 20. The drainage path 40 is a path that discharges water from inside the outer tub 20 to the outside of the housing 1. The overflow port 61 is an opening provided in the outer tub 20 that allows overflow drainage when the water level exceeds a predetermined level. The overflow path 60 is a path that connects the overflow port 61 and the drainage path 40. The drying filter 33 is a filter that collects lint and is washed with water. The solenoid valve 62 is a valve provided in the overflow path 60. The control unit 101 is a component that controls the blower 2 and the solenoid valve 62. The control unit 101 is capable of executing an operating mode in which the blower 2 is driven with the solenoid valve 62 closed.

[0044] The washing machine 100 according to this embodiment does not have a water seal trap that breaks the water film with the drying air supplied by the blower 2, even when the internal pressure of the outer tub 20 is increased. Therefore, even when a fine-mesh drying filter 33 is used and lint clogs the drying filter 33, the washing machine 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 to significantly increase the internal pressure of the outer tub 20. As a result, the washing machine 100 can improve the water film removal performance of the drying filter 33, making it easier to break the water film and thus improving drying efficiency.

[0045] (2) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the washing and drying machine 100 of item (1) above, the control unit 101 can execute an operating mode in which the rotation speed of the blower 2 is temporarily increased in the first half of the drying operation (step S145 in Figure 6), and then decreased (step S155 in Figure 6).

[0046] In this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 100 can improve the water film removal performance of the drying filter 33 by increasing the rotation speed of the blower 2 from the first half of the drying operation, making it easier to break the water film, thereby improving drying efficiency and reducing drying defects.

[0047] (3) As shown in Figure 6, in the washing and drying machine 100 described in item (2) above, the control unit 101 detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 (step S125), and increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 if the water film is not broken (step S145).

[0048] Increasing the rotation speed increases noise. In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 and increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 if the water film is not broken. Such a washing machine 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 only when the water film is not broken to break the water film, and can suppress the increase in noise when the water film is broken.

[0049] (4) As shown in Figure 6, in the washing and drying machine 100 described in item (3) above, the control unit 101 increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 (step S145). Subsequently, when the control unit 101 detects that the water film has broken (step S150), it returns the rotation speed of the blower 2 to its original rotation speed (step S155).

[0050] The washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment can break the water film on the drying filter 33 while suppressing an increase in noise.

[0051] (5) As shown in Figure 6, in the washing and drying machine 100 described in item (3) above, the control unit 101 increases the rotation speed of the blower 2 and, after a certain amount of time has elapsed (step S150), returns the rotation speed of the blower 2 to its original rotation speed (step S155).

[0052] The washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment can break the water film on the drying filter 33 while suppressing an increase in noise.

[0053] (6) In the washing and drying machine 100 described in item (1) above, the control unit 101 detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 based on an index correlated with the pressure inside the outer tub 20 or the amount of drying air supplied by the blower 2. The index used is the relative change in the frequency of the pressure sensor SN11.

[0054] The washing machine 100 according to this embodiment detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 based on an index correlated with the pressure inside the outer tub 20 or the airflow rate of the drying air supplied by the blower 2. The index used is the relative change in the frequency of the pressure sensor SN11. By detecting the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter 33 based on such an index, the washing machine 100 can easily detect a rupture of the water film on the drying filter 33.

[0055] (7) In the washing and drying machine 100 described in item (6) above, the control unit 101 changes an index in accordance with the temperature change around the solenoid valve 62 to detect the presence or absence of a water film.

[0056] The washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment can prevent false detection of the presence or absence of a water film due to a rise in temperature inside the outer tub 20.

[0057] (8) As shown in Figure 3B, in the washing and drying machine 100 of item (1) above, a caulking material 25 is applied between the bellows 10 and the tub cover 21 that covers the outer tub 20.

[0058] When the pressure inside the outer tub 20 increases, the possibility of water leakage from inside the outer tub 20 increases. In this regard, the washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment has a sealant 25 applied between the bellows 10 and the tub cover 21 that covers the outer tub 20, so that even when the pressure inside the outer tub 20 increases, water leakage from inside the outer tub 20 can be suppressed.

[0059] As described above, the washing and drying machine 100 according to this embodiment can improve the water film removal performance of the drying filter 33 and thereby improve drying efficiency.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace some of the configurations of the embodiments with other configurations, and it is also possible to add other configurations to the configurations of the embodiments. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of each configuration with other configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 cabinet 2. Blower 10 Bellows 11 Rotating drum (inner tub) 12 Main motor 20 Outer tank 21 Tank cover 24 Water receiving section 25 Caulking material 30a Return airway 30b Air outlet 31 Duct inside the tank 32 Primary Filters 33 Drying filter 40 Drainage routes 41 Drain 42 Internal drains 43 Waterway Filter 44 Drain valve 45 Drain hose 50 Circulation waterway 51 Circulation pump 60 Flood Paths 61 Overflow outlet 62 Solenoid valve 100,100com Washing Machine and Dryer 101 Control Unit 300 Heat Pump Unit 301 Compressor 302 Condenser 303 Expansion means (expansion valve) 304 Evaporator SN11 Pressure Sensor SN12 Thermistor

Claims

1. The casing and Outer tank and Inner tank and A blower that supplies air to the inner tank and the outer tank, A drainage path for discharging the water inside the outer tank to the outside of the housing, The outer tank is provided with an overflow port that allows for overflow drainage when the water level exceeds a predetermined level, An overflow path connecting the overflow outlet and the drainage path, A dry filter that collects lint and is washed with water, A solenoid valve provided in the flood path, The system comprises a control unit that controls the blower and the solenoid valve, The control unit can execute an operating mode in which the blower is driven with the solenoid valve closed. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

2. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The control unit can execute an operating mode in which the rotation speed of the blower is temporarily increased during the first half of the drying operation, and then decreased thereafter. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

3. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 2, The control unit detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter, and increases the rotation speed of the blower if the water film is not broken. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

4. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 3, After the control unit increases the rotation speed of the blower, if it detects that the water film has broken, it will return the rotation speed of the blower to its original speed. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

5. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 3, The control unit increases the rotational speed of the blower, and after a certain amount of time has elapsed, it returns the rotational speed of the blower to its original speed. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

6. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The control unit detects the presence or absence of a water film on the drying filter based on an index correlated with the pressure inside the outer tank or the airflow rate of the drying air supplied by the blower. The aforementioned index uses the relative change in the frequency of the pressure sensor. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

7. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 6, The control unit changes the index in accordance with the temperature change around the solenoid valve to detect the presence or absence of the water film. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

8. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, Apply sealant between the bellows and the tank cover that covers the outer tank. A washing machine and dryer characterized by the following features.

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