Washer dryer

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and dryer that can improve the cleanability of the filter. [Solution] The system comprises a housing, an outer tank 20 provided inside the housing for storing water, a drainage channel 20d for draining water from the outer tank 20, a rotating drum provided inside the outer tank 20 that can accommodate clothes and rotate freely, a heat pump unit 70 for drying damp clothes, a blower fan 2 for supplying air into the rotating drum, a return duct 26 connecting the outer tank 20 and the blower fan 2, a secondary filter 50 provided in the return duct 26 for collecting lint generated during drying, and a water supply unit for supplying water to the outer tank 20 and the rotating drum. The water supply unit supplies water to the outer tank 20 and operates the blower fan 2 and the rotating drum.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional washing and drying machine, a lint collection filter generated during drying is provided in a duct returning to a drying section in a drying circulation duct, and water is supplied to wash the filter, thereby maintaining the drying performance and improving the maintainability (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is only washed by water supply and cannot sufficiently remove the dirt on the filter.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems and aims to provide a washing and drying machine capable of improving the cleaning performance of a filter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention comprises a box body, an outer tank provided inside the box body for storing water, a drainage path for draining water from the outer tank, an inner tank provided inside the outer tank that can accommodate clothes and is rotatable, a heating and dehumidifying device for drying damp clothes, a blower for supplying air into the inner tank, a circulating air passage connecting the outer tank and the blower, a filter provided in the circulating air passage for collecting lint generated during drying, and a water supply unit for supplying water to the outer tank and the inner tank, wherein the water supply unit supplies water to the outer tank, operates the blower and the inner tank, and washes the filter with the supplied water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a washing machine and dryer capable of improving the cleanability of filters can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view showing a washer-dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view with the tank cover removed from the outer tank, and a portion of the rotating drum and outer tank cut out. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the outer tank with the rotating drum, primary filter, and secondary filter removed. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the inside of the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 6] This is a top view showing the heat pump unit. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing various flow path configurations of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the upper rear of the outer tank. [Figure 9] This is a rear view of the secondary filter. [Figure 10] This is a longitudinal cross-section of a second-order filter. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 8. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device for a washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows how to clean the filter. [Figure 14] This is a time chart showing the operation of the rotating drum, blower fan, and various solenoid valves during filter cleaning. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the washer-dryer 100 is a drum-type washer-dryer. The frame is constructed by combining side plates 1a and reinforcing materials (not shown), mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, on top of the base 1h, and then attaching a front cover 1c and a top cover 1e on top of that to form the housing 1 (box). The front cover 1c is provided with a door 9 for loading and unloading laundry 30 (see Figure 2).

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, an outer tub 20 is provided inside the housing 1. The outer tub 20 is capable of storing wash water (liquid) inside, and its lower part is supported by multiple suspensions (not shown), and its upper part is suspended by springs (not shown), so the outer tub 20 is elastically supported inside the housing 1. Laundry 30 is loaded into the rotating drum 29 (inner tub) located inside the outer tub 20 by opening the door 9. A fluid balancer 31 is provided on the outer circumference of the opening of the rotating drum 29 to reduce vibration caused by the unbalanced laundry 30 during dewatering. Multiple lifters 33 are provided inside the rotating drum 29 to lift the laundry 30. The rotating drum 29 is directly connected to a motor 28 (drive unit) for driving the drum via a main shaft 35 connected to a metal flange 34 for the rotating drum.

[0011] A rubber bellows 10 (packing) made of an elastic body is attached to the opening of the outer tub 20. This bellows 10 serves to maintain the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 20 and the door 3. Thereby, water leakage during washing, rinsing, and dehydration is prevented. The rotary drum 29 has a number of small holes 29a (see Fig. 3) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on its side wall. Further, a water receiving part 54 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drainage path 55 for discharging washing water and the like accumulated in the outer tub 20 is provided on the bottom surface of this water receiving part 54.

[0012] Also, a heat pump unit 70 and a blower fan 2 (blowing device, see Fig. 5) are provided below the outer tub 20. In the drying process, a hot air drying method is adopted in which air is circulated between the rotary drum 29 and the heat pump unit 70 by the blower fan 2 (see Fig. 5) for drying. In this embodiment, the drying device is constituted by the blower fan 2 and the heat pump unit 70 that dehumidifies the circulated air and then heats it. Further, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a feed duct 25 (feed air path, see Fig. 5) that guides hot air to the blowout nozzle 24 (see Fig. 3) of the outer tub 20 in order to blow the hot air into the rotary drum 29, and a return duct 26 (return air path) that returns the moist air discharged from the rotary drum 29 to the heat pump unit 70. The return duct 26 and the heat pump unit 70 are connected by a bellows tube 27a.

[0013] The washing and drying machine 100 also includes a water supply unit 16 (water supply section) that supplies water into the outer tub 20. The water supply unit 16 is supplied with water from a water inlet 17 provided on the upper surface of the washing and drying machine 100. The water supply unit 16 is configured to include a plurality of solenoid valves including a water supply solenoid valve. That is, by opening the first solenoid valve, water is supplied through a water supply pipe to a powder detergent input chamber (not shown) or a liquid detergent input chamber (not shown) of a detergent case, and by opening the second solenoid valve, water is supplied through the water supply pipe to a fabric softener input chamber (not shown). Also, by opening the third solenoid valve, water is directly supplied through the water supply pipe to a water inlet 20p (see FIG. 5) of the outer tub 20, and by opening the fourth solenoid valve, water is supplied through the water supply pipe to a cleaning unit 60 (see FIG. 4) described later. Further, by opening the fifth solenoid valve, water is supplied to a heat exchanger cleaning section 78 (see FIG. 6) of the heat pump unit 70.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view in which the tub cover is removed from the outer tub, and a part of the rotary drum and the outer tub is cut away. Note that FIG. 3 is a view in which a part of the side surface and the bottom surface of the rotary drum 29 is cut away so that a member on the rear inner side of the outer tub 20 can be seen. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer tub 20 is composed of a bottomed cylindrical outer tub body 20a and a tub cover 20b provided at a front opening 20a1 of the outer tub body 20a. The tub cover 20b is provided with a flow path 20b1 through which washing water pumped up by a circulation pump 18 (see FIG. 6) passes. A water spray nozzle 23 is formed at the tip of this flow path 20b1, and is configured such that the washing water pumped up into the rotary drum 29 is discharged. Further, a blowout nozzle 24 through which dried air blows out is formed in the tub cover 20b. A discharge duct 24a is formed in the blowout nozzle 24. The discharge duct 24a is connected to a heat pump unit 70 described later.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view in which the rotary drum, the primary filter, and the secondary filter are removed from the outer tub. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state in which a part of the side surface of the outer tub 20 and a part of the right side surface of the rotary drum 29 are cut away. Also, FIG. 4 omits the illustration of the tub cover 20b. As shown in Figure 4, an internal duct 21 is provided on the back (bottom, rear) of the outer tank 20. This internal duct 21 is configured such that one end is attached to the top of the outer tank 20 and the other end is attached below half the height of the back of the outer tank 20. Furthermore, the internal duct 21 is bent (approximately arc-shaped) from the top to the bottom of the outer tank 20 in a manner that avoids the motor 28 (see Figure 2) that drives the rotating drum 29.

[0016] A primary filter 40 is installed in the tank duct 21. The primary filter 40 is formed by insert molding a mesh member 40b made of metal or the like (only partially shown in Figure 4) into a synthetic resin frame 40a. The primary filter 40 is also positioned higher than the water level used in the washing process.

[0017] A communication port 22 is formed at the upper rear of the outer tank 20, which communicates with the outside of the outer tank 20. A return duct 26 (see Figure 2) is connected from the communication port 22 to the heat pump unit 70 (see Figure 2) on the outer rear of the outer tank 20. A secondary filter 50 (filter) is provided in the return duct 26. The secondary filter 50 is located at the upper outside of the outer tank 20. The secondary filter 50 is located behind the communication port 22. In Figure 4, the primary filter 40 is located at the front in the front-to-back direction, and the secondary filter 50 is located at the rear (back) side. That is, the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 are arranged so that their airflow directions overlap, with the communication port 22 in between. Furthermore, the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 are facing each other, and the circulating air that has passed through the primary filter 40 passes through the secondary filter 50 without disturbing the flow pattern, thus reducing airflow resistance. Furthermore, by using a two-layer filter configuration in the direction of airflow, the mesh can be overlapped in a planar manner, allowing for a coarser mesh (opening) compared to a single-layer configuration. As a result, lint is collected across both layers, preventing dense accumulation of lint and maintaining stable air circulation.

[0018] The secondary filter 50, like the primary filter 40, is formed by insert molding a mesh member 50b (partially shown in Figure 4) made of metal or the like into a synthetic resin frame 50a. Furthermore, the secondary filter 50 has a finer mesh than the primary filter 40.

[0019] The washing and drying machine 100 configured in this way does not have a drying filter that the user removes when cleaning. In this embodiment, a primary filter 40 is provided on the back of the outer tub 20, and a secondary filter 50 is provided on the back of the primary filter 40, and these primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50 constitute the drying filter.

[0020] Furthermore, the outer tank 20 is equipped with a cleaning unit 60 for cleaning the secondary filter 50. Cleaning water is sprayed from this cleaning unit 60 towards the secondary filter 50, washing away lint (foreign matter) captured by the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50. The cleaning water that has cleaned the secondary filter 50, along with the lint, passes through the tank duct 21 and is discharged from an outlet formed at the lower rear of the outer tank 20. The cleaning water then flows into the water receiving section 54 of the outer tank 20 and is discharged to the outside from a drain port 20c (see Figure 6) formed in the water receiving section 54.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inside of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment, seen from the rear. As shown in Figure 5, the return duct 26 is provided on the rear of the outer tank 20 and has a duct section 26a extending from the center in the left-right direction on the rear of the outer tank 20, and a duct section 26b extending from the upper part toward the lower heat pump unit 70 at the right end of the duct section 26a. The duct section 26b and the heat pump unit 70 are connected by a bellows pipe 27a. In this way, the return duct 26 is configured to avoid the motor 28.

[0022] The supply duct 25 has a duct section 25a extending upward from the blower fan 2 which is installed in parallel with the heat pump unit 70, and a duct section 25b extending from the rear to the front at the top of the outer tank 20. The front end of the duct section 25b is connected to the discharge duct 24a via a bellows pipe 27c.

[0023] Furthermore, an exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the return duct 26. An openable and closable exhaust flap 81 is provided at the downstream end of the exhaust pipe 80. The exhaust pipe 80 is connected to the return duct 26 at a position behind the secondary filter 50.

[0024] Figure 6 is a top view showing the heat pump unit. Note that Figure 6 shows the heat pump unit 70 with the blower fan 2 attached. As shown in Figure 6, the heat pump unit 70 (heating and dehumidifying device) dehumidifies and heats the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the laundry in the rotating drum 29 and been discharged from the outer tub 20 (see Figure 5) during drying operation, making it high-temperature and low-humidity. The dehumidified and heated hot air (drying air) is blown onto the laundry in the rotating drum 29 from the blower fan 2 through the supply duct 25 (see Figure 5) and discharge duct 24a (see Figure 5) and from the blow nozzle 24 (see Figure 3) located at the top of the outer tub 20. The hot air blown onto the laundry becomes high-temperature, high-humidity air, passes through the primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50, and returns to the heat pump unit 70 through the return duct 26.

[0025] The heat pump unit 70 has a box-shaped case 70a, and on the upper surface of the case 70a, there is a connection port 70b to which the return duct 26 is connected, and an intake port 70c for drawing air into the case 70a.

[0026] The blower fan 2 comprises a fan casing 2a with a centrifugal impeller (not shown) inside, and a motor 2b that rotates the centrifugal impeller. The air intake port formed in the fan casing 2a is configured to communicate with the inside of the case 70a.

[0027] The heat pump unit 70 also includes a compressor 71, a condenser 72 (heater), a pressure reducing device 73, and an evaporator 74 (dehumidifier). These components are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping 75 to form a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant flows through the compressor 71, condenser 72, pressure reducing device 73, and evaporator 74 in that order, and then returns to the compressor 71.

[0028] Inside case 70a, an air passage is formed that allows high-temperature, high-humidity air drawn in from connection port 70b to pass through evaporator 74 and condenser 72 before being drawn into blower fan 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the heat pump unit 70 is equipped with a heat exchanger cleaning unit 78 for cleaning the heat exchangers and other components that make up the evaporator 74. Cleaning water is supplied to this heat exchanger cleaning unit 78 towards the evaporator 74 when the fifth solenoid valve of the water supply unit 16 is opened.

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow and drainage path during the drying process of a washer-dryer. As shown in Figure 7, a drain channel 20d is connected to the drain port 20c of the outer tub 20. A drain valve V1 is provided in the drain channel 20d. When the drain valve V1 opens, the washing water in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine. A drain trap is also provided at the bottom of the washer-dryer 100.

[0031] Furthermore, a circulation pump 18 is provided in the drainage channel 20d. When the circulation pump 18 is driven, wash water is drawn in from the drain port 20c of the outer tub 20, pumped up through the channel 20b1 provided in the tub cover 20b, and discharged into the rotating drum 29. Upstream of the drain valve V1 in the drainage channel 20d, a lint filter (foreign matter trap) (not shown) is provided so that the wash water after lint has been captured flows into the channel 20b1.

[0032] Furthermore, the outer tub 20 is provided with an overflow port 20b3. An overflow channel 20e is connected to the overflow port 20b3. The downstream end of the overflow channel 20e is connected downstream of the drain valve V1 of the drain channel 20d. An overflow valve V2 is provided in this overflow channel 20e. When a washing or rinsing operation is performed with the overflow valve V2 open, any washing water exceeding a predetermined level in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the overflow channel 20e.

[0033] The heat pump unit 70 is equipped with a drain pump 76 (drainage section). The drain pump 76 discharges water that is dehumidified by the evaporator 74 inside the heat pump unit 70, and water that is used to clean the heat exchanger inside the heat pump unit 70, to the outside of the unit. One end of a drain hose 77 (drainage section) is connected to the drain pump 76, and the other end is connected to the drainage channel 20d. The other end of the drain hose 77 is connected to the drainage channel 20d downstream of the drain valve V1 and the overflow valve V2.

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the upper rear of the outer tank. Note that Figure 8 shows the outer tank 20 with the rotating drum removed. As shown in Figure 8, the primary filter 40 is attached from the front of the communication port 22 formed on the upper part of the rear surface 20s of the outer tank 20, and the secondary filter 50 is attached from the rear. The outer tank 20 is also provided with a cleaning unit 60 for cleaning the secondary filter 50.

[0035] The cleaning unit 60 washes away lint captured by the secondary filter 50 and cleans the secondary filter 50, and is mounted on top of the secondary filter 50. The cleaning unit 60 is also provided with a water inlet 61 on its top surface for supplying cleaning water. This water inlet 61 is connected to the water supply unit 16 (see Figure 2) via a water supply pipe (not shown). Water is supplied to the water inlet 61 by opening the fourth solenoid valve (not shown) mentioned above.

[0036] The primary filter 40 is positioned such that the surface of the mesh member 40b is approximately parallel to the back surface 20s of the outer tank 20. On the other hand, the secondary filter 50 is positioned at an angle such that the upper part of the mesh member 50b is located in front of the lower part. In other words, the secondary filter 50 is positioned at an angle to the surface of the mesh member 40b such that the upper part of the mesh member 50b is closer to the primary filter 40 than the lower part. Although not shown, a cleaning nozzle 62 (see Figure 10) is provided for spraying cleaning water supplied from the water inlet 61 onto the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50. Multiple cleaning nozzles 62 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the secondary filter 50. A return duct 26 is connected to the rear of the secondary filter 50, and the air that has passed through the secondary filter 50 is sent to a heat pump unit 70 located at the bottom of the outer tank 20.

[0037] The in-tank duct 21 is formed to become deeper in the depth direction (front-to-back direction) above the position where the flow path cover 20f is installed, and is connected to the communication port 22.

[0038] Figure 9 is a rear view of the secondary filter. As shown in Figure 9, the cleaning unit 60 has cleaning nozzles 62 formed below the water inlet. Three cleaning nozzles 62 are arranged in a row from left to right. The cleaning nozzles 62 are also located above the mesh member 50b.

[0039] Furthermore, a rib 51 is formed on the frame portion 50a of the secondary filter 50, rising from the bottom surface. Although Figure 9 only shows the state where the rib 51 is provided on the right side (left side in the figure), a rib is also formed on the front side of the mesh member 50b in Figure 9, rising from the bottom surface 50a1 along the mesh member 50b. The area enclosed by this rib 51 is configured as the water storage portion 52.

[0040] Furthermore, the bottom surface 50a1 (drainage path) of the frame section 50a is sloped downward from the left side to the right side.

[0041] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second-order filter. As shown in Figure 10, the secondary filter 50 is arranged so that the surface of the mesh member 50b is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In addition, the upper surface of the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50 faces the rear, and the lower surface of the mesh member 50b faces the front.

[0042] Furthermore, a cleaning nozzle 62 is located above the upper edge of the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50. The nozzle opening of the cleaning nozzle 62 is formed to open vertically downward. Cleaning water is sprayed downward in a fan shape from this nozzle opening (see Figure 9), and the cleaning water is discharged onto the rear-facing surface (upper surface) of the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50.

[0043] Furthermore, the bottom surface 50a1 of the frame portion 50a of the secondary filter 50 is sloped downward from the rear to the front.

[0044] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 8. Figure 11 shows the section where the secondary filter 50 and the outer tank 20 are connected. As shown in Figure 11, a recess 50a2 is formed in the frame 50a of the secondary filter 50. Furthermore, a protrusion 20g is formed in the outer tank 20 so as to fit into the recess 50a2, and a labyrinth-structured flow path 55 (drainage path) is formed between the recess 50a2 and the protrusion 20g. This flow path 55 is designed to prevent air from escaping easily, while allowing the washing water to pass through. Since the washing water is heavy, it can pass through due to gravity.

[0045] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device for the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the control device 90 is equipped with a microcomputer 110 (hereinafter referred to as "microcontroller"). The microcontroller 110 acquires various information signals from the user's operation (operation switch) and during the washing and drying processes. The microcontroller 110 is also connected via a drive circuit to the motor 28, various solenoid valves of the water supply unit 16, drain valve V1, overflow valve V2, circulation pump 18, blower fan 2, compressor 71, pressure reducing device 73, exhaust flap 81, and drain pump 76, and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and power supply. The microcontroller 110 also controls a display and a buzzer (not shown) to inform the user of information regarding the washing and drying machine 100. The microcontroller 110 starts up when the power switch (not shown) is pressed and power is turned on, and executes a basic washing and drying control processing program as shown in Figure 11.

[0046] Incidentally, the force with which lint adheres to the drying filter consists of two types: physical adhesion, where lint becomes entangled with the filter, and chemical adhesion, where dirt such as sebum accumulates and adheres between the lint and the filter. In this embodiment, the cleaning power is enhanced by weakening the chemical adhesion, and cleaning is performed using high-concentration cleaning water. Note that the higher the concentration, the weaker the chemical adhesion, but if the amount of water is small, the cleaning water will not reach the filter no matter how much the rotating drum 29 is rotated. For this reason, it is difficult to apply water with a high detergent concentration. Therefore, in this embodiment, by rotating the rotating drum 29 while rotating the blower fan 2, it is possible to apply high-concentration detergent to the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50. Note that the rotation of the rotating drum 29 and the rotation of the blower fan 2 may be operated simultaneously, but they do not have to be operated simultaneously. For example, the blower fan 2 may be operated after the rotation of the rotating drum 29.

[0047] Next, the cleaning method for the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 will be explained with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning method, and Figure 14 is a time chart showing the operation of the rotating drum, blower fan, and various solenoid valves during filter cleaning. When performing filter cleaning, press the button (not shown) to start the filter cleaning. Filter cleaning may be performed as a separate course, or it may be performed during a normal wash or dry cycle.

[0048] As shown in Figure 13, in step S1, the control device 90 performs a water supply process. In this water supply process, as shown in Figure 14, the third solenoid valve (in-tub water supply valve) of the water supply unit 16 is opened, and water is supplied from the water inlet 20p (see Figure 5). At this time, the drain valve V1 and the overflow valve V2 are closed. Also, the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 are stopped. Furthermore, in the water supply process, a smaller amount of water (low water volume) is supplied into the outer tub 20 than in the water supply process during a normal washing operation. The amount of water supplied is, for example, 4 liters.

[0049] After water is supplied, the user opens door 9 (see Figure 1) and adds, for example, a commercially available cleaning agent (tank cleaner). The cleaning agent is, for example, chlorine-based and effective in cleaning sebum, protein components, and oil. In addition, 4 liters of water are supplied and 1.1 liters of cleaning agent are added. This results in a cleaning agent concentration of 21.5% (10% or more) of the sum of the supplied water and detergent. Note that the cleaning agent concentration only needs to be 10% or more, and a concentration of 12.0% can be achieved by using 0.55 liters of cleaning agent for 4 liters of water. By setting the cleaning agent concentration to 10% or more, the cleaning power of the primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50 can be improved.

[0050] In step S3, the control device 90 performs the process of immersing the secondary filter 50 in high-concentration cleaning water. That is, as shown in Figure 14, with the drain valve V1 and overflow valve V2 closed, the rotating drum 29 is rotated at a low speed while the blower fan 2 is rotated at a medium speed, spraying high-concentration cleaning water into the airflow (see time t1). By rotating the rotating drum 29, the high-concentration cleaning water is stirred up, and by rotating the blower fan 2, the particles of the high-concentration cleaning water are carried toward the secondary filter 50. The high-concentration cleaning water is carried toward the secondary filter 50 by passing through the primary filter 40. It is also carried toward the secondary filter 50 by passing through the gap between the rear surface of the rotating drum 29 and the rear surface of the outer tank 20. Furthermore, it is carried toward the secondary filter 50 by passing upward through the inside of the tank duct 21 from the outlet at the bottom of the tank duct 21. Although the explanation has been given using the example of simultaneous operation of the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2, the configuration is not limited to this example. The blower fan 2 may be operated after the rotating drum 29, and the timing of operation of the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0051] Furthermore, a rib 51 is provided behind the secondary filter 50, allowing high-concentration cleaning water to gradually accumulate. The area formed by this rib 51 is the water reservoir 52. The height of the rib 51 is lower than the height of the secondary filter 50. By continuously rotating the blower fan 2, the high-concentration cleaning water adheres to the secondary filter 50, flows down, and accumulates in the water reservoir 52. This operation of accumulating high-concentration cleaning water in the water reservoir 52 is called the water reservoir cleaning operation. During the water reservoir cleaning operation, since the blower fan 2 continues to rotate, the high-concentration cleaning water does not flow out of the water reservoir 52 into the outer tank 20, and the force of the blower fan 2 pushing the high-concentration cleaning water keeps it constantly stored in the water reservoir 52.

[0052] Furthermore, during the operation of storing high-concentration cleaning water in the water storage unit 52, if the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 is too high or the operation is performed for too long, the high-concentration cleaning water will overflow the water storage unit 52 and be sent to the heat pump unit 70. Incidentally, if the heat exchangers that make up the condenser 72 (heater) and evaporator 74 (dehumidifier) ​​of the heat pump unit 70 are made of aluminum, there is a possibility that the heat exchangers will corrode if chlorine-based detergent adheres to them. For this reason, the time for which the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 are driven should be within a range that does not cause the high-concentration cleaning water to overflow the water storage unit 52.

[0053] Therefore, in step S3, the rotation speed of the rotating drum 29 is switched from low speed to ultra-low speed, and the blower fan 2 is switched from medium speed to low speed. When the rotating drum 29 is at ultra-low speed, the high-concentration cleaning water is not stirred up, and the storage of water in the water reservoir 52 stops. Also, by setting the blower fan 2 to low speed, the cleaning water is not discharged from the water reservoir 52, and a water level maintenance operation is performed to maintain the water level in the water reservoir 52. As a result, the water reservoir cleaning operation stops, and the water level of the high-concentration cleaning water in the water reservoir 52 is maintained. This operation to maintain the water level of the high-concentration cleaning water in the water reservoir 52 is called the water level maintenance operation. Furthermore, the water level maintenance operation is performed for a longer period of time than the water reservoir cleaning operation. By repeating the water reservoir cleaning operation and the water level maintenance operation in this way, it is possible to prevent the high-concentration cleaning water from flowing into the heat pump unit 70.

[0054] This water tank cleaning operation is performed for, for example, 30 seconds, and the water level maintenance operation is performed for, for example, 30 minutes. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 during the water level maintenance operation is lower than the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 during the water tank cleaning operation. This is because the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 required to maintain the water level can be lower than the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 required to pump up the water.

[0055] Furthermore, this water level maintenance operation is performed by operating the rotating drum 29 in conjunction with the operation of the blower fan 2. The reason for this is that if air flows and dries while high-concentration cleaning water is adhering to the drum, the surfactant components of the high-concentration cleaning water will precipitate, making it appear as if the inside of the drum has not been cleaned. Therefore, the operation is performed so that water flows over the rotating drum 29 in order to prevent detergent precipitate. In addition, the circulation pump 18 may be operated at a low speed in conjunction with the operation of the blower fan 2. Alternatively, both the rotating drum 29 and the circulation pump 18 may be operated at a low speed in conjunction with the operation of the blower fan 2.

[0056] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to operating both the blower fan 2 and the rotating drum 29; it may also be configured to stop the rotating drum 29 and operate only the blower fan 2.

[0057] In this way, by accumulating high-concentration cleaning water in the water reservoir 52, sebum, protein components, oils, etc. that have adhered to the secondary filter 50 are chemically decomposed, and their chemical adhesion is weakened. Furthermore, sebum, etc. that have adhered to the mesh member 50b located above the water reservoir 52 are also weakened by the chemical adhesion as the high-concentration cleaning water rises due to capillary action.

[0058] Furthermore, during the water level maintenance operation, the rotating drum 29 is driven, delivering high-concentration cleaning water to the outer tank 20 and the rotating drum 29. Also, during the water level maintenance operation, the circulation pump 18 is driven, causing high-concentration cleaning water to be discharged from the spray nozzle 23 through the shower path including the flow path 20b1, delivering high-concentration cleaning water to the door 9 and the bellows 10 (door packing).

[0059] Furthermore, since the blower fan 2 is rotating while the secondary filter 50 is immersed in high-concentration cleaning water, the exhaust flap 81 is closed to prevent chlorine-based airflow from leaking outside the unit.

[0060] In step S4, the control device 90 executes the immersion process of the primary filter 40 in high-concentration cleaning water. That is, as shown in Figure 14, at time t2, the in-tank water supply valve (third solenoid valve) of the water supply unit 16 is opened to supply water into the outer tank 20. At this time, both the drain valve V1 and the overflow valve V2 remain closed. At this time, the volume of the high-concentration cleaning water is set to be at least 80% of the volume of the gap between the rotating drum 29 and the outer tank 20. In the immersion process of the secondary filter 50 in high-concentration cleaning water (step S3), the total volume of high-concentration cleaning water was about 5 liters, so in the immersion process of the primary filter 40 in high-concentration cleaning water, 4 liters of water are added. However, if the amount of water added is too much, the cleaning agent concentration will be about the same as in the normal tank cleaning mode, and the high-concentration cleaning water will actively reach the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 70, so it is preferable to set an upper limit. The normal drum cleaning mode is a mode in which the primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50 are automatically cleaned after the rinsing cycle during the washing operation. The primary filter 40 is cleaned by splashing water up by rotating the rotating drum 29, and the secondary filter 50 is cleaned by water supplied from the cleaning unit 60.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotating drum 29 is operated at a low speed to scatter the high-concentration cleaning water and spray it onto the primary filter 40. The rotation speed of the rotating drum 29 at this time is set lower than the rotation speed of the rotating drum 29 for normal tank cleaning. Note that if the rotation speed of the rotating drum 29 is increased, the high-concentration cleaning water will reach the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 70 more easily, and the amount of water will decrease due to foaming of the detergent, reducing the amount of high-concentration cleaning water that reaches the primary filter 40 and thus reducing the cleaning power.

[0062] Furthermore, the heat exchanger cleaning valve (fifth solenoid valve) of the water supply unit 16 is opened to supply water to the heat exchanger cleaning section 78. As a result, water is discharged from the heat exchanger cleaning section 78 to the heat exchangers of the evaporator 74 and condenser 72 of the heat pump unit 70, and the heat exchangers are cleaned. In addition, the circulation pump 18 may be driven in step 4. High-concentration cleaning water is discharged from the spray nozzle 23 through the shower path including the flow path 20b1, thereby cleaning the door 9 and the bellows 10 (door gasket).

[0063] In step S5, the control device 90 performs cleaning of the primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50, rinsing of each part, and dewatering. First, as shown in Figure 14, at time t3, the drain valve V1 is opened to discharge the high-concentration cleaning water outside the machine. Also at time t3, the overflow valve V2 is opened simultaneously and kept open until the next drying step. Also at time t3, the rotating drum 29 is rotated at high speed for a short time to dewater. This removes the high-concentration cleaning water adhering to the rotating drum 29. The rotation speed of the rotating drum 29 at this time is, for example, 900 rpm.

[0064] After the rotating drum 29 has been dewatered, the filter washing valve (fourth solenoid valve) of the water supply unit 16 is opened to supply water to the washing unit 60. By supplying water to the washing unit 60, the first and second solenoid valves of the water supply unit 16 are opened, and water is supplied into the outer tank 20. As a result, water is sprayed from the washing nozzle 62 of the washing unit 60 onto the upper part 50b1 (see Figure 10) on the rear side of the secondary filter 50, and the secondary filter 50 is washed. Because the high-concentration washing water immersion process of the secondary filter 50 in step S3 reduces the adhesion force of sebum and other substances on the secondary filter 50, the water hitting it can wash away the adhered dirt (debris). In addition, the water that falls to the bottom surface 50a1 of the secondary filter 50 flows towards the outer tank 20 due to the inclined surface of the bottom surface 50a1 (drainage path). The bottom surface 50a1 slopes downward toward the front (towards the outer tank 20), so the water flows toward the primary filter 40 and into the tank duct 21. The high-concentration cleaning water that flows into the tank duct 21 flows along the back surface 21a (drainage path) of the tank duct 21 and flows out from an opening provided at the bottom of the tank duct 21. In addition, the high-concentration cleaning water stored in the water reservoir 52 flows out toward the outer tank 20 through the labyrinth-structured flow path 55 (drainage path).

[0065] Furthermore, after closing the solenoid valve (filter cleaning valve) of the cleaning unit 60, the drain valve V1 is opened again to discharge the rinse water outside the machine. After closing the drain valve V1, the filter cleaning valve (fourth solenoid valve) is opened to clean the secondary filter 50 and supply water to the outer tank 20. Then, by rotating the rotating drum 29, the rinse water stored in the outer tank 20 is stirred up, and the primary filter 40 is cleaned. In this way, the rinsing of the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 are repeated.

[0066] In step S5, after water is supplied, the circulation pump 18 is driven, and rinse water is discharged from the watering nozzle 23 through the shower path including the flow path 20b1, rinsing the door 9 and bellows 10 (door packing). After rinsing and dewatering of each part is completed, all solenoid valves such as the drain valve V1 and overflow valve V2 are closed, and the rotating drum 29 is stopped.

[0067] In step S6, the control device 90 executes a drying process. In this drying process, similar to the drying operation performed during normal washing, at time t4, the heat pump unit 70 and the blower fan 2 are operated to send dry air into the rotating drum 29 and circulate it. If the temperature in the drying air passage rises too high during the drying operation, the exhaust flap 81 is opened to discharge the air in the drying air passage and refresh the air. When exhausting, the air is drawn in from the intake port 70c of the heat pump unit 70.

[0068] As described above, the washing and drying machine 100 of this embodiment comprises a housing 1, an outer tub 20 provided inside the housing 1 for storing water, a drainage channel 20d for draining water from the outer tub 20, a rotating drum 29 provided inside the outer tub 20 that can accommodate clothes and rotate freely, a heat pump unit 70 for drying damp clothes, a blower fan 2 for supplying air into the rotating drum 29, a return duct 26 connecting the outer tub 20 and the blower fan 2, a secondary filter 50 provided in the return duct 26 for collecting lint generated during drying, and a water supply unit 16 for supplying water to the outer tub 20 and the rotating drum 29. The water supply unit 16 supplies water to the outer tub 20 and operates the blower fan 2 and the rotating drum 29. This allows water to be blown to the secondary filter 50, so the secondary filter 50 can be cleaned.

[0069] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 performs a water storage and cleaning operation by operating the blower fan 2 and the rotating drum 29 to clean the secondary filter 50 with stored water. This allows the secondary filter 50 to be filled with water, thereby improving its cleaning power.

[0070] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 repeatedly performs a water storage and washing operation, and a water level maintenance operation that operates the blower fan 2 to maintain the water level stored in the secondary filter. This prevents the washing water from going from the secondary filter 50 to the heat pump unit 70.

[0071] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 has a lower rotation speed for the water level maintenance operation than for the blower fan 2 during the water storage and washing operation. This allows for energy saving and reduced noise.

[0072] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 performs a water storage and washing operation and a water level maintenance operation for 60 minutes or more. This improves the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0073] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 has a water supply unit 16 with a water supply capacity of 10 liters or less. This allows for a higher concentration of wash water, thereby improving the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0074] Furthermore, in the washer-dryer 100, detergent accounts for 10% or more of the sum of the water supplied to the water supply unit 16 and the detergent. This makes it possible to enhance the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0075] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 is equipped with an exhaust pipe 80 leading to the outside of the outer tub 20 in the return duct 26, and the exhaust passage is closed during the water storage and cleaning operation. This prevents detergent components (e.g., chlorine-based) from leaking outside the machine during tub cleaning.

[0076] Furthermore, the washer-dryer 100 is equipped with a heat exchanger cleaning unit 78 and a drain hose 77 in the heat pump unit 70. Water is supplied to the heat exchanger cleaning unit 78 during or after the water storage cleaning operation, and drained through the drain hose 77. This prevents the water used to clean the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 70 from leaking.

[0077] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a washing unit 60 (filter washing section) that can supply water to the secondary filter 50 for washing, and after the water storage and washing operation, the washing unit 60 washes the secondary filter 50. This allows the adhering dirt to be discharged from the secondary filter 50 by supplying water after the chemical adhesion force has been weakened.

[0078] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a circulation pump 18 that returns the washing water discharged from the outer tub 20 back into the rotating drum 29 for circulation, and the rotating drum 29 and the circulation pump 18 are operated during the water level maintenance operation. This reduces the area on the surface of the rotating drum 29 that dries.

[0079] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a return duct 26 that connects the secondary filter 50 and the heat pump unit 70, and the return duct 26 is provided with ribs 51 for immersing the secondary filter 50 in water. With this configuration, the ribs 51 can be used to form a water reservoir 52 that can immerse the secondary filter 50 in high-concentration washing water, thereby improving the washing power of the secondary filter 50.

[0080] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 100 is equipped with a bottom surface 50a1 (drainage path), a back surface 21a (drainage path), and a flow path 55 (drainage path) that connect the water reservoir 52, which is filled with water during the water storage and washing operation, to the outer tub 20. This allows water to be drained from the water reservoir 52, preventing detergent from remaining in the water reservoir 52.

[0081] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 100, the detergent is chlorine-based. This allows for increased cleaning power against chemical adhesion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1 Housing (box body) 2. Blower fan (blower device) 16. Water supply unit (water supply section) 18 Circulation pump 20 Outer tank 20d Drainage channel 21a Rear (drainage route) 25. Supply duct (circulating air passage) 26. Return duct (circulating air passage, return air passage) 29 Rotating drum (inner tub) 30 Laundry (clothing) 40 Primary Filters 50 Second-order filters (filters) 50a1 Bottom surface (drainage route) 51 Ribs 55 Flow path (drainage route) 60. Cleaning unit (filter cleaning section) 70 Heat pump unit (heating and dehumidifying device) 76. Drainage pump (drainage section) 77 Drain hose (drain section) 78 Heat exchanger cleaning section 80 Exhaust pipe (exhaust path) 81 Exhaust flap

Claims

1. The box and, An outer tank for storing water is provided inside the aforementioned box, A drainage channel for draining the water in the outer tank, An inner tub is provided inside the outer tub, which is capable of accommodating clothing and is rotatable, A heating and dehumidifying device for drying damp clothes, A blower for supplying air into the inner tank, A circulating air passage connecting the outer tank and the blower, A filter is provided in the aforementioned circulating air passage to collect lint generated during drying, It comprises a water supply unit that supplies water to the outer tank and the inner tank, A washing and drying machine characterized by supplying water to the outer tub at the water supply unit, operating the blower and the inner tub, and washing the filter with the supplied water.

2. A washing and drying machine according to claim 1, A washing and drying machine characterized by performing a water storage and cleaning operation in which the filter is cleaned by operating the blower and the inner tub.

3. A washing and drying machine according to claim 2, A washing and drying machine characterized by repeating the water storage and washing operation and the water level maintenance operation, which involves operating the blower to maintain the water level stored in the filter.

4. A washing and drying machine according to claim 3, A washing and drying machine characterized in that the rotation speed of the water level maintenance operation is lower than the rotation speed of the blower during the water storage and washing operation.

5. A washing and drying machine according to claim 3, A washing and drying machine characterized by performing the aforementioned water storage and cleaning operation and the aforementioned water level maintenance operation for at least 60 minutes.

6. A washing and drying machine according to claim 1, A washing machine and dryer characterized in that the amount of water supplied to the water supply unit is 10 liters or less.

7. A washing and drying machine according to claim 1, A washing and drying machine characterized in that 10% or more of the amount of detergent is relative to the sum of the amount of water supplied to the water supply section and the detergent.

8. A washing and drying machine according to claim 2, The aforementioned circulating air passage is provided with an exhaust path to the outside of the outer tank. A washing and drying machine characterized in that the exhaust path is closed during the aforementioned water storage and washing operation.

9. A washing and drying machine according to claim 2, The aforementioned heating and dehumidifying device is equipped with a heat exchanger cleaning section and a drainage section. A washing and drying machine characterized by supplying water to the heat exchanger cleaning section and draining it from the drain section during or after the water storage and cleaning operation.

10. A washing and drying machine according to claim 2, The filter is provided with a filter cleaning unit that can be supplied with water and used for cleaning. A washing and drying machine characterized in that it cleans the filter by the filter cleaning unit after the water storage and cleaning operation.

11. A washing and drying machine according to claim 3, A circulation pump is provided to return the cleaning water discharged from the outer tank back to the inner tank and circulate it. A washing and drying machine characterized in that the inner tub and the circulation pump are operated during the water level maintenance operation.

12. A washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The aforementioned circulating air passage includes a return air passage connecting the filter and the heating / dehumidifying device, A washing machine and dryer characterized in that the return air passage is provided with ribs for immersing the filter in water.

13. A washing and drying machine according to claim 2, A washing and drying machine characterized by having a drainage path connecting the water storage section, which stores water by the aforementioned water storage and washing operation, and the outer tub.

14. A washing and drying machine according to claim 7, The washing machine and dryer is characterized in that the aforementioned cleaning agent is chlorine-based.

Images