Washer dryer

Abstract

To provide a washer-dryer that can achieve high reliability by suppressing the deterioration of drying performance and reducing the risk of water leakage. [Solution] The system comprises a housing, an outer tank housed in the housing and capable of storing water, a rotating drum rotatably supported within the outer tank, a heat pump unit for drying laundry in the rotating drum, a drain pump for discharging water stored in the heat pump unit, a medium water level sensor 60A and a high water level sensor 60B attached to the wall surface of the heat pump unit for detecting the water level inside the heat pump unit, and a control device 90 that outputs an energization signal to indicate whether to detect the medium water level sensor 60A or the high water level sensor 60B.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a washing and drying machine equipped with a heat pump type heat exchanger, cleaning water for removing condensed water that has been dehumidified and accumulated and foreign matter adhering to the fins for heat exchange accumulates in the heat pump unit, and this accumulated water is discharged. Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which the dehumidified condensed water is temporarily stored in a condensed water tank and drained using a drainage pump when it is detected that a predetermined water level has been reached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a condensed water tank is provided for the purpose of temporarily storing and draining condensed water, it is not structured to store a large amount of cleaning water when cleaning the heat exchanger. Therefore, when the heat exchanger is submerged by a large amount of cleaning water, the drying performance deteriorates and the risk of water leakage from the heat pump unit increases.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems and aims to provide a washing and drying machine capable of suppressing a decrease in drying performance, reducing the risk of water leakage, and obtaining high reliability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a box; an outer tank housed in the box and capable of storing water; an inner tank rotatably supported within the outer tank; a heat pump unit for drying laundry in the inner tank; a drain pump for discharging water stored in the heat pump unit; a plurality of water level sensors attached to the wall surface of the heat pump unit for detecting the water level within the heat pump unit; and a control unit that outputs an energization signal to indicate which of the plurality of water level sensors to detect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine with a high level of reliability by suppressing the deterioration of drying performance and reducing the risk of water leakage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing the inside of the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a heat pump unit. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the heat pump unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the drying path, circulation water channel, drainage path, and overflow path provided in the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view of the heat pump unit. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device for a washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the connection status between the control device and the water level sensor of the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the operation of the washer-dryer during the washing cycle according to this embodiment. [Figure 10]This flowchart shows the drainage operation of the heat pump unit in the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 11A] This is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is low. [Figure 11B] This is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is moderate. [Figure 11C] This is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is high. [Figure 11D] This is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit in the event of a malfunction. [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 a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a 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 and reinforcing materials (not shown), mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, on top of the base, and then attaching a front cover and a top cover to form the housing 1 (box). The front cover is provided with a door 2 for loading and unloading laundry. The front upper part of the housing 1 is provided with a power switch and buttons for selecting the operating course.

[0010] An outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 1. The outer tub 3 is supported by multiple suspensions (not shown), and its upper part is suspended by springs (not shown). Laundry 5 is loaded into the rotating drum 4 (inner tub) located inside the outer tub 3 by opening the door 2. A fluid balancer 6 is provided on the outer circumference of the opening of the rotating drum 4 to reduce vibration caused by the unbalanced state of the laundry 5 during the spin-drying process. Multiple lifters 7 are provided inside the rotating drum 4 to lift the laundry. The rotating drum 4 is directly connected to a motor 10 (drive unit) for driving the drum via a main shaft 9 connected to a metal flange 8 for the rotating drum.

[0011] A tank cover 11 is provided in front of the outer tank 3, and a rubber bellows 12 made of an elastic body is attached to the opening of the tank cover 11. This bellows 12 serves to maintain the watertightness between the inside of the outer tank 3 and the door 2. Thereby, water leakage during washing, rinsing, and dehydration is prevented. The rotary drum 4 has a number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on its side and back surfaces. Further, a water receiving portion 13 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 3. Furthermore, a drainage path 14 and a heat pump unit 15 are provided at the lower part of the outer tank 3.

[0012] The heat pump unit 15 is connected to a return duct 16 connected to the back surface of the outer tank 3. The upstream end of the return duct 16 is connected to the upper part of the back surface of the outer tank 3. The downstream end of the return duct 16 is connected to the heat pump unit 15 via a bellows tube 17.

[0013] A tank inner duct 18 is provided on the back surface inside the outer tank 3. This tank inner duct 18 has one end as the upper part of the outer tank 3 and the other end located below half the height of the back surface of the outer tank 3. Further, a primary filter 20 is provided in the tank inner duct 18. The primary filter 20 is composed of a resin frame divided into a plurality of substantially rectangular sections and a mesh-shaped collection portion. The primary filter 20 can be washed by driving the rotary drum 4 in a state where water is stored in the outer tank 3 and lifting the stored water up to the primary filter 20.

[0014] A communication port 22 communicating with the outside of the outer tank 3 is formed at the upper part of the back surface inside the outer tank 3. A return duct 16 is provided from the communication port 22 to the heat pump unit 15 on the outside of the back surface of the outer tank 3. A secondary filter 30 is provided in the return duct 16. The secondary filter 30 is composed of a resin frame divided into a plurality of substantially rectangular sections and a mesh-shaped collection portion.

[0015] A cleaning nozzle 31 is provided above the secondary filter 30. The cleaning nozzle 31 is connected to a water supply solenoid valve 40. The cleaning nozzle 31 flows cleaning water through the secondary filter 30 to clean the secondary filter 30.

[0016] In this embodiment, the primary filter 20 is located on the front side in the front-rear direction, and the secondary filter 30 is located on the rear side (the inner side). That is, the primary filter 20 and the secondary filter 30 are arranged such that the ventilation directions overlap with each other across the communication port 22. Further, the primary filter 20 and the secondary filter 30 are configured to face each other, and the circulating air that has passed through the primary filter 20 passes through the secondary filter 30 without disturbing the flow pattern, so that the ventilation resistance can be reduced.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the inside of the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a water supply solenoid valve 40 is provided at the upper part of the housing 1. The water supply pipe is connected to the water supply port 41, and the water supply port 41 is connected to a four-way valve. The four-way valve is composed of four valves and can set the flow rate range that can supply water according to the water supply pressure. A water supply box (not shown) is connected to the four-way valve, and water can be further branched to each flow path for water supply. A detergent and softener tray 43 is provided in front of the water supply box.

[0018] In front of the detergent and softener tray 43, a manual input port (not shown) for detergent and softener is provided. By supplying water to the manual input port for detergent and softener and supplying water from the main hose to the outer tub 3, the detergent and softener can be added during washing. Behind the detergent and softener tray 43, tanks (not shown) for detergent and softener are provided respectively. At the lower part of the detergent and softener tray 43, a unit (not shown) is provided that can automatically input the detergent in the detergent tank or the softener in the softener tank into the outer tub 3 via the main hose. Also, water can be directly supplied from the water supply box to the outer tub 3 via the main hose. Further, by supplying water to the cleaning nozzle 31 via the cleaning hose 44 to the secondary filter 30, the secondary filter 30 can be cleaned. Also, by supplying water to the tank cover 11 via a shower hose (not shown), the door 2 and the bellows 12 can be cleaned. Furthermore, by supplying water to the cleaning piece 57 (see FIG. 4) of the dehumidifier 54 via the dehumidifier cleaning hose 45, the dehumidifier 54 (see FIG. 3) can be cleaned.

[0019] Below the outer tub 3, a heat pump unit 15 is provided, which operates during the drying cycle. This heat pump unit 15 is fixed to the base of the housing 1. Between the heat pump unit 15 and the outer tub 3, a circulating air passage Q is formed through which air for drying the laundry 5 circulates. At the outlet of the circulating air passage Q, a blower 23 is provided to send the dry air to the laundry inside the rotating drum 4.

[0020] The air passage that sends air from the outer tank 3 to the heat pump unit 15 consists of, from the upstream side of the airflow, a primary filter 20 (see Figure 1), an internal duct 18 (see Figure 1), a secondary filter 30 (see Figure 1), a return duct 16, and a bellows pipe 17. The return duct 16 is a component made by fixing two resin plates together by vibration welding and is screw-fixed to the outer tank 3.

[0021] The air passage that sends air from the blower 23 to the outer tank 3 consists of a supply duct 19, a discharge bellows (not shown), and a discharge port 3k (see Figure 5), from the upstream side of the air.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the heat pump unit, and Figure 4 is a top view of the heat pump unit. Note that Figure 3 shows the unit with the upper casing 15a removed. Figure 4 shows the unit with the blower 23 removed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the heat pump unit 15 comprises a compressor 51, a heater 52, an expansion valve 53, a dehumidifier 54, and a resin case 55 that houses these components. The resin case 55 of the heat pump unit 15 is composed of a lower casing 55a and an upper casing 55b (see Figure 4). The upper casing 55b is also provided with an air intake 56 (see Figure 4) and a cleaning piece 57 (see Figure 4) that flows cleaning water to the front of the dehumidifier 54 (the surface into which air flows). The heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54 is installed sandwiched between the upper casing 55b and the lower casing 55a so as to obstruct the air flowing laterally, forming an air circulation passage Q (see Figure 3). An opening 55c (see Figure 4) is formed on the upstream side of the air circulation passage Q, to which the return duct 16 is connected, and an opening 55d (see Figure 4) is formed on the downstream side, to which the blower 23 is connected.

[0023] The dehumidifier 54 and heater 52 are cross-fin tube type heat exchangers in which heat transfer tubes are mounted through stacked aluminum fins to exchange heat with air. The compressor 51 is installed in the lower casing 55a via vibration-damping rubber or the like. The compressor 51 can be of the piston type, rotary type, scroll type, etc. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the compressor 51 is variable from low speed to high speed by inverter control.

[0024] The compressor 51, heater 52, expansion valve 53, and dehumidifier 54 are connected by refrigerant piping 58. High-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 flows into the heater 52, where it condenses and liquefies by releasing heat into the circulating air. The liquefied refrigerant is depressurized by the expansion valve 53, which is adjusted to a predetermined opening, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, and flows into the dehumidifier 54. The refrigerant flowing into the dehumidifier 54 evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat from the circulating air. The vaporized refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and is drawn into the compressor 51. The medium-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is compressed again by the compressor 51 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In this way, a refrigerant cycle is formed, and the circulating air is dehumidified and heated, which promotes the drying of clothes.

[0025] Dehumidified and heated hot air (drying air) is blown onto the laundry in the rotating drum 4 from the supply duct 19 (see Figure 2) and the discharge port 3k (see Figure 5) located at the top of the outer tub 3 by the blower 23. The hot air blown onto the laundry becomes high-temperature, high-humidity air and passes through the primary filter 20 (see Figure 1) and the secondary filter 30 (see Figure 1), and returns to the heat pump unit 15 through the return duct 16 (see Figure 1). Drying in this embodiment is a hot air drying method in which air is circulated between the rotating drum 4 and the heat pump unit 15 by the blower 23 to dry the laundry. The blower 23 comprises a fan casing 23a, an impeller (not shown), and a motor 23b that rotates the impeller. The blower 23 is connected to the downstream side of the heat pump unit 15 in the resin case 55. The discharge port 23c of the blower 23 is connected to the supply duct 19 (see Figure 2).

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the drying path, circulation path, drainage path, and overflow path provided in the washing and drying machine according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the drainage path 14 is a path for draining water accumulated in the outer tub 3, and consists of an internal drainage channel 3b, a drain valve 3c, a drain hose 3d, and a water channel filter 3e. The internal drainage channel 3b is connected to the drain port 3a on the bottom of the outer tub 3. The internal drainage channel 3b is equipped with a drain valve 3c. When the drain valve 3c opens, the washing water in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine through the internal drainage channel 3b and the drain hose 3d. The internal drainage channel 3b is also equipped with a water channel filter 3e. The water channel filter 3e collects lint (lint) in the wastewater flowing through the internal drainage channel 3b. The lint collected by the water channel filter 3e is cleaned by the user as needed.

[0027] The overflow path is a route for draining water that overflows when the water accumulated in the outer tub 3 exceeds a predetermined water level, and consists of an overflow port 3h, an overflow channel 3i, and an overflow valve 3j. The overflow channel 3i is connected to the overflow port 3h. The downstream end of the overflow channel 3i is connected downstream of the drain valve 3c of the drain hose 3d. An overflow valve 3j is provided in this overflow channel 3i. When a washing or rinsing operation is performed with the overflow valve 3j open, the washing water that exceeds the predetermined water level in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine through the overflow channel 3i and the drain hose 3d.

[0028] The circulation channel circulates the water in the outer tub 3 and consists of a circulation pump 3f and a circulation channel 3g. The circulation channel 3g is located between the water channel filter 3e and the outer tub 3. When the circulation pump 3f is driven, the washing water is drawn in from the drain port 3a of the outer tub 3, pumped up to the top of the outer tub 3 through the circulation channel 3g provided in the tub cover 11 (see Figure 1), and discharged into the rotating drum 4 (see Figure 1).

[0029] A condensation water hose 59 is connected to the downstream side of the drain hose 3d for draining water dehumidified by the heat pump unit 15 using a drain pump 50. The condensation water hose 59 is positioned higher vertically than the overflow path to prevent backflow from the condensation water hose 59 to the heat pump unit 15. The drain pump 50 discharges not only the water generated when dehumidified by the dehumidifier 54 inside the heat pump unit 15, but also the water used to clean the dehumidifier 54 inside the heat pump unit 15. Since the dehumidifier 54 is located upstream of the heater 52 in the circulating air path Q, foreign matter such as lint is more likely to adhere to it, so the dehumidifier 54 is primarily cleaned. However, a configuration in which both the dehumidifier 54 and the heater 52 are cleaned is also possible.

[0030] Figure 6 is a side view of the heat pump unit. As shown in Figure 6, the lower casing 15b of the heat pump unit 15 has a dish shape with an open top, allowing condensation water generated during dehumidification and cleaning water used when cleaning the dehumidifier 54 to accumulate. By designing the resin case 55 of the heat pump unit 15 to directly collect condensation water and cleaning water in this way, it becomes possible to store a large amount of water. This prevents water leakage from the heat pump unit 15 (resin case 55) even if cleaning water from the dehumidifier 54 accumulates rapidly.

[0031] Furthermore, the heat pump unit 15 is equipped with multiple water level sensors, consisting of a medium water level sensor 60A and a high water level sensor 60B. Both the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B are electrode-type sensors. The medium water level sensor 60A detects that the water level is at the medium level and is composed of a reference electrode 61 and a medium water level detection electrode 62. The high water level sensor 60B detects that the water level is higher than the medium level and is composed of a reference electrode 61 and a high water level detection electrode 63. In this embodiment, the medium water level is the height at which the water accumulated in the lower casing 55a is lower than the lower end of the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54, and the high water level is the height at which the water accumulated in the lower casing 55a submerges a part of the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54 but does not leak from the lower casing 55a.

[0032] Figure 7 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 7, the control device 90 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcontroller") 110. The microcontroller 110 acquires user operations (operation switches 24) and various information signals (medium water level sensor 60A, high water level sensor 60B) during the washing and drying processes. The microcontroller 110 is also connected to the motor 10, water supply solenoid valve 40, drain valve 3c, circulation pump 3f, blower 23, compressor 51, expansion valve 53, and drain pump 50 via a drive circuit, and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and power supply. The microcontroller 110 also controls a display 25 and a buzzer (not shown) to inform the user of information regarding the washer-dryer 100. The microcontroller 110 also includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, a conductivity measurement unit 115, and a detergent amount / wash time determination unit 116. The microcontroller 110 starts up when the power switch (not shown) is pressed and power is turned on, and executes a basic control program for washing and drying as shown in Figure 8.

[0033] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the connection state between the control device and the water level sensor of the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the control device 90 is connected to the medium water level sensor 60A via the sensor switching unit 93 and the wire 91a. The control device 90 is also connected to the high water level sensor 60B via the sensor switching unit 93 and the wire 92a. Furthermore, the control device 90 is connected to both the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B via the resistance calculation unit 94. The control device 90 calculates the water resistance between the reference electrode 61 and the medium water level detection electrode 62 using the resistance value calculation unit 94 and detects it as a change in potential. The control device 90 also calculates the water resistance between the reference electrode 61 and the high water level detection electrode 63 using the resistance value calculation unit 94 and detects it as a change in potential. The energizing signal is a signal from the control device 90 to activate the sensor circuit.

[0034] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine and dryer according to this embodiment during the washing cycle. As shown in Figure 9, in step S1, the control device 90 accepts input for the selection of a washing and drying cycle course (course selection). Here, the user opens the door 2, puts the laundry to be washed into the rotating drum, and closes the door 2. The user then selects and inputs the washing cycle course by operating the operation switch 24. When the operation switch 24 is operated, the selected washing cycle course is input to the control device 90. Based on the input washing cycle course, the control device 90 reads the corresponding operating pattern from the operating pattern database 111 and proceeds to step S2. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the standard washing and drying course (wash - rinse twice - spin - dry) has been selected.

[0035] In step S2, the control device 90 performs a process to detect the weight (amount of fabric) of the laundry 5 placed in the rotating drum 4 (amount of fabric sensing). Specifically, the process control unit 112 drives the motor 10 to rotate the rotating drum 4, and the clothing weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight (amount of fabric) of the laundry 5 before water is added.

[0036] In step S3, the control device 90 performs a process to calculate the amount of detergent and the operating time. The conductivity measuring unit 115 detects the conductivity (hardness) of the supplied water. In addition, the temperature of the supplied water is detected by the drainage temperature sensor 64 installed at the bottom of the outer tub 3 (for example, the drain port 3a). The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 determines the amount of detergent to be added and the operating time by map search based on the detected amount of cloth, the conductivity (hardness) of the water obtained using the value detected from the conductivity sensor 65 by the conductivity measuring unit 115, and the water temperature. Then, the process control unit 112 displays the determined amount of detergent and operating time on the display unit 25.

[0037] In step S4, the control device 90 waits for a predetermined time (detergent dispensing waiting process) and then proceeds to step S5. The user, referring to the amount of detergent displayed on the display unit 25 during the waiting period, dispenses the detergent into the detergent dispenser (not shown). If automatic detergent dispensing is set, the detergent dispensing operation can be omitted.

[0038] The washing process is broadly divided into the detergent dissolving process (step S5), the pre-wash process (step S6), and the main wash process (step S7). Furthermore, the main wash process is divided into the first main wash process (main wash 1) and the subsequent second main wash process (main wash 2), but functionally there is no problem even if each process is not clearly distinguished in relation to the progress of the operation. Also, even if some of the operations in the process described later are omitted, the overall function of the washing process does not change.

[0039] In step S5, the control device 90 performs the detergent dissolving process. A predetermined solenoid valve of the water supply solenoid valve 40 is opened, and water is supplied. The water is guided to the detergent inlet and then poured into the outer tub 3. The detergent solution poured into the outer tub 3 is supplied to the water receiving section 13 (see Figure 1) located at the bottom of the rotating drum 4 via a water supply path (not shown). After the detergent solution is poured in, when the circulation pump 3f (see Figure 5) is driven, the water in the water receiving section 13 enters the suction port (not shown) of the circulation pump 3f from the drain port 3a via the water channel filter 3e (lint filter). The wash water, pressurized by the circulation pump 3f, is returned to the water receiving section 13 again from the circulation discharge port (not shown) which communicates with the outlet of the circulation pump 3f.

[0040] In step S6, the control device 90 performs a pre-wash process. In this process, normally, the outer tub 3 contains laundry soaked in detergent solution, and a small amount of detergent solution is present in the water receiving section 13 at the bottom of the outer tub 3. By rotating the rotating drum 4, the laundry is lifted to the top of the rotating drum 4 and then dropped to the bottom by gravity in a tumbling action. This squeezes out the detergent solution soaked into the laundry, so the circulation pump 3f is driven intermittently as needed to spray detergent solution onto the laundry again.

[0041] During the pre-washing process, the secondary filter 30 is washed by supplying water from the washing nozzle 31. The water supplied from the washing nozzle 31 is sprayed onto the secondary filter 30, and this sprayed water can be reused as washing water in the washing process.

[0042] In step S7, the control device 90 executes the main washing process. In the main washing process, additional water is supplied when the pre-wash process is completed to increase the amount of water in the water receiving section 13 and raise the water level. This water level is maintained at a level sufficient to pump the washing water from the water receiving section 13 by the circulation pump 3f and continuously spray it from the watering nozzles at the top of the outer tub 3.

[0043] In step S8, the control device 90 executes the first rinse process (rinse 1). In this process, the drain valve 3c is opened to discharge the wash water, then the drain valve 3c is closed to supply rinse water to the outer tub 3 up to a predetermined water level. After that, the rotating drum 4 is rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry and rinse water. At this time, the bellows 12 and the door 2 are washed by supplying water through the shower valve.

[0044] In step S9, the control device 90 executes the final rinse process. A second rinse process (a second rinse process) may be added before the final rinse process, in the same manner as the first rinse process. In the final rinse process, fabric softener is added to the clothes while simultaneously cleaning the dehumidifier 54. Water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 40 to the cleaning piece 57 through the dehumidifier cleaning hose 45, and the cleaning water is discharged from the cleaning piece 57 toward the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54. This washes away lint and other debris adhering to the dehumidifier 54. The cleaning water accumulates at the bottom of the lower casing 55a of the heat pump unit 15.

[0045] In step S10, the control device 90 executes an automatic cleaning process. In this process, the drain valve 3c is mainly closed, and water is supplied from the cleaning nozzle 31 to clean the secondary filter 30 while filling the outer tank 3 with water. Then, the rotation of the rotating drum 4 stirs up the water, disturbing the inner walls of the outer tank 3 and making it less likely for dirt to accumulate inside the outer tank 3. Also, by stirring up the water, the primary filter 20 located on the wall of the outer tank 3 is cleaned. Most of the water stirred up by the rotation of the rotating drum 4 cleans the surface of the primary filter 20 and is then drained out of the tank through an overflow path located lower than the primary filter 20.

[0046] In step S11, the control device 90 performs a dewatering process. In this process, the drain valve 3c is opened to drain the rinse water from the outer tub 3, and then the rotating drum 4 is rotated to dewater the laundry by centrifugal force.

[0047] In step S12, the control device 90 executes the drying process. In the drying process, first the drain valve 3c is closed, then the blower 23 is driven, followed by the compressor 51 in the heat pump unit 15. The expansion valve 53 is initially set to fully open for origin adjustment, and then its opening is adjusted so that the thermistor (not shown) installed in the suction pipe of the compressor 51 does not become cold. The air heated to a high temperature in the heat pump unit 15 is pressurized by the blower 23 and then blown into the rotating drum 4 to exchange heat with the laundry and evaporate moisture from the laundry. The circulating air containing the moisture evaporated from the laundry is returned to the heat pump unit 15 from the outer tub 3 via the return duct 16. In the heat pump unit 15, the circulating air is cooled by the dehumidifier 54 located on the windward side until it is below the dew point temperature and dehumidified. Subsequently, it is heated in the heater 52 to become low-humidity warm air. The water (condensation) generated by the dehumidification of the circulating space accumulates in the lower casing 55a of the heat pump unit 15.

[0048] Furthermore, during the drying process, when the air flows from the outer tank 3 into the return duct 16, some of the air is exhausted through an exhaust port (not shown), and the same amount of ambient air is taken in through the intake port 56 of the heat pump unit 15. As a result, highly humid air is exhausted and less humid air is taken in, resulting in a more enhanced dehumidification operation.

[0049] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the drainage operation of the heat pump unit in the washing machine / dryer according to this embodiment. Figure 11A is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is low, Figure 11B is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is medium, Figure 11C is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when the water level is high, and Figure 11D is a waveform diagram of the signal input to the control unit when there is a malfunction. As shown in Figure 10, once operation starts in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22, where the control device 90 performs detection using the intermediate water level sensor 60A. Specifically, the control device 90 outputs an energizing signal to the intermediate water level sensor 60A through the wire 91a and checks whether there is a reaction (change in potential) through the wire 91b. If there is a reaction, the potential changes from 5V to 0V. If there is no reaction, the potential remains at 5V.

[0050] In step S23, the control device 90 performs detection using the high water level sensor 60B. Specifically, the control device 90 outputs an energizing signal to the high water level sensor 60B through the wire 92a and checks whether there is a reaction (change in potential) through the wire 92b. If there is a reaction, the potential changes from 5V to 0V. If there is no reaction, the potential remains at 5V.

[0051] In step S24, the control device 90 determines whether or not the intermediate water level sensor 60A is reacting. If there is no reaction (NO), the device proceeds to step S25; if there is a reaction (YES), the device proceeds to step S26.

[0052] In step S25, the control device 90 determines whether or not the high water level sensor 60B is reacting. If there is no reaction (NO), the device proceeds to step S27; if there is a reaction (YES), the device proceeds to step S28.

[0053] In step S26, the control device 90 determines whether or not the high water level sensor 60B is reacting. If there is no reaction (NO), the device proceeds to step S29; if there is a reaction (YES), the device proceeds to step S30.

[0054] If the medium water level sensor 60A does not react (step S24, NO) and the high water level sensor 60B does not react (step S25, NO), in step S27, the control device 90 determines that the water level in the heat pump unit 15 is at a low level and operates the drain pump 50 intermittently. A low water level means that there is no water in the heat pump unit 15 or the water level is lower than the medium water level.

[0055] As shown in Figure 11A, when the medium water level sensor 60A is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) remains at 5V. Similarly, when the high water level sensor 60B is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) also remains at 5V. In other words, at low water levels, the signal level of the control device 90 remains at 5V and does not change. The control unit input signal is the signal that enters the microcontroller after the resistance value of the water level sensor has been amplified.

[0056] The water stored inside the heat pump unit 15 during drying operation is mainly condensed water from the dehumidifier 54 used to dry clothes, and since there is no sudden rise in water level, the water is drained intermittently at regular intervals. As a result, the dehumidifier 54 (heat exchanger) of the heat pump unit 15 is not submerged in water, allowing the drying operation to be performed, and the drain pump 50 operates intermittently, thus extending the lifespan of the drain pump 50.

[0057] In step S31, the control device 90 performs drainage operation for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is determined by prior testing.

[0058] In step S33, the control device 90 determines whether the entire process (drying process) has been completed. If it has not been completed (NO), it returns to step S22. If it has been completed (YES), it proceeds to step S34 and terminates the operation.

[0059] If the medium water level sensor 60A reacts (step S24, YES) and the high water level sensor 60B does not react (step S26, NO), in step S29, the control device 90 determines that the water level in the heat pump unit 15 is at the medium water level and operates the drain pump 50 continuously.

[0060] As shown in Figure 11B, when the medium water level sensor 60A is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) is 0V. Also, when the high water level sensor 60B is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) remains at 5V.

[0061] When cleaning water is flushed through the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54 to remove foreign matter, the water level in the heat pump unit 15 rises rapidly. In this case, the rise in the water level in the heat pump unit 15 can be suppressed by continuously operating the drain pump 50. After that, steps S31, S33, and S34 are executed. Note that the predetermined time in step S31 is different from the predetermined time when the drain pump 50 is operated intermittently. The predetermined time here is determined by prior testing.

[0062] If the medium water level sensor 60A reacts (step S24, YES) and the high water level sensor 60B reacts (step S26, YES), then in step S30, the control device 90 determines that the water level in the heat pump unit 15 is at a high level and stops operation.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11C, the signal detected by the control device 90 when the medium water level sensor 60A is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V) (control unit input signal) and the signal detected by the control device 90 when the high water level sensor 60B is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V) (control unit input signal) are both 0V.

[0064] In such cases, a malfunction of the drain pump 50 or other issues may be the cause, and if the water level inside the heat pump unit 15 rises, there is a risk of water leaking outside the washing machine / dryer 100. Therefore, if the high water level sensor 60B detects that the water level has reached the maximum level, the operation of the entire washing machine / dryer 100 can be stopped to prevent water leakage.

[0065] In step S32, the control device 90 issues an error notification. This error notification can be done via display or sound. After the error notification, the process proceeds to step S34 and the operation ends.

[0066] If the medium water level sensor 60A does not react (step S24, NO) and the high water level sensor 60B reacts (step S25, YES), then in step S28, the control device 90 determines that one or both of the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B are malfunctioning (the water level sensors are malfunctioning).

[0067] As shown in Figure 11D, when the medium water level sensor 60A is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) is 5V. When the high water level sensor 60B is energized (for example, from 0V to 5V), the signal detected by the control device 90 (control unit input signal) is 0V.

[0068] In step S32, the control device 90 issues an error alert. This error alert is of a different type than the error alert issued when the operation stops (step S30).

[0069] Incidentally, conventional washer-dryers equipped with heat pump drying systems employed a method of detecting water level rise by detecting the water's resistance. In such a system, the resistance value varied greatly depending on the water's hardness, posing a risk of false detection. For example, since two threshold values ​​were set for the resistance value and detection was divided into multiple regions, there was a risk of false detection if the resistance value crossed the threshold due to variations in the resistance value. In particular, dehumidified water has low hardness, is close to distilled water, and has a high resistance value. Tap water, on the other hand, has high hardness and a low resistance value. Therefore, there was a risk of false detection when detecting by resistance value. Furthermore, if a condensation water tank was attached to the heat exchanger (dehumidifier) ​​of a heat pump system and placed near the compressor, it may be affected by noise during compressor operation, making it impossible to correctly detect the water level, and if a false detection occurred, water may leak out of the washing machine.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment, by temporarily storing condensation water and cleaning water to remove foreign matter (lint) adhering to the fins of the heat exchanger in a resin case 55 equipped with a heat pump type heat exchanger (dehumidifier), it is possible to store a larger amount of water compared to conventional condensation water tanks.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water level is detected by multiple sensors (medium water level sensor 60A, high water level sensor 60B), and the drainage operation from the heat pump unit 15 is changed according to the detected water level. This makes it possible to perform drainage according to the water level, thereby reducing the risk of water leaking outside the washing machine.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 90 switches which water level sensor to detect by sending an energizing signal to the water level sensors (medium water level sensor 60A, high water level sensor 60B), and by obtaining signals from each sensor separately, the risk of false detection due to differences in water hardness is reduced, and highly reliable water level detection can be achieved.

[0073] As described above, the washing machine and dryer 100 of this embodiment includes a housing 1, an outer tub 3 housed in the housing 1 and capable of storing water, a rotating drum 4 rotatably supported within the outer tub 3, a heat pump unit 15 for drying laundry 5 in the rotating drum 4, a drain pump 50 for discharging water stored in the heat pump unit 15, a medium water level sensor 60A and a high water level sensor 60B attached to the wall surface of the heat pump unit 15 for detecting the water level inside the heat pump unit 15, and a control device 90 that outputs an energizing signal to instruct which of the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B to detect. With this configuration, by switching the energizing signal to the water level sensors that detect the state of the water level, it becomes possible to separately detect the state of multiple water level sensors. As a result, the risk of false detection of the water level due to differences in water hardness and the influence of noise from the operation of the compressor are reduced, and drainage operations according to the water level can be performed. This prevents the dehumidifier 54 from being submerged in water and suppresses a decrease in drying performance. Furthermore, the operation of the drain pump 50 can be suppressed, reducing the risk of component deterioration. Additionally, it can cope with the sudden rise in water level when cleaning the dehumidifier 54, preventing water leakage. In this way, a highly reliable washer-dryer 100 can be provided.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water level sensor includes a medium water level sensor 60A that detects the medium water level and a high water level sensor 60B that detects a water level higher than the medium water level. The control device 90 detects the medium water level by outputting an energizing signal to the medium water level sensor 60A, and when it detects the high water level by outputting an energizing signal to the high water level sensor, it determines that the water level is high. This makes it possible to detect that the water level is high, and to stop the operation thereafter, it is possible to prevent water leakage from the washing machine 100.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water level sensor includes a medium water level sensor 60A that detects the medium water level and a high water level sensor 60B that detects a water level higher than the medium water level. The control device 90 determines that the medium water level sensor 60A and / or the high water level sensor 60B are malfunctioning when it does not detect the medium water level by outputting an energizing signal to the medium water level sensor 60A and detects the high water level by outputting an energizing signal to the high water level sensor 60B. This allows for the detection of malfunctions in the water level sensors.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control device 90 determines that neither the medium water level sensor 60A nor the high water level sensor 60B has detected a water level and the water level is low, it will discharge the stored water by intermittently operating the drain pump 50 at regular intervals. This allows for drying without submerging the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier 54 and extends the lifespan of the drain pump 50.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control device 90 determines that the water level has risen based on the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B, it activates the drain pump 50 continuously to promote the drainage of the stored water. This makes it possible to suppress the rise in the water level inside the heat pump unit 15.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the water level rises further and reaches the maximum level, as detected by the medium water level sensor 60A and the high water level sensor 60B, the entire washing machine / dryer 100 is stopped, and the user is notified that an abnormality has occurred. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Although the example described uses a case where a medium-level sensor 60A and a high-level sensor 60B are provided as multiple water level sensors, a configuration in which the water level is further divided into finer sections using three or more water level sensors is also possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1 Housing (box body) 3 Outer tank 4-rotation drum (inner tub) 15 Heat pump unit 40 Water supply solenoid valve 45 Dehumidifier cleaning hose 50 Drainage pumps 60A Medium Water Level Sensor (Water Level Sensor) 60B High water level sensor (water level sensor) 90 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. The box and, The box-shaped structure includes an outer tank capable of storing water, An inner tank rotatably supported within the outer tank, A heat pump unit for drying the laundry in the inner tub, A drain pump for discharging water stored in the heat pump unit, Multiple water level sensors are attached to the wall surface of the heat pump unit to detect the water level inside the heat pump unit, A washing machine and dryer characterized by having a control unit that outputs an energizing signal for instructing which of the plurality of water level sensors to detect the state of.

2. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The water level sensor includes a medium water level sensor for detecting the medium water level and a high water level sensor for detecting a water level higher than the medium water level. The washing machine and dryer is characterized in that the control unit detects the middle water level by outputting an energizing signal to the middle water level sensor, and when it detects the high water level by outputting an energizing signal to the high water level sensor, it determines that the water level is high.

3. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The water level sensor includes a medium water level sensor for detecting the medium water level and a high water level sensor for detecting a water level higher than the medium water level. A washing machine and dryer characterized in that the control unit determines that the middle water level sensor and / or the high water level sensor are malfunctioning when it fails to detect the middle water level by outputting an energizing signal to the middle water level sensor and detects the middle water level by outputting an energizing signal to the high water level sensor.

4. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The washing machine and dryer is characterized in that, if the control unit determines that the water level is low when none of the water level sensors have detected the water level, it will drain the stored water by intermittently operating the drain pump at regular intervals.

5. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1, The washing machine and dryer is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that the water level has risen based on the water level sensor, it operates the drain pump continuously to promote the drainage of the stored water.

6. In the washing and drying machine according to claim 5, The water level sensor detects that the water level has risen further and reached the maximum water level, and the washing machine and dryer then stops operating and notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred.

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