Washer dryer

Abstract

This disclosure provides a washing machine that can maintain the function of the drain trap while keeping the heat exchanger clean. [Solution] The washing and drying machine in this disclosure comprises a rotating drum for holding laundry, an inner tub for housing the rotating drum, a discharge path connected to an external drain, a heat pump device having a heat exchanger, an air passage through which air flows to the inner tub via the heat exchanger, a blower for blowing air through the air passage, a heat exchanger cleaning means for spraying water on the heat exchanger to clean it, and a water supply means for supplying water to the inner tub without passing through the heat exchanger. A drain trap is provided in the discharge path, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means before the start of the drying process, and water is supplied using the water supply means after the completion of the drying process to seal the drain trap.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing machine that prevents odor leakage from sewage. This drum-type washing machine includes a trap portion formed by deforming a drain hose into a substantially U shape.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a washing and drying machine capable of reducing power consumption without exhausting high-humidity air into the room. After the drying operation is completed, this washing and drying machine reduces the rotational speed of the fan, supplies water to the drain trap, and restores the water seal.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a drum-type washing and drying machine that reliably drains washing water containing lint that has washed a heat pump device, prevents drying failure in advance, and makes it easy to maintain drying performance. This drum-type washing and drying machine has a dehumidifying means and a heating means for dehumidifying and heating the air supplied into the rotating drum, a water washing means for washing away the dehumidifying means or the heating means with water, and a drain trap connected to a washing water discharge path for draining the washing water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0008] This disclosure provides a washing machine that can maintain the function of the drain trap while keeping the heat exchanger clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The washing and drying machine in this disclosure comprises a rotating drum for holding laundry, an inner tub for housing the rotating drum, a discharge path connected to an external drain, a heat pump device having a heat exchanger, an air passage through which air flows to the inner tub via the heat exchanger, a blowing means for flowing air through the air passage, a heat exchanger cleaning means for washing the heat exchanger by spraying water on it, and a water supply means for supplying water to the inner tub without passing through the heat exchanger. The discharge path is provided with a drain trap, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means before the start of the drying process, and water is supplied using the water supply means after the completion of the drying process to seal the drain trap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The washer-dryer in this disclosure can seal the drain trap without wetting the dried heat exchanger during the drying process by heat exchanger cleaning. Therefore, the function of the drain trap can be maintained while keeping the heat exchanger clean. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a washing machine and dryer according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a washer-dryer. [Figure 3] Rear view showing the internal structure of washing machine 1 [Figure 4] Figure 3, IV-IV cross-sectional view [Figure 5] View of the VV section in Figure 3 [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of washer-dryer 1 during the washing cycle. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of washing machine 1 during the drying cycle. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the washer-dryer in the heat exchanger washing course. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, the technology of a washing machine with a dryer was known to involve supplying dry, high-temperature air to laundry using a heat pump device equipped with a heat exchanger to perform the drying process. Therefore, in the industry, there were challenges in keeping the heat exchanger clean and refilling the water lost in the drain trap during the drying process. As a result, product designs sometimes involved cleaning the heat exchanger after the drying process and using the water used for cleaning to refill the drain trap. Under these circumstances, the inventors discovered that when the heat exchanger was cleaned after the drying process, it was left in a wet state, indicating room for improvement in keeping the heat exchanger clean. The subject matter of this disclosure was formed in order to solve this problem. This disclosure provides a washing machine that can maintain the function of the drain trap while keeping the heat exchanger clean.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1-1. Structure] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing and drying machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. In the figure, reference sign X indicates the left direction of the washing and drying machine 1, reference sign Y indicates the front direction of the washing and drying machine 1, and reference sign Z indicates the upward direction of the washing and drying machine 1.

[0015] The washing and drying machine 1 is a device capable of washing laundry and drying the laundry. In this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 is a so-called drum-type washing and drying machine.

[0016] The washing and drying machine 1 has an outer tub 10. The outer tub 10 is the housing of the washing and drying machine 1. The outer tub 10 has a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is composed of sheet metal or the like. A circular opening, the take-out opening 11, is provided on the front surface of the outer tub 10. Further, a lid member 12 for opening and closing the take-out opening 11 is provided on the front surface of the outer tub 10.

[0017] An operation display unit 13 is provided at the upper end of the front surface of the washing and drying machine 1. The operation display unit 13 has an input device such as a switch or a touch panel for receiving operations from the user. Further, the operation display unit 13 has a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or an LED lamp for displaying characters and images.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine 1, which is a view of the washing and drying machine 1 with the rear surface of the outer tub 10 removed, seen from the rear. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the direction of air flow is indicated by a white arrow, the direction of water flow for cleaning the evaporator 34 is indicated by a dashed arrow, and the direction of water flow supplied to the inner tub 24 without passing through the evaporator 34 and the condenser 32 is indicated by a solid arrow, respectively.

[0019] A rotating drum 20 is provided inside the outer tub 10. The rotating drum 20 is a roughly cylindrical basket having an opening 21 facing the dispensing opening 11. The rotating drum 20 holds the clothes that are put in through the dispensing opening 11. The rotating drum 20 has a plurality of holes through which water and air can pass. The rotating drum 20 is rotatably supported by a motor 23 via a pivot shaft 22. The motor 23 rotates the rotating drum 20 when it is activated. In this embodiment, the opening 21 of the rotating drum 20 opens diagonally upward and forward.

[0020] The rotating drum 20, pivot shaft 22, and motor 23 are mounted to the inner tank 24. The inner tank 24 is a container having an opening 25 toward the outlet 11 and houses the rotating drum 20 inside. The inner tank 24 is made of, for example, glass-filled polypropylene resin. The inner tank 24 is pivotably mounted to the outer tank 10 via suspension springs and dampers. The motor 23 is mounted to the rear surface of the inner tank 24. The pivot shaft 22 is provided passing through the rear surface of the inner tank 24. The rotating drum 20 is supported inside the inner tank 24 by being mounted to the pivot shaft 22 and rotates relative to the inner tank 24 and the outer tank 10 by the operation of the motor 23. In this embodiment, the rotating drum 20 is positioned spaced apart from the rear surface of the inner tank 24.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, a heat pump device 30 is installed inside the outer tank 10. The heat pump device 30 has a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an expansion mechanism 33, and an evaporator 34, each connected via refrigerant piping.

[0022] The compressor 31 compresses the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then discharged toward the condenser 32. The condenser 32 releases heat from the refrigerant flowing inside into the surrounding air, heating the surrounding air. In other words, the condenser 32 functions as a heating means for heating air. The expansion mechanism 33 reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant liquefied in the condenser 32, causing it to flow into the evaporator 34 as a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The expansion mechanism 33 is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube. The evaporator 34 absorbs heat from the surrounding air using the refrigerant flowing inside, cooling the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 34 functions as a dehumidifying means, cooling the air and removing moisture from the air as condensed water. The condenser 32 and the evaporator 34 are, for example, fin-tube type heat exchangers. In this embodiment, the condenser 32 and the evaporator 34 each correspond to an example of a "heat exchanger" in this disclosure.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, an air passage S1 is provided inside the outer tank 10. The air passage S1 is a passage through which air flows toward the inner tank 24. The condenser 32 and evaporator 34 described above are provided inside the air passage S1. That is, the air flowing through the air passage S1 flows toward the inner tank 24 via the condenser 32 and evaporator 34.

[0024] The air passage S1 has a first air passage 41. The first air passage 41 is an air passage through which a condenser 32 and an evaporator 34 are located. The first air passage 41 is a hollow structure made of, for example, resin. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the first air passage 41 is located above the inner tank 24 and extends in the front-rear direction. In the first air passage 41, the upstream side of the airflow is the front side, and the downstream side is the rear side. In the first air passage 41, the condenser 32 and the evaporator 34 are located adjacent to each other. Also, in the first air passage 41, the evaporator 34 is located upstream of the condenser 32. Therefore, the air flowing through the first air passage 41 is dehumidified in the evaporator 34 and then heated in the condenser 32.

[0025] A blower 42 is provided at the downstream end, i.e., the rear end, of the first air passage 41. The blower 42 sends air from the first air passage 41 toward the inner tank 24. In this embodiment, the blower 42 is a sirocco fan. However, the blower 42 may be a blower other than a sirocco fan, such as an axial flow fan. The blower 42 corresponds to an example of a "blowing means" in this disclosure.

[0026] In the first air passage 41, a filter 43 is provided upstream of the evaporator 34. The filter 43 is configured to allow air to pass through. The filter 43 removes lint, hair, etc. from the air passing through it.

[0027] The air passage S1 has a second air passage 44 downstream of the blower 42. The second air passage 44 is an air passage that connects the discharge port of the blower 42 and the inner tank 24. In detail, the second air passage 44 is connected to the back of the inner tank 24. Therefore, the air from the first air passage 41, upon operation of the blower 42, passes sequentially through the filter 43, the evaporator 34, and the condenser 32, and flows into the inner tank 24 through the second air passage 44. In this embodiment, the second air passage 44 is made of a resin or rubber hose.

[0028] In this embodiment, a third air passage 45 is provided upstream of the first air passage 41. The third air passage 45 is an air passage that connects the upstream end, i.e., the front end, of the first air passage 41 with the front part of the inner tank 24. Therefore, the air that has passed through the second air passage 44 flows forward through the inner tank 24 and returns to the first air passage 41 via the third air passage 45. In other words, with the operation of the blower 42, the air in the inner tank 24 circulates by passing through the inner tank 24, the third air passage 45, the first air passage 41, and the second air passage 44 in that order. Hereafter, the passage through which the air circulates, including the first air passage 41, the second air passage 44, the inner tank 24, and the third air passage 45, will be referred to as the circulating air passage S. The air in the inner tank 24 circulates through the circulation air passage S, passing sequentially through the filter 43, evaporator 34, and condenser 32, as a result of the operation of the blower 42.

[0029] The washing machine 1 is provided with a water inlet 51. The water inlet 51 is an opening in the washing machine 1 that connects to an external water supply. In this embodiment, the water inlet 51 is provided on the upper surface of the outer tub 10.

[0030] The water inlet 51 is connected to the water supply unit 52. The water supply unit 52 has a first water supply valve 52A, a second water supply valve 52B, and a third water supply valve 52C. Each of the water supply valves 52A to 52C is electronically controlled and can be opened and closed individually. Each of the water supply valves 52A to 52C is connected in parallel to the water inlet 51.

[0031] The water supply unit 52 has a treatment agent input container 52D downstream of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B in the water flow. The treatment agent input container 52D is a container that can hold treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener to be added by the user. In this embodiment, the treatment agent is added to the treatment agent input container 52D in three parts: a manual input section into which water flows in from the first water supply valve 52A, a manual input section into which water flows in from the second water supply valve 52B, and an automatic input section.

[0032] The treatment agent input container 52D is connected to the first water supply route 54. The treatment agent contained in the treatment agent input container 52D is mixed with water that flows into the treatment agent input container 52D through at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B. In addition, when no treatment agent is placed in the manual input section of the treatment agent input container 52D, the water supplied through at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B can flow into the first water supply route 54 without mixing with the treatment agent. The water supplied to the treatment agent input container 52D, or the water and treatment agent mixed in the treatment agent input container 52D, flows into the first water supply route 54.

[0033] The first water supply path 54 is a water passage connecting the treatment agent input container 52D and the inner tank 24. In this embodiment, the first water supply path 54 is a resin hose. Also in this embodiment, the first water supply path 54 is connected to the back of the inner tank 24 and to the treatment agent input container 52D. Therefore, water flowing into the first water supply path 54 flows into the back of the inner tank 24.

[0034] As described above, water supplied to the washing dryer 1 via the water inlet 51 flows into the inner tub 24 via the water supply unit 52 and the first water supply path 54 when at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B is opened. More specifically, water that has passed through the water inlet 51 flows into the inner tub 24 via at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, the processing agent input container 52D, and the first water supply path 54 when at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B is opened. In this way, water that has passed through the first water supply valve 52A and water that has passed through the second water supply valve 52B is supplied to the inner tub 24 without passing through the evaporator 34 and the condenser 32. The water supply unit 52 in this embodiment corresponds to an example of a "water supply means" in this disclosure. In detail, in this embodiment, the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B of the water supply unit 52 correspond to an example of a "water supply means" in this disclosure.

[0035] The third water supply valve 52C described above is connected to the second water supply path 56. The second water supply path 56 is a water passage that connects the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57. The cleaning unit 57 has holes for spraying water supplied via the second water supply path 56. The cleaning unit 57 cleans the evaporator 34 by washing away lint, hair, dirt, etc. that have adhered to the evaporator 34 with water sprayed through the holes.

[0036] The water used to clean the evaporator 34 flows along the bottom of the first air passage 41 and reaches the water guide path 58. The water guide path 58 is a water passage that connects the first air passage 41 and the inner tank 24. In this embodiment, the water guide path 58 is connected to the back of the inner tank 24. In this embodiment, the water guide path 58 is a hose made of resin or rubber or the like.

[0037] As described above, water supplied to the washing dryer 1 via the water inlet 51 flows into the washing unit 57 via the second water supply path 56 when the third water supply valve 52C is opened, and is ejected from the washing unit 57 to clean the evaporator 34. The water that has cleaned the evaporator 34 then flows into the inner tub 24 via the first air passage 41 and the water guide path 58. The water supply unit 52 and the washing unit 57 in this embodiment correspond to an example of the "heat exchanger cleaning means" in this disclosure.

[0038] A drain valve 26 is provided at the bottom of the inner tank 24. More specifically, the drain valve 26 is located in the water path between the inner tank 24 and the discharge path 27. The drain valve 26 is an electronically controlled valve that can be opened and closed. When the drain valve 26 is in the open state, it allows the water in the inner tank 24 to flow into the discharge path 27.

[0039] The discharge path 27 is the part of the washing machine 1 that is connected to the drain. The drain is located outside the washing machine 1, for example, in a building. The discharge path 27 is the passage through which water flows from the inner tub 24 via the drain valve 26, and carries the water to the drain. A drain trap 27A is provided in the discharge path 27. The drain trap 27A is the part of the discharge path 27 that is filled with water throughout the entire passage. The water filling the drain trap 27A blocks the air on the drain side as seen from the drain trap 27A and the air on the inner tub 24 side as seen from the drain trap 27A, suppressing the inflow of foul odors from the drain into the inner tub 24. Hereafter, filling the drain trap 27A with water to block the air on the drain side and the air on the inner tub 24 side will be referred to as creating a water seal in the drain trap 27A. In this embodiment, the drain trap 27A is formed by the hose constituting the discharge path 27 being curved in a U-shape such that the curved portion is located on the lower side.

[0040] The washing machine 1 is equipped with a control device 70. The control device 70 is a device that has a control board and the like for controlling each part of the washing machine 1, such as the heat pump device 30, each water supply valve 52A to 52C, the motor 23, the blower 42, and the drain valve 26. The control device 70 may also have a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and a storage medium such as a hard disk, flash memory, and optical disc. In this case, the control device 70 controls each part of the washing machine 1 by having the processor read the program stored in the storage medium. Alternatively, the control device 70 may have wired logic such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) instead of a processor and storage medium. Alternatively, the control device 70 may have a combination of a processor, storage medium, and wired logic.

[0041] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the washer-dryer 1, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0042] [1-2-1. Operation during the washing cycle] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washer-dryer 1 during a washing cycle. During the washing cycle, the washer-dryer 1 washes and dries the laundry placed in the rotating drum 20. The washing cycle is started when laundry is placed in the rotating drum 20 and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation display unit 13.

[0043] At the start of the washing cycle, in step SA1, the control device 70 starts controlling the washing process. During the washing process, with the drain valve 26 closed, the control device 70 opens at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, allowing water to flow into the inner tub 24. Also during the washing process, the control device 70 drives the motor 23 to rotate the rotating drum 20, thereby agitating the laundry and washing it.

[0044] Following step SA1, in step SA2, the control device 70 opens the third water supply valve 52C, which is a heat exchanger cleaning means, and causes the cleaning unit 57 to clean the evaporator 34. In this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 cleans the evaporator 34 during the washing process. As described above, the water used to clean the evaporator 34 flows into the inner tub 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, the evaporator 34 is cleaned during the washing process, which has little effect even if the laundry contained in the rotating drum 20 gets wet with the water used to clean the evaporator 34. In addition, in this embodiment, the control device 70 cleans the evaporator 34 by intermittently opening the third water supply valve 52C. Specifically, the control device 70 cleans the evaporator 34 by repeatedly opening the third water supply valve 52C for 0.3 seconds and then closing it for 14 seconds. As a result, the water used to clean the evaporator 34 flows into the inner tub 24 in small amounts, minimizing the impact on the laundry stored in the rotating drum 20. In addition, the water used to clean the evaporator 34 is less likely to accumulate in the air passage S1, preventing water from overflowing to the front of the evaporator 34 and wetting the user's touchable areas.

[0045] Following step SA2, in step SA3, the control device 70 completes the control of the washing process. After the washing process is completed, the control device 70 keeps the drain valve 26 open for a predetermined time, allowing the water in the inner tank 24 to be drained through the discharge path 27.

[0046] Following step SA3, in step SA4, the control device 70 performs control of the rinsing process. During the rinsing process, with the drain valve 26 closed, the control device 70 opens at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B to supply water to the inner tub 24. The control device 70 also drives the motor 23 to rotate the rotating drum 20, agitating the laundry and rinsing off any detergent adhering to the laundry with water. After the rinsing process is completed, the control device 70 keeps the drain valve 26 open for a predetermined time, draining the water from the inner tub 24 through the discharge path 27.

[0047] Following step SA4, in step SA5, the control device 70 controls the dewatering process. In the dewatering process, the control device 70 drives the motor 23 when there is no water stored in the inner tub 24, causing the rotating drum 20 to rotate at high speed and dewatering the laundry. After the completion of the dewatering process, the control device 70 keeps the drain valve 26 open for a predetermined time, draining the water from the inner tub 24 through the discharge path 27.

[0048] Following step SA5, in step SA6, the control device 70 controls the drying process. During the drying process, with the drain valve 26 open, the control device 70 operates the compressor 31 of the heat pump device 30 to circulate the refrigerant to the condenser 32 and evaporator 34. The control device 70 also operates the blower 42 to circulate the air in the inner tub 24 through the circulation air passage S. As a result, a high-temperature, dry airflow, dehumidified in the evaporator 34 and heated in the condenser 32, flows into the inner tub 24. The control device 70 also drives the motor 23 to rotate the rotating drum 20, drying the laundry by exposing it to the airflow. During the drying process, the surfaces of the evaporator 34 and condenser 32 become dry. The control device 70 may also acquire the current value of the blower 42, etc., during the drying process.

[0049] Following step SA6, in step SA7, the control device 70 determines whether the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened compared to the first reference state. If lint, hair, etc. adhere to the filter 43 or evaporator 34 and block the air passage S1, the airflow of the air passage S1 deteriorates. When the blower 42 is operated in this state, the air pressure in the inner tank 24 increases. In this case, if the drain valve 26 is open, the pressurized air in the inner tank 24 passes through the drain valve 26 and pushes aside the water filled in the drain trap 27A, and the pushed-aside water may be drained through the discharge path 27. As a result, the air on the drain side as seen from the drain trap 27A and the air on the inner tank 24 side as seen from the drain trap 27A become connected and are no longer blocked, so the drain trap 27A stops functioning, and the air on the exhaust side can pass through the drain trap 27A and flow into the inner tank 24. Therefore, in step SA7, the control device 70 determines whether or not a new water supply is necessary to seal the drain trap 27A, based on the degree of blockage of the air passage S1.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first reference state means a state in which the air passage S1 is blocked to such an extent that the air in the inner tank 24, which is pressurized when the blower 42 is operating, can push aside the water filled in the drain trap 27A. In this embodiment, the control device 70 determines whether the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened from the first reference state based on the current value of the blower 42. In this embodiment, since the blower 42 has a DC motor, the torque of the DC motor increases as the blockage of the air passage S1 worsens, and the current value increases with the increase in torque. Using this, the control device 70 acquires the current value of the blower 42 during the drying process, and determines that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened from the first reference state if the acquired current value is equal to or greater than the first reference value stored in advance on a storage medium or the like. The first reference value is, for example, the current value of the blower 42 when the blower 42 is operated when the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 reaches a reference state of 1 due to clogging of the filter 43.

[0051] In step SA7, if the control device 70 determines that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened compared to the first reference state (step SA7: YES), the operation of the control device 70 proceeds to step SA8. In step SA7, if the control device 70 determines that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has not worsened compared to the first reference state (step SA7: NO), the control device 70 terminates its operation in the washing course. Note that the condition that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has not worsened compared to the first reference state includes the condition that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 is in the first reference state.

[0052] In step SA8, the control device 70 supplies water to the drain trap 27A through at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, which are water supply means. The control device 70 opens the drain valve 26 and opens at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, thereby supplying water to the drain trap 27A via the inner tub 24 and creating a water seal on the drain trap 27A. In this embodiment, the control device 70 creates a water seal on the drain trap 27A by intermittently opening at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B. As a result, water flows little by little from the water supply unit 52 into the inner tub 24, so that the water seal on the drain trap 27A can be created without wetting the laundry contained in the rotating drum 20. In step SA8, the time for which the control device 70 keeps at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B open is different from the time for which the control device 70 keeps the third water supply valve 52C open in step SA2. This allows a suitable amount of water to be supplied to the drain trap 27A for creating a water seal in the drain trap 27A. In this embodiment, the time for which the control device 70 keeps at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B open is longer than the time for which the control device 70 keeps the third water supply valve 52C open in step SA2.

[0053] Thus, when water needs to be supplied to the drain trap 27A after the drying process is complete, the washing machine 1 uses at least one of the water supply means, the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, rather than the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57, which are heat exchanger cleaning means, to water-seal the drain trap 27A. This is because, after the drying process is complete, the surfaces of the evaporator 34 and condenser 32 are dry. However, if the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57 were used after the drying process is complete, the evaporator 34 would be left wet, which could cause mold growth, oxidation, and corrosion in the evaporator 34. In other words, after the drying process is complete, the washing machine 1 uses at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B, which can supply water without passing through the evaporator 34 and condenser 32, to water-seal the drain trap 27A, thereby keeping the evaporator 34 dry and suppressing mold growth, oxidation, and corrosion.

[0054] Following step SA8, in step SA9, the control device 70 determines whether the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened compared to the second reference state. In this embodiment, the second reference state means a state in which the air passage S1 is blocked to the extent that maintenance work such as cleaning or replacement of the air passage S1 is required. The second reference state corresponds to a state in which the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened compared to the first reference state.

[0055] Similar to step SA7, in step SA9, the control device 70 determines whether the degree of blockage in the air passage S1 has worsened beyond the second reference state based on the current value of the blower 42. The control device 70 acquires the current value of the blower 42 during the drying process, and determines that the degree of blockage in the air passage S1 has worsened beyond the second reference state if the acquired current value is greater than or equal to the second reference value stored in advance on a storage medium or the like. The second reference value is, for example, the current value of the blower 42 when the blower 42 is operated when the air passage S1 reaches the second reference state due to clogging of the filter 43.

[0056] In step SA9, if the control device 70 determines that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened compared to the second reference state (step SA9: YES), the operation of the control device 70 proceeds to step SA10. In step SA9, if the control device 70 determines that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has not worsened compared to the second reference state (step SA9: NO), the control device 70 terminates its operation in the washing course.

[0057] In step SA10, the control device 70 notifies the user of the clogging of the filter 43. In this embodiment, the control device 70 displays the clogging of the filter 43 on the operation display unit 13. The content of the display on the operation display unit 13 by the control device 70 includes notifying the user that the filter 43 is clogged and recommending that maintenance work be performed on the filter 43. The control device 70 may also notify the user of the clogging of the filter 43 by sending a notification to a smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by the user via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. Since clogging of the filter 43 is one of the causes of worsening blockage of the air passage S1, notifying the user of the clogging of the filter 43 makes it easier to resolve the blockage of the air passage S1.

[0058] [1-2-2. Operation during the drying course] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washer-dryer 1 during the drying cycle. During the drying cycle, the washer-dryer 1 dries the wet laundry placed in the rotating drum 20. The drying cycle is started when wet laundry is placed in the rotating drum 20 and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation display unit 13.

[0059] At the start of the drying cycle, in step SA11, the control device 70 opens the third water supply valve 52C, which is a heat exchanger cleaning means, and cleans the evaporator 34 with the cleaning unit 57. The operation of the washing machine 1 in step SA11 is the same as the operation of the washing machine 1 in step SA2.

[0060] After step SA11 is completed, in step SA12, the control device 70 performs a drying process. The operation of the washing machine 1 in step SA12 is the same as the operation of the washing machine 1 in step SA6.

[0061] Thus, in the drying cycle, the washing machine 1 performs cleaning of the evaporator 34 using the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57, which are heat exchanger cleaning means, before the start of the drying process. More specifically, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 performs cleaning of the evaporator 34 using the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57 immediately before the drying process. This allows the evaporator 34, which has been wet by cleaning, to be dried during the drying process. Alternatively, the washing machine 1 may be configured to perform other processes after the cleaning of the evaporator 34 by the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57 is completed, and then perform the drying process after the completion of those other processes.

[0062] After step SA12, the control device 70 performs the same control steps SA7 to SA10 as the washing course. This allows for notification of the water seal in the drain trap 27A and clogging of the filter 43 as needed, without wetting the evaporator 34.

[0063] [1-2-3. Operation during the heat exchanger cleaning course] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine 1 during the heat exchanger cleaning course. During the heat exchanger cleaning course, the washing machine 1 performs operations aimed at cleaning the evaporator 34. The heat exchanger cleaning course is started when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation display unit 13.

[0064] When the heat exchanger cleaning course starts, the control device 70 controls the operation of step SA11 in the same way as the drying course. Specifically, the control device 70 opens the third water supply valve 52C, which is the heat exchanger cleaning means, and allows the cleaning unit 57 to clean the evaporator 34.

[0065] After step SA11 is completed, in step SA22, the control device 70 controls a short drying process. Specifically, step SA22 is shorter than the drying process in step SA6 in the washing course and the drying process in step SA12 in the drying course. This is because the purpose of the drying process in step SA22 is to dry the evaporator 34, and drying the evaporator 34 requires a shorter drying process than the drying processes in steps SA6 and SA12 for drying wet laundry. This allows the evaporator 34 to be dried while reducing power consumption and noise.

[0066] After step SA22, the control device 70 controls the operation of steps SA7 to SA10 in the same way as the washing course. This allows for notification of the water seal in the drain trap 27A and clogging of the filter 43 as needed, without wetting the evaporator 34.

[0067] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 includes a rotating drum 20 for holding laundry, an inner tub 24 for housing the rotating drum, a discharge path 27 connected to an external drain, a heat pump device 30 having an evaporator 34 and a condenser 32 as heat exchangers, an air passage S1 through which air flows to the inner tub 24 via the evaporator 34 and condenser 32, a blower 42 for flowing air through the air passage S1, and a third water supply valve 52C which is a heat exchanger cleaning means for spraying water on the evaporator 34 to clean it. The system includes a cleaning unit 57 and at least one of a first water supply valve 52A and a second water supply valve 52B, which are water supply means for supplying water to the inner tank 24 without passing through the evaporator 34 and condenser 32. A drain trap 27A is provided in the discharge path 27. Before the start of the drying process, the evaporator 34 is cleaned using the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57, and after the completion of the drying process, water is supplied using at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B to seal the drain trap 27A. This allows the water seal of the drain trap 27A to be formed without wetting the dried evaporator 34 and condenser 32 during the drying process by heat exchanger cleaning. Therefore, the function of the drain trap 27A can be maintained while keeping the evaporator 34 and condenser 32 clean.

[0068] As in this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 may be configured to perform a washing process before the start of the drying process, and to clean the evaporator 34 using the third water supply valve 52C and the cleaning unit 57 during the washing process or before the start of the drying process. This allows the evaporator 34 to be cleaned at a time when it will have minimal impact on the laundry inside the rotating drum 20, or at a time when it can be dried immediately. Therefore, it is easier to keep the evaporator 34 clean.

[0069] As in this embodiment, in the washing dryer 1, if the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 is worse than the first reference state, the drain trap 27A may be sealed with water using at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B after the completion of the drying process, and if the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 is not worse than the first reference state, the drain trap 27A may not be sealed with water using at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B after the completion of the drying process. This allows the drain trap 27A to be sealed with water as needed. This reduces water usage while maintaining the function of the drain trap 27A.

[0070] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that a filter 43 is provided in the air passage S1, and when the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 worsens from the second reference state, a notification is given regarding the clogging of the filter 43, and the second reference state is a state in which the blockage of the air passage S1 is worse than the first reference state. This allows the water seal of the drain trap 27A by at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B to address blockage of the air passage S1 to the extent possible, and also enables notification to the user when the blockage of the air passage S1 worsens. This minimizes the frequency of maintenance of the filter 43 by the user while maintaining the function of the drain trap 27A, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0071] As in this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 may be configured to perform a heat exchanger washing course, in which, at the start of operation, the evaporator 34 is washed using the third water supply valve 52C and the washing unit 57, a short drying process is performed after the evaporator 34 has been washed, and after the drying process is completed, water is supplied using at least one of the first water supply valve 52A and the second water supply valve 52B to seal the drain trap 27A. This minimizes the drying time required when the user only cleans the evaporator 34. As a result, it is easier to keep the evaporator 34 clean while suppressing power consumption and noise during the drying process.

[0072] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0073] In Embodiment 1, a drum-type washer-dryer 1 was described as an example of a washer-dryer. The washer-dryer of this disclosure only needs to be capable of washing and drying laundry. Therefore, the washer-dryer of this disclosure is not limited to a drum-type washer-dryer 1. The washer-dryer of this disclosure may be, for example, a top-loading washer-dryer.

[0074] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the air passage S1 is provided with both an evaporator 34 and a condenser 32, but this is just one example. The air passage S1 may be configured to provide only one of either the evaporator 34 or the condenser 32. Also, in Embodiment 1, it was explained that the cleaning unit 57 cleans only the evaporator 34, but this is just one example. The cleaning unit 57 may be configured to clean only the condenser 32, or to clean both the condenser 32 and the evaporator 34. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to keep the evaporator 34, which is provided upstream of the condenser 32 and performs dehumidification by generating condensed water, cleaner than the condenser 32.

[0075] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the washing machine 1 is provided with a circulating air passage S through which the air in the inner tub 24 circulates, but this is just one example. The washing machine 1 may also be configured to take in outside air into the inner tub 24 through at least one of the evaporator 34 or condenser 32 by the operation of a blower 42, and exhaust the air from the inner tub 24 to the outside of the outer tub 10. For example, instead of the third air passage 45, the washing machine 1 may be provided with an air passage that connects the upstream side of the filter 43 in the first air passage 41 to the outside of the outer tub 10, and an air passage that connects the inner tub 24 to the outside of the outer tub 10. However, when a circulating air passage S through which the air in the inner tub 24 circulates is provided as in this embodiment, the air that reaches the evaporator 34 is more humid than when outside air is taken in, which is very beneficial in making it easier to keep the evaporator 34 clean.

[0076] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the washing machine 1 performs the determination in step SA7 after the completion of the drying process in steps SA6, SA12, and SA22. Furthermore, in the Embodiment, it was explained that in the determination in step SA7, if it is determined that the degree of blockage of the air passage S1 has worsened beyond the first reference state, step SA8 is performed by opening the first water supply valve 52A or the second water supply valve 52B and sealing the drain trap 27A with water. However, this is just one example. The washing machine 1 may be configured to always perform step SA8, which involves opening the first water supply valve 52A or the second water supply valve 52B and sealing the drain trap 27A with water, after the completion of the drying operation in steps SA6, SA12, and SA22, without performing the determination in step SA7.

[0077] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that in steps SA7 and SA9, the control device 70 uses the current value of the blower 42 to determine whether the clogging of the filter 43 has worsened compared to the first or second reference state, but this is just one example. For example, the control device 70 may make the determination using the detection value of a pressure sensor newly installed in the inner tank 24 during the drying process. In this case, the control device 70 may determine that the clogging of the filter 43 has worsened compared to the first or second reference state when the acquired detection value of the pressure sensor exceeds the detection value of the pressure sensor when the blower 42 was driven in the first or second reference state. In addition, the control device 70 may use detection values ​​from any sensor or the like in the determination.

[0078] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0079] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed. (Technical 1) A washing machine and dryer comprising: a rotating drum for holding laundry; an inner tub for housing the rotating drum; a discharge path connected to an external drain; a heat pump device having a heat exchanger; an air passage through which air flows to the inner tub via the heat exchanger; a blowing means for flowing air through the air passage; a heat exchanger cleaning means for spraying water on the heat exchanger to clean it; and a water supply means for supplying water to the inner tub without passing through the heat exchanger, wherein a drain trap is provided in the discharge path, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means before the start of the drying process, and water is supplied using the water supply means after the completion of the drying process to seal the drain trap. This allows the water seal of the drain trap to be maintained without wetting the dried heat exchanger during the drying process through heat exchanger cleaning. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be kept clean while maintaining the function of the drain trap.

[0080] (Technology 2) The washing and drying machine according to Technology 1, wherein a washing process is performed before the start of the drying process, and the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means during the washing process or before the start of the drying process. This allows the heat exchanger to be cleaned at a time when it will have minimal impact on the laundry inside the rotating drum, or at a time when it can be dried immediately. Therefore, it is easier to keep the heat exchanger clean.

[0081] (Technical 3) A washing machine and dryer according to Technical 1 or 2, wherein if the degree of blockage of the air passage is worse than the first reference state, the water supply means is used to seal the drain trap after the completion of the drying process, and if the degree of blockage of the air passage is not worse than the first reference state, the water supply means is not used to seal the drain trap after the completion of the drying process. This allows for the water seal of the drain trap to be maintained as needed. This reduces water usage while maintaining the function of the drain trap.

[0082] (Technical 4) The washing machine and dryer according to Technical 3, wherein a filter is provided in the air passage, and when the degree of blockage of the air passage worsens from a second reference state, a notification is given regarding the clogging of the filter, and the second reference state is a state in which the blockage of the air passage is worse than the first reference state. This allows the system to address airflow blockage to the extent possible by using a water seal in the drain trap via a water supply mechanism, and also notifies the user if the airflow blockage worsens. This minimizes the frequency of filter maintenance and other user-intensive tasks while maintaining the functionality of the drain trap, thus reducing the user's workload.

[0083] (Technology 5) A washing and drying machine according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, which is capable of executing a heat exchanger cleaning course, in which the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means at the start of operation, the drying process is performed for a short time after the cleaning of the heat exchanger, water is supplied using the water supply means after the completion of the drying process, and the drain trap is sealed with water. This minimizes the drying time required when users only clean the heat exchanger. As a result, it becomes easier to keep the heat exchanger clean while suppressing power consumption and noise during the drying process. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] This disclosure is applicable to washer-dryers. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to drum-type washer-dryers or top-loading washer-dryers, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1. Washer-dryer 10 Outer tank 11. Removal opening 12 Lid member 13 Operation display section 20 RPM drum 21 Aperture 22 pivot axes 23 Motor 24 Inner tank 25 Aperture 26 Drain valve 27 Emission Routes 27A Drain trap 30 Heat pump system 31 Compressor 32. Condenser (heat exchanger) 33 Expansion Mechanism 34. Evaporator (heat exchanger) 41 1st wind path 42 Blower (Air blowing means) 43 Filters 44 2nd wind path 45 Third wind path 51 Water inlet 52 Water supply unit 52A First water supply valve (water supply means) 52B Second water supply valve (water supply means) 52C Third water supply valve (heat exchanger cleaning means) 52D Treatment agent input container 54. First water supply route 56. Second water supply route 57 Cleaning section (heat exchanger cleaning means) 58 Water supply routes 70 Control device S Circulation air path S1 wind path

Claims

1. A rotating drum for holding laundry, An inner tank housing the aforementioned rotating drum, A drainage route connected to an external drain, A heat pump device having a heat exchanger, A passage through which air flows to the inner tank via the heat exchanger, A means for blowing air into the aforementioned air passage, A heat exchanger cleaning means for washing the heat exchanger by spraying water on it, The system includes a water supply means for supplying water to the inner tank without passing through the heat exchanger, A drain trap is provided in the aforementioned discharge path. Before the start of the drying process, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means, and after the completion of the drying process, water is supplied using the water supply means to seal the drain trap. Washer dryer.

2. A washing step is performed before the start of the drying step. During the washing process or before the start of the drying process, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

3. If the degree of blockage of the air passage is worse than the first reference state, after the completion of the drying process, the water supply means is used to seal the drain trap. If the degree of blockage of the air passage has not worsened beyond the first reference state, the water seal of the drain trap is not performed using the water supply means after the completion of the drying process. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

4. A filter is provided in the aforementioned air passage. If the degree of blockage of the air passage worsens beyond the second reference state, a notification will be given regarding the clogging of the filter. The second reference state is a state in which the blockage of the air passage is worse than that of the first reference state. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3.

5. A heat exchanger cleaning course can be executed, in which, at the start of operation, the heat exchanger is cleaned using the heat exchanger cleaning means, a short drying process is performed after the heat exchanger is cleaned, and after the drying process is completed, water is supplied using the water supply means to seal the drain trap. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

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