Washer-dryer

Abstract

To provide a washing / drying machine capable of improving the cleaning properties of a filter. [Solution] The dryer includes a housing, an outer tub (20) provided within the housing for storing water, a drainage channel (20d) for draining water from the outer tub (20), a freely rotatable rotary drum provided within the outer tub (20) and capable of holding clothes, a heat pump unit (70) for drying wet clothes, a blower fan (2) for supplying air into the rotary drum, a return duct (26) connecting the outer tub (20) and the blower fan (2), a secondary filter (50) provided in the return duct (26) for capturing lint generated during drying, and a water supply unit for supplying water to the outer tub (20) and the rotary drum. Water is supplied to the outer tub (20) by the water supply unit, and the blower fan (2) and rotary drum are operated.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional washer-dryers, it is known that a filter for collecting lint generated during drying is provided in the air duct that returns to the drying section within the drying circulation air duct, and that water is supplied to clean the filter, thereby improving maintenance while maintaining drying performance (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-78464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that cleaning is performed only by supplying water, and dirt on the filter cannot be sufficiently removed.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has an object to provide a washing / drying machine capable of improving the cleanability of a filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a water heater, comprising: a box body; an outer tank provided in the box body and configured to store water; ,before an inner tub provided in the outer tub, capable of accommodating clothes and rotatable; ,before In the inner tank From the air outlet a blower for supplying air; ,before Note On the path of the air flowing from the air outlet to the blower Established in , Li a filter for collecting the outer In the tank a water supply unit for supplying water; ,beforeThe air blower and the inner tank are operated, and the filter is washed with water supplied from the water supply unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washer / dryer that can improve the cleanability of a filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washer-dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rotating drum and the outer tub with the tub cover removed from the outer tub and a portion cut away. [Figure 4] This is an oblique view of the outer tank with the rotating drum, primary filter, and secondary filter removed. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the inside of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment, seen from the rear. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the heat pump unit. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic diagram showing various flow path configurations of the washer / dryer according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the upper rear surface of the outer tub. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the secondary filter. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a secondary filter. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for cleaning a filter. [Figure 14] 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the rotating drum, the blower fan, and various electromagnetic valves during filter cleaning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a washer / dryer according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the washer / dryer according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the washer-dryer 100 is a drum-type washer-dryer, and has a frame formed by combining side panels 1a, made mainly of steel plates and resin molded parts, and reinforcing materials (not shown) on top of a base 1h, and a front cover 1c and a top cover 1e attached to the frame to form a housing 1 (box body). The front cover 1c is provided with a door 9 for loading and unloading laundry 30 (see Fig. 2).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, an outer tub 20 is provided inside the housing 1. The outer tub 20 is capable of storing wash water (liquid) therein, and its lower portion is supported by a plurality of suspensions (not shown) and its upper portion is suspended by springs (not shown), so that the outer tub 20 is elastically supported within the housing 1. A door 9 is opened and laundry 30 is placed into a rotating drum 29 (inner tub) located inside the outer tub 20. A fluid balancer 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the rotating drum 29 to reduce vibrations caused by imbalance of the laundry 30 during spin-drying. A plurality of lifters 33 are provided inside the rotating drum 29 to lift up the laundry 30. The rotating drum 29 is directly connected to a drum-driving motor 28 (drive unit) via a main shaft 35 connected to a metal flange 34 for the rotating drum.

[0011] An elastic rubber bellows 10 (packing) is attached to the opening of the outer tub 20. This bellows 10 serves to maintain a watertight seal between the interior of the outer tub 20 and the door 3, thereby preventing water leakage during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. The rotating drum 29 has a number of small holes 29a (see Figure 3) on its sidewall for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation. A water receiving section 54 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drainage path 55 is provided at the bottom of this water receiving section 54 to drain wash water and other waste collected in the outer tub 20.

[0012] A heat pump unit 70 and a blower fan 2 (air blower, see FIG. 5) are provided below the outer tub 20. In the drying process, a warm air drying method is used in which air is circulated between the rotating drum 29 and the heat pump unit 70 by the blower fan 2 (see FIG. 5) to dry the laundry. In this embodiment, the drying device is made up of the blower fan 2 and the heat pump unit 70, which dehumidifies the circulating air and then heats it. In the washer-dryer 100, a blowing nozzle of the outer tub 20 is provided to blow warm air into the rotating drum 29. (Air outlet) The rotary drum 29 is provided with a supply duct 25 (supply air passage, see FIG. 5) that guides the humid air from the rotary drum 29 to the heat pump unit 70 (see FIG. 3), and a return duct 26 (return air passage) that returns the humid air from the rotary drum 29 to the heat pump unit 70. The return duct 26 and the heat pump unit 70 are connected by a bellows tube 27a.

[0013] The washer-dryer 100 also includes a water supply unit 16 (water supply section) that supplies water to the outer tub 20. Water is supplied to the water supply unit 16 from a water supply port 17 provided on the top surface of the washer-dryer 100. The water supply unit 16 is also configured with multiple solenoid valves, including a water supply solenoid valve. That is, by opening a first solenoid valve, water is supplied to a powder detergent dispenser chamber (not shown) and a liquid detergent dispenser chamber (not shown) of the detergent case via a water supply pipe. By opening a second solenoid valve, water is supplied to a fabric softener dispenser chamber (not shown) via a water supply pipe. By opening a third solenoid valve, water is supplied directly to a water supply port 20p (see FIG. 5) of the outer tub 20 via a water supply pipe. By opening a fourth solenoid valve, water is supplied to a washing unit 60 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, via a water supply pipe. By opening a fifth solenoid valve, water is supplied to a heat exchanger washing section 78 (see FIG. 6) of the heat pump unit 70.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotating drum and outer tub with the tub cover removed and a portion cut away. Note that in Figure 3, portions of the side and bottom of the rotating drum 29 are cut away to reveal the members on the rear side of the inside of the outer tub 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer tub 20 is composed of a cylindrical outer tub body 20a with a bottom and a tub cover 20b attached to a front opening 20a1 of the outer tub body 20a. The tub cover 20b is provided with a flow path 20b1 through which wash water pumped up by a circulation pump 18 (see FIG. 6) passes. A sprinkler nozzle 23 is formed at the end of this flow path 20b1, and is configured to discharge the pumped wash water into the rotating drum 29. The tub cover 20b is also formed with an outlet nozzle 24 that blows out dry air. The outlet nozzle 24 is also formed with an outlet duct 24a. The outlet duct 24a is connected to a heat pump unit 70, which will be described later.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outer tub with the rotating drum, primary filter, and secondary filter removed. Note that Figure 4 shows a cutaway view of part of the side of the outer tub 20 and part of the right side of the rotating drum 29. Figure 4 also omits the illustration of the tub cover 20b. As shown in Fig. 4, an in-tank duct 21 is provided on the rear surface (bottom surface, rear surface) inside the outer tub 20. One end of this in-tank duct 21 is located at the top of the outer tub 20, and the other end is located below half the height of the rear surface of the outer tub 20. In addition, the in-tank duct 21 has a curved shape (approximately arc shape) from the top to the bottom of the outer tub 20 in a manner that avoids the motor 28 (see Fig. 2) that drives the rotating drum 29.

[0016] A primary filter 40 is attached to the in-tub duct 21. The primary filter 40 is formed by insert molding a synthetic resin frame 40a with a metal or other mesh member 40b (only part of which is shown in FIG. 4 ) integrally formed into the frame 40a. The primary filter 40 is also positioned higher than the water level during the washing process.

[0017] A communication port 22 that communicates with the outside of the outer tub 20 is formed at the upper rear surface of the outer tub 20. A return duct 26 (see FIG. 2) is connected from the communication port 22 to the heat pump unit 70 (see FIG. 2) on the outside of the rear surface of the outer tub 20. A secondary filter 50 (filter) is provided in the return duct 26. The secondary filter 50 is disposed at the upper exterior of the outer tub 20. The secondary filter 50 is located behind the communication port 22. In FIG. 4, the primary filter 40 is located at the front in the front-to-rear direction, and the secondary filter 50 is located at the rear (deeper side). That is, the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 are disposed so that their ventilation directions overlap, sandwiching the communication port 22 between them. Furthermore, the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 are configured to face each other, and the circulating air that has passed through the primary filter 40 passes through the secondary filter 50 without disrupting its flow, thereby reducing ventilation resistance. Furthermore, by configuring the filter in two sheets in the direction of airflow, the mesh can be overlapped on a flat surface, and the mesh (openings) of each sheet can be made larger than in a single-sheet configuration. This allows lint to be collected across two sheets, preventing the lint from becoming densely packed and maintaining stable air circulation.

[0018] The secondary filter 50, like the primary filter 40, has a synthetic resin frame 50a and a mesh member 50b (only part of which is shown in FIG. 4 ) made of metal or the like, which are integrally formed by insert molding. The secondary filter 50 has finer mesh than the primary filter 40.

[0019] The washer-dryer 100 configured as described above does not have a drying filter that is removed for cleaning by the user. In this embodiment, a primary filter 40 is provided on the rear surface of the outer tub 20, and a secondary filter 50 is provided on the rear surface of the primary filter 40, and these primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50 form a drying filter.

[0020] The outer tub 20 is also provided with a cleaning unit 60 for cleaning the secondary filter 50. Cleaning water is sprayed from this cleaning unit 60 toward the secondary filter 50, thereby washing away lint (foreign matter) captured by the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50. The cleaning water that has cleaned the secondary filter 50 passes through the in-tub duct 21 together with the lint and is discharged from an outlet formed at the bottom of the rear surface of the outer tub 20. The cleaning water then flows into the water receiving portion 54 of the outer tub 20 and is discharged to the outside from a drain outlet 20c (see FIG. 6) formed in the water receiving portion 54.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside of the washer / dryer according to this embodiment, seen from the rear. 5, the return duct 26 is provided on the back surface of the outer tub 20 and has a duct section 26a extending laterally from the center on the back surface of the outer tub 20, and a duct section 26b extending from the top to the bottom of the heat pump unit 70 at the right end of the duct section 26a. The duct section 26b and the heat pump unit 70 are connected by a bellows tube 27a. In this way, the return duct 26 is configured to avoid the motor 28.

[0022] The supply duct 25 has a duct portion 25a extending upward from the blower fan 2 arranged next to the heat pump unit 70, and a duct portion 25b extending forward from the rear side at the top of the outer tub 20. The front end of the duct portion 25b is connected to the discharge duct 24a via a bellows tube 27c.

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

[0024] Fig. 6 is a top view showing the heat pump unit 70. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the blower fan 2 is attached to the heat pump unit 70. As shown in FIG. 6, heat pump unit 70 (heating / dehumidifying device) dehumidifies and heats the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through laundry in rotary drum 29 and been discharged from outer tub 20 (see FIG. 5) during drying operation, thereby changing the temperature and humidity of the air to low. The dehumidified and heated warm air (dry air) is blown by blower fan 2 through supply duct 25 (see FIG. 5) and discharge duct 24a (see FIG. 5) and then onto the laundry in rotary drum 29 from outlet nozzle 24 (see FIG. 3) provided at the top of outer tub 20. The warm air blown onto the laundry becomes high-temperature, high-humidity air and passes through primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50, and returns to heat pump unit 70 via return duct 26.

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

[0026] The blower fan 2 includes a fan casing 2a with a centrifugal impeller (not shown) inside, and a motor 2b that drives the centrifugal impeller to rotate. An air inlet formed in the fan casing 2a is configured to communicate with the inside of the case 70a.

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

[0028] An air passage is formed in the case 70a to allow high-temperature, high-humidity air drawn in from the connection port 70b to pass through the evaporator 74 and the condenser 72 and be drawn into the blower fan 2.

[0029] The heat pump unit 70 is also provided with a heat exchanger cleaning section 78 that cleans the heat exchanger and other components of the evaporator 74. When the fifth electromagnetic valve of the water supply unit 16 is opened, cleaning water is supplied to the heat exchanger cleaning section 78 toward the evaporator 74.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow and drainage path during drying in a washer / dryer. As shown in Fig. 7, a drain passage 20d is connected to the drain outlet 20c of the outer tub 20. A drain valve V1 is provided in the drain passage 20d. When the drain valve V1 opens, the washing water in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine. A drain trap is provided at the bottom inside the washer / dryer 100.

[0031] In addition, a circulation pump 18 is provided in drain flow path 20d. When circulation pump 18 is driven, wash water is sucked from drain outlet 20c of outer tub 20, pumped up through flow path 20b1 provided in tub cover 20b, and discharged into rotating drum 29. A lint filter (foreign matter trap) (not shown) is provided upstream of drain valve V1 in drain flow path 20d, and the wash water flows into flow path 20b1 after lint has been trapped therein.

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

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

[0034] 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the upper rear surface of the outer tub 20. Note that FIG. 8 shows a state in which the rotating drum has been removed from the outer tub 20. 8, the primary filter 40 is attached from the front side of the communication port 22 formed in the upper part of the back surface 20s of the outer tub 20, and the secondary filter 50 is attached from the rear side. In addition, the outer tub 20 is provided with a cleaning unit 60 that cleans the secondary filter 50.

[0035] The cleaning unit 60, which washes away lint trapped by the secondary filter 50 and cleans the secondary filter 50, is attached to the top of the secondary filter 50. The cleaning unit 60 also has a water supply port 61 on its top surface for supplying cleaning water. The water supply port 61 is connected to the water supply unit 16 (see FIG. 2) via a water supply pipe (not shown). Water is supplied to the water supply port 61 by opening the fourth solenoid valve (not shown).

[0036] The primary filter 40 is positioned so that the surface of the mesh member 40b is approximately parallel to the back surface 20s of the outer tub 20. Meanwhile, the secondary filter 50 is positioned at an angle so that the upper part of the mesh member 50b is located further forward than the lower part. In other words, the secondary filter 50 is positioned at an angle with respect to the surface of the mesh member 40b so that the upper part of the mesh member 50b is closer to the primary filter 40 than the lower part. Although not shown, a cleaning nozzle 62 (see FIG. 10 ) is provided for spraying cleaning water supplied from a water supply port 61 onto the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50. A plurality of cleaning nozzles 62 are arranged at intervals along the length (left-right direction) of the secondary filter 50. A return duct 26 is connected to the rear of the secondary filter 50, and air that has passed through the secondary filter 50 is sent to a heat pump unit 70 located below the outer tub 20.

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

[0038] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the secondary filter. 9, the cleaning unit 60 has cleaning nozzles 62 formed below the water supply port. Three cleaning nozzles 62 are formed side by side in the left-right direction. The cleaning nozzles 62 are also located above the mesh member 50b.

[0039] Furthermore, ribs 51 are formed on the bottom surface of the frame 50a of the secondary filter 50. While Fig. 9 shows only the state in which the ribs 51 are provided on the right side (left side in the figure), ribs are also formed on the mesh member 50b on the front side of Fig. 9 so as to rise from the bottom surface 50a1 along the mesh member 50b. The area surrounded by the ribs 51 constitutes a water storage section 52.

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

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary filter. 10, the secondary filter 50 is disposed with the surface of the mesh member 50b tilted relative to the up-down direction (vertical direction). The upper surface of the mesh member 50b of the secondary filter 50 faces rearward, and the lower surface of the mesh member 50b faces forward.

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

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

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

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

[0046] Lint adhesion to the dry filter can occur in two ways: physical adhesion, where the lint becomes entangled in the filter, and chemical adhesion, where dirt such as sebum accumulates and adheres between the lint and the filter. In this embodiment, cleaning power is enhanced by weakening the chemical adhesion, and high-concentration cleaning water is used. Note that the higher the concentration, the weaker the chemical adhesion can be. However, the smaller the water volume, the less cleaning water reaches the filter, no matter how much the rotating drum 29 rotates. This makes it difficult to spray water with a high detergent concentration. Therefore, in this embodiment, rotating the rotating drum 29 while rotating the blower fan 2 enables spraying a high-concentration detergent on the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50. Note that the rotation of the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 may or may not be performed simultaneously. For example, the blower fan 2 may be operated after the rotating drum 29 is operating.

[0047] Next, a method for cleaning the primary filter 40 and the secondary filter 50 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the filter cleaning method, and Figure 14 is a time chart showing the operation of the rotating drum, the blower fan, and various solenoid valves during filter cleaning. When performing filter cleaning, a button (not shown) for starting filter cleaning is pressed to start the filter cleaning. Filter cleaning may be a standalone course, or may be performed during the normal washing or drying operation.

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

[0049] After water is supplied, the user opens door 9 (see FIG. 1) and adds, for example, a commercially available detergent (tub cleaner). The detergent is, for example, a chlorine-based detergent that is effective for cleaning sebum, protein components, and oils. Four liters of water is supplied, and 1.1 liters of detergent are added. This results in a detergent concentration of 21.5% (10% or more) of the total amount of water and detergent supplied. Note that the detergent concentration need only be 10% or more; for example, 0.55 liters of detergent per 4 liters of water may be used, resulting in a detergent concentration of 12.0%. By increasing the detergent concentration to 10% or more, the cleaning power of the primary filter 40 and secondary filter 50 can be improved.

[0050] In step S3, the control device 90 executes a high-concentration cleaning water immersion step for the secondary filter 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, with the drain valve V1 and overflow valve V2 closed, the rotating drum 29 is rotated at a low speed while the blower fan 2 is rotated at a medium speed to spray high-concentration cleaning water into the airflow (see time t1). By rotating the rotating drum 29, high-concentration cleaning water is stirred up, and by rotating the blower fan 2, particles of the high-concentration cleaning water are carried toward the secondary filter 50. The high-concentration cleaning water is carried to the secondary filter 50 by passing through the primary filter 40. It is also carried to the secondary filter 50 by passing through the gap between the rear surface of the rotating drum 29 and the back surface of the outer tub 20. It is also carried toward the secondary filter 50 by passing from an outlet at the bottom of the in-tank duct 21 and upward through the interior of the in-tank duct 21. Although the example described above uses a case where the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 are operated simultaneously, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The blower fan 2 may be operated after the rotating drum 29 is operated, and the timing at which the rotating drum 29 and the blower fan 2 are operated may be changed as appropriate.

[0051] Furthermore, ribs 51 are provided behind secondary filter 50 so that high-concentration flush water gradually accumulates. The portion formed by these ribs 51 serves as water storage section 52. The height of ribs 51 is formed lower than the height of secondary filter 50. By continuing to rotate blower fan 2, high-concentration flush water adheres to secondary filter 50 and flows down, causing the high-concentration flush water to accumulate in water storage section 52. This operation of storing high-concentration flush water in water storage section 52 is the water storage flush operation. Note that in the water storage flush operation, because blower fan 2 continues to rotate, high-concentration flush water does not flow down from water storage section 52 into outer tub 20, and the force pushing the high-concentration flush water caused by the rotation of blower fan 2 ensures that high-concentration flush water continues to be stored in water storage section 52 at all times.

[0052] Furthermore, if the rotation speed of blower fan 2 is too high or the operation is performed for a long time during the operation of storing high-concentration flush water in water storage section 52, the high-concentration flush water will overflow water storage section 52 and be sent to the heat pump unit 70 side. Incidentally, if the heat exchangers that make up condenser 72 (heater) and evaporator 74 (dehumidifier) ​​of heat pump unit 70 are made of aluminum, there is a possibility that the heat exchangers will corrode if chlorine-based detergent adheres to them. For this reason, the time for which rotating drum 29 and blower fan 2 are driven is set within a range that prevents the high-concentration flush water from overflowing water storage section 52.

[0053] Therefore, in step S3, the rotation speed of the rotary drum 29 is changed from low to very low, and the blower fan 2 is changed to medium speed. (First rotation speed) From low speed (Second rotation speed) When rotating drum 29 reaches an ultra-low speed, high-concentration flush water is no longer stirred up, and storage of water in water storage section 52 is stopped. Furthermore, by slowing down blower fan 2, flush water is no longer discharged from water storage section 52, and a water level maintenance operation is performed to maintain the water level in water storage section 52. This stops the water-storage flush operation, and the level of high-concentration flush water in water storage section 52 is maintained. In this way, the operation of maintaining the level of high-concentration flush water in water storage section 52 is the water level maintenance operation. Furthermore, the water level maintenance operation is performed for a longer time than the water-storage flush operation. By repeating the water-storage flush operation and the water level maintenance operation in this way, it is possible to prevent high-concentration flush water from flowing into heat pump unit 70.

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

[0055] Note that this water level maintenance operation operates rotating drum 29 in conjunction with the operation of blower fan 2. The reason for this is that if wind flows and dries the tank while high-concentration cleaning water is still attached, the surfactant components of the high-concentration cleaning water will precipitate, making it appear at first glance that the inside of the tank has not been cleaned. For this reason, the operation is performed so that water is sprayed onto rotating drum 29 to prevent detergent precipitation. Furthermore, circulation pump 18 may be operated at a low speed in conjunction with the operation of blower fan 2. Furthermore, both rotating drum 29 and circulation pump 18 may be operated at a low speed in conjunction with the operation of blower fan 2.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which both the blower fan 2 and the rotary drum 29 are operated, but may be a configuration in which the rotary drum 29 is stopped and only the blower fan 2 is operated.

[0057] In this way, by storing high-concentration cleaning water in the water storage section 52, the sebum, protein components, oils, etc. that have adhered to the secondary filter 50 are chemically broken down, weakening their chemical adhesion. In addition, the high-concentration cleaning water rises due to capillary action, weakening the chemical adhesion of sebum, etc. that has adhered to the mesh member 50b above the water storage section 52.

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

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

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

[0061] Furthermore, rotating drum 29 is operated at a low speed to scatter high-concentration wash water and spray it onto primary filter 40. The rotation speed of rotating drum 29 at this time is set lower than the rotation speed of rotating drum 29 during normal tank cleaning. Note that if the rotation speed of rotating drum 29 is increased, not only will the high-concentration wash water be more likely to reach the heat exchanger of heat pump unit 70, but the amount of water will decrease due to foaming of the detergent, reducing the amount of high-concentration wash water that hits primary filter 40 and reducing detergency.

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

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

[0064] After spin-drying the rotary drum 29, the filter cleaning valve (fourth solenoid valve) of the water supply unit 16 is opened to supply water to the cleaning unit 60. Supplying water to the cleaning unit 60 also opens the first and second solenoid valves of the water supply unit 16, allowing water to be supplied to the outer tub 20. This causes water to be sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 62 of the cleaning unit 60 onto the upper rear surface 50b1 (see FIG. 10 ) of the secondary filter 50, thereby cleaning the secondary filter 50. The high-concentration cleaning water immersion step of step S3 reduces the adhesive strength of sebum and other contaminants on the secondary filter 50, so that the water hitting this surface can wash away any adhering dirt (debris). Furthermore, the water that has fallen to the bottom surface 50a1 of the secondary filter 50 flows toward the outer tub 20 due to the slope of the bottom surface 50a1 (drainage path). Because bottom surface 50a1 is inclined downward toward the front (toward outer tub 20), it flows toward primary filter 40 and into in-tub duct 21. The high-concentration cleaning water that flows into in-tub duct 21 flows along back surface 21a (drainage path) of in-tub duct 21 and flows out from an opening provided at the bottom of in-tub duct 21. In addition, the high-concentration cleaning water stored in water storage section 52 flows out toward outer tub 20 through labyrinth-structured flow path 55 (drainage path).

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

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

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

[0068] As described above, the washer / dryer 100 of this embodiment includes the housing 1, the outer tub 20 provided in the housing 1 for storing water, the drainage channel 20d for draining water from the outer tub 20, the rotatable rotary drum 29 provided in the outer tub 20 and capable of holding clothes, the heat pump unit 70 for drying wet clothes, the blower fan 2 for supplying air into the rotary drum 29, the return duct 26 connecting the outer tub 20 and the blower fan 2, the secondary filter 50 provided in the return duct 26 for collecting lint generated during drying, and the water supply unit 16 for supplying water to the outer tub 20 and the rotary drum 29. Water is supplied to the outer tub 20 by the water supply unit 16, and the blower fan 2 and the rotary drum 29 are operated. This allows water to be blown up to the secondary filter 50, thereby cleaning the secondary filter 50.

[0069] Furthermore, the washer / dryer 100 executes a water storage and cleaning operation to store and clean the secondary filter 50 by operating the blower fan 2 and the rotary drum 29. This allows the secondary filter 50 to store water, thereby improving the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0070] The washer-dryer 100 also repeats a water storage flushing operation and a water level maintenance operation in which the blower fan 2 is operated to maintain the water level stored in the secondary filter. This prevents wash water from flowing from the secondary filter 50 to the heat pump unit 70.

[0071] Furthermore, the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 in the water level maintenance operation of the washer / dryer 100 is lower than the rotation speed in the water storage flush operation, which allows for energy saving and noise reduction.

[0072] Furthermore, the washer / dryer 100 performs the water storage flushing operation and the water level maintenance operation for 60 minutes or more, thereby improving the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0073] Furthermore, in the washer / dryer 100, the amount of water supplied by the water supply unit 16 is 10 liters or less. Since the concentration of the wash water can be increased, the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50 can be increased.

[0074] In addition, in the washer / dryer 100, the detergent accounts for 10% or more of the total amount of water supplied by the water supply unit 16 and the detergent, thereby increasing the detergency of the secondary filter 50.

[0075] In addition, the washer / dryer 100 is provided with an exhaust pipe 80 leading to the outside of the outer tub 20 in the return duct 26, and the exhaust flow path is closed during the stored-water flush operation. This prevents detergent components (e.g., chlorine-based detergents) from leaking outside the machine when the tub is flushed.

[0076] In addition, in the washer / dryer 100, the heat pump unit 70 is provided with a heat exchanger cleaning section 78 and a drain hose 77, and water is supplied to the heat exchanger cleaning section 78 during or after the stored water flush operation and drained from the drain hose 77. This prevents the water used to clean the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 70 from leaking.

[0077] Furthermore, in the washer-dryer 100, the secondary filter 50 is provided with a cleaning unit 60 (filter cleaning section) that can supply water to clean the secondary filter 50, and the secondary filter 50 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 60 after the water-filled cleaning operation. In this way, the chemical adhesive strength is weakened and then water is supplied, thereby making it possible to remove the dirt that has adhered to the secondary filter 50.

[0078] The washer / dryer 100 is also provided with a circulation pump 18 that circulates the wash water discharged from the outer tub 20 back into the rotary drum 29, and the rotary drum 29 and the circulation pump 18 are operated during the water level maintenance operation. This reduces the areas on the surface of the rotary drum 29 that dry out.

[0079] The washer-dryer 100 also includes a return duct 26 that connects the secondary filter 50 to the heat pump unit 70, and the return duct 26 is provided with ribs 51 for submerging the secondary filter 50. This allows the ribs 51 to form a water storage section 52 that can submerge the secondary filter 50 in high-concentration wash water, thereby improving the cleaning power of the secondary filter 50.

[0080] Washer / dryer 100 also includes bottom surface 50a1 (drainage path), back surface 21a (drainage path), and flow path 55 (drainage path) that connect water storage section 52, in which water is stored during the water storage and flushing operation, to outer tub 20. This allows water to be drained from water storage section 52, preventing detergent from remaining in water storage section 52.

[0081] Furthermore, the detergent used in the washer / dryer 100 is chlorine-based, which can enhance the cleaning power against chemical adhesion. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. The box body and an outer tank provided within the box body for storing water; an inner tub provided in the outer tub, capable of accommodating clothes and being freely rotatable; a blower for supplying air from an air outlet into the inner tank; a filter that is provided on a path of air flowing from the air outlet to the air blower and that collects lint; a water supply unit that supplies water to the outer tank, The washer / dryer is characterized in that the air blower and the inner tub are operated, and the filter is washed with water supplied from the water supply section.

2. A washer-dryer according to claim 1, The washer / dryer is characterized in that the filter is washed with water containing a detergent.

3. A washer-dryer according to claim 2, The washer-dryer is characterized in that the water stirred up by the rotation of the inner tub is carried to the filter by the air from the air blower.

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, The washer / dryer is characterized in that a water-filled cleaning operation is performed by operating the air blower and the inner tub to fill and clean the filter.

5. The washing and drying machine according to claim 4, The washing / drying machine is characterized in that the water storing / cleaning operation and the water level maintaining operation of operating the air blower to maintain the water level stored in the filter are repeated.

6. A washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, The washer-dryer is characterized in that the air blower device alternates between operation at a first rotation speed and operation at a second rotation speed slower than the first rotation speed.

7. The washer / dryer according to claim 2, The washing / drying machine is characterized in that the detergent accounts for 10% or more of the sum of the amount of water supplied from the water supply section and the amount of detergent.

8. A washer-dryer according to claim 3, The washing and drying machine is characterized in that new water is flowed through the filter to which the water containing the detergent has been conveyed.

9. A washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, The washer-dryer is characterized in that, after the filter has been washed, the heat exchanger and the air blower are operated to dry the filter.

10. The washer / dryer according to claim 2, The washing / drying machine is characterized in that the detergent is a chlorine-based detergent.

11. A box body, an outer tank provided within the box body for storing water; an inner tub provided in the outer tub, capable of accommodating clothes and being freely rotatable; a blower for supplying air from an air outlet into the inner tank; a filter that is provided on a path of air flowing from the air outlet to the air blower device and that collects lint, The washer-dryer has a cleaning course in which the air blower and the inner tub are operated to clean the filter with water containing a chlorine-based detergent.

Images