Integrated washer-dryer

Abstract

An integrated washer-dryer (1). On the basis of whether the amount of air flowing through a circulation path (110) is reduced due to the occurrence of blockage, a control unit (201) detects whether blockage has occurred in drying filter entireties of a first drying filter (140) and a second drying filter (170); when it is detected that blockage has occurred, a water supply member (150) and a wiping mechanism (160) are made to clean the first drying filter (140); and when it is detected that the blockage has not been eliminated after the first drying filter (140) has been cleaned, a display part (204) is made to issue a first notification on the basis that the blockage has occurred in the second drying filter (170).

Description

Washing and drying integrated machine TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a drum-type washing and drying integrated machine, which is provided with a circulating air path (circulation path) for circulating and supplying hot air for drying into a drum outside a water tub (outer tub), and a lint capturing portion is provided in the circulating air path, and the lint capturing portion is provided with a filter having a double structure of a main filter and a backup filter.

[0003] In the washing and drying integrated machine of Patent Document 1 described above, further, a filter cleaning mechanism for cleaning the main filter and the backup filter is provided in the lint capturing portion. The filter cleaning mechanism is provided with a first cleaning member for cleaning the main filter, a second cleaning member for cleaning the backup filter, and a driving mechanism for simultaneously driving the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member. By the operation of the driving mechanism, the first cleaning member reciprocates on the surface of the main filter, and the second cleaning member reciprocates on the surface of the backup filter. Thus, the lint accumulated in the main filter and the backup filter is removed.

[0004] In the washing and drying integrated machine of Patent Document 1 described above, both filters are automatically cleaned in the circulating air path by the filter cleaning mechanism.

[0005] On the other hand, in a washing and drying integrated machine in which a first drying filter and a second drying filter for capturing foreign matters such as lint are arranged at different positions in the circulation path, instead of the structure in which both filters are automatically cleaned as described in Patent Document 1, a structure is considered in which the first drying filter cannot be detached from the circulation path and is automatically cleaned by the filter cleaning portion, and the second drying filter can be detached from the circulation path and is manually cleaned in the detached state.

[0006] In the case of adopting the latter structure described above, it is preferable to notify the user of the timing at which the second drying filter is clogged and to perform cleaning of the second drying filter.

[0007] Generally, the clogging of the drying filter can be detected by detecting whether the air volume flowing through the circulation path is reduced using the current flowing through the drying fan or the like. However, in the case where two drying filters are arranged in the circulation path as described above, it is not possible to determine that the second drying filter is clogged only by detecting whether the air volume is reduced. Therefore, it is difficult to notify the user of the timing at which the second drying filter is clogged.

[0008] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0009] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0010] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-196271 SUMMARY

[0011] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0012] The present application has been achieved in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a washer-dryer in which, in a structure in which a first drying filter is automatically cleaned in a circulation path and a second drying filter is detachable from the circulation path, a user can clean the second drying filter at a good timing.

[0013] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0014] The washer-dryer according to the present application includes: an outer tub disposed in a cabinet; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub and containing a washing object; a circulation path connected to the outer tub; a blowing fan circulating air between the outer tub and the circulation path; a heater disposed in the circulation path and heating the air; a first drying filter disposed in the circulation path, capturing foreign matter contained in the air, and being incapable of being detached from the circulation path; a second drying filter disposed in the circulation path at a position different from that of the first drying filter, capturing foreign matter contained in the air, and being capable of being detached from the circulation path; a filter cleaning section cleaning the first drying filter in the circulation path and removing the captured foreign matter; a control section; and a notification section. The control section detects whether the first drying filter and the second drying filter as a whole have a clogging caused by a decrease in the amount of air flowing in the circulation path, causes the filter cleaning section to clean the first drying filter when it is detected that the clogging has occurred, and causes the notification section to perform a first notification based on the clogging of the second drying filter when it is detected that the clogging has not been eliminated after the first drying filter is cleaned.

[0015] For example, in order to detect whether the amount of air flowing in the circulation path decreases due to the occurrence of the clogging, either the amount of air itself can be detected by an air amount sensor, or a physical quantity that varies depending on the amount of air, such as the value of a current flowing to the blowing fan, can be detected by another detection section.

[0016] Further, for example, the heater can be disposed in the circulation path at a position downstream of the blowing fan in terms of air flow, one of the first drying filter and the second drying filter can be disposed at a position upstream of the blowing fan in terms of air flow, and the other drying filter can be disposed between the blowing fan and the heater.

[0017] Note that "detachable" means that the filter can be detached without using a tool or the like, and "non-detachable" means that the filter cannot be detached without using a tool or the like.

[0018] According to the present aspect, the user can perform cleaning of the second drying filter at a good timing at which the second drying filter is clogged, based on the first notification by the notification section.

[0019] In the washing and drying integrated machine of the present aspect, the following structure can be employed: in a case where it is detected that the clogging is eliminated after the first drying filter is cleaned, the control section executes a drying process of drying the laundry in the inner tub using air that is heated by the heater while circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path.

[0020] For example, in a case where it is detected that the clogging occurs before the drying process, such as before a cleaning process or after a final dehydration process, the drying process is executed from the beginning by the clogging being eliminated. On the other hand, for example, in a case where it is detected that the clogging occurs during the drying process, the drying process is interrupted to clean the first drying filter, and if the clogging is eliminated, the drying process is executed again from the point of interruption.

[0021] According to the above structure, if the clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated by the cleaning of the first drying filter, the drying process is executed, and the laundry in the inner tub is dried.

[0022] In the washing and drying integrated machine of the present aspect, the following structure can be employed: the control section monitors whether the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path after being detached from the circulation path after the notification section performs the first notification, and in a case where it is detected that the clogging is not eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control section causes the notification section to perform a second notification based on the clogging of the first drying filter.

[0023] According to the above structure, the user can know that the clogging of the first drying filter occurs through the second notification by the notification section in a case where the clogging of the entire drying filter is not eliminated even if the cleaning of the second drying filter is performed.

[0024] In a case where the above structure is employed, the following structure can further be employed: in a case where it is detected that the clogging is eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control section executes a drying process of drying the laundry in the inner tub using air that is heated by the heater while circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path, and in a case where it is not detected that the clogging is eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control section does not execute the drying process.

[0025] If such a structure is employed, it is possible to prevent a state in which the laundry in the inner tub cannot be normally dried due to an insufficient amount of the heating air circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path, and the drying process is executed in this state.

[0026] Effects of Invention

[0027] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a washer-dryer in which a user can clean the second drying filter at a good time in a structure in which the first drying filter can be automatically cleaned in the circulation path and the second drying filter can be detached from the circulation path.

[0028] The effects and advantages of the present application will be more clearly understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present application, and the present application is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a washer-dryer according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a washer-dryer according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control action of a control portion executed in a washing and drying operation according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing filter clogging detection processing executed by the control portion according to an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 5(a) and (b) are flowcharts showing the control action of a control portion executed in a washing and drying operation according to a modification.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control action of a control portion executed in a washing and drying operation according to a modification.

[0035] Reference Signs 10: cabinet; 20: outer tub; 23: drum (inner tub); 110: circulation path; 120: blowing fan; 132: heater; 140: first drying filter; 150: water supply member (filter cleaning portion); 160: wiping mechanism (filter cleaning portion); 170: second drying filter; 201: control portion; 204: display portion (notification portion). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washer-dryer according to the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of a washer-dryer 1.

[0038] The laundry washing and drying integrated machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called drum-type laundry washing and drying integrated machine. The laundry washing and drying integrated machine 1 is provided with a square cabinet 10. A circular inlet port 11 for putting laundry is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 10. The inlet port 11 is covered by a door 12 which is freely opened and closed.

[0039] A tub 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape is arranged inside the cabinet 10. The tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 of a horizontal shaft type is rotatably arranged inside the tub 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening portion 23a on its front surface. The drum 23 can also rotate around an inclined axis inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The drum 23 corresponds to the inner tub of the present application.

[0040] The tub 20 has a circular opening portion 20a in front of the opening portion 23a of the drum 23. The tub 20 includes a ring-shaped gasket 24 made of an elastic material provided to the peripheral portion of the opening portion 20a. The gasket 24 is connected to the peripheral portion of the inlet port 11. The peripheral surface of the closed door 12 is in contact with the gasket 24, and the inlet port 11 and the door 12 are sealed by water.

[0041] A plurality of dewatering holes 23b are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23. Further, three lifting ribs 25 having a substantially triangular prism shape are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23.

[0042] A drive motor 30 which generates a torque for rotating the drum 23 is arranged at the rear of the tub 20. The drive motor 30 is, for example, a DC brushless motor of an outer rotor type. The drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 23 is smaller than the gravity and the laundry tumbles during a washing process, a rinsing process, and a drying process. On the other hand, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 23 is much larger than the gravity and the laundry adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 23 during a dewatering process.

[0043] A drain port portion 20b is formed in the bottom of the tub 20. A drain portion 40 which drains water from inside the tub 20 is connected to the drain port portion 20b. The drain portion 40 is composed of a drain valve 41, a drain hose 42, and a drain filter 43. The drain filter 43 is connected to the lower end portion of the drain port portion 20b. The drain valve 41 is provided downstream of the drain filter 43 and includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor which opens and closes the valve. The drain hose 42 is connected to the drain valve 41. When the drain valve 41 is opened, water accumulated in the tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain port portion 20b, the drain filter 43, and the drain hose 42. Foreign matter such as lint is captured by the drain filter 43.

[0044] A water supply device 50 is disposed in an upper portion of the cabinet 10. The water supply device 50 includes a first water supply valve 51, a second water supply valve 52, a first water supply hose 53, and a second water supply hose 54. The first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 are configured by a double solenoid valve. One end of the first water supply hose 53 is connected to the first water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to a water injection port 20c provided at a rear surface of the tub 20. One end of the second water supply hose 54 is connected to the second water supply valve 52, and the other end is connected to the water supply member 150.

[0045] When the first water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from a faucet flows through the first water supply hose 53 and is supplied into the tub 20 from the water injection port 20c. When the second water supply valve 52 is opened, tap water flows through the second water supply hose 54 and is supplied to the water supply member 150.

[0046] It is noted that the first water supply hose 53 can also be connected to a detergent box that accommodates a detergent container. In this case, a water injection pipe connected to the detergent box and through which water flows through the detergent container can also be connected to an upper portion of a front portion of the tub 20. Further, an automatic injection device that automatically injects liquid detergent or liquid softener into the tub 20 can also be provided instead of the detergent box. The automatic injection device includes, for example, a water supply path, a liquid agent box that stores liquid detergent or liquid softener, and a pump that sends the liquid detergent or liquid softener in the liquid agent box to the water supply path. In this case, the liquid detergent or liquid softener discharged into the water supply path is washed away with water by causing water from the first water supply hose 53 to flow through the water supply path and supplied into the tub 20 through the water injection pipe.

[0047] A drying device 100 for drying laundry in the drying drum 23 is disposed in an upper portion of the cabinet 10. The drying device 100 has a circulation path 110, a blowing fan 120, a cooler 131, a heater 132, a first drying filter 140, a water supply member 150, a wiper mechanism 160, and a second drying filter 170.

[0048] The circulation path 110 is an air flow path through which air flows, and is connected to the tub 20. The circulation path 110 includes a first duct 111, a fan casing 112, a second duct 113, a first connection hose 114, and a second connection hose 115. One end of the first duct 111 is connected to an exhaust port 20d provided at a back surface of the tub 20, and the other end is connected to a suction port of the fan casing 112 through the first connection hose 114. One end of the second duct 113 is connected to a discharge port of the fan casing 112 through the second connection hose 115, and the other end is connected to a suction port 20e provided in the vicinity of the opening portion 20a of the tub 20.

[0049] The air-blowing fan 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan including a fan 121 disposed in the fan casing 112 and a fan motor 122 for rotationally driving the fan 121. The air-blowing fan 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110. Air discharged from the outer tub 20 through the discharge port 20d flows through the circulation path 110 in the order of the first duct 111, the fan casing 112, and the second duct 113, and returns to the outer tub 20 through the suction port 20e.

[0050] The cooler 131 and the heater 132 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side, respectively, in the second duct 113. The cooler 131 and the heater 132 are each constituted by an evaporator and a condenser included in a heat pump device. The heat pump device includes a compressor 133 (see FIG. 2), an expansion valve, and the like, which constitute, together with the evaporator and the condenser, a refrigeration circuit.

[0051] Low-temperature refrigerant flows inside the cooler 131. The cooler 131 dehumidifies air flowing through the circulation path 110 by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant.

[0052] High-temperature refrigerant flows inside the heater 132. The heater 132 heats dehumidified air flowing through the circulation path 110 by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0053] Note that the cooler 131 can also be a water-cooled heat exchanger or the like, and the heater 132 can also be a semiconductor heater or the like.

[0054] The first drying filter 140, the water supply member 150, and the wiping mechanism 160 are disposed in the circulation path 110 on the upstream side of the air flow from the air-blowing fan 120.

[0055] The first drying filter 140 is disposed in the circulation path 110 in a manner to block the flow path of air. A mesh is formed on the surface of the first drying filter 140 as a capturing surface. The first drying filter 140 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in air discharged from the outer tub 20 by the capturing surface thereof. The first drying filter 140 is fixed in the circulation path 110 and cannot be detached from the circulation path 110. Therefore, the user cannot access the first drying filter 140 from the outside to perform cleaning or the like.

[0056] The water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 are used to automatically clean the first drying filter 140, and remove the captured foreign matter. The water supply member 150 is disposed at the upper portion of the first drying filter 140, and causes the water supplied from the second water supply valve 52 to flow to the surface of the first drying filter 140, and washes away the foreign matter adhering to the first drying filter 140. The wiping mechanism 160 includes a wiper 161 and an actuator 162. The wiper 161 is driven by the actuator 162, and wipes off the foreign matter adhering to the first drying filter 140 by reciprocating on the surface of the first drying filter 140. The water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 correspond to the filter cleaning section of the present application.

[0057] The second drying filter 170 is disposed between the blower fan 120 and the heater 132 and the cooler 131 in the circulation path 110 in a manner to block the flow path of the air. The surface of the second drying filter 170, which serves as a capturing surface, is formed with mesh. The second drying filter 170 has mesh holes that are smaller than those of the first drying filter 140. The second drying filter 170 is capable of being inserted into the circulation path 110 from the upper surface of the circulation path 110, and is capable of being detached upward from the circulation path 110. A handle portion 171 for gripping when the second drying filter 170 is attached to or detached from the circulation path 110 is provided at the upper end portion of the second drying filter 170.

[0058] The access port 13 is blocked by a lid portion 14 that is openable and closable. When the user cleans the second drying filter 170, the user can open the lid portion 14, and take out the second drying filter 170 detached from the circulation path 110 to the outside of the cabinet 10 through the access port 13. Further, the user can open the lid portion 14, and insert the second drying filter 170 cleaned into the cabinet 10 through the access port 13, and attach the second drying filter 170 to the circulation path 110.

[0059] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the washer-dryer 1.

[0060] The washer-dryer 1 further includes, in addition to the above-described structure, a control section 201, a storage section 202, an operation section 203, a display section 204, a sound output section 205, a water level sensor 206, a filter attachment / detachment detection section 207, a fan current detection section 208, a motor drive section 209, a water supply drive section 210, a drain drive section 211, a fan drive section 212, a compressor drive section 213, and an actuator drive section 214.

[0061] The operation section 203 includes a power button that performs connection and disconnection of power, a mode selection button that selects any mode from a plurality of modes of operation such as a washing operation, a washing and drying operation, and the like, and a start button that starts and pauses the operation. The operation section 203 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the control section 201.

[0062] The display section 204 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and the like, and performs display of the selected mode, display of the progress of the operation, notification of an abnormality, and the like, in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The notification of the abnormality includes clogging notification that notifies that clogging has occurred in the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170. The display section 204 corresponds to the notification section of the present application.

[0063] Note that the operation section 203 and the display section 204 can also be constituted by an operation and display section such as a touch panel.

[0064] The sound output section 205 includes a speaker that outputs sound such as voice and an alarm sound.

[0065] The water level sensor 206 detects the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 206 is connected to an air trap provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20 via a hose, for example, and detects the air pressure in the air trap that changes in accordance with the water level in the outer tub 20. A frequency signal is output from the water level sensor 206 to the control section 201 as a water level signal that is a value corresponding to the detected water level.

[0066] The filter attachment and detachment detection section 207 detects attachment and detachment of the second drying filter 170 to the circulation path 110. The filter attachment and detachment detection section 207 is constituted by a reed switch, for example. In this case, the handle portion 171 is fitted with a magnet. When the second drying filter 170 is attached to the circulation path 110, the magnet approaches the reed switch and causes the reed switch to turn on, and an on signal is output from the filter attachment and detachment detection section 207 to the control section 201. When the second drying filter 170 is detached from the circulation path 110, the magnet moves away from the reed switch and causes the reed switch to turn off, and an off signal is output from the filter attachment and detachment detection section 207 to the control section 201. The filter attachment and detachment detection section 207 can also be constituted by another detector such as a micro switch.

[0067] The fan current detection section 208 is constituted by a current detection circuit or the like, and detects the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing to the blower fan 120, that is, the fan motor 122. In the present embodiment, the fan current detection section 208 is used to detect clogging of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170. That is, the fan current detection section 208 functions as a clogging detection section for detecting clogging.

[0068] The motor drive section 209 drives the drive motor 30 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The motor drive section 209 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, and the like, and adjusts the drive power by the control section 201 so that the drive motor 30 rotates at a set rotation speed. Further, the motor drive section 209 includes a current detection circuit that detects the current flowing through the drive motor 30.

[0069] The water supply drive section 210 drives the first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The drain drive section 211 drives the drain valve 41 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201.

[0070] The fan drive section 212 drives the fan motor 122 of the blower fan 120 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201. The compressor drive section 213 drives the compressor 133 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201, and operates the cooler 131 and the heater 132. The actuator drive section 214 drives the actuator 162 of the wiping mechanism 160 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 201.

[0071] The storage section 202 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage section 202 stores programs for executing various modes of operation. Further, the storage section 202 stores various parameters, various control flags, and the like for executing these programs.

[0072] The control section 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like, and controls the display section 204, the sound output section 205, the motor drive section 209, the water supply drive section 210, the drain drive section 211, the fan drive section 212, the compressor drive section 213, the actuator drive section 214, and the like, in accordance with the programs stored in the storage section 202, based on various signals from the operation section 203, the water level sensor 206, the filter attachment / detachment detection section 207, the fan current detection section 208, and the like.

[0073] Further, in the washer-dryer 1, various modes of operation are executed under the control of the control section 201 based on the operation of the operation section 203 by the user. The operation of the washer-dryer 1 includes a washing and drying operation in which a washing process, an intermediate spin-drying process, a rinsing process, a final spin-drying process, and a drying process are sequentially performed, and a washing operation in which the washing process is performed to the final spin-drying process without performing the drying process.

[0074] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the control action of the control section 201 performed in the washing and drying operation.

[0075] In the operation section 203, when the start button is pressed after the mode selection button selects the mode of the washing and drying operation, the washing and drying operation of the selected mode is started.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, when the washing and drying operation is started, the control part 201 detects the load amount of the laundry in the drum 23 (S1). For example, the control part 201 operates the drive motor 30 to rotate the drum 23 at a predetermined rotational speed, and detects the load amount according to the magnitude of the load applied to the drum 23. The magnitude of the load applied to the drum 23 can be detected according to the magnitude of the current flowing through the drive motor 30. The more the load amount, the greater the load applied to the drum 23.

[0077] Next, the control part 201 sets the water level in the outer tub 20 based on the detected load amount, and displays the detergent amount corresponding to the set water level on the display part 204 (S2). Further, the control part 201 displays the remaining time of the operation corresponding to the set water level on the display part 204 (S3).

[0078] Next, the control part 201 sequentially performs a washing course, an intermediate dehydration course, a rinsing course, and a final dehydration course (S4→S5→S6→S7).

[0079] In the washing course, the detergent-containing water is accumulated in the outer tub 20 to a washing water level corresponding to the load amount of the laundry, and the laundry soaked in the water is tumbled in the drum 23 by repeatedly performing the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the drum 23. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the inside of the laundry, and the dirt adhered to the surface and the inside of the laundry is removed by the effect of the detergent and the mechanical force generated by the tumbling.

[0080] In the rinsing course, the drum 23 is rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction while the water is accumulated in the outer tub 20 to a predetermined rinsing water level, and the laundry is tumbled in the drum 23. Thus, the detergent contained in the laundry is discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

[0081] In the intermediate dehydration course and the final dehydration course, the drive motor 30 is rotated in one direction at a high speed, and the drum 23 is rotated in one direction at a rotational speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is much greater than the gravity. By the action of the centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum 23 and is dehydrated. In the final dehydration course, the drum 23 is rotated at a higher rotational speed than in the intermediate dehydration course.

[0082] It is noted that, in the case where the selected mode includes two rinsing courses, the control part 201 repeatedly performs the intermediate dehydration course (S5) and the rinsing course (S6) twice.

[0083] When the final dehydration course is ended, the control part 201 performs a filter clogging detection process of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 (S8).

[0084] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing filter clogging detection processing performed by the control section 201.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 4, the control section 201 detects whether clogging has occurred in the entire drying filter, based on whether the air volume flowing through the circulation path 110 has decreased due to the occurrence of clogging (S101). In the present embodiment, the current value of the blower fan 120, which varies depending on the air volume, is used to detect whether the air volume has decreased.

[0086] That is, the control section 201 causes the blower fan 120 to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed, for example, at the same rotational speed as in the drying process, and detects the current value flowing to the blower fan 120 by the fan current detection section 208. When the entire drying filter of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 has clogged due to the attachment of a large amount of foreign matter, the air volume flowing through the circulation path 110 by the rotation of the blower fan 120 is less than the air volume when no clogging has occurred, and the current value of the blower fan 120 is less than the current value when no clogging has occurred. The control section 201 can detect whether clogging has occurred in the entire drying filter, by determining whether the current value of the blower fan 120 is less than a threshold value determined in advance by experiment or the like.

[0087] In the case where the current value of the blower fan 120 is detected to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, and thus clogging has not occurred in the entire drying filter (S102: No), the control section 201 performs a setting for permitting the drying process by setting a drying flag or the like (S103).

[0088] On the other hand, in the case where the current value of the blower fan 120 is detected to be less than the threshold value, and thus clogging has occurred in the entire drying filter (S102: Yes), the control section 201 performs automatic cleaning of the first drying filter 140 by the water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 (S104).

[0089] That is, after the drain valve 41 is opened, the control section 201 opens the second water supply valve 52 to perform water supply from the water supply member 150 for a predetermined water supply time. Water flows to the capturing surface of the first drying filter 140 to wash away foreign matter attached to the capturing surface with water. The foreign matter flows to the outer tub 20 together with the water from the circulation path 110, and further flows to the drain hose 42 and is recovered by the drain filter 43. Next, the control section 201 reciprocally moves the wiping member 161 for a predetermined wiping operation time by driving of the actuator 162. The wiping member 161 moves while wiping the capturing surface of the first drying filter 140, whereby foreign matter attached to the capturing surface is peeled off. Finally, water supply is performed again from the water supply member 150, and the foreign matter peeled off by the wiping member 161 flows to the outer tub 20 together with the water from the circulation path 110, and further flows to the drain hose 42 and is recovered by the drain filter 43. In this way, foreign matter is removed from the first drying filter 140.

[0090] The control portion 201 again performs the clogging detection of S101 (S105). Then, in a case where the current value of the blow fan 120 is detected to be equal to or more than the threshold value, so that the clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated (S106: YES), the control portion 201 performs the setting of allowing the drying process (S103).

[0091] In a case where the clogging of the entire drying filter is mainly caused by the clogging of the second drying filter 170, the clogging is difficult to be eliminated even if the first drying filter 140 is cleaned. In a case where the current value of the blow fan 120 is detected to be still less than the threshold value, so that the clogging of the entire drying filter is not eliminated (S106: NO), the control portion 201 causes the display portion 204 to perform the first notification based on the clogging of the second drying filter 170. For example, a clogging display lamp included in the display portion 204 is lit. Thus, the user is notified that the time to clean the second drying filter 170 has come.

[0092] The control portion 201 monitors whether or not the second drying filter 170 is attached again to the circulation path 110 after being detached from the circulation path 110 by the filter detachment detection portion 207 (S108).

[0093] The user detaches the second drying filter 170 from the circulation path 110 and takes it out to the outside of the cabinet 10, and cleans the second drying filter 170 by washing the capturing surface and the like with water to remove foreign matter from the capturing surface. Then, the user puts the second drying filter 170 back into the circulation path 110.

[0094] When it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is attached again to the circulation path 110 based on the detection that the filter detachment detection portion 207 is attached to the circulation path 110 of the second drying filter 170 (S108: YES), the control portion 201 again performs the clogging detection of S101 (S109). Then, in a case where the current value of the blow fan 120 is detected to be equal to or more than the threshold value, so that the clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated (S110: YES), the control portion 201 performs the setting of allowing the drying process (S103).

[0095] Although the automatic cleaning is performed because the clogging of the entire drying filter is mainly caused by the clogging of the first drying filter 140, the foreign matter cannot be normally removed due to the deterioration or malfunction of the wiping member 161, the poor water supply from the water supply member 150, the firm attachment of the foreign matter, or the like, and as a result, in a case where the clogging is not eliminated in S106 to cause the display portion 204 to perform the first notification, the clogging is difficult to be eliminated even if the user cleans the second drying filter 170.

[0096] In a case where it is detected that the current value of the blow fan 120 is still smaller than the threshold value, and the clogging of the entire drying filter is not eliminated (S110: No), the control section 201 causes the display section 204 to perform a second notification based on the occurrence of the clogging of the first drying filter 140 (S111). The user cannot access the first drying filter 140 in the circulation path 110, and cannot manually clean it. In addition, there is a possibility that the water supply member 150, the wiping mechanism 160, and the like are malfunctioning. Therefore, for example, as the second notification, the display section 204 is caused to display an error code indicating an abnormality notification of the first drying filter 140.

[0097] Further, if the clogging of the entire drying filter cannot be eliminated, the amount of air circulating between the tub 20 and the circulation path 110 is insufficient, and thus it can be impossible to normally dry the laundry in the drying process. Therefore, the control section 201 performs a setting in which the drying process is not allowed, by maintaining the drying flag in a reset state, or the like (S112).

[0098] Returning to FIG. 3, when the filter clogging detection processing ends, the control section 201 determines whether the setting in which the drying process is allowed has been performed (S9). Then, in a case where the setting in which the drying process is allowed has been performed (S9: Yes), the control section 201 starts the drying process (S10). That is, in a case where the entire drying filter of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 has not been clogged from the beginning, or in a case where the clogging has occurred but is eliminated by the automatic cleaning of the first drying filter 140 or the manual cleaning of the second drying filter 170 performed by the user, the control section 201 performs the drying process.

[0099] In the drying process, air circulates between the tub 20 and the circulation path 110 by the operation of the blow fan 120, and the air introduced into the tub 20 is heated by the operation of the heater 132. Further, the drum 23 is rotated forward and reversely, and the laundry is tumbled. The heated air contacts the tumbling laundry, and dries the laundry.

[0100] Foreign matter such as lint, dust, and the like from the laundry enters the circulation path 110 along with the air. The foreign matter is captured by the first drying filter 140 when the air passes through the first drying filter 140. In addition, fine foreign matter that has not been captured by the first drying filter 140 is captured by the second drying filter 170 when the air passes through the second drying filter 170. Therefore, the foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the blow fan 120 located downstream of the first drying filter 140, the cooler 131 and the heater 132 located downstream of the second drying filter 170. Note that the air from which moisture has been removed from the laundry is dehumidified by heat exchange with the cooler 131 before being heated by the heater 132.

[0101] At the end of the drying process, automatic cleaning of the first drying filter 140 is performed. This automatic cleaning is the same as the automatic cleaning in S104 of the filter clogging detection process of FIG. 4.

[0102] When the drying process ends, the washing and drying operation ends.

[0103] In S9, in the case where the setting that does not allow the drying process is implemented (S9: No), the control section 201 does not start the drying process. That is, in the case where clogging of the entire drying filter occurs due to clogging of the first drying filter 140, the control section 201 does not perform the drying process. In this case, the washing and drying operation ends while maintaining the state where the drying process is not performed.

[0104] EFFECTS OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the control section 201 detects whether clogging occurs in the entire drying filter of the first drying filter 140 and the second drying filter 170 based on whether the air volume flowing through the circulation path 110 decreases due to the occurrence of clogging, in the case where it is detected that clogging occurs, causes the water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 to perform cleaning of the first drying filter 140, and in the case where it is detected that clogging is not eliminated after the first drying filter 140 is cleaned, causes the display section 204 to perform the first notification based on clogging of the second drying filter 170.

[0106] According to this structure, the user can clean the second drying filter 170 at a good timing at which clogging of the second drying filter 170 occurs, based on the first notification performed by the display section 204.

[0107] Further, according to the present embodiment, in the case where it is detected that clogging is eliminated after the first drying filter 140 is cleaned, the control section 201 performs the drying process.

[0108] According to this structure, if clogging of the entire drying filter is eliminated by cleaning of the first drying filter 140, the drying process is performed to dry the laundry in the drum 23.

[0109] Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 monitors whether the second drying filter 170 is detached from the circulation path 110 again after the first notification is performed by the display section 204, and in the case where it is detected that clogging is not eliminated after the second drying filter 170 is attached to the circulation path 110 again, the control section 201 causes the display section 204 to perform the second notification based on clogging of the first drying filter 140.

[0110] According to this configuration, the user can recognize that the first drying filter 140 is clogged by the second notification by the display section 204 in a case where the clogging of the entire drying filter is not eliminated even though the cleaning of the second drying filter 170 is performed.

[0111] Further, according to the present embodiment, the control section 201 performs the drying process in a case where the clogging of the second drying filter 170 is eliminated after the second drying filter 170 is detected to be attached back to the circulation passage 110 again, and does not perform the drying process in a case where the clogging of the second drying filter 170 is not eliminated after the second drying filter 170 is detected to be attached back to the circulation passage 110 again.

[0112] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the drying process from being performed in a state where the laundry in the drum 23 cannot be normally dried due to the insufficient air volume of the heating air circulating between the outer tub 20 and the circulation passage 110.

[0113] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application can be variously changed beyond the above-described contents.

[0114] For example, in the above-described embodiments, in the washing and drying operation, the control section 201 performs the filter clogging detection process (S8) of FIG. 4 after the final dehydration process (S7) and before the drying process (S10). However, as shown in (a) of FIG. 5, it can also be that, in the washing and drying operation, the control section 201 performs the filter clogging detection process (S8) before the load amount detection (S1) at the start of the operation. Further, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, it can also be that, in the washing and drying operation, the control section 201 performs the filter clogging detection process (S8) after the display of the remaining time (S3) and before the cleaning process (S4). Further, as shown in FIG. 6, it can also be that, in the washing and drying operation, the control section 201 performs the filter clogging detection process (S8) after the drying process (S10).

[0115] Further, the control section 201 can also perform the filter clogging detection process in the middle of the drying process (S10). In this case, when the first notification is made in S107 in a case where the clogging occurs is detected in S102 of the filter clogging detection process, the drying process is interrupted until the clogging is eliminated and the setting of allowing the drying process is made in S103. Further, if the clogging is not eliminated after the first notification is made in S107 and the second notification is made, the interrupted drying process is not started again, and the washing and drying operation is directly ended.

[0116] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the current value of the blower fan 120 that varies in accordance with the air volume of the air is used to detect whether the air volume of the air flowing through the circulation path 110 has decreased due to the occurrence of the clogging. However, the air volume itself of the air can also be detected by an air volume sensor. Alternatively, the drying time required for the previous drying process can also be detected as a physical quantity that varies in accordance with the air volume of the air, like the current value of the blower fan 120. In this case, a structure is adopted in which, when it is detected by a temperature sensor or the like that detects the temperature of the air discharged from the outer tub 20 that the laundry has been dried, the drying is ended. Therefore, the less the air volume, the longer the drying time. Further, in order to detect whether the air volume has decreased, the temperature rise in the drum 23 during the drying process can also be detected by a temperature sensor. In this case, the less the air volume, the slower the temperature rise in the drum 23.

[0117] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the filter cleaning section that automatically cleans the first drying filter 140 uses the water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160. However, either one of the water supply member 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 can also be used alone.

[0118] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first notification based on the occurrence of the clogging of the second drying filter 170 and the second notification based on the occurrence of the clogging of the first drying filter 140 can also be made by the alarm sound, the voice from the sound output section 205, in addition to the display section 204 or instead of the display section 204. In this case, the sound output section 205 corresponds to the notification section of the present application.

[0119] Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the case where, after the first notification is made in S107 of the filter clogging detection processing, the clogging is not eliminated and the second notification is made, the control section 201 makes a setting that does not allow the drying process and thus does not execute the drying process. However, a structure can also be adopted in which, in the case where the threshold value compared with the current value of the blower fan 120 is set to a value that ensures the minimum drying performance even if the clogging is not eliminated, the drying process in the present washing and drying operation is executed even if the setting that does not allow the drying process is made.

[0120] Further, a structure can also be adopted in which, in the circulation path 110, the second drying filter 170 is disposed upstream of the blower fan 120, and the first drying filter 140, the water supply member 150, and the wiping mechanism 160 are disposed between the blower fan 120 and the heater 132 and the cooler 131.

[0121] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the washer-dryer 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer that has a horizontal-axis drum 23. However, the present application can also be applied to a so-called vertical washer-dryer that has a vertical-axis washing and dewatering tub having a pulsator.

[0122] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer, characterized in that, Possessing: an outer tub disposed in a cabinet; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub to contain laundry; a circulation path connected to the outer tub; a blowing fan to circulate air between the outer tub and the circulation path; a heater disposed in the circulation path to heat air; a first drying filter disposed in the circulation path to capture foreign matter contained in air, and incapable of being detached from the circulation path; a second drying filter disposed in the circulation path at a position different from the first drying filter to capture foreign matter contained in air, and capable of being detached from the circulation path; a filter cleaning unit to clean the first drying filter in the circulation path to remove captured foreign matter; a control unit; and a notification unit, the control unit detects whether the first drying filter and the second drying filter as a whole have a clogging based on whether a wind volume of air flowing in the circulation path is reduced due to the clogging, in a case where it is detected that the clogging has occurred, the control unit causes the filter cleaning unit to clean the first drying filter, in a case where it is detected that the clogging is not eliminated after the first drying filter is cleaned, the control unit causes the notification unit to perform a first notification based on the clogging of the second drying filter.

2. The washer-dryer according to claim 1, wherein in a case where it is detected that the clogging is eliminated after the first drying filter is cleaned, the control unit performs a drying process to dry laundry in the inner tub using air heated by the heater and circulated between the outer tub and the circulation path.

3. The washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit monitors whether the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path after being detached from the circulation path after the first notification is performed by the notification unit, in a case where it is detected that the clogging is not eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control unit causes the notification unit to perform a second notification based on the clogging of the first drying filter.

4. The washer-dryer according to claim 3, wherein in a case where it is detected that the clogging is eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control unit performs a drying process to dry laundry in the inner tub using air heated by the heater and circulated between the outer tub and the circulation path, in a case where it is not detected that the clogging is eliminated after the second drying filter is attached again to the circulation path, the control unit does not perform the drying process.

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