Washing-drying integral machine

Abstract

A washing-drying integral machine (1), comprising: a second drying filter (170), which is arranged in a circulation path (110) connected to an outer tub (20) and is detachably mounted in the circulation path (110); an air trap (61), which is connected to the bottom of the outer tub (20); a water level sensor (62), which measures air pressure in the air trap (61) that changes with the water level in the outer tub (20) and outputs a measurement signal of a value corresponding to the air pressure; a control part (201); and a display part (204). On the basis of the measurement signal output from the water level sensor (62) in a state in which air circulates between the outer tub (20) and the circulation path (110) by means of the operation of a blower fan, the control part (201) determines whether the second drying filter (170) has been mounted in the circulation path (110); and when it is determined that the second drying filter (170) has not been mounted in the circulation path (110), the display part (204) displays a notification indicating that the second drying filter (170) has not been mounted.

Description

Washer dryer Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washer-dryer combo machine. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a washer-dryer combo, which is a drum-type washer-dryer combo. It has a circulating air supply path (circulation path) and a filter device consisting of a detachable main filter and a backup filter is arranged in the filter chamber that constitutes part of the circulating air supply path. The circulating air supply path has an air supply unit, a dehumidification unit and a heating unit. High-temperature air circulates between the circulating air supply path and the water tank (outer tank). The washer-dryer combo has a filter detection device that detects the removal and installation of the main filter and the backup filter in the filter chamber.

[0003] In the washer-dryer combo of Patent Document 1, the filter detection device incorporates a pair of magnetic response switches, and the main filter and the backup filter each contain a magnet. When the main filter and the backup filter are correctly positioned, the magnets of each filter align with the pair of magnetic response switches, triggering the filter detection device to output an electrical signal. If the two filters are not correctly positioned, the filter detection device does not respond and does not output an electrical signal.

[0004] Therefore, in this washer-dryer combo, if the filter detection device detects an abnormality in the filter installation, it can notify the user to ensure the filter is installed correctly. Furthermore, the filter detection device can also detect situations where the user has forgotten to install the filter in the filter chamber or the recirculating air path.

[0005] However, the aforementioned washer-dryer combo has a filter detection device structure to detect the disassembly and reassembly of the filter unit into the circulating air path, so it is impossible to avoid the increase in the product cost of the filter detection device.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-99980 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a washer-dryer combo machine that can suppress cost increases while detecting when the drying filter is forgotten to be connected to the circulation circuit and notifying the user.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The main embodiment of the present invention comprises a washer-dryer combo: an outer tub disposed within a housing; an inner tub rotatably disposed within the outer tub to hold laundry; a circulation path connected to the outer tub; a blower fan circulating air between the outer tub and the circulation path; a heater disposed within the circulation path to heat the air; a dryer filter disposed within the circulation path to capture foreign matter contained in the air, the dryer filter being detachable from the circulation path; an air trap connected to the bottom of the outer tub; a water level sensor detecting the air pressure within the air trap, which changes according to the water level in the outer tub, and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the air pressure; a control unit; and a notification unit. The control unit determines whether the dryer filter is connected to the circulation path based on the detection signal output from the water level sensor while air is circulated between the outer tub and the circulation path by the blower fan. If it determines that the dryer filter is not connected to the circulation path, it causes the notification unit to notify that the dryer filter is not connected.

[0013] According to this washer-dryer solution, if the dryer filter is forgotten to be connected to the circulation circuit, the user can be notified of this omission via a notification in the notification section. Furthermore, because it employs a structure that uses a water level sensor to detect the water level in the outer tub to determine whether the dryer filter is connected to the circulation circuit, it avoids the need for a dedicated detector to check for filter removal, thus minimizing cost increases.

[0014] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the control unit can adopt the following structure: when the inner tub is stopped, the detection signal is obtained from the water level sensor, and the dryer filter is used to determine whether it is connected to the circulation path based on the detection signal.

[0015] Based on the above structure, it is possible to prevent the air pressure inside the air trap from becoming unstable due to the wind pressure generated by the rotation of the inner barrel, thus preventing the detection signal from becoming unstable. Therefore, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the drying filter is connected to the circulation path.

[0016] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the control unit can adopt the following structure: when it is determined that the drying filter is not connected to the circulation path, the drying process, which dries the laundry by heating the air introduced into the inner tub by the heater, is executed by changing the operating conditions compared to when the drying filter is connected to the circulation path.

[0017] For example, when determining the drying rate of the laundry based on the temperature and humidity inside the inner drum and ending the drying process when a predetermined drying rate has been reached, the control unit can change the value compared to the drying rate determination threshold and other parameters. Furthermore, for example, when ending the drying process based on a predetermined drying time, the control unit can change the drying time.

[0018] According to the above structure, even if the air volume circulating between the outer tub and the circulation path changes compared to the state when the drying filter is connected to the circulation path, the laundry in the inner tub can still be dried well.

[0019] In the case of adopting the above structure, the control unit may further adopt the following structure: when changing the operating conditions to perform the drying process, it determines whether the drying filter is connected to the circulation path based on the detection signal, and if it is determined that the drying filter is connected to the circulation path, it changes the operating conditions again.

[0020] With this structure, even if the airflow between the outer tub and the circulation path changes compared to when the dryer filter is not connected to the circulation path, the laundry in the inner tub can still be dried well.

[0021] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the control unit can adopt the following structure: when the blower fan has started working during the drying process, it determines whether the drying filter is connected to the circulation path based on the detection signal.

[0022] Based on the above structure, if the drying filter is forgotten to be installed, the user can be notified of the forgotten installation at the initial stage of the drying process.

[0023] In the case of adopting the above structure, the control unit may further adopt the following structure: if the drying filter is connected to the circulation path when it is determined that the operation of the blower fan in the drying process has started, the control unit may determine whether the drying filter is connected to the circulation path based on the detection signal in the subsequent drying process.

[0024] With such a structure, even if the drying filter is removed from the circulation path midway through the drying process and then forgotten to be reconnected, the user can be notified of the forgotten connection.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to the present invention, a washer-dryer combo machine can be provided that can suppress cost increases while detecting when the drying filter is forgotten to be connected to the circulation circuit and notifying the user.

[0027] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer through the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way by the contents described in the following embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the washer-dryer combo according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a front sectional view of the outer barrel equipped with a water level detection unit according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the washer-dryer combo according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the control unit during the drying process of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control process performed by the control unit during the subsequent drying process when it is determined that the second drying filter is not connected to the circulation path, according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control process executed by the control unit during the subsequent drying process when it is determined that the second drying filter is connected to the circulation path according to the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit during the drying process of Modification Example 1.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10: Box body; 20: Outer barrel; 23: Drum (inner barrel); 61: Air trap; 62: Water level sensor; 110: Circulation path; 120: Blower fan; 132: Heater; 170: Second drying filter (drying filter); 201: Control unit; 204: Display unit (notification unit). Detailed Implementation

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

[0037] Figure 1 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the washer-dryer combo 1. Figure 2 is a front sectional view showing the outer tub 20 equipped with the water level detection unit 60.

[0038] The washer-dryer combo 1 of this embodiment is a so-called drum-type washer-dryer combo. The washer-dryer combo 1 has a square housing 10. A circular inlet 11 for putting laundry in is formed on the front surface of the housing 10. The inlet 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed freely.

[0039] An outer tub 20 having a generally cylindrical shape is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of shock absorbers 21 and springs 22. A horizontal axis type roller 23 is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 20. The roller 23 rotates about a horizontal axis. The roller 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. The roller 23 can also rotate about an inclined axis that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The roller 23 corresponds to the inner tub of the present invention.

[0040] The outer tub 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the roller 23. The outer tub 20 includes an annular gasket 24 made of elastic material disposed at the periphery of the opening 20a. The gasket 24 is connected to the periphery of the inlet 11. The peripheral surface of the closed door 12 contacts the gasket 24, and a water seal is formed between the inlet 11 and the door 12.

[0041] A plurality of dewatering holes 23b are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the roller 23. In addition, three lifting ribs 25 having a generally triangular prism shape are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the roller 23.

[0042] A drive motor 30, which generates torque to rotate the drum 23, is disposed behind the outer tub 20. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an external rotor type DC brushless motor. During the washing, rinsing, and drying processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed where the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 23 is less than gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. On the other hand, during the spin-drying process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed where the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than gravity, causing the laundry to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 23.

[0043] A tubular drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain section 40 for draining water from the outer tub 20 is connected to the drain outlet 20b. The drain section 40 consists of a drain valve 41, a drain hose 42, and a drain filter 43. The drain filter 43 is connected to the lower end of the drain outlet 20b. The drain valve 41 is located downstream of the drain filter 43 and includes, for example, a valve body and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve body. The drain hose 42 is connected to the drain valve 41. When the drain valve 41 is open, water stored in the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain outlet 20b, the drain filter 43, and the drain hose 42. Foreign objects such as lint are captured by the drain filter 43.

[0044] A water supply device 50 is located in the upper part of the housing 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 both double solenoid valves. 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 the water inlet 20c located on the rear surface of the outer tank 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 component 150.

[0045] When the first water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from the faucet flows through the first water supply hose 53 and is supplied to the outer tank 20 from the water inlet 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 component 150.

[0046] It should be noted that the first water supply hose 53 can also be connected to a detergent dispenser containing a detergent container. In this case, the water inlet pipe connected to the detergent dispenser and supplying water flowing through the detergent container can also be connected to the upper front part of the outer tub 20. Alternatively, an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener into the outer tub 20 can be provided instead of the detergent dispenser. The automatic dispensing device includes, for example, a water supply line, a liquid dispenser for storing liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener, and a pump for dispensing the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener from the liquid dispenser into the water supply line. In this case, water from the first water supply hose 53 is allowed to flow through the water supply line to flush away the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener discharged into the water supply line, and then supplied to the outer tub 20 via the water inlet pipe.

[0047] The outer tub 20 is equipped with a water level detection unit 60 for detecting the water level inside the tub 20. The water level detection unit 60 includes an air trap 61 connected to a drain outlet 20b at the bottom of the outer tub 20, a water level sensor 62 disposed at the upper part of the outer tub 20, and a flexible hose 63 connecting the air trap 61 and the water level sensor 62. The flexible hose 63 is made of resin, its lower end connected to a connection port 61a at the upper end of the air trap 61, extends upward from the air trap 61, and its upper end connected to the inlet 62a of the water level sensor 62. The water level sensor 62 is a pressure-type water level sensor that detects the water level inside the outer tub 20 by detecting the air pressure inside the air trap 61. As a detection signal corresponding to the detected air pressure (i.e., the water level), a frequency signal is output to the control unit 201. In this embodiment, the higher the water level inside the outer tub 20, the higher the air pressure inside the air trap 61, and the lower the frequency value of the frequency signal output from the water level sensor 62.

[0048] A drying device 100 for drying laundry inside the drying drum 23 is disposed in the upper part of the housing 10. The drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a blower 120, a cooler 131, a heater 132, a first drying filter 140, a water supply component 150, a wiper mechanism 160, and a second drying filter 170.

[0049] The circulation path 110 is the airflow path connected to the outer casing 20. The circulation path 110 includes a first pipe 111, a fan housing 112, a second pipe 113, a first connecting hose 114, and a second connecting hose 115. One end of the first pipe 111 is connected to the exhaust port 20d located on the back of the outer casing 20, and the other end is connected to the intake port of the fan housing 112 via the first connecting hose 114. One end of the second pipe 113 is connected to the exhaust port of the fan housing 112 via the second connecting hose 115, and the other end is connected to the intake port 20e located at the front end of the outer casing 20.

[0050] The blower fan 120, for example, is a centrifugal fan, including a fan 121 disposed within a fan housing 112 and a fan motor 122 for rotating the fan 121. The blower fan 120 circulates air between the outer casing 20 and the circulation path 110. Air discharged from the outer casing 20 through the exhaust port 20d flows through the circulation path 110 in the order of the first pipe 111, the fan housing 112, and the second pipe 113, and returns to the outer casing 20 through the intake port 20e.

[0051] Cooler 131 and heater 132 are respectively disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the second pipe 113. Cooler 131 and heater 132 are respectively composed of evaporator and condenser included in the heat pump device. The heat pump device includes compressor 133 (see Figure 3), expansion valve, etc., which together with evaporator and condenser form a cold and hot circuit.

[0052] Low-temperature refrigerant flows inside cooler 131. Cooler 131 cools the air flowing through circulation path 110 and dehumidifies the air by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant.

[0053] High-temperature refrigerant flows inside heater 132. Heater 132 heats the dehumidified air flowing through circulation path 110 through heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0054] It should be noted that the cooler 131 can also be a water-cooled heat exchanger, and the heater 132 can also be a semiconductor heater.

[0055] The first drying filter 140, the water supply component 150, and the wiping mechanism 160 are arranged in the circulation path 110 upstream of the blower fan 120, closer to the airflow.

[0056] The first drying filter 140 is configured within the circulation path 110 to block the airflow. A mesh is formed on the surface of the first drying filter 140 that serves as the capture surface. The first drying filter 140 captures foreign objects such as lint and dust contained in the air discharged from the outer casing 20 through its capture surface. The first drying filter 140 is fixed within the circulation path 110 and cannot be removed from it. Therefore, the user cannot access the first drying filter 140 from the outside for cleaning or other purposes.

[0057] The water supply component 150 and the wiping mechanism 160 are used to automatically clean the first drying filter 140 and remove captured foreign matter. The water supply component 150 is disposed on the upper part of the first drying filter 140, so that water supplied from the second water supply valve 52 flows to the surface of the first drying filter 140, washing away the foreign matter attached to the first drying filter 140. The wiping mechanism 160 includes a wiping element 161 and an actuator 162. The wiping element 161 is driven by the actuator 162 and wipes away the foreign matter attached to the first drying filter 140 by reciprocating on the surface of the first drying filter 140.

[0058] The second drying filter 170 is disposed within the circulation path 110 between the blower 120, heater 132, and cooler 131 in a manner that blocks the airflow path. A mesh is formed on the surface of the second drying filter 170 that serves as the trapping surface. The second drying filter 170 has a mesh opening smaller than that of the first drying filter 140. An opening 116 is formed on the upper surface of the circulation path 110, serving as the insertion port for the second drying filter 170. The second drying filter 170 can be inserted into the circulation path 110 through the opening 116 and removed upwards from the circulation path 110. That is, the second drying filter 170 can be detached from the circulation path 110. A handle 171 is fitted at the upper end of the second drying filter 170 for gripping when attaching or detaching it from the circulation path 110. The second drying filter 170 corresponds to the drying filter of the present invention.

[0059] On the top surface of the housing 10, an inlet 13 is formed at a position that overlaps vertically with the configuration position of the second drying filter 170 in the circulation path 110. The inlet 13 is blocked by an openable and closable cover 14. When cleaning the second drying filter 170, the user can open the cover 14 to remove the second drying filter 170, which has been removed from the circulation path 110, through the inlet 13 and out of the housing 10. Furthermore, the user can open the cover 14 to place the cleaned second drying filter 170 into the housing 10 through the inlet 13 and connect it to the circulation path 110.

[0060] Since the cover 14 is not an integral part of the second drying filter 170, the inlet and outlet 13 can be closed regardless of whether the second drying filter 170 is installed in the circulation path 110. Therefore, although there may be a situation where the second drying filter 170 is not installed but the cover 14 is closed, the user cannot confirm from the outside whether the second drying filter 170 is installed.

[0061] The drying apparatus 100 includes a first temperature sensor 181 and a second temperature sensor 182. The first temperature sensor 181 is located upstream of the blower 120 in the circulation path 110 and detects the temperature of the air (wind) discharged from the outer drum 20 as the outlet temperature. The second temperature sensor 182 is located downstream of the heater 132 in the circulation path 110 and detects the temperature of the air (wind) introduced into the outer drum 20 after passing through the heater 132 as the inlet temperature. It should be noted that since the outlet temperature is approximately the same as the temperature of the air inside the outer drum 20, i.e., inside the drum 23, it can be considered as the temperature of the air inside the drum 23.

[0062] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the washer-dryer combo 1.

[0063] In addition to the above-mentioned structure, the washer-dryer combo 1 also includes: a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a sound output unit 205, a motor drive unit 206, a water supply drive unit 207, a drainage drive unit 208, a fan drive unit 209, a compressor drive unit 210, and an actuator drive unit 211.

[0064] The operation unit 203 includes: a power button for connecting and disconnecting power; a mode selection button for selecting any mode from multiple operation modes such as washing operation, washing and drying operation, and drying operation; and a start button for starting and pausing operation. The operation unit 203 outputs input signals corresponding to the buttons operated by the user to the control unit 201.

[0065] The display unit 204 includes light-emitting elements such as LEDs and displays such as liquid crystal panels. Based on control signals from the control unit 201, it displays the selected mode, the operating status, and provides notifications of malfunctions. Malfunction notifications include a notification indicating that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110. The display unit 204 corresponds to the notification unit of this invention.

[0066] It should be noted that the operation unit 203 and the display unit 204 may also be composed of an operation display unit such as a touch panel.

[0067] The sound output unit 205 includes a speaker, from which voice, alarm sounds and other sounds are output.

[0068] The water level sensor 62 detects the water level inside the outer tank 20 and outputs the frequency signal corresponding to the detected water level as a detection signal to the control unit 201. The first temperature sensor 181 and the second temperature sensor 182 respectively output temperature signals corresponding to the detected outlet temperature and inlet temperature to the control unit 201.

[0069] The motor drive unit 206 drives the drive motor 30 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 206 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power through the control unit 201 to make the drive motor 30 rotate at a set speed.

[0070] The water supply drive unit 207 drives the first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The drain drive unit 208 drives the drain valve 41 according to the control signal from the control unit 201.

[0071] The fan drive unit 209 drives the fan motor 122 of the blower fan 120 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The compressor drive unit 210 drives the compressor 133 according to the control signal from the control unit 201, thereby activating the cooler 131 and the heater 132. The actuator drive unit 211 drives the actuator 162 of the wiping mechanism 160 according to the control signal from the control unit 201.

[0072] The storage unit 202 includes EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 202 stores programs used to execute various operating modes. Furthermore, the storage unit 202 stores various parameters and control flags used to execute these programs.

[0073] The control unit 201 includes a CPU (central processing unit), etc., and controls the display unit 204, the sound output unit 205, the motor drive unit 206, the water supply drive unit 207, the drainage drive unit 208, the fan drive unit 209, the compressor drive unit 210, the actuator drive unit 211, etc., based on various signals from the operation unit 203, the water level sensor 62, the first temperature sensor 181, the second temperature sensor 182, etc., according to the program stored in the storage unit 202.

[0074] Furthermore, in the washer-dryer combo 1, based on the user's operation of the control unit 203, various modes of washing and drying operations, washing operation, and drying operation are performed under the control of the control unit 201. During the washing and drying operation, the washing process, intermediate dehydration process, rinsing process, final dehydration process, and drying process are performed sequentially. During the washing operation, the drying process is not performed from the washing process to the final dehydration process. During the drying operation, only the drying process is performed. During both the washing and drying operation and the washing operation, depending on the mode, sometimes more than two rinsing processes and intermediate dehydration processes may be performed.

[0075] During the washing process, detergent-containing water is added to the outer tub 20 to the specified washing water level. By repeatedly rotating the drum 23 in both directions, the laundry soaked in this water tumbles inside the drum 23. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the interior of the laundry, and the dirt is removed by the effectiveness of the detergent and the mechanical force generated by the tumbling.

[0076] During the rinsing process, with water in the outer tub 20 filled to the specified rinsing level, the drum 23 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, causing the laundry to tumble inside. This process drains the detergent from the laundry along with the water, thus rinsing the laundry.

[0077] During the intermediate and final dehydration processes, the drive motor 30 rotates at high speed in one direction, and the drum 23 rotates unidirectionally at a speed where the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than gravity. Through the action of centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the circumferential wall of the drum 23 and dehydrated.

[0078] During the drying process, the blower 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110. The air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated into hot air by the heater 132. Subsequently, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward, and the laundry tumbles inside the drum 23.

[0079] Hot air discharged from the intake port 20e into the drum 23 comes into contact with the tumbling laundry, drying it. The hot air, having removed moisture from the laundry, returns to the circulation path 110 from the exhaust port 20d. In the circulation path 110, the hot air is dehumidified by the cooler 131 before being heated by the heater 132.

[0080] Lint, dust, and other foreign matter from the laundry enter the circulation path 110 along with the hot air. This foreign matter is captured by the first drying filter 140 as the hot air passes through it. Furthermore, any small foreign matter that is not captured by the first drying filter 140 is captured by the second drying filter 170 as the hot air passes through it. Therefore, it is difficult for foreign matter to adhere to the blower 120 downstream of the first drying filter 140, and the cooler 131 and heater 132 downstream of the second drying filter 170.

[0081] During drying, the control unit 201 determines whether the laundry inside the drum 23 has been dried. For example, the drying rate of the laundry inside the drum 23 is determined based on the outlet temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 181 and the inlet temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 182, and it is determined to be dried when the specified drying rate (e.g., 100%) is reached.

[0082] The outlet temperature, detected by the first temperature sensor 181, is the temperature of the hot air discharged from the outer tub 20. During the period when the laundry in the drum 23 contains sufficient moisture and there is adequate heat exchange between the moisture and the hot air, the temperature of the hot air remains approximately constant. Then, as the drying process continues and the moisture content decreases, making heat exchange between the moisture and the hot air less efficient, the outlet temperature begins to rise. On the other hand, the inlet temperature, detected by the second temperature sensor 182, is the temperature of the hot air introduced into the outer tub 20, which is approximately constant and higher than the outlet temperature. Therefore, as the drying process progresses and the laundry drying rate increases, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures decreases.

[0083] The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures at which the specified drying rate is achieved is determined through prior experiments and set as a first specified value for determining the end of drying. Similarly, the outlet temperature at which the specified drying rate is achieved is determined through prior experiments and set as a second specified value for determining the end of drying. If the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures is below the first specified value, or if the outlet temperature is above the second specified value, the specified drying rate is determined to have been achieved. The first and second specified values ​​serve as thresholds for determining whether the specified drying rate has been achieved.

[0084] At the end of the drying process, the first drying filter 140 is automatically cleaned by the water supply component 150 and the wiping mechanism 160.

[0085] The removable second dryer filter 170 is periodically removed from the circulation path 110 by the user for cleaning. However, it is considered that the user may forget to reconnect the cleaned second dryer filter 170 to the circulation path 110. When washing and drying operations are performed without the second dryer filter 170 connected, small foreign objects that were not captured by the first dryer filter 140 during the drying process will not be captured by the second dryer filter 170 and will easily adhere to the cooler 131 and heater 132. Furthermore, a portion of the air flowing from the blower fan 120 to the cooler 131 and heater 132 leaks out of the circulation path 110 through the opening 116 of the second dryer filter 170, thereby reducing the airflow of heated air into the drum 23, making the laundry difficult to dry.

[0086] Therefore, in this embodiment, during the drying process, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the detection signal output from the water level sensor 62 when air is circulated between the outer drum 20 and the circulation path 110 by the operation of the blower fan 120. Then, if it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 causes the display unit 204 to notify that the second drying filter 170 is not connected.

[0087] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the drying process.

[0088] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 201 starts the blower fan 120 and heater 132 (S101). The blower fan 120 rotates at a preset speed. Air circulates between the outer drum 20 and the circulation path 110. Furthermore, the temperature of the circulating air gradually rises. At the start of the drying process, the drain valve 41 is closed. Therefore, the circulating air does not leak from inside the outer drum 20 downstream of the drain valve 41, i.e., outside the machine. It should be noted that the cooler 131 also operates when the heater 132 is operating.

[0089] Next, the control unit 201 acquires the frequency signal output from the water level sensor 62 (S102). Then, the control unit 201 determines whether the value of the frequency signal, i.e., the frequency value, is lower than a predetermined threshold (S103).

[0090] When air is introduced into the drum 23 (outer tub 20) from the circulation path 110, the air pressure inside the outer tub 20 increases, thus increasing the air pressure inside the air trap 61. The more air introduced, the higher the air pressure inside the outer tub 20. When the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, air leaks out from the opening 116, resulting in less air being introduced into the outer tub 20 compared to when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110. Consequently, the lower air pressure inside the outer tub 20, and consequently the lower air pressure inside the air trap 61, leads to a higher frequency value in the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62.

[0091] Through preliminary experiments, the frequency value of the frequency signal output from the water level sensor 62 is determined when the blower 120 rotates at a specified speed with the second drying filter 170 not connected to the circulation path 110, and the threshold is determined based on this frequency value. Therefore, if the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the frequency value of the frequency signal obtained from the water level sensor 62 in S102 is higher than the threshold.

[0092] It should be noted that when acquiring the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62 in S102, the drum 23 is in a stopped state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air pressure inside the air trap 61 from becoming unstable due to the wind pressure generated by the rotation of the drum 23, thus preventing the frequency signal from becoming unstable.

[0093] If the frequency value is not higher than the threshold (S103: No), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, and starts the operation of the drum 23, which is driven by the operation of the drive motor 30 (S104). The drum 23 repeatedly rotates forward and reverse at a speed at which the laundry will tumble. When changing the rotation direction, the drum 23 pauses for a predetermined time.

[0094] On the other hand, if the frequency value is higher than the threshold (S103: Yes), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110 and notifies the display unit 204 that the second drying filter 170 is not connected (S105). For example, the display unit 204 displays an error code corresponding to the second drying filter 170 not being connected. Furthermore, corresponding to the decrease in the airflow into the drum 23, the control unit 201 changes the determination threshold for drying efficiency, which is one of the operating conditions in the drying process, namely the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value, compared to the value when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 (S106).

[0095] In this embodiment, when the airflow of the circulating air decreases, the temperature of the heater 132 tends to rise due to the characteristics of the heat pump device, and the inlet and outlet temperatures of the air tend to rise as well. Furthermore, the inlet temperature tends to be higher than the outlet temperature. Therefore, compared to the case where the airflow does not decrease, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures increases when the predetermined drying rate is achieved, resulting in a higher outlet temperature. Therefore, when the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 sets the first and second predetermined values ​​to be larger than the values ​​when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110.

[0096] After processing S105 and S106, the control unit 201 starts the roller 23 to work (S104).

[0097] Hot air introduced from circulation path 110 comes into contact with the laundry tumbling inside drum 23, causing the laundry to be gradually dried.

[0098] When the drying rate of the laundry in the drum 23 is determined to have reached the specified drying rate based on the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature being below a first specified value or the outlet temperature being above a second specified value (S107: Yes), the control unit 201 stops the drum 23, the heater 132, and the blower fan 120 (S108). Thus, the drying process ends.

[0099] Furthermore, during the drying process, if the user notices a notification from the display unit 204, the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 after the decision threshold for the operating condition is changed based on the fact that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110.

[0100] Therefore, when changing the operating conditions to perform the drying process, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62. If it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 changes the operating conditions again.

[0101] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit 201 during the subsequent drying process when it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110.

[0102] When the judgment threshold is changed in S106 of Figure 4 and the operation of roller 23 begins in S104, the control process in Figure 5 begins. The control process in Figure 5 is executed simultaneously with the control process in Figure 4.

[0103] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit 201 monitors whether the drum 23 is in a paused state for switching between forward and reverse rotation (S201). Then, when the drum 23 is in a paused state (S201: Yes), the control unit 201 acquires the frequency signal output from the water level sensor 62 (S202). At this time, the drum 23 is in a stopped state, so it is not affected by the wind pressure generated by the rotation of the drum 23, and the frequency signal is less likely to become unstable.

[0104] The control unit 201 determines whether the frequency value of the frequency signal is higher than a predetermined threshold (S203). If the frequency value is higher than the threshold (S203: Yes), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is still not connected to the circulation path 110, and after restarting the rotation of the drum 23, waits for the drum 23 to stop again (S204: Yes → S201).

[0105] On the other hand, if the frequency value is not higher than the threshold (S203: No), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, and the display unit 204 stops displaying the notification that the second drying filter 170 is not connected (S205). Furthermore, corresponding to the increase in the airflow into the roller 23, i.e., returning to normal, the control unit 201 changes the determination threshold used to determine the drying efficiency, namely the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value, compared to the value when the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110 (S206). That is, the control unit 201 returns the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value to the values ​​when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110.

[0106] When the S206 process is completed, the control process in Figure 5 ends. Furthermore, if the drying process is ended without transferring to the S205 and S206 processes, the control process in Figure 5 also ends.

[0107] Considering that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 at the start of the drying process, the user may interrupt the operation midway through the drying process to clean the second drying filter 170. In this case, the user may forget to put the second drying filter 170 back into the circulation path 110 before starting the operation again.

[0108] Therefore, if the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 when the blower fan 120 is determined to start operating during the drying process, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the water level signal from the water level sensor 62 during the subsequent drying process.

[0109] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit 201 during the subsequent drying process when it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110.

[0110] After determining in S103 of Figure 4 that the frequency value is not higher than the threshold, when the operation of roller 23 begins in S104, the control process in Figure 6 starts. The control process in Figure 6 is executed simultaneously with the control process in Figure 4.

[0111] Referring to Figure 6, the control unit 201 monitors whether the drum 23 is in a paused state for switching between forward and reverse rotation (S301). When the drum 23 is in a paused state (S301: Yes), the control unit 201 acquires the frequency signal output from the water level sensor 62 (S302). Then, the control unit 201 determines whether the frequency value of the frequency signal is higher than a predetermined threshold (S303).

[0112] If the frequency value is not higher than the threshold (S303: No), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is still connected to the circulation path 110, and after restarting the rotation of the drum 23, waits for the drum 23 to stop again (S304: Yes → S301).

[0113] On the other hand, if the frequency value is higher than the threshold (S303: Yes), the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, and causes the display unit 204 to issue a notification indicating that the second drying filter 170 is not connected (S305). Furthermore, compared with the value when the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 changes the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value, which are the determination thresholds (S306).

[0114] When the process in S306 is completed, the control process in Figure 6 ends. Furthermore, if the drying process is ended without transferring to the processes in S305 and S306, the control process in Figure 6 also ends.

[0115] It should be noted that if the second drying filter 170 is connected during the drying process, and the judgment threshold is changed again in S206 of the control process in FIG. 5, the control unit 201 also executes the control process in FIG. 6. Furthermore, if the second drying filter 170 is disconnected during the drying process, and the judgment threshold is changed in S306 of FIG. 6, the control unit 201 also executes the control process in FIG. 5.

[0116] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0117] According to this embodiment, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the detection signal, i.e., the frequency signal, output from the water level sensor 62 when the air is circulated between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 by the operation of the blower fan 120. If it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 causes the display unit 204 to notify that the second drying filter 170 is not connected.

[0118] According to this structure, if the second drying filter 170 is forgotten to be connected to the circulation path 110, the user can notice the omission through a notification on the display unit 204. Furthermore, since the structure uses a water level sensor 62 to detect the water level inside the outer tank 20 to determine whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, it avoids the need for a dedicated detector to detect the installation or removal of the second drying filter 170, thus suppressing cost increases.

[0119] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 acquires a frequency signal from the water level sensor 62 when the drum 23 is stopped, and determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the frequency signal.

[0120] This structure prevents the air pressure inside the air trap 61 from becoming unstable due to the wind pressure generated by the rotation of the drum 23, thus preventing the frequency signal from becoming unstable. Therefore, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110.

[0121] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 changes the determination threshold of the drying rate as an operating condition to perform the drying process compared to when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110.

[0122] According to this structure, even if the airflow between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 changes compared to the state where the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, the laundry inside the drum 23 can still be dried well.

[0123] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 201 performs the drying process by changing the determination threshold as an operating condition, it determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62. If it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 changes the determination threshold again.

[0124] According to this structure, even if the air volume circulating between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 changes compared to the state where the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the laundry inside the drum 23 can still be dried well.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the blower fan 120 has started operating during the drying process, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62.

[0126] According to this structure, if the second drying filter 170 is forgotten to be installed, the user can be notified of the forgotten installation at the initial stage of the drying process.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 at the start of operation of the blower fan 120 in the drying process, the control unit 201 determines whether the second drying filter 170 is connected to the circulation path 110 based on the frequency signal from the water level sensor 62 during the subsequent drying process.

[0128] According to this structure, even if the second drying filter 170 is removed from the circulation path 110 midway through the drying process and is subsequently forgotten to be reinstalled, the user can be notified of the forgotten installation.

[0129] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, etc. In addition, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention beyond the above description.

[0130] <Example 1 of the amendment>

[0131] In the above embodiment, during the drying process, after the blower fan 120, heater 132 and drum 23 start working, and when the drying rate of the laundry in the drum 23 reaches the specified drying rate, the blower fan 120, heater 132 and drum 23 stop.

[0132] In contrast, in Modified Example 1, during the drying process, after a specified drying time has elapsed, the blower 120, heater 132, and drum 23 stop.

[0133] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the drying process of Modified Example 1.

[0134] In this modified example, when the frequency value is higher than the threshold (S103: Yes), after the control unit 201 notifies the display unit 204 that the second drying filter 170 is not installed (S105), the drying time, which is one of the operating conditions in the drying process, is changed compared to the time when the second drying filter 170 is installed in the circulation path 110 (S121). That is, the control unit 201 extends the drying time to cope with the reduction in the airflow introduced into the drum 23.

[0135] Then, while the control unit 201 starts operating the drum 23 (S104), it monitors whether the drying time has elapsed (S122). Then, when the drying time has elapsed (S122: Yes), the control unit 201 stops the drum 23, the heater 132, and the blower fan 120 (S108).

[0136] Furthermore, in this modified example, the control unit 201 also executes the control processes shown in Figures 5 and 6. However, in S206 of the control process in Figure 5, the control unit 201 changes the drying time again. This time, the drying time is not returned to the original time (the time when the second drying filter 170 is installed), but is longer than the original time. The longer the time when the second drying filter 170 is not installed, the longer the time added to the original time through the change is preferred. Furthermore, in S306 of the control process in Figure 6, the control unit 201 changes the drying time to be the same as S121 in Figure 7.

[0137] The modified structure of this example can achieve the same effect as the above-described implementation.

[0138] <Other Change Examples>

[0139] Alternatively, the control unit 201 may be configured to stop the blower fan 120, heater 132, and drum 23 when the drying rate of the laundry in the drum 23 reaches the specified drying rate or when the specified drying time has elapsed during the drying process. In this case, based on the determination that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, both the drying rate determination threshold and the drying time are changed.

[0140] Alternatively, it can be configured such that during the drying process, if it is determined that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, the control unit 201 changes the speed of the blower fan 120, which is one of the operating conditions. That is, when the second drying filter 170 is not connected, the airflow into the drum 23 is reduced, so the speed of the blower fan 120 is increased to increase the airflow.

[0141] Furthermore, the following structure can be adopted: A detachable second drying filter 170 is disposed upstream of the blower 120 within the circulation path 110; a first drying filter 140, a water supply component 150, and a wiping mechanism 160 are disposed between the blower 120 and the heater 132 and cooler 131. In this structure, when the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, air from outside the circulation path 110 is drawn in through the opening 116 due to the rotation of the blower 120, increasing the airflow. Consequently, the air pressure inside the outer tank 20 increases, and the air pressure inside the air trap 61 increases. Therefore, in S103 of the control process in FIG5, the control unit 201 determines whether the frequency value of the frequency signal obtained from the water level sensor 62 is lower than a threshold determined by experiments, etc. Then, if the frequency value is lower than the threshold, the control unit 201 determines that the second drying filter 170 is not connected to the circulation path 110, and the display unit 204 issues a notification indicating that the second drying filter 170 is not connected. Furthermore, in cases where the temperature of the circulating air is difficult to rise due to the mixing of external air, the control unit 201 can change the drying rate determination threshold or change the drying time to deal with this situation.

[0142] Furthermore, the washer-dryer combo 1 can also adopt a structure in which only a removable drying filter is installed upstream of the blower fan 120 in the circulation path 110.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the notification that the second drying filter 170 is not installed may be given by an alarm tone or voice from the sound output unit 205, either outside of or in place of the display unit 204. In this case, the sound output unit 205 is equivalent to the notification unit of the present invention.

[0144] Alternatively, during the drying process, the operation of the heater 132 may not start simultaneously with the operation of the blower fan 120, but rather simultaneously with the operation of the drum 23. That is, the operation of the heater 132 may begin after determining whether the second drying filter 170 has been installed.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, during the drying process, the drying rate of the laundry inside the drum 23 is determined based on the temperature of the air inside the outer tub 20. However, the drying rate can also be determined based on the humidity of the air inside the outer tub 20. In this configuration, the predetermined drying rate can be determined to have been achieved if the humidity inside the outer tub 20 detected by the humidity sensor is below a threshold.

[0146] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the washer-dryer 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer with a horizontal axis type drum 23 inside the outer tub 20. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called vertical washer-dryer with a vertical axis type washing and dehydrating tub having an internal impeller inside the outer tub as the inner tub.

[0147] Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention within the scope of the technical concept shown in the claims.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer, characterized in that, Possessing: an outer tub disposed in a cabinet; an inner tub rotatably disposed in the outer tub to contain a laundry; a circulation passage connected to the outer tub; a blowing fan to circulate air between the outer tub and the circulation passage; a heater disposed in the circulation passage to heat the air; a drying filter disposed in the circulation passage to capture foreign matter contained in the air, the drying filter being detachable from the circulation passage; an air trap connected to a bottom of the outer tub; a water level sensor to detect an air pressure in the air trap that varies according to a water level in the outer tub and output a detection signal of a value corresponding to the air pressure; a control unit; and a notification unit, the control unit determines whether the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage based on the detection signal output from the water level sensor in a state where air is circulated between the outer tub and the circulation passage by operation of the blowing fan, in a case where it is determined that the drying filter is not attached to the circulation passage, the control unit causes the notification unit to perform notification indicating that the drying filter is not attached.

2. The washer-dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit acquires the detection signal from the water level sensor in a state where the inner tub is stopped and performs the determination of whether the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage based on the detection signal.

3. The washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in a case where it is determined that the drying filter is not attached to the circulation passage, the control unit performs a drying process of drying the laundry by air heated by the heater and introduced into the inner tub, with the operating condition changed compared to when the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage.

4. The washer-dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that in performing the drying process with the operating condition changed, the control unit performs the determination of whether the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage based on the detection signal, in a case where it is determined that the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage, the control unit changes the operating condition again.

5. The washer-dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit performs the determination of whether the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage based on the detection signal when the operation of the blowing fan has started in the drying process.

6. The washer-dryer according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit performs the determination of whether the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage based on the detection signal in the drying process after the operation of the blowing fan has started in the drying process in a case where it is determined that the drying filter is attached to the circulation passage when the operation of the blowing fan has started in the drying process.

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