Washing and drying integrated machine

Abstract

A washing and drying integrated machine. When a washing and drying operation or a drying operation continues to be performed after a notification is issued on the basis of a large load amount of laundry, the laundry can be quickly taken out after the operation ends. The drum-type washing and drying integrated machine (1) comprises: a drum (23), for accommodating laundry; a load amount detection part, for detecting a load amount of laundry in the drum (23); a control part (201), capable of executing a washing and drying operation comprising a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process, and a drying operation comprising a drying process; an operation display part (204); and a sound output part (205). After starting the washing and drying operation or the drying operation, the control unit (201) detects the load amount by means of the load amount detection part; causes the operation display part (204) to perform a first notification when the load amount is more than a specified amount; and after the first notification, when the washing and drying operation or the drying operation continues to be performed and then ends, causes the sound output part (205) to repeatedly perform a second notification until a take-out operation for taking laundry out of the drum is received.

Description

Washer dryer combo Technical Field

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

[0002] In washer-dryer combos that combine washing and drying, if there is a large amount of laundry to be dried, the hot air may not be able to make full contact with the laundry, resulting in insufficient drying and uneven drying.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a washer-dryer combo that includes a fabric quantity sensing unit that senses the amount of laundry contained in the inner tub. The combo is configured to sense the amount of laundry by means of the fabric quantity sensing unit when the setting is to perform drying only or to perform drying from washing. When the amount of laundry exceeds a predetermined allowable amount for drying, a warning is displayed and the machine stops operating.

[0004] In the aforementioned washer-dryer combo, when the amount of laundry in the inner tub decreases, the fabric weight sensing unit re-detects the amount of laundry. When the amount of laundry decreases below the allowable drying amount, the machine restarts, performing a complete cycle from washing to drying, either a wash-dry cycle or a dry cycle until the end. Furthermore, the machine restarts after a predetermined time has elapsed since it stopped operating.

[0005] As described above, when the washer-dryer cycle or drying cycle restarts after the amount of laundry has decreased, these cycles can be performed on the remaining laundry after the cycle ends. Ideally, the laundry should be quickly replaced in the inner tub and transferred to the next cycle. Furthermore, as described above, when the washer-dryer cycle or drying cycle restarts after a period of time, drying may begin before the cycle ends if there is still too much laundry. In this case, if insufficiently dried laundry is left in the washer-dryer for an extended period, wrinkles may become more pronounced. Therefore, it is ideal to remove the laundry from the washer-dryer quickly after the cycle ends.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-313416 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 quickly remove the laundry after the operation is completed, even when a notification is issued based on a large load of laundry and the washer-dryer operation continues.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The main embodiment of the present invention provides a washer-dryer comprising: a washing tub for holding laundry; a load detection unit for detecting the load of laundry in the washing tub; a control unit capable of performing a washer-drying operation including a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, and a drying process, and a drying operation including the drying process; and a notification unit. Specifically, the control unit detects the load through the load detection unit after starting the washer-drying operation or after the drying operation has ended; if the load exceeds a predetermined amount, the notification unit issues a first notification; if the washer-drying operation continues after the first notification or the drying operation ends again, the notification unit repeatedly issues a second notification until a request to remove laundry from the washing tub is received.

[0013] According to this washer-dryer solution, when the washer-dryer continues to operate even when there is too much laundry, insufficiently dried laundry is not left in the washing tub for an extended period after the operation ends, thus preventing severe wrinkling. Furthermore, when the washer-dryer continues to operate after the amount of laundry in the tub has decreased, the laundry in the tub can be quickly replaced after the operation ends to begin washing and drying the remaining laundry.

[0014] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: the washer-dryer combo also includes a door that opens and closes when clothes are being removed / placed into the washing tub. In this case, the control unit can adopt the following structure: during the washing and drying operation, before the washing process, it is determined whether the load is greater than the predetermined amount, and after the first notification, it is determined whether the door has been opened or closed. If the washing process starts without the door being opened or closed, the power supply to the washer-dryer combo is cut off based on the receipt of the removal operation. If the washing process starts after the door has been opened or closed, the power supply is not cut off based on the receipt of the removal operation, and the start operation is used to start the washing and drying operation.

[0015] The door opens and closes as the amount of laundry in the washing tub decreases. Even when the amount of laundry decreases, there will be some laundry remaining at the end of the wash and dry cycle.

[0016] Based on the above structure, if there are remaining laundry items after the washing and drying cycle ends, the user can quickly start the washing and drying cycle for the remaining items after changing the laundry in the washing tub. On the other hand, if there are no remaining laundry items after the washing and drying cycle ends, the power supply is cut off after the laundry is removed from the washing tub, thus saving electricity.

[0017] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: the washer-dryer combo also includes a door that opens and closes when clothes are being removed / placed into the washing tub. In this case, the control unit can adopt the following structure: during the washing and drying operation or the drying operation, before the drying process, it is determined whether the load is greater than the specified amount, and after the first notification, it is determined whether the door has been opened or closed. If the drying process starts without the door being opened or closed, based on the receipt of the removal operation, the power supply to the washer-dryer combo is cut off. If the drying process starts after the door has been opened or closed, based on the receipt of the removal operation, the power supply is not cut off, and a start operation is initiated. The start operation is used to start the drying process or the drying operation under the washing and drying operation.

[0018] Based on the above structure, if there are remaining laundry items when the washing and drying cycle ends, the user can quickly start the drying process or operation after changing the laundry in the washing tub. On the other hand, if there are no remaining laundry items when the washing and drying cycle ends, the power supply is cut off after the laundry is removed from the washing tub, thus saving electricity.

[0019] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the control unit can adopt the following structure: after the door is opened or closed, it accepts a first selection operation or a second selection operation; if the first selection operation is accepted, it accepts the start operation based on the acceptance of the take-out operation; if the second selection operation is accepted, it does not accept the take-out operation and cuts off the power supply.

[0020] Based on the above structure, when the amount of laundry decreases but the remaining laundry is not immediately put into a wash-dry cycle or a dry cycle, the user can avoid an unnecessary second notification after the wash-dry cycle or dry cycle is completed by performing a second selection operation.

[0021] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: when the door is opened or closed after the first notification, the control unit accepts the operation of opening and closing the door as the take-out operation.

[0022] Based on the above structure, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the laundry in the washing tub has been replaced.

[0023] In the washer-dryer combo of this solution, the following structure can be adopted: after the door is opened or closed following the first notification, the control unit detects the load again through the load detection unit.

[0024] Based on the above structure, the reduced load of laundry can be obtained, and the latest load can be used in subsequent washing and drying operations or drying operations.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to the present invention, a washer-dryer can be provided that, when a washer-dryer continues to operate or a dryer continues to operate after a notification is issued due to a large load of laundry, the laundry can be quickly removed after the operation is completed.

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

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

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of a drum-type washer-dryer combo according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit of the embodiment for the washing and drying operation.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the control unit during the batch determination process of the implementation method.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the control unit during the normal operation completion process of the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the control unit during the overload operation termination process of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the control unit during the batch operation completion process of the implementation method.

[0035] In Figure 8, (a) and (b) are examples of notification screens and selection screens displayed by the operation display unit during the batch selection process of the embodiment.

[0036] In Figure 9, (a) is an example of an operation end screen displayed by the operation display unit during the normal operation end process of the embodiment, (b) is an example of an operation end screen displayed by the operation display unit during the overload operation end process of the embodiment, and (c) and (d) are examples of an operation end screen and a waiting start screen displayed by the operation display unit during the batch operation end process of the embodiment, respectively.

[0037] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit of Modification Example 1 for washing and drying operation.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit in the drying operation of the modified example 2.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1: Drum-type washer-dryer combo (washer-dryer combo); 12: Door; 23: Drum (washing tub, load detection unit); 30: Drive motor (load detection unit); 201: Control unit (load detection unit); 204: Operation display unit (notification unit); 205: Sound output unit (notification unit). Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a drum-type washer-dryer combo machine, which is one embodiment of the washer-dryer combo machine of the present invention, will be described.

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing the structure of a drum washer-dryer 1.

[0043] The drum washer-dryer combo 1 has a square box-shaped body 10. A circular inlet 11 for loading laundry is formed on the front surface of the body 10. The inlet 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed freely.

[0044] An outer tub 20 is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of shock absorbers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates about a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. Laundry is taken out / placed into the drum 23 via the inlet 11 and the opening 23a. The door 12 opens and closes when laundry is taken out / placed into the drum 23. The drum 23 corresponds to the "washing tub" of the present invention.

[0045] The outer barrel 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the roller 23. A water seal gasket, which is the front end of the outer barrel 20, is connected to the inlet 11.

[0046] Numerous dewatering holes 23b are formed on the circumferential wall of the drum 23. Furthermore, lifting ribs 24 for raising the laundry are provided on the circumferential wall inside the drum 23. It should be noted that the drum 23 can be of the horizontal axis type, or it can be a drum that rotates about a rotation axis inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0047] 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 circumferential wall of the drum 23.

[0048] A drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain passage 40, consisting of a drain hose or the like, is connected to the drain outlet 20b. A drain valve 41 and a drain filter 42 are provided in the drain passage 40. The drain valve 41 includes, for example, a valve body and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve body.

[0049] When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water stored in the outer tank 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain outlet 20b and the drain passage 40. Foreign objects such as lint contained in the drain are captured by the drain filter 42.

[0050] A water supply unit 50 is disposed in the upper part of the casing 10. The water supply unit 50 includes a water supply valve 51 and a water supply passage 52. One end of the water supply passage 52 is connected to the water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to the water inlet 20c located on the back of the outer tub 20. When the water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from the faucet flows through the water supply passage 52 and is supplied to the outer tub 20 from the water inlet 20c.

[0051] It should be noted that the water supply unit 50 may also include an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener into the outer tub 20. The automatic dispensing device may include, for example, a tank for storing the liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener and a pump that dispenses the liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener from the tank into the water supply line 52. In this case, the liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener discharged into the water supply line 52 are delivered to the outer tub 20 by the water flowing through the water supply line 52.

[0052] A drying device 100 is arranged in the upper part of the housing 10. The drying device 100 dries the laundry inside the drum 23 by supplying heated air (hot air) into the drum 23. The drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a blower 120, a first heat exchanger 131, and a second heat exchanger 132.

[0053] The circulation path 110 is an airflow path connected to the outer casing 20. The circulation path 110 includes an outlet duct 111, a fan housing 112, a heat exchanger housing 113, and an inlet duct 114. The circulation path 110 is disposed above the outer casing 20 within the housing 10.

[0054] One end of the outlet conduit 111 is connected to the exhaust port 20d located on the back of the outer barrel 20, and the other end is connected to the intake port of the fan housing 112.

[0055] The heat exchanger housing 113 has a box shape that extends in the front-to-back direction and is positioned above the outer casing 20 and in front of the fan housing 112. The rear end of the heat exchanger housing 113 is connected to the outlet of the fan housing 112. An inlet conduit 114 extends from the front end of the heat exchanger housing 113 and connects to an inlet 20e formed in the upper front part of the outer casing 20.

[0056] The blower 120, for example, is a centrifugal fan, including a fan 121 housed within a fan housing 112 and a fan motor 122 for rotating the fan 121. The blower 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 outlet duct 111, the fan housing 112, the heat exchanger housing 113, and the inlet duct 114, and returns to the outer casing 20 through the inlet port 20e.

[0057] The first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 are respectively disposed on the upstream and downstream sides within the heat exchanger housing 113. The first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 are respectively an evaporator (cooler) and a condenser (heater), and are included in the heat pump device 130.

[0058] In addition to a first heat exchanger 131 and a second heat exchanger 132, the heat pump unit 130 also includes a compressor 133, a refrigerant circulation path 134, and a pressure reducer 135. The compressor 133 compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant circulation path 134 connects the first heat exchanger 131 and the compressor 133, and the second heat exchanger 132 and the compressor 133, allowing the refrigerant to circulate. The pressure reducer 135, for example an expansion valve, is located between the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 in the refrigerant circulation path 134 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0059] When compressor 133 operates, the refrigerant, compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure state by compressor 133, flows to the second heat exchanger 132. Through heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 132, the air flowing through circulation path 110 is heated. The air-cooled refrigerant is then depressurized to a low-temperature, low-pressure state by pressure reducer 135 and flows to the first heat exchanger 131. Through heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 131, the air flowing through circulation path 110 is cooled and dehumidified. The air-heated refrigerant returns to compressor 133.

[0060] The drying device 100 includes an outlet temperature sensor 141 and an inlet temperature sensor 142. The outlet temperature sensor 141 is located upstream of the blower 120 in the circulation path 110, i.e., in the outlet duct 111, and detects the temperature of the air (wind) discharged from the outer drum 20 as the outlet temperature. The inlet temperature sensor 142 is located downstream of the second heat exchanger 132 in the circulation path 110, i.e., in the inlet duct 114, and detects the temperature of the air (wind) that is introduced into the outer drum 20 after passing through the second heat exchanger 132 as the inlet temperature.

[0061] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the drum washer-dryer combo 1.

[0062] In addition to the structure described above, the drum-type washer-dryer 1 also includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a power button 203, an operation display unit 204, a sound output unit 205, a water level sensor 206, a door opening / closing detection unit 207, a motor drive unit 208, a water supply drive unit 209, a drainage drive unit 210, a fan drive unit 211, and a compressor drive unit 212.

[0063] The power button 203 is operated to supply and cut off power to the drum washer-dryer 1. When the power button 203 is pressed when the drum washer-dryer 1 is not powered on, power is supplied. When the power button 203 is pressed while the drum washer-dryer 1 is powered on, power is cut off. It should be noted that, as described later, the power supply will also be automatically cut off after the washing and drying operations have ended.

[0064] The operation display unit 204 is configured, for example, as a touch panel. The operation display unit 204 displays various operation buttons, such as a mode selection button for selecting any mode from multiple operation modes including washing and drying, a start button for starting operation, and a temporary stop button for temporarily stopping operation. After receiving operations on these operation buttons, the operation display unit 204 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 201. Furthermore, based on control signals from the control unit 201, the operation display unit 204 displays the selected mode, the operation status, and provides notifications of any abnormalities. The operation display unit 204 is equivalent to the "notification unit" of this invention.

[0065] It should be noted that, in addition to the operation display unit 204, operation buttons, LEDs, and other display elements may also be provided. Alternatively, an operation unit and a display unit may be provided separately to replace the operation display unit 204.

[0066] The sound output unit 205 outputs alarm tones and voice messages from a speaker based on control signals from the control unit 201. The sound output unit 205 is equivalent to the "notification unit" of this invention.

[0067] The water level sensor 206 detects the water level in the outer tank 20 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the detected water level to the control unit 201.

[0068] The door opening / closing detection unit 207 detects the opening and closing of the door 12 and outputs corresponding detection signals (open signal, closed signal) to the control unit 201. The door opening / closing detection unit 207 can be, for example, composed of a Hall element that detects the magnetic force of a magnet mounted on the door 12. The door opening / closing detection unit 207 can also be composed of a photoelectric sensor, a microswitch, or the like.

[0069] The outlet temperature sensor 141 and the inlet temperature sensor 142 are composed of thermistors, etc., and output a temperature signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit 201.

[0070] The motor drive unit 208 drives the drive motor 30 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 208 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., to adjust the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the speed set by the control unit 201. In addition, the motor drive unit 208 is provided with a current detection circuit for detecting the current flowing through the drive motor 30.

[0071] The water supply drive unit 209 drives the water supply valve 51 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The drain drive unit 210 drives the drain valve 41 according to the control signal from the control unit 201.

[0072] The fan drive unit 211 drives the fan motor 122 of the blower 120 according to the control signal from the control unit 201. The compressor drive unit 212 drives the compressor 133 according to the control signal from the control unit 201, so that the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 are in operation.

[0073] The storage unit 202 includes EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 202 stores programs for executing various modes of operation. Furthermore, the storage unit 202 stores various parameters and control flags used to execute these programs.

[0074] The control unit 201 includes a CPU (central processing unit), etc., and controls the sound output unit 205, motor drive unit 208, water supply drive unit 209, drainage drive unit 210, fan drive unit 211, compressor drive unit 212, etc. based on signals from the operation display unit 204, water level sensor 206, door opening and closing detection unit 207, outlet temperature sensor 141, inlet temperature sensor 142, etc., and according to the program stored in the storage unit 202.

[0075] Furthermore, in the drum washer-dryer combo 1, based on the user's operation display 204, various modes of washing and drying operations are performed under the control of the control unit 201. In the washing and drying operation, the washing process, intermediate dehydration process, rinsing process, final dehydration process, and drying process are performed sequentially. In the washing operation, the washing process proceeds to the final dehydration process without the drying process. In the drying operation, only the drying process is performed.

[0076] Next, the washing and drying operation performed by the drum washer-dryer 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0077] Typically, the rated drying capacity (allowable drying load) is less than the rated washing capacity (allowable washing load). Therefore, the rated capacity during a wash-dry operation is the rated drying capacity. The rated washing capacity is the load (weight) of laundry that can be washed in one wash cycle; generally, if it is below the rated washing capacity, acceptable washing performance will be achieved. The rated drying capacity is the load of laundry that can be dried in one drying cycle; generally, if it is below the rated drying capacity, acceptable drying performance will be achieved.

[0078] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 for washing and drying operations. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the batch selection process. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the normal operation completion process. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the overload operation completion process. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control processing performed by the control unit 201 during the batch operation completion process. Figures 8(a) and (b) are examples of the notification screen D1 and selection screen D2 displayed by the operation display unit 204 during the batch selection process, respectively. Figure 9(a) is an example of the operation completion screen D3 displayed by the operation display unit 204 during the normal operation completion process. Figure 9(b) is an example of the operation completion screen D4 displayed by the operation display unit 204 during the overload operation completion process. Figures 9(c) and (d) are examples of the operation end screen D5 and the waiting start screen D6 displayed by the operation display unit 204 during the batch operation end process, respectively.

[0079] After the user puts the laundry into the drum 23, they can select the washing and drying operation mode by using the operation mode selection button on the operation display unit 204, and start the operation by pressing the start button.

[0080] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 201 has a normal operation mark 201a, a batch operation mark 201b, and an overload operation mark 201c for washing and drying operations. The normal operation mark 201a is set when the washing and drying operation is performed when the amount of laundry is appropriate. The batch operation mark 201b is set when the amount of laundry decreases, and the reduced amount and the remaining amount are washed and dried twice consecutively. The overload operation mark 201c is set when the washing and drying operation is performed when the amount of laundry is excessive. These operation marks 201a to 201c are reset at the start of the washing and drying operation.

[0081] Referring to Figure 3, when the washing and drying operation begins, the control unit 201 first executes the load detection process (S1). The drive motor 30 operates, and the drum 23 rotates at a speed (e.g., 180 rpm) at which the laundry adheres to the circumferential wall of the drum 23. The load of the laundry is detected based on the load applied to the drum 23 during its rotation. For example, the current flowing through the drive motor 30 is detected by a current detection circuit, and the load is determined based on the magnitude of the current. The greater the load, the greater the load applied to the drum 23, and the greater the current flowing through the drive motor 30. The water volume (set water level) and detergent dosage during the washing and rinsing processes are determined based on the detected load. Thus, the load detection process ends.

[0082] It should be noted that the "load detection unit" of the present invention consists of a roller 23, a drive motor 30, and a control unit 201.

[0083] Next, the control unit 201 executes the batch determination process (S2).

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit 201 determines whether the load of the laundry detected during the load detection process is greater than the specified load (S101). In this embodiment, the specified load is set as the rated drying capacity. It should be noted that the specified load can also be a drying capacity less than the rated drying capacity, for example, it can be a recommended drying capacity of about half of the rated drying capacity.

[0085] If the load is below the specified amount (S101: No), the control unit 201 sets the normal operation flag 201a (S102) and ends the batching process.

[0086] On the other hand, if the load exceeds the specified amount (S101: Yes), the control unit 201 stops the washing and drying operation and does not proceed to the next washing process (S103). Then, the control unit 201 sends a notification to the operation display unit 204 via the notification screen D1 to indicate that the load is too high, as the first notification (S104). As shown in FIG8(a), the notification screen D1 contains a message M1 indicating that the load is too high. In addition, the notification screen D1 contains a start button B1 for restarting the operation. It should be noted that the control unit 201 can also send a notification to the sound output unit 205 via voice to indicate that the load is too high, as the first notification.

[0087] Based on the detection results of the door opening / closing detection unit 207, the control unit 201 determines whether the door 12 has been opened or closed (S105). In addition, the control unit 201 determines whether a restart operation has been performed via the start button B1 (S106).

[0088] When the amount of laundry inside the drum 23 needs to be reduced, the user opens the door 12, removes the laundry from the drum 23, and then closes the door 12. The opening and closing of the door 12 is detected by the door opening and closing detection unit 207.

[0089] When it is determined that door 12 has been opened or closed (S105: Yes), the control unit 201 displays the selection screen D2 on the operation display unit 204, allowing the user to select whether to perform batch operation or normal operation (S107). Batch operation is an operation that continuously performs two washing and drying cycles, one for the reduced amount of laundry and the other for the remaining laundry that has been removed. Normal operation is an operation that only performs washing and drying cycles on the reduced amount of laundry, and is the same as when the load is appropriate from the beginning.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8(b), the selection screen D2 includes a message M2 prompting for operation selection, a batch selection button B2 for selecting batch operation, and a normal selection button B3 for selecting normal operation.

[0091] When selecting batch operation, the user presses the batch selection button B2 as the first selection operation; when selecting normal operation, the user presses the normal selection button B3 as the second selection operation.

[0092] When batch operation is selected by pressing the batch selection button B2 (S108: Yes), the control unit 201 sets the batch operation mark 201b (S109). In addition, when normal operation is selected by pressing the normal selection button B3 (S108: No), the control unit 201 sets the normal operation mark 201a (S110).

[0093] Next, the control unit 201 detects the amount of laundry in the drum 23, i.e., the amount of laundry after reduction, in the same way as the load detection process (S111). Based on the newly detected load, the water level (set water level) and detergent dosage in the outer tub 20 during the washing process and other processes are adjusted. After that, the control unit 201 restarts operation and enters the next washing process (S112).

[0094] When the notification screen D1 is displayed on the operation display unit 204, if the user starts the washing and drying operation when there are many laundry items, the user can restart the operation by pressing the start button B1 on the notification screen D1.

[0095] When it is determined that a restart operation has been performed without the door 12 being opened or closed (S105: No → S106: Yes), the control unit 201 restarts operation after setting the overload operation flag 201c (S113) (S112).

[0096] Returning to Figure 3, when the batching process ends, the control unit 201 enters the cleaning process, sequentially executing the cleaning process, intermediate dehydration process, rinsing process, final dehydration process, and drying process (S3~S7). It should be noted that, depending on the operating mode, the control unit 201 may sometimes execute more than two rinsing processes and more than two intermediate dehydration processes.

[0097] During the washing process (S3), detergent-containing water, i.e., detergent water, is added to the outer tub 20 to the set water level for washing. By repeatedly rotating the drum 23 forward and backward, the laundry soaked in the detergent water tumbles inside the drum 23. The detergent water penetrates into the interior of the laundry, and through the effectiveness of the detergent and the mechanical force generated by the tumbling, the dirt on the laundry is removed.

[0098] During the rinsing process (S5), with water in the outer tub 20 filled to the set rinsing level, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward, causing the laundry to tumble inside the drum 23. Through the mechanical force generated by the tumbling, the detergent contained in the laundry is discharged along with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

[0099] During the intermediate dehydration process (S4) and the final dehydration process (S6), 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.

[0100] During the drying process (S7), air circulates between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 through the operation of the blower 120. The air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated into hot air through the operation of the second heat exchanger 132. In addition, the drum 23 rotates in both forward and reverse directions, and the laundry tumbles inside the drum 23.

[0101] Hot air introduced from inlet 20e into the outer tub 20 and drum 23 comes into contact with the tumbling laundry to dry it. The hot air, stripped of moisture from the laundry, returns from outlet 20d to circulation path 110. The hot air in circulation path 110 is dehumidified by first heat exchanger 131 before being heated by second heat exchanger 132.

[0102] 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 outlet temperature sensor 141 and the inlet temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor 142, and it is determined to be dried when a predetermined drying rate (e.g., 100%) is reached.

[0103] During the period when the clothes inside drum 23 are fully moistened and there is sufficient heat exchange between the moisture and the hot air, the outlet temperature detected by outlet temperature sensor 141, i.e., the temperature of the hot air discharged from the outer drum 20, remains approximately constant. Subsequently, as the clothes dry 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 inlet temperature sensor 142, i.e., the temperature of the hot air introduced into the outer drum 20, is higher than the outlet temperature and remains approximately constant. Therefore, as the drying process progresses and the drying rate of the clothes increases, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures decreases.

[0104] The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures at which the specified drying rate is achieved is determined in advance through experiments and set as a predetermined value for determining the end of drying. When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures reaches the predetermined value, the specified drying rate is determined to have been achieved. It should be noted that, alternatively, the laundry can be determined to be dry when a predetermined drying time has elapsed since the start of operation of the blower 120 and the second heat exchanger 132.

[0105] When the laundry is dry, the drum 23, compressor 133, and blower 120 stop, and the drying process ends. Thus, the washing and drying operation is complete.

[0106] Next, the control unit 201 determines which of the operation flags 201a to 201c has been set (S8).

[0107] When the normal operation mark 201a is set when the washing and drying operation ends according to the appropriate load (S8: normal operation), the control unit 201 executes the normal operation end process (S9).

[0108] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit 201 displays the operation end screen D3 on the operation display unit 204 and outputs an alarm sound on the sound output unit 205 to notify that the operation has ended (S201). As shown in Figure 9(a), the operation end screen D3 contains a message M3 indicating that the operation has ended. Afterwards, when a preset first time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed (S202: Yes), the control unit 201 cuts off the power supply to the drum washer-dryer 1 (S203). The normal operation end process ends, and the control processing in Figure 3 ends. By cutting off the power supply, the operation end screen D3 on the operation display unit 204 disappears.

[0109] Returning to Figure 3, when an overload operation flag 201c is set when the washing and drying operation ends due to excessive load (S8: overload operation), the control unit 201 executes the overload operation end process (S10).

[0110] Referring to Figure 6, the control unit 201 causes the operation display unit 204 to display the operation end screen D4, and causes the sound output unit 205 to output an alarm sound to notify that the operation has ended (S301). As shown in Figure 9(b), the operation end screen D4 includes a message M4 intended to indicate that the operation has ended and prompt the user to remove the clothes. In addition, the operation end screen D4 is provided with a confirmation button B4 for accepting the end confirmation operation.

[0111] The user presses the confirmation button B4 to complete the end confirmation operation and opens door 12 to remove the laundry (clothes) from drum 23. The end confirmation operation is used to remove the laundry from drum 23. It should be noted that, alternatively, the locking device (not shown) that locks door 12 at the end of the washing and drying cycle can be released based on the end confirmation operation.

[0112] Each time a second time interval (e.g., 1 minute) elapses, the control unit 201 causes the sound output unit 205 to repeatedly issue an alarm notification reminding the user to retrieve the laundry as a second notification (S302: No → S303: Yes → S304) until a confirmation operation is received via the confirmation button B4. It should be noted that the sound output unit 205 may also issue a voice notification reminding the user to retrieve the laundry.

[0113] When the completion confirmation operation is received (S302: Yes), the control unit 201 cuts off the power supply to the drum washer-dryer 1 (S305). The overload operation completion process ends, and the control processing in Figure 3 ends. By cutting off the power supply, the operation completion screen D4 on the operation display unit 204 disappears.

[0114] In this manner, after issuing a first notification (indicating an overload) based on the amount of laundry inside drum 23 exceeding a specified amount, and continuing the washing and drying operation without opening or closing door 12 until the operation ends, control unit 201 repeatedly issues a second notification (a notification prompting the removal of laundry) via sound output unit 205 until a removal operation for retrieving laundry from drum 23 is received (end confirmation operation). Then, upon receiving the removal operation, control unit 201 cuts off the power supply to the drum washer-dryer 1.

[0115] Returning to Figure 3, when batch operation is selected based on the reduction of laundry and the initial washing and drying operation under batch operation is completed, and the batch operation flag 201b is set (S8: batch operation), the control unit 201 executes the batch operation completion process (S11).

[0116] Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 201 causes the operation display unit 204 to display the operation end screen D5. In addition, the control unit 201 causes the sound output unit 205 to output an alarm sound to notify that the operation has ended (S401). As shown in Figure 9(c), the operation end screen D5 includes a message M5 intended to indicate that the operation has ended and prompt the user to change clothes.

[0117] The control unit 201 monitors whether the door 12 has been opened or closed, i.e., whether the operation of opening and closing the door 12 has been performed, via the door opening and closing detection unit 207 (S402). The user opens the door 12 to remove laundry from the drum 23, puts the remaining laundry into the drum 23, and closes the door 12. The opening and closing operation of the door 12 is used for the removal operation of laundry from the drum 23. The door opening and closing detection unit 207 detects the opening and closing of the door 12.

[0118] Every second elapsed time (e.g., 1 minute), the control unit 201 causes the sound output unit 205 to repeatedly issue an alarm notification prompting the retrieval of laundry as a second notification, until the opening or closing of the door 12 is detected (S402: No → S403: Yes → S404). It should be noted that the sound output unit 205 may also issue a voice notification prompting the retrieval of laundry.

[0119] When the opening or closing of door 12 is detected (S402: Yes), control unit 201 causes operation display unit 204 to display waiting start screen D6, accepting the start operation for starting the next washing and drying operation (S406). As shown in Figure 9(d), waiting start screen D6 includes a message M6 prompting the start of operation and a start button B5 for starting operation. The user presses the start button B5 to start the next washing and drying operation.

[0120] When a start operation is received via the start button B5 (S405: Yes), the control unit 201 ends the batch operation completion process. The waiting start screen D6 on the operation display unit 204 disappears.

[0121] In this manner, if a first notification (indicating an overload) is issued based on the amount of laundry inside the drum 23 exceeding a specified amount, and the washing and drying operation continues after the door 12 has been opened and closed and batch operation has been selected, the control unit 201 repeatedly issues a second notification (a notification to remove the laundry) through the sound output unit 205 until a removal operation (opening and closing of the door 12) is received for removing the laundry from the drum 23. Then, the control unit 201 receives the removal operation without cutting off the power supply to the drum washer-dryer 1 and initiates a start operation for the next washing and drying cycle.

[0122] Returning to Figure 3, when the batch operation process ends, the control unit 201 returns to S1 to start the next washing and drying operation. Thus, the remaining laundry is dried after being washed.

[0123] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0124] According to this embodiment, in the drum washer-dryer 1, after the washing and drying operation begins, the control unit 201 detects the load of laundry inside the drum 23 during the load detection process. If, during the batch determination process, it is determined that the load is greater than the specified amount, the operation display unit 204 issues a first notification (indicating an overload notification). Then, if the control unit 201 continues to execute the washing and drying operation after the first notification and then ends the operation, during the overload operation end process or the batch operation end process, the sound output unit 205 repeatedly issues a second notification (a notification prompting the removal of laundry) until an operation to remove laundry from the drum 23 (end confirmation operation, door 12 opening and closing operation) is received.

[0125] According to this structure, when the washing and drying operation continues even when there is too much laundry, the insufficiently dried laundry will not remain in the drum 23 for an extended period after the operation ends, thus preventing the laundry from becoming severely wrinkled. Furthermore, when the washing and drying operation continues after the amount of laundry in the drum 23 has decreased, the laundry in the drum 23 can be quickly replaced after the operation ends to begin washing and drying the remaining laundry.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 201 determines whether the load is greater than a predetermined amount before the washing process, and determines whether the door 12 has been opened or closed after the first notification during the batching process. Then, if the washing process starts without the door 12 being opened or closed, the control unit 201 cuts off the power supply to the drum washer-dryer 1 based on the acceptance to removal operation (end confirmation operation) during the overload operation end process. On the other hand, if the washing process starts after the door 12 has been opened or closed, the control unit 201 accepts the start operation for starting the washing and drying operation without cutting off the power supply during the batching operation end process based on the acceptance to removal operation (door 12 opening and closing operation).

[0127] When the amount of laundry inside drum 23 decreases, door 12 is opened and closed. Even when the amount of laundry decreases, there is still laundry remaining at the end of the wash-dry cycle.

[0128] According to this structure, if there are remaining laundry items after the washing and drying cycle ends, the user can quickly start the washing and drying cycle for the remaining laundry items after changing the laundry items in the drum 23. On the other hand, if there are no remaining laundry items after the washing and drying cycle ends, the power supply is cut off after the laundry items are removed from the drum 23, thus saving electricity.

[0129] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the batch selection process, after the door 12 is opened or closed, the control unit 201 accepts the first selection operation (pressing the batch selection button B2) and the second selection operation (pressing the normal selection button B3). Then, if the first selection operation is accepted, the control unit 201 accepts the start operation based on the acceptance of the retrieval operation; if the second selection operation is accepted, the control unit 201 does not accept the retrieval operation and cuts off the power supply.

[0130] According to this structure, if the user reduces the amount of laundry to an appropriate level but does not immediately start the wash and dry cycle on the remaining laundry, they can avoid an unnecessary second notification after the wash and dry cycle is completed by performing a second selection operation.

[0131] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, during the batch determination process, if the door 12 is opened or closed after the first notification, the control unit 201 accepts the operation of opening and closing the door 12 as a take-out operation during the end of the batch operation.

[0132] Based on this structure, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the laundry inside the drum 23 has been replaced.

[0133] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the door 12 is opened or closed after the first notification, the control unit 201 will again detect the load of the laundry.

[0134] Based on this structure, the reduced load of laundry can be obtained, and the latest load can be used in subsequent washing and drying operations.

[0135] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to any of the above embodiments. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above.

[0136] <Example 1 of the amendment>

[0137] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit 201 in the modified example 1 for washing and drying operation.

[0138] In the above embodiment, a batching process is performed before the washing process, and the laundry in the drum 23 is divided into batches based on a first notification. Therefore, after the washing and drying operation is completed, the remaining laundry is washed and dried.

[0139] As mentioned above, the rated drying capacity is less than the rated washing capacity. Therefore, even when the load of laundry is greater than the specified amount (e.g., the rated drying capacity), it is still less than the rated washing capacity in most cases, and adequate washing performance can be obtained in such cases.

[0140] Therefore, in this modified example, as shown in FIG10, during the washing and drying operation, the control unit 201 performs a batch determination process (S21) after the final dehydration process is completed, i.e., after washing is completed and before the drying process. Thus, before the drying process, it is determined whether the load is greater than a specified amount. If the load is greater than the specified amount, a first notification is issued, and the laundry in the drum 23 is batched based on the first notification. Therefore, during the batch operation completion process in FIG7, based on the receipt of the opening and closing operation of the door 12 as a take-out operation in S402, the control unit 201 accepts the start operation for starting the drying process in S406. Then, when the start operation is accepted and the batch operation completion process ends, the control unit 201 returns to S7 and starts the drying process. Thus, the remaining laundry that has already been washed is dried.

[0141] According to this modified example, the same effect as the above-described implementation method can be achieved.

[0142] Furthermore, according to this modified example, the remaining laundry is only dried, thus shortening the operating time.

[0143] <Amendment Example 2>

[0144] In the drying operation where only the drying process is performed, the same control processing as the washing and drying operation described above can be performed.

[0145] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit 201 in the drying operation in Modification Example 2.

[0146] Referring to Figure 11, when the drying operation begins, the control unit 201 sequentially executes the load detection process, the batch determination process, and the drying process (S31 to S33). When the drying operation ends, the control unit 201 determines which of the operation flags 201a to 201c has been set (S34).

[0147] When the normal operation mark 201a is set (S34: normal operation), the control unit 201 executes the normal operation end process shown in FIG5 (S35). When the overload operation mark 201c is set (S34: overload operation), the control unit 201 executes the overload operation end process shown in FIG6 (S36). When the batch operation mark 201b is set (S34: batch operation), the control unit 201 executes the batch operation end process shown in FIG7 (S37).

[0148] During the batch operation completion process shown in Figure 7, the control unit 201, based on the receipt of the opening and closing operation of the door 12 as a take-out operation in S402, performs a start operation for starting the drying operation in S406. Then, when the start operation is received and the batch operation completion process ends, the control unit 201 returns to S31 and starts the drying operation. Thus, the remaining laundry is dried.

[0149] According to this modified example, the same effect as the above-described implementation method can be achieved.

[0150] <Other Change Examples>

[0151] In the sorting process shown in Figure 4, the control unit 201 may detect the load of the laundry in S111 and determine whether the detected load is greater than the specified amount. Alternatively, if the load is greater than the specified amount, the control unit 201 may not restart operation, but instead return to S104, and notify the operation display unit 204 via the notification screen D1 to indicate that the load is too high, before proceeding to the processing in S105 to S111.

[0152] Furthermore, in the sorting process shown in Figure 4, if it is determined in S101 that the load of laundry is more than the prescribed amount, the control unit 201 may change the content of the notification indicating that the load is too high based on the size of the load. For example, by operating the notification screen D1 on the operation display unit 204, a notification indicating that the load should be reduced to less than half may be displayed when the load is twice the prescribed amount, and a notification indicating that the load should be reduced to less than one-third may be displayed when the load is three times the prescribed amount.

[0153] Furthermore, in S302 of the overload operation completion process in Figure 6, the control unit 201 may, in the same manner as S402 of the batch operation completion process in Figure 7, determine whether the door 12 has undergone an opening and closing operation as a take-out operation, without performing an end confirmation operation. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may determine whether the door 12 has been opened.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a drum-type washer-dryer 1 having a horizontal axis type drum 23 is shown as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied to so-called vertical washer-dryer (fully automatic washer-dryer) having a vertical axis type washing and dehydration drum with a pulsator inside the outer drum as the washing drum.

[0155] Furthermore, various modifications can be appropriately made to the embodiments of the present invention within the scope of the technical concept shown in the claims.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer combo machine, characterized in that, have: A washing tub to hold laundry; The load detection unit detects the load of laundry in the washing tub; The control unit is capable of performing washing and drying operations, including washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes, as well as drying operations, including the drying process. as well as Notification Department The control unit detects the load through the load detection unit after the washing and drying operation begins or after the drying operation begins. When the load exceeds a predetermined amount, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a first notification. If the control unit continues to execute the washing and drying operation after the first notification or if the drying operation ends again, the notification unit will repeatedly issue a second notification until a retrieval operation for removing the laundry from the washing tub is received.

2. The washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer-dryer also features a door that opens and closes when clothes are being taken out or put into the washing tub. During the washing and drying operation, The control unit determines whether the load is greater than the specified amount before the cleaning process begins. The control unit determines whether the door has been opened or closed after the first notification. If the washing process begins without the door being opened or closed, the control unit, upon receiving the removal operation, cuts off the power supply to the washer-dryer. When the washing process begins after the door has been opened or closed, the control unit accepts the start operation based on the receipt of the take-out operation without cutting off the power supply. The start operation is used to start the washing and drying operation.

3. The washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer-dryer also features a door that opens and closes when clothes are being taken out or put into the washing tub. During the washing and drying operation or the drying operation... The control unit determines whether the load is greater than the specified amount before the drying process. The control unit determines whether the door has been opened or closed after the first notification. If the drying process begins without the door being opened or closed, the control unit, upon receiving the removal operation, cuts off the power supply to the washer-dryer. When the drying process begins after the door has been opened or closed, the control unit accepts the start operation based on the receipt of the take-out operation without cutting off the power supply. The start operation is used to start the drying process or the drying operation under the washing and drying operation.

4. The washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, After the door is opened or closed, the control unit accepts either a first selection operation or a second selection operation. When the control unit receives the first selection operation, it initiates the start operation based on the receipt of the retrieval operation. When the control unit receives the second selection operation, it will not process the extraction operation and will instead cut off the power supply.

5. The washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, If the door is opened or closed after the first notification, the control unit accepts the operation of opening and closing the door as the retrieval operation.

6. The washer-dryer combo machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, If the door is opened or closed after the first notification, the control unit will again detect the load through the load detection unit.

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