JP2006262924A - Washing/drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing/drying machine which reliably detects excessively accumulated dew condensation water discharged from a dehumidification means and prevents failures caused by the overflow of dew condensation water. <P>SOLUTION: The washing/drying machine is equipped with a washing tank 42 where clothes 41 is housed, is washed, and is dried, the dehumidification means 50 for dehumidifying moist air in drying the clothes 41, an air blowing means 52 for sending the air in the washing tank 42 to the dehumidification means 50, and a water level detecting means 81 for detecting a water level of the dew condensation water generated by the dehumidification means 50, and uses a thermistor 82 having a self-heating characteristic as the water level detecting means 81. If the water level of the dew condensation water rises abnormally because of a failure in an overflow pipe 78 discharging the dew condensation water, the thermistor 82 detects the abnormal water level. Consequently, failures, malfunctions, and water overflow are prevented by stopping the operation of the dehumidification means 50. Since the thermistor 82 does not have structural movable parts, the thermistor 82 never causes malfunctions when oscillated and never makes noises. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine used for general households and business use.

  Conventionally, in the drying process of the clothes after the washing process of this type of washing and drying machine, drying air containing water vapor from the clothes is applied to the evaporator to dehumidify the air, and the air is heated through the condenser. As shown in FIG. 1, the drying is performed by circulating the rotary drum.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the conventional washing and drying machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 8, a rotating drum 2, a motor 3, and a blower 22 are disposed in the main body 1 of the washing and drying machine. The circulation duct 18, the evaporator 23, the condenser 24, the compressor 25, the expansion device 26, and the inverter circuit 32 are provided, and the laundry put in the rotating drum 2 while the compressor 25 is driven by the inverter circuit 32. The air as shown by the arrow is applied to the object to be dried 21 by the blower 22 and passed through the evaporator 23, whereby the dehumidified air is guided to the condenser 24 and heated, and again as dry air, the rotating drum 2. A part of the dry air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port 28 and condensed on the surface of the evaporator 23, and the moisture removed from the air is exhausted to the outside through the drain port 19. It was.
JP 7-178289 A

  However, in the configuration of the conventional washing and drying machine, the water (condensation water) removed from the air by the evaporator 23 is drained directly from the drain port 19 directly under the machine body. However, it can be installed only in places where there are drainage grooves on the floor, and there is a problem that places where it can be installed are limited.

  In order to improve this, if the drain port 19 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 1 and is directly drained, it is temporarily stored in a water storage tank or the like and drained by, for example, an electric drain pump, It is also possible to connect a drainage hose from a higher position and connect the other end of the drainage hose to a household drainage pipe, etc. It is necessary to detect the water level of the water, and the drainage path becomes complicated, so there is too much condensed water to be drained due to the accumulation of clogs with dust or the failure of the drainage pump. There is a problem that it overflows, a component part is submerged and breaks down, malfunctions due to water adhering to an electrical part, or water overflows outside the washing / drying machine.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and is a highly reliable laundry that has a low-cost configuration, prevents breakdown, malfunction, overflow due to submersion of parts constituting the washing dryer, and selects an installation location. The object is to provide a dryer.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a washing tub for storing clothes and washing and drying the clothes, and a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying damp air during drying of the clothes, A blower means for sending air in the washing tub to the dehumidifying means, and a water level detecting means for detecting the level of condensed water generated by the dehumidifying means, and using a thermistor having self-heating characteristics as the water level detecting means Therefore, when a failure occurs in the drainage channel that drains the condensed water generated from the dehumidifying means, it can be detected when the water level of the condensed water reaches the thermistor. Can be prevented. In addition, since the thermistor has no mechanical moving parts, it does not cause malfunction, especially under conditions where large vibrations are applied, such as during dehydration, and there is no noise generated by vibrations. An excellent washing / drying machine can be provided.

  The washing and drying machine of the present invention is an inexpensive configuration, and even if the drainage path is somewhat complicated, the parts constituting the washing and drying machine are prevented from malfunctioning due to submersion, malfunction, overflow, and the installation location is selected. It is highly reliable.

  The first aspect of the present invention is a washing tub for storing clothes and washing and drying the garment, dehumidifying means for dehumidifying damp air during drying of the garment, and sending air in the washing tub to the dehumidifying means. It comprises a blowing means and a water level detection means for detecting the level of dew condensation water generated by the dehumidification means, and uses a thermistor having self-heating characteristics as the water level detection means, and drains the dew condensation water generated from the dehumidification means. When a failure occurs in the drainage path, it can be detected when the water level of the condensed water reaches the thermistor, so that it is possible to prevent failure, malfunction, and overflow due to excessive rise of the water level. In addition, since the thermistor has no mechanical moving parts, it does not cause malfunction, especially under conditions where large vibrations are applied, such as during dehydration, and there is no noise generated by vibrations. An excellent washing / drying machine can be provided.

  In the second invention, in particular, the water level detecting means of the first invention detects the water level of condensed water mixed with the washing water leaked from the washing tub. If the washing water flows into the place where the condensed water accumulates, the water level detection means will detect when the condensed water increased due to the leaked washing water reaches the predetermined water level. Therefore, secondary failure, malfunction, and water overflow due to excessive rise of the water level can be prevented.

  In particular, the third invention is provided with temperature detection means for detecting the ambient temperature of the water level detection means of the first or second invention. For example, according to the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detection means. Then, the threshold value at the time of water level detection of the water level detection means is changed, or a value obtained by applying a correction by a signal from the temperature detection means to a signal from a thermistor that self-heats, If, for example, a comparison is made so that the output for determining whether the water level has reached the thermistor is output as a function with two signals, the signal from the thermistor and the signal from the temperature detection means, as input values, The water level detection means can accurately detect that the water has reached the specified water level without being affected by the air temperature and water temperature at which the washing / drying machine is used. It becomes a wide ones can be obtained.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the water level detection means of any one of the first to third aspects of the invention has a windproof body for reducing the influence of wind on the thermistor. It is formed so that condensed water can invade around the thermistor, and when the water level does not reach the specified level, the flow of wind prevents the thermistor with self-heating from being unnecessarily cooled to prevent malfunction. When the predetermined water level is reached, the operation of releasing the self-heating to water becomes possible, so that the water level detecting means can be operated with high accuracy.

  In the fifth invention, in particular, the windbreaker of the fourth invention has an upper and lower openings and a substantially tubular shape, and has a simple configuration, prevents the influence of wind hitting the thermistor below a predetermined water level, In a state where the water level is reached, water can easily enter from the opening to the thermistor and can be detected with high accuracy, so that the water level can be detected without malfunction.

  In the sixth invention, in particular, the windbreaker according to the fourth invention has an opening on the bottom surface and has a substantially box shape, and has a very simple configuration and prevents the influence of wind hitting the thermistor below a predetermined water level. In a state where the water level has reached a predetermined level, water can enter the thermistor from the opening at the bottom and can be detected, so that the water level can be detected without malfunction.

  In the seventh invention, in particular, the blowing capacity of the blowing means of any one of the first to sixth inventions can be changed. For example, when the water level detecting means detects the level of condensed water, the blowing means blows air. If the capacity is lowered, the thermistor self-heating is unnecessarily cooled by the wind from the air blowing means, and it is possible to reliably prevent false detections such as generating a signal reaching the predetermined water level even when the predetermined water level is not reached. be able to. Alternatively, a period in which the ability of the blowing means is temporarily reduced while the thermistor self-heats is provided, and a value obtained when the temperature of the thermistor rises to the highest value during the period is used as a base. If it is determined whether or not the water level of the dew condensation water has reached the thermistor, the water level of the dew condensation water can be detected accurately and reliably without being affected by the wind by the blowing means. Is.

  In the eighth invention, in particular, the dehumidifying means according to any one of the first to seventh inventions is configured by a heat pump cycle provided with a compressor and a heat exchanger. It is possible to effectively dry air by supplying air with extremely low humidity to clothes and the like, and to effectively use energy, which is highly effective for the preservation of the global environment.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, in particular, the heat exchanger of the eighth aspect of the invention comprises a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat and a second heat exchanger that generates heat, and a temperature detecting means is the first heat exchanger. Provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and one temperature detection means detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and is cooled under normal conditions. When the water rises to the specified water level due to a failure in the drainage channel, etc., it will be submerged in the water together with the thermistor with self-heating, and the water temperature will be detected. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the presence / absence of water at a predetermined water level stably, and it is possible to use rational parts and to ensure extremely high reliability.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, in particular, any one of the third to ninth temperature detecting means is provided at substantially the same height as the thermistor of the water level detecting means, and when the water reaches a predetermined water level, the thermistor substantially simultaneously. Since the temperature detecting means is in contact with water, the rise in the water level can be accurately detected under a wide temperature condition.

  The eleventh aspect of the invention is such that when the condensed water is detected by the water level detecting means of any one of the eighth to tenth aspects of the invention, the operation of the compressor is stopped. The generation of water can be stopped, and secondary failures, malfunctions, and overflow of water due to excessive rise of the water level can be surely prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
The washing / drying machine in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment includes a rotating drum 42a for storing clothing 41, a washing tub 42 for rotatably including the rotating drum 42a, and a rotating shaft 43 of the rotating drum 42a. A motor 44 that is connected and rotates the rotating drum 42a and a dehumidifying means 50 that has a heat pump cycle 49 and guides moist air from the washing tub 42 during drying to remove moisture. The heat pump cycle 49 includes a compressor 45, a first heat exchanger 46 that absorbs heat, a second heat exchanger 47 that generates heat, and a capillary tube 48. Furthermore, it has the 1st heat exchanger 46, the ventilation means 52 which circulates and moves the air between the 2nd heat exchanger 47, and the washing tub 42 via the air path 51. FIG.

  The first heat exchanger 46 is also called an evaporator or the like because of the action of sucking heat from the air into the refrigerant by evaporating the refrigerant passing through the inside, while the second heat exchanger 47 is conversely It acts to give heat from the refrigerant to the air and is sometimes called a condenser, but the refrigerant to be used is not particularly limited to various types of chlorofluorocarbons, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) is supercritical. What is used as a state may be used, and in that case, a gas cooler or the like may be used.

  A first drive circuit 55 that drives the motor 44 and a second drive circuit 56 that drives the compressor 45 are connected. The first rectifier circuit 58 is of a double voltage type and supplies a DC voltage of about 250 V to the first drive circuit 55, and the second rectifier circuit 59 is also a double voltage type of the second drive circuit. A DC voltage of 230 V is supplied to 56.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a power plug, which is configured to supply AC power to the first rectifier circuit 58 and the second rectifier circuit 59 while suppressing power harmonics and terminal noise. Reference numeral 63 denotes a water supply means, which is composed of a water pipe 64 and a water supply valve 65 for opening and closing the water from the water pipe 64 by opening and closing. Water is supplied from the water supply means 63 to the washing tub 42, and the washing tub The clothes 41 are also washed and dehydrated in 42.

  The drain valve 68 is provided in the lower part of the washing tub 42. When the drain valve 68 is in the closed state, water is stored in the washing tub 42 for washing and rinsing. When the drain valve 68 is opened, the water in the washing tub 42 is stored. Is discharged to the drain pipe 69.

  When clothes are dried, the humid air in the washing tub 42 is sent to the first heat exchanger 46 that is at a low temperature, where it is cooled to generate condensed water, which is condensed at the bottom of the heat pump cycle 49. It drops and accumulates in the provided reservoir 49a. The drainage pump 70 drains the condensed water accumulated in the reservoir portion 49a. The drainage pump 70 operates with a direct current of 12 volts and has a small motor 71 having permanent magnets, brushes, and commutators (not shown) and a first motor 71 rotated by the motor 71. A first gear 72, a second gear 73 that fits with the first gear 72 and rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear 72, and a case 74 that surrounds the first gear 72 and the second gear 73. And a filter 75 provided on the entrance side, which sucks condensed water from the reservoir 49a, pushes it upward, and flows it out to the overflow tray 77, which is discharged to the overflow tray 77. The condensed water joins the drain pipe 69 through the overflow pipe 78 again.

  In the present embodiment, since the drainage pump 70 uses a so-called gear pump or the like having a first gear 72 and a second gear 73, the direction of the water flow is reversed when reversely rotated. The effect that foreign matters accumulated in the filter 75 can also be removed is obtained.

  Reference numeral 81 denotes a water level detection means for detecting the level of condensed water accumulated in the reservoir 49a at the bottom of the heat pump cycle 49, and has a thermistor 82 having self-heating characteristics. When the signal from the thermistor 82 is within a predetermined range, the operation of the dehumidifying means 50 is stopped. In the present embodiment, if the washing liquid overflows from the washing tub 42 during the washing and leaks into the air passage 51, the washing liquid flows into the reservoir 49a at the bottom of the dehumidifying means 50, The water level detection means 81 detects the water level, and stops the operation of the dehumidifying means 50 when the water level reaches a predetermined value or more.

  Therefore, since the water level of the condensed water does not rise after that, secondary failure or malfunction due to water on the components inside the washer / dryer due to excessive rise of the water level, and further to the outside of the washer / dryer Can be surely prevented from overflowing.

  Instead of stopping the compressor 45 by a signal from the water level detection means 81, for example, the drainage pump 70 is driven while the operation of the dehumidification means 50 is continued, so that the drainage pump 70 is in a well-drained state, and the water level detection means 81 again. You may monitor the state of the signal from.

  In the present embodiment, the temperature detection means 84 including the second thermistor 83 is provided in a position where the air temperature between the first heat exchanger 46 and the second heat exchanger 47 is detected along with the thermistor 82. ing. Further, the temperature detecting means 84 is provided at such a height that it can come into contact with water together with the thermistor 82 and the temperature of the water can be detected when the water level of the condensed water accumulated in the reservoir 49a rises.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the thermistor 82 and the temperature detection means 84.

  In FIG. 2, the thermistor 82 is composed of a Teflon (registered trademark) tube 85 having an outer diameter of 3 mm and excellent heat resistance and a filler 86 made of heat resistant resin injected from both upper and lower ends of the tube 85. An insulating layer 87 is provided around the terminals, and the terminals 88 and 89 of the thermistor 82 are led out from the lead wires 90 with insulating coating. However, the terminals 88 and 89 are in a state of being submerged in the water due to the rising water level. Even if it is, it is configured to maintain electrical insulation with water.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the thermistor 82 covered with the insulating layer 87 is housed in a tubular windbreaker 92 formed of a resin-made 9 mm diameter pipe having both ends opened. Thus, since the tubular windbreaker 92 is provided outside the insulating layer 87, when the water level is low and the air is in the air, the windbreaker 92 has an effect of weakening the flow of air that hits the thermistor 82. As a result, the heat escape when the thermistor 82 self-heats is reduced, the temperature of the thermistor 82 is higher and reaches about 140 degrees Celsius, and when submerged in water, Water enters from the opening, the water level in the windbreaker 92 rises, and air can freely escape from the upper opening.

  Therefore, when the water level rises to L1, which is the position of the thermistor 82, the difference in the escape of heat from the thermistor 82 can be made larger compared to the case where the water level is lower than that. It becomes possible to take a larger margin for erroneous detection of the water level. Depending on the diameter and material of the windbreaker 92, the way of heat from the thermistor 82 when the windbreak performance and the water level rise changes, but in this embodiment, a tube-shaped one with a diameter of 9 mm was used. As a result, good detection characteristics could be obtained.

  In particular, in a washing and drying machine using the heat pump cycle 49, by setting the air volume by the air blowing means 52 to a large value of about 2 m2 per minute, for example, at a hot air temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius that can be realized with a refrigerant such as Freon. However, there is a large drying effect on the object to be dried such as clothing 41 when it is sent into the washing tub 42 by air with extremely low humidity, and excellent drying performance with little wrinkles is obtained. It becomes.

  Therefore, the configuration in which the windbreaker 92 effectively reduces the influence when the wind generated by the blowing unit 52 hits the thermistor 82 having self-heating generates a very important function.

  Since the upper and lower ends of the windbreaker 92 are open, when the water level rises, the water passes through the lower open end of the windbreaker 92 and there is water between the insulating layer 87 and the windbreaker 92. It becomes a state. Therefore, water comes up to the height (L1) of the thermistor 82, and heat due to the self-heating of the thermistor 82 escapes to the water through the insulating layer 87, and the thermistor 82 is cooled, thereby reducing the temperature of the thermistor 82. The detection of water, that is, the water level can be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the temperature detecting means 84 using the second thermistor 83 is provided at substantially the same height L1 as the thermistor 82, and the periphery of the second thermistor 83 is covered with a resin insulating layer 97. In addition, electrical insulation between the terminals 100 and 101 drawn from the lead wire 98 with insulation coating and the surrounding water is ensured.

  In the present embodiment, since the second thermistor 83 is used at a current value such that self-heating is almost negligible, it is necessary to use a resin material with particularly high heat resistance for the insulating layer 97. There is no.

  FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram of the detection circuit 110 to which the thermistor 82 of the water level detection means 81 and the temperature detection means 84 using the second thermistor 83 are connected. The thermistor 82 is connected by a connector 111 to a 250 ohm resistor 112 and an NPN transistor 113.

  The upper terminal of the resistor 112 is connected to a DC power supply 114 of 12 V, and the microcomputer 115 supplies current to the thermistor 82 from the resistor 112 in a state where the transistor 113 is turned on when the output Q becomes High. The thermistor 82 is configured to cause sufficient self-heating.

  In the present embodiment, when the output Q of the microcomputer 115 is low and the transistor 113 is turned off, an overvoltage is generated due to an inductance existing in the wiring of the thermistor 82 and is applied between the collector and emitter of the transistor 113. A diode 116 is also provided to prevent this. The resistor 117 and the capacitor 118 act as a filter circuit to remove a noise component from the voltage of the thermistor 82, and obtain an analog voltage V1 without noise.

  The comparators 120, 121, 122, 123, and 124 compare the analog voltage V <b> 1 and the respective threshold voltages, and output high and low signals to the microcomputer 115. The DC power supplies 125, 126, and 127 input voltages of 6V, 5V, and 4.5V to the comparators 120, 121, and 122 for comparison.

  The resistors 128, 129, and 130 divide the 12 V DC power supply 114, and input the divided voltages of 11 V and 1 V to the comparators 123 and 124. The 5V DC power supply 131 works as a power supply for the microcomputer 115 and the like. The output terminals of the open collectors of the comparators 120, 121, and 122 are connected to the 5V DC power supply 131 by resistors 133, 134, and 135, respectively, and are connected to the input terminals D1, D2, and D3 of the microcomputer 115.

  The open collector output terminals of the comparators 123 and 124 are connected to each other, and are connected to a 5V DC power supply 131 by a resistor 136 so that a so-called WIRED-OR signal is input to the E terminal of the microcomputer 115. . The second thermistor 83 is connected to the 5 V DC power supply 131 via the connector 138 by a resistor 139 of 3.92 kilohms. The value of the current flowing through the second thermistor 83 is considerably larger than that of the thermistor 82. Therefore, the self-heating is a low value of about 1 mW, and the temperature rise of the second thermistor 83 due to the self-heating is set so as to be almost negligible.

  As for the voltage of the second thermistor 83, the analog voltage value is read at the A terminal of the microcomputer 115 through the filter circuit by the resistor 140 and the capacitor 141 for obtaining the analog voltage V <b> 2 having no noise influence, and is digitally generated inside the microcomputer 115. The data is converted into a value and further converted into temperature data by an internal program.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing the operating characteristics of the water level detection means 81, where the vertical axis represents the analog voltage V 1 and the horizontal axis represents the temperature, but the temperature by the temperature detection means 84 using the second thermistor 83. It is treated as equivalent to the detected value.

  The broken line O is the positive input terminal voltage of the comparator 123, the broken line S is the negative input terminal voltage of the comparator 124, and W and A indicated by the solid line are stable when the thermistor 82 is in the air and in the water, respectively. The characteristics of the temperature and the analog voltage V1 are shown.

  Further, the stair-like broken line is a threshold value for V1, and in this embodiment, when the detection voltage of the temperature detection means 84 is 20 degrees Celsius or less, the voltage 6V of the DC power supply 125 is effective, and the microcomputer Uses D1 to determine water and air. When the detection voltage of the temperature detection means 84 is 40 degrees Celsius or higher, the voltage 4.5 V of the DC power supply 127 is valid, and the microcomputer is assumed to cause determination of water and air by D3. When the detection voltage of the temperature detection means 84 is in the range of 20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius, the voltage 5 V of the DC power supply 126 is valid, and the microcomputer causes the determination of water and air by D2.

  In any temperature condition, when V1 is higher than the threshold value, the terminals that become effective corresponding to each temperature from D1 to D3 are Low and the thermistor 82 is submerged in water, that is, the water level. Is raised to the position of the thermistor 82, and the operation of the compressor 45 of the dehumidifying means 50 is stopped.

  Therefore, the operation of the dehumidifying means 50 is stopped when the signal from the thermistor 82 is within a predetermined range (that is, above the threshold). In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the thresholds for determining whether or not the signal V1 from the thermistor 82 is within a predetermined range based on the output of the temperature detection means 84 are 6V, 5V, and 4.5V. Since it is configured to vary in three stages, water and air are accurately determined in the temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C, and it is possible to know accurately whether the water level has reached the thermistor 82. become able to.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermistor 82 and the second thermistor 83 of the temperature detecting means 84 are provided side by side at substantially the same height L1, so that when the water level rises, the water It becomes soaked and accurate determination is possible.

  However, even when it is provided in a state where there is a slight difference in height, at least in the stage where the water level has risen until both the thermistor 82 and the temperature detecting means 84 are immersed in water, Detectable. When the signal V1 from the thermistor 82 exceeds the threshold value 11V indicated by the broken line O, the signal value from the normal thermistor 82 is impossible, and the thermistor 82 element itself is disconnected. It is considered that an abnormality such as whether or not the connector 111 is inserted has occurred.

  Further, when the signal V1 from the thermistor 82 is equal to or less than the threshold value 1V indicated by the broken line S, the signal value from the normal thermistor 82 is also an impossible value, and the thermistor element fails and is short-circuited. It may be. In the present embodiment, when it is higher than O and lower than S, it is determined that both are outside the normal range of the thermistor 82 and the operation of the dehumidifying means 50 is stopped.

  Therefore, the failure of the thermistor 82 is not used as it is, and the subsequent secondary failure, leakage, electric shock, etc. can be prevented in advance.

  In the present embodiment, since the outputs of the comparators 123 and 124 are connected in common, the E terminal of the microcomputer 115 becomes Low regardless of whether the output is higher than O or lower than S, and the thermistor 82 is abnormal. Is determined, and the dehumidifying means 50 is stopped. When it is desired to separate whether it is a disconnection or a short circuit, it can be separated by referring to any of D1 to D3. For example, when D1 is Low, it is disconnected, and when D1 is High It can be determined that there is a short circuit abnormality.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a three-stage range is used for the detection output of the temperature detection unit 84, and the thresholds corresponding to the ranges are set to the DC power supplies 125, 126, 127, the comparators 120, 121, 122, which is realized in a stepped form of 6V, 5V, and 4.5V, but is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, a port to which an analog voltage of the microcomputer 115 can be input is used. The corresponding voltage may be read as an analog voltage and compared with a digital threshold value corresponding to the temperature detecting means 84 by a program in the microcomputer 115.

  In that case, for example, the threshold value can be set with a curve such as a two-dot chain line T in FIG. 4, and a fairly smooth curve can be realized depending on how the program is assembled. It is also possible to make it more stable over the entire temperature range.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value is changed by the detection output of the temperature detection unit 84. For example, the output of the thermistor 82 is subjected to calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and division by the output signal obtained from the temperature detection unit 84. It is also possible to make a correction, compare the magnitude relationship with the predetermined threshold value with respect to the corrected value, and determine whether or not the water level has reached the thermistor 82. Even if the method of outputting whether or not the water level has been reached as a function of the two inputs of the output from the temperature detection means 84 and the output from the temperature detection means 84, the same effect can be obtained, which is within the scope of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the thermistor 82 having self-heating, a temperature detecting means 84 is provided to detect the ambient temperature of the thermistor 82. However, by changing the magnitude of the current flowing through the thermistor 82, It is also possible to switch the magnitude of self-heating of the thermistor 82. The ambient temperature is detected during a period in which the temperature rise of the thermistor 82 due to self-heating is negligible, and the threshold value is determined based on the detected value. You may compare with the analog voltage value in the state with self-heating.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water level detecting means and the temperature detecting means of the washing / drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a Teflon (registered trademark) tube 85 having a 3 mm outer diameter and excellent heat resistance around the thermistor 82 and a filling material using heat resistant resin injected from both upper and lower ends of the tube 85 are used. The windbreaker 148 that covers the insulating layer 87 is formed in a substantially box shape having an opening on the bottom surface.

  It should be noted that the terminals 88 and 89 of the thermistor 82 are drawn from the lead wire 90 with insulation coating, and can maintain electrical insulation with water even when the water level rises and becomes submerged in water. This is the same as the first embodiment. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, the windproof body 148 having a resin box shape has an open bottom surface, so that the surroundings of the thermistor 82 caused by the air blowing means 52 are relatively simple. When the temperature rises to the water level L, the thermistor 82 contacts the water almost simultaneously with the temperature detection means 84 provided at substantially the same height, and water is detected.

  In the present embodiment, the substantially box-shaped windbreaker 148 is not provided with a hole or the like for escaping air, but as the water level rises, the air pressure of the windbreaker 148 increases, In the case where the water level rise is remarkably suppressed and the water level does not easily rise to the height of the thermistor 82, for example, a hole for allowing air to escape may be provided on the top surface of the windbreaker 148 or in the vicinity thereof.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the water level detecting means and the temperature detecting means of the washing / drying machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram of the fan speed of the air blowing means of the washing / drying machine, and the water level detection. It is a waveform diagram of the output voltage of the means.

  The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration around the thermistor 82, the timing for determining the presence or absence of water by the microcomputer 115, and the manner of controlling the air blowing means 52. Since the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 6, the thermistor 82 is composed of a Teflon (registered trademark) tube 85 having an outer diameter of 3 mm and excellent in insulation and heat resistance, and a filler 86 using a heat resistant resin injected from the upper and lower ends of the tube 85. Even if the terminals 88 and 89 of the thermistor 82 are pulled out from the lead wire 90 with insulation coating and the water level rises and becomes submerged in the water, The structure of this portion is the same as that of the first embodiment, but no windbreaker or the like is provided on the outside thereof.

  The temperature detecting means 149 in the present embodiment is composed of a second thermistor 150, and the second thermistor 150 is Teflon (registered trademark) having an outer diameter of 3 mm and excellent in insulation and heat resistance, just like the thermistor 82. ) Tube 151 and an insulating layer 153 composed of a filler 152 using heat-resistant resin injected from the upper and lower ends of the tube 151 in the periphery, and the terminals 155 and 156 of the second thermistor 150 are provided with insulating coatings. Even when the lead wire 154 is pulled out and the water level rises and becomes submerged in water, electrical insulation with water can be maintained. The thermistor 82 and the second thermistor 150 are arranged to have substantially the same height (L2 in the figure).

  In FIG. 7, the fan speed of the blowing means 52 at the time of drying is normally operated at a speed of 5500 revolutions per minute in order to effectively send moist air from the washing tub 42 to the dehumidifying means 50.

  However, in this state, the thermistor 82 in the air is cooled by the wind, and the element temperature tends to decrease, and as a result, the analog voltage V1 from the thermistor 82 rises to about 5V. At time t1, when the operation of the air blowing means 52 is stopped, the fan speed is reduced to zero, and there is almost no wind hitting the thermistor 82. Increases and the resistance value decreases, so that the analog voltage V1 from the thermistor 82 decreases and reaches 3.5V, which is a substantially stable state, at t2. Here, since the microcomputer 115 is at 35 degrees Celsius, it reads the High signal at the input terminal of D2, and determines that the water level has not reached the thermistor 82.

  That is, the water level detection means 81 is not connected to the thermistor 82 during the period when the fan speed of the blower 52 is completely zero, not during the period when the speed of the blower 52 is 5500 revolutions per minute and the capacity is maximum. The electric current for causing the self-heating is supplied, so that the water level is detected. At time t3, the air blowing means 52 is operated again and the drying operation is continued.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the windbreaker is not provided around the thermistor 82 having self-heating, the operation of the air blowing means 52 is stopped, the fan capacity is reduced to zero, and the thermistor 82 is caused by the wind. By taking the state of not being cooled, it is possible to detect the presence / absence of water with high accuracy without the influence of wind, although there is a slight time delay.

  In the present embodiment, when the water level rises to L2 and both the thermistor 82 and the second thermistor 150 are in contact with water, water is detected by the same operation as in the first embodiment. It becomes possible.

  Further, the temperature of the thermistor 82 is the highest in the period including t1 to t3 while providing a period in which the capability of the blowing means 52 is temporarily suppressed while self-heating the thermistor 82 as shown from t1 to t3 in FIG. A value at the time of rising to the value, that is, a value at the time when the resistance value becomes the lowest is adopted, and the value is used to determine whether or not the water level of the condensed water has reached the thermistor 82. May be.

  With such a detection method, the timing is not limited to one timing such as the time t2, so even if the maximum temperature of the thermistor 82 changes to some extent, it is not affected by the wind by the air blowing means 52. Thus, it is possible to accurately and reliably detect the water level of the dew condensation water.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the water level is detected in a state where the air blowing means 52 is completely stopped and the fan speed is zero, but in such a range that the influence of the wind does not become a problem. The configuration of the first embodiment may be such that the performance of the air blowing means 52 may be reduced, such as by reducing the fan speed, or a windbreaker is provided to prevent some wind from hitting the thermistor 82. It may be used in combination.

  Even in such a case, the water level detection means 81 is effective in that the water level is detected during a period in which the capacity of the blowing means 52 is lower than the maximum period in which the capacity of the air blowing means 52 is 5500 revolutions per minute. be able to. Further, in the state where the ability of the air blowing means 52 is not reduced, the water level cannot be detected by the thermistor 82. Therefore, the current of the thermistor 82 may be made zero or reduced.

  When the current of the thermistor 82 is decreased, the influence of the temperature rise due to the self-heating of the thermistor 82 can be neglected. In this state, the ambient temperature of the thermistor 82 is detected and the threshold value is detected. May be set. In the present embodiment, the thermistor 82 and the second thermistor 150 may be the same, so the types of parts when assembling the washer / dryer are reduced, parts management is facilitated, and erroneous Manufacturing advantages such as prevention of assembly can also be achieved.

  In addition, since there is no mechanically movable part such as a float that has been generally used as a water level detection means, it is also excellent in terms of reliability. Although considerable vibration may occur at times, it is possible to detect water level properly even under such vibration conditions, and when vibration is applied, play of the mechanically movable parts will occur. Since noise caused by the cause can also be prevented, there is an effect that a quiet washing and drying machine can be obtained.

  In addition, as a means for detecting the presence or absence of water, there is a configuration in which two conventional electrodes are provided and the electrical resistance value between them is measured, and when it is low, it is determined that there is water between the electrodes, but in particular, washing and drying In the machine, the water coming out from the dehumidifying means 50 has a high electrical resistance equivalent to that of distilled water, and it is difficult to accurately determine the presence / absence of water. In the embodiment, since the thermistor 82 having self-heating is used, the presence / absence of water is accurately determined regardless of the electrical resistance value of the water to be detected including the washing water overflowing from the washing tub 42. can do.

  In addition, since it is possible to electrically insulate from the terminals 88 and 89 with a simple configuration in which the insulating layer 87 is provided, for example, a conventional configuration in which the presence of water between electrodes is measured by a change in electrical resistance value. Since a structure having higher safety than that of the apparatus can be easily realized, the present invention is particularly effective for a washing / drying machine that is often operated directly by a user with wet hands.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the rotating shaft 43 of the rotating drum 42a is horizontally arranged. However, the rotating shaft 43 is not necessarily limited to the horizontal rotating shaft 43. For example, the rotating shaft 43 rotates at the time of dehydration on a vertical shaft generally called a vertical shape. A rotating drum 43 or a rotating shaft 43 that is inclined by about 20 to 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal so that clothes can be easily taken in and out of the rotating drum 42a. In addition, for example, another mechanical component such as a pulsator may be further added so that effective washing can be performed at the time of washing.

  As described above, the washing and drying machine according to the present invention has an inexpensive configuration, and even if the drainage path is somewhat complicated, it prevents breakdown, malfunction, and overflow due to submersion of the parts constituting the washing and drying machine, and The installation location is highly reliable and can be applied to an air conditioner having a dehumidifying means, a dehumidifier, and various devices handling liquids.

Schematic sectional view of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Enlarged sectional view of the water level detection means and temperature detection means of the washing and drying machine Circuit diagram of the water level detection means Characteristics of the water level detection means Sectional drawing of the water level detection means and temperature detection means of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention Sectional drawing of the water level detection means and temperature detection means of the washing and drying machine in Embodiment 3 of this invention (A) Waveform diagram of fan speed of blowing means of the washing and drying machine (A) Waveform diagram of output voltage of the water level detecting means Cross-sectional view of a conventional washing and drying machine

Explanation of symbols

41 clothing 42 washing tub 42a rotating drum 44 motor 45 compressor 46 first heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
47 Second heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
49 Heat pump cycle 50 Dehumidifying means 52 Air blowing means 78 Overflow pipe 81 Water level detecting means 82 Thermistor 84, 149 Temperature detecting means 92 Windproof body

Claims (11)

A washing tub for storing clothes and washing and drying the garment, a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying damp air when the clothes are dried, a blower means for sending the air in the washing tub to the dehumidifying means, and the dehumidifying means A washing / drying machine comprising a water level detection means for detecting the level of condensed water generated by the means, and using a thermistor having a self-heating characteristic as the water level detection means. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the water level detecting means detects the water level of the condensed water mixed with the washing water leaked from the washing tub. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising temperature detection means for detecting a temperature around the water level detection means. The water level detecting means has a windproof body for reducing the influence of wind on the thermistor by the air blowing means, and the windproof body is formed so that condensed water can enter the periphery of the thermistor. The washing dryer according to any one of the above. The washing / drying machine according to claim 4, wherein the windbreak body has an upper and lower openings and a substantially tubular shape. The washing / drying machine according to claim 4, wherein the windbreak body has an opening on the bottom surface and has a substantially box shape. The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the blowing capacity of the blowing means is changed. The washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the dehumidifying means is constituted by a heat pump cycle including a compressor and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is composed of a first heat exchanger that absorbs heat and a second heat exchanger that generates heat, and temperature detection means is provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The washing / drying machine according to claim 8. The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the temperature detection means is provided at substantially the same height as the thermistor of the water level detection means. The laundry dryer according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the operation of the compressor is stopped when dew condensation water is detected by the water level detection means.

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