JP2009022346A - Drum type washing/drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent impairment of the drying capability which is caused by clogging of a lint filter in a drum type washing/drying machine having the lint filter for capturing lint in air discharged from a water tub. <P>SOLUTION: The washing/drying machine includes a water level sensor 43 for detecting pressure inside the water tub 8, and a control device for detecting clogging of the lint filter 34 based on the pressure detected by the water level sensor 43 in the drying step and announcing that the lint filter 34 is clogged. When the lint filter 34 is clogged, air is not easily discharged from the water tub 8, and the pressure increased thereby is detected by the water level sensor 43. The control device detects clogging of the lint filter 34 based on the detected pressure, and announces the detected clogging. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum-type washing and drying machine configured to capture lint in air exhausted from a water tank by a lint filter.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is provided a drum-type washing and drying machine provided with an air supply / exhaust path for supplying and exhausting warm air into a water tank during a drying process and a washing water circulation path for circulating washing water within the water tank during a washing process. . In this type of drum type washer / dryer, the air circulating in the air supply / exhaust passage and the washing water circulating in the washing water circulation passage include lint discharged from clothing. Therefore, a lint filter for capturing such lint is provided in the circulation path.

In this case, if the drying process or the washing process is repeatedly performed without cleaning the lint filter, the lint gradually accumulates on the lint filter, causing clogging. As a result, the circulating air flow rate during the drying process or the circulating water amount during the washing process decreases, which may cause a decrease in drying performance or washing performance.
Therefore, for example, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a water pressure sensor that detects the water pressure of the washing water circulating in the washing water circulation path, and the degree of clogging of the lint filter is determined based on the water pressure detected by the water pressure sensor. I try to figure it out.
JP 2006-141825 A

  According to the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, by appropriately cleaning the lint filter in accordance with the grasped degree of clogging, the amount of circulating water during the washing process can be appropriately maintained, and the washing performance is deteriorated. Can be prevented. However, even if such a water pressure sensor is used as a sensor for grasping the degree of clogging of the lint filter provided in the air supply / exhaust path, the water pressure sensor is connected to the washing water circulation path and the drying process is performed. Sometimes washing water is drained from the tank. Therefore, in such a state (a state where washing water is not stored in the water tank), the circulating air flow rate in the air supply / exhaust path cannot be detected. Therefore, the degree of clogging of the lint filter provided in the air supply / exhaust path cannot be grasped, and a decrease in drying performance cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a lint filter that captures lint in air exhausted from a water tank, and to prevent a decrease in drying performance due to clogging of the lint filter. An object of the present invention is to provide a drum-type washing / drying machine that can perform the above-described operation.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the drum type washing and drying machine of the present invention has a water tank disposed in an outer box and capable of storing water therein, and a hole through which water and air can be passed. The drum is rotatably arranged in a substantially horizontal state, and is provided so as to be sealed in a state of communicating with the inside of the water tank outside the water tank and communicating with the inside of the water tank. The heated air is blown into the water tank, and air that has evaporated moisture from the clothes in the drum is exhausted from the water tank, and the air exhausted from the water tank is provided on the water supply / exhaust path. A drum-type washing and drying machine provided with a lint filter that captures lint contained in the air tank, air pressure detection means for detecting air pressure in the water tank, and air pressure detection means detected during the drying process. Clogging detection means for detecting clogging of the lint filter based on an increase in air pressure to a predetermined value or more, and notification means for notifying that the lint filter is clogged. And

According to the drum type washing / drying machine of the present invention, when the lint filter is clogged, it becomes difficult to exhaust air from the water tank, and the air pressure in the water tank that has risen along with this is detected by the air pressure detecting means. The clogging detection means detects clogging of the lint filter based on an increase in the air pressure detected by the air pressure detection means during the drying process to a predetermined value or more, and the notification means clogs the lint filter. Notify that it is in a state.
As a result, it is possible to grasp the degree of clogging of the lint filter in a device equipped with a lint filter that captures lint in the air exhausted from the water tank. Can be maintained appropriately, and a decrease in drying performance due to clogging of the lint filter can be prevented.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a drum-type washing and drying machine. In FIG. 1, an outer box 1 forming an outer shell of a washing and drying machine has a laundry doorway 2 on the front side (left side in FIG. 1), and a base plate having support legs 3 on the bottom. 4 is provided. A door 5 that opens and closes the laundry doorway 2 is rotatably provided at the front central portion of the outer box 1, and an operation panel 6 is provided at the upper front of the outer box 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 6 is provided with an operation unit 6a and a liquid crystal display unit 6b including an operation dial, a driving course button, a power switch and the like. Various information such as the remaining time of the drying process (see FIG. 2A) and an error display described later (see FIG. 2B) are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 6b.

A water tank 8 that is elastically supported by a plurality of suspensions 7 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) and can store water therein is disposed in the outer box 1, and a drum 9 is placed in the water tank 8. It is provided so as to be rotatable.
The water tank 8 has a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface, and the axis of the water tank 8 has a horizontal axis whose front-rear direction is the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1), and is disposed in an upwardly inclined state. A tank cover 10 having an annular shape as viewed from the front side (left side in FIG. 1) is attached to the front portion of the water tank 8, and a circular opening 10 a is formed at the center of the tank cover 10. . The tank cover 10 constitutes a part of the water tank 8. A flexible bellows 11 is provided in a watertight manner between the peripheral edge of the opening 10a and the laundry entrance 2 so as to prevent water from splashing from the water tank 8 to the outside. Yes.

  Similarly to the water tank 8, the drum 9 has a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface. The drum 9 has a horizontal axis whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction, and is arranged in a tilted state where it rises forward. A number of holes 12 through which water and air can flow are formed in the peripheral wall (body portion) of the drum 9, and a plurality of baffles 13 are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall. A rotary balancer 14 having a liquid-filled annular shape is provided at the front portion of the drum 9 and has a circular opening 15. The opening 15 faces the laundry entrance 2 of the outer box 1 through the opening 10 a of the water tank 8. Clothes (laundry) thrown in from the laundry entrance 2 are accommodated in the drum 9. A plurality of hot air inlets 16 are formed on the rear surface of the drum 9.

  A washing machine motor 17 is provided on the back side of the water tub 8, and a rotating shaft 17 a of the washing machine motor 17 is connected to the rear surface portion of the drum 9. The drum 9 is directly rotated by the washing machine motor 17. In this case, the washing machine motor 17 is constituted by an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. A drain port (not shown) is formed at the bottom of the bottom of the water tank 8, a drain valve 18 is connected to the drain port, and a drain hose 19 is connected to the drain valve 18. The water in the water tank 8 is discharged from the machine through the drain hose 19 through the drain hose 19 by opening the drain valve 18.

  A blower duct 20 is disposed on the base plate 4 below the water tank 8. A fan casing 22 of the blower 21 is connected to the rear part of the blower duct 20. The discharge port 23 of the fan casing 22 is connected to an air supply duct 25 via a connection hose 24 having a bellows shape. The air supply duct 25 is arranged on the back side of the water tub 8 so as to bypass the left side of the washing machine motor 17. The upper part of the air supply duct 25 communicates with the inside of the water tank 8 through a rear vent 26 formed in the rear surface part of the water tank 8. The blower 21 is configured to rotationally drive a blower blade 27 formed of a centrifugal fan disposed in the fan casing 22 by a fan motor 28 provided outside the fan casing 22.

  The blower duct 20 has a front inlet 29 at the front, and is connected to the exhaust duct 31 via a connection hose 30 having a bellows shape. Here, the exhaust duct 31, the connection hose 30, the blower duct 20, the fan casing 22, the connection hose 24, and the air supply duct 25 are connected to the water tank 8 so as to be in a substantially sealed state. A path 32 is configured.

  A filter installation portion 33 is provided in the vicinity of the front inlet 29 of the air duct 20 on the air supply / exhaust path 32, and the filter installation portion 33 receives lint contained in the air exhausted from the water tank 8. A lint filter 34 to be captured is detachably installed. The lint filter 34 can be taken in and out through a filter entrance 35 provided at the lower portion of the outer box 1.

  In the air supply / exhaust path 32, an evaporator 36 is disposed at the front and a condenser 37 is disposed at the rear in the air duct 20. The evaporator 36 and the condenser 37 are not shown in detail, but are configured by arranging a large number of heat transfer fins at a fine pitch on the refrigerant distribution pipe, and are excellent in heat exchange. Wind flowing through the air duct 20 passes between the heat transfer fins. The evaporator 36 and the condenser 37 constitute a heat pump 39 together with a compressor 38 (see FIG. 3) and a throttle valve (not shown). In the heat pump 39, the compressor 38, the condenser 37, the throttle valve, and the evaporator 36 are cycle-connected in this order by a connection pipe (refrigeration cycle), and the refrigerant is circulated by operating the compressor 38. It is like that.

  Here, when the compressor 38 of the heat pump 39 is operated, the refrigerant sealed in the heat pump 39 is compressed to become a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows into the condenser 37, Exchange heat with air. As a result, the air in the air duct 20 is heated in the condenser 37, and conversely, the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant passes through the throttle valve and is depressurized, and then flows into the evaporator 36 and vaporizes. Thereby, the evaporator 36 cools the air in the ventilation duct 20. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 36 is returned to the compressor 38. During the drying process described later, the condenser 37 of the heat pump 39 functions as a heating unit, and the evaporator 36 functions as a dehumidifying unit.

  When the fan motor 28 of the blower 21 is operated, the air in the air duct 20 is sucked into the fan casing 22 as shown by the arrow B in FIG. The sucked air is supplied from the discharge port 23 through the connection hose 24 and the air supply duct 25 into the water tank 8 from the rear vent 26. At this time, the air in the air duct 20 is heated and warmed in the process of passing through the condenser 37, so that warm air is blown into the water tank 8. The hot air supplied into the water tank 8 is supplied into the drum 9 mainly from the hot air inlet 16 at the rear part of the drum 9 and the hole 12 of the drum 9. The warm air supplied into the drum 9 flows from the rear part toward the front part in the drum 9, and in this process, it contacts with the clothes in the drum 9 to evaporate moisture.

The air in which moisture is evaporated from the clothing flows from the front vent 40 of the water tank 8 into the exhaust duct 31, passes through the connection hose 30, the front inlet 29, and the lint filter 34, and is returned to the blower duct 20. The air returned into the air duct 20 is cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator 36. The dehumidified air is heated again in the condenser 37 to be warmed and supplied to the water tank 8 through the air supply duct 25 again. By repeating this, the clothes are dried.
In this way, the air supply / exhaust path 32 blows air (warm air) heated by the condenser 37 into the water tank 8 and blows moisture from the clothes in the drum 9 by the blowing action of the blower 21 (blower blade 27). The evaporated air is exhausted from the water tank 8.

  A pressure vessel 41 that communicates with the bottom of the water tub 8 and has a space from the bottom to the back of the water tub 8 is provided at the rearmost portion of the water tub 8. The pressure vessel 41 includes an air tube 42. A water level sensor 43 (corresponding to an air pressure detecting means and a pressure sensor) is connected to the sensor. The water level sensor 43 detects the air pressure in the pressure vessel 41 that changes according to the amount of water in the water tank 8 during the washing process and the rinsing process (a state in which the water is filled in the pressure container 41). Thus, the water level in the water tank 8 (drum 9) is detected. Further, during the drying process (in a state where the pressure vessel 41 is not filled with water and the water tank 8 and the pressure vessel 41 communicate with each other), the air pressure in the pressure vessel 41 is changed to the pressure in the water tank 8 (air pressure). Functions as a pressure sensor (air pressure sensor).

  An air trap 44 communicating with the air supply / exhaust path 32 is provided on the back of the air supply duct 25 in the air supply / exhaust path 32, and a bubble sensor 46 (air pressure detection) is connected to the air trap 44 via an air tube 45. Means, corresponding to a pressure sensor). If bubbles generated in the water tank 8 enter the air supply / exhaust path 32 and become excessive, the air pressure in the air supply / exhaust path 32 increases accordingly. The foam sensor 46 is provided in the air supply / exhaust path 32 (air trap) that changes according to the amount of foam that enters the air supply / exhaust path 32 during the washing process and the dewatering process (a state in which bubbles are likely to be generated in the water tank 8). 44), bubbles entering the air supply / exhaust path 32 are detected. Further, during the drying process (in the state where bubbles are hardly generated in the water tank 8 and the water tank 8 and the air supply / exhaust path 32 are in communication), a pressure sensor that detects the air pressure in the air supply / exhaust path 32 as the pressure in the water tank 8. Function as.

  A control device 49 (see FIG. 3) including a power supply system control unit 47 and a display system control unit 48 necessary for controlling the washing / drying machine is provided in the upper part of the outer box 1 for supplying water into the water tank 8. A water supply valve 50, a water supply case 51, and a water supply hose 52 are provided.

Next, the electrical configuration of the drum type washing and drying machine will be described with reference to FIG.
The control device 49 (corresponding to clogging detection means and notification means) includes an operation unit 6a, a liquid crystal display unit 6b, a washing machine motor 17, a drain valve 18, a fan motor 28, a compressor 38, a water level sensor 43, and a foam sensor 46. The water supply valve 50, the memory 57, etc. are connected, and various information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 6b based on input signals from the liquid crystal display unit 6b, the water level sensor 43, the foam sensor 46, etc. The driving of the motor 17, the fan motor 28, the compressor 38, the water supply valve 50, the drain valve 18 and the like is controlled.

Next, the internal configuration and characteristics of the water level sensor 43 and the foam sensor 46 described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
Both of the water level sensor 43 and the bubble sensor 46 have the same configuration as shown in FIG. That is, a diaphragm 54 made of a thin soft rubber 54 a and a thick hard rubber 54 b is provided inside the sealed main body case 53, and a magnet 55 is fixed to a substantially central portion of the diaphragm 54. A coil 56 is fixed inside the main body case 53, and this coil 56 is connected to a control device 49. When the diaphragm 54 receives the pressure in the water tank 8 (see arrow C in FIG. 4) and moves, the position of the magnet 55 with respect to the coil 56 changes, and the frequency (transmitting frequency) generated in the coil 56 changes accordingly. . The control device 49 detects a change in pressure in the water tank 8 based on a change in frequency generated in the coil 56.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the water level sensor 43 (see solid line a) and the bubble sensor 46 (see solid line b) have characteristics that the output frequency (output frequency) decreases as the pressure in the water tank 8 increases. Have. In addition, the water level sensor 43 has a gentle change in output frequency with respect to a change in pressure in the water tank 8 and a wide range of pressure in the water tank 8 that can be measured. In contrast, the bubble sensor 46 has a sudden change in output frequency with respect to a change in pressure in the water tank 8, and the sensitivity is good, but the range of pressure in the water tank 8 that can be measured is narrow.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
In the above-described drum type washing and drying machine, when a standard operation course is selected and set in a state where clothes are stored in the drum 9, the water supply valve 50 is controlled by the control unit 47 of the control device 49 as is well known. Further, by controlling the drain valve 18, the washing machine motor 17, the fan motor 28, the compressor 38, etc., the washing process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process, the final dehydration process, and the drying process are automatically performed.
In the drying process, the control device 49 operates the fan motor 28 of the blower 21 and the compressor 38 of the heat pump 39 while rotating the drum 9 in both forward and reverse directions at a low speed by the washing machine motor 17. Is called.

  Of these, as the drum 9 is rotated in both forward and reverse directions at low speed, the clothes in the drum 9 are repeatedly lifted by the baffle 13 and dropped. In addition, air (hot air) heated by the condenser 37 is blown into the water tank 8 by the air blowing action of the blower 21, and air deprived of moisture from the clothes in the drum 9 is supplied and exhausted from the water tank 8 to the air supply / exhaust path 32 ( It is exhausted to the exhaust duct 31). The air exhausted into the air supply / exhaust path 32 passes through the connection hose 30, the front inlet 29, and the lint filter 34, and is returned to the air duct 20.

  In this process, lint generated from the clothing is captured by the lint filter 34. In this case, if the lint gradually accumulates on the lint filter 34 to cause clogging, the air flow rate (circulation air flow rate) circulating in the air supply / exhaust path 32 during the drying process is decreased, which may cause a decrease in drying performance. There is.

  The control device 49 detects the pressure in the water tank 8 from the frequency (output frequency) output from the water level sensor 43 during the drying process, and the detected pressure in the water tank 8 and a preset clogging judgment reference value ( The clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected by comparing the pressure value in the water tank 8 in a state where the clogging should be notified. In this case, as a state where clogging should be notified, for example, a state is assumed in which the drying time is extended by several tens of percent due to a decrease in circulating air flow rate (air volume) due to clogging of the lint filter 34.

  Next, a method for detecting this clogging will be described. As the amount of lint accumulation increases and the degree of clogging of the lint filter 34 increases, the flow resistance in the air supply / exhaust path 32 increases and the circulating air flow rate tends to decrease. And since the air becomes difficult to be exhausted from the water tank 8, the pressure in the water tank 8 tends to increase.

  When the output frequency (absolute value of the output frequency) from the water level sensor 43 during the drying process is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 49 causes the pressure in the water tank 8 to be greater than the clogging judgment reference value. It is determined that the lint filter 34 is clogged (clogging detection means). When the clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected, the control device 49 displays an error display [E: F] on the liquid crystal display unit 6b as shown in FIG. 2B, and the lint filter 34 is clogged. It is informed that it is in a state (notifying means). In the error display [E: F], the portion “E” indicates that an error has occurred. Further, “F” indicates the type of error, and in this case, “F” indicating that the lint filter 34 is clogged is displayed.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
When clogging occurs in the lint filter 34, it becomes difficult for air to be exhausted from the water tank 8, and the pressure in the water tank 8 that has risen along with this is detected by the water level sensor 43. Then, the control device 49 detects clogging of the lint filter 34 based on the fact that the pressure in the water tank 8 detected by the water level sensor 43 during the drying process has increased to a predetermined value (clogging judgment reference value) or more. The liquid crystal display unit 6b is notified that the lint filter 34 is clogged.

Thereby, in the thing provided with the lint filter 34 which captures the lint in the air exhausted from the water tank 8, since the clogging degree of the lint filter 34 can be grasped, the user can appropriately clean the lint filter 34, etc. The flow rate of the circulating air in the air supply / exhaust path 32 during the drying process can be appropriately maintained, and a decrease in drying performance due to clogging of the lint filter 34 can be prevented.
Further, the clogging of the lint filter 34 can be detected using the existing water level sensor 43, and there is no need to newly provide a pressure sensor for detecting clogging.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the following points.

That is, the control device 49 compares the pressure in the water tank 8 detected by the bubble sensor 46 instead of the water level sensor 43 during the drying process with the clogging determination reference value, and the pressure in the water tank 8 is compared with the clogging determination reference value. Is also larger (when it is higher than a predetermined value), the clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected. When the clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected, the control device 49 displays an error display [E: F] on the liquid crystal display unit 6b to notify that the lint filter 34 is clogged.
According to this embodiment, clogging of the lint filter 34 can be detected using the existing bubble sensor 46, and there is no need to newly provide a pressure sensor for detecting clogging.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
That is, the control device 49 selects either the pressure in the water tank 8 detected by the water level sensor 43 or the pressure in the water tank 8 detected by the foam sensor 46 during the drying process according to a predetermined condition. When the pressure in the water tank 8 becomes higher than the clogging judgment reference value P (when it rises above a predetermined value), clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected.

  FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the pressure in the water tank 8 (lint accumulation amount) and the amount of change in the output frequency of the water level sensor 43 and the bubble sensor 46. When the rotational speed of the blower 21 is low (for example, 3000 rpm), that is, when the circulating air volume is small and the pressure in the water tank 8 is relatively low, the output frequency of the water level sensor 43 (see thick line c) and the foam sensor 46 The output frequency (see thick broken line d) is the maximum value that can be detected as the performance of each sensor 43, 46 before the pressure in the water tank 8 reaches the clogging judgment reference value P, FIG. 6 shows only the maximum detectable value M of the bubble sensor 46).

  On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the blower 21 is high (for example, 4500 rpm), that is, when the circulating air volume is large and the pressure in the water tank 8 is relatively high, the output frequency of the water level sensor 43 (see solid line e). Does not reach the maximum detectable value (not shown) before the pressure in the water tank 8 reaches the clogging judgment reference value P. However, the output frequency of the bubble sensor 46 (see the broken line f) reaches the maximum detectable value M before the pressure in the water tank 8 reaches the clogging judgment reference value P, and serves as a pressure sensor for clogging detection. Cannot be used.

  Therefore, when the rotation speed of the blower 21 is low and both the water level sensor 43 and the bubble sensor 46 can be used, the control device 49 can detect clogging using the more sensitive bubble sensor 46. It is. On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the blower 21 is high and the bubble sensor 46 cannot be used, it is possible to detect clogging using the water level sensor 43.

  According to such a configuration, for example, when the operation is performed at a low rotational speed of the blower 21 such as a quiet course for drying clothes with low noise at midnight or the like, clogging detection is performed using the bubble sensor 46. On the other hand, when the operation is performed by increasing the rotational speed of the blower 21 such as a speed course for drying clothes in a short time, the water level sensor 43 can be used to detect clogging. Accordingly, both the water level sensor 43 and the bubble sensor 46 can be used properly.

  In addition, the rotational speed (air volume) of the blower 21 may be varied during the drying process. In such a case as well, both the water level sensor 43 and the foam sensor 46 are selectively used according to the varied rotational speed of the blower 21. be able to. For example, when control is performed to increase the rotational speed of the blower 21 just before the end of the drying process (when clothing spreads in the drum 9 and hot air is difficult to reach the entire drum 9), the rotational speed is increased. Until then, clogging is detected using the bubble sensor 46, and after increasing the rotational speed, clogging can be detected using the water level sensor 43. Thereby, according to the rotational speed of the air blower 21, accurate and reliable clogging detection can be performed.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This fourth embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in the following points.
In consideration of the water level sensor 43 and the bubble sensor 46 shown in the above-described embodiments as parts (products), there may be a variation in characteristics in each part in general. FIG. 7 shows frequency characteristics of a water level sensor 43A (see solid line g) as a component and a water level sensor 43B (see solid line h) as a component. The reference value P1 is a pressure value in the water tank 8 when the blower 21 is operated in a state where there is no lint accumulation amount (a reference state), and the clogging determination reference value P2 is an error notification. It is the pressure value in the water tank 8 at the time of power lint deposition.

  When the pressure in the water tank 8 is the reference value P1, the output frequency of the water level sensor 43A is Pa1, while the output frequency of the water level sensor 43B is Pb1. When the pressure in the water tank 8 is the clogging judgment reference value P2, the output frequency of the water level sensor 43A is Pa2, whereas the output frequency of the water level sensor 43B is Pb2.

  Therefore, when the clogging judgment reference value P2 is set based on whether or not the output frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, when set based on the absolute value of the output frequency, it differs depending on the water level sensor used. The clogging determination reference value P2 is set, and an error is notified when the pressure in the water tank 8 is different (a lint accumulation amount).

  On the other hand, the difference in output frequency between when the pressure in the water tank 8 is the reference value P1 and when the pressure is the clogging determination reference value P2 is substantially the same for any of the water level sensors 43A and 43B. That is, the difference ΔPA (ΔPA = Pa1−Pa2) in the output frequency of the water level sensor 43A and the difference ΔPB (ΔPB = Pb1−Pb2) in the output frequency of the water level sensor 43B are substantially equal (ΔPA = ΔPB).

  Therefore, the control device 49 detects the clogging of the lint filter 34 by comparing the difference between the output frequencies with a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the water level sensor 43A is used, when the output frequency difference ΔPA exceeds a predetermined threshold (ΔPA> threshold), the controller 49 displays an error display on the liquid crystal display unit 6b to notify the error.

  The reference value P1 can be set, for example, according to the flow shown in FIG. That is, after assembling the above drum type washing and drying machine as a product, that is, in a state where the lint filter 34 is not clogged, the control device 49 operates the blower 21 (step S1), and the water tank at this time 8 is detected (step S2). And the control apparatus 49 writes and memorize | stores the detected pressure in the water tank 8 in the memory 57 as the reference value P1 (step S3).

  Further, the reference value P1 can be changed. For example, lint accumulates in a portion other than the lint filter 34, and the flow resistance of the air supply / exhaust passage 32 and the state of the circulating air flow have changed compared to the initial value. In this case, the pressure in the water tank 8 in that state can be rewritten as a new reference value P1. When a filter (for example, a pollen filter) having a characteristic different from that of the lint filter 34 is installed, the pressure in the water tank 8 in a state where the pollen filter is not clogged is set to a new reference value P1. Can be rewritten as:

  According to the present embodiment, since the clogging of the lint filter 34 is detected by comparing the difference in the output frequency of the water level sensor 43 with a predetermined threshold value, the variation in the initial characteristics of the water level sensor 43 can be reduced. Clogging can be detected without being affected, and variation in sensitivity of clogging detection can be reduced.

In addition, you may make it compare the difference of the output frequency of the bubble sensor 46 instead of the water level sensor 43 with a predetermined threshold value.
In addition, a setting key that can reset the reference value P1 may be provided. This makes it easy to reset the reference value P1 by operating the setting key when the flow resistance of the air supply / exhaust passage 32 or the state of the circulating air flow rate changes or when the filter is replaced with a different characteristic. Can do.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
As shown in FIG. 9, a pressure sensor 59 (corresponding to air pressure detection means) is connected to the upper part of the water tank 8 via an air tube 58, and the control device 49 detects the water tank 8 detected by the pressure sensor 59 during the drying process. The clogging of the lint filter 34 may be detected based on the internal pressure.

Not only the reference value P1, but also a predetermined threshold value, a clogging determination reference value, and the like can be changed, and are set as appropriate according to the flow resistance of the air supply / exhaust passage 32, the state of the circulating air flow, the characteristics of the filter used, and the like. be able to.
Instead of the condenser 37 of the heat pump 39, an electric heater may be used as the heating means.

1 is a longitudinal side view of a drum type washing and drying machine showing a first embodiment of the present invention. (A), (b) is a front view of the operation panel showing different states Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drum-type washing and drying machine Vertical side view of water level sensor and foam sensor Diagram showing frequency characteristics of water level sensor and bubble sensor The figure which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and shows the relationship between the pressure in a water tank, and the variation | change_quantity of the output frequency of a water level sensor and a bubble sensor. The figure which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention and shows the frequency characteristic of a different water level sensor. Flow chart showing reference value setting procedure FIG. 1 equivalent view according to a modified example

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawing, 8 is a water tank, 9 is a drum, 32 is a supply / exhaust path, 34 is a lint filter, 37 is a condenser (heating means), 41 is a pressure vessel, 43 is a water level sensor (air pressure detection means, pressure sensor), Reference numeral 46 denotes a bubble sensor (air pressure detection means, pressure sensor), 49 denotes a control device (clogging detection means, notification means), and 59 denotes a pressure sensor (air pressure detection means).

Claims (5)

A water tank disposed in the outer box and capable of storing water therein;
A drum having a hole through which water can be passed and ventilated and rotatably arranged in a state of a horizontal axis in the water tank;
Outside the water tank, it is provided so as to be in a sealed state in communication with the inside of the water tank, and air heated by heating means during the drying process is blown into the water tank and moisture is evaporated from the clothes in the drum. Supply and exhaust passage for exhausting the air from the water tank,
In the drum type washer / dryer provided on the air supply / exhaust path and provided with a lint filter that captures lint contained in the air exhausted from the water tank,
Air pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure in the water tank;
Clogging detecting means for detecting clogging of the lint filter based on an increase in air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means during the drying process to a predetermined value or higher;
A drum type washing and drying machine comprising: an informing means for informing that the lint filter is clogged. A pressure vessel in communication with the bottom of the water tank;
A pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure in the pressure vessel as the air pressure detection means,
The pressure sensor is
It is used as a water level sensor that detects the water level in the water tank during the washing process,
The drum type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the drum type washing and drying machine is configured to be used as the air pressure detecting means during the drying process. A pressure sensor provided in the supply / exhaust path for detecting the air pressure in the supply / exhaust path as the air pressure detection means;
The pressure sensor is
It is used as a foam sensor that detects foam that enters the air supply / exhaust path during the washing process and the dehydration process,
The drum type washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the drum type washing and drying machine is configured to be used as the air pressure detecting means during the drying process. A pressure vessel in communication with the bottom of the water tank;
A water level sensor that detects the water level in the water tank during the washing stroke and detects the air pressure in the pressure vessel as the air pressure detection means during the drying stroke;
A bubble sensor that is provided in the supply / exhaust path and detects bubbles in the supply / exhaust path during the washing process and dehydration process, and detects the air pressure in the supply / exhaust path as the air pressure detecting means during the drying process. And
The clogging detection means includes
The drum type laundry dryer according to claim 1, wherein clogging of the lint filter is detected based on a combination of an air pressure detected by the water level sensor and an air pressure detected by the foam sensor. The clogging detection means includes
It is configured to detect clogging of the lint filter by comparing the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means during the drying process with a preset reference value,
The drum type washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference value is changeable.

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