JP2024072302A - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress clogging in a filter, and to secure a stable displacement amount.SOLUTION: A washing and drying machine 100 includes: a connection part 253 for connecting an outer tub 20 and a return air passage 252; and a filter 258 for collecting lint. The return air passage is provided at a back surface upper part of the outer tub, and the filter is provided at the connection part. The shape of an outer peripheral portion of the filter is a substantially circular arc shape so as to be along the outer peripheral portion of the back surface of the outer tub. It is preferable that an exhaust port 257 is provided at a place immediately after the outlet of the filter in the connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a washer/dryer.

Washers and dryers, which can wash and dry clothes in one go, use a blower fan and heat source to create high-temperature, low-humidity air during the drying operation, which is then blown into the washing tub to raise the temperature of the clothes and evaporate the moisture from the clothes, then use a hot-air drying method to dehumidify the evaporated moisture. Methods for removing evaporated moisture include cooling and dehumidifying circulating air, and replacing the circulating air with surrounding low-humidity air. Furthermore, there are two types of cold heat source for cooling and dehumidifying: a heat pump and cooling water.

In the heat pump system, when the heat extracted from the circulating air by dehumidifying it with a cooling medium is used to heat the same circulating air, the compressor is required to do work, which causes the temperature level of the circulating air to rise. To balance dehumidification and heating and ensure stable operation of the heat pump, cooling equivalent to the compressor input is performed, but normally, part of the circulating air is sucked in and exhausted from the surrounding air, which also serves as part of the dehumidification and heat exhaust.

This exhaust volume differs between the time-saving and energy-saving courses. In the time-saving course, a large air volume is used and the heat pump output is increased to promote dehumidification and heating. On the other hand, in the energy-saving course, the air volume is reduced and the heat pump output is also lowered to operate with a high COP (Coefficient of Performance). For this reason, the exhaust volume is basically equivalent to the amount of exhaust heat generated by the compressor's work, and so it differs between the two courses.

Furthermore, to minimize wrinkles on laundry at the end of the drying cycle, the circulating air from the blower fan is blown directly onto the laundry from the door-side opening of the drum, so the pressure inside the drum is easily affected by the air volume. Furthermore, the pressure loss in the return air duct also increases with the square of the air speed when the air volume is large, so the pressure drop inside the air duct becomes large.

Conventionally, there is a technology related to an exhaust mechanism described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a heat pump mechanism including a housing forming an outer shell, a drying tub provided within the housing for storing clothes, a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducer, and an evaporator, a drying tub having an air outlet and an air inlet provided in the drying tub, the evaporator being accommodated on the air outlet side and the condenser being accommodated on the air inlet side, a compressor accommodating section connected to an introduction port provided in the drying tub closer to the air outlet than the evaporator, a temperature detecting section for detecting the temperature of the condenser, an exhaust port provided in the drying tub closer to the air outlet than the introduction port, and a device for opening and closing the introduction port and the and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the exhaust port, and when the temperature of the condenser detected by the temperature detection unit does not exceed a predetermined temperature, the control unit closes the inlet port and closes the exhaust port to circulate the air in the drying tub through the drying air duct, and when the temperature of the condenser detected by the temperature detection unit exceeds the predetermined temperature, the control unit opens the inlet port and opens the exhaust port to draw air in the housing into the compressor housing, introduces the drawn air from the inlet port into the drying air duct, and discharges the introduced air from the exhaust port.

Also, as a conventional technology related to an exhaust mechanism, there is one described in Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 discloses a washer/dryer that includes "an outer tub supported within a housing, an inner tub supported within the outer tub, a compressor, a radiator that radiates heat from the compressed refrigerant, a throttling means that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, and a heat absorber where the reduced-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings, all connected by pipes so that the refrigerant circulates; a circulation air duct through which air circulates through the outer tub, the heat absorber, and the radiator in that order; a blowing means that circulates air within the circulation air duct; and an overflow port that discharges the washing water outside the outer tub when the washing water stored in the outer tub reaches or exceeds a predetermined water level, and an air inlet from the circulation air duct to the outer tub and an air outlet from the outer tub to the circulation air duct are provided above the overflow port."

JP 2022-91428 A JP 2005-46414 A

As explained below, the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are expected to suppress clogging of the filter and ensure a stable exhaust volume.

For example, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 provides an exhaust filter at the exhaust port. In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, if the filter becomes clogged during the drying process, the amount of exhaust air will decrease when some of the moist air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port, which may result in a longer drying time.

For example, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 splits the main stream of moist air flowing in the duct on the return air duct side into a branch stream during the drying process, and exhausts a portion of the moist air to the outside by utilizing the dynamic pressure of the main stream in addition to the static pressure inside the duct. This conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 is highly dependent on the dynamic pressure of the main stream when exhausting, making the exhaust volume prone to fluctuations. Furthermore, with the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, if the volume of mainstream air decreases during the drying process, the exhaust volume also decreases, which can result in longer drying times.

For example, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, the exhaust port is provided so as to face the side wall of the drum. In such a conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, water blown off by the high-speed rotation of the drum during washing and dehydration directly moistens the exhaust port. As a result, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, lint (dust) that flows out with the exhaust air during the subsequent drying operation adheres to and sticks to the exhaust port, so when a portion of the moist air is exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port, the exhaust volume decreases, and the drying time may be prolonged. In addition, since the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 does not have a means for cleaning lint that adheres to the exhaust port, continued operation may result in clogging of the exhaust port.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to provide a washer-dryer that prevents the filter from clogging and ensures a stable exhaust volume.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a washing and drying machine comprising an outer tub capable of storing liquid therein, a substantially cylindrical drum supported rotatably within the outer tub and in which laundry is stored, a heat pump having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion means, a return air duct connecting the outer tub and the heat pump, a connection part connecting the outer tub and the return air duct, and a filter for collecting lint, wherein the connection part is provided on an upper part of the rear surface of the outer tub, the filter is provided on the connection part, and the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the filter is substantially arc-shaped so as to fit along the outer peripheral portion of the rear surface of the outer tub.
Other means will be described later.

This invention makes it possible to prevent filter clogging and ensure a stable exhaust volume.

1 is an external perspective view of a washing/drying machine according to an embodiment; 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of a washing/drying machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure of a circulation air passage of the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. 4 is an enlarged view of a connection portion that connects an outer tub and a return air duct of the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a blow-out nozzle and a sprinkler nozzle of a washer/dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a variable resistor device of the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the static pressure rise and the air volume with respect to the air passage resistance and the rotation speed of the blower fan of the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of a heat pump unit in the washer/dryer according to the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of a heat pump unit in the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of a washer/dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating an operation process of the washer/dryer according to the embodiment. 13 is an enlarged view of a connection portion that connects an outer tub and a return air duct of a washer/dryer of a modified example. FIG.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure merely shows a schematic view to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, in each figure, common or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the intention is to provide a washer/dryer that can solve not only the problems of the conventional technology described above, but also the following problems:

For example, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the air volume differs greatly when the unit is operating in two courses, the time-saving course and the energy-saving course. In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, if the area of the exhaust port is adjusted to match the operation of one of the courses, the diameter of the exhaust port, exhaust resistance, exhaust volume, etc. must be adjusted when the other course is operated. The conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 has an issue in that it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the adjustments to the diameter of the exhaust port, exhaust resistance, exhaust volume, etc.

In addition, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 narrows the air duct to adjust the air duct resistance when operating a course other than the time-saving course and energy-saving course, or when operating in hot air spin-drying mode, and when changing the fan rotation speed conditions to change the blowing air temperature and blowing air speed, the static pressure gradient on the return air duct changes drastically. This conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the change in the static pressure gradient on the return air duct reduces the exhaust volume, which can result in longer drying times.

In addition, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, when exhausting air midway through a wind duct for courses with different air volumes, the pressure loss in the wind duct increases with the square of the wind speed, so in order to obtain the same exhaust ratio for the air volume, the exhaust resistance must be changed significantly. The conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 has an issue in that it is desirable to be able to easily change the exhaust resistance.

For example, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 provides an exhaust port directly in the outer tank, and uses the difference between the internal pressure of the outer tank and the surrounding external air pressure as a driving force to exhaust moist air from the exhaust port during the drying process. Such conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 is configured to narrow the exhaust port. Therefore, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2 has the problem that sufficient space cannot be secured for installing an exhaust filter with only an exhaust air duct according to the exhaust volume.

<Configuration of a washer/dryer>
Hereinafter, the configuration of a washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the inside of the washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the washer/dryer 100 will be described as a drum type washer/dryer.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the appearance of the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment has a housing 1 on the top of a base 1h. The housing 1 is formed by combining side panels 1a and 1b, which are mainly made of steel plates and resin molded products, a back cover 1d, and a reinforcing material (not shown) on the top of the base 1h to form a skeleton, and further by attaching a front cover 1c to the front and a top cover 1e to the top. The top cover 1e is provided with a detergent dispenser 7. An operation switch 12 for operating the washer-dryer 100 is provided in the upper part of the front cover 1c. In addition, a door 9 for inserting and removing laundry 30 such as cloth (see FIG. 2) is provided in the center of the front cover 1c. The door 9 is a door glass 9a fixed to a resin door frame 9b, and is attached to the housing 1 by a hinge so as to be freely opened and closed.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the schematic structure of the inside of the washer-dryer 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the washer-dryer 100 has an outer tub 20 inside. The outer tub 20 is supported by a plurality of suspensions 5 (however, FIG. 2 shows only one of the suspensions 5) provided at the bottom. The outer tub 20 contains a substantially cylindrical drum 29. Here, "substantially cylindrical" includes a cylinder and a tube with a shape close to a cylinder. The drum 29 contains laundry 30. A fluid balancer 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the opening of the drum 29 to reduce vibration caused by imbalance of the laundry 30 during spin-drying. In addition, a plurality of lifters 33 are provided inside the drum 29 to lift up the laundry 30. The drum 29 is directly connected to the drum drive motor M10 via a main shaft 35 connected to a metal flange 34 for the drum. However, the drum 29 may also be configured as a so-called belt-driven system in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft is connected to a motor fixed to the outer tub 20 via a belt.

A bellows 10 is attached to the opening of the outer tub 20. The bellows 10 is a rubber-based packing made of an elastic body. The bellows 10 maintains the watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 20 and the door 9. The bellows 10 enables the washer-dryer 100 to prevent water leakage during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. The drum 29 has many small holes (not shown) in the side wall for centrifugal spin-drying and ventilation.

A filter 258 for collecting lint (dust) and a water sprinkler mechanism 271 for cleaning the filter 258 are provided at the upper rear part of the outer tub 20. Details of the filter 258 and the water sprinkler mechanism 271 will be described later. A water supply solenoid valve for supplying water is provided above the outer tub 20. A water receiving part 54 for receiving water is provided below the outer tub 20, and a drain port 21 for draining the water in the water receiving part 54 is provided at the bottom of the water receiving part 54. The drain port 21 is connected to the drain hose 26 via the drain valve V1. An overflow hose 17 is attached to the front of the outer tub 20. The overflow hose 17 merges with the drain hose 26 downstream of the drain valve V1. Therefore, the overflow hose 17 is configured to be connected to the drain hose 26 regardless of the open/close state of the drain valve V1. Such a washer/dryer 100 can forcibly drain water when the amount of water increases above a predetermined water level to which the overflow hose 17 is attached. However, the washer/dryer 100 may be configured so that the overflow hose 17 and the drain hose 26 join upstream of the drain valve V1.

The washer-dryer 100 is provided with a circulation pump 18 at the bottom. The circulation pump 18 is a pumping means for pumping up the washing water to the top of the outer tub 20 and spraying it on the laundry 30 in the drum 29. The circulation pump 18 is preferably fixed to the base 1h (see FIG. 1) side arranged below the outer tub 20. During the detergent dissolving process, pre-washing process, main washing process, first rinsing process, and second rinsing process (see steps S5, S6, S7, S8, and S9 in FIG. 10), the washing water flows from the drain port 21 of the water receiving section 54 provided below the outer tub 20 through the lint filter 222 into the suction port side of the circulation pump 18, and is pressurized by the circulation pump 18. During the detergent dissolving process (step S5) shown in FIG. 10, the washing water pressurized by the circulation pump 18 is returned to the water receiving section 54 again from the circulation discharge port 54b provided to communicate with the circulation pump 18. During the pre-wash step, main wash step, first rinse step, and second rinse step (see steps S6, S7, S8, and S9) shown in FIG. 10, the wash water pressurized by the circulation pump 18 is sprayed toward the inside of the drum 29 from a water spray nozzle 223 (see FIG. 5) that is provided in communication with the circulation pump 18.

The washer-dryer 100 is configured as a hot air drying system in which air is circulated between the drum 29 and the heat pump unit 300 by the blower fan 2 (see FIG. 3) during the drying process to dry the clothes. The heat pump unit 300 is a unit that incorporates a heat pump having a compressor 307 (see FIG. 8B), a condenser 301 (see FIG. 8B), an expansion means 308 (see FIG. 8B), and an evaporator 302 (see FIG. 8B). The washer-dryer 100 is equipped with the blower fan 2 for circulating air, the heat pump unit 300 for dehumidifying and heating the circulating air, the hot air duct 251 (see FIG. 3) for guiding the heated circulating air (hot air) into the inside of the drum 29, and the return air duct 252 (see FIG. 3) for returning the moist air discharged from the drum 29 to the outer tub 20 to the heat pump unit 300. The washer-dryer 100 is provided with a hot air duct 251 (see FIG. 3) as a circulating air passage on the sending side and a return air passage 252 (see FIG. 3) as a circulating air passage on the return side to circulate the circulating air (hot air). Details of the heat pump unit 300 will be described later. The washer-dryer 100 sends the circulating air (hot air) dehumidified and heated by the heat pump unit 300 to the hot air duct 251 (see FIG. 3) and blows it from the blowing nozzle 203 into the inside of the drum 29 to dry the laundry 30. The washer-dryer 100 also sends the moist air discharged from the drum 29 to the outer tub 20 after drying the laundry 30 to the return air passage 252 (see FIG. 3) and returns it to the heat pump unit 300.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the circulation air passage (hot air duct 251 and return air passage 252) of the washer-dryer 100. Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the washer-dryer 100 as seen from the right rear. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the connection part 253 that connects the outer tub 20 of the washer-dryer 100 to the return air passage 252.

As shown in FIG. 3, the washer/dryer 100 includes a hot air duct 251 and a return air duct 252. One end of the hot air duct 251 is connected to the heat pump unit 300, and the other end is connected to an outlet nozzle 203 provided at the front of the outer tub 20. On the other hand, one end of the return air duct 25 is connected to a connection part 253 provided at the upper part of the back surface of the outer tub 20, and the other end is connected to the heat pump unit 300. A blower fan 2 is provided on the outlet side of the heat pump unit 300.

The washer-dryer 100 is provided with a filter 258 at a connection part 253 provided at the upper part of the back surface of the outer tub 20. The washer-dryer 100 may be provided with multiple filters 258 in the direction of air flow. In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 100 is described as having two filters 258, filter 258a as a primary filter and filter 258b as a secondary filter, in that order from the upstream side.

By providing multiple filters 258 in the direction of air flow, the washer-dryer 100 can arrange the meshes of the filters 258 in a plane. This type of washer-dryer 100 can make the mesh density of each filter 258 coarser than when there is only one filter 258, and because multiple filters 258 collect lint, it is possible to prevent lint from being densely collected in a single filter 258, and as a result, stable exhaust can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the multiple filters 258 may have a frame 259 around it and may be configured to be removable together with the frame 259 from the filter mounting portion 254 provided at the connection portion 253. In this embodiment, the filter 258b, which is the secondary filter, is configured to have a frame 259 around it and to be removable together with the frame 259 from the filter mounting portion 254. In this type of washer-dryer 100, the filter with the frame 259 can be removed from the filter mounting portion 254, so that the user can manually wash this filter.

In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 100 is described as having a water sprinkler mechanism 271 (see FIG. 2) for cleaning the filter 258a, which is a primary filter, upstream of the filter 258a, and cleaning the filter 258a by spraying water onto the filter 258a with the water sprinkler mechanism 271 during the washing process or before the drying process. The washer-dryer 100 is described as having a configuration in which the filter 258b, which is a secondary filter, is removable from the filter attachment portion 254, allowing the user to manually clean the filter 258b.

The cleaning of filter 258a may be performed after the drying process is completed. Also, water sprayed from water spray mechanism 271 (see FIG. 2) may pass through filter 258a and reach filter 258b. This allows washer-dryer 100 to clean not only filter 258a but also filter 258b.

The water used to wash the filter 258a flows down the back of the outer tub 20 and is guided to the drain outlet 21 (see FIG. 2) provided below the outer tub 20. The water that reaches the filter 258b, which is the secondary filter, is guided to the bottom of the heat pump unit 300 via the return air duct 252, and is ultimately discharged outside the unit together with the drain water (condensed water) generated in the evaporator 302 (see FIG. 8B) provided in the heat pump unit 300.

The return air passage 252 is shaped to connect the connection part 253 provided at the upper part of the back surface of the outer tub 20 to the heat pump unit 300 while going around and avoiding the motor M10 (see FIG. 2) provided at the center of the back surface of the outer tub 20 at the connection part 253. The outer peripheral shape of the return air passage 252 is approximately arc-shaped or fan-shaped so as to follow the outer periphery of the outer tub 20 at the connection part 253. Here, "approximately arc-shaped" includes an arc shape and a shape close to an arc shape. In addition, at least a part of the multiple filters 258 provided at the boundary between the connection part 253 and the back surface of the outer tub 20 may be formed in an approximately arc-shaped (or fan-shaped) outer peripheral side in accordance with the shape of the return air passage 252 at the connection part 253. By making it in such a shape, the air flow in the outer tub 20 due to the rotation of the drum 29 becomes a flow that traces the approximately arc shape on the outer periphery of the filter 258, so that the lint attached to the filter 258 can be efficiently removed by the air flow. At least some of the multiple filters 258 are preferably formed in a concave shape so that the inner periphery can avoid the motor M10 (see Figure 2) while ensuring a large surface area.

An exhaust port 257 is provided immediately after the outlet of the filter 258 in the connection part 253. The exhaust port 257 is preferably provided on a wall surface located in the opposite direction to the direction of air flow in the return air duct 252 in the connection part 253. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 257 is described as being provided on the wall surface of the return air duct 252 on the side closer to the hot air duct 251 in the connection part 253. By providing the exhaust port 257 in such a location, the washer-dryer 100 can make the static pressure in the return air duct 252 approximately equal to the internal pressure of the outer tub 20, and exhaust air to the outside from the exhaust port 257 by using the differential pressure between the static pressure in the return air duct 252 and the atmospheric pressure as a driving force. Such a washer-dryer 100 can exhaust air to the outside from the exhaust port 257 without being affected by the dynamic pressure of the mainstream of the air in the return air duct 252, so that the air can be stably exhausted.

The exhaust port 257 is provided with a variable exhaust means 306 for changing the amount of exhaust. The variable exhaust means 306 has a door-like member that rotates around a hinge and an electric rotation mechanism that rotates the door-like member. The washer-dryer 100 can adjust the amount of exhaust by adjusting the opening and closing amount of the variable exhaust means 306 (i.e., the opening and closing amount of the exhaust port 257 by the door-like member).

As shown in FIG. 5, the washer/dryer 100 is provided with a blow-out nozzle 203 for spraying circulating air (hot air) into the drum 29 and a water spray nozzle 223 for spraying wash water into the drum 29 at the front upper portion of the outer tub 20. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the blow-out nozzle 203 and the water spray nozzle 223 of the washer/dryer 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the blow-out nozzle 203 is provided at a position opposite the water spray nozzle 223 on the circumference of the outer tub 20.

3 and 6, a variable resistance device 256 is provided in the middle of the hot air duct 251. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the variable resistance device 256. The variable resistance device 256 is a variable resistance means for changing the resistance of the air flowing through the hot air duct 251. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the variable resistance device 256 through a part of a cover 261 provided on the variable resistance device 256. As shown in FIG. 6, the variable resistance device 256 has a door-like shape that rotates around a hinge. When the washer-dryer 100 weakens the resistance of the air flowing through the hot air duct 251, the washer-dryer 100 raises the door (flap) of the variable resistance device 256 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 to open the hot air duct 251. When the washer-dryer 100 strengthens the resistance of the air flowing through the hot air duct 251, the door (flap) of the variable resistance device 256 is lowered as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6 to partially close the hot air duct 251. For example, in a drying course that requires high-temperature hot air or when a high temperature is required during the drying course, the washer-dryer 100 lowers the door (flap) of the variable resistor device 256 and drives it in a direction to close the air passage (hot air duct 251). As a result, the washer-dryer 100 closes the hot air duct 251 by about half, increasing the resistance of the air passage (hot air duct 251). At the same time, the washer-dryer 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the washer-dryer 100 compresses the air in the hot air duct 251, further increasing the temperature of the air (dry air) raised by the heat pump unit 300.

7 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the resistance curve of the circulating air duct and the static pressure and air volume with respect to the rotation speed of the blower fan 2. In FIG. 7, line L11 shows the resistance curve of the circulating air duct when the variable resistance device 256 is open (the hot air duct 251 is fully open), and line L12 shows the resistance curve of the circulating air duct when the variable resistance device 256 is closed (the hot air duct 251 is partially closed). For example, when the air duct resistance of the variable resistance device 256 is increased, the resistance curve of the circulating air duct shifts from the state of line L11 to the state of line L12. Therefore, in order to obtain the same air volume p2 as before the air duct resistance of the variable resistance device 256 is increased from the operating point of the rotation speed N1, air volume q1, and air duct loss p1 of the blower fan 2, the washer-dryer 100 increases the rotation speed of the blower fan 2 from the rotation speed N1 to the rotation speed N2. This strengthens the adiabatic compression of air by the blower fan 2, allowing the washer-dryer 100 to obtain a higher air temperature at the outlet of the blower fan 2.

The blow-out nozzle 203 is located adjacent to the bellows 10 at the opening of the outer tub 20 so as to blow air directly from the opening onto the laundry 30 in the drum 29 (see FIG. 5). The cross-sectional area of the blow-out nozzle 203 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the hot air duct 251, so the hot air is blown out at a high speed onto the laundry 30, improving heat transfer performance.

Figure 8A is an external view of the heat pump unit 300. Also, Figure 8B is an internal configuration diagram of the heat pump unit. As shown in Figure 8A, the heat pump unit 300 has internal equipment covered by a heat pump unit case 310. An air supply port 260 is provided near the center of the upper part of the heat pump unit case 310. The air supply port 260 is provided at a position leading to the space between the evaporator 302 (see Figure 8B) and the condenser 301 (see Figure 8B) provided inside the heat pump unit 300. Also, the heat pump unit case 310 is provided with an inlet (not shown) connected to the return air duct 252 (see Figure 3) and an outlet (not shown) connected to the hot air duct 251 (see Figure 3).

As shown in FIG. 8B, the heat pump unit 300 includes a heat pump having a compressor 307, a condenser 301, an expansion means 308, and an evaporator 302. In this embodiment, a variable expansion valve is used as the expansion means 308, but the expansion means 308 may be a fixed expansion means such as a capillary tube.

The basic flow of circulating air is that it passes through the evaporator 302, then flows into the condenser 301, and reaches the intake port of the blower fan 2 (see FIG. 3). An air inlet 260 is provided between the evaporator 302 and the condenser 301. Therefore, the amount of air flowing into the evaporator 302 is the amount of air blown out by the blower fan 2 minus the amount of exhaust air exhausted through the exhaust port 257. When air flows into the condenser 301, the same amount of air flows in from the air inlet 260 as the amount of exhaust air. Therefore, the amount of air passing through the condenser 301 is equal to the amount of air blown out by the blower fan 2. In the evaporator 302, the circulating air exchanges heat with a low-temperature cooling medium, so that the air is dehumidified and drain water (condensed water) is generated.

To drain the drain water to the outside, a drain pump (not shown) is provided as necessary, and a system is usually adopted in which the system is activated by detecting the amount of accumulated drain water or at predetermined intervals.

The fins of the evaporator 302 and condenser 301 are spaced about 1 to 2 mm apart to ensure heat exchange performance, and lint that has not been removed by the filter 258 may adhere to them. To deal with this unforeseen situation, the washer-dryer 100 may be provided with a water sprinkler mechanism 271 (see FIG. 2) in advance, and may employ a method of cleaning in advance or a method of cleaning by detecting changes in the air volume when the water sprinkler mechanism is attached.

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 90 of the washer/dryer 100. As shown in Figure 9, the control device 90 includes a microcomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 acquires operation signals generated by the operation switch 12 in response to user operation, and various information signals generated by various sensors (water level sensor 22, drain temperature sensor SN1, air path temperature sensor SN2, outside air temperature sensor SN3, hot air temperature sensor SN4, and conductivity sensor 4) during the washing and drying processes.

The microcomputer 110 includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothes weight calculation unit 114, an electrical conductivity measurement unit 115, a detergent amount/washing time determination unit 116, a turbidity judgment unit 117, and a threshold memory unit 118. The operation pattern database 111 stores operation pattern data. The process control unit 112 controls the operation of each part in each process. The rotation speed calculation unit 113 calculates the rotation speed of the drum 29. The clothes weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight of the clothes in the drum 29. After being put into the drum 29, the weight of the clothes becomes heavier by being immersed in the washing water during the washing operation, and then becomes lighter by being dried during the drying operation, approaching the weight when it was put into the drum 29. The electrical conductivity measurement unit 115 measures the electrical conductivity of the washing water. The electrical conductivity of the washing water decreases as the concentration of the detergent dissolved in the washing water decreases. The detergent amount/washing time determination unit 116 determines the detergent amount and the washing time. The turbidity determination unit 117 determines the turbidity of the wash water. The turbidity of the wash water decreases as the amount of dirt dissolved from the laundry 30 into the wash water decreases and the transparency of the wash water improves. The threshold memory unit 118 stores thresholds for controlling the operation of each component.

The microcomputer 110 controls the operation of the water supply solenoid valve 16, the drain valve V1, the motor M10, the variable exhaust means 306, the variable resistor device 256, the blower fan 2, the circulation pump 18, the compressor 307, the expansion means 308, and the water supply pump 86 via the drive circuit. The microcomputer 110 also controls the display 14 and the buzzer (not shown) to inform the user of information related to the washer/dryer 100.

When the power switch 47 is pressed to turn on the power, the microcomputer 110 starts up and executes a basic control processing program for washing and drying, and executes the process shown in FIG. 10, for example. FIG. 10 is a flow chart explaining the operation of the washing and drying operation (washing to drying) in the washer-dryer 100. The process from washing to drying in the washer-dryer 100 is explained below.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1, the control device 90 accepts an input for selecting a course for the operation process of the washer/dryer 100 (course selection). Here, the user opens the door 9, places the laundry 30 to be washed in the drum 29, and closes the door 9. The user then operates the operation switch 12 to select and input a course for the operation process. By operating the operation switch 12, the selected course for the operation process is input to the control device 90. The control device 90 reads the corresponding operation pattern from the operation pattern database 111 based on the input course for the operation process, and proceeds to step S2. Note that in the following explanation, it is assumed that the standard course for washing and drying (wash-rinse twice-spin-dry) has been selected.

In step S2, the control device 90 executes a process of detecting the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry 30 placed in the drum 29 (cloth amount sensing). Specifically, the process control unit 112 drives the motor M10 to rotate the drum 29, and the clothing weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry 30 before water is poured in.

In step S3, the control device 90 executes a process of calculating the amount of detergent and the operation time. The conductivity measuring unit 115 detects the conductivity (hardness) of the supplied water. In addition, the drain temperature sensor SN1 provided at the bottom of the outer tub 20 (e.g., drain outlet 21) detects the temperature of the supplied water. The detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116 determines the amount of detergent to be added and the operation time by map search based on the detected amount of fabric, the water conductivity (hardness) obtained by the conductivity measuring unit 115 using the detection value from the conductivity sensor 4, and the water temperature. The process control unit 112 then displays the determined amount of detergent and operation time on the display 14.

In step S4, the control device 90 waits for a predetermined time (detergent addition waiting process), and then proceeds to step S5. While waiting, the user adds detergent to the detergent addition section (not shown) by referring to the amount of detergent displayed on the display 14. If automatic detergent addition is set, the detergent addition operation can be omitted.

The washing process is broadly divided into a detergent dissolving process (step S5), a pre-wash process (step S6), and a main wash process (step S7). The main wash process is further divided into a first main wash process and a subsequent second main wash process, but there is no functional problem even if the processes are not clearly distinguished from each other in the course of operation. Also, the function of the washing process as a whole will not change even if some of the operations in the processes described below are omitted.

In step S5, the control device 90 executes the detergent dissolving process. A specific solenoid valve of the water supply solenoid valve 16 is opened to supply water. The water is introduced into the detergent inlet and then into the outer tub 20. The detergent solution introduced into the outer tub 20 is supplied to the water receiving section 54 (see Figures 2 and 4) located at the bottom of the drum 29 through a water supply path (not shown). After the detergent solution is introduced, the circulation pump 18 (see Figures 2 and 4) is driven, and the water in the water receiving section 54 flows from the drain port 21 through the lint filter 222 into the suction port (not shown) of the circulation pump 18. The wash water pressurized by the circulation pump 18 is returned to the water receiving section 54 again from the circulation discharge port 54b (see Figure 2) that communicates with the outlet of the circulation pump 18 (circulation path for the detergent dissolving process).

At this point, the control device 90 detects the conductivity using the conductivity sensor 4 (discrimination means) in the water receiving section 54, and compares it with the conductivity database for a high-concentration detergent aqueous solution and the conductivity database for a fabric softener aqueous solution.

By repeating the circulation, a uniform, high-concentration detergent solution is produced, with detergent dissolved in a small amount of water. The high-concentration detergent solution is sprayed onto the clothes. At this time, the drum 29 is rotated, and the laundry 30 is agitated while the circulation pump 18 sprays the detergent evenly.

In step S6, the control device 90 executes the pre-wash process. In this process, the laundry 30 soaked in detergent liquid is usually present in the outer tub 20, and a small amount of detergent liquid is present in the water receiving portion 54 at the bottom of the outer tub 20. By rotating the drum 29, the laundry 30 is lifted to the top of the drum 29, and then the laundry is beaten and washed based on a tumbling action in which the laundry 30 is dropped to the bottom by gravity. As a result, the detergent liquid soaked in the laundry 30 is squeezed out, so that the circulation pump 18 is driven intermittently as necessary to spray the detergent liquid again on the laundry 30. Even during this operation, if the so-called washing temperature of the washing water and the laundry is increased, the washing performance can be improved, so the airflow from the blower fan 2 is heated by the heat pump unit 300 and then blown as necessary. By increasing the washing temperature level, the penetration of the high-concentration detergent liquid into the laundry 30 can also be promoted. As shown in FIG. 5, the blowing nozzle 203 is provided at a position opposite the watering nozzle 223 on the circumference of the outer tub 20. In order to promote the spraying of high-concentration detergent liquid (washing water) and the penetration of high-concentration detergent liquid (washing water) into the laundry 30, the washer-dryer 100 controls the high-concentration detergent liquid (washing water) sprayed from the spray nozzle 223 to prevent interference of the hot air sprayed from the blowing nozzle 203. This allows the washer-dryer 100 to efficiently wash the laundry 30. Since the laundry 30 is in a state where the high-concentration detergent liquid is retained, heat conduction is better than when air occupies the gaps between the fibers of the laundry 30, and heating can be performed efficiently. This allows more dirt to be separated from the fibers in a short time. The separated dirt is quickly dispersed in the retained high-concentration detergent liquid, preventing it from coagulating and reattaching.

A separate circulation pump (not shown) with a smaller flow rate than the circulation pump 18 may be installed. In this case, the liquid droplets may be mixed into the warm air by pumping up water from the water receiving section 54 and spraying it into the warm air near the blower outlet, and then sprayed onto the laundry 30. If additional water is supplied during the washing process until the normal circulation level is ensured and then sprayed by the circulation pump 18, the temperature of the laundry 30 will drop rapidly. Therefore, by using the above configuration and spraying a smaller amount of circulating water on the warm air, the water contained in the laundry 30 can be replaced evenly and little by little. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden drop in temperature of the laundry 30, thereby improving the washing performance.

At some point between the pre-washing process and the main washing process, the cleaning process of the filter 258 may be overlapped. In order to remove lint that could not be removed by the swirling flow caused by the rotation of the drum 29 during the drying process and thread debris that accumulated when only washing operations were performed, water is sprayed onto the filter 258 from the water spray mechanism 271 (see FIG. 2), but the sprayed water can be used as cleaning water for the washing process. Since water can be sprayed without waste, it is preferable to spray water including cleaning of the filter 258b, which is the secondary filter. After cleaning, the variable exhaust means 306 is opened. In this embodiment, an exhaust hatch is provided as the variable exhaust means 306. Fine water droplets that did not fall into the mesh of the filter 258 can be removed by diffusing the air in the warm air duct 251 to the surrounding outside air, which reduces the humidity in the circulating air duct. If the filter 258 is dry at the start of drying, lint adhesion is suppressed and stable exhaust can be achieved.

In step S7, the control device 90 executes the main washing process. In the main washing process, additional water is supplied when the pre-washing process is completed, the amount of water in the water receiving section 54 is increased, and the water level is raised. This water level is maintained at a level sufficient to pump wash water from the water receiving section 54 by the circulation pump 18 and to continuously spray it from the water spray nozzle 223 at the top of the outer tub 20.

The spraying from the water spray nozzle 223 may be continuous or intermittent. Specifically, while a large amount of dirt is still attached to the backside, etc., of the laundry 30, water is sprayed continuously to promote agitation of the wash water. This allows the wash water held by the laundry 30 to be constantly replaced with wash water having a low concentration of dirt. After that, after most of the dirt has been removed, it is more efficient to remove the remaining dirt mainly by using the mechanical force of beating. Therefore, it is preferable that the latter part of the spraying be intermittent so as not to interfere with the mechanical force. In addition, by making the driving force of the circulation pump 18 intermittent, the amount of power consumed can be reduced, which is also preferable from the standpoint of energy conservation.

The water sprinkler nozzle 223 is located in the outer tub 20 above the central axis of the rotatable drum 29 when viewed from the front of the washer-dryer 100, and forward when viewed from the side of the washer-dryer 100. This allows the water sprinkler nozzle 223 to spray at a wide angle relative to the radial direction of the drum 29 (see FIG. 5). In this first main washing step, in addition to spraying over a wide area, the laundry 30 accumulated below the drum 29 is lifted by the rotation of the drum 29 and dropped from above inside the drum 29, applying a mechanical force to the laundry 30 to beat it. The larger the drum diameter, the greater the synergistic effect of spraying over a wide area and beating, and the shorter the time for the main washing step.

The control device 90 also executes the second main wash process as necessary. By supplying water at the end of the first main wash process described above, the amount of water in the second main wash process is made greater than the amount of water in the first main wash process. The circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 18 in the second main wash process is made greater than the circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 18 in the first main wash process. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the motor M10 of the drum 29 in the second main wash process is made lower than the rotation speed of the motor M10 in the first main wash process. The combination of the first and second main wash processes is an operating algorithm that suppresses darkening and stiffness of the laundry 30.

In part or all of the first or second main washing process, the washing water pumped up by the circulation pump 18 may be sprayed from the water spray nozzle 223 while the drum 29 is rotated with the laundry 30 stuck to the inner side wall of the drum 29 without tumbling. This operation pushes out the washing water contained in the laundry 30 by centrifugal force, and washing is performed by the flow of washing water inside the fibers, which is constantly sprayed and supplied by the water spray from the water spray nozzle 223. This can suppress the generation of lint caused by rubbing of the laundry 30 against each other, reduce the amount of lint circulating with the circulating air in the drying process, and reduce the cleaning process of the evaporator.

As described above, in the case of the washer/dryer 100, the laundry 30 is mainly washed by beating, in which the lifter 33 lifts the laundry 30 to the top of the drum 29 as the drum 29 rotates, and then the laundry 30 falls to the bottom of the drum 29 by gravity. Since the overflow hose 17 is connected to the front of the outer tub 20, in some cases the wash water may flow up to the position of the overflow hose 17.

In step S8, the control device 90 executes the first rinse step. In this step, the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the wash water, and then the drain valve V1 is closed to supply rinse water to a predetermined water level in the outer tub 20. The drum 29 is then rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 30 and the rinse water.

In step S9, the control device 90 executes the second rinse step. In the second rinse step, similar to the first rinse step, the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the rinse water, and then the drain valve V1 is closed to supply rinse water to a predetermined water level in the outer tub 20. The drum 29 is then rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 30 and the rinse water.

In part or all of the first or second rinsing steps, the rinsing operation may involve spraying rinsing water pumped up by the circulation pump 18 from the spray nozzle 223 while rotating the drum 29 with the laundry 30 stuck to the inner wall of the drum 29 without tumbling. This operation pushes out the rinsing water contained in the laundry 30 by centrifugal force, and by constantly spraying and supplying water from the spray nozzle, it is possible to suppress the generation of lint caused by the rubbing of the laundry 30 against each other, reduce the amount of lint circulating with the circulating air in the drying process, and reduce the cleaning process of the evaporator 302.

In step S10, the control device 90 executes the spin-drying process. In this process, the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the rinse water from the outer tub 20, and then the drum 29 is rotated to centrifugally spin-dry the laundry 30. The spin-drying rotation speed is increased to a set rotation speed according to the load, unless there is a malfunction such as the laundry 30 being unbalanced and the current value of the motor M10 exceeding the upper limit. When the spin-drying rotation speed is increased and the drum 29 rotates at high speed, vibrations are transmitted to the outer tub 20, and the outer tub 20 itself vibrates slightly. In addition, the bellows 10 can absorb the vibrations transmitted to the door 9 side due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 29. The warm air ducts 251 are also connected to the air outlets of the outer tub 20 by the bellows 10, so that the vibrations can be absorbed.

The filter 258 can also be washed during this spin cycle. Water is sprayed onto the filter 258 from the water spray mechanism 271 (see FIG. 2) to remove lint that was not removed by the swirling flow caused by the rotation of the drum 29 during the previous drying cycle and thread debris that accumulates when only washing cycles are performed multiple times. After washing, the exhaust fan, which is a variable exhaust means, is driven. Fine water droplets that do not fall into the mesh of the filter 258 can be removed by diffusing the air in the warm air duct 251 into the surrounding outside air, thereby reducing humidity in the circulating air duct.

If necessary, the variable exhaust means 306 is kept open during the spin-drying process to ensure communication with the surrounding outside air. During the spin-drying process, the outer tub 20 tilts backward due to the rise in internal pressure caused by the high-speed rotation of the drum 29, but the variable exhaust means 306 can reduce the backward tilt by connecting the outer tub to the surrounding outside air, thereby improving the reliability of the bellows 10, etc.

In addition, to promote dehydration, hot air is blown into the drum 29 to warm the laundry 30, expanding the fibers and lowering the viscosity of the water, making it easier to remove water and enhancing dehydration. In this case, the heat pump unit 300 may be driven, but if it takes time for the compressor 307 to warm up, the air duct may be narrowed with the variable resistance device 256 to increase the air temperature through adiabatic compression. Since the air duct resistance increases, it is better to ensure the circulating air volume by rotating the blower fan 2 at high speed. The suction pressure of the blower fan 2 decreases, and the pressure of the return air duct 252 also decreases, but since the driving force of the exhaust can be based on the difference between the internal pressure of the outer tub 20 and the atmosphere, a stable exhaust volume can be ensured. Accordingly, by exhausting a portion of the moist return air and replenishing it with outside air from the air inlet 260 (see FIG. 8A), the specific heat can be kept small, and higher temperature air can be continuously supplied to the drum 29, which can promote dehydration.

When air is blown by the blower fan 2 during the dehydration process, it is blown directly into the drum 29 from the blowing nozzle 203, which can easily cause the internal pressure of the drum 29 to rise. However, in this embodiment, by opening the variable exhaust means 306, the drum 29 can communicate with the outside air through the exhaust port 257 without any resistance to the rise in internal pressure, so the drum 29 can be prevented from tilting backward too much. This can protect the bellows 10.

In step S11, the control device 90 executes the drying process. In the drying process, as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the blower fan 2 is driven first, and then the compressor 307 in the heat pump unit 300 is driven. The expansion means 308 is once fully opened to perform an origin adjustment, and then the opening degree is adjusted so that the thermistor (not shown) provided in the suction pipe of the compressor 307 does not become low temperature. The rotation speed of the compressor 307 is adjusted so that the difference between the thermistor (not shown) provided in the discharge pipe and the hot air thermistor provided at the outlet of the blower fan 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. After the air that has become hot in the heat pump unit 300 is pressurized by the blower fan 2, it is blown into the drum 29 through the blowing nozzle 203 to exchange heat with the laundry 30 and evaporate moisture from the laundry 30. The circulating air containing the moisture evaporated from the laundry 30 is returned to the heat pump unit 300 from the outer tub 20 via the return air duct 252. In the heat pump unit 300, the circulating air is cooled by the evaporator 302 located on the windward side, below the dew point temperature, and dehumidified. The air is then heated in the condenser 301, becoming low-humidity warm air.

In this embodiment, when air flows from the outer tub 20 into the return air passage 252, a portion of the air is exhausted from the exhaust port 257, and the same amount of air is taken in from the surrounding outside air through the intake port 260 of the heat pump unit 300. This results in an operation with enhanced dehumidification, as highly humid air is exhausted and less humid air is taken in. At this time, the lint collected by the filter 258 is prevented from accumulating on the filter 258, because the airflow generated in the gap between the drum 29 and the outer tub 20 as the drum 29 rotates flows in such a way that it traces the approximately arc-shaped shape of the filter 258. This provides stable exhaust and air circulation throughout the drying process.

In addition, at the end of the drying process, the warm air temperature may be increased to increase the temperature of the laundry 30, which may also serve to disinfect the laundry or to prevent odors caused by damp laundry. In this case, the compressor rotation speed is increased, and the air volume is rather suppressed, but the warm air temperature is increased by tightening the variable resistor. In other words, the air duct resistance is increased to increase the rotation speed of the blower fan 2, which corresponds to p2 and q2 in FIG. 7. Since the static pressure ΔP before and after the blower fan 2 is increased, the suction side of the blower fan becomes low pressure, and the static pressure level of the circulation path from the return air duct 252 to the heat pump unit 300 is reduced. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 257 is directed toward the connection part 253 between the return air duct 252 and the outer tub 20, which is not affected by the static pressure of the return air duct 252 or the dynamic pressure of the main flow, so a stable exhaust volume can be ensured.

To determine whether drying has been completed, the exhaust air temperature T1a of the outer tub 20 is measured by the air duct temperature sensor SN2 installed at the connection 253 between the outer tub 20 and the return air duct 252, and the hot air temperature T4a is measured by the hot air temperature sensor SN4 installed on the outlet side of the blower fan 2 at the start of drying or at a specified time after the start of operation (setting of initial temperature). After that, after a specified time appropriate to the load has elapsed, the exhaust air temperature T1b and hot air temperature T4b of the outer tub 20 are measured for the end determination, and the difference between the initial temperature and the end determination temperature is calculated (ΔT1 = T1a - T1b, ΔT4 = T4a - T4b). Furthermore, the end of drying is determined by checking whether the temperature difference (ΔT1 - ΔT4) is equal to or greater than the specified temperature.

At the end of the drying process, a cleaning process of the filter 258 is carried out. Since the main purpose is to remove lint that was not removed by the swirling flow caused by the rotation of the drum 29 during the drying process, it is preferable to reduce the amount of water sprayed to a level that does not affect the humidity inside the drum 29. If a process is set to sterilize the laundry 30 by raising its temperature at the end of the drying process, the cleaning process is carried out before that, and the variable exhaust means 306 is opened afterwards. Even when sterilizing by raising the temperature, a portion of the circulating air that may become highly humid at the outlet of the outer tub 20 can be exhausted from the exhaust port 257, so the humidity of the circulating air can be efficiently reduced.

The cleaning process for the filter 258 may be set to be performed separately from the drying process, and it is preferable that the process can be selected to reflect the degree of lint adhesion, for example, by selecting the washing course only after operation.

If the drying process is not set in the course selection process (step S1), operation ends in step S10.

The washer-dryer 100 has a filter 258 attached to a connection 253 provided at the upper back surface of the outer tub 20, which is connected to the return air passage 252, so that the area of the filter 258 can be sufficiently secured. In addition, the washer-dryer 100 has an air flow in the outer tub 20 caused by the rotation of the drum 29 that traces the approximately arc shape of the filter 258, so that lint adhering to the filter 258 can be efficiently removed during operation. This allows the washer-dryer 100 to constantly ensure a stable exhaust volume.

In addition, since the washer-dryer 100 can exhaust air without being affected by the dynamic pressure of the main flow of circulating air, it is easy to adjust the exhaust volume to accommodate different courses or different air blowing conditions during the course of the course. This also allows the washer-dryer 100 to ensure a constant and stable exhaust volume.

In addition, the washer-dryer 100 can arrange the meshes in a plane by forming the filter 258 in two sheets in the flow direction as necessary. In such a washer-dryer 100, the mesh (density) of each filter 258 can be made coarser than when there is only one filter 258. In other words, the washer-dryer 100 can obtain the same lint removal function as a single fine-mesh filter with a two-sheet coarse-mesh filter 258. When collecting lint with the two-sheet filter 258, the washer-dryer 100 can avoid the lint from being densely collected on one filter 258, and as a result, can ensure constant stable exhaust. In other words, the washer-dryer 100 can collect lint with the two-sheet filter 258, and can avoid the lint from being densely collected on one filter 258 (especially the filter 258a, which is the primary filter). This type of washer/dryer 100 can efficiently collect lint even under conditions of high air volume, which also ensures constant and stable exhaust.

The washer-dryer 100 may have the air inlet 260 (see FIG. 8A) and the air outlet 257 (see FIG. 4) in the heat pump unit 300 communicate with each other. When the washer-dryer 100 is not operating, the air inlet 260 (see FIG. 8A) and the air outlet 257 (see FIG. 8A) communicate the circulating air passage including the outer tub 20, the return air passage 252, and the heat pump unit 300 to the surrounding outside air. The washer-dryer 100 may have a path from the heat pump unit 300 to the air outlet 257 (see FIG. 4) in both the outer tub 20 and the return air passage 252, and may prevent moisture from accumulating inside the outer tub 20 and the return air passage 252, thereby suppressing the growth of mold.

The washer-dryer 100 also has an exhaust port 257 (see FIG. 4) on the wall of the connection part 253 located at the top of the back surface of the outer tub 20, which is connected to the return air duct 252. This type of washer-dryer 100 makes it difficult for wash water and water during spin-drying to splash up to the exhaust port 257 (see FIG. 4), making it difficult for lint to adhere, which also ensures constant and stable exhaust.

In addition, after cleaning the filter 258, the washer/dryer 100 can open the variable exhaust means 306 (see FIG. 4) to release water droplets remaining on the filter 258 into the surrounding outside air along with the exhaust. This type of washer/dryer 100 can reduce the degree of wetness of the filter 258 and make it easier for the air flow in the outer tub 20 to peel off lint from the filter 258, ensuring constant and stable exhaust.

In addition, the washer-dryer 100 can exhaust air without being affected by the dynamic pressure of the main flow of circulating air, so it can exhaust air only due to the influence of the internal pressure of the drum 29 on the operating conditions. This type of washer-dryer 100 can minimize the amount of exhaust adjustment by the variable exhaust means 306 (see Figure 4).

<Main features of the washer/dryer>
(1) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the washer-dryer 100 of this embodiment is configured such that a return air duct 252 is connected and fixed to a connection part 253 provided on the upper back surface of the outer tub 20, a filter 258 is provided on the connection part 253, and the outer periphery of the filter 258 is formed into an arc shape so that the outer periphery of the filter 258 fits along the outer periphery of the outer tub 20.

In the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment, the connection portion with the connection portion 253 of the return air duct 252 is formed in an arc shape, so that the wind speed of the dry air flowing through the return air duct 252 can be increased. As a result, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can improve the cleanability of the filter 258 by cleaning the filter 258 using the wind pressure of the dry air. In other words, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can efficiently remove lint adhering to the filter 258 because the wind speed of the dry air is high. Therefore, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can suppress clogging of the filter 258. Furthermore, by suppressing clogging of the filter 258 during the drying process, a constantly stable exhaust volume can be ensured.

The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment is configured to increase the wind speed of the dry air flowing through the return air passage 252 and use the wind pressure of that air to exhaust the air. Unlike the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment is not configured to branch the air from the main stream of air flowing through the duct into a branch stream and use the dynamic pressure of the main stream in addition to the static pressure inside the duct to exhaust the air, so a stable exhaust volume can be ensured in this respect as well.

(2) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment may be configured with an exhaust port 257 located immediately after the outlet of the filter 258 in the connection part 253.

Unlike the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment does not change the flow rate of dry air midway through the return air duct 252. Because the flow rate of dry air is stable, adjustments to the diameter of the exhaust port 257, exhaust resistance, exhaust volume, etc. can be reduced or eliminated.

(3) As shown in FIG. 4, the washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment may be configured to have a variable exhaust means 306 for changing the amount of exhaust air provided at the exhaust port 257. In addition, the variable exhaust means 306 may be opened after the filter 258 is cleaned.

The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment uses the variable exhaust means 306 to reduce adjustments to the exhaust volume for multiple drying courses, thereby ensuring a stable exhaust volume.

(4) The variable exhaust means 306 may be opened after the filter 258 is cleaned.
The washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can efficiently release water droplets remaining on the filter 258 into the surrounding air by opening the variable exhaust means 306 as necessary after cleaning the filter 258.

(5) As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that a plurality of filters 258 are provided in the direction of air flow.
In the washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment, the mesh size (density) of each filter 258 can be made coarse. This makes it possible for the washer/dryer 100 to prevent lint from being densely collected in each filter 258, thereby ensuring constant and stable exhaust.

(6) As shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the multiple filters 258 (particularly filter 258b, which is the secondary filter) is provided with a frame 259 around its periphery and can be removed together with the frame 259 from the filter mounting portion 254.

In the washer/dryer 100 according to this embodiment, the filter (particularly the filter 258b, which is the secondary filter) having the frame 259 can be removed from the filter attachment portion 254, so that the user can manually wash this filter.

As described above, the washer-dryer 100 according to this embodiment can prevent clogging of the filter 258 and ensure a stable exhaust volume. Furthermore, since the washer-dryer 100 can ensure a stable exhaust volume and circulating air volume, it can perform a washing and drying operation with good drying efficiency and reduced power consumption. Furthermore, since the washer-dryer 100 can prevent lint accumulation in the heat pump unit 300 relative to the frequency of use, it can operate continuously without reducing drying performance.

[Modification]
4, the washer/dryer 100 according to the embodiment is configured to include a variable exhaust unit 306 at the exhaust port 257. In contrast, in the modified example, a washer/dryer 100A is provided in which an exhaust fan 263 is provided at the exhaust port 257.

The configuration of the washer-dryer 100A of the modified example will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the washer-dryer 100A of the modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the washer-dryer 100A of the modified example is different from the washer-dryer 100 of the embodiment (see FIG. 4) in that an exhaust fan 263 is provided in the exhaust port 257 instead of the variable exhaust means 306 (see FIG. 4). The exhaust fan 263 is a means for forcibly exhausting a part of the air passing through the return air passage 252 to the outside. The washer-dryer 100 can adjust the exhaust volume by adjusting the rotation speed of the exhaust fan 263. Since the washer-dryer 100 can forcibly exhaust air by the exhaust fan 263, the exhaust volume can be adjusted more actively than the washer-dryer 100 of the embodiment (see FIG. 4).

As described above, according to the washer-dryer 100A of the modified example, like the washer-dryer 100 of the embodiment (see FIG. 4), clogging of the filter 258 can be suppressed and a stable amount of exhaust can be ensured.
Moreover, according to the washer/dryer 100A of the modified example, the amount of exhaust air can be adjusted more actively than in the washer/dryer 100 (see FIG. 4) according to the embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of the embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add another configuration to the configuration of the embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of each configuration with another configuration.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Housing 20 Outer tub 29 Drum 30 Laundry 251 Warm air duct (circulating air duct on the supply side)
252 Return air duct (return side circulation air duct)
253 Connection part 254 Filter attachment part 256 Variable resistor device 257 Exhaust port 258, 258a, 258b Filter 259 Frame 263 Exhaust fan 271 Sprinkler mechanism 300 Heat pump unit (heat pump)
301 Condenser 302 Evaporator 306 Variable exhaust means 307 Compressor 308 Expansion means (variable expansion valve)

Claims (6)

An outer tank capable of storing liquid therein;
A substantially cylindrical drum that is rotatably supported within the outer tub and that accommodates laundry;
A heat pump having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion means, and an evaporator;
A return air duct connecting the outer tank and the heat pump;
A connection portion that connects the outer tank and the return air passage;
a filter for collecting lint;
The connection portion is provided on an upper part of a rear surface of the outer tank,
The filter is provided at the connection portion,
The washing/drying machine is characterized in that the shape of the outer peripheral portion of the filter is substantially arcuate so as to fit along the outer peripheral portion of the rear surface of the outer tub. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1,
The washer/dryer is characterized in that the exhaust port is provided at a position immediately behind the outlet of the filter in the connection portion. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2,
The washer/dryer is characterized in that the exhaust port is provided with a variable exhaust means for changing an exhaust amount. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3,
The variable exhaust means is opened after the filter is cleaned. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1,
The washing/drying machine is characterized in that the filter is provided in a plurality of sheets in the direction of air flow. The washing and drying machine according to claim 5,
At least one of the plurality of filters has a frame around it and can be removed together with the frame from a filter mounting portion provided at the connection portion.

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