WO2020103806A1

WO2020103806A1 - Washer dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2020103806A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/119265
Authority: WO
Inventors: 田岛登; 鸢幸生; 植田真弘; 直野浩树; 市川晶; 松田喜彦
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社
Priority date: 2018-11-19
Filing date: 2019-11-18
Publication date: 2020-05-28
Also published as: CN112912553B; CN112912553A; JP2020081053A; JP7403113B2

Abstract

A washer dryer, which can improve use convenience of drying operation. The washer dryer (1) comprises: a drum (3), a drainage passage (5) for draining water in the drum (3), a circulating passage (20) connected to the drum (3), an air supply part (21), a heating part (22) disposed in the circulating passage (20), a water filter (30) having a container (40) for storing water, and a water guide passage (33) connected to the container (40). The air supply part (21) extracts air in the drum (3) from an outlet (20D) and sends to the circulating passage (20), and the air returns to the water drum (3) by means of a return port (20E), so that air is circulated in the drum (3). The container (40) is the upstream part (20G) which is closer to the outlet (20D) side than the heating part (22) in the circulating passage (20). The water filter (30) enables the air flowing from the outlet (20D) to the return port (20E) in the circulating passage (20) to pass through water in the container (40), so that foreign matters in the air are captured. The water guide passage (33) guides the water in the container (40) to the drainage passage (5).

Description

Washing and drying machine

Technical field

The invention relates to an integrated washing and drying machine.

Background technique

The integrated washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1 described below includes an outer cylinder that can store water, a drum disposed inside the outer cylinder and storing laundry, and a circulating air path. The circulating air path includes an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the outer cylinder, and an air supply unit with a blower and a heater. During the drying operation, by operating the blower, the air in the outer cylinder circulates in such a way that it is drawn into the circulation air path from the air inlet and flows into the outer cylinder from the exhaust outlet. The circulating air is heated by the heater in the circulating air path. The laundry in the drum is dried by heated air. A drying filter that catches foreign materials such as wire ends and dust contained in the circulating air through a mesh-shaped filter element is arranged in the air blowing unit. In order to facilitate the cleaning of the filter element, the drying filter can be removed from the air supply unit.

In the integrated washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1, the clogging of the filter element may cause a performance decrease such as a prolonged drying operation time and increased power consumption. Therefore, in order to prevent such performance degradation, the user needs to remove the drying filter at a high frequency for cleaning, and therefore, the maintenance of the drying filter is very laborious.

Existing technical literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-244984

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention is accomplished under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an integrated washing and drying machine which can improve the convenience of use of the drying operation.

Solutions for solving problems

The invention is an integrated washing and drying machine, including: a water tank, which can store water; a washing tank, which is accommodated in the water tank, containing and rotating laundry; a drainage path, draining water from the water tank; a circulation path, having An outlet and a return port connected to the water tank; the air supply part takes out the air in the water tank from the outlet to the circulation path and returns from the return port to the water tank, thereby making The air circulation in the water cylinder; the heating section is provided in the circulation path to heat the air in the circulation path; the water filter has a configuration that is closer to the intake than the heating portion in the circulation path A container in the upstream portion of the outlet side, the container can store water, and the water filter passes air in the circulation path from the outlet to the return port through the water in the container, thereby Foreign objects are captured from the air; and a water guide channel is connected to the container to guide the water in the container to the drainage channel.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the integrated washer-dryer further includes a drain filter that captures foreign objects from the water flowing through the drain path, and the water guide path and the drain path are more than the drain filter It is connected to the part on the side of the water tank or the drainage filter.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the integrated washing and drying machine further includes: a box body that houses the water tank; and a support member that connects the box body and the water tank and elastically supports the water tank, and the water guide At least a part of can be elastically deformed.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the water channel, the first part on the water filter side and the second part on the drain filter side are elastically deformable, and between the first part and the second part The third part is fixed to the water tank.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the container is formed with an overflow port for overflowing water above a predetermined water level in the container to the outside of the container, and the integrated washer-dryer further includes an overflow channel, and The overflow port is connected to the water guide channel, and the water overflowing from the overflow port is guided to the water guide channel.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, during the drying operation of the integrated washing-drying machine, the air in the water tank is circulated in such a manner that it is taken out from the take-out port into the circulation path and returned from the return port into the water tank. The circulating air is heated by the heating section in the circulation path to become hot air, and the laundry in the washing tub is dried. The water filter having the container constituting the upstream portion of the circulation path on the intake side closer to the heating section allows the air stored in the circulation path from the extraction port to the return port to pass through the water stored in the container for circulation Foreign objects are captured from the air. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from reaching the heating section and reducing the performance of the heating section.

The foreign matter captured by the water filter is stored in the container together with the water. Since the water guide channel connected to the container guides the water in the container to the drain channel, the foreign matter stored in the container is discharged to the drain channel together with the water. Therefore, the user can remove the foreign matter in the container without touching the water filter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of use of the drying operation.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the water guide channel is connected to a portion of the drain channel that is closer to the water tank side than the drain filter or the drain filter, foreign substances stored in the container are discharged together with the water to the drain channel and then captured by the drain filter . The user can remove the foreign matter stored in the drain filter by removing the foreign matter accumulated in the drain filter. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the foreign matter in the container without touching the water filter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of use of the drying operation.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the water tank elastically supported by the support member in the tank may vibrate. Since at least a part of the water channel can be elastically deformed, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the water tank from being transmitted from the water channel to the container of the water filter, the drain channel, and the drain filter.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the water guide path, the first portion on the water filter side and the second portion on the drain filter side can be elastically deformed, and the third portion between the first portion and the second portion is fixed to the water tank. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vibration of the water cylinder from being transmitted from the third part of the water guide channel to the container of the water filter, the drain channel, and the drain filter.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the water level in the container rises to a predetermined water level, water above the predetermined water level overflows from the overflow port to the overflow channel and is discharged from the water guide channel to the drain channel. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water overflowing from the container from being spilled into the integrated washer-dryer to wet electrical components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional right side view of an integrated washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a left side view of the water filter disposed in the integrated washing and drying machine.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a water filter.

4 is a perspective view of a water filter.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2.

6 is a perspective view including the AA cross section of FIG. 2.

7 is a step sectional view of the water filter at the line BB of FIG. 3.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a water filter and its surroundings.

9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the integrated washing and drying machine.

10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the integrated washing and drying machine.

11 is a flowchart showing a drying operation performed in the integrated washing and drying machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process performed during the drying operation.

13 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process of the first modification.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process of the second modification.

15 is a flowchart showing adjustment processing of a third modification.

16 is a flowchart showing an adjustment process of a fourth modification.

17 is a flowchart showing the cooling process performed during the drying operation.

18 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the cleaning water filter.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the first modification.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the second modification.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing cleaning processing in a third modification.

22 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting and eliminating clogging of foreign substances in the water filter.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a process of eliminating clogging of foreign substances in the water filter.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the cancellation process of the first modification.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the cancellation process of the second modification.

Fig. 26 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional right side view of the integrated washing and drying machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: integrated washing and drying machine; 2: box; 3: water tank; 5: drainage channel; 6: drainage filter; 7: washing cylinder; 15: supporting member; 20: circulation channel; 20D: take-out port; 20E: return Mouth; 20G: upstream part; 21: air supply part; 22: heating part; 30: water filter; 33: water channel; 33A: first part; 33B: second part; 33D: third part; 35: overflow channel ; 40: container; 40F: overflow path; L: laundry.

detailed description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional right side view of the integrated washing and drying machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as the left-right direction X of the integrated washer-dryer 1, the left-right direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front-rear direction Y of the combined washer-dryer 1, and the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as The vertical direction Z of the integrated washing and drying machine 1. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side X1, and the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side X2. Among the front and rear directions Y, the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side Y1, and the right side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the rear side Y2. Among the vertical directions Z, the upper side is referred to as an upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as a lower side Z2. The integrated washing and drying machine 1 is a so-called drum-type integrated washing and drying machine, and performs a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, and a drying operation. The integrated washing and drying machine 1 includes a tank 2, a water tank 3 disposed in the tank 2, a water supply path 4 and a drain path 5 connected to the water tank 3, and a drain filter 6 that catches foreign objects from the water flowing through the drain path 5. The washing tub 7 housed in the water tub 3, the motor 8 that rotates the washing tub 7, and the drying unit 9 that dries the laundry L in the washing tub 7.

The box 2 is formed in a box shape. The front surface 2A of the cabinet 2 is, for example, a vertical surface. On the front surface 2A, an opening 2B that communicates the inside and outside of the case 2 is formed. On the front surface 2A, there are provided a door 10 that opens / closes the opening 2B, and a display operation portion 11 composed of a switch, a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The user can freely select the operating conditions of the integrated washing and drying machine 1 by instructing the switch of the display operation unit 11 or the like, or instruct the integrated washing and drying machine 1 to start operation and stop operation. The display operation unit 11 functions as an example of the notification unit, thereby visually displaying information related to the operation of the integrated washing and drying machine 1 on the liquid crystal panel of the display operation unit 11 or the like.

The water tub 3 is connected to the case 2 via a support member 15 such as a shock absorber or a boom, and is elastically supported by the support member 15. The water tub 3 has a cylindrical circumferential wall 3A centered on the axis J extending in the horizontal direction H in the front-back direction Y, and a disc-shaped rear wall that is vertically arranged and blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the rear side Y2 3B and an annular front wall 3C connected to the front edge of the circumferential wall 3A. In the center of the back wall 3B, a through hole 3D is formed through the back wall 3B in the front-back direction Y along the axis J. The front wall 3C has an annular first front portion 3E protruding from the front end edge of the circumferential wall 3A toward the axis J side, and a cylindrical second front portion protruding from the inner peripheral edge of the first front portion 3E to the front side Y1 3F and an annular third front portion 3G protruding from the front end edge of the second front portion 3F toward the axis J side. On the inner side of the third front surface portion 3G, there is formed a port 3H communicating with the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the front side Y1. The entrance 3H is in a state of facing and communicating with the opening 2B of the case 2 from the rear side Y2.

The water supply path 4 has one end (not shown) connected to a faucet (not shown), and the other end 4A connected to, for example, the circumferential wall 3A of the water tub 3. The other end portion 4A is provided with an elastically deformable portion 4B composed of, for example, a serpentine hose, so that the transmission of the vibration of the water cylinder 3 to the entire water supply path 4 can be suppressed. During water supply, water from the faucet is supplied into the water tank 3 from the water supply path 4. The water tank 3 stores water such as tap water and detergent water in which detergent is dissolved. In the middle of the water supply path 4, a main water supply valve 12 that is opened / closed to start or stop water supply is provided.

The drain 5 is connected to the lower end of the water tub 3, for example, the lower end of the first front portion 3E of the front wall 3C. The water in the water tank 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain 5. At the end of the drain channel 5 connected to the water tank 3, an elastic deformation portion 5A composed of, for example, a serpentine hose is provided. Therefore, transmission of the vibration of the water tank 3 to the entire drain channel 5 can be suppressed. In the middle of the drain channel 5, a main drain valve 13 that is opened / closed to start or stop drainage is provided.

The drain filter 6 is provided in the drain passage 5 closer to the upstream portion of the water tank 3 than the main drain valve 13. Since the front end of the drain filter 6 is exposed to the front surface 2A of the case 2, the user can grasp the front end of the drain filter 6 to attach and detach the drain filter 6 to the case 2. The structure of the drain filter 6 can use a well-known structure.

The washing tub 7 is smaller than the water tub 3 by one turn, and the washing object L can be stored inside. The washing tub 7 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 7A arranged coaxially with the peripheral wall 3A of the water tub 3, a disc-shaped back wall 7B that blocks the hollow portion of the peripheral wall 7A from the rear side Y2, and a peripheral wall 7A The front end edge of the annular ring wall 7C protruding toward the axis J side. In the washing tub 7, a plurality of through holes 7D are formed at least in the circumferential wall 7A, and water in the water tub 3 passes between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 7 through the through holes 7D. As a result, the water level in the water tub 3 matches the water level in the washing tub 7. At the center of the back wall 7B of the washing tub 7, a support shaft 14 extending along the axis J toward the rear side Y2 is provided. The rear end portion of the support shaft 14 passes through the through-hole 3D of the back wall 3B of the water tub 3 and is arranged on the rear side Y2 of the back wall 3B.

Inside the annular wall 7C, an entrance 7E communicating with the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 7A from the front side Y1 is formed. The inlet / outlet 7E is in a state of facing and communicating with the inlet / outlet 3H of the water tub 3 and the opening 2B of the tank 2 from the rear side Y2. The

entrances

3H and 7E are opened / closed together with the opening 2B through the door 10. The user of the integrated washing-drying machine 1 drops the laundry L into the washing tub 7 through the opened opening 2B, the

entrances

3H, and 7E.

The motor 8 is arranged on the rear side Y2 of the back wall 3B of the water tub 3 in the casing 2. The motor 8 is connected to the support shaft 14 provided in the washing tub 7. The driving force generated by the motor 8 is transmitted to the support shaft 14, and the washing tub 7 rotates around the axis J along with the support shaft 14. It should be noted that a clutch mechanism (not shown) that transmits or disconnects the driving force of the motor 8 to the support shaft 14 may be provided between the motor 8 and the support shaft 14.

The drying unit 9 includes a circulation path 20 connected to the water tub 3, an air blowing portion 21 that generates air flow in the circulation path 20, and a heating portion 22 that heats air in the circulation path 20. The circulation path 20 is a flow path disposed on the upper side Z1 of the water tub 3 in the tank 2. The circulation path 20 is fixed to the case 2 and has a midway portion 20A extending in the front-rear direction Y, a rear portion 20B extending from the rear end of the midway portion 20A to the lower side Z2, and a front portion extending from the front end of the midway portion 20A to the lower side Z2 Part 20C. At the lower end of the rear portion 20B, an outlet 20D is formed. The outlet 20D is in a state of being connected to, for example, the back wall 3B in the water tub 3 and communicating with the inside of the water tub 3 from the rear side Y2. A return port 20E is formed at the lower end of the front portion 20C. The return port 20E is in a state of being connected to the upper end portion of the second front surface portion 3F of, for example, the front wall 3C in the water tub 3 and communicating with the inside of the water tub 3 from the upper side Z1. The both ends of the circulation path 20 connected to the water tank 3 are provided with, for example, an elastic deformation portion 20F made of a serpentine hose. Therefore, the transmission of the vibration of the water tank 3 to the entire circulation path 20 can be suppressed.

The air blower 21 is a so-called blower, and includes a rotating blade 23 disposed in a region close to the outlet 20D inside the circulation path 20 and a motor (not shown) that rotates the rotating blade 23. During the drying operation, as the rotary blade 23 rotates, the air in the water tank 3 and the washing tank 7 is shown by the thick dotted arrow, and after being taken out from the extraction port 20D into the circulation path 20, it returns to the water tank 3 from the return port 20E Inside. Thereby, the air in the water tank 3 circulates so as to flow through the water tank 3 and the circulation path 20 in order.

The heating unit 22 is a heat exchanger in a heat pump, a general heater, or the like, and at least a part is provided in the circulation path 20. The portion of the heating portion 22 provided in the circulation path 20 has a plurality of fin-shaped heat radiation portions 22A. During the drying operation, the heating unit 22 is operated to increase the temperature of the heat dissipation unit 22A. Therefore, the air flowing in the circulation path 20 is heated as hot air when passing around the heat dissipation unit 22A. During the drying operation, foreign objects such as thread ends and dust are generated, and the foreign objects flow with the hot air. When foreign materials adhere to and accumulate in the heat release portion 22A of the heating portion 22, the performance may decrease as the heating efficiency in the heating portion 22 decreases and the air flow in the circulation path 20 deteriorates. Therefore, it is necessary to trap these foreign materials .

The drying unit 9 includes a water filter 30 that traps foreign substances contained in the air flowing through the circulation path 20 through water, a water injection path 31 that supplies water to the water filter 30, and a water supply valve 32 that opens / closes the water injection path 31. The drying unit 9 further includes a water guide 33 that guides the water in the water filter 30 to the drain 5, a drain valve 34 that opens / closes the water guide 33, and an overflow 35 that guides the overflow in the water filter 30 to the water 33 . Hereinafter, after the circulation path 20 constituting the drying unit 9 is described in detail, the water filter 30, the water injection path 31, the water supply valve 32, the water guide path 33, the drain valve 34, and the overflow path 35 will be described.

A portion of the circulation path 20 that is closer to the extraction outlet 20D side than the heat radiation portion 22A of the heating portion 22 is referred to as an upstream portion 20G. The upstream portion 20G is composed of a part of the midway portion 20A and the entire rear portion 20B. In addition, when the rotating blade 23 of the air blowing part 21 is arrange | positioned at the side of the extraction outlet 20D rather than the heat radiation part 22A, the part of the circulation path 20 closer to the extraction outlet 20D side than the rotating blade 23 can be Seen as the upstream part of 20G. The rear portion 20B includes a first portion 20BA extending from the take-out port 20D to the horizontal direction H and bent toward the lower side Z2, and a second portion 20BB extending from the rear end of the midway portion 20A to the lower side Z2. The first portion 20BA is provided with an elastic deformation portion 20F.

The posture of the water filter 30 in the up-down direction of the integrated washer-dryer 1 is fixed, but the posture of the water filter 30 in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction can be determined according to the arrangement space of the water filter 30 in the integrated washer-dryer 1 Change arbitrarily. Hereinafter, for convenience, FIG. 2 is regarded as a left view of the water filter 30, and the water filter 30 is defined using the left-right direction X, the front-rear direction Y, and the up-down direction Z. Therefore, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2 is the left-right direction X of the water filter 30, the left-right direction in FIG. 2 is the front-rear direction Y of the water filter 30, and the up-down direction in FIG. 2 is the up-down direction of the water filter 30. Direction Z. In addition, corresponding to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 is a front view of the water filter 30, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water filter 30 viewed from the right side X2.

The water filter 30 has, for example, a box-shaped container 40 made of resin. The container 40 has an elliptical plate-shaped bottom wall 41 that is long in the left-right direction X, and an elliptical tube that is long in the left-right direction X and surrounds the outer edge of the bottom wall 41 and rises from the bottom wall 41 to the upper side Z1. The lower wall 42 having a shape and a lateral wall 43 having a rectangular wheel longer in the left-right direction X and protruding from the outer edge of the upper end of the lower wall 42 when viewed from above. The container 40 also has an upper wall 44 in the shape of a rectangular tube that is long in the left-right direction X and surrounds the outer edge of the lateral wall 43 and rises to the upper side Z1, and extends in the horizontal direction H and is connected to the upper end of the upper wall 44的顶壁 45。 The top wall 45. The lateral wall 43 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H. Correspondingly, the upper end of the lower side wall 42 and the lower end of the upper side wall 44 are also inclined with respect to the horizontal direction H. The lower side wall 42, the lateral wall 43, and the upper side wall 44 constitute the entire side wall 46 of the container 40. The side wall 46 has a cylindrical overall shape, and surrounds the internal space 40A of the container 40 from the lateral direction, that is, front, back, left, and right.

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2. The bottom wall 41 is formed in a plate shape descending as it approaches the left side X1, and blocks the internal space 40A of the container 40 from the lower side Z2. At the left end portion of the bottom wall 41, a drain port 41A extending downward to Z2 and vertically penetrating the bottom wall 41 is formed. The entire area of the upper surface portion 41B of the bottom wall 41 is inclined so as to fall closer to the drain 41A (refer also to FIG. 7 which is a stepped cross-sectional view at line BB in FIG. 3). The drain port 41A is located at the lower end of the internal space 40A. The bottom wall 41 is provided with a cylindrical coupling portion 41C that surrounds the drain port 41A and projects to the lower side Z2. The bottom wall 41 is integrally provided with a vertically long box-shaped overflow portion 41D extending from the left end of the bottom wall 41 to the upper side Z1. On the left wall of the overflow portion 41D, two tube portions 41E projecting to the left side X1 are arranged in the vertical direction Z. The internal space of the tube portion 41E of the lower side Z2 is the overflow port 41F communicating with the internal space of the overflow portion 41D.

6 is a perspective view including the AA cross section of FIG. 2. The lower side wall 42 is integrated with the bottom wall 41 and surrounds the lower region of the internal space 40A of the container 40. The connecting portion 42A connected to the bottom wall 41 in the lower side wall 42 is curved in an arc shape (see also FIG. 7). At the lower end of the left wall of the lower side wall 42, a communication port 42B communicating with the internal space of the overflow portion 41D is formed. In the lower side wall 42, the connection part of the left wall and the rear wall, the connection part of the rear wall and the right wall, the connection part of the right wall and the front wall (not shown), and the connection part of the front wall and the left wall are each bent into a circle Arc-shaped. Therefore, a portion corresponding to these connecting portions in the inner surface portion 42C of the lower side wall 42 is provided with a curved portion 42D curved in an arc shape when viewed from above. A circular water supply port 42E penetrating the lower side wall 42 is provided in the bent portion 42D at the connecting portion of the rear wall and the right wall in the lower side wall 42. The water supply port 42E is provided along the curved lateral direction of the curved portion 42D, and specifically opens substantially horizontally toward the front side Y1. The lower side wall 42 is provided with a tubular connecting portion 42F (see FIG. 4) protruding from the water supply port 42E to the outside of the lower side wall 42. The connecting portion 42F extends substantially horizontally along the tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the curved connecting portion 42A in the lower side wall 42.

The lateral wall 43 is formed in a ring shape enclosing the upper end of the lower side wall 42 and is integrated with the lower side wall 42. The upper side wall 44 surrounds the upper region of the internal space 40A of the container 40. The upper side wall 44 is provided with an annular guide portion 44A that surrounds the lower end thereof. The guide portion 44A protrudes toward the inner space 40A of the container 40 more than the inner edge of the lateral wall 43. The guide 44A is provided at a position higher than the water supply port 42E. The left wall of the upper side wall 44 and the left wall of the lower side wall 42 are connected to the overflow portion 41D of the bottom wall 41 together, and the internal space of the overflow portion 41D is blocked from the right side X2. The top wall 45 blocks the internal space 40A of the container 40 from the upper side Z1. An insertion hole 45A penetrating the top wall 45 in the vertical direction Z is formed at the right end of the top wall 45, and an outlet 45B penetrating the top wall 45 in the vertical direction Z is formed at the left end of the top wall 45. The top wall 45 is provided with a cylindrical coupling portion 45C that surrounds the insertion hole 45A and protrudes toward the upper side Z1, and a cylindrical coupling portion 45D that surrounds the outlet 45B and protrudes toward the upper side Z1. The container 40 of the water filter 30 is formed by combining a bottom wall 41, an overflow portion 41D, a lower side wall 42 and a lateral wall 43, an upper side wall 44, and a top wall 45.

The container 40 further includes a lower baffle 47 and an upper baffle 48 arranged in the upper region of the internal space 40A of the container 40, and a vertical tube 49 provided throughout the upper and lower regions of the internal space 40A. The lower baffle 47 is formed in a rectangular shape extending obliquely from the lower end portion of the right wall of the upper side wall 44 to the lower left side in parallel with the lateral wall 43. The lower surface of the lower baffle 47 is provided with one or more ribs 47A protruding downward Z2 and extending in the front-rear direction Y. The upper baffle 48 is formed in a rectangular shape extending obliquely from the upper end portion of the left wall of the upper side wall 44 to the lower right side. The right end of the upper baffle 48 is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the left end of the lower baffle 47. On the lower surface of the upper baffle 48, one or more ribs 48A protruding downward Z2 and extending in the front-rear direction Y are provided. The vertical tube 49 is inserted into the connecting portion 45C and the insertion hole 45A of the top wall 45, passes through the right side X2 of the upper baffle 48, and penetrates the right part of the lower baffle 47 in the vertical direction Z. The lower end of the vertical pipe 49 is arranged to be slightly away from the right portion of the upper surface portion 41B of the bottom wall 41 toward the upper side Z1. The vertical tube 49 is formed with an inlet 49A having an inverted L shape when the lower end portion is cut into a front view. The lower baffle 47 is integrated with the vertical tube 49. The water supply port 42E formed in the lower side wall 42 is arranged on the right side X2 of the vertical pipe 49 and is adjacent to the inlet 49A. The water supply port 42E is arranged closer to the inlet 49A than the outlet 45B of the top wall 45.

Referring to FIG. 1, the water filter 30 is disposed in the tank 2 at a lower portion of the rear region 2C around the back wall 3B of the water tub 3 and fixed to the tank 2. In the rear portion 20B constituting the upstream portion 20G in the circulation path 20, the lower end portion of the first portion 20BA is connected to the connecting portion 45C of the top wall 45 of the container 40 of the water filter 30 from the upper side Z1, and the interior of the first portion 20BA The space communicates with the internal space of the vertical tube 49 of the container 40 and the inlet 49A. In the rear portion 20B, the lower end of the second portion 20BB is connected to the connecting portion 45D of the top wall 45 of the container 40 from the upper side Z1, and the internal space of the second portion 20BB communicates with the outlet 45B of the container 40. Thus, the internal space 40A of the container 40 is located between the internal space of the first portion 20BA and the internal space of the second portion 20BB, and communicates with these internal spaces. The container 40 constitutes a part of the upstream portion 20G of the circulation path 20. The container 40 is arranged at a position closer to the outlet 20D of the circulation path 20 than the heating section 22 in the upstream portion 20G.

The water injection channel 31 branches from a part of the water supply channel 4 closer to the faucet side than the main water supply valve 12, and is connected to a connection portion 42F (see FIG. 4) of the lower side wall 42 of the container 40. The internal space of the water injection path 31 communicates with the water supply port 42E of the lower side wall 42. The water supply valve 32 is provided in the middle of the water injection path 31 and opens / closes the water injection path 31.

The first portion 33A constituting the end of the water filter 30 on the water guide 33 is connected to the connecting portion 41C of the bottom wall 41 of the container 40 from the lower side Z2, and the internal space of the water guide 33 communicates with the drain 41A of the bottom wall 41 . The drain 41A extends to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the upper end of the first portion 33A. The second portion 33B constituting the end portion on the opposite side of the first portion 33A in the water guide path 33 is connected to the upstream portion of the drain path 5 closer to the water tank 3 side than the drain filter 6. The second part 33B may also be directly connected to the drain filter 6. The first portion 33A and the second portion 33B are respectively provided with elastic deformation portions 33C composed of, for example, serpentine hoses, so that the first portion 33A and the second portion 33B can be elastically deformed. The third portion 33D between the first portion 33A and the second portion 33B in the water guide 33 is fixed to the water tube 3 via the bracket 50, for example. The third part 33D may also be directly fixed to the water tub 3. In the water guide 33, the first part 33A and the second part 33B constituting a part thereof can be elastically deformed, and therefore, the vibration of the water cylinder 3 can be prevented from being transmitted from the third part 33D to the container 40 of the water filter 30, the drain 5, and the drain器 6. The third part 33D may not be fixed to the water tank 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the water filter 30 and its surroundings. The drain valve 34 is provided in the first portion 33A of the water guide 33 and opens / closes the water guide 33. The drain valve 34 includes an electric actuator 34A such as a valve body (not shown) that moves in order to open / close the water guide 33 and a torque motor that moves the valve body and is arranged in the first portion 33A. In addition, the main water supply valve 12, the main drain valve 13, and the water supply valve 32 may have the same structure as the drain valve 34, or may be constituted by a well-known valve such as a solenoid valve. The overflow path 35 is connected to the overflow portion 41F of the pipe portion 41E of the lower side Z2 of the overflow portion 41D of the bottom wall 41 and the first portion 33A.

9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the integrated washing and drying machine 1. The integrated washing and drying machine 1 further includes a control unit 60 and a water level sensor 61. The control unit 60 is configured, for example, as a microcomputer including a CPU 62, a memory 63 such as a ROM / RAM that stores various count values / thresholds to be described later, and a timer 64 for timing, and is built in the case 2 (see also FIG. 1) . The motor 8, the display operation unit 11, the main water supply valve 12, the main drain valve 13, the air supply unit 21, the heating unit 22, the water supply valve 32, and the drain valve 34 are electrically connected to the control unit 60, respectively.

The control unit 60 controls the rotation of the motor 8 to cause the motor 8 to generate driving force or stop the rotation of the motor 8. When the user operates the display operation unit 11 to select the operating conditions of the laundry Q or the like, the control unit 60 accepts the selection. The control unit 60 controls the display of the display operation unit 11. The control section 60 controls the opening / closing of the main water supply valve 12 and the main drain valve 13. When the control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 12 with the main drain valve 13 closed, water is supplied to the water tank 3 to store water. When the control part 60 opens the main drain valve 13, the water cylinder 3 drains. The control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 to generate wind, and circulates the wind between the washing tub 7 and the circulation path 20. The control unit 60 operates the heating unit 22 to convert the air circulating between the washing tub 7 and the circulation path 20 into hot air. The control section 60 controls the opening / closing of the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 related to the water filter 30. The water level sensor 61 is a well-known sensor that detects the water level in the container 40 of the water filter 30, and is attached to the tube portion 41E of the upper side Z1 of the two tube portions 41E of the overflow portion 41D of the container 40 (see FIG. 8). The detection result of the water level sensor 61 is input to the control unit 60 in real time.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the integrated washing-drying machine 1. The control unit 60 operates the motor 8 to open / close the main water supply valve 12 and the main drain valve 13, respectively, thereby sequentially performing a washing operation (step S1), a rinsing operation (step S2), and a spin-drying operation (step S3). The rinsing operation can be performed multiple times, and the dehydration operation can be performed between the cleaning operation and the rinsing operation, and between the rinsing operation and the next rinsing operation. After the dehydration operation, the control unit 60 operates the air supply unit 21 and the heating unit 22 to open / close the main water supply valve 12, the main drain valve 13, the water supply valve 32, and the drain valve 34, respectively, thereby performing a drying operation (step S4) . In the integrated washing and drying machine 1, only the drying operation may be performed without going through the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the dehydration operation.

Before the start of the washing operation, detergent is poured into the washing tub 7. During the cleaning operation, the control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 12 for a predetermined period of time with the main drain valve 13 closed to supply water to the water tub 3 and the washing tub 7, and then rotates the washing tub 7 by the motor 8. As a result, the laundry L in the washing tub 7 is dropped. During the fall washing, the washing L is repeatedly "lifted" after falling to the water surface after being lifted to a certain degree. The impact of the beating and the detergent component contained in the detergent water of the washing tub 7 removes dirt from the laundry L. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the beating, when the control unit 60 opens the main drain valve 13 to drain the water, the washing operation ends.

During the rinsing operation, the control unit 60 opens the main water supply valve 12 for a predetermined time to supply water to the water tub 3 and the washing tub 7, and then rotates the washing tub 7 by the motor 8. In this way, since the aforementioned beating is repeated, the laundry L is rinsed by the tap water in the washing tub 7. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the beating, when the control unit 60 performs drainage, the rinsing operation ends. During the spin-drying operation, the control unit 60 spins the spin-drying drum 7 while the main drain valve 13 is opened. The laundry L in the washing tub 7 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by the spin-drying rotation of the washing tub 7. The water oozed out from the laundry L by dehydration is discharged from the drain 5 to the outside of the machine.

11 is a flowchart showing the drying operation. When the drying operation starts, the control unit 60 operates the heating unit 22 to preheat the heat release unit 22A of the heating unit 22 (step S11), and opens the water supply valve 32 with the drain valve 34 closed (step S12). Thus, the water from the faucet passes through the water supply path 4 and the water injection path 31, and is supplied from the water supply port 42E of the container 40 of the water filter 30 and stored in the container 40. At this time, the control unit 60 stops the air blowing unit 21 so that the water in the container 40 does not splash. That is, in order to start the drying operation, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 to store water in the container 40 before the blower unit 21 operates. In addition, even if the water supplied into the container 40 from the water supply port 42E splashes toward the upper side Z1, the guide portion 44A (refer to FIG. 6) in the container 40 can guide the water toward the lower side Z2. When the water level in the container 40 detected by the water level sensor 61 rises to the reference water level W (see FIG. 5) that blocks a part of the inlet 49A of the lower end of the vertical pipe 49, the function of the water filter 30 becomes effective, so the control unit 60 The water supply valve 32 is closed to end the water supply to the water filter 30. The control unit 60 may determine whether the water level in the container 40 has risen to the reference water level W based on the detection result of the water level sensor 61, or may determine based on whether a required time has passed without using the water level sensor 61. The required time is the time required for the water level in the container 40 to rise from the empty state of the container 40 to the reference water level W, and is determined in advance by experiments and stored in the memory 63. It should be noted that the water supply to the water filter 30 may be performed before the washing operation. However, when water in the water filter 30 may overflow due to vibration generated by the dehydration operation, it is preferable to supply water to the water filter 30 after the dehydration operation.

The reference water level W is set at a position lower than the overflow port 41F (see FIG. 5). The reference water level W is set with a lower limit and an upper limit, and the water level that changes between these lower and upper limits can be regarded as the reference water level W. When the water level in the container 40 rises to a predetermined water level that coincides with the overflow port 41F, the water above the predetermined water level in the container 40 passes through the overflow port 41F, overflows to the overflow path 35 outside the container 40, and is passed through the overflow path 35 The guide water channel 33 is guided, passes through the water channel 33 and the drain channel 5 and is discharged out of the machine (see FIG. 1). Therefore, it is possible to prevent water overflowing from the inside of the container 40 from being scattered in the integrated washer-dryer 1 and immersing electrical components such as the control unit 60. The maximum water level lower than the predetermined water level and higher than the reference water level W is set in the water level in the container 40. The maximum water level is set slightly below Z2 at the lower end of the overflow port 41F.

After supplying water to the water filter 30, the control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 while continuing to operate the heating unit 22, thereby performing the main drying process (step S13). Thus, as described above, the heated air is generated and circulated so as to flow through the water tank 3 and the circulation path 20 in this order. This air is blown onto the laundry L in the washing tub 7 to absorb the moisture of the laundry L. Thus, the laundry L is dried. The air that has absorbed the moisture of the laundry L becomes humid air, and as shown by the thick broken arrow in FIG. 1, it is taken out from the extraction port 20D into the circulation path 20 and flows to the return port 20E.

In the main drying process, the air flowing into the circulation path 20 from the outlet 20D passes through the first portion 20BA of the rear portion 20B, and descends in the vertical pipe 49 of the water filter 30. The air descending in the vertical pipe 49 flows into the container 40 of the water filter 30 from the inlet 49A at the lower end of the vertical pipe 49 as indicated by the thick broken arrow in FIG. 5. As described above, since the inlet 49A is formed in an inverted L shape, the air flowing into the container 40 from the inlet 49A passes through the water stored in the container 40 and descends to the right side X2 in front of the bottom wall 41 of the container 40 Change to one side and rise in the water. At this time, the air exchanges heat with the water in the container 40, thereby dehumidifying. Furthermore, the foreign matter contained in the air (refer to the foreign matter V in FIG. 5) is captured by the water in the container 40 and stored in the container 40 together with the water. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from reaching the heating unit 22 and reducing the performance of the heating unit 22. In other words, the water passing through the water filter 30 can not only capture the foreign matter generated during the drying operation, but also dehumidify the humid air. This can reduce the number of parts and save water. In addition, since the container 40 is disposed in the upstream portion 20G of the circulation path 20 closer to the extraction port 20D than the heating portion 22, the water filter 30 can be quickly captured from the air just taken out from the extraction port 20D to the circulation path 20 Foreign objects (see Figure 1). As a result, the area in the circulation path 20 where the air containing foreign matter spreads can be reduced, and therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to most of the circulation path 20. Furthermore, since the container 40 is disposed away from the heating unit 22, even if the water temperature in the container 40 increases due to the heat exchange between air and water, the hot gas hardly reaches the heating unit 22.

The air from which moisture and foreign substances have been removed passes through the water surface in the container 40 and further rises, and flows to the left side X1 along the lower baffle 47 in the lower region of the internal space 40A of the container 40. The foreign substances remaining in the air are separated from the air and fall into the water in the container 40 when passing through the rib 47A of the lower surface of the lower baffle 47. The air passing over the left end of the lower baffle 47 rises, and flows to the right side X2 along the upper baffle 48 in the upper region of the internal space 40A. The foreign matters remaining in the air separate from the air and fall into the water in the container 40 when passing through the ribs 48A of the lower and lower surface portions of the upper baffle 48. The air passing over the right end of the upper baffle 48 rises while changing direction to the left X1 and reaches the outlet 45B of the top wall 45, flows out from the inside of the container 40 to the second portion 20BB of the rear part 20B through the outlet 45B, and returns toward the return port 20E Rise within the second part of 20BB.

The air rising in the second portion 20BB passes through the rotating blades 23 of the air blowing portion 21 as indicated by the thick broken arrows in FIG. 1, flows in the middle portion 20A of the circulation path 20 to the front side Y1, and passes through Overheating part 22A of heating part 22 is heated again. The reheated air descends in the front portion 20C of the circulation path 20, goes to the return port 20E, is supplied into the water tank 3 and the washing tank 7 from the return port 20E, and is reused to dry the laundry in the washing tank L.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the main drying process of step S13 is continued for a predetermined time of, for example, about 2 to 3 hours, control unit 60 stops heating unit 22 (step S14). In this state, the air blower 21 continues to operate, and therefore, the cold air is circulated to be blown onto the laundry L in the washing tub 7, whereby the laundry L is cooled. Then, when the control unit 60 continues the circulation of the cold air for a predetermined time of about several tens of minutes, the water filter 30 is drained by opening the drain valve 34 as a process at the end of the drying operation (step S15). As a result, the water and foreign matter in the container 40 of the water filter 30 are discharged through the drain port 41A of the bottom wall 41 of the container 40 to the water channel 33 and guided from the water channel 33 to the drain channel 5. In particular, since the drain 41A extends from the upper surface portion 41B of the bottom wall 41 of the container 40 to the lower side Z2 and is connected to the water guide 33, the upper surface portion 41B of the bottom wall 41 decreases as it approaches the drain 41A Since the method is inclined (see FIG. 5), the foreign matter in the container 40 does not remain on the bottom wall 41, but smoothly reaches the drain 41A and falls, and then goes to the water guide 33 and the drain 5. Furthermore, R corners 65 (see FIG. 5) are provided at the corners of the container 40, the connection between the side wall 46 and the lower baffle 47, and the connection between the side wall 46 and the upper baffle 48 (see FIG. 5). Foreign matter remains in these corner parts or connecting parts. Although the control unit 60 may stop the blower 21 during the drainage of the water filter 30, the blower 21 may be operated if drainage is to be promoted.

The foreign matter introduced into the drainage channel 5 is caught by the drainage filter 6 (refer to FIG. 1). As long as the foreign matter accumulated in the drain filter 6 is removed, the foreign matter in the container 40 can be removed. Therefore, the user can maintain the foreign matter in the container 40 without touching the water filter 30. Therefore, the usability of the drying operation can be improved. It should be noted that the drain filter 6 may be omitted. In this case, the foreign matter guided to the drain channel 5 is directly discharged outside the machine through the drain channel 5.

When the water in the container 40 becomes empty, the drying operation ends. The control unit 60 may determine whether the water in the container 40 is empty based on the detection result of the water level sensor 61, or may determine whether the required time has elapsed. This required time is longer than the time required for the water level in the container 40 to fall from the reference water level W to the bottom wall 41, and is determined in advance by experiments and stored in the memory 63. During the period from the end of the drying operation to the next drying operation in step S12, when the water supply valve 32 is opened to supply water from the water supply port 42E into the container 40, the control unit 60 keeps the drain valve 34 open, thereby emptying the container 40 . Thereby, it is possible to prevent mold and miscellaneous bacteria from propagating in the container 40 due to the water remaining in the container 40 from the end of the drying operation to the start of the next drying operation.

Referring to FIG. 6, at the start of the next drying operation (step S12), in order to make the function of the water filter 30 effective in the container 40, water is supplied from the water supply port 42E of the inner surface portion 42C of the side wall 46. The water supply port 42E is provided in the curved portion 42D curved in an arc shape in the inner surface portion 42C, and opens laterally along the curve of the curved portion 42D. Therefore, the water supplied from the water supply port 42E into the container 40 rotates about a vertical axis (not shown) in the container 40 as shown by the thick broken line in FIG. 6, and draws a spiral along the inner surface portion 42C toward the drain 41A Shed. By the water rotating in this way, foreign materials adhering to the inner surface portion 42C of the side wall 46 can be removed, and these foreign materials can be discharged from the drain 41A of the bottom wall 41 to the water guide 33. That is to say, by cleaning the entire area of the inner surface portion 42C every time water is supplied, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the inner surface portion 42C.

In addition, the water supply port 42E is arranged closer to the inlet 49A than the outlet 45B. Therefore, since the air flowing into the container 40 from the inlet 49A can quickly pass through the water from the water supply port 42E, foreign substances can be quickly removed from the air. In addition, the part of the inner surface portion 42C of the container 40 where the foreign matter is likely to adhere to the inlet 49A side is mainly sprayed with water from the water supply port 42E to remove the foreign matter from the part. Furthermore, the water supplied from the water supply port 42E into the container 40 is guided to the lower side Z2 by the guide portion 44A, which is provided above the water supply port 42E over the entire circumference of the inner surface portion 42C of the side wall 46 of the container 40 Therefore, the water can be quickly stored in the container 40 without splashing to the upper side Z1. In addition, since the water can be spirally flowed along the inner surface portion 42C, the foreign matter in the container 40 can be collected by the water and the guide water channel 33 can be reliably guided.

It is conceivable that in the long hot air circulation in the main drying process (step S13), the water in the container 40 will evaporate or splash due to the hot air, and the water level in the container 40 will decrease. When the water level in the container 40 is lower than the reference water level W, the air in the container 40 will flow out of the container 40 without passing through the water. Therefore, the performance of the water filter 30 to capture foreign substances from the air in the circulation path 20 will reduce. Conversely, when the water level exceeds the reference water level W by the moisture condensed from the humid air due to the heat exchange in the container 40, the area of the inlet 49A where the water immersed in the container 40 increases. In this way, the flow velocity in the inlet 49A becomes higher, causing the water in the container 40 to roll over. In this case, the performance of the water filter 30 to capture foreign matter is also reduced. Therefore, the control unit 60 performs an adjustment process in the main drying process, which adjusts the water level that can be changed in the container 40 to the optimal reference water level W.

12 is a flowchart showing adjustment processing. Every time a predetermined time elapses (YES in step S21), the control unit 60 pauses the blower unit 21 (step S22), and periodically checks whether the current water level in the container 40 is in phase with the reference water level W based on the detection result of the water level sensor 61 The ratio has changed (step S23). In order to accurately detect the water level in the container 40 in a state where the water surface in the container 40 is stable, the blower 21 is stopped in step S22. If the current water level in the container 40 does not change from the reference water level W (YES in step S23), there is no particular problem, so the control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 (step S24) and continues the main drying Dry processing.

When the current water level in the container 40 is changed from the reference water level W ("No" in step S23), when the current water level in the container 40 is lower than the reference water level W ("step S25" "Yes"), the control unit 60 executes a replenishment process (step S26). As a replenishment process, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 for a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds, and replenishes the water in the container 40. The replenishment process can suppress the decrease in the water level in the container 40 and maintain the water level in the container 40 at the reference water level W. Therefore, the performance degradation of the water filter 30 can be suppressed. When the current water level in the container 40 exceeds the reference water level W (NO in step S25), the control unit 60 executes a drainage process (step S27). As a drainage process, the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 for a predetermined time of, for example, 3 seconds to drain the container 40. Then, the control unit 60 returns to step S23, confirms whether the water level in the container 40 after the replenishment process or the draining process becomes the reference water level W, and repeats the replenishing process or the draining process as necessary.

The integrated washer-dryer 1 may not include the water level sensor 61, and as the adjustment process in this case, the first to fourth modification examples may be mentioned. 13 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process of the first modification. It should be noted that in each flowchart described later, the same processing steps as those already described are indicated by the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In the first modification, the integrated washing and drying machine 1 includes: an inlet temperature sensor 70 that detects the temperature of the air flowing through the inlet 49A of the container 40 of the water filter 30; and an outlet temperature sensor 71 that detects the outlet 45B flowing through the container 40 The temperature of the air (see Figure 9). A well-known temperature sensor can be used for the inlet temperature sensor 70 and the outlet temperature sensor 71. The detection result of the inlet temperature sensor 70 is called an inlet temperature, and the detection result of the outlet temperature sensor 71 is called an outlet temperature. The inlet temperature need not be the temperature of the inlet 49A, but may be the temperature of any area on the upstream side of the water in the container 40 in the direction of air flow. The outlet temperature need not be the temperature of the outlet 45B, but may be the temperature of any area on the downstream side of the water in the container 40 in the air flow direction. With the main drying process continued, the control unit 60 confirms the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature (step S31). When the water level in the container 40 decreases, the temperature of the air that flows into the container 40 from the inlet 49A and flows out from the outlet 45B is difficult to decrease. Therefore, when the water level in the container 40 is lower than the reference water level W, the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold. In this case (YES in step S31), the control unit 60 executes the replenishment process (step S32). As the replenishment process in step S32, the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 for a predetermined drain time to completely drain the container 40, then opens the water supply valve 32 for a predetermined water supply time, and supplies water to the container 40 until the water level in the container 40 reaches Reference water level W. In other words, the control unit 60 replaces the water in the container 40. The drainage time and the water supply time are determined in advance by experiments or the like and stored in the memory 63.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process of the second modification. In the second modification, the integrated washing and drying machine 1 includes a humidity sensor 72 that detects the humidity of the air flowing through the outlet 45B of the container 40 of the water filter 30 as a detection value (see FIG. 9). The humidity sensor 72 can use a well-known humidity sensor. In the state where the main drying process is continued, the control unit 60 confirms the humidity of the outlet 45B through the humidity sensor 72, specifically, the absolute humidity (step S33). When the water level in the container 40 decreases, the water in the container 40 decreases, so the humidity of the air flowing out from the outlet 45B after flowing into the container 40 from the inlet 49A also decreases. Therefore, when the water level in the container 40 is lower than the reference water level W, the humidity of the outlet 45B becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold. In this case (YES in step S33), the control unit 60 executes the above-mentioned replenishment process (step S32).

15 is a flowchart showing adjustment processing of a third modification. In the third modification, the integrated washer-dryer 1 includes an air speed sensor 73 that detects the air speed at the outlet 45B of the container 40 of the water filter 30 as a detection value (see FIG. 9). The wind speed sensor 73 can use a well-known wind speed sensor. With the main drying process continued, the control unit 60 confirms the wind speed of the outlet 45B (step S34). When the water level in the container 40 decreases, the water that hinders the flow of air in the container 40 decreases. Therefore, the air flows out of the container 40 to increase the wind speed of the air flowing through the outlet 45B. Therefore, when the water level in the container 40 is lower than the reference water level W, the wind speed of the outlet 45B exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case (YES in step S34), the control unit 60 executes the above-mentioned replenishment process (step S32).

16 is a flowchart showing an adjustment process of a fourth modification. In the fourth modification, the integrated washer-dryer 1 includes an overflow sensor 74 that detects the presence or absence of water at the overflow port 41F, that is, detects overflow from the overflow port 41F (see FIG. 9). The overflow sensor 74 can use a well-known foam detection sensor or the like. The overflow sensor 74 is disposed around the overflow port 41F, for example. When the water level in the container 40 rises to the overflow port 41F and the water in the container 40 reaches the overflow port 41F, the overflow sensor 74 detects the occurrence of overflow, and the control unit 60 increases the number of occurrences of overflow by 1 (+1). The number of occurrences of flooding is stored in the memory 63 and initialized to zero when the drying operation starts. In the state where the main drying process is continued, the control unit 60 confirms the number of occurrences of overflow (step S35). When the water level in the container 40 is higher than the reference water level W, overflow occurs frequently and the number of occurrences of overflow exceeds the prescribed threshold. In this case (YES in step S35), the control unit 60 executes the above-mentioned replenishment process (step S32) to lower the water level in the container 40 to the reference water level W.

It is conceivable that in the circulation of the hot air in the main drying process, the temperature of the water in the container 40 will rise through heat exchange with humid air. When the temperature of the water in the container 40 rises, the dehumidification performance of the water filter 30 will decrease. Therefore, the control unit 60 executes a cooling process for reducing the temperature of the water in the container 40 during the main drying process, that is, during the operation of the blower unit 21 and the heating unit 22.

17 is a flowchart showing the cooling process. As the cooling process, for example, every 10 minutes to 20 minutes (YES in step S41), the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 (step S42), and supplies cold water from the faucet into the container 40. As a result, the temperature rise of the water in the container 40 is suppressed, so that the dehumidification performance of the water filter 30 can be suppressed from decreasing. In particular, the controller 60 opens the water supply valve 32 every predetermined time during the drying operation to supply water into the container 40, thereby periodically suppressing the temperature rise of the water in the container 40, and therefore, the dehumidification of the water filter 30 can be continuously suppressed Performance is reduced. Then, when a predetermined water supply time passes after the water supply valve 32 is opened (YES in step S43), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 (step S44). Since the control unit 60 executes the cooling process with the drain valve 34 closed, the drain valve 34 is kept closed even when the water supply valve 32 is opened every predetermined time in step S42. Therefore, excess water in the container 40 is discharged to the outside of the container 40 through the overflow port 41F. As a result, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 to supply water into the container 40. At this time, by overflowing the excess water from the overflow port 41F to the overflow channel 35, it is possible to supply the container 40 with the amount necessary to suppress the increase in the water temperature in the container 40 The amount of water. In this case, since the control unit 60 does not stop the blower 21 or open / close the drain valve 34 in order to discharge the water in the container 40, the time can be shortened and the burden on the blower 21 and the drain valve 34 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the foreign substances floating on the water surface in the container 40 are discharged relatively frequently by the cooling process, it is possible to prevent a large amount of foreign substances from accumulating in the container 40.

During the drying operation, the water and foreign matter can be discharged from the container 40 through the drainage process in step S15. Therefore, there is almost no dirt in the container 40 after the drying operation. However, when the drying operation is repeated, foreign substances, scales, etc., become stubborn dirt and adhere to the container 40, and only pass through the water supply for starting the drying operation (step S12) or the drainage at the end of the drying operation (step S15) ) May not be completely removed. Therefore, the control unit 60 performs the cleaning process in the container 40 by operating the air blowing unit 21 or opening / closing the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 respectively. As the time when the control unit 60 executes the cleaning process, the time after the control unit 60 executes the drying operation a predetermined number of times may be mentioned. In addition, the cleaning process may be executed after each drying operation. In addition, a well-known turbidity sensor 75 (see FIG. 9) that detects the turbidity of the water in the container 40 may be provided. When the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor 75 is a severe level above a predetermined level, the control unit 60 The cleaning process is executed during the drying operation. In addition, the cleaning process may be executed when a predetermined time has passed from the previous cleaning process. Furthermore, the cleaning process may be performed when the laundry L dried this time is likely to come out with thread debris like a felt or the like. When the cleaning process is executed during the drying operation, the control unit 60 suspends the blower unit 21 and the heating unit 22 before the cleaning process starts, and drains the container 40, thereby interrupting the drying operation.

18 is a flowchart showing cleaning processing. With the start of the cleaning process, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 with the drain valve 34 closed (step S50). When the water level in the container 40 reaches the predetermined water level by opening the water supply valve 32 (YES in step S51), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 (step S52), and opens the drain valve 34 (step S53). An example of the prescribed water level here is the above-mentioned maximum water level. Then, when a predetermined drainage time elapses after the drain valve 34 is opened (YES in step S54), the control unit 60 closes the drain valve 34 (step S55). In addition, in step S55, the control unit 60 adds 1 (+1) to the number of times of water supply that is zero at the start of the cleaning process. The number of times of water supply is stored in the memory 63. The control unit 60 repeats the processes of steps S50 to S55 until the number of times of water supply reaches a predetermined number of times. When the number of times of water supply reaches a predetermined number of times (YES in step S56), the control unit 60 ends the cleaning process. In this way, the control unit 60 repeats a process a predetermined number of times: after the drain valve 34 is closed, the water supply valve 32 is opened for a predetermined time to store water in the container 40, and then the drain valve 34 is opened. In this case, the foreign matter remaining in the container 40 can be removed by the momentum of the water stored in the container 40 and discharged in one go. In addition, during the cleaning process, the control unit 60 may operate the air blowing unit 21 to generate wind in the container 40, and these winds may facilitate the removal of foreign matter.

In the cleaning process, in addition to the processes described above, first to third modification examples can be cited. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the first modification. In the first modification, as the cleaning process is started, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (step S57). Thus, water supply and drainage of the container 40 are performed simultaneously. Then, when a predetermined time has passed after opening the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (YES in step S58), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (step S59), thereby ending the cleaning process. In this way, as the cleaning process of the first modification, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 for a predetermined time with the drain valve 34 opened. In this case, the foreign matter remaining in the container 40 can be removed by the momentum of the water quickly discharged after being supplied into the container 40.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the cleaning process of the second modification. In the second modification, with the start of the cleaning process, the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 with the water supply valve 32 closed, and operates the air blowing unit 21 (step S60). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed from step S60 (YES in step S61), the control unit 60 closes the drain valve 34 and stops the blower unit 21 (step S62) to end the cleaning process. In this case, the foreign matter remaining in the container 40 can be removed by the momentum of the wind generated in the container 40.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing cleaning processing in a third modification. The cleaning process of the third modification corresponds to a process of combining the cleaning process of the first modification and the cleaning process of the second modification. In the third modification, as the cleaning process starts, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34, thereby simultaneously supplying water and draining the container 40 (step S57). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S58), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 with the drain valve 34 opened, and operates the blower unit 21 (step S63). Then, when a predetermined time has passed from step S63 (YES in step S61), the control unit 60 closes the drain valve 34 and stops the blower unit 21 (step S62), thereby ending the cleaning process. In this manner, as the cleaning process of the third modification example, the control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 after the water supply valve 32 is opened for a predetermined time with the drain valve 34 opened. In this case, the foreign substances remaining in the container 40 can be removed by the momentum of the water that is quickly discharged after being supplied into the container 40 and the momentum of the air flowing in the container 40 as the blower 21 operates.

A large amount of foreign objects may be generated in one drying operation, or as the drying operation is repeated, a large amount of foreign objects may adhere to the container 40, and the foreign objects may block the container 40, especially at the drain 41A. Therefore, the control unit 60 detects the clogging of foreign substances in the container 40 and executes a process of eliminating the clogging at a predetermined timing. As this time, the time after the control unit 60 executes a predetermined number of drying operations, and the time when the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 during the drying operation, especially during the cleaning process described above.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 22, when the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 while storing water in the container 40 to, for example, the maximum water level (YES in step S71), the rate of decrease in the water level in the container 40 is monitored by monitoring To detect clogging of foreign matter (step S72). The water level lowering speed is obtained by dividing the difference between the detection values of the water level sensor 61 at the start time and the end time of the predetermined time by the predetermined time. The difference between the detection values of the water level sensor 61 is the amount of water level reduction. When the inside of the container 40 is clogged with foreign matter, it is difficult to drain the water in the container 40, and therefore, the water level reduction rate is lower than a predetermined threshold. When the rate of decrease of the water level in the container 40 is lower than a predetermined threshold value (YES in step S72), the control unit 60 determines that there is clogging of foreign objects in the container 40 (step S73). It should be noted that the control unit 60 may not directly compare the lowering speed with the threshold value, but may determine whether there is clogging of foreign matter in the container 40 by comparing the amount of water level reduction when a predetermined time has passed with the threshold value corresponding to the water level. In this case, when the amount of water level decrease for a predetermined time is lower than the threshold value, the control unit 60 can determine that there is clogging of foreign matter. In addition, in step S73, the control unit 60 increments the number of detections with an initial value of zero by 1 (+1). The number of detections is stored in the memory 63.

If the number of detections is less than the predetermined number (NO in step S74), the control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 or opens / closes the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34, respectively, and executes a removal process to remove clogging of foreign substances (step S75) . Therefore, even if a foreign substance is clogged in the container 40, the user can eliminate the maintenance of the clogging of the foreign substance in the container 40 without touching the water filter 30, so that the convenience of use of the drying operation can be improved. The elimination process will be described in detail later. After the elimination process, the control unit 60 closes the drain valve 34 and opens the water supply valve 32, thereby supplying water into the container 40 (step S76). When the water level in the container 40 rises to a predetermined water level (YES in step S77), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 and opens the drain valve 34, thereby draining the container 40 (step S78). An example of the prescribed water level here is the aforementioned maximum water level. The control unit 60 monitors the rate of decrease of the water level in the container 40 during the drainage, thereby detecting clogging of foreign matter again (step S79). When the water level lowering speed is lower than a predetermined threshold (YES in step S79), the control unit 60 determines that there is still a foreign object clogging in the container 40, and increases the number of detections by 1 (step S73). It should be noted that the threshold in step S79 and the threshold in step S72 may be the same or different.

The control unit 60 repeats the elimination process (step S75) and the re-detection of clogging of foreign matter (steps S76 to S79) until the number of detections reaches a predetermined number. The number of detections is the number of times the control unit 60 determines that there is clogging of foreign objects in the container 40. When the number of detections reaches a predetermined number, that is to say, when the foreign matter in the container 40 is so clogged that it is difficult to remove it automatically in the integrated washing and drying machine 1 (YES in step S74), the control unit 60 passes The display of the display operation unit 11 or the alarm of the buzzer (not shown) informs the user that the water filter 30 has abnormally clogged with serious foreign substances in the container 40 (step S80). In other words, even if the user does not touch the water filter 30 for maintenance, non-serious clogging of foreign substances can be automatically eliminated in the integrated washing and drying machine 1, and therefore, the convenience of use can be improved. In step S80, the control unit 60 may suspend or interrupt the drying operation.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the elimination process of step S75. With the start of the erasing process, the control section 60 opens the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (step S81). Thereby, water supply and drainage of the container 40 are simultaneously performed. Then, when a predetermined time has passed after opening the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (YES in step S82), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 and the drain valve 34 (step S83), thereby ending the elimination process. In this way, as the elimination process, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 for a predetermined time while the drain valve 34 is open. In this case, a large amount of water that is quickly discharged after being supplied into the container 40 can remove foreign matter clogged in the container 40 and be forcibly discharged to the water guide 33.

In the erasing process, in addition to the processes described above, the first and second modifications can be cited. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the cancellation process of the first modification. In the first modification, as the elimination process starts, the control unit 60 closes the drain valve 34 and opens the water supply valve 32 to supply water into the container 40 (step S84). Thus, when the water level in the container 40 rises to a predetermined water level (YES in step S85), the control unit 60 closes the water supply valve 32 and opens the drain valve 34, thereby draining the container 40 (step S86). An example of the prescribed water level here is the above-mentioned maximum water level. In this way, as the elimination process of the first modification, the control unit 60 opens the water supply valve 32 for a predetermined time to store water in the container 40 with the drain valve 34 closed, and then opens the drain valve 34. In this case, a large amount of water stored in the container 40 and discharged in one go can remove foreign substances clogged in the container 40 and be forcibly discharged to the water guide 33.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the cancellation process of the second modification. In the second modification, with the start of the erasing process, the control unit 60 opens the drain valve 34 with the water supply valve 32 closed (step S87). When the drain valve 34 is opened to reduce the water level in the container 40 to a predetermined water level (YES in step S88), the control unit 60 operates the blower unit 21 with the drain valve 34 opened (step S89). The predetermined water level may be a water level to the extent that the water in the working container 40 of the blower 21 does not splash, and the container 40 at this time may not be empty. In a state where the water level in the container 40 is lowered to a predetermined water level, the control unit 60 rotates the rotating blade 23 of the blower unit 21 at a high speed so that the air flows in the circulation path 20 with a stronger momentum than during the drying operation. Therefore, a large amount of air can be used to remove the foreign matter clogged in the container 40 and be forcibly discharged to the water guide 33. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed from step S89 (YES in step S90), control unit 60 stops air blowing unit 21 (step S91), thereby ending the erasing process.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the technical solution.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the water filter 30 is disposed in the lower part of the rear region 2C of the cabinet 2. As long as the water and hot air in the container 40 do not reach the blower 21 and the heater 22, the water filter 30 may be arranged above the rear region 2C as in the modification shown in FIG. 26. In addition, in FIG. 26, the member with the same function as the above member is given the same symbol.

In the drum-type washer-dryer 1 in the above embodiment, the washing tub 7 may be arranged so that the axis J is inclined in the horizontal direction H. In addition, the integrated washer-dryer 1 may be a vertical washer-dryer in which the axis J extends longitudinally.

The various processes in the above-described embodiments can also be executed in appropriate combinations.

Claims

An integrated washing and drying machine, characterized in that it includes:

Water tank, can store water;

The washing cylinder is accommodated in the water cylinder, and the washing material is accommodated and rotated;

A drainage road to drain water from the water tube;

The circulation path has an outlet and a return port connected to the water tank;

The air blowing part takes out the air in the water tank from the outlet to the circulation path, and returns to the water tank from the return port, thereby circulating the air in the water tank;

A heating part, provided in the circulation path, heating the air in the circulation path;

The water filter has a container that constitutes an upstream portion of the circulation path closer to the extraction port side than the heating portion, the container can store water, and the water filter makes the The air from the take-out port to the return port passes through the water in the container, thereby capturing foreign objects from the air; and

The water guide channel is connected to the container and guides the water in the container to the drain channel.
The washer-dryer according to claim 1, further comprising:

Drain filter to capture foreign objects from the water flowing through the drainage channel,

The water guide path is connected to a portion of the drainage path that is closer to the water tube side than the drainage filter or the drainage filter.
The washer-dryer according to claim 2, further comprising:

A box containing the water tank; and

A supporting member connecting the tank and the water tank and elastically supporting the water tank,

At least a part of the water channel can be elastically deformed.
The washer-dryer according to claim 3, wherein:

In the water guiding channel, the first part on the water filter side and the second part on the drain filter side are elastically deformable, and the third part between the first part and the second part is fixed to Water tub.
The washer-dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

The container is formed with an overflow port for overflowing water above a predetermined water level in the container to the outside of the container,

The integrated washing and drying machine further includes an overflow channel, which is connected to the overflow port and the water guide channel, and guides water overflowing from the overflow port to the water guide channel.