U.S. patent application number 09/748873 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-23 for combination washer - drier.
Invention is credited to Fukumoto, Masami, Matsuda, Shinichi, Mihara, Masamitsu, Minayoshi, Hiroko.
Application Number | 20010015082 09/748873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18495468 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010015082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minayoshi, Hiroko ; et
al. |
August 23, 2001 |
Combination washer - drier
Abstract
There are provided an outer tub suspended elastically in an
enclosure, an inner tub for containing clothes supported rotatably
within the outer tub, and a rotary impeller held rotatably on an
inner bottom portion of the inner tub. The inner tub and/or the
rotary impeller are driven by a motor. A drying blower delivers air
into the inner tub, and a heater heats the air delivered by the
blower unit. A controller controls operation of the motor, the
drying blower, the heater, and the like, thereby controlling each
process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying. In the
hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the inner tub while
also driving the drying blower to maintain delivery of air into the
inner tub.
Inventors: |
Minayoshi, Hiroko; (Kyoto,
JP) ; Mihara, Masamitsu; (Hyogo, JP) ;
Fukumoto, Masami; (Osaka, JP) ; Matsuda,
Shinichi; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence E. Ashery
RATNER AND PRESTIA
One Westlakes, Berwyn, Suite 301
P.O. Box 980
Valley Forge
PA
19482-0980
US
|
Family ID: |
18495468 |
Appl. No.: |
09/748873 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/19.2 ; 68/20;
68/23.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 34/18 20200201;
D06F 25/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/19.2 ; 68/20;
68/23.6 |
International
Class: |
D06F 025/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 1999 |
JP |
11-369848 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination washer-dryer comprising: an outer tub suspended
elastically within an enclosure; an inner tub for containing
clothes, supported rotatably within said outer tub; a rotary
impeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of said inner
tub; a drive unit for driving said inner tub and said rotary
impeller; a blower unit for delivering air into said inner tub; a
heating unit for heating the air delivered by said blower unit; and
a controller for controlling operation of said drive unit, said
blower unit and said heating unit, so as to control each process of
washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and drying, said controller
activating said blower unit to deliver air into said inner tub, and
also driving said inner tub during the hydro-extraction
process.
2. The combination washer-dryer according to claim 1, wherein said
controller activates said heating unit to deliver warm air into
said inner tub during said hydro-extraction process.
3. The combination washer-dryer according to claim 1, wherein said
controller repeats driving said inner tub intermittently during
said hydro-extraction process.
4. The combination washer-dryer according to claim 3, wherein said
controller drives said rotary impeller intermittently while
spinning of said inner tub is suspended during said
hydro-extraction process.
5. The combination washer-dryer according to claim 2, wherein said
controller repeats driving said inner tub intermittently during
said hydro-extraction process.
6. The combination washer-dryer according to claim 5, wherein said
controller drives said rotary impeller intermittently while
spinning of said inner tub is suspended during said
hydro-extraction process.
7. A combination washer-dryer comprising: an outer tub suspended
elastically within an enclosure; an inner tub for containing
clothes, supported rotatably within said outer tub; a rotary
impeller held rotatably on an inner bottom portion of said inner
tub; a drive unit for driving said inner tub and said rotary
impeller; a blower unit for delivering air into said inner tub; a
heating unit for heating the air delivered by said blower unit; and
a controller for controlling operation of said drive unit, said
blower unit and said heating unit, so as to control each process of
washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and drying, wherein said
controller activates said blower unit and said heating unit to
deliver warm air into said inner tub, and also intermittently
drives said rotary impeller and said inner tub alternatively at
least during said hydro-extraction process.
8. The combination washer-dryer according to any one of claim 1
through claim 7, further comprising a garments amount detector for
detecting an amount of clothes in said inner tub, wherein said
controller changes a driving duration or a spinning speed of said
inner tub according to amount of clothes detected by said garments
amount detector.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a combination washer-dryer
having a process of drying washed clothes by delivering warm air
into an inner tub containing the clothes.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In a combination washer-dryer of the prior art, a
hydro-extraction process and a drying process are accomplished in a
manner as described hereinafter.
[0005] Hydro-extraction Process
[0006] After washing is completed, a drain valve is opened, and
water in an inner tub containing clothes is drained.
[0007] Next, a clutch of a transmission mechanism is shifted to a
hydro-extraction side, and a motor is connected to the inner tub.
The motor spins the inner tub, and extracts water in the clothes
with centrifugal force.
[0008] Drying Process
[0009] After the hydro-extraction process is completed, the clutch
is shifted to a wash side to connect the motor with a rotary
impeller provided in a bottom portion of the inner tub for
agitating the clothes and like objects being dried. Then the motor
8 swiftly rotates forward and reverse directions, so as to remove
clothes clinging on an inner wall of the inner tub off the wall.
Warm air is delivered into the inner tub, while the rotary impeller
is kept rotating forwardly and reversely. Under this condition,
projections for agitation provided on the rotary impeller catches
and agitates the clothes.
[0010] Moist warm air containing water removed from the clothes is
sent to a heat exchanger and cooled. As a result, condensation
occurs, and the moist warm air is dehumidified. Further, the
dehumidified warm air is heated and delivered to the inner tub.
Accordingly, the clothes and the like objects to be dried within
the inner tub 4 are dried by circulation of the warm air.
[0011] As described, the combination washer-dryer of the prior art
dries clothes by agitating the clothes forward and reversely with
the rotary impeller while circulating warm air during the drying
process. However, it produces uneven dryness, or takes a long
drying time, since it lacks ability of moving the clothes between
upper position and lower position within the inner tub.
[0012] Although it is desirable to increase a number of the forward
rotations as well as the reverse rotations of the rotary impeller
in order to shorten the drying time, the agitation tends to make
the clothes entangle with each other, thereby increasing uneven
dryness and wrinkles. Moreover, it increases damages to clothes due
to friction with the rotary impeller and among the clothes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A combination washer-dryer of the present invention is
devised in consideration of the above problems of the prior art,
and its first object is to reduce drying time without increasing a
number of forward and reverse rotations of a rotary impeller, to
reduce damages to clothes, and to decrease uneven dryness and
wrinkles during a drying process.
[0014] Furthermore, a second object is to improve a drying
performance by facilitating dispersion and evaporation of water
contained in the clothes in the drying process, so as to reduce
uneven dryness and wrinkles.
[0015] The combination washer-dryer of this invention is provided
with an enclosure, in which an outer tub is suspended elastically.
The outer tub rotatably supports an inner tub for containing
clothes, and a rotary impeller is held rotatably in an inner bottom
portion of the inner tub. The inner tub and the rotary impeller are
driven by a drive unit. A blower unit delivers air into the inner
tub, and the air delivered by the blower unit is heated with a
heating unit. A controller controls operation of the drive unit,
the blower unit, the heating unit, and the like, so as to carry out
each process of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying.
[0016] In the hydro-extraction process, the controller drives the
inner tub while also driving the blower unit to deliver air into
the inner tub.
[0017] Furthermore, the controller drives the blower unit and the
heating unit at least during the drying process. The controller
also drives the rotary impeller intermittently for a predetermined
time period while delivering warm air into the inner tub. It then
executes a process of driving the inner tub for another
predetermined time period at least once thereafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a combination washer-dryer of
a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the combination
washer-dryer of the first exemplary embodiment of this
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction
process of the combination washer-dryer of the first exemplary
embodiment of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction
process of a combination washer-dryer of a second exemplary
embodiment of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction
process of a combination washer-dryer of a third exemplary
embodiment of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an operational flowchart of a hydro-extraction
process of a combination washer-dryer of a fourth exemplary
embodiment of this invention; and
[0024] FIG. 7 is an operational flowchart of a drying process of a
combination washer-dryer of a fifth exemplary embodiment of this
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to accompanying figures.
[0026] First Exemplary Embodiment
[0027] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a combination washer-dryer of
a first exemplary embodiment of this invention. There is provided
an outer tub 3, suspended elastically in an enclosure 1 with a
plurality of suspensions 2. The suspensions 2 are so constructed as
to absorb vibrations during a hydro-extraction process. An inner
tub 4 for containing clothes and like objects to be dried is
disposed rotatably within the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 spins
around a wash/dry axle 5 having a double-axle structure with a
hollow center. A rotary impeller 6 for agitating the clothes and
the like objects to be dried is disposed rotatably on an inner
bottom portion of the inner tub 4.
[0028] Numerous small holes (not shown in the figure) are provided
in an inner peripheral wall of the inner tub 4, and a fluid
balancer 7 is provided on an upper part of it. The rotary impeller
6 has a sloped surface 10 around its periphery so as to have
generally a shape of pan. In a drying process, the objects being
dried receive a centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotary
impeller 6. The sloped surface in the shape of pan provides for a
function of facilitating the clothes to be blown up easily.
Further, the rotary impeller 6 is provided with projections 11
formed on it for the purpose of agitation.
[0029] A motor 8 mounted on a bottom portion of the outer tub 3 is
connectable by means of a clutch 9 to the inner tub 4 or to the
rotary impeller 6 through the wash/dry axle 5.
[0030] One end of a heat exchanger 12 for dehumidifying moist warm
air is connected to a lower part of the outer tub 3 through a
circulation-path switching valve 13 and an extensible lower
bellows-like hose 14. And, the other end of it is connected to one
end of a drying blower 15.
[0031] The other end of the drying blower 15 is connected to a warm
air supply path 17 having a heater 16 defining a heating unit, and
communicates to the inner tub 4 through an upper bellows-like hose
18. The drying blower 15 and the heater 16 constitute a warm air
blower unit.
[0032] The outer tub 3 is provided with an outer tub cover 19 for
airtightly closing an upper side of the outer tub 3. The outer tub
cover 19 has a supply port 20 for the warm air from the extensible
upper bellows-like hose 18. There is also provided on the outer tub
cover 19 with an inner lid 21 in a manner to be freely openable for
taking in and out clothes to be washed.
[0033] An enclosure cover 22 for closing an upper part of the
enclosure 1 has an opening lid 23. A control unit 28 and a water
supply valve 25 for supplying water into the inner tub 4 are
mounted on the enclosure cover 22. Furthermore, a drain valve 26
for draining water in the outer tub 3 is positioned on a bottom
portion of the outer tub 3. A cooling blower 27 is mounted on a
side surface of the enclosure 1, and it delivers air to cool the
outer tub 3, the heat exchanger 12, and the like located within the
enclosure 1.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the combination
washer-dryer of the first exemplary embodiment of this
invention.
[0035] A controller 29 comprised of a microcomputer controls
operation of the motor (drive unit) 8, the clutch 9, the
circulation-path switching valve 13, the drying blower (blower
unit) 15, the heater (heating unit) 16, the water supply valve 25,
the drain valve 26, the cooling blower 27, and so on via a power
switching unit 30. In other words, power supply to each of the
motor 8, the clutch 9, the circulation-path switching valve 13, the
drying blower (blower unit) 15, the heater (heating unit) 16, the
water supply valve 25, the drain valve 26, and the cooling blower
27 is controlled independently via the power switching unit 30.
Individual processes of washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and
drying are thus accomplished by a variety of combinations of
controlling the above units.
[0036] A selection of operation program, a setting of operation
start and temporary stop, and so on are set with an input setting
unit 31. The controller 29 displays a progress of the selected
operation program, a remaining time of the process, and the like in
a display unit 32, to inform the user.
[0037] A water level detector 33 detects a level of water in the
inner tub 4, and inputs an information of the detected water level
to the controller 29. A memory 34 stores data necessary for the
controller 29 to execute its control functions.
[0038] A garments amount detector 35 detects an amount of clothes
put into the inner tub 4. In practice, the motor 8 is turned on to
spin the inner tub 4 for a predetermined time with the clothes
placed in the inner tub 4. The motor 8 is turned off thereafter,
and the amount of clothes is determined from a change in inertial
speed of rotation of the motor 8 or the inner tub 4. The detected
amount of the clothes is inputted to the controller 29.
[0039] The controller 29 starts with a hydro-extraction process
automatically before going into a drying process, even if the user
sets a "drying operation program" for a sole purpose of drying
clothes and any such objects to be dried. The hydro-extraction
process is automatically executed before going into the drying
process, even when the hydro-extraction process is not programmed,
that is, in the case the user sets only the "drying operation
program" for the sole purpose of drying clothes and any such
objects to be dried. In the hydro-extraction process, the motor 8
drives the inner tub 4 while the drying blower 15 is also in
operation to deliver air into the inner tub 4.
[0040] In the foregoing configuration, a washing process, a
hydro-extraction process, and a drying process operate in a manner
which will be described hereinafter.
[0041] Washing Process
[0042] A user opens the opening lid 23 and the inner lid 21, and
puts clothes, and detergent into the inner tub 4. When the user
turns on a power supply switch 37, and a start switch (not show in
the figure) located in the input setting unit 31, the controller 29
opens the water supply valve 25 to supply water up to a
predetermined level.
[0043] At the same time, the clutch 9 of the transmission mechanism
connects the motor 8 with the rotary impeller 6 through a washing
axle. The motor 8 is started, and the rotary impeller 6 begins to
rotate. As a result, the clothes are caught by the projection 11
for agitation provided on the rotary impeller 6, and pulled in
toward a center area. In addition, the clothes located in a
lower-center area of the inner tub 4 are thrust upward to an upper
area of the inner tub 4 by the newly drawn clothes. Accordingly,
the clothes in the inner tub 4 are agitated by physical force and
power of water current effected by the clothes themselves and
contacts with an inner wall of the inner tub 4 and the rotary
impeller 6.
[0044] Hydro-extraction Process
[0045] After the washing ends, the drain valve 26 is opened and
water in the inner tub 4 is drained.
[0046] The clutch 9 of the transmission mechanism is shifted to a
hydro-extraction side, and the motor 8 is connected to the inner
tub 4 via a hydro-extraction axle. The motor 8 spins the inner tub
4 at high speed. As a result, the centrifugal force extracts water
from the clothes.
[0047] Drying Process
[0048] The clutch 9 is shifted to a wash side, and the motor 8 is
connected to the rotary impeller 6. Swift rotations in forward and
reverse directions of the rotary impeller 6 remove clothes off an
inner wall of the inner tub 4, as they stay clinging on the wall
after the hydro-extraction process.
[0049] Next, the drain valve 26 is closed, and the circulation-path
switching valve 13 is opened. The clothes are then agitated by
being pulled with the projections 11 for agitation on the rotary
impeller 6, which keeps rotating forwardly and reversely. At the
same time, the warm air blower unit consisting of the drying blower
15 and the heater 16 delivers warm air through the warm air supply
port 20.
[0050] The warm air blown into the inner tub 4 through the warm air
supply port 20 becomes moist warm air, after it evaporates water
from the clothes. After coming out from the inner tub 4 to an
inside of the outer tub 3, the moist warm air passes through the
lower bellows-like hose 14, and reaches at the heat exchanger
12.
[0051] An external air introduced by the cooling blower 27 disposed
on a sidewall of the enclosure 1 cools the outer tub 3 and an outer
wall of the heat exchanger 12. The moist warm air is thus cooled
while it passes by an inner wall of the outer tub 3 and through an
inside of the heat exchanger 12. This causes condensation, so as to
dehumidify the moist warm air when it returns to the drying blower
15. Circulation of the warm air can dry the objects being dried in
the inner tub 4 in the manner as described above.
[0052] Next, an operation of the hydro-extraction process will be
described in detail according to a flowchart of FIG. 3, when a
"continuous wash-to-dry operation program", which performs a series
of processes including washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction and
drying, is set with the input setting unit 31 at a beginning of the
operation.
[0053] Step 41
[0054] Make determination as to whether a drying process is
programmed after the hydro-extraction process.
[0055] Proceed to step 42 if a drying process is programmed, or
proceed to step 46 if not programmed.
[0056] Step 42
[0057] Turn on the drying blower 15 to deliver air into the inner
tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to a hydro-extraction side so
as to connect the motor 8 and the inner tub 4 with the clutch 9,
while the air is kept delivered. Rotate the motor 8 to spin the
inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed, to begin the
hydro-extraction.
[0058] Step 43
[0059] Proceed to step 44 when hydro-extraction time (t43) exceeds
a predetermined time (T43).
[0060] Step 44
[0061] Turn off the drying blower 15 to stop delivery of air into
the inner tub 4.
[0062] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with the
clutch 9 to stop rotation of the motor 8 and the inner tub 4, then
proceed to the drying process.
[0063] Step 46
[0064] Shift the mechanical transmission to the hydro-extraction
side with the clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8 and the inner
tub 4. Rotate the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a high
hydro-extraction speed, to begin the hydro-extraction.
[0065] Step 47
[0066] Proceed to step 48 when hydro-extraction time (t47) exceeds
a predetermined time (T47).
[0067] Step 48
[0068] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with the
clutch 9. Stop the motor 8 and the inner tub 4 to complete the
hydro-extraction process.
[0069] What has been described above is the operation of the
hydro-extraction process, when the "continuous wash-to-dry
operation program" is set with the input setting unit 31 at the
start of the operation.
[0070] If a "dry operation program" is set with the input setting
unit 31 at the start of the operation, the processes from step 41
to step 44 in FIG. 3 are performed first, followed to execute the
drying process.
[0071] According to the present exemplary embodiment, as described,
the drying blower 15 is activated to deliver air into the inner tub
4, while the inner tub 4 is spun at the high hydro-extraction speed
during the hydro-extraction process. Delivery of the air
facilitates dispersion and extraction of water contained in the
clothes, thereby improving performance of the hydro-extraction. As
a result, there provides for the possibility of shortening drying
time without increasing a number of forward and reverse rotations
of the rotary impeller 6 in the subsequent drying process, so as to
reduce damages to the clothes due to friction with the rotary
impeller 6 as well as among the clothes themselves.
[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the
high hydro-extraction speed without delivering air into the inner
tub 4, when the drying process is not programmed after the
hydro-extraction process. However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at
the high speed while delivering air into the inner tub 4, even if
the drying process is not programmed. Delivering the air in this
way can disperse water contained in the clothes, improve
performance of the hydro-extraction, and extract water with a
finish of fine appearance.
[0073] Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0074] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has
a configuration analogous to that of the first exemplary
embodiment. Its sectional view is identical to what is shown in
FIG. 1. In addition, a circuit block is also identical to the one
shown in FIG. 2.
[0075] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process
automatically before going into a drying process, in the same
manner as the first exemplary embodiment, when a "drying operation
program" is set. In this exemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15
and a heater 16 are activated during the hydro-extraction process,
so that an inner tub 4 is driven by a motor 8 while maintaining
delivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0076] Next, operation of the hydro-extraction process will be
described according to a flowchart of FIG. 4, when a "continuous
wash-to-dry operation program" is set with an input setting unit
31.
[0077] Step 51
[0078] Make determination as to whether a drying process is
programmed after the hydro-extraction process.
[0079] Proceed to step 52 if a drying process is programmed, or
proceed to step 46 if not programmed.
[0080] Step 52
[0081] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to a
hydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8
and the inner tub 4, while the warm air is kept delivered. Rotate
the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction
speed. This begins the hydro-extraction.
[0082] Step 53
[0083] Proceed to step 54 when hydro-extraction time (t53) exceeds
a predetermined time (T53).
[0084] Step 54
[0085] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop the
delivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0086] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the
clutch 9. This stops rotation of the motor 8 and the inner tub 4,
and proceed to the drying process.
[0087] Steps 46 through 48
[0088] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are
same as the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary
embodiment.
[0089] What has been described above is the operation of the
hydro-extraction process, when the "continuous wash-to-dry
operation program" is set with the input setting unit 31 at the
start of the operation.
[0090] If a "dry operation program" is programmed with the input
setting unit 31 at the start of the operation, the processes of
steps 51, 52, 53 and 54 of FIG. 4 are performed, followed by the
operation of a drying process.
[0091] According to the present exemplary embodiment, as described,
the inner tub 4 is spun at the high hydro-extraction speed, while
the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process.
The warm air facilitates dispersion and evaporation of water
contained in the clothes. It further improves performance of the
hydro-extraction, since the warm air circulates easily throughout
the entire clothes. As a result, there provides for the possibility
of shortening a drying time without increasing a number of forward
and reverse rotations of the rotary impeller 6 in the subsequent
drying process, so as to reduce damages to the clothes due to
friction with the rotary impeller as well as among the clothes
themselves. It also reduces uneven dryness and wrinkles due to the
agitation.
[0092] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the
high hydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into the
inner tub 4, when the drying process is not programmed after the
hydro-extraction process. However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at
the high speed while delivering the warm air into the inner tub 4,
even if the drying process is not programmed. Delivering warm air
in this way can disperse and evaporate water contained in the
clothes, improve performance of the hydro-extraction, and remove
water with a finish of fine appearance.
[0093] Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0094] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has
a configuration analogous to that of the first exemplary
embodiment. Its sectional view is identical to what is shown in
FIG. 1. In addition, a circuit block is also identical to the one
shown in FIG. 2.
[0095] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process
automatically before going into a drying process, in the same
manner as the first exemplary embodiment, when a "drying operation
program" is set. In this exemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15
and a heater 16 are activated during the hydro-extraction process,
to maintain delivery of warm air into an inner tub 4, while the
motor 8 makes the inner tub 4 repeat spinning and a pause.
[0096] Next, operation of the hydro-extraction process will be
described according to a flowchart of FIG. 5, when a "continuous
wash-to-dry operation program" is set with an input setting unit
31.
[0097] Step 61
[0098] Make determination as to whether a drying process is
programmed after the hydro-extraction process.
[0099] Proceed to step 62 if a drying process is programmed, or
proceed to step 46 if not programmed.
[0100] Step 62
[0101] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to a
hydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8
and the inner tub 4, while warm air is kept delivered. Rotate the
motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed.
This begins the hydro-extraction.
[0102] Step 63
[0103] Proceed to step 64 when hydro-extraction time (t63) exceeds
a predetermined time (T63).
[0104] Steps 64 and 65
[0105] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the inner tub 4. Proceed to
step 66 when an elapsed time (t65) after the motor 8 is turned off
exceeds a predetermined time (T65).
[0106] Steps 66 and 67
[0107] Turn on the motor 8 in step 66, to spin the inner tub 4.
This continues operation of the hydro-extraction.
[0108] Proceed to step 51 when a number of operations (n) repeated
for step 66 becomes equal to a predetermined number (n1). Or,
return to step 63, if the number of operations is less than n1.
[0109] Step 68
[0110] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop the
delivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0111] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the
clutch 9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of the inner tub 4,
then proceed to the subsequent drying process.
[0112] Steps 46 through 48
[0113] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are
same as the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary
embodiment.
[0114] What has been described above is the operation of the
hydro-extraction process, when the "continuous wash-to-dry
operation program" is set with the input setting unit 31 at the
start of the operation.
[0115] If a "dry operation program" is set with the input setting
unit 31 at the start of the operation, the processes of steps 61
through 68 of FIG. 5 are performed, followed thereafter by the
operation of a drying process.
[0116] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described,
the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process.
Since the inner tub 4 repeats spinning and a pause alternately
while receiving blown air, the air either cool or warm can
facilitate dispersion and evaporation of water contained in the
clothes, thereby improving performance of the hydro-extraction.
Furthermore, delivery of the warm air prolongs duration for the
warm air to stay circulating throughout the entire clothes, thereby
rising a drying temperature and further improving performance of
the hydro-extraction.
[0117] With the hydro-extraction as described above, the drying
time can be shortened in the succeeding drying process without
increasing a number of forward and reverse rotations of the rotary
impeller 6. It can therefore reduce damages to the clothes due to
friction with the rotary impeller 6 as well as among the clothes
themselves. It can also reduce uneven dryness and wrinkles due to
the agitation.
[0118] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is- spun at
the high hydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into
the inner tub 4, when the drying process is not programmed as a
succeeding process. However, the inner tub 4 may be spun at the
high speed while delivering warm air into the inner tub 4, even if
the drying process is not programmed. Delivering the warm air in
this way can disperse and evaporate water contained in the clothes,
so as to improve performance of the hydro-extraction. It can also
remove water with a finish of fine appearance.
[0119] Moreover, although both the drying blower 15 and the heater
16 are activated to deliver warm air into the inner tub 4 during
the hydro-extraction process in this exemplary embodiment, only the
drying blower 15 may be activated.
[0120] Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0121] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has
a configuration analogous to that of the first exemplary
embodiment. Its sectional view is identical to what is shown in
FIG. 1. In addition, a circuit block is also identical to the one
shown in FIG. 2.
[0122] A controller 29 executes a hydro-extraction process
automatically before going into a drying process, in the same
manner as the first exemplary embodiment, when a "drying operation
program" is set. In this exemplary embodiment, a drying blower 15
and a heater 16 are operated during the hydro-extraction process,
to maintain delivery of warm air into an inner tub 4. The motor 8
makes the inner tub 4 repeat spinning and a pause alternately while
delivering the warm air. A garment untangling process is then
carried out by driving the rotary impeller 6, in order to agitate
clothes while the inner tub 4 is at a standstill.
[0123] Operation of the hydro-extraction process will be described
according to a flowchart of FIG. 6, when a "continuous wash-to-dry
operation program", which performs a series of processes including
washing, rinsing, hydro-extraction, and drying successively, is
programmed with an input setting unit 31.
[0124] Step 71
[0125] Make determination as to whether a drying process is
programmed after the hydro-extraction process.
[0126] Proceed to step 72 if a drying process is programmed, or
proceed to step 46 if not programmed.
[0127] Step 72
[0128] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4. Shift mechanical transmission to a
hydro-extraction side with a clutch 9 so as to connect the motor 8
and the inner tub 4, while air is kept delivered. Rotate the motor
8 so as to spin the inner tub 4 at a high hydro-extraction speed.
This begins the hydro-extraction.
[0129] Step 73
[0130] Proceed to step 74 when hydro-extraction time (t73) exceeds
a predetermined time (T73).
[0131] Steps 74 and 75
[0132] In step 74, return the mechanical transmission to a wash
side with the clutch 9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of
the inner tub 4.
[0133] Proceed to step 76 when an elapsed time (t75) after the
motor 8 is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T75).
[0134] Step 76
[0135] Rotate the rotary impeller 6 intermittently for a
predetermined period of time to start the garment untangling
process in which clothes are agitated.
[0136] Step 77
[0137] Proceed to step 78 when the garment untangling process is
completed.
[0138] Steps 78 and 79
[0139] Shift the mechanical transmission to the hydro-extraction
side with the clutch 9, and turn on the motor 8, to spin the inner
tub 4.
[0140] Proceed to step 80 when a number of operations (n) repeated
for step 78 becomes equal to a predetermined number (n2). Or,
return to step 73, if the number of operations is less than n2.
[0141] Step 80
[0142] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to stop the
delivery of warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0143] Return the mechanical transmission to the wash side with the
clutch 9. Turn off the motor 8 to stop spinning of the inner tub 4,
then proceed to the subsequent drying process.
[0144] Steps 46 through 48
[0145] Description will be skipped for these steps, since they are
same as the steps 46 through 48 described in the first exemplary
embodiment.
[0146] What has been described above is the operation of the
hydro-extraction process, when the "continuous wash-to-dry
operation program" is set with the input setting unit 31 at the
start of the operation.
[0147] If a "dry operation program" is set with the input setting
unit 31 at the start of the operation, the processes of the steps
71 through 80 of FIG. 6 are performed, followed thereafter by an
operation of the drying process.
[0148] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described,
the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 are activated to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4 during the hydro-extraction process.
The inner tub 4 repeats spinning and a pause alternately while
receiving the blown air. Because of the garment untangling process,
which is carried out by driving the rotary impeller 6 to agitate
clothes while the inner tub 4 is at a standstill, the clothes move
their positions, thereby lessening unevenness of water contained in
the clothes. This helps the air, either cool or warm, facilitate
uniform dispersion and evaporation of the water, so as to improve
performance of the hydro-extraction. In addition, the garment
untangling process helps the warm air circulate throughout the
entire clothes, since the inner tub 4 spins at the high speed while
the clothes move their positions in a manner to receive the warm
air in different portions. Accordingly, this can further improve
performance of the hydro-extraction.
[0149] With the hydro-extraction as described above, the drying
time can be shortened in the succeeding drying process without
increasing a number of forward and reverse rotations of the rotary
impeller 6. It can also reduce damages to the clothes due to
friction with the rotary impeller 6 as well as among the clothes
themselves. Moreover, it reduces uneven dryness and wrinkles due to
the agitation. Furthermore, since it does not spin the inner tub
for a long duration of time at the high speed, it reduces the
clothes to cling on an inner wall of the inner tub 4, so as to
reduce uneven dryness and wrinkles.
[0150] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner tub 4 is spun at the
high hydro-extraction speed without delivering warm air into the
inner tub 4, when the drying process is not programmed as a
succeeding process. However, the inner tub 4 may be rotated at the
high speed while delivering warm air into the inner tub 4, even if
the drying process is not programmed. Delivering the warm air in
this way during the hydro-extraction process can disperse and
evaporate water contained in the clothes, so as to improve
performance of the hydro-extraction, and to remove the water with a
finish of fine appearance.
[0151] Moreover, although both the drying blower 15 and the heater
16 are activated to deliver warm air into the inner tub 4 during
the hydro-extraction process in this exemplary embodiment, only the
drying blower 15 may be activated to deliver cool air into the
inner tub 4.
[0152] Fifth Exemplary Embodiment
[0153] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has
a configuration analogous to that of the first exemplary
embodiment. Its sectional view is identical to what is shown in
FIG. 1. In addition, a circuit block is also identical to the one
shown in FIG. 2.
[0154] In a drying process, a controller 29 activates a drying
blower 15 and a heater 16, and repeats "N" times, a series of
processes that consist of driving an inner tub 4 for a
predetermined time period after driving a rotary impeller 6
intermittently for another predetermined time period while
delivering warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0155] Operation of the drying process in this exemplary embodiment
will be described according to a flowchart of FIG. 7.
[0156] Step 91
[0157] Turn on the drying blower 15 and the heater 16 to deliver
warm air into the inner tub 4.
[0158] Steps 92 and 93
[0159] Turn on a motor 8 (in a forward direction) to rotate the
rotary impeller 6 in the forward direction.
[0160] Proceed to step 94 when an elapsed time (t93) after the
motor 8 is turned on exceeds a predetermined time (T93).
[0161] Steps 94 and 95
[0162] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the rotary impeller 6.
[0163] Proceed to step 96 when an elapsed time (t95) after the
motor 8 is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T95).
[0164] Steps 96 and 97
[0165] Turn on the motor 8 (in a reverse direction) to rotate the
rotary impeller 6 in the reverse direction.
[0166] Proceed to step 98 when an elapsed time (t97) after the
motor 8 is turned on exceeds a predetermined time (T97).
[0167] Steps 98 and 99
[0168] Turn off the motor 8 to stop the rotary impeller 6.
[0169] Proceed to step 100 when an elapsed time (t99) after the
motor 8 is turned off exceeds a predetermined time (T99).
[0170] Step 100
[0171] Proceed to step 101 when an elapsed time (t100) after the
start of the drying process exceeds a predetermined time (T100).
Or, return to step 92 if not.
[0172] Steps 101 and 102
[0173] Shift the mechanical transmission to a hydro-extraction side
with a clutch 9, and turn on the motor 8 to spin the inner tub 4 at
a high hydro-extraction speed.
[0174] Proceed to step 103 when a high-speed spinning time (t102)
of the inner tub 4 exceeds a predetermined time (T102).
[0175] Step 103
[0176] Return the mechanical transmission to a wash side with the
clutch 9, and turn off the motor 8. This stops the inner tub 4.
[0177] Step 104
[0178] Return to step 92 if a number of operations (n) of the step
103 is less than "N". Or, proceed to step 105, when operation of
the step 103 is repeated "N" number of times.
[0179] Steps 105 through 112
[0180] Each of steps 105 through 112 respectively corresponds with
the steps 92 through 99. Details of these steps will be skipped,
since their operations are analogous to the corresponding
steps.
[0181] Step 113
[0182] Proceed to step 114 when an elapsed time (t100) after an
execution of the step 105 exceeds a predetermined time (T100). Or,
return to step 105 if not.
[0183] Step 114
[0184] Turn off the drying blower 15 and the heater 16.
[0185] According to the present exemplary embodiment as described,
a series of processes comprising the steps of circulating warm air
for drying, agitating the rotary impeller 6 for a third
predetermined time, and spinning the inner tub 4 at the high speed,
for the "N" number of times. In other words, the inner tub 4 is
spun at the high speed while delivering warm air during the drying
process, only after the agitation of the rotary impeller 6 warms up
the clothes. This facilitates dispersion and evaporation of the
water contained in the clothes widely, thereby improving
performance of the drying process.
[0186] In addition, since the inner tub 4 is spun at the high speed
while changing portions of the clothes where the warm air is blown
at, by way of moving the clothes with agitation of the rotary
impeller 6, the warm air can circulate throughout the clothes. This
further improves performance of the drying process. Moreover, since
the agitation of the rotary impeller 6 prevents the clothes from
clinging on an inner wall of the inner tub 4, it reduces uneven
dryness and wrinkles.
[0187] In this exemplary embodiment, although the series of
processes comprising the steps of delivering warm air into the
inner tub 4, driving the rotary impeller 6 intermittently for the
predetermined time, and spinning the inner tub 4 at the high speed,
for the "N" number of times, this series of the processes may be
carried out only once (i.e. N=1).
[0188] A hydro-extraction process preceding the drying process of
this exemplary embodiment may be any one of the hydro-extraction
processes described in the foregoing first through fourth exemplary
embodiments. Or, it may be an ordinary hydro-extraction process in
which the inner tub 4 is spun at a high hydro-extraction speed.
[0189] Sixth Exemplary Embodiment
[0190] A combination washer-dryer of this exemplary embodiment has
a configuration analogous to that of the first exemplary
embodiment. Its sectional view is identical to what is shown in
FIG. 1. In addition, a circuit block is also identical to the one
shown in FIG. 2.
[0191] In any of the hydro-extraction processes or the drying
process described in the foregoing first through fifth exemplary
embodiments, a controller 29 changes a duration of high-speed
spinning or a spinning speed of the inner tub 4 according to an
amount of loaded clothes detected by a garments amount detector 35.
In other words, it shortens the time of high-speed spinning, or
reduces the spinning speed, if clothes are light. It extends the
time of high-speed spinning, or sets the spinning speed faster, if
the clothes are heavy.
[0192] Accordingly, this can reduce likelihood of the clothes to
cling on an inner wall of the inner tub 4, and reduce uneven
dryness and wrinkles, when amount of the clothes is light. It can
also improve performance of the hydro-extraction, and reduce a
drying time when amount of the clothes is heavy.
* * * * *