CN107299493B

CN107299493B - Washing and drying machine

Info

Publication number: CN107299493B
Application number: CN201710214193.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 坂东昌; 宗野义德; 林佑太朗
Original assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2016-04-15
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2019-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-30
Also published as: TW201738430A; CN107299493A; JP2017189484A; TWI649474B

Abstract

The invention provides a washing dryer, which can ensure a ventilation path even without a circulating pump, and can improve washing performance by warming the washings soaked with detergent liquid by warm air. The present invention is provided with a washing tank, a drying unit (60) having an inlet and an outlet (22) and drying air taken in from the inlet in the washing tank and discharging the air from the outlet, an air outlet connected to the outlet and blowing out the air dried by the drying unit from above the washing tank, and an air inlet (145) connected to the inlet and sucking air guided into the washing tank of the drying unit from a non-flooded position in the washing tank, wherein the non-flooded position is a position above a liquid surface of a detergent liquid before washing is started, and the air sucked in from the air inlet in the washing tank is dried by the drying unit and blown out from the air outlet for circulation.

Description

Washing and drying machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine.

Background

As background art in this field, patent document 1 below describes "a washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes an outer tub supported in a vibration-proof manner and storing washing water and rinsing water, an inner tub into which washing is put and which is rotatably supported in the outer tub and is rotatably driven, a rotary blade disposed on an inner bottom surface portion of the inner tub and which is rotatably driven, and a washing and drying machine having a drying function of blowing warm air to the washing containing dehydrated water in the inner tub and drying the washing and drying machine, and is formed such that a plurality of convex portions having independent shapes are present on the rotary blade.

The washing and drying machine described in patent document 1 has a structure in which washing water is discharged from an inner tank at the time of a washing process, and water is supplied again and circulated, and washing water to such an extent that a rotary blade sinks is supplied to perform washing.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2010-233756

In order to further improve the washing performance, it is considered to apply a method of uniformly spreading and permeating a high-concentration detergent liquid that effectively utilizes the chemical cleaning power of the detergent onto the laundry, and sending warm air to heat the laundry.

In the washing and drying machine described in patent document 1, since the circulation pump is mounted on the lower portion of the main body, the cleaning liquid is circulated by the circulation pump, and thus the air blowing path can be secured.

However, in a washing and drying machine not equipped with a circulation pump, water is stored in a washing tank, and a pulsating wing plate (vibrator) is rotated to impregnate a detergent liquid into laundry. Therefore, the lower part of the main body of the air blowing path used in drying is submerged, and the warm air cannot be circulated using the air blowing path used in drying, and the laundry cannot be warmed.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a washing and drying machine which can secure an air blowing path without providing a circulation pump, and can improve washing performance by warming up laundry impregnated with a detergent liquid with warm air.

The washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a washing tank for storing laundry, a drying unit having an inlet and an outlet and drying air taken in from the inlet in the washing tank and discharging the air from the outlet, an air outlet connected to the outlet of the drying unit and blowing out the air dried by the drying unit from above the washing tank, and an air inlet connected to the inlet of the drying unit and sucking air guided into the washing tank of the drying unit from a non-flooded position of the washing tank, the non-flooded position being a position above a liquid level of a detergent liquid before starting washing, wherein the air sucked into the washing tank from the air inlet is dried by the drying unit and blown out from the air outlet for circulation.

The effects of the present invention are as follows.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing and drying machine which can secure an air blowing path even without a circulation pump and improve washing performance by warming up laundry impregnated with a detergent liquid with warm air.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic arrangement of an air blowing path of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a front view showing a schematic arrangement of an air blowing path of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a left side sectional view of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a part of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the outer tub cover of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the outer tub cover of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an upper duct of a drying unit of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing control of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing and drying machine according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing and drying machine according to a third embodiment.

In the figure: 9-inner tank (washing tank), 9C-circulation flow path, 10-outer tank (washing tank), 101-air outlet (suction inlet), 11-pulsating wing plate, 14-outer tank cover (washing tank cover), 145-air outlet (suction inlet), 146-warm air inlet (blow outlet), 16-joint, 18-circulation air path, 22-drying channel, 28-detergent finishing agent container, 29 b-bellows tube (ventilation path), 29C, d, e-bellows tube, 292-bellows tube (ventilation path), 60-drying unit, 62-heater, 66-air channel (ventilation path), 68-bellows tube, 681-connection tube (ventilation path), 100-washing dryer, C-washings.

Detailed Description

< first embodiment >

[ overall Structure of embodiment ]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. The present embodiment is not limited to the following, and can be implemented by being appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the common portions, and redundant description is omitted.

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing a washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a state where the outer lid 3 is opened.

As shown in fig. 1 and the like, the direction in which the outer lid 3 is opened and closed is defined as front and rear, and the right direction, the left direction, and the vertical direction are defined as right, left, and upper directions toward the washing and drying machine 100. That is, as shown in fig. 1 and the like, the front-back, the top-bottom, and the left-right are defined.

As shown in fig. 1, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a cabinet 1 configured by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product in an outer shape. A resin top cover 2 is provided on the upper part of the cabinet 1. The top cover 2 is provided with an outer cover 3 for opening and closing the upper part of the washing and drying machine 100.

The chassis 1 has an outer contour formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product, and is configured in a substantially rectangular box shape by including a base body, a front plate, a rear plate, and left and right side plates, which support the entire body. An inner tank 9 (see fig. 3) and an outer tank 10 (see fig. 2) formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape are provided in the center portion of the inside of the casing 1.

The outer cover 3 is configured to open an opening 1a formed in an upper portion of the housing 1 by being opened to the rear side.

The top cover 2 is formed with an opening 1a for putting laundry into the inner tub 9. The opening 1a is formed in a substantially semicircular shape in an upper view (in a plan view), and a straight line portion is located on a back side and a curved line portion is located on a near side. The opening 1a has an upper end surface 2b extending radially outward and a peripheral surface extending vertically downward.

A power switch 5 for turning on/off the power of the washing and drying machine 100, various operation button switches for setting an operation program, and an operation panel 8 (see fig. 2) having a display for displaying an operation state are provided on the front surface of the top cover 2. The operation panel 8 is formed in a laterally long quadrangular shape on the front side of the opening 1 a. The operation panel 8 is electrically connected to a microcomputer (not shown) provided at the bottom of the body.

A detergent/finishing agent container 28 for charging a detergent (solid or liquid), a finishing agent, and the like is provided on the front surface of the top cover 2 adjacent to the left side of the operation panel 8.

The detergent/finishing agent container 28 is formed in a substantially three-sided shape in an upper surface view (plan view) (see fig. 2), and an upper portion thereof is covered with a lid body 2 a. The lid 2a has a surface 2a1 (second surface) having a quadrangular shape in plan view, which is adjacent to the surface of the operation panel 8, and a surface 2a2 having a substantially three-sided shape in plan view, which is located behind the surface 2a 1. In addition, the height of the surface 2a2 is formed lower than the surface 2a 1. The surface 2a2 is formed to be the same surface as the upper end surface 2 b.

The front surface of the operation panel 8 and the front surface 2a1 which is a part of the cover 2a are the same surface, and are configured as a rectangular flat surface elongated in the left-right direction as a whole. The surface 2a2 of the lid body 2a is flush with the upper end surface 2b and the peripheral surface of the opening 1 a.

The front surface (second surface) of the operation panel 8 and the front surface 2a1 (second surface) of the lid body 2a of the detergent/finishing agent container 28 are formed at a position lower than the edge portion (first surface) (at a position lower in the vertical direction). That is, the height of the second surface is set to be substantially the same as the height of the upper end edge portion of the opening 1a of the top cover 2, in other words, to be lower than the first surface by the thickness of the user's hand.

The washing and drying machine 100 is provided with a lock mechanism for preventing the outer cover 3 from being opened during operation. The lock mechanism is composed of a lock projection provided on the back surface side of the outer cover 3 and a lock hole provided on the upper end surface of the top cover 2. A hole penetrating in the left-right direction is formed in the lock projection, and when the outer lid 3 is closed and the lock projection is inserted into the lock hole, a lock pin (not shown) provided inside the lock hole is inserted into the hole, whereby the outer lid 3 is locked so as not to be opened.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, with a top cover 2, an outer cover 3, and a part of the cabinet 1 omitted.

An outer tank 10 and an inner tank 9 (see fig. 3) formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape are provided in the center portion of the inside of the casing 1.

A water supply solenoid valve 4 is provided at the rear of the washing and drying machine 100, and a connection port 4a for supplying tap water (clean water) is formed at the upper part of the water supply solenoid valve 4. A water supply filter (not shown) is provided inside the connection port 4a, and waste contained in the tap water is removed therefrom.

The outer tank 10 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and coaxially houses the inner tank 9 (see fig. 3). The outer tub 10 stores washing water. Four support rods hanging down with the outer tub 10 being locked to corner plates (not shown) provided at four corners of the upper end of the cabinet 1 are elastically supported at the center of the inside of the cabinet 1 by a buffer (not shown).

An outer tank cover 14 (see fig. 4) for closing the upper portion of the inner tank 9 and the upper opening of the outer tank 10 is provided at the upper edge of the outer tank 10. The outer tub cover 14 includes a laundry inlet 141 and an inner lid 23 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 141 (see fig. 7). The inner lid 23 is configured to open and close the entire laundry inlet 141 by a hinge mechanism 23a provided at the rear end of the laundry inlet 141 (see fig. 2).

As shown in fig. 2, the drive device 13 is configured to incorporate a motor using a converter drive motor or a capacitor split phase single phase induction motor of a reversible type, a clutch, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism (not shown). The driving device 13 has a function of selectively executing a washing driving mode in which the pulsating wing disk 11 (also referred to as a vibrator) is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions and a dehydrating driving mode in which the inner tub 9 and the pulsating wing disk 11 are integrally rotated in the same direction in a state in which the inner tub 9 is locked so as to be stationary or released so as to be rotatable by controlling the motor and the clutch by a microcomputer (not shown).

The inner tub 9 functions as a washing and dewatering tub, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a rotation axis in the vertical direction (vertical direction). The inner tank 9 has a plurality of small through holes 9a formed in the outer peripheral wall thereof for water passage and ventilation, and a plurality of through holes (not shown) formed in the bottom wall thereof for water passage and ventilation. In addition, the inner tank 9 is rotatably supported by a driving device 13.

The pulsating wing plate 11 is formed in a substantially disk shape and is provided at the bottom of the inner tank 9. In addition, the pulsating wing disk 11 is rotatably supported by the drive device 13. Thus, during washing and rinsing, the pulsating wing plate 11 is rotated to agitate the washing water together with the laundry.

Since the outer tub 10 is elastically supported with respect to the casing 1, when the pulsating wing plate 11 is rotationally driven, the inner tub 9 swings together with the outer tub 10. When the outer tub 10 swings, the outer tub cover 14 also swings accordingly.

The fluid balancer 12 is formed in a ring shape of synthetic resin or the like, and is fixed to an upper edge portion (upper edge portion) of the inner wall of the inner tank 9. The fluid balancer 12 is filled with a fluid (brine or the like) having a large specific gravity, and has a function of maintaining the balance of rotation by offsetting the eccentricity by the movement of the fluid in the fluid balancer 12 when the eccentricity is generated due to the deflection of laundry or the like when the inner tub 9 rotates.

A water/air vent (not shown) is provided in the bottom of the outer tub 10. The water vent is provided with a joint 16 (see fig. 4) for connecting the outer tank 10 and the drain valve 15 (see fig. 2).

Tap water is introduced into the inner tank 9 through the bellows tube 29 c. The washing water is discharged through the drain valve 15 and a drain hose (not shown) as needed.

The inner tank 9 has a bottom plate 9e of an upwardly concave shape. Through holes (not shown) communicating with the outer tub 10 are formed at a plurality of positions on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 9 e.

A circulation flow path member 9f is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the inner tank 9. The circulation flow path member 9f is integrally formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and has a water conduit on the rear surface side, and a circulation water path 9c is formed between the water conduit and the inner circumferential surface of the inner tank 9. A discharge port 9d for spraying the washing water into the inner tub 9 is formed as an outlet of the flow path at an upper portion of the circulation flow path member 9 f.

The circulation water passage 9c communicates with a pump chamber formed by the bottom plate 9e of the inner tank 9 and the outer peripheral side of the back vane provided on the back surface of the pulsating wing plate 11. The washing water is pushed outward by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the back blades provided on the back side of the pulsating wing plate 11, and the washing water rises in the circulation water passage from the inlet port via the circulation water passage, and is intermittently discharged from the outlet port of each circulation flow passage member.

[ detailed Structure of each part ]

The detailed structure of each part will be described.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic arrangement of an air blowing path of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view showing a schematic arrangement of an air blowing path of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6 is a left side sectional view of the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the inner tub, the outer tub cover, and a part of the upper duct of the drying unit of the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The blank arrows, blank broken line arrows, and broken line arrows in fig. 4 to 7 schematically show the air flow for heating the laundry.

As shown in fig. 4, the drying unit 60 includes a drying unit upper duct 61 arranged along the upper surface of the cabinet 1 and an air duct 66 arranged along the side surface of the cabinet 1. The air passage 66 is connected at its lower portion to the fitting 16 at the lower portion of the outer tank 10 by a bellows 68.

As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the air duct 66 is connected to the air outlet 145 of the outer tub cover 14 via the bellows 29.

As shown in fig. 6, the air duct 66 is disposed between the rear plate of the chassis 1 and the outer tub 10.

As shown in fig. 5, the air duct 66 includes a first portion 66a having a rectangular shape in front view formed in the vertical direction along a rear plate inside the cabinet 1, a substantially triangular portion 66d located on the right side of the first portion 66a and extending upward from the substantially middle of the vertical direction, a second portion 66b having a rectangular shape in front view located on the left side of the first portion 66a and extending upward from the vertically middle and connected to the upper portion, and a third portion 66c having a rectangular shape in front view on the second portion.

First portion 66a and second portion 66b are connected at a range of about 1/5 a from first portion 66 a. The third portion 66c is connected to the first portion 66a and the second portion 66 b. The width in the left-right direction in the upper end of the air passage 66 is preferably approximately twice the width in the left-right direction in the lower end. The upper end of the air duct 66 has a cooling water flow-down port (not shown) on the left side (the first portion 66a side) and an air outlet (not shown) on the right side (the substantially triangular portion 66d side).

The air passage 66 has a narrow depth (width in the front-rear direction) (see fig. 6).

The first portion 66a of the air duct 66 has a bellows connection port (not shown) at the lower front side, and is connected to a bellows 68. The third portion 66c of the air duct 66 is provided with a bellows connection port (not shown) on the front side, and is connected to the bellows 29b (see fig. 6 and 7). The substantially triangular shaped portion 66d is connected to the first portion 66a on the left side. The substantially triangular portion 66d is connected to the drying unit upper duct 61 at an upper end thereof, and a drying filter (not shown) is present at a connection portion with the drying unit upper duct 61 (see fig. 5 and 8).

A cold water dehumidification portion (not shown) is provided inside the air passage 66. This is a component through which tap water flows and which condenses steam in the air flowing through the air passage 66.

A drying fan 64 (see fig. 11) and a drying motor 63 for driving the drying fan 64 are provided above the drying filter (not shown). Further, a heater 62 is disposed at a rear stage of the drying fan 64, and the air sent thereto is heated.

Next, the detailed structure of the outer tank cover 14 will be described with reference to an exploded perspective view of the outer tank cover 14 shown in fig. 9.

(outer tank cover 14)

The outer tank cover 14 has an outer tank cover upper plate 14a and an outer tank cover lower plate 14 b. Outer tub cover upper plate 14a has an upper plate peripheral edge portion 140 formed in an annular shape, an upper plate rear flat portion 142 formed in an arcuate flat plate shape at a rear portion, and an upper plate front flat portion 143 formed in an arcuate flat plate shape at a front portion. The substantially trapezoidal space surrounded by the upper plate peripheral edge portion 140, the upper plate rear flat portion 142, and the upper plate front flat portion 143 is a laundry inlet 141.

The outer tub cover lower plate 14b includes a lower plate peripheral edge 150 having a slightly smaller diameter than the upper plate peripheral edge 140, a lower plate rear flat portion 152 facing the upper plate rear flat portion 142, and a lower plate front flat portion 153 facing the upper plate front flat portion 143. A plurality of through holes 158 are formed in the lower plate rear flat portion 152 and the lower plate front flat portion 153.

An air outlet 145 is formed obliquely on the left side of the outer cowl top 14a so as to protrude from the side surface in the normal direction. The air outlet 145 includes a connecting portion 145a connected to the bellows tube 29b and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a bulging portion 145b formed in a bottomed semi-cylindrical shape bulging upward from the upper plate peripheral edge portion 140. The air outlet 145 is formed at a position above the liquid level of the detergent liquid before the start of washing. The position above the liquid surface of the washing liquid before the start of washing, which is not submerged in the detergent liquid, is referred to as a non-submerged position. The non-flooded position is determined by the relative position to the liquid level of the detergent liquid. The air discharge port 145 of the first embodiment is formed at a non-flooded position.

Bellows tube 29b is formed of bellows portion 29b1 connected to air outlet 145, connecting portion 29b2 connected to air passage 66, and transition portion 29b3 therebetween. Conversion portion 29b3 has an angle substantially coaxial with the connection with air outlet 145 and substantially coaxial with the connection with air duct 66.

By connecting the outer tub cover 14 and the air passage 66 by the bellows tube 29b, displacement caused by the oscillation of the outer tub 10 (washing tub) can be absorbed.

A hot air inlet 146 for introducing hot air from the drying unit 60 into the inner tub 9 through the bellows tube 29d and a water supply inlet 147 for introducing tap water through the bellows tube 29c (see fig. 3) are formed in the upper surface of the outer tub cover upper plate 14 a. Both the introduction ports 146 and 147 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A plurality of claw members 146a projecting inward in an obliquely downward direction are formed at the upper end portion of the warm air introduction port 146.

A detergent/finishing agent container 28 (see fig. 8) is housed on the upper surface of the outer tub cover upper plate 14 a. A substantially circular hole is formed in the bottom of the detergent/finishing agent container 28. The detergent/finishing agent container 28 is connected to the tank cover 14 (see fig. 2) via a bellows tube 29 e. The detergent and the finishing agent contained in the detergent/finishing agent 28 are supplied to the inside of the outer tank 10 through the bellows tube 29 e.

A notch (see fig. 6) is formed in a side surface of the outer tank cover lower plate 14b at a position corresponding to the connection portion 145a of the air outlet 145, and air flow through the air outlet 145 is ensured.

A water spray opening 157 for spraying tap water is formed in the outer tank cover lower plate 14b at a position facing the water supply inlet 147. Further, a cylindrical warm air inlet inner cylinder 156 having a slightly smaller diameter than the warm air inlet 146 is formed at a position facing the warm air inlet 146.

The spray net 80 is placed on the upper end of the warm air inlet inner cylinder 156. As described above, the spray net 80 is formed by weaving a thin metal wire into a net shape having a substantially hemispherical shape, and the upper end peripheral edge portion of the spray net 80 is bent in a horizontal annular shape to form the flange portion 81. A part of the spray net 80 is processed into an inclined plane to form a net plane portion 82.

Further, a planar atomizing air nozzle fixing plate 156a is formed inside the warm air inlet inner tube 156. When the spray net 80 is placed on the warm air introduction port inner cylinder 156, the flange portion 81 is overlapped with the upper end portion of the warm air introduction port inner cylinder 156. When the outer tank cover lower plate 14b and the outer tank cover plate 14a are fitted and integrated, the claw member 146a of the warm air introduction port 146 presses the flange portion 81 from above to fix the atomizing screen 80.

Next, fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an attachment portion of the integrated outer tank cover 14 including the spray net 80.

Between outer tub cover upper plate 14a and outer tub cover lower plate 14b, a slight space is formed in the circumferential direction and around laundry inlet 14, and this space forms circulation air passage 18. The air flowing in through hole 158 flows through circulation air duct 18 (inside of outer tub cover 14), and is then discharged to air duct 66 through air outlet 145 (see fig. 5, 6, and 9).

As described above, the spray net 80 is fixed to the outer tub cover 14 by the warm air inlet inner tube 156, the spray net fixing plate 156a, and the claw member 146 a.

(drying Unit Upper channel 61)

Next, the structure of the drying unit upper duct 61 will be described with reference to fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the upper duct 61 of the drying unit.

The drying unit upper passage 61 has an upper passage upper unit 61a and an upper passage lower unit 61 b. A circular opening 61c through which air is sucked from below by a drying filter (not shown) is formed at one end of the upper duct lower unit 61b, and a cylindrical drying duct 22 is formed at the other end.

In the upper duct upper unit 61a, a drying fan 64 and a drying motor 63 for driving the drying fan 64 are attached to a portion facing the opening 61 c. The spray nozzle 70 is embedded in the upper duct upper unit 61a so as to be concentric with the drying duct 22 at a portion facing the drying duct 22. Further, a heater 62 is disposed between the spray nozzle 70 and the drying fan 64.

Further, a spray joint 71 is connected to the spray pipe 4 b. An annular packing 73 is inserted between the spray nozzle 70 and the spray joint 71, and the spray joint 71 is fixed to the upper channel upper unit 61a by a screw 72. Thereby, the spray pipe 4b and the spray nozzle 70 are connected. The spray pipe 4b is disposed rearward of the water supply solenoid valve 4 from above the spray nozzle 70.

[ Ventilation Path ]

First, the flow of air during the preheating of laundry before the washing by the pulsating wing plate 11 is started will be described with reference to the drawings. The open arrows, open dotted arrows and dotted arrows in FIGS. 4-6, 9, and 10 schematically represent the air flow for heating the laundry.

As shown by the white arrows and the broken arrows with no margin in fig. 9 and 10, the air in the inner tub 9 passes through the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60, is taken into the circulation air duct 18 (see fig. 9) in the outer tub cover 14 from the through hole 158 of the outer tub cover 14 in the upper part of the washing tub, and reaches the air outlet 145 through the circulation air duct 18. The air having reached the air outlet 145 flows into the air passage 66(66c) (see fig. 6) through the bellows tube 29b (see fig. 9). As indicated by the broken line arrows in fig. 5, the air flowing into the air passage 66 moves from left to right (from 66c to 66d via 66 a) and is discharged from an air outlet (not shown) at the upper portion of the substantially triangular portion 66 d.

As shown in fig. 8, the air discharged from the air passage 66 flows into the drying unit upper passage 61 from the lower side via a drying filter (not shown). As shown in fig. 11, the air flowing into the upper duct 61 of the drying unit is sent to the heater 62 by the drying fan 64 and heated.

As shown in fig. 11 and 4, the air heated by the heater 62 of the drying unit upper duct 61 passes through the drying duct 22 and the bellows tube 29d, as indicated by the vertical blank arrows in fig. 9, and passes through the warm air inlet 146, and is released into the inner tub 9 as indicated by the white arrows in fig. 4. As shown by the white arrows in fig. 5, the air released into the inner tub 9 contacts the laundry C (on the pulsating wing plate 11) in the inner tub 9 and warms the laundry.

When the detergent, water, or the like expands in the inner tub 9, the air having warmed the laundry is pushed by the air introduced into the inner tub 9 and rises along the inner surfaces of the inner tub 9 and the outer tub 10 without passing through a water vent (not shown) at the lower portion of the outer tub 10. The air having reached the outer tub cover 14 (inner cover 23) in the upper part of the washing tub flows into the through-hole 158 of the outer tub cover 14 as indicated by the blank arrow in fig. 9. Then, the heating is performed again by the heater 62 through the same path as described above. The air is thus circulated.

Next, the flow of air when drying the laundry will be described.

Since the detergent liquid, the washing water, and the like are not present in the inner tub 9 when the laundry is dried, air is discharged from a water and air vent (not shown) at a lower portion of the outer tub 10 by the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60. The air discharged from the water vent is taken into the air passage 66 via the joint 16 and the bellows tube 68 (see fig. 4).

The air having flowed into the air passage 66 is dehumidified by the cold water dehumidification part therein while moving upward from below along the first portion 66 a. After the air is released from contact with the cooling water, the air is discharged from an air outlet (not shown) at the upper portion of the substantially triangular portion 66d (see fig. 5).

The air discharged from the air duct 66 moves in the same manner as in the case of preheating the laundry before the start of washing, and is released into the inner tub 9 (see fig. 6, 8, 9, and 11). The air released into the inner tub 9 contacts the laundry in the inner tub 9, evaporates moisture of the laundry as water vapor, and is discharged again from the water/air passage together with the water vapor.

The air and water vapor after drying the laundry are discharged from a water vent (not shown) at the lower part of the outer tub 10, and are reheated by the heater 62 through the same path as described above. The air is thus circulated.

Since the air outlet 145 is provided in the outer tub cover 14, the structure is simple and the manufacturing is easy. Since the air discharge port 145 is located at an upper portion of the washing tub and the air discharge port 145 is directly opened to the washing tub, it is difficult for water to enter the air passage 66 and the like.

[ spraying ]

As shown in fig. 9, a spray net 80 (atomizing member) in which fine metal wires are woven into a net shape having a substantially hemispherical shape is attached to the outer tub cover 14 from the air outlet of the drying unit 60. As shown in fig. 8 and 11, the spray nozzle 70 projects downward from the drying unit upper duct 61 above the spray net 80. The spray nozzle 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter of about 1.5mm, for example, and is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 4 through a spray pipe 4 b.

When tap water is supplied to the spray nozzle 70 through the spray pipe 4b, the tap water sprayed downward from the spray nozzle 70 collides with the spray net 80, and the tap water is sprayed into the inner tank 9 in a finely divided (atomized) state. Thus, the spray nozzle 70 and the spray mesh 80 constitute a spray spraying device. Here, the mesh size of the spray net 80 is desirably larger than a feed water filter (not shown) provided inside the connection port 4a (see fig. 2). This prevents the spray net 80 from being clogged with garbage in the tap water. Further, by disposing the spray net 80 below the spray nozzle 70, the water sprayed from the spray nozzle 70 is accelerated by the acceleration of gravity and collides with the spray net 80. This can further promote the miniaturization of water.

The following two applications are examples of the application of the micronized water (spray).

Use 1: in the initial stage of washing the laundry, the spray mist is sprayed to wet the laundry, so that dirt on the laundry is easily removed.

Use 2: when drying the washed laundry, the spray mist is sprayed to wet the laundry and wind is blown to the laundry to remove wrinkles from the laundry.

[ control device ]

The washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment is controlled by a microcomputer 40 (microcomputer).

The microcomputer 40 is connected to an operation button input circuit, a water level sensor, and a temperature sensor connected to the operation button switch 6, and receives various information signals in a pressing operation, a washing process, and a drying process by a user.

The microcomputer 40 is connected to a drive circuit, a water supply solenoid valve 4, a drain valve 15, a drive device 13, a drying motor 63, a heater 62, and the like, and controls opening, closing, rotation, and energization of these components.

The microcomputer 40 is connected to a display, a light emitting diode, a buzzer, and the like of the operation panel 8 for informing the user of the operation state of the washing and drying machine 100.

[ action of washing and drying machine ]

Next, the operation of the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 13 with appropriate reference to the drawings described above.

The microcomputer 40 checks the state of the washing and drying machine 100 and performs initial setting by pressing the power switch 5 and turning on the power by the user (step S1).

The microcomputer 40 turns on the display of the operation panel 8 and sets the washing/drying program according to the operation button switch operated by the user (step S2). In addition, in case of not setting, a standard washing/drying course or a washing/drying course previously performed is automatically set. For example, when the user operates the operation button switch, the "washing and drying program" is set.

The microcomputer 40 determines whether or not the operation start is instructed by the operation of the operation button switch (step S3).

The microcomputer 40 repeats step S3 (no in step S3) until the operation start is instructed by the operation of the operation button switch, and then proceeds to step S4 (yes in step S3).

The microcomputer 40 first performs the load sensing (step S4). The cloth amount sensor rotates or accelerates the inner tank 9 at a low speed to a predetermined rotation speed, for example, and measures the cloth amount based on a current value of the motor of the driving device 13 at that time.

The microcomputer 40 displays the time until the washing/drying is finished and the amount of the detergent on the display based on the weight of the laundry calculated by the cloth amount sensing.

Thus, the user opens the lid body 2a and puts an appropriate amount of liquid detergent into the detergent/finishing agent container 28. Further, the user puts the soft finish into the detergent/finish container 28 as necessary.

The microcomputer 40 generates a high concentration detergent liquid (step S5).

The microcomputer 40 opens the water supply solenoid valve 4 to supply water to the detergent/finishing agent container 28, melts the solid detergent and dilutes the liquid detergent to generate a high-concentration detergent liquid. The resulting high-concentration detergent liquid is stored in the washing tank (see fig. 2).

The microcomputer 40 opens the water supply solenoid valve 4 to supply water of an amount necessary for the circulation of the high concentration detergent liquid onto the pulsating wing plate 11 (step S6).

The microcomputer 40 rotates the motor of the drive unit 13, and stirs the mixture in the inner tank 9 by the back blade 11b of the pulsating wing plate 11. The high-concentration detergent liquid stirred by the back blade 11b rises through the circulation flow path 9c formed in the inner circumferential surface of the inner tank 9, and is discharged from the discharge port 9d into the inner tank 9. Since the outlet 9d is located at the upper portion of the inner tub 9, the high-concentration detergent liquid is sprayed from the upper portion of the laundry to the laundry and permeates the laundry (step S7).

The microcomputer 40 turns on the water supply solenoid valve 4, rotates the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60, operates the heater 62, blows high-speed air into the inner tub 9, supplies tap water to the spray nozzle 70 through the spray pipe 4b, and atomizes and sprays the tap water warm water onto the laundry (step S8).

The microcomputer 40 measures the temperature of the laundry, and when the temperature has not reached the predetermined temperature, the process returns to step S7, and the spraying of the high-concentration detergent liquid and the spraying of the hot water spray are repeated (no in step S9). The microcomputer 40 measures the temperature of the laundry, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S10 (yes in step S9).

The micom 40 supplies water to the outer tub 2 up to a predetermined water level in order to perform the washing operation (step S10).

The microcomputer 40 opens the water supply solenoid valve 4 and supplies water into the inner tank 9 from the water supply inlet 147 through the bellows tube 29 c. The microcomputer 40 opens the water supply solenoid valve 4 to supply water to the detergent/finishing agent container 28, and cleans the detergent/finishing agent container 28. The water flowing out of the detergent/finishing agent container 28 flows into between the outer tub 10 and the inner tub 9 (step S10).

The micom 40 performs a washing operation.

The microcomputer 40 rotates the motor 13a and performs washing while alternately rotating the inner tub 9 and the pulsating wing plate 11 in the forward and reverse directions at a low speed (step S11).

The microcomputer 40 performs a draining/dehydrating operation for removing the washing water from the laundry.

The microcomputer 40 opens the drain valve 16 to discharge the washing water in the outer tub 10, and then rotates the motor of the driving unit 13 to rotate the inner tub 9 at a high speed, thereby centrifugally dewatering the laundry (step S12).

The microcomputer 40 closes the drain valve 16, opens the water supply solenoid valve 4, and supplies the rinsing water to the outer tub 10 up to a predetermined water level.

When water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the microcomputer 40 closes the water supply solenoid valve 4, and performs a "rinsing" operation of rinsing the laundry while driving the motor of the driving device 13 and alternately rotating the rotary drum 3 in forward and reverse directions at a low speed (step S13).

After the rinsing operation is completed, the microcomputer 40 opens the drain valve 16 to discharge the rinsing water in the outer tub 10, and then drives the motor of the driving device 13 to rotate the inner tub 9 at a high speed to spin the laundry (step S14).

When water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the microcomputer 40 closes the water supply solenoid valve 4, and performs a "rinsing" operation of rinsing the laundry while driving the motor of the driving device 13 to alternately rotate the rotary drum 3 in forward and reverse directions at a low speed (step S15).

After the rinsing operation is completed, the microcomputer 40 opens the drain valve 16 to discharge the rinsing water in the outer tub 10, and then drives the motor of the driving device 13 to rotate the inner tub 9 at a high speed to spin the laundry (step S16).

The microcomputer 40 determines whether the program selected in step S2 is a program including drying (step S17).

If the program selected in step S2 is a program including drying (yes in step S17), the process proceeds to step S18, and a drying operation is performed (step S17).

When the program selected in step S2 is a program that does not include drying (no in step S17), the operation is ended (step S17).

In the drying operation, the microcomputer 40 rotates the inner tub 9 at a low speed and drives the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60 at a high speed to energize the heater 62, thereby blowing warm air at a high speed into the inner tub 9 to raise the temperature of the laundry and evaporate water from the laundry. The microcomputer 40 opens the water supply solenoid valve 4 to supply the cooling water to the cold water dehumidification portion of the air passage 66. The high-temperature and humid air containing moisture evaporated from the laundry is dehumidified by the cold water dehumidification portion of the air passage 66.

The detection of the end of drying is performed by a temperature sensor (not shown), and the microcomputer 40 ends the drying operation when the drying of the laundry is detected (step S18).

The washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the circulation flow path 9c in the inner tank 9, and thus can circulate the high-concentration detergent liquid without providing a pump for circulating the high-concentration detergent liquid. In the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the washing tub (outer tub) 10 and the air duct 66 are connected to each other, and a circulation path of air is secured, so that the laundry can be warmed by warm air without providing a pump for circulating the high-concentration detergent liquid. In addition, since the hot water is atomized by the high-speed warm air and is sprayed to the laundry in a diffused manner, the dirt adhered to the gaps of the laundry and the laundry in the inner tub 9 are uniformly distributed in addition to the high-concentration detergent liquid, and the dirt can be easily removed. Further, since the washing operation is performed while supplying water, the cleaning power can be improved.

The washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment can provide a washing and drying machine that has a bellows tube having a simpler structure than a circulation pump, and can secure a circulation path of air, and can atomize water with warm water using an air blowing mechanism provided in the washing and drying machine, and therefore, can obtain a high cleaning power at low cost without increasing the cost.

In addition, the rinsing (from step S13 to step S16) is performed twice in the flowchart shown in fig. 13, but a combination of "water supply-rinsing-dewatering" may be performed once or more times.

< second embodiment >

The second embodiment is explained with appropriate reference to the previously explained drawings.

In the second embodiment, an air outlet 101 is provided in the upper rear side surface of the outer tub 10, and the bellows 292 is connected to the air duct 66.

The outer tub 10 of the second embodiment includes an air outlet 101 at a position facing the air duct 66 on the upper rear side surface. The position of the air discharge port 101 is preferably a position where the distance between the outer tub 10 and the air passage 66 is shortest. The air outlet 101 is formed at a position above the liquid surface of the detergent liquid before the start of washing, that is, at a non-flooded position.

The bellows tube 292 is constituted by a bellows portion connected to the air outlet 101, a connecting portion connected to the air passage 66, and a changing portion therebetween, for example, as in the case of 29b of the first embodiment. The converting portion has an angle coaxial with the connection of the air outlet 101 and coaxial with the connection of the air passage 66.

[ Ventilation Path ]

The ventilation path of the second embodiment is explained with reference to fig. 14.

The air in the inner tub 9 is blown by the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60 from the air outlet 101 in the upper rear side surface of the outer tub 10 into the air passage 66(66c) through the bellows 292 (see fig. 14). The air flowing into the air passage 66 moves from left to right (from 66c to 66d via 66 a) and is discharged from an air outlet (not shown) at the upper part of the substantially triangular portion 66d (see fig. 5).

The air discharged from the air passage 66 flows into the drying unit 60 and is dried in the same path as the first embodiment. The dried air is discharged into the inner tub 9 through the same route as that of the first embodiment (see fig. 4, 5, 9, and 11). The air discharged into the inner tub 9 contacts the laundry C (on the pulsating wing plate 11) in the inner tub 9 and warms the laundry C.

When the detergent, water, or the like expands in the inner tub 9, the air warmed up by the laundry C does not pass through the water passage port (not shown) at the lower portion of the outer tub 10, but rises along the inner surface of the outer tub 10 through the inner tub 9 and the through-holes 9 a. The air having reached the inner lid 23 and the outer tank cover 14 in the upper part of the washing tank moves along the inner surface of the inner lid 23 (see fig. 2) and the like, and reaches the air outlet 101 in the upper rear side surface of the outer tank 10. The air is again heated by the heater 62 through the bellows 292 in the same manner as described above. The air is thus circulated.

The flow of air during drying of the laundry is the same as in the first embodiment.

By providing the air outlet 101 on the upper rear side surface of the outer tub 10, the moving distance of the air from the outer tub 10 to the air duct 66 is shortened, and the air blowing resistance is also reduced, thereby improving the energy efficiency and the drying efficiency.

< third embodiment >

The third embodiment is explained with appropriate reference to the drawings explained heretofore.

In the third embodiment, an air outlet 28a is provided in a side surface of the detergent/finishing agent container 28, and the air duct 66 is connected to the washing and drying machine by a connection pipe 681.

The air outlet 28a is provided in the detergent/finish container 28 located above the washing tub, and is formed above the liquid level of the detergent liquid before the start of washing. The air discharge port 28a of the third embodiment is formed at a non-flooded position.

The detergent/finishing agent container 28 and the air duct 66 of the third embodiment are connected by a connecting pipe 681. Since the detergent/finishing agent container 28 and the outer tub cover 14 are connected by the bellows, the third embodiment does not include the bellows and the bellows between the air duct 66 and the connection pipe 681, which absorb displacement caused by the oscillation of the outer tub 10 (washing tub).

[ Ventilation Path ]

The ventilation path of the third embodiment is explained with reference to fig. 15.

The air in the inner tub 9 is flowed into the air passage 66(66c) from the air outlet 28a of the detergent/finishing agent container 28 through the connection pipe 681 by the drying fan 64 of the drying unit 60 (see fig. 15).

The air flowing into the air passage 66 is dried by the same mechanism and the same route as those of the first and second embodiments, and is released into the inner groove 9 (see fig. 4, 5, 9, and 11). The air discharged into the inner tub 9 contacts the laundry C (on the pulsating wing plate 11) in the inner tub 9 to warm the laundry C.

When the detergent, water, or the like expands in the inner tub 9, the air warmed up by the laundry C does not pass through the water passage port (not shown) at the lower portion of the outer tub 10, but rises along the inner surface of the outer tub 10 through the inner tub 9 and the through-holes 9 a. The air having reached the outer tub cover 14 (inner cover 23) in the upper part of the washing tub moves along the inner surface of the inner cover 23 (see fig. 2) and the like, and flows into the detergent/finishing agent container 28 from the bellows tube 29 e. Heated again by the heater 62 through the same path as described above. The air is thus circulated.

By connecting the detergent/finishing agent container 28 and the air duct 66 by the connecting pipe 681, the air outlet can be easily provided as compared with the case where the air outlet is provided in the outer tub cover 14 and the outer tub 10, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The durability is also improved by the connecting pipe having a simpler structure than the bellows pipe. Since the warm air inlet 146 and the air outlet can be separated from each other, the efficiency of heating the laundry can be improved. The degree of freedom of the arrangement of the connection pipe is also improved, and therefore, the manufacture can be easily performed.

The present invention has been described in detail with respect to the embodiment of the washing and drying machine. The contents of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and additions, deletions, changes, and the like can be appropriately made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A washing and drying machine is characterized in that:

the disclosed device is provided with:

a washing tank for accommodating washings;

a cabinet having the washing tub formed therein;

an outer cover for opening and closing an opening formed at an upper portion of the housing;

a washing tank cover for blocking the upper opening of the washing tank;

a drying unit having an inlet and an outlet, drying the air taken in from the inlet in the washing tank, and discharging the air from the outlet;

an air outlet which is connected to an outlet of the drying means, is formed in the washing tub cover, and blows out the air dried by the drying means from above the washing tub; and

a suction inlet connected to an inlet of the drying unit, for sucking air guided into the washing tub of the drying unit from a non-flooded position of the washing tub,

the non-flooded position is a position above the liquid level of the detergent liquid before the start of washing,

the washing tank cover is provided with an inner cover for opening and closing the washing input port,

the suction inlet is arranged on the side surface of the washing tank or the side surface of the washing tank cover for blocking the upper opening of the washing tank,

before the washing operation is performed, the air in the washing tub sucked in from the suction port is dried by the drying means, and is blown out from the blow-out port to circulate.

2. The washer-dryer as recited in claim 1,

and a ventilation path connecting the suction port and the inlet, for guiding the air in the washing tank to the drying unit.