JP2009125454A - Washing/drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide desired warm or cold air used for other than a washing/drying machine by using heat storage means, in the washing/drying machine that dries laundry by a heat pump. <P>SOLUTION: This washing machine uses the warm or cold air used for other than the use related to the washing/drying machine using the heat storage means by adopting at least one of means for taking out the warm heat stored in a warm-heat storage tank 24 and the cold stored in a cold storage tank 25 outside the machine by a cock 55, and means for introducing them in a drum 5 through a water pouring case 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a laundry dryer for drying laundry with a heat pump.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a washing / drying machine having a heat pump for drying laundry has been attracting attention as having good drying performance and being effective in saving energy. In the washing and drying machine equipped with this heat pump, the air in the washing tub containing the laundry is circulated through the ventilation path of the heat pump in which the compressor and the cycle-connected evaporator and condenser are arranged. By repeatedly cooling and dehumidifying the air with an evaporator, heating the air with a condenser, sequentially feeding it into the washing tub, and passing the air deprived of moisture from the laundry through the air path, The laundry is gradually dried.

  Therefore, the moisture generated when the laundry is dried is collected by the evaporator, the latent heat collected in the folding is converted into a high-temperature refrigerant state by the compressor, and reused as energy for heating the air by the condenser. In this way, the energy can be reused without losing almost any energy except for a slight heat loss outside. Therefore, efficient drying can be realized (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, even in a washing / drying machine equipped with such a heat pump, its use is usually once or twice a day in general households, and the rest is stopped. However, there is an idea of using a heat storage material, storing the cold in the heat storage material, obtaining a cold air conditioner function with the cold heat, heating water with the heat of the condenser of the heat pump, and supplying hot water to the bath (for example, patent document) In addition, there is an idea that the heat pump is operated to store cold and warm heat and used for cooling the cleaning agent at the time of washing and heating the laundry at the time of drying (for example, see Patent Document 3). ).
JP 2006-149759 A JP 2003-265889 A JP 2006-181219 A

  As described above, there are some ideas of using heat storage means in a washing / drying machine equipped with a heat pump, but the use other than the use related to the washing / drying machine is only cold air, and in addition, the heat storage means is used. There is no idea of using heat and cold.

  The present invention has been made with the above-mentioned circumstances, and therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a washing / drying machine that can use heat and cold using heat storage means as desired in addition to the use related to the washing / drying machine. In offer.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the washing and drying machine according to the present invention, an air circulator that circulates the washing tub and the air in the washing tub out of the washing tub and returns it to the washing tub through the ventilation path. An evaporator and a condenser in the ventilation path of the air circulation device, and a heat pump that constitutes a refrigeration cycle by connecting them with a compressor and a throttle, and washing laundry, In addition to performing dehydration, the laundry is dried by operating the air circulation device and the heat pump. A thermal storage tank, a thermal storage tank, and a thermal storage means for storing thermal energy in the thermal storage tank And a cooling / heating means for storing the cold heat in the cold energy storage tank, and an extraction means for taking out the heat stored in the heat storage tank and the cold energy stored in the heat storage tank to the outside. In the thermal storage tank And introducing means for introducing example was heat and cold energy stored in the cold heat-storage tank to the washing tub, characterized in that it comprises comprises a at least one (the first aspect of the present invention).

  According to the above means, the heat stored in the heat storage tank for heat and the cold stored in the heat storage tank for cold are taken out by the take-out means, or stored in the heat storage tank for heat and cold stored in the heat storage tank for heat. By using at least one of introducing the cold heat into the washing tub with the introduction means, it is possible to make it desirable to use the heat and cold using the heat storage means in addition to the use related to the washing dryer.

Hereinafter, a first example (first embodiment) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the front side (right side in the figure) of the outer box 1 that forms the outer shell of the entire washing and drying machine has a laundry entrance 2, which is opened and closed by a door 3. ing.
Inside the outer box 1, a water tub 4 is arranged in a horizontal axis shape with an upwardly inclined shape by an elastic support device (not shown). Inside the water tub 4, a drum 5 which is a washing tub is placed in the water tub 4. And concentrically with each other. The drum 5 has a porous shape (only a part of the holes are illustrated), and a motor 7 that rotates the drum 5 with a rotating shaft 6 is attached to the back of the water tank 4.

  A ventilation case 8 is disposed below the water tank 4, and a front portion of the ventilation case 8 is connected to an exhaust port 10 formed in an upper portion of the front portion of the water tank 4 via a suction side duct 9. . On the other hand, the rear part of the ventilation case 8 is connected to the air inlet 13 formed in the upper part of the inner part of the water tank 4 through the casing 11a and the discharge side duct 12 of the circulation fan 11, and these suction side ducts 9 are connected. The ventilation case 14 is formed by connecting the exhaust port 10 and the air supply port 13 of the water tank 4 by the ventilation case 8, the casing 11 a of the circulation fan 11, and the discharge side duct 12.

  The circulation blower 11 has a blower blade 11b disposed inside the casing 11a, and the blower blade 11b is rotationally driven by a motor 11c disposed outside the casing 11a. As shown by the arrows, the air is circulated out of the drum 5 through the ventilation path 14 and then returned to the drum 5, so that the ventilation path 14, the circulation blower 11, Thus, an air circulation device 15 for circulating the air in the drum 5 is configured.

  Thus, in the ventilation path 14, particularly inside the ventilation case 8, the evaporator 16 is disposed at the front part where the circulating air enters, and the condenser 17 is disposed at the rear part where the air exits. Has been established. The evaporator 16 and the condenser 17 are respectively a first evaporator and a first condenser with respect to a second evaporator and a second condenser, which will be described later. Both of them are finned tube types in which a large number of heat transfer fins made of, for example, an aluminum plate are attached to a meandering copper refrigerant distribution pipe, for example, and air is passed between each of these heat transfer fins. Circulating air passing through the case 8 as described above flows.

In addition, an outdoor air suction port 18 is formed on the rear side of the ventilation case 8 from the evaporator 16 (between the condenser 17) and on the front side (between the suction side duct 9) from the evaporator 16. Forms a heat exhaust port 19.
An air outlet 20 is formed at the front end of the ventilation case 8, and a damper 21 serving as an air path switching device is provided at the air outlet 20 portion. The damper 21 is rotated by a motor (not shown) so as to block the position between the ventilation case 8 and the suction side duct 9 by opening the air outlet 20 and closing the air outlet 20 (position indicated by a solid line). At the same time, it is switched to a position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line) for closing the heat exhaust port 19.

  Further, a blowing duct 22 is provided in front of the ventilation case 8 so as to continue to the air outlet 20, and a blower blade 23 a that is rotationally driven by a blower 23 for blowing, particularly a motor (not shown) of the blowout duct 22. Is arranged. In addition, the front-end | tip part of the blowing duct 22 is open toward the front outside the machine.

  And in FIG. 3, the arrangement | positioning form of the ventilation case 8, the arrangement | positioning form of the thermal storage tank 24 and the thermal storage tank 25, and the arrangement | positioning form of the operation panel 26 in the said outer box 1, The ventilation case 8 is disposed at the bottom of the outer box 1 while the heat storage tank 24 for heat and the heat storage tank 25 for cooling are arranged at the left and right corners at the rear of the outer box 1. The operation panel 26 is disposed at the upper front portion of the outer box 1. The warm heat storage tank 24 and the cool heat storage tank 25 are both vertically long and long.

  The evaporator 16 and the condenser 17 include a compressor 27 (in this case, a rotary type), a first on-off valve 28, and a throttle valve as a first throttle, as shown in the left side of FIG. (In particular, in this case, an electronic throttle valve) 29 constitutes the heat pump 30. In this heat pump 30, basically, the compressor 27-the first on-off valve 28-the condenser 17-the throttle The refrigeration cycle is configured by connecting them through the connection pipe 31 in the order of the valve 29 -the evaporator 16 -the compressor 27. A refrigerant (not shown) is enclosed in the refrigeration cycle.

  1, the water tank 4 and the ventilation path 14 (suction side duct 9, ventilation case 8, casing 11a of the circulation fan 11, and discharge side duct 12) are schematically shown together with the heat pump 30. Is shown.

  Further, in the heat pump 30, a bypass path 32 is provided from a portion between the compressor 27 and the first on-off valve 28, and the bypass path 32 is connected to the second on-off valve 33 and the second on the way. A condenser 34, a throttle valve (in particular, an electronic throttle valve in this case) 35, and a second evaporator 36 are provided in this order, and the tip of the first evaporator is provided. 16 is connected to a portion between the compressor 27 and the compressor 27.

  Here, the second condenser 34 is arranged inside the thermal storage tank 24 (particularly at the bottom), and the second evaporator 36 is arranged inside the thermal storage tank 25 (particularly the top). Has been established. Further, heat insulation cases 37 and 38 are provided on the outer circumferences of the thermal storage tank 24 and the thermal storage tank 25, respectively.

  On the other hand, the right side of FIG. 1 schematically shows the outer box 1, the door 3, the water tank 4, and the drum 5. The water tank 4 is the same as that shown on the left side of FIG. In order to make the figure easy to understand (to avoid complication), it is shown separately for convenience.

  Thus, for the water tank 4, a water channel 39 for supplying tap water is bifurcated, one branch water channel 39a is provided in the middle with a first water supply valve 40, and the tip is filled with a water injection case 41. Connected to. Although the water injection case 41 is outside the outer box 1 in the figure, it is actually disposed above the water tank 4 in the outer box 1 and is not shown in detail, but from the water injection case 41 through the water tank 4. Water is poured into the drum 5, and in particular, water is directly poured into the laundry of the drum 5 from above.

  A drain hose 42 and a water circulation pipe 43 are led out from the bottom of the aquarium 4, and a drain valve 44 is provided in the middle of the drain hose 42, and the tip is drained from a house outside the outer box 1. 45 is connected. Although the drain valve 44 is also located outside the outer box 1 in the figure, it is actually disposed inside the outer box 1. In addition, the water circulation pipe 43 is provided with a first water circulation pump 46 in the middle thereof, and the front end portion faces the inside of the drum 5 from the upper part of the water tank 4.

The other branched water channel 39b which is bifurcated of the water channel 39 is provided with a second water supply valve 47 in the middle, further bifurcates the other side, and the one branched water channel 39b ₁ is formed in the middle. An on-off valve 48 is provided, and the tip is connected to the thermal storage tank 24. Therefore, the tap water is supplied from the water channel 39 through the branch water channel 39b and the branch water channel 39b ₁ in order to the heat storage tank 24 for heat by opening the second water supply valve 47 and the third on-off valve 48. In this case, the supplied water functions as a heat storage material for heat.

The other branched water channel 39b ₂ of the branched water channel 39b is provided with a fourth on-off valve 49 in the middle, and the tip is connected to the cold energy storage tank 25. Accordingly, the cold water storage tank 25 is supplied with the tap water from the water passage 39 through the branch water passage 39b and the branch water passage 39b ₂ in order by opening the second water supply valve 47 and the fourth on-off valve 49. In this case, the supplied water functions as a heat storage material for cooling.

And the water distribution pipe 50 is derived | led-out from the bottom part of the thermal storage tank 24 for heat, and this water distribution pipe 50 is provided with the 5th on-off valve 51 in the middle part, and the other side is branched into two. One branch water channel 50a of the bifurcated water distribution pipe 50 is provided with a water distribution pump 52 in the middle, further bifurcating the other, and the one branch water channel 50a ₁ is connected to the sixth on-off valve in the middle. 53 is provided, and the tip portion is connected to the water injection case 41. Further, the other branch water channel 50a ₂ of the bifurcated water channel 50a is provided with a seventh on-off valve 54 in the middle, and the tip is connected to a cock 55 which is an opening / closing port.

A water channel 56 is branched from a portion on the water tank 4 side of the drainage valve 44 of the drainage hose 42, and an eighth opening / closing valve 57 and a second water circulation pump 58 are provided in the middle of the water channel 56 in order. the parts are connected to the branch portion between the branch water passage 39 b ₁ and the branch canal 39 b _2.

Further, the other branched water channel 50b of the water distribution pipe 50 is provided with a third water circulation pump 59 in the middle, and the other side is branched into three branches, and the first branched water channel 50b ₁ is arranged in the middle. The ninth on-off valve 60 and the heat exchanger 61 for the compressor 27 are provided in this order, and the tip portion of the branch water passage 39b ₂ is closer to the water passage 39 than the portion on which the fourth on-off valve 49 is provided. Connected to. Specifically, the heat exchanger 61 for the compressor 27 is configured by, for example, a coiled water pipe wound in contact with the outer periphery of the compressor 27.

The second branched water channel 50b _{2 that} is three-branched of the branched water channel 50b is provided with a tenth on-off valve 62 and a heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 in this order in the middle, and the tip portion is the above-mentioned connected than the portion provided with the first branch water passage 50b heat exchanger 61 of the compressor 27 ₁ in the portion of the tip side. Specifically, the heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 is also provided in contact with, for example, the heat transfer fins of the evaporator 16 on the upstream side of the first evaporator 16 in the ventilation path 14. For example, it comprises a meandering water pipe.

Further, the third branched water channel 50b ₃ of the branched water channel 50b is provided with an eleventh on-off valve 64 and a heat exchanger 65 for the first condenser 17 in this order in the middle. Is connected to a portion of the second branch water channel 50b ₂ on the tip side from a portion where the heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 is provided. Specifically, the heat exchanger 65 for the first condenser 17 is also provided in contact with, for example, the heat transfer fins of the condenser 17 on the upstream side of the first condenser 17 in the ventilation path 14. For example, it comprises a meandering water pipe.

  And the water distribution pipe 66 is derived | led-out from the bottom part of the thermal storage tank 25 for cold heat, this water distribution pipe 66 is provided with the 12th on-off valve 67 in the middle part, and the front-end | tip part is the 3rd water circulation of the said branch water channel 50b. It connects to the part by the side of the water distribution pump 52 rather than the part in which the pump 59 is provided.

  FIG. 4 shows the control device 68. The control device 68 is composed of a microcomputer, for example, and is located in the outer box 1 and functions as a control means for controlling the overall operation of the washing / drying machine.

  The control device 68 receives various operation signals from an operation input unit 69 including various operation switches provided in the operation panel 26, and is a first water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the water tank 4. A water level sensor 70, a second water level sensor 71 that is a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the thermal storage tank 24, and a third water level that is a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the cold storage tank 25. A water level detection signal is input from each of the sensors 72, and a first temperature sensor 73 that is a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the thermal storage tank 24 and a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the cold storage tank 25. A temperature detection signal is input from each second temperature sensor 74.

  Based on the input of the various signals and the control program stored in advance, the control device 68 includes the motor 7, the circulation blower 11, the damper drive motor 75, the blower blower 23, the compressor 27, and the first throttle valve. 29, the second throttle valve 35, the first water supply valve 40, the second water supply valve 47, the drain valve 44, the first on-off valve 28, the second on-off valve 33, the third on-off valve 48, the fourth On-off valve 49, fifth on-off valve 51, sixth on-off valve 53, seventh on-off valve 54, eighth on-off valve 57, ninth on-off valve 60, tenth on-off valve 62, eleventh on-off valve The on-off valve 64, the first water circulation pump 46, the second water circulation pump 58, the third water circulation pump 59, and the water distribution pump 52 are controlled via a drive circuit 76.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, a schematic operation of the washing / drying machine will be described. When the operation panel 26 is operated by the user to set a course of operation and the start of the operation is instructed, the washing and drying machine performs a washing operation, a drying operation, or both of these operations according to the set operation course. The washing / drying operation is performed continuously. As one of them, when the execution of the washing and drying operation is started, the washing process, the dehydrating process, and the drying process are executed in order.

  In the washing process, by opening the first water supply valve 40, tap water is supplied from the water channel 39 through the branch water channel 39a through the water injection case 41 into the water tank 4, and then the drum 5 is rotated at a low speed. Is called. In the dehydration process, after the drain valve 44 is opened and the water in the water tank 4 is discharged through the drain hose 42, the drum 5 is rotated at a high speed. In the drying process, an operation of supplying hot air into the drum 5 is performed while rotating the drum 5 at a low speed.

  The operation of supplying warm air into the drum 5 is performed in detail as follows. That is, after the circulation fan 11 is driven, the air in the drum 5 flows into the ventilation case 8 from the exhaust port 10 of the water tank 4 through the suction side duct 9 of the ventilation path 14, and then in the ventilation case 8. The air is returned to the drum 5 from the air supply port 13 of the water tank 4 through the casing 11 a of the circulation fan 11 and the discharge-side duct 12 in order. At this time, the damper 21 is set at a position (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) that closes the air outlet 20.

  At this time, the heat pump 30 opens the first on-off valve 28 and closes the second on-off valve 33 to drive the compressor 27. As a result, the refrigerant (gas) is compressed by the compressor 27 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant flows into the first condenser 17 and exchanges heat with the air passing through the ventilation case 8. As a result, the air passing through the ventilation case 8 is heated, and conversely, the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant is then depressurized through the first throttle valve 29 and then flows into the first evaporator 16 to be vaporized. Thereby, the first evaporator 16 cools the air passing through the ventilation case 8. The refrigerant that has passed through the first evaporator 16 returns to the compressor 27.

  As a result, the air flowing from the drum 5 into the ventilation case 8 is cooled by the first evaporator 16 and dehumidified, and then heated by the first condenser 17 and warmed. Then, the warm air passes through the casing 11 a of the circulation fan 11 and the discharge side duct 12 in order, and is supplied into the drum 5 from the air supply port 13 of the water tank 4.

Thus, the hot air supplied into the drum 5 deprives the laundry of moisture, and then flows into the ventilation case 8 from the exhaust port 10 of the water tank 4 through the suction side duct 9.
Thus, the air in the ventilation case 8 having the evaporator 16 and the condenser 17 circulates between the drum 5 and the laundry in the drum 5 is dried.

  On the other hand, the operation of storing heat in the heat storage tank 24 for heat and the heat storage tank 25 for cold heat will be described. This heat storage operation is performed during a time when the washing / drying machine is not operated, for example, at night, and it is preferable to use midnight power.

Specifically, first, the water level in the thermal storage tank 24 detected by the second water level sensor 71 and the water level in the cold storage tank 25 detected by the third water level sensor 72 are both set water levels. If the second water supply valve 47, the third on-off valve 48, and the fourth on-off valve 49 are opened, the tap water is heated from the water passage 39 through the branch water passage 39b and the branch water passage 39b _{1 on the condition that} supplies to use the heat storage tank 24, and supplies the cold heat-storage tank 25 through the branch water passage 39 b _2. At this time, the fifth on-off valve 51 and the twelfth on-off valve 67 are closed.

  As a result, if it is detected that tap water is stored as a heat storage material in the heat storage tank 24 for heat and the heat storage tank 25 for cold heat, and each water level has reached the set water level, the second water supply valve 47 is opened. Occlude.

  Thereafter, the temperature of the thermal storage tank 24 detected by the first temperature sensor 73 is lower than the set temperature, and the temperature of the cold storage tank 25 detected by the second temperature sensor 74 exceeds the set temperature. That is, the heat pump 30 closes the first on-off valve 28 and opens the second on-off valve 33 on the condition that the heat storage tank 24 for heat and the heat storage tank 25 for cold heat are not stored respectively. Then, the compressor 27 is driven.

  As a result, the refrigerant (gas) that has been compressed by the compressor 27 to become a high temperature and high pressure flows in this case to the second condenser 34 disposed in the thermal storage tank 24, and enters the thermal storage tank 24. Exchanges heat with stored water. Thereby, the water in the thermal storage tank 24 is heated, and conversely, the temperature of the refrigerant is lowered and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant is then depressurized through the second throttle valve 35 and then flows into the second evaporator 36 disposed in the cold heat storage tank 25 to be vaporized. Thereby, the 2nd evaporator 36 cools the water stored in the thermal storage tank 24 for warm heat. The refrigerant that has passed through the second evaporator 36 returns to the compressor 27.

  Thus, the water in the heat storage tank 24 is heated to store the heat, and the water in the heat storage tank 25 is cooled to store the cold, and therefore stored in the heat storage tank 24. The water and the second condenser 34 for heating the water function as thermal heat storage means, and the water stored in the cold heat storage tank 25 and the second evaporator 36 for cooling the water are cold heat. It functions as a heat storage means.

  Thus, the temperature of the thermal storage tank 24 detected by the first temperature sensor 73 becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature, and the temperature of the cold storage tank 25 detected by the second temperature sensor 74 becomes equal to or lower than the set temperature. If so, the drive of the compressor 27 is stopped. After that, the compressor 27 is driven and stopped repeatedly depending on the detected temperature of the thermal storage tank 24 and the detected temperature of the cold storage tank 25, and the water (thermal storage material) in the thermal storage tank 24 is repeated. While keeping the temperature at a substantially constant temperature, the temperature of the water (heat storage material) in the heat storage tank 24 is kept at a substantially constant cooling temperature.

  When there is an instruction to use the stored heat in the washing operation or the drying operation, the fifth on-off valve 51, the sixth on-off valve 53, the eighth on-off valve 57, and the third on-off valve 48 are provided. And the water distribution pump 52 is driven, the second water circulation pump 58 is driven (the former), or the fifth on-off valve 51 and the ninth on-off valve 60 are opened, and the eleventh on-off The valve 64 is opened, and the third water circulation pump 59 is driven (the latter).

Among these, in the former, the water in the heat state (heat storage material) in the heat storage tank 24 for heat passes from the water distribution pipe 50 through the branch water channel 50a, the branch water channel 50a ₁ , and the water injection case 41 into the water tank 4 and the drum 5. And is poured into the laundry in the drum 5. At this time, warm water can be touched evenly by rotating the drum 5. Then, the warm water that has touched the laundry and accumulated in the bottom of the water tank 4 is then returned from the drain hose 42 through the water channel 56 to the warm heat storage tank 24 and circulated.

  Thus, the laundry can be heated, and is performed at the stage where the washing (washing, rinsing) process is completed, that is, at the stage before the dehydration process is started, so that the temperature of the laundry is changed from before the drying operation. The drying time can be shortened.

On the other hand, in the latter case, hot water (heat storage material) in the thermal storage tank 24 is supplied from the distribution pipe 50 to the heat exchanger 61 for the compressor 27 through the branch water channel 50b and the branch water channel 50b _1. together, by being supplied to the heat exchanger 65 for the first condenser 17 through the branch water passage 50b _3, the compressor 27 and the first condenser 17 is heated. The water that has passed through the heat exchangers 61 and 65 passes through the branch water channel 39b ₂ and the branch water channel 39b ₁ and returns to the heat storage tank 24 for heat and is circulated.

  Thus, the temperature of the compressor 27 and the first condenser 17 can be raised, and this is performed, for example, in the dehydration process before the drying operation, so that the compressor 27 and the first condenser 17 are started at the start of the drying operation. Since the worsening of the circulating air temperature due to the low temperature is eliminated, the temperature of the circulating air can be quickly raised, the rising characteristics can be further improved, and the drying time can be shortened.

Further, when there is an instruction to use the stored warm heat, the fifth on-off valve 51, the tenth on-off valve 62, and the third on-off valve 48 are opened, and the third water circulation pump 59 is driven. Thereby, the water (heat storage material) in the heat state in the heat storage tank 24 for heat is supplied from the distribution pipe 50 to the heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 through the branch water channel 50b and the branch water channel 50b _2. As a result, the first evaporator 16 is heated. Water that has passed through the heat exchanger 63 returns to the heat for the heat storage tank 24 through the branch water passage 39 b ₂ and the branch canal 39 b ₁ from the branch water passage 50b _2, is circulated.

  At this time, the damper 21 is opened at the position where the air outlet 20 is opened to block between the ventilation case 8 and the suction side duct 9 and the heat exhaust port 19 is closed (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). ) And driving the blower blower 23, the outside air is sucked into the ventilation case 8 from the outside air intake port 18, and the air is passed through the first evaporator 16 in the above-described heating state. As a result, the room where the washing and drying machine is installed can be heated.

In contrast to this, when there is an instruction to use the cooling heat stored in the cold energy storage tank 25, the twelfth on-off valve 67, the tenth on-off valve 62, and the fourth on-off valve 49 are opened. Then, the third water circulation pump 59 is driven. Thereby, cold water (heat storage material) in the cold energy storage tank 25 is supplied from the water distribution pipe 66 to the heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 through the branch water channel 50b and the branch water channel 50b _2. As a result, the first evaporator 16 is cooled. In this case as well, the water that has passed through the heat exchanger 63 returns from the branch water channel 50b ₂ to the cold heat storage tank 25 through the branch water channel 39b ₂ and is circulated.

  Also at this time, the damper 21 is opened at the position where the air outlet 20 is opened to block between the ventilation case 8 and the suction side duct 9 and the heat exhaust port 19 is closed (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). By switching to the position) and driving the blower blower 23, the outside air is sucked into the ventilation case 8 from the outside air inlet 18 and passed through the first evaporator 16 in the above-described cooling state, As a result, the inside of the room where the washing and drying machine is installed can be cooled.

On the other hand, if the 12th on-off valve 67, the 9th on-off valve 60, and the 4th on-off valve 49 are opened and the 3rd water circulation pump 59 is driven, it will be in the cold storage tank 25. The cold water (heat storage material) is supplied from the distribution pipe 66 to the heat exchanger 61 for the compressor 27 through the branch water channel 50b and the branch water channel 50b ₁ , whereby the compressor 27 is cooled. Water that has passed through the heat exchanger 61 returns to the cold heat-storage tank 25 through the branch water passage 39 b ₂ from the branch water passage 50b _1, is circulated. Thus, the temperature of the compressor 27 can be lowered, and the overheating of the compressor 27 can be suppressed by executing it at the latter stage of the drying operation, for example.

In addition to the above, the fifth on-off valve 51 and the seventh on-off valve 54 are opened, the water distribution pump 52 is driven, and the cock 55 is opened, so that the thermal state in the thermal storage tank 24 is maintained. Since water (heat storage material) is discharged from the distribution pipe 50 through the branch water channel 50a and the branch water channel 50a ₂ to the outside of the apparatus, it can be supplied to a bath or used for a wash surface.

  In this case, assuming that the temperature of tap water is 20 [° C.], assuming that the amount of water of 10 [liter] is stored at a temperature of 80 [° C.] in the heat storage tank 24 for warm heat, 40 ° C. hot water suitable for the wash surface is obtained. It is sufficient to add 20 [liter] of tap water to make a total of 30 [liter], which is sufficiently possible. In order to cover all the bath water with heat storage, for example, when 150 [liter] of hot water of 40 [° C.] is required, similarly, the heat storage temperature is set to 80 [° C.] and the temperature of tap water is set to 20 [° C.]. In this case, as the size of the thermal storage tank 24, it is possible to have a container that can store 50 [liter] of water.

On the other hand, when the cold water is taken out of the apparatus, the twelfth on-off valve 67 and the seventh on-off valve 54 are opened, the water distribution pump 52 is driven, and the cock 55 is opened, whereby a cold energy storage tank. Since the water (heat storage material) in the cold state in 25 is discharged from the water distribution pipe 66 through the branch water channel 50b, the branch water channel 50a, and the branch water channel 50a ₂ , it is used for cooling the object. be able to. As an example, when it is desired to quickly cool cans, bottled beers, other beverages, etc., the cold water discharged as described above is stored in a bowl, and the cans and bottles are immersed in cold water.

  Therefore, in these cases, the fifth on-off valve 51, the twelfth on-off valve 67, the seventh on-off valve 54, the water distribution pump 52, and the cock 55 are used for the heat or cold stored in the heat storage tank 24 for heat. It functions as an extraction means for extracting the cold energy stored in the heat storage tank 25 to the outside of the apparatus.

In this case, if the sixth on-off valve 53 is opened instead of opening the seventh on-off valve 54, the hot water in the heat storage tank 24 or the heat storage tank 25 in the cold storage the cold state the water, because it is retained in water tank 4 through the water injection case 41 from the branch water passage 50a ₁ (the drum 5), in addition, the first water circulation pump 46 is driven and retained in the water tank 4 By circulating hot water or cold water through the water circulation pipe 43, for example, a shelf can be installed in the drum 5 and hot water or cold water can be applied to the cans and bottles placed on the shelf and heated or cooled.

  Therefore, in this case, the fifth on-off valve 51, the twelfth on-off valve 67, the sixth on-off valve 53, the water distribution pump 52, and the water injection case 41 are either hot or cold stored in the thermal storage tank 24. It functions as introduction means for introducing the cold energy stored in the heat storage tank 25 into the drum 5 which is a washing tank.

  Thus, according to the thing of this structure, the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage tank 24 and the cold energy stored in the thermal storage tank 25 are taken out by the take-out means, or the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage tank In addition to the use of washing dryers, it is possible to use heat and cold using the heat storage means by adopting the method of introducing the cold heat stored in the heat storage tank for cold heat into the washing tub with the introduction means Can be desired.

Note that the take-out means and the introduction means do not necessarily need to include both of them, and only need to include at least one of them.
Moreover, if the function which returns and circulates the water taken out from the cock 55 is added, for example, the water stored in the washroom is returned to the hot heat storage tank 24 or the cold heat storage tank 25 and circulated, Cooling can be used to reduce the amount of water used.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 5 to 7 (a) and (b) show second to fourth examples (second to fourth embodiments) of the present invention. The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different parts are described.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the heat exchanger 63 for the first evaporator 16 is provided on the downstream side of the first evaporator 16 in the ventilation path 14 so as to be slightly separated from the first condenser 16. A heat exchanger 65 for the condenser 17 is also provided on the downstream side of the first condenser 17 in the ventilation path 14 so as to be slightly separated.

Then, the branch water channel 50b is trifurcated between the connecting portion of the water distribution pipe 66, the first branch water channel 50b ₄ is provided with a twelfth on-off valve 81 in the middle, and the tip part is branched water channel. 50b ₂ is connected to the portion between the heat exchanger 63 and the tenth on-off valve 62. The branch water channel 50b ₂ is connected to the connecting portion of the branch water channel 50b _{1 with} the branch water channel 39b ₂ via the thirteenth on-off valve 82 from the heat exchanger 63.

Further, the second branch water passage 50b ₅ was trifurcation of the branch water passage 50b via the opening and closing valve 83 of the first 14, the branch of the aforementioned first to third branch water passage _50b 1 ～50B ₃ branch water passage 50b The distribution pipe 66 and the distribution pipe 84 led out from the bottom of the cold heat storage tank 25 through the third water circulation pump 59 are connected to the second branch channel 50b _5. is doing.
Further, the third branch water channel 50b _{6 that} is branched into three of the branch water channel 50b is connected to the eleventh on-off valve 64 and the first one in the third branch water channel 50b ₃ through the fifteenth on-off valve 85. It is connected between the heat exchanger 65 for the condenser 17.

Further, the third branch water channel 50b ₃ described above is bifurcated at a portion ahead of the heat exchanger 65, and one branch water channel 50b ₃₁ is connected to the branch water channel 39b via a sixteenth on-off valve 86. ₂ is connected. Further, a seventeenth on-off valve 87 is provided between the branch water passage 39b ₂ and the fourth on-off valve 49 between the portion where the branch water passage 50b ₃₁ is connected.

In addition, the other branched water channel 50b ₃₂ of the third branched water channel 50b ₃ is branched from the fourth open / close valve 49 of the branched water channel 39b ₂ via the eighteenth open / close valve 88. Connected to the side part.
In addition, in the case of the second embodiment, the water distribution pipe 89 led out from the bottom of the thermal storage tank 24 is connected to the branch water channel 50a via the water distribution pump 52 described above.

  In this case, at the initial stage of the drying operation, the air temperature at the air inlet 13 of the water tank 4 that is the inlet of the air passage 14 with respect to the drum 5 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown). If the temperature is lower than the set temperature of [° C.], the heat stored in the heat storage tank 24 is used for the drying operation.

  As an example, the air temperature between the heat exchanger 65 for the first condenser 17 and the first condenser 17 detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) and the first temperature sensor 73 are detected. When the latter is higher than the former, the fifteenth on-off valve 85, the eighteenth on-off valve 88, and the sixteenth on-off valve are compared with the temperature of the heat storage material (in this case, water) that appears in the temperature of the heat storage tank 24 for heat. The on-off valve 86 and the third on-off valve 48 are opened, and the water distribution pump 52 is driven.

Thereby, the water (heat storage material) in the heat state in the heat storage tank 24 for heat passes from the distribution pipe 89 through the branch water channel 50a, the branch water channel 50b, and the branch water channel 50b _6, and the heat exchanger for the first condenser 17 By being supplied to 65, the air is heated to, for example, 50 [° C.] or more between the heat exchanger 65 and the first condenser 17.

  In this case, since the temperature at the refrigerant outlet of the first condenser 17 is in the initial stage of the drying operation, if it is 30 [° C.], the temperature rises by 20 [° C.], and the required rise time is 20 [minutes]. In the case of a heat quantity of about 220 Wh and hot water storage of 10 [liter], the heat of the air temperature (in the ventilation case 8 is obtained by exchanging heat until the hot water of 80 [° C.] reaches 62 [° C.]. The heating of the air passing through the drum 5 through the drum 5 is sufficiently performed.

The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 65 returns from the branch water channel 50b ₃₁ to the branch water channel 39b ₂ and the branch water channel 39b ₁ to the heat storage tank 24 for heat and is circulated.
And if the water temperature of the inlet part of the heat exchanger 65 detected with the temperature sensor which is not illustrated falls below the temperature in the refrigerant | coolant outlet part of the 1st condenser 17 similarly detected with the temperature sensor which is not illustrated, of the said heat storage (thermal heat). Stop using.

At the same time, the tenth on-off valve 62, the thirteenth on-off valve 82, and the fourth on-off valve 49 are opened to drive the third water circulation pump 59. Thus, the cold state of the cold heat-storage tank 25 the water (heat storage material), supplied to the first evaporator heat exchanger 63 for 16 through the branch water passage 50b ₅ and the branch water passage 50b ₂ from water distribution pipe 84 As a result, the heat exchanger 63 is lowered in temperature and contributes to dehumidification of the air that comes out of the drum 5 and passes through the ventilation case 8.

The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 63 returns from the branch water channel 50b ₂ to the cold heat storage tank 25 through the branch water channel 39b ₂ and is circulated. Further, if the water temperature at the inlet portion of the heat exchanger 63 detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) falls below the temperature at the refrigerant outlet portion of the first evaporator 16 also detected by a temperature sensor (not shown), Stop using.

Note that the use of heat and cold in this case can be performed independently rather than simultaneously.
[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a four-way switching valve is provided between the second on-off valve 33 and the second condenser 34 and the second evaporator 36 in the bypass path 32 of the heat pump 30. A valve 91 is provided. In this four-way valve 91, the flow path is switched between a state indicated by a solid line and a state indicated by a broken line in the figure, and in the former (solid line state), the compressor 27 passes through the second on-off valve 33. The refrigerant flows from the second condenser 34 to the second evaporator 36 and returns to the compressor 27. In the latter (broken line state), the refrigerant passes through the second opening / closing valve 33 in the same manner. Contrary to the above, the refrigerant flows from the second evaporator 36 to the second condenser 34 and returns to the compressor 27.

In addition, the piping of the water distribution pump 52 and the third water circulation pump 59 is the same as in the second embodiment.
Also, a bath water supply hose 93 having a bath water supply pump 92 is connected to the water injection case 41, and from the portion between the distribution pipe 89 connection portion of the branch water channel 50a and the sixth on-off valve 53. A bath water supply hose 93 having a nineteenth on-off valve 94 is branched and connected to the water channel 56.

  In the summer, the temperature of the heat storage material (also water in this case) in the cold heat storage tank 25 is high, and the capacity for cooling is insufficient, whereas the heat storage material in the heat storage tank 24 (also water) Because of its high temperature, the ability to be used for heating is surplus. Therefore, while ensuring the heat storage amount for hot water supply as described above, hot water having excess heat is used for heat storage as described above. The water is supplied from the tank 24 through the water injection case 41 into the water tank 4 and into the drum 5, and is returned from the drainage hose 42 to the heat storage tank 24 through the water channel 56, thereby washing the laundry with warm water and rinsing with warm water.

At this time, the first water supply valve 40 is opened at the same time, and the amount of water is adjusted by supplying tap water from the water injection case 41 into the water tank 4.
Further, in conjunction with driving of the water distribution pump 52 and the second water circulation pump 58 for circulating the hot water from the heat storage tank 24, the second water supply valve 47 is opened, so that the tap water is stored in the heat storage tank. 24 when the detected temperature of the thermal storage tank 24 reaches the minimum temperature required for hot water supply or when the detected water level of the thermal storage tank 24 reaches full water. Occlude.

  If the warm water in the warm heat storage tank 24 is not circulated, the warm water storage tank 24 may have a negative pressure when the warm water is used, which may make it difficult to transport the warm water. It is preferable to provide a pressure equalizing valve in the heat storage tank 24. On the other hand, when the hot water in the heat storage tank 24 is circulated, an air escape means is provided in order to prevent air from remaining in the heat storage tank 24. It is preferable.

  In winter, contrary to the summer, the demand for hot water in the thermal storage tank 24 is increased, so that the capacity for heating is insufficient. On the other hand, the demand for cold water in the cold storage tank 25 is reduced, so that cooling is performed. The ability to serve is a surplus. In this situation, when there is a washing operation instruction using bath water, bath water is supplied into the water tank 4 through the bath water supply hose 93 by driving the bath water supply pump 92.

At the same time, the eighth on-off valve 57 and the fourth on-off valve 49 are opened and the second water circulation pump 58 is driven, so that a part of the bath water accumulated in the water tank 4 is partly connected to the water channel 56. It is supplied to the cold heat-storage tank 25 through the branch water passage 39 b ₂ from heating the cold water cold heat-storage tank 25. Further, at this time, the twelfth on-off valve 67, the nineteenth on-off valve 94, and the drain valve 44 are opened to discharge the cold water in the cold heat storage tank 25 to the drain port 45.

  In this case, when it is difficult to convey the cold water in the cold energy storage tank 25, the third on-off valve 67 is not opened, and the third water circulation pump 59 is driven to drive the cold heat storage tank 25. Of cold water.

  At this time, even if the temperature of the cold water in the cold energy storage tank 25 is 0 [° C.] or less, the temperature rises to, for example, 5 [° C.] or more by the above method, and the cold water in the cold energy storage tank 25 is in an ice state When the temperature is detected as having been eliminated, the supply of bath water into the cold energy storage tank 25 is terminated. When there is no bath water, the second water supply valve 47 is opened to supply tap water into the cold energy storage tank 25, and the cold water in the cold energy storage tank 25 is discharged to the drain port 45. At this time, execution is possible under the condition that the temperature of tap water is 10 ° C. or higher.

  As another method, the four-way valve 91 is switched to the state shown by the broken line in the drawing and the compressor 27 is driven, so that a high-temperature refrigerant flows into the second evaporator 36 and the cold water in the cold storage tank 25 is cooled. Is heated to eliminate the ice state of the cold water. Also in this case, the driving of the compressor 27 is terminated when the detected temperature of the cold water in the cold energy storage tank 25 becomes, for example, 5 [° C.] or higher.

  In such an operation, the second condenser 34 functions as an evaporator, and the hot water in the heat storage tank 24 is cooled, so that the temperature of the hot water that appears in the temperature of the heat storage tank 24 is detected. Then, when the temperature of the hot water in the warm heat storage tank 24 does not become, for example, the outside air temperature or less, the driving of the compressor 27 is finished.

Further, as another method, the twelfth on-off valve 67, the fourth on-off valve 49, and the third on-off valve 48 are opened and the water distribution pump 52 is driven to There is also a method in which the heat storage material is circulated between the cold heat storage tank 25 and the cold water in the cold heat storage tank 25 is thereby heated to eliminate the ice state.
Therefore, these means function as balancing means for balancing the heat storage capacity of the heat in the heat storage tank 24 for heat and the heat storage capacity of the cold in the heat storage tank 25 for cold.

[Fourth embodiment]
In 3rd Example shown to (a) of FIG. 7, (b), in the thermal storage tank 24 and the thermal storage tank 25, as thermal thermal storage means and cold thermal storage means, between solid and liquid A latent heat type heat storage material 101 that undergoes phase change is injected and stored. The heat storage material 101 is, for example, paraffin, and can obtain latent heat 40 times the sensible heat of water, has a large heat storage density, and does not require a large amount.

Then, the above-described water is allowed to pass through, for example, meandering pipes 102 and 103 in the heat storage tank 24 and the cold storage tank 25, and the above-mentioned water channels are connected to the pipes 102 and 103. ing.
Therefore, in this case, each heat storage material 101 is given hot and cold heat from the second condenser 34 and the second evaporator 36, and the given heat is further given to the water in the pipes 102 and 103. Therefore, the hot and cold heat can be used.

In addition, the heat storage material 101 does not necessarily need to be used for both of the heat storage means and the cold heat storage means, and may be used only for at least one of them.
In addition, the present invention is not limited only to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. In particular, the entire washing and drying machine is not limited to the above-mentioned horizontal axis shape, and has a washing tub in the vertical axis shape. The vertical axis may be used, and the washing tub may not be rotated. For example, the washing tub may be appropriately changed without departing from the gist.

Schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention Outline vertical side view Perspective view showing arrangement of main parts Electrical configuration block diagram FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. Schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention only with a heat storage tank portion for warm heat (a diagram) and a heat storage tank portion for cold heat (b diagram)

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawings, 5 is a drum (washing tub), 14 is an air passage, 15 is an air circulation device, 16 is an evaporator (first evaporator), 17 is a condenser (first condenser), and 24 is for heating. Heat storage tank, 25 is a cold storage tank, 27 is a compressor, 29 is a throttle valve (first throttle), 30 is a heat pump, 34 is a second condenser (thermal heat storage means), and 36 is a second evaporation. (Cool heat storage means), 44 is a drain valve (balance means), 52 is a water distribution pump (take-out means, introduction means, balance means), 55 is a cock (take-out means), 58 is a second water circulation pump 58 (balance) Means), 91 is a four-way valve (balance means), 92 is a bath water supply pump (balance means), and 101 is a heat storage material.

Claims (3)

A washing tub,
An air circulation device for circulating the air in the washing tub out of the washing tub and returning it into the washing tub through the ventilation path;
An evaporator and a condenser are disposed in the ventilation path of the air circulation device, and a heat pump that configures a refrigeration cycle by connecting them with a compressor and a throttle is provided.
In addition to washing and dehydrating laundry, in addition to drying laundry by operating the air circulation device and heat pump,
A thermal storage tank,
A cold storage tank,
A thermal storage means for storing thermal energy in the thermal storage tank;
While comprising a cold heat storage means for storing cold heat in the cold storage tank,
Extracting means for taking out the heat stored in the heat storage tank and the cold stored in the cold storage tank to the outside of the machine, the heat stored in the heat storage tank and the cold stored in the cold storage tank A washing / drying machine comprising at least one of introduction means for introducing into a tank.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, further comprising balancing means for balancing the heat storage capacity of the heat in the heat storage tank for heat and the heat storage capacity of the cold in the heat storage tank for cold.   The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein a latent heat type heat storage material that changes phase between a solid and a liquid is used in at least one of the heat storage means and the cold storage means.

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