JP2022112692A - Washing/drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing/drying machine which can stably dehumidify and exhaust air irrespective of changes in ambient humidity and whose power consumption for drying can be reduced.SOLUTION: A washing/drying machine includes: an outer tank 102 in which liquid can be stored; a rotating drum 104 which is supported in a rotatable manner in the outer tank 102 and in which laundry is accommodated; a blower fan 113 which sends air to the rotating drum 104; and a heater 114 which heats the air sent to the rotating drum 104. The washing/drying machine further includes: a circulation duct 251 which is connected to the outer tank 102 and forms a part of a circulation passage through which air is circulated; an exhaust air passage 255 which is connected to the circulation duct 251 and through which all or part of the circulated air is exhausted to outside; an exhaust air water-cooling dehumidification unit 258 which is located in the exhaust air passage 255; and a water-cooling dehumidification unit 261 which is located in the circulation duct 251. Cooling water is made to go through the exhaust air water-cooling dehumidification unit 258 and is then guided to the water-cooling dehumidification unit 261.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and a washing/drying machine for washing and drying clothes.

Drying clothes with a washer/dryer creates high-temperature, low-humidity air with a blower fan and a heat source, blows it into the washing tub, raises the temperature of the clothes, evaporates the moisture from the clothes, and removes the evaporated moisture. It is carried out by a hot air drying method that dehumidifies. Methods for removing evaporated moisture include a method of cooling and dehumidifying the circulating air and a method of replacing the circulating air with surrounding low-humidity air. Furthermore, as a cold heat source for cooling and dehumidification, there are a method using a heat pump and a method using cooling water.

In recent years, there is a demand for low-environmental load equipment even in home electric appliances, and specifically, energy-saving equipment that does not use CFCs and consumes less power.

In the water-cooled dehumidification system, if dehumidification is strengthened by increasing the amount of cooling water, etc., a large amount of heat, including sensible heat, is taken away from the circulating air, so the amount of heat required for subsequent warm air also increases, resulting in an increase in power consumption. For example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, "It has an air supply and exhaust means for exchanging the circulating air from the air blow means between the dehumidifying means and the heating means in the air blow path, and the air supply and exhaust amount in the air supply and exhaust means is the total amount. In the drying process, the heating amount by the heating means, the air volume by the air blowing means, the air supply/exhaust amount by the air supply/exhaust means, and the dehumidification amount by the dehumidification means are adjusted. A washer-dryer with coordinating controls” is disclosed.

However, in the prior art, since exhaust air humidity is dehumidified by heat exchange with supply air, especially when the intake/exhaust amount is small, the heat exchange efficiency is poor and dehumidification cannot be performed, thus increasing the humidity of the surrounding environment. Also, increasing the heat transfer area to improve the heat exchange efficiency requires a portion where the air supply path and the exhaust path meet, making it difficult to secure installation space for a filter that removes lint from the exhaust.

On the other hand, there is a technique described in Patent Document 2, for example, in the heat pump system. Patent Document 2 discloses a system for water-cooling and dehumidifying exhaust of part of the circulating air (drum outlet) of the heat pump. Since the amount of heat in the heat pump is based on the amount of heat pumped up by the evaporator and the input to the compressor, the amount of heat in the condenser interferes with the dehumidified exhaust, and the cooling and dehumidification in the evaporator is adjusted to the exhaust dehumidification. It cannot be used effectively by doing so. Specifically, if the heating amount of the heat pump is suppressed with respect to the control of the drying load and the operation process, the amount of dehumidification in the evaporator will also decrease, and the dehumidification load required cooling amount in the exhaust water cooling dehumidification section will increase. Increases cooling capacity. Conversely, if the amount of heat is increased, the amount of dehumidification in the evaporator also increases, and the dehumidification load in the exhaust dehumidification section decreases. Therefore, the amount of dehumidification in the evaporator changes with respect to drying, and the load of exhaust dehumidification fluctuates accordingly. Since it is interlocked, the exhaust air cannot be dehumidified stably (exhaust air humidity cannot be stabilized).

JP 2020-014745 A JP 2009-106566 A

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the cooling source for exhaust dehumidification depends on the surrounding outside air, and the temperature and humidity level of the surrounding outside air is affected by the exhaust.

Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, the dehumidification of the circulating air is linked to the heating amount, but the dehumidification amount of the exhaust gas and the dehumidification amount of the circulating air are not linked. , the amount of exhaust air dehumidified increases, resulting in an increase in power consumption and the amount of cooling water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing and drying machine capable of stably dehumidifying and exhausting air even when environmental humidity changes, and reducing power consumption for drying.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an outer tub capable of storing liquid therein, a rotating drum or inner tub rotatably supported in the outer tub and containing laundry, and the rotating drum or inner tub. A washing/drying machine comprising a blowing means for blowing air to an inner tub and a heating means for heating the air blown to the rotating drum or the inner tub, wherein a circulation path connected to the outer tub through which circulating air flows an exhaust path communicating with the circulation duct and exhausting all or part of the circulating air to the outside of the machine; an exhaust water cooling and dehumidifying section provided in the exhaust path; and a water cooling dehumidifying section provided in the circulation duct, and after cooling water is passed through the exhaust water cooling dehumidifying section, the cooling water is led to the water cooling dehumidifying section.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing/drying machine capable of stably dehumidifying and exhausting air even when the environmental humidity changes, and reducing power consumption for drying.

1 is an external perspective view of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional right side view showing an internal structure of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a basic mechanism for exhausting circulating air and supplying the same amount of ambient air in the drying of FIG. 2. FIG. It is the perspective view which made the cross section a part of basic mechanism of FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device for a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining operations of a washing/drying operation (washing-drying) in the drum-type washing/drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a schematic sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional view of the right side showing the internal structure of the drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and similar descriptions are not repeated.

The various constituent elements of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, and one constituent element may consist of a plurality of members, a plurality of constituent elements may consist of one member, a certain constituent element may part of a component, part of one component overlaps part of another component, and so on.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a right side schematic sectional view showing the internal structure of the drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. is.

First, the appearance will be explained. The drum-type washer/dryer 10 has a frame formed by combining side plates 100a mainly made of steel plates and resin moldings and reinforcing members (not shown) on the upper part of a base 100b, and further has a front cover 100c thereon. , the housing 100 is formed by attaching the top cover 100e. A front cover 100c is provided with a door 101 for putting in and out laundry 400, and a back cover 100d is attached to the back.

Next, the schematic structure of the washing/drying machine will be briefly described. Inside the housing 100, an outer tank 102 capable of storing liquid is provided. The outer tub 102 is supported by a plurality of suspensions 103 at its lower portion. Rotating drum 104, which is rotatably supported in outer tub 102 and arranged inside outer tub 102, accommodates laundry 400 thrown in by opening door 101, and the outer periphery of opening 104a of rotating drum 104 is provided with a fluid balancer (not shown) for reducing vibration caused by unbalanced laundry 400 during dehydration. A plurality of lifters 105 for raking up the laundry 400 are provided inside the rotary drum 104 . The rotary drum 104 is directly connected to a drum driving motor (not shown) through a main shaft 106 connected to a rotary drum metal flange 104b. The present embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and for example, a so-called belt drive configuration in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft and a motor fixed to the outer tank are connected via a belt to drive the drum. good too.

A rubber packing 107 made of an elastic material is attached to the opening of the outer tank 102 . This packing 107 serves to maintain watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 102 and the door 101 . This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing and dehydration.

The rotating drum 104 has a large number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dewatering and ventilation on the side wall. A drain port 109 opened in the water receiving portion 108 of the outer tub 102 is connected to a drain hose 110 via a drain valve V1. The drain hose 110 is connected to a drain trap 202 attached to the floor surface 201 of the house. The overflow hose 111 is attached to the front surface of the outer tank 102 and joins the drain hose 110 downstream of the drain valve V1. That is, it is configured to communicate with the drain hose 110 regardless of whether the drain valve V1 is opened or closed. However, there is no functional problem even if it is configured to merge with the drain hose 110 upstream of the drain valve V1.

The heating unit 115 includes a blower duct 112 that guides air to the laundry 400 in the rotating drum 104 , a blower fan 113 as blowing means for blowing air to the rotating drum 104 via the blowing duct 112 , and air to the rotating drum 104 . and a heater 114 as heating means for heating the air that blows the air.

The heating unit 115 is fixed to the housing 100 apart from the outer bath 102 . The outlet of the heater 114 and the blowing nozzle 125 are located between the uppermost surface and the center of the outer bath 102 and are located in front of the center of the outer bath 102 and extend substantially perpendicularly to the outer bath 102 via the bellows tube 116 . It is connected. Since the bellows tube 116 has a flexible structure, it absorbs vibrations of the outer tank 102 .

A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided at the drain port 109 and the intake and discharge ports of the blower fan 113 .

The water in the water receiver 108 enters the suction port (not shown) of the circulation pump 223 through the lint filter 222 from the drain port 109 .

The top cover 100e is provided with a detergent input portion 117 for inputting detergent into the outer tub 102, an operation switch 118 for selecting the power source, washing course, water volume, etc., and a display portion 119 for displaying the washing course, remaining time, etc. It is

3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the basic mechanism for exhausting circulating air and supplying the same amount of ambient air in the drying of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of the basic mechanism of FIG. be.

The basic mechanism for dehumidifying the hot air is connected to the outer tank 102 and constitutes a part of the circulation path through which the circulating air flows. It mainly comprises an air section 253 , a circulating air filter 254 , an exhaust port 256 that guides part or all of the circulating air to the exhaust path 255 , an exhaust filter 257 , and an exhaust water cooling dehumidifying section 258 . The exhaust path 255 communicates with the circulation duct 251 via an exhaust port 256 . The air supply port 252 is formed in the space inside the housing. An air supply end 270 that communicates with the internal space of the housing is formed on the rear surface of the housing, and the air supply port 252 communicates with the air supply end 270 via the internal space of the housing.

An exhaust water cooling dehumidifier 258 is provided in the exhaust path 255 . The exhaust water cooling and dehumidifying unit 258 of this embodiment is composed of a fin-tube heat exchanger that allows cooling water (liquid medium) to flow in the tube, and circulated air is applied to the fins (radiating plate) inserted into the outer surface of the tube to exchange heat. is doing. The tube of the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258 is directly connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 120 .

Further, the exhaust end 259 is open and communicated with the outside of the washing/drying machine so that the amount of exhaust air is stable throughout the drying process. The air supply port 252 is provided with an air supply door 260 whose opening can be adjusted. Further, the air supply door 260 is moved so as to reduce the cross section of the circulation path, thereby acting as ventilation resistance to the circulation air. In this embodiment, by adjusting the opening of the air supply door 260, part or all of the circulating air is exhausted from the exhaust end 259, and the same amount of ambient air is taken in to join the circulating air. . With such a configuration, if it is desired to adjust the amount of exhaust gas led to the exhaust path 255 during drying, it can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the ventilation resistance to the circulating air. Further, the degree of clogging of the exhaust filter 257 may be detected or presumed to adjust the opening of the air supply door 260 . On the other hand, the exhaust port 256 and the exhaust end 259 are open. Even if the pressure in the outer bath fluctuates during the dehydration process or the washing process using hot air, the pressure fluctuation can be immediately alleviated, so that the vibration of the outer bath 102 and the housing 100 can be suppressed.

Blower fan 113 is fixed to the top of housing 100 , while circulation duct 251 is fixed to outer tub 102 . Therefore, since the blower fan 113 and the outer tank 102 may vibrate at different periods during operation, the circulation duct 251 and the blower fan 113 are connected via a bellows hose. With such a configuration, even if different vibrations occur in the dehydration process or the like, the bellows hose can absorb the vibration difference, so damage to the circulation duct 251 and the blower fan 113 can be suppressed.

The cooling water passed from the water supply electromagnetic valve 120 to the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258 is guided into the circulation duct 251 and passed therethrough. In the circulation duct 251, a water-cooled dehumidifying section 261 is provided as necessary for promoting heat exchange with the circulation air. With such a configuration, the cooling water heat-exchanged in the exhaust water cooling and dehumidifying section 258 dehumidifies the circulating air, so it is possible to suppress excessive cooling of the circulating air while first suppressing the humid exhaust accompanying the exhaust. can. In addition, since the exhaust water cooling dehumidification unit 258 is positioned above the water cooling dehumidification unit 261, the cooling water can be led from the exhaust water cooling dehumidification unit 258 to the circulation duct 251 by the action of gravity without using a pressurizing means for pressurizing the cooling water. can be done. The water-cooled dehumidifying section 261 of this embodiment is composed of a plate heat exchanger in which a plurality of ribs are provided on the surface of a plate, and cooling water and circulating air are caused to flow on the surface so as to face each other for heat exchange.

When the environmental temperature is high, less heat is radiated from the housing 100 and the circulating air temperature level (drying temperature level) rises, so the saturated vapor pressure of the circulating air rises and the absolute humidity rises. When the water temperature is constant, the amount of heat exchanged in the exhaust water cooling dehumidifying section 258 increases, so the cooling water temperature at the outlet of the exhaust water cooling dehumidifying section 258 increases. Therefore, the temperature level of the circulating air in the circulation duct 251 is high, and the temperature of the cooling water is also high. When the environmental temperature is low, more heat is radiated from the housing 100, and the circulating air temperature level (drying temperature level) drops. Saturated vapor pressure of circulating air decreases and absolute humidity decreases. When the water temperature is constant, the amount of heat exchanged in the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258 decreases, and the cooling water temperature at the outlet of the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258 decreases. Although the circulating air temperature level is lower than normal, the rise in the cooling water temperature is also suppressed, so the amount of heat exchange in the circulation duct 251 can be secured, and finally a stable amount of dehumidification is obtained for the exhaust gas. can be secured.

As described above, after the exhaust gas is dehumidified in the circulation duct 251, it is guided to the exhaust path 255 and further dehumidified in the exhaust water cooling dehumidifying unit 258, so that the exhaust gas is always cooled and dehumidified to near the temperature of the cooling water. . This reduces the amount of moisture released into the surrounding environment. In addition, since the cooling water passes through the circulation duct 251 after being heat-exchanged in the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258, the cooling water passes through the two dehumidifying sections in series. The heat exchange is supplemented by the water-cooled dehumidifying section 261 of the duct on the side. The heat exchange amount of the cooling water can be constantly stabilized, and there is no concern that the circulation duct 251 and the outer tank 102 up to the drain port 109 will be cooled excessively.

An exhaust end 259 of the exhaust path 255 is separated from an air supply end 270 through which the air supply port 252 and the air supply port 252 can be ventilated via the inside of the housing. Therefore, air can be supplied from the air supply port 252 by passing through the rear surface and upper part of the housing where a space is secured from the exhaust water cooling dehumidification unit 258 of the exhaust path 255, so that the driving source of the drum and the blowing fan 113 can be supplied. It is possible to take in the air inside the housing that has been warmed by the exhaust heat of the An air supply end 270 for taking in the ambient outside air that passes through the housing and is supplied from the air supply port 252 is provided at the lower rear side of the housing as shown in FIG. Even if it is not necessary to provide an air supply end because there is a gap, or if it is necessary to provide it at a plurality of locations instead of at one location, the effect of this embodiment is essentially the same.

As described above, dehumidification is always stably performed even when the environmental temperature and humidity change, and the surrounding environment is not deteriorated. In addition, the power consumption for drying can be reduced by efficiently recovering exhaust heat from the air supply.

The exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 258 is a so-called plate fin heat exchanger in which the cooling water and the exhaust come into contact with each other via a heat transfer surface. With such a configuration, even when adjusting the flow rate of cooling water or adjusting the exhaust amount, there is no concern that the cooling water will fly into the ambient air due to the exhaust. The dehumidified water that has been dehumidified may be discharged to the outside of the machine through the circulation duct through a different route from that of the cooling water.

In addition, when the exhaust filter 257 and the circulation air filter 254 are integrally detachable, the worry of forgetting to put them on or losing them can be reduced. If it is configured to be detachable individually, it can be configured according to the product concept, such as frequent cleaning even during the drying process.

Next, the configuration of the control device will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum-type washing/drying machine control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 300 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) 310 . The microcomputer 310 receives user's operation (operation switch 118) and various information signals in the washing process and drying process (water level sensor 123, waste water temperature sensor T1, temperature sensors T2 and T3, outside temperature sensor T4, conductivity sensor 121 ).

The microcomputer 310 is also connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 120, the drain valve V1, the motor M10, the hot air heater 213, the blower fan 113, the circulation pump 223, the heating heater 122, and the switching valve 224 via a drive circuit. Controls opening/closing, rotation, and energization. Further, the microcomputer 310 controls the display unit 119, a buzzer (not shown), etc. in order to inform the user of information regarding the drum-type washing/drying machine 10. FIG. In addition, the microcomputer 310 includes an operation pattern database 311, a process control unit 312, a rotation speed calculation unit 313, a clothing weight calculation unit 314, an electrical conductivity measurement unit 315, a detergent amount/washing time determination unit 316, a turbidity determination unit 317, a threshold A storage unit 318 is provided.

The microcomputer 310 is activated when the power switch is pressed and the power is turned on, and executes a basic control processing program for washing and drying as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the washing/drying operation (washing-drying) in the drum-type washing/drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The steps from washing to drying in the drum-type washing and drying machine will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, control device 300 receives an input of course selection in the operating process of drum-type washing/drying machine 10 (course selection). Here, the user opens the door 101, puts the clothes to be washed into the rotating drum 104, and closes the door 101. FIG. Then, the user selects and inputs the course of the driving process by operating the operation switch 118 . By operating operation switch 118 , the selected driving process course is input to control device 300 . The control device 300 reads the corresponding driving pattern from the driving pattern database 311 based on the input driving process course, and proceeds to step S2. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the standard course (wash-rinse twice-dehydration-dry) is selected.

In step S2, the control device 300 executes a step of detecting the weight (amount of cloth) of the clothes placed on the rotary drum 104 (cloth amount sensing). Specifically, the process control unit 312 drives the motor M10 to rotate the rotary drum 104, and the laundry weight calculation unit 314 calculates the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry 400 before pouring water.

In step S3, the control device 300 executes a step of calculating the amount of detergent and operating time. The conductivity measuring unit 315 detects the conductivity (hardness) of the supplied water. Further, the temperature of the supplied water is detected by a waste water temperature sensor T1 provided in the lower part of the outer tank 102 (for example, the drain port 109). The detergent amount/washing time determination unit 316 performs a map search based on the detected amount of cloth, the conductivity (hardness) of water obtained using the detection value from the conductivity sensor 121 in the conductivity measurement unit 315, and the temperature of the water. determines the amount of detergent to be added and the operating time. Then, the process control unit 312 displays the determined detergent amount and operating time on the display unit 119 .

In step S4, control device 300 waits for a predetermined time (detergent input waiting step), and proceeds to step S5. The user puts detergent into a detergent put-in portion (not shown) while referring to the amount of detergent displayed on the display unit 119 during standby.

The washing process is roughly divided into a detergent dissolving process (step S5), a pre-washing process (step S6), and a main washing process (step S7). Furthermore, the main washing process is divided into the first main washing process (main washing 1 process) and the following second main washing process (main washing 2 processes), but each process is clearly distinguished according to the operation progress. There is no problem in terms of function even if it is not. Also, even if some of the operations in the process described later are omitted, the function of the washing process as a whole does not change.

In step S5, control device 300 executes a detergent dissolving step. The water supply electromagnetic valve 120 is opened for a predetermined time to supply water. The water supply is introduced into the detergent inlet and then introduced into the outer tub 102 . The detergent liquid introduced into the outer tub 102 is supplied to the water receiver 108 (see FIG. 2) located at the bottom of the rotary drum 104 through a water supply path (not shown). When the circulation pump 223 (see FIG. 2) is driven after the detergent liquid is introduced, the water in the water receiver 108 flows from the drain port 109 through the lint filter 222 to the suction port (not shown) of the circulation pump 223. to go into. The washing water pressurized by the circulation pump 223 is returned to the water receiving portion 108 again from the circulation discharge port 124 (see FIG. 4) communicating with the outlet of the circulation pump 223 (circulation path of the detergent dissolving step). By repeating the circulation, a uniform high-concentration detergent solution is generated by dissolving the detergent in a small amount of water.

At this time, the control device 300 detects the electrical conductivity with the electrical conductivity sensor 121 (discriminating means) in the water receiving portion 108, and stores the electrical conductivity database for the high-concentration detergent aqueous solution and the electrical conductivity for the softener aqueous solution. Check against the database.

The generated high-concentration detergent liquid is sprayed on the laundry 400 . The output of the circulation pump 223 is designed to be sufficient to pump up washing water corresponding to the maximum washing load up to the water spray nozzle 225 provided above the outer tub 102 . Therefore, when the detergent is circulated through the circulation path of the detergent dissolving process, the power required by the circulation pump 223 is finally converted into heat energy, which raises the temperature of the high-concentration detergent. The generated high-concentration detergent liquid is pumped up to the water spray nozzle 225 provided above the outer tub 102 and sprayed onto the laundry 400 inside the rotating drum 104 . At this time, the rotating drum 104 is rotated to agitate the laundry 400 and evenly spray the high-concentration detergent liquid onto the laundry 400 .

In step S6, control device 300 executes a pre-washing process. In this step, the laundry 400 soaked with the detergent liquid is normally present in the outer tub 102 and a small amount of the detergent liquid is present in the water receiver 108 at the bottom of the outer tub 102 . By rotating the rotary drum 104, the laundry 400 is lifted to the upper part of the rotary drum 104, and then dropped to the bottom by gravity. As a result, the detergent liquid soaked into the laundry 400 is squeezed out, and the circulation pump 223 is intermittently driven as necessary to spray the detergent liquid onto the laundry 400 again. Even during this operation, if the so-called washing temperature of the washing water and the laundry can be increased, the washing performance can be improved. By raising the washing temperature level, it is also possible to promote penetration of the high-concentration detergent solution into the laundry 400 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 125 for blowing out the airflow from the blower fan 113 is provided at a position on the circumference of the outer tub 102 facing the water nozzle 225 and the water supply port at the upper rear side of the outer tub 102 . Therefore, by preventing the interference of the warm air that promotes the spraying and permeation of the high-concentration detergent solution, efficient washing can be achieved. Since the laundry 400 retains the high-concentration detergent liquid, the laundry 400 has better heat conduction than air occupying the interstices between the fibers of the laundry 400, so that the laundry 400 can be efficiently heated. This allows more dirt to be separated from the fabric in less time. Since the separated dirt is rapidly dispersed in the water-retained high-concentration detergent liquid, it is possible to prevent reaggregation and redeposition.

Also, a circulation pump (not shown) having a smaller flow rate than the circulation pump 223 may be installed separately. In this case, the liquid droplets may be mixed with the warm air by pumping it up from the water receiving portion 108 and spraying it in the warm air near the outlet of the blower fan 113 , and spraying the droplets onto the laundry 400 . In the middle of the washing process, when additional water is supplied until the normal circulation level is secured and the water is sprayed by the circulation pump 223, the temperature of the laundry 400 drops sharply. Therefore, if a smaller amount of circulating water is spread on the warm air with the configuration as described above, the water contained in the laundry 400 can be evenly and little by little replaced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a rapid temperature drop of the laundry 400, so that the washing performance can be further improved.

In step S7, the control device 300 executes the main washing process. In the main washing process, when the pre-washing process ends, additional water is supplied to increase the amount of water in the water receiving part 108 and raise the water level. This water level maintains a water level sufficient for pumping washing water from the water receiver 108 by the circulation pump 223 and continuously spraying it from the water spray nozzle 225 at the top of the outer tub 102 .

Spraying from the water nozzles 225 may be continuous or intermittent. Specifically, while much dirt is still attached to the back side of the laundry 400, it is continuously sprayed to promote agitation of the washing water. As a result, the washing water retained by the laundry 400 can always be replaced with the washing water having a low dirt concentration. After that, after most of the dirt has been removed, it is more efficient to remove the remaining dirt mainly by using the mechanical power of pounding. Therefore, the second half of the spraying is preferably intermittent spraying so as not to interfere with the mechanical force. In addition, by intermittently driving the circulating pump 223, power consumption can be suppressed, which is also preferable in terms of energy saving.

The water nozzle 225 is arranged in the outer tub 102 above the central axis of the rotatable rotating drum 104 when viewed from the front of the drum-type washing/drying machine and on the front side near the front when viewed from the side of the drum-type washing/drying machine. positioned. As a result, the spraying range from the water spray nozzle 225 is made wide-angle with respect to the radial direction of the rotating drum 104, and the spraying is performed. In this first main washing step, the laundry 400 accumulated below the rotating drum 104 is lifted by the rotation of the rotating drum 104 and dropped from above in the rotating drum 104 along with spreading over a wide area. Apply mechanical force to wash by beating. The larger the drum diameter, the synergistic effect of wide-area spraying and beating washing can be obtained, and the time required for the main washing process can be shortened.

Moreover, the control device 300 executes the second main washing process as necessary. By supplying water at the end of the aforementioned main washing process (first main washing process), the amount of water in the second main washing process is made larger than the amount of water in the first main washing process. Also, the circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 223 in the second main washing process is made larger than the circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 223 in the first main washing process. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the motor M10 of the rotary drum 104 in the second main washing process is made lower than the rotation speed of the motor M10 in the first main washing process. The combination of the first main washing process and the second main washing process is an operation algorithm that suppresses darkening and stiffness of the laundry 400 .

As described above, in the case of the drum-type washing and drying machine, as the rotating drum 104 rotates, the laundry 400 is lifted to the top of the drum by the lifter 105, and then dropped to the bottom of the drum by gravity. Since the overflow hose 111 is connected to the front portion of the outer tub 102, the washing water may flow to the position of the overflow hose 111 of the circulation duct 251 in some cases. Also, during the washing process, water may be injected into the circulation duct from a water injector (not shown) provided above the dehumidifying means in order to wash away the lint in the circulation duct 251 . In this embodiment, it is integrated with the cooling water sprinkler of the dehumidifying means, so that the dehumidifying means can also be cleaned.
Since the circulation duct 251 has a downward slope 251d (see FIG. 3) toward the back surface of the outer tub, the water that has flowed in is quickly drained out of the machine from the outer tub 102 through the drain port at the end of washing. .

In step S8, the control device 300 executes the first rinsing step (rinsing 1 step). In this step, after the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the washing water, the drain valve V1 is closed and rinse water is supplied to the outer tub 102 up to a predetermined water level. Thereafter, the rotary drum 104 is rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 400 and the rinse water.

In step S9, the control device 300 performs a second rinsing step (rinsing 2 step). In the second rinsing process, similarly to the first rinsing process, the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the rinse water, and then the drain valve V1 is closed to supply the rinse water to a predetermined water level in the outer tank 102. . Thereafter, the rotary drum 104 is rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 400 and the rinse water.

In step S10, control device 300 executes a dehydration step. In this process, after the rinse water in the outer tub 102 is drained by opening the drain valve V1, the rotary drum 104 is rotated to spin-dry the laundry 400 by centrifugation. The rotation speed for dehydration is increased to a set rotation speed according to the load unless there is a problem such as the current value of the motor M10 exceeding the upper limit due to the laundry 400 being unbalanced. Even if part of the dehydrated water is swept up to the circulation duct 251 side, the lower part of the circulation duct 251 connected to the rear surface of the outer tub 102 is inclined downward toward the rear surface of the outer tub 102 251d. Therefore, it can be quickly returned to the outer tub 102 side. When the rotational speed of dehydration is increased and the rotating drum 104 rotates at high speed, the vibration is transmitted to the outer tub 102, and the outer tub 102 itself slightly vibrates. Since the circulation duct 251 is fixed to the outer tank 102, this vibration can shake off water droplets remaining on the inner wall of the circulation duct portion. In addition, the packing 107 can absorb the vibration transmitted to the door 101 as the rotary drum 104 rotates at high speed. Vibration to the blower fan 113 can also be absorbed by providing the bellows tube 116 .

In step S11, the control device 300 executes a drying process. In the drying process, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the air that has been raised in temperature by the blower fan 113 is blown into the rotating drum 104 through the blowing nozzle 125 (see FIG. 4), and heat is exchanged with the laundry 400. Moisture is evaporated from the laundry 400. - 特許庁Moisture evaporated from the laundry 400 is dehumidified from the circulating air by partially exhausting the circulating air (supplying the same amount of ambient outside air) and water-cooling dehumidification in the circulation duct 251 .

In this embodiment, the cooling water used for water-cooling and dehumidifying the exhaust gas is passed through the circulation duct 251 to dehumidify the circulating air. To suppress the discharge of moisture to the surrounding environment and to prevent deterioration of the surrounding environment. Further, when the clogging of the exhaust filter 257 progresses during the drying process, the ventilation resistance of the circulation path can be changed by adjusting the opening of the air supply door 260, and a stable exhaust amount can be ensured. In addition, since the amount of heating by the heater 122 can be adjusted separately from the cooling and dehumidification capacity, for example, when there is a change in the amount of waste heat that can be recovered by supplying air, even if the amount of heating is easily adjusted, the exhaust and circulation Stable dehumidification can be ensured in combination with dehumidification of the air.

Drying determination is made by measuring the lower drain outlet temperature T1a of the outer tank 102 with the drain temperature sensor T1 and the outside air temperature T4a with the outside air temperature sensor T4 at the start of drying or at a specified time from the start of operation (initial temperature setting). After that, after a specified time corresponding to the load has passed, the lower drain outlet temperature T1b and the outside air temperature T4b of the outer tank 102 for termination determination are measured, and the difference between the initial temperature and the termination determination temperature is obtained (ΔT1 = T1a - T1b). , ΔT4=T4a−T4b). Furthermore, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature difference (ΔT1−ΔT4) is equal to or higher than a specified temperature, and the end of drying is determined.

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

According to this embodiment, since the discharge amount of circulating air can be adjusted during the drying operation, the temperature and humidity of the hot air can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of heating so that the humidity of the circulating air at the outlet of the outer tank becomes saturated. can be kept properly. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently dry by maximizing the ratio of the latent heat of dehumidification to the amount of cooling heat without excessive cooling in the water-cooled dehumidifying part of the circulation duct while reducing the humidity of the exhaust air, and the amount of moisture accompanying the accumulated exhaust air during the drying operation. can be reduced.

As described above, in this embodiment, cooling water is allowed to flow in series through the water-cooling dehumidifying section for the exhaust air and the circulation duct, so that the cooling heat amount can be compensated for. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the surrounding environment by always stably discharging dehumidified air. Furthermore, in this embodiment, excessive cooling of the entire circulating air is suppressed, and in addition, while suppressing the heating amount, exhaust heat in the machine is efficiently recovered with respect to the supplied air, so the power consumption for drying is reduced. can be reduced.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a right side schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, the basic configuration is such that part of the exhaust air is exhausted through a drainage hose without providing an exhaust path and an exhaust end. A cooling and dehumidifying section 262 for passing cooling water from the water supply electromagnetic valve 120 is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the drain hose 110, and the exhaust air passing through the drain hose 110 is cooled and dehumidified. As a result, it is possible to suppress the flow of humid air into a residential drain pipe (not shown) that exhausts air through the drain trap 202 .

The cooling and dehumidifying section 262 of this embodiment is made of a metal pipe with high thermal conductivity.
One end of the cooling/dehumidifying section 262 is connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 120 via a metal pipe or a pressure-resistant hose. The other end of the cooling/dehumidifying section 262 is connected to the circulation duct 251 via a metal pipe or a pressure-resistant hose.

The cooling water passed through the cooling and dehumidifying portion 262 of the drain hose 110 is heat-exchanged with the exhaust air passing through the drain hose 110, and the temperature of the cooling water rises. This cooling water is led to the water-cooling dehumidifying section 261 in the circulation duct 251 to allow it to flow. The cooling and dehumidifying section 262 is provided at a position lower than the water cooling and dehumidifying section 261. Since the cooling and dehumidifying section 262 is connected to the water supply solenoid valve 120 and the circulation duct 251 via a metal pipe or a pressure-resistant hose, Water pressure from the tap water allows water to flow from the cooling dehumidifying section 262 to the water cooling dehumidifying section 261 . With this configuration, in the second embodiment, it is possible to efficiently dry the circulating air without excessively cooling the circulating air while suppressing the humidity of the exhaust gas. In this case, the lint filter 222 in the lower part of the housing can be shared as an exhaust filter, and the cleaning work of the exhaust filter 257 can be reduced.

Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a schematic right side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, the basic configuration is such that a portion of the exhaust gas is passed through a water filter 263 in which cooling water is stored, and then is exhausted to the outside of the machine via a liquid separator 264 . Also, after the cooling water is passed through the water filter 263 , the cooling water is led to the water cooling dehumidifying section 261 in the circulation duct 251 . Water filter 263 communicates with circulation duct 251 .

After passing through the water filter 263 , the cooling water is pumped through the lint filter 222 to the water cooling dehumidifying section 261 of the circulation duct 251 by the circulation pump 223 . By adopting such a configuration, the lint can be easily separated because the exhaust gas passes through the cooling water, and the exhaust filter 257 can be eliminated. If the flow rate of the circulation pump 223 is too large, a small flow rate pump (not shown) may be installed separately. In addition, from the height relationship between the water filter 263 and the circulation duct 251, if the cooling water can flow from the water filter 263 into the circulation duct 251 due to the head difference, a simple filter is installed in the water channel between the water filter 263 and the circulation duct 251. (not shown) may be provided.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration of a drum-type washer/dryer was explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the drum-type washer/dryer, but is also applicable to a so-called vertical type washer/dryer in which the rotating shaft is installed in a vertical direction. It is possible. In that case, the rotating drum should be replaced with an inner tank.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Drum type washing dryer, 100... Case 100, 100a... Side plate, 100b... Base, 100c... Front cover, 100d... Rear cover, 100e... Top cover, 101... Door, 102... Outer tank, 103... Suspension, 104... Rotary drum 104a... Opening 104b... Metal flange for rotary drum 105... Lifter 106... Main shaft 107... Packing 108... Water receiver 109... Drain port 110... Drain hose 111... Overflow Hose 112 Blower duct 113 Blower fan 114 Heater 115 Heating unit 116 Corrugated tube 117 Detergent input unit 118 Operation switch 119 Display unit 120 Water supply electromagnetic valve 121 Conductivity sensor 122 Heater 123 Water level sensor 124 Circulation outlet 125 Blow-out nozzle 202 Drainage trap 213 Warm air heater 222 Lint filter 223 Circulation pump 224 Switching Valve 225 Sprinkle nozzle 251 Circulation duct 251d Inclination 252 Air supply port 253 Air supply unit 254 Circulation air filter 255 Exhaust path 256 Exhaust port 257
Exhaust filter 258 Exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section 259 Exhaust end 260 Air supply door 261 Water cooling/dehumidifying section 262 Cooling/dehumidifying section 263 Water filter 264 Liquid separator 270 Air supply end 300... Control device, 310... Microcomputer, 311... Operation pattern database, 312... Process control unit, 313... Rotation speed calculation unit, 314... Clothes weight calculation unit, 315... Conductivity measurement unit, 316... Detergent amount/washing time determination Part, 317... Turbidity determination part, 318... Threshold storage part, 400... Laundry

Claims (8)

an outer tank capable of storing liquid therein; a rotating drum or inner tank rotatably supported in the outer tank and containing laundry; a blowing means for blowing air to the rotating drum or inner tank; A washing and drying machine comprising heating means for heating the air blown to the rotating drum or the inner tub,
A circulation duct that is connected to the outer tank and forms part of a circulation path through which circulating air flows, an exhaust path that communicates with the circulation duct and exhausts all or part of the circulating air to the outside of the machine, and the exhaust path. an exhaust water-cooled dehumidifier provided inside and a water-cooled dehumidifier provided in the circulation duct,
A washing and drying machine characterized in that after cooling water is passed through the exhaust water cooling and dehumidifying section, the cooling water is led to the water cooling and dehumidifying section. In claim 1,
The washer/dryer, wherein the exhaust end of the exhaust path communicates with the outside of the washer/dryer. In claim 1,
The washer/dryer, wherein the exhaust water cooling/dehumidifying section is positioned above the water cooling/dehumidifying section. In claim 3,
The washer/dryer according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust water cooling and dehumidifying unit is composed of a fin-tube heat exchanger, and the tube of the fin-tube heat exchanger is directly connected to a water supply valve. In claim 4,
The washer/dryer, wherein the water cooling/dehumidifying unit comprises a plate heat exchanger. an outer tank capable of storing liquid therein; a rotating drum or inner tank rotatably supported in the outer tank and containing laundry; a blowing means for blowing air to the rotating drum or inner tank; A washing and drying machine comprising: a heating means for heating air blown to the rotating drum or the inner tub; a drain port opening to the outer tub; and a drain hose connected to the drain port,
A circulation duct that is connected to the outer tank and forms part of a circulation path through which circulation air flows, a cooling and dehumidifying part that is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the drain hose, and a water cooling and dehumidifying part that is provided in the circulation duct. , and
A washing and drying machine characterized in that after cooling water is passed through the cooling and dehumidifying section, the cooling water is led to the water cooling and dehumidifying section. In claim 6,
One of the cooling and dehumidifying units is connected to a water supply electromagnetic valve via a metal pipe or pressure hose, and the other of the cooling and dehumidification units is connected to the circulation duct via a metal pipe or pressure hose. A washing and drying machine characterized by: an outer tank capable of storing liquid therein; a rotating drum or inner tank rotatably supported in the outer tank and containing laundry; a blowing means for blowing air to the rotating drum or inner tank; A washing and drying machine comprising heating means for heating the air blown to the rotating drum or the inner tub,
a circulation duct that is connected to the outer tank and forms part of a circulation path through which circulating air flows; a water filter that communicates with the circulation duct and allows a part of the circulating air to pass; and a water-cooled dehumidifier,
A washing and drying machine characterized in that after cooling water is passed through the water filter, the cooling water is led to the water cooling dehumidification unit.

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