JP2022165061A - Clothing treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of removing odor remaining in a water tank to improve comfort of users.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus comprises a water tank, a water supply mechanism for supplying water into the water tank, and a control unit. The control unit performs odor removal operation for removing odor in the water tank with water supplied from the water supply mechanism, after taking out of the clothing in the water tank with completion of cleaning operation for cleaning the clothing in the water tank or drying operation for drying the clothing in the water tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The technology disclosed herein relates to a clothes processing apparatus.

A washing and drying machine is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The washing/drying machine of Patent Document 1 includes a water tank and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water tank. The washing/drying machine of Patent Document 1 can perform a washing operation for washing clothes in a water tank and a drying operation for drying clothes in a water tank.

JP 2010-082086 A

In the washing/drying machine of Patent Document 1, an odor may remain in the water tub after the washing operation or the drying operation is finished. For example, an odor may remain in the water tank 12 due to the aromatic component contained in the detergent or softener remaining attached to the inner surface of the water tank 12 . If the smell remains in the water tank 12, the user may feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, the user may feel more uncomfortable when various odors remain and mix. Accordingly, the present specification provides a technology capable of improving the user's comfort by removing the odor remaining in the water tank.

A laundry processing apparatus disclosed in this specification includes a water tank, a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water tank, and a control unit. After the washing operation for washing the clothes in the water tank or the drying operation for drying the clothes in the water tank is finished and the clothes in the water tank are taken out, the control unit uses the water supplied by the water supply mechanism to An odor removing operation is executed to remove the odor of the water tank.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the structure of the washing-drying machine of an Example. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a washing/drying machine of an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the water supply mechanism of an Example, and a processing agent injection mechanism. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a circulation air passage and a heat pump unit of an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion V of FIG. 2; It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the washing-drying machine of an Example. 4 is a flowchart of processing executed by a control unit of an embodiment; It is a flow chart of washing operation of an example. 4 is a flow chart of odor removing operation of the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of processing according to a first modified example; 9 is a flow chart of odor removing operation of the first modified example. It is a block diagram which shows typically the water supply path|route of the washing-drying machine of a 2nd modification. It is an example of a stirring/drying time table of the third modification. It is an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel. It is another example of a screen displayed on the operation panel. It is an example of the stirring time table of a 6th modification, and a drying time table.

A washing/drying machine 10 (an example of a clothes processing apparatus) of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer/dryer 10 includes an outer casing 11, a water tank 12 arranged inside the outer casing 11, and a rotating tub 13 arranged inside the water tank 12. . The washer/dryer 10 of the embodiment is a so-called oblique drum type washer/dryer having a rotating tub 13 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal. Note that, in a modified example, the washing/drying machine 10 may be a so-called vertical washing/drying machine that includes a pulsator that rotates within the water tank 12, for example. The model of the washing/drying machine 10 is not particularly limited. The washing/drying machine 10 can perform a washing operation for washing the clothes in the rotating tub 13 and a drying operation for drying the clothes in the rotating tub 13 .

The water tank 12 of the washer/dryer 10 can store water. In the washing operation, the washing/drying machine 10 washes clothes with the water stored in the water tank 12 . The rotating tub 13 can accommodate clothes, and is arranged in the tub 12 in a rotatable state. The rotating tub 13 is rotationally driven by a rotating tub motor 14 . As the rotating tub 13 rotates, the clothes in the rotating tub 13 are washed.

The water tank 12 also has an exhaust port 71 and an air supply port 73 . In the washing/drying machine 10 , in the drying operation, the air in the water tank 12 is discharged out of the water tank 12 through the exhaust port 71 and the air is supplied into the water tank 12 through the air supply port 73 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the washing/drying machine 10 includes a water supply mechanism 20 and a processing agent supply mechanism 30 . The water supply mechanism 20 and the treatment agent supply mechanism 30 are arranged inside the outer case 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The water supply mechanism 20 includes a first water supply path 21 , a second water supply path 22 , a third water supply path 23 and a fourth water supply path 24 . The first water supply route 21, the second water supply route 22, and the fourth water supply route 24 are connected to a water source 200 such as a water supply via a water supply port 29 (see FIG. 1). The water supply mechanism 20 is a mechanism that supplies water supplied from a water source 200 into the water tank 12 .

The first water supply path 21 is connected to the water source 200 and the water injection case 27 and supplies water from the water source 200 to the water injection case 27 . A first water supply valve 81 and a joint water supply portion 26 are provided in the first water supply path 21 . When the first water supply valve 81 opens, water is supplied to the joint water supply portion 26 and the water injection case 27 through the first water supply path 21 . The first water supply path 21 is connected to the lower portion of the water injection case 27 .

The second water supply path 22 is connected to the water source 200 and the water injection case 27 and supplies water from the water source 200 to the water injection case 27 . A second water supply valve 82 is provided in the second water supply path 22 . When the second water supply valve 82 opens, water is supplied to the water injection case 27 through the second water supply path 22 . The second water supply path 22 is connected to the upper portion of the water injection case 27 .

In the water injection case 27, a manual case 28 for manually supplying detergent and/or softener (each of which is an example of a clothing treatment agent) is removably accommodated. A user can manually inject detergent and/or softener into manual case 28 to inject detergent and/or softener into water injection case 27 .

A third water supply path 23 (an example of a treatment agent supply path) is connected to the water injection case 27 . A downstream end of the third water supply path 23 is connected to the water tank 12 . The third water supply path 23 supplies a mixture of detergent and water and/or a mixture of softener and water from the water injection case 27 to the water tub 12 . The third water supply route 23 is a route through which detergent and/or softener are introduced into the water tub 12 .

The fourth water supply path 24 is connected to the water source 200 and the first injection nozzles 86 and supplies water from the water source 200 to the first injection nozzles 86 . A fourth water supply valve 84 is provided in the fourth water supply path 24 . When the fourth water supply valve 84 opens, water is supplied to the first injection nozzle 86 through the fourth water supply path 24 .

The processing agent input mechanism 30 includes a detergent tank 31 , a detergent metering pump 33 , a detergent path 35 , a softener tank 32 , a softener metering pump 34 and a softener path 36 . The treatment agent injection mechanism 30 is a mechanism for automatically injecting detergent or softener into the water tub 12 .

The detergent tank 31 stores detergent to be introduced into the water tank 12 . Detergent tank 31 is connected to detergent metering pump 33 via tank path 31a. Detergent in detergent tank 31 is supplied to detergent metering pump 33 via tank path 31a.

The detergent metering pump 33 measures the weight of one dose of detergent to be put into the water tub 12 . A detergent metering pump 33 is connected to the upstream end of a detergent path 35 . Detergent metered by detergent metering pump 33 is supplied to detergent path 35 . The downstream end of detergent path 35 is connected to joint water supply 26 . Detergent is supplied from detergent metering pump 33 to joint water supply 26 through detergent path 35 . The detergent supplied to the joint water supply portion 26 is supplied to the water injection case 27 through the first water supply path 21 together with water. The mixture of detergent and water supplied to the water injection case 27 is supplied into the water tub 12 through the third water supply path 23 .

The softener tank 32 stores softener to be put into the water tub 12 . The softener tank 32 is connected to a softener metering pump 34 via a tank path 32a. The softener in the softener tank 32 is supplied to the softener metering pump 34 via the tank path 32a.

The softener metering pump 34 measures the weight of one dose of softener to be put into the water tank 12 . A softener metering pump 34 is connected to the upstream end of a softener path 36 . Softener metered in softener path 36 is supplied to softener path 36 . A downstream end of the softener path 36 is connected to the joint water supply section 26 . A softener is supplied from a softener metering pump 34 to the joint water supply portion 26 through a softener path 36 . The softener supplied to the joint water supply portion 26 is supplied to the water injection case 27 through the first water supply path 21 together with water. The mixture of the softener and water supplied to the water injection case 27 is supplied into the water tub 12 through the third water supply path 23 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the washer/dryer 10 has a drainage path 15 for discharging the water in the water tub 12 to the outside. A drain valve 16 is provided in the drain path 15 . When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the water tank 12 is discharged to the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the washer/dryer 10 further includes a circulation air passage 40 , a blower fan 75 and a heat pump unit 50 . The air circulation path 40 and the heat pump unit 50 are arranged inside the outer casing 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The upstream end of the circulation air passage 40 is connected to the exhaust port 71 of the water tank 12 , and the downstream end of the circulation air passage 40 is connected to the air supply port 73 of the water tank 12 . The circulation air passage 40 is a path that circulates the air discharged from the water tank 12 through the exhaust port 71 and supplies the air into the water tank 12 through the air supply port 73 . The air in the circulation air passage 40 flows and circulates in the circulation air passage 40 as the blower fan 75 rotates. The blower fan 75 is rotationally driven by a fan motor 76 .

The air circulation path 40 includes an exhaust duct 41 (an example of an exhaust route), a heat exchange duct 42, and an air supply duct 43 (an example of an air supply route). The exhaust duct 41 is connected to the exhaust port 71 of the water tank 12 and the heat exchange duct 42 , and sends air from the exhaust port 71 to the heat exchange duct 42 . In the drying operation of the washing/drying machine 10 , the air containing a large amount of moisture in the water tank 12 is discharged to the exhaust duct 41 through the exhaust port 71 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the exhaust duct 41 has a bellows portion 45 . The bellows portion 45 is arranged above the exhaust port 71 of the water tank 12 . A first injection nozzle 86 is arranged above the bellows portion 45 . The first injection nozzle 86 injects water supplied through the fourth water supply path 24 toward the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 .

An exhaust damper 46 is provided in the exhaust duct 41 . The exhaust damper 46 opens and closes the exhaust duct 41 . When the exhaust damper 46 opens, the air flowing through the exhaust duct 41 is discharged outside through the exhaust damper 46 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the heat exchange duct 42 is arranged between the exhaust duct 41 and the supply air duct 43 . Air flowing from the exhaust duct 41 to the supply air duct 43 passes through the heat exchange duct 42 . Air passing through the heat exchange duct 42 is cooled and heated by the heat pump unit 50 .

The air supply duct 43 is connected to the heat exchange duct 42 and the air supply port 73 of the water tank 12 , and sends air from the heat exchange duct 42 to the air supply port 73 . Air is supplied into the water tank 12 through the air supply port 73 .

The heat pump unit 50 includes a compressor 51, a condenser 52 (heating heat exchanger), an expansion valve 53, and an evaporator 54 (cooling heat exchanger). The condenser 52 and the evaporator 54 are arranged inside the heat exchange duct 42 of the air circulation path 40 . The heat pump unit 50 can cool the air passing through the evaporator 54 by heat exchange and heat the air passing through the condenser 52 by heat exchange according to the heat pump principle. Since the principle of the heat pump is well known, detailed explanation is omitted.

Air passing through heat exchange duct 42 is cooled and dehumidified as it passes through evaporator 54 . Also, the air passing through the heat exchange duct 42 is heated and dried while passing through the condenser 52 . Dry air after passing through the heat exchange duct 42 is supplied into the water tank 12 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the washer/dryer 10 further includes an operation panel 62 , a weight detector 64 , an odor sensor 66 and a controller 100 .

An operation panel 62 (an example of a display unit) is arranged on the upper surface of the outer casing 11 (see FIG. 1). The operation panel 62 is composed of, for example, a touch panel. The operation panel 62 can display various information regarding the washing/drying machine 10 . The operation panel 62 can input various instructions for operating the washing/drying machine 10 .

The weight detector 64 can detect the weight of the laundry in the rotating tub 13 . The weight detector 64 detects the weight of the laundry in the rotating tub 13 based on the load acting on the rotating tub motor 14 that drives the rotating tub 13 to rotate, for example. Information on the detection value of the weight detection unit 64 is supplied to the control unit 100 .

The odor sensor 66 can detect the odor within the water tank 12 . An odor may remain in the water tank 12 due to the aromatic component contained in the detergent or softener remaining attached to the inner surface of the water tank 12 . The odor sensor 66 has, for example, a semiconductor type or crystal vibration type configuration. Information on the detection value of the odor sensor 66 is supplied to the control section 100 .

The control unit 100 includes a CPU (not shown) and a storage unit 102 . The storage unit 102 includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM (both not shown). The control unit 100 executes various controls and processes related to the washing/drying machine 10 based on programs stored in the storage unit 102 . Control and processing executed by the control unit 100 will be described later.

Next, the operation of the washing/drying machine 10 will be described. In the washing/drying machine 10, as shown in FIG. 7, a washing operation (S2) and an odor removing operation (S4) are performed. As shown in FIG. 8, the washing operation includes a weight detection step (S102), a water supply step (S104, S110), a washing step (S106), a rinsing step (S112), a drainage step (S108, S114), and a dehydration step. (S116).

The weight detection step ( S<b>102 ) is a step of detecting the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13 . A weight detector 64 detects the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13 . The water supply step ( S<b>104 , S<b>110 ) is a step of supplying water into the water tank 12 . In the water supply step, the water supply mechanism 20 supplies water into the water tank 12 while clothes are present in the rotary tub 13 . In the water supply step (S104) before the washing step, detergent and/or softener are supplied into water tank 12 together with water. In the water supply step (S110) before the rinsing step, only water is supplied into the water tank 12, and detergent and softener are not supplied into the water tank 12.

In the water supply step (S104) before the washing step, the detergent and the softener pass through the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 (see FIG. 3), so that the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 Fragrance ingredients of detergents and softeners may adhere to the inner surface of the. As a result, the smell of the detergent or softener may remain in the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 . Moreover, the smell may flow into the water tank 12 .

The washing step ( S<b>106 ) is a step of washing the clothes in the water tank 12 . In the washing process, the control unit 100 rotates the rotary tub motor 14 to rotate the rotary tub 13 while the clothes are present in the tub 12 and the water is stored. Also, the rinsing step ( S112 ) is a step of rinsing the clothes in the water tank 12 . In the rinsing process, similarly to the washing process, the controller 100 rotates the rotary tub motor 14 to rotate the rotary tub 13 while the clothes are present and the water is stored in the tub 12 .

In the washing step (S106), the water mixed with the detergent and the softener is agitated in the water tank 12, so that the aromatic components of the detergent and the softener may adhere to the inner surface of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. . As a result, after the washing process is completed, the smell of the detergent or softener may remain on the inner surface of the water tub 12 or the rotating tub 13 .

The draining process (S108, S114) following the washing process or rinsing process is a process for draining the water in the water tank 12. FIG. In the drain process, the controller 100 opens the drain valve 16 . The dehydration step ( S116 ) is a step of dehydrating the clothes in the water tank 12 . In the dehydration process, the control unit 100 rotates the rotary tub motor 14 to rotate the rotary tub 13 while the clothes are present in the tub 12 and the drain valve 16 is open. When the dehydration process ends, the washing operation ends. When the washing operation ends, the user takes out the clothes in the water tub 12 .

(Odor removal operation)
Next, the odor removing operation will be described. The odor removal operation is performed following the washing operation. For example, when the washing operation ends, the control unit 100 of the washing/drying machine 10 displays on the operation panel 62 a start button for instructing the start of the odor removing operation. When the user touches the start button, the odor removing operation is started. The odor removing operation is an operation for removing the odor of the water tank 12 using the water supplied into the water tank 12 by the water supply mechanism 20 . As shown in FIG. 9, the odor removal operation includes a weight detection step (S10), water supply step (S12), washing step (S14), drainage step (S16), and drying step (S18). The control unit 100 executes the weight detection step (S10), the water supply step (S12), the washing step (S14), the drainage step (S16), and the drying step (S18) in this order.

The weight detection step ( S<b>10 ) is a step of detecting the weight of the clothes in water tank 12 . A weight detector 64 of the washer/dryer 10 detects the weight of the clothes in the water tub 12 . In the washing/drying machine 10, the clothes in the water tub 12 are taken out by the user after the washing operation is finished. Therefore, in the odor removing operation following the washing operation, no clothes are present in the water tub 12 . Therefore, the weight detection step in the odor removing operation is a step of detecting that no clothes are present in the water tank 12 . When the detected value of the weight detection unit 64 is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit 100 determines that no clothes are present in the water tank 12, and proceeds to the water supply step (S12). The control unit 100 determines that there is clothing in the water tank 12 when the detection value of the weight detection unit 64 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. When the control unit 100 determines in the weight detection process that there is clothing in the water tank 12, the control unit 100 displays an error message such as "There is clothing left in the water tank 12."

The water supply step ( S<b>12 ) is a step of supplying water into the water tank 12 by the water supply mechanism 20 . The controller 100 opens the first water supply valve 81 and/or the second water supply valve 82 (see FIG. 3) in the water supply process. When the first water supply valve 81 and/or the second water supply valve 82 are opened, water supplied by the water supply mechanism 20 passes through the first water supply path 21 and/or the second water supply path 22 . Further, the water is supplied into the water tank 12 through the third water supply path 23 . Thereby, the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 are washed. Fragrance components of detergents and softeners adhering to the inner surfaces of the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 are washed away by the water passing through the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 . Thereby, the odors in the first water supply path 21 and the third water supply path 23 are removed. The controller 100 closes the first water supply valve 81 and/or the second water supply valve 82 when a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tank 12 .

The washing step (S14) is a step of washing the inner surface of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 with the water supplied into the water tank 12. FIG. In the washing process, the controller 100 rotates the rotary tub 13 by rotating the rotary tub motor 14 while water is stored in the tub 12 . The rotation of the rotary tub 13 agitates the water in the tub 12 , and the agitated water cleans the inner surface of the tub 12 and the rotary tub 13 . As a result, the aromatic components of detergents and softeners adhering to the inner surface of the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 are washed away. The control unit 100 terminates the cleaning process after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The draining step ( S16 ) is a step of draining the water in the water tank 12 . In the drain process, the controller 100 opens the drain valve 16 (see FIG. 2). When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the water tank 12 is discharged outside through the drain path 15 .

The drying step ( S<b>18 ) is a step of drying the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 by supplying dry air into the water tank 12 . In the drying process, the controller 100 operates the heat pump unit 50 (see FIG. 4). Further, the control unit 100 rotates the blower fan 75 by rotating the fan motor 76 . When the heat pump unit 50 operates, the air flowing through the circulation air passage 40 is heated by the condenser 52 (heating heat exchanger) of the heat pump unit 50 . When the blower fan 75 rotates, the air in the water tank 12 is discharged through the exhaust port 71 to the exhaust duct 41 , and the air flowing through the circulation air passage 40 is supplied into the water tank 12 through the air supply port 73 . Dry air after being heated by a condenser 52 (heat exchanger for heating) is supplied into the water tank 12 . The water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 are dried by the dry air supplied into the water tank 12 .

The control unit 100 may open the exhaust damper 46 provided in the exhaust duct 41 in the drying process of the odor removing operation. When the exhaust damper 46 opens, part of the air flowing through the exhaust duct 41 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust damper 46 . The control unit 100 terminates the drying process after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the drying process ends, the odor removing operation ends.

The washing/drying machine 10 of the embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the washer/dryer 10 includes a water tank 12 , a water supply mechanism 20 that supplies water to the water tank 12 , and a controller 100 . After the washing operation for washing the clothes in the water tank 12 is completed and the clothes in the water tank 12 are taken out, the control unit 100 performs an odor removing operation for removing the odor in the water tank 12 with the water supplied by the water supply mechanism 20. Execute (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

According to this configuration, even if an odor adheres to the water tank 12 during the washing operation, the odor of the water tank 12 can be removed by using the configuration of the washing/drying machine 10 as it is. Thereby, user's comfort can be improved.

The odor removing operation includes a water supply step of supplying water into the water tank 12, a cleaning step of washing the water tank 12 with the water supplied into the water tank 12, and a draining process of discharging the water in the water tank 12 ( See Figure 9). According to this configuration, the odor of the water tank 12 can be satisfactorily removed by executing the water supply process, the cleaning process, and the drainage process.

The washing/drying machine 10 has a third water supply path 23 for supplying detergent and/or softener into the water tub 12 . The water supply mechanism 20 supplies water into the third water supply path 23 during the odor removal operation. According to this configuration, the path through which the detergent and the softener pass can be cleaned, and the smell of the detergent and the softener can be removed.

The washer/dryer 10 includes an exhaust damper 46 that opens and closes the exhaust duct 41, and a blower fan 75 that blows air in the air supply duct 43 and the air in the exhaust duct 41 to flow. The control unit 100 opens the exhaust damper 46 and rotates the blower fan 75 in the odor removing operation. According to this configuration, the odor inside the exhaust duct 41 can be efficiently discharged to the outside. In addition, the fragrant component can flow outside the washer/dryer 10 .

Although one embodiment has been described above, specific aspects are not limited to the above embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above description, and the description thereof is omitted.

(First modification)
In the above embodiment, the odor removing operation is executed after the washing operation is completed, but in the modification, as shown in FIG. 10, the odor removing operation (S4) is executed after the drying operation (S22) is completed. may be The drying operation includes, for example, a weight detection process and a drying process (both not shown). A weight detection step in the drying operation is a step of detecting the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 . A weight detector 64 detects the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 .

A drying process in the drying operation is a process of drying the clothes in the water tank 12 . In the drying process, dry air is supplied into the water tub 12 while the clothes are present in the rotating tub 13 . More specifically, in the drying process, the controller 100 operates the heat pump unit 50 (see FIG. 4). Further, the control unit 100 rotates the blower fan 75 by rotating the fan motor 76 . When the blower fan 75 rotates, the air in the water tank 12 is discharged through the exhaust port 71 to the exhaust duct 41 , and the air flowing through the circulation air passage 40 is supplied into the water tank 12 through the air supply port 73 . Further, when the heat pump unit 50 operates, the air flowing through the circulation air passage 40 is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 54 (cooling heat exchanger). Also, the air flowing through the circulation air passage 40 is heated by the condenser 52 (heat exchanger for heating) and dried. As a result, dry air is supplied into the water tank 12, and the clothes in the water tank 12 are dried by the dry air.

In the drying process, the air discharged from inside the water tank 12 passes through the exhaust duct 41 , so that the aromatic components of detergents and softeners may adhere to the inner surface of the exhaust duct 41 . As a result, the smell of detergent or softener may remain in the exhaust duct 41 . In the drying process, the air that has passed through the exhaust duct 41 passes through the heat exchange duct 42 of the circulation air passage 40, so that the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 arranged in the heat exchange duct 42 are supplied with detergent and softener. The fragrance component of the agent may adhere. As a result, the odor of detergent and softener remains in the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 .

Next, the odor removal operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the modified odor removal operation may include a route water supply step and parallel drainage step (S20) following the weight detection step (S10). The route water supply step is a step of supplying water to the first water supply route 21, the second water supply route 22, and the third water supply route 23 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 100 opens the first water supply valve 81 and the second water supply valve 82 in the route water supply process. When the first water supply valve 81 and the second water supply valve 82 are opened, the water supplied by the water supply mechanism 20 flows through the first water supply path 21, the second water supply path 22, the water injection case 27, and the third water supply path 23. pass. Thereby, the first water supply path 21, the second water supply path 22, the water injection case 27, and the third water supply path 23 are washed.

Further, the control unit 100 opens the fourth water supply valve 84 in the route water supply process. When the fourth water supply valve 84 opens, water is supplied to the first injection nozzle 86 through the fourth water supply path 24 . The water supplied to the first injection nozzle 86 is injected from the first injection nozzle 86 toward the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 of the exhaust duct 41 . Thereby, the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 is cleaned. That is, the detergent and the fragrant component of the softener adhering to the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 are washed away.

The parallel draining process is a process of draining the water in the water tank 12 in parallel with the route water supply process. In the parallel drainage process, the controller 100 opens the drainage valve 16 (see FIG. 2). When the drain valve 16 is opened, the water in the water tank 12 is discharged outside through the drain path 15 . As a result, the water supplied into the water tank 12 in the route water supply process is discharged to the outside.

The control unit 100 closes the first water supply valve 81, the second water supply valve 82, the fourth water supply valve 84, and the water discharge valve 16 when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the route water supply process and the parallel water discharge process. to end the route water supply process and the parallel drainage process.

As is clear from the above description, the washer/dryer 10 includes an exhaust duct 41 that discharges the air in the water tank 12 to the outside of the water tank 12 during the drying operation. The water supply mechanism 20 supplies water into the bellows portion 45 of the exhaust duct 41 during the odor removal operation. According to this configuration, it is possible to wash away the aromatic components of the detergent and the softener adhering to the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 during the drying operation, and to remove the odor inside the bellows portion 45 . Also, the lint adhering to the inner surface of the bellows portion 45 can be washed away.

(Second modification)
The washer/dryer 10 may include a fifth water supply path 25 as shown in FIG. 12 . The fifth water supply path 25 is connected to the water source 200 and the second injection nozzle 87 and supplies water from the water source 200 to the second injection nozzle 87 . A fifth water supply valve 85 is provided in the fifth water supply path 25 . When the fifth water supply valve 85 opens, water is supplied to the second injection nozzle 87 through the fifth water supply path 25 .

The second injection nozzle 87 is arranged above the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 . The second injection nozzle 87 injects water supplied through the fifth water supply path 25 toward the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 .

The controller 100 may open the fifth water supply valve 85 in the route water supply step (see FIG. 11). Then, the water supplied to the second injection nozzle 87 through the fifth water supply path 25 is injected toward the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 . As a result, the fragrant components of the detergent and softener adhering to the evaporator 54 and the condenser 52 are washed away.

As is clear from the above description, the washer/dryer 10 includes a condenser 52 (heat exchanger for heating) that heats the air to be supplied into the water tank 12 in the drying operation, and the air heated by the condenser 52. and an air supply duct 43 for supplying the water into the water tank 12 . The water supply mechanism 20 supplies water to the condenser 52 during the odor removal operation. According to this configuration, the condenser 52 can be cleaned, and the odor of detergent and softener can be removed. Also, the lint adhering to the condenser 52 can be washed away.

(Third modification)
The control unit 100 may determine whether or not to execute the odor removal operation based on the detection value of the odor sensor 66 (see FIG. 6) that detects the odor in the water tank 12 . For example, the control unit 100 determines to execute the odor removal operation when the detection value of the odor sensor 66 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and executes the odor removal operation when the detection value of the odor sensor 66 is less than the predetermined threshold. You may decide not to do so.

Further, when determining to execute the odor removing operation, the control unit 100 may determine the details of control in the odor removing operation based on the detection value of the odor sensor 66 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 100 stores a washing/drying time table in the storage unit 102 in advance. The washing/drying time table includes information on the washing process time (washing time) and the drying process time (drying time) in the odor removing operation. The control unit 100 determines the cleaning process time and the drying process time in the odor removing operation based on the detection value of the odor sensor 66 and the cleaning/drying time table. For example, the control unit 100 determines the cleaning time to be 3 minutes when the odor in the water tank 12 detected by the odor sensor 66 is weak, and determines the cleaning time to be 4 minutes when the odor is normal. A wash time of 5 minutes is determined if the smell is strong. According to this configuration, an appropriate odor removing operation can be executed according to the odor level in the water tank 12 .

(Fourth modification)
As shown in FIG. 14 , the control unit 100 may display a predetermined operation screen on the operation panel 62 based on the detected value of the odor sensor 66 . For example, the control unit 100 may display on the operation panel 62 an operation screen for accepting an operation to start the odor removal operation when the detected value of the odor sensor 66 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When the operation panel 62 receives an operation to start the odor removing operation (for example, when the operation start button B1 is pressed), the control unit 100 starts the odor removing operation.

(Fifth modification)
When executing the odor removing operation, the control unit 100 may display on the operation panel 62 that the odor removing operation is to be executed, as shown in FIG. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the smell removing operation will be executed.

(Sixth modification)
The control unit 100 may determine the details of control in the odor removing operation based on the elapsed time after the washing operation or the drying operation ends. Further, the control unit 100 may determine the control contents in the odor removal operation based on the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 in the washing operation or the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 in the drying operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 100 stores a washing time table and a drying time table in the storage unit 102 in advance.

The cleaning time table includes information on the cleaning process time (cleaning time) in the odor removing operation. The washing process time in the washing time table includes (1) the elapsed time after the washing operation (or drying operation) ends, (2) the weight of the clothes in the water tub 12 during the washing operation (or drying operation), is set accordingly. The elapsed time after the washing operation (or the drying operation) ends is measured by a timer (not shown) provided in the control unit 100 . The weight of the clothes in the water tub 12 during the washing operation (or drying operation) is detected by the weight detection section 64 in the weight detection process.

The drying time table contains information on the drying process time (drying time) in the odor removing operation. The drying process time in the drying time table includes (1) the elapsed time after the washing operation (or drying operation) is completed, (2) the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 during the washing operation (or drying operation), is set accordingly.

The control unit 100 determines the cleaning process time in the odor removing operation based on the cleaning time table. The control unit 100 determines the drying process time in the odor removing operation based on the drying time table. For example, the control unit 100 determines that the elapsed time from the end of the washing operation (or the drying operation) is 30 minutes or more and less than 1 hour, and the weight of the clothes in the water tub 12 during the washing operation (or the drying operation) is small. If so, determine the wash time to be 1 minute and the dry time to be 30 minutes.

According to this configuration, it is possible to perform an appropriate odor removing operation according to the elapsed time and weight. For example, if a long time has elapsed since the washing operation (or drying operation) was completed, the smell inside the water tank 12 is strong due to the drying of the aromatic components of the detergent and softener adhering to the inner surface of the water tank 12. can be considered. In addition, when the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 in the washing operation (or the drying operation) is large, the smell in the water tank 12 is strong due to the large amount of detergent and softening agent adhering to the inner surface of the water tank 12. can be considered. Therefore, in this case, the odor in the water tank 12 can be properly removed by lengthening the cleaning time and the drying time.

(Seventh modification)
The control unit 100 controls either (1) the elapsed time from the end of the washing operation (or the drying operation) or (2) the weight of the clothes in the water tub 12 during the washing operation (or the drying operation). Based on this, the content of control in the odor removing operation may be determined.

Further, the control unit 100 may determine whether or not to execute the odor removing operation based on the elapsed time after the washing operation (or the drying operation) ends. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may determine whether or not to execute the odor removing operation based on the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 during the washing operation (or the drying operation).

Based on both (1) the elapsed time since the washing operation (or drying operation) ended and (2) the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12 during the washing operation (or drying operation) It may be determined whether or not to execute the odor removing operation.

(Other modifications)
(1) In the washing process in the odor removing operation, the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 may be faster than in the washing process in the washing operation.

(2) In the odor removal operation, the water supply process, the washing process, and the drainage process may be repeated multiple times.

(3) In the water supply process in the odor removing operation, the water supplied to the water tank 12 may be heated.

(4) In the drying step in the odor removal operation, the heat pump unit 50 may not be operated, and the blower fan 75 may be rotated.

(5) In the above embodiment, the washer/dryer 10 was described as an example of the clothes processing apparatus, but the clothes processing apparatus may be a washing machine that does not have a drying function, for example.

(6) In the above embodiment, the weight detector 64 is configured to detect the weight of the clothes in the water tank 12, but the configuration is not limited to this. A capacitance detector may be used instead of the weight detector 64 . The configuration may be such that the volume of clothes in the water tank 12 is detected by the volume detection unit.

(7) In the drying process in the odor removing operation, the operating frequency of the heat pump unit 50 may be set higher than in the drying process in the drying operation.

(8) The washing/drying machine 10 may be configured to include a heater (not shown) instead of the heat pump unit 50 . A heater may be arranged in the air circulation path 40 and the air flowing through the air circulation path 40 may be heated by the heater. The water supply mechanism 20 may supply water to the heater during the odor removal operation. Further, in the drying process in the odor removing operation, the output of the heater may be higher than in the drying process in the drying operation.

(9) The washer/dryer 10 may include a steam generating mechanism and a steam path for supplying the steam generated by the steam generating mechanism into the water tub 12 (not shown). The water supply mechanism 20 may supply water to the steam generation mechanism and the steam path during the odor removal operation. According to this configuration, even if the steam generated by the steam generating mechanism contains an aromatic component, the smell in the steam path of the steam generating mechanism can be removed by the smell removing operation.

(10) At the initial stage of the water supply process in the odor removing operation, the drain valve 16 provided in the drain path 15 may be opened. As a result, the water from which the aromatic components adhering to the water tank 12 have been washed away can be discharged. The control unit 100 may close the drain valve 16 after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the water supply process. Moreover, in the water supply step, the rotary tub 13 may be rotated.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or in the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as of the filing. In addition, the techniques exemplified in this specification or drawings can simultaneously achieve a plurality of purposes, and achieving one of them has technical utility in itself.

10: washing and drying machine, 11: outer case, 12: water tank, 13: rotating tub, 14: rotating tub motor, 15: drain path, 16: drain valve, 20: water supply mechanism, 21: first water supply path, 22: Second water supply path 23: Third water supply path 24: Fourth water supply path 25: Fifth water supply path 29: Water supply port 30: Treatment agent input mechanism 31: Detergent tank 32: Softener tank 33 : Detergent metering pump, 34: Softener metering pump, 35: Detergent path, 36: Softener path, 40: Circulating air path, 41: Exhaust duct, 42: Heat exchange duct, 43: Air supply duct, 45: Bellows part , 46: exhaust damper, 50: heat pump unit, 51: compressor, 52: condenser, 53: expansion valve, 54: evaporator, 62: operation panel, 64: weight detector, 66: odor sensor, 71: exhaust 73: Air supply port 75: Blower fan 76: Fan motor 81: First water supply valve 82: Second water supply valve 84: Fourth water supply valve 85: Fifth water supply valve 86: First water supply valve injection nozzle, 87: second injection nozzle, 100: control section, 102: storage section

Claims (10)

a water tank;
a water supply mechanism for supplying water into the water tank;
a control unit and
After the washing operation for washing the clothes in the water tank or the drying operation for drying the clothes in the water tank is finished and the clothes in the water tank are taken out, the control unit uses the water supplied by the water supply mechanism to A clothes processing apparatus that performs an odor removal operation for removing odors from the water tank. The odor removing operation includes a water supply step of supplying water into the water tank, a cleaning step of washing the water tank with the water supplied into the water tank, and a draining process of discharging the water in the water tank. 2. A clothes processing apparatus according to claim 1. further comprising a treatment agent supply path for supplying a clothing treatment agent into the water tank;
3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said water supply mechanism supplies water into said processing agent supply path during said odor removing operation. It further comprises an exhaust path for discharging the air in the water tank to the outside of the water tank during the drying operation,
The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water supply mechanism supplies water into the exhaust path during the odor removal operation. a heat exchanger for heating air to be supplied into the water tank in the drying operation;
an air supply path for supplying air heated by the heat exchanger into the water tank,
The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water supply mechanism supplies water to the heat exchanger during the odor removing operation. an exhaust path for discharging the air in the water tank to the outside of the water tank during the drying operation;
an exhaust damper that opens and closes the exhaust path;
a blower fan for blowing air in the exhaust path,
The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control section opens the exhaust damper and rotates the blower fan in the smell removing operation. further comprising an odor sensor for detecting an odor in the water tank,
The control unit determines whether or not to execute the odor removing operation based on the detected value of the odor sensor, and if it is determined to execute the odor removing operation, based on the detected value of the odor sensor. 7. The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the content of control in odor removing operation is determined. The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit determines control details in the odor removal operation based on an elapsed time after the washing operation or the drying operation ends. . The clothes processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit determines control contents in the smell removing operation based on the amount of clothes in the water tank in the washing operation or the drying operation. . It also has a display,
The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit displays a message to that effect on the display unit when the odor removing operation is to be executed.

Images