JP6125243B2 - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing dryer.
About.

  In recent years, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a washing machine has been proposed that disinfects laundry stored in a tub by supplying a mist having a sterilizing action into the tub. As a means for generating the mist, there is a so-called electrostatic atomizer as described in the cited document 2, for example. The electrostatic atomizer has an electrode in the mist generating part, and generates mist by applying a high voltage from a high voltage power supply part in a state where water for mist generation is supplied to the mist generating part. The generated mist is supplied into the tank through an air passage communicating with the tank. A blower is provided in the middle of the air path, and mist can be efficiently supplied into the tank by the blowing action of the blower. In addition, examples of the substance having a sterilizing action include substances such as ions, radicals, and ozone.

JP 2005-198860 A JP 2006-26117 A

  When the electrostatic atomizer is to be incorporated into the washing / drying machine, the mist generated by the electrostatic atomizer is supplied into the tank through an air passage for supplying warm air for drying operation into the tank. It can be considered to be configured to supply. However, in such a configuration, when the mist supplied into the air passage passes through the heater for drying operation, the mist may disappear due to the heat of the heater.

  Accordingly, when a generating means for generating a substance having a sterilizing action is incorporated in a washing / drying machine, a washing / drying machine capable of preventing the substance having the sterilizing action from disappearing due to the heat of the heater is provided. .

The washing / drying machine of the present embodiment includes a tub for storing and washing laundry, an air passage communicating with the tub, a blower provided in the air passage and blowing air into the tub, and provided in the air passage. And a heating unit that heats the air passing through the air passage and supplies hot air for drying into the tank. And a generating means for generating a substance having a sterilizing action, and a damper for opening and closing an opening provided to communicate with the outside of the air passage, and the substance generated from the generating means is disposed in the air passage. And the substance is supplied into the tank by the blowing action of the blowing device. Furthermore, when performing the sterilization and deodorizing operation for sterilizing, deodorizing and drying the inside of the tub and the laundry by supplying the substance and the warm air into the tub, the substance is removed from the generating means. The generating operation to be generated is configured to be executed before the heating operation for heating the air passing through the air path by the heating unit, and when the generating operation for generating the substance from the generating means is executed, The damper is closed with the device turned on, and when performing a heating operation for heating the air flowing through the air passage by the heating unit, the damper is opened with the air blower turned on. Configured to do.

The perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment and shows the external appearance of a washing-drying machine Top view showing a part of the top cover of a washing dryer The figure which shows schematically the connection aspect of the water tank of a washing-drying machine, a rotation tank, a warm air supply apparatus, and a mist generator Vertical side view of mist generator Block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the washing and drying machine The figure which shows the operation timing of each part in disinfection deodorizing driving | operation FIG. 6 equivalent diagram showing the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of a washing / drying machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 10 (corresponding to a washing / drying machine) includes a top cover 11, an outer box 12, a water tank 13, and a rotating tank 14 (corresponding to a tank). The washing machine 10 is a so-called vertical axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub 14 extends in the direction of gravity with respect to the ground, and is a fully automatic washing machine having a drying function. As shown in FIG. 2, the top cover 11 includes a frame body 111, an outer lid 112, a rear cover 113, an operation panel 114, and the like. Hereinafter, the upper and lower sides are determined based on the direction of gravity, and the operation panel 114 side (the lower side in FIG. 2) is assumed to be the front of the washing machine 10.

  The top cover 11 is formed in a shape in which the upper surface is inclined downward as a whole. Specifically, the frame body 111 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape that communicates in the vertical direction as a whole, and an upper portion is inclined downward toward the front. Although not shown, the frame 111 has a double-walled peripheral wall that forms a rectangular cylindrical shape, and a space having an open bottom is formed inside the peripheral wall. The outer lid 112 is made of synthetic resin, is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and covers the upper side of the frame body 111. The outer lid 112 can be rotated with respect to the frame body 111 with the rear end portion as a fulcrum, and is divided into two at the center and is divided into two at the center, and the center portion is bent at the fulcrum. As a result, the outer lid 112 opens and closes the upper side of the vertically communicating portion of the frame body 111, that is, the opening of the frame body 111.

  The rear cover 113 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The rear cover 113 has an upper surface portion formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left-right direction and a rear surface portion that is formed in a plate shape like the upper surface portion and is provided at a right angle to the rear end portion of the upper surface portion. Configured. The rear cover 113 is fixed to the upper side of the frame body 111 and behind the outer lid 112, covers the upper side of the frame body 111 together with the outer lid 112, and further covers the rear side of the frame body 111.

  The operation panel 114 is formed in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left-right direction, and is provided on the side opposite to the rear cover 113 with respect to the outer lid 112. The outer cover 112, the rear cover 113, and the operation panel 114 constitute an upper surface of the top cover 11. Although not shown in detail, the operation panel 114 includes an operation unit, a display unit, and the like, and is connected to a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 10. The user can select an operation mode such as a washing operation or a drying operation by operating the operation unit of the operation panel 114. The selection result, operation state, and the like are displayed on the display unit.

  The outer box 12 is formed of a steel plate or the like into a rectangular box whose upper side is open. The top cover 11 is provided on the upper side of the outer box 12 and covers the opening on the upper side of the outer box 12. That is, the top cover 11 and the outer box 12 constitute an outer shell of the washing machine 10. Inside the outer box 12, a water tank 13 and a rotating tank 14 are provided as tanks. The water tank 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose central axis extends in the vertical direction, and is accommodated in the outer box 12. The upper surface of the water tank 13 is comprised by the water tank cover 131 shown in FIG. The water tank cover 131 has a substantially circular opening (not shown) formed in a part thereof, and an inner lid (not shown) for opening and closing the opening.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the water tank cover 131 is provided with an exhaust port 15 and an air supply port 16. The exhaust port 15 and the air supply port 16 pass through the water tank cover 131 and communicate with the inside of the water tank 13. Although not shown in detail, the water tank 13 is suspended from a vibration isolator hanging from the four corners of the outer box 12. Thereby, the water tank 13 is elastically supported with respect to the outer case 12.

  The rotating tub 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose upper side is open, and is accommodated in the water tank 13. The rotating tank 14 has a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction aligned with the central axis of the water tank 13 and rotates relative to the water tank 13 around the rotation axis. In this case, although not shown in detail, a stirring blade, a so-called pulsator, is provided near the bottom of the rotary tank 14 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotary tank 14. The pulsator is rotated to cause a water flow in the washing water in the rotating tub 14, thereby washing the laundry (clothing) accommodated in the rotating tub 14.

  A driving device that rotationally drives the pulsator and the rotating tub 14 is provided outside the lower surface of the water tub 13. The drive device includes a motor and a clutch. During the washing and rinsing operations, the driving device rotates the pulsator relative to the rotating tub 14 to cause a water flow in the washing water inside the rotating tub 14. Further, during the dehydration operation, the rotating tub 14 and the pulsator are integrally rotated at a high speed in one direction, whereby the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated. In this case, the motor may be, for example, a so-called direct drive motor that directly transmits the rotational force to the rotating tub 14 and the pulsator, or may be a combination of, for example, a brushless motor and a speed reducer.

  In this configuration, the laundry is put in and out through the inside of the frame 111, the opening of the water tank cover 131, and the opening of the rotating tub 14 with the outer lid 112 and the inner lid of the water tank 13 being opened. Further, although not shown in detail, the rotary tank 14 has a plurality of holes formed in the entire cylindrical portion. The plurality of holes function as water passage holes through which water enters and exits during the washing operation and the dehydration operation, and function as ventilation holes through which air enters and exits during the drying operation.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the top cover 11 is provided with a water supply port 17 and a bath water supply port 18 located on the left side portion of the rear cover 113. The water supply port 17 and the bath water supply port 18 are connected to a water supply device (not shown). The water supply device is provided inside the top cover 11 so as to be positioned below the water supply port 17 and the bath water supply port 18. The water supply port 17 is connected to a water tap through a hose (not shown). On the other hand, a bath water intake hose (not shown) is connected to the bath water supply port 18, and bath water is pumped up by a pump (not shown). The tap water and the bath water are supplied into the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 through the water supply port 17 or the bath water supply port 18 through a water supply device (not shown).

  The washing machine 10 also includes a warm air supply device 19. The warm air supply device 19 supplies warm air for drying the laundry into the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the hot air supply device 19 is provided in the top cover 11 so as to be positioned on the right side portion of the rear cover 113. As shown in FIG. 3, the hot air supply device 19 includes a case 20 that forms an outer shell. The hot air supply device 19 is configured by housing a first filter 21, a second filter 22, a blower device 23, a heater 24, a thermistor 25, and the like inside a case 20.

  Specifically, the case 20 includes a filter case portion 201, a fan case portion 202, and a heater case portion 203 that are integrally formed in order from the upstream side. One end of the exhaust duct 26 is connected to the most upstream side in the case 20, that is, the upstream side of the filter case portion 201. The other end side of the exhaust duct 26 is connected to the exhaust port 15 provided on the upper surface of the water tank 13. One end side of the air supply duct 27 is connected to the most downstream side in the case 20, that is, the downstream side of the heater case portion 203. The other end side of the air supply duct 27 is connected to an air supply port 16 provided on the upper surface of the water tank 13. As a result, the case 20 has both an upstream side and a downstream side communicating with the inside of the water tank 13 and the inside of the rotating tank 14. The air in the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 circulates through the exhaust duct 26, the case 20, and the air supply duct 27 as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. 3. In this case, an air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14, in this case, a circulation air path, is formed by each of the exhaust duct 26, the case 20, and the air supply duct 27.

  The first filter 21 and the second filter 22 are provided in order from the upstream side in the filter case portion 201. For example, the second filter 22 is finer than the first filter 21. In this case, relatively large foreign matter such as lint is captured by the first filter 21, and relatively small foreign matter that has escaped by the first filter 21 is captured by the second filter 22.

  The blower device 23 is a so-called sirocco fan having a plurality of blades, for example, and includes a blower blade 231 and a fan motor 232. The air blowing blade 231 is provided on the upstream side in the fan case portion 202, that is, in the vicinity of the connection portion with the filter case portion 201 in the fan case portion 202. In this case, the blower blades 231 are provided in the air path. The blower device 23 blows air on the filter case unit 201 side to the heater case unit 203 side based on rotation of the blower blade 231 by the fan motor 232. In addition, a discharge port 204 that connects the fan case unit 202 and the outside is formed in the middle of the fan case unit 202, and a damper 28 that opens and closes the discharge port 204 is provided. When the blower 23 is driven with the discharge port 204 opened, a part of the air blown from the blower 23 is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 204 as indicated by an arrow D.

  The heater 24 and the thermistor 25 are provided in order from the upstream side in the heater case portion 203. The heater 24 heats the air in the heater case portion 203. Further, the thermistor 25 detects the temperature of air in the heater case portion 203. Thus, the air blown from the fan case unit 202 by driving the blower 23 is heated to a temperature suitable for drying the laundry by the heater 24 and the thermistor 25.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing machine 10 includes a mist generating device (generating means) 29. The mist generating device 29 is a so-called electrostatic atomizing device, and generates, for example, mist (substance) having a sterilizing action, in this case, a mist containing hydroxy radicals, using electrostatic atomization. The mist also has an action such as deodorization. As shown in FIG. 2, the mist generating device 29 is provided on the upper right side of the outer box 12 and is housed inside the top cover 11, that is, inside the peripheral wall of the frame body 111.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the mist generating device 29 is configured by accommodating a power supply unit 31 and an atomizing unit 32 inside an outer case 30. The power supply unit 31 is arranged at the front part (left side part in FIG. 4) of the outer case 30, and the atomization unit 32 is arranged at the rear part (right side part in FIG. 4). Further, the power supply unit 31 and the atomization unit 32 are adjacent to each other. Although details will be described later, the power supply unit 31 outputs a negative high voltage (high voltage) of about −4 kV to −5 kV, for example, to the atomization unit 32. In the outer case 30, an opening 301 is formed between the power supply unit 31 and the atomization unit 32. In this case, as shown by an arrow E in FIGS. 3 and 4, outside air is taken into the outer case 30 through the opening 301.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the atomization unit 32 is configured to accommodate a mist generating unit 34, a water supply unit 35, and the like in an atomization unit case 33. The atomization unit case 33 includes an upper case 331 and a lower case 332 that are divided into upper and lower parts. The connection portion between the upper case 331 and the lower case 332 is configured as a so-called labyrinth structure in which the upper portion of the lower case 332 enters the inside of the lower portion of the upper case 331. Thereby, water droplets generated outside the atomizing unit case 33 are prevented from entering the atomizing unit case 33 from the connecting portion between the upper case 331 and the lower case 332.

  A mist generation chamber 36 and a mist discharge chamber 37 are formed in the atomization unit case 33. The mist discharge chamber 37 is provided side by side with the mist generation chamber 36 in the lateral direction, in this case in the horizontal direction, and communicates with the mist generation chamber 36. The bottom surface of the mist generating chamber 36 is positioned below the bottom surface of the mist discharge chamber 37. In the atomizing unit case 33, an upper intake port 333 and a lower intake port 334 positioned below the upper intake port 333 are formed in a front side portion (left side portion in FIG. 4) of the mist generating chamber 36. The outside air taken into the outer case 30 from the opening 301 is taken into the mist generating chamber 36 from the upper intake port 333 and the lower intake port 334 as indicated by arrows F and G in FIG.

  The mist generating part 34 is provided in the lower part of the mist generating chamber 36. Specifically, the mist generating unit 34 includes a water retaining member 38, a conductive member 39, and a plurality of mist emitting electrodes 40 (corresponding to electrodes). In this case, the water retaining member 38, the conductive member 39, and the plurality of mist emitting electrodes 40 are arranged in this order from the bottom side of the mist generating chamber 36 upward.

  The water retention member 38 is composed of a porous material, for example, a felt material composed of resin fibers such as polyester, a resin foam having minute open cells, and the like, and has water absorption and water retention. The water retaining member 38 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape, and is disposed above the bottom surface in the mist generating chamber 36, and a part thereof is disposed along the side surface of the lower portion in the mist generating chamber 36. ing.

  The conductive member 39 is, for example, a mixture of resin fibers such as polyester and carbon fibers as a conductive substance, or a resin foam having fine open cells added with carbon powder as a conductive substance. It has water absorption, water retention and electrical conductivity. The conductive member 39 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape and is provided on the upper side of the water retention member 38. The conductive member 39 is electrically connected to the high voltage output terminal of the power supply unit 31 via a cable (not shown). Thereby, the high voltage output from the power supply unit 31 is applied to the conductive member 39.

  The mist emitting electrode 40 is made of, for example, a twisted resin fiber such as polyester and a carbon fiber as a conductive material, and has water absorption, water retention, water uptake characteristics and conductivity. In this case, platinum nanocolloid may be supported on the mist emitting electrode 40. The mist emitting electrode 40 is formed in a pin shape extending in the vertical direction, and is provided through the support member 41 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the mist emission electrode 40 is supported by the support member 41. In this case, the support member 41 is provided with four mist emission electrodes 40 (two are shown in FIG. 4).

  The upper part of the mist emission electrode 40 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support member 41, tapers upward, and its tip is formed into a smooth curved surface. Further, the lower part of the mist emitting electrode 40 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support member 41. In this case, the mist emitting electrode 40 has a bottom surface and a part of the lower outer peripheral surface in contact with the conductive member 39 (not shown). Thereby, the mist emitting electrode 40 sucks up the water retained in the water retaining member 38 through the conductive member 39. Further, a negative high voltage output from the power supply unit 31 is applied to the mist emitting electrode 40 via the conductive member 39.

  The mist discharge electrode 40 generates an electrostatic atomization phenomenon when a negative high voltage is applied in a state of containing water therein. That is, when a negative high voltage is applied to the mist emission electrode 40 in a state where water is retained inside, charges are concentrated on the tip of the mist emission electrode 40. The electric charge concentrated on the tip of the mist emitting electrode 40 gives energy exceeding the surface tension to the water contained in the tip. Then, at the tip of the mist emitting electrode 40, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs in which water given energy causes Rayleigh splitting and splits into fine mist-like particles. At this time, water particles that contain hydroxy radicals and are negatively charged, that is, mist, are released from the tip of the mist emission electrode 40. The mist exhibits effects such as sterilization and deodorization by the strong oxidizing action of hydroxy radicals.

  In this case, the mist generating unit 34 is not provided with a counter electrode corresponding to the mist emitting electrode 40. Therefore, the discharge from the mist emitting electrode 40 becomes very gentle. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful gases, such as ozone, can be suppressed, without generating corona discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode.

  The water supply unit 35 is provided above the mist generation unit 34 in the upper portion of the mist generation chamber 36. Specifically, the water supply unit 35 is a Peltier module, and includes a Peltier element 42, a cooling plate 43, a radiator 44, and the like. In this case, the cooling plate 43 is provided below the Peltier element 42, and the radiator 44 is provided above the Peltier element 42.

  The Peltier element 42 is configured in a plate shape by joining two kinds of metal pieces constituting the cooling surface 421 and the heat generating surface 422. When a voltage is applied to the Peltier element 42, a Peltier effect is generated in which heat is transferred from the cooling surface 421 side to the heat generating surface 422 side, whereby the cooling surface 421 is cooled and the heat generating surface 422 generates heat. The Peltier element 42 is provided with the cooling surface 421 facing downward, that is, toward the mist emission electrode 40 side, and the heating surface 422 facing upward. A cooling plate 43 is provided below the Peltier element 42 in contact with the cooling surface 421. The cooling plate 43 is made of a metal plate having a high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The Peltier element 42 and the cooling plate 43 are held inside the holding member 45. The holding member 45 is made of, for example, a resin having excellent insulating properties and heat resistance.

  An insulating sheet 46 is provided on the lower surface of the cooling plate 43. The insulating sheet 46 is made of, for example, a polyester film having a thickness of about 50 μm, and is excellent in water resistance and heat resistance in addition to electrical insulating edge properties. The insulating sheet 46 is formed in a sheet shape larger than the cooling plate 43, and has an adhesive surface on one surface thereof, that is, the surface on the cooling plate 43 side, and is attached to the lower surface of the cooling plate 43. As described above, the insulating sheet 46 covers the lower surface of the cooling plate 43 to electrically insulate the cooling plate 43 and the mist emitting electrode 40. That is, the insulating sheet 46 electrically insulates between the mist generating part 34 and the Peltier element 42. In this case, the insulating sheet 46 functions as an electrical insulating portion.

  A radiator 44 is provided on the upper side of the Peltier element 42. The radiator 44 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The radiator 44 is integrally formed with a pedestal portion 441 and a plurality of heat radiation portions 442. The pedestal portion 441 is formed in a plate shape parallel to the heat generating surface 422 of the Peltier element 42 and is provided close to or in contact with the heat generating surface 422. The heat dissipating part 442 is formed in a plate shape and is provided at a right angle to the pedestal part 441.

  In this configuration, when a voltage is applied to the Peltier element 42, the Peltier element 42 cools the cooling surface 421 and generates heat at the heat generating surface 422 due to the Peltier effect. The heat generated on the heat generating surface 422 is transmitted from the base portion 441 of the radiator 44 to the heat radiating portion 442 and is radiated from the heat radiating portion 442 to the air. In this case, the air taken into the upper part of the mist generating chamber 36 from the upper intake port 333 flows between the plurality of heat radiating portions 442, so that the heat transmitted to the heat radiating portions 442 is efficiently radiated into the air.

  On the other hand, the Peltier element 42 cools the air around the insulating sheet 46 via the cooling plate 43 and the insulating sheet 46 when the cooling surface 421 is cooled. Then, moisture in the surrounding air is condensed on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 to generate water droplets. The condensed water is supplied to the mist discharge electrode 40 as mist generation water. In this way, the water supply unit 35 supplies the dew condensation water generated in the insulating sheet 46 by driving the Peltier element 42 to the mist discharge electrode 40 of the mist generation unit 34 as mist generation water. In this case, water drops can be efficiently generated by taking fresh outside air from the lower intake port 334 into the lower part of the mist generating chamber 36.

  The dimension between the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 and the tip of the mist emitting electrode 40 is the same as that in the case where the mist emitting electrode 40 does not exist below the insulating sheet 46 and the water droplets generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 fall by its own weight. Is set to a size sufficiently smaller than the vertical dimension of the water droplet, for example, about 0.5 mm. Thereby, the water droplet generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 comes into contact with the tip of the mist emitting electrode 40 and is sucked into the mist emitting electrode 40 before it grows to the size of dropping due to its own weight. The size of water droplets generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 varies depending on the surface state of the insulating sheet 46, for example, roughness and wettability. Therefore, it is preferable that the dimension between the lower surface of the insulating sheet 46 and the tip of the mist emitting electrode 40 is appropriately changed according to characteristics such as the surface state of the insulating sheet 46.

  The lower wall of the mist generating chamber 36, that is, the lower case 332, has a water drain port 361 that penetrates the lower case 332 in the vertical direction. In the mist generating chamber 36, the water drain port 361 is located on the opposite side of the mist emitting chamber 37 with respect to the mist emitting electrode 40 of the mist generating portion 34, and is in the mist generating chamber 36 and outside, in this case, the outer case 30 It communicates with the inside. When water exceeding the water retention allowable amount of the water retaining member 38 is generated in the mist generating chamber 36, the water is discharged below the atomization unit 32 through the water drain port 361 and further dropped onto the bottom surface in the outer case 30. Evaporate.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the atomizing unit case 33 has a connecting portion 47, a protruding portion 48, and an outer cylinder portion 49. The connecting portion 47, the protruding portion 48, and the outer cylinder portion 49 are formed integrally with the upper case 331. Specifically, the connection portion 47 is formed in a tubular shape, and one end of the tubular shape extending in a substantially horizontal direction is bent at a right angle and connected to the upper wall of the mist discharge chamber 37, that is, the upper side of the upper case 331. . One end of the connecting portion 47 opens downward in the mist discharge chamber 37. Further, the other end of the connecting portion 47 is connected to one end of the connecting pipe 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the connection pipe 50 is connected to the case 20 that forms an air passage. In this case, the other end of the connection pipe 50 is connected between the first filter 21 and the second filter 22 in the filter case portion 201. Thereby, the other end of the connecting portion 47 is connected to the upstream side of the blower blade 231 in the case 20 that forms the air passage via the connecting pipe 50.

  The protrusion 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the protruding portion 48 is provided to protrude downward in the mist discharge chamber 37 from the ceiling surface in the mist discharge chamber 37, that is, the lower surface of the mist discharge chamber 37 portion of the upper case 331. ing. The protrusion 48 has an inner peripheral surface that is smoothly continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 47. The protrusion 48 communicates the inside of the mist discharge chamber 37 and the inside of the connecting portion 47. That is, the inside of the mist discharge chamber 37 communicates with the case 20 via the protruding portion 48, the connecting portion 47, and the connecting pipe 50. In this case, the inner diameter of the protruding portion 48 matches the inner diameter of the connecting portion 47, but the inner diameter of the protruding portion 48 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 47.

  The lower end of the protrusion 48 is spaced apart from the bottom surface in the mist discharge chamber 37, that is, the upper surface of the mist discharge chamber 37 portion of the lower case 332, larger than a predetermined dimension. In this case, the predetermined dimension means a vertical dimension of the water droplet when the water droplet generated by condensation or the like grows to a size immediately before dropping by its own weight at the lower end portion of the protrusion 48. Yes. This predetermined dimension is determined based on the surface condition of the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 48, for example, characteristics such as roughness and wettability. In the case of this embodiment, the lower end portion of the protrusion 48 is separated from the bottom surface of the mist discharge chamber 37 by, for example, 5 mm or more.

  The outer cylinder portion 49 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the protruding portion 48. The outer cylinder portion 49 is provided so as to protrude from the ceiling surface in the mist discharge chamber 37 downward in the mist discharge chamber 37 to the same extent as the protrusion amount of the protrusion 48. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 49 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 48. Thereby, a gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 49 and the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 48. The gap communicates with the inside of the mist discharge chamber 37 on the lower side. Thus, the outer cylinder part 49 surrounds the outer periphery of the protrusion part 48 in a spaced manner.

  The atomization unit case 33 has a partition wall 51. The partition wall 51 is formed integrally with the lower case 332. Specifically, the partition wall 51 is the bottom surface in the mist discharge chamber 37, that is, the upper surface of the lower case 332 on the mist discharge chamber 37 side, and is closer to the mist generation chamber 36 side than the opening of the connection portion 47. Is located. In this case, the partition wall 51 is located closer to the mist generation chamber 36 than the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 49. The partition wall 51 is formed in a plate shape, and connects both side surfaces in the lower part in the mist discharge chamber 37, that is, both left and right surfaces in the mist discharge chamber 37 side portion of the lower case 332. Therefore, the lower part of the mist discharge chamber 37 is divided into front and rear by the partition wall 51. In this case, in the lower part of the mist discharge chamber 37, the rear side of the partition wall 51, that is, the connection portion 47 side, forms a water storage section 52 surrounded by the partition wall 51 and the inner surface of the lower case 332.

  FIG. 5 shows a part of the electrical configuration of the washing machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, AC power is supplied to the washing machine 10 from a commercial AC power supply 61 of, for example, a single phase 100 V via a relay 62. The AC power is supplied to the DC power supply circuits 63 and 64, the heater 24 and the power supply unit 31. The relay 62 is for self-holding, and its driving is controlled by a control device (not shown). When power supply to the washing machine 10 is started by operating the operation unit of the operation panel 114 by the user, the control device is activated to turn on the relay 62. Thus, the supply of AC power to the washing machine 10 is continued until the control device turns off the relay 62 by itself.

  The DC power supply circuit 63 includes a rectifier 66 and a capacitor 67. The rectifier 66 is configured by connecting, for example, four diodes in a bridge shape. One input terminal of the rectifier 66 is connected to one output terminal of the AC power supply 61 through the AC bus 68 and the relay 62. The other input terminal of the rectifier 66 is connected to the other output terminal of the AC power supply 61 through the AC bus 69. Each output terminal of the rectifier 66 is connected to the DC buses 70 and 71, respectively. A smoothing capacitor 67 is connected between the DC buses 70 and 71. With such a configuration, the DC power supply circuit 63 rectifies and smoothes the input alternating current to convert it to direct current, and outputs it through the direct current buses 70 and 71. The direct current output from the direct current power supply circuit 63 is supplied to the fan motor 232 and the motor drive circuit 72 of the hot air supply device 19. The motor drive circuit 72 controls the drive of the fan motor 232 by controlling the power supply from the DC buses 70 and 71 to the fan motor 232 in accordance with a control command given from a control device (not shown).

  One terminal of the heater 24 of the hot air supply device 19 is connected to the AC bus 68. The other terminal of the heater 24 is connected to the AC bus 69 via the relay 73. Opening and closing of the contact portion of the relay 73 is controlled by a control device (not shown). Specifically, the control device controls the relay 73 so as to close the contact portion when the heater 24 is energized. Further, the control device controls the relay 73 so as to open the contact portion when the energization to the heater 24 is stopped.

  The DC power supply circuit 64 includes a rectifier 74 and a capacitor 75. The rectifier 74 has the same configuration as the rectifier 66. One input terminal of the rectifier 74 is connected to one output terminal of the AC power supply 61 through the AC bus 68 and the relay 62. The other input terminal of the rectifier 74 is connected to the other output terminal of the AC power supply 61 through the AC bus 69. The output terminals of the rectifier 74 are connected to the DC buses 76 and 77, respectively. A smoothing capacitor 75 is connected between the DC buses 76 and 77. With such a configuration, the DC power supply circuit 64 rectifies and smoothes the input alternating current to convert it to direct current, and outputs it through the direct current buses 76 and 77. The direct current output from the direct current power supply circuit 64 is supplied to the control power supply circuit 78 and the Peltier power supply circuit 79.

  The control power supply circuit 78 steps down the DC voltage output from the DC power supply circuit 64 to a predetermined voltage value, and outputs the reduced voltage as a control voltage. The control voltage output from the control power supply circuit 78 is supplied to the thermistor 25 and the damper 28 of the hot air supply device 19.

  The Peltier power supply circuit 79 steps down the DC voltage output from the DC power supply circuit 64 to a predetermined voltage value, and outputs the reduced voltage as a Peltier voltage. The Peltier voltage output from the Peltier power supply circuit 79 is applied to the Peltier element 42 of the mist generating device 29 through a pair of DC buses 80 and 81. However, a relay 82 (corresponding to an output cutoff switch) is provided so as to be interposed in series with respect to the pair of DC buses 80 and 81.

  The relay 82 has a so-called double cut configuration. That is, the relay 82 includes two contact portions 82 a and 82 b interposed between the positive and negative output terminals of the Peltier power supply circuit 79 and the input terminals of the Peltier element 42. Opening and closing of the contact portions 82a and 82b of the relay 82 is controlled by a control device (not shown). Specifically, when executing the application of the Peltier voltage to the Peltier element 42, the control device controls the relay 82 so as to close both the contact portions 82a and 82b. Further, the control device controls the relay 82 to open both the contact portions 82a and 82b when stopping the application of the Peltier voltage to the Peltier element 42.

  The power supply unit 31 includes a high-voltage power supply circuit 83 and phototriacs 84 and 85 (corresponding to input cutoff switches). Each input terminal of the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 is connected to AC buses 68 and 69 via phototriacs 84 and 85. The driving of the phototriacs 84 and 85 is controlled by a control device (not shown). The high-voltage power supply circuit 83 includes a booster circuit that boosts an AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply 61 through the AC buses 68 and 69. The high-voltage power supply circuit 83 generates a pulsed voltage having the frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) of the commercial AC power supply. The pulse voltage generated by the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 is a high voltage having a high peak value of about −4 kV to −5 kV (voltage value between ground).

  The high voltage output from the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 is applied to the conductive member 39 of the mist generator 29 and, consequently, the mist emission electrode 40. When executing a high voltage application to the mist emitting electrode 40, the control device energizes each input-side element (photodiode) so that each output-side element (triac) of the phototriacs 84 and 85 is in a conductive state. Control. Further, when stopping the application of the high voltage to the mist emitting electrode 40, the control device controls energization to each input side element so that each output side element of the phototriacs 84 and 85 is in a non-conductive state.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When the mold protection course (dedicated course) is set by the user operating the operation panel 114, the control device (not shown) performs washing, rinsing, dehydration, and mold protection operation (sterilization and deodorization operation). Operation is performed sequentially. The mold protection operation will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is an operation timing chart when the mold protection operation is performed. (A) is a driving state of the fan motor 232, (b) is a driving state of the Peltier element 42, and (c) is an operation of the high voltage power supply circuit 83. The state, (d) shows the driving state of the heater 24, (e) shows the operating state of the rotating tub 14, (f) the operating state of the damper 28, and (g) the operating state of the lid locking device. The lid locking device is a device that locks or unlocks the closed state of the outer lid 112. The lid locking device includes a lock mechanism and a solenoid (not shown) and is controlled by a control device (not shown). The mold protection operation is executed for a set time, for example, about 45 minutes.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when starting the mold protection operation, the control device first starts (turns on) driving the fan motor 232 of the blower device 23, starts driving (turns on) the Peltier element 42, and Then, the closed state of the outer lid 112 is locked by the lid locking device (time t1 in FIG. 6). By driving the Peltier element 42, water for generating mist is supplied to the mist emitting electrode 40. In this case, due to the negative pressure in the filter case portion 201 generated by the air blowing action of the blower 23, the mist is generated from the upper intake port 333 and the lower intake port 334 into the mist generating chamber 36 as shown by arrows F and G. An air flow toward the discharge chamber 37 is generated. The air taken in from the upper intake port 333 passes between the plurality of heat radiation portions 442 of the heat radiator 44 and cools the heat radiator 44. Thereby, the heat generating surface 422 of the Peltier element 42 is cooled.

  Water supply from the water supply unit 35 to the mist generation unit 34 is continued for a predetermined time Ta (for example, about 10 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Ta, the control device stops (turns off) driving of the Peltier element 42 and ends the water supply to the mist generating unit 34 (time t2 in FIG. 6). At this time, driving of the blower 23 (fan motor 232) and locking of the outer lid 112 closed by the lid locking device are continued. Further, at the time t1 when the driving of the Peltier element 42 is started (energization is started), there is a large amount of atmospheric water vapor after the dehydration operation, and a sufficient amount of condensed water is supplied using the Peltier element 42. be able to.

  And the drive of the high voltage power supply circuit 83 is not started during the period from the time t2 when the water supply is finished to the time (time t3 in FIG. 6) when a predetermined waiting time Tb (for example, about 5 minutes) elapses. That is, neither the application of the Peltier voltage to the Peltier element 42 nor the application of the high voltage to the mist emission electrode 40 is performed during the period from time t2 to time t3.

  After the standby time Tb has elapsed, the control device starts (turns on) the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 and starts applying a negative high voltage to the mist emission electrode 40 (time t3 in FIG. 6). In this case, the discharge port 304 of the fan case unit 202 is closed by the damper 28. When a negative high voltage is applied to the mist emitting electrode 40, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs at the tip portion, and mist having actions such as sterilization and deodorization is generated. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the filter case portion 201 in the case 20 by the blowing action of the blower 23. Mist generated at the mist discharge electrode 40 flows to the mist discharge chamber 37 as shown by an arrow H in FIG. 4 due to the negative pressure, and further, as shown by an arrow I in FIGS. Then, the air is sucked into the fan case portion 202 through the connecting pipe 50.

  The mist sucked into the fan case unit 202 is supplied from the air supply port 16 into the rotary tank 14 by the air blowing action of the air blowing device 23. Thus, the mist generated in the mist generating unit 34 is supplied into the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 through the air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14, that is, in the case 20. The laundry in the rotating tub 14 is sterilized and deodorized by touching the mist, and sterilized and deodorized by touching the inner peripheral surface of the water tub 13 and the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating tub 14 with the mist.

  Application of a high voltage to the mist emitting electrode 40 is continued for a predetermined time Tc (for example, about 15 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Tc, the control device stops (turns off) the driving of the high voltage power supply circuit 83 and stops the application of the high voltage to the mist emitting electrode 40 (time t4 in FIG. 6).

  Subsequently, at the time t4, the heater 24 starts to be driven (turned on), and the rotating tank 14 is started to rotate in the forward and reverse directions (turned on). Further, the damper 28 is driven to open the discharge port 204. Thereby, the drying operation which dries the inner peripheral surface of the water tank 13, the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating tub 14, the laundry in the rotating tub 14, and the like is started.

  When the drying operation is started, the air in the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 circulates in the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 and in the case 20 by the air blowing action when the blower 23 is driven. . That is, the air in the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 is sucked into the filter case part 201 from the exhaust port 15 through the exhaust duct 26 by the blowing action of the blower 23. Then, the air sucked into the filter case part 201 passes through the fan case part 202 and the heater case part 203 and is blown again from the air supply port 16 into the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 through the air supply duct 27. .

  At this time, foreign matters such as lint contained in the air are removed when passing through the first filter 21 and the second filter 22 in the filter case portion 201. Further, the air blown by the blower 23 is heated by the heater 24 when passing through the heater case portion 203. Thereby, the warm air for drying is supplied from the air supply port 16. The inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating tub 14, the inner peripheral surface of the water tub 13, and the laundry in the rotating tub 14 are dried by exchanging heat with the warm air and deprived of moisture. The air containing moisture after finishing the drying action is sucked into the filter case part 201 again by the blowing action of the blower 23.

  In this case, a negative pressure is generated in the filter case portion 201 on the upstream side of the blower 23 by the blower action of the blower 23. Due to the negative pressure, outside air is taken into the filter case 201. That is, the outside air enters the outer case 30 from the opening 301 of the outer case 30, and further enters the atomization unit case 33 from the upper intake port 333 and the lower intake port 334 of the atomization unit case 33. Then, in the atomizing unit case 33, the air passes through the mist generation chamber 36, the mist discharge chamber 37 and the connection portion 47, and further passes through the connection pipe 50 and is sucked into the filter case portion 201. At this time, the dew condensation water existing in the connection part 47 and the connection pipe 50 evaporates due to the air flowing through the connection part 47 and the connection pipe 50.

  On the other hand, a part of the air blown downstream by the blower 23 is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 204 in the fan case portion 202. Thereby, a part of the air containing moisture after finishing the drying operation is discharged to the outside. In this way, a part of the air circulating in the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 and the case 20 is replaced with fresh outside air.

  The driving of the heater 24, the driving of the blower 23, the forward / reverse rotation driving of the rotating tub 14, and the opening driving of the damper 28 are continued for a predetermined time Td (for example, about 15 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Td, the control device stops (turns off) the driving of the heater 24, stops (turns off) the blowing device 23, and stops (turns off) the forward / reverse rotation driving of the rotating tank 14. Then, the damper 28 is closed, and the lock of the closed state of the outer lid 112 by the lid locking device is released (time t5 in FIG. 6). Thereby, the mold protection operation is completed. The predetermined times Ta, Tc, Td and the standby time Tb are not limited to the above-described example, and can be changed as appropriate. However, it is desirable that the predetermined time Tc is set to be longer than the predetermined time Ta.

  According to this embodiment having the above-described configuration, mist and warm air are supplied into the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 to disinfect, deodorize, and dry the laundry in the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14 and the rotating tank 14. When a mold protection operation (sterilization and deodorization operation) is performed, mist generation operation for generating mist from the mist generator 29 and air flow through the air passage communicating with the heaters 24 into the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 are performed. Since the heating operation for heating the mist is performed separately, it is possible to prevent the mist from disappearing due to the heat of the heater 24 or the heat of the air passage heated by the heater 24. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the mold protection operation is executed, the mist generation operation for generating mist from the mist generator 29 is performed by the heater 24 through the air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14. Since the configuration is such that the heating operation is performed before the heating operation, it is possible to more reliably prevent the mist from disappearing due to the heat of the heater 24 or the heat of the air passage heated by the heater 24.

  Moreover, according to the said embodiment, since it comprised so that the Peltier device 42 might be supplied with electricity and the mist generator 29 may be supplied when the amount of atmospheric water vapor after dehydration operation is large, a sufficient amount of water is supplied. can do.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st Embodiment. In the second embodiment, the heating operation (drying operation) by the heater 24 is executed at the start of the mold protection operation.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the control device starts the mold protection operation, first, at time t <b> 11, the control device starts (turns on) driving the fan motor 232 of the blower device 23 and drives the heater 24. Is started (turned on). In addition, the forward / reverse rotation driving of the rotating tub 14 is started (turned on), the damper 28 is driven to open the discharge port 204, and the closed state of the outer lid 112 is locked by the lid locking device. Thereby, the drying operation which dries the inner peripheral surface of the water tank 13, the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating tub 14, the laundry in the rotating tub 14, and the like is started.

  The driving of the heater 24, the driving of the blower 23, the forward / reverse rotation driving of the rotating tub 14, and the opening driving of the damper 28 are continued for a predetermined time Te (for example, about 15 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Te, the control device stops (turns off) the heater 24, stops (turns off) the forward / reverse rotation drive of the rotating tub 14, and closes the damper 28 (time t12 in FIG. 7). . The driving of the blower 23 and the locked state of the closed state of the outer lid 112 by the lid locking device are continued.

  Then, the driving of the Peltier element 42 is started during a period from the time t12 when the drying operation is finished to a time (a time t13 in FIG. 7) when a predetermined cooling time Tf (for example, a time of about 10 minutes to 30 minutes) elapses. The driving of the blower 23 is not continued. That is, during the period of time t12 to t13, the heat of the heater 24 and the heat of the air path heated by the heater 24 can be radiated by the air blowing action by the air blower 23, and the heater 24 and the air path can be cooled.

  Thereafter, after the elapse of the cooling time Tf, the control device starts (turns on) driving of the Peltier element 42 at time t13 in FIG. By driving the Peltier element 42, water for generating mist is supplied to the mist emitting electrode 40. Water supply from the water supply unit 35 to the mist generation unit 34 is continued for a predetermined time Ta (for example, about 10 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Ta, the control device stops (turns off) driving of the Peltier element 42 and ends the water supply to the mist generating unit 34 (time t14 in FIG. 7). At this time, driving of the blower 23 (fan motor 232) and locking of the outer lid 112 closed by the lid locking device are continued.

  Then, the driving of the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 is not started during a period from the time t14 when the water supply is finished to a time (time t15 in FIG. 6) when a predetermined standby time Tb (for example, about 5 minutes) elapses. That is, neither the application of the Peltier voltage to the Peltier element 42 nor the application of the high voltage to the mist emission electrode 40 is performed during the period of time t14 to t15.

  Subsequently, after the elapse of the standby time Tb, the control device starts (turns on) driving of the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 and starts applying a negative high voltage to the mist emission electrode 40 (time t15 in FIG. 7). In this case, the discharge port 304 of the fan case unit 202 is closed by the damper 28. When a negative high voltage is applied to the mist emitting electrode 40, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs at the tip portion, and mist having actions such as sterilization and deodorization is generated. The mist is supplied into the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 through the air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14, that is, the case 20, by the air blowing action of the blower 23. The laundry in the rotating tub 14 is sterilized and deodorized by touching the mist, and further, sterilized and deodorized by touching the inner peripheral surface of the water tub 13 and the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotating tub 14 with the mist. .

  Application of a high voltage to the mist emitting electrode 40 is continued for a predetermined time Tc (for example, about 15 minutes). After the elapse of the predetermined time Tc, the control device stops (turns off) the driving of the high voltage power supply circuit 83 and stops the application of the high voltage to the mist emission electrode 40 (time t16 in FIG. 7). Further, the driving of the blower 23 (fan motor 232) is stopped, and the lock of the closed state of the outer lid 112 by the lid locking device is released. Thereby, the mold protection operation is completed. Each time (length) of the predetermined times Te, Tf, Ta, Tb, and Tc is not limited to the above example, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The configuration of the second embodiment other than that described above is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, substantially the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, according to the second embodiment, when the mold protection operation is performed, the heating operation for heating the air passing through the air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotary tank 14 by the heater 24 is performed from the mist generating device 29. When executed before the mist generating operation for generating mist, a cooling time Tf (for example, 10) for radiating the heat of the heater 24 and the heat of the air path heated by the heater 24 between the heating operation and the mist generating operation. Therefore, even if the heating operation is performed prior to the mist generation operation, the mist is generated by the heat of the heater 24 or the heat of the air passage heated by the heater 24. It can be prevented from disappearing.

(Other embodiments)
In addition to the plurality of embodiments described above, the following configuration may be added.
A mist generating device 29 is disposed upstream of the heater 24 in the air passage communicating with the water tank 13 and the rotating tub 14 (that is, the mist generated by the mist generating device 29 is supplied to the upstream side of the heater 24. However, instead of this, a mist generating device 29 is arranged on the downstream side of the heater 24 (that is, the mist generated by the mist generating device 29 is supplied to the downstream side of the heater 24). Also good. In addition, the mist generated by the mist generating device 29 is supplied to the upstream side of the blower device 23. Instead, the mist is generated by the mist generating device 29 between the blower device 23 and the heater 24. You may comprise so that the made mist may be supplied.

  The operation timing of each part when the mold protection operation is performed is not limited to that shown in each of the above embodiments, and the Peltier element 42 is driven in a state where the heater 24 and the air path are not heated. The timing can be appropriately changed as long as the driving of the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 is sequentially executed.

  In the first embodiment, the water supply operation is performed by energizing the Peltier element 42 at the beginning of the mold protection operation, that is, after the dehydration operation is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and washing, rinsing, and dehydration are performed. In a state where the amount of atmospheric water vapor during each operation is large, the Peltier element 42 may be energized to appropriately perform the water supply operation. Also in this configuration, the energization time of the Peltier element 42 is preferably about 10 minutes, for example.

  The mold protection operation is configured to be executed continuously after the dehydration operation. Instead, after the dehydration operation, the washing operation is temporarily terminated, and the user removes the laundry from the rotating tub 14, and then the mold protection operation is performed. You may comprise so that the exclusive course which performs may be provided independently.

  Although the configuration is such that the end of the mold protection operation is controlled by a predetermined set time, instead of this, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the space between the water tank 13 and the rotating tank 14, A sensor for detecting whether or not the peripheral surface is wet with water or the like may be provided, and the end of the mold protection operation may be controlled based on detection signals from these sensors.

  Substances such as ions, radicals, and ozone may be used as the substance having a sterilizing action, and a generator (generating means) that generates such a substance having a sterilizing action may be provided. Moreover, the substance having a sterilizing action may have an action such as deodorization.

  Instead of the double-cut relay 82, two semiconductor switching elements (for example, a bipolar transistor, a power MOSFET, etc.) having a sufficiently high breakdown voltage with respect to the high voltage output from the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 may be used. In that case, what is necessary is just to set it as the structure which two semiconductor switching elements interpose in series with DC bus 80,81.

  Instead of the photo triacs 84 and 85, a double-cut relay may be used. In that case, even if one contact portion of the relay is welded, the power supply to the high-voltage power supply circuit 83 can be stopped by controlling the other contact portion. Moreover, the structure which provides only any one of the photo triacs 84 and 85, or the structure using the relay of a one-sided structure may be sufficient.

  Instead of the high voltage power supply circuit 83, the AC voltage supplied from the AC power supply 61 is rectified and boosted to generate a constant high voltage, or the input DC voltage is boosted to generate a constant high voltage. You may use what is called DC type, such as a high voltage power circuit to generate.

The washing machine 10 may be a so-called drum type washing machine in which the central axis of the water tub 13 and the rotation axis of the rotary tub 14 are horizontal or inclined.
The mist generating device 29 is applicable not only to the washing machine 10 having a drying function but also to a clothes dryer.

During the mold protection operation, the rotating tub 14 may be stationary, or may be rotated in one direction or forward / reverse direction by driving a motor.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 10 is a washing machine (washing and drying machine), 11 is a top cover, 12 is an outer box, 13 is a water tank, 14 is a rotating tank, 19 is a hot air supply device, 20 is a case, 23 is a blower, and 24 is Heater, 28 is a damper, 29 is a mist generating device (generating means), 30 is an outer case, 31 is a power supply unit, 32 is an atomizing unit, 34 is a mist generating unit, 35 is a water supply unit, 40 is a mist discharge electrode, 42 Indicates a Peltier element.

Claims (1)

A tub for storing and washing laundry,
An air passage communicating with the tank;
A blower that is provided in the air passage and blows air into the tank;
A heating unit that is provided in the air passage and heats the air passing through the air passage to supply hot air for drying into the tank;
A generating means for generating a substance having a sterilizing action ;
A damper that opens and closes an opening provided to communicate with the outside of the air passage ;
Supplying the substance generated from the generating means into the air passage, and supplying the substance into the tank by the blowing action of the blower;
When the sterilization and deodorizing operation for sterilizing, deodorizing and drying the inside of the tub and the laundry by supplying the substance and the warm air into the tub is generated, the substance is generated from the generating means. The generating operation is configured to be executed before the heating operation of heating the air passing through the air path by the heating unit,
When performing the generating operation to generate the substance from the generating means, the damper is closed with the blower turned on,
A washing / drying machine configured to open the damper with the air blower turned on when performing a heating operation for heating the air passing through the air passage by the heating unit .

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