JPWO2014016879A1 - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing / drying machine of the present invention comprises a water tank (340), a rotating drum (330), a first drainage path, a drainage valve (620), a heat exchanger (420), and a heat exchanger (420). A watering mechanism for cleaning, a second drainage path, and a control unit are provided. Then, the control unit, at the time of draining at least one of the washing step or the rinsing step, at least before the draining end step in the draining start step for opening the drain valve (620) and the draining end step for closing the drain valve (620). Control to end watering from the watering mechanism. This prevents the drainage path from being clogged by foreign matter contained in the washing water that has washed the heat exchanger (420).

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine.

  In recent years, washing / drying machines having a drying function for drying clothes as well as a washing function for washing clothes have been widely used.

  The washing and drying machine circulates hot and dry air (hereinafter referred to as “dry air”) in the casing to dry the clothes. For this reason, the washing / drying machine includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air circulating in the housing, and produces dry air. And dry air is introduce | transduced in a washing tub and collides with the clothing in a washing tub. As a result, moisture contained in the clothing is taken away by the dry air. Thereafter, the air deprived of moisture from the clothing returns to the heat exchanger again and circulates by repeating the above operation.

  At this time, dust such as lint and hair separated from the clothes due to contact with the clothes may float and be mixed in the dry air returned to the heat exchanger.

  For this reason, the washing / drying machine is usually provided with a filter for removing dust contained in the air toward the heat exchanger. At this time, much dust is removed by the filter, but part of the dust passes through the filter and adheres to the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases due to dust adhering to the heat exchanger.

  Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, a technique has been proposed in which water is sprayed on the heat exchanger and dust is removed (for example, see Patent Document 1). As a result, dust adhering to the heat exchanger is removed to prevent an excessive decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

  Below, the washing | cleaning of the heat exchanger of the conventional washing dryer disclosed by patent document 1 is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining design patterns of various operation courses in a conventional washing / drying machine. As shown in FIG. 18, the conventional washing and drying machine washes the heat exchanger at the end of the washing operation in any of the design patterns of the operation courses A to D, and adhered to the heat exchanger. Dust is removed and drained through the drainage channel. For example, in the case of pattern A, the heat exchanger is washed at the end of the washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying operations.

  However, in the conventional washing and drying machine, foreign matters such as lint and detergent components contained in the washing water obtained by washing the washing water and the heat exchanger may remain in the drainage path. For this reason, there is a problem that accumulation of foreign matters remaining in the drainage path causes the drainage path to be blocked, resulting in poor drainage, poor drying, and bad odor.

JP 2005-224491 A

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes a water tank supported in a housing, a rotating drum that is disposed in the water tank and accommodates clothes, and discharges water in the water tank to the outside of the housing. 1 drainage path, a drain valve that opens and closes the first drainage path, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the rotating drum, and dries the clothes, and water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger. A watering mechanism including a watering part to be cleaned, a second drainage path for flowing water discharged from the watering mechanism to the upstream side of the drain valve of the rotary drum or the first drainage path, and a control unit are provided. Then, the control unit performs at least a drainage start step for opening the drainage valve and a drainage end step for closing the drainage valve after the drainage start step at the time of drainage of at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Then, control is made so as to end the watering from the watering mechanism.

  Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of bad odors, the poor drainage due to the clogging of foreign matter in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and the poor drying, thereby maintaining the drying performance.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the operation of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the heat pump apparatus of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchange unit of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control operation in a washing step of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output from the optical sensor of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic timing chart for explaining opening / closing timings of the first water supply valve and the drain valve of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating design patterns of various operation courses of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining another design pattern of various operation courses of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a design pattern of the first operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation time in the first to third design patterns shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining design patterns of various operation courses in a conventional washing machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Below, the washing / drying machine of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The washing / drying machine has not only a washing function for washing clothes, but also a drying function for drying clothes by circulating dry air.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is at least standing between the front wall 111, the rear wall 112 opposite to the front wall 111, and the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112. The housing 110 includes a left wall 113, a right wall 114 opposite to the left wall 113, a top wall 115, and the like. The top wall 115 is provided so as to close a region surrounded by the upper edges of the front wall 111, the rear wall 112, the left wall 113, and the right wall 114.

  The front wall 111 is formed with a slot 116 through which a user stores clothes in the housing 110. Further, the front wall 111 is provided with a door body 120 that is rotated by the user between an open position and a closed position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the user opens the insertion port 116 by opening the door body 120 and accommodates the clothing in the housing 110. Thereafter, by moving the door body 120 to the closed position and closing the insertion port 116, the clothes housed in the housing 110 can be subjected to processing such as washing, dehydration, and drying.

  Further, the console 201 is provided as a part of the front wall 111, and various operation courses are set by the user operating the console 201.

  Hereinafter, in the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, an operation based on the operation course input by the console 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the operation of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. Note that the dotted arrows shown in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of water in the washing / drying machine 100. Moreover, the arrow of a dashed-dotted line has shown the flow of the dry air in the washing dryer 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a console 201 provided on the front wall 111 of the housing 110, a control unit 200, a clothing processing mechanism 300, and a drying device provided in the housing 110. A treatment mechanism 400, a water supply mechanism 500 having a valve unit and a watering mechanism 700, and a drainage mechanism 600 are further provided. Then, the washing / drying machine 100 executes a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and / or a drying step based on the course information output from the console 201. In the present embodiment, the washing step, rinsing step, dehydrating step and / or drying step are exemplified as the processing mode.

  At this time, the control unit 200 controls each mechanism such as the clothing processing mechanism 300, the drying processing mechanism 400, the water supply mechanism 500, and the drainage mechanism 600 in accordance with an output signal (course information) from the console 201.

  The clothing processing mechanism 300 includes a motor 310 and a washing tub 320 connected to the motor 310. The clothing processing mechanism 300 performs processing such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying on the clothing based on the control of the control unit 200.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 includes at least a blower 410 and a heat pump device 420. And the drying process mechanism 400 performs the drying process of clothing.

  The water supply mechanism 500 includes a valve unit 510 and a water sprinkling unit 520, and the valve unit 510 includes a first water supply valve 511 and a second water supply valve 512. Further, the watering mechanism 700 is configured by a first water supply valve 511 and a watering part 520 of the valve unit 510. And the water supply mechanism 500 supplies water to the washing tub 320 etc. in the housing | casing 110, and performs watering to the heat exchangers 420, such as the heat pump apparatus 420 of the drying processing mechanism 400, through the watering mechanism 700.

  The drainage mechanism 600 includes at least a circulation pump 610 and a drain valve 620. The drainage mechanism 600 drains from the housing 110.

  Hereinafter, the washing operation based on the driving course input on the console 201 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, the user operates the console 201 to select one driving course from the first driving course to the fifth driving course. As a result, the console 201 outputs course information regarding the selected driving course to the control unit 200.

  At this time, when one of the first driving course to the fourth driving course is selected by the console 201, a washing step is first executed.

  In the washing step, the user moves the door body 120 to the open position, and puts clothes into the washing tub 320 through the insertion port 116. At this time, the control part 200 opens the 2nd water supply valve 512 of the water supply mechanism 500, and supplies the liquid mixture of a detergent and tap water to the washing tub 320. FIG. Further, the control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 of the drainage mechanism 600 to circulate the mixed liquid of tap water and detergent between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610. During this time, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600. As a result, the clothes are washed with a small amount of water and detergent.

  The control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 for a predetermined period, or the physical properties of the liquid circulated between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610, for example, the degree of water contamination detected by a contamination sensor or the like. Accordingly, the drain valve 620 is opened and the casing 110 is drained. Thereby, the washing time can be changed. The dirt sensor is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the upstream side of the circulation pump.

  And the control part 200 agitates the thrown-in clothes in a liquid mixture by controlling the motor 310 and rotationally driving the washing tub 320. FIG. Thereby, a washing step is performed and clothes are washed appropriately. In the present embodiment, the washing step is exemplified as the first mode.

  Next, when one of the first operation course to the third operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the rinsing step after the washing step.

  In the rinsing step, first, the control unit 200 opens the second water supply valve 512 of the water supply mechanism 500 and supplies tap water to the washing tub 320. Accordingly, the clothes in the washing tub 320 are agitated in a liquid having a lower detergent concentration than the liquid mixture used in the washing step. As a result, the detergent adhering to the clothes is properly washed away. At this time, if necessary, a dehydrating operation may be performed via the drainage mechanism 600 during the rinsing step. The drain valve 620 may be open or closed during the dehydration operation, or may be closed during the dehydration operation. That is, a drainage end step for closing the drain valve 620 is set at an arbitrary timing during dehydration. Before this draining end step, the watering from the watering mechanism 700 is ended. Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, generation of malodor, generation of malodor due to clogging of foreign substances in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and poor drying can be prevented and the drying performance can be maintained.

  Further, the control unit 200 may operate the circulation pump 610 to circulate the liquid between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610. During this time, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620. At this time, the controller 200 activates the circulation pump 610 for a predetermined period of time, or the physical property of the liquid circulating between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610, for example, the degree of contamination of water detected by a contamination sensor or the like. In response to the above, the drain valve 620 is opened, and the casing 110 is drained.

  That is, in the rinsing step, it is preferable to repeatedly perform circulation and drainage.

  In the present embodiment, the rinsing step is exemplified as the second mode. In the present embodiment, the washing step and the rinsing step are exemplified as the underwater stirring mode.

  In one of the washing step and the rinsing step described above, for example, during drainage, the control unit 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 of the water supply mechanism 500 and sends tap water to the watering unit 520. And the watering part 520 which comprises the watering mechanism 700 sprays tap water on the heat exchangers 420, such as the heat pump apparatus 420, and waters them. As a result, dust such as lint and hair separated from clothes attached to the heat pump device 420 disposed on the air flow path from the washing tub 320 to the blower 410 is appropriately removed. In the present embodiment, the first water supply valve 511 and the water spray unit 520 are exemplified as a water spray mechanism.

  Next, when the first operation course or the second operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the dehydration step after the rinsing step.

  In the dehydration step, first, the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600 and discharges the water in the washing tub 320. Thereafter, the washing tub 320 is rotated by the motor 310, and centrifugal force is applied to the clothes to separate water from the clothes. Thereby, clothing is dehydrated.

  Next, when the first operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the drying step after the dehydration step.

  In the drying step, the control unit 200 rotates the washing tub 320 by the motor 310, stirs the clothes, and causes the clothes to collide with the dry air supplied via the drying processing mechanism 400. As a result, the garment is efficiently dried.

  More specifically, in the drying step, the control unit 200 operates the blower 410 and the heat pump device 420 disposed on the flow path of the air flowing to the blower 410. At this time, the blower 410 sucks air from the washing tub 320. The heat pump device 420 exchanges heat with the air flowing toward the blower 410 to create dry air. The produced dry air is sent out again to the washing tub 320 by the blower 410. As a result, the clothes being stirred in the washing tub 320 collide with the circulating dry air and are efficiently dried.

  As described above, the washing operation of the washing / drying machine is executed based on the first operation course to the fourth operation course input from the console 201.

  In addition, the 1st driving course to the 4th driving course inputted at the console 201 are for the purpose of washing clothes.

  On the other hand, the fifth operation course input from the console 201 aims at washing the washing tub 320, and the washing tub 320 is washed by the same process as the second operation course.

  That is, the fifth operation course includes a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step, as in the second operation course. And the operation | movement of the clothing processing mechanism 300, the water supply mechanism 500, and the drainage mechanism 600 in the said step in a 5th driving course is the same as that of a 2nd driving course.

  However, since the fifth driving course aims at washing the washing tub 320, it is not necessary to consider the damage of clothes. Therefore, although detailed description is abbreviate | omitted, in the various parameters, such as the stirring time of the washing tub 320, stirring speed, the amount of water used, the detergent used, and the amount of detergent used, it differs from the parameter of a 2nd driving course. In the present embodiment, the washing step, rinsing step, and dewatering step of the fifth operation course are exemplified as the tank washing mode.

(Clothing processing mechanism)
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the clothes processing mechanism of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the clothing processing mechanism 300 includes at least a motor 310 and a washing tub 320.

  The washing tub 320 includes a rotating drum 330 that houses the clothes L, and a water tub 340 that surrounds the rotating drum 330. The washing tub 320 opens toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110 and accommodates the clothing L supplied by the user through the insertion port 116. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the insertion port 116 of the washing tub 320 is closed by the door body 120.

  The rotating drum 330 includes a second bottom wall 331 adjacent to the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340, and a second peripheral wall 332 extending from the periphery of the second bottom wall 331 toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110. . A large number of ventilation holes 333 are formed in the second bottom wall 331 and the second peripheral wall 332 of the rotary drum 330.

  The water tank 340 includes a first bottom wall 341 adjacent to the motor 310 and a first peripheral wall 342 extending from the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall 341 toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110.

  The motor 310 is disposed outside the water tank 340 and between the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  The motor 310 is connected to the rotary drum 330 via the shaft 350 and generates a driving force for stirring the clothes L in the washing tub 320. At this time, the shaft 350 connected to the motor 310 passes through the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and is connected to the second bottom wall 331 of the rotating drum 330.

  When the motor 310 is operated by the control unit 200, the driving force is transmitted to the rotating drum 330 through the shaft 350. As a result, the rotating drum 330 rotates in the water tank 340 and stirs the clothes L.

(Dry processing mechanism)
The configuration and operation of the drying processing mechanism of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 includes a circulation duct 430 and an air filter unit 440 in addition to the blower 410 and the heat pump device 420 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the circulation duct 430 includes a first end 431, an upstream duct 433, a downstream duct 434, and a second end 432. The first end 431 is connected to the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340. The second end 432 is connected to the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340. The upstream duct 433 is provided so as to extend from the first end 431 toward the rear wall 112 between the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340 and the top wall 115 of the housing 110. The downstream duct 434 is bent downward from the upstream duct 433 and is provided to extend to the second end 432 between the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  Further, the blower 410 is disposed at a bent portion between the upstream duct 433 and the downstream duct 434. The blower 410 sucks the air in the upstream duct 433 and sends the sucked air to the downstream duct 434. Accordingly, air flows into the water tank 340 through the second end 432 of the circulation duct 430. The air that has flowed into the water tank 340 flows into the rotating drum 330 through the vent hole 333 formed in the second bottom wall 331. Thereafter, the air is discharged from the rotating drum 330 through the vent hole 333 formed in the second peripheral wall 332. Further, the air discharged from the rotating drum 330 flows into the upstream duct 433 through the first end 431 of the circulation duct 430. Then, the air is circulated again by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 and into the washing tub 320.

  The air filter unit 440 is disposed upstream of the blower 410 in the upstream duct 433, and removes dust such as lint floating in the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410.

  The heat exchanging unit 450 is disposed between the air filter unit 440 and upstream of the blower 410 in the upstream duct 433, and exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the washing tub 320. The heat exchanging unit 450 includes a heat exchanger 420 such as a heat pump device 420 including a dehumidifying unit 421 that dehumidifies air and a heating unit 422 that heats air.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 configured as described above operates as follows.

  First, the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 and passed through the air filter unit 440 passes through the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420. At this time, moisture such as water vapor contained in the air is condensed in the dehumidifying unit 421. As a result, the humidity of the air decreases. Thereafter, the air that has passed through the dehumidifying unit 421 passes through the heating unit 422. At this time, the air is heated. That is, the heat pump device 420 constituting the heat exchanging unit 450 exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the washing tub 320 to produce dry air for drying the clothes L.

  The dry air produced by the heat exchange unit 450 is sent out into the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 of the circulation duct 430.

  Thereby, while the dry air passes through the rotary drum 330, the clothing L collides with the dry air, and the clothing L is dried. As a result, the air discharged from the washing tub 320 through the first end 431 of the circulation duct 430 has a high humidity. At this time, dust such as lint generated from the clothing L and hair attached to the clothing L is mixed in the air discharged from the washing tub 320 and floats.

  The air filter unit 440 removes dust from the air flowing in the upstream duct 433. Thereafter, the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 deprives the air of moisture. As a result, the dehumidifying unit 421 becomes wet due to condensation or the like.

  At this time, the air filter unit 440 captures much of the dust contained in the air, but some of the dust passes through the air filter unit 440. Then, the dust that has passed through the air filter unit 440 adheres to the moist dehumidifying unit 421.

  Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the water supply mechanism 500 supplies water from the first water supply valve 511 constituting the watering mechanism 700 to the watering part 520 and waters the watering part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421. Thereby, the dust adhering to the dehumidifying part 421 is removed.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the heat pump apparatus which comprises the heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 4, referring FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the heat pump apparatus of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heat pump device 420 includes at least a compressor 423, an expansion valve 424, a first circulation tube 425, a second circulation tube 426, and the like. The compressor 423 compresses the working medium, and the expansion valve 424 decompresses the working medium. The first circulation tube 425 guides the working medium flowing from the expansion valve 424 to the compressor 423. The second circulation tube 426 guides the working medium flowing from the compressor 423 to the expansion valve 424. The first circulation tube 425 and the second circulation tube 426 are provided so as to form a closed loop that passes through the compressor 423 and the expansion valve 424.

  At this time, the working medium flowing through the first circulation tube 425 becomes low temperature due to the decompression by the expansion valve 424. On the other hand, the working medium flowing through the second circulation tube 426 becomes high temperature due to compression by the compressor 423.

  Further, the first circulation tube 425 and the second circulation tube 426 are provided so as to protrude into the circulation duct 430 that guides the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410.

  The dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 includes a first circulation tube 425 that defines a flow path that is folded back many times in the circulation duct 430 and a plurality of fins 427 attached to the first circulation tube 425. ing.

  In addition, the heating unit 422 of the heat pump device 420 includes a second circulation tube 426 that defines a flow path that is folded back many times in the circulation duct 430 and a plurality of fins 428 attached to the second circulation tube 426. ing.

  And the air which flows through the circulation duct 430 is cooled by the 1st circulation tube 425 and the fin 427 which comprise the dehumidification part 421 of the heat pump apparatus 420 cooled by the low temperature working medium. Thereby, moisture in the air is condensed on the surfaces of the first circulation tube 425 and the fins 427. As a result, the air is dehumidified.

  Thereafter, the dehumidified air is heated by the second circulation tube 426 and the fins 428 constituting the heating unit 422 of the heat pump apparatus 420 heated by the high-temperature working medium. Thereby, air becomes high temperature and turns into dry air suitable for drying of the clothing L.

  That is, the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422 constituting the heat pump device 420 exchange heat with the air flowing in the circulation duct 430 to produce dry air. In the present embodiment, the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422 are exemplified as a heat pump device or a heat exchanger.

(Water supply mechanism)
Below, the structure and operation | movement of the water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 5, referring FIGS. 1-3.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply mechanism 500 includes a water supply port 530, a switching valve 540, and a detergent storage unit 550 in addition to the above-described valve unit 510 and watering unit 520.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the water supply port 530 is provided on the top wall 115 of the housing 110, and is connected to a faucet (not shown) through a hose (not shown) or the like. Then, tap water is supplied to the water supply mechanism 500 through the water supply port 530. In addition, in this Embodiment, the water supply port 530 is illustrated as a water supply part.

  That is, tap water is supplied to the valve unit 510 through the water supply port 530. And if the 2nd water supply valve 512 is opened by the control part 200, the tap water supplied to the valve unit 510 will flow toward the switching valve 540. FIG.

  Note that the control unit 200 controls not only the valve unit 510 of the water supply mechanism 500 but also the switching valve 540. And the switching valve 540 switches a water supply path | route between the path | route A which goes to the detergent accommodating part 550, and the path | route B which goes directly to the washing tub 320 by control of the control part 200. FIG.

  That is, in the washing step, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the route A to which the tap water goes to the detergent storage unit 550 in which the detergent is stored. Thereby, the liquid mixture of detergent and tap water is supplied to the washing tub 320.

  In the rinsing step, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the route B so that the tap water goes directly to the washing tub 320. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the washing tub 320. In the present embodiment, the water supply route to the washing tub 320 through the water supply port 530, the second water supply valve 512, and the switching valve 540 is exemplified as the second water supply route.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the water supply mechanism 500 includes a water supply tube 560 that extends from the first water supply valve 511 to the sprinkler 520. Then, the control unit 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 in at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the watering part 520, and water is sprinkled from the watering part 520 to, for example, the upstream end of the dehumidifying part 421 to wash the dehumidifying part 421. Then, the control part 200 closes the 1st water supply valve 511, and stops the water supply to the watering part 520. FIG. In the present embodiment, the water supply path defined by the water supply port 530, the first water supply valve 511, and the water supply tube 560 is exemplified as the first water supply path.

  When the user selects one of the first driving course to the fourth driving course shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 selects the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 in the washing step. It may be opened and closed automatically. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  Further, when the user selects one of the first driving course to the third driving course shown in FIG. 2, in the rinsing step, the control unit 200 selects the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512. It may be opened and closed automatically. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned as a result. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  When the user selects the fifth operation course shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 selectively opens and closes the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 in the washing step and / or the rinsing step. May be. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320 to wash the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 6, referring FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heat exchanging unit 450 further includes an upper cover 460 that covers the upper part of the heat pump device 420 in addition to the heat pump device 420 described above.

  The upper cover 460 includes a main body 461, a circular frame 462, and a rectangular frame 463, and is used as a part of the circulation duct 430. The main body 461 of the upper cover 460 covers the heat pump device 420. The blower 410 is attached to the circular frame 462, and a circular ventilation port 464 is formed at the center. The rectangular frame 463 includes a substantially rectangular (including rectangular) outlet 465 and is provided so as to protrude on the air filter portion 440.

  The blower 410 attached to the circular frame 462 sucks air from the heat pump device 420 through the ventilation port 464 of the circular frame 462 of the upper cover 460. Thereby, the dry air produced by the heat pump device 420 is sent to the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 of the circulation duct 430.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 includes a lid body 117 that can be removed from the top wall 115, and when the user removes the lid body 117 from the top wall 115, through the outlet 465 of the rectangular frame 463, The air filter part 440 is exposed. Therefore, the user can take out the air filter part 440 from the housing 110 through the outlet 465 of the rectangular frame 463. Thereby, the user can remove and clean lint and the like to which the air filter unit 440 is attached. Thereafter, the user can install the cleaned air filter portion 440 again in the circulation duct 430 in the housing 110 through the outlet 465.

  Further, between the rectangular frame 463 of the upper cover part 460 and the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420, a watering part 520 constituting the watering mechanism 700 of the water supply mechanism 500 described above is provided.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the watering part which comprises the watering mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 7, referring FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the water sprinkling unit 520 is provided above in the vicinity of the upstream side of the dehumidifying unit 421, and includes a connection unit 529 and a manifold 521 having a large number of small holes 522. The connection unit 529 is connected to the first water supply valve 511 of the water supply mechanism 500 via the water supply tube 560. The manifold 521 defines a flow path through which water fed from the water supply tube 560 flows.

  And the small hole 522 of the manifold 521 is formed in the direction orthogonal to the direction where the air of the dehumidification part 421 of the heat pump apparatus 420 flows in, for example in a line.

  Then, by sprinkling water from the water sprinkling part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421 through the small hole 522, the attached lint and the like can be removed and the heat pump device 420 can be cleaned.

  The distribution of the large number of small holes 522 formed in the manifold 521 can be determined according to the design of the heat exchange unit 450. For example, in the present embodiment, the density of the small holes 522B in the region (the right half of the manifold 521 in FIG. 7) facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 described in FIG. It is more densely configured than the small hole 522A. This is because a relatively large amount of dust mixed in the air adheres to the area of the dehumidifying part 421 facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471. Therefore, the density of the small holes 522B of the watering portion 520 facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 is increased. Thereby, the amount of water sprayed from the water sprinkling unit 520 increases, and dust attached to the dehumidifying unit 421 can be more appropriately removed.

  Below, the flow (processing) of the water in the heat exchange part and the watering part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 8, referring FIGS. 2-4 and FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchange unit of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the heat exchange unit 450 further includes a lower cover part 470 in addition to the heat pump device 420 and the upper cover part 460.

  The lower cover 470 includes a first pocket 471, a second pocket 472, and a third pocket 473, and forms a part of the circulation duct 430. The first pocket 471 accommodates the air filter portion 440. The second pocket 472 accommodates the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422. The third pocket 473 accommodates the compressor 423.

  Then, by integrating the upper cover portion 460 and the lower cover portion 470, a part of the upstream duct 433 of the circulation duct 430 is formed.

  Further, the first pocket 471 is formed with a connection port 474 connected to the upstream duct 433 upstream from the heat exchanging unit 450. Then, air flows into the air filter unit 440 through the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 by the suction force from the blower 410. At this time, the air filter unit 440 removes a lot of dust mixed in the air flowing in through the connection port 474.

  However, part of the dust may pass through the air filter unit 440 and reach the second pocket 472.

  At this time, the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 dehumidifies the dehumidified portion by condensing water vapor or the like contained in the air that has passed through the air filter unit 440. Therefore, the dehumidifying unit 421 is moistened by dew condensation. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 421 includes a large number of fins 427 that are densely attached to the first circulation tube 425 through which a low-temperature working medium flows. Therefore, most of the dust that has passed through the air filter unit 440 is efficiently captured by the wet dehumidifying unit 421.

  As a result, the dust captured by the dehumidifying part 421 is appropriately removed by watering from the small holes 522 of the watering part 520.

  Further, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover 470 has a bottom wall 475 that supports the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422 facing the watering part 520 provided in the upper cover 460. And the bottom wall 475 receives the water from the water sprinkling part 520 and the water which falls from the dehumidification part 421 appropriately. In the present embodiment, the second pocket 472 is exemplified as the water receiving portion.

  Further, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover portion 470 includes a large number of capturing teeth 476 that protrude upward from the bottom wall 475 and are formed between the first pocket 471 and the dehumidifying portion 421. The capture teeth 476 appropriately capture dust such as long fibrous materials (for example, hair) contained in the dust removed from the dehumidifying unit 421 by watering from the watering unit 520.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the flow (treatment) of the water in the heat exchange unit and the watering unit of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment, particularly the water flowing through the bottom wall of the second pocket of the lower cover unit will be described. However, this will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 8.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover 470 has a concave shape between the main drainage channel 477 adjacent to the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422, and between the main drainage channel 477 and the third pocket 473. And a water storage region 478 having a connection portion 479 provided therein. The main drainage channel 477 is provided so as to be inclined downward toward the water storage region 478 and allows the water flowing on the main drainage channel 477 to flow into the water storage region 478.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a relay tube 480 that connects the heat exchange unit 450 and the washing tub 320, and the relay tube 480 is a connection part 479 provided in the water storage region 478 shown in FIG. 9. Connected. Then, the water temporarily stored in the water storage region 478 flows to the washing tub 320 through the connection portion 479 and the relay tube 480 by the gravity action. In the present embodiment, the water flow path defined by the bottom wall 475 and the relay tube 480 is exemplified as the second drainage path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover portion 470 is provided with ribs 491 that support the dehumidifying portion 421 and the heating portion 422. The dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422 are supported by the rib 491 so as to be slightly spaced upward from the bottom wall 475. Further, below the dehumidifying part 421, the bottom wall 475 is provided to be inclined downward toward the main drainage channel 477. Therefore, the water dropped from the dehumidifying part 421 smoothly flows on the bottom wall 475 along the inclination below the dehumidifying part 421 and flows toward the main drainage channel 477.

  As shown in FIG. 8, among the ribs 491 that support the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422, the rib 491 closest to the first pocket 471 is a large number of traps provided on the bottom wall 475 of the first pocket 471. The region where the teeth 476 are formed and the region below the dehumidifying part 421 are separated from each other. Thereby, the water sprayed from the water spray part 520 to the dehumidification part 421 becomes difficult to flow into the area | region below the dehumidification part 421 directly. As a result, dust such as a long fibrous material removed from the dehumidifying part 421 is easily captured by the capture teeth 476.

  In addition, the region where the multiple capture teeth 476 of the bottom wall 475 of the first pocket 471 are formed is inclined downward from the rib 491 toward the outer peripheral wall of the first pocket 471. Therefore, the water sprinkled from the water sprinkling part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421 flows toward the first pocket 471. As a result, dust such as a long fibrous material removed from the dehumidifying unit 421 can be easily captured by the capture teeth 476.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rib 491 closest to the first pocket 471 is cut out and interrupted near the main drainage channel 477. As a result, an inflow port 492 that allows inflow of water from the region where the many capture teeth 476 are formed to the region below the dehumidifying part 421 is defined. Therefore, the water from the sprinkling unit 520 flows into the area below the dehumidifying unit 421 through the inflow port 492. Thereafter, the inflowing water flows into the relay tube 480 through the main drainage channel 477 and the water storage region 478 and flows into the washing tub 320. At this time, in the present embodiment, for example, three capture teeth 476 are further provided at the boundary between the main drainage channel 477 and the water storage region 478. Therefore, it is further prevented that dust such as a long fibrous material flows into the relay tube 480. As a result, the occurrence of clogging of the relay tube 480 can be prevented, and the generation of malodor and poor drying can be prevented.

  In addition, although the example which supplies the tap water etc. which were connected to the water supply port 530 directly to the water sprinkling part 520 was demonstrated above, it is not restricted to this. For example, a water supply unit such as a pump may be provided in the water supply route to the watering unit 520. Thereby, the pressure etc. of the water to sprinkle can be adjusted and dust can be removed more effectively.

  In the above description, the water that has washed the heat pump device 420 is discharged to the water tank 340 through the relay tube 480 connected to the connection portion 479. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the water is connected to the connection pipe 631 may be used. .

(Drainage mechanism)
Below, the structure and operation | movement of the drainage mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 2 and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drainage mechanism 600 includes a connection pipe 631, a drainage valve 620, and a drainage pipe 633. The connecting pipe 631 is provided to extend downward from the lowest position of the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340 inclined upward toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110. The drain valve 620 is connected to the lower end of the connection pipe 631. The drain pipe 633 is provided so as to extend from the drain valve 620 toward the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  When the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600, liquid such as water or a mixed liquid in the washing tub 320 is discharged from the housing 110 through the connection pipe 631 and the drain pipe 633. In the present embodiment, the water flow path defined by the connecting pipe 631 and the drain pipe 633 is exemplified as the first drain path.

  The drainage mechanism 600 may further include a filter device 640 disposed upstream of the circulation pump 610, as shown in FIG. In this case, the control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 after closing the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600. At this time, the liquid in the washing tub 320 flows toward the connection pipe 631, the filter device 640, and the circulation pump 610 by the suction force generated by the circulation pump 610. Then, the filter device 640 captures dust contained in the liquid flowing toward the circulation pump 610. As a result, the dust that has flowed with the tap water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 and the dust that is separated from the clothing L and contained in the water in the washing step and the rinsing step are appropriately captured by the filter device. . Thereafter, the circulation pump 610 returns the liquid cleaned by the filter device 640 to the water tank 340 through the second circulation duct 636. In the present embodiment, connection pipe 631, filter device 640, and circulation pump 610 are exemplified as a circulation mechanism.

  Further, the drainage mechanism 600 may further include a transmissive optical sensor 650 attached to the first circulation duct 634 as shown in FIG. 3 below. At this time, the optical sensor 650 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of transmitted light in water used for stirring the clothes L in the washing step. The amount of transmitted light can be used as a parameter representing the amount of water stain used for stirring the clothing L. In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 650 is exemplified as a measurement unit. The amount of dirt detected by the optical sensor 650 is exemplified as a physical property of water.

(Operation of washing machine)
Hereinafter, the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a control operation of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output from the optical sensor of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 11.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, when the user operates the console 201 and selects one of the first operation course to the fourth operation course, the control unit 200 includes the first water supply valve 511 and the drain valve 620. On the other hand, the second water supply valve 512 is opened to start water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S105). At this time, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the water supply route to the route A so that the tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 passes through the detergent storage unit 550. Thereby, the tap water containing a detergent is efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320.

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 has reached a predetermined value (step S110). The set value related to the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is determined according to parameters such as an input by the user using the console 201 and the amount of clothing stored in the washing tub 320. Further, the amount of water supplied into the washing tub 320 is detected based on an elapsed time from the time when water supply is started and an output signal from a liquid level sensor (not shown) attached to the washing tub 320. . At this time, if the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is not a predetermined value (NO in step S110), water is supplied until the water amount reaches a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in step S110), the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and interrupts the water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S115). .

  Next, the control part 200 operates the circulation pump 610 and the motor 310 (step S120). Thereby, the circulation of the mixed liquid such as the detergent and the tap water between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610 and the stirring of the clothing in the washing tub 320 are started.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 200 sets the first measurement time to, for example, 2 minutes and the second measurement time to, for example, 4 minutes and 10 seconds, and starts measuring time (step S125).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the first measurement time has been reached with reference to the timing start time set in step 125 (step S130). At this time, if it is not the first measurement time (NO in step S130), the process waits until the first measurement time is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the first measurement time has come (YES in step S130), the control unit 200 stores the output value from the optical sensor 650 shown in FIG. 12 (step S135).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the second measurement time has been reached with reference to the timing start time set in step S125 (step S140). At this time, if it is not the second measurement time (NO in step S140), the process waits until the second measurement time is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the second measurement time has come (YES in step S140), the control unit 200 acquires the output value from the optical sensor 650 shown in FIG. 12 (step S142).

  Next, the control unit 200 calculates a difference as shown in FIG. 12 using the output value acquired in step S142 and the output value stored in step S135 (step S145).

  Next, the control part 200 determines the control content of a washing step based on the difference calculation result of step S145 (step S150).

  Next, the control part 200 opens the 1st water supply valve 511, and wash | cleans the heat pump apparatus 420 through the water sprinkling part 520 (step S155). Then, after cleaning the heat pump device 420 for a predetermined time, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511.

  Next, the control part 200 performs the control content determined by step S150 (step S160). At this time, if the control unit 200 determines in step S150 that the level of contamination of the liquid in the washing tub 320 is excessively high, for example, the circulation pump 610 is stopped and the drain valve 620 is opened to drain the liquid (drainage Start step). Then, after draining the liquid by opening the drain valve 620 for a predetermined period, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620 (drainage end step), opens the second water supply valve 512, and supplies water to the washing tub 320. Thereby, the level of dirt in the washing tub 320 can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the optical sensor 650 is used to measure the physical property of water such as dirt is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a detection element such as a conductive sensor may be used for measuring the physical properties of water. Thereby, the detergent concentration and detergent kind in water are detectable.

  In the present embodiment, the example of measuring the physical properties of water in the washing step has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the rinsing step, the physical properties of water such as the concentration of detergent in water may be measured using a conductive sensor or the like.

  Further, the dehydration operation may be performed after draining the liquid. The drain valve 620 may be open or closed during the dehydration operation, or may be closed during the dehydration operation. That is, a drainage end step for closing the drain valve 620 is set at an arbitrary timing during dehydration.

  Hereinafter, the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, first, when the user operates the console 201 and selects one of the first driving course to the third driving course, the control unit 200 of the heat pump device 420 performs the washing step after the washing step. Cleaning is started (step S205). Specifically, the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and the drain valve 620 while opening the first water supply valve 511 to clean the heat pump device 420.

  Next, after cleaning the heat pump device 420, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511 and opens the second water supply valve 512 to start water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S210). At this time, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the water supply route to the route B so that the tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 bypasses the detergent storage unit 550. Thereby, tap water is directly supplied to the washing tub 320. When water supply to the washing tub 320 is started, step S215 is executed.

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 has reached a predetermined value (step S215). The set value related to the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is determined according to parameters such as an input by the user using the console 201 and the amount of clothing stored in the washing tub 320. Further, the amount of water supplied into the washing tub 320 is detected in accordance with an elapsed time from the time when water supply is started and an output signal from a liquid level sensor (not shown) attached to the washing tub 320. .

  At this time, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is not a predetermined value (NO in step S215), water is supplied until the water amount reaches a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in step S215), the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and interrupts water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S220). .

  Next, the control part 200 operates the circulation pump 610 and the motor 310 (step S225). As a result, the circulation of the mixed liquid such as the detergent and tap water between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610 and the stirring of the clothes in the washing tub 320 are started by driving the motor 310.

  Next, the control unit 200 sets a predetermined circulation period (for example, 10 minutes) and starts measuring time (step S230).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not a predetermined circulation period has elapsed with reference to the timing start time set in Step 230 (Step S235). At this time, if the predetermined circulation period has not elapsed (NO in step S235), the process waits until the predetermined circulation period is reached.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined circulation period has elapsed (YES in step S235), the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 and performs a drainage start step for draining from the washing tub 320 (step S240).

  Next, after draining from the washing tub 320, the control part 200 counts the frequency | count of drainage (namely, the frequency | count that the drain valve 620 was opened) (step S245).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of times of drainage has reached a predetermined value (step S250). At this time, if the number of times of drainage has not reached the predetermined value (NO in step S250), the subsequent steps from step 210 are repeated.

  And when the frequency | count of drainage reaches | attains the predetermined value (YES of step S250), a rinse step is complete | finished.

  As described above, the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment is executed.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 13, the heat pump apparatus 420 is cleaned before the washing operation (step S160) and / or the rinsing operation (step S225). Therefore, the dust contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 is appropriately processed in the subsequent step S160 and / or step S225. As a result, the dust contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be prevented from adhering to the clothing.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the first water supply valve and the drain valve in the watering operation of the watering mechanism of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic timing chart for explaining opening / closing timings of the first water supply valve and the drain valve of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, the controller 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 and closes the drain valve 620. Alternatively, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511 while opening the drain valve 620.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the first water supply valve 511 is controlled to be closed before the drain valve 620 is opened (drainage start step).

  That is, before the drain valve 620 is opened and the drainage is started, watering from the watering mechanism 700 is finished. Thereby, the water used for the cleaning of the heat pump device 420 can be drained at the initial stage of the draining step where the flow rate of the washing water drained from the washing tub 320 is large. As a result, foreign matter contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be more reliably discharged out of the apparatus.

(Driving course design)
Below, the timing which wash | cleans a heat pump apparatus in the driving | running course of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a design pattern of each operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating another design pattern of each operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the user selects the fourth driving course from the first driving course, the washing step is first executed. Therefore, the step of washing the heat pump device 420 is designed to be executed by being incorporated in the washing step.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the user selects the third driving course from the first driving course, the rinsing step is executed after the washing step. Therefore, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is designed to be executed by being incorporated in the rinsing step.

  Hereinafter, the cleaning timing of the heat pump apparatus during each step of the first operation course in the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating each design pattern of the first operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, the first design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which the step of cleaning the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the washing step. The second design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which the step of cleaning the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the rinsing step. Further, the third design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which a step of cleaning the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420 is separately provided after the dehydration step.

  Next, the relationship between the operation time of the washer / dryer and the amount of water used in the first to third design patterns will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation time in the first to third design patterns shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the first design pattern incorporates the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 into the cleaning step. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 can be used for washing clothes in the washing tub 320.

  In the second design pattern, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the rinsing step. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 can be used for rinsing clothes in the washing tub 320.

  On the other hand, in the third design pattern, a step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is separately provided after the dehydration step. Therefore, the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 is discharged without being used in other steps.

  That is, the first design pattern performs the cleaning of the heat pump device 420 as a part of the water supply step to the washing tub 320 in the washing step. Therefore, the operation time can be shortened in the first design pattern as compared with the third design pattern. Furthermore, compared to the third design pattern, the amount of water used can be reduced in the first design pattern.

  Further, in the first design pattern, since the dehumidifying part 421 is cleaned in the washing step, foreign matters such as lint and detergent remaining slightly in the drain pipe 633 that is the first drainage path are caused to flow with the washing water used in the rinsing step. be able to. As a result, the first drainage path can be kept cleaner.

  Further, in the first design pattern, as shown in FIG. 16, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is performed before the drainage. That is, before the washing water in the rotating drum 330 is discharged and the drain valve 620 is closed, the watering from the watering mechanism 700 is terminated. Therefore, the amount of water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be considerably reduced compared to the amount of washing water. That is, when washing the heat pump device 420 in a state where the washing water is drained, the amount of water used for washing is insufficient to allow the foreign matter such as lint to flow without staying. Therefore, foreign matter may remain in the drain pipe 633 which is the first drain path.

  Therefore, in the first design pattern, the step of washing the heat pump device 420 is performed before the start of drainage, and the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 is drained from the drain pipe 633 to the outside of the machine together with the drainage of the washing water. Thereby, the amount of foreign matter such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bad odor due to the remaining foreign matter, and to prevent drying failure due to clogging of the second drainage path and to maintain the drying performance.

  In the first design pattern, the heat pump device 420 is preferably cleaned in the latter half of the washing step. The reason is that in the first half of the washing step, the powder detergent is not yet dissolved, so the undissolved detergent is wound up by the rotation of the rotating drum 330 and enters and adheres to the relay tube 480 which is the second drainage path. There is a case. Therefore, the heat pump device 420 is washed in the latter half of the washing step, and the foreign matter in the relay tube 480 is washed away. Thereby, it is possible to prevent poor drying due to drainage clogging of the relay tube 480.

  Next, in the second design pattern, the heat pump device 420 is washed as part of the water supply step to the washing tub 320 in the rinsing step. Therefore, compared with the third design pattern, the second design pattern can shorten the operation time. Furthermore, compared to the third design pattern, the amount of water used can be reduced in the second design pattern.

  In the second design pattern, in the rinsing step, before the drainage valve 620 is closed by discharging the washing water in the rotary drum 330, the watering from the watering portion 520 is finished. At this time, the washing water is rolled up by the rotating drum 330, and the rolled up washing water enters the relay tube 480, which is the second drainage path. However, the wash water that has entered the relay tube 480 can be washed away by the water discharged from the sprinkler 520.

  That is, the water discharged into the washing tub 320 at the beginning of the cleaning step of the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 contains a large amount of foreign matters such as lint. However, the water discharged into the washing tub 320 at the end of the cleaning step of the dehumidifying unit 421 contains almost no foreign matter. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 is cleaner than the washing water. At this time, the foreign matter contained in the washing water at the initial stage of the washing step of the dehumidifying part 421 is discharged out of the machine together with the washing water drainage. Then, the operation of the rinsing step ends in the state where the inside of the relay tube 480 as the second drainage path is replaced with clean washing water at the end of the washing step of the dehumidifying unit 421. As a result, the relay tube 480 serving as the second drainage path can prevent clogging due to foreign matter.

  As described above, according to the washing and drying machine of the present invention, the water tank supported in the housing, the rotating drum disposed in the water tank and housing the clothes, and the water in the water tank being discharged out of the housing. A first drainage path, a drain valve that opens and closes the first drainage path, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the rotating drum, and dries the clothes; A watering mechanism including a watering part for cleaning the water, a second drainage path for flowing the water discharged from the watering mechanism to the upstream side of the rotary drum or the drainage valve of the first drainage path, and a control part. Then, the control unit performs at least a drainage start step for opening the drainage valve and a drainage end step for closing the drainage valve after the drainage start step at the time of drainage of at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Then, control is made so as to end the watering from the watering mechanism.

  Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, generation of malodor, generation of malodor due to clogging of foreign substances in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and poor drying can be prevented and the drying performance can be maintained.

  Moreover, according to the washing / drying machine of this invention, a control part is controlled to complete | finish watering from a watering mechanism before a waste_water | drain start step.

  Thereby, the washing water which wash | cleaned the heat exchanger can be drained in the initial stage of the washing water drainage step with a large drainage flow rate. For this reason, foreign matters contained in the cleaning water can be more reliably discharged out of the machine.

  Further, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the washing step.

  As a result, foreign matters such as lint and detergent remaining slightly in the first drainage path can be caused to flow by the drainage of the rinsing step. As a result, the first drainage path can be kept cleaner.

  Moreover, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the latter half of the washing step.

  Thereby, the undissolved detergent that has entered the second drainage path in the first half of the washing step can be washed away with the washing water for washing the heat exchanger. As a result, clogging of the second drainage path can be prevented.

  Further, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the rinsing step.

  As a result, the operation can be terminated in a cleaner state in the second drainage path. As a result, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter remaining in the second drainage path from being left for a long time and to prevent the second drainage path from sticking to the inner surface.

  The present invention is useful for equipment such as a washing and drying machine for washing and drying clothes and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Washing / drying machine 110 Case 111 Front wall 112 Rear wall 113 Left wall 114 Right wall 115 Top wall 116 Input port 117 Cover body 120 Door body 200 Control part 201 Console 300 Clothing processing mechanism 310 Motor 320 Washing tank 330 Rotating drum 331 1st 2 bottom wall 332 second peripheral wall 333 vent hole 340 water tank 341 first bottom wall 342 first peripheral wall 350 shaft 400 drying processing mechanism 410 blower 420 heat pump device (heat exchanger)
421 Dehumidifying section 422 Heating section 423 Compressor 424 Expansion valve 425, 426 Circulating tube 427, 428 Fin 430 Circulating duct 431 First end section 432 Second end section 433 Upstream duct 434 Downstream duct 440 Air filter section 450 Heat exchange section 460 Top cover Portion 461 Main body portion 462 Circular frame 463 Rectangular frame 464 Ventilation hole 465 Outlet 470 Lower cover 471 First pocket 472 Second pocket 473 Third pocket 474 Connection port 475 Bottom wall 476 Capture teeth 477 Main drainage channel 478 Water storage region 479 Connection Portion 480 Relay tube 491 Rib 492 Inflow port 500 Water supply mechanism 510 Valve unit 511 First water supply valve 512 Second water supply valve 520 Water spraying portion 521 Manifold 522, 522A, 522B Small hole 529 Connection portion 530 Water supply 540 switching valve 550 detergent storage unit 560 water supply tube 600 flush mechanism 610 circulation pump 620 drain valve 631 connection tube 633 drain pipe 634 first circulation duct 636 the second circulation duct 640 filter apparatus 650 optical sensor 700 watering mechanism

  The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine.

  In recent years, washing / drying machines having a drying function for drying clothes as well as a washing function for washing clothes have been widely used.

  The washing and drying machine circulates hot and dry air (hereinafter referred to as “dry air”) in the casing to dry the clothes. For this reason, the washing / drying machine includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air circulating in the housing, and produces dry air. And dry air is introduce | transduced in a washing tub and collides with the clothing in a washing tub. As a result, moisture contained in the clothing is taken away by the dry air. Thereafter, the air deprived of moisture from the clothing returns to the heat exchanger again and circulates by repeating the above operation.

  At this time, dust such as lint and hair separated from the clothes due to contact with the clothes may float and be mixed in the dry air returned to the heat exchanger.

  For this reason, the washing / drying machine is usually provided with a filter for removing dust contained in the air toward the heat exchanger. At this time, much dust is removed by the filter, but part of the dust passes through the filter and adheres to the heat exchanger. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger decreases due to dust adhering to the heat exchanger.

  Therefore, in order to prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, a technique has been proposed in which water is sprayed on the heat exchanger and dust is removed (for example, see Patent Document 1). As a result, dust adhering to the heat exchanger is removed to prevent an excessive decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

  Below, the washing | cleaning of the heat exchanger of the conventional washing dryer disclosed by patent document 1 is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining design patterns of various operation courses in a conventional washing / drying machine. As shown in FIG. 18, the conventional washing and drying machine washes the heat exchanger at the end of the washing operation in any of the design patterns of the operation courses A to D, and adhered to the heat exchanger. Dust is removed and drained through the drainage channel. For example, in the case of pattern A, the heat exchanger is washed at the end of the washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying operations.

  However, in the conventional washing and drying machine, foreign matters such as lint and detergent components contained in the washing water obtained by washing the washing water and the heat exchanger may remain in the drainage path. For this reason, there is a problem that accumulation of foreign matters remaining in the drainage path causes the drainage path to be blocked, resulting in poor drainage, poor drying, and bad odor.

JP 2005-224491 A

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a washing and drying machine according to the present invention includes a water tank supported in a housing, a rotating drum that is disposed in the water tank and accommodates clothes, and discharges water in the water tank to the outside of the housing. 1 drainage path, a drain valve that opens and closes the first drainage path, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the rotating drum, and dries the clothes, and water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger. A watering mechanism including a watering part to be cleaned, a second drainage path for flowing water discharged from the watering mechanism to the upstream side of the drain valve of the rotary drum or the first drainage path, and a control unit are provided. Then, the control unit performs at least a drainage start step for opening the drainage valve and a drainage end step for closing the drainage valve after the drainage start step at the time of drainage of at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Then, control is made so as to end the watering from the watering mechanism.

  Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of bad odors, the poor drainage due to the clogging of foreign matter in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and the poor drying, thereby maintaining the drying performance.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the operation of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the heat pump apparatus of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchange unit of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control operation in a washing step of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output from the optical sensor of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic timing chart for explaining opening / closing timings of the first water supply valve and the drain valve of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating design patterns of various operation courses of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining another design pattern of various operation courses of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a design pattern of the first operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation time in the first to third design patterns shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining design patterns of various operation courses in a conventional washing machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Below, the washing / drying machine of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The washing / drying machine has not only a washing function for washing clothes, but also a drying function for drying clothes by circulating dry air.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the washing / drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment is at least standing between the front wall 111, the rear wall 112 opposite to the front wall 111, and the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112. The housing 110 includes a left wall 113, a right wall 114 opposite to the left wall 113, a top wall 115, and the like. The top wall 115 is provided so as to close a region surrounded by the upper edges of the front wall 111, the rear wall 112, the left wall 113, and the right wall 114.

  The front wall 111 is formed with a slot 116 through which a user stores clothes in the housing 110. Further, the front wall 111 is provided with a door body 120 that is rotated by the user between an open position and a closed position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the user opens the insertion port 116 by opening the door body 120 and accommodates the clothing in the housing 110. Thereafter, by moving the door body 120 to the closed position and closing the insertion port 116, the clothes housed in the housing 110 can be subjected to processing such as washing, dehydration, and drying.

  Further, the console 201 is provided as a part of the front wall 111, and various operation courses are set by the user operating the console 201.

  Hereinafter, in the washing / drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, an operation based on the operation course input by the console 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the operation of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. Note that the dotted arrows shown in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of water in the washing / drying machine 100. Moreover, the arrow of a dashed-dotted line has shown the flow of the dry air in the washing dryer 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a console 201 provided on the front wall 111 of the housing 110, a control unit 200, a clothing processing mechanism 300, and a drying device provided in the housing 110. A treatment mechanism 400, a water supply mechanism 500 having a valve unit and a watering mechanism 700, and a drainage mechanism 600 are further provided. Then, the washing / drying machine 100 executes a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and / or a drying step based on the course information output from the console 201. In the present embodiment, the washing step, rinsing step, dehydrating step and / or drying step are exemplified as the processing mode.

  At this time, the control unit 200 controls each mechanism such as the clothing processing mechanism 300, the drying processing mechanism 400, the water supply mechanism 500, and the drainage mechanism 600 in accordance with an output signal (course information) from the console 201.

  The clothing processing mechanism 300 includes a motor 310 and a washing tub 320 connected to the motor 310. The clothing processing mechanism 300 performs processing such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying on the clothing based on the control of the control unit 200.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 includes at least a blower 410 and a heat pump device 420. And the drying process mechanism 400 performs the drying process of clothing.

  The water supply mechanism 500 includes a valve unit 510 and a water sprinkling unit 520, and the valve unit 510 includes a first water supply valve 511 and a second water supply valve 512. Further, the watering mechanism 700 is configured by a first water supply valve 511 and a watering part 520 of the valve unit 510. And the water supply mechanism 500 supplies water to the washing tub 320 etc. in the housing | casing 110, and performs watering to the heat exchangers 420, such as the heat pump apparatus 420 of the drying processing mechanism 400, through the watering mechanism 700.

  The drainage mechanism 600 includes at least a circulation pump 610 and a drain valve 620. The drainage mechanism 600 drains from the housing 110.

  Hereinafter, the washing operation based on the driving course input on the console 201 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, the user operates the console 201 to select one driving course from the first driving course to the fifth driving course. As a result, the console 201 outputs course information regarding the selected driving course to the control unit 200.

  At this time, when one of the first driving course to the fourth driving course is selected by the console 201, a washing step is first executed.

  In the washing step, the user moves the door body 120 to the open position, and puts clothes into the washing tub 320 through the insertion port 116. At this time, the control part 200 opens the 2nd water supply valve 512 of the water supply mechanism 500, and supplies the liquid mixture of a detergent and tap water to the washing tub 320. FIG. Further, the control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 of the drainage mechanism 600 to circulate the mixed liquid of tap water and detergent between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610. During this time, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600. As a result, the clothes are washed with a small amount of water and detergent.

  The control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 for a predetermined period, or the physical properties of the liquid circulated between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610, for example, the degree of water contamination detected by a contamination sensor or the like. Accordingly, the drain valve 620 is opened and the casing 110 is drained. Thereby, the washing time can be changed. The dirt sensor is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the upstream side of the circulation pump.

  And the control part 200 agitates the thrown-in clothes in a liquid mixture by controlling the motor 310 and rotationally driving the washing tub 320. FIG. Thereby, a washing step is performed and clothes are washed appropriately. In the present embodiment, the washing step is exemplified as the first mode.

  Next, when one of the first operation course to the third operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the rinsing step after the washing step.

  In the rinsing step, first, the control unit 200 opens the second water supply valve 512 of the water supply mechanism 500 and supplies tap water to the washing tub 320. Accordingly, the clothes in the washing tub 320 are agitated in a liquid having a lower detergent concentration than the liquid mixture used in the washing step. As a result, the detergent adhering to the clothes is properly washed away. At this time, if necessary, a dehydrating operation may be performed via the drainage mechanism 600 during the rinsing step. The drain valve 620 may be open or closed during the dehydration operation, or may be closed during the dehydration operation. That is, a drainage end step for closing the drain valve 620 is set at an arbitrary timing during dehydration. Before this draining end step, the watering from the watering mechanism 700 is ended. Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, generation of malodor, generation of malodor due to clogging of foreign substances in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and poor drying can be prevented and the drying performance can be maintained.

  Further, the control unit 200 may operate the circulation pump 610 to circulate the liquid between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610. During this time, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620. At this time, the controller 200 activates the circulation pump 610 for a predetermined period of time, or the physical property of the liquid circulating between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610, for example, the degree of contamination of water detected by a contamination sensor or the like. In response to the above, the drain valve 620 is opened, and the casing 110 is drained.

  That is, in the rinsing step, it is preferable to repeatedly perform circulation and drainage.

  In the present embodiment, the rinsing step is exemplified as the second mode. In the present embodiment, the washing step and the rinsing step are exemplified as the underwater stirring mode.

  In one of the washing step and the rinsing step described above, for example, during drainage, the control unit 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 of the water supply mechanism 500 and sends tap water to the watering unit 520. And the watering part 520 which comprises the watering mechanism 700 sprays tap water on the heat exchangers 420, such as the heat pump apparatus 420, and waters them. As a result, dust such as lint and hair separated from clothes attached to the heat pump device 420 disposed on the air flow path from the washing tub 320 to the blower 410 is appropriately removed. In the present embodiment, the first water supply valve 511 and the water spray unit 520 are exemplified as a water spray mechanism.

  Next, when the first operation course or the second operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the dehydration step after the rinsing step.

  In the dehydration step, first, the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600 and discharges the water in the washing tub 320. Thereafter, the washing tub 320 is rotated by the motor 310, and centrifugal force is applied to the clothes to separate water from the clothes. Thereby, clothing is dehydrated.

  Next, when the first operation course is selected by the console 201, the washing / drying machine 100 executes the drying step after the dehydration step.

  In the drying step, the control unit 200 rotates the washing tub 320 by the motor 310, stirs the clothes, and causes the clothes to collide with the dry air supplied via the drying processing mechanism 400. As a result, the garment is efficiently dried.

  More specifically, in the drying step, the control unit 200 operates the blower 410 and the heat pump device 420 disposed on the flow path of the air flowing to the blower 410. At this time, the blower 410 sucks air from the washing tub 320. The heat pump device 420 exchanges heat with the air flowing toward the blower 410 to create dry air. The produced dry air is sent out again to the washing tub 320 by the blower 410. As a result, the clothes being stirred in the washing tub 320 collide with the circulating dry air and are efficiently dried.

  As described above, the washing operation of the washing / drying machine is executed based on the first operation course to the fourth operation course input from the console 201.

  In addition, the 1st driving course to the 4th driving course inputted at the console 201 are for the purpose of washing clothes.

  On the other hand, the fifth operation course input from the console 201 aims at washing the washing tub 320, and the washing tub 320 is washed by the same process as the second operation course.

  That is, the fifth operation course includes a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step, as in the second operation course. And the operation | movement of the clothing processing mechanism 300, the water supply mechanism 500, and the drainage mechanism 600 in the said step in a 5th driving course is the same as that of a 2nd driving course.

  However, since the fifth driving course aims at washing the washing tub 320, it is not necessary to consider the damage of clothes. Therefore, although detailed description is abbreviate | omitted, in the various parameters, such as the stirring time of the washing tub 320, stirring speed, the amount of water used, the detergent used, and the amount of detergent used, it differs from the parameter of a 2nd driving course. In the present embodiment, the washing step, rinsing step, and dewatering step of the fifth operation course are exemplified as the tank washing mode.

(Clothing processing mechanism)
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the clothes processing mechanism of the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the clothing processing mechanism 300 includes at least a motor 310 and a washing tub 320.

  The washing tub 320 includes a rotating drum 330 that houses the clothes L, and a water tub 340 that surrounds the rotating drum 330. The washing tub 320 opens toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110 and accommodates the clothing L supplied by the user through the insertion port 116. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the insertion port 116 of the washing tub 320 is closed by the door body 120.

  The rotating drum 330 includes a second bottom wall 331 adjacent to the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340, and a second peripheral wall 332 extending from the periphery of the second bottom wall 331 toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110. . A large number of ventilation holes 333 are formed in the second bottom wall 331 and the second peripheral wall 332 of the rotary drum 330.

  The water tank 340 includes a first bottom wall 341 adjacent to the motor 310 and a first peripheral wall 342 extending from the peripheral edge of the first bottom wall 341 toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110.

  The motor 310 is disposed outside the water tank 340 and between the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  The motor 310 is connected to the rotary drum 330 via the shaft 350 and generates a driving force for stirring the clothes L in the washing tub 320. At this time, the shaft 350 connected to the motor 310 passes through the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and is connected to the second bottom wall 331 of the rotating drum 330.

  When the motor 310 is operated by the control unit 200, the driving force is transmitted to the rotating drum 330 through the shaft 350. As a result, the rotating drum 330 rotates in the water tank 340 and stirs the clothes L.

(Dry processing mechanism)
The configuration and operation of the drying processing mechanism of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 includes a circulation duct 430 and an air filter unit 440 in addition to the blower 410 and the heat pump device 420 described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the circulation duct 430 includes a first end 431, an upstream duct 433, a downstream duct 434, and a second end 432. The first end 431 is connected to the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340. The second end 432 is connected to the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340. The upstream duct 433 is provided so as to extend from the first end 431 toward the rear wall 112 between the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340 and the top wall 115 of the housing 110. The downstream duct 434 is bent downward from the upstream duct 433 and is provided to extend to the second end 432 between the first bottom wall 341 of the water tank 340 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  Further, the blower 410 is disposed at a bent portion between the upstream duct 433 and the downstream duct 434. The blower 410 sucks the air in the upstream duct 433 and sends the sucked air to the downstream duct 434. Accordingly, air flows into the water tank 340 through the second end 432 of the circulation duct 430. The air that has flowed into the water tank 340 flows into the rotating drum 330 through the vent hole 333 formed in the second bottom wall 331. Thereafter, the air is discharged from the rotating drum 330 through the vent hole 333 formed in the second peripheral wall 332. Further, the air discharged from the rotating drum 330 flows into the upstream duct 433 through the first end 431 of the circulation duct 430. Then, the air is circulated again by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 and into the washing tub 320.

  The air filter unit 440 is disposed upstream of the blower 410 in the upstream duct 433, and removes dust such as lint floating in the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410.

  The heat exchanging unit 450 is disposed between the air filter unit 440 and upstream of the blower 410 in the upstream duct 433, and exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the washing tub 320. The heat exchanging unit 450 includes a heat exchanger 420 such as a heat pump device 420 including a dehumidifying unit 421 that dehumidifies air and a heating unit 422 that heats air.

  The drying processing mechanism 400 configured as described above operates as follows.

  First, the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 and passed through the air filter unit 440 passes through the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420. At this time, moisture such as water vapor contained in the air is condensed in the dehumidifying unit 421. As a result, the humidity of the air decreases. Thereafter, the air that has passed through the dehumidifying unit 421 passes through the heating unit 422. At this time, the air is heated. That is, the heat pump device 420 constituting the heat exchanging unit 450 exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the washing tub 320 to produce dry air for drying the clothes L.

  The dry air produced by the heat exchange unit 450 is sent out into the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 of the circulation duct 430.

  Thereby, while the dry air passes through the rotary drum 330, the clothing L collides with the dry air, and the clothing L is dried. As a result, the air discharged from the washing tub 320 through the first end 431 of the circulation duct 430 has a high humidity. At this time, dust such as lint generated from the clothing L and hair attached to the clothing L is mixed in the air discharged from the washing tub 320 and floats.

  The air filter unit 440 removes dust from the air flowing in the upstream duct 433. Thereafter, the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 deprives the air of moisture. As a result, the dehumidifying unit 421 becomes wet due to condensation or the like.

  At this time, the air filter unit 440 captures much of the dust contained in the air, but some of the dust passes through the air filter unit 440. Then, the dust that has passed through the air filter unit 440 adheres to the moist dehumidifying unit 421.

  Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the water supply mechanism 500 supplies water from the first water supply valve 511 constituting the watering mechanism 700 to the watering part 520 and waters the watering part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421. Thereby, the dust adhering to the dehumidifying part 421 is removed.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the heat pump apparatus which comprises the heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 4, referring FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the heat pump apparatus of the washing and drying machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heat pump device 420 includes at least a compressor 423, an expansion valve 424, a first circulation tube 425, a second circulation tube 426, and the like. The compressor 423 compresses the working medium, and the expansion valve 424 decompresses the working medium. The first circulation tube 425 guides the working medium flowing from the expansion valve 424 to the compressor 423. The second circulation tube 426 guides the working medium flowing from the compressor 423 to the expansion valve 424. The first circulation tube 425 and the second circulation tube 426 are provided so as to form a closed loop that passes through the compressor 423 and the expansion valve 424.

  At this time, the working medium flowing through the first circulation tube 425 becomes low temperature due to the decompression by the expansion valve 424. On the other hand, the working medium flowing through the second circulation tube 426 becomes high temperature due to compression by the compressor 423.

  Further, the first circulation tube 425 and the second circulation tube 426 are provided so as to protrude into the circulation duct 430 that guides the air sucked from the washing tub 320 by the blower 410.

  The dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 includes a first circulation tube 425 that defines a flow path that is folded back many times in the circulation duct 430 and a plurality of fins 427 attached to the first circulation tube 425. ing.

  In addition, the heating unit 422 of the heat pump device 420 includes a second circulation tube 426 that defines a flow path that is folded back many times in the circulation duct 430 and a plurality of fins 428 attached to the second circulation tube 426. ing.

  And the air which flows through the circulation duct 430 is cooled by the 1st circulation tube 425 and the fin 427 which comprise the dehumidification part 421 of the heat pump apparatus 420 cooled by the low temperature working medium. Thereby, moisture in the air is condensed on the surfaces of the first circulation tube 425 and the fins 427. As a result, the air is dehumidified.

  Thereafter, the dehumidified air is heated by the second circulation tube 426 and the fins 428 constituting the heating unit 422 of the heat pump apparatus 420 heated by the high-temperature working medium. Thereby, air becomes high temperature and turns into dry air suitable for drying of the clothing L.

  That is, the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422 constituting the heat pump device 420 exchange heat with the air flowing in the circulation duct 430 to produce dry air. In the present embodiment, the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422 are exemplified as a heat pump device or a heat exchanger.

(Water supply mechanism)
Below, the structure and operation | movement of the water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 5, referring FIGS. 1-3.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a water supply mechanism of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply mechanism 500 includes a water supply port 530, a switching valve 540, and a detergent storage unit 550 in addition to the above-described valve unit 510 and watering unit 520.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the water supply port 530 is provided on the top wall 115 of the housing 110, and is connected to a faucet (not shown) through a hose (not shown) or the like. Then, tap water is supplied to the water supply mechanism 500 through the water supply port 530. In addition, in this Embodiment, the water supply port 530 is illustrated as a water supply part.

  That is, tap water is supplied to the valve unit 510 through the water supply port 530. And if the 2nd water supply valve 512 is opened by the control part 200, the tap water supplied to the valve unit 510 will flow toward the switching valve 540. FIG.

  Note that the control unit 200 controls not only the valve unit 510 of the water supply mechanism 500 but also the switching valve 540. And the switching valve 540 switches a water supply path | route between the path | route A which goes to the detergent accommodating part 550, and the path | route B which goes directly to the washing tub 320 by control of the control part 200. FIG.

  That is, in the washing step, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the route A to which the tap water goes to the detergent storage unit 550 in which the detergent is stored. Thereby, the liquid mixture of detergent and tap water is supplied to the washing tub 320.

  In the rinsing step, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the route B so that the tap water goes directly to the washing tub 320. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the washing tub 320. In the present embodiment, the water supply route to the washing tub 320 through the water supply port 530, the second water supply valve 512, and the switching valve 540 is exemplified as the second water supply route.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the water supply mechanism 500 includes a water supply tube 560 that extends from the first water supply valve 511 to the sprinkler 520. Then, the control unit 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 in at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Thereby, tap water is supplied to the watering part 520, and water is sprinkled from the watering part 520 to, for example, the upstream end of the dehumidifying part 421 to wash the dehumidifying part 421. Then, the control part 200 closes the 1st water supply valve 511, and stops the water supply to the watering part 520. FIG. In the present embodiment, the water supply path defined by the water supply port 530, the first water supply valve 511, and the water supply tube 560 is exemplified as the first water supply path.

  When the user selects one of the first driving course to the fourth driving course shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 selects the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 in the washing step. It may be opened and closed automatically. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  Further, when the user selects one of the first driving course to the third driving course shown in FIG. 2, in the rinsing step, the control unit 200 selects the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512. It may be opened and closed automatically. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned as a result. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  When the user selects the fifth operation course shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 selectively opens and closes the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 in the washing step and / or the rinsing step. May be. That is, the control unit 200 may close the second water supply valve 512 while opening the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water such as tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 can be sprayed from the sprinkling unit 520 to the dehumidifying unit 421 with high pressure. As a result, the dehumidifying part 421 can be appropriately cleaned. On the other hand, the control unit 200 may open the second water supply valve 512 while closing the first water supply valve 511. Thereby, water can be efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320 to wash the washing tub 320. Furthermore, the control unit 200 may open and close the first water supply valve 511 and the second water supply valve 512 at the same time.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 6, referring FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the heat exchanging unit 450 further includes an upper cover 460 that covers the upper part of the heat pump device 420 in addition to the heat pump device 420 described above.

  The upper cover 460 includes a main body 461, a circular frame 462, and a rectangular frame 463, and is used as a part of the circulation duct 430. The main body 461 of the upper cover 460 covers the heat pump device 420. The blower 410 is attached to the circular frame 462, and a circular ventilation port 464 is formed at the center. The rectangular frame 463 includes a substantially rectangular (including rectangular) outlet 465 and is provided so as to protrude on the air filter portion 440.

  The blower 410 attached to the circular frame 462 sucks air from the heat pump device 420 through the ventilation port 464 of the circular frame 462 of the upper cover 460. Thereby, the dry air produced by the heat pump device 420 is sent to the washing tub 320 by the blower 410 through the downstream duct 434 of the circulation duct 430.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 includes a lid body 117 that can be removed from the top wall 115, and when the user removes the lid body 117 from the top wall 115, through the outlet 465 of the rectangular frame 463, The air filter part 440 is exposed. Therefore, the user can take out the air filter part 440 from the housing 110 through the outlet 465 of the rectangular frame 463. Thereby, the user can remove and clean lint and the like to which the air filter unit 440 is attached. Thereafter, the user can install the cleaned air filter portion 440 again in the circulation duct 430 in the housing 110 through the outlet 465.

  Further, between the rectangular frame 463 of the upper cover part 460 and the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420, a watering part 520 constituting the watering mechanism 700 of the water supply mechanism 500 described above is provided.

  Below, the structure and operation | movement of the watering part which comprises the watering mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 7, referring FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 3.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the water sprinkling unit 520 is provided above in the vicinity of the upstream side of the dehumidifying unit 421, and includes a connection unit 529 and a manifold 521 having a large number of small holes 522. The connection unit 529 is connected to the first water supply valve 511 of the water supply mechanism 500 via the water supply tube 560. The manifold 521 defines a flow path through which water fed from the water supply tube 560 flows.

  And the small hole 522 of the manifold 521 is formed in the direction orthogonal to the direction where the air of the dehumidification part 421 of the heat pump apparatus 420 flows in, for example in a line.

  Then, by sprinkling water from the water sprinkling part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421 through the small hole 522, the attached lint and the like can be removed and the heat pump device 420 can be cleaned.

  The distribution of the large number of small holes 522 formed in the manifold 521 can be determined according to the design of the heat exchange unit 450. For example, in the present embodiment, the density of the small holes 522B in the region (the right half of the manifold 521 in FIG. 7) facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 described in FIG. It is more densely configured than the small hole 522A. This is because a relatively large amount of dust mixed in the air adheres to the area of the dehumidifying part 421 facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471. Therefore, the density of the small holes 522B of the watering portion 520 facing the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 is increased. Thereby, the amount of water sprayed from the water sprinkling unit 520 increases, and dust attached to the dehumidifying unit 421 can be more appropriately removed.

  Below, the flow (processing) of the water in the heat exchange part and the watering part of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 8, referring FIGS. 2-4 and FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchange unit of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the heat exchange unit 450 further includes a lower cover part 470 in addition to the heat pump device 420 and the upper cover part 460.

  The lower cover 470 includes a first pocket 471, a second pocket 472, and a third pocket 473, and forms a part of the circulation duct 430. The first pocket 471 accommodates the air filter portion 440. The second pocket 472 accommodates the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422. The third pocket 473 accommodates the compressor 423.

  Then, by integrating the upper cover portion 460 and the lower cover portion 470, a part of the upstream duct 433 of the circulation duct 430 is formed.

  Further, the first pocket 471 is formed with a connection port 474 connected to the upstream duct 433 upstream from the heat exchanging unit 450. Then, air flows into the air filter unit 440 through the connection port 474 of the first pocket 471 by the suction force from the blower 410. At this time, the air filter unit 440 removes a lot of dust mixed in the air flowing in through the connection port 474.

  However, part of the dust may pass through the air filter unit 440 and reach the second pocket 472.

  At this time, the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 dehumidifies the dehumidified portion by condensing water vapor or the like contained in the air that has passed through the air filter unit 440. Therefore, the dehumidifying unit 421 is moistened by dew condensation. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 421 includes a large number of fins 427 that are densely attached to the first circulation tube 425 through which a low-temperature working medium flows. Therefore, most of the dust that has passed through the air filter unit 440 is efficiently captured by the wet dehumidifying unit 421.

  As a result, the dust captured by the dehumidifying part 421 is appropriately removed by watering from the small holes 522 of the watering part 520.

  Further, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover 470 has a bottom wall 475 that supports the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422 facing the watering part 520 provided in the upper cover 460. And the bottom wall 475 receives the water from the water sprinkling part 520 and the water which falls from the dehumidification part 421 appropriately. In the present embodiment, the second pocket 472 is exemplified as the water receiving portion.

  Further, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover portion 470 includes a large number of capturing teeth 476 that protrude upward from the bottom wall 475 and are formed between the first pocket 471 and the dehumidifying portion 421. The capture teeth 476 appropriately capture dust such as long fibrous materials (for example, hair) contained in the dust removed from the dehumidifying unit 421 by watering from the watering unit 520.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the flow (treatment) of the water in the heat exchange unit and the watering unit of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment, particularly the water flowing through the bottom wall of the second pocket of the lower cover unit will be described. However, this will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view for explaining a heat exchange part of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 8.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover 470 has a concave shape between the main drainage channel 477 adjacent to the dehumidifying unit 421 and the heating unit 422, and between the main drainage channel 477 and the third pocket 473. And a water storage region 478 having a connection portion 479 provided therein. The main drainage channel 477 is provided so as to be inclined downward toward the water storage region 478 and allows the water flowing on the main drainage channel 477 to flow into the water storage region 478.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a relay tube 480 that connects the heat exchange unit 450 and the washing tub 320, and the relay tube 480 is a connection part 479 provided in the water storage region 478 shown in FIG. 9. Connected. Then, the water temporarily stored in the water storage region 478 flows to the washing tub 320 through the connection portion 479 and the relay tube 480 by the gravity action. In the present embodiment, the water flow path defined by the bottom wall 475 and the relay tube 480 is exemplified as the second drainage path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the second pocket 472 of the lower cover portion 470 is provided with ribs 491 that support the dehumidifying portion 421 and the heating portion 422. The dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422 are supported by the rib 491 so as to be slightly spaced upward from the bottom wall 475. Further, below the dehumidifying part 421, the bottom wall 475 is provided to be inclined downward toward the main drainage channel 477. Therefore, the water dropped from the dehumidifying part 421 smoothly flows on the bottom wall 475 along the inclination below the dehumidifying part 421 and flows toward the main drainage channel 477.

  As shown in FIG. 8, among the ribs 491 that support the dehumidifying part 421 and the heating part 422, the rib 491 closest to the first pocket 471 is a large number of traps provided on the bottom wall 475 of the first pocket 471. The region where the teeth 476 are formed and the region below the dehumidifying part 421 are separated from each other. Thereby, the water sprayed from the water spray part 520 to the dehumidification part 421 becomes difficult to flow into the area | region below the dehumidification part 421 directly. As a result, dust such as a long fibrous material removed from the dehumidifying part 421 is easily captured by the capture teeth 476.

  In addition, the region where the multiple capture teeth 476 of the bottom wall 475 of the first pocket 471 are formed is inclined downward from the rib 491 toward the outer peripheral wall of the first pocket 471. Therefore, the water sprinkled from the water sprinkling part 520 to the dehumidifying part 421 flows toward the first pocket 471. As a result, dust such as a long fibrous material removed from the dehumidifying unit 421 can be easily captured by the capture teeth 476.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rib 491 closest to the first pocket 471 is cut out and interrupted near the main drainage channel 477. As a result, an inflow port 492 that allows inflow of water from the region where the many capture teeth 476 are formed to the region below the dehumidifying part 421 is defined. Therefore, the water from the sprinkling unit 520 flows into the area below the dehumidifying unit 421 through the inflow port 492. Thereafter, the inflowing water flows into the relay tube 480 through the main drainage channel 477 and the water storage region 478 and flows into the washing tub 320. At this time, in the present embodiment, for example, three capture teeth 476 are further provided at the boundary between the main drainage channel 477 and the water storage region 478. Therefore, it is further prevented that dust such as a long fibrous material flows into the relay tube 480. As a result, the occurrence of clogging of the relay tube 480 can be prevented, and the generation of malodor and poor drying can be prevented.

  In addition, although the example which supplies the tap water etc. which were connected to the water supply port 530 directly to the water sprinkling part 520 was demonstrated above, it is not restricted to this. For example, a water supply unit such as a pump may be provided in the water supply route to the watering unit 520. Thereby, the pressure etc. of the water to sprinkle can be adjusted and dust can be removed more effectively.

  In the above description, the water that has washed the heat pump device 420 is discharged to the water tank 340 through the relay tube 480 connected to the connection portion 479. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the water is connected to the connection pipe 631 may be used. .

(Drainage mechanism)
Below, the structure and operation | movement of the drainage mechanism of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment are demonstrated using FIG. 2 and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drainage mechanism 600 includes a connection pipe 631, a drainage valve 620, and a drainage pipe 633. The connecting pipe 631 is provided to extend downward from the lowest position of the first peripheral wall 342 of the water tank 340 inclined upward toward the front wall 111 of the housing 110. The drain valve 620 is connected to the lower end of the connection pipe 631. The drain pipe 633 is provided so as to extend from the drain valve 620 toward the rear wall 112 of the housing 110.

  When the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600, liquid such as water or a mixed liquid in the washing tub 320 is discharged from the housing 110 through the connection pipe 631 and the drain pipe 633. In the present embodiment, the water flow path defined by the connecting pipe 631 and the drain pipe 633 is exemplified as the first drain path.

  The drainage mechanism 600 may further include a filter device 640 disposed upstream of the circulation pump 610, as shown in FIG. In this case, the control unit 200 operates the circulation pump 610 after closing the drain valve 620 of the drain mechanism 600. At this time, the liquid in the washing tub 320 flows toward the connection pipe 631, the filter device 640, and the circulation pump 610 by the suction force generated by the circulation pump 610. Then, the filter device 640 captures dust contained in the liquid flowing toward the circulation pump 610. As a result, the dust that has flowed with the tap water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 and the dust that is separated from the clothing L and contained in the water in the washing step and the rinsing step are appropriately captured by the filter device. . Thereafter, the circulation pump 610 returns the liquid cleaned by the filter device 640 to the water tank 340 through the second circulation duct 636. In the present embodiment, connection pipe 631, filter device 640, and circulation pump 610 are exemplified as a circulation mechanism.

  Further, the drainage mechanism 600 may further include a transmissive optical sensor 650 attached to the first circulation duct 634 as shown in FIG. 3 below. At this time, the optical sensor 650 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of transmitted light in water used for stirring the clothes L in the washing step. The amount of transmitted light can be used as a parameter representing the amount of water stain used for stirring the clothing L. In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 650 is exemplified as a measurement unit. The amount of dirt detected by the optical sensor 650 is exemplified as a physical property of water.

(Operation of washing machine)
Hereinafter, the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the washing step of the washing / drying machine in the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a control operation of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output from the optical sensor of the washing / drying machine illustrated in FIG. 11.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, when the user operates the console 201 and selects one of the first operation course to the fourth operation course, the control unit 200 includes the first water supply valve 511 and the drain valve 620. On the other hand, the second water supply valve 512 is opened to start water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S105). At this time, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the water supply route to the route A so that the tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 passes through the detergent storage unit 550. Thereby, the tap water containing a detergent is efficiently supplied to the washing tub 320.

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 has reached a predetermined value (step S110). The set value related to the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is determined according to parameters such as an input by the user using the console 201 and the amount of clothing stored in the washing tub 320. Further, the amount of water supplied into the washing tub 320 is detected based on an elapsed time from the time when water supply is started and an output signal from a liquid level sensor (not shown) attached to the washing tub 320. . At this time, if the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is not a predetermined value (NO in step S110), water is supplied until the water amount reaches a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in step S110), the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and interrupts the water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S115). .

  Next, the control part 200 operates the circulation pump 610 and the motor 310 (step S120). Thereby, the circulation of the mixed liquid such as the detergent and the tap water between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610 and the stirring of the clothing in the washing tub 320 are started.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 200 sets the first measurement time to, for example, 2 minutes and the second measurement time to, for example, 4 minutes and 10 seconds, and starts measuring time (step S125).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the first measurement time has been reached with reference to the timing start time set in step 125 (step S130). At this time, if it is not the first measurement time (NO in step S130), the process waits until the first measurement time is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the first measurement time has come (YES in step S130), the control unit 200 stores the output value from the optical sensor 650 shown in FIG. 12 (step S135).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the second measurement time has been reached with reference to the timing start time set in step S125 (step S140). At this time, if it is not the second measurement time (NO in step S140), the process waits until the second measurement time is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the second measurement time has come (YES in step S140), the control unit 200 acquires the output value from the optical sensor 650 shown in FIG. 12 (step S142).

  Next, the control unit 200 calculates a difference as shown in FIG. 12 using the output value acquired in step S142 and the output value stored in step S135 (step S145).

  Next, the control part 200 determines the control content of a washing step based on the difference calculation result of step S145 (step S150).

  Next, the control part 200 opens the 1st water supply valve 511, and wash | cleans the heat pump apparatus 420 through the water sprinkling part 520 (step S155). Then, after cleaning the heat pump device 420 for a predetermined time, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511.

  Next, the control part 200 performs the control content determined by step S150 (step S160). At this time, if the control unit 200 determines in step S150 that the level of contamination of the liquid in the washing tub 320 is excessively high, for example, the circulation pump 610 is stopped and the drain valve 620 is opened to drain the liquid (drainage Start step). Then, after draining the liquid by opening the drain valve 620 for a predetermined period, the control unit 200 closes the drain valve 620 (drainage end step), opens the second water supply valve 512, and supplies water to the washing tub 320. Thereby, the level of dirt in the washing tub 320 can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the optical sensor 650 is used to measure the physical property of water such as dirt is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a detection element such as a conductive sensor may be used for measuring the physical properties of water. Thereby, the detergent concentration and detergent kind in water are detectable.

  In the present embodiment, the example of measuring the physical properties of water in the washing step has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the rinsing step, the physical properties of water such as the concentration of detergent in water may be measured using a conductive sensor or the like.

  Further, the dehydration operation may be performed after draining the liquid. The drain valve 620 may be open or closed during the dehydration operation, or may be closed during the dehydration operation. That is, a drainage end step for closing the drain valve 620 is set at an arbitrary timing during dehydration.

  Hereinafter, the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation in the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, first, when the user operates the console 201 and selects one of the first driving course to the third driving course, the control unit 200 of the heat pump device 420 performs the washing step after the washing step. Cleaning is started (step S205). Specifically, the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and the drain valve 620 while opening the first water supply valve 511 to clean the heat pump device 420.

  Next, after cleaning the heat pump device 420, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511 and opens the second water supply valve 512 to start water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S210). At this time, the control unit 200 controls the switching valve 540 and sets the water supply route to the route B so that the tap water supplied from the water supply port 530 bypasses the detergent storage unit 550. Thereby, tap water is directly supplied to the washing tub 320. When water supply to the washing tub 320 is started, step S215 is executed.

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 has reached a predetermined value (step S215). The set value related to the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is determined according to parameters such as an input by the user using the console 201 and the amount of clothing stored in the washing tub 320. Further, the amount of water supplied into the washing tub 320 is detected in accordance with an elapsed time from the time when water supply is started and an output signal from a liquid level sensor (not shown) attached to the washing tub 320. .

  At this time, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 is not a predetermined value (NO in step S215), water is supplied until the water amount reaches a predetermined value.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water stored in the washing tub 320 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in step S215), the control unit 200 closes the second water supply valve 512 and interrupts water supply to the washing tub 320 (step S220). .

  Next, the control part 200 operates the circulation pump 610 and the motor 310 (step S225). As a result, the circulation of the mixed liquid such as the detergent and tap water between the washing tub 320 and the circulation pump 610 and the stirring of the clothes in the washing tub 320 are started by driving the motor 310.

  Next, the control unit 200 sets a predetermined circulation period (for example, 10 minutes) and starts measuring time (step S230).

  Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not a predetermined circulation period has elapsed with reference to the timing start time set in Step 230 (Step S235). At this time, if the predetermined circulation period has not elapsed (NO in step S235), the process waits until the predetermined circulation period is reached.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined circulation period has elapsed (YES in step S235), the control unit 200 opens the drain valve 620 and performs a drainage start step for draining from the washing tub 320 (step S240).

  Next, after draining from the washing tub 320, the control part 200 counts the frequency | count of drainage (namely, the frequency | count that the drain valve 620 was opened) (step S245).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of times of drainage has reached a predetermined value (step S250). At this time, if the number of times of drainage has not reached the predetermined value (NO in step S250), the subsequent steps from step 210 are repeated.

  And when the frequency | count of drainage reaches | attains the predetermined value (YES of step S250), a rinse step is complete | finished.

  As described above, the rinsing step of the washing / drying machine of the present embodiment is executed.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 13, the heat pump apparatus 420 is cleaned before the washing operation (step S160) and / or the rinsing operation (step S225). Therefore, the dust contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 is appropriately processed in the subsequent step S160 and / or step S225. As a result, the dust contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be prevented from adhering to the clothing.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the first water supply valve and the drain valve in the watering operation of the watering mechanism of the washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic timing chart for explaining opening / closing timings of the first water supply valve and the drain valve of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, the controller 200 opens the first water supply valve 511 and closes the drain valve 620. Alternatively, the control unit 200 closes the first water supply valve 511 while opening the drain valve 620.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the first water supply valve 511 is controlled to be closed before the drain valve 620 is opened (drainage start step).

  That is, before the drain valve 620 is opened and the drainage is started, watering from the watering mechanism 700 is finished. Thereby, the water used for the cleaning of the heat pump device 420 can be drained at the initial stage of the draining step where the flow rate of the washing water drained from the washing tub 320 is large. As a result, foreign matter contained in the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be more reliably discharged out of the apparatus.

(Driving course design)
Below, the timing which wash | cleans a heat pump apparatus in the driving | running course of the washing / drying machine of this Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a design pattern of each operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating another design pattern of each operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the user selects the fourth driving course from the first driving course, the washing step is first executed. Therefore, the step of washing the heat pump device 420 is designed to be executed by being incorporated in the washing step.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the user selects the third driving course from the first driving course, the rinsing step is executed after the washing step. Therefore, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is designed to be executed by being incorporated in the rinsing step.

  Hereinafter, the cleaning timing of the heat pump apparatus during each step of the first operation course in the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating each design pattern of the first operation course of the washing / drying machine according to the embodiment.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, the first design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which the step of cleaning the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the washing step. The second design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which the step of cleaning the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the rinsing step. Further, the third design pattern of the first operation course is a design pattern in which a step of cleaning the dehumidifying part 421 of the heat pump device 420 is separately provided after the dehydration step.

  Next, the relationship between the operation time of the washer / dryer and the amount of water used in the first to third design patterns will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation time in the first to third design patterns shown in FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the first design pattern incorporates the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 into the cleaning step. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 can be used for washing clothes in the washing tub 320.

  In the second design pattern, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is incorporated in the rinsing step. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 can be used for rinsing clothes in the washing tub 320.

  On the other hand, in the third design pattern, a step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is separately provided after the dehydration step. Therefore, the water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 is discharged without being used in other steps.

  That is, the first design pattern performs the cleaning of the heat pump device 420 as a part of the water supply step to the washing tub 320 in the washing step. Therefore, the operation time can be shortened in the first design pattern as compared with the third design pattern. Furthermore, compared to the third design pattern, the amount of water used can be reduced in the first design pattern.

  Further, in the first design pattern, since the dehumidifying part 421 is cleaned in the washing step, foreign matters such as lint and detergent remaining slightly in the drain pipe 633 that is the first drainage path are caused to flow with the washing water used in the rinsing step. be able to. As a result, the first drainage path can be kept cleaner.

  Further, in the first design pattern, as shown in FIG. 16, the step of cleaning the heat pump device 420 is performed before the drainage. That is, before the washing water in the rotating drum 330 is discharged and the drain valve 620 is closed, the watering from the watering mechanism 700 is terminated. Therefore, the amount of water used for cleaning the heat pump device 420 can be considerably reduced compared to the amount of washing water. That is, when washing the heat pump device 420 in a state where the washing water is drained, the amount of water used for washing is insufficient to allow the foreign matter such as lint to flow without staying. Therefore, foreign matter may remain in the drain pipe 633 which is the first drain path.

  Therefore, in the first design pattern, the step of washing the heat pump device 420 is performed before the start of drainage, and the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 is drained from the drain pipe 633 to the outside of the machine together with the drainage of the washing water. Thereby, the amount of foreign matter such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bad odor due to the remaining foreign matter, and to prevent drying failure due to clogging of the second drainage path and to maintain the drying performance.

  In the first design pattern, the heat pump device 420 is preferably cleaned in the latter half of the washing step. The reason is that in the first half of the washing step, the powder detergent is not yet dissolved, so the undissolved detergent is wound up by the rotation of the rotating drum 330 and enters and adheres to the relay tube 480 which is the second drainage path. There is a case. Therefore, the heat pump device 420 is washed in the latter half of the washing step, and the foreign matter in the relay tube 480 is washed away. Thereby, it is possible to prevent poor drying due to drainage clogging of the relay tube 480.

  Next, in the second design pattern, the heat pump device 420 is washed as part of the water supply step to the washing tub 320 in the rinsing step. Therefore, compared with the third design pattern, the second design pattern can shorten the operation time. Furthermore, compared to the third design pattern, the amount of water used can be reduced in the second design pattern.

  In the second design pattern, in the rinsing step, before the drainage valve 620 is closed by discharging the washing water in the rotary drum 330, the watering from the watering portion 520 is finished. At this time, the washing water is rolled up by the rotating drum 330, and the rolled up washing water enters the relay tube 480, which is the second drainage path. However, the wash water that has entered the relay tube 480 can be washed away by the water discharged from the sprinkler 520.

  That is, the water discharged into the washing tub 320 at the beginning of the cleaning step of the dehumidifying unit 421 of the heat pump device 420 contains a large amount of foreign matters such as lint. However, the water discharged into the washing tub 320 at the end of the cleaning step of the dehumidifying unit 421 contains almost no foreign matter. Therefore, the water used for washing the heat pump device 420 is cleaner than the washing water. At this time, the foreign matter contained in the washing water at the initial stage of the washing step of the dehumidifying part 421 is discharged out of the machine together with the washing water drainage. Then, the operation of the rinsing step ends in the state where the inside of the relay tube 480 as the second drainage path is replaced with clean washing water at the end of the washing step of the dehumidifying unit 421. As a result, the relay tube 480 serving as the second drainage path can prevent clogging due to foreign matter.

  As described above, according to the washing and drying machine of the present invention, the water tank supported in the housing, the rotating drum disposed in the water tank and housing the clothes, and the water in the water tank being discharged out of the housing. A first drainage path, a drain valve that opens and closes the first drainage path, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the rotating drum, and dries the clothes; A watering mechanism including a watering part for cleaning the water, a second drainage path for flowing the water discharged from the watering mechanism to the upstream side of the rotary drum or the drainage valve of the first drainage path, and a control part. Then, the control unit performs at least a drainage start step for opening the drainage valve and a drainage end step for closing the drainage valve after the drainage start step at the time of drainage of at least one of the washing step and the rinsing step. Then, control is made so as to end the watering from the watering mechanism.

  Thereby, the washing water which washed the heat exchanger together with the washing water is drained outside the apparatus, and the amount of foreign matters such as lint remaining in the first drainage path and the second drainage path can be reduced. As a result, generation of malodor, generation of malodor due to clogging of foreign substances in the first drainage path and the second drainage path, and poor drying can be prevented and the drying performance can be maintained.

  Moreover, according to the washing / drying machine of this invention, a control part is controlled to complete | finish watering from a watering mechanism before a waste_water | drain start step.

  Thereby, the washing water which wash | cleaned the heat exchanger can be drained in the initial stage of the washing water drainage step with a large drainage flow rate. For this reason, foreign matters contained in the cleaning water can be more reliably discharged out of the machine.

  Further, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the washing step.

  As a result, foreign matters such as lint and detergent remaining slightly in the first drainage path can be caused to flow by the drainage of the rinsing step. As a result, the first drainage path can be kept cleaner.

  Moreover, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the latter half of the washing step.

  Thereby, the undissolved detergent that has entered the second drainage path in the first half of the washing step can be washed away with the washing water for washing the heat exchanger. As a result, clogging of the second drainage path can be prevented.

  Further, according to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, the control unit controls the watering from the watering mechanism in the rinsing step.

  As a result, the operation can be terminated in a cleaner state in the second drainage path. As a result, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter remaining in the second drainage path from being left for a long time and to prevent the second drainage path from sticking to the inner surface.

  The present invention is useful for equipment such as a washing and drying machine for washing and drying clothes and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Washing / drying machine 110 Case 111 Front wall 112 Rear wall 113 Left wall 114 Right wall 115 Top wall 116 Input port 117 Cover body 120 Door body 200 Control part 201 Console 300 Clothing processing mechanism 310 Motor 320 Washing tank 330 Rotating drum 331 1st 2 bottom wall 332 second peripheral wall 333 vent hole 340 water tank 341 first bottom wall 342 first peripheral wall 350 shaft 400 drying processing mechanism 410 blower 420 heat pump device (heat exchanger)
421 Dehumidifying section 422 Heating section 423 Compressor 424 Expansion valve 425, 426 Circulating tube 427, 428 Fin 430 Circulating duct 431 First end section 432 Second end section 433 Upstream duct 434 Downstream duct 440 Air filter section 450 Heat exchange section 460 Top cover Portion 461 Main body portion 462 Circular frame 463 Rectangular frame 464 Ventilation hole 465 Outlet 470 Lower cover 471 First pocket 472 Second pocket 473 Third pocket 474 Connection port 475 Bottom wall 476 Capture teeth 477 Main drainage channel 478 Water storage region 479 Connection Portion 480 Relay tube 491 Rib 492 Inflow port 500 Water supply mechanism 510 Valve unit 511 First water supply valve 512 Second water supply valve 520 Water spraying portion 521 Manifold 522, 522A, 522B Small hole 529 Connection portion 530 Water supply 540 switching valve 550 detergent storage unit 560 water supply tube 600 flush mechanism 610 circulation pump 620 drain valve 631 connection tube 633 drain pipe 634 first circulation duct 636 the second circulation duct 640 filter apparatus 650 optical sensor 700 watering mechanism

Claims (5)

A water tank supported in the housing;
A rotating drum that is disposed in the aquarium and houses clothing;
A first drainage path for discharging water in the aquarium out of the housing;
A drain valve for opening and closing the first drainage path;
A heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the rotating drum and dries the clothing;
A watering mechanism including a watering part for watering the heat exchanger and washing the heat exchanger;
A second drainage path for flowing water discharged from the watering mechanism to the upstream side of the drainage valve of the rotary drum or the first drainage path;
A control unit,
In the drainage start step of opening the drainage valve at the time of drainage of at least one of the washing step or the rinsing step, and the drainage end step of closing the drainage valve performed after the drainage start step,
A washing / drying machine that controls to finish watering from the watering mechanism at least before the drainage end step. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to end watering from the watering mechanism before the drainage start step. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so that watering from the watering mechanism is performed in the washing step. The washing / drying machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs control so that watering from the watering mechanism is performed in the latter half of the washing step. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the watering mechanism to perform watering in the rinsing step.

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