WO2023084832A1

WO2023084832A1 - Washing and drying machine

Info

Publication number: WO2023084832A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/025228
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正雄今成; 麻理内田; 真理黒澤; 幸太郎高橋; 幸司松本; 好宏矢田
Original assignee: 日立グローバルライフソリューションズ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-11-15
Filing date: 2022-06-24
Publication date: 2023-05-19
Also published as: JP2023072895A

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying machine that can suppress an increase in power consumption for drying and can control temperature and humidity to increase a circulating amount of air to be blown on clothes. In a washing and drying machine 100 comprising an air circulation mechanism that circulates air through an inner drum 3 and a heat exchange unit 251, the air circulation mechanism includes, a first blower 256 and a second blower 20, a first air circulation channel 71 having a first outlet 257 that circulates air blown by the first blower 256 to the inner drum 3, and a second air circulation channel 72 having a second outlet 203 that circulates air blown by the second blower 20 to the inner drum 3, wherein the second air circulation channel 72 branches off from the first air circulation channel 72 between the first blower 256 and the first outlet 257 and the second blower 20 is disposed between the second outlet 203 and a branching section 258 branching to the first air circulation channel 71.

Description

Washing and drying machine

The present invention relates to a washer/dryer for washing and drying clothes.

Patent Document 1 discloses a first air circulation duct that guides air flowing in from a first exhaust port that exhausts air in an inner tank to a first intake port, and a first air circulation duct that guides air flowing in from the first exhaust port to the first intake port. a first air blowing means for discharging air into the inner tank; a second air circulation duct for guiding the air flowing in from the second exhaust port to the second air intake; and a second air blowing means for discharging air into the first air circulation duct, and the first air circulation duct is provided with dehumidifying means for dehumidifying the air flowing in from the first exhaust port and/or heating means for heating the air. (see abstract).

JP 2010-104487 A

In the washing and drying machine described in Document 1, the temperature and humidity of the air circulated by the first air blowing means can be controlled by the dehumidifying means and/or the heating means, but the circulating air by the second air blowing means is basically the inner tank. It is the structure which circulates air. Since the air circulated by the second air blowing means has the same humidity as the air in the inner tank, the wrinkles cannot be reduced by blowing the air onto the clothes. Since the air circulated by the first air blowing means passes through the heating means and/or the dehumidifying means, the amount of circulating air passing through the dehumidifying means and/or the heating means can be ensured by throttling the first exhaust port to increase the blowing air velocity. For drying, the power consumption of the first air blowing means becomes large.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying machine capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption for drying and controlling the temperature and humidity to increase the amount of air circulated to blow onto clothes.

In order to achieve the above object, the washing and drying machine of the present invention includes:
an outer tank capable of storing liquid therein; an inner tank rotatably provided inside the outer tank to accommodate laundry; a heat exchange unit having a dehumidifying function and a heating function; A washing and drying machine comprising an air circulation mechanism that circulates air via a heat exchange unit,
The air circulation mechanism includes a first blower and a second blower for blowing air, and a first air circulation flow path having a first outlet for circulating the air blown by the first blower into the inner tank. , a second air circulation flow path having a second outlet for circulating the air blown by the second blower to the inside of the inner tank,
The second air circulation flow path is provided by branching from between the first blower and the first outlet in the first air circulation flow path, and the branched portion with the first air circulation flow path and the A said 2nd air blower is arrange|positioned between a 2nd blower outlet.

According to the present invention, all the circulating air for drying can be dehumidified and heated in the heat exchange unit, so the temperature and humidity can be controlled to increase the amount of air circulating that is blown onto the clothes. Since the air pressurized by the second blower sucks the air pressurized by the first blower, the shaft power can be reduced compared to when the first blower and the second blower are driven independently, and the power consumption for drying can be reduced. increase can be suppressed.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is an external perspective view showing a washing and drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side as viewed from the front, showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view of the washing-drying machine which sees through and shows the warm air circulation mechanism and dehumidification mechanism which concern on 1st Example of this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of drive timings of a first fan and a second fan according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device for a washing/drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a process diagram (flow chart) explaining the operation process of the washing/drying operation in the washing/drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side as viewed from the front, showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional view seen from the back side, showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a washing and drying machine showing a hot air circulation mechanism and a dehumidifying mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Drying clothes with a washer/dryer, which can continuously perform washing and drying, creates high-temperature, low-humidity air with a blower fan and a heat source, blows it into the washing tub, raises the temperature of the clothes, and removes them from the clothes. A warm air drying method is used to evaporate the moisture and dehumidify the evaporated moisture. Methods for removing the evaporated moisture include a method of cooling and dehumidifying the circulating air and a method of replacing the circulating air with low-humidity air in the surroundings. Furthermore, as a cold heat source for cooling and dehumidification, there are a method using a heat pump and a method using cooling water.

In recent years, there has been a demand for low-environmental load equipment. Specifically, there is a need for energy-saving equipment that is fluorocarbon-free and consumes less power. If the operation time for washing and drying can be shortened, power consumption can be reduced, so so-called time saving is also an important factor.

On the other hand, there are many dissatisfaction with wrinkles in clothes after the drying operation, and there is a demand for less wrinkle finish, especially for outerwear such as shirts. If you can finish it with less wrinkles, you can save energy by reducing the time and effort of ironing.

The principle of removing wrinkles is to stretch the wrinkled area while applying heat while applying force to smooth out the wrinkles and evaporate the contained moisture, fixing the fibers in the stretched state. That is, it supplies wrinkle-stretching power and heat to evaporate the moisture, creating steam. Ambient humidity should be low to facilitate vapor generation and diffusion.

An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a washing/drying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side as viewed from the front, showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a drum-type washer/dryer will be described as an example of the washer/dryer 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a vertical type washer/dryer.

First, let's talk about the exterior. Side plates 1a made mainly of steel plates and resin moldings and reinforcing members (not shown) are combined to form a frame on the top of the base 1h, and a front cover 1c and a top cover 1e are attached thereon. A housing 1 is formed. The front cover 1c is provided with a door 9 for loading and unloading laundry 207, and a back cover (not shown) is attached to the back. The door 9 includes a door glass 9a and a door frame 9b.

Next, the schematic structure of the washing/drying machine 100 will be briefly described. An outer tank 2 is provided inside the housing 1 . The outer tank 2 can store liquid inside and is supported by a plurality of suspensions 5 at the bottom. A rotating drum 3 inside the outer tub 2 has the laundry 207 thrown in with the door 9 opened, and the outer circumference of the opening of the rotating drum 3 reduces the vibration caused by the imbalance of the laundry 207 during dehydration. A fluid balancer 31 is provided for this purpose. The rotating drum 3 is rotatably provided inside the outer tub 2 and accommodates laundry. For this reason, the rotating drum 3 is also called an inner tank.

A plurality of lifters 33 for raking up the laundry 207 are provided inside the rotary drum 3 . The rotating drum 3 is directly connected to a drum driving motor M10 via a main shaft 35 connected to a metal flange 34 for rotating drum. Alternatively, a so-called belt drive system in which a pulley fixed to the main shaft and a motor fixed to the outer tank 2 are connected via a belt to drive the drum, which is different from the present embodiment, may be used. A rubber-based packing 10 made of an elastic material is attached to the opening of the outer tub 2 . This packing 10 serves to maintain watertightness between the inside of the outer tub 2 and the door 9 . This prevents water leakage during washing, rinsing and dehydration. The rotating drum 3 has a large number of small holes (not shown) for centrifugal dehydration and ventilation on the side wall. A drain port 21 opened in the water receiving portion 54 of the outer tub 2 is connected to a drain hose 26 via a drain valve V1. The overflow hose 17 is attached to the front surface of the outer tank 2 and joins the drain hose 26 downstream of the drain valve V1. That is, the overflow hose 17 is configured to communicate with the drain hose 26 regardless of whether the drain valve V1 is opened or closed.
However, the overflow hose 17 may be configured to merge with the drain hose 26 upstream of the drain valve 8 without causing any functional problems.

A circulation pump 18 for pumping up the washing water to the upper part of the outer tub 2 and spraying it on the laundry 207 in the rotating drum 3 is fixed below the outer tub 2 on the side of the base 1h. The washing water passes through the lint filter 222 (see FIG. 3) from the drain port 21 of the water receiving portion 54 provided at the bottom of the outer tub, enters the suction port side of the circulation pump 18, and is pressurized by the circulation pump 18. Water is sprayed into the drum 3 from a water spray nozzle 223 (see FIG. 3). A drain port 21 provided for draining water at the bottom of the water receiving portion 54 is connected to a drain hose 26 via a lint filter 222 and a drain valve V1, so that water in the water receiving portion 54 can be drained.

On the other hand, the overflow hose 17 is configured to communicate with the drain hose 26 on the downstream side of the drain valve V1 so as to branch from the door 9 side of the outer tank 2 to the drain hole 39 . That is, when the amount of water exceeds the predetermined water level to which the overflow hose 17 is attached, the water can be forcibly drained in any case.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the washing/drying machine showing the warm air circulation mechanism and the dehumidifying mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows the basic internal structure of the washer/dryer 100, including a heat exchange unit 251, a first blower 256, a second blower 20, a first outlet 257, a second outlet 203, and an air circulation channel 71. , 72 and a branch portion 258, showing the basic configuration of an air circulation mechanism (warm air circulation mechanism). The air circulation mechanism circulates air through the interior of the rotating drum (inner tank) 3 and the heat exchange unit 251 .

The heat exchange unit 251 of this embodiment is composed of a heat pump, and has a condenser 252, an evaporator 253, an expansion means (expansion valve) 254, a compressor 255, and piping connecting them. The heat exchange unit 251 has a dehumidifying function and a heating function. After flowing into the heat exchange unit 251 from the outlet 260 on the back surface of the tank and passing through the first blower 256, the air at the branch 258 is part of the air blown into the tank from the first outlet 257, After being pressurized through the second blower 20, the air is throttled by the second outlet 203 and separated into the remaining air that is blown out into the tank as a high air velocity. That is, the air blown from the first blower outlet 257 and the air blown from the second blower outlet 203 have the same humidity, and the temperature of the air blown from the second blower outlet 203 is different from that of the first blower 256 and the second blower. 20 , the air temperature is higher than the air temperature at the first blower outlet 257 by the amount increased by the second blower 20 .

That is, the air circulation channel of the air circulation mechanism has the first air circulation channel 71 and the second air circulation channel 72 . The first air circulation flow path 71 has a first outlet 257 that circulates the air blown by the first blower 256 inside the rotating drum (inner tank) 3 . The second air circulation flow path 72 has a second outlet 203 that circulates the air blown by the second blower 20 inside the rotating drum (inner tank) 3 . The second air circulation flow path 72 is branched from between the first blower 256 and the first outlet 257 in the first air circulation flow path 71, and is provided at a branch portion 258 with the first air circulation flow path 71. A second blower 20 is arranged between the second outlet 203 and the second blower 203 . In this case, the first air circulation channel 71 guides part of the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit 251 to the first outlet 257, and the second air circulation channel 72 guides the remaining air that has passed through the heat exchange unit 251. of air to the second outlet 203 via the second blower 20 .

Further, in this embodiment, the first blow-out port 257 and the second blow-out port 203 are provided on the front side of the outer tub 2, and the air from the first blow-out port 257 is separated from the outlet 260 provided on the back surface of the tub. , and the air from the second outlet 203 flows so as to draw a loop in the same direction from the door 9 side to the back side of the tank. With such a configuration, the humidity of the air from the second outlet 203, which mainly has the function of smoothing wrinkles, and the humidity of the air from the first outlet 257 that flows around it can be kept at the same level. You can stretch the wrinkles while making it uniform. When the rotating drum 3 rotates and agitates clothes with extremely different wetness levels, a difference occurs in the degree of drifting during agitation and the clothes tend to get tangled. In this embodiment, the drying level of the entire clothes can be made uniform, so the tangling of the clothes can be reduced. Moreover, since the entire air circulation can be formed without hindering the high-speed air from the second blower 20, the power loss of the blower can be reduced.

The air circulation flow path in the hot air circulation mechanism is from the outlet 260 on the back of the tank to the heat exchange unit 251, from the first blower 256 to the branch 258, and from the branch 258 to the suction port of the second blower 20. bellows

hoses

212 a , 212 b , 212 c , and 212 d are arranged between the outlet of the second blower 20 and the second outlet 203 , respectively.
In this embodiment, the heat exchange unit 251 and the first blower 256 are fixed to the base 1h, and the second blower 20 is fixed to the upper part of the housing 1. The

bellows hoses

212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d can absorb vibrations caused by different movements.

The

bellows hoses

212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d are members having flexibility and are attached to the air circulation flow path. good. For this reason, the bellows hose may be referred to as a flexible portion for explanation.

In the washing and drying machine 100 of this embodiment, the first blower 256 is arranged below the outer tub 2 and the second blower 20 is arranged above the outer tub 2 . In this case, the first air circulation channel 71 is provided with the flexible portion 212b between the first fan 256 and the branch portion 258, and the second air circulation channel 72 is provided between the branch portion 258 and the second fan 20. And

flexible portions

212c and 212d are provided between the second blower 20 and the second outlet 203, respectively.

In general, it is known that wrinkles in clothes drying can be removed efficiently by smoothing out the wrinkles in the second half when the drying progresses to some extent and the moisture content decreases. Also, rather than applying high-speed wind to the entire clothing, it is more effective to apply high-speed wind to a limited range and stretch the clothing by the relative speed difference with the surroundings. In this embodiment, while securing the amount of circulating air necessary for drying, it is possible to apply a part of the air as high-speed air to the clothes only during a certain period of the drying process, so that wrinkles are reduced while suppressing power consumption. Drying can be done in a short time.

Furthermore, the pressure in the tank can be stabilized by the discharge pressure of the air boosted by the first blower 256, which is blown out from the first blower port 257, so that the suction side of the second blower 20 is is adjusted by Since the high-speed air blown out from the second air outlet 203 is also the air blown into the tank adjusted by the discharge pressure of the first air blower 256, the pressure is increased by the second air blower 20 and the high-speed air is generated at the second air outlet 203. Air can be blown out stably.

That is, the second blower 20 pressurizes the air flowing through the second air circulation flow path 72 so that the flow velocity of the air blown out from the second blower outlet 203 is higher than the flow velocity of the air blown out from the first blower outlet 257. As a result, the flow velocity of the air blown out from the second blower outlet 203 is faster than the flow velocity of the air blown out from the first blower outlet 257 .

At this time, the air pressurized by the second blower 20 sucks the air pressurized by the first blower 256, so that dynamic pressure can be obtained, and the shaft power can be reduced more than when the second blower 20 is driven alone. Also, part of the air is sucked into the second blower 20 on the outlet side of the first blower 256, so that the shaft power can be reduced more than when all the air pressurized by the first blower 256 is blown into the tank. can. Therefore, both the first fan 256 and the second fan 20 can be efficiently operated.

Also, in this embodiment, an auxiliary heating unit (auxiliary heating device) 213 is provided at the outlet of the second blower 20 . That is, the second air circulation channel 72 has the auxiliary heating device 213 at the outlet of the second blower 20 . Especially in the second half of drying, it is necessary to warm the surface side of the clothes and transfer the heat to the inside in order to evaporate the moisture from the inside of the fibers of the clothes. Therefore, the hot air temperature should be high, and the temperature can be adjusted by the heat source as needed.

Furthermore, when the water level does not reach the bath outlet or the second outlet 203 in the washing or rinsing process, the second blower 20 is driven and the auxiliary heating unit 213 is energized to blow warm air to the clothes and washing water. By applying it, the temperature level for washing and rinsing can be easily adjusted.

The rotation of the rotating drum 3 repeats the tumbling action in which the laundry is lifted to the top and then dropped. Therefore, the second blower 20 including the auxiliary heating section 213 is provided above the rotary drum 3 in order to effectively apply high-speed air to the laundry. Furthermore, by providing the first blower 256 below the rotating drum 3 in contrast to the second blower 20 provided above the rotating drum 3, the mass balance of the washing and drying machine 100 as a whole can be achieved. The machine 100 is configured to be easily stabilized against vibration. In addition, since the second air outlet 203 is arranged above the rotating drum 3, the second blower 20 is also arranged above the rotating drum 3, so that the air path resistance on the blowing side of the second blower 20 can be reduced. can. In addition, a branch portion 258 is provided in the duct (air circulation path) connecting the first blower 256 and the second blower 20, and a first blowout port 257 for blowing out part of the air from the first blower 256 into the rotating drum 3 is provided. By providing the first blower 256 below the rotary drum 3, the air path resistance from the first blower 256 to the first outlet 257 is reduced to the air path from the first blower 256 to the second blower 20. Since it can be made smaller than the resistance, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the first blower 256 which is operated throughout the drying process.

Especially for washing that effectively removes sebum stains, etc., the washing water is less than normal washing when a high-concentration detergent solution with a small amount of water supply is sprayed and permeated on the laundry and tumbling is performed. Therefore, almost no amount of washing water remains in the lower part of the rotating drum 3 after the washing water has permeated the laundry. In the cleaning course specialized for such stains, stain removal is generally improved by increasing the concentration of the detergent by slightly reducing the amount of water and increasing the temperature. In this case, the temperature level can be easily adjusted by blowing hot air onto the clothes and washing water. In addition, since the amount of water is small, the temperature level can be raised in a short time, and high-temperature washing can be performed in a short time.

As described above, the air that has flowed into the heat exchange unit 251 from the outlet 260 on the back surface of the tank and passed through the first blower 256 is part of the air that is blown into the tank from the first outlet 257 at the branch portion 258. By branching into the air and the remaining air that is blown into the tank at a high speed by being throttled by the second outlet 203 after being pressurized through the second blower 20, the air is applied to the clothes to remove wrinkles. It is possible to generate a high-speed air that spreads and a circulation air that circulates in the tank, thereby promoting drying. Furthermore, all circulating air for drying can be dehumidified and heated by passing through a heat exchange unit 251 . For this reason, the low-humidity, high-speed air from the second air outlet 203 smoothes out the wrinkles while drying the clothes, and the low-humidity air from the first air outlet 257 circulates the entire atmosphere of the tank, thereby smoothing out the wrinkles. It is possible to prevent the recurrence of wrinkles due to the return of moisture and the formation of new wrinkles due to uneven drying. In addition, while stably securing the amount of circulating air passing through the dehumidifying means and the heating means, the second blower 20 can be operated during a certain period of the drying process to efficiently smooth out wrinkles, so power consumption can be suppressed. , the drying time can be shortened. Furthermore, since the tank internal pressure can be stabilized by the discharge pressure of the air boosted by the first blower 256 blown out from the first blower outlet 257, the pressure is increased by the second blower 20 and the second blower outlet 203 produces high-speed air. It is possible to stably blow out the air. At this time, the air pressurized by the second blower 20 sucks the air pressurized by the first blower 256, so the shaft power can be reduced compared to when the second blower 20 is driven alone. Part of the air is sucked into the second blower 20 on the outlet side of the first blower 256 as well, so that the shaft power can be reduced more than when the first blower 256 is operated alone. Therefore, both the first fan 256 and the second fan 20 can be efficiently operated.

Further, a path leading from the outlet of the first blower 256 to the rotary drum 3 via the second blower 20 and the second outlet 203 constitutes part of the blowing air path for the first blower 256 .
In this case, the effect of widening the blowing air path of the first blower 256 can be obtained and the air path resistance can be reduced compared to when the air is blown only from the first blower outlet 257, so power consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing/drying machine control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 90 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") 110. The microcomputer 110 acquires user's operations (operation switches 12, 13) and various information signals (signals of the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3, T4 and the conductivity sensor 4) in the washing process and the drying process. In addition, the microcomputer 110 operates a motor M10, a water supply solenoid valve 16, a drain valve V1, a circulation pump 18, a first blower 256, a second blower 20, a compressor 255, an expansion means 254, an auxiliary heater 213, and a water supply pump 86 to control opening/closing, rotation, and energization of these. In addition, the microcomputer 110 controls the display 14, a buzzer (not shown), etc. in order to inform the user of information regarding the drum-type washer/dryer 100. FIG. In addition, the microcomputer 110 includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, an electrical conductivity measurement unit 115, a detergent amount/washing time determination unit 116, a turbidity determination unit 117, and a A threshold storage unit 118 is provided.

The microcomputer 110 is activated when the power switch 13 is pressed and the power is turned on, and executes a basic control processing program for washing and drying as shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a process diagram (flow chart) explaining the operation process of the washing/drying operation in the washing/drying machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes the process from washing to drying in the washer/dryer. As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, control device 90 receives an input for course selection of the operation process of washing/drying machine 100 (course selection). Here, the user opens the door 9, puts the clothes to be washed into the rotating drum 3, and closes the door 9. Then, the user operates the power switch 13 to turn on the power, and operates the operation switch 12 to select and input the course of the driving process. By operating the operation switch 12 , the selected driving process course is input to the control device 90 . The control device 90 reads the corresponding driving pattern from the driving pattern database 111 based on the inputted course of the driving process, and proceeds to step S2. In the following description, it is assumed that the standard course (wash-rinse twice-dehydration-dry) is selected.

In step S2, the control device 90 executes a process of detecting the weight (amount of cloth) of the clothes placed on the rotary drum 3 (cloth amount sensing). Specifically, the process control unit 112 drives the motor M10 to rotate the rotary drum 3, and the laundry weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry 207 before pouring water.

In step S3, the control device 90 executes a process of calculating the amount of detergent and operating time. The conductivity measuring unit 115 detects the conductivity (hardness) of the supplied water. Further, the temperature of the supplied water is detected by a waste water temperature sensor T1 provided in the lower part of the outer bath 2 (for example, the drain port 21). The detergent amount/washing time determining unit 116 performs a map search based on the detected amount of cloth, the conductivity (hardness) of water obtained using the detected value from the conductivity sensor 4 in the conductivity measuring unit 115, and the temperature of the water. determines the amount of detergent to be added and the operating time. Then, the process control unit 112 displays the determined amount of detergent and operating time on the display 14 .

In step S4, the control device 90 waits for a predetermined time (detergent input waiting step), and proceeds to step S5. The user puts detergent into the detergent throwing portion 7 while referring to the amount of detergent displayed on the display 14 during standby. If automatic detergent dosing is set, the detergent dosing operation can be omitted.

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

In step S5, the control device 90 executes the detergent dissolving process. A predetermined solenoid valve of the water supply solenoid valve 16 is opened to supply water. The water supply is introduced into the outer tub 2 after being led to the detergent inlet. The detergent liquid introduced into the outer tub 2 is supplied to the water receiver 54 (see FIG. 2) positioned at the bottom of the rotary drum 3 through a water supply path (not shown). When the circulation pump 18 (see FIG. 2) is driven after the detergent liquid is introduced, the water in the water receiver 54 flows from the drain port 21 through the lint filter 222 (see FIG. 3) to the suction port of the circulation pump 18. (not shown). The washing water pressurized by the circulation pump 18 is returned to the water receiving portion 54 again from the circulation discharge port 54b (see FIG. 3) communicating with the outlet of the circulation pump 18 (circulation path of the detergent dissolving step).

At this time, the control device 90 detects the electrical conductivity in the electrical conductivity sensor 4 (determining means) in the water receiving portion 54, and stores the electrical conductivity database for the high-concentration detergent aqueous solution and the electrical conductivity for the softening agent aqueous solution. Check against the database.

By repeating the circulation, a uniform high-concentration detergent solution is generated by dissolving the detergent in a small amount of water. A highly concentrated detergent solution is sprayed on the clothes. At this time, the rotary drum 3 is rotated to evenly spread the laundry 207 by the circulation pump 18 while agitating the laundry 207 .

In step S6, the control device 90 executes a pre-washing process. In this step, the laundry 207 soaked with the detergent liquid is normally present in the outer tub 2 and a small amount of the detergent liquid is present in the water receiver 54 at the bottom of the outer tub 2 . By rotating the rotary drum 3, the laundry 207 is lifted to the top of the drum 3, and then dropped to the bottom by gravity. As a result, the detergent liquid soaked into the laundry 207 is squeezed out, and the circulation pump 18 is driven intermittently as necessary to spray the detergent liquid onto the laundry 207 again. Even during this operation, if the so-called washing temperature of the washing water and the laundry can be increased, the washing performance can be improved. spray later. By raising the washing temperature level, it is also possible to promote penetration of the high-concentration detergent solution into the laundry 207 . As shown in FIG. 3, the nozzle 203 for blowing out the airflow from the second blower 20 is provided at a position facing the water nozzle 223 and the water supply port (not shown) on the circumference of the outer tub 2. Efficient washing can be achieved by preventing the interference of warm air for promoting the spraying and permeation of the concentrated detergent solution. Since the laundry 207 retains the high-concentration detergent liquid, the laundry 207 has better heat conduction than air occupying the interstices between the fibers of the laundry 207, and can be efficiently heated. This allows more dirt to be separated from the fabric in less time. Since the separated dirt is rapidly dispersed in the water-retained high-concentration detergent liquid, it is possible to prevent re-agglomeration and redeposition.

Also, a circulation pump (not shown) having a smaller flow rate than the circulation pump 18 may be installed separately.
In this case, the liquid droplets may be mixed with the hot air by pumping it up from the water receiver 54 and spraying it in the hot air near the outlet of the second blower 20 , and spraying it on the laundry 207 . In the middle of the washing process, when additional water is supplied until a normal circulation level is secured and the water is sprayed by the circulation pump 18, the temperature of the laundry 207 drops sharply. Therefore, if a smaller amount of circulating water is sprayed on the warm air with the configuration as described above, the water contained in the laundry 207 can be replaced evenly and little by little. As a result, it is possible to suppress a rapid temperature drop of the laundry 207, so that the washing performance can be further improved.

In step S7, the control device 90 executes the main washing process. In the main washing process, when the pre-washing process ends, additional water is supplied to increase the amount of water in the water receiving part 54 and raise the water level. This water level is maintained at a sufficient water level so that the washing water is pumped up from the water receiving portion 54 by the circulation pump 18 and continuously sprayed from the water spray nozzles 223 at the top of the outer tub 2 .

The spraying from the water nozzle 223 may be continuous or intermittent. Specifically, while many stains are still attached to the back side of the laundry 207, it is continuously sprayed to promote agitation of the washing water. As a result, the washing water retained by the laundry 207 can always be replaced with washing water having a low dirt concentration. After that, after most of the dirt has been removed, it is more efficient to remove the remaining dirt mainly by using the mechanical power of pounding. Therefore, the second half of the spraying is preferably intermittent spraying so as not to interfere with the mechanical force. Further, by intermittently driving the circulating pump 18, power consumption can be suppressed, which is also preferable in terms of energy saving.

The water nozzle 223 is positioned in the outer tub 2 above the central axis of the rotatable rotating drum 3 when viewed from the front of the washing/drying machine 100 and on the front side near the front when viewed from the side of the washing/drying machine 100. are doing. As a result, the spraying range from the water spray nozzle 223 is made wide-angle with respect to the radial direction of the rotating drum 3, and the water is sprayed. In this first main washing step, the laundry 207 is spread over a wide area, and the laundry 207 accumulated below the rotating drum 3 is lifted by the rotation of the rotating drum 3 and dropped from above in the rotating drum 3. Apply mechanical force to wash by beating. The larger the diameter of the rotating drum 3 (drum diameter), the synergistic effect of wide-range spraying and beating washing can be obtained, and the time required for the main washing process can be shortened.

Also, the control device 90 executes the second main washing process as necessary. By supplying water at the end of the aforementioned main washing process (first main washing process), the amount of water in the second main washing process is made larger than the amount of water in the first main washing process. Also, the circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 18 in the second main washing process is made larger than the circulation flow rate of the circulation pump 18 in the first main washing process. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the motor M10 of the rotary drum 3 in the second main washing process is set lower than the rotational speed of the motor M10 in the first main washing process. The combination of the first main washing process and the second main washing process is an operation algorithm that suppresses darkening and stiffness of the laundry 207 .

As described above, in the case of the washing/drying machine 100, as the rotating drum 3 rotates, the laundry 30 is lifted to the top of the rotating drum 3 by the lifter 33, and then dropped to the bottom of the drum by gravity. Since the overflow hose 17 is connected to the front portion of the outer tub 2, the washing water flows up to the position of the overflow hose 17 in some cases. Also, during the washing process, in order to wash away the lint adhered to the interior filter due to the past washing and drying, the inside of the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2 is filled with a water injector (not shown) provided at the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2. water may be injected into the

Since the lower portion of the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2 is sloped downward toward the rear portion of the outer tub 2, the washing water that has flowed in and the water for washing the internal filter can be quickly dispensed when the washing is finished. The water is drained out of the machine from the outer tank 2 through the drain port 21 .

In step S8, the control device 90 executes the first rinsing step (rinsing 1 step). In this step, after the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the washing water, the drain valve V1 is closed and rinse water is supplied to the outer tub 2 up to a predetermined water level. Thereafter, the drum 3 is rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 207 and the rinse water.

In step S9, the control device 90 executes the second rinsing step (rinsing 2 step). In the second rinsing process, in the same way as in the first rinsing process, the drain valve V1 is opened to drain the rinse water, and then the drain valve V1 is closed to supply the rinse water to a predetermined water level in the outer tank 2. . Thereafter, the rotary drum 3 is rotated to agitate and rinse the laundry 207 and the rinse water.

In step S10, the control device 90 executes the dehydration process. In this step, after the rinse water in the outer tub 2 is drained by opening the drain valve V1, the laundry 207 is centrifugally dehydrated by rotating the drum 3. The dehydration rotation speed is increased to a set rotation speed according to the load unless there is a problem such as the current value of the motor M10 exceeding the upper limit due to the laundry 207 being unbalanced. Even if part of the dehydrated water is swept up to the outlet 260 on the back of the outer tub 2, the bottom of the outlet 260 on the back of the outer tub 2 is inclined downward toward the back of the outer tub 2. , can be quickly returned to the outer tank side. When the rotational speed of dehydration is increased and the rotating drum 3 rotates at a high speed, the vibration is transmitted to the outer tub 2, and the outer tub 2 itself vibrates slightly. Water droplets remaining on the inner wall of the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2 can be shaken off by this vibration. In addition, the packing (bellows) 10 can absorb the vibration transmitted to the door 9 due to the high-speed rotation of the rotary drum 3 . Since the first blower 256 and the second blower 20 are also connected to the first outlet 257 and the second outlet 203 of the outer tub 2 by the bellows 10 respectively, vibration can be absorbed.

In step S11, the control device 90 executes the drying process. In the drying process, as shown in FIG. 4, first the first blower 256 is driven. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of drive timings of the first and second blowers according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

After driving the first blower 256, the compressor 255 in the heat exchange unit 251 is driven. The expansion means 254 is once fully opened and after adjusting the origin, the degree of opening is adjusted so that a thermistor (not shown) provided in the suction pipe of the compressor 255 does not become low temperature. The rotation speed of the compressor 255 is adjusted so that the difference between the thermistor (not shown) provided in the discharge pipe and the hot air thermistor provided at the outlet of the first blower 256 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. After the air heated to a high temperature in the heat exchange unit 251 is pressurized by the first blower 256, the air is blown into the rotary drum 3 through the first outlet 257 to exchange heat with the laundry 30 and to release the air from the laundry 30. evaporate the water. Circulating air containing moisture evaporated from the laundry is returned to the heat exchange unit 251 via the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2 . In the heat exchange unit 251, the circulating air is cooled by the evaporator 253 arranged on the windward side to be below the dew point temperature and dehumidified. Subsequently, the air is heated in the condenser 252 and turned into low-humidity hot air.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second blower 20 is driven after the specified drying time t1 has passed since the first blower 256 started to be driven. A part of the warm air on the discharge side of the first blower 256 is guided to the suction side of the second blower 20, and after being pressurized by the second blower 20, flows into the rotating drum 3 as high-speed air from the second blower outlet 203. blown out. The laundry exposed to the high-speed hot air is stretched and moisture contained in the laundry is evaporated, so wrinkles are removed. The remaining hot air discharged from the first blower 256 is continuously blown into the rotating drum 3 from the first blower outlet 257, and is replaced with high-humidity air containing evaporated water from the laundry. Thus, it is possible to continuously promote the drying of the laundry.

The timing (drying time t1) for driving the second blower 20 is set according to the load of the laundry and the fabric quality. When the moisture contained in the laundry is stretched and accelerated to evaporate from the laundry to which the high-speed hot air is applied, if the moisture content of the entire cloth is high, the moisture will evaporate from the area around the area to which the hot air is applied. It diffuses in the fiber and restores the local moisture content at the point where the high-velocity warm air is applied, so that wrinkles are generated again in the drying process. On the other hand, even if high-speed hot air is applied to the fabric when the moisture content of the entire fabric is low, it is difficult to remove the wrinkles because the wrinkles that have already been generated are fixed during the drying process. As described above, there is a drying timing at which wrinkles can be efficiently smoothed out, so the timing (drying time t1) for driving the second blower 20 corresponding to the cloth load and the cloth quality course is set. As a result, power consumption for drying can be suppressed as much as possible.

Dryness judgment is performed as follows. At the start of drying or at a specified time from the start of operation, the exhaust temperature T1a of the outer tank 2 is measured by the exhaust temperature sensor T1 provided in the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tank 2, and the exhaust temperature T1a is provided on the outlet side of the first blower 256. A hot air temperature T4a is measured by the hot air temperature sensor T4 (initial temperature setting). After that, after a specified time corresponding to the load has passed, the exhaust temperature T1b and the hot air temperature T4b of the outer tank 2 for termination determination are measured, and the difference between the initial temperature and the termination determination temperature is obtained (ΔT1 = T1a - T1b, ΔT4=T4a−T4b). Furthermore, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature difference (ΔT1−ΔT4) is equal to or higher than a specified temperature, and the end of drying is determined. During the drying process, the air constantly circulating inside the rotating drum 3 and through the first blower 256 and the second blower 20 passes through the outlet duct portion 261 of the outer tub 2 and the discharge portion of the first blower 256. Measurement and determination based on temperature can be performed stably. Therefore, the drying process can be completed while suppressing variations in the drying time.

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

According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a finished product with few wrinkles after drying, shorten the drying time, and reduce the power consumption for drying.

[Example 2]
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the right side as viewed from the front, showing the internal structure of the washing/drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view seen from the rear side, showing the internal structure of the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the configuration is such that the first outlet 257 is provided on the back side of the outer tub 2 . With such a configuration, when the second blower 20 is driven, the warm air from the first blower outlet 257 provided on the back side of the outer tank 2 is stronger than the flow of high-speed air from the second blower outlet 203. It flows from the periphery of the rotary drum 3 so as to surround the laundry. Therefore, the hot air from the first outlet 257 can preferentially heat the rotating drum 3 by contacting the rotating drum 3 before the laundry.

Furthermore, if there are many relatively thin items in the laundry, the thin items have a low water content and dry quickly, so the hot air that comes into contact with the laundry transfers heat to the laundry when it comes in contact with it, but the moisture evaporates very little. Therefore, the humidity does not increase and flows into the center of the rotating drum 3.

On the other hand, the high-speed air from the second air outlet 203 is blown onto the laundry without hindering the moisture evaporation that is accelerated while wrinkles are smoothed out. At this time, the laundry exposed to the high-speed air is mainly heated by the high-speed air, so that the wrinkles can be smoothed out and the moisture evaporation due to the heat applied to the laundry can be accelerated within a limited range.

Even if the drying level of the entire clothes is not uniform, wrinkles and tangling of the thin laundry are less likely to occur due to the difference in the degree of wetness. Since the wrinkles of the part hit by the high-speed air from the outlet 203 can be reliably smoothed,
The configuration of this embodiment can further promote drying.

[Example 3]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a washing/drying machine showing a hot air circulation mechanism and a dehumidifying mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the heat exchange unit is composed of a water-cooled dehumidifying section 262 housed in the outlet duct section 261 of the outer tank 2 and a heater 263 provided on the blowing side of the first blower 256 . The outlet duct portion 261 is provided at an outlet portion where circulating air flows out from the outer tub 2 and is arranged between the outer tub 2 and the first blower 256 . That is, the heat exchange unit is composed of a water-cooled dehumidifier 262 and a heater 263. The water-cooled dehumidifier 262 is provided between the outer tank 2 and the first blower 256, and the heater 263 is located on the blowing side of the first blower 256. be provided.

If the laundry is relatively thick, in order to shorten the drying time, increasing the temperature of the warm air may dry faster than increasing the air volume. In a heat pump, the heat pumped up by the evaporator is basically used for heating by the condenser. Therefore, if the air flow rate is extremely small, a sufficient amount of so-called heat pumped up cannot be ensured, and the temperature of the warm air may drop.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the amount of dehumidification heat and the amount of heating can be basically adjusted by the amount of cooling water and the energization level or the number of resistance elements to be energized, so the adjustment range of air volume and warm air temperature can be widened. For large and thick materials, if the auxiliary heater 213 of the second blower 20 blows the high-speed air at a higher temperature, the penetration of the warm air into the fibers is strengthened, and the drying can be further accelerated.

Also, since the cleaning water for the water cooling dehumidification unit 262 and the cleaning water for the interior filter 259 can be shared, water can be saved compared to cleaning the heat exchange unit alone.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments are detailed descriptions for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations. In addition, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Moreover, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

2 Outer tub 3 Inner tub (rotating drum) 20 Second blower 71 First air circulation channel 72 Second air circulation channel 100 Washer/dryer 203 Second outlet , 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d Flexible portion (bellows hose) 213 Auxiliary heating device 251 Heat exchange unit 252 Condenser 253 Evaporator 254 Expansion valve 255 Compressor 256 1st air blower 257 1st outlet 258 branching portion 262 water cooling/dehumidifying portion 263 heater.

Claims

an outer tank capable of storing liquid therein; an inner tank rotatably provided inside the outer tank to accommodate laundry; a heat exchange unit having a dehumidifying function and a heating function; A washing and drying machine comprising an air circulation mechanism that circulates air via a heat exchange unit,
The air circulation mechanism includes a first blower and a second blower for blowing air, and a first air circulation flow path having a first outlet for circulating the air blown by the first blower into the inner tank. , a second air circulation flow path having a second outlet for circulating the air blown by the second blower to the inside of the inner tank,
The second air circulation flow path is provided by branching from between the first blower and the first outlet in the first air circulation flow path, and the branched portion with the first air circulation flow path and the A washing and drying machine, wherein the second blower is arranged between the second blower and the second blower.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 1,
the first air circulation flow path guides part of the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit to the first outlet;
The washing/drying machine, wherein the second air circulation channel is configured to guide the remaining air that has passed through the heat exchange unit to the second outlet via the second blower.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 2,
The second blower increases the pressure of the air flowing through the second air circulation flow path so that the flow velocity of the air blown out from the second blower outlet is higher than the flow velocity of the air blown out from the first blower outlet. Characteristic washer and dryer.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 3,
The first blower is arranged below the outer tank,
The second blower is arranged above the outer tank,
The first air circulation flow path is provided with a flexible portion between the first blower and the branch portion,
The washer/dryer, wherein the second air circulation channel is provided with a flexible portion between the branch portion and the second blower and between the second blower and the second outlet.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 4,
The washer/dryer, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a heat pump having a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a compressor.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 5,
The washer/dryer, wherein the second air circulation path has an auxiliary heating device at the outlet of the second blower.
In the washing and drying machine according to claim 4,
The heat exchange unit is composed of a water cooling dehumidifier and a heater,
The water-cooled dehumidifying unit is provided between the outer tank and the first blower,
The washing/drying machine, wherein the heater is provided on the blowout side of the first blower.