Clothes Processing Equipment

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of supplying water to a plurality of water-supply target parts without increasing the number of water-supply valves.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device according to an embodiment comprises a first water supply part to which water is supplied from a water-supply valve, a second water supply part which branches from the first water supply part, a partition part which is placed as a partition between the first water supply part and the second water supply part, and a water conveyance part which is provided at the partition part, for leading water from the first water supply part to the second water supply part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] A washer-dryer, which is an example of a clothing processing device that processes clothing, is considered to have a configuration including multiple water supply target parts to which water is to be supplied. For example, the washer-dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes, as water supply target parts, a lint filter nozzle for cleaning a lint filter provided in a drying circulation air duct, and a heat exchanger nozzle for cleaning an evaporator provided in the drying circulation air duct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-503770 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional configuration, one water supply valve is provided for one water supply target part, which means that the number of water supply valves must be increased according to the number of water supply target parts. However, the space inside the outer box that constitutes the outer shell of the clothing treatment device is limited. Therefore, in reality, it is difficult to simply increase the number of water supply valves according to the number of water supply target parts.

[0005] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a clothing processing device that is capable of supplying water to a plurality of water supply target parts without increasing the number of water supply valves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing processing device of this embodiment comprises a first water supply section to which water is supplied from a water supply valve, a second water supply section branching off from the first water supply section, a partition section separating the first water supply section from the second water supply section, and a water guide section provided in the partition section for directing water from the first water supply section to the second water supply section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portion related to the water distribution device according to the embodiment, viewed from the rear side; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portion related to the water distribution device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a water distribution device and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of a clothes processing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washer-dryer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothes processing device capable of performing a predetermined process on clothes, in this case at least a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, and a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes. The washer-dryer 1 is a so-called drum-type washer-dryer in which the rotation center axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The washer-dryer 1 is also an example of a clothes dryer capable of performing a drying process for drying clothes.

[0009] The washer / dryer 1 includes a clothes treatment tub 3 inside a rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washer / dryer. The clothes treatment tub 3 is configured to be capable of accommodating clothes (not shown) that are to be subjected to various processes, such as washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. In the present disclosure, the clothes treatment tub 3 includes a cylindrical water tub with a bottom and a rotatable cylindrical drum with a bottom. The peripheral wall of the drum is provided with a large number of small holes (not shown), and the inner peripheral surface of the drum is provided with a plurality of baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes.

[0010] The front opening 3c of the clothing treatment tub 3 can be opened and closed by a door 4 provided on the front of the outer box 2. By opening the door 4, a user can put clothing into and take clothing out of the clothing treatment tub 3 through the front opening 3c of the clothing treatment tub 3. The clothing treatment tub 3 also functions as a drying chamber in which clothing is stored during the drying process in which the clothing is dried.

[0011] The washer / dryer 1 also includes a water supply unit 5 for supplying water into the clothes treatment tub 3, and a drainage unit 6 for discharging the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 5 includes a well-known water supply valve unit 8 and a water injection case 9 in a water supply path 7 extending from a water source (not shown), such as a water main, to the clothes treatment tub 3. The drainage unit 6 also includes a well-known drainage valve 11 in a drainage path 10 extending from the bottom of the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. When the drainage valve 11 is closed, water is supplied from the water supply unit 5 to the clothes treatment tub 3, so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the clothes treatment tub 3. When the drainage valve 11 is opened, the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine via the drainage path 10.

[0012] A well-known drain filter unit 12 is provided in the drain path 10, upstream of the drain valve 11. The drain filter unit 12 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the water discharged from the clothes treatment tub 3 through the drain path 10 by the drain unit 6 to the outside of the machine.

[0013] The washer / dryer 1 also includes a circulation air duct 13. The circulation air duct 13 connects the exhaust port 3a and the air inlet 3b of the clothes treating tub 3 outside the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the exhaust port 3a is provided in the front part of the clothes treating tub 3, located at the upper right side when viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1. The exhaust port 3a is formed in a cylindrical shape that faces upward. Meanwhile, the air inlet 3b is provided at the upper part of the back of the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the air inlet 3b forms an opening that penetrates the back of the clothes treating tub 3 in the front-rear direction. The positions of the exhaust port 3a and the air inlet 3b in the clothes treating tub 3 can be changed as appropriate.

[0014] A heat exchange duct 14 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 13. In this case, the heat exchange duct 14 is provided in the rear part of the lower part inside the outer casing 2 so as to extend along the left-right direction of the outer casing 2. A well-known drying filter 15 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 13, upstream of the heat exchange duct 14. The drying filter 15 captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct 13.

[0015] 2, the washer / dryer 1 includes a well-known heat pump mechanism 16. The heat pump mechanism 16 configures a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor 17, a condenser 18, a throttle 19, and an evaporator 20 are connected in a cycle by a refrigerant pipe 21. Of these, the condenser 18 and the evaporator 20, which configure a heat exchanger, are disposed inside a heat exchange duct 14 which configures a part of the circulation air passage 13.

[0016] The circulation air duct 13 is also provided with a circulation fan 22. The circulation fan 22 is an example of a circulation section, and circulates the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 through the circulation air duct 13. When the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is introduced into the circulation air duct 13 from the exhaust port 3a, flows from the upwind side, which is the exhaust port 3a side, to the downwind side, which is the air supply port 3b side, and is returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 from the air supply port 3b. That is, when the circulation fan 22 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is circulated through the circulation air duct 13.

[0017] The evaporator 20 is disposed within the heat exchange duct 14 on the exhaust port 3a side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the upwind side of the circulation air duct 13. On the other hand, the condenser 18 is disposed within the heat exchange duct 14 on the intake port 3b side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the downwind side of the circulation air duct 13. That is, within the circulation air duct 13, or more specifically, within the heat exchange duct 14, the evaporator 20 is disposed on the upwind side of the condenser 18.

[0018] The evaporator 20 is an example of a dehumidifying section, and functions as a dehumidifying means for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulating air passage 13 from the exhaust port 3a side to the intake port 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side. On the other hand, the condenser 18 is an example of a heating section, and functions as a heating means for heating the air flowing in the circulating air passage 13 from the exhaust port 3a side to the intake port 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side.

[0019] The portion of the circulation air passage 13 upstream of the drying filter 15, i.e., the portion connected to the exhaust port 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3, is configured as an exhaust duct 13D. In this case, the exhaust duct 13D is configured by combining an exhaust duct main body 13D1 and a bellows portion 13D2.

[0020] The exhaust duct main body 13D1 is made of, for example, a resin material having rigidity, and is connected to the upstream side of the drying filter 15. On the other hand, the bellows portion 13D2 is made of, for example, a rubber material having flexibility. The bellows portion 13D2 is generally cylindrical as a whole, but its peripheral portion is configured in a bellows shape. The bellows portion 13D2 also connects the exhaust port 3a of the clothing treatment tub 3 and the upstream portion of the exhaust duct main body 13D1.

[0021] In the washer / dryer 1, a portion of the exhaust duct 13D connected to the exhaust port 3a of the clothes treating tub 3 is configured with a flexible bellows portion 13D2. In the washer / dryer 1 configured in this manner, for example, vibrations generated in the clothes treating tub 3 due to rotation of the spin tub during operation can be absorbed by the bellows portion 13D2, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the circulation air passage 13.

[0022] The portion of the circulation air passage 13 that is downstream of the drying filter 15 and upstream of the heat exchange duct 14 is configured with a first relay duct 13E and a second relay duct 13F. In this case, the first relay duct 13E extends rearward from the drying filter 15. The second relay duct 13F extends downward from the rear end of the first relay duct 13E and is connected to the upstream end of the heat exchange duct 14.

[0023] The washer / dryer 1 further includes a cleaning device 30, which is an example of a cleaning section. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cleaning device 30 is provided on the upper surface 14a of the heat exchange duct 14. The cleaning device 30 is provided so that its entirety is located higher than the upper end surface of the evaporator 20. The cleaning device 30 is provided so that its entirety is located higher than the upper surface 14a of the heat exchange duct 14. The cleaning device 30 is provided in a region directly above the windward end surface of the evaporator 20. The cleaning device 30 extends linearly along the windward end surface of the evaporator 20.

[0024] The cleaning device 30 also has a water supply port 31 at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof. The water supply port 31 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the one end in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device 30. The water supply port 31 is connected to the water supply valve unit 8 of the water supply section 5 described above via a water distribution device 100, which will be described in detail later.

[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 4, in the present disclosure, the water supply valve unit 8 is configured to integrally include a plurality of water supply valves, in this case four water supply valves 8a-8d. The water supply valve unit 8 is configured such that any one of the plurality of water supply valves 8a-8d, in this case water supply valve 8d, is connected to the water distribution device 100. As a result, the water supply valve unit 8 is configured to be able to supply water from the water supply valve 8d through the water distribution device 100 and the water supply port 31 into the washing device 30. Note that, of the plurality of water supply valves 8a-8d included in the water supply valve unit 8, the water supply valves other than water supply valve 8d are connected to, for example, the water injection case 9 described above.

[0026] The cleaning device 30 has a plurality of discharge ports (not shown) on its lower end surface. The plurality of discharge ports are linearly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device 30. The cleaning device 30 is configured to discharge water flowing in from the above-mentioned water supply port 31 from the plurality of discharge ports toward the windward end face of the evaporator 20 and its surrounding area. The water discharged from the plurality of discharge ports by the cleaning device 30 flows downward over the windward end face of the evaporator 20 and its surrounding area. As the water flows downward, foreign matter such as lint and dust adhering to the windward end face of the evaporator 20 and its surrounding area is washed downward.

[0027] In addition, an opening (not shown) through which water and foreign matter can pass is formed in the bottom surface of the heat exchange duct 14, located below the windward end surface of the evaporator 20. In addition, a drain tank (not shown) that receives water generated from the evaporator 20, i.e., dehumidified water, is provided below the opening. This allows the washer / dryer 1 to discharge the water discharged from the cleaning device 30 and flowing down the windward end surface of the evaporator 20 and its surrounding area, and foreign matter washed away by the water, to the outside of the heat exchange duct 14, in this case, into the drain tank, via the opening (not shown). The drain tank is connected, for example, to a portion of the drain path 10 downstream of the drain valve 11, and allows the water and foreign matter accumulated inside to be discharged outside the machine.

[0028] The washer / dryer 1 according to the present disclosure further includes a water distribution device 100 in the exhaust duct 13D. The water distribution device 100 is provided in the upper part of the exhaust duct main body 13D1 constituting a part of the exhaust duct 13D, and the bellows part 13D2 is located below the water distribution device 100. That is, the water distribution device 100 is provided in the exhaust duct 13D, particularly in a position facing the inside of the bellows part 13D2 of the exhaust duct 13D from above. The water distribution device 100 is configured to distribute water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 into the exhaust duct 13D and the washing device 30. Next, a configuration example of the water distribution device 100 will be described in detail.

[0029] 5, the water distribution device 100 is integrally provided with a main water supply section 110 and a branch water supply section 120. In this case, the water distribution device 100 has an elongated shape extending along the front-rear direction of the washer-dryer 1 as a whole. The water distribution device 100 is configured to include the main water supply section 110 at the front and the branch water supply section 120 at the rear.

[0030] The main water supply section 110 is an example of a first water supply section, and includes a water receiving recess 111 in its center. In this case, the water receiving recess 111 forms a substantially circular recess. A water inlet pipe 112 is provided on the side of the main water supply section 110. In this case, the water inlet pipe 112 is provided on the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, that is, on the side of the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8. A tip of a water inlet hose 113 is connected to the water inlet pipe 112. A base end of the water inlet hose 113 is connected to the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8. This allows water to be supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 through the water inlet hose 113 into the water receiving recess 111.

[0031] The main water supply section 110 also includes a duct cleaning nozzle section 114. In this case, the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 is provided at a position approximately at the center of the bottom of the water receiving recess 111. The duct cleaning nozzle section 114 is provided at a position facing the exhaust duct 13D, particularly the bellows section 13D2 of the exhaust duct 13D, from above. As a result, the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 is configured to be able to spray water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 through the water inlet hose 113 into the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply section 110, from above, into the exhaust duct 13D, particularly the bellows section 13D2 of the exhaust duct 13D.

[0032] Furthermore, the water sprayed from the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 into the exhaust duct 13D then flows down through the exhaust port 3a into the clothes treatment tub 3. That is, the main water supply section 110 is configured to direct the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 through the duct cleaning nozzle section 114, and ultimately into the clothes treatment tub 3.

[0033] Meanwhile, the branch water supply section 120 is an example of a second water supply section, and has a water storage recess 121 in its center. In this case, the water storage recess 121 forms a substantially rectangular recess. The water storage recess 121 is an example of a storage section. The bottom of the water storage recess 121 is entirely closed, and water can be stored inside.

[0034] The branch water supply section 120 is provided in the water distribution device 100 so as to branch off from the main water supply section 110. That is, in the water distribution device 100, the main water supply section 110 and the branch water supply section 120 are separated by a partition wall section 130, which is an example of a partition section. The partition wall section 130 is provided with a cutout section 131. In this case, the cutout section 131 is cut out in a substantially rectangular shape. The bottom surface of the cutout section 131 is a flat surface that is substantially or completely parallel to the horizontal direction. The cutout section 131 is an example of a water guide section, and communicates with the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply section 110 and the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply section 120 at the upper part of the partition wall section 130.

[0035] According to the water distribution device 100 configured in this manner, the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 into the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply section 110 is basically sprayed from the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 toward the inside of the exhaust duct 13D. However, when the water level in the water receiving recess 111 exceeds the height of the bottom surface of the cutout section 131, the excess water flows into the water storage recess 121 through the cutout section 131. In other words, a part of the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 into the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply section 110 is introduced into the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply section 120, not into the duct cleaning nozzle section 114.

[0036] Further, a water outlet pipe 122 is provided on the side of the branch water supply section 120. In this case, the water outlet pipe 122 is provided on the left side when viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, that is, on the side of the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8. In other words, the water outlet pipe 122 is provided on the same side as the above-mentioned water inlet pipe 112. A base end of a water outlet hose 123, which is an example of an outflow path, is connected to the water outlet pipe 122. And, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a tip end of the water outlet hose 123 is connected to the water inlet 31 of the cleaning device 30.

[0037] More specifically, the water outlet hose 123 extends rearward from the water outlet pipe 122 of the branch water supply section 120, sideways to the drying filter 15 and the first relay duct 13E. In this case, the water outlet hose 123 passes rearward on the left side of the drying filter 15 and the first relay duct 13E, that is, on the side of the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8, as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1. The water outlet hose 123 extends laterally above the part where the first relay duct 13E and the second relay duct 13F are connected, toward the right side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, that is, toward the opposite side to the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8.

[0038] Then, the water outlet hose 123 extends downward along the side of the second relay duct 13F. In this case, the water outlet hose 123 passes downward through the right side of the second relay duct 13F, i.e., the side opposite the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8, as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1. Then, the water outlet hose 123 extends laterally from the lower end of the second relay duct 13F toward the left side as viewed from the front side of the washer-dryer 1, i.e., toward the clothes treatment tub 3 and the water supply valve unit 8, and is finally connected to the water supply port 31 of the cleaning device 30.

[0039] In this way, the branch water supply section 120 constituting a part of the water distribution device 100 is connected to the cleaning device 30 via the water outlet hose 123. As a result, the branch water supply section 120 is configured to discharge the water introduced from the main water supply section 110 via the cutout section 131 and stored in the water storage recess 121 from the water outlet pipe section 122 via the water outlet hose 123 to the cleaning device 30. It is preferable to provide the water outlet pipe section 122 at a position as high as possible on the side of the branch water supply section 120. This makes it possible to maximize the amount of water that can be stored in the water storage recess 121.

[0040] 3 and 4, water outlet hose 123 is provided with solenoid valve 140, which is an example of an on-off valve, in the middle thereof. Solenoid valve 140 is fixed to a side surface of first relay duct 13E, in this case, to the left side as viewed from the front side of washer / dryer 1, that is, to the side surface on the side of clothes treatment tub 3 and water supply valve unit 8. Solenoid valve 140 is configured to be able to open and close water outlet hose 123.

[0041] When the solenoid valve 140 switches the water outlet hose 123 to an open state, i.e., a conductive state, water can be supplied from the branch water supply unit 120 to the inside of the cleaning device 30 via the water outlet hose 123. When the solenoid valve 140 switches the water outlet hose 123 to an open state, i.e., a conductive state, air flowing through the heat exchange duct 14 can enter the water outlet hose 123 and further the water distribution device 100 via the discharge port and water supply port 31 of the cleaning device 30.

[0042] On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 140 switches the water outlet hose 123 to the closed state, i.e., non-conductive state, water cannot be supplied from the branch water supply unit 120 to the cleaning device 30 via the water outlet hose 123. Also, when the solenoid valve 140 switches the water outlet hose 123 to the closed state, i.e., non-conductive state, the air flowing through the heat exchange duct 14 is prevented from entering the water outlet hose 123 and further the water distribution device 100 via the discharge port and water supply port 31 of the cleaning device 30.

[0043] The opening and closing operation of solenoid valve 140 is controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washer-dryer 1. This control device controls the overall operation of the washer-dryer 1 by operating various drive system components of the washer-dryer 1, such as the water supply valves 8a-8d of the water supply valve unit 8, the drain valve 11, the compressor 17, the circulation blower 22, and a motor (not shown) that rotates the drum.

[0044] The water diversion device 100 is provided with a lid member (not shown) that covers the top opening of the water receiving recess 111 and the top opening of the water storage recess 121. Therefore, the water diversion device 100 is configured to prevent the water that has flowed into the water receiving recess 111 and the water that has flowed into the water storage recess 121 from splashing out to the outside. The lid member may be configured such that the part that covers the top opening of the water receiving recess 111 and the part that covers the top opening of the water storage recess 121 are integrated, or the part that covers the top opening of the water receiving recess 111 and the part that covers the top opening of the water storage recess 121 are separate.

[0045] According to the washer / dryer 1 of the present embodiment exemplified above, the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 is configured to be branched in the water distribution device 100 to the main water supply section 110 having the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 and the branch water supply section 120 connected to the cleaning device 30. According to this configuration example, it is possible to supply water from one common water supply valve 8d to a plurality of water supply target sections, in this case, the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 and the cleaning device 30. Therefore, it is possible to supply water from one common water supply valve 8d to a plurality of water supply target sections, in this case, the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 and the cleaning device 30, without increasing the number of water supply valves.

[0046] Moreover, according to the washer / dryer 1, the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 first flows into the main water supply section 110 before flowing into the branch water supply section 120. According to this configuration example, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d into the water inlet hose 113, that is, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d into the water inlet hose 113 despite the water supply valve 8d being closed, the leaked water can be discharged from the main water supply section 110 through the duct cleaning nozzle section 114 into the exhaust duct 13D and further into the clothes treatment tub 3. As a result, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, the leaked water can be prevented from flowing into the cleaning device 30 and further into the heat exchange duct 14.

[0047] Furthermore, in the washer / dryer 1, in the water distribution device 100, the branch water supply section 120 has a water storage recess 121 capable of storing water. According to this configuration example, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d into the water inlet hose 113 and the leaked water flows from the main water supply section 110 into the branch water supply section 120, the flowing water can be stored in the water storage recess 121. As a result, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, the leaked water can be further prevented from flowing into the washing device 30 and, ultimately, into the heat exchange duct 14.

[0048] Here, if we assume that water leaking from water supply valve 8d were to enter heat exchange duct 14, there is a concern that the water that enters heat exchange duct 14 may wet condenser 18 or circulation fan 22, or that the water that enters heat exchange duct 14 may flow out of heat exchange duct 14 and wet the bottom of washer-dryer 1 or the surface on which washer-dryer 1 is placed.

[0049] As described above, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, the washer / dryer 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the leaked water from flowing into the heat exchange duct 14. This sufficiently prevents the water leaking from the water supply valve 8d from wetting the condenser 18 or the circulation fan 22, or from wetting the bottom of the washer / dryer 1 or the surface on which the washer / dryer 1 is placed.

[0050] Moreover, in the washer / dryer 1, the notch 131 for guiding water from the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply portion 110 into the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply portion 120 is provided in the upper part of the partition wall portion 130 separating the main water supply portion 110 from the branch water supply portion 120. This configuration example makes it difficult for the water level in the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply portion 110 to exceed the level of the bottom surface of the notch 131. This makes it difficult for the water in the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply portion 110 to flow into the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply portion 120, and even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, it is possible to further prevent the leaked water from flowing into the cleaning device 30 and, ultimately, into the heat exchange duct 14.

[0051] Moreover, the washer / dryer 1 includes a solenoid valve 140 for opening and closing the water outlet hose 123, which connects the branch water supply unit 120 and the cleaning device 30, at a midpoint of the water outlet hose 123. According to this configuration example, the solenoid valve 140 switches the water outlet hose 123 to a closed state, i.e., a non-conductive state, so that the air flowing through the heat exchange duct 14 can be prevented from entering the water outlet hose 123 and further the water distribution device 100 via the outlet and water supply port 31 of the cleaning device 30. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the heat exchange duct 14 from entering the water outlet hose 123, and to prevent the water outlet hose 123 from becoming clogged with foreign matter.

[0052] It is preferable that the solenoid valve 140 is controlled to close the water outlet hose 123, particularly during the drying process in which the clothes are dried. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent foreign matter contained in the air from entering the water outlet hose 123 during the drying process in which the air flows through the heat exchange duct 14.

[0053] In addition, according to the washer / dryer 1, the water inlet pipe 112 through which water flows into the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply 110 and the water outlet pipe 122 through which water flows out from the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply 120 are both provided on the left side of the water distribution device 100 as viewed from the front side of the washer / dryer 1, that is, on the same side. According to this configuration example, the direction in which water flows into the water receiving recess 111 and the direction in which water flows out of the water storage recess 121 are opposite to each other, so that it is possible to prevent water from flowing from the water inlet pipe 112 through the water receiving recess 111 and the water storage recess 121 toward the water outlet pipe 122 in the water distribution device 100. As a result, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, the leaked water is less likely to reach the branch water supply 120, and thus it is possible to further prevent the water from flowing out into the cleaning device 30 or the heat exchange duct 14.

[0054] (Other embodiments) This embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified or expanded as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the water distribution device 100 may be configured such that the volume of the water receiving recess 111 of the main water supply section 110 and the volume of the water storage recess 121 of the branch water supply section 120 are almost or completely the same volume, or may be configured such that they are different volumes.

[0055] Moreover, the water receiving recess 111 need not be a circular recess, but may be a recess of various shapes, such as an elliptical or rectangular shape. Moreover, the water storage recess 121 need not be a rectangular recess, but may be a recess of various shapes, such as a circular or elliptical shape. Moreover, the water receiving recess 111 and the water storage recess 121 may be recesses of the same shape or may be recesses of different shapes.

[0056] In addition, according to the configuration example in which the water-receiving recess 111 is a circular or elliptical recess, it is possible to expect the effect of generating a swirling flow in the water that flows into the water-receiving recess 111. Then, the water can be sprayed from the duct cleaning nozzle 114 into the exhaust duct 13D while swirling in the water-receiving recess 111, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning the inside of the exhaust duct 13D.

[0057] Furthermore, by generating a swirling flow in the water that has flowed into the water-receiving recess 111, the water in the water-receiving recess 111 is less likely to flow into the cutout portion 131. As a result, even if water leaks from the water supply valve 8d, the leaking water is less likely to flow into the branch water supply portion 120, and thus the water can be further prevented from flowing into the cleaning device 30 or the heat exchange duct 14.

[0058] The bottom surface of cutout portion 131 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In this case, the bottom surface of cutout portion 131 may be inclined so as to descend from main water supply section 110 side toward branch water supply section 120 side, or may be inclined so as to ascend from main water supply section 110 side toward branch water supply section 120 side. Cutout portion 131 is not limited to a rectangular cutout, and may be, for example, an arc-shaped cutout.

[0059] Furthermore, the introduction section is not limited to the cutout section 131, and various configurations can be applied as long as they are capable of guiding water from the main water supply section 110 to the branch water supply section 120, such as, for example, a hole or slit penetrating the partition wall section 130.

[0060] Also, by appropriately changing the size and height position of the introduction part in the partition wall part 130, it is possible to adjust the ease or difficulty of water flow from inside the main water supply part 110 to inside the branch water supply part 120. Therefore, for example, if it is desired to increase the amount of water supplied to the duct cleaning nozzle part 114, it is preferable to set the size and height position of the water guiding part so that water does not easily flow from inside the main water supply part 110 to inside the branch water supply part 120. Also, if it is desired to increase the amount of water supplied to the cleaning device 30, it is preferable to set the size and height position of the water guiding part so that water does not easily flow from inside the main water supply part 110 to inside the branch water supply part 120.

[0061] Furthermore, the main water supply section 110 may be configured to ultimately discharge the water supplied from the water supply valve 8d of the water supply valve unit 8 into the drainage path 10. In this case, the main water supply section 110 may be configured to discharge the water into a portion of the drainage path 10 that is downstream of the drainage valve 11. According to this configuration example, the drainage path 10 can discharge the water discharged from the main water supply section 110 to the outside of the apparatus regardless of whether the drainage valve 11 is open or closed.

[0062] Furthermore, the washer / dryer 1 may be configured to include a single water supply valve, instead of the water supply valve unit 8 in which the multiple water supply valves 8a to 8d are unitized.

[0063] Furthermore, the water supply target parts are not limited to the duct cleaning nozzle part 114 and the cleaning device 30, and various components can be applied as long as they are components in the washer / dryer 1 that require a water supply. Furthermore, the number of water supply target parts is not limited to two, and may be, for example, three or more. Even when the number of water supply target parts is three or more, the water distribution device may be configured to distribute water supplied from a common water supply valve to the multiple water supply target parts.

[0064] In addition, the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called drum type washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction, but can also be applied to a so-called vertical axis type washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotary tub extends vertically. In addition, the present embodiment can also be applied to a pure clothes dryer that does not have a washing function.

[0065] It should be noted that the present embodiment is presented merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] In the drawings, 1 indicates a washer / dryer (clothing treatment device), 3 indicates a clothing treatment tub, 8d indicates a water supply valve, 10 indicates a drainage path, 110 indicates a main water supply section (first water supply section), 120 indicates a branch water supply section (second water supply section), 121 indicates a water storage recess (storage section), 123 indicates a water outlet hose (outflow path), 130 indicates a partition wall section (partition section), 131 indicates a cutout section (water conveying section), and 140 indicates an solenoid valve (opening / closing valve).

Claims

1. a first water supply section to which water is supplied from a water supply valve; A second water supply section branched off from the first water supply section; A partition section that separates the first water supply section and the second water supply section; A water guide portion provided in the partition portion and guiding water from the first water supply portion to the second water supply portion; A first water supply target portion to which water is supplied from the first water supply portion; A second water supply target portion to which water is supplied from the second water supply portion; Equipped with The water supplied from the water supply valve is configured to first flow into the first water supply section and then flow into the second water supply section via the water guide section, The second water supply section has an outflow path for discharging the water introduced from the first water supply section through the water conveying section, The outflow path of the clothing processing device is provided with an on-off valve for opening and closing the outflow path.

2. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second water supply unit includes a storage unit capable of storing water.

3. a first water supply section to which water is supplied from a water supply valve; A second water supply section branched off from the first water supply section; A partition section that separates the first water supply section and the second water supply section; A water guide portion provided in the partition portion and guiding water from the first water supply portion to the second water supply portion; A first water supply target portion to which water is supplied from the first water supply portion; A second water supply target portion to which water is supplied from the second water supply portion; Equipped with The water supplied from the water supply valve is configured to first flow into the first water supply section and then flow into the second water supply section via the water guide section, The second water supply unit is provided with a storage unit capable of storing water.

4. The second water supply section has an outflow path for discharging the water introduced from the first water supply section through the water conveying section, The clothing processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the outflow path is provided with an on-off valve for opening and closing the outflow path.

5. The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the water guide portion is provided above the partition portion.

6. A clothing treatment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first water supply section discharges water supplied from the water supply valve into a clothing treatment tub in which clothing is stored, or into a drainage path extending from the clothing treatment tub to the outside of the device.

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