Washing and drying machine

Abstract

The invention provides a washing and drying machine capable of inhibiting cost increase and improving reliability. The washing and drying machine comprises an outer tank, a rotating tank, an air path, a heating device for heating air flowing in the air path to generate warm air, an air supply device for conveying the air in the air path to the outer tank, and a water injection box capable of accommodating a treatment agent box for receiving a washing treatment agent. A communication part for communicating a water injection port arranged at the upper part of the outer tank with the water injection box; a water storage part arranged in the communication part and capable of storing the stored water; a stored water supply path for supplying the stored water to the water storage part; and a water supply valve for storing water for opening and closing the stored water supply path. And a control unit capable of executing an operation including a drying process for drying the clothes in the rotating tank, the control unit opening the water supply valve for storing water, executing a stored water supply operation for supplying the stored water to the water storage unit before the drying process is started, and then executing the stored water supply operation again in the drying process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to a washing dryer. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a washing dryer is known which is provided with a water supply path having a chamber in which washing and drying are performed, the water supply path supplying water to the chamber at the time of washing operation, and having a detergent box at an intermediate portion, and a valve body which is capable of opening and closing the water supply path is provided at a water injection port portion of the water supply path with respect to the chamber, and a moving body composed of a heat-activated member is further provided, and the moving body is caused to be in an open position of the valve body at the time of washing operation, and is caused to move by heat of hot air supplied to the chamber at the time of drying operation, so as to be in a closed position. According to the past configuration, since the water supply path is blocked at the time of drying operation, leakage of hot air having a large amount of moisture from the chamber is prevented at the time of drying operation, and prevention of deterioration of the environment of a room in which the washing dryer is placed can be achieved.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 02-136167 SUMMARY

[0006] However, according to the past configuration, since a mechanical valve is provided at the intermediate portion of the water supply path, and leakage of hot air is prevented by causing the valve to move, a large number of devices are required, and a problem of an increase in cost is caused. In addition, according to the past configuration, although leakage of hot air to the outside is prevented, it is difficult to suppress an increase in temperature of the vicinity of the detergent box, and thus, there are cases in which an adverse situation such as condensation occurs in the vicinity of the detergent box, and thus, there is room for improvement in terms of improvement in reliability of the washing dryer.

[0007] Therefore, a washing dryer which can suppress an increase in cost while improving reliability is provided.

[0008] The washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment includes an outer tub, a rotary tub rotatably provided inside the outer tub and capable of accommodating laundry, an air passage for supplying air into the outer tub, a heating device for heating air flowing in the air passage to generate warm air, an air supply device for delivering air in the air passage to the outer tub, a water injection box capable of accommodating a treatment agent box receiving the injection of a washing treatment agent, a communication portion for communicating a water injection port provided at an upper portion of the outer tub and the water injection box, a water storage portion provided in the communication portion and capable of storing water, a water storage supply path for supplying the water to the water storage portion, a water storage supply valve for opening and closing the water storage supply path, and a control portion capable of performing an operation including a drying process for drying laundry in the rotary tub. The control portion performs, before the start of the drying process, a water storage supply operation of opening the water storage supply valve to supply the water to the water storage portion, and then performs the water storage supply operation again in the drying process.

[0009] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost while improving reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a vicinity of an outer tub of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing a configuration example of an air passage of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a vicinity of a water injection box of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of a communication portion of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing control contents of each configuration operation based on a control portion in a drying process of the washing and drying machine according to the embodiment.

[0017] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0018] 1…washing and drying machine, 13…outer tub, 131…water filling port, 15…rotary tub, 21…water supply valve (water storage water supply valve), 22…water filling box, 221…treatment agent box, 23…water supply path (water storage water supply path), 24…communication portion, 242…water storage portion, 40…air path, 51…air blowing device, 52…heating device, 70…control portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] An embodiment of a washing and drying machine will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The washing and drying machine 1 shown is capable of performing washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, and the like with respect to laundry. The washing and drying machine 1 is a drum-type washing and drying machine of a horizontal shaft type in which a rotary shaft of a rotary tub 15 is oriented horizontally, or an inclined shaft type in which the rotary shaft is oriented downwardly and obliquely from front to back. The washing and drying machine 1 has an outer cabinet 11, a door 12, an outer tub 13, a bellows 14, the rotary tub 15, a motor 16, a drainage mechanism 17, a water supply mechanism 20, and a drying mechanism 30. In addition, in the description below, a side of the washing and drying machine 1 on which the washing and drying machine 1 is installed, that is, a vertically lower side, is defined as a lower side of the washing and drying machine 1, and a side opposite to the side on which the washing and drying machine 1 is installed, that is, a vertically upper side, is defined as an upper side of the washing and drying machine 1. In addition, a left-right direction when the washing and drying machine 1 is viewed from the front is defined as a left-right direction of the washing and drying machine 1. Figure 1

[0020] The outer cabinet 11 is formed in a hollow box shape by a combination of a metal such as a stainless steel sheet or a resin material, or the like. The outer cabinet 11 constitutes an outer contour of the washing and drying machine 1. The outer cabinet 11 has, on a front side, a front opening (not shown) that communicates an inside of the outer cabinet 11 with an outside thereof. A user can take out and put in laundry with respect to the inside of the rotary tub 15 through the front opening. The door 12 is provided on the front side of the outer cabinet 11 and opens and closes the front opening of the outer cabinet 11. The outer tub 13 is provided in the outer cabinet 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). An inside of the outer tub 13 can store water. The outer tub 13 is formed in a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape in which a front side of a cylindrical shape, that is, one side is open and a rear side, that is, the other side has a bottom. An opening portion 13a that is open in a substantially circular shape is provided in a center of the front side of the outer tub 13.

[0021] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 ​As shown, the outer tank 13 has a water inlet 131 and an air vent 132. The water inlet 131 and the air vent 132 connect the interior and exterior of the outer tank 13. The water inlet 131 is used to supply water from an external water source, such as a tap water pipe, into the outer tank 13. The water inlet 131 is located, for example, in the upper front portion of the outer tank 13, and is offset to the left relative to the center of the outer tank 13 in the left-right direction. The air vent 132 is used to expel air from the outer tank 13. The air vent 132 is located, for example, in the upper rear portion of the outer tank 13, and is offset to the left relative to the center of the outer tank 13 in the left-right direction. That is, the water inlet 131 and the air vent 132 are located in the same direction, i.e., to the left, relative to the center of the outer tank 13 in the left-right direction, and are arranged along the front-back direction of the outer tank 13.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the bellows 14 is formed integrally in an annular shape and is disposed around the opening 13a of the outer groove 13. The bellows 14 is formed, for example, from an elastic member made of rubber, and watertightly connects the front opening of the outer casing 11 and the opening 13a in a connected state. The bellows 14 is provided with an air supply section 141. The air supply section 141 is used to supply air into the outer groove 13. That is, air is introduced into the outer groove 13 from the outside via the air supply section 141. The air supply section 141 is located, for example, at the upper part of the bellows 14 and overlaps with the center of the outer groove 13 in the left-right direction.

[0023] The rotating tub 15 can internally hold clothes and is rotatably arranged within the outer tub 13. The rotating tub 15 is driven to rotate by a motor 16. The motor 16 is located on the bottom outer side of the outer tub 13. The motor 16 is, for example, a brushless direct-drive motor capable of varying speed. The drainage mechanism 17 has the function of discharging water remaining in the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washer-dryer 1. Figure 3 As shown, the drainage mechanism 17 includes a drain valve 171 and a drain hose 172. The drain valve 171 is configured to be opened and closed electromagnetically. The drain valve 171 is connected to a drain port (not shown) located at the bottom of the outer tank 13. One end of the drain hose 172 is connected to the drain valve 171, and the other end extends to the outside of the washer-dryer 1. When the drain valve 171 is opened, water remaining in the outer tank 13 is discharged to the outside of the washer-dryer 1 through the drain hose 172. The drain valve 171 opens and closes the drainage path for discharging water remaining in the outer tank 13 to the outside.

[0024] The water supply mechanism 20 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the outer tank 11 above the outer sump 13. The water supply mechanism 20 has a water supply valve 21 and a water filling box 22. The water supply valve 21 is configured to be electromagnetically opened and closed. The water supply valve 21 has a function of opening and closing a water supply path 23 from a water source outside via the water filling box 22 to the inside of the outer sump 13. As shown in Figure 1 the water filling box 22 is provided so as to face the front surface portion 111 of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the outer sump 13 and is offset to the left with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. That is, the water filling box 22 is positioned on the same side as the water filling port 131 with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided at a position in the middle of the water supply path 23 and on the downstream side of the water supply valve 21. The water filling box 22 is formed in a container shape with an opening on the front surface.

[0025] The water filling box 22 is configured to be capable of housing a treatment agent box 221 inside. As shown in Figure 5 the water filling box 22 is provided so as to face the front surface portion 111 of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the outer sump 13 and is offset to the left with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. That is, the water filling box 22 is positioned on the same side as the water filling port 131 with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided at a position in the middle of the water supply path 23 and on the downstream side of the water supply valve 21. The water filling box 22 is formed in a container shape with an opening on the front surface.

[0026] The water filling box 22 is configured to be capable of housing a treatment agent box 221 inside. As shown in Figure 1 the water filling box 22 is provided so as to face the front surface portion 111 of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the outer sump 13 and is offset to the left with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. That is, the water filling box 22 is positioned on the same side as the water filling port 131 with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided at a position in the middle of the water supply path 23 and on the downstream side of the water supply valve 21. The water filling box 22 is formed in a container shape with an opening on the front surface.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1 the water filling box 22 is provided so as to face the front surface portion 111 of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the outer sump 13 and is offset to the left with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. That is, the water filling box 22 is positioned on the same side as the water filling port 131 with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the outer tank 11. The water filling box 22 is provided at a position in the middle of the water supply path 23 and on the downstream side of the water supply valve 21. The water filling box 22 is formed in a container shape with an opening on the front surface.

[0028] The drying mechanism 30 has a function of supplying air such as warm air into the outer tank 13. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The drying mechanism 30 has a wind path 40, an air supply device 51, and a heating device 52. The wind path 40 is located outside the outer tank 13, one end of which is connected to the exhaust port 132, and the other end of which is connected to the air supply portion 141. The wind path 40 connects the exhaust port 132 and the air supply portion 141. In addition, the wind path 40 is capable of circulating air to be supplied into the outer tank 13. In this case, the wind path 40, the air supply portion 141, the outer tank 13, and the rotary tank 15 form a circulating air path. The wind path 40 takes air in the outer tank 13 from the exhaust port 132, generates warm air by passing through the heating device 52, and then supplies the warm air into the outer tank 13 from the air supply portion 141. In this case, when observing the air flowing in the wind path 40, the exhaust port 132 side is the upstream, and the air supply portion 141 side is the downstream.

[0029] The wind path 40 is configured to include, for example, an exhaust passage 41, a filter device 42, a connection passage 43, a heat exchange portion 44, and an air supply passage 45. The exhaust passage 41 and the connection passage 43 are configured by a hose having, for example, flexibility in a corrugated shape. The exhaust passage 41 is a portion for exhausting air in the outer tank 13. One end of the exhaust passage 41 is connected to the exhaust port 132, and the other end thereof is connected to the filter device 42. The filter device 42 is located on the downstream side of the exhaust port 132. The filter device 42 is provided with a filter 421 in the inside thereof. The filter 421 is capable of capturing foreign matter such as lint or garbage included in the air flowing in the wind path 40 from the exhaust port 132.

[0030] The connection passage 43 is a passage connecting the filter device 42 and the heat exchange portion 44. The heat exchange portion 44 is used for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the wind path 40 from the outer tank 13 and in the connection passage 43. The heat exchange portion 44 is formed in, for example, a box shape which is long in the left-right direction. The heat exchange portion 44 can also be configured to have a plurality of fins or pins in the inside thereof. The air supply passage 45 is located in the upper portion of the outer tank 13. The air supply passage 45 is a passage connecting the heat exchange portion 44 and the air supply portion 141.

[0031] In addition, as shown in Figure 3 , the heat exchange portion 44 is connected to a water injection device 441 and a drain pipe 442. The water injection device 441 is used for introducing water supplied from an external water source into the heat exchange portion 44. The water injection device 441 has a water injection valve 441a and a water injection pipe 441b. The water injection valve 441a is an on-off valve for liquid capable of performing an on-off operation electromagnetically. The water injection pipe 441b is configured by, for example, a hose having flexibility, one end of which is connected to the water injection valve 441a, and the other end of which is connected to one side surface, for example, the upper surface of the heat exchange portion 44.

[0032] The drain pipe 442 is used to introduce water supplied from the water supply device 441 and passing through the heat exchange section 44 into the outer tub 13. The drain pipe 442 is composed of a tubular member, one end of which is connected to the other side face, for example, the bottom face of the heat exchange section 44, and the other end of which is connected to the bottom of the outer tub 13. When the water supply valve 441a is opened, water supplied from the water source outside passes through the water supply pipe 441b to be supplied into the heat exchange section 44, as shown by the dotted arrows. Figure 3 Figure 3 The air flowing in the air passage 41, as shown by the black arrows, is contacted with water supplied from the water supply device 441 in the heat exchange section 44 to remove moisture contained in the air and to lower the temperature of the air. The water, which has passed through the heat exchange section 44 to be subjected to heat exchange, passes through the drain pipe 442 to flow into the outer tub 13, and then passes through the drain mechanism 17 to be discharged outside the washing and drying machine 1.

[0033] The air supply device 51 and the heating device 52 are provided midway in the air passage 40 and on the downstream side of the heat exchange section 44. The air supply device 51 is composed of, for example, a multi-blade fan or a turbo fan. The air supply device 51 is located on the upstream side of the air supply passage 45 to suck air flowing in the heat exchange section 44 and to deliver the sucked air to the air supply section 141. The heating device 52 is located on the downstream side of the air supply device 51 and at a position midway in the air supply passage 45. The heating device 52 heats air flowing in the air passage 40 to generate warm air for drying clothes in the rotary tub 15. The heating device 52 is composed of, for example, a PTC heater as an example of an electric heater. The warm air generated by the heating device 52 flows in the air supply passage 45 and is supplied into the outer tub 13 via the air supply section 141. Note that the heating device 52 is not limited to a heater type mechanism but can be composed of a known heat pump mechanism.

[0034] In this configuration, the washing and drying machine 1 can execute a drying operation by driving the water supply device 441, the air supply device 51 and the heating device 52. When the air supply device 51 and the heating device 52 are driven, air supplied from the air supply device 51 to the heating device 52 side is heated to become warm air while passing through the heating device 52, and is supplied into the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15 via the air supply section 141 after passing through the air supply passage 45. When the pressure inside the outer tub 13 is increased by the supply of the warm air, a part of the air in the outer tub 13 flows out to the air exhaust passage 41 from the air exhaust port 132.

[0035] ​Air passing through exhaust duct 41 is filtered by filter 42 to collect impurities and flows through connecting duct 43 into heat exchange section 44. During drying operation, air containing water vapor from the clothes in rotating trough 15 is cooled and dehumidified in heat exchange section 44 by water injection device 441 and water supplied from an external water source. Furthermore, air in heat exchange section 44 is fed into air supply duct 45 by air supply device 51. Air from heat exchange section 44 into air supply duct 45 passes through heating device 52 again to become warm air and is supplied from air supply section 141 to outer trough 13 and rotating trough 15.

[0036] Here, it can be imagined that when the outer tank 13 is heated by the warm air generated by the heating device 52, the temperature around the water injection box 22 will rise via the connecting portion 24. Therefore, the connecting portion 24 is formed as a whole in a roughly U-shape, configured to retain water inside. By retaining water in the connecting portion 24, the temperature rise around the water injection box 22 can be suppressed. In addition, in this embodiment, since the water injection box 22 and the water inlet 131 of the outer tank 13 are located close to each other in the vertical direction, the flow path of the water flowing in the connecting portion 24 can be shortened, and the connecting portion 24 can be miniaturized.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the connecting portion 24 includes a water inlet 241, a water storage portion 242, and a water outlet 243. The water inlet 241 forms the entrance to the connecting portion 24, and for example, has a corrugated shape and extends in a straight line. Because the water inlet 241 has a corrugated shape, it can absorb the displacement of the outer tank 13 in the event of vibration, for example. The water inlet 241 is connected to the outlet 22a of the water filling box 22 and receives water flowing out of the water filling box 22.

[0038] The water storage section 242 is located between the water inlet section 241 and the water outlet section 243. The water storage section 242 is roughly U-shaped and can hold a portion of the water flowing from the water filling box 22, i.e., the stored water W. In this case, when the water supply valve 21 is opened and water flows through the water supply path 23, the stored water W can be retained in the water storage section 242. The water supply path 23 functions as a water supply path for supplying the stored water W to the water storage section 242, and the water supply valve 21 functions as a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path. The water storage section 242 forms a water trap through which water flows in, thereby preventing air leakage from the outer tank 13 towards the water filling box 22. When viewed from the side, the water surface WL formed when the stored water W is stored in the water storage section 242 is located further downward than the water inlet 131. The water outlet section 243 forms the outlet of the connecting section 24 and extends in a curved shape, for example. The water outlet 243 is connected to the water inlet 131 of the outer tank 13, supplying water flowing in the connecting part 24 to the outer tank 13.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the washer-dryer 1 includes: a water temperature sensor 61, an inlet temperature sensor 62 serving as a temperature monitoring unit, an outlet temperature sensor 63, and a control unit 70. Each sensor 61-63 is, for example, constructed primarily of a thermistor. The water temperature sensor 61 is, for example, located near the bottom of the outer tank 13, and monitors the temperature of the water in the outer tank 13. The inlet temperature sensor 62 is located within the air passage 40, inside, for example, the filter device 42, and downstream of the filter 421. The inlet temperature sensor 62 monitors the temperature of the air flowing through the air passage 40 before it is heated by the heating device 52. The outlet temperature sensor 63 is located within the air passage 40, downstream of the air supply device 51 and the heating device 52. The outlet temperature sensor 63 monitors the temperature of the air flowing through the air passage 40 after it has been heated by the heating device 52.

[0040] The motor 16, drain valve 171, water supply valve 21, water injection valve 441a, air supply device 51, and heating device 52 are electrically connected to the control unit 70 and operate under the control of the control unit 70. Additionally, the water temperature sensor 61, inlet temperature sensor 62, and outlet temperature sensor 63 are electrically connected to the control unit 70 and send their respective monitoring results to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 is configured as a microcomputer with storage areas such as CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory. The control unit 70 controls all operations of the washer-dryer 1. The storage area of ​​the control unit 70 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the washer-dryer 1. Each process of the control unit 70 is implemented by the CPU executing this control program. The control unit 70 receives monitoring signals from various sensors 61-63, and based on the control program, controls the operation of the motor 16, drain valve 171, water supply valve 21, water injection valve 441a, air supply device 51, and heating device 52 to execute operation.

[0041] The control unit 70 is capable of performing various operations to process the clothes contained in the rotating drum 15 according to prescribed procedures. The types of operations that the control unit 70 can perform include washing operations, drying operations, and washing-drying operations. Drying operations and washing-drying operations include the drying process of drying the clothes in the rotating drum 15. In, for example, the drying process, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the motor 16, water injection valve 441a, air supply device 51, and heating device 52 based on monitoring signals from the inlet temperature sensor 62 and the outlet temperature sensor 63, etc., to dry the clothes in the rotating drum 15. That is, the control unit 70 determines the progress or end of the drying process by judging either or both of the temperatures monitored by the inlet temperature sensor 62 or the outlet temperature sensor 63, and controls the motor 16, water injection valve 441a, air supply device 51, and heating device 52, etc., to execute the drying process.

[0042] Here, as Figure 7 As shown, the drying process proceeds in the following sequence: heating period T1, constant rate period T2, shrinkage period T3, and air supply period T4. Heating period T1 is the period during which the clothes in the rotating drum 15 are warmed. Figure 7 The graph illustrated by symbol A1 shows the time-dependent change in the measured value of the inlet temperature sensor 62. Additionally, in Figure 7 The graph illustrated by symbol B1 represents the change in temperature of the water W stored in the water storage section 242 over time. The heating period T1 corresponds to the initial process performed at the beginning of the drying process. When the maximum value of the difference between, for example, the measured value of the outlet temperature sensor 63 and the measured value of the inlet temperature sensor 62 is reached, i.e., the maximum temperature, the control unit 70 can determine that the heating period T1 has ended.

[0043] The constant rate period T2 is the period during which the heating of the heating device 52 and the heat absorbed by the evaporation of moisture from the clothes are almost balanced, resulting in a relatively constant surface temperature of the clothes in the rotating tank 15, and a proportional decrease in the moisture content of the clothes over time. The control unit 70 determines the end of the constant rate period T2 when the maximum difference between the measured value from, for example, the outlet temperature sensor 63 and the inlet temperature sensor 62, i.e., the maximum temperature reduction, reaches a predetermined threshold. The decreasing rate period T3 is the period during which the surface temperature of the clothes in the rotating tank 15 begins to rise, and the evaporation of moisture from the clothes shows a decreasing trend. The control unit 70 can determine the end of the decreasing rate period T3 based on the elapsed time since, for example, the decreasing rate period T3. The air supply period T4 is the period during which the rotating tank 15 and the clothes within it are cooled. In this case, the control unit 70 stops the heating device 52 during the air supply period T4 to suppress heating of the rotating tank 15 and the clothes within it. The control unit 70 can determine the end time of the air supply period T4 based on the elapsed time after the transition to, for example, the air supply period T4.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, in the drying process, the control unit 70 activates the motor 16, causing the rotating trough 15 to rotate. During the drying process, the rotating trough 15 can rotate continuously in either a clockwise (forward) or counter-clockwise (reverse) direction when viewed from the front, or it can rotate alternately in either direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 continuously rotates the rotating trough 15 in a specific direction (reverse) during the drying process. Therefore, during the drying process, the clothes can be stirred towards the right side of the rotating trough 15. Thus, the clothes in the rotating trough 15 can be stirred at a position away from the water injection box 22, which is located on the left side when viewed from the front. Consequently, when water flows down from around the water injection box 22, it is difficult for the water to reach the clothes in the rotating trough 15.

[0045] The control unit 70 can keep the rotational speed of the air supply device 51 in the drying process constant or variable. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 changes the rotational speed of the air supply device 51 in the drying process. For example, the control unit 70 can set the rotational speed Ns1 of the air supply device 51 during a portion of the constant rate period T2 to be greater than the rotational speed Ns2 of the air supply device 51 during other periods. Accordingly, during the constant rate period T2, the evaporation of moisture in the clothing can be promoted. The rotational speed Ns1 is set to, for example, 3500 rpm, and the rotational speed Ns2 is set to, for example, 3000 rpm.

[0046] Here, by previously storing the water W in the water storage portion 242 before the start of the drying process, it is possible to suppress a case where the temperature of the surroundings of the water injection box 22 rises at the initial stage of the start of the drying process. The timing of the start of the drying process is, for example, a timing at which at least either one of the air blowing device 51 or the heating device 52 starts to be driven, a timing at which the temperature in the washing and drying machine 1 reaches a predetermined temperature while at least either one of the air blowing device 51 or the heating device 52 is driven, and a timing at which it is indicated by an unillustrated operation display device for displaying various information to a user that the currently progressing process is the drying process. Among these, by previously storing the water W in the water storage portion 242 before the timing at which at least either one of the air blowing device 51 or the heating device 52 starts to be driven or the timing at which the temperature in the washing and drying machine 1 reaches a predetermined temperature while at least either one of the air blowing device 51 or the heating device 52 is driven, it is possible to suppress adverse effects of the water W being easily stored in the water storage portion 242 before moist air enters the water injection box 22 and the water W stored in the water storage portion 242 at the time when the water comes into contact with the laundry in the rotary tub 15.

[0047] However, in the case where the water W is stored in the water storage portion 242 before the start of the drying process, when a certain period of time elapses after the start of the drying process, the temperature of the water W in the water storage portion 242 rises along with the rise in the temperature in the washing and drying machine 1. In this case, dew sometimes occurs on the outer surface of the treatment agent box 221 housed in the water injection box 22. Moreover, in the state where the dew water is attached to the outer surface of the treatment agent box 221, once the treatment agent box 221 is pulled out of the water injection box 22, the dew water sometimes drops on the installation surface or the like of the washing and drying machine 1.

[0048] Therefore, the control portion 70, before the start of the drying process, performs a water storage supply operation of opening the water injection valve 441a to supply the water W to the water storage portion 242, and thereafter, performs the water storage supply operation again in the drying process. In the water storage supply operation, the control portion 70, after opening the water supply valve 21 and a predetermined period of time, for example, 0. several seconds to several seconds or so elapses, closes the water supply valve 21 again, and performs such an operation as one cycle. The amount of water supply of the water W in one time of the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process is set to be equal to or less than the storable amount that can be stored in the water storage portion 242. That is, in the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process, the water W in the water storage portion 242 is supplied to the extent that the water W is replaced. By performing the water storage supply operation in the drying process, it is possible to suppress the rise in the temperature of the water W stored in the water storage portion 242. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a case where the treatment agent box 221 produces dew due to the rise in the temperature of the surroundings of the water injection box 22 in the drying process.

[0049] In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, in the drying process, the rotary tub 15 is continuously rotated in the reverse direction. That is, the control portion 70 drives the motor 16 in the drying process, and performs the water storage supply operation in a state where the rotary tub 15 is rotated in the reverse direction. Thereby, the laundry in the rotary tub 15 can be stirred at a position where the water storage box 22 is separated from the left position in the left-right direction with respect to the center of the left-right direction of the outer tub 13. Thereby, even if the water storage W of the water storage portion 242 overflows due to, for example, vibration in the drying process or the like, it is possible to suppress the water from reaching the laundry in the rotary tub 15.

[0050] When water is supplied to the water storage portion 242 by the water storage supply operation, the water remaining in the water storage portion 242 before the water supply flows into the outer tub 13 via the communication portion 24. When the water flows into the outer tub 13 in the drying process, it is sometimes possible to wet the laundry in the rotary tub 15. Therefore, the water storage supply operation is preferably performed at an appropriate timing at which the temperature of the water storage W of the water storage portion 242 is expected to rise. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the control portion 70 performs the water storage supply operation again after a predetermined time Ts elapses after the start of the drying process. Thereby, the water storage supply operation can be performed at an appropriate timing at which the temperature of the water storage W in the water storage portion 242 is expected to rise after the start of the drying process and the predetermined time Ts elapses. Figure 7

[0051] In addition, the control portion 70 can perform the water storage supply operation a plurality of times in the drying process. In the present embodiment, the control portion 70 performs the water storage supply operation four times in the drying process. The time interval Tn of the plurality of water storage supply operations is set to, for example, about 30 to 40 minutes. The temperature of the water storage W of the water storage portion 242 is increased by about 20°C during the time interval Tn. Further, the control portion 70 can perform the water storage supply operation when the temperature monitored by the inlet temperature sensor 62 exceeds the threshold value tt in the drying process. Since it is estimated that the water temperature of the water storage W of the water storage portion 242 rises when the measured value of the inlet temperature sensor 62 increases, the temperature of the water storage W of the water storage portion 242 can be effectively reduced by performing the water storage supply operation based on the temperature monitored by the inlet temperature sensor 62.

[0052] ​The control section 70 can change the amount of water supplied in the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process. In the present embodiment, the amount of water supplied in the third water storage supply operation N3 among the four water storage supply operations is set to be larger than the amount of water supplied in the other water storage supply operations N1, N2, and N4. In this case, the control section 70 increases the amount of water supplied in the water storage supply operation by lengthening the time for which the water supply valve 21 is open. Note that the configuration is not limited to one in which the amount of water supplied in any of the water storage supply operations is increased, and the configuration can be one in which the amount of water supplied in any of the water storage supply operations is decreased.

[0053] In addition, the control section 70 can perform the water storage supply operation when the amount of air blown from the air blower 51 is less than a predetermined amount in the drying process. In this case, the control section 70 does not perform the water storage supply operation during the period in which the air blower 51 is set to the rotation speed Ns2, and can perform the water storage supply operation during the period in which the air blower 51 is set to the rotation speed Ns2. Furthermore, the control section 70 can perform the water storage supply operation after the period in which the air blower 51 is set to the rotation speed Ns1. In this way, the splashing of the water storage W in the water storage section 242 can be suppressed by the blowing action of the air blower 51, and an appropriate amount of water storage W can be retained in the water storage section 242 even when the water storage W in the water storage section 242 splashes.

[0054] According to the above-described embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 includes the outer tub 13, the rotary tub 15, the air passage 40, the air blower 51, the heating device 52, the water injection box 22, the communication section 24, the water storage section 242, the water supply path 23, the water supply valve 21, and the control section 70. The rotary tub 15 is disposed inside the outer tub 13 in a rotatable manner and can accommodate laundry. The air passage 40 is used to supply air to the inside of the outer tub 13. The air blower 51 delivers air in the air passage 40 to the outer tub 13. The heating device 52 heats air flowing in the air passage 40 to generate warm air. The water injection box 22 can accommodate a treatment agent box 221 that receives the insertion of a washing treatment agent.

[0055] The communication section 24 communicates the water injection port 131 provided in the upper portion of the outer tub 13 with the water injection box 22. The water storage section 242 is disposed in the communication section 24 and can retain water storage W. The water supply path 23 supplies water storage W to the water storage section 242. The water supply valve 21 opens and closes the water supply path 23. The control section 70 can perform operation including a drying process in which laundry in the rotary tub 15 is dried. Furthermore, the control section 70 performs a water storage supply operation in which the water supply valve 21 is opened to supply water storage W to the water storage section 242 before starting the drying process, and then performs the water storage supply operation again in the drying process.

[0056] Accordingly, in the drying process, the temperature rise of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the temperature rise of the periphery of the water injection box 22 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of dew condensation on the chemical box 221 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the occurrence of the adverse situation in which the dew condensation water attached to the chemical box 221 flows out to the outside of the washing and drying machine 1 to wet the installation surface of the washing and drying machine 1 and the like can be prevented. As a result, the reliability of the washing and drying machine 1 can be improved while suppressing an increase in cost.

[0057] The control portion 70 performs the water storage supply operation a plurality of times in the drying process. Accordingly, the temperature rise of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242 can be effectively suppressed. Accordingly, the occurrence of dew condensation on the chemical box 221 can be further prevented.

[0058] The control portion 70 changes the water supply amount in the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process. Accordingly, the water supply amount is changed in accordance with the temperature rise of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242, and thus the occurrence of dew condensation on the chemical box 221 can be effectively suppressed.

[0059] In addition, the water supply amount of the stored water W in the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process is set to be equal to or less than the storable amount that can be stored in the water storage portion 242. Here, when the water supply amount of the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process is increased, it is possible that the clothes accommodated in the rotating tub 15 are wetted by the water flowing out to the communication portion 24, and thus the drying time becomes long. Therefore, the water supply amount of the water storage supply operation performed in the drying process is limited to the amount of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242 that is replaced, and thus the lengthening of the drying time can be suppressed, and the reliability of the washing and drying machine 1 can be improved.

[0060] The washing and drying machine 1 further includes an inlet temperature sensor 62. The inlet temperature sensor 62 monitors the temperature of the air in the air passage 40. Further, the control portion 70 performs the water storage supply operation in the drying process when the temperature monitored by the inlet temperature sensor 62 exceeds a threshold value tt. Accordingly, the temperature of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242 can be lowered at an appropriate timing. Accordingly, the occurrence of dew condensation on the chemical box 221 can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] The control portion 70 performs the water storage supply operation after a predetermined time Ts elapses after the start of the drying process. Accordingly, the temperature of the stored water W stored in the water storage portion 242 can be lowered at an appropriate timing. Accordingly, the occurrence of dew condensation on the chemical box 221 can be effectively suppressed.

[0062] The washing and drying machine 1 further has a motor 16 that rotates the rotating tub 15. The control section 70 performs the water storage supply operation in a state in which the motor 16 is driven to rotate the rotating tub 15 in a specific direction in the drying process. Here, the moving range of the laundry in the rotating tub 15 when the rotating tub 15 is rotated has a tendency according to the rotating direction of the rotating tub 15. Therefore, by performing the water storage supply operation in matching with the rotating direction of the rotating tub 15, even in a case in which the water storage W flows out from the communication portion 24 in the performance of the water storage supply operation, the water storage is difficult to reach the laundry in the rotating tub 15. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the reliability of the washing and drying machine 1.

[0063] The control section 70 performs the water storage supply operation in a case in which the air supply amount from the air supply device 51 is below a predetermined value in the drying process. Accordingly, it is possible to supply the water storage W to the water storage portion 242 during a period in which it is difficult to be affected by the air flow in the air flow path 40. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately store the water storage W in the water storage portion 242. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of dew condensation in the treatment agent case 221.

[0064] The bottom surface of the treatment agent case 221 is subjected to concavo-convex processing. Accordingly, it is difficult for the dew condensation water to adhere to the bottom surface of the treatment agent case 221. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adverse conditions due to the dew condensation of the treatment agent case 221. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the reliability of the washing and drying machine 1.

[0065] Although the embodiment of the present application has been described above, the embodiment is merely proposed as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiment and the changes thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention and are included in the invention and the equivalent scope recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A washer-dryer, characterized in that, The washing and drying machine includes: Outer groove; A rotating trough is rotatably disposed inside the outer trough and is capable of holding clothing; A ventilation duct, used to supply air into the outer tank; An air supply device that delivers air from the air duct to the outer tank; A heating device that heats the air flowing through the air passage to generate warm air; Water injection box, which can contain the treatment agent box that receives the detergent treatment agent; A connecting part connects the water inlet located at the top of the outer tank to the water inlet box; A water storage section is provided inside the connecting section and is capable of storing water; A water supply path for supplying water to the water storage unit; A water supply valve for water storage, which opens and closes the water supply path; and The control unit is capable of performing a drying process that includes drying the clothes in the rotating trough. Before starting the drying process, the control unit performs the following actions: opening the water supply valve to supply water to the water storage unit, and then performing the water supply action again during the drying process.

2. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the water storage and supply action multiple times during the drying process.

3. The washer and dryer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit causes changes in the water supply during the multiple water storage and supply actions performed in the drying process.

4. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply amount for the water storage operation performed in the drying process is set to be less than or equal to the amount that can be retained in the water storage section.

5. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer and dryer also includes a temperature monitoring unit that monitors the temperature of the air in the air duct. If the temperature detected by the temperature monitoring unit during the drying process exceeds the threshold, the control unit performs the water storage supply action.

6. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drying process, the control unit executes the water supply operation.

7. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer-dryer also includes a motor that drives the rotating trough to rotate. The control unit performs the water supply operation when the motor is driven to rotate the rotating tank in a specific direction during the drying process.

8. The washer and dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the air volume supplied from the air supply device during the drying process is below a specified value, the control unit performs the water storage supply operation.

9. The washer and dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the treatment agent box is textured with an uneven surface.

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