Washing and drying machine

Abstract

To provide a washing and drying machine capable of suppressing laundry jumping out of a washing tub.SOLUTION: A washing and drying machine includes: a washing tub; a capacity sensing part for detecting capacity of laundry; an operation part for performing a washing and drying operation; and an operation control part for controlling the operation part. The washing and drying operation includes: a washing step; a first drying step of performing untangling processing and dewatering processing while supplying warm air; and a second drying step of repeating the untangling processing while supplying the warm air. In the case where the detection result of the capacity sensing part is below a drying capacity threshold value, in the washing and drying operation, the operation control part sequentially performs the washing step, the first drying step and the second drying step, and in the case where the detection result of the capacity sensing part is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, in the washing and drying operation, it skips the untangling processing in the first drying step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine.

Background Art

[0002] The washing and drying machine described in Patent Document 1 includes an outer tub, a water tub, a rotating tub, a drying device, and a water level detection means. The water tub is elastically suspended inside the outer tub. The rotating tub is rotatably supported inside the water tub. The drying device dries the laundry inside the rotating tub. The washing and drying machine executes the operation selected and set by the operation unit from among the washing operation, rinsing operation, dehydration operation, and drying operation. The water level detection means detects the water level inside the rotating tub. The washing and drying machine determines the content of the drying operation based on the detection result of the water level detection means before the start of the drying process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the capacity of the laundry exceeds the rated value of the drying capacity, there is a risk that the laundry will fly out of the washing tub when performing the dehydration process of rotating the washing tub at high speed during the drying operation.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a washing and drying machine capable of suppressing the laundry from flying out of the washing tub.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A washing and drying machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a washing tub into which laundry is placed, a capacity sensing unit that detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub, an operation unit that performs a washing and drying operation on the laundry, and an operation control unit that controls the operation unit. The washing and drying operation includes a washing step of washing the laundry, a loosening process of loosening the laundry, and a dehydration process of dehydrating the laundry after the loosening process, which are performed while supplying warm air in a first drying step, and a second drying step of repeating the loosening process while supplying warm air. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold, the operation control unit sequentially performs the washing step, the first drying step, and the second drying step in the washing and drying operation. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is greater than or equal to the drying capacity threshold, the loosening process in the first drying step is skipped in the washing and drying operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications. Even outside of these embodiments and modifications, various changes can be made according to the design and the like as long as the technical idea of the present disclosure is not deviated from.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing and drying machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing and drying machine of the present embodiment includes a housing 1, a lid 2, and an input unit 3.

[0011] The housing 1 has a hollow shape. The housing 1 is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin. An opening 1a is formed in the upper part of the housing 1.

[0012] The lid 2 opens and closes the opening 1a. Each of the lid 2 and the input unit 3 is provided in the upper part of the housing 1. The input unit 3 receives instructions for the washing and drying machine. The input unit 3 includes, for example, operation keys.

[0013] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing and drying machine will be further described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing and drying machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the washing and drying machine.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing and drying machine further includes a top plate 4, a base 5, a water tank 6, a washing tub 7, a stirring blade 8, and a balancer 9.

[0015] The top plate 4 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin. The top plate 4 is fixed to the upper part of the housing 1. The top plate 4 rotatably supports the lid 2. The input unit 3 is provided on the top plate 4.

[0016] The base 5 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin. The base 5 is fixed to the bottom of the housing 1.

[0017] Each of the water tank 6 and the washing tub 7 has a hollow shape. Each of the water tank 6 and the washing tub 7 has an open upper part. Each of the water tank 6 and the washing tub 7 is housed in the housing 1.

[0018] The washing tub 7 is installed inside the water tank 6. The washing tub 7 is rotatably supported. Water can be stored in the washing tub 7. With the lid 2 open, laundry is put into the washing tub 7 through the opening 1a.

[0019] The stirring blade 8 is provided inside the washing tub 7 and is located at the bottom of the washing tub 7. The stirring blade 8 is rotatably supported.

[0020] The balancer 9 suppresses the vibration of the washing tub 7 when the washing tub 7 rotates at high speed. The balancer 9 is formed in an annular shape. The balancer 9 is installed at the upper part of the washing tub 7.

[0021] The washing and drying machine further includes a blower unit 10 and a water supply unit 13.

[0022] The blower unit 10 has a discharge part 11 and a suction part 12. The discharge part 11 discharges air into the washing tub 7. The suction part 12 sucks air in the washing tub 7. The discharge part 11 and the suction part 12 are installed above the washing tub 7.

[0023] The water supply unit 13 is connected to a faucet and supplies the water discharged from the faucet to the washing tub 7. The water supply unit 13 has, for example, a water supply path (not shown) and a water supply valve (not shown). The water supply path is a tubular member communicating with the washing tub 7. The water supply path guides water to the washing tub 7. The water supply valve opens and closes the water supply path.

[0024] The washing and drying machine 100 further includes an operation unit 20.

[0025] The operation unit 20 performs processing on the laundry. The operation unit 20 performs processing on the laundry by performing at least one of, for example, a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation. The washing operation indicates a process of washing the laundry. In the present embodiment, the washing operation is performed by rotating the stirring blade 8 in a state where the laundry, water, and detergent are supplied into the washing tub 7. The rinsing operation indicates a process of rinsing the laundry. In the present embodiment, the rinsing operation is performed by rotating the stirring blade 8 in a state where the laundry and water are supplied into the washing tub 7. The dehydration operation indicates a process of dehydrating the laundry. In the present embodiment, the dehydration operation is performed by rotating the washing tub 7 in a state where the laundry is supplied into the washing tub 7. The drying operation indicates a process of drying the laundry.

[0026] Further, the operation unit 20 of the present embodiment can execute a washing and drying operation in which a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation are continuously performed as processing on the laundry. Details of the washing and drying operation will be described later.

[0027] The operation unit 20 includes a first drive unit 21, a transmission mechanism 22, a drain valve 23, a second drive unit 24, a fan 25, and a heater 26.

[0028] Each of the first drive unit 21 and the transmission mechanism 22 is installed below the water tank 6.

[0029] The first drive unit 21 rotates each of the stirring blade 8 and the washing tub 7. The first drive unit 21 includes, for example, a drive motor 21a. The drive motor 21a is an example of a power source of the first drive unit 21.

[0030] The transmission mechanism 22 includes, for example, a gear and a clutch. The transmission mechanism 22 is interposed between the first drive unit 21 and the stirring blade 8 and the washing tub 7. The transmission mechanism 22 operates, for example, by electromagnetic force. The transmission mechanism 22 can transmit the power of the first drive unit 21 to each of the stirring blade 8 and the washing tub 7. Further, the transmission mechanism 22 can block the transmission of the power of the first drive unit 21 to each of the stirring blade 8 and the washing tub 7.

[0031] The transmission mechanism 22 includes a stirring shaft 22a and a dehydration shaft 22b. The stirring shaft 22a and the dehydration shaft 22b have a double-shaft structure. The dehydration shaft 22b is installed outside the stirring shaft 22a. Each of the stirring shaft 22a and the dehydration shaft 22b is connected to the first drive unit 21.

[0032] The stirring blade 8 stirs and flows the water in the washing tub 7. Further, the stirring blade 8 stirs the laundry in the washing tub 7 to loosen the laundry. The stirring blade 8 is attached to the stirring shaft 22a. The stirring blade 8 is transmitted with the power of the first drive unit 21 via the stirring shaft 22a. As a result, the stirring blade 8 rotates together with the stirring shaft 22a.

[0033] The washing tub 7 is attached to the dehydration shaft 22b. The power of the first drive unit 21 is transmitted to the washing tub 7 via the dehydration shaft 22b. As a result, the washing tub 7 rotates together with the dehydration shaft 22b.

[0034] A drain passage (not shown) is installed below the washing tub 7. The drain passage is a tubular member that communicates between the inside of the washing tub 7 and the outside of the washing and drying machine 100. The drain passage discharges the water in the washing tub 7 to the outside of the washing and drying machine 100.

[0035] The drain valve 23 is provided in the drain passage (not shown). The drain valve 23 opens and closes the drain passage.

[0036] The second drive unit 24 operates the transmission mechanism 22 and the drain valve 23. The second drive unit 24 includes, for example, a drain motor 24a. The drain motor 24a is an example of a power source of the second drive unit 24. The second drive unit 24 switches the state of the operation unit 20 to either the "first state" or the "second state". The second drive unit 24 operates the engagement and disengagement of the clutch of the transmission mechanism 22 and the opening and closing of the drain valve 23, for example, by adjusting the rotation angle of the drain motor 24a. As a result, the second drive unit 24 switches the state of the operation unit 20.

[0037] "The "first state" indicates the state of the operation unit 20 when the dehydration operation is performed. In the "first state", the clutch of the transmission mechanism 22 is in the "engaged" state. When the clutch is in the "engaged" state, the power of the first drive unit 21 can be transmitted to the washing tub 7 and can also be transmitted to the stirring blade 8. Also, in the "first state", the drain valve 23 is in the "open" state. When the drain valve 23 opens, the water in the washing tub 7 is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine 100 through the drain passage.

[0038] "The "second state" indicates the state of the operation unit 20 when the washing operation and the rinsing operation are performed. In the "second state", the clutch of the transmission mechanism 22 is in the "disengaged" state. When the clutch is in the "disengaged" state, the power of the first drive unit 21 cannot be transmitted to the washing tub 7 and can be transmitted to the stirring blade 8. Also, in the "second state", the drain valve 23 is in the "closed" state. When the drain valve 23 closes, the water in the washing tub 7 is not discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine 100 through the drain passage.

[0039] The fan 25 and the heater 26 are installed in the air supply unit 10 to supply warm air.

[0040] For example, during the drying operation, the fan 25 rotates to suck the air in the washing tub 7 from the suction unit 12 and generate wind. Also, the heater 26 is energized to generate heat. The wind generated by the fan 25 is sent to the heater 26. The wind sent to the heater 26 is heated by the heater 26 to become warm air. The warm air is discharged into the washing tub 7 through the discharge unit 11. As a result, the laundry in the washing tub 7 is dried by the warm air.

[0041] The washing and drying machine 100 further includes a temperature detection unit 30 and a humidity detection unit 40.

[0042] The temperature detection unit 30 is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the washing and drying machine 100. The temperature detection unit 30 is installed, for example, inside the washing tub 7. Note that the installation location of the temperature detection unit 30 is not limited to inside the washing tub 7. The temperature detection unit 30 may be installed at a location inside the washing and drying machine 100 where the temperature changes under the influence of the warm air during the drying operation.

[0043] The humidity detection unit 40 is a sensor that detects the humidity inside the washing and drying machine 100. The humidity detection unit 40 is installed, for example, in the washing tub 7. Note that the installation location of the humidity detection unit 40 is not limited to inside the washing tub 7. The humidity detection unit 40 may be installed at a location where the humidity changes under the influence of the steam generated from the laundry during the drying operation inside the washing and drying machine 100.

[0044] The washing and drying machine 100 further includes a storage unit 50 and a control device 60.

[0045] The storage unit 50 includes a main storage device (for example, a semiconductor memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (for example, a hard disk drive). The storage unit 50 stores various computer programs executed by the control device 60.

[0046] The control device 60 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control device 60 controls each element of the washing and drying machine 100. Specifically, the processor of the control device 60 controls the input unit 3, the operation unit 20, the temperature detection unit 30, the humidity detection unit 40, and the storage unit 50 by executing the computer programs stored in the storage unit 50.

[0047] The control device 60 has an operation control unit 61, a capacity sensing unit 62, and a capacity determination unit 63. Specifically, the processor of the control device 60 functions as the operation control unit 61, the capacity sensing unit 62, and the capacity determination unit 63 by executing the computer programs stored in the storage unit 50.

[0048] The operation control unit 61 controls the operation unit 20 to cause the operation unit 20 to perform a washing and drying operation or the like. The capacity sensing unit 62 detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub 7. The capacity determination unit 63 determines whether or not the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than a predetermined drying capacity threshold. Details of the operation control unit 61, the capacity sensing unit 62, and the capacity determination unit 63 will be described later.

[0049] Next, the washing and drying operation performed by the operation unit 20 will be described.

[0050] The washing and drying operation includes a washing process, a first drying process, a second drying process, and a finishing process.

[0051] The washing process is a process of washing the laundry placed in the washing tub 7. The washing process includes a capacity sensing process, a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, and the like.

[0052] The capacity sensing process is a process in which the capacity sensing unit 62 detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub 7. The capacity sensing unit 62 detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub 7 based on the load of the stirring blade 8 when the stirring blade 8 is rotated.

[0053] Specifically, in the capacitance sensing process, the capacitance sensing unit 62 controls the first drive unit 21 so that the first drive unit 21 rotates the stirring blade 8. In this embodiment, the drive motor 21a of the first drive unit 21 rotates the stirring blade 8. In this case, the stirring blade 8 receives a load from the laundry. And as the laundry becomes heavier, the load on the stirring blade 8 increases, so the rotation speed of the stirring blade 8 decreases. Note that as the capacity of the laundry is larger, the load on the stirring blade 8 increases, so the rotation speed of the stirring blade 8 decreases. The fact that the rotation speed of the stirring blade 8 decreases means, in other words, that the rotation speed of the drive motor 21a of the first drive unit 21 decreases. The rotation speed of the drive motor 21a is calculated by the capacitance sensing unit 62 based on, for example, the number of pulse signals input to the drive motor 21a within a first predetermined period. In the storage unit 50 in advance, correspondence information associating the rotation speed of the drive motor 21a with the capacity of the laundry is stored. Then, based on the rotation speed of the drive motor 21a calculated by the capacitance sensing unit 62 and the correspondence information stored in the storage unit 50, the capacity of the laundry is calculated.

[0054] Based on the capacity of the laundry detected by the capacitance sensing unit 62, the amount of water in the washing process, rinsing process, etc. is determined.

[0055] The washing process is a process of washing the laundry by rotating the stirring blade 8 by the first drive unit 21 with water stored in the washing tub 7. The rinsing process is a process of rinsing the laundry by rotating the stirring blade 8 by the first drive unit 21 with water stored in the washing tub 7. Note that the rinsing process is not limited to this process. For example, it may be a process of rinsing the laundry by rotating the stirring blade 8 by the first drive unit 21 while supplying water to the washing tub 7. The dehydration process is a process of dehydrating the laundry by centrifugal force by operating the operation unit 20 so that the second drive unit 24 is in the "first state" and rotating the washing tub 7.

[0056] Here, in the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the content after the washing process in the washing and drying operation differs based on the capacity of the laundry detected by the capacity sensing unit 62. Specifically, the capacity determination unit 63 of the control device 60 compares the capacity of the laundry detected by the capacity sensing unit 62 with a predetermined drying capacity threshold. The drying capacity threshold is, for example, the rated value of the drying capacity that can be dried. Generally, the rated value of the drying capacity is smaller than the rated value of the washing capacity that can be washed. For example, when the rated value of the washing capacity is 11 kg, the rated value of the drying capacity is 6 kg. The drying capacity threshold is stored in the storage unit 50. Note that the drying capacity threshold is not limited to the rated value of the drying capacity and may be a different value. In the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment, even when the capacity of the laundry exceeds the drying capacity threshold, the drying operation is possible. However, in this case, there is a possibility that uneven drying or insufficient drying may occur in the laundry.

[0057] The capacity determination unit 63 compares the capacity of the laundry, which is the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62, with the drying capacity threshold stored in the storage unit 50. Then, the capacity determination unit 63 determines whether the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than the drying capacity threshold. The operation control unit 61 determines the content after the washing process in the washing and drying operation based on the determination result of the capacity determination unit 63. In the following description, the washing and drying operation performed when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than the drying capacity threshold is also referred to as the first washing and drying operation, and the washing and drying operation performed when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is greater than or equal to the drying capacity threshold is also referred to as the second washing and drying operation.

[0058] First, the first washing and drying operation will be described. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than the drying capacity threshold, the operation control unit 61 causes the operation unit 20 to execute the first washing and drying operation. In the first washing and drying operation, after the washing process, the first drying process and the second drying process are performed in sequence. Referring to FIG. 4, the content after the washing process when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than the drying capacity threshold will be described. FIG. 4 is a time chart of the processes after the dehydration process of the washing process in the first washing and drying operation.

[0059] In the washing process (period T1), a dehydration process (period T11) is performed as the final treatment of the washing process. In the dehydration process, first, the second drive unit 24 enters the "first state", and the drain valve 23 enters the "open" state. As a result, drainage is performed. Then, with the clutch in the "engaged" state and the drive motor 21a rotating at high speed, the washing tub 7 rotates at high speed. As a result, the laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force, and the dehydrated water is drained. Then, after the drive motor 21a stops, the clutch enters the "disengaged" state and the drain valve 23 enters the "closed" state.

[0060] After the washing process is completed, the first drying process (period T2) is performed. In the first drying process, the loosening process (period T21) and the dehydration process (period T22) are performed while supplying warm air.

[0061] The loosening process is, for example, a process of peeling off and loosening the laundry attached to the washing tub 7 during the dehydration process of the washing process. As shown in FIG. 4, in the loosening process, with the clutch in the "disengaged" state, the drive motor 21a performs intermittent driving in which the driving and stopping are alternately repeated so that the rotation direction is periodically reversed. Specifically, the drive motor 21a takes a series of operations of "R:ON", "stop", "L:ON", "stop" as one cycle of operation, and repeats this operation periodically. As a result, the stirring blade 8 rotates so as to repeat the reverse rotation, and the laundry attached to the washing tub 7 is peeled off and loosened.

[0062] Also, in the loosening process, the heater 26 and the fan 25 are turned on, and warm air is supplied to the washing tub 7. That is, in the loosening process, warm air is blown onto the laundry while loosening the laundry. Therefore, it becomes easier to blow warm air evenly onto the laundry, and uneven drying of the laundry can be suppressed. The length of the period T21 during which the loosening process is performed in the first drying process is, for example, 3 minutes.

[0063] After the loosening process, a dehydration process (period T22) is performed again. In the dehydration process of this first drying step, similar to the dehydration process in the washing step, first, the second drive unit 24 enters the "first state", causing the drain valve 23 to open. As a result, drainage occurs. Then, with the clutch engaged and the drive motor 21a rotating at high speed, the washing tub 7 rotates at high speed. Thereby, the laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force, and the dehydrated water is drained. Further, in the dehydration process of the first drying step, when the drive motor 21a rotates at high speed, the heater 26 and the fan 25 are turned on, and warm air is supplied to the washing tub 7. Therefore, in the dehydration process of the first drying step, the laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force while blowing warm air onto the laundry. After the drive motor 21a stops, the clutch disengages and the drain valve 23 closes. The length of the period T22 during which the dehydration process is performed is, for example, 18 minutes.

[0064] After the completion of the first drying step, a second drying step (period T3) is performed. In the second drying step, the loosening process (period T31) and the low-speed rotation process (period T32) are alternately repeated.

[0065] The loosening process in the second drying step is a process of blowing warm air while loosening the laundry in order to suppress uneven drying. Since the loosening process in the second drying step is the same as the loosening process (period T21) in the first drying step, a detailed description is omitted. The length of the period T31 during which the loosening process is performed in the second drying step is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0066] After the loosening process, a low-speed rotation process (period T32) is performed. In the low-speed rotation process, when the second drive unit 22 enters the "first state", the drain valve 23 opens and drainage occurs. Then, with the clutch engaged and the drive motor 21a rotating at low speed, the washing tub 7 rotates at low speed. In the low-speed rotation process, warm air is blown onto the laundry while the washing tub 7 rotates at low speed. The length of the period T32 during which the low-speed rotation process is performed is, for example, 5 seconds.

[0067] In the second drying step, the operations of the loosening process and the low-speed rotation process are defined as one cycle of operation, and this operation is periodically repeated. The period T3 of the second drying step is determined based on, for example, the detection result of the capacitance sensing unit 62, the detection result of the humidity detection unit 40, and the like.

[0068] After the second drying step, a loosening process (period T4) is performed as a finishing step. Since the loosening process in the finishing step is the same as the loosening processes (periods T21 and T31) in the first drying step and the second drying step, detailed description thereof is omitted. In the loosening process of the finishing step, the heater 26 is turned off before the end. The length of the period T4 during which the loosening process is performed in the finishing step is, for example, 3 minutes.

[0069] The first washing and drying operation ends when the finishing step ends.

[0070] Next, the second washing and drying operation will be described. When the detection result of the capacitance sensing unit 62 is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit 61 causes the operation unit 20 to execute the second washing and drying operation. In the second washing and drying operation, similar to the first washing and drying operation (see FIG. 4), after the washing step, the first drying step and the second drying step are performed in order. However, the contents of the first drying step and the second drying step are different between the second washing and drying operation and the first washing and drying operation. With reference to FIG. 5, the contents after the dehydration process in the washing step when the detection result of the capacitance sensing unit 62 is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value will be described. FIG. 5 is a time chart of the steps after the dehydration process in the washing step in the second washing and drying operation. In the second washing and drying operation, description of the same contents as those in the first washing and drying operation will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] In the washing step (period T1), a dehydration process (period T11) is performed as the final process of the washing step.

[0072] After the washing process is completed, a first drying process (period T2) is performed. As shown in FIG. 5, in the first drying process of the second washing and drying operation, dehydration treatment (period T22) is performed following the dehydration treatment (period T11) of the washing process. This dehydration treatment is the same as the dehydration treatment (period T22 in FIG. 4) in the first drying process of the first washing and drying operation (see FIG. 4), and while hot air is blown onto the laundry, the laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force.

[0073] That is, in the first drying process of the second washing and drying operation, the loosening process (period T21 in FIG. 4) performed in the first drying process of the first washing and drying operation is skipped.

[0074] By skipping the loosening process, the balance of the laundry at the end of the dehydration treatment (period T11) of the washing process is not disturbed by the loosening process, and the dehydration treatment (period T22) of the first drying process is performed. Therefore, since the dehydration treatment (period T22) of the first drying process that rotates the washing tub 7 at high speed is performed while maintaining the balance of the laundry, it is possible to suppress the laundry exceeding the drying capacity threshold from jumping out of the washing tub 7, and it is possible to suppress damage to the laundry.

[0075] After the first drying process is completed, a second drying process (period T3) is performed. Similar to the first washing and drying operation, in the second drying process, the loosening process (period T31) and the low-speed rotation process (period T32) are alternately repeated. However, the second drying process of the second washing and drying operation has different processing contents from the second drying process of the first washing and drying operation. In this embodiment, the control content of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process (period T31) of the second washing process of the second washing and drying operation is different from the control content of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second washing process of the first washing and drying operation.

[0076] Specifically, in the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 controls the drive motor 21a so that the rotational speed of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step is higher than that in the first washing and drying operation. For example, the rotational speed of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step in the first washing and drying operation is 70 rpm, and the rotational speed of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step in the second washing and drying operation is 90 rpm. As described above, in the second washing and drying operation, in order to prevent the laundry from jumping out of the washing tub 7, the loosening process of the first drying step is skipped. Further, in the second washing and drying operation, the capacity of the laundry exceeds the drying capacity threshold value. Therefore, compared with the first washing and drying operation, uneven drying and insufficient drying are more likely to occur in the second washing and drying operation. Therefore, in the second washing and drying operation, the rotational speed of the drive motor 21a is increased in the loosening process of the second drying step. As a result, the laundry is more loosened, so that uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed.

[0077] Next, a modified example of the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Each of the modified examples described below may be applied by appropriately combining the above-described embodiment or modified examples with each other.

[0078] In the above example, in the second washing and drying operation, the rotational speed of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step is increased compared with the first washing and drying operation, but it is not limited to this.

[0079] In the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 may control the drive motor 21a so that the drive time of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step is longer than that in the first washing and drying operation. FIG. 6 is a time chart of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step in the first washing and drying operation. FIG. 7 is a time chart of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step in the second washing and drying operation. As shown in FIG. 6, in the loosening process of the first washing and drying operation, for example, the drive time Ton1 of the drive motor 21a is 2 seconds, and the stop time Toff1 of the drive motor 21a is 1 second. As shown in FIG. 7, in the loosening process of the second washing and drying operation, for example, the drive time Ton2 of the drive motor 21a is 3 seconds, which is longer than the drive time Ton1 (2 seconds) of the drive motor 21a in the first washing and drying operation, and the stop time Toff2 of the drive motor 21a is 1 second, which is the same as the stop time Toff1 of the drive motor 21a in the first washing and drying operation. Thereby, in the loosening process of the second washing and drying operation, since the drive time of the drive motor 21a becomes longer, the laundry is more loosened, and uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed.

[0080] In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the time period including the driving time and the stop time of the drive motor 21a is longer than that in the first washing and drying operation (see FIG. 6), the number of reversals of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second washing and drying operation decreases. Therefore, the number of reversals of the stirring blade 8 also decreases, and the number of times the laundry is loosened decreases. Thus, in the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 may increase the driving time of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step and decrease the stop time of the drive motor 21a compared to the first washing and drying operation. FIG. 8 is a time chart of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step in the second washing and drying operation. As shown in FIG. 8, in the loosening process of the second washing and drying operation, for example, the driving time Ton3 of the drive motor 21a is 2.5 seconds, which is longer than the driving time Ton1 (2 seconds) of the drive motor 21a in the first washing and drying operation, and the stop time Toff3 of the drive motor 21a is 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than the stop time Toff1 (1 second) of the drive motor 21a in the first washing and drying operation. Thereby, in the loosening process of the second washing and drying operation, a decrease in the number of reversals of the drive motor 21a can be suppressed. Thereby, a decrease in the number of reversals of the stirring blade 8 is suppressed, and while maintaining the number of times the laundry is loosened, the driving time of the drive motor 21a becomes longer, so that the laundry is more loosened, and uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed. In this modification, the driving cycle of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process in the second washing and drying operation is the same as the driving cycle of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process in the first washing and drying operation, but it may be a different value.

[0081] Also, in the above-described example, in the second washing and drying operation, the control content of the drive motor 21a in the loosening process of the second drying step is different from that in the loosening process of the first washing and drying operation, but it is not limited to this. The operation control unit 61 may make the hot air conditions in the second drying step different between the second washing and drying operation and the first washing and drying operation.

[0082] For example, in the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 may control the fan 25 so that the rotation speed of the fan 25 in the second drying process is higher than that in the first washing and drying operation. For example, the rotation speed of the fan 25 in the second drying process of the first washing and drying operation is 4000 rpm, and the rotation speed of the fan 25 in the second drying process of the second washing and drying operation is 4200 rpm. Thereby, in the second drying process of the second washing and drying operation, the air volume and the wind speed of the warm air blown onto the laundry increase, so that uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed.

[0083] Also, in the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 may control the heater 26 so that the temperature of the heater 26 in the second drying process is higher than that in the first washing and drying operation. Thereby, in the second drying process of the second washing and drying operation, the temperature of the warm air blown onto the laundry increases, so that uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed.

[0084] Also, in the above example, the operation control unit 61 makes the processing content of the second drying process different between the second washing and drying operation and the first washing and drying operation, but the processing content of the first drying process may also be made different. For example, in the second washing and drying operation, the operation control unit 61 may control the drive motor 21a or the like so that the time of the period T22 during which the dehydration process is performed in the first drying process is longer than that in the first washing and drying operation. For example, the length of the period T22 of the dehydration process in the first drying process of the first washing and drying operation is 18 minutes, and the length of the period T22 of the dehydration process in the first drying process of the second washing and drying operation is 25 minutes. Thereby, since the time of the dehydration process becomes longer, the moisture contained in the laundry can be further reduced, and uneven drying and insufficient drying of the laundry can be suppressed. Also, the dehydration process (period T22) in the first drying process of the second washing and drying operation may be continuously performed from the dehydration process (period T11) as the final process of the washing process. In this case, the heater 26 and the fan 25 may be turned on from the beginning or in the middle of the dehydration process (period T11) as the final process of the washing process so that warm air is supplied to the washing tub 7.

[0085] Further, the operation control unit 61 may be configured to skip the first drying process and perform the second drying process after the completion of the washing process in the second washing and drying operation.

[0086] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment further includes a communication unit 70 and a notification unit 64.

[0087] The communication unit 70 is a communication module compatible with wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and can be connected to the Internet via a router or the like. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 70 can communicate with, for example, a communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) owned by the user via a server.

[0088] The operation control unit 61 makes an operation reservation based on the reservation information acquired from the communication terminal via the communication unit 70. The reservation information includes information such as an operation course and a scheduled end time. For example, when the reservation information indicates a washing operation at a predetermined time, the operation control unit 61 reserves the washing operation so that the washing operation ends at the predetermined time. Also, when the reservation information indicates a washing and drying operation at a predetermined time, the operation control unit 61 reserves the washing and drying operation so that the washing and drying operation ends at the predetermined time. Further, when the operation control unit 61 newly acquires reservation information during the reservation, the operation control unit 61 changes the reservation content based on the reservation information acquired later. For example, when the operation control unit 61 acquires reservation information for a washing and drying operation during the reservation of a washing operation, the operation control unit 61 changes the operation reservation from a washing operation to a washing and drying operation. Note that the operation control unit 61 advances the operation start time when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value rather than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is less than the drying capacity threshold value. Thereby, even when the time of the drying process is extended due to the capacity of the laundry exceeding the drying capacity threshold value, it is possible to suppress the exceeding of the scheduled end time.

[0089] The notification unit 64 is a function of the control device 60. When the processor of the control device 60 executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 50, it functions as the notification unit 64. When an event to be notified to the user occurs, the notification unit 64 notifies the communication terminal via the communication unit 70. For example, when the content of the driving reservation is changed from the washing operation to the washing and drying operation and the detection result of the capacity sensing unit 62 is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold, the notification is made. Specifically, when the capacity of the laundry exceeds the drying capacity threshold, uneven drying and insufficient drying are likely to occur. Therefore, after the completion of the washing and drying operation, the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a proposal message such as "Since the capacity exceeded, it may not have dried well. If there are clothes that have not dried, I would be happy if you could take out the dried ones and do additional drying." This can notify the user in advance of the expected completion of the drying of the laundry and prompt the next action.

[0090] In addition, the notification unit 64 may cause the communication terminal to display a message according to the degree of excess of the capacity of the laundry over the drying capacity threshold at the time of reservation. For example, when the excess amount of the capacity of the laundry with respect to the drying capacity threshold is less than the first threshold, the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "It is a little more than the capacity that can be dried. I would be happy if you could reduce the amount a little from the next time." Also, when the excess amount of the capacity of the laundry with respect to the drying capacity threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold (> the first threshold), the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "It is more than the capacity that can be dried. The operation will be performed, but uneven drying may increase." Further, when the excess amount of the capacity of the laundry with respect to the drying capacity threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "It is considerably more than the capacity that can be dried. The operation will be performed, but the overall drying may be poor." This can prompt the user to pay attention in the next similar driving opportunity.

[0091] Also, the storage unit 50 may store the record of changing the reservation from the washing operation to the washing and drying operation. In this case, when the reservation of the washing operation is made, the notification unit 64 may cause the communication terminal to display a message based on the change record in preparation for changing the reservation to the washing and drying operation. For example, when the reservation of the washing operation is made and the capacity of the laundry is less than the drying capacity threshold, the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "Drying operation can be added." Also, when the capacity of the laundry often exceeds the drying capacity threshold when changed to the washing and drying operation, or exceeded the drying capacity threshold at the previous change, the notification unit 64 prepares for the change from the washing operation to the washing and drying operation and causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "There is a large amount to dry. Reducing the amount will enable drying." Further, the notification unit 64 causes the communication terminal to display a message such as "There is a forecast of rain from this evening. Drying can be added later, but there is a large amount to dry. It is recommended to reduce the amount." According to this, it is possible to propose a convenient usage method to the user based on the record of changing the reservation to the washing and drying operation.

Explanation of Signs

[0092] 100 Washing and Drying Machine 20 Operation Unit 21a Drive Motor 25 Fan 26 Heater 61 Operation Control Unit 62 Capacity Sensing Unit 64 Notification Unit 7 Washing Tub 8 Stirring Blade

Claims

1. A washing tub into which laundry can be placed, A capacity sensing unit that detects the capacity of the laundry in the washing tub, An operation unit that performs a washing and drying operation on the laundry, An operation control unit that controls the operation unit, and The washing and drying operation includes A washing step of washing the laundry, A first drying step of performing a loosening process of loosening the laundry and a dehydration process of dehydrating the laundry after the loosening process while supplying warm air, A second drying step of repeating the loosening process while supplying warm air, The operation control unit When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value, in the washing and drying operation, the washing step, the first drying step, and the second drying step are performed in order, When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is greater than or equal to the drying capacity threshold value, in the washing and drying operation, the loosening process in the first drying step is skipped. A washing and drying machine.

2. Stirring blades are provided at the bottom of the washing tub, The operation unit has a drive motor that rotates the stirring blades, and in the loosening process, the drive motor is intermittently driven to alternately repeat driving and stopping so that the rotation direction is periodically reversed to rotate the stirring blades, The operation control unit makes the control contents of the drive motor in the loosening process in the second drying step different from each other when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value and when it is greater than or equal to the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to Claim 1.

3. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is greater than or equal to the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit increases the rotation speed of the drive motor in the loosening process in the second drying step compared to when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2.

4. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit makes the driving time of the drive motor in the loosening process of the second drying process longer than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2.

5. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit makes the stop time of the drive motor in the loosening process of the second drying process shorter than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 4.

6. The operation unit has a heater and a fan for supplying warm air. The operation control unit makes the conditions of the warm air in the second drying process different between when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value and when it is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

7. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit makes the rotation speed of the fan in the second drying process higher than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 6.

8. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the drying capacity threshold value, the operation control unit makes the temperature of the heater in the second drying process higher than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the drying capacity threshold value. The washing and drying machine according to claim 6.

9. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the dry capacity threshold, the operation control unit makes the dehydration treatment time in the first drying step longer than when the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is less than the dry capacity threshold. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

10. When the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the dry capacity threshold, the operation control unit skips the first drying step in the washing and drying operation. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

11. When the content of the operation reservation is changed from the washing operation for performing the washing step to the washing and drying operation, and the detection result of the capacity sensing unit is equal to or greater than the dry capacity threshold, the washing and drying machine further includes a notification unit that performs notification. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1.

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