Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device that reduces residue of a liquid agent to be sprayed.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device according to the disclosure comprises: a storage tub to store an object to be treated; a spray part to spray a liquid agent into the storage tub; and a control part to control operation of the spray part. The spray part comprises: a spray nozzle; a first tank to store the liquid agent; a switching section disposed on upper stream of the spray nozzle; a first path that connects the switching section and the spray nozzle; a second path that introduces the liquid agent in the first tank to the switching section; and a third path that introduces air or a liquid to the switching section. The switching section can switch between the second path and the third path so as to communicate with the first path. The control part executes a cleaning step to make the third path communicate with the first path and operate the spray part after executing a spray step to make the second path communicate with the first path and operate the spay part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment apparatus for treating an object to be treated.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing and drying machine that supplies mist to laundry. This drum-type washing and drying machine includes a water tank, a rotary drum provided in the water tank, a circulation air path having dehumidifying means and heating means, a water reservoir container in the circulation air path, and a mist generating device that generates mist by applying ultrasonic vibration to the water stored in the water reservoir container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a clothing treatment apparatus with reduced residue of the liquid agent to be sprayed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A clothing treatment apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a storage tank for storing an object to be treated, a spraying unit for spraying a liquid agent into the storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the spraying unit. The spraying unit includes a spray nozzle, a first tank for storing the liquid agent, a switching unit provided upstream of the spray nozzle, a first path connecting the switching unit and the spray nozzle, a second path for introducing the liquid agent in the first tank into the switching unit, and a third path for introducing air or liquid into the switching unit. The switching unit is capable of switching the path communicating with the first path between the second path and the third path. After executing a spraying step of operating the spraying unit by communicating the second path and the first path, the control unit executes a cleaning step of operating the spraying unit by communicating the third path and the first path.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a clothing treatment apparatus that reduces the residue of the sprayed liquid agent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Knowledge, etc. on which the present disclosure is based) When the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, there was a technology that included a mist generating device that generated mist by applying ultrasonic vibration to the water stored in a water storage container and supplied the mist to the dried laundry. From such a situation, the inventors obtained the idea of effectively treating an object to be treated such as clothing or the space inside the tank by spraying a liquid agent as mist onto the object to be treated and the space inside the tank using a spraying unit. However, the inventors discovered that there are further a plurality of problems when spraying the liquid agent using the spraying unit.

[0009] First, when spraying the liquid agent using the spraying unit, there is a problem that the liquid agent remains in the path from the tank in which the liquid agent is stored to the spraying. Since the liquid agent remaining in the path solidifies or transforms and causes liquid blockage and odor, it is necessary to remove the liquid agent remaining in the path.

[0010] Second, there is a problem that the liquid agent sprayed remains in the drum as a storage tank for storing the object to be treated. Since the liquid agent remaining in the drum transforms and causes odor, it is necessary to remove the liquid agent remaining in the drum.

[0011] The inventors have discovered the above problems and, in order to solve these problems, have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, a clothing treatment apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. In Embodiment 1, as an example of the clothing treatment apparatus, a drum-type washing and drying machine 100 will be described.

[0014] [1-1. Overall configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the washing and drying machine] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the washing and drying machine 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the washing and drying machine 100 in Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part of the washing and drying machine 100.

[0015] The washing and drying machine 100 includes a housing 108, a water tank 101 that can store water provided in the housing 108, a drum 102 rotatably provided in the water tank 101, a lid 120, and an operation display unit 125. The housing 108 includes a front plate 100b that constitutes the front side of the washing and drying machine 100 and a tank cover 100c provided on the upper surface of the housing 108.

[0016] The drum 102 is provided inside the housing 108. The water tank 101 and the drum 102 are rotatably provided about the rotation axis Vo as the central axis. The rotation axis Vo may be provided to incline forward upward from the horizontal or may be provided to extend horizontally. A number of water passing holes 102b that allow water to communicate with the water tank 101 are provided on the peripheral wall of the drum 102.

[0017] The drum 102 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having a drum opening 102a on the front side, and accommodates the object to be processed inside. Examples of the object to be processed accommodated in the drum 102 include clothes, shoes, bags, hats, fabrics, towels, etc. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example of accommodating clothes as the object to be processed in the drum 102 will be described.

[0018] A motor 105 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 101. The motor 105 rotationally drives the drum 102.

[0019] The lid 120 is attached to the front plate 100b and covers the drum opening 102a in an openable and closable manner. The user opens the lid 120 and puts the object to be processed into the drum 102 through the drum opening 102a. Further, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a lid lock portion (not shown). The lid lock portion can hold the lid 120 in a closed state. The opening and closing of the lid 120 is detected by an opening and closing detection unit 121. The opening and closing detection unit 121 is, for example, a button switch, and transmits a close signal (ON signal) to the control unit 131 when the lid 120 is closed, and transmits an open signal (OFF signal) to the control unit 131 when the lid 120 is opened.

[0020] A tank cover 101c that covers a part of the drum opening 102a is provided inside the housing 108 (shown in FIGS. 2, 8, and 9). The tank cover 101c covers the outer peripheral side of the drum opening 102a with respect to the lid 120 in the front view of the washing and drying machine 100. Note that the tank cover 101c may be provided continuously with the front plate 100b or may be provided as a separate member.

[0021] Inside the housing 108, a water supply valve 161 for taking in water from the outside, a water supply path 162 for flowing the water taken in by the water supply valve 161 into the water tank 101, a drain valve 163 for draining the water in the water tank 101, and a drain path 164 for discharging the water to the outside when the drain valve 163 is opened are provided. Thus, the washing and drying machine 100 can execute a washing operation including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process.

[0022] On the front side of the water tank 101, a tank cover 101c that covers a part of the opening of the drum 102 is provided. The tank cover 101c may be provided on the water tank 101 or may be provided on the housing 108. In the present embodiment, the nozzle unit 150 is provided on the tank cover 101c.

[0023] The washing and drying machine 100 includes a fan 104 that pressurizes air, an air intake port 106 provided at the upper part of the water tank 101, and an air outlet 107 provided at the back of the water tank 101. When the fan 104 rotates, the air in the water tank 101 is sucked in from the air intake port 106, and the air sucked in by the fan 104 flows into the water tank 101 from the air outlet 107.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the air passage from when the air is sucked in by the fan 104 from the air intake port 106 until the air flows into the water tank 101 from the air outlet 107 is defined as a drying path 110. Note that since the fan 104 blows the air sucked in from the water tank 101 into the water tank 101 via the drying path 110, it can also be defined as a blowing unit. The fan 104 is provided in the drying path 110. The air that has flowed into the water tank 101 from the air outlet 107 flows into the drum 102 through the ventilation holes provided at the back of the drum 102 and flows out toward the water tank 101 through the water passing holes 102b provided on the peripheral wall of the drum 102.

[0025] The washing and drying machine 100 includes a heat pump unit 111 as a heating unit in the drying path 110. The heat pump unit 111 is a device that dehumidifies and heats the air in the drying path 110.

[0026] The washing and drying machine 100 includes a control unit 131. The control unit 131 rotates the drum 102 through the motor 105, and also controls the operations of the fan 104, the heat pump unit 111, the water supply valve 161, the drain valve 163, the air pump 143, and the lid lock unit. The control unit 131 is disposed at the lower part inside the housing 108. The configuration of the control unit 131 will be described later.

[0027] The operation display unit 125 is disposed at the upper part of the front surface of the housing 108. The operation display unit 125 receives an operation instruction from the user and can further display the operation status and the like in the washing and drying machine 100. The operation display unit 125 is, for example, a touch panel, a liquid crystal panel, or operation buttons.

[0028] [1-1-2. Configuration of the liquid spraying device] Inside the housing 108, a liquid agent spraying device 140 for supplying mist floating in the drum 102 is provided. Hereinafter, the liquid agent spraying device 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the liquid agent spraying device 140. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing and drying machine 100 including the liquid agent spraying device 140.

[0029] The liquid agent spraying device 140 is provided outside the drying path 110. The liquid agent spraying device 140 includes a first tank 141, a first switching unit 142, an air pump 143, a first path 144, an air supply path 147, and a nozzle unit 150 including a spray nozzle 154 (described later).

[0030] The first tank 141 is provided to be able to store the liquid agent. In this specification, the liquid agent is a liquid used to add value to clothing and the like, different from water. The liquid agent stored in the first tank 141 is, for example, a wrinkle remover, a disinfectant, a deodorant, a fragrance, an insect repellent, a pre-washing agent, a water repellent, or a stain repellent. The first tank 141 is detachably accommodated in a tank accommodation portion 126 provided at the upper inner part of the housing 108.

[0031] The user can change, refill, and replenish the liquid stored in the first tank 141 by opening the tank cover 100c (see FIG. 1) and taking out the first tank 141 from the tank housing portion 126 of the housing 108. Note that the location where the tank cover 100c is provided is not limited to the upper surface of the rear portion of the housing 108 as long as the user can take out the first tank 141, and it may be determined according to the location where the first tank 141 is disposed.

[0032] A detachment detection unit 127 for detecting whether or not the first tank 141 is mounted is disposed in the tank housing portion 126. The detachment detection unit 127 is, for example, a push button. When the first tank 141 is mounted in the tank housing portion 126, the push button is pressed, and a detection signal (ON signal) is transmitted from the push button (detachment detection unit 127) to the control unit 131. When the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing portion 126, the push button returns, and a signal with a value of 0 (OFF signal) is transmitted from the push button (detachment detection unit 127) to the control unit 131. Thereby, the control unit 131 can determine whether or not the first tank 141 is mounted in the tank housing portion 126. Note that a magnetic sensor may be employed as the detachment detection unit 127. By disposing a magnet on the first tank 141 and disposing a Hall IC in the tank housing portion 126, it is possible to detect whether or not the first tank 141 is mounted in the tank housing portion 126.

[0033] The first switching unit 142 is provided upstream of the spray nozzle 154. The first switching unit 142 switches between supplying the liquid agent of the first tank 141 to the spray nozzle 154 and supplying air.

[0034] The air pump 143 supplies compressed air to the spray nozzle 154.

[0035] The first path 144 is a path for supplying the liquid agent and air from the first switching unit 142 to the spray nozzle 154. In other words, the first path 144 is a path through which the liquid flowing into the spray nozzle 154 from the first switching unit 142 passes.

[0036] The second path 145 is a path for supplying the liquid agent from the first tank 141 to the first switching unit 142. In other words, the second path 145 is a path through which the liquid agent flowing into the first switching unit 142 from the first tank 141 passes.

[0037] One end of the third path 146 is connected to the first switching unit 142, and the other end is an open end that is open to the atmosphere. In other words, the third path 146 is a path through which the gas flowing into the first switching unit 142 passes.

[0038] The air supply path 147 is connected to the air pump 143, and the air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes through the air supply path 147.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first path 144, the second path 145, the third path 146, and the air supply path 147 are formed by rubber tubes, but they may be formed of polyvinyl chloride or the like. The material and form for forming the first path 144, the second path 145, the third path 146, and the air supply path 147 are not limited to this.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the configuration of the first switching unit 142 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the first switching unit 142 has switched the path to the first communication state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the first switching unit 142 has switched the path to the second communication state.

[0041] The first switching unit 142 can be switched between the communication between the first path 144 and the second path 145 and the communication between the first path 144 and the third path 146 by switching control from the control unit 131. The first switching unit 142 is, for example, a three-way valve.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the first communication state in which the first switching unit 142 connects the first path 144 and the third path 146. When the air pump 143 operates in this state, air is supplied from the open end of the third path 146 to the spray nozzle 154, and air is ejected from the spray nozzle 154.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a first communication state in which the first switching unit 142 connects the first path 144 and the third path 146. When the air pump 143 operates in this state, air is supplied from the open end of the third path 146 to the spray nozzle 154 through the third path 146, the first switching unit 142, and the first path 144, and air is ejected from the spray nozzle 154.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a second communication state in which the first switching unit 142 connects the first path 144 and the second path 145. When the air pump 143 operates in this state, the liquid agent is supplied from the first tank 141 to the spray nozzle 154 through the second path 145, the first switching unit 142, and the first path 144, and the liquid agent is sprayed from the spray nozzle 154.

[0045] [1-1-3. Configuration of the nozzle unit] With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the configuration of the nozzle unit 150 will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle unit 150. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken from the front looking at the middle part of the washing and drying machine 100 in the front-rear direction. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 8. The nozzle unit 150 includes a base portion 151, a nozzle portion 152, and a nozzle cover 155.

[0046] The base portion 151 is a member for attaching the nozzle unit 150 to the tank cover 101c, and is detachably provided on the tank cover 101c. The base portion 151 is fixed to the tank cover 101c, for example, by screwing. In the present embodiment, the base portion 151 is screwed to the inner back surface of the tank cover 101c from the inside of the tank cover 101c.

[0047] The nozzle section 152 includes a nozzle attachment section 153 and a spray nozzle 154. The nozzle section 152 is fixed by being screwed to the installation surface 151a of the base section 151 with the spray nozzle 154 attached to the nozzle attachment section 153. Note that the nozzle attachment section 153 is provided detachably with respect to the installation surface 151a of the base section 151. That is, the nozzle section 152 is provided detachably with respect to the base section 151.

[0048] The nozzle attachment section 153 connects between the air supply path 147 and the air-side connection section 154a (described later) of the spray nozzle 154. An O-ring may be provided at the connection location between the air supply path 147 and the nozzle attachment section 153 to suppress air leakage.

[0049] The spray nozzle 154 is a two-fluid nozzle that sprays a liquid using compressed air. The spray nozzle 154 includes an air-side connection section 154a, a liquid-side connection section 154b, and a spray port 154c. The air-side connection section 154a is connected to the nozzle attachment section 153 and allows the air that has passed through the air supply path 147 to flow into the spray nozzle 154. The liquid-side connection section 154b is connected to the first path 144 and allows the liquid or gas that has passed through the first path 144 to flow into the spray nozzle 154. The spray port 154c sprays the liquid or gas stored in the first tank 141 that has flowed in from the liquid-side connection section 154b using the compressed air that has flowed in from the air-side connection section 154a.

[0050] The air-side connection section 154a and the spray port 154c are provided substantially in a straight line, and the air-side connection section 154a and the liquid-side connection section 154b are provided substantially orthogonally. An O-ring may be provided at the connection location between the air-side connection section 154a and the nozzle attachment section 153 to suppress air leakage. Also, an O-ring may be provided at the connection location between the liquid-side connection section 154b and the first path 144 to suppress liquid leakage.

[0051] The nozzle part 152 is sandwiched between the base part 151 and the nozzle cover 155 with the spray nozzle 154 attached to the nozzle attachment part 153, and is fixed to the base part 151 by being screwed to the nozzle cover 155 through the screw hole provided in the nozzle attachment part 153 from the screw hole provided in the installation surface 151a. In other words, the nozzle cover 155 fixes the nozzle part 152 to the base part 151.

[0052] The base part 151 having the installation surface 151a is detachably provided with respect to the tank cover 101c. Thereby, as the base part 151, by replacing the base part 151 having a different angle at which the installation surface 151a is provided with the tank cover 101c, the installation angle of the nozzle part 152 can be changed. Therefore, since the angle of the spray port 154c can be changed, the angle of the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 can be changed according to the type of the liquid stored in the first tank 141 and the usage of the liquid spraying device 140.

[0053] The air supply path 147 is connected to the nozzle attachment part 153 in a substantially vertical direction, and is connected to the air-side connection part 154a of the spray nozzle 154 in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the nozzle attachment part 153 has a bending structure 153a that bends the path inside the nozzle attachment part 153 at a substantially right angle. In other words, the bending structure 153a bends the path through which the air flowing into the spray nozzle 154 passes. Thereby, the space required for the nozzle part 152, in this embodiment, the space in the front-rear direction can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, due to the bending structure 153a, the first path 144 and the air supply path 147 are provided so as to extend in substantially the same direction, and in the present embodiment, they extend substantially vertically from the nozzle portion 152. As a result, the space required for the nozzle portion 152, in the present embodiment, the space in the front-rear direction can be suppressed, so that space saving is possible when installing the nozzle portion 152. Also, since the first path 144 and the air supply path 147 can be connected to the liquid-side connection portion 154b of the spray nozzle 154 and the nozzle attachment portion 153 from the same direction, the nozzle portion 152, the first path 144, and the air supply path 147 can be easily replaced.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the spray nozzle 154 is provided on the upper part (front view) of the tank cover 101c. That is, the spray nozzle 154 is provided on the upper front side of the drum 102. The spray nozzle 154 sprays mist toward the diagonal direction of the drum 102, that is, the lower right part (front view) of the inner rear part of the drum 102. Since the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 falls downward according to gravity, by being provided at the upper front part of the drum 102, it is possible to suppress the local adhesion of the mist to the clothes stored in the drum 102, and the mist can be adhered over a wide range. Also, when the average particle size of the mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 154 is small, the mist can float in the drum 102 without falling immediately after spraying. By rotating the clothes while the mist is floating in the drum 102, the mist can be adhered to the clothes more uniformly.

[0056] [1-1-4. Configuration of the control unit] With reference to FIG. 10, the configuration of the control unit 131 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 131.

[0057] The control unit 131 can be implemented by a circuit including semiconductor elements and the like. The control unit 131 can be composed of, for example, a microcomputer, CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The functions of the control unit 131 may be composed of only hardware, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 131 has a storage unit such as a hard disk drive (HDD), SSD, or memory, and reads data and programs stored in the storage unit to perform various arithmetic processes, thereby realizing a predetermined function.

[0058] The control unit 131 is communicably connected to the fan 104, motor 105, heat pump unit 111, buzzer 133, first switching unit 142, and air pump 143, and controls the operations of each of them. Further, the control unit 131 is communicably connected to the open / close detection unit 121, operation display unit 125, and attachment / detachment detection unit 127, and receives signals from each of them.

[0059] The control unit 131 receives an instruction input from the user through the operation display unit 125. The control unit 131 controls the operations of the aforementioned respective devices according to the instruction such as the operation course received. Further, the control unit 131 notifies the user of the operation status of the washing and drying machine 100 through the operation display unit 125 or the buzzer 133.

[0060] In addition, when the washing and drying machine 100 is provided with a communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, the control unit 131 may be able to receive an instruction input from the user through the external terminal via the communication unit. Further, the control unit 131 may be able to notify the user of the operation status of the washing and drying machine 100 to the external terminal through the communication unit.

[0061] [1-2. Operations, etc.] Regarding the washing and drying machine 100 configured as described above, its operation and function will be described below.

[0062] [1-2-1. Operations in the clothing treatment course] The control unit 131 can execute a clothing treatment course that controls the first switching unit 142 and the air pump 143 to operate the liquid agent spraying device 140. The clothing treatment course is a course that operates the liquid agent spraying device 140 with clothing accommodated in the drum 102. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the control and operation in the clothing treatment course will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the clothing treatment course.

[0063] The user puts clothing as an object to be processed into the drum 102 and selects a clothing treatment course using the operation display unit 125. When the operation display unit 125 receives the selection of the clothing treatment course by the user, it transmits a signal indicating that the clothing treatment course has been instructed to the control unit 131, and the control unit 131 receives the signal indicating that the clothing treatment course has been instructed (S1). Next, the control unit 131 operates the lid lock unit so as to hold the lid 120 in the closed state (S2).

[0064] The clothing treatment course includes a spraying step (S3) of spraying a liquid agent from the spray nozzle 154 of the liquid agent spraying device 140, a cleaning step (S4) of ejecting air from the spray nozzle 154 of the liquid agent spraying device 140, and a drying step (S5) of operating the fan 104.

[0065] In the clothing treatment course, there are a plurality of selection ranges according to the type and number of clothing. After locking the lid 120, the control unit 131 performs the spraying step corresponding to the received clothing treatment course (S3).

[0066] With reference to FIG. 12, the operation in the spraying step (S3) of the clothing treatment course will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the spraying step (S3). When starting the spraying step (S3), the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 so as to communicate the first path 144 and the second path 145, and switches from the first communication state to the second communication state (S11). In this way, before the spraying step (S3) is started, the path in the liquid agent spraying device 140 is in the first communication state.

[0067] Next, in step S12, the control unit 131 drives (turns on) the air pump 143 to spray the liquid agent in the first tank 141 toward the clothes in the drum 102. After driving the air pump 143 for a predetermined time, the control unit 131 stops (turns off) the air pump 143. Thus, the spraying step (S3) ends.

[0068] When the spraying step (S3) ends, the control unit 131 executes a cleaning step (S4). Referring to FIG. 13, the operation in the cleaning step (S4) of the clothes treatment course will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the cleaning step (S4).

[0069] When starting the cleaning step (S4), the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 to communicate the first path 144 and the third path 146, and switches from the second communication state to the first communication state (S21).

[0070] In this way, after the spraying step (S3) ends, the control unit 131 blocks the communication between the second path 145 and the first path 144. Thereby, drying of the liquid agent in the first tank 141 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the communication between the second path 145 and the first path 144 is maintained.

[0071] Further, since the control unit 131 controls the first switching unit 142 to communicate the first path 144 and the third path 146 except during the execution of the spraying step (S3), even when the spray nozzle 154 is located below the first tank 141, liquid agent leakage from the spray nozzle 154 can be reduced by blocking the second path 145.

[0072] Next, in step S22, the control unit 131 drives (turns on) the air pump 143 to eject air from the open end of the third path 146 toward the inside of the drum 102. Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, and the spray nozzle 154 can be removed. Further, the remaining liquid agent may be sprayed onto the clothes, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the liquid agent.

[0073] At this time, the control unit 131 makes the output of the air pump 143 in the cleaning step (S4) larger than the output of the air pump 143 in the spraying step (S3). In other words, the air supply amount per unit time of the air pump 143 in the cleaning step (S4) is made larger than the air supply amount per unit time of the air pump 143 in the spraying step (S3). In other words, the control unit 131 makes the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump 143 in the cleaning step (S4) larger than the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump 143 in the spraying step (S3). That is, the control unit 131 makes the driving amount of the motor of the air pump 143 larger in the cleaning step (S4) than in the spraying step (S3). Since the air flow rate in the spraying step (S3) increases, deposits caused by the liquid agent generated inside the spray nozzle 154 can be effectively removed. It is also possible to remove stronger deposits that cannot be removed with the normal air supply amount of the air pump 143.

[0074] After driving the air pump 143 for a predetermined time, the control unit 131 stops (turns OFF) the air pump 143. Thus, the cleaning step (S4) ends.

[0075] When the cleaning step (S4) ends, the control unit 131 executes the drying step (S5). In the drying step (S5), the control unit 131 controls the motor 105 to start the rotation of the drum 102 (S31). While rotating the drum 102, the control unit 131 operates the fan 104 to start blowing air toward the clothes in the drum 102 (S32). Thereby, the clothes sprayed with the liquid agent in the spraying step (S3) and the cleaning step (S4) can be dried, and furthermore, the liquid agent remaining in the drum 102, that is, the liquid agent floating in the air in the drum 102 and the liquid agent adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 can be dried.

[0076] When the control unit 131 operates the fan 104 for a predetermined time, it stops the operation of the fan 104 and stops the air blowing toward the clothes (S33). Further, the control unit 131 stops the operation of the motor 105 to stop the rotation of the drum 102 (S34), and ends the drying step S5. After the drying step (S5) ends, the control unit 131 stops the operation of the lid locking unit to release the lock of the lid 120 (S6). Thereby, the clothing processing course ends.

[0077] In the above, the step of driving (turning on) the air pump 143 in the second communication state in which the first path 144 and the second path 145 are communicated with each other was referred to as the spraying step (S3). However, the spraying step may be carried out other than the clothing processing course. For example, when the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing portion 126, the spraying step (S3) may be carried out. Here, the spraying step executed when the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing portion 126 is referred to as the replacement step. Note that also in the replacement step, the air pump 143 is driven (turned on) in the second communication state. However, the driving (turning on) time of the air pump 143 in the replacement step may be the same as or different from the driving (turning on) time of the air pump 143 in step S3. With reference to FIG. 15, the path cleaning in the replacement step when the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing portion 126 will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the first switching unit switches the path to the second communication state when the first tank is removed.

[0078] When the user removes the first tank 141 from the tank housing portion 126 to replace the liquid agent, the attachment / detachment detection unit 127 transmits an OFF signal to the control unit 131, so the control unit 131 recognizes that the first tank 141 has been removed from the tank housing portion 126. Next, the control unit 131 performs an exchange step. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 to communicate the first path 144 and the second path 145, and switches from the first communication state to the second communication state (S11). Since the first tank 141 has been removed, one end of the second path 145 is an open end. After that, in the liquid agent spraying in step S12, the control unit 131 drives (turns ON) the air pump 143. However, since the first tank 141 has been removed, air flows in from the open end of the second path 145, and the air passes through the second path 145, the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, and the spray nozzle 154 and jets into the drum 102. Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the second path 145, the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, and the spray nozzle 154 can be removed. When the control unit 131 sprays for a predetermined time, it stops (turns OFF) the air pump 143.

[0079] As described above, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a tank housing portion 126 that houses the first tank 141. When the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing portion 126, the control unit 131 executes an exchange step (spray step). Since the liquid agent remaining in the path (second path 145) between the tank housing portion 126 and the first switching unit 142 can be removed, when the type of the liquid agent stored in the first tank 141 is changed, the generation of a compound due to liquid agent mixing can be suppressed. Further, after the user changes the type of the liquid agent, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent before the exchange, which remains in the second path 145, from being sprayed.

[0080] Further, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a detachment detection unit 127 that detects the attachment and detachment of the first tank 141 to and from the tank housing unit 126. When the detachment detection unit 127 detects that the first tank 141 has been removed from the tank housing unit 126, the control unit 131 executes an exchange step (spraying step). Thereby, when the first tank 141 is removed, since the type of the liquid agent in the first tank may be changed, when the detachment detection unit 127 detects the removal of the first tank 141, by executing the exchange step (spraying step), it is possible to suppress the remaining of the liquid agent before the type change in the second path 145.

[0081] Further, when the control unit 131 receives an instruction to exchange the liquid agent in the first tank 141 from the user via the operation display unit 125, the control unit 131 may execute an exchange step (spraying step). Thereby, when the type of the liquid agent in the first tank 141 has not been changed, since it is not necessary to clean the second path, the exchange step (spraying step) is not executed. When the liquid agent in the first tank 141 is exchanged, the exchange step (spraying step) is executed, and it is possible to suppress the remaining of the liquid agent before the type change in the second path 145.

[0082] Further, after executing the exchange step (spraying step), the control unit 131 may notify that the liquid agent in the first tank 141 can be exchanged, using the operation display unit 125 or the buzzer 133. Since the user can recognize the replacement timing of the first tank 141, it is possible to prevent the mixing of the liquid agents in the path.

[0083] Further, instead of executing the spraying step (S3) when the first tank 141 is removed from the tank housing unit 126, when the amount of the liquid agent stored in the first tank 141 becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, all the liquid agent stored in the first tank 141 may be sprayed.

[0084] Refer to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the spraying step (S3) when the amount of the liquid agent stored in the first tank 141 is small.

[0085] The first tank 141 is provided with a remaining amount detection unit 128 that detects the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the first tank 141. When the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the first tank 141 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the remaining amount detection unit 128 transmits a detection signal (ON signal) to the control unit 131. The predetermined amount is, for example, the amount used for one spray treatment. The remaining amount detection unit 128 is, for example, an optical sensor and can detect the remaining amount by detecting the height of the liquid level in the first tank 141. The remaining amount detection unit 128 may also be a sensor using a float instead of an optical sensor.

[0086] In this way, the washing and drying machine 100 includes a remaining amount detection unit 128 that can detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the first tank 141. When the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes less than the amount used for one treatment, the control unit 131 may execute the liquid agent spraying (S12) in the spraying step (S3) for a time longer than that in the normal spraying step (S3). Thereby, since the liquid agent remaining in the first tank 141 and in the first switching unit 142 from the first tank 141 can be removed, liquid agent mixing during liquid agent replacement can be prevented.

[0087] [Effect] According to the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0088] As described above, the washing and drying machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a drum 102 that houses an object to be processed, a chemical liquid spraying device 140 that sprays a chemical liquid into the drum 102, and a control unit 131 that controls the operation of the chemical liquid spraying device 140. The chemical liquid spraying device 140 includes a spray nozzle 154, a first tank 141 that stores the chemical liquid, a first switching unit 142 provided upstream of the spray nozzle 154, a first path 144 that connects the first switching unit 142 and the spray nozzle 154, a second path 145 that introduces the chemical liquid in the first tank 141 into the first switching unit 142, and a third path 146 that introduces air or liquid into the first switching unit 142. The first switching unit 142 can switch the path that communicates with the first path 144 between the second path 145 and the third path 146. After executing a spraying step (S3) in which the control unit 131 operates the chemical liquid spraying device 140 by communicating the second path 145 and the first path 144, the control unit 131 executes a cleaning step (S4) in which the chemical liquid spraying device 140 is operated by communicating the third path 146 and the first path 144.

[0089] Thereby, the remaining chemical liquid in the path can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of rust and deterioration due to the influence of the chemical liquid on the components constituting the path and the spray nozzle 154. Furthermore, since the generation of deposits due to the drying of the chemical liquid can be suppressed, it is possible to prevent the spray nozzle 154 from being clogged by the deposits. In addition, the odor generated by leaving the remaining chemical liquid can be reduced.

[0090] Further, the spray nozzle 154 is a two-fluid nozzle, and the chemical liquid spraying device 140 has an air pump 143 that supplies air to the spray nozzle 154. The third path 146 is a path that introduces air into the first switching unit 142. In the cleaning step (S4), the control unit 131 operates the chemical liquid spraying device 140 to introduce air into the first path 144.

[0091] In the cleaning step (S4), only air is discharged from the spray nozzle 154, so the path can be cleaned even when there is an object to be processed in the drum 102.

[0092] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20, the washing and drying machine 100A according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. While the chemical spraying device 140 of Embodiment 1 air-washes the path in the washing step (S4), the chemical spraying device 140A of the washing and drying machine 100A of Embodiment 2 performs water washing on the path and the drum 102 in the washing step (S4). Regarding the configurations other than this point and the points described below, the washing and drying machine 100 of Embodiment 1 and the washing and drying machine 100A of Embodiment 2 are common, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] Refer to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view including the chemical spraying device 140A of the washing and drying machine 100A according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the chemical spraying device 140A of the washing and drying machine 100A in Embodiment 2.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 17, the chemical spraying device 140A includes a second tank 148 for storing liquid. The second tank 148 is housed in the tank housing portion 126 adjacent to the first tank 141. The attachment and detachment of the second tank 148 are also detected by an attachment and detachment detection unit 127 for the second tank 148, similar to the first tank 141. The liquid stored in the second tank 148 is, for example, water or a cleaning agent. In the present embodiment, a form in which water is stored in the second tank 148 will be described. The cleaning agent is, for example, an organic solvent or alcohol.

[0095] In Embodiment 2, the other end of the third path 146A is connected to the second tank 148. Therefore, the third path 146A introduces water from the second tank 148 to the first switching unit 142.

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 19, the control and operation in the clothing treatment course in Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the clothing treatment course in Embodiment 2.

[0097] In the clothing treatment course in Embodiment 2, after the user inserts the clothing and the control unit 131 accepts the selection of the clothing treatment course by the user via the operation display unit 125 (S1), it is the same as in Embodiment 1 until the spraying step (S3) of spraying the liquid agent from the spray nozzle 154 of the liquid agent spraying device 140. Since water is sprayed into the drum 102 in the washing step S44, it is necessary to take out the clothing from the drum 102 before the washing step S44 so that the sprayed water does not wet the clothing.

[0098] Therefore, in the clothing treatment course in Embodiment 2, after the completion of the spraying step S3, the control unit 131 stops the operation of the lid locking unit and releases the lock of the lid 120 (S41), and notifies the user that the spraying step S3 has ended by using the operation display unit 125 or the buzzer 133. The user takes out the clothing from the drum 102 and closes the lid 120. The washing and drying machine 100A is provided with a lid opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the lid 120. When the lid opening / closing detection unit detects that the lid 120 has been closed, a signal indicating that the lid 120 has been closed is sent to the control unit 131. Note that the user may input that the lid 120 has been closed to the operation display unit 125, and a signal indicating that the lid 120 has been closed may be transmitted from the operation display unit 125 to the control unit 131.

[0099] When the control unit 131 receives a signal indicating that the lid 120 has been closed, the control unit 131 operates the lid locking unit to hold the lid 120 in the closed state (S43) and executes the washing step S44. Referring to FIG. 19, the operation in the washing step (S44) of the clothing treatment course in Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the washing step (S44) in Embodiment 2.

[0100] When starting the washing step (S44), the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 to communicate the first path 144 and the third path 146, and switches from the second communication state to the first communication state (S21).

[0101] Next, in the water spraying of step S51, the control unit 131 drives (turns ON) the air pump 143 to spray the water in the second tank 148 into the drum 102. Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, the spray nozzle 154, and the drum 102 can be removed.

[0102] Also, while spraying water in the water spraying (S51) of the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 drives and controls the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102. The rotation speed of the drum is, for example, 54 rpm. Thereby, the inside of the drum 102 can be cleaned over a wide range.

[0103] When the control unit 131 performs water spraying for a predetermined time, it stops (turns OFF) the air pump 143. Thus, the cleaning step (S44) ends.

[0104] When the cleaning step (S4) ends, the control unit 131 executes the drying step (S5) shown in FIG. 14 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In the drying step (S5), the control unit 131 controls the motor 105 to start rotating the drum 102 (S31). While rotating the drum 102, the control unit 131 operates the fan 104 to start blowing air into the drum 102 (S32). At this time, the control unit 131 drives and controls the motor 105 at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed of the drum 102 in the cleaning step (S44), for example, 100 rpm. Thereby, the water adhering to the inner wall of the drum 102 and the water remaining in the drum 102 can be discharged outside the drum 102. The drying of the water in the drum 102 can be accelerated, and the drum 102 can be dried quickly. After the drying step (S5) ends, the control unit 131 stops the operation of the lid locking unit and releases the lock of the lid 120 (S6).

[0105] Thus, the third path 146A is a path for introducing water or a cleaning agent as a liquid into the first switching unit 142. In the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 operates the liquid spraying device 140 to introduce the liquid into the first path 144. Thereby, since the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, and the spray nozzle 154 can be cleaned with the liquid, the cleaning effect can be further enhanced.

[0106] Further, the washing and drying machine 100 further includes a second tank 148 for storing a liquid, and the second tank 148 stores water or a cleaning agent. Thereby, even when the machine does not have a function of supplying water from outside the machine body such as a dryer, the path can be cleaned with the liquid stored in the second tank 148. Also, it is possible to use a dedicated cleaning agent other than water as the liquid.

[0107] Also, in the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 operates the liquid spraying device 140 to spray the water stored in the second tank 148.

[0108] [Effect] According to the washing and drying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0109] As described above, the washing and drying machine 100A of the present embodiment includes a drum 102 for accommodating an object to be processed, a first tank 141 for storing a liquid agent, a liquid agent spraying device 140 for spraying the liquid agent into the drum 102, and a control unit 131 (see FIG. 1) for controlling the operation of the liquid agent spraying device 140. The control unit 131 executes a spraying step (S3) of operating the liquid agent spraying device 140 and a cleaning step (S44) of supplying a liquid into the drum 102 after the execution of the spraying step (S3).

[0110] Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the drum 102 can be cleaned. The occurrence of rust and deterioration due to the influence of the liquid agent on the component material of the drum 102 can be suppressed. The generation of an odor due to the liquid agent remaining in the drum 102 can be suppressed. The generation of a compound due to a chemical reaction between liquid agents when spraying a plurality of types of liquid agents can be suppressed.

[0111] Further, the liquid agent spraying device 140A can further spray water, and the control unit 131 operates the liquid agent spraying device 140 to spray water in the cleaning step (S44). Since the liquid agent spraying device 140A can disperse the cleaning water in a mist form, a wide range of the drum 102 can be uniformly cleaned.

[0112] In addition, the washing and drying machine 100A further includes a motor 105 that rotates the drum 102, and the control unit 131 drives and controls the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 while spraying water in the cleaning step (S44). Thereby, since the liquid agent and water can be sprayed onto the same range in the drum 102, the portion soiled by the liquid agent can be intensively cleaned.

[0113] After executing the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 rotates the drum 102, and the rotation speed of the drum 102 after executing the cleaning step is greater than the rotation speed of the drum 102 in the cleaning step (S44). Thereby, the water remaining in the drum 102 can be discharged outside the drum 102. Since the time required for drying inside the drum 102 can be shortened, the next spraying process can be performed earlier.

[0114] In addition, the washing and drying machine 100A includes a tank accommodating portion 126 that holds the first tank 141, and the second tank 148 can be attached to the tank accommodating portion 126. Since the cleaning can be switched between the second path 145 from the first tank 141 and the third path 146A from the second tank 148 accommodated in the same tank accommodating portion 126, the space around the first tank 141 and the second tank 148 can be saved.

[0115] In addition, the liquid agent spraying device 140 includes a spray nozzle 154, a first switching unit 142 provided upstream of the spray nozzle 154, a first path 144 connecting the first switching unit 142 and the spray nozzle 154, a second path 145 connecting the first tank 141 and the first switching unit 142, and a third path 146A connecting the second tank 148 and the first switching unit 142. In the spraying step (S3), the control unit 131 communicates the second path 145 and the first path 144, and in the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 communicates the third path 146A and the first path 144.

[0116] As a result, in addition to cleaning the drum 102, the path through which the liquid agent passes can also be cleaned. Deterioration of components due to the influence of the liquid agent in the path can be suppressed. Clogging of the nozzle due to the generation of deposits in the path during drying of the liquid agent can be prevented.

[0117] The washing and drying machine 100A further includes a fan 104 that blows air into the drum 102, and the control unit 131 may execute a blowing step of operating the fan 104, particularly during the execution of the water spraying step (S51) during the cleaning step (S44). As shown in FIG. 21, since the fine mist is included in the air generated by the fan 104, the drying path 110 can be cleaned by the fine mist passing through the drying path 110.

[0118] In addition, the control unit 131 can control the rotation speed of the fan 104 that pumps air, and changes the rotation speed of the fan 104 in the blowing step executed together with the water spraying step (S51). As shown in FIG. 23, since the direction of the mist changes depending on the strength of the wind, cleaning can be performed in a wider range inside the drum 102. Places that cannot be reached by normal spraying, such as the window glass of the lid 120, can also be cleaned.

[0119] In addition, the spray nozzle 154 is provided above the rotation axis Vo of the drum 102. By spraying from a high position of the drum 102, the entire drum 102 can be evenly sprayed, and a wider range can be cleaned.

[0120] Further, the drum 102 is open toward the front, the spray nozzle 154 is provided in front of the drum 102, and the spray nozzle 154 sprays mist toward the lower inner part of the drum 102. By spraying mist from the opening of the drum 102, a large amount of mist can be effectively fed into the drum 102. Further, by spraying from the upper part to the lower part, the mist can be evenly distributed throughout the drum 102.

[0121] Further, the washing and drying machine 100A further includes a lid 120 that opens and closes the drum opening 102a of the drum 102, and an opening / closing detection unit 121 that detects the opening and closing of the lid 120. After the execution of the spraying step (S3), when the control unit 131 detects that the lid 120 has been opened by the opening / closing detection unit 121 and then detects that the lid 120 has been closed, the control unit 131 starts the cleaning step (S44). By the opening / closing detection unit 121 detecting the opening and closing of the lid 120, drum cleaning can be automatically performed without the user having to take the trouble.

[0122] Further, when the control unit 131 receives an instruction to start cleaning from the operation display unit 125, the control unit 131 executes the cleaning step (S44). The user can select whether to perform drum cleaning. This can prevent malfunction of executing the cleaning step (S44) with clothes remaining in the drum 102.

[0123] After the execution of the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 executes a drying step S5 as a blowing step of operating the fan 104. By performing a blowing operation after the cleaning step (S44), the liquid agent and water adhering to the inside of the drum 102 can be dried, and spraying of other liquid agents and other clothes can be started immediately after stopping.

[0124] Next, with reference to FIG. 23, a first modification example of the washing and drying machine 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. The chemical liquid spraying device 140A of the washing and drying machine 100A according to the second embodiment had a configuration including one switching unit, but the chemical liquid spraying device 140B of the washing and drying machine 100A in the first modification example of the second embodiment has a configuration including two switching units. Therefore, although the chemical liquid spraying device 140A of the second embodiment was capable of two types of spraying, namely chemical liquid spraying and liquid spraying, the chemical liquid spraying device 140C in the first modification example of the second embodiment is capable of three types of spraying, namely chemical liquid spraying, liquid spraying, and air ejection. Regarding the configuration other than this point and the points described below, since the washing and drying machine 100A according to the second embodiment and the washing and drying machine according to the second modification example are common, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] The chemical liquid spraying device 140B in the first modification example of the second embodiment includes a first switching unit 142B and a second switching unit 149. The first switching unit 142B and the second switching unit 149 are, for example, three-way valves. In this case, the chemical liquid spraying device 140B has a configuration of a double three-way valve.

[0126] The first switching unit 142B can communicate with the second switching unit 149 via the fifth path 171. The first switching unit 142B can be switched by switching control from the control unit 131 to either the communication between the first path 144 and the second path 145 or the communication between the first path 144 and the fifth path 171.

[0127] The second switching unit 149 can be switched by switching control from the control unit 131 to either the communication between the fifth path 171 and the third path 146A or the communication between the fifth path 171 and the fourth path 172.

[0128] One end of the fourth path 172 is connected to the second switching unit 149, and the other end is an open end and is open to the atmosphere. In other words, the fourth path 172 is a path through which the gas flowing into the second switching unit 149 passes.

[0129] Note that the liquid agent spraying device in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2 may be configured to include three solenoid valves instead of the configuration including two switching units. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a liquid agent spraying device 140C including a triple solenoid valve may be used. In this case, the first path 144C branches at two locations, and the first solenoid valve 173 and the second solenoid valve 174 are arranged at each branching point. The control unit 131 can control the communication between the first path 144C and the second path 145 by controlling the first solenoid valve 173, and can control the communication between the first path 144C and the third path 146A by controlling the second solenoid valve 174. One end of the first path 144C is an open end, and the control unit 131 can control the atmospheric release of the first path 144C by controlling the third solenoid valve 175.

[0130] Also in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2, the clothing treatment course shown in FIG. 19 is started. In the spraying step (S3), as shown in FIG. 26, the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 so as to communicate the first path 144 and the second path 145, and switches from the first communication state to the second communication state. In the second communication state, the liquid agent is supplied from the first tank 141 to the spray nozzle 154.

[0131] Next, with reference to FIGS. 25 to 28, the cleaning step (S44) in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the cleaning step (S44) in Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0132] When starting the cleaning step (S44), as shown in FIG. 27, the control unit 131 operates the first switching unit 142 so as to communicate the first path 144 and the fifth path 171, and operates the second switching unit 149 so as to communicate the fifth path 171 and the third path 146A, and switches from the second communication state to the third communication state (S61).

[0133] Next, in the water spraying of step S51, the control unit 131 drives (turns ON) the air pump 143 to spray the water in the second tank 148 into the drum 102. Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, the spray nozzle 154, and the drum 102 can be removed.

[0134] Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the control unit 131 operates the second switching unit 149 so as to communicate the fifth path 171 and the fourth path 172, and switches from the third communication state to the first communication state (S62).

[0135] Next, in the air ejection of step S63, the control unit 131 drives (turns ON) the air pump 143 to eject air from the open end of the fourth path 172 into the drum 102. Thereby, the water in which the liquid agent remaining in the first switching unit 142, the first path 144, and the spray nozzle 154 has dissolved can be removed, so that the cleaning effect of the path can be further enhanced.

[0136] Further, instead of the liquid agent spraying device 140B using a two-way three-way valve, as shown in FIG. 29, a liquid agent spraying device 140D using a four-way valve may be adopted. Since the first switching unit 142D is a four-way valve, it can be switched to any one of a second communication state in which the first path 144 and the second path 145 are communicated, a third communication state in which the first path 144 and the third path 146D are communicated, and a first communication state in which the first path 144 and the fourth path 172D are communicated.

[0137] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the structure of the first switching unit 142D which is a four-way valve. The first switching unit 142D has a double cylindrical structure, and the inner cylindrical structure body in which a switching path is formed rotates by a stepping motor 181. The rotation amount of the stepping motor 181 is controlled by the control unit 131. The first path 144, the second path 145, the third path 146D, and the fourth path 172D are connected to the outer cylindrical structure body. By rotating the stepping motor 181 by a predetermined rotation amount, each path and the switching path 182 can be made to communicate with each other.

[0138] [Effect] (Claim 9) According to the washing and drying machine 100A including the liquid agent spraying device 140B, the spray nozzle 154 is a two-fluid nozzle, and the liquid agent spraying device 140B has an air pump 143 that introduces air into the spray nozzle 154. The liquid agent spraying device 140B further has a fourth path 172 that introduces air into the second switching unit 149. The first and second switching units 142B and 149 can switch the path communicating with the first path 144 between the second path 145, the third path 146A, and the fourth path 172. After the spraying step (S3), in the washing step (S44), the control unit 131 operates the liquid agent spraying device 140B by communicating the third path 146A and the first path 144, and then operates the liquid agent spraying device 140B by communicating the fourth path 172 and the first path 144.

[0139] Thereby, the liquid agent remaining in the path can be washed with water, and further the water remaining in the path can be washed with air. Therefore, the cleaning effect can be enhanced by switching the fluid flowing through the path among the treatment agent, water, and air.

[0140] Further, after the end of the washing step (S44), the control unit 131 controls the second switching unit 149 to communicate the first path 144 and the fourth path 172. Since the first path 144 communicates with the air path, the tank containing the liquid agent or water and the path on the nozzle side are blocked to form a closed space, so that the drying of the liquid agent in the first tank 141 and the water in the second tank 148 can be suppressed.

[0141] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 31. In Embodiment 3, a dryer 300 will be described as the clothing treatment device. The dryer 300 has differences in internal configuration from the washing and drying machines 100 and 100A, and the description of the same configurations as those in Embodiments 1 and 2, such as the configuration of the liquid agent spraying device 140, will be omitted.

[0142] The dryer 300 includes a housing 300a, a drum 302, a baffle 303, a fan 304, a heater 311, a lid 120, an operation display unit 125, and a liquid agent spraying device 140. The housing 300a includes a front plate 300b that constitutes the front side of the dryer 300 and a tank cover 300c.

[0143] Even in such a dryer 300, similar to the washing dryers 100 and 100A of Embodiments 1 and 2, a clothing treatment course can be implemented. The liquid agent spraying device 140E of the dryer 300 shown in FIG. 32 is a configuration corresponding to the liquid agent spraying device 140 of the washing dryer 100.

[0144] Also in the dryer 300, the spray nozzle 154 is, for example, a two-fluid nozzle. However, different from the washing dryers 100 and 100A of Embodiments 1 and 2, as shown in FIG. 32, the spray nozzle 154 is located above the first tank 141, and the first tank 141 is located below the first switching unit 142. Here, the spray nozzle 154 being above the first tank 141 means that the spray nozzle 154 is above the height when the liquid agent in the first tank 141 is full.

[0145] After the liquid agent spraying device 140E sprays the liquid agent, the water level of the liquid agent drops below the first switching unit 142 due to its own weight, so no liquid agent remains in the first path 144 from the spray nozzle 154 to the first switching unit 142. Thereby, the liquid agent is not sprayed during the washing step (S4), and the spraying of the liquid agent at an unintended timing can be prevented.

[0146] Also, the liquid agent spraying device 140F of the dryer 300 shown in FIG. 33 is a configuration corresponding to the liquid agent spraying device 140A of the washing dryer 100A. In the liquid agent spraying device 140F, the spray nozzle 154 is located above the second tank 148, and the second tank 148 is located below the first switching unit 142. Thereby, no water remains in the first switching unit 142 from the spray nozzle 154, so the water spraying at an unintended timing can be prevented.

[0147] Further, in the liquid agent spraying device 140G of the dryer 300 shown in FIG. 34, the spray nozzle 154 is located above the second tank 148, and the second tank 148 is located above the first switching unit 142. Thereby, since the path from the spray nozzle 154 to the first switching unit 142 is filled with water, it is possible to prevent the generation of deposits due to drying of the liquid agent in the path.

[0148] (Other embodiments) As described above, embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided. Therefore, among the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problems but also the components not essential for solving the problems may be included for exemplifying the above technology. Therefore, just because those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description, it should not be immediately determined that those non-essential components are essential.

[0149] (1) In the above-described Embodiment 2, in the cleaning step (S44), the drum 102 was cleaned by spraying water from the spray nozzle 154, but it is not limited to this. The washing and drying machine 100A is provided so as to be able to store water, and further includes a water tank 101 that houses the drum 102 and a water supply path 162 that is connected to a water supply valve 161 and supplies water to the water tank 101. In the cleaning step (S44), the control unit 131 may open the water supply valve 161 and supply water to the water tank 101 through the water supply path 162. By storing water in the water tank 101 and partially submerging the drum 102, immersion cleaning can be performed and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

[0150] Further, the washing and drying machine 100A further includes a motor 105 that rotates the drum 102, and the control unit 131 rotationally drives the motor 105 to rotate the drum 102 during the cleaning step (S44). By rotating the drum 102 with water immersed in the drum 102, the entire drum 102 can be cleaned without leaving any part uncleaned.

[0151] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the spray nozzle 154 was a two-fluid nozzle, but it is not limited to this. The spray nozzle 154 may be a single-fluid nozzle or an ultrasonic nozzle.

[0152] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, a liquid agent, water, or air was sprayed from the spray nozzle 154, but it is not limited to this. Fine particle ions wrapped in water may be sprayed.

[0153] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0154] The clothing treatment apparatus according to the first aspect includes a storage tank that stores an object to be treated, a spray unit that sprays a liquid agent into the storage tank, and a control unit that controls the operation of the spray unit. The spray unit includes a spray nozzle, a first tank that stores the liquid agent, a switching unit provided upstream of the spray nozzle, a first path that connects the switching unit and the spray nozzle, a second path that introduces the liquid agent in the first tank into the switching unit, and a third path that introduces air or liquid into the switching unit. The switching unit can switch the path that communicates with the first path between the second path and the third path. After executing a spraying step of operating the spray unit by communicating the second path and the first path, the control unit executes a cleaning step of operating the spray unit by communicating the third path and the first path.

[0155] Thereby, the residual liquid agent existing in the path can be suppressed. The occurrence of rust and deterioration due to the influence of the liquid agent on the components constituting the path and the spray nozzle can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the generation of deposits due to the drying of the liquid agent can be suppressed, it is possible to prevent the spray nozzle from being clogged by the deposits. In addition, the odor generated by leaving the residual liquid agent can be reduced.

[0156] As the clothing treatment apparatus according to the second aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus according to the first aspect, the spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, and the spray unit has an air pump that supplies air to the spray nozzle. The third path is a path that introduces air into the switching unit, and the control unit introduces air into the first path by operating the spray unit in the cleaning step.

[0157] In the third aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in the first or second aspect, after the completion of the spraying step, the control unit shuts off the communication between the second path and the first path.

[0158] In the fourth aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in any one of the first to third aspects, the spray nozzle is located below the first tank, and the control unit controls the switching unit to communicate the first path and the third path except during the spraying step.

[0159] In the fifth aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in the second aspect, the control unit makes the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump in the cleaning step larger than the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump in the spraying step.

[0160] In the sixth aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in any one of the first to third aspects, the spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, the spray nozzle is located above the first tank, and the first tank is located below the switching unit.

[0161] In the seventh aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in the first aspect, the third path is a path for introducing liquid into the switching unit, and the control unit operates the spraying unit to introduce liquid into the first path during the cleaning step.

[0162] In the eighth aspect, as the clothing treatment apparatus in the seventh aspect, it further includes a second tank for storing liquid, and water or a cleaning agent is stored in the second tank.

[0163] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the ninth aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in the seventh or eighth aspect, the spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, the spraying unit has an air pump for introducing air into the spray nozzle, and the spraying unit further has a fourth path for introducing air into the switching unit. The switching unit can switch the path communicating with the first path between the second path, the third path, and the fourth path. After the spraying step, in the cleaning step, the control unit operates the spraying unit by communicating the third path with the first path, and then operates the spraying unit by communicating the fourth path with the first path.

[0164] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the tenth aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in the ninth aspect, after the end of the cleaning step, the control unit controls the switching unit to communicate the first path with the fourth path.

[0165] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the eleventh aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in the eighth aspect, the spray nozzle is located above the second tank, and the second tank is located below the switching unit.

[0166] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the twelfth aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in the eighth aspect, the spray nozzle is located above the second tank, and the second tank is located above the switching unit.

[0167] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the thirteenth aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, it includes a tank housing portion for housing the first tank, and when the first tank is removed from the tank housing portion, the control unit executes the spraying step.

[0168] As the clothing treatment apparatus in the fourteenth aspect, in the clothing treatment apparatus in the thirteenth aspect, it includes a detachment detection unit for detecting the attachment and detachment of the first tank to and from the tank housing portion. When the detachment detection unit detects that the first tank has been removed from the tank housing portion, the control unit executes the spraying step.

[0169] As the clothing treatment device in the 15th aspect, in the clothing treatment device in any one of the 1st to 14th aspects, when the control unit receives an instruction to replace the liquid agent in the first tank, it executes the spraying step.

[0170] As the clothing treatment device in the 16th aspect, in the clothing treatment device in any one of the 13th to 15th aspects, after the control unit executes the spraying step, it notifies that the liquid agent in the first tank can be replaced.

[0171] As the clothing treatment device in the 17th aspect, in the clothing treatment device in any one of the 1st to 16th aspects, it includes a remaining amount detection unit that can detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the first tank. When the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes less than the amount used for one treatment, the control unit executes the spraying step for a longer time than the normal spraying step.

[0172] Although this disclosure is fully described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and changes should be understood to be included therein as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

[0173] This disclosure includes a liquid agent spraying device that sprays a mist-like liquid agent and is applicable to a clothing treatment device that treats an object to be treated. Specifically, it is applicable to clothing treatment devices including a drum washing machine, a vertical washing machine, a drum washing and drying machine, a vertical washing and drying machine, a clothing dryer, and a closet-type clothing care machine in which the storage tank does not rotate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0174] 100, 100A Washing and Drying Machine 100b Front Panel 100c Tank Cover 101 Water Tank 101c Tank Cover 102 Drum 102a Drum opening 102b Water passage hole 104 Fan 105 Motor 106 Air inlet 107 Air outlet 108 Housing 110 Drying path 111 Heat pump unit 120 Lid 121 Opening / closing detection unit 125 Operation display unit 126 Tank storage section 127 Attachment / detachment detection unit 128 Remaining amount detection unit 131 Control unit 133 Buzzer 140, 140B, 140C, 140D, 140E, 140G Liquid spraying device 141 First tank 142, 142D First switching section 143 Air pump 144, 144C First path 145 Second path 146, 146A, 146D Third path 147 Air supply path 148 Second tank 149 Second switching section 150 Nozzle unit 151 Base section 151a Installation surface 152 Nozzle section 153 Nozzle attachment section 153a Bending structure 154 Spray nozzle 154a Air side connection section 154b Liquid side connection section 154c Spray opening 155 Nozzle cover 161 Water supply valve 162 Water supply path 163 Drain valve 164 Drain path 171 Fifth path 172, 172D Fourth path 173 First electromagnetic valve 174 Second electromagnetic valve 175 Third electromagnetic valve 181 Stepping motor 182 Switching path 300 Dryer 300a Housing 300b Front plate 300c Tank cover 302 Drum 303 Baffle 304 Fan 311 Heater

Claims

1. A storage tank for storing an object to be processed, a spraying unit for spraying a liquid agent into the storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the spraying unit, wherein the spraying unit includes a spray nozzle, a first tank for storing the liquid agent, a switching unit provided upstream of the spray nozzle, a first path connecting the switching unit and the spray nozzle, a second path for introducing the liquid agent in the first tank into the switching unit, and a third path for introducing air or liquid into the switching unit, wherein the switching unit is capable of switching the path communicating with the first path between the second path and the third path, and the control unit executes a cleaning step of operating the spraying unit by communicating the third path with the first path after executing a spraying step of operating the spraying unit by communicating the second path with the first path. A clothing treatment device.

2. The spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, the spraying unit has an air pump for supplying air to the spray nozzle, the third path is a path for introducing air into the switching unit, and the control unit introduces air into the first path by operating the spraying unit in the cleaning step. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 1.

3. After the end of the spraying step, the control unit shuts off the communication between the second path and the first path. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 2.

4. The spray nozzle is located below the first tank, and the control unit controls the switching unit so that the first path and the third path communicate with each other except during the spraying step. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 3.

5. The control unit makes the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump in the cleaning step greater than the rotational speed of the motor of the air pump in the spraying step. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 2.

6. The spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, the spray nozzle is located above the first tank, and the first tank is located below the switching unit. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 1.

7. The third path is a path for introducing liquid into the switching unit, and the control unit introduces the liquid into the first path by operating the spraying unit in the cleaning step. The clothing treatment device according to Claim 1.

8. Further provided with a second tank for storing the liquid, wherein water or a cleaning agent is stored in the second tank. ​ The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The spray nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle, The spray unit has an air pump that introduces air into the spray nozzle, The spray unit further has a fourth path that introduces air into the switching unit, The switching unit can switch the path that communicates with the first path between the second path, the third path, and the fourth path, After the spray step, in the cleaning step, the control unit operates the spray unit by communicating the third path with the first path, and then operates the spray unit by communicating the fourth path with the first path. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 8.

10. After the cleaning step is completed, the control unit controls the switching unit to communicate the first path with the fourth path. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The spray nozzle is located above the second tank, The second tank is located below the switching unit, The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 8.

12. The spray nozzle is located above the second tank, The second tank is located above the switching unit, The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 8.

13. It includes a tank housing part that houses the first tank, When the first tank is removed from the tank housing part, the control unit executes the spray step. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

14. It includes a detachment detection unit that detects the attachment and detachment of the first tank to and from the tank housing part, When the detachment detection unit detects that the first tank has been removed from the tank housing part, the control unit executes the spray step. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 13.

15. When the control unit receives an instruction to replace the liquid agent in the first tank, the control unit executes the spray step. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

16. After executing the spray step, the control unit notifies that the liquid agent in the first tank can be replaced. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 15.

17. It includes a remaining amount detection unit that can detect the remaining amount of the liquid agent in the first tank, When the remaining amount of the liquid agent becomes less than the amount used for one treatment, the control unit executes the spray step for a longer time than in the normal spray step. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

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