Washing machine

Abstract

To suppress generation of dew condensation inside a washing machine even in the case of performing washing using hot water.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a housing, a washing tub, an air blowing path, a blower device, and a hot water formation part. The washing machine can perform an operation by an operation mode comprising one or a plurality of steps selected from a plurality of steps including: a washing step of performing washing; a rinsing step of performing rinsing of laundry; and a dewatering step of performing dewatering of the laundry. The washing machine can perform a dewatering time air blowing operation for generating an airflow in the air blowing path by the blower device in at least any one of one or the plurality of dewatering steps contained in the operation by the operation mode, when performing an operation by an operation mode including one or both of the washing step and the rinsing step and the dewatering step and performing one or both of washing and rinsing using hot water supplied from the hot water formation part, and at least one time of the dewatering step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been provided washer-dryers such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The washer-dryer in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating drum rotatably mounted within the washing machine housing, an air intake port for taking in air from outside the washing machine housing as drying air, an air intake path for supplying the drying air from the air intake port to the rotating drum, a heater for heating the drying air, a blower fan for blowing the drying air into the rotating drum, an exhaust port opening to the outside of the washing machine housing, an exhaust path for supplying the drying air that has exchanged heat with clothes in the rotating drum to the exhaust port, and a controller for controlling the heater, blower fan, etc. The washer-dryer also includes a lint filter device detachably mounted in the filter housing, which is configured to capture foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the circulating air duct. Also, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-075818 discloses a washer-dryer capable of washing clothes using hot water. In such a washer-dryer, when washing clothes using hot water, water vapor generated in the water tub can enter the circulation air duct. When water vapor enters the circulation air duct, the humidity in the circulation air duct increases, making condensation more likely to occur in the circulation air duct. In particular, if condensation occurs repeatedly over a long period of time in electrical components, such as a drying heater, installed inside the circulation air duct, there is a concern that this could lead to malfunction of the electrical components. To solve this problem, the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-075818 suppresses condensation in the circulation air duct by energizing the drying heater to generate heat when washing clothes using hot water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-051296 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-075818 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the washer-dryer of Patent Document 1, an air intake port for introducing outside air and an air exhaust port for exhausting inside air are provided at a distance from each other in a circulation air duct. Therefore, when using the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lint filter device must be made wide (horizontally elongated) in accordance with the arrangement of the air intake port and the air exhaust port, which poses a first problem in that it may hinder effective use of the limited space inside the housing of the washing machine.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention, which addresses the first problem, aims to provide a washing machine that optimizes the arrangement of an outside air inlet section for introducing outside air, an inside air outlet section for exhausting inside air, and a filter device, thereby making effective use of the limited space within the housing. Furthermore, in the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 2, the drying heater is energized to generate heat when hot water is used, which raises concerns about increased power consumption due to simultaneous use of the hot water heater and the drying heater. Furthermore, using the drying heater when generating hot water poses a problem that the heater is energized while exposed to condensed water, which may cause malfunctions. Furthermore, there is a second problem that leaving condensation on the heater may induce the growth of microorganisms such as mold. Therefore, the present invention, which addresses the second problem, aims to provide a washing machine that can suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the washing machine even when washing is performed using warm water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The washing machine of the present invention, which is provided to solve the first problem described above, comprises a housing, a water tub provided within the housing, a rotating tub rotatably provided within the water tub, a hot air supply unit that supplies hot air to a washing tub intake unit provided in the water tub, an air supply path from a washing tub exhaust unit provided in the water tub to the washing tub intake unit, and a filter device provided along the air supply path, wherein the filter device has a filter member that captures foreign matter contained in the air, a filter accommodating unit that forms a space through which air flowing through the air supply path can pass and that can accommodate the filter member, an outside air inlet unit that communicates with the filter accommodating unit and is open to the outside so that air can be introduced into the air supply path from the outside, and an inside air outlet unit that communicates with the filter accommodating unit and is open to the outside so that air can be exhausted from the air supply path to the outside.

[0007] In the washing machine of the present invention, the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet are provided in communication with the filter housing. In this way, the washing machine of the present invention is configured so that the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet are integrated with the filter housing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the arrangement of the outside air inlet for introducing outside air, the inside air outlet for discharging inside air, and the filter device is optimized, thereby providing a washing machine that can effectively utilize the limited space within the housing. The washing machine of the present invention, which is provided to solve the second problem described above, has the following configuration and effects. The washing machine of the present invention has a housing, a washing tub including a water tub provided in the housing and a rotary tub rotatably provided in the water tub, an air blowing path connecting a washing tub intake section and a washing tub exhaust section provided in the washing tub to be able to blow air outside the washing tub, an air blowing device that generates an airflow in the air blowing path, and a hot water forming section that supplies hot water to the washing tub, and the washing machine has a plurality of processes selected from a washing process that washes laundry put into the washing tub, a rinsing process that rinses the laundry put into the washing tub, and a dewatering process that dewaters the laundry put into the washing tub. The washing machine can be operated in an operating mode consisting of one or more processes, and includes either or both of the washing process and the rinsing process and the dehydration process, and when operating in an operating mode in which either or both of the washing and rinsing processes are performed using warm water supplied by the warm water forming unit and the dehydration process is performed at least once, the washing machine can perform an air blowing operation during dehydration in which the air blowing device generates an air flow in the air blowing path during at least one of the one or more dehydration processes included in the operation in the operating mode. With this configuration, when the washing machine is operated in an operating mode that uses warm water to wash or rinse or both, the airflow through the airflow path can be used to reduce humidity and suppress condensation by performing an airflow operation during the dehydration process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, which addresses the first problem, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can effectively utilize the limited space within the housing by optimizing the arrangement of the outside air inlet section for introducing outside air, the inside air outlet section for exhausting inside air, and the filter device. According to the present invention, which addresses the second problem, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the washing machine even when washing is performed using warm water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the washing machine shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a water tub, a spin tub, and an exhaust-side communication part of an air-blowing path provided in the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing the members shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a portion forming an intermediate portion of an air flow path and an intake side communication portion, as well as a filter device, a hot air supply portion, and the like associated therewith. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing the members shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view showing a hot air supply unit and its surroundings provided in the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a filter device provided in the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a filter housing portion that constitutes the filter device of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing the members shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 11] 9 is a perspective view showing an upstream filter member that constitutes the filter device of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view showing the upstream filter member shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from a different angle. FIG. [Figure 13] 9(a) is a perspective view showing the downstream filter constituting the filter device of FIG. 8 as viewed from the front side (upstream side), and FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view showing the downstream filter as viewed from the back side (downstream side). [Figure 14] 1, (b) is a perspective view seen from the direction of arrow A in (a), and (c) is a perspective view seen from the direction of arrow B in (a). [Figure 15] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a water receiving section provided in the washing machine of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a housing that constitutes the washing machine of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine according to a first modified example. [Figure 18] 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the washing machine according to the first modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a washing machine according to a second modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A washing machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the basic configuration of the washing machine 10 will be described first, and for parts that require detailed explanation, a general configuration will be described first, and for parts that require further explanation, detailed descriptions will be given after the general description. In the following description, explanations of positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the washing machine 10 being normally installed, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] <<General configuration of washing machine 10>> As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 10 is a so-called drum-type washing machine. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, washing machine 10 includes housing 20, washing tub 35 including water tub 30 and rotatable tub 40, air supply path 50, hot air supply unit 70, water supply / drainage unit 80, filter device 100, and the like. Washing machine 10 supplies water to the water tub 30 and rotatable tub 40 via water supply / drainage unit 80, and rotates rotatable tub 40 to perform an operation (washing operation) to wash and rinse laundry placed in rotatable tub 40. Furthermore, washing machine 10 can also perform an operation (spin operation) to spin-dry laundry by rotating rotatable tub 40 within water tub 30 after draining water from the water tub 30 and rotatable tub 40. Furthermore, washing machine 10 can also perform an operation (drying operation) to dry laundry in rotatable tub 40 by circulating hot air through air supply path 50 connected to water tub 30 by operating hot air supply unit 70. The basic configuration of washing machine 10 will be described in detail below.

[0012] 2 and 3, housing 20 houses components of washing machine 10, such as water tub 30, rotating tub 40, air flow path 50, hot air supply unit 70, water supply and drainage unit 80, and filter device 100. Housing 20 has a front surface 20a, a back surface 20b, a left side surface 20c, a right side surface 20d, a top surface 20e, and a bottom surface 20f, and is shaped like a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the vertical direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 20 has a door 22 on the front surface 20a. The door 22 may be, for example, substantially circular in front view as shown in the illustrated example. The door 22 is supported so as to be openable and closable, for example, by a hinge provided at the end on the side (left side in the illustrated example) when viewed from the front surface 20a. The door 22 is also provided with a locking mechanism on the side opposite the hinge. The housing 20 also has an operation panel unit 24 on the front surface 20a side, on the top surface 20e side. The operation panel unit 24 is located above the door 22. The operation panel unit 24 is provided with a power switch, switches for selecting washing modes, etc., a display unit, etc.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, washing tub 35 has water tub 30 and rotatable tub 40 housed therein, with rotatable tub 40 housed inside water tub 30. Water tub 30 is cylindrical and has a bottom, and is housed and supported within housing 20 by a suspension structure such as a damper. Water tub 30 is positioned so that it opens at a position corresponding to door 22 provided on front face 20a of housing 20. Water tub 30 is connected to water supply and drainage unit 80, which will be described in detail later, via a pipe. This allows water tub 30 to store water supplied from the outside and to discharge water from inside to the outside. Water tub 30 also has washing tub intake unit 32 and washing tub exhaust unit 34.

[0015] Washing tub air intake section 32 is provided at a position on the front surface 20a side of water tub 30. In this embodiment, water tub 30 has gasket 36 on the front surface 20a side, and washing tub air intake section 32 is provided on this gasket 36. Washing tub exhaust section 34 is provided at a position on the rear surface 20b side of water tub 30. Water tub 30 is connected to air blowing path 50, which will be described in detail later, via washing tub air intake section 32 and washing tub exhaust section 34. This allows water tub 30 to introduce air flowing through air blowing path 50 from washing tub air intake section 32 on the front surface 20a side and exhaust it from washing tub exhaust section 34 on the rear surface 20b side. Note that, as an example, a configuration in which washing tub air intake section 32 is provided on gasket 36 and air is drawn into rotatable tub 40 has been described, but a configuration in which air is blown into rotatable tub 40 via washing tub air intake section 32 may also be used.

[0016] Rotary tub 40 is a tub accommodated within water tub 30 so as to be rotatable. Rotary tub 40 is cylindrical and has a bottom. Like water tub 30, rotational tub 40 is disposed so as to open at a position corresponding to door 22 provided on front surface 20a of housing 20. Therefore, in washing machine 10, laundry can be loaded into and removed from rotational tub 40 by opening door 22. Rotary tub 40 can be rotated by a drive device (not shown), such as a motor, disposed at the rear of water tub 30. Rotary tub 40 has a plurality of openings around its periphery that communicate the inside and outside. Therefore, in washing machine 10, water can be introduced into rotational tub 40 by storing water in water tub 30. In addition, in washing machine 10, water can be discharged from rotational tub 40 by draining water from water tub 30.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, air blowing path 50 serves as a path for blowing air from washing tub exhaust port 34 of water tub 30 to washing tub intake port 32 outside water tub 30. That is, as shown by dashed arrows in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, air blowing path 50 is a path for directing airflow from washing tub exhaust port 34 of water tub 30 upstream to washing tub intake port 32 of water tub 30, which is located downstream in the airflow direction. By blowing air through air blowing path 50, an airflow can be generated inside water tub 30 from the front side to the back side. Air blowing path 50 can be roughly divided into three sections, from the upstream side (washing tub exhaust port 34 side) to the downstream side (washing tub intake port 32 side) in the airflow direction outside water tub 30: exhaust-side communicating section 52 (communicating section), middle section 54, and intake-side communicating section 56.

[0018] Exhaust-side communicating portion 52 is a portion that communicates with washing tub exhaust portion 34 of water tub 30. Exhaust-side communicating portion 52 has communicating portion 58 and water receiving portion 60. Communicating portion 58 is a passage formed to rise on the rear surface 20b side of water tub 30. One end (lower end) of communicating portion 58 is connected to washing tub exhaust portion 34. As a result, communicating portion 58 allows air discharged from washing tub exhaust portion 34 to flow in a downward-to-upward direction. The other end of communicating portion 58 is connected to water receiving portion 60. Water receiving portion 60 receives water supplied by water supply portion 82, which will be described in detail later, and drops the received water into communicating portion 58 to clean the inner circumferential surface of communicating portion 58.

[0019] Intermediate section 54 is located in the middle of airflow path 50, with washing tub exhaust section 34 of water tub 30 on the upstream side, in the direction of airflow that flows to washing tub intake section 32 of water tub 30. That is, intermediate section 54 is a portion of airflow path 50 that is located downstream of exhaust-side communication section 52, which connects to washing tub exhaust section 34 of water tub 30, in the direction of airflow. Intermediate section 54 is located on the top surface 20e side of water tub 30. Intermediate section 54 is arranged to extend from rear surface 20b side toward front surface 20a side of housing 20. A filter device 100, which will be described in detail later, is arranged in intermediate section 54. This makes it possible to remove foreign matter such as lint contained in the air passing through airflow path 50. In addition, the intermediate section 54 can introduce outside air into the air supply path 50 or discharge air flowing through the air supply path 50 via the outside air inlet section 140 and the inside air outlet section 130 provided in the filter device 100.

[0020] Intake-side communicating section 56 is located on air blowing path 50, with washing tub exhaust section 34 of water tub 30 on the upstream side, and downstream in the direction of airflow that flows to washing tub intake section 32 of water tub 30. That is, intake-side communicating section 56 is connected downstream of intermediate section 54 on air blowing path 50 and is connected to washing tub intake section 32 of water tub 30. Like intermediate section 54, intake-side communicating section 56 is located on top surface 20e side of water tub 30. A hot air supply section 70, which will be described in detail later, is disposed in intake-side communicating section 56. This allows the air from which foreign matter has been removed by filter device 100 in intermediate section 54 to be heated by hot air supply section 70. An end portion of intake-side communicating section 56 is connected to washing tub intake section 32.

[0021] Hot air supply unit 70 is for supplying hot air to washing tub air intake unit 32 provided in water tub 30. As shown in FIG. 7, hot air supply unit 70 has air blower 72 and heater 74. Air blower 72 is for forming an air current in an air blowing path, and can be configured, for example, by a conventionally known air blower fan. Heater 74 heats the air flowing through air blowing path 50 by operation of air blower 72. Heater 74 can be configured by a conventionally known electric heater.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water supply and drainage unit 80 has a water supply unit 82 and a drainage unit 84. The water supply unit 82 has a water supply channel connected to an external water source and is capable of supplying water to the water tub 30. The water supply unit 82 can, for example, supply water supplied from the water source directly to the water tub 30, or can supply mixed water to the water tub 30 by mixing water with detergent, fabric softener, etc. that have been added in a separately provided input port along the water supply channel leading to the water tub 30. The drainage unit 84 has a drainage channel that is connected to the water tub 30 separately from the water supply unit 82. The drainage unit 84 is capable of discharging water from the water tub 30 via the drainage channel.

[0023] The filter device 100 is disposed in the intermediate portion 54 located midway along the air flow path 50. The filter device 100 is for capturing foreign matter such as lint contained in the air.

[0024] The washing machine 10 is generally configured as described above. Hereinafter, among the configurations of the above-described components, those parts that require a more detailed explanation will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] <<Regarding the filter device 100>> The filter device 100 will be described in more detail and specifically below. As described above, the filter device 100 is provided midway along the air flow path 50. As shown in Figures 2, 5, 6, etc., in this embodiment, the filter device 100 is provided in the middle section 54 of the air flow path 50. As shown in Figure 8, the filter device 100 has a filter housing section 110, an inside air discharge section 130, an outside air introduction section 140, and a filter member 150. The filter device 100 is a unit that integrates the filter housing section 110, the inside air discharge section 130, and the outside air introduction section 140, and the filter member 150 is detachable from this unit.

[0026] The filter accommodating section 110 forms a space through which air flowing through the air flow path 50 can pass and which can accommodate the filter member 150. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the filter accommodating section 110 opens toward the top surface 20e of the housing 20, and the filter member 150 can be attached and detached through this opening. The filter accommodating section 110 opens to have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and has an upstream opening 112, a downstream opening 114, an inside air discharge section communication port 116, and an outside air introduction section communication port 118 on its inner periphery.

[0027] The upstream opening 112 opens in an upstream inner circumferential surface 110a of the inner circumferential surface of the filter accommodating portion 110, which is on the upstream side of the air flow flowing through the air blowing path 50. The downstream opening 114 opens in a downstream inner circumferential surface 110b of the inner circumferential surface of the filter accommodating portion 110, which is on the downstream side of the air flow flowing through the air blowing path 50. The downstream opening 114 is formed in an area of ​​the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b on the side where the outside air introduction portion communication port 118 is provided. The downstream inner circumferential surface 110b is a surface facing the upstream inner circumferential surface 110a. The inside air discharge portion communication port 116 opens in a first side inner circumferential surface 110c of the inner circumferential surface of the filter accommodating portion 110, which is erected so as to intersect (approximately perpendicular in this embodiment) with the upstream inner circumferential surface 110a and the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b. The inside air discharge section communication port 116 is an opening that communicates between the filter housing section 110 and the inside air discharge section 130. The inside air discharge section communication port 116 is also a part that constitutes the inside air discharge section 130, which will be described later. The outside air introduction section communication port 118 opens in a second side inner circumferential surface 110d, which is erected on the inner circumferential surface of the filter housing section 110 so as to face the first side inner circumferential surface 110c. The outside air introduction section communication port 118 is an opening that communicates between the filter housing section 110 and the outside air introduction section 140. The outside air introduction section communication port 118 is also a part that constitutes the outside air introduction section 140, which will be described later.

[0028] The filter accommodating portion 110 has a drain port 120, an inclined portion 122, a guide groove 124, and an engaged portion 126 in its bottom portion 110e. The drain port 120 is an opening for draining moisture such as condensation water from the filter accommodating portion 110. The drain port 120 is provided in the bottom portion 110e at a position adjacent to the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b and the second side inner circumferential surface 110d. The drain port 120 is connected to the outside of the filter accommodating portion 110 via a drain pipe 120a so as to be able to drain toward the communication portion 58, which is located upstream of the filter device 100 in the airflow direction. The inclined portion 122 is a portion of the bottom portion 110e that slopes downward toward the drain port 120. This allows the filter accommodating portion 110 to guide moisture that falls onto the bottom portion 110e inside the filter accommodating portion 110 toward the drain port 120. The guide groove 124 is a groove for reliably and easily attaching and detaching the downstream filter member 180, which constitutes the filter member 150 described in detail later. The guide groove 124 has a recessed shape that matches the shape of the lower end of the downstream filter member 180. The engaged portion 126 is a portion that engages with an engaging portion 190 provided at the upper end of the downstream filter member 180.

[0029] Furthermore, the filter accommodating portion 110 has a partially or entirely corrugated inner circumferential surface. In this embodiment, the upstream inner circumferential surface 110a, the first side inner circumferential surface 110c, and the second side inner circumferential surface 110d have a corrugated, corrugated, uneven shape. This allows moisture such as condensation water in the filter accommodating portion 110 to gradually fall toward the bottom portion 110e and the drain port 120. This allows the airflow passing through the filter accommodating portion 110 to evaporate even a small amount of condensation water, thereby reducing the amount of moisture returned from the drain port 120 to the communication portion 58.

[0030] The inside air discharge section 130 is a section that communicates with the filter housing section 110 and is open to the outside so that air can be discharged from the air blowing path 50 to the outside. The inside air discharge section 130 has the above-mentioned inside air discharge section communication port 116, an inside air discharge path 132, and an inside air discharge port 134. The inside air discharge path 132 communicates with the filter housing section 110 via the inside air discharge section communication port 116. The inside air discharge path 132 is a passage that connects the inside air discharge section communication port 116 and the inside air discharge port 134. The inside air discharge port 134 is an opening provided at the end of the inside air discharge path 132 opposite to the inside air discharge section communication port 116.

[0031] Here, the inside air discharge portion communication port 116 is an opening formed in the first side inner circumferential surface 110c that is erected in the filter housing portion 110, while the inside air discharge port 134 opens toward the top surface 20e. Therefore, the inside air discharge path 132 connecting the two openings is bent at approximately 90 degrees midway. The inside air discharge path 132 is formed so that the bent portion provided midway has a curved surface (R-shape) in order to minimize pressure loss of the airflow passing through the inside. Furthermore, the inside air discharge portion 130 is formed so that the opening area of ​​the inside air discharge port 134 is larger than the opening area of ​​the inside air discharge portion communication port 116 in order to suppress the discharge speed of the airflow (exhaust air) exiting from the inside air discharge port 134. With this configuration, the exhaust speed at the inside air discharge port 134 can be reduced. This prevents exhaust gas from being forcefully discharged around washing machine 10, and prevents moist exhaust gas from hitting wallpaper even when the washing machine is installed in a location close to walls, such as a small washing machine installation space in an apartment. As a result, it is possible to prevent condensation water from adhering to the surface of wallpaper or the growth of microorganisms such as mold, which are caused by contact with exhaust gas from washing machine 10.

[0032] The outside air introduction section 140 is in communication with the filter housing section 110 and is open to the outside so that air (outside air) can be introduced from the outside into the air blowing path 50. The outside air introduction section 140 is located on the opposite side of the filter housing section 110 from the inside air discharge section 130. The outside air introduction section 140 has the same configuration as the inside air discharge section 130 described above.

[0033] Specifically, the outside air introduction section 140 has the above-mentioned outside air introduction section communication port 118, an outside air introduction path 142, and an outside air introduction port 144. The outside air introduction path 142 communicates with the filter housing section 110 via the outside air introduction section communication port 118. The outside air introduction path 142 is a passage connecting the outside air introduction section communication port 118 and the outside air introduction port 144. The outside air introduction port 144 is an opening provided at the end of the outside air introduction path 142 opposite to the outside air introduction section communication port 118.

[0034] Similarly to the inside air discharge path 132, the outside air introduction path 142 is bent at approximately 90 degrees midway. Specifically, the outside air introduction section communication port 118 is an opening formed on the second side inner circumferential surface 110d of the filter housing section 110, while the outside air introduction port 144 opens toward the top surface 20e. Therefore, the outside air introduction path 142 is bent at approximately 90 degrees midway. The outside air introduction path 142 is formed so that the bent portion provided midway has a curved surface (R-shape) in order to minimize pressure loss of the airflow taken in from the outside. The outside air introduction section 140 is formed so that the opening area of ​​the outside air introduction port 144 is larger than the opening area of ​​the outside air introduction section communication port 118. This allows outside air to be taken in efficiently.

[0035] 8, the filter member 150 captures foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air blowing path 50. In the washing machine 10 of this embodiment, the filter member 150 includes an upstream filter member 160 and a downstream filter member 180 arranged in the airflow direction in the air blowing path 50.

[0036] 11 and 12 , the upstream filter member 160 has an upstream filter 164 attached to an upstream filter main body 162. The upstream filter member 160 is insertable into and removable from above into the filter accommodating section 110, which is open toward the top surface 20e. The upstream filter main body 162 has a blocking section 166, an upstream upright section 168, a first lateral upright section 170, a second lateral upright section 172, and a partition wall 174.

[0037] The blocking portion 166 blocks the opening of the filter accommodating portion 110 provided on the top surface 20e side when the upstream filter member 160 is inserted into the filter accommodating portion 110. The blocking portion 166 has a recess 166a on the surface exposed on the top surface 20e side. The recess 166a is provided to make it easier for the user to grip the upstream filter member 160 when inserting or removing the upstream filter member 160 into or from the filter accommodating portion 110, and is designed so that multiple fingers can be inserted into the recess 166a.

[0038] The upstream upright portion 168 is a portion that stands along the upstream inner circumferential surface 110a when the upstream filter member 160 is fitted into the filter accommodating portion 110. The upstream upright portion 168 stands on the back surface (bottom side) of the blocking portion 166, standing approximately perpendicular to the blocking portion 166. At least the portion of the upstream upright portion 168 that corresponds to the upstream opening 112 provided in the upstream inner circumferential surface 110a is lattice-shaped to minimize resistance to the airflow flowing into the filter accommodating portion 110 from the upstream opening 112. A mesh-shaped upstream filter 164 is attached to the upstream upright portion 168 over the entire lattice-shaped portion. In addition, an upstream seal portion 168a is attached around the portion where the upstream filter 164 is attached to maintain airtightness and watertightness. The upstream seal portion 168a can be made of various materials, but in this embodiment it is made of EPDM rubber.

[0039] The first side upright portion 170 is a portion that stands along the first side inner circumferential surface 110c when the upstream filter member 160 is fitted into the filter accommodating portion 110. Similar to the upstream upright portion 168, the first side upright portion 170 stands on the back surface (bottom side) of the blocking portion 166 and is generally perpendicular to the blocking portion 166. The first side upright portion 170 is formed at one widthwise end of the upstream upright portion 168 so as to intersect (generally generally perpendicular to) the upstream upright portion 168. Similar to the upstream upright portion 168, at least a portion of the first side upright portion 170 that corresponds to the inside air discharge port 116 is formed in a lattice pattern to minimize resistance to the airflow that passes through the inside air discharge port 116 and is discharged from the filter accommodating portion 110.

[0040] The second lateral upright portion 172 is a portion that stands along the second lateral inner circumferential surface 110d when the upstream filter member 160 is fitted into the filter accommodating portion 110. Similar to the upstream upright portion 168 and the first lateral upright portion 170, the second lateral upright portion 172 stands on the back surface (bottom side) of the blocking portion 166 so as to be approximately perpendicular to the blocking portion 166. The second lateral upright portion 172 is formed on the other widthwise end side of the upstream upright portion 168 (the side opposite to the first lateral upright portion 170) so as to intersect (approximately perpendicular in this embodiment) with the upstream upright portion 168. The second lateral upright portion 172 is approximately parallel to the first lateral upright portion 170. In addition, like the upstream side upright portion 168 and the first side upright portion 170, the second side upright portion 172 is made lattice-shaped at least in the portion corresponding to the outside air inlet communication port 118 in order to minimize resistance to the air flow that passes through the outside air inlet communication port 118 and is introduced into the filter accommodating portion 110.

[0041] The partition wall 174 divides the internal space of the filter accommodating section 110 into a first space 176 and a second space 178. Specifically, the partition wall 174, like the upstream upright portion 168, is erected on the back surface (bottom side) of the blocking portion 166 so as to be approximately perpendicular to the blocking portion 166. The partition wall 174 is formed in a widthwise intermediate portion of the upstream upright portion 168 (between the first side upright portion 170 and the second side upright portion 172) so as to intersect (approximately perpendicular in this embodiment) with the upstream upright portion 168. The partition wall 174 is approximately parallel to the first side upright portion 170 and the second side upright portion 172. As a result, the partition wall 174 can divide the opening area formed in the upstream upright portion 168 into an area on the side where the outside air introduction port communication port 118 is located and an area on the side where the inside air discharge port communication port 116 is located. Furthermore, the partition wall 174 is formed to reach the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b when the upstream filter member 160 is fitted into the filter accommodating portion 110. Therefore, the partition wall 174 can divide the internal space of the filter accommodating portion 110 into a first space 176 that communicates with the downstream opening 114 and the outside air introduction portion communication port 118, and a second space 178 that communicates with the inside air discharge portion communication port 116.

[0042] 13, the downstream filter member 180 is a filter that is attached across the opening area of ​​the downstream opening 114. The downstream filter member 180 has a downstream filter 184 attached to a downstream filter frame 182. Like the upstream filter member 160, the downstream filter member 180 is insertable into and removable from above the filter accommodating section 110, which is open toward the top surface 20e.

[0043] Specifically, the downstream filter frame 182 is a member for attaching the downstream filter 184. The downstream filter frame 182 has a filter attachment portion 186, a grip portion 188, an engagement portion 190, and a downstream seal portion 192.

[0044] The filter mounting portion 186 is a portion where the downstream filter 184 is mounted. The filter mounting portion 186 has a flat, lattice-like shape. The mesh-like downstream filter 184 is mounted to the filter mounting portion 186. The lower end side of the downstream filter frame 182 is shaped so that it can be inserted into the guide groove 124 provided in the bottom 110e of the filter accommodating portion 110 described above.

[0045] The grip portion 188 is provided at a portion that will become the upper end of the downstream filter member 180 when it is attached. The grip portion 188 is curved in a curled shape from the upper end of the flat filter attachment portion 186. The grip portion 188 is curved in a direction away from the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b so as not to hinder the filter attachment portion 186 from coming into close contact with the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b when the downstream filter member 180 is attached.

[0046] The engaging portion 190 is for fixing the downstream filter member 180 to the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b of the filter accommodating portion 110. The engaging portion 190 is adapted to engage with an engaged portion 126 provided on the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 190 is claw-shaped, and the engaged portion 126 is a recess into which the engaging portion 190 can be inserted and engaged.

[0047] The downstream seal portion 192 is attached to surround the portion where the downstream filter 184 is attached so that it can be interposed between the filter mounting portion 186 and the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b when the downstream filter member 180 is attached. Therefore, when the downstream filter member 180 is attached, airtightness and watertightness are maintained between the filter mounting portion 186 and the downstream inner circumferential surface 110b. The downstream seal portion 192 can be made of various materials, but in this embodiment, it is made of EPDM rubber. By providing the downstream filter member 180 in this manner, even if, for example, the upstream filter member 160 is forgotten to be attached, the downstream filter member 180 can capture lint. Furthermore, by taking in outside air through the outside air inlet 140, the moist circulating airflow sent from the washing tub 35 to the intermediate section 54 is cooled in the filter accommodating section 110 (reducing the amount of saturated water vapor), and condensation can also occur on the downstream filter member 180. By generating condensed water in this manner, it is possible to make it difficult for lint to adhere to the downstream filter member 180 and to cause the lint to flow down from the downstream filter member 180.

[0048] <About the water receiver 60> Next, the water receiving section 60 will be specifically and in detail described with reference to the drawings. As described above, the water receiving section 60 is provided upstream of the filter device 100 in the airflow direction of the airflow path 50. The water receiving section 60 is connected to the end of the communication section 58 that forms the exhaust-side communication section 52 of the airflow path 50.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the water receiving portion 60 has a bottom surface 60a and an outer edge portion 60b that extends upright to form the outer edge of the bottom surface 60a. This allows water to be introduced into the area enclosed by the outer edge portion 60b. The outer edge portion 60b is provided with a connection portion 60c that is connected to the water supply and drainage portion 80 through a pipe. The connection portion 60c is formed to protrude outward from the outer edge portion 60b. This allows water to be introduced into the water receiving portion 60 through the connection portion 60c in a direction that intersects with the outer edge portion 60b (i.e., along the bottom surface 60a), thereby delivering water to a location distant from the connection portion 60c. The connection portion 60c is not limited to being provided in a direction that intersects with the opening direction of the opening 62. As long as the destination (landing position) of the supplied water is within the water receiving portion 60, the connection portion 60c may be provided along the opening direction.

[0050] The water receiving portion 60 is also provided with an opening 62, a standing portion 64, and a groove portion 66. The opening 62 is an opening formed in the bottom surface 60a of the water receiving portion 60 so as to communicate with the communication portion 58. The opening shape of the opening 62 is formed to match the shape and size of the opening at the end of the communication portion 58. The standing portion 64 is a portion that stands so as to surround the opening 62. In this embodiment, the standing portion 64 stands along the edge of the opening 62, but it may also be stood outside the opening 62 so as to surround the opening 62. With this configuration, some of the water introduced from the connecting portion 60c is blocked by the standing portion 64 and remains pooled along the outer edge 60b of the water receiving portion 60, while the remaining water flows over the standing portion 64 or drops through the groove portion 66 into the opening 62. The groove portion 66 is a groove formed in the standing portion 64. The groove portion 66 is provided in one or more places in the standing portion 64 . While the present embodiment has been described as an example of a configuration having both the upright portions 64 and the groove portions 66, the configuration may not have both the upright portions 64 and the groove portions 66, or may have only one of the upright portions 64 and the groove portions 66 (in the case of a configuration having only the groove portions 66, the groove portions 66 are provided around the opening 62). The number and size of the groove portions 66 can be appropriately determined. For example, more groove portions 66 can be provided in the portion of the communicating portion 58 where lint is likely to adhere, or the arrangement density of the groove portions 66 can be varied depending on the distance from the connecting portion 60c, which serves as the water inlet. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , more groove portions 66 are provided on the side where lint is likely to adhere, and the connecting portion 60c is located. Therefore, by introducing water into the water receiving portion 60, the water flows preferentially toward the side of the communicating portion 58 where lint is likely to adhere, enabling the communicating portion 58 to be thoroughly cleaned.

[0051] Water receiving section 60 is configured as described above, and can perform washing (lint flushing) by dropping water supplied by water supply and drainage section 80 from a direction intersecting the opening direction of opening 62 (in this embodiment, a substantially horizontal direction) into communication section 58. Lint flushing can be performed at any appropriate timing, such as when water is supplied to water tub 30 for washing or rinsing during a washing operation, or within a predetermined time after a drying operation when the drain valve can be left open.

[0052] <About the hot air supply unit 70> Next, the characteristic parts of the hot air supply unit 70 will be specifically and in detail explained with reference to the drawings. As described above, the hot air supply unit 70 supplies hot air to the washing tub air intake unit 32 provided in the water tub 30. As shown in Fig. 7, the hot air supply unit 70 has an air blower 72 for forming an air current in the air blowing path 50, and a heater 74 for heating the air flowing through the air blowing path 50.

[0053] Here, heating device 74 is disposed in narrowed section 52a, in exhaust-side communication section 52 located midway through air blowing path 50, where the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage is narrower than that of the upstream side. Therefore, hot air supply section 70 can efficiently exchange heat with air flowing through air blowing path 50 in heating device 74, thereby smoothly heating the air. Furthermore, heating device 74 is disposed further downstream than air blowing device 72, and can heat the air immediately before it enters water tub 30. Therefore, heat dissipation and temperature drop or moisture absorption of the heated air while it flows through air blowing path 50 can be minimized. This makes it possible to introduce air that is as hot and as humid as possible into water tub 30, thereby improving the drying efficiency of laundry in water tub 30.

[0054] <About Cabinet 20> Next, the characteristic parts of the housing 20 will be specifically and in detail described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing 20 has a main body 26a and a base 26b. In addition, as shown in Figure 16, the housing 20 has a connection part 26c.

[0055] The main body 26a accommodates the water tub 30, the rotating tub 40, the airflow path 50, the water receiving section 60, the hot air supply section 70, the water supply and drainage section 80, the filter device 100, and the like. The main body 26a includes a front beam 28a disposed on the front surface 20a side of the top surface 20e, a rear beam 28b disposed on the rear surface 20b side, and a pair of side beams 28c, 28d disposed on the left and right surfaces 20c, 20d. The front beam 28a extends left and right on the front surface 20a side. The front beam 28a is disposed below the circuit board behind the operation panel 24. The rear beam 28b extends left and right on the rear surface 20b side. The side beams 28c, 28d extend in the front-rear direction on the left and right sides and are connected to the front beam 28a and the rear beam 28b.

[0056] In the main body 26a, the components forming the airflow path 50 are suspended from the beams. Specifically, the airflow path 50 includes a base constituent 50a forming the lower half of the airflow path 50, a filter accommodating portion constituent 50b constituting the peripheral portion centered on the filter accommodating portion 110, and a hot air supply portion constituent 50c constituting the peripheral portion centered on the hot air supply portion 70. The airflow path 50 is formed by assembling the filter accommodating portion constituent 50b and the hot air supply portion constituent 50c onto the base constituent 50a. When suspending the airflow path 50 from the beams, the base constituent 50a is first suspended from the front beam 28a, the rear beam 28b, and the side beam 28c. Then, the filter accommodating portion constituent 50b and the hot air supply portion constituent 50c are assembled onto the base constituent 50a. In this way, washing machine 10 can assemble airflow path 50 in a simple procedure by utilizing each beam constituting main body 26a. Main body 26a also has strong front beam 28a, rear beam 28b, and side beams 28c, 28d arranged on the upper side, giving it a highly rigid configuration. In consideration of the characteristics of main body 26a, airflow path 50, which is heavier than other components and is prone to vibration due to airflow, is assembled by suspending it from each beam 28a-28d in washing machine 10. Therefore, airflow path 50 can be stably maintained in washing machine 10.

[0057] The base portion 26b is disposed below the main body portion 26a as a base for the main body portion 26a. The base portion 26b has substantially the same size and shape as the main body portion 26a in a plan view. The base portion 26b has a hollow space extending vertically through its center in a plan view. The peripheral portion of the base portion 26b surrounding the hollow also has a honeycomb shape with many through-holes extending vertically through its periphery. This allows the base portion 26b to be lightweight without compromising its strength.

[0058] Furthermore, the periphery of base portion 26b is cut out from top surface 20e toward bottom surface 20f on the front surface 20a side. Therefore, when main body portion 26a is placed on base portion 26b, opening 26d is formed between them, opening outward in the circumferential direction. Opening 26d can be used for various purposes, such as inserting hands or tools into the inside of housing 20 for work, laying drainage pipes, updating and maintaining printed circuit boards, etc.

[0059] The connecting portion 26c connects the main body portion 26a and the base portion 26b, while improving vibration resistance and rigidity. The connecting portion 26c has a main body-side fixing portion 26e and a base-side fixing portion 26f. The main body-side fixing portion 26e is attached to the bottom of the main body portion 26a at a position on the front face 20a side, over approximately the entire width. The base-side fixing portion 26f is attached to the top of the base portion 26b at a position on the front face 20a side, over approximately the entire width.

[0060] Specifically, main body-side fixing portion 26e has main body-side front plate 26g extending in the left-right direction at the lower front surface of main body portion 26a. Base-side fixing portion 26f has base-side side beams 26h, 26i fastened to the left and right upper surfaces of base portion 26b, and base-side front plate 26j extending in the left-right direction at the front upper surface of base portion 26b. Base-side side beams 26h, 26i are provided with connection portions 26k to which a suspension structure (not shown), such as a damper, that supports water tank 30 is connected. Connection portion 26c is fixed to base-side side beam 26h by fastening the upper surface of base-side front plate 26j to the lower surfaces of base-side side beams 26h, 26i with fasteners such as screws, and by fastening the lower surface of main body-side front plate 26g to the upper surfaces of base-side side beams 26h, 26i with fasteners such as screws. In this way, by connecting and fixing the main body side fixing portion 26e and the base side fixing portion 26f with a fixing device, the connecting portion 26c integrates the main body portion 26a and the base portion 26b, thereby improving vibration resistance and rigidity.

[0061] The washing machine 10 described above is effective as a means for solving various problems in the prior art, due to the following configuration.

[0062] (1-1) Washing machine 10 of the present embodiment includes housing 20, washing tub 35 including water tub 30 provided in housing 20 and rotatable tub 40 provided rotatably within water tub 30, hot air supply unit 70 that supplies hot air to washing tub air intake unit 32 provided in washing tub 35, air blowing path 50 that extends from washing tub exhaust unit 34 provided in water tub 30 to washing tub air intake unit 32, and filter device 100 provided in the middle of air blowing path 50, and filter device 100 includes upstream filter member 160 that captures foreign matter contained in the air. and a downstream filter member 180, a filter accommodating section 110 that forms a space through which air flowing through the air supply path 50 can pass and that can accommodate the upstream filter member 160 and the downstream filter member 180, an outside air inlet section 140 that communicates with the filter accommodating section 110 and is open to the outside so that air can be introduced into the air supply path 50 from the outside, and an inside air outlet section 130 that communicates with the filter accommodating section 110 and is open to the outside so that air can be discharged from the air supply path 50 to the outside.

[0063] In the washing machine 10 described above, the outside air inlet section 140 and the inside air outlet section 130 are provided to communicate with the filter housing section 110 for housing the filters (upstream filter member 160 and downstream filter member 180). In this manner, the washing machine 10 is configured such that the outside air inlet section 140 and the inside air outlet section 130 are integrated with the filter housing section 110. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a washing machine 10 that can effectively utilize the limited space within the housing 20 by optimizing the arrangement of the outside air inlet section 140 for introducing outside air, the inside air outlet section 130 for discharging inside air, and the filter device 100.

[0064] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which two filters, an upstream filter member 160 and a downstream filter member 180, are provided. However, when using the configuration (1-1) above, it is also possible to use only one of them, for example by omitting the downstream filter member 180.

[0065] (1-2) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the filter device 100 is an integrated unit of the filter housing section 110, the outside air inlet section 140, and the inside air outlet section 130.

[0066] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to assemble the inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 integrally with the filter housing section 110, which contributes to reducing the number of parts and simplifying the device configuration.

[0067] (1-3) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the internal air discharge section 130 has an internal air discharge section communication port 116 that communicates with the filter accommodating section 110 and an internal air discharge port 134 that opens toward the outside, and air that has entered the internal air discharge section communication port 116 from the filter accommodating section 110 can be discharged from the internal air discharge port 134, and the opening area of ​​the internal air discharge port 134 is larger than the opening area of ​​the internal air discharge section communication port 116.

[0068] According to this configuration, the exhaust speed at the inside air exhaust port 134 can be reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the exhaust air from being forcefully discharged around the washing machine 10. This makes it possible to prevent the humid exhaust air from hitting the wallpaper, even if the washing machine is installed in a place surrounded by walls, such as a small washing machine installation space in an apartment building. As a result, it is possible to prevent condensation water from adhering to the surface of the wallpaper, etc., and the growth of microorganisms such as mold, which are caused by contact with the exhaust air from the washing machine 10.

[0069] (1-4) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the filter accommodating section 110 has an upstream opening 112 that opens upstream of the air flow flowing through the air supply path 50, a downstream opening 114 that opens downstream of the air flow flowing through the air supply path 50, an internal air exhaust section communication port 116 that communicates with the internal air exhaust section 130, and an external air intake section communication port 118 that communicates with the external air intake section 140, and the filter device 100 has a partition wall 174 that divides the internal space of the filter accommodating section 110 into a first space 176 that communicates with the downstream opening 114 and the external air intake section communication port 118, and a second space 178 that communicates with the internal air exhaust section communication port 116.

[0070] According to this configuration, the airflow to be circulated inside the washing machine 10 and the airflow to be discharged to the outside as exhaust air can be easily separated.

[0071] In the present embodiment, an example in which partition wall 174 is fixed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, partition wall 174 may be made movable so as to be movable in the width direction of upstream opening 112. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily change the ratio of the airflow circulated inside washing machine 10 to the airflow discharged to the outside as exhaust air. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which partition wall 174 is a component of upstream filter member 160 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, partition wall 174 may be a component of filter housing section 110.

[0072] (1-5) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the filter accommodating section 110 has an upstream opening 112 that opens upstream of the air flow flowing through the air supply path 50 and a downstream opening 114 that opens downstream of the air flow flowing through the air supply path 50, and the filter member has an upstream filter member 160 that is attached across the opening area of ​​the upstream opening 112 and a downstream filter member 180 that is attached across the opening area of ​​the downstream opening 114.

[0073] This configuration allows foreign matter contained in the airflow circulating through the airflow path 50 to be removed in two stages. Therefore, the above-described configuration enables the circulation of highly clean airflow. Furthermore, as described above, by providing the upstream filter member 160 and the downstream filter member 180, even if one of the filter members is forgotten to be attached, the other filter member can capture lint in the air. Furthermore, by providing two filters, consisting of the upstream filter member 160 and the downstream filter member 180, the moist air flowing through the airflow path 50 and the outside air taken in through the outside air inlet 140 are mixed in the filter housing 110, thereby lowering the temperature of the moist air flowing through the airflow path 50 (reducing the amount of saturated water vapor), and the moisture contained in the moist air can be efficiently separated and removed as condensed water, compared to when a single filter is provided. Furthermore, lint contained in the air passing through the filter accommodating section 110 can be made less likely to adhere by the condensed water generated on the upstream filter member 160 and the downstream filter member 180, or even if lint does adhere, it can be washed away by the condensed water.

[0074] Here, as described above, when the filter accommodating section 110 is configured to be able to efficiently separate and remove moisture contained in the moist air flowing through the air passage 50 as condensed water by providing the upstream filter member 160 and the downstream filter member 180, it is desirable to have a configuration that can prevent condensed water from accumulating in the filter accommodating section 110. Based on this knowledge, it is desirable to have a configuration such as the following (1-6), for example.

[0075] (1-6) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the filter accommodating section 110 has a drain outlet 120 through which moisture can be discharged, and an inclined section 122 at the bottom 110e that slopes downward toward the drain outlet 120.

[0076] According to this configuration, moisture such as condensed water collected in the filter housing portion 110 can be smoothly collected and discharged through the drain outlet 120. This makes it possible to keep the inside of the filter housing portion 110 clean.

[0077] (1-7) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized by having a drain pipe 120a that connects the drain outlet 120 to the air blowing path 50 on the upstream side of the filter device 100.

[0078] According to this configuration, moisture such as condensed water collected in the filter device 100 can be smoothly circulated to the upstream side of the air flow path 50.

[0079] (1-8) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that a part or the whole of the inner circumferential surface of the filter accommodating portion 110 is formed in an uneven shape.

[0080] This configuration allows moisture such as condensation water to flow slowly down in the filter accommodating portion 110. This allows the moisture to evaporate due to the airflow passing through the filter accommodating portion 110, and the amount of moisture discharged from the filter accommodating portion 110 to the outside can be minimized.

[0081] (2-1) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment comprises a housing 20, a washing tub 35 including a water tub 30 provided within the housing 20 and a rotating tub 40 rotatably provided within the water tub 30, a hot air supply unit 70 that supplies hot air to a washing tub intake unit 32 of the washing tub 35, an air supply path 50 from a washing tub exhaust unit 34 provided in the washing tub 35 to the washing tub intake unit 32, a filter device 100 that collects foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air supply path 50, and a water supply unit 82 that can supply water. The air supply path 50 has a communication part 58 that connects the washing tub exhaust unit 34 to the filter device 100, and the communication part 58 has a water receiving part 60 that receives water supplied by the water supply part 82 and the communication part 58 that connects to the water receiving part 60, and the water receiving part 60 and the communication part 58 connect through an opening 62 provided in the water receiving part 60.

[0082] According to this configuration, water can be dropped from water receiving portion 60 through opening 62 into communicating portion 58, thereby cleaning communicating portion 58. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, washing machine 10 can be provided that can keep communicating portion 58 clean.

[0083] (2-2) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the water receiving portion 60 has an upright portion 64 that stands upright so as to surround the opening 62.

[0084] With this configuration, water accumulated on the outer circumferential side of the standing portion 64 can be dropped from approximately the entire circumferential area of ​​the opening 62 toward the communicating portion 58. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, the communicating portion 58 can be cleaned over approximately the entire circumferential area.

[0085] (2-3) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the water receiving portion 60 has grooves 66 provided at one or more locations around the opening 62.

[0086] According to this configuration, it is possible to cause water to fall toward the opening 62 at the position where the groove 66 is provided. This makes it possible to cause water to fall at a desired position and clean the communication part 58, rather than leaving it to chance.

[0087] (2-4) Washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that water supply section 82 supplies water from a direction intersecting the direction in which opening 62 opens.

[0088] This configuration allows water to be distributed approximately evenly throughout the water receiving portion 60. This allows water to fall approximately evenly from each portion of the opening 62 toward the communicating portion 58, allowing for cleaning.

[0089] (3-1) Washing machine 10 of this embodiment comprises housing 20, washing tub 35 including water tub 30 provided within housing 20 and rotating tub 40 rotatably provided within water tub 30, hot air supply unit 70 that supplies hot air to washing tub intake section 32 of washing tub 35, and air supply path 50 from washing tub exhaust section 34 provided in washing tub 35 to washing tub intake section 32, wherein hot air supply unit 70 has air blower 72 that forms an air flow in air supply path 50 and heating device 74 that heats the air flowing through air supply path 50, and heating device 74 is located midway along air supply path 50 at narrowed section 52a where the cross-sectional area of ​​the space forming air supply path 50 is narrower than that on the upstream side.

[0090] In the washing machine 10 of the present embodiment, the heating device 74 is provided in the narrowed portion 52a where the spatial cross-sectional area of ​​the air blowing path 50 is narrowed, and therefore the air flowing through the air blowing path 50 can be heated smoothly and efficiently.

[0091] (3-2) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a filter device 100 that captures foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air supply path 50, and the warm air supply unit 70 is arranged downstream of the filter device 100 in the air flow direction in the air supply path 50.

[0092] According to this configuration, the airflow can be heated after foreign matter has been removed in the filter device 100. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the airflow can be heated efficiently with less thermal energy due to the absence of foreign matter, compared to when the airflow is heated before the foreign matter has been removed.

[0093] (3-3) Washing machine 10 of this embodiment comprises housing 20, washing tub 35 including water tub 30 provided in housing 20 and rotating tub 40 rotatably provided in water tub 30, hot air supply unit 70 that supplies hot air to washing tub intake section 32 of washing tub 35, and air supply path 50 that leads from washing tub exhaust section 34 provided in washing tub 35 to washing tub intake section 32, and is characterized in that housing 20 has front beam 28a extending left and right on the front side, rear beam 28b extending left and right on the back side, and a pair of side beams 28c, 28d extending in the front-rear direction on the left and right sides and connected to front beam 28a and rear beam 28b, and the components forming air supply path 50 are suspended from one or more beams selected from front beam 28a, rear beam 28b, and side beams 28c, 28d.

[0094] According to this configuration, the components of air flow path 50 can be suspended from front beam 28a, rear beam 28b, and side beams 28c and 28d, which have high strength, thereby improving rigidity against vibration. Specifically, for example, when hot air supply unit 70 and the like are assembled to air flow path 50 as described above, air flow path 50 is heavier than other components, and there is a concern about the generation of vibrations due to air blowing and the influence of vibrations due to the rotation of washing tub 35. However, if the components of air flow path 50 are suspended and assembled to housing 20, which has high rigidity and is made up of beams with high strength, air flow path 50 can be stably maintained.

[0095] (3-4) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that the components forming the hot air supply unit 70 are assembled to the components forming the air flow path 50.

[0096] According to this configuration, the beams can also absorb vibrations caused by the operation of the hot air supply unit 70, and rigidity against vibrations can be further improved.

[0097] (4-1) Washing machine 10 of the present embodiment includes housing 20, washing tub 35 including water tub 30 provided in housing 20, and rotatable tub 40 provided in water tub 30. Housing 20 has main body 26a that accommodates washing tub 35 therein, base 26b disposed below main body 26a, and connecting portion 26c that connects main body 26a and base 26b. Connecting portion 26c has main body-side fixing portion 26e fixed to the bottom of main body 26a and a fixing portion 26f of base 26b. and a base-side fixing portion 26f fixed to the top portion, the base-side fixing portion having base-side side beams fastened to the left and right upper surfaces of the base portion, and a base-side front plate extending in the left-right direction on the front upper surface of the base portion, the body-side fixing portion having a body-side front plate extending in the left-right direction on the lower front surface of the body portion, and the base-side front plate and the body-side plate are fastened to the base-side side beams.

[0098] According to this configuration, it is possible to improve vibration isolation and rigidity.

[0099] (4-2) The washing machine 10 of this embodiment is characterized in that it has an opening 26d between the main body 26a and the base 26b that can be opened outward in the circumferential direction.

[0100] With this configuration, for example, opening 26d can be utilized for various purposes, such as inserting hands or tools inside housing 20 to perform work on the lower side of housing 20, laying drainage pipes, updating and maintaining printed circuit boards, etc.

[0101] The washing machine of the present invention is not limited to the washing machine 10 exemplified in the above embodiment, and may have the configurations described below as modified examples, for example. Hereinafter, detailed explanations will be given with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation, the same components as those described in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0102] First Variation For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-075818 discloses a washer-dryer capable of washing clothes using hot water. In such a washer-dryer, water vapor generated in the water tub can infiltrate the circulation air duct when washing clothes using hot water. The infiltration of water vapor into the circulation air duct increases the humidity in the circulation air duct, making condensation more likely to occur in the circulation air duct. In particular, repeated condensation in electrical components, such as a drying heater, installed inside the circulation air duct over a long period of time can lead to malfunction of the electrical components. To address this issue, the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-075818 suppresses condensation in the circulation air duct by energizing the drying heater to generate heat when washing clothes using hot water.

[0103] However, in the washer-dryer described in the above-mentioned patent document, the drying heater is energized to generate heat when hot water is used, which raises concerns about increased power consumption due to simultaneous use of the hot water heater and the drying heater. Furthermore, using the drying heater when generating hot water poses a problem that the heater is energized while exposed to condensed water, which may cause malfunctions. Furthermore, leaving condensation on the heater may induce the growth of microorganisms such as mold.

[0104] Therefore, the first modified example aims to suppress the occurrence of condensation inside the washing machine even when washing is performed using warm water.

[0105] [Configuration and effects of the first modified example] The configuration and effects of the washing machine of this modified example, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, are as follows.

[0106] (5-1) The washing machine of this modification has a housing, a washing tub including a water tub provided in the housing and a rotary tub rotatably provided in the water tub, an air blowing path connecting a washing tub intake section and a washing tub exhaust section provided in the washing tub to be able to blow air outside the washing tub, an air blowing device that generates airflow in the air blowing path, and a hot water forming section that supplies hot water to the washing tub, and is configured to perform a washing process selected from a plurality of processes including a washing process that washes laundry put into the washing tub, a rinsing process that rinses laundry put into the washing tub, and a dewatering process that dewaters laundry put into the washing tub. The washing machine can be operated in an operation mode consisting of one or more steps, which includes either one or both of the washing step and the rinsing step and the dehydration step, and when the washing machine is operated in an operation mode in which either one or both of the washing step and the rinsing step is performed using hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit and the dehydration step is performed at least once, the washing machine can perform an air blowing operation during dehydration in which the air blowing device generates an air flow in the air blowing path during at least one of the one or more dehydration steps included in the operation in the operation mode.

[0107] With this configuration, when the washing machine is operated in an operating mode that uses warm water to wash or rinse or both, the airflow through the airflow path can be used to reduce humidity and suppress condensation by performing an airflow operation during the dehydration process.

[0108] (5-2) The washing machine described above may be the one described in claim 1, characterized in that the dehydration blowing operation is performed at least in the dehydration process that is performed immediately after washing or rinsing using warm water, among the multiple dehydration processes included in the operating mode.

[0109] With this configuration, in the dehydration process that is performed immediately after the humidity has increased due to washing and rinsing using warm water, the humidity can be reduced by flowing air through the air flow path, thereby further suppressing the occurrence of condensation in the air flow path.

[0110] (5-3) The washing machine described above may be the one described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, among the plurality of spin-drying processes included in the operation mode, in some of the spin-drying processes, the rotating tub is rotated at a maximum rotation speed.

[0111] This configuration can remove moisture remaining on or adhering to the rotating tub, accelerating drying of the rotating tub. Furthermore, the moisture removed from the rotating tub can be dried by blowing air during dehydration. Therefore, the above-described configuration can more reliably prevent condensation from forming.

[0112] (5-4) The washing machine described above may be the one described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotating tub is rotated at a maximum rotation speed in at least the last spin-drying process among the plurality of spin-drying processes included in the operating mode.

[0113] According to this configuration, the moisture remaining on or adhering to the rotating tub can be more reliably removed, accelerating the drying of the rotating tub.

[0114] (5-5) The washing machine described above may be any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a heating device that heats the air passing through the air blowing path, and when the dehydration air blowing operation is performed in the dehydration process that is performed immediately after washing or rinsing using at least warm water, heating of the air by the heating device is stopped.

[0115] With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the power consumption caused by the operation of the heating device.

[0116] (5-5) The washing machine described above may preferably be one according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a room temperature detection device that detects room temperature, and the air blowing capacity of the air blowing device during the dehydration air blowing operation is adjusted according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device.

[0117] With this configuration, air can be blown at an optimal blowing capacity depending on the temperature of the room, thereby enabling air to be blown at an optimal volume to suppress the occurrence of condensation, and thereby efficiently suppressing condensation.

[0118] (5-6) The washing machine described above may preferably be one according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a room temperature detection device that detects room temperature, and the air blowing time by the air blowing device during the dehydration air blowing operation is adjusted according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device.

[0119] With this configuration, the airflow time can be optimized depending on the temperature of the room. This prevents the air from being blown for an excessively long time in order to prevent condensation, thereby shortening the operating time and reducing power consumption. Furthermore, a sufficient airflow time can be ensured taking into account the temperature of the room, thereby efficiently preventing condensation.

[0120] (5-7) The washing machine described above may be one according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from the start timing of the spin-drying process.

[0121] This configuration can prevent moisture-rich air from flowing through the airflow path immediately after the start of the dehydration process.

[0122] (5-8) The washing machine described above may be one according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from when the rotating tub starts to rotate in the spin-drying process until the rotation speed of the rotating tub reaches a predetermined rotation speed.

[0123] With this configuration, a certain amount of moisture contained in the clothes is dehydrated and drained during the initial stage of the spin-drying process, from when the rotating tub starts to rotate until the rotation speed of the rotating tub reaches a predetermined rotation speed, thereby preventing the air containing a lot of moisture present in the washing tub from flowing through the air supply path.

[0124] (5-9) The washing machine described above may be any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the dehydration air blowing operation is performed on condition that the temperature of the hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

[0125] According to this configuration, when hot water at a temperature at which condensation may occur is used for washing or rinsing, the air blowing operation during dehydration can be performed appropriately.

[0126] [Specific example of the first modified example] Hereinafter, the washing machine 10 according to the first modification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the washing machine 10 according to this modification has a configuration that is mostly the same as that according to the above embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] Similar to the washing machine 10 illustrated in the above embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a housing 20, a washing tub 35, an air flow path 50, an air blower 72, and a heating device 74. As shown in Fig. 17, the washing machine 10 of this modification includes a hot water forming unit 200, a room temperature detecting unit 210, and a control unit 220 in addition to these components.

[0128] The hot water forming unit 200 is used to warm water used for washing and rinsing. The hot water forming unit 200 is composed of a heater that generates heat when electricity is applied. The hot water forming unit 200 can heat low-temperature water supplied from the outside to warm water. The hot water forming unit 200 can be installed in an appropriate location, such as the washing tub 35. The hot water forming unit 200 is operable under the control of the control unit 220.

[0129] The room temperature detection device 210 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the room where the washing machine 10 is installed. The room temperature detection device 210 is capable of outputting data relating to the detected room temperature to the control unit 220.

[0130] Control unit 220 controls the overall operation of washing machine 10. Control unit 220 is connected to hot water formation unit 200 and room temperature detection device 210. Control unit 220 is also connected to a motor for driving rotatable tub 40 in washing tub 35, air blower 72, and heating device 74. This allows control unit 220 to control the rotation of rotatable tub 40, air blowing by air blower 72, heating by heating device 74, etc.

[0131] Control unit 220 can control the operation of washing machine 10 so as to perform an operation consisting of only one process selected from a plurality of processes including a washing process for washing laundry placed in washing tub 35, a rinsing process for rinsing laundry placed in washing tub 35, and a spin-drying process for spin-drying laundry placed in washing tub 35, or an operation mode consisting of a combination of a plurality of processes selected from these processes. Washing machine 10 of this modified example is capable of performing a spin-drying air blowing operation under the control of control unit 220 when operating in an operation mode including a washing process, a rinsing process, or both, and a spin-drying process, and when performing either or both of washing and rinsing using hot water supplied by the hot water supply unit. The spin-drying air blowing operation will be described in detail below with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 18.

[0132] In the example shown in the timing chart of FIG. 18, washing machine 10 operates in an operation mode in which the following processes are performed in this order: washing process, first spin-drying process, rinsing process, second spin-drying process, third spin-drying process, and drying process. Here, the washing process is a process of washing laundry loaded into washing tub 35. In the operation mode illustrated in the timing chart of FIG. 18, washing is performed using water heated by hot water forming unit 200 in the washing process. The first spin-drying process is a spin-drying process performed after the washing process and before the rinsing process. The rinsing process is a process of re-loading water into washing tub 35 after the first spin-drying process to rinse the laundry. The second spin-drying process is a preparatory spin-drying process performed after the rinsing process and before the third spin-drying process. The third spin-drying process is a spin-drying process for further spin-drying the laundry after the second spin-drying process. The drying process is a process of drying the laundry that has been sufficiently dehydrated in the third spin-drying process with hot air supplied to washing tub 35.

[0133] When washing is performed using warm water in the washing process in the above-described operation mode, the control unit 220 operates the blower device 72 to generate airflow in the air blowing path 50 in at least one of the first spin-drying process, the second spin-drying process, and the third spin-drying process included in the operation mode (spin-drying blowing operation). The spin-drying blowing operation is performed at least in the spin-drying process that is performed immediately after washing or rinsing using warm water. In the example of FIG. 18, warm water is used in the washing process. Therefore, the control unit 220 performs the spin-drying blowing operation at least in the first spin-drying process that is performed after the washing process. In the example of FIG. 18, the control unit 220 controls the operation of the blower device 72 so that the spin-drying blowing operation is performed not only in the first spin-drying process but also in the second and third spin-drying processes.

[0134] The control unit 220 rotates the spin tub 40 at the maximum rotation speed in some of the spin-drying processes included in the operation mode. Furthermore, the control unit 220 rotates the spin tub 40 at the maximum rotation speed in at least the last spin-drying process among the multiple spin-drying processes included in the operation mode. In the example shown in the timing chart of Fig. 18, the control unit 220 controls the spin tub 40 to rotate at the maximum rotation speed in the third spin-drying process, which is the last spin-drying process among the first spin-drying process, the second spin-drying process, and the third spin-drying process.

[0135] Furthermore, control unit 220 controls to stop heating of air by heater 74 when performing the dehydration air blowing operation in the dehydration step performed immediately after washing or rinsing using warm water. In the example of Fig. 18, because washing is performed using warm water in the washing step, control unit 220 stops heating of air by heater 74 when performing the dehydration air blowing operation in the first dehydration step performed immediately after the washing step.

[0136] When performing the dehydration air blowing operation, the control unit 220 controls the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 to be adjusted continuously or stepwise in accordance with the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device 210. In this modification, temperature ranges are defined so that the room temperature can be grasped in three stages: when the room temperature is low, such as in winter; when the room temperature is moderate, such as in spring or autumn; and when the room temperature is high, such as in summer. The air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 is defined in three stages according to the rotation speed of the fan provided in the air blower 72. Furthermore, the relationship between the room temperature and the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 is defined in advance. For example, when the room temperature is high, the possibility of condensation occurring is low, so the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 is defined to be the lowest. On the other hand, when the room temperature is low, the possibility of condensation occurring is high, so the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 is defined to be high. When the room temperature is moderate, the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 is also defined to be moderate. The control unit 220 controls the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 in accordance with predetermined regulations based on the relationship between the room temperature and the air blowing capacity thus defined and the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device 210.

[0137] The control unit 220 controls the air blowing time of the air blowing device 72 during the dehydration air blowing operation to be adjusted continuously or in stages according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device. For example, as described above, the control unit 220 grasps the room temperature by dividing the room temperature into three levels: high, low, and medium. When the room temperature is medium, the control unit 220 sets the air blowing time of the air blowing device 72 to a standard time. When the room temperature is high, the possibility of condensation occurring is low, so the control unit 220 controls the air blowing time of the air blowing device 72 to be shorter than the standard time. On the other hand, when the room temperature is low, the possibility of condensation occurring is high, so the control unit 220 controls the air blowing time of the air blowing device 72 to be longer than the standard time. In this way, the control unit 220 controls the air blowing time of the air blowing device 72 to be adjusted according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device 210.

[0138] The control unit 220 controls the start of the air blowing operation during spin drying so that it is delayed from the start of the spin cycle. Specifically, the control unit 220 delays the start of the air blowing operation during spin drying from when the rotational speed of the rotating tub 40 starts rotating in the spin cycle until the rotational speed of the rotating tub 40 reaches a predetermined rotational speed. Specifically, the control unit 220 delays the start of the air blowing operation during spin drying until the rotational speed of the rotating tub 40 reaches a predetermined rotational speed that is set in the range of 30 to 60% of the maximum rotational speed (in the example shown in FIG. 18, a rotational speed that is approximately 40% of the maximum rotational speed). Furthermore, the control unit 220 controls the start of the air blowing operation during spin drying after the rotational speed of the rotating tub 40 reaches the predetermined rotational speed.

[0139] As described above, when washing machine 10 of this modified example is operated in an operation mode in which either or both of washing and rinsing are performed using hot water supplied by hot water forming unit 200 and the spin cycle is performed at least once, the spin-cycle air blowing operation is performed in which air blower 72 generates airflow in air blowing path 50 in at least one of one or more spin cycles included in the operation of the operation mode. Therefore, when operating in an operation mode in which either or both of washing and rinsing are performed using hot water, the spin-cycle air blowing operation is performed in the spin cycle, whereby the airflow flowing through air blowing path 50 reduces humidity and suppresses condensation.

[0140] In addition, in the washing machine 10 of this modification, among the multiple spin cycles included in the operation mode, the spin cycle air blowing operation is performed at least in the spin cycle performed immediately after washing or rinsing using hot water. Therefore, in the spin cycle performed immediately after the humidity has increased due to washing or rinsing using hot water, airflow can be circulated through the air blowing path 50 to reduce humidity. This further suppresses condensation from occurring in the air blowing path 50.

[0141] As described above, washing machine 10 of this modified example is configured to rotate spin tub 40 at the maximum rotation speed in some of the spin cycles included in the operation mode. This allows moisture remaining in or adhering to spin tub 40 to be removed, accelerating the drying of spin tub 40. Furthermore, the moisture removed from spin tub 40 can be dried by performing a spin-cycle air blowing operation. Therefore, the above-described configuration can more reliably suppress the occurrence of condensation.

[0142] In this modified example, the rotating tub 40 is rotated at the maximum rotation speed in some of the spin-drying steps among the multiple spin-drying steps included in the operation mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotating tub 40 may be rotated at the maximum rotation speed in all of the spin-drying steps, or may be rotated at a rotation speed lower than the maximum rotation speed in all of the spin-drying steps.

[0143] Washing machine 10 of this modification rotates spin tub 40 at the maximum rotation speed at least in the last spin-drying process among a plurality of spin-drying processes included in an operation mode. Therefore, in washing machine 10, moisture remaining in or adhering to spin tub 40 can be more reliably removed, accelerating the drying of spin tub 40.

[0144] In this modified example, the rotating tub 40 is rotated at the maximum rotation speed in at least the last spin-drying step among the multiple spin-drying steps included in the operation mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the rotating tub 40 may not be rotated at the maximum rotation speed even in the last spin-drying step.

[0145] Furthermore, washing machine 10 of this modification has heating device 74 that heats the air passing through air blowing path 50, and when performing the spin-drying air blowing operation in the spin-drying process that is performed immediately after washing or rinsing using at least warm water, heating of air by heating device 74 is stopped. Therefore, washing machine 10 of this modification can reduce power consumption due to the operation of heating device 74.

[0146] In this modified example, the configuration in which heating of air by heater 74 is stopped when the air blowing operation during dehydration is performed in the dehydration process performed immediately after washing or rinsing using hot water has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, washing machine 10 may be configured to heat air by heater 74 in the dehydration process immediately after washing or rinsing using hot water.

[0147] The washing machine 10 of this modified example described above has a room temperature detection device 210 that detects the room temperature, and the air blowing capacity of the air blower 72 during the air blowing operation during the spin cycle is adjusted according to the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection device 210. Therefore, the washing machine 10 of this modified example can blow air at an optimal air blowing capacity depending on the room temperature. This allows air to be blown at an optimal air volume to prevent condensation from occurring, thereby efficiently preventing condensation.

[0148] Although washing machine 10 of this modified example has been exemplified as one in which the air blowing capacity of air blower device 72 during the air blowing operation during spin drying is adjusted according to the room temperature detected by room temperature detection device 210, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, washing machine 10 may have the same air blowing capacity of air blower device 72 during the air blowing operation during spin drying regardless of the room temperature, or washing machine 10 may be provided with a clock function or the like so that the season can be known and the air blowing capacity may be changed according to the season.

[0149] Washing machine 10 of this modified example has room temperature detection device 210 that detects room temperature, and adjusts the air blowing time by air blower 72 during the spin-blow operation in accordance with the room temperature detected by room temperature detection device 210. Therefore, washing machine 10 of this modified example can optimize the air blowing time in accordance with the room temperature. This prevents air from being blown for an excessively long time in order to prevent condensation from occurring, thereby shortening the operating time and reducing power consumption. Furthermore, sufficient air blowing time can be secured in consideration of the room temperature, and condensation can be efficiently prevented from occurring.

[0150] Although washing machine 10 of this modification is configured to adjust the air blowing time by air blower 72 during the air blowing operation during spin drying in accordance with room temperature, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, washing machine 10 may keep the air blowing time by air blower 72 during the air blowing operation during spin drying constant regardless of room temperature, or washing machine 10 may be provided with a clock function or the like to be able to know the season and change the air blowing time according to the season.

[0151] In washing machine 10 of this modification, the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from the start timing of the spin cycle. Therefore, washing machine 10 of this modification can prevent moisture-rich air from flowing through air blowing path 50 immediately after the start of the spin cycle.

[0152] In this modification, the spin-off air blowing operation is delayed from the start of the spin cycle, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the washing machine 10 may be configured to start the spin-off air blowing operation at the same timing as the spin cycle.

[0153] In washing machine 10 of this modified example, the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from when spin tub 40 starts to rotate in the spin cycle until the rotation speed of spin tub 40 reaches a predetermined rotation speed. Therefore, in washing machine 10 of this modified example, it is possible to prevent air containing a large amount of moisture present in the early stage of the spin cycle, from flowing through air blowing path 50, from when spin tub 40 starts to rotate in the spin cycle until the rotation speed of spin tub 40 reaches the predetermined rotation speed.

[0154] In the present modified example, washing machine 10 delays the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation until the rotation speed of rotation tub 40 reaches a predetermined rotation speed during the spin-drying process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, washing machine 10 may start the spin-drying air blowing operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the spin-drying process.

[0155] In the present modified example, washing machine 10 is configured such that the condition for performing the spin-off air blowing operation is that hot water is used in the washing process, regardless of the temperature of the hot water supplied by hot water formation unit 200 in the washing process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the spin-off air blowing operation may be performed on the condition that the temperature of the hot water supplied by hot water formation unit 200 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature. This allows the spin-off air blowing operation to be performed appropriately when hot water at a temperature at which condensation is likely to occur is used for washing or rinsing, and the spin-off air blowing operation to be omitted when hot water at a temperature at which condensation is unlikely to occur is used.

[0156] In this modified example, an example in which the air blowing operation during spin-drying is performed depending on the temperature of the hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit 200 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the washing machine 10 may perform the air blowing operation during spin-drying regardless of the temperature of the hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit 200.

[0157] <<Second Variation>> Conventionally, there has been provided a washer-dryer similar to that disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-051296. The washer-dryer in Patent Literature 1 is said to include a rotating drum rotatably mounted within the washing machine housing, an air intake port for taking in air from outside the washing machine housing as drying air, an air intake path for supplying the drying air from the air intake port to the rotating drum, a heater for heating the drying air, a blower fan for blowing the drying air into the rotating drum, an exhaust port opening to the outside of the washing machine housing, an exhaust path for supplying the drying air that has exchanged heat with clothes in the rotating drum to the exhaust port, and a controller for controlling the heater, the blower fan, etc.

[0158] Here, when an air intake or exhaust port is provided on the housing of a washing machine, as in the washer-dryer of Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the air intake or exhaust port may be blocked by placing items on top of it, resulting in a decrease in air intake or exhaust performance.

[0159] Therefore, in the second variant, the purpose is to ensure that a path for air flow can be secured even when items, etc. are placed in the area where the external air inlet and internal air outlet used for intake and exhaust of air in the washing machine are provided.

[0160] [Configuration and effects of the second modified example] The configuration and effects of the washing machine of this modified example, which is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, are as follows.

[0161] (6-1) The washing machine of this modified example comprises a housing, a washing tub including a water tub provided within the housing and a rotating tub rotatably provided within the water tub, an air supply path connecting a washing tub intake section and a washing tub exhaust section provided in the washing tub to be able to send air outside the washing tub, an outside air inlet section that is open to the outside so that air can be introduced into the air supply path from the outside, and an inside air exhaust section that is open to the outside so that air can be exhausted from the air supply path to the outside, and is characterized in that either or both of the outside air inlet section and the inside air exhaust section have a first communication section that communicates with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting an exterior surface of the housing that is exposed to the outside, and a second communication section that communicates with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting the first communication section.

[0162] In the washing machine of this modification, either or both of the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet have a first communication part communicating with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting the exterior surface of the housing exposed to the outside, and a second communication part communicating with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting the first communication part. Therefore, even if an object is placed so as to block the first communication part, a path for air to flow can be secured via the second communication part.

[0163] In this modification, the exterior surface on which the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet are provided may be, for example, the top or side of the washing machine. If the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet provided on the top of the washing machine are provided with the first and second communication portions as described above, there is a concern that the first communication portion may be blocked by an object being placed on the top, but air flow can be ensured through the second communication portion. Furthermore, if the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet are provided on the side of the washing machine, there is a concern that the first communication portion may be blocked if the side on which they are provided is placed against a wall, but air flow can be ensured through the second communication portion.

[0164] (6-2) In the washing machine described above, it is preferable that one of the first communication portion and the second communication portion is formed to branch off from the other.

[0165] According to this configuration, there is no need to provide the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion as completely different parts, and therefore the configuration can be simplified.

[0166] (6-3) In the washing machine described above, it is preferable that one or both of the outside air inlet and the inside air exhaust are provided on the part of the exterior surface that forms the top surface of the housing.

[0167] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the air flow in the outside air intake section and the inside air exhaust section from being obstructed by, for example, an item being placed on the top surface of the housing.

[0168] (6-4) The above-mentioned washing machine preferably has a slat portion on the exterior surface in which a plurality of slats are arranged in a chain or lattice pattern, the slat portion being exposed to the outside and formed to communicate with the side of the exterior surface, either one or both of the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet being provided on the slat portion, the first communication portion being formed by an opening that opens to the exterior surface between adjacent slats that make up the slat portion, and the second communication portion being formed by a portion that is not open to the exterior surface between adjacent slats that make up the slat portion and communicates with the side of the exterior surface.

[0169] With this configuration, a first communicating portion can be formed by the opening formed between the bars, and a second communicating portion can be formed in the portion between the bars where no opening is formed.

[0170] [Specific example of the second modified example] Hereinafter, the washing machine 10 according to the second modification will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. Note that the washing machine 10 according to this modification has a configuration that is mostly the same as that according to the above embodiment, and therefore the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0171] Washing machine 10 includes housing 20, washing tub 35, and air blowing path 50 having the same configurations as those exemplified in the above-described embodiment. Washing machine 10 of the second modified example differs in part from the configurations of inside air discharge section 130 and outside air introduction section 140 described above. Hereinafter, the configurations of inside air discharge section 130 and outside air introduction section 140 in the second modified example will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0172] The internal air exhaust section 130 is open to the outside so that air can be exhausted from the air blowing path 50 to the outside. The external air introduction section 140 is open to the outside so that air can be introduced from the outside into the air blowing path 50. The internal air exhaust section 130 and the external air introduction section 140 are each provided on the top surface 20e of the exterior surface of the housing 20, at a position on the back surface 20b side.

[0173] The inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 are formed by rib-like sections 250, 260 each having a plurality of ribs 252, 262 arranged in a chain or lattice pattern. The rib-like sections 250, 260 are exposed to the outside on the top surface 20e and are formed so as to communicate with each other toward the side of the top surface 20e (toward the back surface 20b in this modified example).

[0174] The inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 have first communication sections 254, 264 and second communication sections 256, 266 formed by rib-like sections 250, 260, respectively.

[0175] The first communication portions 254, 264 communicate with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting the top surface 20e (in the vertical direction in this modification). The first communication portions 254, 264 are formed by openings that are open to the top surface 20e between adjacent bars 252, 252 or between adjacent bars 262, 262 that make up the bar-shaped portions 250, 260.

[0176] The second communication portions 256, 266 communicate with the outside so that air can flow in a direction intersecting the first communication portions 254, 264. The second communication portions 256, 266 are formed to branch off from the first communication portions 254, 264. The second communication portions 256, 266 are formed by portions that are closed to the top surface 20e between adjacent crosspieces 252, 252 or between adjacent crosspieces 262, 262 that make up the crosspiece portion 250, 260 and that communicate toward the side of the top surface 20e (toward the rear surface 20b in this modification). The closed portions that make up the second communication portions 256, 266 are located lower than the upper ends (open ends) of the crosspieces 252, 252 and crosspieces 262, 262. Therefore, grooves through which air can flow along the surface of the top surface 20e (exterior surface) are formed between the crosspieces 252, 252 and crosspieces 262, 262. 20 , the crosspiece 252 and the crosspiece 262 have inclined portions 258, 268 that are inclined from the upper end side to the lower end side at the terminal end side (the rear surface 20b side in this modification) of the second communicating portions 256, 266. Because of this configuration, even if an article is placed on the crosspiece 250, 260, a gap is formed between the inclined portions 258, 268 and the article, ensuring breathability in the second communicating portions 256, 266.

[0177] As described above, in washing machine 10 of the present modification, both internal air discharge portion 130 and external air introduction portion 140 have first communication portions 254, 264 that communicate with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting with top surface 20e of housing 20 that is exposed to the outside, and second communication portions 256, 266 that communicate with the outside so that air flows in a direction intersecting with first communication portions 254, 264. Therefore, in washing machine 10 of the present modification, even if an object is placed so as to block first communication portions 254, 264, a path for air to flow via second communication portions 256, 266 can be secured.

[0178] In this modified example, the inside air exhaust portion 130 and the outside air intake portion 140 are provided on the top surface 20e, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the inside air exhaust portion 130 and the outside air intake portion 140 are provided on a side surface of the housing 20, if the side surface on which they are provided has the above-described configuration, even if the first communication portions 254, 264 are blocked by, for example, placing the side surface in contact with a wall surface, the air flow through the second communication portions 256, 266 can be ensured.

[0179] Although this modified example shows an example in which both the inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 are configured to include the first communication sections 254, 264 and the second communication sections 256, 266 as described above, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, either the inside air discharge section 130 or the outside air introduction section 140 may have a configuration other than the above-described configuration in which the first communication sections 254, 264 and the second communication sections 256, 266 are included.

[0180] The washing machine 10 of the present modified example described above is formed so that one of the first communication portions 254, 264 and the second communication portions 256, 266 branches off from the other. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the first communication portions 254, 264 and the second communication portions 256, 266 as completely different parts, which simplifies the configuration.

[0181] Although this modified example shows an example in which the second communication portions 256, 266 branch off from the first communication portions 254, 264, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the inside air discharge portion 130 and the outside air introduction portion 140 may be configured so that the first communication portions 254, 264 branch off from the second communication portions 256, 266, or the first communication portions 254, 264 and the second communication portions 256, 266 may be provided on separate paths.

[0182] In the washing machine 10 described above, the inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 are provided in a portion forming the top surface 20e of the housing 20. Therefore, in the washing machine 10, it is possible to prevent the air flow in the inside air discharge section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 from being obstructed due to, for example, an article being placed on the top surface forming the housing 20.

[0183] Although this modified example shows an example in which both the inside air exhaust section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 are provided on the top surface 20e, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, either or both of the inside air exhaust section 130 and the outside air introduction section 140 may be provided on an exterior surface other than the top surface 20e, such as a side surface of the housing 20.

[0184] The washing machine 10 described above has rib-like portions 250, 260, each having a plurality of ribs 252, 262 arranged in a chain or lattice pattern on top surface 20e. Rib-like portions 250, 260 are exposed to the outside and communicate with the sides of top surface 20e. Both internal air exhaust portion 130 and external air intake portion 140 are provided on rib-like portions 250, 260. First communication portions 254, 264 are formed by openings between ribs 252, 262 that are open to top surface 20e, and second communication portions 256, 266 are formed by non-opening portions between ribs 252, 262. With this simple configuration, washing machine 10 of this modified example can be provided with first communication portions 254, 264 and second communication portions 256, 266.

[0185] In this modification, the first communicating portions 254, 264 and the second communicating portions 256, 266 are provided by utilizing the rib-like portions 250, 260, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the washing machine 10 may be provided with openings for the first communicating portions 254, 264 and openings for the second communicating portions 256, 266 separately.

[0186] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations thereof, and other embodiments may be possible within the scope of the claims. The components of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the Summary of the Invention or any component embodying any component described in the Summary of the Invention. The present invention intends to obtain rights to these as well through amendments to this application or divisional applications, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0187] The present invention can be suitably used in washing machines in general. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 10: Washing machine 20: Housing 26a: Main body 26b: Base 26c: Connection 26d: opening 26e: Main body side fixing part 26f: Base side fixing part 28a: Front beam 28b: Back beam 28c: Side beam 28d: Side beam 30: Aquarium 32: Washing machine tub intake 34: Washing machine tub exhaust 35: Washing machine tub 40: Rotating tank 50: Air flow path 52a: Stenosis 58:Communication part 60: Water receiving part 62: Opening 64: Standing section 66: Groove 70: Hot air supply section 72: Air blower 74: Heating device 82: Water supply section 100: Filter device 110: Filter housing section 110e: bottom 112: Upstream opening 114: Downstream opening 116: Internal air exhaust communication port 118: Outside air intake communication port 120: Drain port 120a: Drain pipe 122: Inclined part 130: Internal air exhaust section 134: Inside air outlet 140: Outside air intake 160: Upstream filter member 174: Partition wall 176 :First space 178:Second space 180: Downstream filter member 200: Hot water forming section 210: Room temperature detector 220: Control unit 250: Crosspiece 252: Crosspiece 254: First communication section 256:Second communication part 258: Inclined part 260: bar-like part 262: Crosspiece 264: First communication section 266:Second communication part 268: Inclined part

Claims

1. The housing and a washing tub including a water tub provided in the housing and a rotary tub rotatably provided in the water tub; a path in the housing that connects a washing tub air intake section and a washing tub exhaust section provided in the washing tub so as to be able to blow air outside the washing tub, the path extending from the washing tub exhaust section to the washing tub air intake section; a blower that generates an airflow in the airflow path; a hot water forming unit for supplying hot water to the washing tub, The washing machine can be operated in an operation mode consisting of one or more steps selected from a plurality of steps including a washing step of washing the laundry put into the washing tub, a rinsing step of rinsing the laundry put into the washing tub, and a dewatering step of dewatering the laundry put into the washing tub, When an operation is performed in an operation mode in which both the washing process and the rinsing process and the dehydration process are included in the operation mode, and either one or both of the washing process and the rinsing process are performed using hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit, and the dehydration process is performed at least once, a dehydration air blowing operation is performed in which the air blowing device generates an airflow in the air blowing path in at least one of the one or more dehydration processes included in the operation in the operation mode, The washing machine is characterized in that the dehydration air blowing operation is performed on the condition that the temperature of the hot water supplied by the hot water forming unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

2. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the spin-drying air blowing operation is performed at least in the spin-drying process performed immediately after washing or rinsing using warm water, among the plurality of spin-drying processes included in the operation mode.

3. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotational tub is rotated at a maximum rotation speed in some of the spin-drying processes among the plurality of spin-drying processes included in the operation mode.

4. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the spin tub is rotated at a maximum rotation speed in at least the last spin-drying process among the plurality of spin-drying processes included in the operation mode.

5. a heating device that heats the air passing through the air blowing path, 6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the dehydration air blowing operation is performed in the dehydration step performed immediately after washing or rinsing using at least warm water, heating of the air by the heating device is stopped.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from the start of the spin-drying process.

7. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the start of the spin-drying air blowing operation is delayed from when the rotation of the spin tub starts until the rotation speed of the spin tub reaches a predetermined rotation speed in the spin-drying process.

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