Washer dryer

Abstract

To provide a washer-dryer that allows the user to select a different operation mode depending on the type of laundry, which affects the effectiveness of the drying process. [Solution] The washer-dryer comprises a washing and drying tub for storing laundry, a door for opening and closing an opening for loading and unloading laundry, a locking mechanism for restraining the door in a closed position, a drying mechanism for supplying hot air to the washing and drying tub, an input / output unit for inputting and outputting various data, and a control unit. When data for selecting a first operating course is input to the input / output unit, the control unit sets the locking mechanism to the door locked position and executes the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes in succession. On the other hand, when data for selecting a second operating course is input to the input / output unit, the control unit temporarily stops the transition to the drying process after the spinning process and switches the locking mechanism from the door locked position to the door unlocked position.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washer-dryer. [[Background Art]]

[0002] A washer-dryer according to the background art is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Said washer-dryer is capable of performing washing, rinsing, dewatering and drying operations. This washer-dryer includes a lock mechanism that restrains a lid, which opens and closes a laundry loading / unloading opening, in a closed state. Further, in the washer-dryer, a temporary stop period is provided before shifting to the drying operation, the restraint of the lid by the lock mechanism is released when shifting to the temporary stop period, and a notification is issued if there is no opening / closing operation of the lid within a predetermined time after the temporary stop. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-61474 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] According to the washer-dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1, sufficient measures have not been taken for operating the washer-dryer in accordance with the type of laundry that affects the suitability of drying in a drying step.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a washer-dryer capable of selecting an operation according to the type of laundry that affects the suitability of drying in a drying step. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] The washing and drying machine in this disclosure comprises: a washing and drying tub for storing laundry; a door body for opening and closing an opening for loading and unloading laundry into and out of the washing and drying tub; a locking mechanism that can be switched between a door locked state in which the door body is restrained in a closed state with the opening closed, and a door unlocked state in which the door body is allowed to open and close the opening; a drying mechanism for drying laundry by blowing hot air into the washing and drying tub; an input / output unit that receives and outputs various data, including course selection data for selecting an operation course in which the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes are set in advance; and a control unit that executes the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes according to the course selection data input to the input / output unit, and controls the drying mechanism in the drying process. When the course selection data is data for selecting a first operation course, the control unit sets the locking mechanism to the door locked state and executes the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes in succession. If the course selection data is data for selecting the second operating course, the control unit sets the locking mechanism to the door locked state and executes the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. After the spin-drying process is completed, it temporarily stops the transition to the drying process and switches the locking mechanism from the door locked state to the door unlocked state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a washer-dryer that can select operation according to the type of laundry, which affects the suitability of drying in the drying process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Cross-section of a washer-dryer [Figure 2] Circuit diagram of the door locking device [Figure 3] Washer-dryer control configuration diagram [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the operation control of the washer-dryer when the first operating course is selected. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the operation control of the washer-dryer when the second operating course is selected. [Figure 6]A flowchart showing the operation control of the washer-dryer when the second operating course is selected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) Laundry made from natural materials such as cotton and wool, synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyurethane, or knit fabrics is prone to shrinkage during the drying process after the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid drying these delicate items, or to dry them at a lower temperature than usual. Anticipating the existence of such delicate items, the washing machine / dryer in the background technology releases the lid's restraint via a locking mechanism during the pause period before transitioning to the drying cycle, and also provides notification if the lid is not opened or closed within a predetermined time after the pause. The user of the washing machine / dryer can remove delicate items by opening and closing the lid during the pause period. However, if the washing machine / dryer is paused even though there are no delicate items, the operating time increases due to the pause, reducing the efficiency of washing and drying the laundry.

[0010] The present inventors have arrived at the subject matter of this disclosure in order to efficiently perform the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes according to the type of laundry. Therefore, this disclosure provides a washing and drying machine that can select operation according to the type of laundry, which affects the suitability of drying in the drying process.

[0011] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, descriptions that are unnecessarily detailed may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for the full understanding of the disclosure by those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] [Washer-dryer configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer-dryer 1. The washer-dryer 1 is configured to wash laundry such as clothes and to dry the laundry after washing. The washer-dryer 1 is a so-called drum-type washer-dryer. The washer-dryer 1 comprises a housing 10 with an opening 11 for loading and unloading laundry, and a door 12 for opening and closing the opening 11. The opening 11 is formed in the front wall 10a of the housing 10. Inside the housing 10 are a water tank 15 and a rotating drum 16, which form a processing chamber 13 for accommodating laundry loaded through the opening 11 and for washing and drying the laundry.

[0013] The water tank 15 has a water tank opening 14 that opens toward the door body 12 in a closed state with the opening 11 closed. The rotating drum 16 corresponds to the washing and drying tub of this disclosure. The rotating drum 16 is rotatably held within the water tank 15. A drum opening 17 is formed on the front end wall of the rotating drum 16, opening in the same direction as the water tank opening 14 of the water tank 15. Laundry put in through the opening 11 is contained within the rotating drum 16 through the water tank opening 14 and the drum opening 17.

[0014] The water tank 15 is provided for holding water during the washing and rinsing processes. The water tank 15 is elastically supported by a suspension mechanism 18 fixed to the bottom wall 10b of the housing 10.

[0015] A water inlet 21 is provided in the middle of the peripheral wall of the water tank 15, through which water flows in during the washing and rinsing processes. Numerous small holes 16a are formed in the rotating drum 16 inside the water tank 15. Therefore, water that flows into the water tank 15 through the water inlet 21 flows into the rotating drum 16 through the small holes 16a. As a result, water accumulates inside the rotating drum 16 and soaks into the laundry inside the rotating drum 16. In addition, a drain port 22 is provided at the lower part of the rear end wall of the water tank 15 for draining the water used in the washing and rinsing processes. During drainage from the rotating drum 16 and during the dewatering process, water that flows out of the rotating drum 16 through the small holes 16a is discharged from the water tank 15 through the drain port 22.

[0016] Further, in order to allow the inflow and outflow of hot air for drying laundry in the drying step, an exhaust port 23 is formed in the upper portion of the peripheral wall of the water tub 15, and an air supply port 24 is formed in the rear end wall of the water tub 15. In the drying step, hot air that is heated air flows into the processing chamber 13 from the air supply port 24 and is exhausted from the processing chamber 13 through the exhaust port 23. In the processing chamber 13, since a large number of small holes 16a are formed in the rotating drum 16, the hot air flows into the rotating drum 16 through the small holes 16a and contacts the laundry in the rotating drum 16.

[0017] A motor 19 for rotationally driving the rotating drum 16 is attached to the outer surface of the rear end wall of the water tub 15. A motor shaft of the motor 19 penetrates the rear end wall of the water tub 15 and is connected to the rotating drum 16. When the rotating drum 16 is rotationally driven by the motor 19, the laundry is agitated within the rotating drum 16.

[0018] On the upper side of the water tub 15, a water supply mechanism 25 for supplying water to the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the water supply port 21 is provided. The water supply mechanism 25 includes a water supply path 26 piped on the upper side of the water tub 15, a water supply valve 27 provided in the water supply path 26, and a detergent box 28.

[0019] An upstream end of the water supply path 26 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 10 and is configured to be connectable to a hose extending from a water tap. A downstream end of the water supply path 26 is connected to the water supply port 21 of the water tub 15. The water supply valve 27 is configured to be able to open and close the water supply path 26, and is arranged upstream of the detergent box 28 in the flow direction of water within the water supply path 26. The detergent box 28 is configured to be able to accommodate detergent. When the water supply valve 27 is opened, the water flowing through the water supply path 26 passes through the detergent box 28 and is supplied to the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the water supply port 21 of the water tub 15.

[0020] A drainage mechanism 29 for discharging water from the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the drainage port 22 is provided on the lower side of the water tub 15. The drainage mechanism 29 includes a drainage path 30 piped on the lower side of the water tub 15, and a drainage valve 31 provided in the drainage path 30. The drainage path 30 extends from the drainage port 22 of the water tub 15 to the outside of the housing 10. The drainage valve 31 is configured to be able to open and close the drainage path 30. When the drainage valve 31 is opened in a state where water is accumulated in the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13, the water in the rotating drum 16 is drained through the drainage path 30.

[0021] A duct 32 that forms a flow path through which hot air used for drying laundry in a drying process flows is provided on the outer side of the water tub 15. The duct 32 is connected to the air supply port 24 and the exhaust port 23 of the water tub 15. The hot air used for drying laundry in the drying process flows into the duct 32 from the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the exhaust port 23. This hot air then returns to the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the air supply port 24.

[0022] A drying mechanism 40 for drying laundry by feeding hot air into the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 through the air supply port 24 is disposed in the duct 32. The drying mechanism 40 includes an airflow generation unit 41, a heating unit 42, and a dehumidification unit 43. The airflow generation unit 41 generates an airflow flowing through the duct 32 by sucking air out of the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13 and feeding air into the rotating drum 16 through the air supply port 24. The airflow generation unit 41 is configured of, for example, a sirocco fan. The heating unit 42 is disposed upstream of the airflow generation unit 41 in the flow direction of air flowing through the duct 32. The heating unit 42 heats air flowing through the duct 32. The dehumidification unit 43 is disposed upstream of the heating unit 42. The dehumidification unit 43 cools air and causes condensation. The heating unit 42 and the dehumidification unit 43 may constitute a heat pump device.

[0023] The heating unit 42 and the dehumidifying unit 43 produce hot air, which is high temperature and low humidity. This hot air is sent by the airflow generation unit 41 through the air intake 24 to the rotating drum 16 in the processing chamber 13. As a result, the laundry inside the rotating drum 16 is exposed to the hot air, which is high temperature and low humidity. Consequently, the moisture contained in the laundry evaporates into the hot air, and the laundry is dried.

[0024] The door body 12 has a latch portion 12a. A door locking device 50 is positioned around the periphery of the opening 11 in the housing 10. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the door locking device 50. The door locking device 50 includes a locking mechanism 51, a lock detection unit 52, and a door opening / closing detection unit 53.

[0025] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the locking mechanism 51 of the washing machine 1. The locking mechanism 51 is configured to engage the latch portion 12a of the door body 12. When the door body 12 is in the closed state, the locking mechanism 51 engages the latch portion 12a, thereby keeping the door body 12 in the closed state. The locking mechanism 51 has a solenoid 51a, and is configured to be switchable between a door locked state, which restrains the door body 12 in the closed state, and a door unlocked state, which allows the door body 12 to open and close the opening 11.

[0026] The lock detection unit 52 detects the door lock state and door unlock state of the door body 12 by the lock mechanism 51. The lock detection unit 52 has a movable contact 52a and a fixed contact 52b, and the movable contact 52a and the fixed contact 52b constitute a switch. The movable contact 52a and the fixed contact 52b make contact when the lock mechanism 51 is in the door lock state and become non-contact when the door unlock state is released. In other words, the lock detection unit 52 detects the door lock state and door unlock state of the door body 12 in conjunction with the solenoid 51a of the lock mechanism 51, with the door lock state being ON and the door unlock state being OFF. The movable contact 52a is connected to terminal T2, and the fixed contact 52b is connected to terminal T1. Terminal T1, along with terminal T2, is electrically connected to the control device 62 described later, and a detection signal, indicated by a voltage signal corresponding to the door lock state and door unlock state of the door body 12 by the lock mechanism 51, is input to the control device 62.

[0027] The door opening / closing detection unit 53 detects the open / closed state of the door body 12 when the locking mechanism 51 is in the unlocked state. The door opening / closing detection unit 53 has a movable contact 53a and a fixed contact 53b, and the movable contact 53a and the fixed contact 53b constitute a switch. The movable contact 53a and the fixed contact 53b make contact when the door body 12 is closed and do not make contact when the door body 12 is open. In other words, the door opening / closing detection unit 53 detects the opening and closing of the door body 12 by setting the closed state of the door body 12 to ON and the open state of the door body 12 to OFF. The movable contact 53a is connected to terminal T3 via the solenoid 51a of the locking mechanism 51, and the fixed contact 53b is connected to terminal T2. As a result, the locking mechanism 51 can only be operated when the door body 12 is in the closed state. Terminals T2 and T3 are electrically connected to the control device 62 described below, thereby inputting a detection signal, indicated by a voltage signal corresponding to the open / closed state of the door body 12, to the control device 62.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the washing and drying machine 1 may be equipped with a fabric load detection unit 60. The fabric load detection unit 60 detects the amount of laundry contained in the rotating drum 16. The fabric load detection unit 60 measures, for example, the weight of the laundry. Specifically, the fabric load detection unit 60 includes a sensor that measures the voltage applied to the motor 19 that rotates the rotating drum 16, and a control circuit that converts the measured voltage into the torque loaded on the motor 19 when the motor 19 rotates, and calculates the weight of the laundry based on that torque. The detection signal of the fabric load data indicating the detection result of the fabric load detection unit 60 is input to the control device 62 described later.

[0029] An input / output device 61 and a control device 62 are located at the upper end of the front wall 10a of the housing 10. The input / output device 61 and the control device 62 are connected in a way that enables data communication.

[0030] The input / output device 61 receives various data inputs from the user of the washing machine 1 regarding its operation, and outputs various data to be notified to the user. The input / output device 61 is composed of an operation display unit that receives instructions from the user, for example, via a touch panel. In this case, the input / output device 61 has the function of an operation unit that receives data input operations and the function of a display unit that displays the data by outputting it. The operation display unit may consist of an operation unit with physical buttons and a display unit with 7 segments and liquid crystal. Signals of various data input to the input / output device 61 are sent to the control device 62. The input / output device 61 outputs data based on control signals from the control device 62. The input / output device 61 is not limited to a touch panel or the like located on the housing 10, as long as it is connected to the control device 62 in a data communication manner. The input / output device 61 may also be a communication module provided to communicate with mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets. In this case, the communication module receives and inputs data from mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets. The data received by the communication module is sent to the control device 62. Furthermore, the communication module outputs data to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets based on control signals from the control device 62.

[0031] The control device 62 includes an MCU consisting of a processor such as a CPU and peripheral circuits. The MCU may be composed of a single IC. Figure 3 is a control configuration diagram of the washing and drying machine 1. The control device 62 is electrically connected to a lock detection unit 52, a door opening / closing detection unit 53, a fabric load detection unit 60, and an input / output device 61 as signal input elements, and to a motor 19, a water supply mechanism 25, a drainage mechanism 29, a drying mechanism 40, a lock mechanism 51, and an input / output device 61 as signal output elements. The control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes by controlling the motor 19, water supply mechanism 25, drainage mechanism 29, and lock mechanism 51 according to various data input to the input / output device 61, and also controls the drying mechanism 40 during the drying process.

[0032] [Washer-dryer operation] The control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes according to the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61. The course selection data DA1 is data for selecting an operating course in which the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes are predetermined. The operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes include operating time, rotational speed of the motor 19, and other driving conditions. In addition, the drying process has its own unique operating conditions, including the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40.

[0033] The control device 62 switches the locking mechanism 51 from the unlocked door state to the locked door state and starts operating the washing machine 1 according to the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61. The control device 62 closes the drain valve 31 of the draining mechanism 29 and opens the water supply valve 27 of the water supply mechanism 25. As a result, water is supplied to the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16 through the water supply mechanism 25.

[0034] After supplying water to the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16, the control device 62 executes the washing process by controlling the rotation of the rotating drum 16 in accordance with the control of the motor 19, according to the operating conditions of the washing process preset in the course selection data DA1. As a result, the laundry in the rotating drum 16 is washed while being agitated in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum 16.

[0035] When the washing process is complete, the control device 62 opens the drain valve 31 of the drain mechanism 29 while keeping the water supply valve 27 of the water supply mechanism 25 closed. This allows the water containing detergent components in the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16 to be discharged through the drain mechanism 29. After the water is drained from the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16, the control device 62 opens the water supply valve 27 of the water supply mechanism 25 while keeping the drain valve 31 of the drain mechanism 29 closed. This allows water to be supplied to the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16 through the water supply mechanism 25.

[0036] After supplying water to the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16, the control device 62 opens and closes the water supply valve 27 and the drain valve 31, and controls the rotation of the rotating drum 16 in accordance with the motor 19 control according to the rinsing process operating conditions preset in the course selection data DA1, thereby executing the rinsing process. As a result, the laundry in the rotating drum 16 is agitated in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum 16. This agitation rinses away the detergent components contained in the laundry with the water in the rotating drum 16.

[0037] When rinsing of the laundry is complete during the rinsing process, the control device 62 opens the drain valve 31 of the drain mechanism 29 while keeping the water supply valve 27 of the water supply mechanism 25 closed. As a result, the water in the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16 after the rinsing process is discharged through the drain mechanism 29.

[0038] After draining from the water tank 15 and the rotating drum 16, the control device 62 closes the water supply valve 27 and keeps the drain valve 31 open, and executes the dewatering process by controlling the rotation of the rotating drum 16 in accordance with the control of the motor 19, according to the operating conditions of the dewatering process preset in the course selection data DA1. Due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating drum 16, the water contained in the laundry during the rinsing process is dewatered by centrifugal force and discharged from the rotating drum 16 through the drainage mechanism 29.

[0039] The control device 62 may perform a dewatering step after the washing step and before the rinsing step. Alternatively, the control device 62 may repeat the rinsing step and the dewatering step multiple times after the washing step.

[0040] Once the dewatering process is complete, the control device 62 controls the rotation of the rotating drum 16 and the drying mechanism 40 in accordance with the operating conditions of the drying process preset in the course selection data DA1, thereby executing the drying process. During the drying process, the control device 62 controls the motor 19 so that the rotation speed of the rotating drum 16 is lower than the rotation speed of the rotating drum 16 in the dewatering process, while activating the heating unit 42, dehumidifying unit 43, and airflow generation unit 41 in the drying mechanism 40.

[0041] The heating unit 42 and the dehumidifying unit 43 generate hot, low-humidity warm air, which is then sent into the rotating drum 16 through the air intake 24 by the airflow generation unit 41. As a result, the laundry inside the rotating drum 16 is exposed to the hot, low-humidity warm air. At this time, the moisture contained in the laundry evaporates into the air inside the rotating drum 16. This evaporation increases the humidity of the air and decreases its temperature. The air, having had moisture removed from the laundry in this way, flows into the duct 32 through the exhaust vent 23. The air that flows into the duct 32 passes through the dehumidifying unit 43 and the heating unit 42 in sequence, becoming hot, low-humidity warm air again, and is returned to the rotating drum 16 by the airflow generation unit 41.

[0042] [Washer / dryer operation for each cycle] As described above, the control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes according to the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61. The course selection data DA1 is data for selecting an operating course in which the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes are predetermined.

[0043] Laundry made from natural materials such as cotton and wool, synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyurethane, or knit fabrics is prone to shrinkage and other phenomena during the drying process after the washing, rinsing, and spinning processes, when dried by the drying mechanism 40 according to pre-set operating conditions. For this reason, it is desirable not to perform the drying process, or to perform the drying process at a lower temperature than usual. These are delicate laundry items (hereinafter referred to as "delicate clothing"). Assuming the presence of such delicate clothing, the operating courses include, for example, a first operating course and a second operating course depending on the type of laundry. The first operating course is effective when there is no delicate clothing among the laundry put into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11. The second operating course is effective when there is delicate clothing among the laundry put into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11.

[0044] The washing and drying machine 1 can select an operating course according to the type of laundry, which affects the suitability of drying by the drying mechanism 40 in the drying process, in accordance with the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61.

[0045] <Operation of the washer-dryer when the first cycle is selected> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation control of the washing machine 1 when the first operating course is selected.

[0046] In the washing machine 1, the user loads laundry into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11 with the door body 12, which is unlocked by the locking mechanism 51, open. Course selection data DA1 for selecting the first operating course is input to the input / output device 61 (step a1). When data for starting operation with the door body 12 closed is input to the input / output device 61, the control device 62 locks the door mechanism 51 (step b1). The control device 62 confirms that the locking mechanism 51 is in the door locked state based on the detection signal from the lock detection unit 52. With the locking mechanism 51 in the door locked state, the control device 62 starts the operation of the washing machine 1 (step b2).

[0047] When course selection data DA1 for selecting the first operating course is input to the input / output device 61, the control device 62 locks the door with the locking mechanism 51 and controls the motor 19 and drying mechanism 40, etc., according to the operating conditions set for the first operating course, thereby executing the washing process (step c1), rinsing process (step d1), spin-drying process (step e1), and drying process (step g1) in succession. Then, after the drying process is completed, the control device 62 terminates the operation of the washing and drying machine 1 (step h1).

[0048] If the user of the washer-dryer 1 does not have any delicate clothing in the laundry loaded into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11 that should not be dried by the drying mechanism 40, or that should be dried at a lower temperature than usual, then the user can input course selection data DA1 to the input / output device 61 to select the first operating course. When the first operating course is selected in this way, the control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes in succession. This prevents a decrease in the operating efficiency of the washer-dryer 1 when there is no delicate clothing present.

[0049] <How the washer-dryer operates when the second cycle is selected> Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation control of the washing machine 1 when the second operating course is selected.

[0050] In the washer-dryer 1, the user opens the door body 12, which is unlocked by the locking mechanism 51, and loads laundry into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11. When course selection data DA1 for selecting a second operating course is input to the input / output device 61 (step a1), the input / output device 61 accepts the input of laundry data DA2 (step a2). Laundry data DA2 is data indicating the type of laundry. The input / output device 61 displays images for selecting the type of laundry, such as an image of text such as knit fabric, or an image of a pictogram related to tumble drying shown on a tag attached to the laundry. The user can input laundry data DA2 indicating the type of laundry into the input / output device 61 by selecting an image related to the type of laundry displayed on the input / output device 61.

[0051] The control device 62 determines, based on the laundry data DA2 input to the input / output device 61, whether or not there are delicate garments among the laundry stored in the rotating drum 16 that conform to the operating conditions set in advance for the drying process.

[0052] Furthermore, the control device 62 determines whether or not the silent operation selection data DA3 has been input to the input / output device 61 (step a3). The silent operation selection data DA3 is data for selecting silent operation conditions for the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes, which suppress operating noise such as the rotation noise of the motor 19 for a longer period than the standard operating conditions. Compared to the standard operating conditions, the silent operation conditions involve a longer operating time and a lower rotation speed of the motor 19. By inputting the silent operation selection data DA3 to the input / output device 61, the user can operate the washing and drying machine 1 with suppressed operating noise for a longer period than the standard operating conditions, for example, at night.

[0053] When silent operation selection data DA3 is input to the input / output device 61, the control device 62 outputs the predicted time data DB2 to the input / output device 61 (step a31) and the temperature change selection data DB3 to the input / output device 61 (step a32). The predicted time data DB2, as will be described in detail later, is data that shows the predicted time from the start of the washing process until the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped. The temperature change selection data DB3 is data for selecting whether or not to perform the drying process by changing the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature. When the silent operation selection data DA3 is input to the input / output device 61, the user can confirm the timing of removing delicate clothes from the rotating drum 16 based on the predicted time data DB2 output from the input / output device 61, and can also select whether or not to change the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the drying process to a lower temperature based on the temperature change selection data DB3 output from the input / output device 61.

[0054] When data indicating the start of operation is input to the input / output device 61 with the door 12 closed, the control device 62 sets the lock mechanism 51 to the door locked state (step b1). The control device 62 confirms that the lock mechanism 51 is in the door locked state based on the detection signal from the lock detection unit 52. With the lock mechanism 51 in the door locked state, the control device 62 starts the operation of the washing machine 1 (step b2).

[0055] When course selection data DA1 for selecting a second operating course is input to the input / output device 61, and the control device 62 determines that delicate clothing is present based on laundry data DA2, the control device 62 locks the door with the locking mechanism 51 and controls the motor 19 and other components according to the operating conditions set for the second operating course to execute the washing process (step c1), rinsing process (step d1), and spin-drying process (step e1), and then temporarily stops the transition to the drying process after the spin-drying process (step f1).

[0056] Then, the control device 62 acquires first fabric amount data DA4, which indicates the first fabric amount detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 at the moment of the temporary stop (step f2). Furthermore, in the temporary stop state before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process, the control device 62 causes the input / output device 61 to output removal request data DB1 requesting the removal of delicate clothing from the rotating drum 16 (step f3). This allows the user of the washing machine 1 to confirm that it is necessary to remove delicate clothing from the rotating drum 16 in the temporary stop state before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process.

[0057] The control device 62 switches the lock mechanism 51 from the door locked state to the door unlocked state (step f4) while the machine is temporarily stopped before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process. The control device 62 confirms that the lock mechanism 51 is in the door unlocked state based on the detection signal from the lock detection unit 52.

[0058] If the user of the washer-dryer 1 has delicate clothing among the laundry to be loaded into the rotating drum 16 through the opening 11, the user should input course selection data DA1 to the input / output device 61 to select the second operating course. When the second operating course is selected in this way, the control device 62 temporarily stops the transition to the drying course after the spin-drying course and switches the locking mechanism 51 from the door locked state to the door unlocked state. This allows the user to remove delicate clothing from the rotating drum 16 while opening and closing the door body 12, which is in the unlocked state by the locking mechanism 51, during the temporary stop before the transition from the spin-drying course to the drying course.

[0059] The control device 62 determines whether the door body 12, which is in the unlocked state by the lock mechanism 51, has been opened or closed based on the detection signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 53 (step f5). If the door body 12 has not been opened or closed (NO in step f5), the control device 62 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the temporary stop for transitioning to the drying process (step f51). If the door body 12 has not been opened or closed even after the predetermined time has elapsed since the temporary stop for transitioning to the drying process, the control device 62 switches the lock mechanism 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state (step f52). The control device 62 confirms that the lock mechanism 51 is in the locked state based on the detection signal from the lock detection unit 52. Then, the control device 62 changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the operating conditions for the drying process to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process (step g2). After the drying process is completed, the control device 62 terminates the operation of the washing machine 1 (step h1).

[0060] If the door 12 is not opened or closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed during the pause before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process, it is assumed that the user is unable to remove the delicate clothing or has forgotten to remove the delicate clothing. In this case, the control device 62 switches the lock mechanism 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state, and then changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process. As a result, even if delicate clothing is present in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with hot air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire contents of the laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0061] If the door body 12 is opened or closed while the door lock mechanism 51 is released during a temporary pause before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process (YES in step f5), the control device 62 acquires second fabric amount data DA5 indicating the second fabric amount detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 (step f6). The control device 62 then switches the lock mechanism 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state (step f7). The control device 62 confirms that the lock mechanism 51 is in the locked state based on the detection signal from the lock detection unit 52.

[0062] The control device 62 determines whether the second amount of fabric indicated by the second amount of fabric data DA5 is less than the first amount of fabric indicated by the first amount of fabric data DA4 (step f8). If the second amount of fabric is not less than the first amount of fabric (NO in step f8), the control device 62 changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the operating conditions of the drying process to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process (step g2). After the drying process is completed, the control device 62 terminates the operation of the washing machine 1 (step h1).

[0063] In the paused state before transitioning to the drying process, the control device 62 acquires first fabric amount data DA4, which indicates the first fabric amount detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 before the lock mechanism 51 is released from the door lock, and acquires second fabric amount data DA5, which indicates the second fabric amount detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 after the lock mechanism 51 is released from the door lock. If the second fabric amount indicated by the second fabric amount data DA5 is not less than the first fabric amount indicated by the first fabric amount data DA4, it is assumed that delicate clothing has not been removed from the rotating drum 16. In this case, the control device 62 changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process. As a result, even if delicate clothing is present in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with hot air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire contents of the laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0064] If the second amount of fabric indicated by the second amount of fabric data DA5 is less than the first amount of fabric indicated by the first amount of fabric data DA4 (YES in step f8), the control device 62 determines whether the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value T1 (step f9).

[0065] If the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value T1 (YES in step f9), the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to the standard temperature (step g1). After the drying process is completed, the control device 62 terminates the operation of the washing machine 1 (step h1).

[0066] On the other hand, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is less than a predetermined value T1 (NO in step f9), the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to a low temperature lower than the standard temperature (step g2). After the drying process is completed, the control device 62 stops the operation of the washing machine 1 (step h1).

[0067] If, during a temporary stop before transitioning to the drying process, the second amount of fabric indicated by the second amount of fabric data DA5 detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 is less than the first amount of fabric indicated by the first amount of fabric data DA4, it is assumed that delicate clothing has been removed from the rotating drum 16. In this case, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value T1, it is highly likely that all delicate clothing present in the rotating drum 16 has been removed. In such cases, the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to the standard temperature. This allows the laundry in the rotating drum 16 after the delicate clothing has been removed to be efficiently dried with hot air at the standard temperature. On the other hand, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is less than the predetermined value T1, it is assumed that some of the delicate clothing remains in the rotating drum 16 without being removed. In such cases, the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to a lower temperature than the standard temperature. As a result, even if delicate clothing remains in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with warm air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire load of laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0068] [Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 1 comprises a rotating drum 16, a door body 12, a locking mechanism 51, a drying mechanism 40, an input / output device 61, and a control device 62. The rotating drum 16 holds the laundry. The door body 12 opens and closes an opening 11 for loading and unloading laundry from the rotating drum 16. The locking mechanism 51 is switchable between a door locked state, which restrains the door body 12 in a closed state with the opening 11 closed, and a door unlocked state, which allows the door body 12 to open and close the opening 11. The drying mechanism 40 dries the laundry by blowing hot air into the rotating drum 16. The input / output device 61 receives and outputs various data, including course selection data DA1, which selects an operating course in which the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes are pre-set. The control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes according to the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61, and controls the drying mechanism 40 during the drying process. If the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61 is data to select the first operating course, the control device 62 locks the door mechanism 51 and executes the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes in succession. On the other hand, if the course selection data DA1 input to the input / output device 61 is data to select the second operating course, the control device 62 locks the door mechanism 51 and executes the washing, rinsing, and dewatering processes, temporarily halting the transition to the drying process after the execution of the dewatering process, and switching the lock mechanism 51 from the door locked state to the door unlocked state.

[0069] As a result, the washer-dryer 1 can select an operating course via the input / output device 61 according to the type of laundry, which affects the suitability of drying in the drying process. Specifically, if the user of the washer-dryer 1 does not have any delicate clothing in the laundry that should not be dried by the drying mechanism 40, or delicate clothing that is recommended to be dried at a low temperature, they should input course selection data DA1 to the input / output device 61 to select the first operating course. When the first operating course is selected in this way, the control device 62 executes the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes in succession. This prevents a decrease in the operating efficiency of the washer-dryer 1 when there is no delicate clothing. On the other hand, if there is delicate clothing in the laundry that is put into the spinning drum 16 through the opening 11, the user should input course selection data DA1 to the input / output device 61 to select the second operating course. When the second operating course is selected in this way, the control device 62 temporarily stops the transition to the drying process after the spinning process and switches the locking mechanism 51 from the door locked state to the door unlocked state. This allows the user to remove delicate clothing from the rotating drum 16 while opening and closing the door body 12, which is in the unlocked state by the locking mechanism 51, during the temporary stop before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the course selection data DA1 is data for selecting the second operating course, and laundry data DA2 indicating the type of laundry is input to the input / output device 61, the control device 62 may determine, based on the laundry data DA2, whether or not there are delicate garments among the laundry stored in the rotating drum 16 for which it is desirable not to perform a drying operation by the drying mechanism 40 according to the operating conditions set in advance for the drying process, or for which drying at a low temperature is recommended. If delicate garments are present, the control device 62 temporarily stops the transition to the drying process after the execution of the dewatering process and outputs removal request data DB1 to the input / output device 61 requesting the removal of the delicate garments from the rotating drum 16.

[0071] As a result, the user of the washer-dryer 1 can input course selection data DA1 for selecting the second operating course and laundry data DA2 into the input / output device 61, and when the input / output device 61 outputs removal request data DB1, they can confirm that it is necessary to remove delicate clothes from the rotating drum 16 during a temporary stop before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the course selection data DA1 is data for selecting the second operating course, and the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped after the execution of the dewatering process, and the door body 12 is not opened or closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temporary stop, the control device 62 may switch the lock mechanism 51 from the door unlocked state to the door locked state, and then change the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the operating conditions of the drying process to a low temperature lower than the preset standard temperature and execute the drying process.

[0073] If the door 12 is not opened or closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed during the pause before transitioning from the dewatering process to the drying process, it is assumed that the user is unable to remove the delicate clothing or has forgotten to remove the delicate clothing. In this case, the control device 62 switches the lock mechanism 51 from the unlocked state to the locked state, and then changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process. As a result, even if delicate clothing is present in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with hot air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire contents of the laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0074] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the washing and drying machine 1 may also be equipped with a fabric weight detection unit 60 that detects the amount of laundry contained in the rotating drum 16. When the course selection data DA1 is data for selecting the second operating course, the control device 62 may temporarily stop the transition to the drying process after the execution of the dewatering process and acquire the first fabric weight data DA4 detected by the fabric weight detection unit 60 at the time of this temporary stop. Subsequently, the control device 62 switches the lock mechanism 51 from the door locked state to the door unlocked state, acquires the second fabric weight data DA5 detected by the fabric weight detection unit 60, and switches the lock mechanism 51 from the door unlocked state to the door locked state. At this time, if the second fabric weight indicated by the second fabric weight data DA5 is not less than the first fabric weight indicated by the first fabric weight data DA4, the control device 62 changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the operating conditions of the drying process to a low temperature lower than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process.

[0075] In the paused state before transitioning to the drying process, the control device 62 acquires the first fabric amount data DA4 detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 before the lock mechanism 51 is released from the door lock, and acquires the second fabric amount data DA5 detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 after the lock mechanism 51 is released from the door lock. If the second fabric amount indicated by the second fabric amount data DA5 is not less than the first fabric amount indicated by the first fabric amount data DA4, it is assumed that delicate clothing has not been removed from the rotating drum 16. In this case, the control device 62 changes the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and executes the drying process. As a result, even if delicate clothing is present in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with hot air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire contents of the laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0076] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if the second amount of fabric indicated by the second amount of fabric data DA5 is less than the first amount of fabric indicated by the first amount of fabric data DA4, and the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value T1, the control device 62 may execute the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to the standard temperature. On the other hand, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is less than the predetermined value T1, the control device 62 may execute the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to a low temperature.

[0077] If, during a temporary stop before transitioning to the drying process, the second amount of fabric indicated by the second amount of fabric data DA5 detected by the fabric amount detection unit 60 is less than the first amount of fabric indicated by the first amount of fabric data DA4, it is assumed that delicate clothing has been removed from the rotating drum 16. In this case, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value T1, it is highly likely that all delicate clothing present in the rotating drum 16 has been removed. In such cases, the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to the standard temperature. This allows the laundry in the rotating drum 16 after the delicate clothing has been removed to be efficiently dried with hot air at the standard temperature. On the other hand, if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is less than the predetermined value T1, it is assumed that some of the delicate clothing remains in the rotating drum 16 without being removed. In such cases, the control device 62 executes the drying process with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 set to a lower temperature than the standard temperature. As a result, even if delicate clothing remains in the rotating drum 16, the laundry, including the delicate clothing, can be dried with warm air at a lower temperature than the standard temperature during the drying process. Therefore, the entire load of laundry in the rotating drum 16 can be dried while suppressing phenomena such as shrinkage caused by drying in the delicate clothing.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the course selection data DA1 is data for selecting the second operating course, if silent operation selection data DA3 is input to the input / output device 61 to select silent operation conditions for operating for a longer period of time than the standard operating conditions to suppress operating noise as the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes, the control device 62 may calculate the predicted time data DB2 from the start of the washing process until the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped. The control device 62 then outputs temperature change selection data DB3 to the input / output device 61 along with the predicted time data DB2 to select whether or not to change the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the operating conditions of the drying process to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature and execute the drying process.

[0079] The user of the washer-dryer 1 can operate the washer-dryer 1 with reduced noise for a longer period than standard operating conditions, for example at night, by inputting course selection data DA1 for selecting a second operating course and silent operation selection data DA3 into the input / output device 61. When silent operation selection data DA3 is input into the input / output device 61, the control device 62 outputs estimated time data DB2 and temperature change selection data DB3 to the input / output device 61. Estimated time data DB2 is data indicating the estimated time from the start of the washing process until the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped. Temperature change selection data DB3 is data for selecting whether or not to perform the drying process by changing the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 to a lower temperature than the preset standard temperature. When the user inputs silent operation selection data DA3 to the input / output device 61, they can confirm the timing for removing delicate clothing from the rotating drum 16 based on the predicted time data DB2 output from the input / output device 61, and can also select whether or not to change the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism 40 in the drying process to a lower temperature based on the temperature change selection data DB3 output from the input / output device 61.

[0080] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, an input / output device 61 was explained as an example of an input / output unit, having the function of an operation unit that accepts data input operations via a touch panel and the function of a display unit that displays the data upon output. The input / output unit is not limited to the input / output device 61, as it only needs to send the signals of various data that have been input to the control unit and output data based on control signals from the control unit. The input / output unit may also be a communication module that is provided to communicate with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. In this case, the communication module receives and inputs data from the mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The data received by the communication module is sent to the control unit. The communication module also outputs data to the mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet based on control signals from the control unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] This disclosure is broadly applicable to washer-dryers that require drying of laundry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Washer-dryer 10 cabinets 10a front wall 10b bottom wall 11 Opening 12 Door Body 12a Latch section 13 Processing Room 14 Aquarium opening 15 Aquariums 16-rpm drum 16a small hole 17 Drum opening 18. Suspension mechanism 19 Motor 21 Water inlet 22 Drain 23 Exhaust vent 24 Air supply port 25 Water supply mechanism 26 Water supply routes 27 Water supply valve 28 Detergent box 29 Drainage mechanism 30 Drainage routes 31 Drain valve 32 ducts 40 Drying mechanism 41 Airflow generation section 42 Heating section 43 Dehumidification section 50 Door locking device 51 Locking mechanism 51a Solenoid 52 Lock detection unit 52a Movable contact 52b Fixed contact 53 Door opening / closing detection unit 53a Movable contact 53b Fixed contact 60 Fabric quantity detection unit 61 Input / Output Device (Input / Output Section) 62 Control device (control unit) DA1 Course Selection Data DA2 Laundry Data DA3 Silent Driving Selection Data DA4 1st Fabric Volume Data DA5 Second Fabric Volume Data DB1 Retrieval Request Data DB2 Estimated Time Data DB3 Temperature Change Selection Data

Claims

1. A washing and drying tub for storing laundry, A door body that opens and closes an opening for loading and unloading laundry into the washing and drying tub, A locking mechanism that can switch between a door-locked state in which the door body is restrained in a closed state that closes the opening, and a door-unlocked state that allows the door body to open and close the opening. A drying mechanism that dries the laundry by blowing hot air into the washing and drying tub, An input / output unit that receives and outputs various types of data, including course selection data, which selects an operating course in which the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes are predetermined. The system includes a control unit that executes the washing process, the rinsing process, the dewatering process, and the drying process according to the course selection data input to the input / output unit, and controls the drying mechanism during the drying process, The control unit, If the course selection data is data for selecting the first operating course, the locking mechanism is set to the door locked state and the washing process, the rinsing process, the dewatering process, and the drying process are executed in succession. A washing and drying machine in which, if the course selection data is data for selecting a second operating course, the locking mechanism is set to the door locked state and the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes are executed, the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped after the execution of the spin-drying process, and the locking mechanism is switched from the door locked state to the door unlocked state.

2. The control unit, When the course selection data is data for selecting the second operating course, and laundry data indicating the type of laundry is input to the input / output unit, the system determines, based on the laundry data, whether or not there are any delicate garments among the laundry stored in the washing and drying tub for which low-temperature drying by the drying mechanism according to the operating conditions set in advance for the drying process is recommended. The washing machine and dryer according to claim 1, wherein, if delicate clothing is present, the machine temporarily stops the transition to the drying process after the dewatering process and outputs a removal request data to the input / output unit requesting the removal of the delicate clothing from the washing and drying tub.

3. The washing machine and dryer according to claim 1, wherein, when the course selection data is data for selecting the second operating course, the control unit temporarily suspends the transition to the drying process after the execution of the dewatering process, and if the door body is not opened or closed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temporary suspension, the lock mechanism switches from the door unlocked state to the door locked state, and then executes the drying process by changing the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism in the operating conditions of the drying process to a low temperature lower than a preset standard temperature.

4. The washing and drying tub is further equipped with a fabric quantity detection unit that detects the amount of laundry fabric contained within the washing and drying tub. The control unit, When the course selection data is data for selecting the second operating course, the transition to the drying process is temporarily stopped after the execution of the dewatering process, the first amount of fabric detected by the fabric amount detection unit at the time of the temporary stop is obtained, then the lock mechanism is switched from the door locked state to the door unlocked state, the second amount of fabric detected by the fabric amount detection unit is obtained, and the lock mechanism is switched from the door unlocked state to the door locked state. The washing machine and dryer according to claim 1, wherein if the second amount of fabric is not less than the first amount of fabric, the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism in the operating conditions of the drying process is changed to a low temperature lower than a preset standard temperature, and the drying process is performed.

5. The control unit, when the second amount of fabric is less than the first amount of fabric, If the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the drying process is performed with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism set to the standard temperature. The washing machine and dryer according to claim 4, wherein if the difference between the first amount of fabric and the second amount of fabric is less than the predetermined value, the drying process is performed with the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism set to the low temperature.

6. The control unit, When the course selection data is data for selecting the second operating course, and silent operation selection data is input to the input / output unit to select silent operation conditions for operating for a longer period of time than standard operating conditions, thereby suppressing operating noise, as the operating conditions for the washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes, The estimated time from the start of the washing process to the temporary halt of the transition to the drying process is calculated. The washing machine and dryer according to claim 1, wherein temperature change selection data for selecting whether or not to perform the drying process by changing the temperature of the hot air from the drying mechanism in the operating conditions of the drying process to a lower temperature than a preset standard temperature, is output to the input / output unit together with the predicted time data.

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