JP2010252896A - Washing/drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save water consumption by suppressing the quantity of water sprayed into a heat exchanger to a quantity necessary for the heat exchange in a washing/drying machine equipped with the water-cooling heat exchanger. <P>SOLUTION: The washing/drying machine includes: a water tub; a circulation air path connected to the water tub in such a way as to communicate with the water tub; a blowing means for circulating air within the water tub through the circulation air path; the water-cooling heat exchanger disposed in the circulation air path for removing humidity included in air by spraying water to air flowing in the circulation air path; a heating means disposed in the circulation air path for heating air flowing in the circulation air path; a water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of water sprayed into the heat exchanger; and a control means for executing the drying operation to feed hot air into the water tub by operating the blowing means, the heat exchanger and the heating means. When the temperature of water T detected by the water temperature detecting means is a first reference value t1 or lower (No in a step S2), the control means reduces the quantity of water to be sprayed into the heat exchanger in the drying operation (in steps S4 and S6). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine provided with a water-cooled heat exchanger in a circulation air passage.

  In the washing / drying machine, a drying circulation air passage connected to the water tank is provided outside the water tank that houses the rotating drum (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this structure, a fan device, a water-cooled heat exchanger, and a heater device for heating are provided in the circulation air passage.

  In such a configuration, as the fan device is driven, the air in the water tank, and hence the rotating drum, is circulated through the circulation air passage by the air blowing action. At this time, the hot air for drying heated by the heater device is supplied from the circulation air passage into the water tank (in the rotating drum), and the laundry housed in the rotating drum is heated by the hot air. The air deprived of moisture from the laundry is blown from the water tank into the circulation air passage, and the air containing the moisture is cooled by contact with water sprayed into the heat exchanger, and the moisture is removed. . The air from which the moisture has been removed is heated again by the heater device and supplied as hot air into the rotating drum. By repeating this, the laundry in the rotating drum is dried.

JP 2003-236290 A

  In the configuration having the water-cooled heat exchanger as described above, the water sprayed in the heat exchanger in the drying operation is used for heat exchange (cooling dehumidification) with the air flowing in the circulation air passage. After that, it is often configured to drain as it is. Therefore, it is desired to save water by minimizing the amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to provide a water-cooled heat exchanger, and to save water by suppressing the amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger to the amount of water necessary for heat exchange. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing / drying machine capable of achieving the above.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the washing and drying machine of the present invention includes a water tank, a circulation air passage connected to the water tank, a blowing means for circulating air in the water tank through the circulation air passage, A water-cooled heat exchanger that removes moisture contained in the air by sprinkling the air flowing in the circulation air passage, and provided in the circulation air passage, and provided in the circulation air passage. The heating means for heating the air flowing in the air passage, the water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water sprayed in the heat exchanger, the air blowing means, the heat exchanger, and the heating means are operated to Control means for executing a drying operation for supplying warm air into the water tank, and the control means, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means is below a predetermined value, the heat exchange during the drying operation To reduce the amount of water sprayed into the vessel Having the features.

The lower the water temperature, the higher the heat exchange rate between the water sprayed into the heat exchanger and the air flowing through the circulation air passage.
According to the washing / drying machine of the present invention, when the water temperature detected by the water temperature detection means is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, that is, when the heat exchange rate tends to increase, the control means performs heat exchange during the drying operation. Reduce the amount of water sprayed into the vessel. As a result, it is possible to avoid excessive water sprinkling even though the heat exchange rate is high, and to save water by suppressing the amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger to the amount of water necessary for heat exchange. be able to.

The flowchart which shows one Embodiment of this invention and shows the control content by a control apparatus. Perspective view from the right front of the entire washing and drying machine shown with the door open A perspective view from the right rear of the water tank and the circulation air passage portion shown with the outer box removed Rear view of the washer / dryer with the back plate removed The figure which shows the state which assembled | attached the base part and cover part which comprise a heat exchange duct. The figure which shows the state which isolate | separated the base part and cover part which comprise a heat exchange duct The perspective view which expands and shows the composition of the upper part of an aquarium The figure which shows the change of the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct in dry operation The figure which shows the contents of the sprinkling control in the heat exchanger according to the water temperature

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, in FIG. 2 showing the overall appearance of the drum-type washing / drying machine 1, the outer box 2 of the washing / drying machine 1 has a substantially rectangular shape, and a base plate 2a is provided at the bottom. The front cover 2b of the outer box 2 has a downwardly inclined shape, and a laundry doorway 3 including a circular opening is formed at a substantially central portion thereof. The front cover 2 b is provided with a door 4 so as to be pivotable in the lateral direction via a hinge 5, and the laundry entrance 3 is opened and closed by the door 4.

  In the front cover 2b, an operation panel 6a including various operation switches and a display unit is provided above the laundry entrance 3 and a drawer-type detergent charging case 7 is provided in the upper left part. The operation panel 6a is connected to a control device 6 (corresponding to control means) provided inside the outer box 2 (the back side of the front cover 2b). The control device 6 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of the washer / dryer 1 based on various input signals and pre-stored control programs. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially cylindrical water tank 8 whose rear surface is closed is disposed in the outer box 2. The water tank 8 is elastically supported on the base plate 2a via an elastic support mechanism 9 in a state where the axial direction is a horizontal axis in the front-rear direction and is inclined slightly downward. The opening on the front surface of the water tub 8 communicates with the laundry entrance 3. The water tank 8 has a blowing port 10 on the upper surface of the front part, and has a blowing port 11 (see FIG. 4) on the upper part of the rear rear surface.

  A rotating drum 14 (see FIG. 2) is rotatably disposed in the water tank 8. The rotating drum 14 has a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface similar to the water tank 8, and is disposed in the water tank 8 with its axial direction being a horizontal axis in the front-rear direction and slightly inclined downwardly. Has been. A number of holes 15 through which water and air can be passed are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the rotating drum 14. A plurality (only one is shown in FIG. 2) of baffles 16 are provided inside the peripheral wall portion of the rotating drum 14.

  The front opening of the rotating drum 14 is also communicated with the laundry entrance / exit 3, and the laundry (not shown) put into the laundry entrance / exit 3 is accommodated in the rotating drum 14. The rotating drum 14 is driven to rotate by a washing machine motor 17 provided on the back surface of the water tank 8. The rotating drum 14 having such a configuration functions as a washing tub during a washing stroke in various operation courses, as a dehydrating tub during a dehydration stroke, and as a drying tub during a drying stroke.

  A water supply valve 8 a (see FIG. 4) is connected to the upper part of the water tank 8 via a detergent charging case 7, so that water from the water supply valve 8 a is supplied into the water tank 8 via the detergent charging case 7. It has come to be. Although not shown, a drainage channel connected to the outside of the washing / drying machine 1 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 8. A drainage valve is provided in the middle of this drainage path, so that the water in the water tank 8 can be drained outside the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a drying circulation air passage 18 connected to the water tank 8 is disposed outside the water tank 8. The circulation air passage 18 has an upper air passage 19 having one end connected to the outlet 10 of the water tank 8. The upper air passage 19 has a rectangular cylindrical filter housing portion 20 whose upper surface is opened at the front portion, and a rear extension portion 21 that extends rearward from the filter housing portion 20.

  A filter unit 20a (see FIG. 2) having a mesh-like filter having air permeability is accommodated in the filter accommodating portion 20 so as to be able to be taken in and out from above. A flexible duct 22 having a bellows-like flexible portion is connected to the front portion of the filter housing portion 20. One end of the flexible duct 22 is connected to the outlet 10. Inside the rear extension 21, a fixed lint filter (not shown) provided with a net-like filter having air permeability is disposed. A connection port 19a is provided at the rear end of the rear extension 21 downward.

  A heat exchange duct 23 is disposed on the back surface of the water tank 8. This heat exchange duct 23 has a cylindrical falling portion 24 that is long in the vertical direction, a hollow folded portion 25 that is formed in an arc shape, and a cylindrical rising portion 26 that is long in the vertical direction. . The falling portion 24 is provided so that the air inlet 23a (see FIG. 5) at the upper end is connected to the connection port 19a of the upper air passage 19 (rear extension portion 21) and extends vertically downward from the connection port 19a. It has been. The folded portion 25 is provided so as to be folded upward at the lower end portion of the falling portion 24. The rising portion 26 is provided so as to extend vertically upward from the folded portion 25. The rising portion 26 functions as a water-cooled heat exchanger 27.

  A water spout 27a (see FIG. 5) is provided on the upper side of the rising portion 26, and one end of a water sprinkling hose 27b (see FIG. 4) is connected to the water spout 27a. The other end of the watering hose 27b is connected to a water supply valve 8a (see FIG. 4) provided in the upper part of the water tank 8, and water from the water supply valve 8a is supplied via the watering hose 27b. Water is sprayed from 27a into the heat exchanger 27 (inside the rising portion 26).

  Here, the configuration of the heat exchange duct 23 (heat exchanger 27) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the base portion 23A and the lid portion 23B constituting the heat exchange duct 23 are assembled, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the base portion 23A and the lid portion 23B are separated. In FIG. 5, the lid 23B is indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line).

  The base portion 23 </ b> A is a member that constitutes the entire falling portion 24 and also constitutes a part of the folded portion 25 and a part of the rising portion 26. On the other hand, the lid portion 23 </ b> B is a member constituting a part of the folded portion 25 and a part of the rising portion 26. Then, the folded portion 25 and the rising portion 26 are formed by covering the base portion 23A with the lid portion 23B and screwing it through the screw hole 23c.

  A main air passage 26a and a bypass air passage 26b extending in the vertical direction are provided inside the rising portion 26 configured as described above. A plurality of ribs 26c are provided on the inner surface of the main air passage 26a. The plurality of ribs 26 c are formed alternately and inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the rising portion 26.

  On the other hand, the bypass air passage 26b is a narrower air passage than the main air passage 26a, and the inner surface thereof is not formed with anything corresponding to the rib 26c described above. Further, the upper end portion of the bypass air passage 26 b is formed so as to be inclined inward of the rising portion 26.

  A drain port 23d that protrudes downward is provided at a portion (a portion on the rising portion 26 side of the folded portion 25) slightly higher than the lowest point in the bottom portion (the portion constituted by the folded portion 25) of the heat exchange duct 23. ing. Although not shown, one end of a drainage tube is connected to the drainage port 23d, and the other end of the drainage tube is downstream of the drainage valve in the drainage path connected to the bottom of the water tank 8 (machine) Connected to the outside). Thereby, the water sprayed in the heat exchange duct 23 is stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23. The water level stored at the bottom is up to the height at which the drain port 23d is provided. When the water level exceeds the height of the drain port 23d, the water overflows from the drain port 23d. It is designed to drain into the drainage channel.

  Further, in the vicinity of the lowest point of the heat exchange duct 23, a insertion hole 23e protruding inward of the heat exchange duct 23 is provided at a position lower than the height at which the drain outlet 23d is provided. The hole 23 e is submerged in the water stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23. A water temperature sensor 28 (corresponding to a water temperature detecting means) made of, for example, a thermistor is inserted into the insertion hole 23e from the outside (rear side) of the heat exchange duct 23.

  The water temperature sensor 28 is in close contact with the insertion hole 23e in a state where the water temperature sensor 28 is inserted into the insertion hole 23e, so that the water temperature sensor 28 can be used for the temperature of water stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23. Can be detected through the insertion hole 23e. The water temperature sensor 28 is connected to the control device 6, and a temperature detection signal from the water temperature sensor 28 is input to the control device 6.

  Note that an air temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting air temperature, such as a thermistor, is provided at each of the air inlet 23a and the air outlet 23b (see FIG. 5) of the heat exchange duct 23. These air temperature sensors are respectively connected to the control device 6, and temperature detection signals from these air temperature sensors are input to the control device 6. The control device 6 determines the dry state of the laundry in the drying operation based on the temperature detection signals from these air temperature sensors.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a fan device 29 (corresponding to an air blowing means) is disposed on the upper surface of the water tank 8, and an upper end portion of the rising portion 26 is provided at a suction port of a fan casing 29 a of the fan device 29. The air outlet 23b (see FIG. 5) is connected. The fan device 29 rotates a fan (not shown) disposed in the fan casing 29a by a fan motor 29b.

  One end of a heater device 30 (corresponding to heating means) is connected to the discharge port of the fan casing 29a on the upper surface of the water tank 8. The heater device 30 includes an electric heater (not shown) in a heater case 30a that constitutes an outline of the heater device 30. One end of a flexible duct 31 having a bellows-like flexible part is connected to the other end of the heater device 30. The other end portion of the flexible duct 31 is connected to the upper end portion of the rear air passage 32 provided at the upper left portion of the back surface of the water tank 8. The rear air passage 32 communicates with the inlet 11 (see FIG. 4) of the water tank 8.

  In this manner, the circulation composed of the flexible duct 22, the upper air passage 19, the heat exchange duct 23, the fan casing 29 a of the fan device 29, the heater case 30 a of the heater device 30, and the rear air passage 32. The air path 18 is configured to be connected to the water tank 8 in communication.

Next, a manner of fixing the circulation air passage 18 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upper part of the water tank 8.
A boss portion 19b that protrudes upward is provided on the upper surface of the upper air passage 19 that constitutes a part of the circulation air passage 18, and this boss portion 19b is a right side plate 2c that constitutes the right side surface of the outer box 2. It is located below the flange portion 2d bent inwardly at the upper end portion thereof and is fixed by screwing from above. Further, a claw portion 20b extending forward is provided on the front surface of the upper end portion of the filter housing portion 20 constituting a part of the upper air passage 19, and this claw portion 20b is a right side constituting both side surfaces of the outer box 2. The plate 2c and the left side plate 2e (see FIG. 3) are fixed so as to be hooked in the claw hole 2g of the fixing member 2f spanned.

  Further, a fixing portion 30b that protrudes rearward is provided on the rear surface of the heater case 30a that constitutes a part of the circulation air passage 18, and the fixing portion 30b is a back plate 2h that constitutes the back surface of the outer box 2. It is mounted on the flange part 2i bent inward at the upper end part, and is fixed by screwing from above. With such a configuration, the circulation air passage 18, and by extension, the heat exchange duct 23 (heat exchanger 27) constituting a part of the circulation air passage 18 is fixed to the outer box 2 instead of the water tank 8. ing. The heat exchange duct 23 fixed in this way is arranged so as to extend vertically in the vertical direction along the back surface of the outer box 2, not along the back surface of the water tank 8.

Next, the laundry drying function in the washing / drying machine 1 having such a circulation air passage 18 will be described.
The control device 6 is configured to be able to execute a drying operation in which the fan device 29, the heat exchanger 27, and the heater device 30 are operated to supply hot air into the water tank 8 (control means). That is, the air in the circulation air passage 18 is blown into the water tank 8 and then into the rotating drum 14 from the blowing port 11 by the air blowing action of the fan device 29, and in the water tank 8 (in the rotating drum 14). Air is blown into the circulation air passage 18 from the outlet 10 of the water tank 8. By repeating this, the air in the water tank 8 (in the rotating drum 14) is circulated through the circulation air passage 18 (see the broken line arrow shown in FIG. 3).

  The flow of the wind at this time will be described in a little more detail. The air in the circulation air passage 18 is heated by an electric heater in the heater device 30, and the heated air (warm air) passes through the flexible duct 31 and the rear air passage 32 and enters the water tank 8 from the inlet 11. As a result, it is supplied into the rotating drum 14. The warm air supplied into the rotary drum 14 heats the laundry in the rotary drum 14 and deprives the laundry of moisture. The warm air deprived of moisture is blown into the circulation air passage 18 from the outlet 10 at the front of the water tank 8, passes through the flexible duct 22, and flows backward in the upper air passage 19. If the air flowing in the upper air passage 19 contains lint, most of the lint is captured by the filter in the filter unit 20a, and the lint that passes through the lint also becomes a fixed lint filter in the upper air passage 19. Captured.

  The warm air that has flowed backward in the upper air passage 19 flows downward in the heat exchange duct 23 and then turns downward in the falling portion 24, and then turns upward in the folded portion 25 at the lower end portion. 27 flows upward (within the rising portion 26). At this time, when water from the water supply valve 8a is sprinkled into the heat exchanger 27 from the water spout 27a, the warm air is cooled and dehumidified by the water. The dehumidified water is stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23 together with the water sprinkled in the heat exchanger 27, and is drained from the drain port 23d when the water level exceeds the height of the drain port 23d. It has become.

  The air flowing through the heat exchanger 27 rises while being obstructed by the plurality of ribs 26c, and is sucked into the fan casing 29a of the fan device 29 and then discharged to the heater device 30 where it is heated again by the electric heater. The The heated air flows through the flexible duct 31 and the rear air passage 32 so as to be returned from the blowing port 11 into the water tank 8 (in the rotating drum 14). As the air is circulated in this way, the laundry in the rotating drum 14 is dried.

  By sprinkling water from above with respect to the air flowing from the bottom to the top in the heat exchanger 27, moisture can be efficiently removed from the air flowing in the heat exchanger 27. In addition, by providing the heat exchange duct 23 constituting the heat exchanger 27 so as to extend vertically in the vertical direction along the back surface of the outer box 2, a long air passage for dehumidification can be secured. Dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

  Further, by providing the plurality of ribs 26 c on the inner surface of the rising portion 26 constituting the heat exchanger 27, it is difficult for water that has been rolled up by the air flowing in the heat exchange duct 23 to be sucked into the fan device 29 as it is. It is like that. Further, a part of the water sprayed in the heat exchanger 27 remains in the rib 26c portion, and heat exchange (cooling dehumidification of hot air) is also performed by the water remaining in the heat exchanger 27 portion in this way. To be done.

  Next, changes in the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 (temperature of the air inlet 23a) in the drying operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows changes in the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 in the drying operation, that is, the temperature of the air flowing into the heat exchange duct 23. In FIG. 8, a solid line U indicates a change in air temperature when the temperature of water sprayed in the heat exchanger 27 (water temperature T) is normal temperature (for example, 15 ° C.), and a broken line H indicates a high water temperature T (for example, The change in air temperature when the temperature is 30 ° C., and the broken line L indicates the change in air temperature when the water temperature T is low (for example, 5 ° C.).

  When the laundry (not shown) accommodated in the rotating drum 14 is dried in the washing / drying machine 1 having the above-described configuration, the control device 6 reduces the rotating drum 14 in both the forward and reverse directions by the washing machine motor 17. While rotating at a speed, the fan device 29 is driven and the electric heater in the heater device 30 is caused to generate heat. Thereby, warm air is supplied in the water tank 8, and the laundry in the rotating drum 14 is heated and stirred (heating stirring stage).

  In this heating and stirring stage, the control device 6 does not sprinkle water into the heat exchanger 27. Accordingly, the air flowing in the circulation air passage 18 is continuously heated by the heater device 30 in the course of circulation, and accordingly, the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 gradually increases. Then, when the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 60 ° C.) (see point P in FIG. 8), the control device 6 connects the heat exchanger 27 through the water supply hose 27b from the water supply valve 8a. Water is supplied to the water spout 27a and sprinkled into the heat exchanger 27. As a result, the warm air flowing in the heat exchange duct 23 (particularly in the rising portion 26 constituting the heat exchanger 27) is cooled and dehumidified, and the temperature rise of the air flowing in the circulation air path 18 is suppressed. The inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 begins to drop. Then, after the stage in which moisture remains in the laundry in the rotating drum 14 (ironing stage) and the stage in which the moisture in the laundry is substantially removed (first drying stage), the laundry is dried. proceed.

  When the control device 6 detects the highest point P of the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 and then the inlet temperature decreases by a predetermined temperature (ΔT ° C.) (see point B in FIG. 8), the electric power in the heater device 30 is changed. The energization of the heater is stopped or weakened. As a result, the air flowing through the circulation air passage 18 is not heated, and the inlet temperature of the heat exchange duct 23 further decreases (second drying stage).

  Here, as shown by the broken line H in FIG. 8, when the water temperature is high, the heat exchange rate between the water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 and the air flowing through the circulation air passage 18 becomes low. Drying efficiency tends to decrease. Therefore, the time required for the drying operation (especially the time required until the first drying stage is completed) is increased (see point BH in FIG. 8), and the time required for the drying time is increased. The total amount of water sprinkled will increase.

  On the other hand, as shown by the broken line L in FIG. 8, when the water temperature is low, the heat exchange rate between the water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 and the air flowing through the circulation air passage 18 becomes high. Efficiency tends to improve. Therefore, the time required for the drying operation (especially the time required until the first drying stage is completed) is shortened (refer to the point BL in FIG. 8), and the time required for the drying time is shortened. The total amount of water sprinkled can be reduced. However, the water remains sprinkled during the drying operation. Therefore, the total amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

  Therefore, the control device 6 intermittently or continuously performs watering into the heat exchanger 27 at intervals corresponding to the water temperature T, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27. The fluctuation of the time required for the drying operation due to this is suppressed. Here, the control content for suppressing the fluctuation | variation of the required time of this drying operation is demonstrated, referring FIG.1 and FIG.9. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the contents of control by the control device 6, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the contents of watering control into the heat exchanger 27 according to the water temperature T.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 6 injects water into the heat exchange duct 23 at the start of the drying operation, that is, in a state where warm air does not flow in the heat exchange duct 23, and the heat exchange duct 23. Water is stored at the bottom of the water (step S1). The water injection time in step S1 is, for example, about 5 seconds. Next, on the basis of the temperature detection signal input from the water temperature sensor 28, the control device 6 determines that the temperature of the water stored in the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23 (water temperature T) is the first reference value t1 (in this case, It is judged whether it is larger than 20 degreeC (step S2), and whether the water temperature T is smaller than 2nd reference value t2 (in this case 11 degreeC) (step S3).

  In the control device 6, the water temperature T is equal to or lower than the first reference value t1 (“NO” in step S2), and the water temperature T is equal to or higher than the second reference value t2 (“NO” in step S3). (In this case, when the water temperature T is 11 ° C. to 20 ° C.), the process proceeds to step S4 and watering at room temperature is performed. In this room temperature watering, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 6 sets the on time (time to open the water supply valve 8a and supply water into the heat exchanger 27) to 9 seconds and the off time (to turn the water supply valve 8a on). Water is supplied into the heat exchanger 27 at a ratio of 1 second, which is a time period for closing and stopping the supply of water into the heat exchanger 27. That is, the control device 6 sets 1 second as an interval according to the water temperature T (11 ° C. to 20 ° C.), and intermittently waters the heat exchanger 27.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the water temperature T is greater than the first reference value t1 (YES), the control device 6 proceeds to step S5 and executes water spray at high temperature. In this high-temperature watering, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 6 supplies water into the heat exchanger 27 at a ratio of an on time of 10 seconds and an off time of 0 seconds. That is, the control device 6 sets 0 seconds as an interval according to the water temperature T (21 ° C.) and continuously sprays water into the heat exchanger 27.

  When it is determined in step S3 that the water temperature T is lower than the second reference value t2 (YES), the control device 6 proceeds to step S6 and executes low temperature watering. In this low temperature watering, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device 6 sets the on time to 8 seconds shorter than the on time in room temperature watering and the off time to 2 seconds longer than the off time in room temperature watering. Then, water is supplied into the heat exchanger 27. That is, the control device 6 sets 2 seconds as an interval according to the water temperature T (−10 ° C.), and intermittently waters the heat exchanger 27.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the water temperature T detected by the water temperature sensor 28 is equal to or lower than the first reference value t1, that is, the water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 and the circulation air path 18. When the heat exchange rate with the air flowing through the inside (in the rising portion 26 of the heat exchange duct 23) tends to increase, the control device 6 intermittently sprays water into the heat exchanger 27 during the drying operation. By reducing the amount of water spray. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from being sprayed more than necessary even though the heat exchange rate is high, and to save water by suppressing the amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 to the amount of water necessary for heat exchange. Can be planned.

  Further, when the water temperature T is higher than the first reference value t1, that is, when the heat exchange rate and the drying efficiency tend to decrease and the time required for the drying operation tends to be long, the control device 6 performs the heat exchange. By continuously spraying water into the vessel 27, the heat exchange rate and the drying efficiency are improved, and fluctuations in the required time for the drying operation (in this case, the required time becomes too long) are suppressed. In this case, water spraying into the heat exchanger 27 is continuously performed during the drying operation, but since the watering time (time required for the drying operation) is not long, the water is sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 in the drying operation. The total amount of water is reduced.

  On the other hand, when the water temperature T is lower than the first reference value t1, that is, when the heat exchange rate and the drying efficiency are improved and the time required for the drying operation tends to be shortened, the control device 6 performs the heat exchange. Water spraying into the vessel 27 is intermittently performed at intervals according to the water temperature T, thereby reducing the heat exchange rate and the drying efficiency, and fluctuations in the time required for the drying operation (in this case, the time required becomes too short). Suppress. In this case, although the time required for the drying operation is slightly increased with a decrease in the heat exchange rate and the drying efficiency, the water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 during this period is intermittent according to the water temperature T. In operation, the total amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 is suppressed.

  Thus, even when the water temperature T is high or low, the total amount of water (water required for heat exchange) sprayed into the heat exchanger 27 in the drying operation can be suppressed. Water can be saved without being affected by the height of

  In addition, water is stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23, and the insertion hole 23 e to which the water temperature sensor 28 is attached is configured to be submerged by the water stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23. Thereby, the outside air temperature hardly affects the water temperature detection by the water temperature sensor 28, and the water temperature T can be detected with high accuracy.

  In addition, since the water is stored in the portion of the heat exchange duct 23 in front of the rising portion 26 constituting the heat exchanger 27 (in this case, the bottom portion of the heat exchange duct 23), the heat exchanger 27 The warm air can be brought into contact with the water accumulated in the heat exchange duct 23 before the heat is exchanged. That is, before the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 27, heat exchange with the warm air can be performed by the water stored in the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23, and the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 27 can be promoted. .

  In addition, since the water stored at the bottom of the heat exchange duct 23 is drained from the drain port 23d to the drainage path, the humidity in the heat exchange duct 23 can be kept low, and as a result, in the circulation air path 18 And an increase in humidity in the water tank 8 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the circulation air passage 18 is fixed to the outer box 2 instead of the water tank 8, the rigidity of the circulation air passage 18 is increased, and the pipe strength can be improved. This makes it difficult for vibration from the water tank 8 accompanying rotation of the rotating drum 14 to be transmitted to the circulation air path 18 (particularly, the heat exchange duct 23). Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the circulation air path is fixed to the water tank 8, the circulation air path 18 and the heat exchange duct 23 need not be increased in strength. Further, since the water temperature sensor 28 is disposed in the heat exchange duct 23 in which vibration is not easily transmitted, vibration hardly affects the water temperature detection by the water temperature sensor 28, and the water temperature T is detected with high accuracy. can do.

In addition, this invention is not limited only to the above-mentioned one Embodiment, For example, it can deform | transform or expand as follows.
The first reference value t1 and the second reference value t2 can be changed and implemented as appropriate according to, for example, the season in which the washing / drying machine 1 is used.
The ON time and OFF time when watering into the heat exchanger 27 is intermittently performed can be changed as appropriate.
The drain outlet 23d may be connected to the upstream side (water tank 8 side) of the drainage path in the drainage path via the drainage tube.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing / drying machine, 6 is a control device (control means), 8 is a water tank, 18 is a circulation air passage, 27 is a heat exchanger, 28 is a water temperature sensor (water temperature detection means), and 29 is a fan device (air blowing). Means) and 30 are heater devices (heating means).

Claims (2)

A tank,
A circulation air passage connected to the water tank;
Air blowing means for circulating air in the water tank through the circulation air passage;
A water-cooled heat exchanger for removing moisture contained in the air by sprinkling water that is provided in the circulation air passage and that flows in the circulation air passage;
Heating means provided in the circulation air passage, for heating air flowing in the circulation air passage;
Water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of water sprayed in the heat exchanger;
A control means for performing a drying operation for operating the air blowing means, the heat exchanger, and the heating means to supply hot air into the water tank,
The control means includes
When the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means is not more than a predetermined value, the amount of water sprayed into the heat exchanger during the drying operation is reduced. The control means includes
When the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means is higher than the predetermined value, water is continuously sprayed into the heat exchanger during the drying operation, and the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means is 2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, wherein water spraying into the heat exchanger during the drying operation is intermittently performed at intervals according to the detected water temperature when the value is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Images