Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device capable of improving wrinkles on clothing while considering energy saving.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: an outer case; a clothing storage tub provided in the outer case, having an air inlet, and for storing clothing inside; an air passage provided in the outer case and connected to the air inlet; a humidification promotion member arranged in the air passage and for vaporizing moisture from the surface; a blower device for blowing air to the clothing storage tub; a water supply path for supplying water from a water supply source outside of the outer case to the humidification promotion member; a water supply valve for opening / closing the water supply path; and a control device for executing a wrinkle removal operation for alleviating wrinkles by controlling the operation of the blower device, the temperature of the humidification promotion member, and opening / closing of the water supply valve and by humidifying the clothing. In the wrinkle removal operation, the control device executes: a preparation step of opening the water supply valve and supplying water to the humidification promotion member; a vaporization step of increasing the temperature of the humidification promotion member without blowing air to the clothing storage tub; and a humidification step of feeding the steam generated by the vaporization step to the clothing storage tub by driving the blower device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Washing and drying machines that have both washing and drying functions are known. Among these washing and drying machines, some have also been developed with the function of smoothing out wrinkles in clothes.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washer-dryer that has a heating section (heater) between the bottom of the drum (inner tub) and the outer tub, and a water receiving section for temporarily storing water around the heating section.With clothes placed in the drum, steam is generated in the heating section to moisten the clothes, and then a blower fan is used to send air into the drum to dry the clothes, thereby removing wrinkles from the clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-069529 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To generate enough steam using a heater to remove wrinkles, for example, a power of around 1000W may be required. Also, a certain amount of water needs to be stored around the heating element. Therefore, there is room for further consideration from the perspective of energy conservation when it comes to washer-dryers with wrinkle removal functions.

[0006] Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention provides a clothes treating device that can improve wrinkles on clothes while taking energy saving into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A clothing treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer box, a clothing storage tub disposed within the outer box, the outer box, and having an air inlet and configured to store clothing therein, an air passage disposed within the outer box and connected to the air inlet, a humidification promotion member disposed within the air passage and evaporating moisture from its surface, an air blower configured to blow air into the clothing storage tub, a water supply path configured to supply water from a water source external to the outer box to the humidification promotion member, a water supply valve configured to open and close the water supply path, and a control device configured to control the operation of the air blower, the temperature of the humidification promotion member, and the opening and closing of the water supply valve to perform a wrinkle reduction operation to humidify the clothing and reduce wrinkles. During the wrinkle reduction operation, the control device performs a preparation step of opening the water supply valve to supply water to the humidification promotion member, an evaporation step of raising the temperature of the humidification promotion member without blowing air into the clothing storage tub, and a humidification step of driving the air blower to send steam generated by the evaporation step to the clothing storage tub. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air path, a drying unit, and an air blower in an example in which the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat exchanger serving as a humidification promoting member and its surroundings in an example in which the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing / drying machine; [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchanger serving as a humidification promoting member and its surroundings in an example in which the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer, viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 7]1 is a timing chart showing how the control device controls the operation of each component in the wrinkle removal operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing processing by a control device in a preparation process of a washer / dryer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control device in an evaporation process of a washer / dryer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing a process of a wrinkle removal operation performed by a control device of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a second embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control device in an evaporation process of a washer / dryer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] A chart showing the details of the wrinkle removal operation in the third embodiment [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing processing by a control device in a preparation process of a washer / dryer according to a third embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a fourth embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a fourth embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments in which a laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in several embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. A washer / dryer 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum washing machine equipped with a drying function.

[0011] 1 and 2, the washer-dryer 10 includes an outer case 11, a door 12, an outer tub 13, a bellows 14, a rotating tub 15, a rotating tub motor 16, a water supply mechanism 17, and a drainage mechanism 18. In this embodiment, the door 11 side of the outer case 11, i.e., the left side of the paper in FIG. 1, is the front side of the washer-dryer 10. The outer case 11 is formed into a rectangular hollow box shape using, for example, a stainless steel plate, and forms the outer shell of the washer-dryer 10. The outer case 11 has a clothes opening 111 at the front portion that connects the inside and outside of the outer case 11.

[0012] The door 12 is provided at the front of the outer box 11 and is configured to be able to open and close the clothing entrance 111. With the door 12 open, the user can put clothes into or take clothes out of the rotating tub 15 through the clothing entrance 111.

[0013] The outer tub 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening 131 on the front side. In this embodiment, the outer tub 13 can store water inside and functions as an outer tub in this case. The outer tub 13 has an air outlet 132 and an air inlet 133. The air outlet 132 is located, for example, in the upper front part of the peripheral wall that constitutes the cylindrical part of the outer tub 13, and is provided at a position spaced apart in the left-right direction from the center of the outer tub 13, i.e., the top of the cylindrical outer surface of the outer tub 13. The air inlet 133 is located, for example, in the bottom of the outer tub 13, slightly above the center in the up-down direction of the bottom. The air outlet 132 and air inlet 133 communicate between the inside and outside of the outer tub 13.

[0014] The bellows 14 is provided around the clothes inlet / outlet 111 of the outer box 11 and the opening 131 of the outer tub 13. The bellows 14 is formed, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical accordion, and elastically connects the outer box 11 and the outer tub 13 while communicating the clothes inlet / outlet 111 and the opening 131.

[0015] The rotatable tub 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom capable of storing clothes, and is rotatably housed inside the outer tub 13. The rotation axis of the rotatable tub 15 overlaps the central axis of the outer tub 13. The rotatable tub 15 has multiple communication ports 151. The communication ports 151 connect the inside and outside of the rotatable tub 15. The communication ports 151 are formed throughout the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of the rotatable tub 15 and the bottom of the rotatable tub 15. The communication ports 151 function mainly as water passages through which water flows in and out during the washing and spin-drying operations, and as ventilation ports through which air flows in and out during the drying operation. The outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15 function as a clothing storage tub that stores clothes inside when the washer-dryer is operating.

[0016] 1 and 3, a plurality of baffles 152 are provided inside the cylindrical portion of rotatable tub 15. Baffles 152 agitate the clothes stored inside rotatable tub 15 as rotatable tub 15 rotates.

[0017] The rotatable tub motor 16 is provided, for example, on the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 13. The tip of the shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16 protrudes into the interior of the outer tub 13 and is connected to the rotatable tub 15. The rotatable tub motor 16 can be, for example, an outer rotor type direct drive motor. The shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer tub 13, protrudes into the interior of the outer tub 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the rotatable tub 15. The rotatable tub motor 16 rotates the rotatable tub 15 relative to the outer tub 13. In this case, the shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16, the central axis of the outer tub 13, and the rotation axis of the rotatable tub 15 are all aligned.

[0018] The water supply mechanism 17 is a device for injecting water supplied from an external water source, such as a tap, into the outer tub 13. The water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, inside the outer box 11, above the outer tub 13, near either the left or right side. The water supply mechanism 17 includes a first water supply valve 171, a first water supply path 172, and a water injection case 173.

[0019] The first water supply valve 171 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, and is connected to an external water source such as a water line (not shown). The first water supply valve 171 opens and closes the first water supply path 172. The first water supply path 172 is a path that leads from the external water source to the inside of the outer tub 13. The water supply case 173 is provided on the first water supply path 172 downstream of the first water supply valve 171. The water supply case 173 is configured to be able to store laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agent inside.

[0020] When the first water supply valve 171 is opened, water from an external water source is poured into the outer tub 13 via the water supply case 173. If a laundry treatment agent is stored in the water supply case 173, the laundry treatment agent in the water supply case 173 is carried by the water flowing through the first water supply path 172 and flows down into the outer tub 13. Note that the washer-dryer 10 does not necessarily have to include the water supply case 173. That is, the washer-dryer 10 may be configured so that the user directly pours the laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13.

[0021] Drain mechanism 18 has a function of discharging water stored inside outer tub 13 to the outside of washer-dryer 10. Drain mechanism 18 is configured to include a drain valve 181 and a drain path 182. Drain valve 181 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid. Drain valve 181 opens and closes drain path 182. Drain path 182 is a path that leads from inside outer tub 13 to the outside of the machine.

[0022] The washer-dryer 10 also has a drying function. The washer-dryer 10 includes an air passage 20 and a drying unit 30. The air passage 20 includes a duct connected to the air outlet 132 and / or the air inlet 133. In this embodiment, the air passage 20 connects the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 outside the outer tub 13. That is, the air passage 20, the outer tub 13, and the rotatable tub 15 form a circulating air passage. The drying unit 30 takes in air from the outer tub 13 through the air outlet 132 into the air passage 20, turns it into hot air, and then supplies the generated hot air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15.

[0023] Air passage 20 can be configured to include, for example, exhaust duct 21, filter device 22, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25. Exhaust duct 21, filter device 22, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25 are arranged in this order along the flow of air through air passage 20. Exhaust duct 21, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25 function as ducts that form an air passage by passing air therethrough. Air flows through air passage 20 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 .

[0024] The exhaust duct 21 is a duct that connects the air outlet 132 of the outer tub 13 to the filter device 22. The filter device 22 has a filter (not shown) installed inside it, which captures lint and foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air passage 20. The connection duct 23 is a duct that connects the filter device 22 to the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 is installed on the lower inside of the outer casing 11, below the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15. The air taken into the air passage 20 from the outer tub 13 is dehumidified and heated as it passes through the heat exchanger 24, becoming dry, warm air. The supply air duct 25 is a duct that connects the heat exchanger 24 to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13.

[0025] The air passage 20 is provided with an exhaust port 26 and an opening / closing device 27. The exhaust port 26 connects the inside of the air passage 20 with the outside of the machine, and discharges the exhaust air from the outer tub 13 to the outside of the machine. The opening / closing device 27 opens and closes the exhaust port 26.

[0026] The drying unit 30 functions as a hot air supplying device that generates hot air for drying the clothes in the rotating tub 15 and supplies the hot air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13. The drying unit 30 can be configured to include, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type heating device. In this embodiment, the drying unit 30 is configured to include a heat pump type heating device, and as shown in FIG. 3, has an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 33, an expansion device 34, and a refrigerant flow path 35. The washer-dryer 10 also includes an air blower 36.

[0027] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are provided within the heat exchange unit 24. The evaporator 31 is provided upstream of the condenser 32 with respect to the air flow within the heat exchange unit 24 during drying operation. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with a compressor 33 provided outside the heat exchange unit 24, a throttling device 34, and a refrigerant flow path 35 connecting these components in order, form a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 3. Air passing through the heat exchange unit 24 is cooled by the evaporator 31 and thereby dehumidified. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 31 is then heated by the condenser 32 to become warm air.

[0028] The downstream side of the heat exchanger 24 is connected to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13 by an air intake duct 25. The drying unit 30 also includes a blower 36. The blower 36 is provided, for example, at the connection between the heat exchanger 24 and the air intake duct 25, and can be configured, for example, with a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The blower 36 draws air into the heat exchanger 24 and discharges it toward the air intake duct 25. As a result, the warm air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchanger 24 is supplied from the air inlet 133 to the outer tub 13 and further into the rotating tub 15 by the blowing action of the blower 36.

[0029] The washer / dryer 10 includes a humidifying mechanism 40. The humidifying mechanism 40 generates air containing moisture to be supplied to the clothes storage tub, i.e., the inside of the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15, and ultimately to the clothes stored in the clothes storage tub. The humidifying mechanism 40 includes a humidification promotion member 400, a second water supply valve 41, a second water supply path 42, and a water supply unit 43.

[0030] The humidification promotion member 400 has a function of moistening the air by wetting its surface and evaporating moisture from the surface. The humidification promotion member 400 is disposed in the air passage 20. The humidification promotion member 400 preferably has a structure or shape that makes its surface area larger than that of an object having the same volume as the humidification promotion member 400. For example, the humidification promotion member 400 may be made of a porous material or may have a structure with many fins or pins. In this embodiment, a heat exchanger including an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32 is used as the humidification promotion member 400. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 have many fins to improve heat exchange efficiency, and are therefore designed to have a surface area larger than that of an object having the same volume.

[0031] The surface temperature of the humidification promotion member 400 can also be increased. For example, the humidification promotion member 400 may be heated by a heat source such as a heater, or may be heated by the function of a heat pump mechanism.

[0032] The second water supply valve 41 is, for example, an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, and is connected to an external water source such as a water line (not shown). The second water supply valve 41 opens and closes a second water supply path 42. The second water supply path 42 is a path that connects the external water source to the water supply unit 43. The water supply unit 43 has a function of supplying water to the humidification promotion member 400. The water supply unit 43 has one or more water supply ports 431 on a surface facing the humidification promotion member 400. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water supply unit 43 is provided above the evaporator 31. The multiple water supply ports 431 are formed on the lower surface of the water supply unit 43, i.e., on the surface facing the upper surface of the evaporator 31.

[0033] When the second water supply valve 41 is opened, water from an external water source is supplied to the water supply unit 43 via the second water supply path 42. The water that reaches the water supply unit 43 is supplied from the water supply port 431 to the evaporator 31 serving as the humidification promotion member 400.

[0034] When the second water supply valve 41 is opened and the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 is wet, the moisture evaporates from the surface of the humidification promotion member 400, generating steam, which increases the humidity in the air passage 20. The generated steam is then carried to the clothing storage tub by the action of the air supply device 36.

[0035] Furthermore, a plurality of humidification promotion members 400 can be arranged in a line along the direction of air flow in the air passage 20. In this case, some of the water supplied to the windward-side humidification promotion member 400 is blown downwind by the wind without being vaporized, thereby wetting the surface of the downwind-side humidification promotion member 400. The water adhering to the surface of the downwind-side humidification promotion member 400 is vaporized by the action of the air blower 36 and is also carried to the clothing storage tub.

[0036] In this embodiment, the evaporator 31 and condenser 32 serving as the humidification promotion member 400 are arranged side by side along the direction of air flow within the heat exchanger 24. As a result, some of the water supplied to the evaporator 31 is blown downwind by the wind without being vaporized, thereby wetting the surface of the condenser 32. The water adhering to the surface of the condenser 32 is vaporized by the action of the air blower 36 and carried to the clothing storage tub.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water supply port 531 is provided at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 400, but the water supply port 531 does not have to be provided at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 400, and may be provided at a position facing the upwind area of ​​the humidification promotion member. In this case, if the air blower 36 is driven when water is supplied from the water supply port, the water will be carried to the humidification promotion member 400 by the air flow, and the humidification promotion member 400 will be wetted.

[0038] The washer-dryer 10 also includes a control device 50, as shown in Fig. 6. The control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 501 and a storage area 502 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory. The control device 50 has a function of managing the operation of the washer-dryer 10 as a whole. The rotary tub motor 16, the first water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the opening / closing device 27, the compressor 33, the blower 36, and the second water supply valve 41 are electrically connected to the control device 50 and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0039] The control device 50 can selectively perform a washing operation, a drying operation, a washing and drying operation, and a wrinkle removing operation by operating the rotating tub motor 16, the first water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the opening / closing device 27, the compressor 33, the air blower 36, and the second water supply valve 41 as necessary. In this embodiment, the "operation" in the washing operation, drying operation, washing and drying operation, or wrinkle removing operation is a concept that includes one or more processes, and is a unit that can be selected by the user.

[0040] The washer-dryer 10 includes a temperature detection unit 51, a humidity detection unit 52, and a condenser temperature detection unit 53. The temperature detection unit 51 detects the environmental temperature where the washer-dryer 10 is installed. The humidity detection unit 52 detects the humidity of the exhaust air discharged from the air outlet 132. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 51 and the humidity detection unit 52 are disposed downstream of the exhaust duct 21 and the filter device 22 in the air passage 20. The condenser temperature detection unit 53 has a function of detecting the temperature of the condenser 32.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the wrinkle removal operation includes a preparation step, an evaporation step, and a humidification step. The wrinkle removal operation may further include a drying step. The preparation step is a step of supplying water to the humidification promotion member to prepare for humidifying the inside of the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15. The evaporation step is a step of evaporating the moisture supplied to the humidification promotion member in the preparation step. The humidification step is a step of supplying moist air containing the moisture generated in the evaporation step to the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15 to provide the clothing with an appropriate amount of moisture, stretch the clothing fibers, and remove wrinkles from the clothing. The drying step is a step of blowing air into the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15 to dry the clothing and remove excess moisture supplied to the clothing in the humidification step.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 50 operates the blower 36, the second water supply valve 41, the compressor 33, and the rotary tub motor 16 to perform the preparation process, evaporation process, humidification process, and drying process.

[0043] In the preparation step, the control device 50 executes a water supply operation. The water supply operation is an operation of opening the second water supply valve 41. As a result, water is supplied to the humidification promotion member 400 via the second water supply path 42. In this embodiment, the control device 50 also drives the air blower 36 in the preparation step. As a result, the water supplied to the evaporator 31 is transported to the condenser 32, which is arranged downwind of the evaporator 31, by the action of the air blower 36.

[0044] The airflow rate of the air blower 36 during the preparation process is set lower than the airflow rate of the air blower 36 during the humidification process and / or the drying process. This prevents unevaporated water, e.g., water droplets, from reaching the clothing storage tub 13, 15 during the preparation process, thereby preventing localized excessive wetting of the clothing. Furthermore, the clothing can be dried quickly during the drying process. For example, the control device 50 sets the rotation speed of the air blower 36 during the preparation process lower than the rotation speed of the air blower 36 during the humidification process and / or the drying process. The lower limit of the rotation speed of the air blower 36 during the preparation process is set to ensure a sufficient airflow rate to evaporate water on the surface of the humidification promotion member 400, for example, while preventing water droplets from blowing off the surface of the humidification promotion member 400, particularly the surface of the downstream condenser 32, and preventing water droplets from reaching the rotating tub 15 or water droplets from circulating through the air passage 20 and wetting the filter portion of the filter device 22.

[0045] The driving rotation speed R1 of the blower 36 in the preparation step varies depending on, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage and the shape of the fan of the blower 36, but can be set within a range of, for example, 2000 rpm to 4500 rpm. In this embodiment, the driving rotation speed R1 of the blower 36 in the preparation step is set to 3000 rpm.

[0046] During the preparation process, the control device 50 drives the rotating tub motor 16 to periodically rotate the rotating tub 15, for example, in the forward and reverse directions at low to medium speeds. This allows the control device 50 to gently agitate the clothes contained in the rotating tub 15. For example, the rotation speed of the rotating tub motor 16 can be set within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm. During the preparation process, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33. This reduces the temperature of the evaporator 31 through the action of the heat pump by driving the compressor 33, preventing the water supplied to the evaporator 31 from being dehumidified or frozen during the water supply operation.

[0047] The period T1 of the water supply operation in the preparation step is set to a period sufficient to supply water to the entire surface of the humidification promotion member. The period T1 depends on the shape and surface area of ​​the humidification promotion member and the flow rate of water flowing through the second water supply path 42, but can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Furthermore, the period T2 from the end of the water supply operation to the start of the evaporation step is set to a period sufficient to transport the water supplied to the evaporator 31 to the condenser 32. The period T2 can be set to approximately the same length as the period T1. The air blower 36 is driven for at least the periods T1 and T2. In this embodiment, the air blower 36 is driven throughout the entire preparation step.

[0048] If the amount of humidification of the clothes needs to be increased, the amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased. The amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased or decreased by adjusting the flow rate, the water supply period T1, or both as appropriate. For example, the control device 50 can increase the water supply period T1 when the outside air humidity is below a predetermined humidity level or when the weight of the clothes stored in the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight, and can decrease the water supply period T1 when the outside air humidity is equal to or greater than the predetermined humidity level or when the weight of the clothes stored in the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 is less than a predetermined weight.

[0049] During the evaporation process, the control device 50 increases the temperature of the humidification promotion member 400, in this case, the temperature of the condenser 32. Specifically, during the evaporation process, the control device 50 drives the compressor 33 and stops the operation of the blower 36. By driving the compressor 33, the control device 50 increases the surface temperature of the condenser 32, thereby vaporizing the water supplied to the surface of the condenser 32 during the preparation process. Furthermore, by not simultaneously driving the compressor 33 and the blower 36, the control device 50 prevents the vapor evaporated from the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 from being dehumidified by the heat pump. Note that stopping the operation of the blower 36 also includes a case where, instead of stopping the operation of the blower 36, the driving speed of the blower 36 is reduced to minimize the amount of vaporized water circulating through the air passage 20 and the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15 and reaching the evaporator 31, thereby achieving the same effect as stopping the operation of the blower 36.

[0050] During the evaporation process, the control device 50 closes the second water supply valve 41. That is, the control device 50 does not supply water during the evaporation process. Furthermore, during the evaporation process, the control device 50 drives the rotatable tub motor 16 to rotate the rotatable tub 15, for example, in forward and reverse directions periodically at low to medium speeds. This allows the control device 50 to gently agitate the clothes contained in the rotatable tub 15. For example, the rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16 can be set within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm.

[0051] The control device 50 terminates the vaporization process when sufficient vapor is generated. The control device 50 can, for example, directly or indirectly detect the temperature or humidity of the air surrounding the humidification promotion member 400, and terminate the vaporization process if the detected temperature or humidity is equal to or higher than a threshold value. In this embodiment, the control device 50 terminates the vaporization process when the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 53 is equal to or higher than a threshold value t1. The threshold value t1 can be set, for example, within a range from approximately 75°C to approximately 85°C. In this embodiment, the threshold value t1 is set to 80°C.

[0052] During the humidification process, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36, which sends steam generated by evaporation from the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 (in this case, the condenser 32) into the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 using the air blowing function of the air blower 36. The driving rotation speed R2 of the air blower 36 during the humidification process is set higher than the driving rotation speed R1 of the air blower 36 during the preparation process. This allows the steam to be more strongly applied to the clothes stored in the clothing storage tubs 13, 15, thereby promoting penetration of the steam. The driving rotation speed R2 of the air blower 36 during the humidification process can be set within the range of 4000 rpm to 5500 rpm, for example. In this embodiment, the driving rotation speed R2 of the air blower 36 during the humidification process is set to 5000 rpm.

[0053] During the humidification process, the control device 50 stops driving the compressor 33. This prevents the air circulated by the blower 36 through the air passage 20 and the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 from being dehumidified by the action of the heat pump.

[0054] During the humidification process, the control device 50 drives the rotatable tub motor 16. As the rotatable tub 15 rotates, the clothes contained within the rotatable tub 15 also rotate. The rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16 during the humidification process is set to a predetermined speed at which the clothes rise to the top of the rotatable tub together with the rotatable tub 15 and then fall off. Relative movement between the clothes occurs, so the clothes are agitated as a whole, making it easier for moist air to hit the entire clothes. This makes it easier to remove wrinkles from the entire clothes. For example, the rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16 can be set within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm. The control device 50 may also rotate the rotatable tub motor 16 forward and backward.

[0055] During the humidification process, the control device 50 may perform a water supply operation. In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation intermittently, i.e., discontinuously, multiple times. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 50 can repeat a cycle of opening the second water supply valve 41 for a predetermined period T3 and closing the second water supply valve 41 for a predetermined period T4. To increase the amount of humidification of the laundry, the total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased. The total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation may be increased by increasing the amount of water supplied by each water supply operation, by increasing the frequency of the water supply operation, or by both. Furthermore, the amount of water supplied by each water supply operation can be increased or decreased by adjusting the flow rate, the water supply period, or both.

[0056] The predetermined water supply period T3 can be set within a range of, for example, 0.5 to 3 seconds. The predetermined no-water supply period T4 can be set within a range of, for example, 30 to 60 seconds. In this embodiment, the water supply period T3 is set to 2 seconds. The no-water supply period T4 is set to 60 seconds.

[0057] In this embodiment, the water supply operation in the humidification process is performed as a supplement when the water supply operation in the preparation process does not provide enough moisture, and does not need to be performed if the humidity of the air supplied to the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 during the humidification process is sufficient. For example, if the outside humidity is low or if there is a large amount of clothing stored in the clothing storage tubs 13, 15, the humidity of the air supplied to the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 during the humidification process may not be sufficient.

[0058] In this case, whether or not to perform the water supply operation can be determined depending on whether the temperature detected by the humidity detection unit 52 every period T4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold humidity H0. If the temperature detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold humidity H0, the control unit 50 does not perform the water supply operation. If the temperature detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is lower than the predetermined threshold humidity H0, the control unit 50 performs the water supply operation.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33 during the preparation process and the humidification process. In other words, the water supply operation is performed without driving the compressor 33. This prevents the air humidified by the evaporator 31, which has reached a low temperature, from being instantly dehumidified. In this specification, not driving the compressor 33 includes not only stopping the compressor 33, but also reducing the drive rotation speed of the compressor 33 to a level where the condenser 32 does not significantly dehumidify the air, thereby preventing the heat pump mechanism from actually functioning.

[0060] In the drying process, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36 and the compressor 33. The drive rotation speed of the air blower 36 is set to a rotation speed R2, which is higher than the drive rotation speed R1 in the preparation process. Furthermore, in the drying process, the control device 50 drives the rotatable tub motor 16 to rotate the rotatable tub 15. In the drying process, the rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16 is also set to a predetermined speed at which the clothes rise to the top of the rotatable tub together with the rotatable tub 15 and then fall off. Relative movement between the clothes occurs, which agitates the entire clothes, making it easier for warm air to hit the entire clothes. This facilitates uniform drying of the entire clothes. For example, the rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16 can be set within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm. The control device 50 may rotate the rotatable tub motor 16 forward and backward.

[0061] The processing of the control device 50 in the wrinkle removal operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 to 10. At the start of Figure 8, the washer-dryer 10 is turned on, and the wrinkle removal operation has been selected by the user through an operation panel (not shown) or the like.

[0062] When the wrinkle removal operation is executed (start), the control device 50 executes a preparation process in step S11. The details of the preparation process are shown in FIG. 9. When the preparation process is executed, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36 in step S21. In step S22, the control device 50 drives the rotary tub motor 16. In step S23, the control device 50 opens the second water supply valve 41 to supply water to the humidification promotion member 400, in this case the evaporator 31.

[0063] In step S24, the control device 50 determines whether or not the period T1 has elapsed since the second water supply valve 41 was opened. If the period T1 has not elapsed (No in step S24), the control device 50 repeats the processing of step S24. If the period T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S24), the control device 50 proceeds to step S25.

[0064] In step S25, the control device 50 closes the second water supply valve 41 to terminate the supply of water to the humidification promotion member 400. In step S26, the control device 50 determines whether or not the period T2 has elapsed since the second water supply valve 41 was closed. If the period T2 has not elapsed (No in step S26), the control device 50 repeats the processing of step S26. If the period T2 has elapsed (Yes in step S26), the control device 50 proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the control device 50 stops driving the blower device 36. Thereafter, the control device 50 returns the processing to the flowchart of FIG. 8 (RETURN).

[0065] Returning to Fig. 8, the control device 50 executes the evaporation process in step S12. The details of the evaporation process are shown in Fig. 10. When the evaporation process is executed, the control device 50 drives the compressor 33 in step S31. This increases the surface temperature of the humidification promotion member 400 (in this case, the condenser 32), and the water on the surface of the condenser 32 is heated and evaporated.

[0066] In step S32, the control device 50 determines whether the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 53 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t1. If the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 53 is less than the threshold value t1 (No in step S32), the control device 50 repeats the process of step S32. If the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 53 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t1 (Yes in step S32), the control device 50 proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the control device 50 stops driving the compressor 33. Thereafter, the control device 50 returns the process to the flowchart of FIG. 8 (Return).

[0067] 8, the control device 50 executes a humidifying step in step S13. The control device 50 also executes a blowing step in step S14. Thereafter, the control device 50 ends the processing of the wrinkle removal operation (END). In this way, the control device 50 executes the wrinkle removal operation.

[0068] According to the present embodiment described above, the washer / dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device includes the outer casing 11, the outer tub 13 and rotatable tub 15 as the clothing storage tub, the air passage 20, the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32, the air blower 36, the second water supply path 42 as a water supply path, the second water supply valve 41 as a water supply valve, and the control device 50. The outer tub 13 and rotatable tub 15 have air inlets 133 and accommodate clothing therein. The air passage 20 is provided within the outer casing 11 and connected to the air inlet 133. The humidification promotion member 400, in this case, the evaporator 31 and condenser 32, are disposed within the air passage 20 and evaporate moisture from their surfaces. The air blower 36 blows air into the clothing storage tub. The second water supply path 42 supplies water from a water source external to the outer casing 11 to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32. The second water supply valve 41 opens and closes the second water supply path 42. The control device 50 controls the operation of the air blower 36, the temperature of the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32, and the opening and closing of the second water supply valve 41 to perform a wrinkle removal operation that humidifies the clothes and reduces wrinkles. The control device 50 performs a preparation step, an evaporation step, and a humidification step during the wrinkle removal operation. The preparation step is a step of opening the second water supply valve 41 to supply water to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32. The evaporation step is a step of increasing the temperature of the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32 without blowing air into the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15. The humidification step is a step of driving the air blower 36 to send steam generated in the evaporation step to the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15.

[0069] In this way, the vapor evaporated from the surfaces of the humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32 during the evaporation process is retained in the air passage 20, and then blown into the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 all at once during the humidification process, thereby maintaining humidity in the clothing storage tubs 13, 15 high enough for wrinkle removal for a long period of time. This provides a clothing treatment device that is energy-efficient yet has sufficient wrinkle removal performance.

[0070] The washer / dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device of this embodiment includes a heat pump mechanism having a compressor 33, a condenser 32, and an evaporator 31. The humidification promotion member 400 is the condenser 32 and / or the evaporator 31. The control device 50 drives the compressor 33 in the evaporation process.

[0071] This allows the moisture to evaporate from the surface of the condenser 32, which has been heated to a high temperature by the compressor, and efficiently generates high-temperature steam suitable for removing wrinkles from clothes. This provides a clothing treatment device that is energy-efficient yet has sufficient wrinkle-removing performance.

[0072] Here, since the evaporator 31 is located upstream of the condenser 32, lint tends to adhere to the upstream side surface of the evaporator 31. For this reason, a water supply path and water supply unit for cleaning may be provided to rinse the upstream side surface of the evaporator 31 in particular. While it is conceivable to provide a water supply path and water supply unit for cleaning separately from a water supply path and water supply unit for humidification, the space inside the machine is limited, and an increase in the number of parts is undesirable in terms of manufacturing costs.

[0073] On the other hand, the surface of the evaporator 31 is cooled by the function of the heat pump mechanism, so high-temperature steam cannot be generated even if the water supply path for cleaning is used as it is.

[0074] In contrast, the condenser 32 is disposed adjacent to the evaporator 31 and downstream of the evaporator 31 in the direction of air flow in the air passage 20. The second water supply path 42 has a water supply unit 43 provided facing the evaporator 31 from above. The control device 50 drives the blower device 36 in the preparation process.

[0075] According to this, after water is supplied to the evaporator 31, the function of the air blower 36 is to blow the water on the surface of the evaporator 31 to the downstream condenser 32, wetting the surface of the condenser 32. Because the surface of the condenser 32 is heated by the function of the heat pump mechanism, high-temperature steam can be generated from the surface of the condenser 32 without providing an additional water supply structure. Therefore, it is possible to provide a clothing treatment device that makes effective use of the interior space, reduces manufacturing costs, and is energy-efficient yet has sufficient wrinkle-removing performance.

[0076] The control device 50 stops the driving of the compressor 33 during the humidification process.

[0077] This prevents the steam generated in the evaporation process from being dehumidified by the evaporator due to the heat pump function, thereby ensuring a sufficient supply of steam to the clothes and improving the wrinkle removal performance of the clothes treatment device.

[0078] The washer / dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device of this embodiment includes a condenser temperature detection unit 53 that detects the temperature of the condenser 32. The control device 50 ends the evaporation process when the temperature detected by the condenser temperature detection unit 53 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value t1.

[0079] According to this, if the surface temperature of the condenser 32 reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold t1 at which high-temperature steam is generated, it can be assumed that a sufficient amount of high-temperature steam is remaining inside the air duct 20. Therefore, the evaporation process is terminated at an appropriate time, and the condenser 32 is prevented from being heated more than necessary. Furthermore, if the temperature of the condenser 32 becomes excessively high, there is a risk that the allowable pressure of the heat exchangers 31 and 32 will be exceeded. Therefore, by stopping the operation of the compressor 33 when the temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold t1, it is possible to provide a clothing treatment device that can reduce wrinkles while taking safety into consideration.

[0080] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the control device 50 ends the evaporation process based on the temperature of the compressor 33.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, the washer-dryer 10 includes a compressor temperature detection unit 54. The compressor temperature detection unit 54 has a function of detecting the temperature of the compressor 33. The control device 50 acquires the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54. If the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54 is equal to or higher than a threshold value t2, the control device 50 terminates the evaporation process. The threshold value t2 can be set within a range of approximately 115°C to approximately 125°C, for example. In this embodiment, the threshold value t2 is set to approximately 120°C.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the wrinkle removing operation is performed, the control device 50 executes the same process as in the first embodiment except for the vaporization step. In the vaporization step shown in Fig. 12, the control device 50 executes step S41 instead of step S32.

[0083] In step S41, the control device 50 determines whether the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t2. If the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54 is less than the threshold value t2 (No in step S41), the control device 50 repeats the process of step S41. If the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54 is equal to or greater than the threshold value t2 (Yes in step S41), the control device 50 proceeds to step S33.

[0084] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0085] The washer-dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device of this embodiment includes a compressor temperature detection unit 54 that detects the temperature of the compressor 33. The control device 50 ends the evaporation process when the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit 54 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value t2.

[0086] According to this, if the temperature of the compressor 33 is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value t2, it can be assumed that a sufficient amount of high-temperature steam is remaining inside the air duct 20. Therefore, a clothing treatment device is provided that can end the evaporation process at an appropriate time and prevent the condenser 32 from being heated more than necessary. Furthermore, if the temperature of the compressor 33 becomes excessively high, there is a risk that the allowable pressure of the compressor 33 will be exceeded. Therefore, by stopping the operation of the compressor 33 when the temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold value t2, a clothing treatment device can be provided that can reduce wrinkles while taking safety into consideration.

[0087] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In this embodiment, a preparation process, an evaporation process, and a humidification process are defined as one set, and multiple sets are repeatedly executed in one wrinkle removal operation. This increases the total amount of steam supplied to the clothes, further improving the wrinkle removal effect.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 50 may set the maximum number of sets Nmax for the preparation process, evaporation process, and humidification process in one wrinkle removal run by a user via an operation panel (not shown), or may set the maximum number of sets Nmax based on one or more of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52, and the weight and / or fabric type of the clothes contained in the rotatable tub 15. The maximum number of sets Nmax can be set to two or three times. For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 or the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is below a predetermined threshold, the maximum number of sets Nmax can be increased compared to when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 or the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, when the weight of the clothes contained in the rotatable tub 15 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the maximum number of sets Nmax can be increased compared to when the weight is less than the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, when the fabric type of the clothes contained in the rotatable tub 15 is cotton-based, which easily absorbs moisture, the maximum number of sets Nmax can be increased compared to when the fabric type of the clothes contained in the rotatable tub 15 is synthetic-based, which does not easily absorb moisture.

[0089] 14 shows a flowchart of the wrinkle removal operation in this embodiment. When the wrinkle removal operation is performed, the control device 50 sets the count of the number of sets to N=1 in step S51. Then, the control device 50 sequentially performs a preparation step (step S11), an evaporation step (step S12), and a humidification step (step S13).

[0090] In step S52, the control device 50 determines whether the count N of the number of sets is equal to or greater than the maximum number of sets Nmax. If the count N of the number of sets is less than Nmax (No in step S52), the control device 50 proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the control device 50 sets the count N of the number of sets to N=N+1. Thereafter, the control device 50 returns the process to step S11.

[0091] If the count N of the number of sets is equal to or greater than Nmax (Yes in step S52), the control device 50 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control device 50 executes the air blowing process. In this way, the control device 50 executes the wrinkle removal operation in this embodiment.

[0092] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the control device 50 repeatedly executes a plurality of sets of a preparation step, an evaporation step, and a humidification step as one set in the wrinkle removing operation.

[0094] This allows a large amount of high-temperature, high-humidity steam to be supplied to the clothes storage tubs 13, 15, increasing the total amount of moisture absorbed by the clothes and improving the wrinkle reduction effect.

[0095] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. In this embodiment, a washer / dryer 10 includes an ultraviolet irradiation device 60. The ultraviolet irradiation device 60 irradiates the clothes stored in the rotating tub 15 with ultraviolet light, thereby achieving a sterilizing and deodorizing effect on the clothes.

[0096] As shown in Figure 15, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is disposed so as to irradiate the interior of the rotating tub 15 with ultraviolet rays through the front openings of the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15. Specifically, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is attached to the top of the outer tub cover of the outer tub 13. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 are irradiated over a wide area, from the front of the rotating tub 15 to the end plate of the rotating tub at the back. As shown in Figure 16, the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and irradiates ultraviolet rays under the control of the control device 50.

[0097] The control device 50 drives the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 in one or more of the preparation process, evaporation process, and humidification process. The control device 50 may also drive the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 in the drying process. Furthermore, the control device 50 may drive the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 throughout the entire period of each process, or may drive the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 for only a part of the period.

[0098] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0099] The washer / dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device of this embodiment includes an ultraviolet irradiation device 60 that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the clothing storage tubs 13, 15. The control device 50 drives the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 during the execution of at least one of the preparation process, the evaporation process, and the humidification process.

[0100] This provides a clothing treatment device that not only reduces wrinkles on clothing but also sterilizes and deodorizes them. In particular, the preparation and evaporation steps are not performed during the period in which direct treatment is performed on the clothing stored in the clothing storage tubs 13 and 15. Therefore, by operating the ultraviolet irradiation device 60 during these steps, the operating time for the wrinkle removal operation can be effectively utilized.

[0101] (Other embodiments) In each of the embodiments described above, the water supply unit 43 is arranged above the evaporator 31, but the water supply unit 43 may be arranged above the condenser 32 in addition to the evaporator 31, or the water supply unit 43 may be arranged above the condenser 32 instead of the evaporator 31. When the humidification mechanism 40 operates after the compressor 33 operates, evaporation can be promoted by the condenser 32, which is at a high temperature. When the water supply unit 43 is arranged above the condenser 32 instead of the evaporator 31, the air blower 36 does not need to be driven in the preparation step.

[0102] In yet another embodiment, the control device 50 may be capable of selectively executing an operation other than the wrinkle removal operation, such as a washing operation, a drying operation, or a wash / drying operation, between a normal course that does not include a preparation step, an evaporation step, and a humidification step, and a wrinkle reduction course that includes a preparation step, an evaporation step, and a humidification step. When executing the wrinkle removal course, the control device 50 may execute the preparation step, the evaporation step, and the humidification step, for example, after executing the preheat spin-drying step of the washing / drying operation, after executing the drying step of the drying operation or the washing / drying operation, after executing the final spin-drying step of the washing operation or the washing / drying operation, or after executing the drying step of the drying operation. Note that when executing the preparation step, the evaporation step, and the humidification step after the drying step, the control device 50 may also execute the drying step after the humidification step.

[0103] The configurations of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other within the scope of the invention.

[0104] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10... washing machine, 13... outer tub (clothing storage tub), 133... air inlet, 15... rotating tub (clothing storage tub), 20... air duct, 30... drying unit (heat pump), 31... evaporator (heat exchanger, humidification promotion member), 32... condenser (heat exchanger, humidification promotion member), 33... compressor, 36... blower, 41... second water supply valve (water supply valve), 42... second water supply path (water supply path), 50... control device, 53... condenser temperature detection unit, 54... compressor temperature detection unit, 60... ultraviolet irradiation device

Claims

1. The outer box and a clothing storage tub provided in the outer box, having an air inlet, and storing clothing therein; an air passage provided in the outer box and connected to the air inlet; a humidification promotion member that is disposed in the air passage and vaporizes moisture from its surface; a blower for blowing air into the clothing storage tub; a water supply path for supplying water from a water supply source outside the outer box to the humidification promotion member; a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path; a control device that controls the operation of the air blower, the temperature of the humidification promotion member, and the opening and closing of the water supply valve to perform a wrinkle removal operation that humidifies the clothes and reduces wrinkles, In the wrinkle removing operation, the control device executes a preparation step of opening the water supply valve to supply the water to the humidification promotion member, an evaporation step of increasing the temperature of the humidification promotion member without blowing air into the clothing storage tub, and a humidification step of driving the air blower to send steam generated in the evaporation step to the clothing storage tub. Clothes treatment device.

2. a heat pump mechanism having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator; The humidification promoting member is the condenser and / or the evaporator, The control device drives the compressor in the evaporation process. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the condenser is disposed adjacent to the evaporator and downstream of the evaporator in the direction of air flow in the air passage; the water supply path has a water supply portion provided facing the evaporator from above, The control device drives the blower device in the preparation process. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. The control device stops driving the compressor during the humidification process. The clothing treatment device according to claim 3 .

5. the control device, in the wrinkle removing operation, repeats a plurality of sets of the preparation step, the evaporation step, and the humidification step as one set. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

6. a condenser temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the condenser, The control device terminates the evaporation process when the detected temperature of the condenser temperature detection unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 or 3.

7. a compressor temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the compressor; The control device terminates the evaporation process when the temperature detected by the compressor temperature detection unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 or 3.

8. An ultraviolet irradiation device is provided to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the clothing storage tub, the control device drives the ultraviolet irradiation device during execution of at least one of the preparation step, the evaporation step, and the humidification step. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

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