Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a laundry treating apparatus capable of improving wrinkling of laundry while taking into account energy conservation. A clothes treating apparatus includes: an outer case; the clothes storage barrel is arranged in the outer box, is provided with an air inlet, and stores clothes in the clothes storage barrel; the pipeline is arranged in the outer box and is connected with the air inlet; a humidification promoting member disposed in the duct; the air supply device is used for supplying air to the clothes storage barrel; a water supply path for supplying water from a water supply source outside the outer tank to the humidification promoting member; a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path; and a control device for controlling the operation of the blowing device and the opening and closing of the water supply valve. The control device enables the air supply device to act in a humidifying process of applying moisture to the clothes storage barrel, and executes a water supply action of opening the water supply valve during the action of the air supply device or before the action of the air supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a laundry treatment apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a washing and drying machine having a washing function and a drying function has been known. In addition, among such washing and drying machines, a washing and drying machine having a function of stretching and removing wrinkles of clothes has been developed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing and drying machine in which a heating unit as a heater and a water storage unit for temporarily storing water around the heating unit are provided between the bottom of a drum as an inner tub and an outer tub. In a state where clothes are placed in the drum, steam is generated in the heating unit to moisten the clothes, and then air is sent into the drum by a blower fan to dry the clothes, thereby being able to remove wrinkles of the clothes.

[0004] Prior Art Documents:

[0005] Patent Documents:

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-069529 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention:

[0008] In order to generate a sufficient amount of steam for removing wrinkles using a heater, for example, a power of about 1000 W may sometimes be required. In addition, a certain amount of water needs to be stored around the heating unit. Therefore, there is still room for discussion in terms of energy saving for a washing and drying machine having a wrinkle-removing function.

[0009] Then, the present embodiment of the present invention provides a laundry treatment apparatus that takes energy saving into account and can improve the wrinkling of clothes.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems:

[0011] The laundry treatment apparatus according to the embodiment includes: an outer case; a laundry storage tub provided in the outer case, having an air inlet, and storing laundry inside; a duct provided in the outer case and connected to the air inlet; a humidity promotion member disposed in the duct; a blower device that blows air into the laundry storage tub; a water supply path that supplies water from a water supply source outside the outer case to the humidity promotion member; a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path; and a control device that controls the operation of the blower device and the opening and closing of the water supply valve. The control device operates the blower device in a humidification process of imparting moisture to the laundry storage tub, and performs a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve during or before the operation of the blower device.

[0012] Effect of the invention:

[0013] According to the embodiment of the present invention, both energy conservation and wrinkle improvement of clothes can be considered. Description of the drawings

[0014] Figure 1 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a longitudinal sectional side view showing its schematic configuration.

[0015] Figure 2 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing its schematic configuration.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an air duct and a drying unit.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a perspective view showing the configuration around a heat exchanger as a humidification promotion component.

[0018] Figure 5 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a schematic view showing the configuration around a heat exchanger as a humidification promotion component from the Figure 4 direction of arrow V.

[0019] Figure 6 It is an example of applying the clothes processing device according to the first embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a block diagram schematically showing its electrical configuration.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a timing chart showing the control content of the actions of each component by the control device during the anti-wrinkle operation of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is to Figure 7 enlarge and show the inside of box VIII.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a chart showing multiple examples of the water supply period and the non-water supply period during the humidification process related to the clothes processing device of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 It is an example of a chart of the period of the humidification process pre-determined based on the weight of the clothes related to the clothes processing device of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11It is a diagram showing an outline of a wrinkle improvement program for various operations related to the clothing treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing multiple examples of the water supply period and the non - water supply period during the humidifying process related to the clothing treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of the water supply operation during the humidifying process related to the control apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing content of the water supply operation during the humidifying process related to the control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 It is an example of a diagram showing the period of the humidifying process determined in advance based on the weight of the clothing related to the clothing treatment apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 It is an example of a diagram showing the rotational speed of the air supply device during the humidifying process determined in advance based on the ambient temperature related to the clothing treatment apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a timing chart showing the control content of the actions of each component by the control apparatus during the anti - wrinkle operation according to the seventh embodiment.

[0031] Figure 18 It is a timing chart showing the control content of the actions of each component by the control apparatus during the anti - wrinkle operation according to the eighth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 It is a timing chart showing the control content of the actions of each component by the control apparatus during the anti - wrinkle operation according to the ninth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 20 It is an example of a diagram showing the period of the first air supply process determined in advance based on the ambient temperature related to the clothing treatment apparatus according to the ninth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 21 It is an example of applying the clothing treatment apparatus according to the tenth embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is a block diagram schematically showing its electrical configuration.

[0035] Figure 22 It is an example of applying the clothing treatment apparatus according to the tenth embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is an example of a diagram showing the period of the humidifying process determined in advance based on the presence or absence of thick cotton clothing and the weight of the clothing.

[0036] Figure 23This is an example of applying the clothing processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment to a washing and drying machine, and is an example of a graph of the period of a humidifying process determined in advance based on the presence or absence of thick synthetic fiber clothing and the weight of the clothing.

[0037] Figure 24 This is a timing chart showing the control content of the actions of each component by the control device in the humidifying process according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0039] 10... Washing machine, 13... Outer tub, 133... Air inlet, 15... Rotating tub, 16... Rotating tub motor, 171... Water supply valve for outer tub (second water supply valve), 172... Water supply path for outer tub (second water supply path), 20... Air duct, 21... Exhaust duct (duct), 23... Connecting duct (duct), 24... Heat exchange section (duct), 25... Air supply duct (duct), 26... Exhaust port, 27... Opening / closing device, 31... Evaporator (heat exchanger, humidification promotion component), 32... Condenser (heat exchanger, humidification promotion component), 33... Compressor, 36... Air blowing device, 41... Water supply valve for humidification (water supply valve), 42... Water supply path for humidification (water supply path), 50... Control device, 51... Temperature detection section, 52... Humidity detection section, 53... Weight detection section, 54... Fabric quality detection section, 55... Condenser temperature detection section, 56... Thick clothing detection section. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of applying the clothing processing apparatus to a washing and drying machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, for the plurality of embodiments, the same reference numerals are attached to substantially the same elements and their description is omitted.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Refer to Figures 1 to 11 to describe the first embodiment. Figure 1 And Figure 2 The washing and drying machine 10 shown is a horizontal-axis or inclined-axis drum-type washing machine having a drying function.

[0043] As Figure 1 And Figure 2 shown, the washing and drying machine 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 addition, in the present embodiment, on the side of the outer case 11 closer to the door 11, that is, Figure 1On the left side of the paper surface, it is the front side of the washing and drying machine 10. The outer box 11 is formed into a rectangular hollow box shape by, for example, a stainless steel plate, etc., and constitutes the outer contour of the washing and drying machine 10. The outer box 11 has a clothing inlet / outlet 111 at the front part, which communicates the inside of the outer box 11 with the outside.

[0044] 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 inlet / outlet 111. When the user opens the door 12, the user can put clothes into the rotary drum 15 or take clothes out via the clothing inlet / outlet 111.

[0045] The outer tub 13 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 131 at the front side. In the case of this embodiment, the outer tub 13 can store water inside and functions as a water storage tub in this case. The outer tub 13 has an air outlet 132 and an air inlet 133. The air outlet 132 is, for example, at the upper front part of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical part constituting the outer tub 13 and is provided at a position separated from the top of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shape of the outer tub 13 in the left-right direction, which is the center in the left-right direction of the outer tub 13. The air inlet 133 is, for example, provided at the bottom of the outer tub 13 at a position slightly above the center in the up-down direction of the bottom. The air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 communicate the inside of the outer tub 13 with the outside.

[0046] The bellows 14 is provided around the clothing inlet / outlet 111 of the outer box 11 and the opening 131 of the outer tub 13. The bellows 14 is, for example, formed into a cylindrical bellows shape and elastically connects the outer box 11 and the outer tub 13 in a state where the clothing inlet / outlet 111 is communicated with the opening 131.

[0047] The rotary drum 15 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape capable of storing clothes and is rotatably stored inside the outer tub 13. The rotation axis of the rotary drum 15 overlaps with the central axis of the outer tub 13. The rotary drum 15 has a plurality of communication ports 151. The communication ports 151 communicate the inside of the rotary drum 15 with the outside. The communication ports 151 are formed in the entire area of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical part constituting the rotary drum 15 and the bottom of the rotary drum 15. The communication ports 151 mainly function as water passing holes for water supply and discharge during the washing operation and the dehydration operation, and function as ventilation holes for air supply and discharge during the drying operation. The outer tub 13 and the rotary drum 15 function as a clothing storage tub for storing clothes inside during the operation of the washing and drying machine.

[0048] As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, in the rotary drum 15, a plurality of lifting ribs 152 are provided inside the cylindrical part. If the rotary drum 15 rotates, the lifting ribs 152 stir the clothes stored inside the rotary drum 15.

[0049] The tumbling motor 16 is provided, for example, on the outer side of the bottom of the outer tub 13. The front end side of the shaft portion 161 of the tumbling motor 16 protrudes into the interior of the outer tub 13 and is connected to the tumbling tub 15. The tumbling motor 16 can use, for example, an outer-rotor type direct drive motor. The shaft portion 161 of the tumbling motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer tub 13 and protrudes into the inner side of the outer tub 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the tumbling tub 15. The tumbling motor 16 causes the tumbling tub 15 to rotate relative to the outer tub 13. In this case, the shaft portion 161 of the tumbling motor 16, the central axis of the outer tub 13, and the rotation axis of the tumbling tub 15 coincide with each other.

[0050] The water supply mechanism 17 is a device for injecting water supplied from an external water source such as tap water into the outer tub 13. The water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, above one of the left and right sides of the outer tub 13 in the outer case 11. The water supply mechanism 17 includes a water supply valve 171, a water supply path 172 for the outer tub, and a water injection box 173.

[0051] The water supply valve 171 is an electromagnetic drive type on-off valve for liquids, and is connected to an external water source such as tap water (not shown). The water supply valve 171 opens and closes the water supply path 172. The water supply path 172 connects the water injection box 173 and the interior of the outer tub 13. The water supply path 172 is a path from the external water source to the interior of the outer tub 13. The water injection box 173 is provided on the downstream side of the water supply valve 171 in the water supply path 172. The water injection box 173 is configured to be able to store cleaning treatment agents such as detergents or fabric softeners inside.

[0052] If the water supply valve 171 is opened, water from the external water source is injected into the outer tub 13 via the water injection box 173. If there is a cleaning treatment agent stored in the water injection box 173, during this water injection, the cleaning treatment agent in the water injection box 173 is washed down into the outer tub 13 along with the water flowing in the water supply path 172. In addition, the cleaning and drying machine 10 does not necessarily have to be provided with the water injection box 173. That is, the cleaning and drying machine 10 can also be configured such that the user directly puts the cleaning treatment agent into the outer tub 13.

[0053] The drainage mechanism 18 has a function of discharging the water stored inside the outer tub 13 to the outside of the cleaning and drying machine 10. The drainage mechanism 18 is configured to include a drainage valve 181 and a drainage path 182. The drainage valve 181 is an electromagnetic drive type on-off valve for liquids. The drainage valve 181 opens and closes the drainage path 182. The drainage path 182 is a path from the interior of the outer tub 13 to the outside of the device.

[0054] In addition, the cleaning and drying machine 10 has a drying function. The cleaning and drying machine 10 includes an air duct 20 and a drying unit 30. The air duct 20 is configured to include a pipe connected to the air outlet 132 and / or the air inlet 133. In the case of the present embodiment, the air duct 20 connects the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 outside the outer tub 13. That is, the air duct 20 and the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15 form a circulating air duct. The drying unit 30 has the following functions: introducing the air in the outer tub 13 into the air duct 20 from the air outlet 132, making it into warm air, and then supplying the generated warm air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15.

[0055] The air duct 20 can be configured, for example, to have an exhaust duct 21, a filter device 22, a connecting duct 23, a heat exchange section 24, and a supply duct 25. The exhaust duct 21, the filter device 22, the connecting duct 23, the heat exchange section 24, and the supply duct 25 are arranged in sequence along the air flow flowing in the air duct 20. The exhaust duct 21, the connecting duct 23, the heat exchange section 24, and the supply duct 25 function as pipes for circulating air inside and forming an air duct. Air flows in the air duct 20 in Figure 3 the direction of arrow A.

[0056] The exhaust duct 21 is a pipe connecting the air outlet 132 of the outer tub 13 to the filter device 22. The filter device 22 is provided with a filter (not shown) inside, and captures cotton scraps or foreign matters contained in the air flowing in the air duct 20. The connecting duct 23 is a pipe connecting the filter device 22 to the heat exchange section 24. The heat exchange section 24 is provided inside the outer case 11 at the lower part and below the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15. The air taken into the air duct 20 from the outer tub 13 is dehumidified and heated when passing through the heat exchange section 24 and becomes dry warm air. The supply duct 25 is a pipe connecting the heat exchange section 24 to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13.

[0057] An exhaust port 26 and an opening / closing device 27 are provided in the air duct 20. The exhaust port 26 communicates the inside of the air duct 20 with the outside of the device, and discharges the exhaust flowing out from the outer tub 13 to the outside of the device. The opening / closing device 27 opens or closes the exhaust port 26.

[0058] The drying unit 30 functions as a warm air supply device that generates warm air for drying the clothes in the rotary tub 15 and supplies the warm air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13. The drying unit 30 can be configured, for example, to include a heat pump type or a heater type heating device. In the case of the present embodiment, the drying unit 30 is configured to include a heat pump type heating device, as Figure 3 shown, having an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 33, a throttling device 34, a refrigerant flow path 35, and a blowing device 36.

[0059] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are provided in the heat exchange section 24. The evaporator 31 is arranged on the upstream side of the condenser 32 with respect to the flow of air in the heat exchange section 24 during the drying operation. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with the compressor 33, the throttling device 34 provided outside the heat exchange section 24, and the refrigerant flow path 35 connecting each component in sequence, constitute a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by arrow B of Figure 3 . The air passing through the heat exchange section 24 is cooled by the evaporator 31 and thus dehumidified. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 31 is then heated by the condenser 32 to become warm air.

[0060] The downstream side of the heat exchange section 24 is connected to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13 through the air supply pipe 25. In addition, the drying unit 30 includes a blower device 36. The blower device 36 is, for example, arranged at the connection part between the heat exchange section 24 and the air supply pipe 25 and can be constituted by, for example, a multi-vane fan or a propeller fan. The blower device 36 sucks the air in the heat exchange section 24 and ejects it toward the air supply pipe 25 side. Thus, the warm air dehumidified and heated by the heat exchange section 24 is supplied from the air inlet 133 to the outer tub 13 and then to the inside of the rotary tub 15 through the blowing action of the blower device 36.

[0061] The cleaning and drying machine 10 is provided with a humidifying mechanism 40. The humidifying mechanism 40 generates air containing moisture to be imparted to the inside of the laundry storage tub, i.e., the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15, and further to the laundry stored in the laundry storage tub. The humidifying mechanism 40 is configured to include a humidification promotion member 400, a humidification water supply valve 41, a humidification water supply path 42, and a water supply section 43.

[0062] The humidification promotion member 400 has the function of imparting humidity to the air by having its surface moist and vaporizing moisture from the surface. The humidification promotion member 400 is arranged in the air duct 20. The humidification promotion member 400 preferably has a structure or shape with a larger surface area ratio than an object having the same volume as the humidification promotion member 400. For example, the humidification promotion member 400 can be constituted by a member made of a porous material or can be a structure having a plurality of fins or needles. In the present embodiment, as the humidification promotion member 400, a heat exchanger including the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 is used. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are designed to have a plurality of fins in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, and thus have a larger surface area than an object with the same volume.

[0063] The water supply valve 41 for humidification is, for example, an electromagnetic drive type on-off valve for liquids, and is connected to an external water source such as tap water (not shown). The water supply valve 41 for humidification opens and closes the water supply path 42 for humidification. The water supply path 42 for humidification is a path that connects the external water source to the water supply section 43. The water supply section 43 has a function of supplying water to the humidification promotion member 400. The water supply section 43 has one or more water supply ports 431 on the surface facing the humidification promotion member 400. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 , 5 , the water supply section 43 is provided above the evaporator 31. A plurality of water supply ports 431 are formed on the lower surface of the water supply section 43, that is, on the surface facing the upper surface of the evaporator 31.

[0064] If the water supply valve 41 is opened, water from the external water source is supplied to the water supply section 43 via the water supply path 42. The water that reaches the water supply section 43 is supplied from the water supply port 431 to the evaporator 31, which is the humidification promotion member 400.

[0065] If the air supply device 36 is driven while the water supply valve 41 is open and the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 is wet, moisture vaporizes from the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 to generate steam, and the humidity in the air duct 20 rises. In addition, the generated steam is transported to the laundry storage tub by the action of the air supply device 36.

[0066] Furthermore, a plurality of humidification promotion members 400 can be arranged along the direction of air flow in the air duct 20. In this case, a part of the water supplied to the humidification promotion member 400 on the upstream side is blown to the downstream side without being vaporized by the wind, and the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 on the downstream side can be wetted. The water adhering to the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 on the downstream side is vaporized by the action of the air supply device 36 and is ultimately transported to the laundry storage tub.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, which are the humidification promotion members 400, are arranged along the direction of air flow in the heat exchange section 24. Therefore, a part of the water supplied to the evaporator 31 is blown to the downstream side without being vaporized by the wind, and the surface of the condenser 32 can be wetted. The water adhering to the surface of the condenser 32 is vaporized by the action of the air supply device 36 and is transported to the laundry storage tub.

[0068] In addition, in the present embodiment, the water supply unit 43 is disposed above the evaporator 31. However, the water supply unit 43 may be disposed not only above the evaporator 31 but also above the condenser 32, or the water supply unit 43 may be disposed above the condenser 32 instead of above the evaporator 31. Since the condenser 32 is sometimes heated by the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 33, when the humidifying mechanism 40 operates after the compressor 33 operates, vaporization can be promoted by the condenser 32 that has become hot.

[0069] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the water supply port 531 is disposed at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 400. However, the water supply port 531 may not be disposed at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 400, or may be disposed at a position facing the upwind area of the humidification promotion member. In this case, when water is supplied from the water supply port and the air supply device 36 is driven, the water is transported to the humidification promotion member 400 by the air flow, and the humidification promotion member 400 can be wetted.

[0070] In addition, the cleaning and drying machine 10 is equipped with a control device 50 as Figure 6 shown. The control device 50 is configured with a microcomputer having a CPU 501, a ROM, a RAM, a storage area 502 such as a non-volatile memory as the main body. The control device 50 has a function of managing the overall operation of the cleaning and drying machine 10. The drum motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the opening and closing device 27, the compressor 33, the air supply device 36, and the water supply valve 41 are electrically connected to the control device 50, and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0071] The control device 50 can selectively execute a cleaning operation, a drying operation, a cleaning and drying operation, and a wrinkle removal operation by operating the drum motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the opening and closing device 27, the compressor 33, the air supply device 36, and the water supply valve 41 as needed. In addition, in the present embodiment, "operation" in the cleaning operation, the drying operation, the cleaning and drying operation, or the wrinkle removal operation is a concept including one or more processes and is a unit that can be selected by the user.

[0072] The cleaning and drying machine 10 is equipped with a temperature detection unit 51, a humidity detection unit 52, a weight detection unit 53, a fabric quality detection unit 54, and a condenser temperature detection unit 55. The temperature detection unit 51 detects the ambient temperature where the cleaning and drying machine 10 is installed. The humidity detection unit 52 detects the humidity of the exhaust gas discharged from the air outlet 132. In the present embodiment, the temperature detection unit 51 and the humidity detection unit 52 are disposed downstream of the exhaust pipe 21 and the filter device 22 in the air duct 20.

[0073] The weight detection unit 53 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the rotary tub 15. The fabric quality detection unit 54 detects the fabric quality of the clothes stored in the rotary tub 15. The fabric quality detection unit 54 can classify the fabric quality of the clothes into multiple stages. In this embodiment, the fabric quality detection unit 54 judges by classifying into two stages, such as "cotton type" and "chemical fiber type" for example. "Cotton type" means mainly clothes made of cotton that are easy to absorb moisture, and "chemical fiber type" means mainly clothes made of chemical fiber that are difficult to absorb moisture compared with cotton clothes.

[0074] The condenser temperature detection unit 55 has the function of detecting the temperature of the condenser 32.

[0075] The anti-wrinkle operation includes a humidifying process. The humidifying process is a process of supplying air containing moisture, that is, moist air, to the laundry treatment tank, thereby imparting appropriate moisture to the clothes to stretch the fibers of the clothes and removing wrinkles from the clothes.

[0076] As Figure 7 shown, the control device 50 operates the water supply valve 41, the air supply device 36, and the rotary tub motor 16 to execute the humidifying process. In the humidifying process, the control device 50 executes a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve 41 and supplying water from the water supply port 431 to the humidification promotion member 400.

[0077] The control device 50 intermittently, that is, non-continuously, executes the water supply operation multiple times. That is, once the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 is wet, additional water supply may not be performed during the period when the moisture is vaporized from the humidification promotion member 400, so that water resources can be saved. For example, as Figure 8 shown, the control device 50 can repeatedly perform the following cycle: opening the water supply valve 41 during a specified water supply period T1 and closing the water supply valve 41 during a non-water supply period T2. When it is desired to increase the humidification amount for the clothes, the total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation can be increased. Regarding the total amount of water supplied by the water supply operation, either the amount of water supplied by each water supply operation can be increased, or the frequency of the water supply operation can be increased, or both can be done. Furthermore, the flow rate, the water supply period, or both can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of water supplied by each water supply operation. In this embodiment, by adjusting the water supply period T1, the amount of water supplied by each water supply operation can be increased or decreased.

[0078] The specified water supply period T1 can be set, for example, within the range of 0.5 seconds to 3 seconds. The specified non-water supply period T2 can be set, for example, within the range of 30 seconds to [a certain number] seconds. In this embodiment, the water supply period T1 is set to 2 seconds. In other embodiments, the water supply period T1 can also be set to 0.5 seconds or 1 second. In addition, the non-water supply period T2 can also be set to 60 seconds or 120 seconds. Figure 9Examples of the water supply period T1 and the non - water supply period T2 in one cycle are shown. The storage area 502 stores information related to the water supply period and the non - water supply period as shown in Figure 9 . When the control device 50 executes the humidifying process, it calls this information and performs a water supply operation based on this information.

[0079] The total of the water supply periods T1 in the humidifying process is set to be shorter than the total of the non - water supply periods T2. Therefore, the clothes can be efficiently wetted with a smaller amount of water supply, and the amount of water used in the humidifying process can be suppressed.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7 , in the humidifying process, the control device 50 drives the air supply device 36 at least after the water supply operation. Through the air supply function of the air supply device 36, the wind blows on the humidification - promoting component 400 whose surface is wetted by the water supply operation. Therefore, the moisture vaporizes from the surface, and the vaporized moisture is transported to the inside of the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15 through the heat exchange part 24 and the air supply pipe 25. In addition, the control device 50 may also drive the air supply device 36 before and during the water supply operation.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7 , additionally, in the humidifying process, the control device 50 drives the rotary tub motor 16. When the rotary tub 15 rotates, the clothes stored in the rotary tub 15 also rotate. The rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 16 in the humidifying process is set to a specified speed such that the clothes rise to the upper part of the rotary tub along with the rotary tub 15 and then fall off. Since relative movement occurs between the clothes, the whole clothes are stirred, and the air containing moisture is easily blown onto the whole clothes. Therefore, the wrinkles of the whole clothes are easily smoothed out. For example, the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 16 can be set in the range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm. In addition, the control device 50 may also rotate the rotary tub motor 16 forward and backward.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7 , in the humidifying process, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33. That is, the water supply operation is performed in a state where the compressor 33 is not driven. Thereby, the situation where the humidified air is instantaneously dehumidified due to the evaporator 31 which becomes low - temperature can be suppressed.

[0083] The control device 50 can set the period Tm of the humidification process based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight detection unit 53 and / or the fabric quality of the laundry detected by the fabric quality detection unit 54. When the detected weight by the weight detection unit 53 is small, the period of the humidification process is set shorter than when the detected weight is large. Additionally, at the same weight, when the fabric quality detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is a synthetic fiber type, the time of the humidification process is set shorter than when it is determined to be a cotton type. Therefore, in the case where the amount of laundry is small and the fabric quality of the laundry is a synthetic fiber type that is not easily absorbent and does not easily wrinkle, the operation time of the anti-wrinkle operation can be shortened, and unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0084] In this case, the storage area 502 stores, for example, a graph of the period of the humidification process shown in Figure 10 . The control device 50 calls the graph of the period of the humidification process and sets the period of the humidification process based on the detection results of the weight detection unit 53 and / or the fabric quality detection unit 54.

[0085] As Figure 7 shown, during the anti-wrinkle operation, the control device 50 may also execute a drying process after the humidification process. This is to dry the laundry that has become moist due to the humidification process. During the drying process, the control device 50 drives the compressor 33, the air supply device 36, and the tub motor 16.

[0086] The period Td of the drying process after the humidification process is set shorter than the period Tm of the humidification process. For example, the period Td can be set within the range of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 times the period Tm.

[0087] The air volume of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process is set smaller than the air volume of the air supply device 36 during the drying process. Thereby, the situation where the evaporation of moisture from the laundry exceeds the penetration of moisture into the laundry during the humidification process is suppressed. Additionally, during the drying process, the laundry can be dried quickly. For example, the control device 50 sets the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process to be smaller than the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the drying process. For example, considering ensuring sufficient air volume for vaporizing the water on the surface of the humidification promotion component 400 and the air volume required for supplying the air containing moisture to the tub 15, the lower limit of the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process is set. For example, the upper limit of the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process is set to avoid the situation where the water on the surface of the humidification promotion component 400 is blown up without vaporizing and is transported as water droplets, or to avoid the situation where water droplets circulate in the air duct 20 and wet the filter portion of the filter device 22.

[0088] The rotational speed of the air supply device 36 in the humidifying process also varies, for example, according to the cross-sectional area of the air duct or the shape of the fan of the air supply device 36, and can be set, for example, within the range of 2000 to 4500 rpm. The rotational speed of the air supply device 36 in the drying process can be set, for example, within the range of 3500 to 5000 rpm. In the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 in the humidifying process is set to 2000 rpm. In addition, the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 in the drying process is set to 3500 rpm.

[0089] In addition, in the drying process after the humidifying process, the control device 50 may not drive the compressor 33. That is, in the drying process, the control device 50 may also supply the air that has not been heated by the drying unit 30 to the rotary tub 15 through the air supply device 36 to dry the clothes.

[0090] When the drying process is performed after the humidifying process, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 after the humidifying process ends. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 controls the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26 at least at the initial stage of the drying process after the humidifying process. Thereby, the high-humidity air in the air duct 20 or the laundry treatment tank is discharged to the outside of the device to promote the drying of the clothes.

[0091] When the drying process is performed after the humidifying process, when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 in the humidifying process is below the specified temperature t1, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33 from the time when the last water supply operation stops until the elapse of the specified period required for drying through the condenser 32. Thereby, the situation where the heat exchangers 31 and 32 are frozen due to the operation of the compressor 33 in a wet state of the heat exchangers 31 and 32 is suppressed, and a smooth transition from the humidifying process to the drying process is achieved. In this case, the specified temperature t1 can be set, for example, within the range of 5°C. In addition, the specified period can be set within the range of 1 to 5 minutes.

[0092] The control device 50 stops the water supply operation when the detected temperature of the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below the specified temperature t2. This is to avoid the occurrence of abnormal conditions in the heat pump due to the operation of the compressor 33 in a wet state of the condenser 32 when the temperature of the condenser 32 is too low. The specified temperature t2 can be set, for example, to 3°C. In addition, the control device 50 may be configured not to perform the humidifying process when the detected temperature of the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below the specified temperature.

[0093] The control device 50 can selectively execute operations other than the wrinkle removal operation, such as a cleaning operation, a drying operation, or a cleaning and drying operation, from a normal program that does not include a humidifying process and a wrinkle improvement program that includes a humidifying process. When executing the wrinkle removal program, as Figure 11 shown, the control device 50 can, for example, after executing the preheating dehydration process of the cleaning and drying operation ( Figure 11 (a)), or after executing the drying process of the drying operation or the cleaning and drying operation ( Figure 11 (b)), or after executing the final dehydration process of the cleaning operation or the cleaning and drying operation ( Figure 11 (c), (e)), or after executing the drying process of the drying operation ( Figure 11 (d)), execute the humidifying process. In addition, when executing the humidifying process after the drying process, the control device 50 may further execute a drying process after the humidifying process, or execute a blowing process that drives the air supply device 36 without driving the compressor 33.

[0094] In addition, in the preheating dehydration process, dehydration is performed on the clothes by centrifugal force due to the high-speed rotation of the tub motor 16, and the drying unit 30, that is, the compressor 33 and the air supply device 36, are driven. Therefore, drying is performed by dehydration and heating while maintaining a state where there is no relative movement between the clothes. Therefore, in the preheating dehydration process, the drying progress of the clothes may be uneven. By executing the humidifying process after the preheating dehydration process, appropriate moisture is also supplied to the clothes that are locally too dry, thereby enabling the drying progress of the entire clothes to be uniform. And by stirring the clothes and blowing air containing moisture during the humidifying process, the fibers can be stretched, and the wrinkles generated in the preheating dehydration process can be improved. At this time, by supplying water to the condenser 32 that has been heated in the preheating dehydration process, vaporization is further promoted.

[0095] According to the embodiment described above, the washing and drying machine 10 as a laundry treatment device includes: an outer case 11; an outer tub 13 and a rotary tub 15 as a laundry storage tub; an exhaust duct 21, a connection duct 23, a heat exchange unit 24, and a supply duct 25 as ducts; humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32; a blower device 36; a water supply path 42; a water supply valve 41; and a control device 50. The outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15 are provided inside the outer case 11. The outer tub 13 has an air inlet 133. The rotary tub 15 stores laundry inside. The exhaust duct 21, the connection duct 23, the heat exchange unit 24, and the supply duct 25 are provided inside the outer case 11 and connected to the air inlet 133. The humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32 are arranged inside the duct, and in this case, are arranged inside the heat exchange unit 24. The blower device 36 blows air into the laundry storage tub. The water supply path 42 supplies water from a water supply source outside the outer case 11 to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32. The water supply valve 41 opens and closes the water supply path 42. The control device 50 controls the operation of the blower device 36 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 41. The control device 50 operates the blower device 36 in a humidification process of imparting moisture to the laundry storage tub, and performs a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve 41 during the operation of the blower device 36 or before operating the blower device 36.

[0096] Thus, the water supplied to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32 is vaporized by the function of the blower device 36, and then is transported as water vapor into the laundry treatment tank, so that the humidity inside the laundry treatment tank can be increased. Therefore, by imparting moisture to the laundry and stretching the fibers, the state of the wrinkles of the laundry can be improved. In this case, since air containing water vapor is generated without using a heater, the anti-wrinkle operation can be performed at about approximately 1 / 3 times the power consumption of the heater method, which is power-saving. Therefore, a laundry treatment device that takes into account energy conservation and can improve the wrinkles of laundry is provided.

[0097] Here, during the development of the washing and drying machine 10 of the present embodiment, the inventors confirmed that even if water supply is continuously performed, that is, the water supply valve is opened for a long time, the humidification effect does not improve. That is, in the case where the water supply valve is opened for a long time, although the amount of water used for improving the wrinkles of the laundry does not increase, the amount of drained water becomes more.

[0098] The control device 50 intermittently performs the water supply operation multiple times.

[0099] Thus, excessive consumption of water is suppressed. Therefore, a laundry treatment device that further takes into account energy conservation and can improve the wrinkles of laundry is provided.

[0100] In the humidification process, the total of the water supply periods, that is, the periods during which the water supply operation is performed, is set to be shorter than the total of the non-water supply periods, that is, the periods during which the water supply operation is not performed.

[0101] Accordingly, the water consumption is further suppressed. Thus, a clothing treatment apparatus is provided that further takes resource conservation into account and can improve the wrinkles of clothing.

[0102] The humidification promotion components 400 are the heat exchangers 31 and 32.

[0103] In the heat exchangers 31 and 32 for the drying function, a plurality of fins are provided and designed to have a large surface area. Therefore, they are preferably used as humidification promotion components for the purpose of vaporization from the surface. In addition, since no new structure needs to be provided, an increase in the overall size of the clothing treatment apparatus or the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

[0104] Here, even if water is supplied during the operation of the compressor 33, although the humidity temporarily rises due to evaporation caused by the heat generated by the condenser 32, it immediately drops due to dehumidification by the cooled evaporator 31.

[0105] The washing and drying machine 10 includes a compressor 33 that delivers refrigerant to the heat exchangers 31 and 32. The control device 50 performs a water supply operation during the period when the compressor 33 is stopped.

[0106] Accordingly, the water given to the heat exchangers 31 and 32 as the humidification promotion components 400 does not evaporate quickly and is not quickly dehumidified either. Therefore, a stable humidification effect on the clothing can be maintained for a long time.

[0107] The washing and drying machine 10 includes a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the ambient temperature. When the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is below a specified temperature, the control device 50 does not operate the compressor 33 during the period from when the water supply operation stops until a specified period has elapsed.

[0108] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the situation where the heat exchangers 31 and 32 freeze due to the operation of the compressor 33 in a wet state, and a smooth transition from the humidification process to the drying process can be achieved.

[0109] A plurality of humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 are arranged along the flow of air in the pipes 21, 23, 24, and 25.

[0110] Accordingly, by supplying water to the humidification promotion members 400 and 31 on the upstream side, a part of the supplied water is blown up from the humidification promotion members 400 and 31 on the upstream side by the action of the air supply device 36 and adheres to the humidification promotion member 400 on the downstream side. From the surface of the humidification promotion member 400 on the downstream side that is moist in this way, the vaporization of moisture is also promoted by the action of the air supply device 36, so that moisture can be vaporized using a larger surface area. In addition, as in the present embodiment, when the humidification promotion member 400 is the heat exchangers 31 and 32, the condenser 32 on the downstream side can be heated by driving the compressor 33. Therefore, by supplying water to the pre-heated condenser 32, vaporization can be promoted. Further, in this case, it may be configured to selectively supply water not to the evaporator 31 on the upstream side but to the condenser 32.

[0111] A washing and drying machine 10 as a laundry treatment apparatus can execute a wrinkle improvement program for laundry including a humidification step.

[0112] That is, with respect to wrinkles that may occur during a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation, by performing a humidification step and stretching the fibers of the laundry, the flatness of the laundry can be improved.

[0113] In the wrinkle improvement program, the humidification step is performed before or after the drying step.

[0114] Accordingly, wrinkles generated during the drying step can be improved before and after the drying step.

[0115] The clothes drying and cleaning machine 10 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: an outer case 11; an outer tub 13; a rotary tub 15; a rotary tub motor 16; an exhaust duct 21, a connection duct 23, a heat exchange unit 24, and a supply duct 25 as ducts; humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32; a blower device 36; a water supply path 42; a water supply valve 41; and a control device 50. The outer tub 13 is disposed inside the outer case 11 and has an air inlet 133. The rotary tub 15 is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 13 and stores clothes therein. The rotary tub motor 16 rotationally drives the rotary tub 15. The exhaust duct 21, the connection duct 23, the heat exchange unit 24, and the supply duct 25 are disposed inside the outer case 11 and connected to the air inlet 133. The humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32 are disposed in the ducts, and in this case, disposed in the heat exchange unit 24. The blower device 36 blows air into the rotary tub 15 via the supply duct 25. The water supply path 42 supplies water from a water supply source outside the outer case 11 to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, 32. The water supply valve 41 opens and closes the water supply path 42. The control device 50 executes a drying process of controlling the rotary tub motor 16 and the blower device 36 to dry the clothes, and a humidification process of controlling the operation of the blower device 36 and the opening and closing of the water supply valve 41 to impart moisture into the rotary tub 15. In the humidification process, the control device 50 executes a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve 41, and sets the air volume of the blower device 36 in the humidification process to be lower than the air volume of the blower device 36 in the drying process, or sets the rotational speed of the blower device 36 in the humidification process to be lower than the rotational speed of the blower device 36 in the drying process.

[0116] Thus, by blowing air containing moisture onto the clothes at a relatively stable air volume in the humidification process, evaporation of moisture from the clothes can be suppressed and penetration of moisture into the clothes can be promoted. Therefore, by generating air containing moisture without using a heater and causing it to penetrate into the clothes, a laundry treatment apparatus that takes energy conservation into account and can improve the wrinkling of clothes is provided.

[0117] In the humidification process, the control device 50 sets the air volume of the blower device to be lower than the air volume of the blower device in the drying process, or sets the rotational speed of the blower device in the humidification process to be lower than the rotational speed of the blower device in the drying process.

[0118] Thus, in the humidification process, a situation where evaporation of moisture from the clothes exceeds penetration of moisture into the clothes is suppressed. In addition, in the drying process, the clothes can be quickly dried.

[0119] In the humidification process, the control device 50 sets the rotational speed of the rotary tub motor 16 to a speed such that the clothes rise to the upper part of the rotary tub together with the rotary tub and then fall off.

[0120] Accordingly, relative movement occurs between the clothes during the humidifying process, so the whole clothes are agitated, and the air containing moisture is easily blown onto the whole clothes. Therefore, the wrinkles on the whole clothes are likely to be smoothed out.

[0121] The outer tub 13 has an air outlet 132. The pipes 21, 23, 24, 25 form an air duct 20 connecting the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133. The pipes 21, 23, 24, 25 have an exhaust port 26 communicating with the outside of the apparatus and an opening / closing device 27 for opening and closing the exhaust port 26. The control device 50 performs a drying process after the humidifying process, and at the initial stage of the drying process, controls the opening / closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26.

[0122] Accordingly, the high-humidity air in the air duct 20 or the clothes treatment tank generated during the humidifying process can be discharged to the outside of the apparatus, and the drying of the clothes during the drying process is promoted.

[0123] The humidification promotion component 400 is a heat exchanger including an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32. The clothes treatment apparatus is provided with a condenser temperature detection unit 55 for detecting the temperature of the condenser 32. When the detected temperature of the condenser temperature detection unit 55 is below a specified temperature during the humidifying process, the control device 50 stops the water supply operation.

[0124] Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation where the heat pump malfunctions due to the operation of the compressor 33 in a state where the condenser 32 is wet.

[0125] (Second Embodiment)

[0126] Refer to Figure 12 , and the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the water supply amount in each water supply operation is not fixed during the whole humidifying process.

[0127] When the humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 are in a dry state, the control device 50 can increase the water supply period T1 compared to the case where the humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 are in a state where at least a part is wet. For example, it is assumed that before the first water supply operation, the humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 are in a dry state. On the other hand, it is assumed that before the water supply operations after the second time, even due to the action of the air supply device 36, the humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 will not be completely dry, but at least a part is wet. Therefore, the water supply amount in the first water supply operation is set to be more than the water supply amount in the water supply operations after the second time. For example, when managing the water supply amount by time, the control device 50 can set the water supply period T1 in the first water supply operation to be longer than the water supply period T1 in the water supply operations after the second time. In addition, the control device 50 can set the non-water supply period T2 in the first water supply operation to be shorter than the non-water supply period T2 in the water supply operations after the second time. Furthermore, when managing the water supply amount by flow rate, the control device 50 can set the flow rate in the first water supply operation to be more than the flow rate in the water supply operations after the second time.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the water supply amount is managed by time. Figure 12 Examples showing the water supply period T1 and the non-water supply period T2 of the first and subsequent water supply operations are presented. The storage area 502 stores information related to the water supply period and the non-water supply period as shown in Figure 12 When the control device 50 executes the humidification process, it calls this information and performs the water supply operation based on this information.

[0129] In addition, the maximum amount of the water supply amount for one water supply operation can be set based on the amount of water that can be stored in a drainage tank (not shown) arranged downstream of the humidification promotion component 400, which is the heat exchanger 31 and 32 in this case, or the amount of water stored when draining water in the same manner as sucking the drained water from the drainage tank by a drainage pump (not shown) when the drainage pump starts operating. For example, when the amount of water stored when the drainage pump starts operating is 400 ml, the maximum value of the water supply amount for each water supply operation can be set to 400 ml.

[0130] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are achieved.

[0131] The control device 50 sets the water supply amount in the first water supply operation among multiple water supply operations to be more than the water supply amount in the water supply operations after the second time.

[0132] Accordingly, by setting the amount of water for the first water supply operation to be sufficient to fully wet the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32 in a dry state, and supplying a sufficient amount of water required in the water supply operations after the second time, excessive consumption of water resources can be suppressed.

[0133] (Third Embodiment)

[0134] Refer to Figure 13 , and describe the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52. In this case, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation at regular time intervals, but after the water supply operation, based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3, determines whether a water supply operation is required.

[0135] After a predetermined period T3, if it is determined based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 that the air in the rotary drum 15 contains sufficient moisture, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation. After a predetermined period T3, if it is determined based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 that the air in the rotary drum 15 does not contain sufficient moisture, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation again.

[0136] The period T3 can be set, for example, within the range of 30 seconds to 120 seconds. In this embodiment, the predetermined period T3 is set to 30 seconds.

[0137] For example, after the control device 50 performs the water supply operation, if the detected humidity X of the humidity detection unit 52 after the period T3 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 does not perform the water supply operation. After the control device 50 performs the water supply operation, if the detected humidity X of the humidity detection unit 52 after the period T3 is less than the predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation. The predetermined threshold value can be set, for example, within the range of 85 to 95% RT (relative humidity). In this embodiment, the threshold value X0 is set to 90% RT.

[0138] When the humidity detection unit 52 once detects the threshold value X0 during the humidification process, the control device 50 may not perform the water supply operation again during the period until the humidification process period Tm elapses, or may detect the humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 for each period T3 and determine whether to perform the water supply operation again. In this embodiment, the control device 50 repeatedly performs the following process: detects the humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 for each period T3, determines whether to perform the water supply operation again, and performs or does not perform the water supply operation according to the determination result.

[0139] Refer to Figure 13The flowchart shown illustrates the processing performed by the control device 50 in the humidifying process. In this flowchart, only the processing related to the control of the water supply valve 41 is described, and the control of the rotary drum motor 16 and the air supply device 36 is omitted.

[0140] If the humidifying process ( Figure 13 start) is executed, the control device 50 opens the water supply valve 41 in step S11. Thereby, the water supply operation is executed. In step S12, the control device 50 determines whether the water supply period T1 has elapsed. If the water supply period T1 has not elapsed (step S12: No), the control device 50 repeats the processing of step S12. If the water supply period T1 has elapsed (step S12: Yes), the control device 50 advances the processing to step S13.

[0141] In step S13, the control device 50 closes the water supply valve 41. Thereby, the water supply operation stops. In step S14, the control device 50 determines whether the period Tm of the humidifying process has elapsed since the start of the humidifying process. If the period Tm of the humidifying process has not elapsed since the start of the humidifying process (step S14: No), the control device 50 advances the processing to step S15.

[0142] In step S15, the control device 50 determines whether a specified period T3 has elapsed since the water supply valve 41 was closed or since the last humidity detection. If the specified period T3 has not elapsed (step S15: No), the control device 50 returns the processing to step S14. If the specified period T3 has elapsed (step S15: Yes), the control device 50 advances the processing to step S16.

[0143] In step S16, the control device 50 detects the humidity through the humidity detection unit 52. In step S17, the control device 50 determines whether the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or higher than the threshold value X0. If the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is less than the threshold value X0 (step S17: No), the control device 50 returns the processing to step S11. If the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or higher than the threshold value X0 (step S17: Yes), the control device 50 returns the processing to step S14.

[0144] Returning to step S14, if the period Tm of the humidifying process has elapsed since the start of the humidifying process (step S14: Yes), the control device 50 ends the humidifying process (ends). In this way, the control device 50 executes the control of the water supply valve 41 in the humidifying process.

[0145] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described respective embodiments are achieved.

[0146] The clothes washer-dryer 10, which is a laundry treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment, includes a humidity detection unit 52 that detects the humidity in pipes 21, 23, 24, and 25. The control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52.

[0147] Thereby, appropriate humidification control can be performed based on the detected humidity reflecting the humidity of the air supplied to the clothes.

[0148] When the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 after a predetermined period T3 has elapsed after the water supply operation is equal to or less than a predetermined value X0, the control device 50 performs the water supply operation again.

[0149] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the following situations: a situation where the water supply operation is performed although the air supplied to the clothes storage tub already contains sufficient moisture, resulting in consumption of more water than necessary, or conversely, a situation where the anti-wrinkle effect cannot be exerted because there is not enough moisture in the air to stretch the fibers of the clothes.

[0150] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0151] Refer to Figure 14 , and the fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, similar to the third embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52. However, different from the third embodiment, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation based on the change in the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52. In this case, for example, the control device 50 can control the water supply operation based on the decrease amount or decrease rate of the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit during a predetermined period after the water supply operation.

[0152] When the clothes are in a dry state, if water containing moisture is supplied to the laundry treatment tub by the water supply operation and the action of the air blower 36, the clothes absorb the water relatively quickly. Therefore, it is considered that the humidity that once increased after the water supply operation decreases again. On the other hand, if the clothes gradually become wet, the clothes do not immediately absorb the water after the water supply operation. Therefore, it is considered that the change in humidity becomes gentle.

[0153] For example, the control device 50 may perform the water supply operation again when the humidity decrease amount ΔX from the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 after the water supply operation to the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 at the time when a predetermined period T3 has elapsed after the water supply operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔX1, and stop the water supply operation when the humidity decrease amount ΔX from the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 after the water supply operation to the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 at the time when a predetermined period T3 has elapsed after the water supply operation is less than the predetermined threshold value ΔX1. In addition, the control device 50 may perform the determination of steam based on the change rate per unit time of the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52.

[0154] When the amount of decrease in humidity detected during the humidifying process once becomes less than the threshold value ΔX1, the control device 50 may either end the humidifying process or cause the air supply device 36 and the tumbler motor 16 to operate during the period until the elapse of a preset period Tm of the humidifying process. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 ends the humidifying process when the detected amount of decrease in humidity is less than the threshold value ΔX1.

[0155] Refer to Figure 14 the flowchart shown in Figure 13 to describe the processing performed by the control device 50 during the humidifying process. Descriptions of the same parts as those in the flowchart shown in

[0156] are omitted. In step S21, the control device 50 detects the humidity immediately after the water supply operation ends through the humidity detection unit 52. In step S22, the control device 50 determines whether the amount of decrease ΔX in humidity detected from the humidity detected immediately after the water supply operation ends to the humidity detected after the elapse of a specified period T3 after the water supply operation is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value ΔX1. When the amount of decrease ΔX is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value ΔX1 (step S22: YES), the control device 50 returns the process to step S11. When the amount of decrease ΔX is less than the specified threshold value ΔX1 (step S22: NO), the control device 50 ends the humidifying process (end). In this way, the control device 50 controls the water supply operation during the humidifying process.

[0157] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described respective embodiments are achieved.

[0158] According to the present embodiment, when the amount of decrease or the rate of decrease in the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 52 during a specified period T3 after the water supply operation is equal to or greater than a specified value ΔX1, the control device 50 executes the water supply operation again.

[0159] As a result, since the control of an appropriate water supply operation reflecting the water supply state of the laundry is executed, it is possible to further save resources and effectively remove wrinkles.

[0160] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0161] Refer to Figure 15 to describe the fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 controls the humidifying process based on the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10. Even when the relative humidity is the same, the amount of moisture contained in the air decreases when the temperature is low compared to when the temperature is high. Therefore, when the temperature is low, a larger amount of water supply is required compared to when the temperature is high.

[0162] In this case, the control device 50 changes the water supply amount based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51. For example, the control device 50 can adjust the water supply amount by changing the period Tm of the humidification process, or can adjust the water supply amount by changing the water supply period T1 of each water supply operation, or can also adjust the water supply amount by changing the non-water supply period T2. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 adjusts the water supply amount by changing the period Tm of the humidification process.

[0163] For example, the storage area 502 stores a Figure 15 chart of the period Tm of the humidification process that is determined in advance based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 shown in an example. In Figure 15 the example shown, the period Tm of the humidification process is determined according to the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 and the fabric quality determined by the fabric quality detection unit 54. In this case, regardless of whether the fabric is a chemical fiber type or a cotton type, the period Tm of the humidification process is set to be longer when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is low than when the detected temperature is high. For example, when the detected temperature is 10°C or less, the period Tm of the humidification process is set to be longer than when the detected temperature exceeds 10°C. In addition, when the detected temperature is 25°C or less, the period Tm of the humidification process is set to be longer than when the detected temperature exceeds 25°C. In addition, when the detected temperature is 40°C or less, the period Tm of the humidification process is set to be longer than when the detected temperature exceeds 40°C. Thus, when the environmental temperature is low and the fibers are difficult to stretch, the period of the humidification process is extended, and moisture can easily penetrate into the clothing, thereby improving the wrinkles of the clothing.

[0164] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are achieved.

[0165] The washing and drying machine 10 of the clothing treatment device according to the present embodiment includes a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the environmental temperature of the washing and drying machine 10. When the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is the first temperature, the control device 50 sets the water supply amount during the humidification period to be more than when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is the second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0166] Thus, an appropriate humidification process is also performed in consideration of the environmental temperature where the clothing treatment device is placed, so that it is possible to further contribute to energy saving and effectively remove wrinkles.

[0167] In addition, when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is less than a specified temperature, the control device 50 can also set the water supply amount during the humidification period to be more than when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is at or above the specified temperature.

[0168] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0169] Refer to Figure 16 and describe the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the humidification process based on the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10 in the same manner as in the above-described fifth embodiment. However, different from the fifth embodiment, the air volume is changed based on the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10.

[0170] In this case, the control device 50 changes the air volume of the air supply device 36 based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51. The control device 50 can adjust the air volume by changing the rotation speed of the air supply device 36, for example.

[0171] For example, the storage area 502 stores a chart of the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 that is determined in advance based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 shown in an example of Figure 16 . In the example shown in Figure 16 , the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is determined based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 and the fabric quality determined by the fabric quality detection unit 54. In this case, regardless of whether the fabric is synthetic fiber or cotton, the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is set to be higher when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is low than when the detected temperature is high. For example, when the detected temperature is 10°C or lower, the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is set to be larger than when the detected temperature exceeds 10°C. In addition, when the detected temperature is 25°C or lower, the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is set to be larger than when the detected temperature exceeds 25°C. In addition, when the detected temperature is 40°C or lower, the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is set to be larger than when the detected temperature exceeds 40°C. Thus, when the ambient temperature is low and the fibers are difficult to stretch, the air volume is increased, and moisture can easily penetrate into the clothes, thereby improving the wrinkles of the clothes.

[0172] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are also achieved.

[0173] The washing and drying machine 10, which is a clothes processing device according to the present embodiment, includes a temperature detection unit 51 that detects the ambient temperature of the washing and drying machine 10. When the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is the first temperature, the control device 50 sets the air volume of the air supply device 36 during the humidification period to be larger, or sets the rotation speed to be higher, compared to the case where the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is the second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0174] Thus, an appropriate humidification process is also performed in consideration of the ambient temperature where the clothes processing device is placed, so that it is possible to further contribute to energy saving and effectively remove wrinkles.

[0175] In addition, when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is lower than a specified temperature, the control device 50 can also set a larger air volume of the air supply device 36 during the humidification period or a higher rotation speed than when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 is equal to or higher than the specified temperature.

[0176] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the air supply device 36 is increased to increase the air volume of the air supply device 36. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of air supply devices 36 may be provided in the washing and drying machine 10, and the air volume may be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the number of the air supply devices 36 that operate. Further, for example, the air supply device 36 may be intermittently operated when the detected temperature is high, and the operation time per unit time of the air supply device 36 may be lengthened or continuously operated when the detected temperature is low, so as to increase the air volume of the air supply device 36.

[0177] (The seventh embodiment)

[0178] Refer to Figure 17 to describe the seventh embodiment. In the present embodiment, during the humidification process, the control device 50 promotes the humidification of the laundry by performing a second water supply operation of supplying water not only to the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32 but also to the inside or outside of the air duct 20 or the outer tub 13.

[0179] As Figure 17 shown, for example, the control device 50 may open the outer tub water supply valve 171 as the second water supply operation to supply water to the outer tub 13. The water supply period of the second water supply operation is set to a short period such that water does not reach the inner bottom surface of the rotary tub 15 and the unvaporized water does not directly contact the laundry. The execution period of the second water supply operation, that is, the second water supply period, may be set uniformly with the water supply period T1 of the water supply valve 41 or set individually. In the present embodiment, it is set to be the same as the water supply period T1 of the water supply valve 41.

[0180] By supplying water to the outer tub 13, the surface of the outer tub 13 becomes wet. If the air supply device 36 operates and the air blows into the outer tub 13 with a wet surface, the moisture also vaporizes from the surface of the outer tub 13. Further, by operating the rotary tub motor 16 and rotating the rotary tub 15, the vaporization of water from the surface of the outer tub 13 can be promoted.

[0181] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are also achieved.

[0182] The clothes washer-dryer 10 of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: an outer tub water supply path 172 as a second water supply path that directly supplies water from an external water supply source to the outer tub 13 serving as a clothes storage tub or into pipes 21, 23, 24, 25; and an outer tub water supply valve 171 as a second water supply valve that opens and closes the outer tub water supply path 172.

[0183] Thus, by using multiple water supply paths 42, 172, humidification can be more effectively performed on the clothes, and the operation time of the humidification process can be shortened.

[0184] In addition, in the present embodiment, the water supply valve 171 for the outer tub is opened to perform the second water supply operation, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, for example, a water supply path for the door 12 and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path may be provided, and the water supply valve for the door may be opened to perform the second water supply operation. Further, in other embodiments, for example, a water supply path for the exhaust pipe 21 and a water supply valve for opening and closing the water supply path may be provided, and the water supply valve for the pipe may be opened to perform the second water supply operation.

[0185] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0186] Refer to Figure 18 , and the eighth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 performs a heating process before the humidification process. The heating process is a process of heating the air duct 20 and / or the humidification promotion components 400, 31, 32 to create an environment in which moisture easily evaporates.

[0187] The control device 50 operates the compressor 33 to generate high-temperature air during the heating process. Further, the control device 50 supplies warm air to the outer tub 13 and the rotary tub 15 by operating the air supply device 36. Further, if the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 becomes equal to or higher than a prescribed temperature t3 at which the fibers of the clothes are easily stretched, the control device 50 ends the heating process. The prescribed temperature t3 can be set, for example, within the range of 40°C to 60°C. In the present embodiment, the prescribed temperature t3 is set to 50°C.

[0188] The control device 50 sets the air volume of the air supply device 36 during the heating process to be smaller than the air volume of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process, or sets the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the heating process to be lower than the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the humidification process.

[0189] For example, the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 during the heating process can be set within the range of 1000 rpm to 1500 rpm. In the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the air supply device 36 is set to 1000 rpm.

[0190] According to the embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are also achieved.

[0191] According to the washing and drying machine 10 which is the laundry treatment apparatus of the present embodiment, the humidification promotion member 400 is the heat exchangers 31 and 32. The washing and drying machine 10 includes a compressor 33 that supplies refrigerant to the heat exchangers 31 and 32. During the period before the humidification step is executed, the control device 50 executes a heating step, in which the compressor 33 is driven, and the air supply device 36 is driven at an air supply volume smaller than that in the humidification step or at a rotational speed lower than that in the humidification step.

[0192] Through the heating step, vaporization in the humidification step can be promoted, and in addition, the laundry can be heated to a temperature at which wrinkles are easily stretched. Furthermore, by restricting the air supply volume of the air supply device 36, it is possible to suppress the situation where moisture vaporizes from the laundry before the water supply operation and the laundry becomes drier.

[0193] In addition, in the case where the heating step has been performed, the control device 50 may also supply water to the condenser 32 heated by the heating step, thereby promoting the vaporization of moisture in the humidification step, and further promoting the improvement of wrinkles of the laundry.

[0194] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the heating step, the control device 50 operates the compressor 33, but it is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, a heater for defrosting may be provided in the evaporator 31, and the evaporator 31, that is, the humidification promotion member 400, may be heated using this heater.

[0195] (Embodiment 9)

[0196] Refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 , and the 9th embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the humidification step includes a water supply step, a first air supply step, and a second air supply step. The first air supply step is a step of promoting the vaporization of moisture from the surface of the humidification promotion member 400. The second air supply step is a step of promoting the penetration of the vaporized moisture into the laundry. The first air supply step is executed at least immediately after the water supply operation ends. The second air supply step is executed after the first air supply step. In the present embodiment, in the first air supply step, the control device 50 intermittently and periodically executes the water supply operation.

[0197] As Figure 19As shown, the control device 50 operates the air supply device 36 at the first rotation speed R1 in the first air supply process, and operates the air supply device 36 at the second rotation speed R2 which is lower than the first rotation speed R1 in the second air supply process. Thus, when the surfaces of the humidification promotion components 400, 31, and 32 are very wet just after the water supply operation is completed, the air volume is increased to promote vaporization. On the other hand, after a certain degree of moisture has been vaporized, the air volume is reduced so that the moisture does not vaporize from the clothes, and the humidified air is stably blown to the clothes, thereby promoting the penetration of moisture into the clothes.

[0198] The first rotation speed R1 can be set, for example, within the range of 2500 to 3500 rpm. The second rotation speed R2 can be set, for example, within the range of 2000 to 2500 rpm. In the present embodiment, the first rotation speed R1 is set to 3000 rpm. In addition, the second rotation speed R2 is set to 2000 rpm.

[0199] The control device 50 performs the first air supply process in the period from the first water supply operation to the time when the prescribed period T4 has passed. Regarding T4, the prescribed period T4 can be set based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51, the detected temperature of the humidity detection unit 52, the detected weight of the weight detection unit 53, and / or the judgment result of the cloth quality detection unit 54. For example, the control device 50 may also change the prescribed period T4 according to the change of the ambient temperature or the humidity after the water supply operation is performed. The control device 50 performs the second air supply process after the period T4 has passed.

[0200] For example, the storage area 502 may also store Figure 20 , a chart of a predetermined period T4 based on the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 51 and the determination result of the fabric quality detection unit 54 is shown in FIG. When the control device 50 executes the humidification process, it calls this chart and sets the predetermined period T4. Figure 19 In the example shown, regardless of the fabric quality, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 51 is low, the period T4 is set longer than when the temperature is high. In addition, when the temperature is the same, if the fabric quality detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is cotton, the period T4 is set longer than when the fabric is chemical fiber.

[0201] In this case, when the predetermined period T4 is extended, the water supply amount of the water supply operation may be increased at the same time.

[0202] In the present embodiment, after a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the execution of the water supply operation, the control device 50 detects the humidity by the humidity detection unit 52. When the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is less than a predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 does not shift to the second air supply process, but executes the water supply operation and the first air supply process again. When the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 ends the first air supply process and executes the second air supply process. In Figure 19 the example shown, at the moment when the predetermined period T4 has elapsed after each of the first to fifth water supply operations, since the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is less than the predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 executes the water supply operation and the first air supply process again. At the moment when the predetermined period T4 has elapsed after the sixth water supply operation, since the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value X0, the control device 50 ends the first air supply process and then executes the second air supply process.

[0203] That is, if a predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the execution of the water supply operation, the control device 50 determines whether it is necessary to execute the water supply operation again based on the detected humidity by the humidity detection unit 52. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 executes the first air supply process until the predetermined period T4 has elapsed since the execution of the water supply operation, and when it is determined that it is necessary to execute the water supply operation again, executes the water supply operation and the first air supply process again, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, for example, the control device 50 may execute the first air supply process during a period T5 shorter than the period T4 after the execution of the water supply operation, and then execute the second air supply process during the remaining period within the period T4. That is, it is also possible to execute the first air supply process and the second air supply process with a lower air volume than the first air supply process within a predetermined period T4 until it is determined whether it is necessary to execute the water supply operation again.

[0204] By the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are also achieved.

[0205] According to the washing and drying machine 10 which is the clothing treatment device of the present embodiment, the humidification process is configured to include a first air supply process and a second air supply process executed after the first air supply process. The control device 50 causes the air supply device 36 to operate at a first rotation speed R1 in the first air supply process, and causes the air supply device 36 to operate at a second rotation speed R2 lower than the first rotation speed R1 in the second air supply process.

[0206] Thereby, by changing the rotation speed and the air volume of the air supply device 36, it is possible to appropriately promote vaporization and promote the penetration of moisture into the clothing.

[0207] The control device 50 performs the first air supply process during the period from after the water supply operation is executed until a predetermined period T4 has elapsed, and performs the second air supply process after the predetermined period T4 has elapsed.

[0208] Thereby, it is possible to promote the vaporization of moisture from the humidification promotion members 400, 31, and 32 immediately after the water supply operation ends, and effectively supply moisture to the clothing at a stage where a certain amount of moisture has been vaporized.

[0209] The washing and drying machine 10, which is a clothing treatment device, includes a humidity detection unit 52 that detects the humidity inside the pipes 21, 23, 24, and 25. When the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit 52 is less than a predetermined threshold value X0 after a predetermined period T4 has elapsed after the water supply operation is executed by the control device 50, the water supply operation is executed again.

[0210] Thereby, it is possible to reliably vaporize a sufficient amount of moisture for stretching the wrinkles of the clothing.

[0211] (10th Embodiment)

[0212] Refer to Figures 21 to 23 , and the 10th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as Figure 21 shown, the washing and drying machine 10 includes a thick clothing detection unit 56. The thick clothing detection unit 56 detects a case where thick clothing having a thickness and weight greater than those of standard clothing is included among the clothing stored in the rotary tub 15. Since thick clothing has a relatively large volume relative to its surface area and a relatively high fiber density, it takes longer to absorb moisture compared to standard clothing. In addition, the amount of moisture required to stretch the fibers is also more than that of standard clothing. Thick clothing includes, for example, judo uniforms, denim clothing such as jeans, towel quilts, blankets, and the like.

[0213] The thick clothing detection unit 56 can detect the presence of thick clothing, for example, by detecting the magnitude or position of the imbalance of the rotary tub 15.

[0214] When the thick clothing detection unit 56 determines that there is thick clothing, the control device 50 sets the period Tm of the humidification process to be longer than when it is determined that there is no thick clothing. The storage area 502 stores a chart of the period Tm of the humidification process that is determined in advance based on the presence or absence of thick clothing, as shown in an example in Figure 22 , Figure 23 . When the control device 50 executes the humidification process, it calls this chart and sets the period Tm of the humidification process based on the detection result of the thick clothing detection unit 56.

[0215] Figure 22 The example shown is a chart of the period Tm of the humidification process determined based on the presence or absence of thick clothing when the fabric detection unit 54 determines that it is cotton. Figure 23The example shown is a graph of the period Tm of the humidification process determined based on the presence or absence of thick clothing when the fabric detection unit 54 determines that the fabric is a chemical fiber type. Regardless of whether the fabric is cotton or chemical fiber, the period Tm of the humidification process when there is thick clothing is set to be longer than the period Tm of the humidification process when there is no thick clothing. In addition, when comparing at the same weight, the period Tm of the humidification process when there is thick clothing is also set to be longer than the period Tm of the humidification process when there is no thick clothing.

[0216] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described respective embodiments are also achieved.

[0217] The washing and drying machine 10 serving as the clothing treatment device of the present embodiment includes: a thick clothing detection unit 56 that detects the case where thick clothing is stored in the rotary tub 15. When the thick clothing detection unit 56 detects thick clothing, the control device 50 sets the period Tm of the humidification process to be longer than the case where no thick clothing is detected.

[0218] Thereby, even for thick clothing that is large in volume and takes time for moisture to penetrate, by spending an appropriate amount of time to absorb sufficient moisture, the wrinkles can be efficiently smoothed out.

[0219] (11th Embodiment)

[0220] Refer to Figure 24 , and the 11th embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 executes the humidification process after the drying process. That is, when performing a drying operation or a washing and drying operation using the wrinkle improvement program, the control device 50 executes the humidification process after the drying process. In the drying process, static electricity sometimes occurs due to the friction between the dried clothes. Therefore, by supplying moisture to the rotary tub 15, the generation of static electricity is suppressed.

[0221] As Figure 24 shown, the humidification process is configured to include a third air supply process and a fourth air supply process executed after the third air supply process. The third air supply process is a process of allowing moisture to penetrate into the clothes to stretch the fibers and suppressing the generation of static electricity. The fourth air supply process is a process of evaporating excess moisture from the static clothes and finishing the clothes. In the fourth air supply process, the generation of static electricity is suppressed by reducing the rotation speed and / or the number of rotations of the rotary tub 15.

[0222] In the third air supply process, the control device 50 intermittently and periodically executes a water supply operation. In the present embodiment, the water supply time for each water supply operation is set to 1 second. In addition, the non-water supply period for each cycle is set to 59 seconds. That is, the control device 50 executes the water supply operation for 1 second within 60 seconds of one cycle.

[0223] In the third air supply process and the fourth air supply process included in the humidifying process, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33. However, in the drying process performed before the humidifying process, the compressor 33 is driven, and at least in the third air supply process, the condenser 32 is in a state where its temperature is higher than normal temperature. Therefore, by supplying water to the evaporator 31 and / or the condenser 32, which are humidifying promotion components 400, it is easy to promote the vaporization of moisture from the surface of the condenser 32.

[0224] The control device 50 operates the air supply device 36 in the third air supply process and the fourth air supply process. In the third air supply process, due to the function of the air supply device 36, the moisture supplied to the humidifying promotion component 400 is vaporized, and air containing moisture is supplied to the rotary drum 15, causing the moisture to penetrate into the clothes. In the fourth air supply process, due to the function of the air supply device 36, the excess moisture evaporates from the clothes. In addition, by performing the third air supply process and the fourth air supply process without operating the compressor 33 after the drying process in which the clothes are heated, there is also an effect of reducing the temperature of the clothes.

[0225] The control device 50 controls the air supply device 36 so that the air supply volume in the fourth air supply process is larger than that in the third air supply process. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 drives the air supply device 36 at the third rotation speed in the third air supply process, and drives the air supply device 36 at the fourth rotation speed, which is higher than the third rotation speed, in the fourth air supply process. For example, the third rotation speed can be set within the range of 3000 to 4000 rpm. In addition, the fourth rotation speed can be set within the range of 4000 to 5000 rpm. In the present embodiment, the third rotation speed is set to 4000 rpm, and the fourth rotation speed is set to 5000 rpm.

[0226] The control device 50 makes the operation frequency or rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 in the fourth air supply process lower than that of the rotary drum motor 16 in the drying process. That is, in the final stage of operation, that is, in the fourth air supply process which is a so-called finishing process, the clothes in the rotary drum 15 are not stirred violently, but are stirred relatively smoothly to promote the evaporation of moisture from the whole clothes and suppress the generation of static electricity on the clothes again.

[0227] In the drying process, the control device 50, for example, makes the rotary drum motor 16 rotate continuously and periodically in both forward and reverse directions to stir the clothes. The rotation speed of the rotary drum motor 16 in the drying process can be set, for example, within the range of 45 to 65 rpm.

[0228] In the third air supply process, the control device 50 performs an operation of intermittently driving the tub motor 16 at a specified rotational speed that causes the clothes in the tub 15 to finely swing in the horizontal direction, that is, a so-called tumbling operation. Through the tumbling operation, the clothes in the tub 15 are briefly lifted to the side of the tub 15 and then dropped together with the tub 15, so the relative positions of adjacent clothes change. The control device 50, as Figure 24 shown, repeatedly performs the following operation: rapidly increases the rotational speed of the tub motor 16 from 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm to a specified peak rotational speed, and if the rotational speed of the tub motor 16 reaches the specified peak rotational speed, then reduces the rotational speed to 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm, that is, instantaneously stops rotating. The specified peak rotational speed is the rotational speed at which the clothes rise to the apex of the tub 15 and then drop together with the tub 15. In the present embodiment, the specified peak rotational speed can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 75 rpm to approximately 120 rpm. In the present embodiment, the specified peak rotational speed is set to 75 rpm.

[0229] The control device 50 makes the rotational speed become the peak rotational speed from 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm within a specified period, and makes the rotational speed drop from the peak rotational speed to 0 rpm or substantially 0 rpm within a specified period. The specified period can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 0.5 to approximately 3 seconds. In the present embodiment, the specified period is set to 1 second. The control device 50 can perform the tumbling operation by rotating the tub motor 16 forward and backward, or can perform the tumbling operation by rotating the tub motor 16 in a certain direction.

[0230] Furthermore, the control device 50 can also, in the third air supply process, intermittently and periodically combine the tumbling operation with an overall stirring operation that causes the entire clothes to move significantly in the vertical direction. The overall stirring operation that causes the entire clothes to move significantly in the vertical direction is an operation of intermittently driving the tub motor 16 at a specified rotational speed that causes the clothes in the tub 15 to move significantly in the vertical direction. Through this overall stirring operation, the clothes in the tub 15 are lifted to the top of the tub 15 and then dropped to the bottom together with the tub 15, so the relative positions of the entire clothes change. The control device 50 repeatedly performs the following operation: gradually increases the rotational speed of the tub motor 16 to a specified rotational speed, and if the rotational speed of the tub motor 16 reaches the specified rotational speed, then maintains this rotational speed within a specified period and then stops rotating. The specified rotational speed is lower than the rotational speed in the tumbling operation and is the rotational speed at which the clothes do not rise to the apex of the tub 15 but reach the side of the tub 15 and then drop. Furthermore, the overall stirring operation can also be repeatedly performed by alternately rotating forward and backward. The rotational speed of the tub motor 16 in the overall stirring operation can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 40 rpm to approximately 50 rpm.

[0231] The control device 50 sets the operating frequency or rotational speed of the tumbling motor 16 in the fourth air supply process lower than that in the third process. That is, in the fourth air supply process, the amount of movement of the clothes in the tumbling barrel 15 is less than that in the third air supply process. Thereby, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the static electricity generated by the friction between the dried clothes due to further air supply after humidification.

[0232] During at least a part of the fourth air supply process, the control device 50 operates the opening and closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26. Thereby, the excess moisture contained in the air that is not absorbed by the clothes is easily discharged to the outside of the device. In addition, in the present embodiment, the control device 50 keeps the opening and closing device 27 in the open state during the entire fourth air supply process, but it may not be during the entire fourth air supply process, but during a part of the latter stage, the control device 50 operates the opening and closing device 27 to open the exhaust port 26.

[0233] Through the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the above-described respective embodiments are also achieved.

[0234] The control device 50 performs a humidification process after the drying process. The humidification process includes: a third air supply process including the operation of the air supply device 36 and the water supply operation, and a fourth air supply process that is performed after the third air supply process and includes the operation of the air supply device 36. The control device 50 makes the air volume of the air supply device 36 in the fourth air supply process larger than the air volume of the air supply device 36 in the third air supply process, and makes the operating frequency or rotational speed of the tumbling motor 16 in the fourth air supply process lower than the operating frequency or rotational speed of the tumbling motor 16 in the third process.

[0235] Thereby, after the fibers of the clothes are stretched and the generation of static electricity is suppressed in the third air supply process, by increasing the air volume in the fourth air supply process, it is possible to dry and finish the clothes. In addition, in the fourth air supply process as the finishing stage, it is possible to suppress the operation of the tumbling motor 16, thereby making the tumbling barrel 15 stable to suppress the amount of movement of the clothes, and suppressing the impact on the clothes to suppress the further occurrence of wrinkles, and it is possible to suppress the re-generation of static electricity in the dried clothes.

[0236] Although multiple embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples, and their intention is not to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope or gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, wherein: have: outer box; A clothes storage barrel is arranged in the outer box, has an air inlet, and stores clothes inside; a pipeline, disposed in the outer box and connected to the air inlet; a humidification promotion component, disposed in the pipe; An air supply device for supplying air to the clothing storage barrel; 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 for opening and closing the water supply path; and A control device controls the operation of the air supply device and the opening and closing of the water supply valve, The control device operates the air supply device in a humidification process of providing moisture to the clothes storage tub, and performs a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve during or before the operation of the air supply device.

2. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The control device intermittently performs the water supply action multiple times.

3. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The control device sets the water supply amount in the first water supply operation among the plurality of water supply operations to be larger than the water supply amounts in the second and subsequent water supply operations.

4. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: In the humidification step, the total of the water supply periods, which are periods during which the water supply operation is performed, is set shorter than the total of the non-water supply periods, which are periods during which the water supply operation is not performed.

5. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: have: The humidity detection unit detects the humidity in the pipeline. The control device controls the water supply operation based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit.

6. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The control device performs the water supply operation again when the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit after a predetermined period of time has passed since the water supply operation is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

7. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The control device performs the water supply operation again when the amount of decrease or the rate of decrease of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit in a predetermined period after the water supply operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: have: a temperature detection unit for detecting the ambient temperature of the clothes processing device; The control device sets the water supply amount in the humidification period to be larger when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is a first temperature than when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

9. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: have: a temperature detection unit for detecting the ambient temperature of the clothes processing device; When the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is a first temperature, the control device sets the air supply volume of the air supply device in the humidification process to be larger or the rotation speed to be larger than when the detected temperature of the temperature detection unit is a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

10. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: have: a second water supply path for directly supplying water from the external water supply source to the clothing storage tub or the pipe; and The second water supply valve opens and closes the second water supply path. The control device performs a second water supply operation of opening the second water supply valve in the humidification step.

11. The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The humidification promoting component is a heat exchanger.

12. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: have: a compressor, delivering refrigerant to the heat exchanger, The control device performs the water supply operation while the compressor is stopped.

13. The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: have: The temperature detection unit detects the ambient temperature. The control device, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, does not operate the compressor during a period from when the water supply operation is stopped until a predetermined period of time has passed.

14. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The heat exchanger includes an evaporator and a condenser arranged along the flow of air in the duct.

15. The laundry processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: A wrinkle improvement program for clothes including at least the humidification process is performed.

16. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: In the wrinkle improvement program, the humidification process is performed before the drying process or after the drying process.

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