Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a clothes treating apparatus capable of performing high-precision dry sensing. The laundry treating apparatus includes a control unit that performs a drying step of controlling the operation of the heating device and the air blowing device to dry the laundry in the laundry treating tub. The drying step includes a temperature raising step of raising the temperature of the laundry treatment tub. The control unit executes a heating suppression process in which a maximum humidity, which is the maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensing unit during a temperature rise period, which is the execution period of the temperature rise process, is obtained; the drying step is ended or the driving of the heating device is suppressed on the basis of the reduction amount or reduction rate from the maximum humidity to the current humidity sensed by the humidity sensing unit being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following: an electrical device serving as a washing and drying machine comprises: a control unit for controlling the electrical device; a barrel for storing an object to be dried; a warm air supply unit for heating and drying gas and conveying the heated and dried gas into the barrel through an air inlet; a humidity detection unit for detecting the humidity of the gas delivered from the barrel through an air outlet; and a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the gas delivered from the barrel through the air outlet. After heating and drying of the gas by the warm air supply unit starts, the control unit controls the warm air supply unit to stop heating and drying when the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit is a predetermined humidity and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is a predetermined temperature.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-018256 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention will solve.

[0007] During the drying cycle, when the drying cycle begins and heat enters the clothes, moisture in the clothes begins to evaporate. However, as the drying cycle progresses, the moisture content in the clothes decreases. Furthermore, the humidity of the air discharged from the tub through the air outlet is high when moisture begins to evaporate from the clothes, but low at the end of the drying cycle. Therefore, it is considered possible to use this humidity to detect the dryness of the clothes.

[0008] However, conventional dryness sensing methods based on reaching a target humidity sometimes experience humidity variations due to factors such as ambient temperature and the weight of the laundry being dried, making it difficult to accurately detect dryness. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the accuracy of dryness sensing.

[0009] Therefore, a clothes treating apparatus capable of performing high-precision dryness sensing is provided.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a laundry treatment tub having an air inlet and an air outlet; an air duct connected to the air inlet; an air supply device that blows air into the laundry treatment tub through the air duct; a heating device that heats the air; a humidity sensor that senses the humidity of the air discharged from the air outlet; and a control unit that executes a drying process for drying the laundry within the laundry treatment tub by controlling the operation of the heating device and the air supply device. The drying process includes a temperature increase process for increasing the temperature of the laundry treatment tub. The control unit obtains a maximum humidity, i.e., a maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor, during a temperature increase period, which is the execution period of the temperature increase process. After the temperature increase period, the control unit executes a heating suppression process for terminating the drying process or suppressing the operation of the heating device based on whether the amount of decrease or the rate of decrease from the maximum humidity to the current humidity sensed by the humidity sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the embodiments of the present invention, a clothes treating apparatus capable of performing high-precision dryness sensing can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of an example of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an example of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an example showing temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of temporal changes in the drive frequency of the compressor and the drive speed of the air blower, and temporal changes in temperature and humidity in the heating process and the dehumidification process during the drying operation of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of temporal changes in the drive frequency of the compressor and the drive speed of the air blower, and temporal changes in temperature and humidity in the heating process and the dehumidification process during the washing and drying operation of the washing and drying machine of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing content executed during the drying operation of the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents in the temperature raising step in the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents in a dehumidification step in the washing and drying machine according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents in a temperature raising step in the washing and drying machine according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an example showing temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the fifth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the sixth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the seventh embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the eighth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17 This section describes an example of temporal changes in temperature and humidity during a drying process in the washing and drying machine according to the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, a washing and drying machine as an example of a laundry processing apparatus according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] (First embodiment)

[0033] First, refer to Figures 1 to 9 A first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The illustrated washer-dryer 10 is a drum-type washer-dryer, either a horizontal-axis type with the rotary drum 14 rotating in a horizontal direction or an oblique-axis type with the rotary drum 14 tilted downward and rearward. The washer-dryer 10 has, for example, both washing and drying functions and can perform washing and drying operations including the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying. Furthermore, the washer-dryer is not limited to a drum-type washer-dryer and may also be a vertical-axis type washer-dryer with the rotary drum rotating in a vertical direction. Furthermore, the laundry processing device of this embodiment can also be applied to configurations without a washing function, such as a laundry dryer.

[0034] The washing and drying machine 10 includes an outer box 11, a door 12, a water storage tub 13, a rotary tub 14, a motor 15, a drainage mechanism 16, a water supply mechanism 17, a drying mechanism 30, and an exhaust mechanism 40. Figure 1 In the figure, the installation surface side of the washing and drying machine 10, that is, the vertical lower side, is referred to as the lower side of the washing and drying machine 10, and the side opposite to the installation surface, that is, the vertical upper side, is referred to as the upper side of the washing and drying machine 10. Figure 1 The left side of the paper is set as the front side of the washing and drying machine 10, and the opposite side of the user is set as the front side of the washing and drying machine 10. Figure 1 The right side of the paper is defined as the rear side of the washing and drying machine 10.

[0035] The outer box 11 is formed as a whole into a rectangular hollow box shape by combining metal such as a stainless steel plate or a resin material, for example. The outer box 11 constitutes the outer shell of the washing and drying machine 10. The outer box 11 has a front opening 111 on the front side that connects the inside and the outside of the outer box 11. The door 12 is provided on the front side of the outer box 11 to open and close the front opening 111. The user can take out and put in the rotary drum 14 through the front surface opening 111 in a state where the door 12 is open. The water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14 are both formed into a cylindrical shape with an opening on one axial side, i.e., the front side, and a bottom on the other side, i.e., the rear side, which is a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0036] The water storage tub 13 can store water. The water storage tub 13 is provided in the outer box 11 and elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tub 13 has an air outlet 131 and an air inlet 132. The air outlet 131 and the air inlet 132 connect the interior of the tub 13 to the exterior. The air outlet 131 is used to exhaust air from the tub 13. The air outlet 131 is, for example, located at the upper front portion of the tub 13, positioned rightward relative to the left-right center of the tub 13. The air inlet 132 is used to supply air into the tub 13. The air inlet 132 is, for example, located at the bottom of the tub 13, slightly above the bottom's vertical center.

[0037] The rotary drum 14 can accommodate clothes inside and can be rotatably arranged in the water tub 13. The rotary drum 14 and the water tub 13 together constitute a clothes processing tub that accommodates clothes inside and processes clothes during washing operation or drying operation. The rotary drum 14 is driven to rotate by the motor 15. The rotary drum 14 has a plurality of holes 141. The plurality of holes 141 are formed in substantially the entire area of ​​the circumference of the rotary drum 14, and function as water holes for the inflow and outflow of water during the dehydration process, and function as ventilation holes for the inflow and outflow of air during the drying process. In addition, the rotary drum 14 has a plurality of baffles not shown in the figure. The baffles have the function of stirring and scraping the clothes accommodated in the rotary drum 14.

[0038] Motor 15 is mounted outside the bottom of tub 13. Although not shown in detail, motor 15 is comprised of, for example, a brushless, direct-drive motor with variable rotational speed. Motor 15 is connected to rotary tub 14 and functions to rotate rotary tub 14 relative to tub 13. A motor shaft 151 of motor 15, the central axis of tub 13, and the rotational axis of rotary tub 14 overlap.

[0039] The drainage mechanism 16 has the function of discharging the water stored in the water tub 13 to the outside of the washing and drying machine 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drain mechanism 16 includes a drain valve 161 and a drain hose 162. The drain valve 161 is electromagnetically openable and closable. One end of the drain hose 162 is connected to the drain valve 161, and the other end is led outside the washing and drying machine 10. When the drain valve 161 is opened, the water stored in the water tub 13 is discharged outside the washing and drying machine 10 through the drain hose 162. The drain valve 161 opens and closes the drainage path for discharging the water stored in the water tub 13 to the outside.

[0040] The water supply mechanism 17 has a function of supplying water supplied from an external water source such as a water pipe into the water storage tub 13. Figure 2As shown, the water supply mechanism 17 includes a water supply valve 171 and a water filling box 172. The water supply valve 171 is electromagnetically openable and closable. It opens and closes the water supply path from an external water source through the water supply mechanism 17 to the water tub 13. The water filling box 172 is located downstream of the water supply valve 171. The water filling box 172 includes a treatment agent box (not shown). The treatment agent box is configured to accommodate, for example, the detergent required for a single washing operation. Specifically, the water filling box 172 is configured to accommodate the detergent. Once the treatment agent box contains detergent, water supplied from an external water source flowing into the water filling box 172 and the detergent are mixed within the water filling box 172 and then supplied to the water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14. Alternatively, the washing and drying machine 10 may include an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent into the water tub 13.

[0041] The drying mechanism 30 has the function of supplying warm air into the tub 13. The drying mechanism 30 includes a circulating air duct 50 and a heating device 60. The circulating air duct 50 is located outside the tub 13, with one end connected to an air outlet 131 and the other end connected to an air inlet 132. The circulating air duct 50 connects the air outlet 131 and the air inlet 132. The circulating air duct 50 circulates and supplies air into the tub 13. The circulating air duct 50 draws air from the tub 13 through the air outlet 131, warms it through the heating device 60, and then supplies this warm air into the tub 13 through the air inlet 132. In this case, when viewing the air flowing through the circulating air duct 50, the air outlet 131 is on the upstream side, and the air inlet 132 is on the downstream side.

[0042] The circulating air passage 50 can be configured, for example, to include an exhaust duct 51, a filter device 52, a connecting duct 53, a heat exchange unit 54, and an air supply duct 55. The exhaust duct 51 is formed, for example, from a flexible, corrugated hose. One end of the exhaust duct 51 is connected to the air outlet 131, and the other end is connected to the filter device 52. The exhaust duct 51, for example, is a portion for exhausting air from the water tub 13.

[0043] The filter device 52 is provided on the circulating air duct 50 on the downstream side of the air outlet 131, and collects foreign matter such as lint and garbage contained in the air flowing out of the air outlet 131 and flowing in the circulating air duct 50. The filter device 52 can be configured to include a filter device body 521 and a filter 522. The filter device body 521 is made of resin, for example, and can be composed of a container-shaped component with an opening on the upper surface. The opening provided on the upper surface of the filter device body 521 is opened and closed by a cover body not shown in the figure. The filter 522 is detachably provided inside the filter device body 521. The filter 522 collects foreign matter contained in the air flowing in the circulating air duct 50.

[0044] The connecting duct 53 connects the filter device 52 and the heat exchange unit 54. The heat exchange unit 54 is, for example, located on the rear side of the washing and drying machine 10, near the bottom of the outer case 11. The heat exchange unit 54 is provided midway along the circulating air duct 50. Air drawn from the tub 13 into the circulating air duct 50 and flowing through the connecting duct 53 is dehumidified and heated as it passes through the heat exchange unit 54, becoming dry, warm air. The air supply duct 55 connects the heat exchange unit 54 and the air inlet 132 of the tub 13. The air supply duct 55, for example, supplies air into the tub 13.

[0045] The heating device 60 constitutes, for example, a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. The heating device 60 is provided in the middle of the circulating air path 50. The heating device 60 can heat the air flowing in the circulating air path 50 to generate warm air for drying the clothes in the rotary drum 14. The temperature of the warm air can be set to, for example, about 60°C to about 70°C. Figure 2 As shown, the heating device 60 is constructed to include an evaporator 61, a condenser 62, a compressor 63 and a throttle valve 64. The evaporator 61 and the condenser 62 are arranged in the heat exchange part 54. The evaporator 61 cools and dehumidifies the air circulating in the circulating air duct 50. The condenser 62 heats the air flowing in the circulating air duct 50 to produce warm air. The compressor 63 is arranged on the outside of the heat exchange part 54. The throttle valve 64 is used to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to facilitate its evaporation. In addition, the heating device 60 can also be set to a well-known heater type structure instead of the heat pump mechanism.

[0046] The washing and drying machine 10 also includes an air supply device 65. The air supply device 65 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The air supply device 65 is disposed midway along the circulating air path 50 and has the function of supplying air dehumidified and heated by the heating device 60 from the air inlet 132 into the water tub 13. The air supply device 65 is, for example, disposed between the heat exchange unit 54 and the air supply duct 55.

[0047] The exhaust mechanism 40 includes an opening portion 41 and an exhaust damper 42. The opening portion 41 is provided in the middle of the circulating air duct 50, connecting the inside of the circulating air duct 50 with the outside. The opening portion 41 discharges a portion of the air in the circulating air duct 50 to the outside. The exhaust damper 42 includes an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid, and is configured to open and close the opening portion 41 based on a control signal. When the exhaust damper 42 is open, the opening portion 41 is open, and on the other hand, when the exhaust damper 42 is closed, the opening portion 41 is closed. That is, the exhaust damper 42 has a function of switching between an open state in which the opening portion 41 is open and a portion of the air in the circulating air duct 50 is discharged from the opening portion 41, and a closed state in which the opening portion 41 is closed and a portion of the air in the circulating air duct 50 is not discharged from the opening portion 41.

[0048] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, a communication port 112 is provided in the outer box 11. The communication port 112 is located in a portion of the outer box 11 corresponding to the opening 41, and connects the interior of the outer box 11 with the outside. Figure 1 As shown by the black arrows, the air exhausted from the opening 41 to the outside of the circulation air duct 50 is exhausted from the communication port 112 to the outside of the washing and drying machine 10 .

[0049] The washing and drying machine 10 includes an outlet temperature sensor 71, an inlet temperature sensor 72, and a humidity sensor 73. The outlet temperature sensor 71 senses the temperature of air discharged from the air outlet 131. In this embodiment, the outlet temperature sensor 71 senses the temperature of the air within the circulation duct 50 before it is affected by the heat of the evaporator 61 and the condenser 62. In this case, the outlet temperature sensor 71 is located downstream of the filter device 52 and upstream of the evaporator 61 within the circulation duct 50. The inlet temperature sensor 72 senses the temperature of air supplied from the air inlet 132 to the tub 13. In this embodiment, the inlet temperature sensor 72 senses the temperature of the air within the circulation duct 50, that is, the air heated by the condenser 62. In this case, the inlet temperature sensor 72 is located downstream of the air supply device 65 and upstream of the air inlet 132 within the circulation duct 50.

[0050] The humidity sensing unit 73 has a function of sensing the humidity of the air discharged from the air outlet 131. In the present embodiment, the humidity sensing unit 73 senses the humidity of the air in the circulating air duct 50, that is, the air before being affected by the heat of the evaporator 61 and the condenser 62. Humidity refers to relative humidity (%RH), which is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air at a certain temperature to the amount of saturated water vapor at a certain temperature. The humidity sensing unit 73 is located on the downstream side of the filter device 52 and on the upstream side of the evaporator 61 in the circulating air duct 50. By locating the humidity sensing unit 73 on the downstream side of the filter device 52, foreign matter can be prevented from accumulating on the humidity sensing unit 73. In the present embodiment, the humidity sensing unit 73 is located near the outlet temperature sensing unit 71. In addition, the outlet temperature sensing unit 71 and the humidity sensing unit 73 may be integrally formed.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the washing and drying machine 10 includes a control unit 80 and a storage unit 81. The motor 15, the drain valve 161, the water supply valve 171, the compressor 63, the air supply device 65, the exhaust damper 42, and the storage unit 81 are electrically connected to the control unit 80 and operate under the control of the control unit 80. The outlet temperature sensor 71, the inlet temperature sensor 72, and the humidity sensor 73 are electrically connected to the control unit 80 and respectively send the sensing results to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory and other storage areas. The control unit 80 controls the overall operation of the washing and drying machine 10. The storage area of ​​the control unit 80 stores a control program for controlling the washing and drying machine 10 to perform operations. Each process of the control unit 80 is implemented by the CPU executing the control program.

[0052] The control unit 80 receives sensing signals from the various sensors 71, 72, and 73 and, based on a control program, controls the operation of the motor 15, drain valve 161, water supply valve 171, compressor 63, air supply device 65, and exhaust damper 42 to execute operation. The storage unit 81 is comprised of a known storage medium such as a ROM, HDD, semiconductor memory, or magnetic disk, and stores various information. Furthermore, the storage unit 81 can be comprised of a predetermined area within the storage area of ​​the control unit 80.

[0053] For example, the controller 80 can selectively execute a washing operation, a drying operation, or a wash-and-dry operation. An operation refers to the sequential execution of multiple different processes. The washing operation is an operation for washing clothes. For example, the washing operation includes a washing step. The drying operation is an operation for drying clothes. For example, the drying operation includes a drying step. The washing and drying operation is an operation for both washing and drying clothes. For example, the washing and drying operation includes a washing step and a drying step.

[0054] During the drying process, the control unit 80 causes the outlet temperature sensor 71 and / or the inlet temperature sensor 72 to measure the temperature at predetermined intervals. For example, the predetermined interval is one minute. The control unit 80 obtains the temperatures sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71 and / or the inlet temperature sensor 72 and stores them in the storage unit 81. Furthermore, during the drying process, the control unit 80 causes the humidity sensor 73 to measure the humidity at predetermined intervals. For example, the predetermined interval is one minute. The control unit 80 obtains the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 and stores it in the storage unit 81.

[0055] Here, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the drying process includes a heating process, a dehumidification process and an air supply process in sequence. The execution periods of the heating process, the dehumidification process and the air supply process are respectively referred to as the heating period P1, the dehumidification period P2 and the air supply period P3. Figures 4 to 6In FIG. 1 , the graph denoted by reference numeral A1 shows the change in the measured value of the outlet temperature sensor 71 over time. Figures 4 to 6 In FIG. 1 , the graph denoted by reference numeral A2 shows the change in the measured value of the inlet temperature sensing portion 72 over time. Figures 4 to 6 In FIG. 1 , the graph denoted by reference numeral A3 shows temporal changes in the measurement value of the humidity sensing portion 73 .

[0056] Figure 4 The heating process shown heats the laundry tub, namely, the water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14, thereby heating the laundry inside the laundry tub. The controller 80 operates the compressor 63 and the air blower 65 during the heating process. The heating period is the period from the start of the drying process until the temperature of the laundry tub increases.

[0057] When the clothes processing barrels 13 and 14 are heated to a predetermined degree, the control unit 80 ends the heating process and starts the dehumidification process. The dehumidification process is a process for reducing the humidity in the clothes processing barrel. That is, it is a period during which moisture evaporates from the clothes accommodated in the rotary barrel 14. During the dehumidification period, the sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensing unit 72 changes with a certain tendency. In addition, during the dehumidification process, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 changes with a decreasing tendency. The sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 during the constant speed period T2 is lower than the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 during the heating period T1. During the dehumidification process, the control unit 80 sets the driving frequency of the compressor 63 to be lower than the target frequency in the heating process.

[0058] The air blowing process cools the laundry in the water tub 13, the rotary tub 14, and the rotating tub 14. During the air blowing process, the controller 80 operates the air blowing device 65 while the compressor 63 is stopped, thereby cooling the laundry in the water tub 13, the rotary tub 14, and the rotating tub 14. The controller 80 can determine the end time of the air blowing period P3 based on the elapsed time since the transition to the air blowing period P3 or the sensing results of the temperature sensors 71 and 72.

[0059] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the temperature rising period P1 includes a heating stage P11 and a stabilization stage P12. The heating stage P11 is a stage until the action of heating the clothes processing barrel in the temperature rising process is stabilized. That is, the heating stage P11 is a stage until the compressor 63 and the air supply device 65 are driven and the driving frequency of the compressor 63 reaches the target frequency, and / or the rotation speed of the air supply device 65 reaches the target rotation speed. The stabilization stage P12 is a stage after the action of heating the clothes processing barrel in the temperature rising process is stabilized. That is, the stabilization stage P12 is a stage of maintaining the driving frequency and / or rotation speed after the driving frequency of the compressor 63 reaches the target frequency and / or the rotation speed of the air supply device 65 reaches the target rotation speed. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the graph denoted by reference numeral B1 shows the change in the driving frequency of the compressor 63 over time. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the graph denoted by reference numeral B2 shows a temporal change in the driving rotation speed of the air blowing device 65 .

[0060] In this embodiment, the heating phase P11 is the phase in which the compressor 63 and the air blower 65 are driven until the drive frequency of the compressor 63 reaches the target frequency and the drive speed of the air blower 65 reaches the target speed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stabilization phase P12 is the phase in which, after the drive frequency of the compressor 63 reaches the target frequency and the drive speed of the air blower 65 reaches the target speed, the drive frequencies and speeds are maintained. Specifically, during the stabilization phase P12, the control unit 80 maintains the drive frequency of the compressor 63 and the drive speed of the air blower 65.

[0061] For example, the target frequency of the compressor 63 during the heating process can be set within a range of approximately 65 Hz to approximately 95 Hz. In this embodiment, the target frequency of the compressor 63 during the heating process is set to approximately 70 Hz during the drying operation and to approximately 90 Hz during the wash-drying operation. Furthermore, the target rotational speed of the air supply device 65 during the heating process can be set within a range of approximately 4500 rpm to approximately 5500 rpm. In this embodiment, the target rotational speed of the air supply device 65 during the heating process is set to approximately 5000 rpm.

[0062] During the heating process, the control unit 80 controls the rotation of the motor 15 under predetermined conditions to rotate the rotary tub 14. For example, the control unit 80 controls the motor 15 to periodically rotate the rotary tub 14 forward and backward at approximately 50 rpm. The control conditions for the motor 15 remain constant during the heating process.

[0063] When the laundry tubs 13 and 14 are heated to a predetermined temperature, the controller 80 terminates the heating process. Whether the laundry tubs 13 and 14 are heated to the predetermined temperature can be determined using various methods. For example, the controller 80 can terminate the heating process based on the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and / or the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control unit 80 obtains the difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71. Upon observing that this difference reaches a maximum value, the control unit 80 determines that the laundry processing tubs 13 and 14 are heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby terminating the heating process. For example, the maximum value of the difference ΔT may be observed when the difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71 continuously decreases over a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, two minutes.

[0065] The control unit 80 does not determine the heating status of the laundry tubs 13 and 14 based on the maximum difference between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71 until a predetermined first period t1 has elapsed after the start of the heating process. This is because, particularly during a wash-and-dry operation, the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 tends to vary immediately after the drying process begins, thereby preventing erroneous sensing of the heating status due to such variation. The first period t1 can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes. In this embodiment, the first period t1 is set to 3 minutes.

[0066] Based on the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process after the heating period. The heating suppression process terminates the drying process or suppresses the heating of the laundry contained in the rotary drum 14. For example, suppressing the heating of the laundry contained in the rotary drum 14 involves suppressing the operation of the compressor 63, which serves as a heating device. Suppressing the operation of the compressor 63 includes both reducing the drive frequency of the compressor 63 and stopping the operation of the compressor 63.

[0067] In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the maximum value Hmax of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process and the current sensed humidity. In this case, the control unit 80 stores the maximum value of the sensed humidity during the stabilization phase in the storage unit 81 as the maximum value Hmax of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process. This prevents erroneous determinations caused by the sensed humidity, which is prone to deviation before the operation of the compressor 63 and / or the air blower 65 stabilizes, and achieves highly accurate drying sensing.

[0068] When the control unit 80 observes that the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 decreases continuously over a predetermined period, it sets the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 before the decrease as the maximum humidity Hmax and stores it in the storage unit 81. For example, if the humidity sensor 73 decreases continuously for two minutes, that is, if the sensed humidity decreases twice compared to the previous value, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 two minutes ago is set as the maximum humidity Hmax. Furthermore, if the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 decreases twice or more during a predetermined period during the stable phase, the control unit 80 sets the maximum humidity of the multiple decreases as the maximum humidity Hmax. This allows for a more appropriate maximum humidity Hmax to be determined, even when the graph of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 shifts with two or more peaks, thereby enabling accurate dryness determination.

[0069] During the heating process, if the heating process cannot be terminated even after a predetermined second period t2 has elapsed since the start of the heating process, the control unit 80 does not execute the heating suppression process based on the humidity H sensed by the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process. Cases where the heating process cannot be terminated include, for example, the failure to terminate the heating phase P11 or the failure to terminate the stabilization phase P12. Thus, if unexpected temperature behavior is observed, the drying state is determined based on the inappropriate maximum humidity Hmax, suppressing half-drying and terminating the drying process or causing overdrying. The second period t2 can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 60 to 100 minutes for drying operations and approximately 20 to 40 minutes for wash-dry operations. In this embodiment, the second period t2 is set to approximately 80 minutes for drying operations and approximately 30 minutes for wash-dry operations. In this case, for example, the control unit 80 sets the "non-use" mode to disable the "humidity H sensed by the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process" and stores the information in the storage unit 81.

[0070] Furthermore, if the "non-use" mode is set, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process after the heating period based on factors other than the "sensed humidity H of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process." For example, the control unit 80 may execute the heating suppression process based on the sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 72 and / or the sensed temperature of the outlet temperature sensor, or based on the operating time of the drying process. For example, the control unit 80 may execute the heating suppression process based on the temperature difference ΔT between the sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the sensed temperature of the outlet temperature sensor falling below a predetermined threshold value ΔT0.

[0071] The controller 80 does not terminate the heating process from the start of the heating process until a predetermined third period t3 has elapsed. This allows the heating process to continue until the water tub 13, rotary drum 14, and laundry are heated to the desired temperature, ensuring reliable laundry drying. The third period t3 can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 15 to 25 minutes for a drying operation and approximately 7 to 15 minutes for a wash-dry operation. In this embodiment, the third period t3 is set to approximately 20 minutes for a drying operation and approximately 10 minutes for a wash-dry operation.

[0072] In the process following the heating process, the control unit 80 performs a heating suppression process based on the amount or rate of decrease from the maximum humidity Hmax to the current humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines that the drying of the laundry contained in the rotary drum 14 is in progress based on the humidity of the exhaust air from the laundry processing tubs 13 and 14 decreasing to or above a predetermined level. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 obtains the humidity difference ΔH between the maximum humidity Hmax and the current humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 during the dehumidification process and performs a heating suppression process based on whether the humidity difference ΔH exceeds a predetermined threshold value ΔH0. In this embodiment, in the dehumidification process following the heating process, for example, if the humidity difference ΔH exceeds the predetermined threshold value ΔH0, the control unit 80 performs a heating suppression process, stopping the compressor 63 and terminating the dehumidification process.

[0073] Furthermore, the heating suppression process may not be executed immediately when the humidity difference ΔH becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔH0, but may be executed, for example, only when certain conditions are met in addition to this. For example, the heating suppression process may be executed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the humidity difference ΔH became greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔH0, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the dehumidification process, after the humidity difference ΔH becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔH0.

[0074] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 9 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the processing contents of the control unit 80 in the drying process of the drying operation or the washing and drying operation. Figure 7 At the start time, the power of the washing and drying machine 10 is turned on, and the washing operation or the washing and drying operation is started by the user's operation. When the drying process starts (start), in step S11, the control unit 80 executes Figure 8 In step S12, the control unit 80 executes the heating process described in detail in FIG. Figure 9 In step S13, the control unit 80 executes the air blowing process.

[0075] When to start Figure 8 During the temperature rise process shown in FIG. 2 , in step S21, the control unit 80 drives the air supply device 65 so that the drive speed reaches the target speed. In this case, driving the air supply device 65 includes both driving the air supply device 65 while it is stopped and driving the air supply device 65 at a higher speed. For example, during a drying operation, in step S21, the control unit 80 drives the stopped air supply device 65 to increase the drive speed to the target speed. For example, during a wash and dry operation, in step S21, the control unit 80 continues driving the driven air supply device 65 to increase the drive speed to the target speed, which is higher than the current speed.

[0076] In step S22, the control unit 80 drives the compressor 63 so that the drive frequency reaches the target frequency. In this case, driving the compressor 63 includes driving the stopped compressor 63 and driving the driven compressor 63 at a higher frequency. For example, in the case of a drying operation, in step S22, the control unit 80 drives the stopped compressor 63 to increase the drive frequency to the target frequency. For example, in the case of a wash and dry operation, in step S22, the control unit 80 continues to drive the driven compressor 63 to increase the drive frequency to the target frequency higher than the current frequency.

[0077] In step S23, the control unit 80 determines whether the heating operation has stabilized, that is, whether the heating phase has ended. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 determines whether the drive speed of the air blower 65 has reached the target speed and whether the drive frequency of the compressor 63 has reached the target speed. If the heating phase has not ended (No in step S23), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S31, described below. If the heating phase has ended (Yes in step S23), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S24.

[0078] In step S24, the control unit 80 begins acquiring the maximum humidity Hmax sensed by the humidity sensor 73. In step S25, the control unit 80 determines whether the first period t1 has elapsed since the start of the temperature increase process. If the first period t1 has not elapsed (No in step S25), the control unit 80 repeats the process of step S25. If the first period t1 has elapsed (Yes in step S25), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control unit 80 begins acquiring the humidity difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71.

[0079] In step S27, the control unit 80 determines whether the humidity sensor 73 has reached the maximum humidity Hmax. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 has decreased continuously for two minutes. If the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 has not decreased continuously for two minutes (No in step S27), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S29. If the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 has decreased continuously for two minutes (Yes in step S27), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S28.

[0080] In step S28, the control unit 80 sets the maximum humidity Hmax and stores it in the storage unit 81. Specifically, the control unit 80 sets the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 2 minutes ago as the maximum humidity Hmax and stores it in the storage unit 81.

[0081] In step S29, the control unit 80 determines whether the water tub 13, the rotating tub 14, and the laundry have been heated to a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the humidity difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor 71 has decreased continuously for two minutes. If the humidity difference ΔT has not decreased continuously for two minutes (No in step S29), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S31. If the humidity difference ΔT has decreased continuously for two minutes (Yes in step S29), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S30.

[0082] In step S30, the control unit 80 determines whether the third period t3 has elapsed since the start of the temperature increase process. If the third period t3 has not elapsed (No in step S30), the control unit 80 returns the process to step S27. If the third period t3 has elapsed (Yes in step S30), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S33.

[0083] In step S31, the control unit 80 determines whether the second period t2 has elapsed since the start of the temperature increase process. If the second period t2 has not elapsed (No in step S31), the control unit 80 returns the process to step S23. If the second period t2 has elapsed (Yes in step S31), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S32.

[0084] In step S32, the control unit 80 sets the "non-use" mode, which does not use the "sensed humidity H of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process" for determining the dryness state, and stores the mode in the storage unit 81. This prevents inappropriate determination of the dryness state if the heating process cannot be terminated even after the second period has elapsed. The control unit 80 then proceeds to step S33.

[0085] In step S33, the control unit 80 reduces the driving frequency of the compressor 63. In this way, the control unit 80 ends the temperature increase process and returns the process to step S34. Figure 7 (return).

[0086] When Figure 7 When the dehumidification process is executed in step S12, the control unit 80 starts Figure 9 When the dehumidification process starts, the control unit 80 determines whether the "non-use" mode is set in step S41. If the non-use mode is set (yes in step S41), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S43. If the non-use mode is not set (no in step S41), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S42.

[0087] In step S42, the control unit 80 determines whether the humidity difference ΔH between the maximum humidity Hmax and the current humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value ΔH0. If the humidity difference ΔH is less than the predetermined threshold value ΔH0 (No in step S42), the control unit 80 repeats the process of step S42. If the humidity difference ΔH is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value ΔH0 (Yes in step S42), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S44.

[0088] In step S43, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value ΔT0. If the temperature difference ΔT is greater than the predetermined threshold value ΔT0 (No in step S43), the control unit 80 repeats the process of step S43. If the temperature difference ΔT is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value ΔT0 (Yes in step S43), the control unit 80 advances the process to step S44.

[0089] In step S44, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process. Specifically, the control unit 80 stops driving the compressor 63. This stops the heating operation of the clothes.

[0090] In this way, the control unit 80 executes the dehumidification process. Then, the control unit 80 returns the process to Figure 7 Flowchart (return).

[0091] As described above, the control unit 80 executes the drying process (end). In addition, the control unit 80 may execute the wrinkle removal process, the sterilization process, etc. after the air blowing process.

[0092] The washing and drying machine 10, which serves as a laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment described above, includes a tub 13 and a rotary drum 14 serving as laundry processing tubs, a circulating air duct 50 serving as an air duct, an air supply device 65, a heating device 60, a humidity sensor 73, and a controller 80. The tub 13 has an air inlet 132 and an air outlet 131. The circulating air duct 50 is connected to the air inlet 132. The air supply device 65 supplies air to the tub 13 and rotary drum 14 via the circulating air duct 50. The heating device 60 heats the air supplied to the tub 13 and rotary drum 14. The humidity sensor 73 senses the humidity of the air discharged from the air outlet 131. The controller 80 controls the operation of the heating device 60 and the air supply device 65 to execute a drying process, which dries the laundry in the rotary drum 14. The drying process includes a temperature increase process, which increases the temperature of the tub 13 and rotary drum 14. The control unit 80 obtains the maximum value of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 during the heating period P1, which is the execution period of the heating process, that is, the maximum humidity Hmax, and in the period after the heating period, based on the fact that the reduction amount or reduction rate of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit from the maximum humidity Hmax to the current level becomes above a prescribed threshold, performs a heating inhibition process to end the drying process or inhibit the driving of the heating device 60.

[0093] Thus, by determining the dryness state based on the amount or rate of decrease from the maximum humidity Hmax, the accuracy of dryness state determination can be improved regardless of the ambient temperature, clothing weight, etc. Furthermore, by obtaining the maximum humidity Hmax during the initial stage of the drying process, i.e., the temperature rise phase, when humidity is highest, the dryness state can be appropriately determined based on the state of the clothing before dehumidification.

[0094] Heating device 60 includes heat exchangers 61 and 62, and a compressor 63 that compresses refrigerant and delivers it to heat exchangers 61 and 62. Control unit 80 obtains the maximum value of the humidity sensed by humidity sensor 73 during a period after the drive frequency of compressor 63 reaches a predetermined target frequency as maximum humidity Hmax.

[0095] Thus, the compressor 63 is started, and the maximum humidity Hmax is obtained after the driving thereof is stabilized. Therefore, the influence of the fluctuation of the humidity that may occur before the driving is stabilized can be avoided.

[0096] Heating device 60 includes heat exchangers 61 and 62, and a compressor 63 that compresses and delivers refrigerant to heat exchangers 61 and 62. Control unit 80 obtains the maximum value of the humidity sensed by humidity sensor 73 as maximum humidity Hmax while the drive frequency of compressor 63 is maintained at a predetermined target frequency.

[0097] Thus, the maximum humidity Hmax is obtained while the compressor is being driven stably, and thus it is possible to avoid the influence of fluctuations in humidity that may occur before the drive is stabilized.

[0098] The control unit 80 obtains the maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 during a period after the driving rotation speed of the air blowing device 65 reaches a predetermined target rotation speed as the maximum humidity Hmax.

[0099] Thus, the maximum humidity Hmax is obtained after the air blowing device 65 is activated and its driving is stabilized, so that the influence of the humidity fluctuation that may occur before the driving is stabilized can be avoided.

[0100] Heating device 60 includes heat exchangers 61 and 62, and a compressor 63 that compresses refrigerant and delivers it to heat exchangers 61 and 62. Control unit 80 obtains, as maximum humidity Hmax, the maximum value of the humidity sensed by humidity sensor 73 during the period after the drive speed of air supply device 65 reaches a predetermined target speed and the drive frequency of compressor 63 reaches a predetermined target frequency.

[0101] Thus, the air blowing device 65 and the compressor 63 are started, and the maximum humidity Hmax is obtained after the driving thereof is stabilized. Therefore, the influence of the humidity fluctuation that may occur before the driving is stabilized can be avoided.

[0102] Washing and drying machine 10, a clothes processing device, includes an outlet temperature sensor 71 for sensing the temperature of exhaust air from air outlet 131, and an inlet temperature sensor 72 for sensing the temperature of air entering water tub 13 and rotary drum 14 through air inlet 132. Control unit 80 terminates the heating process when the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature sensed by inlet temperature sensor 72 and the temperature sensed by outlet temperature sensor 71 reaches a maximum.

[0103] Thus, the operation of the heating device 60 causes the temperature of the air supplied to the water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14 to rise rapidly. Meanwhile, due to the wet clothing, the temperature of the exhaust air rises only gradually. Furthermore, it is assumed that moisture evaporates from the clothing during the period of rising exhaust air temperature, so the maximum humidity ΔHmax is observed before the temperature difference ΔT reaches its maximum. By terminating the heating process when the temperature difference ΔT reaches its maximum, and obtaining the maximum humidity ΔHmax during this heating process, erroneous detection of the maximum humidity ΔHmax can be suppressed.

[0104] Here, humidity sensing may have deviations. Therefore, even if the sensed humidity decreases once, immediately determining that the maximum humidity is observed may lead to a risk of false sensing.

[0105] On the other hand, when the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 continues to decrease within a predetermined period, the control unit 80 acquires the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 before the decrease as the maximum humidity Hmax.

[0106] Thus, for example, if the humidity decreases continuously for two minutes, the decreasing trend is reliable, and it can be considered that the maximum humidity was observed before the decrease, thereby reducing the risk of false sensing. This allows for more accurate determination of the dryness state, thereby improving the dryness of the clothes at the end of the drying operation.

[0107] In other embodiments, when the temperature change from the sensed humidity at a certain time shows a decreasing trend during a predetermined period, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 at a certain time may be acquired as the maximum humidity Hmax.

[0108] When the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 decreases continuously for a plurality of times during a predetermined period during the temperature rising period, the control unit 80 sets the maximum value of the maximum humidities obtained during the temperature rising period as the maximum humidity Hmax.

[0109] The humidity sensed by humidity sensor 73 may fluctuate with two or more peaks. Therefore, when there are multiple peaks, setting the larger of the peaks as maximum humidity Hmax can prevent false detections. This allows for more accurate determination of the drying state, thereby improving the drying state of the clothes at the end of the drying cycle.

[0110] The control unit 80 can execute a drying operation including a drying step and a wash-drying operation including a drying step and a washing step, and can execute the heating suppression process in both the drying step in the drying operation and the drying step in the wash-drying operation.

[0111] Therefore, regardless of whether it is a drying operation or a washing and drying operation, the dryness state of the clothes can be determined and the drying process can be controlled by the same processing, so the control of the control unit 80 does not become too complicated.

[0112] If the temperature raising process cannot be ended even after the predetermined second period t2 has elapsed since the start of the temperature raising process, the control unit 80 does not execute the heating suppression process based on the maximum humidity Hmax.

[0113] For example, if the conditions for ending the heating phase or the stabilization phase are not met, it is inferred that there is some erroneous sensing or operational abnormality. Therefore, the determination of the dryness state based on the maximum humidity Hmax and the control of the drying process are not executed, thereby preventing erroneous sensing and the resulting overdrying or half-drying of the clothes.

[0114] The control unit 80 executes the temperature raising process at least during a period from the start of the temperature raising process to the elapse of a predetermined third period t3.

[0115] This eliminates the influence of temporary fluctuations in temperature difference ΔT caused by fluctuations in the temperature sensed by inlet temperature sensor 72, which may occur at the beginning of the heating process, and reliably heats water tub 13, rotary tub 14, and the clothing. Furthermore, since the drying state of the clothing can be determined based on the maximum humidity Hmax during this period, false detection can be suppressed.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the maximum value Hmax of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the heating suppression process may be executed based on the average of the sensed humidity when the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process reaches or exceeds a predetermined humidity, or based on the period during which the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the heating process reaches or exceeds the predetermined humidity.

[0117] (Second embodiment)

[0118] Reference Figure 10 The second embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 determines that the laundry tubs 13 and 14 have been heated to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 being maintained for a predetermined period, and terminates the temperature increase process. This means that even with continued heating by the stable heating device 60, the supply air temperature remains stable, and therefore it is assumed that the temperature of the water tub 13, the rotary drum 14, and the laundry will not rise further. In other words, the temperature of the water tub 13, the rotary drum 14, and the laundry has reached the maximum temperature during the drying process.

[0119] In this specification, maintaining the sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 72 means that the sensed temperature does not fluctuate beyond a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined temperature range can be set within a range of approximately ±0.5°C to approximately 3°C. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature range is set to approximately ±1°C.

[0120] The predetermined period can be set, for example, within a range of 2 minutes to 5 minutes. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is set to 2 minutes.

[0121] In the temperature raising process of this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes Figure 10 Compared with the flowchart of the temperature increase process of the first embodiment, the control unit 80 executes step S51 instead of step S26 and executes step S52 instead of step S29.

[0122] In step S51, the control unit 80 starts acquiring a temporal variation ΔT1 of the sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 72. ΔT1 is the temperature difference between the previous sensed temperature of the inlet temperature sensor 72 and the current sensed temperature.

[0123] In step S52, the control unit 80 determines whether the water tub 13, the rotating tub 14, and the laundry have been heated to a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 has been maintained within a predetermined range for two minutes. If the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 has not been maintained within the predetermined range for two minutes (No in step S52), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S31. If the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 has been maintained within the predetermined range for two minutes (Yes in step S52), the control unit 80 proceeds to step S30.

[0124] The other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this way, the control unit 80 of the present embodiment executes the temperature raising step.

[0125] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment are achieved.

[0126] Washing and drying machine 10, serving as a laundry processing apparatus according to this embodiment, includes an inlet temperature sensor 72 for sensing the temperature of air entering water tub 13 and rotary drum 14, serving as laundry processing tubs, through air inlet 132. Control unit 80 terminates the heating process when the temperature sensed by inlet temperature sensor 72 continues to fluctuate without exceeding a predetermined range for a predetermined period or longer.

[0127] The supply air temperature remains constant, meaning that the temperatures of the laundry tubs 13 and 14 will not exceed these limits. Furthermore, moisture evaporated from the laundry is discharged from the air outlet 131. Therefore, it is assumed that the humidity within the laundry tubs 13 and 14 will not increase further. In other words, there is a high probability that the maximum humidity Hmax will be observed from the start of the heating process until the supply air temperature remains constant. Therefore, by terminating the heating process when the supply air temperature remains constant and obtaining the maximum humidity Hmax during the heating period, the maximum humidity Hmax can be appropriately achieved.

[0128] In another embodiment, for example, the control unit 80 may terminate the temperature raising process when the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor 72 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0129] (Third embodiment)

[0130] Reference Figure 11A third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 performs a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 or its inverse during the drying process. The temporal change in the sensed humidity refers to the amount of humidity change within a certain period (i.e., the rate of humidity change). The inverse of the temporal change in the sensed humidity refers to the time required for a certain humidity change (i.e., the inverse of the rate of humidity change). As the drying process progresses, the temporal change in the sensed humidity decreases, and conversely, the time required for a certain humidity change increases.

[0131] In this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiments, the control unit 80 also executes the heat suppression process in the period after the temperature rise period. For example, the control unit 80 executes the heat suppression process in the air blowing process.

[0132] The control unit 80 can execute the heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 or its inverse after a predetermined first condition is met. For example, the predetermined first condition may be the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 or its inverse after the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 reaches a predetermined set humidity H0.

[0133] In other embodiments, the predetermined first condition may be that a predetermined humidity drop is observed from the maximum humidity Hmax in the temperature raising step, or that a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the drying step or the start of the dehumidification step.

[0134] In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the inverse of the temporal change in the sensed humidity by the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the control unit 80 compares the time periods required for the humidity to decrease by the same amount, and executes the heating suppression process when the time period required for the humidity to decrease exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0135] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 acquires the required period Δtx, which is the period required for the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a predetermined first change ΔH1. The storage unit 81 stores a predetermined threshold value q1. When the required period Δtx becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value q1, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process. For example, Figure 11 : shows the time periods Δt1, Δt2, Δt3, and Δt4 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change amount ΔH1 after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0. Figure 11In the example shown, Δt1, Δt2, and Δt3 are smaller than the threshold value q1. Since Δt4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value q1, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0136] The washing and drying machine 10, which is a laundry processing apparatus according to the embodiment described above, includes a water tub 13 and a rotary drum 14 as laundry processing tubs, a circulating air duct 50 as an air duct, an air supply device 65, a heating device 60, a humidity sensor 73, and a control unit 80. The water tub 13 has an air outlet 131 and an air inlet 132. The circulating air duct 50 is connected to the air inlet 132. The air supply device 65 supplies air to the water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14 via the circulating air duct 50. The heating device 60 heats the air supplied to the water tub 13 and the rotary drum 14. The humidity sensor 73 senses the humidity of the air discharged from the air outlet 131. The control unit 80 controls the operation of the air supply device 65 and the heating device 60 to execute a drying process, drying the laundry in the rotary drum. During the drying process, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process for terminating the drying process or suppressing the driving of the heater 60 and / or the blower 65 based on the temporal change of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73 or its inverse.

[0137] Thus, regardless of the absolute value of the humidity sensed by humidity sensor 73, if the change in humidity over time decreases or the inverse of the change in humidity over time increases, it can be inferred that water evaporating from the clothing has disappeared and the clothing is nearly dry. Therefore, by terminating the drying process or suppressing heating of the clothing based on these changes over time, it is possible to prevent the clothing from being over-dried or partially dry, regardless of the ambient temperature, the weight of the clothing, and the like.

[0138] The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the temporal change of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 during the drying process after the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 reaches a preset set humidity or the inverse thereof.

[0139] Thus, by obtaining the temporal change in the sensed humidity or its inverse temporal change when the clothes have dried to a certain extent, the drying state of the clothes can be reliably monitored. Moreover, compared to performing the same calculation in all steps, excessive burden on the control unit 80 can be suppressed.

[0140] During the drying process, the control unit 80 obtains a required period Δtx, the time required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a predetermined first change ΔH1, as the inverse of the temporal change in the sensed humidity. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the required period Δtx exceeds a predetermined threshold value q1.

[0141] Thus, if the required period Δtx required to reduce the humidity by the same first change ΔH1 increases, it can be estimated that the moisture evaporated from the clothing has disappeared and the clothing is nearly dry. Therefore, by determining dryness based on the change in the required period Δtx, the occurrence of overdrying or half-drying can be suppressed.

[0142] (Fourth embodiment)

[0143] Reference Figure 12 A fourth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the inverse of the temporal change in the sensed humidity by the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the period required for each equal decrease in humidity is compared with a reference period, and the heating suppression process is executed when the ratio of the period required for the humidity decrease relative to the reference period exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0144] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains a reference period Δt1, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a predetermined first change ΔH1. The control unit 80 stores the obtained reference period Δt1 in the storage unit 81. The storage unit 81 also stores a predetermined threshold value q2. Furthermore, the control unit 80 obtains a required period Δtx, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the predetermined first change ΔH1, over time. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the ratio of the required period Δtx to the reference period Δt1 exceeds a predetermined threshold value q2.

[0145] For example, in Figure 12 : shows the time periods Δt1, Δt2, Δt3, and Δt4 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change amount ΔH1 after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0. Figure 12 In the example shown, the ratio of Δt2 or Δt3 to Δt1 is less than threshold q2. Since the ratio of Δt4 to Δt1 is greater than threshold q2, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0146] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved.

[0147] According to this embodiment, when the period required for the humidity sensor 73 to decrease from the set humidity H0 to the sensed humidity by the predetermined first change amount ΔH1 is set as the reference period Δt1, the control unit 80 performs the heating suppression process when the ratio of the required period Δtx to the reference period Δt1 becomes greater than the predetermined threshold value q2.

[0148] The larger the ratio of the period during which the humidity decreases by a predetermined humidity change ΔH1 relative to the base period, the drier the clothes are estimated to be. Therefore, by performing drying control based on this ratio, the drying state can be determined independently of ambient temperature, clothing weight, clothing quality, and other factors, thereby preventing overdrying and underdrying.

[0149] (Fifth embodiment)

[0150] Reference Figure 13 The fifth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the inverse of the temporal change in the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the period required for the humidity to decrease by the same amount is compared with the period required for the humidity to decrease by the same amount the previous time, and the heating suppression process is executed when the ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0151] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains a reference period Δt1, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a predetermined first change ΔH1. The storage unit 81 stores a predetermined threshold value q3. The control unit 80, over time, obtains a required period Δtx, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the predetermined first change ΔH1. The storage unit 81 stores the required period Δtx. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the ratio of the n-th required period Δtn to the n-1-th required period Δt(n-1) exceeds a predetermined threshold value q3.

[0152] For example, in Figure 13 : shows the time periods Δt1, Δt2, Δt3, and Δt4 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change amount ΔH1 after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0. Figure 13 In the example shown, the ratio of Δt2 to Δt1 or the ratio of Δt3 to Δt2 is less than threshold q3. Since the ratio of Δt4 to Δt3 is greater than threshold q3, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0153] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved.

[0154] According to the present embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the ratio of the n-th required period Δtn to the n-1-th required period Δt(n-1) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value q3.

[0155] Thus, for the same amount of humidity reduction, by comparing the previous required period Δt(n-1) with the current required period Δtn, it is possible to observe a gradual decrease in the slope of the humidity reduction. This also allows for a determination that drying progresses as water evaporation from clothing decreases, thereby preventing overdrying and underdrying regardless of ambient temperature, clothing weight, and other factors.

[0156] (Sixth embodiment)

[0157] Reference Figure 14 The sixth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the inverse of the temporal change in the sensed humidity by the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the period required to reduce the humidity by a predetermined amount from the set humidity is used as a reference period. The period required for each humidity reduction by an amount less than the set humidity reduction is compared with the reference period. If the period required to reduce the humidity exceeds the reference period, the heating suppression process is executed.

[0158] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains a reference period Δs1, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a predetermined first change ΔH1. The storage unit 81 stores the reference period Δt11. As time passes, the control unit 80 obtains a required period Δsx, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a second change ΔH2 that is less than the first change ΔH1. If the required period Δsx exceeds the reference period Δs1, the control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process.

[0159] For example, in Figure 14 : shows the reference period Δs1 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a first change ΔH1 after the first condition is met, i.e., the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0, and the required periods Δs2, Δs3, and Δs4 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by a second change ΔH2 which is smaller than the first change. Figure 14 In the example shown, Δ2 or Δs3 is shorter than the reference period Δs1. Since Δs4 is longer than the reference period Δs1, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0160] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment are achieved.

[0161] According to this embodiment, the period required to reduce the set humidity H0 by a specified first change amount ΔH1 is set as a reference period Δs1. In addition, the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 to reduce by a specified second change amount ΔH2 which is smaller than the specified first change amount ΔH1 is set as a second required period Δsx. The control unit 80 performs the heating suppression process when the second required period Δsx becomes longer than the reference period Δs1.

[0162] By lengthening the period required to observe a humidity change that is smaller than the humidity change during the reference period Δs1, it is possible to detect a gradual decrease in the slope of the humidity decrease. This allows for a determination that the evaporation of moisture from the clothing is decreasing, indicating that the clothing is drying. This prevents the occurrence of overdrying or underdrying, regardless of ambient temperature, clothing weight, or other factors.

[0163] (Seventh embodiment)

[0164] Reference Figure 15 A third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the heating suppression process is executed when the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the decrease in sensed humidity is compared within each same period, and the heating suppression process is executed based on the ratio of the humidity decrease at a certain time point to the humidity decrease at a reference time point falling below a predetermined threshold.

[0165] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains the required period Δt10, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the specified first change ΔH10. The storage unit 81 stores the required period Δt10. In addition, the storage unit 81 stores a specified threshold value q4. The control unit 80 obtains the decrease in the sensed humidity ΔHx of the humidity sensor 73 for each required period Δt10. When the ratio of the decrease in the sensed humidity ΔHx to the first change ΔH10 becomes less than the specified threshold value q4, the control unit 80 performs the heating suppression process. For example, Figure 15 : shows the decreases ΔH2, ΔH3 and ΔH4 of the sensed humidity obtained in each period Δt10 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change ΔH10 after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0. Figure 15 In the example shown, the ratios of ΔH2 and ΔH3 to the first change ΔH10 are greater than the threshold value q4. Since the ratio of ΔH4 to the first change ΔH10 is less than the threshold value q4, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0166] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are also achieved.

[0167] According to this embodiment, during the drying process, control unit 80 obtains reduced humidity ΔHx, which is the amount of decrease in the sensed humidity of humidity sensor 73 over a predetermined period Δt10. Control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the rate of change in the reduced humidity (ΔHx / ΔH10) falls below a predetermined threshold value q4.

[0168] Thus, it is possible to infer that the moisture evaporating from the clothes is disappearing and the clothes are becoming increasingly dry based on the decrease in humidity over a predetermined period. Therefore, by determining dryness based on changes in humidity, it is possible to prevent overdrying and semi-drying of the clothes, regardless of the ambient temperature, the weight of the clothes, etc.

[0169] According to the present embodiment, the control unit 80 obtains the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 every time a predetermined first period Δt10 has elapsed since the time when the sensed humidity reached the set humidity H0. The amount of decrease in the sensed humidity from the set humidity H0 after the predetermined first period Δt10 has elapsed since the time when the sensed humidity reached the set humidity H0 is used as a reference decrease ΔH10. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the ratio of the decrease ΔHx of the sensed humidity per first period Δt10 to the reference decrease ΔH10 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value q4.

[0170] The decrease in the ratio of the current humidity change to the humidity change at the time the reference humidity was reached indicates that water evaporating from the clothing is disappearing and the clothing is becoming increasingly dry. Therefore, by determining dryness based on the decreasing humidity change, it is possible to prevent overdrying and semi-drying of the clothing, regardless of ambient temperature, clothing weight, and other factors.

[0171] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0172] Reference Figure 16 The eighth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the decrease in the sensed humidity is compared for each identical period, and the heating suppression process is executed based on the ratio of the humidity decrease at a certain point in time to the previous humidity decrease falling below a predetermined threshold.

[0173] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains the required period Δt10, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 to decrease by the prescribed first change ΔH10. The storage unit 81 stores the required period Δt10. In addition, the storage unit 81 stores a prescribed threshold value q5. The control unit 80 obtains the decrease ΔHx of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 for each required period Δt10. The control unit 80 performs the heating suppression process when the ratio of the decrease ΔHn of the sensed humidity for the nth time to the change ΔH(n-1) of the sensed humidity for the (n-1)th time becomes less than the prescribed threshold value q5. For example, Figure 16: shows the decrease amounts ΔH2, ΔH3 and ΔH4 of the sensed humidity obtained in each period Δt10 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change amount ΔH10 after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0. Figure 16 In the example shown, the ratio of ΔH2 to ΔH10 or the ratio of ΔH3 to ΔH2 is greater than threshold q5. Since the ratio of ΔH4 to ΔH3 is less than threshold q5, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0174] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are also achieved.

[0175] According to the present embodiment, the control unit 80 obtains the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 at each predetermined first period Δt10 elapsed since the sensed humidity reached the set humidity H0. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the ratio of the decrease in the sensed humidity after the nth first period Δt10 to the decrease in the sensed humidity after the (n-1)th first period Δt10 elapses becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value q5.

[0176] As a result, the slope of the humidity sensing curve of humidity sensor 73 decreases, indicating that the moisture evaporating from the clothes has disappeared and the clothes are becoming increasingly dry. Therefore, by determining dryness based on the change in humidity, it is possible to prevent overdrying and semi-drying of the clothes, regardless of the ambient temperature, the weight of the clothes, etc.

[0177] (Ninth embodiment)

[0178] Reference Figure 17 A ninth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process based on the temporal change in the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73. Specifically, the control unit 80 compares the decrease in sensed humidity observed during a certain period from the time a set humidity reference is observed with the decrease in sensed humidity observed during a period longer than the certain period. Based on whether the humidity decrease at a certain point in time is less than the humidity decrease at the reference time, the control unit 80 executes a heating suppression process.

[0179] After the first condition is met, the control unit 80 obtains the required period Δt10, which is the period required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 to decrease by the prescribed first change ΔH10. The storage unit 81 stores the required period Δt10. In addition, the storage unit 81 stores a prescribed threshold value q5. The control unit 80 obtains the decrease ΔHx of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit 73 for each required period Δt10. The control unit 80 performs the heating suppression process when the ratio of the decrease ΔHn of the sensed humidity for the nth time to the change ΔH(n-1) of the sensed humidity for the (n-1)th time becomes less than the prescribed threshold value q5. For example, Figure 17 : after the first condition is met, that is, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 becomes H0, the decrease in the sensed humidity ΔH2, ΔH3, and ΔH4 obtained during each period Δt20 which is longer than the period Δt10 required for the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 to decrease by the first change ΔH10 is shown. Figure 17 In the example shown, ΔH2 or ΔH3 is larger than the first change amount ΔH10. Since ΔH4 is smaller than the first change amount ΔH10, the controller 80 executes the heating suppression process and stops driving the compressor 63.

[0180] According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are also achieved.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the control unit 80 obtains the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 at each time after a predetermined first period Δt10 has elapsed since the sensed humidity reached the set humidity, and at each time a predetermined second period Δt20, which is longer than the first period Δt10, has elapsed since the first period Δt10. The decrease in the sensed humidity from the set humidity H0 until the predetermined first period Δt10 has elapsed is defined as a reference decrease ΔH10. The control unit 80 executes the heating suppression process when the second decrease ΔHx, the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor 73 measured each time the second period Δt20 elapses, becomes equal to or less than the reference decrease ΔH10.

[0182] If the humidity decreases by less than the reference decrease ΔH10 over a period Δt20 (a period Δt10 longer than the period Δt10 required to sense the humidity decrease by the reference decrease ΔH10), the slope of the humidity sensing curve decreases, indicating that water evaporation from the clothing has disappeared and that the clothing is drying. Therefore, by determining drying based on the change in humidity reduction, it is possible to suppress overdrying and semi-drying regardless of ambient temperature, clothing weight, and other factors.

[0183] Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with each other. Alternatively, only characteristic portions of two or more embodiments may be extracted and combined.

[0184] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention and are included within the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0185] Description of Reference Numerals

[0186] 10... Washing and Drying Machine (Clothes Processing Device), 13... Water Tub (Clothes Processing Tub), 131... Air Outlet, 132... Air Inlet, 14... Rotating Tub (Clothes Processing Tub), 50... Circulating Air Path (Air Path), 60... Heating Device, 61... Evaporator (Heat Exchanger), 62... Condenser (Heat Exchanger), 63... Compressor, 65... Air Supply Device, 71... Inlet Temperature Sensor, 72... Outlet Temperature Sensor, 73... Humidity Sensor, 80... Control Unit

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: have: a laundry treatment tub having an air inlet and an air outlet; an air passage connected to the air inlet; an air supply device for blowing the air toward the laundry treatment tub through the air passage; a heating device for heating the air; a humidity sensing portion for sensing the humidity of the air exhausted from the air outlet; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating device and the air supply device to dry the clothes in the clothes treatment tub; The drying process includes a heating process of raising the temperature of the laundry treatment tub. The control unit obtains the maximum value of the sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit during the heating period as the execution period of the heating process, that is, the maximum humidity, and after the heating period, performs a heating inhibition process to end the drying process or inhibit the driving of the heating device based on the fact that the reduction amount or reduction rate from the maximum humidity to the current sensed humidity of the humidity sensing unit becomes above a prescribed threshold.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device includes a heat exchanger and a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the heat exchanger. The control unit acquires, as the maximum humidity, a maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor during a period after the drive frequency of the compressor reaches a predetermined target frequency.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating device includes a heat exchanger and a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the heat exchanger. The control unit acquires, as the maximum humidity, a maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor during a period in which the driving frequency of the compressor is maintained at a predetermined target frequency.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit acquires, as the maximum humidity, a maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor during a period after the driving rotation speed of the air blowing device reaches a predetermined target rotation speed.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device includes a heat exchanger and a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and delivers it to the heat exchanger. The control unit obtains, as the maximum humidity, a maximum value of the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor during a period after the driving speed of the air blower reaches a predetermined target speed and the driving frequency of the compressor reaches a predetermined target frequency. The clothes treating device according to claim 1 , wherein: have: an outlet temperature sensing portion for sensing the temperature of exhaust gas from the air outlet; and an inlet temperature sensing portion for sensing the temperature of air entering the laundry treatment tub from the air inlet, The control unit ends the temperature raising step when the temperature difference between the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor and the temperature sensed by the outlet temperature sensor is maximized.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inlet temperature sensor is provided, which senses the temperature of the air entering the laundry treatment tub from the air inlet. The control unit ends the temperature raising step when the temperature sensed by the inlet temperature sensor fluctuates without exceeding a predetermined range for a predetermined period or longer.

8. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor continuously decreases over a predetermined period, the control unit acquires the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor before the decrease as the maximum humidity.

9. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the sensed humidity of the humidity sensor decreases continuously a plurality of times within a predetermined period during the temperature rising period, the control unit sets a maximum value of the maximum humidities obtained during the temperature rising period as the maximum humidity.

10. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit can execute a drying operation including the drying step and a washing and drying operation including the drying step and a washing step, and the heating suppression process is executed in both the drying step in the drying operation and the drying step in the washing and drying operation.

11. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit does not execute the heating suppression process based on the maximum humidity when the temperature raising process cannot be ended even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the temperature raising process.

12. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit executes the temperature raising step at least from the start of the temperature raising step until a predetermined period of time has passed.

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