Laundry treatment system

Abstract

The laundry processing system (10) of the first embodiment has a laundry washing machine (12), a laundry drying machine (14) constituted by a unit independent of the laundry washing machine (12), and a communication section (25) that enables communication between the laundry drying machine (14) and the laundry washing machine (12). In addition, the laundry processing system (10) has a control section (drying control device (52)) that controls at least the laundry drying machine (14) to start preheating of the laundry drying machine (14) during operation of the laundry washing machine (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clothing handling system comprising a laundry washing machine and a clothing dryer consisting of a unit independent of the laundry washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a structure that can efficiently dry clothes in a washer-dryer that integrates a washing machine and a heat pump type clothes dryer.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-97580 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Heat pump dryers require preheating of the heat pump. The washer-dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 also requires heat pump preheating, consequently increasing the washing and drying time. Furthermore, a garment processing system is known that includes a washing machine and a dryer consisting of a unit independent of the washing machine. In such a system, if preheating of the dryer is performed after the washing machine's spin-drying cycle, the required washing and drying time is also extended by that amount.

[0007] This disclosure provides a garment handling system that can shorten the washing and drying time required in a garment handling system that includes a garment dryer that requires preheating.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a garment handling system comprising: a garment washing machine; and a garment dryer, which is composed of a unit independent of the garment washing machine. Additionally, the garment handling system comprises: a communication unit enabling communication between the garment dryer and the garment washing machine; and a control unit that, during operation of the garment washing machine, controls at least the garment dryer to initiate preheating of the garment dryer.

[0009] According to this disclosure, a garment handling system that can shorten the time required for washing and drying can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of a garment processing system as an example of the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of the heat pump unit in a clothes dryer.

[0012] Figure 3This diagram illustrates the washing and drying process using a garment handling system.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the garment handling system.

[0014] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the washing and drying process under the condition that the heat pump's preheating is controlled according to the operating status of the washing machine and the timing of its termination.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control actions related to the preheating of the clothes dryer.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an example of a notification displayed on a portable terminal when the heat pump's preheating process is complete.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an example of a notification displayed on a portable terminal when the drying cycle of a clothes dryer ends.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the washing and drying process in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments described below are all specific examples of this disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. In addition, the constituent elements of the following embodiments that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

[0020] [First Implementation Method]

[0021] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the overall structure of a clothing handling system 10, which is a first embodiment of this disclosure. The clothing handling system 10 includes a washing machine 12, a drying machine 14, and a portable terminal 16, such as a smartphone, capable of communicating with the washing machine 12 and the drying machine 14. The portable terminal 16 is an example of a terminal disclosed in this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the clothes dryer 14 is composed of a unit that is independent of the clothes washing machine 12.

[0022] The washing machine 12 and the clothes dryer 14 can communicate wirelessly. A first communication device 18 is built into the washing machine 12. A second communication device 20 is built into the clothes dryer 14. The washing machine 12 and the clothes dryer 14 can communicate via these first communication devices 18 and second communication devices 20. Alternatively, the washing machine 12 and the clothes dryer 14 can also communicate wirelessly via a server 22. That is, the clothing handling system 10 includes a communication unit 25 that enables communication between the clothes dryer 14 and the washing machine 12. In this embodiment, the communication unit 25 is configured to include the first communication device 18 and the second communication device 20. Furthermore, when the washing machine 12 and the clothes dryer 14 communicate via the server 22, the communication unit 25 may also include the server 22.

[0023] The clothes dryer 14 and the portable terminal 16 can communicate wirelessly via the second communication device 20 of the clothes dryer 14 and the third communication device 24 built into the portable terminal 16. Alternatively, the clothes dryer 14 and the portable terminal 16 can also communicate wirelessly via the server 22.

[0024] The washing machine 12 and the portable terminal 16 can communicate wirelessly via the first communication device 18 of the washing machine 12 and the third communication device 24 of the portable terminal 16. Alternatively, the washing machine 12 and the portable terminal 16 can communicate wirelessly via the server 22. The washing machine 12, the clothes dryer 14, and the portable terminal 16 can also be configured to communicate via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In this embodiment, the communication unit 25 includes the third communication device 24 of the portable terminal 16. Thus, the communication unit 25 can receive command signals from the portable terminal 16 operated by the user. Furthermore, the communication unit 25 can send notification signals to the portable terminal 16 indicating the operating status of the washing machine 12 and the clothes dryer 14.

[0025] The laundry washing machine 12 can be either a vertically mounted laundry washing machine or a front-loading laundry washing machine. The laundry washing machine 12 includes a washing tub 26 for holding clothes, a motor 28 for rotating the washing tub 26, various switching valves 29, a first communication device 18, and a washing control device 50. The various switching valves 29 are valves that switch the supply and drainage of water to the washing tub 26 according to the operating state of the laundry washing machine 12. The washing control device 50 is a controller that controls the operating state of the washing process. Detailed descriptions related to the laundry washing machine 12 are omitted. Furthermore, clothing is the object of processing by the clothing handling system 10. Besides all items worn by the body, it can also include handkerchiefs, towels, cloth bags, bedding, curtains, cushions, and other fabric or leather products other than items worn by the body, as well as other items that can be washed and dried.

[0026] [The structure of a heat pump unit]

[0027] The clothes dryer 14 is a heat pump type dryer. The clothes dryer 14 includes a heat pump unit 30 for drying clothes, a drying control device 52, and a second communication device 20. The drying control device 52 is a controller that at least controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30, in other words, at least controls the clothes dryer 14. As detailed later, the drying control device 52 controls the clothes dryer 14 to begin preheating during operation of the washing machine 12. The drying control device 52 is an example of the control unit of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the heat pump unit 30 included in the clothes dryer 14. The heat pump unit 30 includes a drying container 32, a heat pump 34, a circulating air duct 36, and a fan 38. The circulating air duct 36 is a piping system that circulates air between the drying container 32 and the heat pump 34.

[0029] The drying container 32 is a container for holding clothing, for example, having a cylindrical shape. The drying container 32 may also be configured to rotate during drying operation. The drying container 32 is provided with an air inlet 32in for supplying heated air from the circulating air duct 36, and an air outlet 32out for discharging moisture-containing air from the drying container 32.

[0030] Heat pump 34 is a device for generating warm air to be supplied to dryer container 32 to dry clothes. Heat pump 34 includes compressor 40, condenser 42, evaporator 44, expansion valve 46, and refrigerant line 48. Refrigerant line 48 is a piping for circulating refrigerant among compressor 40, condenser 42, evaporator 44, and expansion valve 46. Within refrigerant line 48, the refrigerant circulates as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0031] The compressor 40 generates heat by compressing the refrigerant, raising its temperature. The heat pump 34 consumes electricity while driving the compressor 40. The condenser 42 is a heat exchanger that heats the air in the circulation duct 36 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant heated by the compressor 40 and the air passing through the circulation duct 36. The expansion valve 46 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant by reducing its pressure. The evaporator 44 is a heat exchanger that cools the air in the circulation duct 36 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant, now cooled by the expansion valve 46, and the air passing through the circulation duct 36.

[0032] In the heat pump unit 30, air heated by the condenser 42 is fed into the drying container 32 through the air inlet 32in via the circulation duct 36 by the fan 38. At this time, the moisture adhering to the clothing evaporates and is discharged from the air outlet 32out. The air discharged from the air outlet 32out carries moisture, which is cooled in the evaporator 44 via the circulation duct 36, thereby removing the moisture (dehumidification). The air discharged from the evaporator 44 is low-temperature and dry; this air is heated by the condenser 42 and supplied to the drying container 32 via the circulation duct 36. By circulating the air within the circulation duct 36 as described above, the moisture adhering to the clothing is removed, thus drying the clothing.

[0033] [Washing and Drying Process]

[0034] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the process of washing and drying clothes using the aforementioned clothing processing system 10. Figure 3 The left side represents the washing and drying process in the prior art. Figure 3 The right side indicates the washing and drying process in this embodiment. Figure 3 The solid lines indicate the processes of the laundry washing machine 12. Figure 3 The dashed lines indicate the processes of the clothes dryer 14.

[0035] First of all, Figure 3The washing and drying process of the prior art, shown on the left, will be described. When washing begins, the washing process in the washing machine 12 proceeds in the order of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. When spin-drying is finished, the user removes the clothes from the washing tub 26 of the washing machine 12 and places them into the drying container 32 of the clothes dryer 14. Then, the power to the clothes dryer 14 is switched on. When the power to the clothes dryer 14 is switched on, the heat pump 34 begins preheating. Preheating is a process of pre-driving the heat pump 34 and heating it to a temperature that allows for efficient drying of clothes. In preheating, for example, the heat pump 34 is heated until the refrigerant temperature Tr of the refrigerant heated by the condenser 42 reaches a preset preheating temperature Tp. In preheating, for example, in addition to the condenser 42, the temperature inside the clothes dryer 14, including the heat pump 34, the drying container 32, and the circulating air duct 36, is also pre-raised to a predetermined temperature or higher before the drying process begins, thereby further shortening the time required for the drying process. After the heat pump 34 has finished preheating, the drying of the clothes begins. When the clothes are completely dry, the entire washing and drying process is complete.

[0036] As described above, after the power is turned on, the clothes dryer 14 does not immediately begin the drying process, but instead performs preheating by the heat pump 34. The preheating time is typically around 10 minutes, with the required washing and drying time extended by the amount of this preheating time. This required time is the time between the start of washing and the end of drying.

[0037] Next, regarding Figure 3 The washing and drying process of this embodiment, as shown on the right side, will be described. When washing begins, the washing process in the washing machine 12 proceeds in the order of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying. The start time of washing can also be wirelessly notified to the clothes dryer 14. Furthermore, the operating status of the washing machine 12 can be wirelessly notified to the clothes dryer 14 at any time. In the clothes dryer 14, preheating of the heat pump 34 begins during the operation of the washing machine 12. Thus, preheating of the heat pump 34 occurs in parallel with the operation of the washing machine 12. When the spin-drying cycle of the washing machine 12 ends, the user removes the clothes from the washing tub 26 and places them into the drying container 32. At this time, if the preheating of the heat pump 34 is complete, the drying process of the clothes begins quickly. When the clothes are completely dried, the entire washing and drying process is completed. In this embodiment, since the preheating of the heat pump 34 begins during the operation of the washing machine 12, the required washing and drying time is correspondingly shortened.

[0038] It is expected that from the end of the spin cycle of the washing machine 12 to the user opening the door 15 of the clothes dryer 14 (see reference) Figure 1The heat pump 34 preheats during the period from the end of the spin cycle of the washing machine 12 until the user opens the door 15. The drying control device 52 of the clothes dryer 14 has the function of controlling the operation state of the preheating and the timing of the end of the preheating in a manner that allows the heat pump 34 to preheat during the period from the end of the spin cycle of the washing machine 12 until the user opens the door 15.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of the garment handling system 10. The washing control device 50 and the drying control device 52 are each composed of a computer. This computer includes a central processing unit (processor or CPU), and storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The washing control device 50 and the drying control device 52 execute various processes, including the washing process of the garment washing machine 12 and the drying process of the garment dryer 14, by acquiring and executing programs stored in the storage devices from the central processing unit. The washing control device 50 and the drying control device 52 exchange information related to their respective operating states or issue commands via a first communication device 18 and a second communication device 20.

[0040] The washing control device 50 is connected to the motor 28 that rotates the washing tub 26 and various switching valves 29 that switch the water supply and drainage of the washing machine 12.

[0041] The washing control device 50 includes a washing control unit 60. The washing control unit 60 sequentially performs washing, rinsing, and dehydration based on a program pre-stored in a storage device.

[0042] The drying control device 52 is connected to the fan 38, compressor 40, temperature sensor 54, external air temperature sensor 55, and humidity sensor 56. Temperature sensor 54 detects the refrigerant temperature Tr of the refrigerant heated by compressor 40 within the refrigerant pipe 48 of heat pump 34. External air temperature sensor 55 detects the external air temperature Tair. Humidity sensor 56 detects the humidity Hd.

[0043] The drying control device 52 includes a heat pump control unit 70 and a preheating time estimation unit 72.

[0044] The heat pump control unit 70 controls the operating state of the heat pump unit 30. For example, when the preheating of the heat pump 34 begins, the heat pump control unit 70 drives the compressor 40 to heat the refrigerant. At this time, the heat pump control unit 70 drives the compressor 40 to heat the refrigerant so that the refrigerant temperature Tr detected by the temperature sensor 54 reaches the preset preheating temperature Tp. The aforementioned preheating temperature Tp can also be set, for example, to a value that makes the internal temperature of the clothes dryer 14 a specified temperature suitable for drying clothes.

[0045] The heat pump control unit 70 initiates preheating of the heat pump 34 based on the preheating operation time tph and heat Wph [W] required for preheating, estimated by the preheating time estimation unit 72. Heat Wph is the amount of heat generated per unit time during preheating. The preheating time estimation unit 72 estimates the preheating operation time tph and heat Wph required for the clothes dryer 14 during the operation of the washing machine 12. The preheating time estimation unit 72 estimates the preheating operation time tph and heat Wph based on environmental information, including external temperature Tair [°C] and humidity Hd [%].

[0046] For example, the storage device of the drying control unit 52 stores a relationship mapping that calculates the preheating operating time tph and heat Wph using external air temperature Tair and humidity Hd as parameters. The preheating time estimation unit 72 estimates the preheating operating time tph and heat Wph by applying the detected external air temperature Tair and humidity Hd to the above relationship mapping. The above relationship mapping is determined in advance through experiments, specifying the preheating operating time tph and heat Wph when the refrigerant temperature Tr of the heat pump 34 reaches the preheating temperature Tp.

[0047] Under the condition that the heat generated Wph during preheating is constant, the higher the internal temperature of the clothes dryer 14 at the start of preheating, the shorter the time it takes for the refrigerant temperature Tr to reach the preheating temperature Tp. Furthermore, the internal temperature of the clothes dryer 14 at the start of preheating is related to the external air temperature Tair. Therefore, in the above relationship mapping, it is set that the higher the external air temperature Tair, the shorter the preheating operation time tph.

[0048] Here, compared to the case of preheating by the heat pump 34 for a short time at a high temperature, the case of preheating by the heat pump 34 for a long time at a low temperature tends to result in less power consumption by the compressor 40. Therefore, the above-mentioned relationship mapping is set to make the operating time tph longer than the time required for the washing machine 12 to finish spinning. As a result, the heat Wph during the preheating period can be reduced, thus suppressing the power consumption of preheating. Furthermore, since the heat Wph is related to the power consumption of the compressor 40, it can also be implemented by replacing the heat Wph with the power consumption of the compressor 40.

[0049] When the operating time tph and heat Wph are estimated, the heat pump control unit 70 drives the compressor 40 to operate for tph in a state where heat Wph is generated from the compressor 40.

[0050] Furthermore, the heat pump control unit 70 can adjust the start time of preheating so that preheating of the clothes dryer 14 is completed when the washing machine 12 finishes spinning. The operating time of the washing machine 12 is predetermined, so the end time of spinning of the washing machine 12 can be estimated in advance based on the start time of washing and the operating time of the washing machine 12. The heat pump control unit 70 starts the preheating of the heat pump 34 at a time tph earlier than the estimated end time of spinning. As a result, preheating is completed at the end time of spinning, and clothes can be dried quickly after spinning. Additionally, if the time when the user opens or closes the door 15 of the clothes dryer 14 is known in advance, the heat pump control unit 70 can also start the preheating of the heat pump 34 at a time tph earlier than that time. Furthermore, the start time of washing in the washing machine 12 and the operating time of the washing machine 12 are continuously transmitted to the drying control device 52 of the clothes dryer 14 and acquired.

[0051] As described above, the start time of preheating of the heat pump 34 can also be set to a time point tph earlier than the end time of dehydration or the opening time of the door 15, but deviations in the preheating completion time can also be taken into account. That is, the heat pump control unit 70 can also start preheating from a time point that is an amount of time obtained by adding a predetermined margin time to the operating time tph earlier than the end time of dehydration or the opening time of the door 15.

[0052] Furthermore, the operating time of the washing machine 12 is predetermined based on a program stored in the storage device of the washing control unit 50, but sometimes deviations occur. For example, if an imbalance occurs in the clothes during the rinsing and spin-drying processes of the washing machine 12, water is added to the washing tub 26 again to eliminate the imbalance. In this case, the time required to eliminate the imbalance due to water injection results in a longer operating time for the washing machine 12 than usual. As a result, preheating may be completed earlier than the end time of spin-drying or the opening and closing time of the door 15, and the heat pump 34 may be cooled down. At this time, the heat pump 34 needs to be reheated, increasing wasted steps or power consumption.

[0053] Alternatively, in order to eliminate the aforementioned time deviation, the heat pump control unit 70 continuously acquires information related to the operating status of the washing machine 12, and controls the end timing of the preheating of the heat pump 34 based on the acquired operating status.

[0054] The heat pump control unit 70 acquires information related to the operating status of the washing machine 12 from the washing control device 50 at preset time steps. Taking into account the acquired information related to the operating status, the heat pump control unit 70 adjusts the operating time of the heat pump 34 so that preheating of the heat pump 34 is completed from the point when the spin-drying of the washing machine 12 is completed until the point when the door 15 is opened. For example, if more water is added to the washing tub 26 than usual, this information is sent to the drying control device 52. In this case, the heat pump control unit 70 can also extend the water filling time to continue preheating. In this situation, the heat pump control unit 70 drives the compressor 40 to maintain the refrigerant temperature Tr at the preheating temperature Tp.

[0055] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the washing and drying process under the condition that the preheating of the heat pump 34 is controlled according to the operating status of the washing machine 12 and the timing of the end of the preheating is determined. Figure 5 The solid lines indicate the processes of the laundry washing machine 12. Figure 5 The dashed lines indicate the processes of the clothes dryer 14.

[0056] When the washing machine 12 starts washing, information related to the operating status of the washing machine 12 is continuously sent to the drying control device 52 of the clothes dryer 14. After preheating is completed, i.e., after the refrigerant temperature Tr reaches the preheating temperature Tp, the heat pump control unit 70 also continues preheating of the heat pump 34 according to the operating status of the washing machine 12. Therefore, preheating can be stopped when the spin-drying of the washing machine 12 ends or when the door 15 is opened. In this case, although the power consumption increases due to the continued preheating after preheating is completed, the power consumption is less than in the case where the heat pump 34 is cooled after preheating and then reheated. Furthermore, there is no longer a time required to reheat the heat pump 34.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control actions related to the preheating of the clothes dryer 14. Figure 6 The processes included in the flowchart are performed by the drying control device 52.

[0058] When the washing machine 12 starts operating, in step S10, the preheating operating time tph and heat Wph are estimated based on the external air temperature Tair and humidity Hd. In step S20, the operating status of the washing machine 12 is acquired. In step S30, the remaining washing time is calculated based on the acquired operating status of the washing machine 12, and it is determined whether the remaining time has reached the preheating operating time tph. Furthermore, the remaining washing time decreases as time passes. If the remaining time has not reached the operating time tph, the determination in step S30 is negative, and the process returns to step S20. When the remaining time reaches the operating time tph, the determination in step S30 is positive, and in step S40, preheating by the heat pump 34 begins. In step S50, the operating status of the washing machine 12 during the preheating period is acquired. In step S60, it is determined whether the refrigerant temperature Tr of the heat pump 34 has reached the preheating temperature Tp. If the refrigerant temperature Tr has not reached the preheating temperature Tp, step S60 is deemed negative, and the process returns to step S50. If the refrigerant temperature Tr has reached the preheating temperature Tp, step S60 is deemed positive, and in step S70, the refrigerant temperature Tr is maintained at the preheating temperature Tp. In step S80, it is determined whether the opening / closing door 15 of the clothes dryer 14 is open. Step S80 may also determine whether the spin-drying process of the clothes washing machine 12 has ended. If the opening / closing door 15 remains closed or the spin-drying process has not ended, step S80 is deemed negative, and the process returns to step S70. If the opening / closing door 15 is open or the spin-drying process has ended, step S80 is deemed positive, and in step S90, preheating ends.

[0059] Alternatively, when the preheating of the heat pump 34 ends, the heat pump control unit 70 may notify the portable terminal 16 of the information related to the end of preheating via a notification signal sent from the clothes dryer 14. Furthermore, the heat pump control unit 70 may estimate the time to end preheating (preheating end time) and notify the portable terminal 16 in advance of the estimated preheating end time via a notification signal sent from the clothes dryer 14.

[0060] Figure 7 This is an example of a notification displayed on the portable terminal 16 when the preheating of the heat pump 34 is complete. The portable terminal 16 could be, for example, a smartphone. Figure 7 As shown, the display 16a of the portable terminal 16 may also display a notification that the preheating of the heat pump 34 has ended. Furthermore, the display 16a may also display a message prompting the user to put the clothes into the clothes dryer 14. Additionally, if the estimated end time of preheating is determined, the display 16a may also display the estimated end time of preheating.

[0061] Alternatively, when the drying operation of the clothes dryer 14 ends, the heat pump control unit 70 may notify the portable terminal 16 of information related to the end of the operation of the clothes dryer 14 via a notification signal sent from the clothes dryer 14. Furthermore, the heat pump control unit 70 may estimate the end time of the drying operation (drying end time) and notify the portable terminal 16 of information related to the estimated drying end time via a notification signal sent from the clothes dryer 14.

[0062] Figure 8 This is an example of a notification displayed on the portable terminal 16 when the drying cycle of the clothes dryer 14 has ended. Figure 8 As shown, the display 16a of the portable terminal 16 may also display a message indicating that the drying operation of the clothes has ended. Furthermore, the display 16a may also display a message prompting the removal of the clothes. Additionally, if the estimated drying time of the drying operation is determined, the estimated drying time may be displayed on the display 16a.

[0063] [Second Implementation]

[0064] In the second embodiment, the garment handling system 10 is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: presetting the start time of preheating of the heat pump 34; and presetting the end time of preheating. Furthermore, the overall structure of the garment handling system 10 is the same as in the first embodiment, therefore its description is omitted.

[0065] The garment handling system 10 of the second embodiment (heat pump control unit 70 of drying control device 52) performs at least one of the following processes: presetting the start time of preheating; presetting the end time of preheating. The start and end times of preheating can be set either from the portable terminal 16 or from the operation panel 80 of the garment dryer 14 (see reference). Figure 1 The settings are configured on the portable terminal 16. When configured from the portable terminal 16, the clothing handling system 10 (heat pump control unit 70 of the drying control device 52) processes the process as follows: The clothing handling system 10 (heat pump control unit 70 of the drying control device 52) starts the preheating process of the clothing dryer 14 according to the command signal sent from the portable terminal 16. Furthermore, the clothing handling system 10 (heat pump control unit 70 of the drying control device 52) stops the preheating process of the clothing dryer 14 according to the command signal sent from the portable terminal 16. Thus, the clothing handling system 10 can start or stop preheating at the time desired by the user.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the washing and drying process in the second embodiment. Figure 9 The solid lines indicate the processes of the laundry washing machine 12. Figure 9 The dashed lines indicate the processes of the clothes dryer 14.

[0067] When washing begins, the washing machine 12 performs the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes in sequence. Meanwhile, the clothes dryer 14 begins preheating at a start time preset by the user. When the user-set start time arrives, the clothes dryer 14 begins preheating. For example, if the user is away from home, by setting the start time slightly earlier than the user's scheduled return time (approximately 10 minutes), drying can begin immediately upon returning home without waiting for preheating. Furthermore, it is also possible to consider changes in return time and change the start time at any time, even after the washing has begun.

[0068] Furthermore, if the user has preset a preheating end time, preheating is performed in a manner that completes at the user-set end time. In this case, the heat pump control unit 70 estimates the preheating operation time tph based on external temperature (Tair) and humidity (Hd), and begins preheating from the estimated operation time tph relative to the preset end time. For example, if the user is away, by aligning the end time with the user's return time, drying operation can begin immediately upon their return. Alternatively, it is also possible to consider changes in return time, allowing the end time to be changed at any time even after the washing cycle has started.

[0069] In addition to setting a start or end time for preheating, the clothing handling system 10 may also have the function of starting or stopping preheating by the user operating the portable terminal 16. In this case, even if a preheating start or end time is preset, preheating can be started or stopped prior to the preheating start or end time. For example, if the user's return time is significantly later than the scheduled time, making preheating useless, preheating can be temporarily stopped. Then, when the user is close to returning home, they can quickly start preheating again by operating the portable terminal 16.

[0070] As described above, the first and second embodiments have been illustrated as examples of the technology in this disclosure. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments with modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, new embodiments can be created by combining the constituent elements described in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, modified examples are illustrated below.

[0071] [Variation Example]

[0072] In the above embodiments, the washing machine 12 and the drying machine 14 have the function of wireless communication via the first communication device 18, the second communication device 20 and the server 22, but the washing machine 12 and the drying machine 14 can also be configured to perform wired communication.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the clothes dryer 14 is a heat pump type dryer, but this disclosure is not limited to heat pump type. That is, this disclosure can be applied to any clothes dryer that requires preheating.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the laundry washing machine 12 only has a laundry washing function, but it may also have a laundry drying function. For example, if the drying function of the laundry washing machine malfunctions, a laundry processing system can be formed by adding a laundry dryer later. In this case, the laundry washing machine also needs to have a communication function in advance, and the subsequent laundry dryer also needs to have a communication function in advance.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the garment processing system 10 includes a portable terminal 16, but the garment processing system of this disclosure does not necessarily require a portable terminal 16. That is, the garment processing system may not have a portable terminal 16.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the drying control device 52 for controlling the clothes dryer 14 is built into the clothes dryer 14, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the clothes dryer 14 can be controlled according to the instruction signal from the washing control device 50 built into the washing machine 12, or it can be controlled according to the instruction signal from the portable terminal 16. Furthermore, the clothes dryer 14 can also be controlled according to the instruction signal from the server 22. That is, the control unit that controls the clothes dryer to start the preheating of the clothes dryer during the operation of the washing machine can also be configured in any one of the washing machine, the portable terminal (terminal), and the server.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the portable terminal 16 exemplifies a smartphone, but this disclosure is not limited to smartphones. The terminal of this disclosure can be, for example, a terminal built into a car, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. That is, the terminal of this disclosure only needs to have a structure that can communicate with the clothing processing system 10.

[0078] In the above embodiment, fan 38 is positioned downstream of condenser 42, but the position of fan 38 is not limited to this. For example, fan 38 may also be positioned downstream of evaporator 44. Alternatively, multiple fans 38 may be arranged within the circulation duct 36.

[0079] In the above embodiments, preheating is heating the refrigerant heated by the condenser 42 until the refrigerant temperature Tr rises to the preheating temperature Tp, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, preheating may also be heating the air that undergoes heat exchange through the condenser 42 until the temperature rises to a preset air preheating temperature. Alternatively, the temperature of the condenser 42 may be directly detected by a sensor or the like, and the condenser 42 may be heated until its temperature reaches the preset condenser 42 preheating temperature.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the drying control device 52 stores a relationship mapping for calculating the operating time tph and heat Wph required for preheating in its storage device, and the operating time tph and heat Wph are calculated based on this relationship mapping, but this disclosure is not limited to this method. For example, a relationship formula for calculating the operating time tph and heat Wph with external temperature Tair and humidity Hd as variables can also be derived, and the operating time tph and heat Wph can be estimated by applying the external temperature Tair and humidity Hd to the above relationship formula.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the operating time tph and heat Wph required for preheating are estimated based on the external temperature Tair and humidity Hd, but this disclosure is not limited to the external temperature Tair and humidity Hd. For example, the preheating time estimation unit 72 may also estimate the operating time tph and heat Wph based on either the external temperature Tair or the humidity Hd. Furthermore, the preheating time estimation unit 72 may also include other ambient environmental data in addition to at least one of the external temperature Tair and humidity Hd to estimate the operating time tph and heat Wph.

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, the garment handling system 10 includes a portable terminal 16, but it can also be implemented without the portable terminal 16. In this case, the operating status of the garment dryer 14 is not notified to the user, but by communicating between the garment washing machine 12 and the garment dryer 14, preheating of the heat pump 34 can be started during the operation of the garment washing machine 12, thereby shortening the washing and drying operation time.

[0083] [Summary of this disclosure]

[0084] The embodiments described above include disclosures having the following structure.

[0085] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a garment handling system comprising: a garment washing machine; and a garment dryer, which is composed of a unit independent of the garment washing machine. Furthermore, the garment handling system comprises: a communication unit enabling communication between the garment dryer and the garment washing machine; and a control unit that, during operation of the garment washing machine, controls at least the garment dryer to initiate preheating of the garment dryer.

[0086] According to the first method described above, during the operation of the washing machine, the clothes dryer is controlled to start preheating of the clothes dryer, thereby reducing the amount of time required for washing and drying by performing preheating of the clothes dryer in parallel with the operation of the washing machine.

[0087] The second method of the garment handling system preferably includes the following feature, which is present in the garment handling system of the first method: In the garment handling system of the second method, the control unit completes the preheating of the clothes dryer during the period from the end of the spin cycle of the washing machine to the time when the user opens the door of the clothes dryer.

[0088] According to the second method described above, by preheating the clothes dryer during the period from the end of the spin cycle in the washing machine to the opening of the dryer door, drying operation can begin quickly after clothes are placed in the dryer. As a result, the washing and drying time is shortened.

[0089] The preferred embodiment of the garment handling system in the third embodiment, in addition to the features found in the first or second embodiment, includes the following: In the garment handling system of the third embodiment, the control unit acquires information related to the operating status of the washing machine during the preheating of the clothes dryer, and controls the timing of the end of the preheating of the clothes dryer based on the acquired operating status.

[0090] According to the third method described above, by acquiring information related to the operating status of the washing machine during the preheating period of the clothes dryer, the preheating of the clothes dryer can be performed efficiently. For example, it can eliminate the useless process of reheating the clothes dryer after it has cooled down.

[0091] The garment handling system according to the fourth method is preferably, in addition to the garment handling system according to any one of the first to third methods, it also has the following feature. That is, in the garment handling system according to the fourth method, the control unit is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: presetting the start time of preheating of the garment dryer; presetting the end time of preheating.

[0092] According to the fourth method described above, at least one of the processes of setting the start time of preheating of the clothes dryer in advance and setting the end time of preheating in advance can be performed, so that preheating can be performed at the time desired by the user.

[0093] The clothing handling system according to the fifth method is preferably, in addition to the clothing handling system according to any of the first to fourth methods, it also has the following feature: In the clothing handling system according to the fifth method, the communication unit is capable of receiving instruction signals from a terminal operated by a user. Furthermore, the control unit is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: starting preheating of the clothes dryer according to the instruction signal; and ending preheating of the clothes dryer according to the instruction signal.

[0094] According to the fifth method, at least one of the following processes can be performed via the terminal: presetting the start time of preheating of the clothes dryer; presetting the end time of preheating of the clothes dryer. Therefore, even if the user is located far away from the washing machine and clothes dryer, preheating can be performed at the time desired by the user.

[0095] The clothing handling system according to the sixth method is preferably one that, in any of the clothing handling systems according to the first to fifth methods, also possesses the following feature: In the clothing handling system according to the sixth method, the communication unit is capable of sending a notification signal to a terminal operated by the user. Furthermore, the control unit is capable of notifying the terminal via the notification signal of information related to at least one of the termination of preheating of the clothes dryer and the termination of operation of the clothes dryer.

[0096] According to the sixth method mentioned above, the terminal is notified of information related to at least one of the termination of preheating and the termination of drying operation of the clothes dryer, so that the user can keep track of the operating status of the clothes dryer through the terminal.

[0097] The clothing handling system according to the seventh method is preferably further characterized by the following feature in any of the clothing handling systems according to the first to sixth methods: In the clothing handling system according to the seventh method, the control unit estimates the time required for preheating of the clothes dryer based on information related to the surrounding environment during the operation of the washing machine, and starts preheating of the clothes dryer based on the estimated time.

[0098] According to the seventh method described above, the time required for preheating is estimated based on information related to the surrounding environment, and preheating of the clothes dryer begins based on the estimated time. Therefore, preheating can begin at an appropriate time corresponding to the surrounding environment. As a result, the time required for washing and drying does not increase, and the power consumption of preheating can be suppressed.

[0099] The clothing processing system according to the eighth embodiment preferably further comprises the following features found in any of the clothing processing systems according to the first to seventh embodiments: In the clothing processing system according to the eighth embodiment, the clothing dryer includes: a drying container for holding clothing; a heat pump for generating warm air to dry the clothing; and a circulating air duct for circulating air between the drying container and the heat pump. Furthermore, the preheating of the clothing dryer is a process of heating the heat pump.

[0100] According to the eighth method mentioned above, the heat pump needs to be preheated in advance. Therefore, by preheating the heat pump during the operation of the washing machine, the required washing and drying time can be shortened by the amount of time that the heat pump preheats in parallel with the operation of the washing machine.

[0101] The clothing handling system according to the ninth method is preferably further characterized by the following feature in any of the clothing handling systems according to the first to eighth methods: In the clothing handling system according to the ninth method, the communication unit enables wireless communication between the washing machine and the drying machine.

[0102] According to the ninth method mentioned above, the washing machine and the clothes dryer can communicate with each other even if they are in separate locations.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0104] 10. Garment Handling System

[0105] 12. Washing Machine

[0106] 14 Clothes dryer

[0107] 15. Opening and closing doors

[0108] 16 Portable terminal (terminal)

[0109] 16a monitor

[0110] 18 First Communication Device

[0111] 20 Second Communication Device

[0112] 22 servers

[0113] 24 Third Communication Device

[0114] 25 Ministry of Communications

[0115] 26 Washing tub

[0116] 28 motors

[0117] 29 Switching valve

[0118] 30 heat pump units

[0119] 32 Drying Container

[0120] 32-inch air inlet

[0121] 32out air outlet

[0122] 34 Heat Pump

[0123] 36. Circulating air duct

[0124] 38 fans

[0125] 40 Compressor

[0126] 42 Condenser

[0127] 44 Evaporator

[0128] 46 Expansion valve

[0129] 48 Refrigerant pipe

[0130] 50 Washing control device

[0131] 52. Drying control device (control unit)

[0132] 54 Temperature Sensor

[0133] 55 External Temperature Sensor

[0134] 56 Humidity Sensor

[0135] 60 Washing Control Department

[0136] 70 Heat Pump Control Unit

[0137] 72 Preheating Time Estimation Section

[0138] 80 Operation Panel

[0139] HD Humidity

[0140] Tair external temperature

[0141] Tp preheating temperature

[0142] Tr refrigerant temperature

[0143] Wph calories

[0144] tph running time

Claims

1. A garment processing system, comprising: Washing machine; A clothes dryer, which consists of a separate unit from the clothes washing machine; A communication unit that enables communication between the clothes dryer and the clothes washing machine; and The control unit controls, at least during the operation of the washing machine, the clothes dryer to begin preheating.

2. The garment processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit ensures that the preheating of the clothes dryer is completed during the period from the end of the spin cycle of the washing machine to the time when the user opens the door of the clothes dryer.

3. The garment handling system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit acquires information related to the operating status of the laundry machine during the preheating period of the clothes dryer, and controls the end timing of the preheating of the clothes dryer based on the acquired operating status.

4. The garment processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: presetting the start time of the preheating of the clothes dryer; and presetting the end time of the preheating.

5. The garment processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit is capable of receiving instruction signals from a user-operated terminal. The control unit is capable of performing at least one of the following processes: starting the preheating of the clothes dryer according to the instruction signal; and ending the preheating of the clothes dryer according to the instruction signal.

6. The garment processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit is capable of sending notification signals to terminals operated by users. The control unit can notify the terminal via the notification signal of information related to at least one of the termination of preheating of the clothes dryer and the termination of operation of the clothes dryer.

7. The garment handling system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, During the operation of the washing machine, the control unit estimates the time required for the preheating of the clothes dryer based on information related to the surrounding environment, and starts the preheating of the clothes dryer based on the estimated time.

8. The garment processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The clothes dryer includes: a drying container for holding clothes; a heat pump for generating warm air to dry the clothes; and a circulating air duct for circulating air between the drying container and the heat pump. The preheating of the clothes dryer is a process of heating the heat pump.

9. The garment handling system according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit enables wireless communication between the washing machine and the drying machine.

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