Laundry apparatus

Abstract

To suppress complaints about noise coming to an owner of a coin-operated laundry shop.SOLUTION: A laundry apparatus is installed in a coin-operated laundry shop, and can execute an operation in a normal mode and an operation in a silent mode which is quieter than the normal mode, regarding at least one operation out of a dewatering operation and a drying operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry equipment installed in a coin laundry store. [Background technology]

[0002] Coin-operated laundry stores typically have multiple laundry machines installed, such as washing machines that perform the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying cycles, washer-dryers that perform the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles, and dryers that only perform drying operations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-106633 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When laundry machines installed in coin laundry stores are operated during quiet times, such as at night, noise problems can occur. In particular, it is known that laundry machines can generate loud noises when they perform spin-drying or drying operations.

[0005] In such cases, coin-laundry store owners face the problem of receiving complaints from residents living near the coin-laundry store.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine that reduces noise complaints to coin laundry store owners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A laundry device according to one aspect of the present invention is a laundry device installed in a coin laundry store, and is characterized in that it is capable of performing operation in a normal mode and a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

[0008] In this case, the laundry equipment installed at the coin laundry store can be operated in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, which helps prevent noise complaints from reaching the coin laundry store owner.

[0009] It is preferable that the washing machine is provided with a drum that is rotated while containing laundry, and that the dehydration operation can be performed in the normal mode and in the quiet mode, and that the rotation speed of the drum when operating in the quiet mode is slower than the rotation speed of the drum when operating in the normal mode.

[0010] In this case, the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode can be more reliably reduced than the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0011] It is preferable that the drying machine is provided with a fan for exhausting air that has passed through a drum containing laundry to the outdoors, and that the drying operation can be performed in the normal mode and the quiet mode, and that the fan rotation speed in the quiet mode is slower than the fan rotation speed in the normal mode.

[0012] In this case, the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably reduced compared to the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0013] It is preferable that the drying operation is provided with a gas burner which heats the air supplied into the drum during the drying operation, and a gas amount adjustment means which adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner, and that the gas amount adjustment means is controlled so that the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner is less when operation is performed in the quiet mode for the drying operation compared to when operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0014] In this case, when the drying operation is performed in quiet mode and the fan rotation speed is changed to be slower than the exhaust fan rotation speed in normal mode operation, the temperature of the heated air supplied to the drum is prevented from increasing, and the temperature of the heated air can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0015] It is preferable that for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation, the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the silent mode are automatically switched based on a preset time period.

[0016] In this case, by setting the time period during which operation in normal mode and operation in quiet mode are switched to, for example, a quiet time period at night, it is possible to ensure that operation in quiet mode is performed during the quiet time periods at night.

[0017] It is preferable that a mode switching means is provided for switching at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation between a normal mode and the silent mode.

[0018] In this case, the user of the laundry device can select whether to operate in normal mode or quiet mode. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, noise complaints to coin-laundry store owners can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coin-operated laundry store T in which a laundry device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washer / dryer 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from diagonally above the front right. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer / dryer 101 taken along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the left side. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washer / dryer 101 taken along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the right side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration around a gas burner 48. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the washing / drying machine 101. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in a silent mode. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of controlling the drum 5 during a drying operation. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an operation of the washer / dryer 101. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the discount amount of a coupon issued when the washer / dryer 101 is operated in silent mode. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a washer / dryer 103 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the washer / dryer 103. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the discount amount of a coupon issued when the washer / dryer 103 is operated in silent mode. [Figure 17]4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the washer / dryer 101. [Figure 20] 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the laundry device 100 according to the first modified example of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the laundry device 100 according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coin-operated laundry store T in which a laundry device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, a coin-operated laundry store T is equipped with laundry equipment 100 consisting of a washer-dryer 101 and a dryer 102, and a DTC 105 (store controller) to which these are connected by wire or wirelessly. The laundry equipment 100 has a fee settlement machine (not shown), and local settlement can be made for each laundry equipment 100. Fig. 1 illustrates a case in which six washer-dryer 101 and eight dryers 102 are installed as the laundry equipment 100 in the coin-operated laundry store T. Note that the type and number of laundry equipment 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T may be changed as appropriate.

[0023] The configuration of the washer-dryer 101 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 5. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the washer-dryer 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front right diagonally above. Also, the view is partially cut away to expose some of the internal components. Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views of the washer-dryer 101 cut along a vertical plane along the front-rear direction, as viewed from the left side or right side. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration around the gas burner 48. In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 101 and its components (components) will be described with the x direction in Fig. 2 as the front (front) side, the opposite side as the back (rear) side, the z direction as the top (upper) side, the opposite side as the bottom (lower), the y direction as the right side, and the opposite side as the left side, for the sake of convenience.

[0024] The washer / dryer 101 is a commercial washer / dryer, and its outer shell is made up of a slightly vertically long washing machine main body 2. An outer tub 3 is provided in the approximate center of the washing machine main body 2. The outer tub 3 stores water supplied from an external water supply facility or the like, and is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on a central axis N extending in an approximately horizontal direction.

[0025] An outer tub entrance 3a for loading and unloading laundry is formed on the front surface of the outer tub 3. A door 10 is attached to the outer tub entrance 3a so that the user can open it when loading and unloading laundry. A circular opening 2a slightly larger than the outer tub entrance 3a is formed in the approximate center of the front surface of the washing machine main body 2, facing the outer tub entrance 3a.

[0026] A water inlet 11, which is connected to an external water supply facility, is provided on the rear of the washing machine body 2, near the rear upper side of the outer tub 3. The water inlet 11 and a water inlet 12 formed on the upper part of the outer tub 3 are connected by a water supply pipe 13. A water supply valve 13a is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 13, and when the water supply valve 13a is set to "open", water supplied from the water inlet 11 via the water supply pipe 13 flows from the water inlet 12 into the outer tub 3 and is stored in the outer tub 3.

[0027] A drum 5 for accommodating laundry is disposed within the outer tub 3. The drum 5 is cylindrical and rotatable. A large number of holes 5a are drilled over almost the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the drum 5, and the inside of the drum 5 communicates with the outer tub 3 via these holes 5a. A plurality of baffles 5b are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 5 so as to protrude into the drum 5. A laundry opening 5c ​​for inserting and removing laundry is opened at the center of the front surface of the drum 5, concentrically and with almost the same diameter as the outer tub opening 3a.

[0028] A drain outlet 15 is formed at the bottom of the outer tub 3. The drain outlet 15 is connected to the outside of the machine via a drain pipe 16. When a drain valve 16a inserted in the drain pipe 16 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine via the drain pipe 16.

[0029] A rotating shaft 31 protruding rearward is rotatably supported on the rear surface of the drum 5 by a bearing 32 provided on the rear surface of the outer tub 3. A motor 33 for driving the drum 5 to rotate is disposed below and toward the rear of the outer tub 3. A belt 36 is wound between a motor pulley 34 attached to a drive shaft 31a of the motor 33 and a drum pulley 35 attached to the rear end of the rotating shaft 31, and when the motor 33 is driven, the drum 5 is rotated.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, an intake duct 40 and a cool air duct 41 are integrally provided at the upper right portion of the outer tub 3.

[0031] An inlet 42 is formed in the center of the underside of air intake duct 40, slightly toward the front, and air intake duct 40 communicates with outer tub 3 via inlet 42. The upper part of air intake duct 40 is connected via air intake duct connecting pipe 43 and duct 44 to air intake port 46 formed in the upper part of the back surface of washing machine main body 2, and communicates with the outside of the machine via air intake port 46.

[0032] A gas burner 48 is disposed inside the duct 44, and the air introduced into the duct 44 is heated by the gas burner 48, and then the air is guided into the drum 5. That is, heated air for drying the laundry during the drying operation is generated by the heating of the gas burner 48. As shown in FIG. 5, a gas supply pipe 48a for supplying gas is connected to the gas burner 48, and the gas supply pipe 48a is provided with a gas valve 48N that switches between an open state (a state in which gas is supplied from the outside) and a closed state (a state in which gas is not supplied) and a proportional valve 48C that adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48.

[0033] On the other hand, a cold air intake 41a, which is an air inlet, is formed on the upper surface of the cold air duct 41. The cold air duct 41 also communicates with the outer tub 3 via a cold air inlet 41b formed on the lower surface thereof.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, an exhaust duct 50 is provided in the upper left part of the outer tank 3. An outlet 51 is formed in the rear part of the lower surface of the exhaust duct 50, and the exhaust duct 50 communicates with the outer tank 3 via the outlet 51. In addition, an exhaust duct connecting pipe 52 and a duct 53 are connected to the upper part of the exhaust duct 50.

[0035] The other end of duct 53 is formed with duct outlet 54. Duct outlet 54 is exposed from exhaust port 55 formed on the top surface of washing machine body 2. This exposed portion is connected to the outdoors, for example, by a duct (not shown) provided outside the machine.

[0036] A fan 57 is disposed inside duct 53. Fan 57 is driven, for example, during a drying operation, to exhaust air and the like inside drum 5 and outer tub 3 to the outdoors through duct outlet 54. Inside duct 53, between fan 57 and duct inlet 53a, a filter 58 is provided that captures dust, dirt, and lint (lint, fluff, etc.) contained in the air from duct inlet 53a.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the washer-dryer 101. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a timer, and a RAM. Each operation of the washer-dryer 101, that is, washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, and drying operation, is controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 of the washer-dryer 101 is connected wirelessly or by wire to a DTC 105 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T. Therefore, the DTC 105 can collectively control a plurality of laundry devices 100 (the washer-dryer 101 and the dryer 102) installed in the coin-operated laundry store T.

[0038] The control unit 60 has a normal mode setting unit 61, a silent mode setting unit 62, a silent mode switching unit 63, a gas amount adjustment unit 64, and a coupon issuing unit 65. Connected to the control unit 60 are an operation panel 66, a drum inlet temperature sensor 67 that detects the temperature of air supplied into the drum 5, the motor 33 that drives and rotates the drum 5, a fan 57 that is driven and rotated during a drying operation, a gas valve 48N, a proportional valve 48C, and a coupon printing device 68 that prints coupons.

[0039] The washer / dryer 101 of this embodiment is capable of performing both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in a normal mode and in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode.

[0040] (Quiet spin mode) When the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 is controlled to be slower than the rotation speed in the normal mode in order to reduce vibration noise (operating noise). As a result, the dehydration capacity decreases, so the operation time of the dehydration operation in the silent mode is changed to be longer than the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode.

[0041] (Quiet drying mode) When the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, the rotation speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be smaller than the rotation speed in the normal mode in order to reduce the exhaust noise (operating noise). Therefore, the drying capacity is reduced, and the operation time of the drying operation in the silent mode is changed to be longer than the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode.

[0042] The normal mode setting unit 61 stores the rotation speed A1 of the drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode, and the rotation speed C1 of the fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0043] Silent mode setting unit 62 stores the rotation speed A2 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode, and the rotation speed C2 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode. The rotation speed A2 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in silent mode is a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed A1 of drum 5 when the dehydration operation is performed in normal mode. The rotation speed C2 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode is a lower rotation speed than the rotation speed C1 of fan 57 when the drying operation is performed in normal mode.

[0044] Silent mode switching unit 63 switches operation from normal mode to silent mode when a spin-drying operation or a drying operation is performed in washer-dryer 101. Silent mode switching unit 63 also switches the operation time and fee system (including issuance of coupons) of washer-dryer 101.

[0045] Specifically, the owner sets the time period for switching from normal mode to silent mode in the DTC 105 installed in the coin laundry store T. In this embodiment, the night time period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is set for the DTC 105 as the time period for switching from normal mode to silent mode. Therefore, when the preset night time period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is reached, the DTC 105 transmits a signal to the multiple laundry devices 100 installed in the coin laundry store T, and the silent mode switching unit 63 of each laundry device 100 automatically switches the dehydration and drying operations of each laundry device 100 to silent mode and switches the operation time of the laundry device 100. In this embodiment, when the laundry device 100 starts operating in each operating course (when the fee is paid and operation in each operating course is started) after the preset night time period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is reached, the dehydration and drying operations included in each operating course are automatically switched to silent mode.

[0046] Gas amount adjusting unit 64 controls proportional valve 48C so that the inlet temperature of the air supplied into drum 5 during drying operation is, for example, 120 to 130°C.

[0047] Here, a flow chart showing a control procedure when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] <Step S1> In step S1, the control unit 60 starts the operation of the drum 5 and the fan 57.

[0049] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 60 opens the gas valve 48N.

[0050] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 120° C. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S4. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S5.

[0051] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 60 increases the opening degree of the proportional valve 48C in order to increase the drum inlet temperature, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0052] <Step S5> In step S5, the control unit 60 repeatedly determines whether the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 130° C. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is equal to or higher than 130° C., the process proceeds to step S6. If the control unit 60 determines that the drum inlet temperature is not equal to or higher than 120° C., the process proceeds to step S7.

[0053] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 60 reduces the opening of the proportional valve 48C in order to lower the drum inlet temperature, and then proceeds to step S3.

[0054] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying time has elapsed. The drying time for performing the drying operation is set in advance. In the washer / dryer 101, the drying time is set to, for example, 35 minutes for the standard course and washing course, and the drying time is set to a time according to the fee entered for the drying course. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0055] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 60 fully closes the gas valve 48N to end the drying operation.

[0056] When the washer / dryer 101 performs a drying operation, hot air heated by the gas burner 48 is supplied into the drum 5 as shown in FIG. 8. The hot air then dries the laundry in the drum 5, absorbs moisture contained in the laundry, and is discharged in a moist state. During the drying operation, the drum 5 alternately rotates clockwise for 150 seconds and counterclockwise for 5 seconds, for example. In this way, when the laundry equipment 100 installed in a coin laundry store performs a drying operation, many of them use a gas burner, and it is necessary to exhaust the air inside the laundry equipment 100 to the outdoors. Therefore, the fan 57 is driven to rotate in order to exhaust the air to the outdoors, which generates a large noise.

[0057] As described above, in the case where the washer / dryer 101 of the present embodiment is operated in the silent mode during drying operation, if the rotation speed of the fan 57 is controlled to be smaller than the rotation speed in the normal mode, the amount of air (air volume) supplied into the drum 5 during operation in the silent mode decreases compared to that in the normal mode, and the inlet temperature (hot air inlet temperature) increases. At that time, the gas amount adjustment unit 64 adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48 by the proportional valve 48C, thereby controlling the inlet temperature to be kept at, for example, 120 to 130°C.

[0058] The coupon issuing unit 65 issues a coupon (discount coupon) when at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode. When at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode in the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is longer than when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, as described later. Therefore, a coupon that can be used the next time a customer visits the coin-operated laundry store T is issued to a customer who has performed at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode. That is, a coupon is issued to a customer who cooperates in reducing the noise of the coin-operated laundry store T. The coupon is printed by the coupon printing device 68, and the customer takes the coupon home. In this way, by issuing a coupon only when the silent mode is used in the washer-dryer 101, the user can use it advantageously, although the operation time is extended. In addition, for example, by using information such as "a coupon is issued when the silent mode is used" in a promotional advertisement, the number of customers visiting the coin-operated laundry store T can be increased. In this embodiment, the fee is the same whether the machine is operated in normal mode or silent mode, so the sales amount of the coin laundry store T does not change. In contrast, a coupon is issued when the machine is operated in silent mode, and issuing the coupon as a coupon that can be used the next time the customer visits the coin laundry store T increases the number of repeat customers, which is advantageous for the owner of the coin laundry store T. Therefore, rather than simply lowering the usage fee for the laundry device 100, it is more advantageous for the owner to issue a coupon if customers return.

[0059] An operation course selection button 66a for allowing a user to select an operation course is provided on the operation panel 66. A user of the washer-dryer 101 can select one of the operation courses, a standard course, a washing course, and a drying course, by operating the operation course selection button 66a.

[0060] Next, the operation of the washer / dryer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] (Standard course) The standard cycle includes a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, and a drying operation. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(a), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen. (2) The operation time of the standard course, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the quiet mode, is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen, where α and β are positive numbers.

[0062] As described above, when the preset nighttime period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. arrives, both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are automatically switched to operation in the silent mode when the standard course operation of each laundry device 100 starts. The above-mentioned "α minutes" is the operation time extended from the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode. The above-mentioned "β minutes" is the operation time extended from the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode. Here, when the operation time of the dehydration operation in the normal mode is compared with the operation time of the drying operation in the normal mode, the operation time of the drying operation is longer. Therefore, the extended time "β minutes" of the drying operation is set to be longer than the extended time "α minutes" of the dehydration operation.

[0063] Thus, in the standard course of washer-dryer 101, if both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of drum 5 during spin-drying operation will be slower than the rotation speed of drum 4 in normal mode, resulting in lower spin-drying capacity during spin-drying operation, and the rotation speed of fan 57 during dry-dehydrating operation will be slower than the rotation speed of fan 57 in normal mode, resulting in lower drying capacity during drying operation. Therefore, the spin-drying operation time and the drying operation time are automatically extended, so that the operation time of the standard course becomes (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α+β) minutes.

[0064] (Washing cycle) The washing course is a course in which only the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the spin-drying operation are performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(b), the operation time of the washing course is, for example, 30 minutes when the spin-drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen. (2) The operation time of the washing course, when the spin cycle is performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (30+α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 800 yen, where α is a positive number.

[0065] In this way, when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode in the washing course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin-drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the normal mode, and the spin-drying capacity during the spin-drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the time of the spin-drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course is α minutes longer than the normal 30 minutes, to (30+α) minutes.

[0066] (Drying course) The dry course is a course in which only the drying operation is performed. (1) As shown in FIG. 9(c), the operation time of the drying course is, for example, 10 minutes when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen. (2) The operation time of the drying course is, for example, (10+γ) minutes when the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 100 yen, where γ is a positive number.

[0067] When the drying course is selected in the washer / dryer 101 and a drying operation is performed in normal mode, the drying operation is performed until an operation time corresponding to the amount of money inserted has elapsed, as in the dryer 102. That is, if the fee for the normal mode is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is inserted, a drying operation for 20 minutes will be performed, and if 300 yen is inserted, a drying operation for 30 minutes will be performed. Also, when the drying course is selected and a drying operation is performed in silent mode, if the fee for the normal mode is 10 minutes / 100 yen, for example, if 200 yen is inserted, a drying operation for (20+2γ) minutes will be performed, and if 300 yen is inserted, a drying operation for (30+3γ) minutes will be performed.

[0068] In this way, when the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode in the drying course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the drying operation becomes slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in the normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation becomes low. Therefore, the drying operation time is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course becomes γ minutes longer than the normal 10 minutes, to be (10+γ) minutes.

[0069] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer / dryer 101 is operated in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] (Standard course) In the standard course of the washer-dryer 101, when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in quiet mode, the operation time is extended compared to when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the washer-dryer 101 issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for the spin-drying operation + 200 yen discount for the drying operation) to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0071] (Washing cycle) When the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode in the washing course of the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is extended compared to when the spin-drying operation is performed in the standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0072] (Drying course) When the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode in the drying course of the washer-dryer 101, the operation time is extended compared to when the drying operation is performed in the standard mode. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10(c), the washer-dryer 1 issues a coupon for a 30 yen discount per 100 yen to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0073] The control procedure of the washer / dryer 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] <Step S101> As shown in Fig. 11, in step S101, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the standard course has been selected as the driving course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S102. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S106 in the flowchart of Fig. 12.

[0075] <Step S102> In step S102, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the standard course is being operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (whether or not the standard course is selected during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course is not being operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S103. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course is being operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S104.

[0076] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation operation.

[0077] <Step S104> In step S104, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in the quiet mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S105.

[0078] <Step S105> In step S105, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0079] <Step S106> As shown in Fig. 12, in step S106, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the washing course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S107. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S111 in the flowchart of Fig. 13.

[0080] <Step S107> In step S107, control unit 60 determines whether the washing course is to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (whether the washing course is selected during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). If control unit 60 determines that the washing course is not to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S108. If control unit 60 determines that the washing course is to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S109.

[0081] <Step S108> In step S108, the control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0082] <Step S109> In step S109, control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in silent mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, control unit 60 proceeds to step S110.

[0083] <Step S110> In step S110, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0084] <Step S111> As shown in Fig. 13, in step S111, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying course has been selected as the operating course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S112. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S101 in the flowchart of Fig. 11.

[0085] <Step S112> In step S112, control unit 60 determines whether the drying course is to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (whether the drying course is selected during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). If control unit 60 determines that the drying course is not to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S113. If control unit 60 determines that the drying course is to be operated during the nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the process proceeds to step S114.

[0086] <Step S113> In step S113, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation in normal mode for an operation time corresponding to the inserted amount of money. After that, when the operation of the drying course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0087] <Step S114> In step S114, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation in silent mode for an operation time corresponding to the inserted amount of money. After that, when the operation of the drying course is completed, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S115.

[0088] <Step S115> In step S115, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issuing a coupon for 30 yen x inserted amount / 100 yen off, and ends the operation.

[0089] As described above, the washer / dryer 101 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is capable of operating in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, and the dryer 102 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is also capable of operating in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode. The operation of the dryer 102 in the drying operation in the normal mode and the quiet mode is similar to the operation when the drying course is selected in the washer / dryer 101, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, the laundry equipment 100 of this embodiment is a laundry equipment 100 installed in a coin laundry store T, and is capable of performing operation in normal mode and in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

[0091] In this way, the laundry equipment 100 installed in the coin laundry store T can be operated in a quiet mode that is quieter than the normal mode, thereby preventing noise complaints from being received by the owner of the coin laundry store T.

[0092] The laundry equipment 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a drum 5 that is rotated while containing laundry, and can perform dehydration operation in normal mode and quiet mode, with the rotation speed of the drum 5 in quiet mode being slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in normal mode.

[0093] In this way, the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably reduced compared to the noise generated when the dehydration operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0094] The laundry equipment 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a fan 57 for exhausting air that has passed through the drum 5 containing the laundry to the outdoors, and can perform drying operation in normal mode and quiet mode, with the rotation speed of the fan 57 in quiet mode being slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode.

[0095] In this way, the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode can be reliably reduced compared to the noise generated when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode.

[0096] The laundry equipment 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a gas burner 48 that heats the air supplied into the drum 5 during drying operation, and a proportional valve 48C as a gas amount adjustment means that adjusts the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48, and the proportional valve 48 is controlled so that when operation is performed in quiet mode for drying operation, the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner 48 is less than when operation is performed in normal mode.

[0097] In this way, when the drying operation is performed in quiet mode and the rotation speed of the fan 57 is changed to be slower than the rotation speed of the exhaust fan 57 in normal mode operation, the temperature of the heated air supplied to the drum 5 is prevented from increasing, and the temperature of the heated air can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0098] In the laundry device 100 of this embodiment, for both the dehydration operation and the drying operation, operation in normal mode and operation in silent mode are automatically switched based on a preset time period.

[0099] In this way, by setting the time period during which operation in normal mode and operation in silent mode are switched to, for example, a quiet time period at night, it is possible to ensure that operation in silent mode is performed during the quiet time periods at night.

[0100] Second embodiment The main difference between the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment and the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment is the method of switching between normal mode and silent mode operation. Note that detailed description of the configuration of the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment that is similar to that of the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0101] In the washer / dryer 103 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, a mode switching button 66b is provided on the operation panel 66. Therefore, when the washer / dryer 103 performs the spin-drying operation and the drying operation, the user can select whether to perform the operation in the normal mode or the quiet mode for each of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation by operating the mode switching button 66b. Therefore, a user who visits the coin-operated laundry store T can select the normal mode, for example, if he / she is in a hurry, and the quiet mode, if he / she has time to spare. This increases convenience for the user.

[0102] That is, when the washer-dryer 103 is operated in the standard course, the user can select to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode, or to operate either one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode, or to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the normal mode (not to operate both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the silent mode) by operating the mode switching button 66b. Therefore, a user who visits the coin-operated laundry store T can appropriately select the silent mode for both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation, the silent mode only for the spin-drying operation, or the silent mode only for the drying operation, depending on how much time he or she is in a hurry or how much time he or she has.

[0103] In addition, when operating the washer / dryer 103 in the wash course, the user can select whether to operate the spin-drying operation in normal mode or quiet mode by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0104] In addition, when operating the washer / dryer 103 in the drying course, the user can select whether to operate the drying operation in normal mode or quiet mode by operating the mode switching button 66b.

[0105] In the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, when operation in quiet mode is selected by operating the mode switching button 66b, the quiet mode switching unit 63 switches the dehydration or drying operation for which the quiet mode was selected to operation in quiet mode, and also switches the fee system (including the issuance of coupons) of the washer-dryer 101.

[0106] Next, the operation of the washer / dryer 103 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0107] (Standard course) The standard cycle includes a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, and a drying operation. (1) As shown in FIG. 15(a), the operation time of the standard course is, for example, 60 minutes when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen. (2) The operation time of the standard course, when the dehydration operation is performed in the quiet mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, is, for example, (60 + α) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where α is a positive number. (3) The operation time of the standard course, in which the dehydration operation is performed in normal mode and the drying operation is performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (60 + β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1200 yen, where β is a positive number. (4) The operating time of the standard course, when both the dehydration operation and the drying operation are performed in quiet mode, is, for example, (60+α+β) minutes, and the usage fee is, for example, 1,200 yen.

[0108] In this way, when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode and the drying operation is performed in the normal mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 101, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin-drying operation is slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in the normal mode, and the spin-drying capacity during the spin-drying operation is reduced. Therefore, the time of the spin-drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course is α minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α) minutes.

[0109] Similarly, in the standard course of the washer / dryer 1, if the spin-dry operation is performed in normal mode and the drying operation is performed in quiet mode, the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the dry-spin-dry operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode, and the drying capacity during the drying operation will be low. Therefore, the time of the drying operation is automatically extended, and the operation time of the standard course will be β minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+β) minutes.

[0110] Similarly, in the standard course of the washer / dryer 1, if the spin and dry operations are both performed in silent mode, the rotation speed of the drum 5 during the spin operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the drum 5 in normal mode, resulting in lower spinning capacity during the spin operation, and the rotation speed of the fan 57 during the dry / dehydration operation will be slower than the rotation speed of the fan 57 in normal mode, resulting in lower drying capacity during the dry operation. Therefore, the spin and dry operation times are automatically extended, so that the operation time of the standard course becomes (α+β) minutes longer than the normal 60 minutes, to (60+α+β) minutes.

[0111] (Washing course) and (Drying course) The washing course and drying course are similar to those of the washer / dryer 101 of the first embodiment as shown in Figs. 15(b) and 15(c), and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] Next, the discount amount of the coupon issued when the washer / dryer 103 is operated in the silent mode will be described with reference to FIG.

[0113] (Standard course) 16(a), when only the spin-drying operation is performed in silent mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, the operation time is extended compared to when the spin-drying operation is performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time.

[0114] Furthermore, in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode, the operation time is extended compared to when the drying operation is performed in standard mode. Therefore, the washer-dryer 103 issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount to provide a discount according to the length of the extended time. In the standard course of the washer-dryer 103 of this embodiment, the extended time of the drying operation is longer than the extended time of the spin-drying operation, so the extended time of the drying operation "β minutes" is set longer than the extended time of the spin-drying operation "α minutes". As a result, the discounted fee (200 yen) when only the drying operation is performed in silent mode is made higher than the discounted fee (100 yen) when only the spin-drying operation is performed in silent mode.

[0115] In addition, when both the spin-drying and drying operations are performed in quiet mode in the standard course of the washer-dryer 103, a coupon is issued for a 300 yen discount on the operating time (100 yen discount for spin-drying operation + 200 yen discount for drying operation) compared to when both the spin-drying and drying operations are performed in standard mode.

[0116] (Washing course) and (Drying course) The washing course and drying course are similar to those of the washer / dryer 101 of the first embodiment as shown in Figs. 16(b) and 16(c), and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the number of operating laundry machines 100 at the coin-operated laundry store T is large, the discount amount of the coupon is increased.

[0118] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16(d), when starting operation in the standard course and the washing course, if the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is less than four (when no other laundry devices 100 are in operation, or when a new laundry device 100 is started in operation when one or two laundry devices 100 are already in operation), no discount is added. On the other hand, if the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is four or more (when a new laundry device 100 is started in operation when three laundry devices 100 are already in operation), a discount of 100 yen is added.

[0119] When starting operation in the drying course, if the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is less than four (when no other laundry devices 100 are in operation, or when a new laundry device 100 is started in operation when one or two laundry devices 100 are already in operation), no discount will be added. On the other hand, if the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is four or more (when a new laundry device 100 is started in operation when three laundry devices 100 are already in operation), an additional discount of 20 yen will be added per 100 yen.

[0120] In addition, like the washer-dryer 103, the dryer 102 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T in this embodiment can select whether to operate in normal mode or silent mode by operating a mode switch button. Therefore, the number of laundry devices 100 in operation installed in the coin-operated laundry store T means the number of laundry devices 100 in operation out of 14 laundry devices 100, i.e., six washer-dryer 103 and eight dryers. In this embodiment, no matter what operation the laundry devices 100 are performing (for example, when the washer-dryer 103 is performing the standard course, washing course, or drying course, or when the dryer 102 is performing a drying operation), as long as any operation is being performed, it is included in the number of operating devices.

[0121] The operation of the washer / dryer 103 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0122] <Step S201> As shown in Fig. 17, in step S201, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the standard course has been selected as the driving course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S202. If the control unit 60 determines that the standard course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S218 in the flowchart of Fig. 18.

[0123] <Step S202> In step S202, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the silent mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode has not been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S203. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S209.

[0124] <Step S203> In step S203, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has not been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S204. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0125] <Step S204> In step S204, the control unit 60 performs the standard course operation, but executes both the dehydration operation and the drying operation included in the standard course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation operation.

[0126] <Step S205> In step S205, the control unit 60 performs the operation of the standard course, but executes only the drying operation included in the standard course in the quiet mode. After that, when the operation of the standard course ends, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S206.

[0127] <Step S206> In step S206, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of operating laundry devices 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. Here, the number of operating laundry devices 100 determined in step S206 is the number of operating laundry devices 100 at the time when the standard course was selected as the operating course in step S201 and the fee was paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is less than four, the process proceeds to step S207. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is four or more, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0128] <Step S207> In step S207, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0129] <Step S208> In step S208, since the number of operating vehicles is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon using the coupon printer 66, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0130] <Step S209> If the control unit 60 determines in step S202 that the quiet mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the control unit 60 determines in step S209 whether or not the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has not been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S210. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0131] <Step S210> In step S210, the control unit 60 operates the standard course, but executes only the spin-drying operation included in the standard course in silent mode, and then proceeds to step S211.

[0132] <Step S211> In step S211, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of operating laundry devices 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. Here, the number of operating laundry devices 100 determined in step S211 is the number of operating laundry devices 100 at the time when the standard course was selected as the operating course in step S201 and the fee was paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is less than four, the process proceeds to step S212. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is four or more, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0133] <Step S212> In step S212, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0134] <Step S213> In step S213, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon using the coupon printer 66, issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0135] <Step S214> In step S214, the control unit 60 performs the standard cycle, but executes both the spin-dry cycle and the dry cycle included in the standard cycle in quiet mode, and then proceeds to step S215.

[0136] <Step S215> In step S215, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of operating laundry devices 100 installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. Here, the number of operating laundry devices 100 determined in step S215 is the number of operating laundry devices 100 at the time when the standard course was selected as the operating course in step S201 and the fee was paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is less than four, the process proceeds to step S216. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of operating laundry devices 100 is four or more, the process proceeds to step S217.

[0137] <Step S216> In step S216, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 300 yen discount (100 yen discount for the spin-dry operation + 200 yen discount for the dry operation), and ends the operation.

[0138] <Step S217> In step S217, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66, and issues a coupon for a 400 yen discount (100 yen discount for spin operation + 200 yen discount for drying operation + additional discount of 100 yen), and then ends the operation.

[0139] <Step S218> As shown in Fig. 18, in step S218, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the washing course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S219. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S225 in the flowchart of Fig. 19.

[0140] <Step S219> In step S219, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the silent mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode has not been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S220. If the control unit 60 determines that the silent mode has been selected for the spin-drying operation, the process proceeds to step S221.

[0141] <Step S220> In step S220, the control unit 60 operates the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in normal mode. After that, when the operation of the washing course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0142] <Step S221> In step S221, the control unit 60 performs the washing course, but executes the spin-drying operation included in the washing course in silent mode, and then proceeds to step S222.

[0143] <Step S222> In step S222, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry devices 100 in operation installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. Here, the number of laundry devices 100 in operation determined in step S222 is the number of laundry devices 100 in operation at the time when the washing course was selected as the operation course in step S218 and the fee was paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S223. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is four or more, the process proceeds to step S224.

[0144] <Step S223> In step S223, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issues a coupon for a 100 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0145] <Step S224> In step S224, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 100 yen to the discount amount, prints a coupon using the coupon printer 66, issues a coupon for a 200 yen discount, and ends the operation.

[0146] <Step S225> As shown in Fig. 19, in step S225, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the drying course has been selected as the operation course and the fee has been paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the drying course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S226. If the control unit 60 determines that the washing course has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S201 in the flowchart of Fig. 17.

[0147] <Step S226> In step S226, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has not been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S227. If the control unit 60 determines that the quiet mode has been selected for the drying operation, the process proceeds to step S228.

[0148] <Step S227> In step S227, the control unit 60 executes the drying operation of the drying course in the normal mode. After that, when the drying operation of the drying course ends, the control unit 60 ends the operation.

[0149] <Step S228> In step S228, the control section 60 executes the drying operation of the drying course in the silent mode, and then proceeds to step S229.

[0150] <Step S229> In step S229, the control unit 60 determines whether the number of laundry devices 100 in operation installed in the coin-operated laundry store T is four or more. Here, the number of laundry devices 100 in operation determined in step S229 is the number of laundry devices 100 in operation at the time when the drying course was selected as the operating course in step S225 and the fee was paid. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is not four or more, the process proceeds to step S230. If the control unit 60 determines that the number of laundry devices 100 in operation is four or more, the process proceeds to step S231.

[0151] <Step S230> In step S230, the control unit 60 causes the coupon printer 66 to print a coupon, issuing a coupon for 30 yen x inserted amount / 100 yen off, and ends the operation.

[0152] <Step S231> In step S231, since the number of operating units is four or more, the control unit 60 adds 20 yen to the discount amount per 100 yen, prints a coupon using the coupon printing device 66, issues a coupon for 50 yen x amount inserted / 100 yen off, and terminates the operation.

[0153] The washer / dryer 103 of this embodiment provides the same effects as the washer / dryer 101 of the first embodiment.

[0154] Furthermore, in the washer / dryer 103 of this embodiment, a mode switching button 66b is provided as a mode switching means for switching between a normal mode and a silent mode for at least one of the spin-drying operation and the drying operation.

[0155] In this way, the user of the washer / dryer 103 can select whether to perform the spin-drying operation and the drying operation in the normal mode or in the silent mode.

[0156] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0157] For example, in the first embodiment, the normal mode is switched to the silent mode during a preset nighttime period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., but the present invention is not limited to this. The time period during which the normal mode is switched to the silent mode can be set arbitrarily. For example, the noise during the drying operation is low and can be heard far away, whereas the noise (vibration noise) during the dehydration operation may be contained within the coin laundry store T. In such a case, if a store such as a coffee shop is attached to the coin laundry store T, the noise during the dehydration operation may become a problem not only at night but also during the day. In such a case, it may be possible to switch from the normal mode to the silent mode during the business hours of the store attached to the coin laundry store T.

[0158] In addition, noise may increase due to external factors of the coin laundry store T (for example, weak ground). In such a case, it is better for the owner of the coin laundry store T to set the time period, in order to suppress noise at the coin laundry store T more reliably.

[0159] In the laundry device 100 of the first embodiment, the operation panel 66 may have a mode switching button 66b, as in the second embodiment. In this case, even if the owner sets the device to switch from normal mode to silent mode during a preset time period, if the user is in a hurry, the user may be able to operate the mode switching button 66b to switch to normal mode. If the user switches to normal mode, a coupon may not be issued.

[0160] In the first and second embodiments, the rotation speed A2 of the drum 5 and the rotation speed C2 of the fan 57 stored in the silent mode setting unit 62 are set in advance by the owner of the coin-operated laundry store T, but this is not limited to this. Since the noise level differs depending on the area of ​​the coin-operated laundry store T, for example, the owner may be able to adjust the rotation speed to two or three different levels.

[0161] In the first embodiment, both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation included in the standard course of the washer-dryer 101 are operated in the quiet mode during a preset time period, but either the spin-drying operation or the drying operation may be operated in the quiet mode. That is, in the coin-operated laundry store T, if the noise of the spin-drying operation is a problem, only the spin-drying operation may be operated in the quiet mode, and if the noise of the drying operation is a problem, only the drying operation may be operated in the quiet mode.

[0162] In the above first and second embodiments, the washer / dryer 101, 103 and the dryer 102 are described as the laundry equipment 100, but the present invention can be applied to laundry equipment capable of performing at least one of a spin-drying operation and a drying operation.

[0163] In the above first and second embodiments, the laundry equipment 100 has a fee adjustment machine, and local payment is performed for each laundry equipment 100, but this is not limited to the above. In the coin laundry store T, the laundry equipment 100 may perform centralized payment at a centralized payment terminal. Also, in the coin laundry store T, local payment for each laundry equipment 100 and centralized payment at a centralized payment terminal may be used in combination.

[0164] In the first and second embodiments, when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, a coupon is issued to deduct a predetermined amount from the charge, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the operation is performed in the silent mode, a coupon may not be issued. Also, when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, a coupon may be issued to deduct a predetermined discount rate from the predetermined amount.

[0165] In the above second embodiment, the discount amount of the coupon is changed depending on whether the number of operating laundry devices 100 at the coin-operated laundry store T is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, but this is not limited to this. The discount amount of the coupon does not have to be changed depending on the number of operating laundry devices 100. Even if the discount amount of the coupon is changed depending on the number of operating laundry devices 100, the predetermined number of operating devices is not limited to four, and may be changed depending on whether the number is equal to or greater than any predetermined number. In the first embodiment, the discount amount of the coupon may also be changed depending on whether the number of operating laundry devices 100 at the coin-operated laundry store T is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0166] In the first and second embodiments, a coupon is issued when at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, but this is not limited to the above. When at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation is performed in the silent mode, instead of issuing a coupon, the fee may be discounted and the fee for the operation course may be changed to a lower price. In this case, the operation time per unit amount can be automatically changed (extended) by extending the operation time by the amount of the lower dehydration capacity or drying capacity in the silent mode. In addition, for example, by using information such as "the fee is lower when the silent mode is used" in advertising, the number of customers visiting the coin laundry store T can be increased.

[0167] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 20, in the washer-dryer 101 of the first embodiment, in the case of the standard course, the fee may be 1200 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 900 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the case of the washing course, the fee may be reduced to 800 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 700 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the silent mode. Similarly, in the case of the drying course, the fee may be reduced to 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, and may be reduced to 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in the silent mode.

[0168] 21, in the washer-dryer 103 of the second embodiment, in the case of the standard course, the fee is 1200 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 1100 yen when only the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 1000 yen when only the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode, and the fee may be changed to a low fee of 900 yen when both the spin-drying operation and the drying operation are performed in the quiet mode. Similarly, in the case of the washing course, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 800 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 700 yen when the spin-drying operation is performed in the quiet mode. Similarly, in the case of the drying course, the fee may be changed to a low fee of 100 yen when the drying operation is performed in the normal mode, but the fee may be changed to a low fee of 70 yen when the drying operation is performed in the quiet mode.

[0169] The driving time, fees, discount amounts, etc. for each driving course described in this specification are merely examples and may be set arbitrarily. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 5 Drums 48 Gas Burner 48C Proportional valve 57 Fans 100 Laundry Equipment 101 Washer / dryer 102 Dryer 103 Washer / dryer T Coin Laundry Store

Claims

1. A laundry machine installed in a coin laundry store, A laundry device capable of executing, for at least one of a dehydration operation and a drying operation, a normal mode and a quiet mode which is quieter than the normal mode.

2. A drum is provided which is rotated while containing laundry, The dehydration operation can be performed in the normal mode and the quiet mode, 2. The laundry device of claim 1, wherein the rotational speed of the drum during operation in the quiet mode is less than the rotational speed of the drum during operation in the normal mode.

3. A fan is provided for exhausting air that has passed through a drum containing laundry to the outside, The drying operation can be performed in the normal mode and the quiet mode, 3. The laundry device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation speed of the fan in the silent mode is smaller than the rotation speed of the fan in the normal mode.

4. a gas burner for heating air supplied into the drum during the drying operation; a gas amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner, The laundry equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that the gas amount adjustment means is controlled so that the amount of gas supplied to the gas burner is less when operation is performed in the quiet mode for the drying operation than when operation is performed in the normal mode.

5. The laundry device according to claim 1, characterized in that for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation, the operation in the normal mode and the operation in the quiet mode are automatically switched based on a preset time period.

6. 6. The laundry device according to claim 1, further comprising a mode switching means for switching between a normal mode and the silent mode for at least one of the dehydration operation and the drying operation.

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