Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a clothes dryer capable of forming a state where a normal humidity value is output even in the case where a humidity sensor comes into an "abnormal state".SOLUTION: A clothes dryer includes: a clothing storage tank where clothing is stored; a dry air generation part for generating dry air for drying the clothing inside the clothing storage tank; a humidity detection part for detecting a humidity of the dry air; and a return processing part for, in the case where the humidity detection part is in an abnormal state, returning the humidity detection part into a normal state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes drying apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the washer / dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an example of a clothes drying device that dries clothes, and includes a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the drying air that dries the clothes in the tub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-79926 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to a clothes dryer equipped with a humidity sensor as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the degree of dryness of the clothes can be grasped based on the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor, and the content of the drying operation can be adjusted according to the degree of dryness of the clothes. However, this type of clothes dryer often uses a humidity sensor configured with an exposed moisture-sensing part that detects humidity, and with such a humidity sensor, foreign matter can easily adhere to the moisture-sensing part, causing the humidity sensor to go into an "abnormal state."

[0005] This embodiment provides a clothes drying device that can create a state in which a normal humidity value is output even if the humidity sensor goes into an "abnormal state." [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothes drying device of this embodiment comprises a clothes storage tub in which clothes are stored, a dry air generating unit that generates dry air to dry the clothes in the clothes storage tub, a humidity detection unit that detects the humidity of the dry air, and a recovery processing unit that executes a recovery process to restore the humidity detection unit to a normal state if the humidity detection unit is in an abnormal state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulating air passage according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a humidity sensor according to the present embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor in a "normal state" according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a number of examples of the behavior of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor in an “abnormal state” according to the present embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of examples of the contents of the driving history according to the present embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a normal time and a changed time in the return process according to the embodiment, and an example of a normal temperature and a changed temperature of a heater in the return process. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of control performed by a washer / dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by a washer / dryer according to the present embodiment (part 2) [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by a washer / dryer according to the present embodiment (part 3). [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by a washer / dryer according to the present embodiment (part 4) [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by a washer / dryer according to the present embodiment (part 5) [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by a washer / dryer according to the present embodiment; [Figure 15] 7 is a flowchart outlining an example of control by the washer / dryer according to the present embodiment (part 7) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of a clothes drying apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washer-dryer 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a clothes processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on clothes, in this case at least a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, and a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes. The washer-dryer 1 is a so-called horizontal-axis drum-type washer-dryer in which the central axis of rotation of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The washer-dryer 1 is also an example of a clothes drying apparatus capable of performing a drying process for drying clothes.

[0009] The washer / dryer 1 is provided with a clothes treatment tub 3 inside a rectangular box-shaped outer case 2 that constitutes the outer shell of the washer / dryer 1. The clothes treatment tub 3 includes a water tub 3s and a drum 3d. The water tub 3s is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The water tub 3s is cylindrical, its back side is closed, and water can be stored inside. The drum 3d is rotatably provided inside the water tub 3s. The drum 3d is cylindrical, its back side is closed. The drum 3d can accommodate clothes (not shown) that are to be subjected to various processes such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying. The peripheral wall surface and back surface of the drum 3d are provided with a large number of small holes (not shown) that allow ventilation and water to pass through. The inner peripheral surface of the drum 3d is provided with a baffle (not shown) for stirring up the clothes. The rotation center axis of the drum 3d extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The clothes treatment tub 3 functions as an example of a clothes storage tub in which clothes are stored.

[0010] A drum motor 3m is provided on the rear side of the clothing treatment tub 3. The drum motor 3m rotates a drum 3d in the water tub 3s in forward and reverse directions. A front opening 3c of the water tub 3s can be opened and closed by a door 4 provided on the front side of the outer box 2. By opening the door 4, a user can put clothes in and take clothes out of the water tub 3s, or more specifically, into the drum 3d, through the front opening 3c.

[0011] The washer / dryer 1 includes a water supply unit 5 for supplying water into the clothes treatment tub 3, and a drainage unit 6 for draining the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit 5 includes a well-known water supply valve 8 and a water injection case 9 in a water supply path 7 extending from a water source (not shown), such as a water main, to the clothes treatment tub 3. The drainage unit 6 includes a well-known drainage valve 11 in a drainage path 10 extending from the bottom of the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine. When the drainage valve 11 is closed, water is supplied from the water supply unit 5 to the clothes treatment tub 3, so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the clothes treatment tub 3. When the drainage valve 11 is opened, the water in the clothes treatment tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine via the drainage path 10.

[0012] A well-known drain filter 12 is provided in the drain path 10, upstream of the drain valve 11. The drain filter 12 captures foreign matter contained in the water discharged from the clothes treatment tub 3 to the outside of the machine through the drain path 10 in the drain section 6. The foreign matter is, for example, lint and dust generated from clothes.

[0013] The washer / dryer 1 is equipped with a circulation air duct 14. The circulation air duct 14 connects the air outlet 3a and the air inlet 3b of the clothes treating tub 3 outside the clothes treating tub 3. In this case, the air outlet 3a is provided at the front part of the top surface of the clothes treating tub 3. The air inlet 3b is provided at the top part of the back surface of the clothes treating tub 3.

[0014] A heat exchange duct 15 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 14. The heat exchange duct 15 is provided in the rear part of the lower part inside the outer box 2 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction of the outer box 2. A drying filter 16 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 14 on the windward side of the heat exchange duct 15. A drying filter housing part 17 is provided in the middle of the circulation air duct 14. The drying filter 16 is detachably provided in the drying filter housing part 17. The drying filter 16 attached in the drying filter housing part 17 of the circulation air duct 14 captures foreign matter contained in the air flowing in the circulation air duct 14, i.e., the drying air, during a drying operation to dry the clothes in the clothes treatment tub 3. The foreign matter is, for example, lint and dust generated from the clothes.

[0015] 2, the washer / dryer 1 includes a heat pump mechanism 20. The heat pump mechanism 20 configures a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor 21, a condenser 22, a throttle 23, and an evaporator 24 are connected in a cycle by refrigerant pipes 25. Of these, the condenser 22 and the evaporator 24, which configure a heat exchanger, are disposed inside a heat exchange duct 15 which configures a part of the circulation air passage 14.

[0016] The circulation air passage 14 is provided with a circulation fan 26. The circulation fan 26 circulates the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 through the circulation air passage 14. When the circulation fan 26 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is introduced into the circulation air passage 14 from the air outlet 3a, flows from the upwind side, which is the air outlet 3a side, to the downwind side, which is the air inlet 3b side, and is returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 from the air inlet 3b, as shown by the arrow W in Fig. 2. That is, when the circulation fan 26 is driven, the air in the clothing treatment tub 3 is circulated through the circulation air passage 14.

[0017] The evaporator 24 is disposed in the heat exchange duct 15 on the air outlet 3a side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the windward side of the circulation air duct 14. On the other hand, the condenser 22 is disposed in the heat exchange duct 15 on the air inlet 3b side of the clothing treatment tub 3, i.e., on the downwind side of the circulation air duct 14. That is, in the circulation air duct 14, more specifically in the heat exchange duct 15, the evaporator 24 is disposed on the upwind side of the condenser 22, i.e., on the upstream side in the direction of the air flow. In other words, in the circulation air duct 14, more specifically in the heat exchange duct 15, the condenser 22 is disposed on the downwind side of the evaporator 24, i.e., on the downstream side in the direction of the air flow.

[0018] The evaporator 24 is an example of a dehumidifying section, and functions as a dehumidifying means for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulating air passage 14 from the air outlet 3a side to the air inlet 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side. On the other hand, the condenser 22 is an example of a heating section, and functions as a heating means for heating the air flowing in the circulating air passage 14 from the air outlet 3a side to the air inlet 3b side, that is, from the windward side to the downwind side.

[0019] By providing the evaporator 24 and the condenser 22 in the air circulation duct 14, the air flowing from the windward side to the leeward side in the air circulation duct 14 is dehumidified by the evaporator 24 and heated by the condenser 22, and returned to the clothing treatment tub 3 as hot air at a predetermined temperature. This allows the clothing contained in the clothing treatment tub 3 to be dried by the hot air.

[0020] The washer / dryer 1 is provided with an exhaust port 14w that exhausts a portion of the air flowing in the circulation air duct 14 to the outside. The washer / dryer 1 is also provided with an exhaust damper 14d that opens and closes the exhaust port 14w. When the washer / dryer 1 is in a closed state in which the exhaust damper 14d closes the exhaust port 14w, the air flowing in the circulation air duct 14 cannot be exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 14w. When the washer / dryer 1 is in an open state in which the exhaust damper 14d opens the exhaust port 14w, the air flowing in the circulation air duct 14 can be exhausted to the outside from the exhaust port 14w.

[0021] The washer / dryer 1 is equipped with a humidity sensor 31. In this case, the humidity sensor 31 is disposed in a portion of the circulation air duct 14 downstream of the drying filter 16 and downstream of the exhaust port 14w. The humidity sensor 31 is an example of a humidity detection unit, and is capable of detecting the humidity of the drying air that dries the clothes in the clothing treatment tub 3. That is, the humidity sensor 31 detects the humidity of the air that flows out from the clothing treatment tub 3 into the circulation air duct 14, i.e., the drying air, thereby making it possible to indirectly detect the degree of dryness of the clothes in the clothing treatment tub 3.

[0022] The washer / dryer 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 32. In this case, the temperature sensor 32 is disposed in a portion of the circulation air duct 14 downstream of the drying filter 16 and downstream of the exhaust port 14w. The temperature sensor 32 is an example of a temperature detection unit, and is capable of detecting the temperature inside the clothing treatment tub 3. That is, the temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the air that flows out from inside the clothing treatment tub 3 into the circulation air duct 14, thereby being able to indirectly detect the temperature of the air inside the clothing treatment tub 3. The temperature sensor 32 is also capable of detecting the temperature around the humidity sensor 31.

[0023] Next, an example of the configuration of the control system of the washer-dryer 1 will be described in detail. The control device 40 shown in FIG. 3 is mainly configured with, for example, a microcomputer, and can control the overall operation of the washer-dryer 1 based on a control program and various setting information. The above-mentioned water supply valve 8, drain valve 11, compressor 21, circulation blower 26, etc. are connected to the control device 40. The above-mentioned drum motor 3m and exhaust damper 14d are also connected to the control device 40. The control device 40 can control the overall operation of the washer-dryer 1 and perform various operations by controlling the operation of these components of the drive system. In this case, the control device 40 is configured to control the rotation of the drum motor 3m by well-known vector control. The control device 40 is also connected to various sensors such as the above-mentioned humidity sensor 31 and temperature sensor 32.

[0024] In this embodiment, the control device 40 is set to continuously execute the humidity detection process by the humidity sensor 31 over the period from the start to the end of the drying operation. Note that the control device 40 may be set to provide a period during which the humidity detection process by the humidity sensor 31 is not executed within the period from the start to the end of the drying operation, so that the humidity detection process by the humidity sensor 31 is executed intermittently.

[0025] The control device 40 is also connected to a storage unit 33 that is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory. The control device 40 can store operation history information including the setting contents and operation contents of the executed operation course in the storage unit 33. The operation history information can include various information such as, for example, drying operation frequency information indicating the number of times the most recent drying operation was performed, drying operation period information indicating the period elapsed since the previous drying operation, drying operation time information indicating the execution time of the previous drying operation, detergent input amount information indicating the amount of detergent input in the previous operating course, fabric softener input amount information indicating the amount of fabric softener input in the previous operating course, and drying operation count information indicating the number of times the drying operation was performed after the previous return process, that is, various information related to the operating courses, drying operations, return processes, etc. that were previously performed. Details of the return process will be described later.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the humidity sensor 31 has a configuration in which a humidity detection module 102, a temperature detection module 103, an A / D converter 104, a digital interface 105, and a heater 106 are mounted on a sensor substrate 101.

[0027] The humidity detection module 102 includes a moisture-sensing part that senses humidity, and is capable of detecting the humidity around the humidity sensor 31 by using this moisture-sensing part. The moisture-sensing part is exposed to the outside of the humidity sensor 31. The temperature detection module 103 includes a temperature-sensing part that senses temperature, and is capable of detecting the temperature inside the humidity sensor 31 by using this temperature-sensing part. The temperature-sensing part is disposed inside the humidity sensor 31.

[0028] The A / D converter 104 converts the analog signal output by the humidity detection module 102 and the analog signal output by the temperature detection module 103 into a digital signal and outputs it to the digital interface 105. The digital interface 105 outputs the digital signal acquired from the A / D converter 104 to the control device 40. This allows the control device 40 to identify the humidity value detected by the humidity detection module 102 and the temperature value detected by the temperature detection module 103 from the digital signal acquired from the digital interface 105.

[0029] The heater 106 is an example of a heat generating part. The heater 106 is entirely built into the humidity sensor 31. The control device 40 can control the operation of the heater 106 via the digital interface 105. The heater 106 may be configured to be attached externally to the outside of the humidity sensor 31. The heater 106 may also be disposed outside the humidity sensor 31 at a position facing the humidity sensitive part of the humidity detection module 102.

[0030] 3 and 4, the control device 40 executes a control program to virtually realize the recovery processing unit 41 by software. The recovery processing unit 41 may be configured by hardware, or may be configured by a combination of software and hardware.

[0031] The recovery processing unit 41 can execute recovery processing for recovering the humidity sensor 31 to a "normal state" when the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state." The humidity sensor 31 is configured such that the moisture-sensitive part of the humidity detection module 102 is exposed, and when, for example, a foreign object adheres to the moisture-sensitive part or the moisture-sensitive part deteriorates over time, the humidity sensor 31 exhibits various abnormal behaviors. Examples of the abnormal behaviors include the humidity value detected by the humidity detection module 102 no longer changing, the offset width, i.e., error width, of the humidity value detected by the humidity detection module 102 fluctuating, and the slope, i.e., sensitivity, of the humidity value detected by the humidity detection module 102 fluctuating.

[0032] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state", it can accurately detect the actual humidity value. However, when the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state", it cannot accurately detect the actual humidity value. That is, in the "abnormal pattern A" illustrated in FIG. 6, the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 is constant and does not change regardless of the magnitude of the actual humidity value. Also, in the "abnormal pattern B" illustrated in FIG. 6, the offset width H of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 fluctuates, and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 becomes unstable. Also, in the "abnormal pattern C" illustrated in FIG. 6, the slope of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 fluctuates, and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 becomes unstable.

[0033] In this embodiment, the "abnormal state" is defined as a state as illustrated in Fig. 6, that is, a state in which the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 does not change, the offset width of the humidity value fluctuates, or the sensitivity of the humidity value fluctuates. On the other hand, when the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state", the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 changes appropriately according to the actual humidity value, the offset width of the humidity value is stabilized, and the sensitivity of the humidity value is stabilized. Note that the "abnormal state" of the humidity sensor 31 is not limited to a state in which the above-mentioned behavior is exhibited, and in short, is a concept that includes a state in which the reliability of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 is reduced.

[0034] The recovery processing unit 41 determines whether the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" by performing various operations that would cause the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 to fluctuate if the humidity sensor 31 was in a "normal state." In other words, if the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state," for example, changing the drive frequency of the compressor 21, the rotation speed of the circulation blower 26, the rotation speed of the drum motor 3m, etc. will change the humidity around the humidity sensor 31, and therefore the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 should also fluctuate.

[0035] Therefore, for example, when the drive frequency of the compressor 21, the rotation speed of the circulation blower 26, the rotation speed of the drum motor 3m, etc. are changed and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 varies in response to these changes, the recovery processing unit 41 determines that the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state." On the other hand, when the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 does not vary in response to changes in the drive frequency of the compressor 21, the rotation speed of the circulation blower 26, the rotation speed of the drum motor 3m, etc., the recovery processing unit 41 determines that the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state."

[0036] In addition, if the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state", the operation that should cause the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 to fluctuate is not limited to an operation that changes the drive frequency of the compressor 21, an operation that changes the rotational speed of the circulation blower 26, or an operation that changes the rotational speed of the drum motor 3m, but may be any other operation that causes the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 to fluctuate.

[0037] The recovery processing unit 41 judges whether the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" after the recovery processing is completed. If the recovery processing unit 41 judges that the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" after the recovery processing is completed, the recovery processing unit 41 disables the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31. Therefore, the control device 40 cannot adjust the content of the drying operation according to the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31. On the other hand, if the recovery processing unit 41 judges that the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state" after the recovery processing is completed, the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 is enabled. This allows the control device 40 to adjust the content of the drying operation according to the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31.

[0038] Adjustment of the contents of the drying operation includes, for example, extending or shortening the operation time of the drying operation, adjusting the temperature or speed of the drying air during the drying operation, etc. Furthermore, making the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 unusable includes, for example, discarding the humidity value obtained from the humidity sensor 31, replacing the humidity value obtained from the humidity sensor 31 with an invalid value, ignoring the humidity value obtained from the humidity sensor 31, and also includes stopping the humidity detection operation by the humidity sensor 31 in the first place.

[0039] In the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 can generate heat from the heater 106. This allows foreign matter, particularly volatile foreign matter and condensation, adhering to the humidity sensitive portion of the humidity detection module 102 to be volatilized or evaporated by heat and removed, and the humidity detection module 102 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" can be restored to a "normal state."

[0040] When heat is generated from the heater 106 in the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 may control the operation of the heater 106, specifically, the on / off switching of the heater 106, based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32, i.e., the temperature value around the humidity sensor 31. Specifically, the recovery processing unit 41 may turn on the heater 106 when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes lower than a predetermined value, and may turn off the heater 106 when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes higher than the predetermined value.

[0041] When heat is generated from the heater 106 during the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 may disable the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 until the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32 after the recovery process is completed, i.e., the temperature value around the humidity sensor 31, drops below a predetermined value. Then, when the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32 drops below the predetermined value, the recovery processing unit 41 may enable the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 to be used.

[0042] In the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 may operate at least one of the components of the compressor 21, the circulation blower 26, and the drum motor 3m.

[0043] In the recovery process, the compressor 21 and the circulation fan 26 operate to apply hot air to the humidity sensitive portion of the humidity detection module 102. This allows foreign matter, particularly volatile foreign matter and condensation, adhering to the humidity sensitive portion of the humidity detection module 102 to be removed by the hot air, and the humidity detection module 102 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" can be restored to a "normal state."

[0044] Furthermore, even if the compressor 21 does not operate during the recovery process, the circulation fan 26 operates, so that room temperature air can be applied to the humidity sensitive portion of the humidity detection module 102. This allows foreign matter adhering to the humidity sensitive portion of the humidity detection module 102 to be removed by the wind pressure, and the humidity detection module 102 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" can be restored to a "normal state."

[0045] Furthermore, by operating not only the circulation fan 26 but also the drum motor 3m in the recovery process, the speed of the wind generated by the circulation fan 26 can be increased by the rotation of the drum motor 3m and can be directed at the humidity sensitive part of the humidity detection module 102. This allows foreign matter adhering to the humidity sensitive part of the humidity detection module 102 to be removed by the high-speed wind, and the humidity detection module 102 that has become in an "abnormal state" can be restored to a "normal state".

[0046] The compressor 21, the circulation fan 26, and the drum motor 3m can be defined as an example of a dry air generating unit that generates dry air to dry the clothes in the clothes treating tub 3. In the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 can recover the humidity detection module 102 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" to a "normal state" by appropriately operating these dry air generating units.

[0047] In addition, the reset processing unit 41 may adjust the execution time of the reset processing and the temperature of the heater 106 during the reset processing, based on the operation history of the drying operation that dries the clothes in the clothes treating tub 3.

[0048] 7, for example, when the drying operation has not been performed in the most recently performed multiple operation courses, the recovery processing unit 41 may perform the recovery processing for a predetermined time longer than the normal time. Also, the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery processing may be set to a predetermined temperature higher than the normal temperature.

[0049] In addition, the recovery processing unit 41 may set the execution time of the recovery process to be a predetermined time longer than the normal time when, for example, a drying operation has not been performed in the operation course executed within a predetermined period of time in the past. Also, the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery process may be set to be a predetermined temperature higher than the normal temperature.

[0050] In addition, for example, if the execution time of the drying operation in the previous operation course was set to be shorter than the normal time, the recovery processing unit 41 may set the execution time of the recovery processing to be longer than the normal time by a predetermined time. Also, the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery processing may be set to be higher than the normal temperature by a predetermined temperature.

[0051] In addition, for example, if the amount of detergent dispensed in the previous operation course was set to be larger than normal, the recovery processing unit 41 may set the execution time of the recovery processing to be longer than the normal time by a predetermined time, and may set the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery processing to be higher than the normal temperature by a predetermined temperature.

[0052] In addition, when the amount of fabric softener dispensed in the previous operation course was set to be larger than normal, the recovery processing unit 41 may set the execution time of the recovery processing to be longer than the normal time by a predetermined time. Also, the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery processing may be set to be higher than the normal temperature by a predetermined temperature.

[0053] In addition, cases where the amount of detergent dispensed is set to more than usual include, for example, when the rated capacity of the clothing treatment tub 3 is "10 kg" and 80 percent of that, or "8 kg," of clothing is dispensed and the amount of detergent dispensed is set to "more," when the amount of detergent dispensed is set to "more" by manual operation even though the amount of clothing dispensed is less than "8 kg," and when an operating course that dispenses a larger amount of detergent, such as a double wash course, is set.

[0054] In addition, cases where the amount of fabric softener dispensed is set to more than usual include, for example, when the rated capacity of the clothing treatment tub 3 is "10 kg" and 80 percent of that, or "8 kg," of clothing is put in and the amount of fabric softener dispensed is set to "more," when the amount of fabric softener dispensed is set to "more" by manual operation even though the amount of clothing put in is less than "8 kg," and when an operating course that dispenses a larger amount of fabric softener, such as a scented course, is set.

[0055] Furthermore, the execution time of the recovery process and the temperature of the heater 106 during the recovery process may be changed in other ways than as illustrated in FIG.

[0056] 8, in this embodiment, the normal time for the recovery process is, for example, "1 minute", and is changed to, for example, "3 minutes" when the execution time of the recovery process is to be longer. Also, the normal temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery process is, for example, "70° C.", and is changed to, for example, "90° C." when the temperature of the heater 106 in the recovery process is to be higher.

[0057] Next, an operation example of the washer / dryer 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, when the control device 40 starts the drying operation (step A1), it reads the operation history information from the storage unit 33 (step A2) and determines whether the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous recovery process exceeds a predetermined number (step A3). This predetermined number can be changed and set as appropriate, but in this case, it is set to "10 times."

[0058] If the number of times the drying operation has been performed after the previous return process exceeds a predetermined number (step A3: YES), the control device 40 executes the return process (step A4), then starts obtaining a humidity value by the humidity sensor 31 (step A5), and proceeds to the next process (step A6). On the other hand, if the number of times the drying operation has been performed after the previous return process does not exceed the predetermined number (step A3: NO), the control device 40 does not execute the return process (step A4), but starts obtaining a humidity value by the humidity sensor 31 (step A5), and proceeds to the next process (step A6).

[0059] In another control example illustrated in FIG. 10, when the control device 40 starts a drying operation (step B1), it starts acquiring a humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 (step B2). Then, the control device 40 checks whether or not there has been a change in the humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 within a predetermined period (step B3). This predetermined period can be changed and set as appropriate. If there has been no change in the humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 within the predetermined period (step B3: NO), the control device 40 executes a return process (step B4) and proceeds to the next process (step B5). On the other hand, if there has been a change in the humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 within the predetermined period (step B3: YES), the control device 40 proceeds to the next process (step B5) without executing the return process (step B4).

[0060] In another control example illustrated in FIG. 11, when the control device 40 starts the drying operation (step C1), it reads out the operation history information from the storage unit 33 (step C2) and judges whether the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous return process exceeds a predetermined number (step C3). This predetermined number can also be changed and set as appropriate, and in this case, it is set to "10 times". If the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous return process exceeds the predetermined number (step C3: YES), the control device 40 turns on the heater 106 (step C4). That is, the control device 40 starts the return process by operating the heater 106.

[0061] When the control device 40 turns on the heater 106, it checks whether the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (step C5). This predetermined temperature can be changed and set as appropriate, but in this case, it is set to "100°C". If the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (step C5: YES), the control device 40 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step C6). This predetermined time can be changed and set as appropriate. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step C6: NO), the control device 40 proceeds to step C5. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step C6: YES), the control device 40 turns off the heater 106, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the heater 106 (step C7), and proceeds to the next process (step C8).

[0062] If the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined temperature (step C5: NO), the control device 40 turns off the heater 106 without waiting for the passage of a predetermined time, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the heater 106 (step C7), and proceeds to the next step (step C8). If the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous recovery process has not exceeded a predetermined number (step C3: NO), the control device 40 proceeds to the next step (step C8) without performing the recovery process by operating the heater 106.

[0063] 12, when the control device 40 starts the drying operation (step D1), it starts acquiring the humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 (step D2). Then, the control device 40 checks whether or not there has been a change in the humidity value acquired by the humidity sensor 31 within a predetermined period (step D3). This predetermined period can also be changed and set as appropriate.

[0064] If there is no change in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 within the predetermined period of time (step D3: NO), the control device 40 starts the circulation fan 26 (step D4). That is, the control device 40 starts the recovery process by operating the circulation fan 26. Then, the control device 40 checks whether there has been a change in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 (step D5).

[0065] If there is a change in the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 31 (step D5: YES), the control device 40 stops the circulation fan 26, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the circulation fan 26 (step D6), and proceeds to the next step (step D7). If there is a change in the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 31 within a predetermined period of time (step D3: YES), the control device 40 proceeds to the next step (step D7) without executing the recovery process by operating the circulation fan 26.

[0066] In another control example illustrated in Fig. 13, when the control device 40 starts a drying operation (step E1), it starts acquiring a humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 (step E2). Then, the control device 40 starts the circulation fan 26 (step E3). That is, the control device 40 starts an operation that would change the humidity value if the humidity sensor 31 was in a "normal state". Then, the control device 40 checks whether or not there has been a change in the humidity value acquired by the humidity sensor 31 within a predetermined period of time (step E4).

[0067] If there is no change in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 within the predetermined period of time (step E4: NO), the control device 40 stops the circulation fan 26 (step E5). That is, the control device 40 ends the operation that would cause a change in the humidity value if the humidity sensor 31 was in a "normal state". Then, the control device 40 turns on the heater 106 (step E6). That is, the control device 40 starts the recovery process by operating the heater 106.

[0068] When the control device 40 turns on the heater 106, it checks whether the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (step E7). This predetermined temperature can also be changed and set as appropriate, and in this case, it is set to "100°C". If the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (step E7: YES), the control device 40 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step E8). This predetermined time can also be changed and set as appropriate.

[0069] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step E8: NO), the control device 40 proceeds to step E7. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step E8: YES), the control device 40 turns off the heater 106, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the heater 106 (step E9), and proceeds to the next process (step E10). If the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 31 has changed within the predetermined period (step E4: YES), the control device 40 stops the circulation fan 26, that is, ends the operation that would change the humidity value if the humidity sensor 31 was in the "normal state" (step E11), and proceeds to the next process (step E10).

[0070] 14, when the control device 40 starts the drying operation (step F1), it starts acquiring the humidity value from the humidity sensor 31 (step F2). Then, the control device 40 checks whether or not there has been a change in the humidity value acquired by the humidity sensor 31 within a predetermined period (step F3). This predetermined period can also be changed and set as appropriate.

[0071] If the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 has not changed within the predetermined period (step F3: NO), the control device 40 executes a recovery process (step F4). Then, the control device 40 checks whether the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 has changed within the predetermined period (step F5).

[0072] If the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 31 has not changed within the predetermined period (step F5: NO), the control device 40 executes an error notification process (step F6) and proceeds to the next step (step F7). On the other hand, if the humidity value measured by the humidity sensor 31 has changed within the predetermined period (step F5: YES), the control device 40 proceeds to the next step (step F7) without executing the error notification process (step F6).

[0073] If there is a change in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 within the predetermined period (step F3: YES), the control device 40 proceeds to the next step (step F7) without executing the recovery process (step F4) or the error notification process (step F6). The error notification process may be, for example, a process of notifying the user as visual information on a display screen of an operation panel (not shown) included in the washer / dryer 1, a process of notifying the user as audio information through a speaker (not shown) included in the washer / dryer 1, or a process of notifying the user as a combination of visual and audio information.

[0074] In another control example illustrated in FIG. 15, when the control device 40 starts the drying operation (step G1), it reads out the operation history information from the storage unit 33 (step G2) and judges whether the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous recovery process exceeds a predetermined number (step G3). This predetermined number can also be changed and set as appropriate, and in this case, it is set to "10 times". If the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous recovery process exceeds the predetermined number (step G3: YES), the control device 40 turns on the heater 106 (step G4). That is, the control device 40 starts the recovery process by operating the heater 106.

[0075] When the control device 40 turns on the heater 106, it checks whether the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (step G5). This predetermined temperature can also be changed and set as appropriate, and in this case, it is set to "100°C". If the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (step G5: YES), the control device 40 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step G6). This predetermined time can also be changed and set as appropriate.

[0076] If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step G6: NO), the control device 40 proceeds to step G5. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (step G6: YES), the control device 40 turns off the heater 106, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the heater 106 (step G7). Then, the control device 40 checks whether the temperature inside the humidity sensor 31 is equal to the temperature around the humidity sensor 31 (step G8). The temperature inside the humidity sensor 31 can be detected by the temperature detection module 103, and the temperature around the humidity sensor 31 can be detected by the temperature sensor 32. Then, when the temperature inside the humidity sensor 31 is equal to the temperature around the humidity sensor 31 (step G8: YES), the control device 40 starts acquiring the humidity value by the humidity sensor 31 (step G9) and proceeds to the next process (step G10). That is, the control device 40 waits until the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 heated by the heater 106 drops below the predetermined temperature, and then starts acquiring the humidity value by the humidity sensor 31. Note that, in step G8, the control device 40 may proceed to step G9 when the temperature difference between the temperature inside the humidity sensor 31 and the temperature around the humidity sensor 31 falls within a predetermined temperature difference.

[0077] If the temperature of the humidity sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined temperature (step G5: NO), the control device 40 turns off the heater 106, that is, ends the recovery process by operating the heater 106 (step G7), and proceeds to step G8. If the number of times the drying operation has been performed since the previous recovery process has not exceeded a predetermined number (step G3: NO), the control device 40 proceeds to step G9 without performing the recovery process by operating the heater 106.

[0078] In the washer / dryer 1 exemplified above, when the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state", the control device 40 causes the recovery processing unit 41 to execute recovery processing for recovering the humidity sensor 31 to a "normal state". According to this configuration example, even if the humidity sensor 31 falls into an "abnormal state", the humidity sensor 31 can be recovered to a "normal state", and a state in which a normal humidity value is output can be created.

[0079] In the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 generates heat from the heater 106. According to this configuration example, foreign matter attached to the humidity sensor 31, particularly volatile foreign matter and condensation, can be removed by heat, and the humidity sensor 31 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" can be restored to a "normal state."

[0080] The recovery processing unit 41 controls the operation of the heater 106 based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32. According to this configuration example, it is possible to control the on / off switching of the heater 106 according to the temperature around the humidity sensor 31, and it is possible to prevent the humidity sensor 31 from becoming overheated due to heat generated by the heater 106.

[0081] The recovery processing unit 41 disables the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 until the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 32 drops below a predetermined value. That is, if heat is generated from the heater 106 during recovery processing, the humidity sensor 31 may be in a high temperature state after completion of the recovery processing, and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 may not be stable. Therefore, by waiting until the temperature value around the humidity sensor 31 drops after completion of the recovery processing, the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 is enabled, thereby making it possible to avoid using a humidity value detected in an unstable state.

[0082] In the recovery process, the recovery processing unit 41 operates the elements constituting the dry air generation unit, in this case at least one of the components of the compressor 21, the circulation blower 26, and the drum motor 3m. According to this configuration example, the dry air generated can blow away foreign matter from the humidity sensor 31, and the humidity sensor 31 that has fallen into an "abnormal state" can be recovered to a "normal state."

[0083] If the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state", the recovery processing unit 41 determines whether the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" by performing an operation that changes the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31. According to this configuration example, if the humidity sensor 31 is in a "normal state", it can easily determine whether the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" by appropriately performing an operation that changes the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31.

[0084] The recovery processing unit 41 judges whether the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state" after the recovery process is completed, and if it judges that the humidity sensor 31 is in an "abnormal state", it disables the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31. According to this configuration example, it is possible to avoid the content of the drying operation being adjusted based on the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 31 that has not returned to a "normal state" despite the execution of the recovery process. Furthermore, if the humidity sensor 31 does not return to a "normal state" by the recovery process, it is possible to take measures such as substituting another humidity sensor or performing an error notification process.

[0085] The reset processing unit 41 adjusts the execution time of the reset process based on the operation history of the drying operation that dries the clothes in the clothes processing tub 3. That is, for example, if the drying operation is performed periodically or frequently, the dry air will come into contact with the humidity sensor 31 more often, so that the adhesion of foreign matter to the humidity sensor 31 can be suppressed, and even if foreign matter adheres to the humidity sensor 31, the foreign matter can be blown away by the dry air. However, if the drying operation is not performed periodically or frequently, foreign matter is likely to adhere to the humidity sensor 31, and there are fewer opportunities to blow away the adhered foreign matter. Therefore, based on the operation history of the drying operation, for example, if the drying operation is not performed periodically or frequently, the execution time of the reset process can be adjusted to be longer than the standard, so that foreign matter attached to the humidity sensor 31 can be easily removed, and the humidity sensor 31 that has become in an "abnormal state" can be easily restored to a "normal state".

[0086] It should be noted that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0087] For example, this embodiment is not limited to a so-called horizontal axis type drum-type washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction, but can also be applied to a washer-dryer in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically, that is, a so-called vertical axis type washer-dryer.

[0088] The present embodiment is presented merely as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] In the drawing, 1 is a washer / dryer (clothes drying device), 3 is a clothes treatment tub (clothes storage tub), 3m is a drum motor (dry air generating section), 21 is a compressor (dry air generating section), 26 is a circulating blower (dry air generating section), 31 is a humidity sensor (humidity detection section), 32 is a temperature sensor (temperature detection section), 41 is a recovery processing section, and 106 is a heater (heat generating section).

Claims

1. A clothing storage tub in which clothing is stored; a dry air generating unit for generating dry air for drying the clothes in the clothes storage tub; A humidity detection unit that detects the humidity of the dry air; a recovery processing unit that executes a recovery process for recovering the humidity detection unit to a normal state when the humidity detection unit is in an abnormal state; A clothes drying device comprising:

2. The humidity detection unit includes a heating unit, The clothes drying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery processing section generates heat from the heat generating section during the recovery process.

3. A temperature detector that detects the temperature around the humidity detector, The clothes drying device according to claim 2 , wherein the recovery processing unit controls an operation of the heating unit based on a temperature value detected by the temperature detection unit.

4. A temperature detector that detects the temperature around the humidity detector, The clothes drying device according to claim 2 , wherein the recovery processing section disables the humidity value detected by the humidity detection section until the temperature value detected by the temperature detection section falls below a predetermined value.

5. The clothes drying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery processing unit operates the dry air generating unit in the recovery process.

6. The clothes drying device according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery processing unit determines whether the humidity detection unit is in an abnormal state by performing an operation that changes the humidity value detected by the humidity detection unit if the humidity detection unit is in a normal state.

7. The clothes drying device of claim 1, wherein the recovery processing unit determines whether the humidity detection unit is in an abnormal state after completion of the recovery processing, and if it determines that the humidity detection unit is in an abnormal state, makes the humidity value detected by the humidity detection unit unusable.

8. The clothes drying device according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery processing unit adjusts an execution time of the recovery process based on an operation history of a drying operation for drying the clothes in the clothes storage tub.

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