Dryer and operation method of dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer enabling water repellency of clothing to be recovered.SOLUTION: A dryer comprises : an outer tub; a drum provided in the outer tub and housing a course object; heating means heating air in the outer tub; a circulation flow passage connecting the heating means and the outer tub; an air blowing portion provided in the circulation flow passage; and a control portion. The air blowing portion includes a fan. The control portion can perform a drying course in which a course object is dried by operating the heating means and the fan, and a water repellency recovering course for recovering the water repellency of the course object. The rotational frequency of the fan in the water repellency recovering course is lower than the rotational frequency of the fan in the drying course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to dryers and methods of operating dryers. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drum type washer-dryer that performs a drying operation with a reduced mechanical output in order to dry delicate clothes.

[0003] In the drying operation with reduced mechanical output described in Patent Document 1, the rotation angle of the drum is limited and the drum is rotated forward and backward to prevent the clothes spread out inside the drum from rolling around. By limiting the rotation angle of the drum compared to normal drying operation, damage and shrinkage of delicate clothes can be suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-60991 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the washer / dryer described in Patent Document 1, recovery of water repellency of clothes is neither disclosed nor suggested.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a dryer that can restore the water repellency of course objects, including clothes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A dryer of one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an outer tub, a drum provided within the outer tub for containing a course object, a heating means for heating air in the outer tub, a circulation flow path connecting the heating means and the outer tub, an air blowing section provided in the circulation flow path, and a control section, wherein the air blowing section has a fan, and the control section operates the heating means and the fan to execute a drying course for drying the course object and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water-repellency of the course object, and the fan rotation speed in the water-repellency recovery course is lower than the fan rotation speed in the drying course.

[0008] A method of operating a dryer according to one aspect of the present disclosure is capable of executing a drying course for drying an object of the course by activating a fan in the blower section to send air from a heating means into an outer tub, and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water-repellency of the object of the course, the rotation speed of the fan in the water-repellency recovery course being lower than the rotation speed of the fan in the drying course. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a dryer capable of restoring the water repellency of a course object can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of a dryer according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] Schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drum and a part of a circulation flow path. [Figure 4A] Cross-sectional view showing the outer tank, drum, and circulation flow path [Figure 4B] Schematic diagram of outer tank, drum, and circulation flow path [Diagram 5] Schematic front view of a dryer with clothes stored therein [Figure 6A] Schematic diagram showing the surface of water-repellent clothing [Figure 6B] Schematic diagram showing the surface of clothing with reduced water repellency [Figure 7A] A diagram showing the relationship between water repellency recovery and clothing heating temperature [Figure 7B]A graph showing the relationship between the time the target temperature was maintained and the difference in water repellency rating [Figure 8A] A graph showing the relationship between the initial temperature and the operating time to reach the target temperature [Figure 8B] Table showing the relationship between initial temperature and operation time of heat pump device [Figure 9A] A graph showing fan speed and clothing temperature [Figure 9B] Table showing fan speed and clothing temperature [Figure 10] Flowchart of water repellency recovery course [Figure 11] Schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer according to Modification 1. [Figure 12] Schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer according to Modification 1. [Figure 13] Block diagram of a drying system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment 1) A dryer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a dryer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dryer 1.

[0013] The dryer 1 according to the first embodiment is a drum type washer-dryer having a washing function and a drying function. As shown in Fig. 1, the dryer 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, a drum 4, a drive unit 5 (Fig. 2), a heat pump unit 6, a circulation flow path 8, a fan 9, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, a temperature detection means 15, a control unit 16, and an operation unit 17.

[0014] The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the dryer 1. As shown in Fig. 2, an opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed freely are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0015] The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2, is a roughly cylindrical member having the function of storing wash water, and has a bottom 36 and a tube portion 37. The outer tub 3 may also be called a water tub or a tub. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and the edge of the opening 31 is connected to the opening 20 by a bellows 32. An axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as a rotation axis V0. The outer tub 3 is disposed at an angle such that the rotation axis V0 is at an angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0016] The drum 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatably provided around the rotation axis V0 inside the outer tub 3, and has a bottom 42 and a tube portion 44. Clothes and other objects to be processed by the dryer 1 are stored inside the drum 4. The drum 4 may be referred to as an inner tub or a storage tub. A large number of through holes 40 are formed in the drum 4, and the through holes 40 communicate the drum 4 with the outer tub 3. The drum 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, the user can place clothes and other objects to be processed into the drum 4 through the openings 20, 31, 41.

[0017] The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the drum 4 to rotate around a rotation axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the drum 4.

[0018] The heat pump device 6 is a device that enables dehumidification and heating of the air flowing from the outer tank 3 through the circulation flow path 8. The heat pump device 6 is provided above the outer tank 3. The heat pump device 6 has, for example, a heating heat exchanger, a dehumidifying heat exchanger, a compressor, a throttling mechanism, and a refrigerant piping.

[0019] The circulation flow path 8 is provided inside the housing 2, connects the outer tank 3 and the heat pump device 6, and circulates air between the outer tank 3 and the heat pump device 6. Specifically, an intake port 81 of the circulation flow path 8 is connected to an opening 33 provided in the cylindrical portion 37 of the outer tank 3, and an exhaust port 82 of the circulation flow path 8 is connected to an opening 34 provided in the bottom portion 36 of the outer tank 3.

[0020] The fan 9 is a fan that generates an air flow in the circulation flow path 8. The fan 9 generates an air flow that circulates in the circulation direction A. The dryer 1 may have, instead of the fan 9, another blower unit that generates an air flow.

[0021] The heat pump unit 6, the circulation flow path 8, and the fan 9 together constitute a drying mechanism. The drying mechanism is used in a normal drying course for drying the clothes stored in the drum 4. Furthermore, the drying mechanism is used in a water repellency recovery course, which is an example of a heating course for heating the clothes stored in the drum 4 to a predetermined target temperature th.

[0022] The heating course is a course in which the clothes stored in the drum 4 are heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined target temperature th. The water-repellency recovery course is a course in which the clothes stored in the drum 4 are heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined target temperature th, thereby recovering the water-repellency of the clothes. Note that the water-repellency recovery course of this embodiment is intended for clothes that are in a dry state, so the air temperature inside the drum can be considered to be substantially the same as the surface temperature of the clothes. The water-repellency recovery course of this embodiment determines the time it takes for the clothes to reach a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined target temperature th based on the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4.

[0023] Furthermore, by heating to a temperature of 45° C. or higher, the water repellency of the clothing can be restored regardless of the heating time at 45° C. Restoring the water repellency of clothing means making the surface tension of the clothing smaller than the surface tension of water, for example, making the contact angle of water with the clothing 90° or greater.

[0024] Examples of clothing that can be subjected to the water-repellent recovery course include water-repellent treated nylon or polyester down jackets, outdoor clothing such as mountain parkas and shell jackets, coats, etc. Clothing that can be subjected to the water-repellent recovery course also includes clothing that has been sprayed with a water-repellent spray.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, the water supply valve 10 is an openable / closable valve connected to a water faucet via an external hose, and when opened, water is supplied to the outer tub 3.

[0026] When the drain valve 11 is opened, water stored in the outer tub 3 is drained to the outside of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided below the outer tub 3.

[0027] The temperature detection means 15 is provided inside the drum 4 and has a sensor that measures the temperature of the air inside the drum 4. The temperature detection means 15 may be provided, for example, in the circulation flow path 8 described later. Specifically, the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4 before the water repellency recovery course is executed is measured.

[0028] The control unit 16 is a controller responsible for controlling the dryer 1. The control unit 16 controls the components of the dryer 1, such as the drive unit 5, the heat pump device 6, the fan 9, the water supply valve 10, the drain valve 11, and the operation unit 17. The control unit 16 includes a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC, that realizes a predetermined function by executing a program. The control unit 16 can realize various controls in the dryer 1 by calling and executing a control program stored in the memory 16a. The control unit 16 is not limited to a unit that realizes a predetermined function by cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a dedicated unit that realizes a predetermined function. It may also be a hardware circuit designed for

[0029] The memory 16a is a recording medium for recording various information and control programs, and may be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 16. The memory 16a is realized, for example, by a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Device), a hard disk, a RAM, or other storage device, or by an appropriate combination of these.

[0030] The memory 16a stores information related to the operation time of the water repellency recovery course in advance. Specifically, the memory 16a stores the operation time of the heat pump device 6 in the water repellency recovery course in advance, corresponding to the initial temperature t0 before the water repellency recovery course is executed. The operation time will be described later.

[0031] Operation unit 17 is a part of dryer 1 that is operated by the user. The user inputs the course to be executed by dryer 1 and the conditions of the course via operation unit 17. Control unit 16 controls dryer 1 in response to the input to operation unit 17. Operation unit 17 may be configured by a liquid crystal touch panel, or may be configured by one or a plurality of buttons.

[0032] Here, the connection between the circulation flow path 8 and the drum 4 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 4B. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the drum 4 and a part of the circulation flow path 8 as viewed from the rear side, with the outer tank 3 omitted. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing the outer tank 3, the drum 4, and a part of the circulation flow path 8. Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of the outer tank 3, the drum 4, and a part of the circulation flow path 8, showing the flow of air flowing from the circulation flow path 8 into the drum 4.

[0033] 3 and 4A, the bottom 42 of the drum 4 has a plurality of mesh portions 54 each having a large number of through holes 40. The mesh portions 54 are members that deflect the direction of air flowing from the circulation flow path 8 into the drum 4. As shown in FIG. 4A, when passing through the mesh portions 54, the air is deflected to the outside K2 (from the rotation axis V0 toward the cylinder portion 44) as indicated by the flow direction A0.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4B, the mesh portion 54 has, at a position facing the opening 34, a flat portion 54B along the width direction K perpendicular to the rotation axis V0 and an inclined portion 54C inclined toward the front side M1, in that order toward the outer side K2.

[0035] The air passing through the opening 34 passes through the through holes 40 between the flat portion 54B and the inclined portion 54C and flows into the drum 4. The speed of the air increases as it passes through the through holes 40, and then, as it moves further away from the through holes 40, the speed gradually decreases according to the distance it has flowed. Here, attention is paid to the air along the line VI-VI extending in the width direction K downstream of the inclined portion 54C. Due to the inclination of the inclined portion 54C, the distance from each through hole 40 to the line VI-VI becomes smaller toward the outer side K2, and the distance the air has flowed after passing through the through holes 40 becomes smaller. Therefore, on the line VI-VI, the air maintains a high speed after passing through the through holes 40 toward the outer side K2, in other words, the speed of the air increases toward the outer side K2. Therefore, a negative pressure is generated toward the outer side K2, and the air is pulled toward the outer side K2 by the negative pressure and deflected toward the cylindrical portion 44 of the drum 4.

[0036] The air deflected toward the tube portion 44 makes it easier for the air to hit clothes placed along the tube portion 44. In addition, if the deflected air is heated air, it makes it easier to warm the clothes.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a dryer containing clothes.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, before the water-repellency recovery course is executed, the user places the course object in the drum 4 in a predetermined manner. By placing the course object in the predetermined manner, the course object is appropriately heated in the water-repellency recovery course. The predetermined manner is, for example, a manner in which the course object is placed in an unfolded state and in a direction extending in the left-right direction in the drum 4.

[0039] Next, the recovery of water repellency by heating will be described with reference to Figs. 6A to 8B. Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the surface of a garment having water repellency. Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the surface of a garment with reduced water repellency. Fig. 7A shows the relationship between the recovery of water repellency and the heating temperature tc of the garment. Fig. 7B is a graph showing the relationship between the time during which the target temperature th is maintained and the water repellency grade difference. Fig. 8A is a graph showing the relationship between the initial temperature t0 in the drum 4 and the heating time Q of the heat pump device 6 required to reach the target temperature th. Fig. 8B is a table showing the relationship between the initial temperature t0 of the air in the drum 4 and the operating time P1 of the heat pump device 6 in the water repellency recovery course.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6A, the surface of the water-repellent garment 19 is covered with water-repellent groups B1. The water-repellent groups B1 are aligned to repel water droplets W1, so that the water droplets W1 do not easily penetrate the garment 19. Therefore, the garment 19 has water-repellent properties. Examples of the water-repellent groups B1 include fluorine-based and hydrocarbon-based groups. The fluorine-based water-repellent groups are made from compounds having perfluoroalkyl groups, for example. The hydrocarbon-based water-repellent groups are made from compounds having stearylamine, hexadecylamine, tetradecylamine, or dodecylamine, for example. On the other hand, the surface of the garment 19 may be provided with water-repellent groups other than those exemplified above.

[0041] 6B, the aligned water-repellent groups B1 become disorganized as the garment 19 is used. When the water-repellent groups B1 collapse, they become less able to repel the water droplets W1, and the water droplets W1 tend to penetrate the garment 19. This reduces the water repellency of the garment 19.

[0042] By heating clothing 19, it is possible to return the state shown in Fig. 6B to the state shown in Fig. 6A, and restore the water repellency of clothing 19. Specifically, the restoration of water repellency means that the difference between the water repellency grade before heating (see JIS L 1092) and the water repellency grade after heating is one grade or more. The restoration of water repellency includes, for example, returning the clothing from a non-water repellent state to a water repellent state, and improving the water repellency of the clothing from a state in which the water repellency of the clothing has decreased.

[0043] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have studied heating conditions to realize the recovery of the water repellency of clothes. First, in order to study the effect of the heating temperature tc, the inventors of the present invention have carried out a heating test in which dry clothes are heated to different temperatures. The heating temperature tc is the highest temperature of clothes during the course operation when operated under this condition. Specifically, using the dryer 1, the environmental temperature was set to 5°C to 10°C, the drum 4 was stopped or rotated forward, the output of the heat pump device 6 was operated under the same conditions as in the normal drying operation, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 was set lower than in the normal drying operation, and the operation was performed for 2 to 3 hours. The water repellency grade difference (0, 1, 2, 3), which is the difference between the water repellency grade before heating and the water repellency grade after heating, was measured. The results are shown in FIG. 7A.

[0044] The inventors have found that the recovery of the water repellency of the clothes depends on the heating temperature tc, as shown in FIG. 7A. The maximum heating temperature tc at which the water repellency grade did not change was 42.5°C. In other words, if the clothes were heated to a temperature higher than 42.5°C, the difference in the water repellency grade became 1 grade or more. However, depending on the state of the dryer or the state of the clothes, for example, a clogged filter of the dryer or the thickness of the clothes contained in the drum 4, the surface temperature of the clothes may not rise easily. Therefore, if the clothes are heated to 45°C or higher in consideration of the error, the water repellency grade can be increased and the water repellency of the clothes can be restored. Therefore, the target temperature th of the clothes in the water repellency recovery course is set to 45°C.

[0045] The inventors also investigated the effect of heating time and compared it with the effect of heating temperature tc. Therefore, the inventors placed the clothes in environments of 40°C and 45°C, respectively, and heated them while maintaining each temperature. As shown in FIG. 7B, the difference in water repellency grade was greater when the clothes were heated at 45°C than when the clothes were heated for a long time at 40°C. Therefore, the heating temperature tc has a greater effect on the recovery of the water repellency of the clothes than the heating time. On the other hand, the water repellency can be further improved by maintaining a temperature of 45°C or higher for a certain period of time.

[0046] In the water repellency recovery course using the dryer 1, when the heating temperature tc reaches 45° C. or higher, the water repellency can be improved regardless of the time that the temperature is maintained at 45° C.

[0047] The target temperature th may be 45°C or higher. In this case, the water repellency of the clothes or the like can be further improved. On the other hand, by setting the target temperature th to 45°C or higher and 60°C or lower, damage to the clothes caused by heating can be suppressed. For example, by setting the target temperature th to 60°C or lower, the surface temperature of the clothes can be prevented from exceeding 60°C, which is the glass transition point of nylon. For example, by setting the target temperature th to 60°C or lower, damage such as deformation due to softening of plastic parts such as zippers of the clothes, shrinkage of chemical fibers that are vulnerable to heat and the interaction between heat and mechanical forces, peeling of thermocompression-bonded prints and fabrics, etc. can be suppressed.

[0048] In this embodiment, since a heat pump device 6 is used as the heating device, the target temperature th is 60° C. or less due to the characteristics of the heat pump device. In addition, in the case of a device that can perform heating at 60° C. or more, it is preferable to control the temperature of the heating device so that the temperature is 60° C. or less.

[0049] In the dryer 1, the heat pump device 6 is operated to heat the clothes contained in the drum 4 to a target temperature th.

[0050] 8A, the heating time Q required by the heat pump device 6 to heat the temperature to a temperature equal to or higher than the target temperature th varies depending on temperature information related to the installation environment of the dryer 1 before heating. Specifically, when the initial temperature t0 of the air in the drum 4 measured by the temperature detection means 15 before heating is low, the heating time Q required by the heat pump device 6 to reach the target temperature th becomes long.

[0051] The control unit 16 controls the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water-repellency recovery course so as to achieve the target temperature th. As shown in Fig. 8B, the memory 16a of the control unit 16 prestores the operation time P1 corresponding to the initial temperature t0, and the control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 based on the initial temperature t0. Therefore, regardless of the initial temperature t0, the water-repellency recovery course makes it easier for the clothes to achieve the target temperature th, and the water repellency of the clothes is restored.

[0052] The inventors conducted the following test to examine the effect of the rotation speed of the fan 9 on the air temperature inside the drum 4. In the test, clothes were placed inside the drum 4 with the rotation speed of the fan 9 set to 4100 r / min and 4300 r / min, the heat pump device 6 was operated to heat the air, and the temperatures reached by the placed clothes at multiple points were measured.

[0053] Figure 9A is a graph showing the fan rotation speed and the temperature reached by the clothes, and Figure 9B is a table showing the fan rotation speed and the temperature reached by the clothes.

[0054] In Figure 9A, the average temperature achieved at multiple locations is plotted as a circle, and the highest and lowest temperatures achieved are plotted as horizontal lines. In other words, the distance between the upper and lower horizontal lines represents the range of variation in the temperature achieved by the clothing at multiple locations.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, when the rotation speed of the fan 9 is set to 4100 r / min, the temperature of the clothes reached is a maximum value of 54.5°C and a minimum value of 48.0°C, with an average value of 51.8°C, and the temperature is distributed over a range of about 3°C ​​on the higher side and about 4°C on the lower side of the average value. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the fan 9 is set to 4300 r / min, the temperature of the clothes reached is a maximum value of 54.5°C and a minimum value of 40.5°C, with an average value of 50.4°C, and the temperature is distributed over a range of about 4°C on the higher side and about 10°C on the lower side of the average value. From this test, it was found that when the rotation speed of the fan 9 is increased, the drop in the air temperature in the drum 4 becomes large, and there is a risk that the air temperature will be lower than the desired lower limit temperature. This is because the circulation of the air in the drum 4 is promoted by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 9. In other words, in the water repellency recovery course, the circulation of the air in the drum 4 can be suppressed by reducing the rotation speed of the fan 9, and the rise in the air temperature can be promoted.

[0056] [Operation] In the above-described configuration, an example of the water-repellency recovery course of the dryer 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flow chart of the water-repellency recovery course.

[0057] In the water-repellent recovery course, the washing course including the washing process and the rinsing process is not executed, and the dry clothes are heated. Specifically, in the water-repellent recovery course, the clothes are heated to a target temperature th of 45°C or more and 60°C or less.

[0058] Dry clothes contain less moisture than wet clothes, so their heat capacity is smaller and less energy is required to heat them up to the target temperature th. Therefore, dry clothes make it easier to reach the target temperature th.

[0059] The water-repellent recovery course is started when the user selects the "water-repellent recovery course" through the operation unit 17. In addition to selecting the course, the user may also place clothes in the drum 4 and input information about the clothes.

[0060] 10, first, the control unit 16 acquires an initial temperature t0 inside the drum 4 (S10). Specifically, the control unit 16 acquires the initial temperature t0 inside the drum 4 measured by the temperature detection means 15.

[0061] Next, control unit 16 acquires information about the clothes contained in drum 4 (S11). Control unit 16 acquires the desired clothing finish information input by the user to operation unit 17 as information about the clothes contained in drum 4. For example, when the user wants to greatly improve the water repellency of the clothes, the user selects "strong" on operation unit 17 as the clothing finish information, and when the user wants to slightly improve the water repellency of the clothes, the user selects "weak" on operation unit 17.

[0062] Next, the control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on the initial temperature t0 and the clothing finish information in step S11 (S12). Specifically, the control unit 16 refers to the memory 16a and determines the value corresponding to the initial temperature t0 as the operation time P1.

[0063] When the clothing finish information is acquired in step S11, the control unit 16 may lengthen the operation time P1 when the clothing finish information is "strong." When the clothing finish information is "weak," the control unit 16 may shorten the operation time P1.

[0064] Next, the control unit 16 turns on the fan 9 to rotate (S13), and turns on the heat pump unit 6 (S14). By such operations, the heated air is circulated in the circulation flow path 8 and the drum 4.

[0065] In the normal drying course, dry air is sent into the drum 4 to evaporate moisture from the clothes, and the air containing moisture is discharged from the drum 4 to circulate the air, so a certain rotation speed of the fan 9 is necessary. On the other hand, in the water-repellency recovery course, it is better to suppress the circulation of air in the drum 4 as much as possible and promote the rise in air temperature. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency recovery course of this embodiment (for example, 4100 r / min) is significantly lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the normal drying course for drying the clothes (for example, 6000 r / min), and is further lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in a drying course in which the amount of air blown for drying the clothes is reduced, such as a soft drying course (for example, 4300 r / min). The rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency recovery course of this embodiment may be, for example, the lowest rotation speed (for example, 4100 r / min) of the drying course installed in the dryer. The course with the lowest rotation speed among the drying courses may be, for example, a night course in which the rotation speed of the fan 9 is suppressed to reduce noise when operating late at night, or an energy saving course to reduce power consumption. When the rotation speed of the fan 9 changes in the normal drying course, the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water repellency recovery course is lower than the minimum rotation speed of the fan 9 in the normal drying course. This allows the clothes to be heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined target temperature th more quickly, and also reduces power consumption required for the water repellency recovery course. The rotation speed of the fan 9 may be the same as the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the normal drying course.

[0066] In a dryer equipped with a heater, the air temperature is more likely to rise by suppressing the circulation of air inside the drum, and therefore a configuration in which the fan rotation speed in the water repellency recovery course is lower than the fan rotation speed in the normal rotation course is more preferably used in a dryer equipped with a heater.

[0067] Moreover, when heating with the heat pump unit 6, the air temperature can be easily maintained at, for example, 60° C. or less. The heat pump unit 6 heats the air by utilizing the heat released when the refrigerant from the compressor is condensed in the condenser. This prevents the air from becoming too hot, and prevents damage to clothes caused by overheated air.

[0068] In the first embodiment, in the water-repellency recovery course, the control unit 16 turns off the drive unit 5 and the drum 4 is stopped. On the other hand, the control unit 16 may turn on the drive unit 5 to rotate the drum 4. In that case, the drive unit 5 is turned on so that the stop time of the drum 4 in the water-repellency recovery course is longer than the rotation time of the drum 4. This suppresses the application of mechanical force to the clothes in the drum 4 due to the rotation of the drum 4, and suppresses the water-repellent group on the surface of the clothes in the drum 4 from collapsing, which adversely affects the water-repellent performance. In addition, for example, the drum 4 may perform a rocking motion in which it rotates intermittently at regular time intervals. With this operation, the air in the tub and the clothes placed therein are heated more evenly by the rotation of the drum 4. The air in the tub becomes uniform without stagnation due to the rotation of the drum 4. In addition, since the orientation of the clothes changes due to the rotation of the drum 4, the air comes into uniform contact with the clothes, and the clothes are warmed evenly.

[0069] Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the operating time P1 has elapsed since the heat pump device 6 was turned on (S15).

[0070] If the operation time P1 has not elapsed since the heat pump device 6 was turned on (No in S15), the process returns to before step S15.

[0071] If the operating time P1 has elapsed since the heat pump device 6 was turned on (Yes in S15), the heat pump device 6 is turned off (S16).

[0072] Next, the control unit 16 waits for the waiting time P2 to elapse (S17). During the waiting time P2, the fan 9 is operating. After the heat pump device 6 is turned OFF (S16), the fan 9 is operated during the waiting time P2, thereby cooling the heated clothes. Therefore, the user can take out the clothes immediately after the water repellency recovery course is completed.

[0073] Next, the control unit 16 turns off the fan 9 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S18), stopping the circulation of air and completing the water repellency recovery course.

[0074] The above description is summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0075] In the dryer 1 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 16 controls the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 based on the initial temperature t0 so that the temperature of the clothes reaches the target temperature th. As a result, the clothes are heated to 45° C. or higher, and the water repellency of the clothes is improved.

[0076] In order to efficiently heat the clothes, in the water repellency recovery course, the rotation speed of the fan 9 is reduced compared to the normal drying course, and the drum 4 is stopped. In this respect, it differs from the normal drying course, in which moist air is actively expelled from the drum 4 and dry air is introduced.

[0077] [effect] The dryer 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0078] As described above, the dryer 1 of the first embodiment includes the outer tub 3 and the drum 4 that is provided in the outer tub 3 and accommodates the course object. The dryer 1 further includes a heat pump unit 6 (heating means) that heats the air in the outer tub 3, a circulation flow path 8 that connects the heat pump unit 6 and the outer tub 3, a fan 9 (blower) provided in the circulation flow path 8, and a control unit 16. The control unit 16 operates the heat pump unit 6 and the fan 9 to execute a drying course for drying the course object and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water-repellency of the course object, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course.

[0079] With this configuration, the dryer 1 can be used to promote the rise in temperature of the air inside the drum 4 during the water-repellency recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state, thereby restoring the water-repellency of the clothes.

[0080] In the dryer 1 of embodiment 1, the drying course includes multiple courses with different rotation speeds of the fan 9, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water repellency recovery course is equal to the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course with the lowest fan rotation speed.

[0081] This configuration makes it possible to utilize existing functions while promoting the rise in the temperature of the air inside drum 4 during the water-repellent recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state, and thereby restoring the water-repellent properties of the clothing.

[0082] In dryer 1 of the first embodiment, fan 9 rotates at different rotation speeds in the drying course, and the rotation speed of fan 9 in the water repellency recovery course is equal to or lower than the minimum rotation speed of fan 9 in the drying course.

[0083] This configuration makes it possible to utilize existing functions while promoting the rise in the temperature of the air inside drum 4 during the water-repellent recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state, and thereby restoring the water-repellent properties of the clothing.

[0084] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 16 controls the drum 4 in the water repellency recovery course so that the time during which the drum 4 is stopped is longer than the time during which the drum 4 is rotating.

[0085] This configuration can suppress agitation of the air and clothes inside the drum 4. This makes it difficult for the heated air to mix with the cold air, making it easier to maintain a high temperature inside the drum 4. In addition, because agitation of the clothes inside the drum 4 can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the water-repellent groups of the clothes inside the drum 4 from collapsing, which would adversely affect the water-repellent performance.

[0086] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 16 stops the drum 4 during the water repellency recovery course.

[0087] This configuration can further suppress agitation of the air and clothes inside the drum 4. In addition, it can suppress the water-repellent groups of the clothes inside the drum 4 from collapsing due to rotation inside the drum 4, which can adversely affect the water-repellent performance.

[0088] In the dryer 1 of embodiment 1, the water-repellency recovery course is a course for recovering the water-repellency of a course object in a dry state, and the control unit 16 operates the heat pump unit 6 and the fan 9 in the water-repellency recovery course so that the course object reaches a target temperature, the target temperature being higher than 42.5°C and lower than 60°C.

[0089] With this configuration, the water-repellent groups can be more reliably returned to an aligned state, and the water-repellent properties of the clothing can be restored.

[0090] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 16 operates the heat pump unit 6 and the fan 9 in the water repellency recovery course so that the air temperature in the drum 4 is 45° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower.

[0091] With this configuration, the water-repellent groups can be more reliably returned to an aligned state, and the water-repellent properties of the clothing can be restored.

[0092] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the target temperature is 45°C or higher and 60°C or lower.

[0093] With this configuration, the water-repellent groups can be more reliably returned to an aligned state, and the water-repellent properties of the clothing can be restored.

[0094] The dryer 1 of the first embodiment has a heat pump unit 6 .

[0095] This structure can reduce damage to clothing caused by excessive heating compared to when other heating means are used.

[0096] The operating method of the dryer 1 of the first embodiment is an operating method of the dryer 1. In the operating method, the fan 9 is operated to send air from the heat pump unit 6 to the outer tub 3, and it is possible to execute a drying course for drying an object to be dried and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water repellency of the object to be dried, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course.

[0097] By using the above-described method of operating the dryer, the water-repellent groups can be returned to an aligned state by heating the clothes to the target temperature th using the dryer 1, and the water-repellent properties of the clothes can be restored.

[0098] The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the dryer 1 has been described as having a washing function, but the dryer 1 does not have to have a washing function. Also, the example in which the dryer 1 has the drum 4 that functions as a rotating tub has been described, but the dryer 1 does not have to have a rotating tub. For example, instead of the dryer 1, a clothing processing device that contains clothing inside may be provided.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the water-repellency recovery course has been described as an example of a heating course, but the invention is not limited thereto. The dryer 1 may execute a water-repellency recovery course for improving the water repellency of the object of the course as a heating course. In the first embodiment, an example in which the user selects a "water-repellency recovery course" has been described, but the name is not limited to the "water-repellency recovery course" and may include other courses that restore the water repellency of clothing, and may be, for example, a "water-repellency improvement course."

[0101] In the first embodiment, the water repellency recovery course is applied to clothing, but other water repellent fabrics may be used as the course object. For example, the water repellency recovery course may be applied to shoes, hats, or fabric parts of tents and umbrellas.

[0102] In the first embodiment, an example in which the dryer 1 has the heat pump device 6 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dryer 1 may have a heater such as a PTC heater instead of the heat pump device 6. If the dryer 1 is a PTC heater including two heaters, the amount of heating by the PTC heater may be changed according to the initial temperature t0. For example, when the initial temperature t0 is low, two heaters may be driven, and when the initial temperature t0 is high, one heater may be driven.

[0103] In the first embodiment, an example in which the target temperature th is 45° C. or more has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the target temperature th may be 40° C. or more and less than 45° C. In this case, the water repellency recovery course is executed so as to maintain the target temperature th for 30 minutes. Therefore, when the target temperature th is 45° C. or more, the water repellency of the clothes is recovered in a short time, so that the water repellency of the clothes can be recovered more reliably. For example, the target temperature th may be set to be higher than 42.5° C. As shown in FIG. 7A, the maximum heating temperature tc at which the water repellency grade does not change is 42.5° C., so by setting the target temperature th to be higher than 42.5° C., the difference in the water repellency grade of the course object can be set to 1 grade or more.

[0104] Although an example has been described in which the dryer 1 has the temperature detection means 15 and the temperature information related to the installation environment is the initial temperature t0 inside the drum 4 measured by the temperature detection means 15, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the temperature detection means 15, the dryer 1 may have another temperature detection means that is installed outside the dryer 1 and detects ambient temperature information as temperature information related to the installation environment of the dryer 1. The ambient temperature information may be the temperature of the air around the dryer 1, or may include the room temperature of the room in which the dryer 1 is installed. The control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on the ambient temperature information.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 16 of the dryer 1 may have a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device such as an air conditioner. In this case, the communication unit receives temperature information related to the installation environment of the dryer 1 that is measured or acquired by an external device, and the control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 based on the temperature information received by the communication unit.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the dryer 1 has a mesh portion 54 as a guide means. The above-described examples are not limiting. Instead of the mesh portion 54, the dryer 1 may have other guide means for deflecting the air flow by changing the pressure or speed of the air passing through.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the water-repellent recovery course is executed independently of the washing course, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water-repellent recovery course may be executed after the washing course, i.e., the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process. However, as in the first embodiment, by executing the water-repellent recovery course independently of the washing course, even an object having water repellency that cannot be washed can be the target of the water-repellent recovery course. In addition, for example, by executing the water-repellent recovery course after the spin-drying process, it is possible to prevent the drying of the clothes with wrinkles from proceeding, which hinders the rise of the water-repellent group on the surface of the clothes. In addition, it is possible to prevent the imbalance in the washing tub during the spin-drying rotation caused by entering the spin-drying process without sufficient water being removed from the clothes, and to suppress the vibration of the washing machine caused by the imbalance.

[0108] Furthermore, the water-repellency recovery course may be executed as one step of a deodorizing hygiene course using functional fine particles. The functional fine particles are fine particles that exhibit deodorizing and disinfecting effects. In this case, the water-repellency recovery course may be executed after a step of applying the functional fine particles to the clothing. The water-repellency recovery course may be executed as one step of a steam course in which high-temperature steam is generated to treat an object with the steam. In this case, the water-repellency recovery course may be executed after a steam step in which high-temperature steam is generated.

[0109] In the first embodiment, the example in which information about the clothes contained in the drum 4 is obtained in step S11 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Step S11 may be omitted, and the operation time P1 may be determined based only on the initial temperature t0.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the water repellency recovery course is executed by stopping the drum 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in a first modified example described later, the driving unit 5 may be operated to rotate the drum 4 in order to detect the weight of the clothes or the like stored in the drum 4.

[0111] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the user puts clothes into the drum 4 before the heat pump unit 6 heats up (S14), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Modification 2 described later, the heat pump unit 6 may heat up (S14) when the drum 4 is empty.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the circulation flow path 8 has been described as an example of the air flow path, but the present invention is not limited to this. The air flow path is not limited to a flow path that circulates air, as long as it connects the heating means and the outer tank and sends air heated by the heating means to the outer tank.

[0113] (Variation 1) Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer 101 according to Modification 1. As shown in Fig. 11, the dryer 101 differs from the dryer 1 according to the embodiment 1 in that it further includes a weight detection means 14.

[0114] The weight detection means 14 has a sensor that measures the weight of the clothes contained in the drum 4. Specifically, the weight of the clothes is calculated based on the torque applied to the drive unit 5 when the drive unit 5 rotates.

[0115] Unless otherwise specified, the operation of the dryer 101 in Modification 1 is the same as the operation of the dryer 1 in Embodiment 1. The following describes the points that differ from Embodiment 1.

[0116] In step S11, the control unit 16 causes the weight detection means 14 to measure the weight of the clothes contained in the drum 4, and obtains a weight level ("light", "standard" or "heavy") according to the weight of the clothes. The number of weight levels may be set to three or more. The number of weight levels may be set to two or four or more.

[0117] In step S12, the control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump device 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on the initial temperature t0 and the weight level of the clothes. Specifically, when the weight level is "standard", the control unit 16 refers to the memory 16a and determines the value corresponding to the initial temperature t0 as the operation time P1. When the weight level is "heavy", the control unit 16 lengthens the operation time P1 compared to when the weight level is "standard", and for example, determines the maximum value stored in the memory 16a as the operation time P1. When the weight level is "light", the control unit 16 shortens the operation time P1 compared to when the weight level is "standard", and for example, determines the minimum value stored in the memory 16a as the operation time P1.

[0118] The dryer 101 further includes a weight detection means 14 for detecting the weight of the clothes contained in the drum, and the control unit 16 determines the operating time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on temperature information related to the installation environment and the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection means 14.

[0119] With this construction, even heavy clothes can be heated until the target temperature th is reached.

[0120] Dryer 101 further includes an operation unit 17 that allows the water repellency recovery course to be selected as the water repellency recovery course.

[0121] With this structure, the user can operate the operation unit 17 to select a water repellency recovery course.

[0122] In the dryer 101, the operation unit 17 can input information about the clothes stored in the drum 4. The control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on temperature information about the installation environment and the input to the operation unit 17.

[0123] With this structure, the user can adjust the water repellency recovery course by inputting information about the clothes. For example, the degree of recovery of the water repellency of the clothes can be adjusted by inputting information about the finish of the clothes that the user desires.

[0124] In step S11, the control unit 16 may acquire the bulk or volume of the clothes instead of the weight of the clothes. The bulk or volume of the clothes may be measured by a distance measuring sensor provided in the dryer 1, or may be input to the operation unit 17 by the user.

[0125] (Variation 2) Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer 111 according to Modification 2. As shown in Fig. 12, the dryer 111 differs from the dryer 1 according to the embodiment 1 in that the dryer 111 includes a temperature detection means 18 instead of the temperature detection means 15.

[0126] The temperature detection means 18 measures the temperature of the air inside the drum 4 while the water-repellency recovery course is being carried out, in addition to the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4 before the water-repellency recovery course is carried out.

[0127] The operation of the dryer 111 in the second modification is the same as that in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. The operation is the same as that of the dryer 1. The following describes the points that differ from the first embodiment.

[0128] Step S10 is executed when the drum 4 is empty, i.e., when no clothes are contained therein. Also, the door 21 is locked to prevent it from being opened. Steps S11 and S12 are omitted.

[0129] After executing steps S13 and S14, instead of step S15, the control unit 16 acquires the temperature inside the drum 4 measured by the temperature detection means 18, and determines whether the acquired temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature th. The temperature detection means 18 may measure the temperature inside the drum 4 at regular intervals or continuously. If the acquired temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature th, the control unit 16 unlocks the door 21 and allows the door 21 to be opened. If the acquired temperature is lower than the target temperature th, the control unit 16 keeps the door 21 locked and continues heating.

[0130] When door 21 becomes openable, the user puts clothes into drum 4 and closes door 21. When a predetermined time has elapsed after door 21 is closed, control unit 16 executes steps S16 to S18. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. After that, the user can remove clothes from drum 4.

[0131] This configuration can shorten the time that the clothes are held inside the drum 4. For example, the process of heating the air inside the drum 4 can be scheduled to operate, shortening the time that the clothes are held inside the drum 4. Also, because the time that the clothes are heated is shortened, damage to the clothes can be reduced.

[0132] (Embodiment 2) A drying system 201 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0133] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a drying system 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 13, a drying system 201 includes a dryer 202, a terminal device 222, and a processing device 212.

[0135] Dryer 202 further includes a first communication unit 204. In the second embodiment, dryer 202 is the same as dryer 1 in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0136] First communication unit 204 receives, via the network, the operating conditions of dryer 202 transmitted by terminal device 222. First communication unit 204 receives, via the network, the operating conditions of dryer 202 in the water repellency recovery course. For example, first communication unit 204 includes a circuit that receives from terminal device 222 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0137] The terminal device 222 is a device capable of communicating with the dryer 202 and the processing device 212. The terminal device 222 is, for example, a smartphone. The terminal device 222 may function as the operation unit 17 of the first embodiment.

[0138] The processing device 212 includes a processing unit 213 and a second communication unit 214. The processing device 212 is, for example, a server or a cloud.

[0139] The processing unit 213 stores the operating conditions of the dryer 202. The processing unit 213 stores, for example, the operating conditions of a water repellency recovery course.

[0140] The second communication unit 214 transmits the operating conditions of the dryer 202 stored in the processing unit 213 via the network. Specifically, the second communication unit 214 transmits the operating conditions of the dryer 202 to the terminal device 222 via the network in response to an operation of the terminal device 222. The second communication unit 214 includes a circuit that performs transmission to the terminal device 222 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (e.g., LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0141] The user selects a required course on the terminal device 222. In response to the user's selection, the processing device 212 transmits the operating conditions of the selected course to the terminal device 222 via the second communication unit 214. When the user operates the terminal device 222, the terminal device 222 transmits the operating conditions of the selected course to the first communication unit 204. The dryer 202 executes, for example, a water repellency recovery course based on the operating conditions received by the first communication unit 204. Specifically, the dryer 202 executes an operating method including a step of operating the fan 9 and the heat pump device 6 to set the target temperature th in the drum 4 to 45° C. or higher and heating the air in the outer tub 3.

[0142] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0143] The dryer of the present disclosure can restore the water repellency of clothes and the like, and is therefore useful as a home dryer, a commercial dryer, or any type of clothing treatment device (e.g., a home drum-type washer-dryer, or a top-loading washer). [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1 Dryer 2. Chassis 3 Outer tank 4 Drums 5 Drive unit 6. Heat pump equipment 8 Circulation flow path 9 Fan 10. Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 15 Temperature detection means 16 Control section 17 Control section th target temperature P1 Operating Time

Claims

1. The outer tank and A drum provided in the outer tank for accommodating course objects; A heating means for heating the air in the outer tank; an air flow path connecting the heating means and the outer tank; A blower provided in the air flow path; A control unit; Equipped with The blower unit has a fan, the control unit is capable of operating the heating means and the fan to execute a drying course for drying the course object and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water-repellency of the course object, The rotation speed of the fan in the water repellency recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan in the drying course. dryer.

2. the drying course includes a plurality of courses with different rotation speeds of the fan, the rotation speed of the fan in the water repellency recovery course is equal to the rotation speed of the fan in the drying course having the lowest rotation speed of the fan; The dryer according to claim 1.

3. The fan rotates at different rotation speeds during the drying course, the rotation speed of the fan in the water repellency recovery course is equal to or lower than the minimum rotation speed of the fan in the drying course; The dryer according to claim 1.

4. The control unit controls the drum in the water repellency recovery course so that a time during which the drum is stopped is longer than a time during which the drum is rotating. The dryer according to claim 2.

5. The control unit stops the drum in the water repellency recovery course. The dryer according to claim 2.

6. The water repellency recovery course is a course for recovering the water repellency of the course object in a dry state, The control unit operates the heating means and the air blowing unit so that the temperature of the course object reaches a target temperature in the water repellency recovery course, The target temperature is greater than 42.5° C. and less than or equal to 60° C. The dryer according to claim 1.

7. The control unit operates the heating means and the air blowing unit so that the air temperature in the drum is 45° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower in the water repellency recovery course. The dryer according to claim 6.

8. The target temperature is 45° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower. The dryer according to claim 6.

9. The heating means includes a heat pump device. The dryer according to claim 1.

10. 1. A method of operating a dryer, comprising: The fan of the blower is operated to send air from the heating means into the outer tub, and a drying course for drying the object to be dried and a water-repellency recovery course for recovering the water-repellency of the object to be dried can be executed. The rotation speed of the fan in the water repellency recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan in the drying course. How to operate a dryer.

Images