Clothes treatment device

Abstract

To determine whether water should be supplied to a steam generation part by means different from a water level sensor.SOLUTION: A clothes treatment device comprises: a storage chamber to store clothes; a steam generation part to generate steam to be supplied into the storage chamber; a steam water supply mechanism to supply water to the steam generation part; a storage chamber humidity sensor to measure humidity in the storage chamber; an operation control part capable of executing a steam supply operation to supply steam to the storage chamber by actuating the steam generation part: and a water supply control part capable of executing steam water supply processing to supply water to the steam generation part by actuating the steam water supply mechanism based on a measurement result by the storage chamber humidity sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, clothing treatment devices have been developed that have the function of applying steam to clothing to deodorize and remove wrinkles from the clothing. Such clothing treatment devices include a steam generating unit such as a heater. A predetermined amount of water is stored around the steam generating unit, and the water is heated by the steam generating unit to generate steam. Such clothing treatment devices include a water level sensor that detects the water level around the steam generating unit, and supplies water when the water level around the steam generating unit falls below a predetermined level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-80943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, since water level sensors are generally pressure sensors, there is a risk of false detection or a decrease in detection accuracy due to water vibration, etc. If the water level sensor false detection or a decrease in detection accuracy occurs, water will not be properly supplied to the steam generating unit, and as a result, the steam generating unit may be exposed from the water, resulting in a so-called dry-fire state and possible damage.

[0005] Therefore, a clothing processing device is provided that can determine whether water should be supplied to the steam generating section by a means other than a water level sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing processing device according to the embodiment includes a storage chamber for storing clothing, a steam generating unit for generating steam to be supplied into the storage chamber, a steam water supply mechanism for supplying water to the steam generating unit, a storage chamber humidity sensor for measuring the humidity inside the storage chamber, an operation control unit capable of performing a steam supply operation to operate the steam generating unit to supply steam to the storage chamber, and a water supply control unit capable of performing a steam water supply process to operate the steam water supply mechanism based on the measurement result of the storage chamber humidity sensor to supply water to the steam generating unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing and drying machine in an embodiment in which a laundry treatment device is applied to the washing and drying machine; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing and drying machine in an embodiment in which a laundry treatment device is applied to the washing and drying machine; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an embodiment in which a laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 4] This shows an embodiment in which the clothes treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer. Table 1 explains the variables in Equation 1 of FIG. 7. Table 2 explains the constants in Equation 2 of FIG. 7. Table 3 explains the air volume D in Equation 3 of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a correlation between the water level in the storage section and the accumulated amount of water used by the steam supply operation in an embodiment in which the laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control executed by a water supply control unit in an embodiment in which a laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer. [Figure 7] This shows an embodiment in which the laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer. Equations 1 and 2 are equations for converting relative humidity to absolute humidity, and Equation 3 is an equation for calculating the cumulative amount from absolute humidity and air volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] A clothing processing device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The clothing processing device 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a device capable of performing a steam supply operation in which steam is applied to clothing. The clothing processing device 10 of this embodiment is an example applied to a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum-type washer-dryer having washing and drying functions. The clothing processing device 10 can also be applied to a vertical-axis type so-called fully automatic washer-dryer. The clothing processing device 10 of this embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine without a drying function, a dryer without a washing function, and a configuration capable of performing a steam supply operation without having both a washing function and a drying function.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a washer / dryer 10, which is an example of a clothing processing device, includes an outer case 11, a door 12, an outer tub 13, a bellows 14, a rotating tub 15, a motor 16, a wash water supply mechanism 17, a drain mechanism 18, and an operation panel 19. In this embodiment, the door 12 side of the outer case 11, i.e., the left side of the paper in Figure 1, is the front side of the clothing processing device 10. The outer case 11 is formed into a rectangular hollow box shape using, for example, a stainless steel plate, and constitutes the outer shell of the clothing processing device 10. The outer case 11 has a clothing entrance / exit 111 at the front portion, which communicates between the inside and outside of the outer case 11.

[0010] The door 12 is provided at the front of the outer box 11 and is configured to be able to open and close the clothing entrance 111. With the door 12 open, a user can put clothes into or take clothes out of the spin tub 15 through the clothing entrance 111.

[0011] The outer tub 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening 131 on the front side. In this embodiment, the outer tub 13 can store water inside, and in this case, functions as a water tank. The outer tub 13 has an exhaust port 132 and an air supply port 133. The exhaust port 132 is provided, for example, in the upper front part of the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical part of the outer tub 13, and is provided at a position separated in the left-right direction from the center of the outer tub 13 in the left-right direction, that is, the top of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 13. The air supply port 133 is provided, for example, in a part of the bottom of the outer tub 13 slightly above the center in the up-down direction of the bottom. The exhaust port 132 and the air supply port 133 communicate the inside and outside of the outer tub 13.

[0012] The bellows 14 is provided around the clothes opening 111 of the outer box 11 and the opening 131 of the outer tub 13. The bellows 14 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical bellows shape, and elastically connects the outer box 11 and the outer tub 13 with the clothes opening 111 and the opening 131 communicating with each other.

[0013] The rotating tub 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom that can accommodate clothes, and is rotatably accommodated inside the outer tub 13. The rotating tub 15 functions as a storage chamber that accommodates clothes. The rotation axis of the rotating tub 15 overlaps with the central axis of the outer tub 13. The rotating tub 15 has a plurality of communication ports 151. The communication ports 151 communicate the inside and outside of the rotating tub 15. The communication ports 151 are formed in the entire area of ​​the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical tubular part of the rotating tub 15 and the bottom part of the rotating tub 15. The communication ports 151 mainly function as water holes through which water enters and exits during the washing operation and the spin-drying operation, and function as ventilation holes through which air enters and exits during the drying operation. In addition, although not shown in detail, the rotating tub 15 is provided with a plurality of baffles on the inside of the cylindrical part. The baffles agitate the clothes accommodated inside the rotating tub 15.

[0014] The motor 16 is provided, for example, on the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 13. The tip side of the shaft 161 of the motor 16 protrudes into the inside of the outer tub 13 and is connected to the rotating tub 15. For example, an outer rotor type direct drive motor can be used as the motor 16. The shaft 161 of the motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer tub 13, protrudes into the inside of the outer tub 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the rotating tub 15. The motor 16 rotates the rotating tub 15 relative to the outer tub 13. In this case, the shaft 161 of the motor 16, the central axis of the outer tub 13, and the rotation axis of the rotating tub 15 are all aligned.

[0015] The wash water supply mechanism 17 is a mechanism for injecting water supplied from an external water source, such as a water tap, into the outer tub 13 as wash water to be used for washing. The wash water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, above the outer tub 13, toward either the left or right side, inside the outer box 11. The wash water supply mechanism 17 includes a water supply valve 171, a water supply case 172, and a water supply hose 173. The water supply valve 171 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, and is connected to an external water source, such as a water tap (not shown).

[0016] The water injection case 172 is configured to be capable of storing laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agent therein. The water injection hose 173 connects the water injection case 172 to the inside of the outer tub 13. The water supply valve 171 opens and closes a water injection path from an external water source through the washing water supply mechanism 17 to the inside of the outer tub 13. When the water supply valve 171 is opened, water from the external water source is injected into the outer tub 13 through the water injection case 172. If a laundry treatment agent is stored in the water injection case 172 at the time of the water injection, the laundry treatment agent in the water injection case 172 is carried by the water flowing through the water injection case 172 and is washed down into the outer tub 13. The washer-dryer 10 does not necessarily have to include the water injection case 172. That is, the washer-dryer 10 may be configured so that the user directly puts the laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13. Furthermore, the washer / dryer 10 may be provided with an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13, together with the water filling case 172 or in place of the water filling case 172.

[0017] The drain mechanism 18 has a function of discharging water stored inside the outer tub 13 to the outside of the washer / dryer 10. The drain mechanism 18 is configured to include a drain valve 181 and a drain pipe 182. The drain valve 181 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid. The drain valve 181 opens and closes a drain path that leads from inside the outer tub 13 to the outside of the machine via the drain mechanism 18.

[0018] Operation panel 19 has a function of accepting operation inputs from the user regarding the settings and operation of washer-dryer 10, and presenting information regarding the settings and operation of washer-dryer 10 to the user by display, audio, etc. Operation panel 19 can be configured, for example, with a touch panel display, or with touch switches, mechanical switches, etc. Operation panel 19 can also be configured by combining a touch panel display with touch switches and mechanical switches, etc. Operation panel 19 is provided, for example, on the front portion of the top surface of outer casing 11.

[0019] The washer / dryer 10 also has a drying function. In this embodiment, the washer / dryer 10 has a circulation air duct 20 and a hot air supply device 30. The circulation air duct 20 connects an exhaust port 132 and an air intake port 133 on the outside of the outer tub 13. The circulation air duct 20 has a function of taking in air from the outer tub 13 into the circulation air duct 20 from the exhaust port 132, turning the air into hot air through the hot air supply device 30, and then supplying the hot air into the outer tub 13 from the air intake port 133.

[0020] The circulation air duct 20 can be configured to include, for example, an exhaust duct 21, a filter device 22, a connection duct 23, a heat exchanger 24, and an air supply duct 25. The exhaust duct 21, the filter device 22, the connection duct 23, the heat exchanger 24, and the air supply duct 25 are arranged in order along the flow of air flowing through the circulation air duct 20.

[0021] The exhaust duct 21 is a duct that connects the exhaust port 132 of the outer tub 13 and the filter device 22. The filter device 22 is provided with a filter (not shown) inside and collects lint and foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the circulating air passage 20. The connection duct 23 is a duct that connects the filter device 22 and the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 is provided on the inside lower part of the outer box 11 and below the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15. The air taken into the circulating air passage 20 from the outer tub 13 is dehumidified and heated as it passes through the heat exchanger 24, becoming dry warm air. The supply air duct 25 is a duct that connects the heat exchanger 24 and the supply air port 133 of the outer tub 13.

[0022] The hot air supplying device 30 has a function of generating hot air for drying the clothes in the rotating tub 15 and supplying the hot air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13. The hot air supplying device 30 can be configured to include, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type heating device. In the present embodiment, the hot air supplying device 30 is configured to include a heat pump type heating device, and has an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 33, and an expansion valve 34.

[0023] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are provided in the heat exchange section 24. The evaporator 31 is provided upstream of the condenser 32 with respect to the air flow in the heat exchange section 24 during drying operation. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with a compressor 33 and an expansion valve 34 provided outside the heat exchange section 24, constitute a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. Air passing through the heat exchange section 24 is cooled by the evaporator 31 and thereby dehumidified. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 31 is then heated by the condenser 32 to become warm air.

[0024] The downstream side of the heat exchanger 24 is connected to the air intake port 133 of the outer tub 13 by the air intake duct 25. The hot air supply device 30 also includes a blower 35. The blower 35 is provided, for example, at the connection between the heat exchanger 24 and the air intake duct 25, and can be composed of, for example, a sirocco fan. The blower 35 sucks air in the heat exchanger 24 and discharges it to the air intake duct 25 side. As a result, the hot air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchanger 24 is supplied from the air intake port 133 to the outer tub 13 and further to the rotating tub 15 by the blowing action of the blower 35.

[0025] Furthermore, when the blower 35 is operated with the compressor 33 stopped, unheated air is supplied into the rotating tub 15, which lowers the temperature inside the rotating tub 15. Therefore, by operating the blower 35 with the compressor 33 stopped, the blower 35 fulfills the function of cooling the temperature inside the rotating tub 15.

[0026] 2, the washer / dryer 10 is equipped with a steam generating unit 41 and a water supply mechanism for steam 42. The steam generating unit 41 can be constituted by a device that receives electric power and generates heat, such as a sheath heater or a cartridge heater. The steam generating unit 41 has a function of heating the water around the steam generating unit 41 to generate steam, and supplying the steam into the rotating tub 15, which is a storage chamber.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the steam generating unit 41 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 13 and below the rotating tank 15. In this case, the distance between the steam generating unit 41 and the rotating tank 15 is small, for example, about 5 mm to 7 mm. The outer tank 13 has a storage unit 134. The storage unit 134 is a part of the bottom of the outer tank 13 and is a part for storing water to be heated by the steam generating unit 41. The storage unit 134 can store water when the drain valve 181 is closed. The storage unit 134 can store water in such a way that the water level is lower than the bottom surface of the rotating tank 15, that is, the water stored in the storage unit 134 does not enter the rotating tank 15. The steam generating unit 41 is disposed in the storage unit 134. The steam generating unit 41 heats the water stored in the storage unit 134 to generate steam.

[0028] The steam water supply mechanism 42 is a mechanism for supplying water supplied from an external water source such as a water line to the steam generating unit 41. The steam water supply mechanism 42 is configured, for example, as a path branched off from the wash water supply mechanism 17. The steam water supply mechanism 42 is configured to include, for example, an electromagnetic valve 421, a water supply path 422, and a water supply port 423.

[0029] The solenoid valve 421 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, similar to the water supply valve 171, and is connected to an external water source (not shown) to supply water supplied from the external water source to the storage unit 134. The solenoid valve 421 is configured to be able to control the amount of water supplied to the storage unit 134, for example, by controlling the operation time or the like. The steam water supply mechanism 42 may also be configured to include, for example, a flow rate sensor or the like on the water supply path 422. This allows the steam water supply mechanism 42 to more precisely measure and control the amount of water supplied to the storage unit 134. The steam water supply mechanism 42 may also be configured to include a water pump or the like capable of controlling the amount of water supplied, instead of the solenoid valve 421.

[0030] The water supply path 422 is formed of, for example, a hose, and connects the solenoid valve 421 and the water supply port 423. As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply port 423 is an outlet of the water supply path 422, is provided near the storage unit 134, and communicates with the inside of the outer tub 13. When the solenoid valve 421 opens, water from an external water source passes through the water supply path 422 and is supplied from the water supply port 423 to the storage unit 134, that is, to the steam generating unit 41.

[0031] 3, the washer / dryer 10 is equipped with an outside air temperature sensor 43, an accommodation room temperature humidity sensor 44, an empty-burn detection sensor 45, a control device 50, an operation control unit 51, and a water supply control unit 52. The outside air temperature sensor 43, the accommodation room temperature humidity sensor 44, and the empty-burn detection sensor 45 are connected to the control device 50. Detection results of the outside air temperature sensor 43, the accommodation room temperature humidity sensor 44, and the empty-burn detection sensor 45 are transmitted to the control device 50.

[0032] The outside air temperature sensor 43 has a function of measuring the outside air temperature, that is, the temperature of the surroundings where the washer / dryer 10 is installed. The outside air temperature sensor 43 is provided, for example, in a location inside the outer box 11 that is not easily affected by the temperatures of the water in the outer tub 13 and the hot air supplying device 30. The outside air temperature sensor 43 measures the temperature of the location that is not easily affected by the temperatures of the water in the outer tub 13 and the hot air supplying device 30 as the outside air temperature.

[0033] The storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 has a function of measuring the temperature and humidity inside the rotating tub 15, which is the storage room. That is, the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 is an integrated temperature sensor and humidity sensor, and has a function as a storage room temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the rotating tub 15 and a function as a storage room humidity sensor that measures the humidity inside the rotating tub 15. In this case, the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 functions as a humidity sensor to measure the relative humidity φ around the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44, and functions as a temperature sensor to measure the temperature Tx around the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44, and outputs the measured relative humidity φ and measured temperature Tx to the control device 50.

[0034] Then, the control device 50 receives the acquired relative humidity φ and measured temperature Tx, and applies them to formulas 1 and 2 in FIG. 7 to calculate absolute humidity H. The variables and constants in formulas 1 and 2 are as shown in Tables 1 and 2 in FIG. 4. The temperature T used in formulas 1 and 2 is determined based on the measured temperature Tx. For example, if no correction is made to the measured temperature Tx, T=Tx. The storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 may itself calculate the absolute humidity H from the relative humidity φ and measured temperature Tx. The storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 may also be capable of measuring the absolute humidity H directly.

[0035] 1 and 2, the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 is provided in the circulation air duct 20 downstream of the filter device 22 and upstream of the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32. That is, the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 is provided in the circulation air duct 20 between the filter device 22 and the condenser 32. The storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 measures the temperature and humidity of the air taken into the circulation air duct 20, thereby measuring the temperature and humidity inside the rotating tub 15.

[0036] Dry-heating detection sensor 45 has a function of detecting dry-heating of steam generating unit 41, that is, detecting an overheated state caused by operation in a state where there is no water around steam generating unit 41. Dry-heating detection sensor 45 is composed of, for example, a temperature sensor, and is provided in steam generating unit 41 itself or around steam generating unit 41. In the case of this embodiment, dry-heating sensor 45 is provided, for example, on the back side of the bottom surface of storage unit 134.

[0037] 3, the control device 50 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 501 and a storage area 502 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory. The control device 50 has a function of managing the operation of the entire washer / dryer 10. In this case, the motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the operation panel 19, the compressor 33, the blower 35, the steam generating section 41, and the solenoid valve 421 are electrically connected to the control device 50 and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the memory area 502 of the control device 50 stores, for example, programs for realizing the operation control unit 51 and the water supply control unit 52. The control device 50 virtually realizes the operation control unit 51 and the water supply control unit 52 by executing the above programs stored in the memory area 502 in the CPU 501. Note that the operation control unit 51 and the water supply control unit 52 may be realized in hardware as an integrated circuit integrated with the control device 50.

[0039] The operation control unit 51 can execute a washing operation, a drying operation, a washing and drying operation, and a steam supply operation as necessary by operating the motor 16, the water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the compressor 33, the blower 35, and the steam generating unit 41. The user can select and execute a desired operation from among the washing operation, the drying operation, the washing and drying operation, and the steam supply operation, for example, by operating the operation panel 19.

[0040] The washing operation is an operation for washing clothes, and is an operation for storing water in the outer tub 13 and washing the clothes in the spin tub 15. The drying operation is an operation for drying clothes, and is an operation for supplying hot air into the outer tub 13 to dry the clothes in the spin tub 15. The washing and drying operation is an operation for sequentially performing the washing operation and the drying operation. And the steam supply operation is an operation for operating the steam generating section 41 continuously or intermittently to supply steam into the spin tub 15 and apply the steam to the clothes in the spin tub 15.

[0041] In the steam supply operation, the operation control unit 51 operates the steam generating unit 41 to generate steam and also operates the blower 35. This generates circulating air that circulates between the rotating tub 15 and the circulating air passage 20. The water vapor generated by the steam generating unit 41 flows into the rotating tub 15 on the circulating air. Furthermore, in the steam supply operation, the operation control unit 51 may rotate the rotating tub 15. This agitates the clothes in the rotating tub 15 so that the clothes are exposed to the water vapor.

[0042] The water supply control unit 52 is capable of executing a water supply process for steam. The water supply process for steam includes a process of adding water for steam during steam supply operation. The water supply process for steam includes a process of opening the solenoid valve 421 of the water supply mechanism for steam 42 based on the humidity measured by the room temperature humidity sensor 44 to supply water to the steam generating unit 41. The water supply control unit 52 determines the timing of executing the water supply process for steam based on the humidity measured by the room temperature humidity sensor 44.

[0043] The water supply control unit 52 executes the water supply process for steam when the generation of water vapor is not detected even after the steam supply operation is started. That is, when the room temperature humidity sensor 44 does not measure an increase in relative humidity even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the steam supply operation was started, it can be determined that water vapor is not being generated even though the steam generating unit 41 is operating. In this case, there is a high possibility that dry heating is occurring in the steam generating unit 41. Therefore, when the room temperature humidity sensor 44 does not measure an increase in relative humidity even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the steam supply operation was started, the water supply control unit 52 determines that dry heating is occurring in the steam generating unit 41 and executes the water supply process for steam.

[0044] Furthermore, when the water supply control unit 52 detects that a predetermined amount of water vapor is generated by the steam supply operation, it executes the water supply process for steam. Specifically, the water supply control unit 52 detects the generation of water vapor as follows. The water supply control unit 52 measures the relative humidity φ and the measured temperature Tx by the room temperature humidity sensor 44 before or immediately after the steam supply operation is performed, and calculates the absolute humidity from the measured values. The water supply control unit 52 records the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation as the initial humidity H0. When the steam supply operation is started, the water supply control unit 52 measures the relative humidity φ and the measured temperature Tx during the steam supply operation at regular intervals, and calculates the current humidity H. Then, the water supply control unit 52 calculates the cumulative amount W of humidity increased by the steam supply operation by multiplying the difference obtained by subtracting the initial humidity H0 from the current humidity H, which is integrated over the elapsed time t, by the air volume D based on the formula 3 in FIG. 7.

[0045] In Equation 3, the elapsed time t is the elapsed time from the start of the steam supply operation. The initial humidity H0 is the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, that is, the absolute humidity in a state where no humidity change occurs due to the steam supply operation. The current humidity H is the absolute humidity at the time when the elapsed time t has elapsed from the start of the steam supply operation, that is, the absolute humidity at the time when the execution timing of the steam supply water process is determined. And, the air volume D is a constant indicating the air volume per unit time flowing through the circulation air duct 20. As shown in Table 3 of FIG. 4, the air volume D is set according to the rotation speed of the blower 35. The relationship between the rotation speed of the blower 35 and the air volume D is appropriately set according to the capacity of the blower 35, the cross-sectional area of ​​the circulation air duct 20, and the like.

[0046] The water supply control unit 52 estimates the accumulated amount W calculated by Equation 3 as the amount of water vapor supplied by the steam supply operation. That is, the accumulated amount W is estimated to be the amount of water used by the steam supply operation, i.e., the amount of water removed from the storage unit 134. Here, the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 134 and the accumulated amount W of water used by the steam supply operation have a certain correlation, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the more the accumulated amount W of water used by the steam supply operation increases, the lower the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 134 becomes. Note that the correlation between the water level of the water stored in the storage unit 134 and the accumulated amount W of water used by the steam supply operation differs depending on the shape of the storage unit 134, etc.

[0047] 5, when the accumulated amount W reaches a determination water amount Wm, the water supply control unit 52 determines that water supply to the steam generating unit 41 is necessary, and executes the steam water supply process. In this case, the determination water amount Wm is a value that is set in advance before the steam supply operation is executed, and is a threshold value for determining whether or not the steam water supply process needs to be executed. The determination water amount Wm can be set, for example, as follows.

[0048] That is, if the water level when the storage section 134 is full is the maximum water level F1, the water level at which the steam generating section 41 is exposed from the water surface is the exposed water level F2, and the difference in water volume between the maximum water level F1 and the exposed water level F2 is the exposed water volume Wx, the judgment water volume Wm can be set to be equal to or less than the exposed water volume Wx. When the water level in the storage section 134 is the maximum water level F1, the entire steam generating section 41 is submerged in water. In this case, the maximum water level F1 is set to be several mm higher than the top surface of the steam generating section 41.

[0049] Here, the water supply control unit 52 calculates the accumulated amount W based on the measurement result of the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 provided in the circulation air duct 20, but there is a concern that the environmental temperature in which the washer-dryer 10 is installed, that is, the outside air temperature, may affect the temperature inside the circulation air duct 20. Specifically, if the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 is provided on the outer surface of the circulation air duct 20, for example, the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 is easily affected by the outside air temperature. For example, if the outside air temperature is low, the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 may be affected by the low temperature outside air and measure a temperature lower than the actual temperature inside the circulation air duct 20.

[0050] Therefore, the water supply control unit 52 can further execute a correction process to correct the influence of the outside air temperature. The correction process is a process in which, based on the measurement result of the outside air temperature sensor 43, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the temperature T in the formula 2 in FIG. 7 used in calculating the accumulated amount W is corrected so as to be higher than the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 43. For example, assuming that the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 43 is the measured temperature Tx, the water supply control unit 52 does not correct the temperature T=Tx when the outside air temperature exceeds 15°C, and adds the corrected temperature to the measured temperature Tx to obtain T=Tx+1°C when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than 15°C, and calculates the accumulated amount W using the temperature T. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the outside air temperature as much as possible, and to estimate the accumulated amount W more accurately.

[0051] The feedwater control unit 52 can also execute a feedwater amount setting process. The feedwater amount setting process includes a process for setting the feedwater amount in the steam feedwater process. That is, the accumulated amount W is estimated to be the amount of water used by the steam supply operation, i.e., the amount of water removed from the storage unit 134. Therefore, the feedwater control unit 52 sets the calculated accumulated amount W as the feedwater amount in the steam feedwater process. As a result, by executing the steam feedwater process, the same amount of water as the amount used in the steam supply operation is added to the storage unit 134.

[0052] Next, a control flow executed by the water supply control unit 52 during the steam supply operation will be described with reference to Fig. 6. When the operation control unit 51 starts the steam supply operation, for example, with the water supply valve 171 and the drain valve 181 closed, the operation control unit 51 operates the blower 35 to generate circulating air and also operates the motor 16 to rotate the rotating tub 15. Then, the operation control unit 51 applies electricity to the steam generation unit 41, thereby generating steam.

[0053] In addition, when the operation control unit 51 starts the steam supply operation, the water supply control unit 52 periodically acquires the measurement results of the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 and the dry-burn detection sensor 45. The operation control unit 51 does not need to stop the motor 16 or the blower 35 when acquiring the temperature and humidity using the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44. That is, the water supply control unit 52 acquires the temperature and humidity using the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 while circulating air is being generated and the rotating tub 15 is rotating, that is, without stopping the steam supply operation. In addition, when correcting the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 in accordance with the outside air temperature, the water supply control unit 52 also periodically acquires the measurement results of the outside air temperature sensor 43.

[0054] The steam supply operation is performed, for example, by opening the drain valve 181 and allowing water to be stored in the storage unit 134, and then closing the drain valve 181 to allow water to be stored in the storage unit 134. When the water supply control unit 52 starts the steam supply operation, the water supply control unit 52 executes an initial water supply process in step S11. The initial water supply process is a water supply process that is executed immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, and is a process of opening the solenoid valve 421 of the steam water supply mechanism 42 to supply water to the empty storage unit 134. In this initial water supply process, the water supply control unit 52 supplies water up to, for example, the maximum water level F1. Next, in step S12, the operation control unit 51 operates the blower 35, the motor 16, and the steam generating unit 41, thereby starting the supply of steam into the rotating tub 15.

[0055] Next, in step S13, water supply control unit 52 determines whether or not dry-heating of steam generating unit 41 has been detected, based on the measurement results of storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 and dry-heating detection sensor 45. When dry-heating detection sensor 45 detects abnormal heat generation of steam generating unit 41, water supply control unit 52 determines that dry-heating of steam generating unit 41 has occurred (YES in step S13).

[0056] Furthermore, if no increase in relative humidity is measured by the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the steam supply operation, the water supply control unit 52 determines that dry-boiling has occurred in the steam generating unit 41 (YES in step S13). Then, when the water supply control unit 52 determines that dry-boiling has occurred in the steam generating unit 41, it shifts the process to step S14 and stops the operation of the steam generating unit 41, that is, stops the supply of electricity to the steam generating unit 41. Thereafter, the water supply control unit 52 shifts the process to step S17.

[0057] On the other hand, if the water supply control unit 52 does not detect dry heating of the steam generating unit 41 (NO in step S13), it shifts the process to step S15. Then, the water supply control unit 52 calculates the accumulated amount W of water vapor generated up to the present by the steam supply operation based on the measured temperature Tx and relative humidity φ acquired from the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44. Thereafter, in step S16, as shown in Fig. 5, the water supply control unit 52 determines whether or not water needs to be supplied to the steam generating unit 41, i.e., whether or not steam water supply processing needs to be performed, based on the calculated accumulated amount W.

[0058] If it is determined that execution of the steam feedwater process is not yet necessary (NO in step S16), the feedwater control unit 52 shifts the process to step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution of the steam feedwater process is necessary (YES in step S16), the feedwater control unit 52 shifts the process to step S17. In step S17, the feedwater control unit 52 executes a feedwater amount setting process to set the amount of feedwater to the steam generation unit 41.

[0059] For example, when dry-heating is detected in step S13 (YES in step S13), the water supply control unit 52 can set the water supply amount to a maximum value, and when dry-heating is not detected in step S13 (NO in step S13), the water supply control unit 52 can set the water supply amount to the accumulated amount W. Thereafter, the water supply control unit 52 executes steam water supply processing in step S18, and operates the solenoid valve 421 to supply the amount of water set in step S17 to the steam generation unit 41.

[0060] Here, when performing the steam water supply process, the operation control unit 51 does not need to stop the motor 16 or the blower 35. That is, the water supply control unit 52 can supply water to the steam generating unit 41 while circulating air is being generated and the rotating tub 15 is rotating, that is, without stopping the steam supply operation. In this case, the water supply control unit 52 may be configured to stop the supply of electricity to the steam generating unit 41, that is, to stop the operation of the steam generating unit 41, when supplying water to the steam generating unit 41, but may also be configured to supply water to the steam generating unit 41 while continuing the operation of the steam generating unit 41.

[0061] Then, the water supply control unit 52 shifts the process to step S19 and determines whether or not to end the steam supply operation. The water supply control unit 52 determines to end the steam supply operation when, for example, the steam supply operation has been performed for a preset time. If the water supply control unit 52 determines to continue the steam supply operation (NO in step S19), the water supply control unit 52 returns the process to step S13 and repeats the processes from step S13 onwards. On the other hand, if the water supply control unit 52 determines to end the steam supply operation (YES in step S19), the water supply control unit 52 shifts the process to step S20 and stops the steam generating unit 41, the blower 35, and the motor 16 to end the steam supply operation (end of operation).

[0062] According to the embodiment described above, the clothing processing device 10 includes the rotating tub 15, the steam generating unit 41, the steam water supply mechanism 42, the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44, the operation control unit 51, and the water supply control unit 52. The rotating tub 15 functions as a storage chamber for storing clothing. The steam generating unit 41 generates water vapor to be supplied to the rotating tub 15. The steam water supply mechanism 42 supplies water to the steam generating unit 41. The storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 functions as a storage room humidity sensor when it measures the humidity in the rotating tub 15. The operation control unit 51 can operate the steam generating unit 41 to perform a steam supply operation for supplying steam to the rotating tub 15. The water supply control unit 52 can perform a steam water supply process for supplying water to the steam generating unit 41 by operating the solenoid valve 421 of the steam water supply mechanism 42 based on the measurement result of the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44.

[0063] According to this, the water supply control unit 52 determines whether to supply water to the steam generating unit 41 based on the measurement results of the room temperature humidity sensor 44 that measures the humidity inside the rotating tub 15, rather than on the water level sensor. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection and deterioration of detection accuracy due to vibration of the water, etc., and to supply an appropriate amount of water to the steam generating unit 41 before dry-boiling occurs in the steam generating unit 41. This prevents the steam generating unit 41 from being exposed to water, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of the steam generating unit 41 being damaged due to a so-called dry-boiling state.

[0064] The water supply control unit 52 executes the water supply process for steam based on the humidity measured by the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44. In this case, the water supply control unit 52 first calculates an initial humidity H0, which is the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, and a current humidity H, which is the absolute humidity at the present time. The water supply control unit 52 then executes the water supply process for steam when an accumulated amount W calculated by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the initial humidity H0 from the current humidity H and integrating the result over an elapsed time t since the start of the steam supply operation by the amount of air D passing around the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 per unit time reaches a preset determination water amount Wm.

[0065] According to this, water can be supplied to the steam generating unit 41 at an appropriate timing without using a water level sensor. As a result, dry heating of the steam generating unit 41 can be more reliably prevented.

[0066] The water supply control unit 52 can further execute a water supply amount setting process. The water supply amount setting process is a process for setting the water supply amount in the steam water supply process based on the humidity measured by the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44. The water supply amount setting process includes a process for calculating an initial humidity H0, which is the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, and a current humidity H, which is the absolute humidity at the present time. The water supply amount setting process sets the water supply amount in the steam water supply process to an accumulated amount W calculated by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the initial humidity H0 from the current humidity H and integrating the result over an elapsed time t since the start of the steam supply operation by the air volume D passing around the storage room temperature humidity sensor 44 per unit time.

[0067] The accumulated amount W can be estimated as the amount of water consumed by the steam supply operation, that is, the amount of water stored in the storage section 134 that is converted into steam by the steam supply operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately add water equivalent to the amount of water consumed by the steam supply operation. This makes it possible to prevent water overflowing from the storage section 134 due to too much water being added and entering the rotating tub 15, wetting the clothes in the rotating tub 15, and conversely, to prevent steam generating section 41 from running dry due to too little water being added. As a result, the safety of the steam supply operation can be improved.

[0068] The water supply control unit 52 executes the steam water supply process when no increase in relative humidity φ is measured by the room temperature humidity sensor 44 even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the steam supply operation. This makes it possible to prevent the steam generating unit 41 from continuing in the dry-boil state even if a malfunction occurs in the dry-boil detection sensor 45, for example, and as a result, to suppress damage to the steam generating unit 41, etc. due to dry-boil.

[0069] Here, when the rotating tub 15 rotates, the water level in the storage section 134 fluctuates due to vibration of the rotating tub 15. For this reason, it is difficult for a water pressure sensor to accurately measure the water level in the storage section 134 while the rotating tub 15 is rotating. For this reason, in a configuration in which the timing to execute the steam water supply process is determined by a water level sensor, it is necessary to stop the rotation of the rotating tub 15 when measuring the water level in the storage section 134, in other words, to temporarily halt the steam supply operation, and allow the water level in the storage section 134 to settle.

[0070] In contrast, in this embodiment, since the timing to execute the steam water supply process is determined using the storage room temperature and humidity sensor 44 instead of a water level sensor, there is no need to temporarily stop the steam supply operation. That is, in this embodiment, the water supply control unit 52 can execute the process of determining whether or not to execute the steam water supply process and the steam water supply process while the rotating tub 15 is rotating, that is, while the steam supply operation is continuing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the steam supply operation time from being extended due to the process of determining whether or not to execute the steam water supply process and the execution of the steam water supply process.

[0071] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10... Clothes treatment device, 15... Rotating tub (storage chamber), 41... Steam generating unit, 42... Steam water supply mechanism, 51... Operation control unit, 52... Water supply control unit

Claims

1. a storage compartment for storing clothing; A steam generating unit that generates steam to be supplied into the storage chamber; a steam water supply mechanism that supplies water to the steam generating unit; a chamber humidity sensor for measuring the humidity in the chamber; an operation control unit capable of executing a steam supply operation for operating the steam generating unit to supply steam to the storage chamber; a water supply control unit capable of executing a steam water supply process for supplying water to the steam generating unit by operating the steam water supply mechanism based on a measurement result of the accommodation chamber humidity sensor; A clothing treatment device comprising:

2. the water supply control unit calculates an initial humidity, which is the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, and a current humidity, which is the absolute humidity at the current time, based on the humidity measured by the storage chamber humidity sensor, and executes the steam water supply process when an accumulated amount calculated by subtracting the initial humidity from the current humidity, integrating the result over the elapsed time since the start of the steam supply operation, and multiplying the result by the air volume passing around the storage chamber humidity per unit time reaches a preset value. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. The water supply control unit is further capable of executing a water supply amount setting process for calculating an initial humidity, which is the absolute humidity before or immediately after the start of the steam supply operation, and a current humidity, which is the absolute humidity at the current time, based on the humidity measured by the storage chamber humidity sensor, and setting the water supply amount in the steam supply water process to an accumulated amount calculated by multiplying a value obtained by subtracting the initial humidity from the current humidity and integrating the result over the elapsed time since the start of the steam supply operation by the amount of air passing around the storage chamber humidity per unit time. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

4. The water supply control unit executes the water supply process for steam when an increase in relative humidity is not measured by the storage chamber humidity sensor even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the steam supply operation was started. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

5. The storage chamber is constituted by a rotatable rotary tank, The steam supply operation includes a process of rotating the rotating tank, The water supply control unit is capable of executing the steam water supply process in a state in which the rotating tub is rotating during the steam supply operation. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

Images