Dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer which can restore a water-repellent property of clothing.SOLUTION: A dryer includes: an outer tub; a drum provided in the outer tub and for storing a course object; heating means for heating the air in the outer tub; a circulation flow passage for connecting the heating means and the outer tub; a blower part provided in the circulation flow passage; and a control part. The blower part has a fan. The control part actuates the heating means and the fan, and can execute a drying course for drying the course object and a water-repellent property restoration course for restoring the water-repellent property of the course object. The rotational frequency of the fan in the water-repellent property restoration course is lower than the rotational frequency of the fan in the drying course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dryers. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drum type washer-dryer that performs a drying operation with 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-60991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the washer-dryer described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest how to restore the water repellency of clothes.

[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 according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outer tub, a drum disposed within the outer tub for containing course objects, a drum motor for rotating the drum, a heating means for heating air in the outer tub, an air flow path connecting the heating means to the outer tub, a blower for blowing air into the air flow path, a temperature detection means, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a water-repellent restoration course for restoring the water-repellent properties of the course objects in a dry state, and during the water-repellent restoration course, with the course objects contained within the drum, the control unit operates the heating means and the blower so that the temperature of the course objects or the air within the drum reaches a target temperature, and operates the drum motor so that the drum rotates intermittently at regular intervals. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a dryer capable of restoring the water repellency of an object to be dried can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of a dryer according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer [Figure 3] FIG. 1 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 channel [Figure 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] Graph showing the relationship between the time the target temperature is maintained and the difference in water repellency grade [Figure 8A] Graph showing the relationship between initial temperature and operating time to reach the target temperature [Figure 8B]Table showing the relationship between initial temperature and operating 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] Water-repellent recovery course flowchart [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 INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) A dryer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The housing 2 is a member that forms the exterior 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 are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

[0014] The outer tub 3 is a generally cylindrical member provided inside the housing 2 and functions to store wash water, and has a bottom 36 and a tub 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. The axis passing through the center of the bottom of the outer tub 3 is defined as the rotation axis V0. The outer tub 3 is positioned at an angle such that the rotation axis V0 is at an angle with respect to the horizontal.

[0015] The drum 4 is a generally cylindrical member rotatable around the rotation axis V0 inside the outer tub 3, and has a bottom 42 and a tubular portion 44. Clothes, or other items to be included in the course run by the dryer 1, are accommodated inside the drum 4. The drum 4 may also be referred to as an inner tub or a storage tub. A number of through-holes 40 are formed in the drum 4, and the through-holes 40 connect the drum 4 to the outer tub 3. The drum 4 has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 in the housing 2 and the opening 31 in the outer tub 3. When the user opens the door 21, they can place clothes, or other items to be included in the course, into the drum 4 through the openings 20, 31, and 41.

[0016] The driving unit 5 is a member that drives the drum 4 to rotate around the rotation axis V0. The driving unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the drum 4.

[0017] The heat pump unit 6 is a device that enables dehumidification and heating of air flowing from the outer tank 3 through the circulation flow path 8. The heat pump unit 6 is provided above the outer tank 3. The heat pump unit 6 has, for example, a heating heat exchanger, a dehumidifying heat exchanger, a compressor, a throttling mechanism, and refrigerant piping.

[0018] The circulation flow path 8 is provided inside the housing 2, connects the outer tub 3 and the heat pump unit 6, and circulates air between the outer tub 3 and the heat pump unit 6. Specifically, an intake port 81 of the circulation flow path 8 is connected to an opening 33 provided in the tubular portion 37 of the outer tub 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 tub 3.

[0019] 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 air blowing unit that generates an air flow.

[0020] 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 to dry the clothes stored in the drum 4. Furthermore, the drying mechanism is used in a water-repellent recovery course, which is an example of a heating course to heat the clothes stored in the drum 4 to a predetermined target temperature th.

[0021] 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-repellent 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 to restore the water-repellent properties of the clothes. Note that the water-repellent recovery course of this embodiment is intended for dry clothes, so the air temperature inside the drum can be considered to be approximately the same as the surface temperature of the clothes. The water-repellent 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.

[0022] 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 maintained 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.

[0023] Examples of clothing that can be treated with 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 treated with the water-repellent recovery course also includes clothing that has been sprayed with a water-repellent spray.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The drain valve 11 is a valve that can be opened and closed, and when opened, the 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.

[0026] 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 located, for example, in the circulation flow path 8, which will be described later. Specifically, the temperature detection means 15 measures the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4 before the water repellency recovery course is executed.

[0027] The control unit 16 is a controller that controls the dryer 1. The control unit 16 controls the components of the dryer 1, such as the drive unit 5, the heat pump unit 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, an MPU, an FPGA, a DSP, or an ASIC that executes a program to realize predetermined functions. The control unit 16 can realize various controls of 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 predetermined functions through cooperation between hardware and software, and may be a hardware circuit designed specifically to realize the predetermined functions.

[0028] The memory 16a is a recording medium that records various information and control programs, and may also be a memory that functions as a work area for the control unit 16. The memory 16a is realized by, for example, a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Device), a hard disk, a RAM, other storage devices, or an appropriate combination of these.

[0029] The memory 16a stores information related to the operation time of the water-repellent recovery course in advance. Specifically, the memory 16a stores in advance the operation time of the heat pump unit 6 in the water-repellent recovery course, corresponding to the initial temperature t0 before the water-repellent recovery course is executed. The operation time will be described later.

[0030] Operation unit 17 is a part of dryer 1 that is operated by the user. The user inputs the course and the course conditions to be executed by dryer 1 via operation unit 17. Control unit 16 controls dryer 1 in accordance with 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 more buttons.

[0031] 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 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 part of the circulation flow path 8. Fig. 4B is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing from the circulation flow path 8 into the drum 4, and is a schematic diagram of the outer tank 3, the drum 4, and part of the circulation flow path 8.

[0032] 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 the air passes through the mesh portions 54, it is deflected to the outside K2 (from the rotation axis V0 toward the cylindrical portion 44) as indicated by the flow direction A0.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4B, the mesh portion 54 has, at a position opposite the opening 34, a flat portion 54B extending in the width direction K perpendicular to the rotation axis V0 toward the outer side K2, and an inclined portion 54C inclined toward the front side M1.

[0034] Air passing through the opening 34 passes through the through-holes 40 between the flat portion 54B and the inclined portion 54C and enters the drum 4. The air velocity increases as it passes through the through-holes 40, and then gradually decreases as it moves further away from the through-holes 40. Here, we focus on the air along line VI-VI, which extends 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 decreases toward the outer side K2, shortening the distance traveled by the air after passing through the through-holes 40. Therefore, along line VI-VI, the air maintains its high velocity after passing through the through-holes 40 toward the outer side K2. In other words, the air velocity increases toward the outer side K2. This generates negative pressure toward the outer side K2, which pulls the air toward the outer side K2 and deflects it toward the cylindrical portion 44 of the drum 4.

[0035] The air deflected toward the tubular portion 44 makes it easier for the air to hit the clothes placed along the tubular portion 44. Furthermore, if the deflected air is heated air, it makes it easier to warm the clothes.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a dryer containing clothes.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 5, before the water-repellent restoration course is performed, the user places the object to be treated in a predetermined manner inside the drum 4. By placing the object in the predetermined manner, the object is heated appropriately during the water-repellent restoration course. The predetermined manner is, for example, placing the object in an unfolded state so that it extends in the left-right direction inside the drum 4.

[0038] Next, recovery of water repellency by heating will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 8B. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing the surface of a garment with water repellency. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing the surface of a garment with reduced water repellency. Figure 7A shows the relationship between recovery of water repellency and the heating temperature tc of the garment. Figure 7B is a graph showing the relationship between the time the target temperature th is maintained and the difference in water repellency grade. Figure 8A is a graph showing the relationship between the initial temperature t0 inside the drum 4 and the heating time Q of the heat pump unit 6 required to reach the target temperature th. Figure 8B is a table showing the relationship between the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4 and the operating time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course.

[0039] 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, making it difficult for the water droplets W1 to penetrate the garment 19. Therefore, the garment 19 is water-repellent. Examples of the water-repellent groups B1 include fluorine-based and hydrocarbon-based groups. Fluorine-based water-repellent groups are made from compounds containing perfluoroalkyl groups, for example. Hydrocarbon-based water-repellent groups are made from compounds containing stearylamine, hexadecylamine, tetradecylamine, or dodecylamine, for example. However, water-repellent groups other than those listed above may be provided on the surface of the garment 19.

[0040] 6B, the aligned water-repellent groups B1 become disordered as the garment 19 is used. When the water-repellent groups B1 collapse, they become less able to repel water droplets W1, which makes it easier for the water droplets W1 to penetrate the garment 19. This reduces the water-repellent properties of the garment 19.

[0041] By heating garment 19, it is possible to return it from the state shown in FIG. 6B to the state shown in FIG. 6A, thereby restoring the water repellency of garment 19. Specifically, restoring 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. Restoring water repellency includes, for example, restoring the water repellency of a garment from a non-water repellent state to a water repellent state, or improving the water repellency of a garment from a state where the water repellency of the garment has decreased.

[0042] Therefore, the inventors investigated heating conditions to restore the water repellency of clothing. First, to examine the effect of heating temperature tc, the inventors conducted a heating test in which dry clothing was heated to different temperatures. Heating temperature tc is the highest clothing temperature achieved during a cycle when operated under these conditions. Specifically, using dryer 1, the ambient temperature was set to 5°C to 10°C, drum 4 was stopped or rotated forward, the heat pump unit 6 was operated under the same output conditions as in normal drying operation, and the fan 9 rotation speed was set lower than in normal drying operation. The water repellency rating difference (0, 1, 2, 3), which is the difference between the water repellency rating before heating and the water repellency rating after heating, was measured. The results are shown in Figure 7A.

[0043] The inventors discovered that the restoration of the water repellency of clothing depends on the heating temperature tc, as shown in FIG. 7A. Furthermore, the maximum heating temperature tc at which the water repellency rating did not change was 42.5°C. In other words, heating clothing to a temperature higher than 42.5°C resulted in a difference of one or more grades in the water repellency rating. However, depending on the condition of the dryer or the clothing, such as a clogged filter in the dryer or the thickness of the clothing stored in the drum 4, it may be difficult to raise the surface temperature of the clothing. Therefore, taking into account the error, heating the clothing to 45°C or higher can increase the water repellency rating and restore the water repellency of the clothing. Therefore, the target temperature th of the clothing in the water repellency restoration course is set to 45°C.

[0044] The inventors also investigated the effect of heating time and compared it with the effect of heating temperature tc. To this end, the inventors placed garments in environments of 40°C and 45°C and heated them while maintaining each temperature. As shown in Figure 7B, heating garments at 45°C resulted in a greater difference in water repellency rating than heating garments at 40°C for a long period of time. Therefore, the heating temperature tc has a greater effect on the recovery of the garment's water repellency than the heating time. However, maintaining a temperature of 45°C or higher for a certain period of time can further improve water repellency.

[0045] 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 for which 45°C is maintained.

[0046] The target temperature th may be 45°C or higher. In this case, the water-repellent performance of clothing and the like can be further improved. On the other hand, by setting the target temperature th between 45°C and 60°C, damage to the clothing caused by heating can be suppressed. For example, by setting the target temperature th to 60°C or lower, the surface temperature of the clothing 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 on clothing can be suppressed, shrinkage of chemical fibers that are sensitive to heat and the interaction between heat and mechanical forces can be suppressed, and peeling of thermocompression-bonded prints and fabrics can be suppressed.

[0047] In this embodiment, a heat pump unit 6 is used as the heating unit, and the target temperature th is set to 60° C. or less due to the characteristics of the heat pump unit. In the case of a unit capable of heating to 60° C. or more, it is advisable to control the temperature of the heating unit so that the temperature remains at 60° C. or less.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 8A, the heating time Q required by the heat pump unit 6 to heat the drum 4 to a temperature equal to or higher than the target temperature th varies depending on the temperature information related to the installation environment of the dryer 1 before heating. Specifically, if 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 unit 6 to reach the target temperature th becomes longer.

[0050] The control unit 16 controls the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water-repellency recovery course so that the target temperature th is achieved. As shown in Fig. 8B, the memory 16a of the control unit 16 pre-stores 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.

[0051] 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 unit 6 was operated to heat the air, and the temperatures reached by the placed clothes at multiple points were measured.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In Figure 9A, the results of the above test are plotted as circles representing the average temperatures achieved at multiple locations, and as horizontal lines representing the highest and lowest temperatures achieved. In other words, the distance between the upper and lower horizontal lines represents the range of variation in the temperatures achieved by the clothing at multiple locations.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, when the fan 9 rotation speed was set to 4100 r / min, the clothing temperature reached an average of 51.8°C, with a maximum of 54.5°C and a minimum of 48.0°C. The temperature range was approximately 3°C higher and approximately 4°C lower than the average. On the other hand, when the fan 9 rotation speed was set to 4300 r / min, the clothing temperature reached an average of 50.4°C, with a maximum of 54.5°C and a minimum of 40.5°C. The temperature range was approximately 4°C higher and approximately 10°C lower than the average. This test revealed that increasing the fan 9 rotation speed significantly reduces the air temperature inside the drum 4, potentially resulting in the air temperature falling below the desired lower limit. This is because increasing the fan 9 rotation speed promotes air circulation inside the drum 4. In other words, during the water-repellent recovery cycle, reducing the fan 9 rotation speed suppresses air circulation inside the drum 4, thereby promoting the rise in air temperature.

[0055] [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 flowchart of the water repellency recovery course.

[0056] In the water-repellent recovery course, the laundry is heated to a target temperature (th) of 45°C or higher and 60°C or lower, without performing the washing or rinsing steps.

[0057] Dry clothes contain less moisture than wet clothes, so their heat capacity is smaller and it takes less energy to heat them up to the target temperature th. Therefore, dry clothes make it easier to reach the target temperature th.

[0058] The water-repellent recovery course starts 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 into the drum 4 and input information about the clothes.

[0059] 10, first, the control unit 16 acquires the 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.

[0060] Next, control unit 16 acquires information about the clothes contained in drum 4 (S11). Control unit 16 acquires the desired clothing finish information entered by the user into 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.

[0061] 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 finish information of the clothes 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.

[0062] When the clothing finish information is acquired in step S11, if the clothing finish information is "strong," the control unit 16 may lengthen the operation time P1. If the clothing finish information is "weak," the control unit 16 may shorten the operation time P1.

[0063] Next, the control unit 16 turns on the fan 9 to rotate (S13), and turns on the heat pump unit 6 (S14). By these operations, heated air is circulated in the circulation flow path 8 and the drum 4.

[0064] In the normal drying course, dry air is sent into the drum 4 to evaporate moisture from the clothes, and the moist air is then expelled from the drum 4 to circulate the air, requiring a certain rotation speed of the fan 9. On the other hand, in the water-repellency restoration course, it is preferable to suppress the circulation of air inside the drum 4 as much as possible to promote an increase in the air temperature. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency restoration course of this embodiment (e.g., 4100 r / min) is significantly lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in a normal drying course for drying clothes (e.g., 6000 r / min), and is also lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in a drying course with a reduced airflow for drying clothes, such as a soft drying course (e.g., 4300 r / min). The rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellency restoration course of this embodiment may be, for example, the lowest rotation speed (e.g., 4100 r / min) of the drying courses installed in the dryer. The drying course with the lowest rotation speed may be, for example, a night course in which the rotation speed of the fan 9 is reduced 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 is changed in the normal drying course, the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellent 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 reduces the power consumption required for the water-repellent recovery course. Note that the rotation speed of the fan 9 may be the same as the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the normal drying course.

[0065] In a dryer equipped with a heater, the air temperature is more likely to rise due to the suppression of air circulation inside the drum. Therefore, a configuration in which the fan rotation speed during the water repellency recovery course is lower than the fan rotation speed during the normal rotation course is more suitable for use in a dryer equipped with a heater.

[0066] Furthermore, heating by the heat pump unit 6 makes it easy to maintain the air temperature at, for example, 60°C or below. 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 reduces damage to clothing caused by overheated air.

[0067] In the first embodiment, during the water-repellency recovery cycle, the control unit 16 turns off the drive unit 5, stopping the drum 4. Alternatively, the control unit 16 may turn on the drive unit 5 to rotate the drum 4. In this case, the drive unit 5 is turned on so that the stop time of the drum 4 during the water-repellency recovery cycle is longer than the rotation time of the drum 4. This prevents the rotation of the drum 4 from exerting mechanical force on the clothes inside the drum 4, thereby preventing the water-repellent groups on the surface of the clothes inside the drum 4 from collapsing and adversely affecting the water-repellent performance. Furthermore, for example, the drum 4 may perform a rocking motion, rotating intermittently at regular intervals. This operation allows the rotation of the drum 4 to heat the air in the tub and the placed clothes more evenly. The rotation of the drum 4 prevents stagnation and makes the air in the tub uniform. Furthermore, the rotation of the drum 4 changes the orientation of the clothes, allowing air to come into uniform contact with the clothes, thereby warming the clothes evenly.

[0068] Next, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the operating time P1 has elapsed since the heat pump unit 6 was turned on (S15).

[0069] If the operating time P1 has not elapsed since the heat pump device 6 was turned on (No in S15), the process returns to before step S15.

[0070] 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).

[0071] Next, the control unit 16 waits for the waiting time P2 to elapse (S17). During the waiting time P2, the fan 9 operates. After the heat pump device 6 is turned off (S16), the fan 9 operates during the waiting time P2, thereby cooling the heated clothes. This allows the user to remove the clothes immediately after the water-repellent recovery course is completed.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The above explanations are summarized to describe the features of the present disclosure.

[0074] 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, improving the water repellency of the clothes.

[0075] In order to heat the clothes efficiently, the rotation speed of the fan 9 is reduced and the drum 4 is stopped during the water repellency recovery course compared to the normal drying course. 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.

[0076] [effect] The dryer 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0077] 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 that accommodates the object to be treated. 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 (air blower) that is 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 that dries the object to be treated and a water-repellent recovery course that restores the water-repellent properties of the object to be treated, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellent recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course.

[0078] With this configuration, the dryer 1 can be used to promote the temperature rise of the air inside the drum 4 during the water-repellent recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state and restoring the water-repellent properties of the clothes.

[0079] 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-repellent recovery course is equal to the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course with the lowest rotation speed.

[0080] This configuration utilizes existing functions while promoting the temperature rise of the air inside the drum 4 during the water-repellent recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state and restoring the water-repellent properties of the clothing.

[0081] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the fan 9 rotates at different rotation speeds in the drying course, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water repellency recovery course is equal to or lower than the minimum rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course.

[0082] This configuration utilizes existing functions while promoting the temperature rise of the air inside the drum 4 during the water-repellent recovery course, returning the water-repellent groups to an aligned state and restoring the water-repellent properties of the clothing.

[0083] 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.

[0084] This configuration can suppress agitation of the air and clothes inside the drum 4. This makes it difficult for heated air to mix with cold air, making it easier to maintain a high temperature inside the drum 4. In addition, suppressing agitation of the clothes inside the drum 4 can prevent the water-repellent groups of the clothes inside the drum 4 from collapsing, which can adversely affect the water-repellent performance.

[0085] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 16 stops the drum 4 during the water repellency recovery course.

[0086] This configuration can further reduce agitation of the air and clothes inside the drum 4. It also prevents the rotation of the drum 4 from causing the water-repellent groups of the clothes inside the drum 4 to collapse, which can adversely affect the water-repellent performance.

[0087] In the dryer 1 of embodiment 1, the water-repellent recovery course is a course that restores the water-repellent properties of the course object in a dry state, and the control unit 16 operates the heat pump unit 6 and the fan 9 in the water-repellent recovery course so that the course object reaches a target temperature, which is higher than 42.5°C and lower than 60°C.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In the dryer 1 of the first embodiment, the target temperature is 45°C or higher and 60°C or lower.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The dryer 1 of the first embodiment has a heat pump device 6 .

[0094] This structure can reduce damage to clothing caused by excessive heating compared to when other heating means are used.

[0095] The operating method of the dryer 1 of the first embodiment is a method of operating 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 a drying course for drying the object to be dried and a water-repellent recovery course for recovering the water-repellent property of the object to be dried are executed, and the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the water-repellent recovery course is lower than the rotation speed of the fan 9 in the drying course.

[0096] By using the dryer 1 in this manner to heat the clothes to the target temperature th, the water-repellent groups can be restored to an aligned state, and the water-repellent properties of the clothes can be restored.

[0097] The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0098] 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, although the example in which the dryer 1 has the drum 4 that functions as a rotating tub has been described, the dryer 1 does not have to have a rotating tub. For example, instead of the dryer 1, a clothing processing device that houses clothing inside may be provided.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the water-repellent recovery course has been described as an example of a heating course, but the present invention is not limited to this. The dryer 1 may also execute a water-repellent recovery course as a heating course that improves the water-repellent properties of the object being heated. In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the user selects a "water-repellent recovery course," but the name is not limited to "water-repellent recovery course" and may include other courses that restore the water-repellent properties of clothing, such as a "water-repellent improvement course."

[0100] In the first embodiment, the water-repellent recovery program is applied to clothing, but other water-repellent fabrics may also be used as the target object. For example, the water-repellent recovery program may be applied to shoes, hats, or fabric parts of tents and umbrellas.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the dryer 1 includes the heat pump unit 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dryer 1 may include a heater such as a PTC heater instead of the heat pump unit 6. If the dryer 1 includes a PTC heater including two heaters, the amount of heat generated by the PTC heaters may be changed depending on the initial temperature t0. For example, two heaters may be driven when the initial temperature t0 is low, and one heater may be driven when the initial temperature t0 is high.

[0102] In the first embodiment, an example in which the target temperature th is 45°C or higher has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the target temperature th may be 40°C or higher but lower than 45°C. In this case, the water-repellency recovery course is executed so that the target temperature th is maintained for 30 minutes. Therefore, when the target temperature th is 45°C or higher, the water-repellency of the clothing is recovered in a short time, so the water-repellency of the clothing can be recovered more reliably. For example, the target temperature th may be set 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. Therefore, by setting the target temperature th higher than 42.5°C, the difference in the water-repellency grade of the object subjected to the course can be made one grade or more.

[0103] Although the above description is of an example in which dryer 1 includes temperature detection means 15 and the temperature information related to the installation environment is the initial temperature t0 inside drum 4 measured by temperature detection means 15, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of temperature detection means 15, dryer 1 may include another temperature detection means that is installed outside dryer 1 and detects ambient temperature information as temperature information related to the installation environment of dryer 1. The ambient temperature information may be the temperature of the air surrounding dryer 1, or may include the room temperature of the room in which dryer 1 is installed. Control unit 16 determines operation time P1 of heat pump unit 6 in the water repellency recovery course based on the ambient temperature information.

[0104] 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, which 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.

[0105] In the first embodiment, the dryer 1 has been described as having the mesh portion 54 as a guide means, but the dryer 1 is not limited to this. Instead of the mesh portion 54, the dryer 1 may have other guide means that deflects the air flow by changing the pressure or speed of the air passing through.

[0106] In the first embodiment, an example in which the water-repellent recovery course is executed independently of the washing course has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, the water-repellent recovery course may be executed after the washing course, i.e., the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes. However, by executing the water-repellent recovery course independently of the washing course, as in the first embodiment, even objects with water repellency that cannot be washed can be subjected to the water-repellent recovery course. Furthermore, for example, by executing the water-repellent recovery course after the spin-drying process, it is possible to prevent the drying of clothes with wrinkles remaining, which would hinder the rise of water-repellent groups on the surface of the clothes. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent imbalance in the washing tub during the spin-drying process, which would occur when the spin-drying process begins before sufficient water has been removed from the clothes, thereby suppressing vibration of the washing machine due to the imbalance.

[0107] Furthermore, the water-repellent recovery course may be performed as one step of a deodorizing and sanitary course using functional microparticles. The functional microparticles are microparticles that exhibit deodorizing and disinfecting effects. In this case, the water-repellent recovery course may be performed after the step of applying the functional microparticles to the clothing. The water-repellent recovery course may be performed as one step of a steam course in which high-temperature steam is generated to treat the object with the steam. In this case, the water-repellent recovery course may be performed after the steam step in which high-temperature steam is generated.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the example of acquiring information about the clothes stored in the drum 4 in step S11 has been described, but this is not limiting. Step S11 may be omitted, and the operating time P1 may be determined based only on the initial temperature t0.

[0109] In the first embodiment, the example in which the drum 4 is stopped and the water-repellent recovery course is executed has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Modification 1 described later, the drive unit 5 may be operated to rotate the drum 4 in order to detect the weight of the clothes and the like stored in the drum 4.

[0110] 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 this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Modification 2 described below, the heat pump unit 6 may heat up (S14) when the drum 4 is empty.

[0111] 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.

[0112] (Variation 1) 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer 101 according to Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 11, dryer 101 differs from dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it further includes weight detection means 14.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 differences from Embodiment 1.

[0115] 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 also be set to two or four or more.

[0116] In step S12, the control unit 16 determines the operation time P1 of the heat pump unit 6 in the water-repellent 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 determines, for example, 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 determines, for example, the minimum value stored in the memory 16a as the operation time P1.

[0117] 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-repellent recovery course based on temperature information related to the installation environment and the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection means 14.

[0118] With this structure, even heavy clothes can be heated until the target temperature th is reached.

[0119] Dryer 101 further includes an operation unit 17 that allows a water repellency recovery course to be selected as the water repellency recovery course.

[0120] With this structure, the user can operate the operation unit 17 to select the water repellency recovery course.

[0121] 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.

[0122] With this structure, the user can adjust the water repellency recovery course by inputting information about the clothing. For example, the degree of water repellency recovery of the clothing can be adjusted by inputting information about the desired finish of the clothing.

[0123] 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.

[0124] (Variation 2) Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dryer 111 according to Modification 2. As shown in Fig. 12, dryer 111 differs from dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes temperature detection means 18 instead of temperature detection means 15.

[0125] The temperature detection means 18 measures the initial temperature t0 of the air inside the drum 4 before the water-repellency recovery course is executed, as well as the temperature of the air inside the drum 4 while the water-repellency recovery course is being executed.

[0126] Unless otherwise specified, the operation of the dryer 111 in Modification 2 is the same as the operation of the dryer 1 in Embodiment 1. The following describes the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0127] Step S10 is executed when the drum 4 is empty, i.e., when no clothes are stored in the drum 4. The door 21 is also locked to prevent it from being opened. Steps S11 and S12 are omitted.

[0128] 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 open. If the acquired temperature is lower than the target temperature th, the control unit 16 keeps the door 21 locked and continues heating.

[0129] When door 21 becomes openable, the user places clothes in drum 4 and closes door 21. After door 21 is closed, control unit 16 executes steps S16 to S18 when a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. After that, the user can remove clothes from drum 4.

[0130] 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. Furthermore, because the time that the clothes are heated is shortened, damage to the clothes can be reduced.

[0131] (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 explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0132] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a drying system 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, the drying system 201 includes a dryer 202, a terminal device 222, and a processing device 212.

[0134] Dryer 202 further includes first communication unit 204. Dryer 202 in the second embodiment is the same as dryer 1 in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0135] 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)).

[0136] 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 also function as the operation unit 17 of the first embodiment.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The processing unit 213 stores the operating conditions of the dryer 202. For example, the processing unit 213 stores the operating conditions of the water repellency recovery course.

[0139] Second communication unit 214 transmits the operating conditions of dryer 202 stored in processing unit 213 via the network. Specifically, second communication unit 214 transmits the operating conditions of dryer 202 to terminal device 222 via the network in response to an operation of terminal device 222. Second communication unit 214 includes a circuit that performs transmission to terminal device 222 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (for example, LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

[0140] 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 the steps of operating the fan 9 and the heat pump unit 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.

[0141] 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 are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0142] The dryer of the present disclosure can restore the water repellency of clothing 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 washing machine). [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1 Dryer 2. Case 3 Outer tank 4 Drums 5 Drive unit 6. Heat pump equipment 8 Circulation flow path 9 Fans 10. Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 15 Temperature detection means 16 Control Unit 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 drum motor that rotates the drum; 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 that sends air to the air flow path; A temperature sensing means; a control unit, The control unit is capable of executing a water-repellent recovery course that recovers the water-repellent properties of the course object in a dry state, The control unit, during the water-repellent recovery course, operates the heating means and the air blowing unit so that the temperature of the course object or the air inside the drum reaches a target temperature while the course object is contained in the drum, and operates the drum motor so that the drum rotates intermittently at regular intervals.

2. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit operates the drum motor so that the drum performs a rocking motion.

3. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the drum motor so that a stop time of the drum is longer than a rotation time of the drum.

4. The dryer of claim 1 , wherein the target temperature is greater than 42.5° C. and less than or equal to 60° C.

5. The dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the target temperature is between 45° C. and 60° C.

6. 2. The dryer of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing means is located within the drum or in the air flow path.

7. 7. The dryer according to claim 6, wherein the temperature detection means measures the temperature inside the drum while the water repellency recovery course is being executed.

8. The dryer according to claim 1 , further comprising a memory that stores in advance, before the water-repellency recovery course is executed, an operation time of the heating means in the water-repellency recovery course.

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