Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a clothes treatment apparatus which safely and appropriately detects clogging of a drying filter device.SOLUTION: The laundry treating apparatus includes an outer case, a storage tub provided in the outer case and having an air inlet and an air outlet, an air duct provided in the outer case and connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, a blower provided in the air duct and sending and circulating air to the storage tub, a filter device disposed on a downstream side of the air outlet in the air duct and collecting foreign substances in the air, a humidity detector disposed on a downstream side of the filter device in the air duct and detecting humidity, and a control device configured to execute a clogging detection step of controlling the blower and the humidity detector to detect a clogging state of the filter device. The clogging detection step includes an air blowing operation of driving the air blowing device and a process of executing the clogging detection step based on the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known washer-dryers that have both a washing function and a drying function. These washer-dryers are equipped with a filter device that captures foreign matter, such as lint generated by clothes, contained in the exhaust air from the clothes storage tub. Lint accumulates in the filter device, but since the filter device is usually housed inside an outer box and cannot be seen from the outside, a system for detecting lint accumulation in the filter device has been studied.

[0003] Examples of a configuration for detecting the clogging state of the filter device include an optical sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a current detection sensor.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clothes dryer that includes a heater made of a semiconductor having a positive temperature characteristic as a heat source, a motor as a drive source, a rotating drum that rotates and agitates the materials to be dried by the rotation of the motor, a fan that introduces hot air heated by the heater into the rotating drum by the rotation of the motor, a filter that is installed in the ventilation path and collects lint generated by the materials to be dried, and a current detection device that detects the value of the current flowing through the motor and the heater, and is configured so that if the current value detected by the current detection device is smaller than a first set value, it is determined that an abnormality exists and power to the heater is stopped, and if the current value detected in this state is then larger than a second set value, it is determined that the motor is locked, and if the current value is smaller than the second set value, it is determined that the filter is clogged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-315100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, when detecting the clogged state of a filter device using an optical sensor or a current sensor, lint accumulates on the upstream side of the filter surface, so the optical sensor or current sensor must also be installed upstream of the filter device. In this case, there is a problem that lint accumulates on the sensor itself. As a result of the lint accumulation, not only does sensing become difficult, but in some cases the lint may also cause an electrical short circuit.

[0007] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the method for detecting the clogging state of the filter device.

[0008] Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention provides a clothes treating device that safely and appropriately detects clogging of the drying filter device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A clothing processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer box, a storage tub provided within the outer box and having an air inlet and an air outlet, an air passage provided within the outer box connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, a blower provided within the air passage for sending air to the storage tub and circulating it, a filter device disposed within the air passage downstream of the air outlet for capturing foreign matter in the air, a humidity detector disposed within the air passage downstream of the filter device for detecting humidity, and a control device that controls the blower and the humidity detector to execute a clogging detection step for detecting a clogging state of the filter device. The clogging detection step includes a step of driving the blower and a step of detecting a clogging state of the filter device based on the humidity detected by the humidity detector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example in which a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air passage and a drying unit in an example in which the laundry treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat exchanger serving as a humidification promoting member and its surroundings in an example in which the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washing / drying machine; [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchanger serving as a humidification promoting member and its surroundings in an example in which the clothing treatment device according to the first embodiment is applied to a washer / dryer, viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a clothing processing system including a clothing processing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a clothing processing system including a clothing processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a timing chart showing the operation of each component in a clogging detection process according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the detected humidity of the humidity detection unit in the clogging detection process of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the behavior of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit in the clogging detection process according to the first embodiment (part 2); [Figure 11] An example of a notification screen displayed on an external terminal of a clothing processing system including a clothing processing device according to the first embodiment [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in a clogging detection step performed by the clothing processing device of the first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a clothing processing system including a clothing processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in a clogging detection step performed by the clothing processing device of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, several embodiments in which a laundry treatment device is applied to a washer / dryer will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in several embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. A washer / dryer 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum-type washing machine equipped with a drying function.

[0013] 1 and 2, the washer-dryer 10 includes an outer case 11, a door 12, an outer tub 13, a bellows 14, a rotating tub 15, a rotating tub motor 16, a water supply mechanism 17, a drainage mechanism 18, and a display unit 51. In this embodiment, the door 12 side of the outer case 11, i.e., the left side of the paper in FIG. 1, is the front side of the washer-dryer 10. The outer case 11 is formed into a rectangular hollow box shape using, for example, a stainless steel plate, and forms the outer shell of the washer-dryer 10. The outer case 11 has a clothes opening 111 at the front portion that connects the inside and outside of the outer case 11.

[0014] 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, the user can put clothes into or take clothes out of the rotating tub 15 through the clothing entrance 111.

[0015] 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 functions as an outer tub in this case. The outer tub 13 has an air outlet 132 and an air inlet 133. The air outlet 132 is located, for example, in the upper front part of the peripheral wall that constitutes the cylindrical part of the outer tub 13, and is provided at a position spaced apart in the left-right direction from the center of the outer tub 13, i.e., the top of the cylindrical outer surface of the outer tub 13. The air inlet 133 is located, for example, in the bottom of the outer tub 13, slightly above the center in the up-down direction of the bottom. The air outlet 132 and air inlet 133 communicate between the inside and outside of the outer tub 13.

[0016] The bellows 14 is provided around the clothes inlet / outlet 111 of the outer box 11 and the opening 131 of the outer tub 13. The bellows 14 is formed, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical accordion, and elastically connects the outer box 11 and the outer tub 13 while communicating the clothes inlet / outlet 111 and the opening 131.

[0017] The rotatable tub 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom capable of storing clothes, and is rotatably housed inside the outer tub 13. The rotation axis of the rotatable tub 15 overlaps the central axis of the outer tub 13. The rotatable tub 15 has multiple communication ports 151. The communication ports 151 connect the inside and outside of the rotatable tub 15. The communication ports 151 are formed throughout the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of the rotatable tub 15 and the bottom of the rotatable tub 15. The communication ports 151 function mainly as water passages through which water flows in and out during the washing and spin-drying operations, and as ventilation ports through which air flows in and out during the drying operation. The outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15 function as a storage tub that stores clothes inside when the washer-dryer is operating.

[0018] 1 and 3, a plurality of baffles 152 are provided inside the cylindrical portion of rotatable tub 15. Baffles 152 agitate the clothes stored inside rotatable tub 15 as rotatable tub 15 rotates.

[0019] The rotatable tub motor 16 is provided, for example, on the outside of the bottom of the outer tub 13. The tip of the shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16 protrudes into the interior of the outer tub 13 and is connected to the rotatable tub 15. The rotatable tub motor 16 can be, for example, an outer rotor type direct drive motor. The shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16 penetrates the bottom of the outer tub 13, protrudes into the interior of the outer tub 13, and is fixed to the bottom of the rotatable tub 15. The rotatable tub motor 16 rotates the rotatable tub 15 relative to the outer tub 13. In this case, the shaft 161 of the rotatable tub motor 16, the central axis of the outer tub 13, and the rotation axis of the rotatable tub 15 are all aligned.

[0020] The water supply mechanism 17 is a device for injecting water supplied from an external water source, such as a tap, into the outer tub 13. The water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, inside the outer box 11, above the outer tub 13, near either the left or right side. The water supply mechanism 17 includes a first water supply valve 171 for the outer tub, a first water supply path 172 for the outer tub, and a water injection case 173.

[0021] The first 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 line (not shown). The first water supply valve 171 opens and closes a first water supply path 172. The first water supply path 172 connects a water supply case 173 to the inside of the outer tub 13. The first water supply path 172 is a path that runs from the external water source to the inside of the outer tub 13. The water supply case 173 is provided on the first water supply path 172 downstream of the first water supply valve 171. The water supply case 173 is configured to be able to store laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agent inside.

[0022] When the first water supply valve 171 is opened, water from an external water source is poured into the outer tub 13 via the water supply case 173. If a laundry treatment agent is stored in the water supply case 173, the laundry treatment agent in the water supply case 173 is carried by the water flowing through the first water supply path 172 and flows down into the outer tub 13. Note that the washer-dryer 10 does not necessarily have to include the water supply case 173. That is, the washer-dryer 10 may be configured so that the user directly pours the laundry treatment agent into the outer tub 13.

[0023] Drain mechanism 18 has a function of discharging water stored inside outer tub 13 to the outside of washer-dryer 10. Drain mechanism 18 is configured to include a drain valve 181 and a drain path 182. Drain valve 181 is an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid. Drain valve 181 opens and closes drain path 182. Drain path 182 is a path that leads from inside outer tub 13 to the outside of the machine.

[0024] The washer-dryer 10 also has a drying function. The washer-dryer 10 includes an air passage 20 and a drying unit 30. The air passage 20 includes a duct connected to the air outlet 132 and / or the air inlet 133. In this embodiment, the air passage 20 connects the air outlet 132 and the air inlet 133 outside the outer tub 13. That is, the air passage 20, the outer tub 13, and the rotatable tub 15 form a circulating air passage. The drying unit 30 takes in air from the outer tub 13 through the air outlet 132 into the air passage 20, turns it into hot air, and then supplies the generated hot air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15.

[0025] Air passage 20 can be configured to include, for example, exhaust duct 21, filter device 22, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25. Exhaust duct 21, filter device 22, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25 are arranged in this order along the flow of air through air passage 20. Exhaust duct 21, filter device 22, connecting duct 23, heat exchanger 24, and intake duct 25 function as ducts that pass air through the interior and form air passage 20. Air flows through air passage 20 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 .

[0026] The exhaust duct 21 is a duct that connects the air outlet 132 of the outer tub 13 to the filter device 22. The filter device 22 has a filter (not shown) installed inside it, which captures lint and foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the air passage 20. The connection duct 23 is a duct that connects the filter device 22 to the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 is installed on the lower inside of the outer casing 11, below the outer tub 13 and the rotating tub 15. The air taken into the 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 to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13.

[0027] The air passage 20 is provided with an exhaust port 26 and an opening / closing device 27. The exhaust port 26 connects the inside of the air passage 20 with the outside of the machine, and discharges the exhaust air from the outer tub 13 to the outside of the machine. The opening / closing device 27 opens and closes the exhaust port 26.

[0028] The drying unit 30 functions as a hot air supplying device that generates hot air for drying the clothes in the rotating tub 15 and supplies the hot air from the air inlet 133 into the outer tub 13. The drying unit 30 can be configured to include, for example, a heat pump type or a heater type heating device. In this embodiment, the drying unit 30 is configured to include a heat pump type heating device, and as shown in FIG. 3 , has an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 33, a throttling device 34, a refrigerant flow path 35, and a blower 36.

[0029] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are provided within the heat exchange unit 24. The evaporator 31 is provided upstream of the condenser 32 with respect to the air flow within the heat exchange unit 24 during drying operation. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with a compressor 33 provided outside the heat exchange unit 24, a throttling device 34, and a refrigerant flow path 35 connecting these components in order, form a heat pump mechanism, i.e., a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant flows in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 3. Air passing through the heat exchange unit 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.

[0030] The downstream side of the heat exchanger 24 is connected to the air inlet 133 of the outer tub 13 by an air intake duct 25. The drying unit 30 also includes a blower 36. The blower 36 is provided, for example, at the connection between the heat exchanger 24 and the air intake duct 25, and can be configured, for example, with a sirocco fan or a propeller fan. The blower 36 draws air into the heat exchanger 24 and discharges it toward the air intake duct 25. As a result, the warm air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchanger 24 is supplied from the air inlet 133 to the outer tub 13 and further into the rotating tub 15 by the blowing action of the blower 36.

[0031] The washer / dryer 10 includes a humidifying mechanism 40. The humidifying mechanism 40 adds moisture to the air circulating through the air passage 20 and the storage tubs 13 and 15 to generate humid air. The humidifying mechanism 40 includes a humidification promotion member 41, a second water supply valve 42 for humidification, a second water supply path 43 for humidification, and a water supply unit 44.

[0032] The humidification promotion member 41 has the function of receiving water, wetting its surface, and evaporating the moisture from the surface, thereby adding moisture to the air. The humidification promotion member 41 is disposed in the air passage 20. The humidification promotion member 41 preferably has a structure or shape that gives it a larger surface area than an object having the same volume as the humidification promotion member 41. For example, the humidification promotion member 41 may be made of a porous material, or may be a structure having a large number of fins or pins.

[0033] For example, a heat exchanger including an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32 can be used as the humidification promotion member 41. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 have a large number of fins to improve heat exchange efficiency, and are therefore designed to have a larger surface area than an object of the same volume. In this embodiment, the humidification promotion member 41 is a heat exchanger including the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32.

[0034] The second water supply valve 42 is, for example, an electromagnetically driven on-off valve for liquid, and is connected to an external water source such as a water line (not shown). The second water supply valve 42 opens and closes a second water supply path 43. The second water supply path 43 is a path that connects the external water source to the water supply unit 44. The water supply unit 44 has a function of supplying water toward the humidification promotion member 41. The water supply unit 44 has one or more water supply ports 45 on a surface facing the humidification promotion member 41. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the water supply unit 44 is provided above the evaporator 31. The multiple water supply ports 45 are formed on the lower surface of the water supply unit 44, i.e., on the surface facing the upper surface of the evaporator 31.

[0035] When the second water supply valve 42 is opened, water from an external water source is supplied to the water supply unit 44 via the second water supply path 43. The water that reaches the water supply unit 44 is supplied from the water supply port 45 to the evaporator 31 serving as the humidification promotion member 41.

[0036] When the second water supply valve 42 is opened and the surface of the humidification promotion member 41 is wet, the air blower 36 is driven, and the moisture evaporates from the surface of the humidification promotion member 41, generating steam and increasing the humidity in the air passage 20. The air containing moisture circulates through the air passage 20 and the storage tubs 13 and 15 by the action of the air blower 36.

[0037] Furthermore, a plurality of humidification promotion members 41 can be arranged in a line along the direction of air flow in the air passage 20. In this case, some of the water supplied to the humidification promotion member 41 on the windward side is blown downwind by the wind without being vaporized, thereby wetting the surface of the humidification promotion member 41 on the downwind side. The water adhering to the surface of the humidification promotion member 41 on the downwind side is vaporized by the action of the air blower 36 and circulates through the air passage 20 and the storage tubs 13, 15.

[0038] It is preferable to arrange the humidification promotion member 41 closer to the air blower 36 than to the air outlet 132 or the air inlet 133. This prevents water supplied from the water supply unit 44 from being directly sprayed onto the clothes stored in the rotating tub 15. Furthermore, since the humidification promotion member 41 is arranged closer to the air blower 36, the air blowing function of the air blower 36 can be more effectively utilized in evaporation from the surface of the humidification promotion member 41.

[0039] In this embodiment, the evaporator 31 and condenser 32 serving as the humidification promotion member 41 are arranged side by side along the direction of air flow within the heat exchange unit 24. Therefore, some of the water supplied to the evaporator 31 is blown downwind by the wind without being vaporized, thereby wetting the surface of the condenser 32. The water adhering to the surface of the condenser 32 is vaporized by the action of the blower 36, increasing the humidity within the air passage 20. The air containing moisture is circulated through the air passage 20 and the storage tanks 13 and 15 by the action of the blower 36.

[0040] In this embodiment, the water supply unit 44 is disposed above the evaporator 31, but the water supply unit 44 may be disposed above the condenser 32 in addition to the evaporator 31, or the water supply unit 44 may be disposed above the condenser 32 instead of the evaporator 31. The condenser 32 may be heated by the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 33, so when the humidification mechanism 40 operates after the compressor 33 operates, evaporation may be promoted by the condenser 32, which is at a high temperature.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water inlet 45 is provided at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 41, but the water inlet 45 does not have to be provided at a position facing the upper surface of the humidification promotion member 41, and may be provided at a position facing the upwind area of ​​the humidification promotion member. In this case, if water is supplied from the water inlet 45 while the air blower 36 is operating, the water will be carried to the humidification promotion member 41 by the air flow, and will be able to wet the humidification promotion member 41.

[0042] The humidification mechanism 40 further includes a drain tray 46, a drain pump 47, and a drain water channel 48. The drain tray 46 is formed in the shape of a container with an open top, and is provided below the humidification promotion member 41, in this case the evaporator 31. The drain tray 46 receives water that falls from the evaporator 31. The drain pump 47 has the function of sucking up water that has accumulated in the drain tray 46 and discharging it into the drain water channel 48. The upstream side of the drain water channel 48 is connected to the drain tray 46, and the downstream side is connected to the water discharge path 182. The drain water channel 48 is a path that discharges water that has accumulated in the drain tray 46 outside the apparatus.

[0043] 6 and 7, the washer-dryer 10 is communicably connected to one or more external devices 80, 90 to form a clothing processing system 1. The clothing processing system 1 is configured by connecting the washer-dryer 10 and the external devices 80, 90 to each other so that they can communicate with each other via telecommunication lines such as an access point and a network 2 (not shown).

[0044] The external terminal 80 has the function of accepting inputs to the washer-dryer 10 from the user and transmitting them to the washer-dryer 10, as well as accepting outputs from the washer-dryer 10 to the user and notifying the user. As shown in FIG. 7 , the external terminal 80 includes a display unit 81, an operation unit 82, a communication unit 83, and a terminal control unit 84. The display unit 81 and the operation unit 82 can be configured, for example, as a touch panel display. The communication unit 83 is an interface for communicating with the washer-dryer 10 and the server 90 via the network 2. The terminal control unit 84 is mainly configured by a microcomputer having storage areas such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory (not shown), and controls the operation of the external terminal 80 and executes various processes. Dedicated application software is installed in the terminal control unit 84 to connect the external terminal 80 to the washer-dryer 10 and the server 90 so that the external terminal 80 can communicate with them and function as a component of the laundry processing system 1.

[0045] The server 90 may be configured as, for example, an external server provided on the Internet, and may be called a database server, a web server, a cloud server, etc. The clothing processing system 1 may be configured so that communication between the washer-dryer 10 and the external terminal 80 is performed directly between them, or may be configured so that communication is performed via the server 90.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 7, the washer-dryer 10 also includes a control device 50. The control device 50 is mainly configured with 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 washer-dryer 10 as a whole. The rotary tub motor 16, the first water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the display unit 51, the opening / closing device 27, the compressor 33, the blower 36, and the second water supply valve 42 are electrically connected to the control device 50 and operate under the control of the control device 50.

[0047] The control device 50 can selectively perform a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing and drying operation by operating the rotary tub motor 16, the first water supply valve 171, the drain valve 181, the opening / closing device 27, the compressor 33, the air blower 36, and the second water supply valve 42 as necessary. In this embodiment, the "operation" in the washing operation, the drying operation, or the washing and drying operation is a concept that includes one or more processes, and is a unit that can be selected by the user.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the washer / dryer 10 further includes a display unit 51, a communication unit 52, a humidity detection unit 53, and a notification processing unit 55.

[0049] The display unit 51 is configured with, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) touch panel display. A user can perform touch operations on the display unit 51. The touch panel of the display unit 51 is, for example, of a capacitance type. The touch panel is not limited to the capacitance type, and other types such as a resistive film type may also be used. The display unit 51 can be configured with a sound generation unit (not shown). The sound generation unit can be, for example, a speaker capable of reproducing sound. The display unit 51 functions as a notification unit for notifying the user of various types of information.

[0050] The communication unit 52 is an interface for communicating with external devices 80, 90 via the network 2. The external devices 80, 90 may be configured, for example, as an external terminal 80 for a smartphone or a tablet device and a server 90, respectively. The external terminal 80 is expected to be used by a user of the clothing processing system 1. The server 90 is expected to be operated by a company. The external devices 80, 90 may be dedicated devices for configuring the clothing processing system 1, or may be general-purpose devices that can be used for purposes other than the clothing processing system 1. In this case, the external terminal 80 may be configured as a wearable device such as a smart watch, a so-called smart speaker, or a voice interaction device installed in a home appliance other than the washer-dryer 10, such as a refrigerator or microwave oven. The clothing processing system 1 may also be configured without the server 90.

[0051] The humidity detection unit 53 detects the humidity of the air in the air duct 20. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 means relative humidity (%RH). Relative humidity (%RH) is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air at a certain temperature to the amount of saturated water vapor at that temperature. The humidity detection unit 53 is arranged in the air duct 20. In this embodiment, the humidity detection unit 53 is arranged in the connection duct 23, that is, downstream of the exhaust duct 21 and the filter device 22 and upstream of the heat exchange unit 24. The humidity detection unit 53 detects the humidity of the exhaust air discharged from the air outlet 132.

[0052] The storage unit 54 acquires and stores the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53. The storage unit 54 is configured with a ROM, a RAM, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage area 502 of the control device 50 and the storage unit 54 may have the same configuration or different configurations. The storage unit 54 may also be provided in the external terminal 80, the server 90, etc.

[0053] The notification processing unit 55 is virtually realized by software when the CPU 501 executes a computer program stored in the storage area 502 of the control device 50 of the washer-dryer 10. The notification processing unit 55 may be configured by hardware or a combination of software and hardware. The notification processing unit 55 may also be provided in the external terminal 80 or the server 90.

[0054] The notification processing unit 55 is capable of executing notification processing, which includes processing for notifying predetermined information using the display unit 51 of the washer-dryer 10.

[0055] Furthermore, as the notification process, notification processing unit 55 can transmit a command to execute the notification process using external terminal 80 to external terminal 80 via communication unit 52. When external terminal 80 receives a command to execute the notification process from washer-dryer 10, it causes, for example, display unit 81 to display predetermined information based on the command.

[0056] The control device 50 can execute a clogging detection process to detect a clogging state of lint generated in the filter device 22. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 executes an air blowing operation to operate the air blower 36, and a clogging determination process to detect a clogging state of the filter device 22 based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 also executes the clogging determination process by acquiring at least the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 after the air blowing operation.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8 , the control device 50 operates the second water supply valve 42, the air blower 36, the drain pump 47, and the humidity detector 53 to perform a clogging detection process. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 opens the second water supply valve 42 to supply water to the humidification promotion member 41 through the water supply port 45. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36 to perform an air blowing operation to circulate air in the air passage 20 and the storage tubs 13 and 15. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 drives the drain pump 47 to discharge water accumulated in the drain tray 46 to the outside of the machine. In the clogging detection process, the control device 50 detects the humidity in the air passage 20 using the humidity detector 53. The memory 54 stores the humidity detected by the humidity detector 53 in the clogging detection process.

[0058] The control device 50 executes the water supply operation intermittently, i.e., discontinuously, multiple times during the clogging detection process. In other words, once the surface of the humidification promotion member 41 is wetted by the water supply operation, there is no need to continue supplying water while the moisture is evaporating from the humidification promotion member 41, thereby reducing the consumption of water resources. The control device 50 can repeat a cycle of opening the second water supply valve 42 for a predetermined water supply period Tw and closing the second water supply valve 42 for a non-water supply period Tn.

[0059] The predetermined water supply period Tw can be set, for example, within a range of 0.5 to 3 seconds. The predetermined no-water supply period Tn can be set, for example, within a range of 30 to 120 seconds. In this embodiment, the water supply period Tw is set to 2 seconds. Also, in this embodiment, the no-water supply period Tn is set to 30 seconds. In other embodiments, the water supply period Tw may be set to 0.5 or 1 second. Also, the no-water supply period Tn may be set to 60 or 120 seconds. The total sum of the water supply periods Tw in the clogging detection process is set shorter than the total sum of the no-water supply periods Tn. Therefore, moisture can be efficiently added to the circulating air with a small amount of water supply, and the amount of water used in the clogging detection process can be reduced.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 8, in the clogging detection process, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36 at least after the water supply operation. The air blowing function of the air blower 36 blows air onto the humidification promotion member 41, the surface of which has been wetted by the water supply operation, causing moisture to evaporate from the surface. The evaporated moisture passes through the heat exchanger 24 and the air supply duct 25 and is carried into the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15. The control device 50 may also drive the air blower 36 before and during the water supply operation. In this embodiment, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36 before, during, and after the water supply operation.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, during the clogging detection process, the control device 50 intermittently drives the drain pump 47 multiple times. The intermittent driving of the drain pump 47 may be performed, for example, at predetermined intervals or after one or more predetermined number of water supply operations. In this embodiment, the control device 50 drives the drain pump 47 once for each of multiple water supply operations. In this embodiment, the control device 50 drives the drain pump 47 once for every three water supply operations. As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 50 drives the drain pump 47 when the 3mth water supply operation (m is any positive integer) is completed, i.e., when the second water supply valve 42 is closed. The length of the drive period Td of the drain pump 47 can be set, for example, longer than the water supply period Tw and shorter than the no-water supply period Tn. In this embodiment, the drive period Td is set to 20 seconds.

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, the control device 50 controls the opening and closing device 27 during the clogging detection process to close the exhaust port 26. Therefore, the moisture evaporated from the surface of the humidification promotion member 41 circulates within the air passage 20 without being discharged outside the device.

[0063] In addition, the control device 50 does not drive the compressor 33 during the clogging detection process. That is, the water supply operation is performed without driving the compressor 33. This makes it possible to prevent the air humidified by the evaporator 31, which has become cold, from being instantly dehumidified.

[0064] In addition, in the clogging detection process, the control device 50 may control the opening and closing device 27 to close the exhaust port 26. This makes it possible to maintain moisture in the air circulating in the air passage 20 and the storage tanks 13 and 15 within the air passage 20.

[0065] 9(a), the humidity in air passage 20 tends to increase over time during the clogging detection process. Note that because humidity detection unit 53 is located downstream and relatively far from humidification promotion member 41, there is a time lag between the first water supply operation and time t0 at which an increase in the detected humidity is observed. Furthermore, if clothes are stored in storage tubs 13 and 15, the clothes will absorb some moisture, which is one of the reasons for the time lag between the first water supply operation and time t0 at which an increase in the detected humidity is observed.

[0066] If filter device 22 is clogged with lint, air resistance occurs in filter device 22, reducing the flow rate of circulating air and hindering air circulation. In this case, the circulation speed of air containing moisture evaporated by humidification promotion member 41 is suppressed, and as shown in graph (v) of Figure 9, the gradient of the increase in humidity in air passage 20 becomes smaller than that in graph (a).

[0067] If the filter device is not clogged, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 after a predetermined period X1 has elapsed since the start of the clogging detection process will be equal to or greater than a predetermined reference humidity Hc. In other words, if the humidity detected after a predetermined period X1 has elapsed since the start of the clogging detection process is less than the reference humidity Hc, the filter device 22 is clogged. The reference humidity Hc can be set, for example, within a range of 70% RH to 90% RH. In this embodiment, the reference humidity Hc is set to 80% RH.

[0068] The humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 may contain noise. Therefore, even if the filter device 22 is not clogged, the detected humidity at time t1 may accidentally be less than the reference humidity Hc. In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs a clogging determination process based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during a predetermined period including time t1. For example, if the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period is always less than the reference humidity Hc, the control device 50 determines that the filter device 22 is clogged. However, if at least a portion of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period is equal to or greater than the reference humidity Hc, the control device 50 determines that the filter device 22 is not clogged. The length of the predetermined period can be set within a range of, for example, 2 to 5 minutes. In this embodiment, the length of the predetermined period is set to 3 minutes.

[0069] In this case, the predetermined period can be the period from any point after the start of the clogging detection process to time t1. The predetermined period can be, for example, the period X2 from the end of the first water supply operation to time t1, or the period X1 from the start of the clogging detection process to time t1.

[0070] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the control device 50 may perform a clogging determination process based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during a period X3 from time t1 to time t2, which is later than time t1. In this case, the control device 50 may determine that the filter device 22 is clogged if, for example, the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period X3 is always below the reference humidity Hc, and may determine that the filter device 22 is not clogged if at least a portion of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period X3 is equal to or greater than the reference humidity Hc. In this case, the length of the predetermined period X3 may be set within a range of 1 to 3 minutes, for example. In this embodiment, the length of the predetermined period X3 is set to 2 minutes. In yet another embodiment, the control device 50 may determine that the filter device 22 is clogged if, for example, the average value of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period X3 is less than the reference humidity Hc, and may determine that the filter device 22 is not clogged if the average value of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 during the predetermined period X3 is equal to or greater than the reference humidity Hc.

[0071] The clogging detection process may be performed while clothes are stored in the storage tubs 13 and 15. Therefore, if the clogging detection process is performed for a long period of time, there is a risk that the clothes will become damp due to the long-term circulation of moisture-containing air. Therefore, an upper limit is set for the clogging detection process execution period X0. For example, the execution period X0 is set to a range of 5 to 10 minutes. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the execution period X0 is set to 5 minutes.

[0072] If it is determined as a result of the clogging determination process that a clogging state has occurred in the filter device 22, the notification processing unit 55 executes the notification process. For example, the notification processing unit 55 outputs an electric signal to the display unit 51 to notify the display unit 51 that a clogging state has occurred in the filter device 22 and to cause the display unit 51 to display a message urging the user to clean the filter device 22. In addition to the display on the display unit 51, the notification processing unit may also issue an audio notification. The notification processing unit 55 can terminate the notification processing after continuing the notification processing for, for example, several seconds to several minutes, or the notification processing can be terminated when the user performs a predetermined operation on the display unit 51 or the like.

[0073] The notification processing unit 55 may also output a command to the external terminal 80 to notify that a blockage has occurred in the filter device 22 and to display a message urging cleaning on the display unit 81 of the external terminal 80. Fig. 11 shows an example of a notification screen 100 displayed on the display unit 81 of the external terminal 80 as a result of the notification processing. The notification processing unit 55 can terminate the notification processing after continuing the notification processing for, for example, several seconds to several minutes, or the notification processing can be terminated when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 82.

[0074] As the notification process, notification processor 55 may notify the user via either display unit 51 of washer-dryer 10 or external terminal 80. Alternatively, as the notification process, notification processor 55 may notify the user via both display unit 51 of washer-dryer 10 and external terminal 80.

[0075] The operation of each component in the clogging detection process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. In the following description, the operation of each component will be described as processing by the control device 50. Also, the description of the operation of the drain pump 47 will be omitted.

[0076] When the clogging detection process starts (START), the control device 50 starts detecting humidity using the humidity detection unit 53 in step S11. Starting humidity detection here includes continuing humidity detection if humidity detection has already started, and starting humidity detection if humidity detection has not been started. The humidity detection by the humidity detection unit 53 may be configured to detect humidity at a predetermined interval, for example, every 2 seconds or every 5 seconds. The control device 50 also stores the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 after the start of the clogging detection process in the memory unit 54.

[0077] In step S12, the control device 50 drives the air blower 36. This causes air to circulate through the air passage 20 and the storage tanks 13 and 15. Driving the air blower 36 here includes continuing to drive the air blower 36 if it was already being driven, and starting to drive the air blower 36 if it was stopped.

[0078] In step S13, the control device 50 determines whether or not the period Tn has elapsed since the start of the clogging detection process. If the period Tn has not elapsed (No in step S13), the control device 50 repeats the process of step S13. If the period Tn has elapsed (Yes in step S13), the control device 50 proceeds to step S14.

[0079] In step S14, the control device 50 executes a water supply operation. As a result, water is supplied to the surface of the humidification promotion member 41, and the water is evaporated to generate steam, which is circulated within the air passage 20 by the action of the blower 36.

[0080] In step S15, the control device 50 determines whether the period X1 has elapsed since the start of the clogging detection process. If the period X1 has not elapsed (No in step S15), the control device 50 proceeds to step S13. If the period X1 has elapsed (Yes in step S15), the control device 50 proceeds to step S16.

[0081] In step S16, the control device 50 acquires the history of the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 stored in the memory unit 54, and executes a clogging determination process. If it is determined that the filter device 22 is not clogged (No in step S16), the control device 50 ends the process. If it is determined that the filter device 22 is clogged (Yes in step S16), the control device 50 proceeds to step S17.

[0082] In step S17, the control device 50 executes a notification process, which allows the user to recognize that the filter device 22 is clogged and needs to be cleaned, allowing the user to take appropriate action.

[0083] In step S18, the control device 50 ends the humidity detection by the humidity detection unit 53. In step S19, the control device 50 stops the blower 36. Thereafter, the control device 50 ends the clogging detection process (END).

[0084] According to the present embodiment described above, the washer-dryer 10 as a clothing processing device includes the outer case 11, the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15 as storage tubs, the air passage 20 as a duct, the air blower 36, the filter device 22, the humidity detection unit 53, and the control device 50. The outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15 are disposed within the outer case, and the outer tub 13 has an air inlet 133 and an air outlet 132. The air passage 20 is disposed within the outer case 11 and connects the air inlet 133 to the air outlet 132. The air blower 36 is disposed within the air passage 20 and sends air to the outer tub 13 and the rotatable tub 15 for circulation. The filter device 22 is disposed within the air passage 20 downstream of the air outlet 132 and captures foreign matter in the air. The humidity detection unit 53 is disposed within the air passage 20 downstream of the filter device 22 and detects humidity. The control device 50 executes a clogging detection process for controlling the air blower 36 and the humidity detection unit 53 to detect a clogging state of the filter device 22. The clogging detection process includes a process for driving the air blower 36 to blow air, and a process for detecting a clogging state of the filter device 22 based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53.

[0085] According to this, the clogging state of the filter device 22 is detected based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53, so it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a clogging state with a relatively simple configuration. Also, because the humidity detection unit 53 is arranged downstream of the filter device 22, it is possible to reduce the risk of lint or other foreign matter accumulating on the humidity detection unit 53 and, ultimately, the risk of fire. Furthermore, because the humidity detection unit 53, which is used to detect the degree of dryness during drying operation, can also be used to detect a clogging state, no additional configuration is required, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0086] The washer-dryer 10 as a clothing processing device includes heat exchangers 31 and 32 as a humidification promotion member 41, a second water supply path 43 as a water supply path, and a second water supply valve 42 as a water supply valve. The humidification promotion members 41, 31, and 32 are arranged in the air passage 20. The second water supply path 43 supplies water from a water source outside the outer casing 11 to the humidification promotion members 41, 31, and 32. The second water supply valve 42 opens and closes the second water supply path 43. The clogging detection process includes a water supply operation in which the second water supply valve 42 is opened to supply water to the humidification promotion members 41, 31, and 32.

[0087] This actively supplies water into the air passage to reliably generate moist air, thereby increasing the humidity of the circulating air if no clogging occurs, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting clogging of the filter device 22.

[0088] The clogging detection step includes a process of determining that a clogging state has occurred when the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 is lower than a predetermined reference humidity Hc for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0089] According to this, if the humidity level remains below the reference humidity Hc for a predetermined period of time or longer, it is determined that a clogging state has occurred, thereby making it possible to more reliably detect the clogging state of the filter device 22 regardless of the time lag between the start of the clogging detection process and the increase in the detected humidity. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the clogging state of the filter device 22.

[0090] In another embodiment, the clogging detection step includes a process of determining that a clogging state has occurred when the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the air blowing operation is less than a predetermined reference humidity Hc.

[0091] This also makes it possible to more reliably detect the clogged state of the filter device 22, regardless of the time lag between the start of the clogging detection process and the increase in the detected humidity. Therefore, the accuracy of detecting the clogged state of the filter device 22 can be improved.

[0092] Here, when the clogging detection process is performed after the drying process, there may be cases where dried clothes are stored in the rotatable tub 15. In this case, if the water supply operation is performed endlessly for the clogging detection process, there is a risk that the dried clothes will become wet again.

[0093] The execution period of the clogging detection process is set to a predetermined period X0 or less.

[0094] By setting an upper limit on the execution period of the clogging detection process, it is possible to prevent the clothes from becoming excessively damp due to the clogging detection process.

[0095] The predetermined period X0 can be set depending on the weight of the clothes, the fabric quality of the clothes, the amount of water supplied by the water supply operation, or the frequency of the water supply operation.

[0096] When the control device 50 detects that the filter device 22 is clogged, it executes a notification process to notify the user.

[0097] This allows the user who receives the notification to remove foreign matter such as accumulated lint by cleaning filter device 22. This again improves the circulation efficiency in air passage 20, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0098] The clogging detection process can be performed before, during, or after any operation. For example, the control device 50 can perform the clogging detection process before the start of, after the end of, or during each process of a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation.

[0099] For example, the control device 50 can execute the clogging detection process after the completion of the drying operation or the drying process of the washing and drying operation. In this case, by supplying water to the evaporator 31, it is possible to wash away lint that has adhered to the surface of the evaporator 31, particularly the upstream side surface, during the drying process. In other words, it is possible to execute cleaning of the evaporator simultaneously with the clogging detection process.

[0100] Note that if the clogging detection process is performed during or after each process of an operation that includes a washing process or a spin-drying process, it is not necessary to supply water to the humidification promotion member 41. That is, since the inner surface of the outer tub 13 becomes wet during the washing process or the spin-drying process, the blowing action of the blower 36 can evaporate the moisture from the inner surface of the outer tub 13 and circulate humid air. In this case, the control device 50 can also perform the clogging determination process based on the humidity detected by the humidity detector 53.

[0101] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the control device 50 executes the clogging detection process under predetermined conditions, and does not execute the clogging detection process if the predetermined conditions are not met. The predetermined conditions may be, for example, the weight of the clothes stored in the storage tubs 13 and 15, the fabric type of the clothes stored in the storage tubs 13 and 15, or the type of process performed immediately before the clogging detection process.

[0102] In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is, for example, the weight of the clothes stored in storage tubs 13 and 15. If a large amount of clothes is stored in storage tubs 13 and 15, the steam generated by the water supply operation may be absorbed by the clothes. Furthermore, if rotatable tub 15 is filled with clothes, air circulation may be hindered. As a result, even if the water supply operation is performed, the humidity in air passage 20 may not be constant, and the humidity detected by humidity detection unit 53 may not rise to reference humidity Hc.

[0103] In this embodiment, the washer-dryer 10 includes a weight detection unit 56. The weight detection unit 56 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 15 using any known method. For example, the weight detection unit 56 can be implemented using an ammeter (not shown) that measures the current flowing through the rotatable tub motor 16. In this case, the weight detection unit 56 measures the load acting on the rotatable tub motor 16 by measuring the current flowing through the rotatable tub motor 16 when the rotatable tub 15 is rotated, and can detect the weight of the laundry stored in the rotatable tub 15 based on this load. The weight detection unit 56 can also be implemented using, for example, an encoder that detects the rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16. In this case, the weight detection unit 56 measures the load on the rotatable tub motor 16 from the difference between the target rotation speed instructed by the control device 50 and the actual rotation speed of the rotatable tub motor 16, and detects the weight of the laundry based on this load.

[0104] The control device 50 controls whether or not to perform the clogging detection process based on the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56, particularly the weight detected by the dry clothes. Detection by the weight detection unit 56 may be performed before or at the start of the clogging detection process, or, if a washing process is performed before the clogging detection process in one operation, may be performed before or at the start of the washing process. The control device 50 does not perform the clogging detection process if the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper weight limit W. The predetermined upper weight limit W may be an absolute weight value or a percentage of the rated weight of the washer-dryer 10. The predetermined upper weight limit W may be set, for example, within a range of 5 kg or more. The predetermined upper weight limit W may also be set, for example, within a range of 50% or more of the rated weight.

[0105] The process of detecting clogging in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 14. Only the parts that differ from the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 12 will be described.

[0106] When the clogging detection process starts, in step S21, the control device 50 acquires the detection result of the weight detection unit 56. Acquiring the detection result of the weight detection unit 56 includes acquiring the result detected by the weight detection unit 56 after the clogging detection process starts, and acquiring the detection result of the weight detection unit 56 that was detected by the weight detection unit 56 and stored in the memory unit 54 before the clogging detection process starts, for example, at the start of the washing process.

[0107] In step S22, the control device 50 determines whether the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56 is less than a predetermined upper limit weight W. If the detected weight is less than the predetermined upper limit weight W (Yes in step S22), the control device 50 proceeds to step S11. If the detected weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit weight W (No in step S22), the control device 50 ends the process and terminates the clogging detection process (END).

[0108] Here, it is assumed that the heavier the clothes stored in rotatable tub 15, the greater the surface area of ​​the clothes, and the more moisture the clothes will absorb when the water supply and air blowing operations are performed. Furthermore, it is assumed that the heavier the clothes, the greater the volume of the clothes, and the clothes will hinder the efficient circulation of moist air within storage tubs 13, 15 and downstream thereof, and as a result, humidity detector 53 located downstream of storage tubs 13, 15 will not be able to accurately detect the humidity in air passage 20. In other words, even if the same amount of water is supplied to humidification promotion member 41, the weight of the clothes is likely to cause a change in the humidity detected by humidity detector 53, and therefore in the results of the clogging determination process.

[0109] In contrast, the washer / dryer 10 as a clothing treatment device of this embodiment is provided with a weight detection unit 56 that detects the weight of the clothes stored in the storage tubs 13, 15. The control device 50 executes a clogging detection process in accordance with the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56.

[0110] Therefore, by performing the clogging detection process based on the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56, it is possible to obtain more accurate results from the clogging determination process.

[0111] For example, the control device 50 executes the clogging determination process when the weight detected by the weight detection unit 56 is less than a predetermined upper limit weight W, and does not execute the clogging determination process when the weight detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit weight. Alternatively, if the weight detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit weight, the control device 50 may notify the user and resume the clogging detection process after the user removes some or all of the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 15. This allows for more accurate results of the clogging determination process by executing the clogging determination process based on the detection result of the humidity detection unit 53 when the weight of the clothes stored in the rotatable tub 15 is less than a predetermined weight that does not excessively affect the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit 53, for example, less than a predetermined weight that does not cause excessive moisture absorption or impede air circulation. This improves user convenience. Note that if the weight detected by the weight detection unit is equal to or greater than the predetermined upper limit weight, the clogging state of the filter device 22 may be determined using a method other than the clogging determination process described above.

[0112] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10... washing machine, 13... outer tub (storage tub), 132... air outlet, 133... air inlet, 15... rotating tub (storage tub), 20... air passage, 22... filter device, 31... evaporator (heat exchanger, humidification promotion member), 32... condenser (heat exchanger, humidification promotion member), 36... blower device, 41... humidification promotion member, 42... second water supply valve (water supply valve), 43... second water supply path (water supply path), 50... control device, 53... humidity detection unit

Claims

1. The outer box and a storage tank provided in the outer box and having an air inlet and an air outlet; an air passage provided in the outer box and connecting the air inlet and the air outlet; an air blower provided in the air passage to send and circulate air into the storage tank; a filter device disposed in the air passage downstream of the air outlet to capture foreign matter in the air; a humidity detection unit disposed in the air passage downstream of the filter device and configured to detect humidity; a control device that executes a clogging detection step of controlling the air blower and the humidity detection unit to detect a clogging state of the filter device, the clogging detection step includes a process of driving the air blower to blow air, and detecting a clogging state of the filter device based on the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit. Clothes treatment device.

2. a humidification promotion member disposed within the duct; a water supply path for supplying water from a water supply source outside the outer box to the humidification promotion member; a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path, the clogging detection step includes a water supply operation of opening the water supply valve to supply water to the humidification promotion member. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the clogging detection step includes a process of determining that the clogging state has occurred when the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit is lower than a predetermined reference humidity for a predetermined period of time or longer. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

4. a weight detection unit that detects the weight of the clothes stored in the storage tub; The control device executes the clogging detection step in accordance with the detected weight of the weight detection unit. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

5. The execution period of the clogging detection step is set to a predetermined period or less. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

6. When the control device detects the clogging state, the control device executes a notification process to notify a user. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

Images