Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a clothes dryer that easily achieves a good sterilization effect in the evaporator. [Solution] The drum-type washing and drying machine 1 includes a washing tub W in which clothes are placed, a circulation path 110 connected to the washing tub W, a fan device 120 for circulating air between the washing tub W and the circulation path 110, an evaporator 131 located in the circulation path 110 and cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing through the circulation path 110, a condenser 132 located downstream of the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110 and heating the air after it has been dehumidified by the evaporator 131, an ozone generator 200 for generating ozone and discharging it to a location upstream of the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110, and a control unit for operating the fan device 120 and the ozone generator 200 so that the ozone-containing air sent from the fan device 120 passes through the evaporator 131.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothes dryer.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, washing and drying machines equipped with heat pump type drying devices have become mainstream. In this drying device, an evaporator for dehumidifying warm air and a condenser for heating the dehumidified warm air are arranged in a circulation path in which the drying air circulates between the washing tub. In the evaporator, dew condensation is likely to occur due to the water condensed from the warm air, and since the temperature is lower than that of the condenser, the condensed water is difficult to dry. Therefore, in the evaporator, bacteria are likely to multiply, and there is a possibility of generating abnormal odors such as musty odors caused by bacteria. As a result, there is concern that the bacteria and abnormal odors generated in the evaporator may adhere to the clothes in the washing tub via the warm air.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a washing and drying machine provided with a sterilization device that imparts a sterilization effect to at least the upstream surface of the evaporator in a heat exchange chamber in which the evaporator and the condenser are housed. In this washing and drying machine, the sterilization device is constituted by an ultraviolet irradiation device, and ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the upstream surface of the evaporator. Alternatively, the sterilization device is configured to spray functional water that exhibits sterilization and deodorization functions such as hypochlorous acid onto the upstream surface of the evaporator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-mentioned washer-dryer, parts of the evaporator that are not exposed to ultraviolet light or sprayed with functional water cannot be disinfected. The evaporator has a complex structure with many overlapping metal fins, and there are many areas that are not reached by the emitted ultraviolet light or sprayed functional water, making it easy for the evaporator to be insufficiently disinfected.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a clothes dryer in which a good sterilization effect of the evaporator can be easily obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A clothes dryer according to the main embodiment of the present invention comprises a heat pump device including a storage section for storing clothes, a circulation path connected to the storage section, a fan device for circulating air between the storage section and the circulation path, an evaporator disposed in the circulation path and cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing through the circulation path, a condenser disposed downstream of the evaporator in the circulation path and heating the air after it has been dehumidified by the evaporator, an ozone generator for generating ozone and discharging it to a position upstream of the evaporator in the circulation path, and a control unit for operating the fan device and the ozone generator so that ozone-containing air sent from the fan device passes through the evaporator.

[0008] According to the clothes dryer of this embodiment, the ozone air comes into contact with the evaporator, providing it with sterilization and other effects. As a result, the evaporator is sterilized, and unpleasant odors such as damp smells are less likely to occur. Moreover, since the ozone air is a gas, it can easily reach every corner of the evaporator, providing a wide range of sterilization effects and enabling thorough sterilization of the evaporator. Furthermore, the ozone air can also dry the wet evaporator, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow.

[0009] In the clothes dryer according to this embodiment, the fan device may be positioned upstream of the evaporator in the circulation path. In this case, the ozone generator may discharge ozone between the fan device and the evaporator.

[0010] With the above configuration, the ozone discharge point is close to the evaporator, thus reducing the consumption of ozone before it reaches the evaporator. Also, because the ozone discharge point is close to the fan device, the airflow velocity does not decrease as easily from the fan device, resulting in a larger airflow at the discharge point. This increases the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator, and thus increases the amount of ozone supplied to the circulation path. As a result, the ozone can act more effectively on the evaporator, enabling more thorough disinfection of the evaporator.

[0011] In the configuration described above, a filter for capturing foreign matter may be placed in the circulation path between the fan device and the evaporator, upstream of the point where ozone from the ozone generator is discharged.

[0012] With this configuration, dust and other foreign matter are less likely to adhere to the evaporator, making it difficult for bacteria to multiply using these foreign matter as a nutrient source. Moreover, since the ozone airflow directed towards the evaporator does not pass through the filter, the ozone is not consumed by contact with foreign matter captured by the filter. Therefore, even more thorough sterilization of the evaporator becomes possible.

[0013] In the clothes dryer according to this embodiment, the control unit may be configured to operate the ozone generator during the drying process in which the fan device and the heat pump device are operated to dry the clothes in the storage compartment.

[0014] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to disinfect the evaporator simultaneously with drying the clothes during the drying process. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to disinfect the clothes during drying using ozone.

[0015] In the configuration described above, the control unit may be configured to perform an ozone removal process after the drying process, in which it stops the operation of the ozone generator and continues the operation of the fan device and the heat pump device.

[0016] With this configuration, the ozone concentration inside the containment unit can be reduced by performing the ozone decontamination process. Moreover, since the ozone in the air is heated by the condenser, the decomposition of ozone is accelerated, and the reduction in ozone concentration becomes faster. This allows the time required for the ozone decontamination process to be shortened. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes dryer in which a good sterilization effect of the evaporator can be easily obtained.

[0018] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the following description of embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum-type washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ozone generator according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drum-type washing machine and dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the drying process, ozone removal process, and cool-down process performed by the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the sterilization operation performed by the control unit according to modification example 1. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to Modification 2.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a drum-type washing and drying machine, which is an embodiment of the clothes dryer of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type washing and drying machine 1.

[0022] The drum-type washing and drying machine 1 includes a rectangular box-shaped housing 10. A circular inlet 11 for loading laundry is formed on the front surface of the housing 10. The inlet 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

[0023] An outer tub 20 is disposed inside the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. Inside the outer tub 20, a drum 23, which is an inner tub, is rotatably disposed. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. Laundry is loaded into the drum 23 through the inlet 11 and the opening 23a. The outer tub 20 and the drum 23 constitute a washing tub W in which clothes (laundry) are accommodated and washing and drying are performed. The washing tub W corresponds to the "accommodation part" of the present invention.

[0024] The outer tub 20 has a substantially cylindrical opening 20a formed by a packing for water sealing in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23 and connected to the inlet 11. A large number of dehydration holes 23b are formed on the circumferential wall of the drum 23. In addition, a baffle 24 for scraping up the laundry is provided on the circumferential wall inside the drum 23. Note that if the drum 23 is a horizontal-axis type, it may rotate around a rotation axis inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0025] Behind the outer tub 20 is a drive motor 30 that generates torque to rotate the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. During the washing, rinsing, and drying processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is less than gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. On the other hand, during the dewatering process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than gravity, causing the laundry to stick to the circumferential walls of the drum 23.

[0026] A drain port 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 20. A drain channel 40, consisting of a drain hose or the like, is connected to the drain port 20b. A drain valve 41 and a drain filter 42 are provided in the drain channel 40. The drain valve 41 includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor for opening and closing the valve.

[0027] When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water stored in the outer tank 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain channel 40. The drain filter 42 captures foreign matter such as lint contained in the wastewater.

[0028] A water supply unit 50 is located in the upper part of the housing 10. The water supply unit 50 includes a water supply valve 51 and a water supply channel 52. One end of the water supply channel 52 is connected to the water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to a water inlet 20c provided on the back of the outer tank 20. When the water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from the water tap flows through the water supply channel 52 and is supplied into the outer tank 20 from the water inlet 20c.

[0029] The water supply unit 50 may also include an automatic dispensing device that automatically dispenses liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener into the outer tank 20. The automatic dispensing device may include, for example, a liquid tank in which liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener are stored, and a pump that sends the liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener from the liquid tank into the water supply channel 52. In this case, the liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener discharged into the water supply channel 52 are sent into the outer tank 20 by the water flowing through the water supply channel 52.

[0030] A drying device 100 is located at the top of the housing 10 to dry the laundry in the drum 23 using heated air, i.e., hot air. The drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a fan device 120, and a heat pump device 130.

[0031] The circulation path 110 is an air passage through which air flows and is connected to the outer tank 20. The circulation path 110 includes an outlet duct 111, a fan casing 112, a heat exchanger housing 113, and an inlet duct 114. The circulation path 110 is located above the outer tank 20 within the housing 10.

[0032] The outlet duct 111 is connected at one end to an exhaust port 20d located on the rear of the outer tank 20, and at the other end to an intake port of the fan casing 112. The exhaust port 20d may be located at the rear of the circumferential surface of the outer tank 20.

[0033] The heat exchanger housing 113 has a box-like shape that is elongated in the front-to-back direction and is positioned above the outer tank 20, adjacent to the front of the fan casing 112. The rear end of the heat exchanger housing 113 is connected to the discharge port of the fan casing 112. The inlet duct 114 extends from the front end of the heat exchanger housing 113 and is connected to the inlet 20e formed in the front upper part of the outer tank 20.

[0034] The fan device 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan and includes a fan 121 housed in a fan casing 112 and a fan motor 122 for rotating the fan 121. The fan device 120 circulates air between the outer tank 20 and the circulation path 110. Air discharged from the outer tank 20 through the exhaust port 20d flows through the circulation path 110 in the order of the outlet duct 111, fan casing 112, heat exchanger housing 113, and inlet duct 114, and is introduced into the outer tank 20 through the inlet port 20e.

[0035] The heat pump device 130 includes an evaporator 131, a condenser 132, a compressor 133, a refrigerant circulation path 134, and a pressure reducer 135.

[0036] The evaporator 131 and condenser 132 are located upstream and downstream of the airflow within the heat exchanger housing 113, respectively. The evaporator 131 and condenser 132 are heat exchangers and have a number of metal fins 131a, 132a.

[0037] The compressor 133 compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant circulation path 134 connects the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 to the compressor 133 and circulates the refrigerant. The pressure reducer 135, for example, is an expansion valve and is located between the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 in the refrigerant circulation path 134 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0038] When compressor 133 operates, the refrigerant, compressed to high temperature and pressure, flows to condenser 132. Heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through condenser 132 heats the air flowing through circulation path 110. The refrigerant cooled by the air is depressurized through pressure reducer 135, becoming low temperature and low pressure, and flows to evaporator 131. Heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through evaporator 131 cools and dehumidifies the air flowing through circulation path 110. The refrigerant heated by the air returns to compressor 133.

[0039] Filters 140 and 150 are placed in the circulation path 110, inside the outlet duct 111 and near the inlet inside the heat exchanger housing 113. These filters 140 and 150 capture foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the air flowing through the circulation path 110. The filter 140 inside the outlet duct 111 can be cleaned by an automatic cleaning device such as a wiper (not shown), and the filter 150 inside the heat exchanger housing 113 is removable from the heat exchanger housing 113. The mesh size of the filter 150 is smaller than that of the filter 140.

[0040] The drying apparatus 100 includes an ozone generator 200. The circulation path 110 has an inlet 115 located upstream of the evaporator 131 in the airflow, between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131. A pipe-shaped supply path 300 extending from the ozone generator 200 is connected to the inlet 115. The ozone generator 200 generates ozone from air taken in from the outside and discharges the generated ozone into the circulation path 110 along with the air through the supply path 300 and the inlet 115. That is, the ozone is discharged between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110. The filter 150 in the heat exchanger housing 113 is located between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131, upstream of the point where ozone from the ozone generator 200 is discharged in the airflow.

[0041] Figure 2 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ozone generator 200.

[0042] The ozone generator 200 includes a housing 210 and an ozone generating unit 220.

[0043] The housing 210 has, for example, a rectangular box shape. An intake port 211 for drawing air into the housing 210 is provided on the rear end surface of the housing 210. The intake port 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the front end surface. An exhaust port 212 for discharging ozone gas from inside the housing 210 is provided on the front end surface of the housing 210. The exhaust port 212 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the front end surface. A supply passage 300 is connected to the exhaust port 212.

[0044] The ozone generating unit 220 is, for example, a discharge-type ozone generator and has a pair of electrodes 221. The pair of electrodes 221 are connected to the ozone power supply unit 230.

[0045] When the fan 121 of the fan device 120 rotates at a predetermined speed, air flows through the heat exchanger housing 113 of the circulation path 110 at a predetermined flow velocity (wind speed). This creates negative pressure at the intake port 115 inside the heat exchanger housing 113, generating a suction force that draws air from the ozone generator 200 side to the intake port 115. Due to this suction force, the ozone generator 200 draws outside air into the housing 210 through the intake port 211. When the air drawn in from the intake port 211 flows through the housing 210 toward the outlet port 212, an AC voltage is supplied from the ozone power supply unit 230 to the pair of electrodes 221, causing silent discharge, corona discharge, and other discharges between the electrodes 221, and ozone is generated from the air (oxygen) passing through the ozone generation unit 220. Ozone is discharged along with the air from the outlet 212, passes through the supply path 300, and is discharged from the inlet 115 between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110.

[0046] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum-type washer-dryer 1.

[0047] In addition to the above-described configuration, the drum-type washer-dryer 1 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, an operation unit 403, a display unit 404, a water level sensor 405, a motor drive unit 406, a water supply drive unit 407, a drainage drive unit 408, a fan drive unit 409, and a compressor drive unit 410.

[0048] The control unit 403 includes a power button for turning the power to the device on and off, a course selection button for selecting a course from a number of courses related to operation such as washing and washing and drying, and a start button for starting the operation. The control unit 403 outputs an input signal to the control unit 401 corresponding to the button operated by the user.

[0049] The display unit 404 includes light-emitting elements such as LEDs and a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and performs functions such as displaying the selected course, displaying the progress of the operation, and notifying of abnormalities in accordance with control signals from the control unit 401.

[0050] The water level sensor 405 detects the water level in the outer tank 20 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level to the control unit 401.

[0051] The motor drive unit 406 drives the drive motor 30 according to the control signal from the control unit 401. The motor drive unit 406 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotational speed set by the control unit 401.

[0052] The water supply drive unit 407 drives the water supply valve 51 according to the control signal from the control unit 401. The drainage drive unit 408 drives the drainage valve 41 according to the control signal from the control unit 401.

[0053] The fan drive unit 409 drives the fan motor 122 of the fan device 120 according to the control signal from the control unit 401. The compressor drive unit 410 drives the compressor 133 according to the control signal from the control unit 401, and operates the evaporator 131 and the condenser 132.

[0054] The ozone power supply unit 230 supplies power to the ozone generating unit 220 according to a control signal from the control unit 401. For example, the control unit 401 controls the ozone generator 200 by switching it on and off. As a result, while the ozone generator 200 is operating, the ozone generating unit 220 is repeatedly powered on and off at a predetermined duty cycle (on / off time ratio).

[0055] The memory unit 402 includes an EEPROM, RAM, etc. The memory unit 402 stores programs for executing various course layouts. The memory unit 402 also stores various parameters and control flags used for executing these programs.

[0056] The control unit 401, which includes a CPU and the like, controls the display unit 404, motor drive unit 406, water supply drive unit 407, drainage drive unit 408, fan drive unit 409, compressor drive unit 410, ozone power supply unit 230, etc., according to a program stored in the memory unit 402, based on signals from the operation unit 403, water level sensor 405, etc.

[0057] In the drum-type washer-dryer 1, based on the user's operation of the control unit 403, the control unit 401 controls the washing and drying operation, washing operation, and drying operation for various courses. In the washing and drying operation, the washing process, intermediate spin-drying process, rinsing process, final spin-drying process, and drying process are performed in order. In the washing operation, the washing process is performed up to the final spin-drying process, but the drying process is not performed. In the drying operation, only the drying process is performed. Depending on the operation course, the rinsing process and intermediate spin-drying process may be performed two or more times.

[0058] In the washing process, water containing detergent is filled into the outer tub 20 up to a washing water level corresponding to the load of laundry contained in the drum 23. The laundry immersed in this water tumbles inside the drum 23 as the drum 23 rotates repeatedly in the forward and reverse directions. The water containing detergent penetrates deep into the laundry, and the dirt is removed from the laundry by the combined force of the detergent and the mechanical force of tumbling.

[0059] During the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward with water filling the outer tub 20 up to the rinsing water level, causing the laundry to tumble around inside the drum 23. This allows the detergent contained in the laundry to be discharged along with the water, thus rinsing the laundry.

[0060] In the intermediate and final dewatering processes, the drive motor 30 rotates at high speed in one direction, causing the drum 23 to rotate in one direction at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than that of gravity. Due to the action of centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the circumferential walls of the drum 23 and dewatered.

[0061] During the drying process, the fan device 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110, and the condenser 132 heats the air introduced into the outer tub 20, turning it into warm air. Furthermore, the drum 23 rotates in both forward and reverse directions, causing the laundry to tumble inside the drum 23.

[0062] Hot air introduced into the outer tub 20 and drum 23 from the inlet 20e hits the tumbling laundry, drying it. The hot air, having removed moisture from the laundry, returns to the circulation path 110 from the exhaust port 20d. In the circulation path 110, the hot air passes through the evaporator 131 before being heated in the condenser 132, where it is dehumidified. The hot air returning to the circulation path 110 contains foreign matter such as lint from the laundry. This foreign matter in the hot air is captured by filters 140 and 150 in the circulation path 110.

[0063] In the drying apparatus 100 equipped with the heat pump device 130, the dehumidification efficiency of the evaporator 131 is high, so drying performance can be ensured without raising the temperature of the hot air supplied to the drum 23 to a very high level. For example, the temperature of the hot air heated in the condenser 132 is set to about 60°C. In this case, the temperature of the hot air that is cooled by heat exchange with the wet laundry in the drum 23 and returns to the circulation path 110 is, for example, about 40°C to 50°C.

[0064] Incidentally, in the evaporator 131, condensation is likely to occur due to water condensed from the hot air passing through the evaporator 131, and unlike the condenser 132, the temperature is low, so the condensed water does not dry easily. For this reason, bacteria can easily multiply in the evaporator 131, and there is a possibility that unpleasant odors such as damp smells will be generated due to the bacteria. As a result, there is a concern that bacteria and unpleasant odors generated in the evaporator 131 may adhere to the clothes in the drum 23 via the hot air.

[0065] Therefore, in the drum-type washer-dryer 1, during the drying process, the ozone generated by the ozone generator 200 is supplied to the circulation path 110, so that the ozone-containing air flowing through the circulation path 110 passes through the evaporator 131, thereby disinfecting the evaporator 131. After the drying process, an ozone de-ozone process is performed to reduce the ozone concentration in the washing tub W and the circulation path 110, and a cool-down process is performed to lower the temperature of the dried laundry.

[0066] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the drying process, ozone removal process, and cool-down process performed by the control unit 401.

[0067] First, the control unit 401 executes the drying process. Specifically, the control unit 401 operates the fan device 120 and the heat pump device 130 and rotates the drum 23 (S101). As a result, the air heated in the condenser 132, i.e., hot air, is supplied into the rotating drum 23, and the drying of the laundry, i.e., clothes, inside the drum 23 begins.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 401 operates the ozone generator 200 (S102). The ozone generated by the ozone generator 200 is discharged between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110, and is mixed with the warm air sent from the fan device 120 to generate ozone air. The ozone air passes through the evaporator 131 and comes into contact with the evaporator 131, providing sterilization and other effects with ozone. As a result, mold and other bacteria that have grown in the evaporator 131 are sterilized, and unpleasant odors such as damp smells are less likely to occur.

[0069] In this case, the evaporator 131 has a complex structure with many fins 131a, but the ozone wind, being a gas, can easily reach every corner of the evaporator 131.

[0070] Furthermore, the ozone from the ozone generator 200 is discharged between the fan unit 120 and the evaporator 131. This brings the ozone discharge point closer to the evaporator 131, thus reducing the consumption of ozone before it reaches the evaporator 131. Also, because the ozone discharge point, i.e., the position of the inlet 115, is closer to the fan unit 120, the airflow velocity does not decrease as easily from the position of the fan unit 120, resulting in a larger airflow. This increases the suction force at the inlet 115 due to negative pressure, leading to a larger amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 200 and a larger supply of ozone into the circulation path 110. Therefore, the ozone is more easily able to act on the evaporator 131.

[0071] Furthermore, the filter 150 inside the heat exchanger housing 113 is located upstream of the ozone discharge point from the ozone generator 200. As a result, the ozone airflow toward the evaporator 131 does not pass through the filter 150, and therefore the ozone is not consumed by contact with foreign matter, including organic matter, trapped in the filter 150.

[0072] Furthermore, the warm air mixed with ozone contains moisture removed from the clothing. Therefore, when the ozone air comes into contact with the evaporator 131, dehumidification occurs from the ozone air.

[0073] The warm air containing ozone that was not consumed in the evaporator 131 is then heated in the condenser 132 and supplied into the drum 23. The ozone in the warm air acts on the clothes inside the drum 23, disinfecting and deodorizing them.

[0074] The control unit 401 determines whether the clothes are dry or not (S103). For example, an outlet temperature sensor and an inlet temperature sensor (not shown) are placed near the exhaust port 20d and near the inlet port 20e, respectively, within the circulation path 110. In this case, the control unit 401 determines the drying rate of the clothes in the drum 23 based on the outlet temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor and the inlet temperature detected by the inlet temperature sensor, and determines that the clothes are dry when a predetermined drying rate (for example, 100%) is reached. Alternatively, the control unit 401 determines that the laundry is dry when a predetermined drying time has elapsed since the fan device 120 and the heat pump device 130 started operating.

[0075] When the control unit 401 determines that the laundry is dry (S103: YES), it terminates the drying process and executes the ozone removal process. That is, the control unit 401 stops the operation of the ozone generator 200 (S104) and waits for the ozone removal time to elapse (S105). At this time, the heat pump device 130 continues to operate, and the ozone contained in the hot air is heated as it passes through the condenser 132. This promotes the decomposition of ozone. The ozone removal time is set to a time such that the ozone concentration in the washing tub W and the circulation path 110 decreases to a specified value close to the ozone concentration outside the drum-type washer-dryer 1.

[0076] When the ozone removal time has elapsed (S105: YES), the control unit 401 terminates the ozone removal process and executes the cool-down process. That is, the control unit 401 stops the operation of the heat pump device 130 (S106) and waits for the cool-down time to elapse (S107). The fan device 120 and drum 23 continue to operate, and the clothes inside the drum 23 are cooled by the air supplied to the drum 23 as they tumble. The cool-down time is set to a time such that the temperature of the clothes inside the drum 23 falls below a specified temperature.

[0077] When the cool-down time has elapsed (S107:YES), the control unit 401 stops the operation of the fan device 120 and the rotation of the drum 23 (S108), thereby ending the cool-down process.

[0078] Furthermore, ozone tends to decompose more easily as the ambient temperature increases. In the drying process using the heat pump device 130, as mentioned above, the temperature of the warm air returning to the circulation path 110 is relatively low. Therefore, ozone decomposition due to temperature is unlikely to occur from the time the ozone air is generated until it reaches the evaporator 131. Moreover, even if the temperature of the warm air increases after heating in the condenser 132, making ozone more easily decomposed, ozone remains in the warm air supplied to the drum 23.

[0079] In all wash-and-dry cycles and all drying cycles, the control process shown in Figure 4 is executed, and ozone may be supplied from the ozone generator 200 into the circulation path 110 during the drying process, or the supply of ozone during the drying process may be limited to the wash-and-dry cycle or drying cycle of a predetermined course. Furthermore, it may be possible to select whether or not to supply ozone during the drying process using a button or the like.

[0080] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the drum-type washing and drying machine 1 includes a heat pump device 130 which includes an evaporator 131 located in the circulation path 110 and cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulation path 110, and a condenser 132 located downstream of the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110 and heating the air after it has been dehumidified by the evaporator 131; an ozone generator 200 which generates ozone and discharges it to a location upstream of the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110; and a control unit 401 which operates the fan device 120 and the ozone generator 200 so that the ozone-containing air sent from the fan device 120 passes through the evaporator 131.

[0081] With this configuration, the ozone air comes into contact with the evaporator 131, and the ozone provides a sterilizing effect to the evaporator 131, thus sterilizing the evaporator 131 and making it less likely for unpleasant odors such as damp smells to occur. Moreover, since the ozone air is a gas, it can easily reach every corner of the evaporator 131, so it can provide a wide sterilizing effect to the evaporator 131, enabling thorough sterilization of the evaporator 131.

[0082] Furthermore, the fan device 120 is positioned upstream of the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110, and the ozone generator 200 discharges ozone between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131.

[0083] With this configuration, the ozone discharge point is closer to the evaporator 131, thus suppressing the consumption of ozone before it reaches the evaporator 131. Also, because the ozone discharge point is closer to the fan device 120, the airflow velocity does not decrease as easily from the position of the fan device 120, resulting in a larger airflow at the discharge point. As a result, the amount of ozone generated by the ozone generator 200 increases, and the amount of ozone supplied into the circulation path 110 increases. Therefore, the ozone can act more effectively on the evaporator 131, enabling even more thorough sterilization of the evaporator 131.

[0084] Furthermore, within the circulation path 110, a filter 150 is positioned between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131, upstream of the point where ozone from the ozone generator 200 is discharged, to capture foreign matter contained in the flowing air.

[0085] With this configuration, foreign matter such as dust is less likely to adhere to the evaporator 131, making it difficult for bacteria to multiply using such foreign matter as a nutrient source. Moreover, since the ozone airflow directed towards the evaporator 131 does not pass through the filter 150, ozone is not consumed by contact with foreign matter captured by the filter 150. Therefore, even more thorough sterilization of the evaporator 131 becomes possible.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 401 operates the ozone generator 200 during the drying process, in which the fan device 120 and the heat pump device 130 are operated to dry the clothes in the washing tub W.

[0087] This configuration allows for the simultaneous drying of clothes during the drying process and sterilization of the evaporator 131. Furthermore, it enables sterilization and deodorization of clothes during drying using ozone.

[0088] Furthermore, after the drying process, the control unit 401 performs an ozone removal process, which involves stopping the operation of the ozone generator 200 and continuing the operation of the fan device 120 and the heat pump device 130.

[0089] With this configuration, the ozone concentration in the washing tub W can be reduced by performing the ozone removal process. Moreover, since the ozone contained in the hot air is heated by the condenser 132, the decomposition of ozone is promoted, and the reduction in ozone concentration is accelerated. As a result, the time required for the ozone removal process can be shortened.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way by the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

[0091] <Example of change 1> The drum-type washing and drying machine 1 may be equipped with a sterilization cycle for sterilizing the evaporator 131.

[0092] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the sterilization operation performed by the control unit 401 according to modification example 1.

[0093] The user selects the sterilization cycle using the course selection button on the control panel 403 and presses the start button. This starts the sterilization cycle. At this time, there are no clothes inside the drum 23.

[0094] First, the control unit 401 performs a sterilization process. That is, the control unit 401 operates the fan device 120 and the ozone generator 200 (S201). At this time, the heat pump device 130 does not operate.

[0095] The ozone generated by the ozone generator 200 is discharged between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110, and is mixed with the air sent from the fan device 120 to generate ozone air. The ozone air passes through the evaporator 131 and comes into contact with it, providing sterilization and other effects with ozone. This sterilizes mold and other fungi that have grown in the evaporator 131.

[0096] Furthermore, unlike during the drying process, the ozone air does not contain much moisture, and since the heat pump device 130 is not operating, the evaporator 131 is not cooled. Therefore, if the evaporator 131 is wet, the ozone air will dry it out. Drying the evaporator 131 makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow. In addition, because the temperature of the ozone air is lower than during the drying process, ozone decomposition due to temperature is less likely to occur compared to the drying process.

[0097] The ozone air that is not consumed in the evaporator 131 is then supplied to the washing tub W. This disinfects the inside of the washing tub W with ozone.

[0098] The control unit 401 determines whether the sterilization time has elapsed (S202). The sterilization time is set to a time that provides sufficient sterilization effect, according to the ozone concentration of the ozone air.

[0099] When the sterilization time has elapsed (S202:YES), the control unit 401 terminates the sterilization process and executes the ozone removal process. That is, the control unit 401 stops the operation of the ozone generator 200 (S203) and waits for the ozone removal time to elapse (S204). The ozone removal time is set to be longer than the ozone removal time in the ozone removal process of the above embodiment in which the heat pump device 130 is in operation.

[0100] When the ozone removal time has elapsed (S204: YES), the control unit 401 stops the operation of the fan device 120 (S205) and terminates the ozone removal process. Thus, the sterilization operation is completed.

[0101] Furthermore, the heat pump device 130 may be operated during the ozone removal process.

[0102] <Example of change 2> Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1 according to modification example 2.

[0103] In this modified example, the ozone generator 200 is placed within the circulation path 110. The ozone generator 200 is located within the heat exchanger housing 113 of the circulation path 110, between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131. The filter 150 is located upstream of the ozone generator 200 in the airflow. In the ozone generator 200, the intake port 211 faces the fan device 120 side (upstream side), and the exhaust port 212 faces the evaporator 131 side (downstream side).

[0104] In the drying process shown in Figure 4 or the sterilization process shown in Figure 5, when the fan device 120 and the ozone generator 200 are operating, a portion of the air (warm air) sent from the fan device 120 flows into the housing 210 from the intake port 211 and passes through the ozone generating unit 220. The ozone generated in the ozone generating unit 220 is discharged together with the air from the exhaust port 212. As a result, ozone is discharged between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 within the circulation path 110, generating ozone air. The ozone air passes through the evaporator 131, and the evaporator 131 is sterilized.

[0105] The same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved in this modified drum-type washing and drying machine 1.

[0106] <Other examples of changes> In the above embodiment, the intake port 115 is provided upstream of the fan device 120 in the circulation path 110, so that the ozone generator 200 discharges ozone to a position upstream of the fan device 120 via the supply path 300. In this case, the suction force generated when the fan device 120 operates draws ozone from the ozone generator 200 into the circulation path 110. Similarly, in the above modified example 2, the ozone generator 200 may be positioned upstream of the fan device 120 in the circulation path 110.

[0107] Furthermore, a filter 150 is not required to be provided between the fan device 120 and the evaporator 131 in the circulation path 110.

[0108] Furthermore, during the wash-and-dry cycle or drying cycle, the control unit 401 may not operate the ozone generator 200 during the drying process, but after the drying process is completed, it may perform a sterilization process in which it stops the operation of the heat pump device 130 and operates the ozone generator 200. The sterilization process ends when the sterilization time has elapsed, and thereafter, an ozone decontamination process and a cool-down process are performed. In this configuration, although the overall operating time during the wash-and-dry cycle or drying cycle is longer, ozone decomposition due to temperature is less likely to occur compared to when ozone is supplied during the drying process. In addition, the ozone airflow makes it easier for the wet evaporator 131 to dry.

[0109] Furthermore, depending on the ozone concentration of the ozone wind, there is a concern that the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 may become susceptible to rust due to the oxidizing power of ozone. Therefore, the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 may be formed from corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum. If the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 are not formed from corrosion-resistant materials, it is desirable to set the ozone concentration lower than when they are formed from corrosion-resistant materials, so that the evaporator 131 and condenser 132 are less likely to rust. The ozone concentration can be adjusted by changing the airflow by changing the rotation speed of the fan device 120, and it can also be adjusted by changing the duty cycle of the on / off control for the ozone generator 200.

[0110] Furthermore, within the circulation path 110, the fan device 120 may be positioned downstream of the condenser 132 in the airflow.

[0111] Furthermore, the ozone generator 200 may be any type of ozone generator other than a discharge type, as long as it can generate ozone.

[0112] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates a drum-type washing and drying machine 1 equipped with a horizontal-axis drum 23. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called vertical-type washing and drying machine, which has a vertical-axis washing and dewatering tub with a pulsator as an inner tub inside the outer tub. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a clothes dryer that has only a drying function and no washing function.

[0113] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Drum-type washing machine / dryer (clothes dryer) 110 Circulation path 120 Fan Device 130 Heat pump system 131 Evaporator 132 Condenser 150 filters 200 Ozone Generators 401 Control Unit W Washing tub (storage compartment)

Claims

1. A compartment where clothing is stored, A circulation path connected to the aforementioned housing section, A fan device for circulating air between the housing section and the circulation path, A heat pump device comprising: an evaporator disposed within the circulation path and cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing through the circulation path; and a condenser disposed downstream of the evaporator in the circulation path and heating the air after it has been dehumidified by the evaporator; An ozone generator that generates ozone and discharges it to a position upstream of the evaporator in the circulation path, A control unit operates the fan device and the ozone generator so that the ozone-containing air blown from the fan device passes through the evaporator. A clothes dryer characterized by having the following features.

2. In the clothes dryer according to claim 1, The fan device is positioned upstream of the evaporator in the circulation path, The ozone generator discharges ozone between the fan device and the evaporator. A clothes dryer characterized by the following features.

3. In the clothes dryer according to claim 2, Within the aforementioned circulation path, a filter for capturing foreign matter is positioned between the fan device and the evaporator, upstream of the point where ozone from the ozone generator is discharged, in the airflow. A clothes dryer characterized by the following features.

4. In a clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit operates the ozone generator in the drying process, which involves operating the fan device and the heat pump device to dry the clothes in the storage compartment. A clothes dryer characterized by the following features.

5. In the clothes dryer according to claim 4, The control unit, after the drying process, performs an ozone removal process in which it stops the operation of the ozone generator and continues the operation of the fan device and the heat pump device. A clothes dryer characterized by the following features.

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