Clothes dryer

Abstract

The objective is to provide a clothes dryer that can improve convenience. [Solution] The clothes dryer of the embodiment comprises a clothes storage tank, a drying air passage connected to the clothes storage tank, a blower capable of blowing air into the clothes storage tank via the drying air passage, a heat pump unit having a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, capable of dehumidifying the air passing through the drying air passage, and a control unit that performs a series of control operations for the drying process and can execute a plurality of drying courses, wherein the control unit changes the conditions for switching between a first control that controls the rotational speed of the compressor and a second control that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor more than the first control, according to the operating course to be executed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothes dryer.

Background Art

[0002] Clothes dryers having various functions have been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes dryer capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The clothes dryer according to the embodiment includes a clothes storage tank, a drying air duct connected to the clothes storage tank, a blower device capable of blowing air into the clothes storage tank through the drying air duct, a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, a heat pump unit capable of dehumidifying the air passing through the drying air duct, and a control unit that performs a series of controls for the drying process and can execute a plurality of drying courses. The control unit changes the conditions for switching between a first control for controlling the rotation speed of the compressor and a second control for suppressing fluctuations in the rotation speed of the compressor more than the first control according to the operation course to be executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the clothes dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the processing flow of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of a clothes dryer according to a fourth modified embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the first processing flow of a clothes dryer according to a fourth modified embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a feedback screen displayed by the display unit of the fourth modified embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the second processing flow of a clothes dryer in a fourth modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The clothes dryer of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar function will be denoted by the same reference numeral. Duplication of these components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and may also include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but may also include cases where XX has been calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to cases where either XX or YY is used, but may also include cases where both XX and YY are used. This is also true when there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

[0008] <Embodiment> (Overall structure) The clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment will now be described. In this application, "clothes dryer" may include washing machines, dryers, closet-type clothes dryers, etc. Also, in this application, "washing machine" may be a washer-dryer having a drying function. Below, a drum-type washing machine will be described as an example of the clothes dryer 100. However, the clothes dryer 100 is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, but may also be a top-loading washing machine, a twin-tub washing machine, etc.

[0009] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a clothes dryer 100 according to an embodiment. The clothes dryer 100 includes, for example, a clothes dryer body MB, an operation panel 50, one or more sensors S (see Figure 2), a communication device 70, a storage unit 80, and a control device 90.

[0010] (Clothes dryer unit) First, let's describe the clothes dryer main unit MB. The clothes dryer main unit MB includes, for example, a housing (outer casing) 11, a door 12, a water tank 13 (an example of a clothes storage tank), a drum 14, bellows 15, a drum motor 16 (an example of a drive unit), a first elastic support part 17A, a second elastic support part 17B, a damping device 18, a drain pipe 21, a drain valve 22, and a hot air supply mechanism 30.

[0011] The enclosure 11 has a front panel, a rear panel, a left panel, a right panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel, and is formed in a hollow shape. The front panel of the enclosure 11 is provided with an entrance / exit which is a through-hole. The door 12 is attached to the front panel of the enclosure 11. The door 12 closes the entrance / exit of the enclosure 11 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0012] The water tank 13 is located inside the housing 11. The water tank 13 is, for example, cylindrical with a closed rear end. The water tank 13 is positioned at a downward slope towards the rear. The front of the water tank 13 has an opening. Water is supplied to the inside of the water tank 13 by a water supply mechanism (not shown).

[0013] The drum 14 is located inside the water tank 13. The drum 14 is a storage chamber in which clothes (laundry) are placed. The drum 14 is cylindrical and is rotatably supported inside the water tank 13. The drum 14 is rotatable about an inclined axis (central axis) that extends in the front-to-back direction and is tilted slightly downward from the horizontal. The drum 14 is an example of both a "rotating tub" and a "washing tub".

[0014] The drum 14 has a cylindrical outer peripheral portion 14a (peripheral wall portion) and a rear wall portion 14b that closes the rear end portion of the outer peripheral portion 14a. A number of holes 14h for water passage and ventilation are provided in the outer peripheral portion 14a and the rear wall portion 14b of the drum 14. A plurality of baffles for stirring the laundry are provided on the inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 14a of the drum 14. The laundry inside the drum 14 is stirred by moving in the circumferential direction while being caught by each baffle and then falling by gravity. A circular opening through which the laundry is put in and taken out is provided in the front portion of the drum 14. An inlet connected to the opening of the drum 14 is provided in the front portion of the water tank 13. The inlet of the water tank 13 and the entrance / exit of the housing 11 communicate with each other via a bellows 15.

[0015] The drum motor 16 is provided behind the water tank 13. The tip of the rotating shaft of the drum motor 16 penetrates the rear surface of the water tank 13 and projects into the water tank 13, and is connected and fixed to the central portion of the rear wall portion 14b of the drum 14. Thereby, the drum 14 is directly rotationally driven by the drum motor 16.

[0016] The first elastic support portion 17A includes a spring and has elasticity. The first elastic support portion 17A is disposed, for example, above the water tank 13. The upper end portion of the first elastic support portion 17A is connected to the top plate of the housing 11. The lower end portion of the first elastic support portion 17A is connected to the upper end portion of the water tank 13. The first elastic support portion 17A elastically supports the water tank 13 from above and reduces the vibrations of the water tank 13 and the drum 14.

[0017] The second elastic support portion 17B includes a spring and has elasticity. The second elastic support portion 17B is disposed below the water tank 13. The lower end portion of the second elastic support portion 17B is connected to the bottom plate of the housing 11. The upper end portion of the second elastic support portion 17B is connected to the lower end portion of the water tank 13. The second elastic support portion 17B elastically supports the water tank 13 from below and reduces the vibrations of the water tank 13 and the drum 14. Note that one of the first elastic support portion 17A and the second elastic support portion 17B may be omitted.

[0018] The damping device 18 includes, for example, a hydraulic damper or a pneumatic damper, and applies a damping force to vibrations. For example, the damping device 18 is disposed below the water tank 13. The lower end of the damping device 18 is connected to the bottom plate of the housing 11. The upper end of the damping device 18 is connected to the lower end of the water tank 13. The damping device 18 reduces the vibrations of the water tank 13 and the drum 14.

[0019] A drain port 13a is provided at the bottom of the water tank 13. A drain pipe 21 is connected to the drain port 13a of the water tank 13. A drain valve 22 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 21. The drain valve 22 can be switched between an open state and a closed state by a drain valve motor.

[0020] An air supply port 13b for supplying dry air into the water tank 13 is provided at the upper part of the rear wall of the water tank 13. An exhaust port 13c for discharging the air in the water tank 13 is provided at the upper part of the front of the water tank 13. Inside the housing 11, a warm air supply mechanism 30 for circulating and supplying warm air (heated air) into the drum 14 to perform a drying operation of the laundry is provided. The warm air supply mechanism 30 has, for example, a dry air duct 31, a heat pump 32 (an example of a heat pump unit), and a blower fan 33 (an example of a blower device).

[0021] The drying air passage 31 includes a heat exchanger duct 31a, an intake duct 31b, and an exhaust duct 31c. The heat exchanger duct 31a is located near the bottom of the housing 11. The heat exchanger duct 31a houses a condenser 42 and an evaporator 43, which will be described later. The intake duct 31b is connected to the air inlet 13b of the water tank 13 and communicates with the inside of the water tank 13. The intake duct 31b connects the downstream end of the heat exchanger duct 31a to the air inlet 13b of the water tank 13. The exhaust duct 31c is connected to the exhaust port 13c of the water tank 13 and communicates with the inside of the water tank 13. The exhaust duct 31c connects the exhaust port 13c of the water tank 13 to the upstream end of the heat exchanger duct 31a. The intake duct 31b and the exhaust duct 31c are examples of "air passage ducts". In this embodiment, the heat exchanger duct 31a, the intake duct 31b, and the exhaust duct 31c form a circulating air passage that circulates drying air inside the clothes dryer body MB.

[0022] In this embodiment, the exhaust duct 31c includes a main duct 31ca and a bellows duct 31cb. The main duct 31ca is located above the water tank 13. The main duct 31ca is fixed to the housing 11. The bellows duct 31cb is provided at the end or in the middle of the exhaust duct 31c. The bellows duct 31cb is positioned between the main duct 31ca and the exhaust port 13c of the water tank 13. The bellows duct 31cb is expandable and contractible. Therefore, at least a portion of the vibrations of the water tank 13 and drum 14 are absorbed by the bellows duct 31cb and are not easily transmitted to the main duct 31ca.

[0023] The heat pump 32 is a refrigeration cycle device in which a compressor 41, a condenser 42, a throttling device (not shown), and an evaporator 43 are cyclically connected by piping. The compressor 41 is a single rotary type compressor. The condenser 42 and evaporator 43 are located in the heat exchanger duct 31a. The heat pump 32 generates dry air by dehumidifying and heating the air passing through the heat exchanger duct 31a. In other words, the heat pump 32 can dehumidify the air passing through the dry air passage 31. Each of the condenser 42 and evaporator 43 is an example of a "heat exchanger".

[0024] The blower fan 33 circulates the air exhausted from the exhaust port 13c of the water tank 13 through the drying air passage 31, and supplies the dehumidified and heated air from the heat pump 32 to the drum 14 via the water tank 13 through the air intake port 13b.

[0025] (Control panel) Next, the operation panel 50 will be described. The operation panel 50 is provided, for example, at the front upper end of the housing 11. The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 51 and an operation reception unit 52 (see Figure 2). The display unit 51 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and has an unillustrated display screen capable of displaying information related to the clothes dryer 100.

[0026] The operation reception unit 52 includes a plurality of buttons or a touch panel (not shown) and receives user U operations related to the clothes dryer 100. The operation reception unit 52 receives, for example, the selection of an operating course to be performed by the clothes dryer main unit MB. Examples of operating courses include a washing course that performs a washing operation, a washing and drying course that performs a washing operation and a drying operation, and a drying course that performs a drying operation.

[0027] (Various sensors) Next, various sensors S will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the clothes dryer 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the clothes dryer 100 has a vibration sensor S1, a temperature sensor S2, and a humidity sensor S3 as sensors S. The vibration sensor S1 is attached to the water tank 13 and the compressor 41 and detects vibrations of the water tank 13 and the compressor 41. The temperature sensor S2 is provided in the heat pump 32 or the drying air passage 31 and detects the temperature of the air passing through the drying air passage 31. For example, the temperature sensor S2 may be provided in multiple locations inside the clothes dryer body MB (for example, near the air intake port 13b and near the exhaust port 13c of the water tank 13) and detect the temperature difference between the multiple locations. The humidity sensor S3 is provided in the drying air passage 31 and detects the temperature of the air passing through the drying air passage 31. Alternatively, the humidity sensor S3 may be provided inside the water tank 13 and detect the humidity of the space between the water tank 13 and the drum 14 after the clothes dryer 100 has finished operating. The temperature sensor S2 and humidity sensor S3 detect the condition of parts inside the clothes dryer body MB that are difficult to see. Each of the temperature sensor S2 and humidity sensor S3 is an example of a "detection unit".

[0028] (Communication equipment) The communication device 70 includes a wireless communication module and is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M. The communication device 70 can communicate with an external server (not shown) or terminal device (not shown) via a network (not shown). Such communication makes it possible to use a dedicated application program for the clothes dryer 100. The communication device 70 may also communicate directly with the terminal device using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0029] (Storage part) The memory unit 80 stores various information about the clothes dryer 100. For example, the memory unit 80 stores information used for operating the clothes dryer main unit MB. The memory unit 80 is implemented using non-volatile memory and retains the stored information even after the power to the clothes dryer 100 is turned off.

[0030] (Control device) Next, the control unit 90 will be described. The control unit 90 is mainly composed of a computer consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control unit 90 includes, for example, a control unit 91.

[0031] The control unit 91 comprehensively controls the entire clothes dryer 100. For example, the control unit 91 controls the operation of the clothes dryer body MB to perform a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning, and the subsequent drying operation (drying operation). In other words, the control unit 91 controls a series of drying processes and can execute multiple drying courses. The control unit 91 also changes the conditions for switching between a first control that controls the rotational speed of the compressor 41 and a second control that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor 41 more than the first control, according to the operating course to be executed. The control unit 91 also controls the operation of the operation panel 50. For example, the control unit 91 controls the display content of the operation panel 50.

[0032] The processes performed by the clothes dryer 100 are not limited to those described above. For example, the clothes dryer 100 may perform the processes described below.

[0033] <Processing performed by a clothes dryer> Figure 3 shows an example of the processing flow of the clothes dryer 100 according to the embodiment. Next, the processing performed by the clothes dryer 100 will be described. Here, the processing performed by the control unit 91 of the clothes dryer 100 during the drying operation will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the processing described below is implemented by the control unit 91.

[0034] User U performs an operation on the control panel 50 of the clothes dryer 100 to set an operating course that includes at least a drying operation. The operation reception unit 52 receives this operation from User U (step S1). When the operation reception unit 52 receives the operation, the control unit 91 starts operating the set operating course (step S2). The control unit 91 executes the operating course in a predetermined order. The control unit 91 starts the drying operation included in the operating course (step S3).

[0035] When the drying operation starts, the control unit 91 starts the blower fan 33 (step S4). The control unit 91 also starts the compressor 41 (step S5). At this time, the torque control performed by the control unit 91, which will be described later, is turned off.

[0036] The control unit 91 determines whether or not drying operation is in progress (step S6). If the control unit 91 determines that drying operation is not in progress (NO in step S6), it terminates the drying operation (step S7). If the control unit 91 determines that drying operation is in progress (YES in step S6), it determines whether or not the currently running operation course is a low-noise operation course (step S8).

[0037] If the control unit 91 determines that the currently running operating course is an operating course intended for low noise (YES in step S8), it determines whether the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than a first frequency (e.g., 45 Hz) (step S9). If the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than a first frequency (YES in step S9), it turns on the torque control (step S10). Then, the control unit 91 determines whether the temperature of the condenser 42 is above a predetermined temperature (e.g., 80 degrees) (step S11).

[0038] Torque control will now be explained. As mentioned above, the compressor 41 is a single-rotary type compressor. In a single-rotary type compressor 41, the rotor rotates inside the cylinder. In this case, because it is a single-rotary type, the rotor rotates with its axis of rotation eccentric to the central axis of the cylinder. Also, while the rotor rotates once inside the cylinder, the refrigerant inside the cylinder is in two different states: compressed and released (i.e., depressurized). In other words, the load on the rotor fluctuates while the rotor rotates once inside the cylinder. That is, when the refrigerant is compressed and the load on the rotor becomes heavier, the load on the motor also becomes heavier. Conversely, when the refrigerant is released, the load on the motor becomes lighter. As a result, the load on the motor fluctuates while the rotor rotates once inside the cylinder, and this load fluctuation prevents the motor's rotational speed from remaining constant. Torque control is a drive system that reduces rotational fluctuations of the compressor 41 and reduces vibration of the compressor by controlling the motor that drives the compressor 41 (that is, by controlling the motor that drives the compressor 41, the rotational speed is kept constant even when the motor load fluctuates).

[0039] If the control unit 91 determines that the temperature of the condenser 42 is below a predetermined temperature (NO in step S11), it returns to the process in step S6.

[0040] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that the temperature of the condenser 42 is above a predetermined temperature (YES in step S11), it determines whether the frequency command of the compressor 41 is below the second frequency (for example, 20 Hz) (step S12). If the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command of the compressor 41 exceeds the second frequency (NO in step S12), it reduces the frequency command of the compressor 41 by 2 Hz (step S13). Then, the control unit 91 returns to the process in step S8.

[0041] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than the second frequency (YES in step S12), it stops the compressor 41 and waits for it to restart (step S14). Then, the control unit 91 returns to the process in step S5.

[0042] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 is equal to or greater than the first frequency (NO in step S9), it turns off the torque control (step S15). Then, the control unit 91 proceeds to the process in step S11.

[0043] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that the currently running course is not a course intended for low noise operation (NO in step S8), it determines whether the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than the third frequency (for example, 37 Hz) (step S16). If the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than the third frequency (YES in step S16), it turns on the torque control (step S17). Then, the control unit 91 proceeds to the process in step S11.

[0044] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 is not less than the third frequency (NO in step S16), it turns off the torque control (step S18). Then, the control unit 91 proceeds to the process in step S11. Note that the process when YES is determined in step S11 is a control that changes the frequency if the temperature of the condenser 42 rises too high. Specifically, if the process in step S12 determines that the frequency command for the compressor 41 exceeds the second frequency, the process in step S13 is performed to lower the frequency of the compressor 41, thereby lowering the temperature of the heat pump 32. Also, if the frequency command for the compressor 41 is less than the second frequency in the process in step S12, the control of the compressor 41 becomes unstable, the rotation speed of the compressor 41 becomes too slow, the rotation position of the compressor 41 cannot be determined, and the control unit 91 is unable to properly control the compressor 41.

[0045] As described above, the control unit 91 performs a series of controls for the drying process and can execute multiple drying courses.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 91 changes the conditions for switching between a first control (control when torque control is turned off) that controls the rotational speed of the compressor 41 and a second control (control when torque control is turned on) that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor 41 more effectively than the first control, depending on the operating course to be executed. Specifically, depending on the processing result of step S8, whether or not it is an operating course aimed at low noise (i.e., an operating course aimed at low power consumption), the control unit 91 changes the determination conditions (i.e., the conditions for switching between the first control and the second control) as shown in the processing of steps S9 and S16.

[0047] For example, the control unit 91 determines that it is possible to execute an operating course aimed at low noise (i.e., it determines in the process of step S8 that it is an operating course aimed at low noise), and switches the compressor 41 from controlling the first drying course among the multiple drying courses (control when torque control is turned off) to controlling the second drying course which performs torque control at a higher frequency than the first drying course (control when torque control is turned on).

[0048] More specifically, the control unit 91 may execute an operating course intended for low noise (i.e., it may determine in the processing of step S8 that it is an operating course intended for low noise) and set the frequency of the compressor 41 lower than that of the first drying course in the plurality of drying courses (the drying course that performs control when torque control is turned off). Alternatively, the control unit 91 may execute an operating course intended for low noise (i.e., it may determine in the processing of step S8 that it is an operating course intended for low noise) and set the rotational speed of the drum motor 16 or the rotational speed of the blower fan 33 lower than that of the first drying course.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 91 determines that it is possible to execute an operating course aimed at low power consumption (i.e., in the processing of step S8, it determines that it is an operating course not aimed at low noise (i.e., an operating course aimed at low power consumption)), and switches the compressor 41 from controlling the first drying course among the multiple drying courses (control when torque control is turned off) to controlling the second drying course which performs torque control at a lower frequency than the first drying course (control when torque control is turned on).

[0050] (advantage) As a comparative example, let's consider a clothes dryer in which the compressor equivalent to compressor 41 is a single-rotary type compressor. In the configuration of such a comparative example clothes dryer, as mentioned above, significant vibrations can occur in the clothes dryer due to load fluctuations during one rotation of the rotor inside the cylinder. One known method to solve this is torque control, but in order to suppress these vibrations with torque control, a larger current needs to be passed compared to when torque control is not performed. As a result, the power consumption of the compressor motor increases.

[0051] On the other hand, the clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment includes a water tank 13 (an example of a clothes storage tank), a drying air passage 31 connected to the water tank 13, a blower fan 33 (an example of a blower device) capable of blowing air into the water tank 13 via the drying air passage 31, a heat pump 32 (an example of a heat pump unit) having a condenser 42, an evaporator 43, and a compressor 41, capable of dehumidifying the air passing through the drying air passage 31, and a control unit 91 that performs a series of controls for the drying process and can execute multiple drying courses. The control unit 91 changes the conditions for switching between a first control (control when torque control is turned off) that controls the rotational speed of the compressor 41 and a second control (control when torque control is turned on) that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor 41 more than the first control, according to the operating course to be executed. With this configuration, the clothes dryer 100 determines whether or not to perform torque control depending on whether user U desires an operating course aimed at low noise (for example, a sleep course or night course that washes and dries clothes while the user sleeps) or an operating course aimed at low power consumption (for example, an energy-saving course or a power-saving course). As a result, while the clothes dryer in the comparative example constantly performs torque control and increases power consumption, the clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment can achieve operating content that suits the requirements of both when vibration suppression is necessary (when low noise is required) and when low power consumption is required. In other words, the clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment can improve convenience.

[0052] <First modified example of the embodiment> Next, a clothes dryer 100 of the first modified embodiment will be described. In the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 switches whether or not to perform torque control based on the frequency command information of the compressor 41. However, in the clothes dryer 100 of the first modified embodiment, the control unit 91 switches whether or not to perform torque control based on the temperature information of the heat pump 32.

[0053] Specifically, in the first modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 changes the control of the compressor 41 according to the temperature detected by, for example, the temperature sensor S2 (an example of a temperature detection unit) provided on the heat pump 32. The control unit 91 also changes the conditions for changing the control of the compressor 41 according to the course in one of the multiple drying courses.

[0054] (advantage) With the first modified clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment, the same control as the clothes dryer 100 of the original embodiment can be achieved even when using temperature information from the heat pump 32 instead of frequency command information from the compressor 41. In other words, the first modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment can be improved in terms of convenience.

[0055] <Second Modification of Embodiment> Next, a second modified example of the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment will be described. In the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 was described as determining whether the temperature of the condenser 42 is above a predetermined temperature (for example, 80 degrees) as the process of step S11. However, in the clothes dryer 100 of the second modified example of the embodiment, instead of determining whether the temperature of the condenser 42 is above a predetermined temperature (for example, 80 degrees) as the process of step S11, the control unit 91 may determine whether the current value flowing to the compressor 41 is above a predetermined current value.

[0056] Specifically, in the first modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 changes the control of the compressor 41 according to the current detected by the current detection unit, which detects the current of the compressor 41. The control unit 91 also changes the conditions for changing the control of the compressor 41 according to the course in one of the multiple drying courses.

[0057] (advantage) With the second modified clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment, the same control as the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment can be performed even if the current information of the compressor 41 is used instead of the temperature information of the condenser 42. In other words, the second modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment can be improved in terms of convenience.

[0058] <Third Modification of the Embodiment> Next, a third modified example of the embodiment, a clothes dryer 100, will be described. In the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 switches whether or not to perform torque control based on the frequency command information of the compressor 41. However, in the first modified example of the embodiment, the clothes dryer 100, the control unit 91 switches whether or not to perform torque control based on the temperature information of the heat pump 32.

[0059] Specifically, in the first modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment, the control unit 91 changes the control of the compressor 41 in response to vibrations detected by, for example, a vibration sensor S1 (an example of a vibration detection unit) provided on the compressor 41. The control unit 91 also changes the conditions for changing the control of the compressor 41 according to the course in one of the multiple drying courses.

[0060] (advantage) With the third modified clothes dryer 100 of this embodiment, the same control as the clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment can be performed even if vibration information of the compressor 41 is used instead of frequency command information of the compressor 41. In other words, the third modified clothes dryer 100 of the embodiment The modified clothes dryer 100 can be made more convenient.

[0061] <Fourth Modification of the Embodiment> Next, a fourth modified example of the embodiment, the clothes dryer 100, will be described. The clothes dryer 100 of the fourth modified example of the embodiment switches between the first control and the second control according to the user U's requirements.

[0062] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of a clothes dryer 100 in a fourth modified example of the embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the clothes dryer 100 in the fourth modified example of the embodiment includes the configuration of the clothes dryer 100 in the above-described embodiment (including the modified example), and further, the control device 90 includes a feedback processing unit 92 that can provide feedback on the user U's requests regarding the performance of the clothes dryer 100.

[0063] Next, we will describe the process by which the clothes dryer 100 of the fourth modified embodiment switches between the first control and the second control according to the user U's request. First, we will describe the process by which the clothes dryer 100 receives the user U's request and records the received request. It is assumed that the clothes dryer 100 received the user U's request during the previous operation.

[0064] Figure 5 shows an example of the first processing flow of the clothes dryer 100 in the fourth modified embodiment. The first processing flow of the clothes dryer 100 in the fourth modified embodiment is a processing flow that shows the process by which the clothes dryer 100 receives a request from user U and records the received request.

[0065] User U performs an operation to turn on the power of the clothes dryer 100. In response to this operation, the power of the clothes dryer 100 is turned on (step S31). User U performs an operation to set the desired operation for the clothes dryer 100 and execute the set operation. In response to this operation, the clothes dryer 100 starts the operation set by User U (step S32).

[0066] When the clothes dryer 100 starts operation, the feedback processing unit 92 incorporates the user U's requests received by the clothes dryer 100 during the previous operation into the settings for the current operation (step S33). The clothes dryer 100 then performs the current operation with the settings that incorporate the user U's requests received during the previous operation. Finally, the clothes dryer 100 finishes its operation (step S34).

[0067] When the clothes dryer 100 finishes operation, the feedback processing unit 92 switches the display unit 51 of the operation panel 50 to a feedback screen that accepts requests from the user U (step S35). Figure 6 shows an example of a feedback screen displayed by the display unit 51 of the fourth modified embodiment. For example, the display unit 51 displays a feedback screen, as shown in Figure 6, that allows the user to select any points of concern during the operation. Examples of points of concern during the operation include loud operating noise, insufficient drying, and long operating time.

[0068] The feedback processing unit 92 receives the user's request by having the user U perform an operation such as pressing a button on the display section 51 to select an option such as "loud operating noise," "not drying sufficiently," or "long operating time." Specifically, for example, the feedback processing unit 92 determines whether or not there is a request to reduce noise (i.e., whether or not the user U has performed an operation to select the option on the display section 51 indicating "loud operating noise") (step S36).

[0069] If the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is a request to reduce noise (YES in step S36), it determines whether there is a request to reduce power consumption (step S37). For example, it may estimate the electricity cost and power consumption from a sensor (not shown) that can measure the current and power inside the clothes dryer 100 and display them on the feedback screen. The feedback processing unit 92 may also determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption if the electricity cost exceeds a predetermined amount or the power consumption exceeds a predetermined amount. Alternatively, for example, user U may check the data measured by an external power meter and input the judgment result to the clothes dryer 100. The feedback processing unit 92 may determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption when it receives the input of that judgment result. Furthermore, for example, even if there is no means to determine the power consumption during operation, the clothes dryer 100 may have a function to receive requests to reduce power consumption from users U who are generally energy-conscious or feel that their electricity bills are high, and the feedback processing unit 92 may determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption when it determines that it has received such a request.

[0070] If the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is a request to reduce power consumption (YES in step S37), it records the request to reduce noise and the request to reduce power consumption in a rewritable ROM (Read Only Memory) (for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash ROM) or other storage unit (step S38). Then, the feedback processing unit 92 turns off the power to the clothes dryer 100 (step S39).

[0071] Furthermore, if the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is no request to reduce power consumption (NO in step S37), it records in a storage unit such as ROM that there is a request to reduce noise (step S40). Then, the feedback processing unit 92 proceeds to the process in step S39.

[0072] Furthermore, if the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is no request to reduce noise (NO in step S36), it determines whether there is a request to reduce power consumption (step S41). Similar to the determination in step S37 described above, for example, it estimates the electricity cost and power consumption from a sensor (not shown) that can measure the current and power inside the clothes dryer 100 and displays it on the feedback screen. The feedback processing unit 92 may also determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption if the electricity cost exceeds a predetermined amount or the power consumption exceeds a predetermined amount. Alternatively, for example, user U may check the data measured by an external power meter and input the determination result to the clothes dryer 100. The feedback processing unit 92 may determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption when the determination result is input. Alternatively, for example, even if there is no means to determine the power consumption during operation, the clothes dryer 100 may have a function to receive requests to reduce power consumption from users U who are generally energy-conscious or feel that electricity costs are high, and the feedback processing unit 92 may determine that there is a request to reduce power consumption when it determines that it has received such a request. If the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is a request to reduce power consumption (YES in step S41), it records the request to reduce power consumption in a storage unit such as ROM (step S42). Then, the feedback processing unit 92 proceeds to the process in step S39.

[0073] Furthermore, if the feedback processing unit 92 determines that there is no request to reduce power consumption (NO in step S41), it proceeds to the process in step S39.

[0074] Next, we will describe the process by which the clothes dryer 100 switches between the first control and the second control in response to the recorded requests of user U. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the second processing flow of the clothes dryer 100 in the fourth modified example of the embodiment. The second processing flow of the clothes dryer 100 in the fourth modified example of the embodiment is a processing flow that shows the process by which the clothes dryer 100 switches between the first control and the second control in response to the recorded requests of user U.

[0075] The control unit 91 determines whether or not a request to reduce noise is recorded in the storage unit such as ROM (step S51). If the control unit 91 determines that a request to reduce noise is recorded in the storage unit such as ROM (YES in step S51), it determines whether or not a request to reduce power consumption is recorded in the storage unit such as ROM (step S52). If the control unit 91 determines that a request to reduce power consumption is recorded in the storage unit such as ROM (YES in step S52), it sets the control to lower the frequency of the frequency command for the compressor 41 (i.e., the first frequency, second frequency, and third frequency) (step S53). Then, the control unit 91 updates the control setting (step S54).

[0076] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that there is no recorded request to reduce power consumption in the storage unit such as ROM (NO in step S52), it sets the control to increase the torque control correction amount and raise the torque control switching frequency (step S55). In torque control, in addition to normal motor control, a signal to reduce vibration is applied. The larger the signal, the more vibration is reduced and the more power consumption increases. The correction amount here refers to the magnitude of the signal that is applied. The torque control switching frequency here refers to the frequency at which normal motor control and torque control are switched. It is preferable to use torque control only in areas with large vibrations, and otherwise switch to normal motor control. The control unit 91 proceeds to the processing in step S54.

[0077] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that there is no recorded request for noise reduction in the ROM or other storage unit (NO in step S51), it determines whether there is a recorded request for power consumption reduction in the ROM or other storage unit (step S56). If the control unit 91 determines that there is a recorded request for power consumption reduction in the ROM or other storage unit (YES in step S56), it sets the control to reduce the torque control correction amount and lower the frequency of the frequency command for the compressor 41 (i.e., the first frequency, second frequency, and third frequency) (step S57). Then, the control unit 91 proceeds to the processing in step S54.

[0078] Furthermore, if the control unit 91 determines that there is no record in the storage unit such as ROM that there is a request to reduce power consumption (NO in step S56), it proceeds to the process in step S54.

[0079] (advantage) In this fourth modified example of the clothes dryer 100, the first control and the second control can be switched according to the operation of user U (i.e., according to user U's request). In other words, the third modified example of the embodiment The modified clothes dryer 100 can be made more convenient.

[0080] According to at least one embodiment described above, the clothes dryer comprises a clothes storage tank, a drying air passage connected to the clothes storage tank, a blower capable of blowing air into the clothes storage tank via the drying air passage, a heat pump unit having a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, capable of dehumidifying the air passing through the drying air passage, and a control unit that performs a series of control operations for the drying process and can execute a plurality of drying courses, wherein the control unit changes the conditions for switching between a first control that controls the rotational speed of the compressor and a second control that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor more than the first control, according to the operating course to be executed.

[0081] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 13...Water tank, 14...Drum (rotating tank), 16...Drum motor, 41...Compressor, 42...Condenser, 43...Evaporator, 50...Operation panel, 51...Display unit, 52...Operation reception unit, 70...Communication device, 80...Storage unit, 90...Control device, 91...Control unit, 100...Clothes dryer, S1...Vibration sensor (detection unit), S2...Temperature sensor (detection unit), S3...Humidity sensor (detection unit).

Claims

1. Clothing storage tank and A drying air passage connected to the aforementioned clothing storage tank, A blower capable of blowing air into the garment storage tank via the drying air passage, A heat pump unit having a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor, capable of dehumidifying the air passing through the drying air passage, A control unit that performs a series of control operations for the drying process and can execute multiple drying courses, Equipped with, The control unit, The conditions for switching between a first control that controls the rotational speed of the compressor and a second control that suppresses fluctuations in the rotational speed of the compressor more effectively than the first control are changed according to the operating course being executed. Clothes dryer.

2. The control unit, It is possible to execute an operating course aimed at low noise, and the compressor is switched from controlling the first drying course in the plurality of drying courses to controlling the second drying course which performs torque control at a higher frequency than the first drying course. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

3. Rotating tank and A drive unit for driving the aforementioned rotating drum, Equipped with, The control unit, The aforementioned low-noise operation course can be performed, and the rotation speed of the drive unit or the blower is lower than that of the first drying course. The clothes dryer according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, The aforementioned low-noise operation course can be performed, and the compressor is set to a lower noise level than the first drying course in the plurality of drying courses. The clothes dryer according to claim 2.

5. The control unit, It is possible to execute an operating course aimed at low power consumption, and the compressor is switched from controlling the first drying course in the plurality of drying courses to controlling the second drying course which performs torque control at a lower frequency than the first drying course. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

6. Temperature detection unit, Equipped with, The control unit, The control of the compressor is changed according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. The control unit, The conditions for changing the control of the compressor are changed according to the course in the plurality of drying courses. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

7. A current detection unit for detecting the current of the compressor, Equipped with, The control unit, The control of the compressor is changed according to the current detected by the current detection unit. The control unit, The conditions for changing the control of the compressor are changed according to the course in the plurality of drying courses. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

8. A vibration detection unit for detecting vibrations of the compressor, Equipped with, The control unit, The control of the compressor is changed according to the vibration detected by the vibration detection unit. The control unit, The conditions for changing the control of the compressor are changed according to the course in the plurality of drying courses. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

9. A feedback processing unit that can receive user feedback regarding performance. Equipped with, The control unit, The first control and the second control are switched according to the aforementioned request. A clothes dryer according to claim 1.

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