Clothing processing equipment

Abstract

This disclosure provides a garment processing apparatus that can appropriately produce the reaction effect of a processing agent. [Solution] The garment processing apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a storage tank for storing an item to be processed, a spraying unit for spraying a liquid agent into the storage tank, a heating unit for heating the air in the storage tank or the air flowing into the storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the spraying unit and the heating unit. The control unit controls the heating unit so that the temperature inside the storage tank becomes a temperature at which the components of the liquid agent can react during the reaction step in which the liquid agent reacts with the item to be processed.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing processing apparatus. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing processing machine that includes a liquid agent spraying mechanism and a blower fan, wherein setting the air volume to a predetermined level or lower during the liquid agent supply step allows the liquid agent to efficiently adhere to clothing, and blowing air after the liquid agent supply step dries the clothing. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-112722 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a clothing processing apparatus capable of appropriately exerting the reaction effect of a processing agent. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] The clothing processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a storage tank that stores an object to be processed; a spraying unit that sprays a liquid agent into the storage tank; a heating unit that heats air in the storage tank or air flowing into the storage tank; and a control unit that controls operations of the spraying unit and the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit such that an internal temperature of the storage tank reaches a temperature at which components of the liquid agent can react during a reaction step of causing the liquid agent to react with the object to be processed. [[Effect of the Invention]]

[0006] According to the clothing processing apparatus of the present disclosure, an appropriate effect of the liquid agent can be obtained by heating the storage tank to a temperature at which the liquid agent can react. [[Brief Description of the Drawings]]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine and dryer in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine and dryer in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Diagram showing details of the treatment agent course in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Chart showing the appropriate temperature and reaction time for the treatment agent in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the enzyme preparation course in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of the oxygen-based bleach course in Embodiment 1 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, as described in Patent Document 1, there was a technology that had a liquid spraying mechanism and a blower fan, which allowed for efficient application of the liquid to clothing by keeping the airflow during the liquid supply process below a predetermined level, and then drying the clothing by blowing air after the liquid supply process. However, when using treatment agents such as enzymes or oxygen-based bleaches as liquid agents for treating clothing, a certain amount of time is required for the treatment agent to react and take effect. Therefore, if the drying process is started immediately after spraying the treatment agent, it is not possible to ensure sufficient reaction time at the appropriate temperature for the treatment agent, resulting in the treatment agent not being properly effective on the clothing. The inventors discovered this problem and, in order to solve it, have come to form the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure provides a garment processing apparatus that can appropriately produce the reaction effect of a processing agent.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Washer-dryer configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine and dryer 1. Figure 1 is merely a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the washer-dryer 1, and the installation location and size of each component of the washer-dryer 1 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The washing and drying machine 1 is a device that performs washing, wrinkle removal, drying, and other processing on the material to be processed PO contained in the inner tub 22, which serves as the storage tub. In this embodiment, a drum-type washing and drying machine is used as an example of the washing and drying machine 1. Washer dryer 1 is an example of a "clothing processing device".

[0012] The washing machine 1 comprises a housing 10, a washing tub 11, a drive motor 12, a liquid supply unit 13, a spray unit 14, and a heating and blowing unit 15. The washing tub 11 includes an outer tub 21 and an inner tub 22, which will be described later.

[0013] The housing 10 is a component that houses the various parts of the washing machine 1. An opening 16 is formed on the front of the housing 10, that is, on the left side of the housing 10 in Figure 1. A door 17 for opening and closing the opening 16 is provided on the front of the housing 10. A water inlet 18 is formed on the top of the housing 10. The water inlet 18 is a connection port for connecting a hose that supplies water to the washing tub 11 via the liquid supply unit 13. A drain valve 19 is provided on the bottom of the housing 10. The drain valve 19 is a valve for draining the wash water stored in the washing tub 11 through the opening 20. The opening 20 is a drain port for draining the wash water from the washing tub 11 to the outside. Furthermore, a hot water heater 146 is provided inside the casing 10 as a heating unit for heating the water supplied to the washing tub 11.

[0014] The outer tub 21 is a substantially cylindrical member provided inside the housing 10 and has a function of storing washing water. The outer tub 21 may also be referred to as a water tank. The outer tub 21 includes a cylindrical portion 23 and a bottom portion 24 that closes one end of the cylindrical portion 23. A central axis CA of the outer tub 21 passes through the center of the bottom portion 24 and is an axis inclined with respect to an installation surface.

[0015] In the outer tub 21, an opening 25 is formed at a position facing the opening 16 of the housing 10. Openings 20 and 26 for water passage are formed in the outer tub 21. The opening 26 is an opening connected to a flow path 27 that connects the liquid agent supply unit 13 and the outer tub 21.

[0016] Further, an exhaust port 28 and an air supply port 29 are formed in the outer tub 21. The exhaust port 28 and the air supply port 29 are openings connected to a drying path 33 provided with a heat pump device 30, a blower fan 31, and a temperature sensor 32 serving as temperature detection means. The heat pump device 30 is an example of a "heating unit". The blower fan 31 is an example of a "blower unit".

[0017] The heat pump device 30, the blower fan 31, and the drying path 33 constitute a heating blower unit 15 that performs heating and air blowing. The heat pump device 30 includes, for example, a heating heat exchanger, a dehumidification heat exchanger, a compressor, a throttle mechanism, and a refrigerant pipe. The blower fan 31 sucks out air in the washing tub 11 from the exhaust port 28, and sends the air heated via the heat pump device 30 toward the air supply port 29, thereby feeding air into the washing tub 11. The temperature sensor 32 is a sensor that detects the temperature of air in the washing tub 11, and is provided near the exhaust port 28 in the drying path 33. The temperature of air in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 32 is substantially equal to the temperature of air in the outer tub 21 and the inner tub 22. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temperature of air detected by the temperature sensor 32 may be rephrased as "the temperature in the inner tub 22".

[0018] The inner tub 22 is rotatably mounted inside the outer tub 21 with its central axis CA as the axis of rotation. The inner tub 22 is a substantially cylindrical member capable of containing the material to be processed PO. The inner tub 22 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 22 has numerous through holes 34 formed on its circumferential surface. The through holes 34 connect the inner tub 22 and the outer tub 21, allowing washing water and air to move between the inner tub 22 and the outer tub 21. The inner tub 22 has an opening 35 formed at a position opposite to the opening 16 of the housing 10 and the opening 25 of the outer tub 21. In the following, the air passage 37 is defined as the path that communicates with the inner tank 22 and through which air passes. The air passage 37 includes the outer tank 21 and the drying path 33. The inner tank 22 is an example of a "container tank".

[0019] The drive motor 12 is a motor that rotates the inner tank 22. The drive motor 12 is driven according to the control of the control unit 100, which will be described later.

[0020] The liquid supply unit 13 is a unit that supplies a predetermined amount of liquid from a tank 130 that stores liquid to the washing tub 11. The liquid supply unit 13 is located inside the housing 10, above the outer tub 21. The upper part of the liquid supply unit 13 faces an openable and closable cover 36 provided on the housing 10.

[0021] The liquid supply unit 13 comprises a plurality of tanks 130, a case 131, a plurality of liquid supply devices 132 provided corresponding to each tank 130, a liquid supply channel 133, and a water supply valve 134.

[0022] The case 131 is a component that houses multiple tanks 130. Each of the tanks 130 is removable from the case 131. Multiple tanks 130 can contain various liquids such as detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, and neutral detergents.

[0023] The liquid supply device 132 is a device that draws a predetermined amount of liquid from the tank 130 and discharges it into the liquid supply channel 133. One liquid supply device 132 is provided for one tank 130, and it draws a predetermined amount of liquid from the corresponding tank 130 and discharges it into the liquid supply channel 133.

[0024] The liquid supply channel 133 is a channel member that supplies water supplied from the water inlet 18 and the liquid discharged by the liquid supply device 132 to the outer tank 21 via the case 131. The liquid supply channel 133 is connected to the liquid supply device 132.

[0025] The water supply valve 134 is a valve that controls the inflow of water from the water inlet 18. The water that flows in from the water inlet 18 flows into the outer tank 21 via the case 131.

[0026] The spray unit 14 sprays a predetermined liquid agent. The spray unit 14 comprises a liquid agent supply channel 141, a pump 142, a sprayer 143, and a gas supply channel 144. The liquid agent supply channel 141 is a channel that supplies the liquid agent contained in the tank 136 to the sprayer 143, and is connected to the tank 136. The gas supply path 144 is a path that connects the pump 142 and the sprayer 143. When the pump 142 is driven, negative pressure is generated in the venturi tube inside the sprayer 142, and liquid flows in from the tank 136 through the liquid supply path 141. The sprayer 143 is installed, for example, on the inner surface of the opening 25 of the outer tub 21, and atomizes the liquid that flows into the liquid supply channel 141 and sprays it into the washing tub 11. The sprayer 143 may atomize the liquid by applying pressure to it, or it may be configured to eject gas along with the liquid and atomize the liquid by applying pressure to the gas.

[0027] In this embodiment, the tank 136 contains a treatment agent in liquid form. Examples of treatment agents include laundry detergent to remove dirt from the object to be treated, oxygen-based bleach to remove dirt from the object to be treated, enzymes to remove feathers from the object to be treated, and water-repellent agents to impart a water-repellent effect to the object to be treated. In the following, operating the pump 142 to spray the treatment agent will be referred to as operating the spray unit 14.

[0028] [1-1-2. Control Configuration] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the configuration related to the control of the washing machine / dryer 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine and dryer 1.

[0029] The washing and drying machine 1 includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), memory 120, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0030] Memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. Memory 120 stores the control program 121 and other data processed by the processor 110. Memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Memory 120 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the processor 110. Memory 120 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0031] The control unit 100 is connected to an operation panel 101, a drive motor 12, a heat pump device 30, a temperature sensor 32, a drain valve 19, a blower fan 31, a liquid supply device 132, a water supply valve 134, and a pump 142. Other devices may also be connected to the control unit 100.

[0032] The control panel 101 is a panel that includes a touch panel and operation buttons. For example, the control panel 101 is located above the door 17 in the housing 10.

[0033] The control unit 100 executes various operating courses by having the processor 110 read and execute the control program 121 stored in the memory 120. The operating courses that the control unit 100 can execute include washing courses, washing and drying courses, and drying courses.

[0034] The washing course is, for example, an operating course consisting of a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. The control unit 100 controls the drive motor 12, the drain valve 19, the liquid supply device 132, and the water supply valve 134 to execute the washing course.

[0035] Furthermore, the wash-and-dry course is an operating course that includes a drying process in addition to each step of the washing course. The control unit 100 controls the drive motor 12, heat pump device 30, drain valve 19, blower fan 31, liquid supply device 132, and water supply valve 134 to execute the wash-and-dry course.

[0036] Furthermore, the drying course is an operating course consisting of drying processes. The control unit 100 controls the drive motor 12, the heat pump device 30, and the blower fan 31 to execute the drying course.

[0037] In this embodiment, the operation courses that the control unit 100 can execute include treatment agent courses. The treatment agent courses include an enzyme course using an enzyme agent, a bleach course using an oxygen-based bleach, and a water-repellent treatment course using a water-repellent treatment agent. The treatment agent courses can be run individually, or any courses can be run consecutively.

[0038] Next, I will explain the treatment agent course. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the details of the treatment agent course in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the appropriate temperature and reaction time of the treatment agent in Embodiment 1. In Figure 3, the string "ON" corresponding to the string "Spray treatment agent" indicates that the treatment agent will be sprayed, while the string "OFF" corresponding to the string "Spray treatment agent" indicates that the treatment agent will not be sprayed.

[0039] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the string "ON" corresponding to the string "heating" indicates that the washing tub 11 will be heated, and the string "OFF" corresponding to the string "heating" indicates that the washing tub 11 will not be heated. The "heating" operation is performed by either the operation of the heat pump device 30 (HP), the operation of the hot water heater 146, or the operation of the drying heater, or a combination of these operations. In this embodiment, an example in which the heating operation is performed by a heat pump device 30 will be described below.

[0040] Furthermore, in Figure 3, the string "ON" corresponding to the string "Fan Operation" indicates that the blower fan 31 is to be operated, and the string "OFF" corresponding to the string "Fan Operation" indicates that the blower fan 31 is not to be rotated. Furthermore, in Figure 3, the string "ON" corresponding to the string "drum operation" indicates that the inner tank 22 is rotated, and the string "OFF" corresponding to the string "drum operation" indicates that the inner tank 22 is not rotated. Note that when "drum operation" is set to "ON", the inner tank 22 may be operated intermittently.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the treatment agent course is carried out in the following order: "pre-heating process," "spraying process," "heating process," and "non-heating process." The "spraying process," "heating process," and "non-heating process" are considered to be the reaction processes of the treatment agent. The "preheating process" is a process of preheating the inside of the washing tub 11. In the "preheating process," the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 and the blower fan 31. The "spraying process" is a process in which the spraying unit 14 sprays the treatment agent onto the object to be treated PO. In the "spraying process," the control unit 100 rotates the inner tank 22 by operating the drive motor 12 and operates the spraying unit 14 to spray the treatment agent onto the object to be treated PO. Furthermore, during the "spraying process," the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 and the blower fan 31 at a "low" speed. Operating the blower fan 31 at a "low" speed means operating it at a rotational speed lower than the normal rotational speed of the blower fan 31 (for example, the rotational speed during drying operation). In addition, the heat pump device 30 and the blower fan 31 may be stopped during the spraying process.

[0042] The "heating process" is the process of heating the treatment agent to a predetermined temperature after spraying it. The predetermined temperature (X°C to Y°C) is set to the temperature at which the treatment agent reacts most readily. For example, in the case of an enzyme preparation, as shown in Figure 4, X is set to 50°C and Y is set to 30°C. In the case of an oxygen-based bleach, X is set to 60°C and Y is set to 30°C. In the case of a laundry detergent, X is set to 30°C and Y is set to 50°C. In the case of a water-repellent agent, X is set to 60°C and Y is set to 40°C. In the "heating process," the control unit 100 operates the inner tank 22 intermittently. The intermittent operation cycle is, for example, 1 minute every 10 minutes. In the "heating process," by operating the inner tank 22 intermittently, the internal temperature of the inner tank 22 can be brought closer to the temperature of the material to be treated PO, and uneven distribution of the temperature, moisture content, and treatment agent of the material to be treated PO can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the "heating process," the inner tank 22 may be operated continuously rather than intermittently. Also, in the "heating process," the treatment agent may be sprayed by the spray unit 14. This allows the treatment agent to be used effectively.

[0043] The "no heating process" is a process in which the control unit 100 stops the heat pump device 30 and the blower fan 31, and the treatment agent is reacted without heating. In the "non-heating process," the control unit 100 operates the inner tank 22 intermittently. The intermittent operation cycle is, for example, 1 minute every 10 minutes. In the "non-heating process," stopping the blower fan 31 prevents a decrease in the temperature of the air inside the inner tank 22. Therefore, the liquid agent can be properly utilized in the processed material PO.

[0044] The "heating process" and the "non-heating process" are repeated sequentially until the reaction process is completed. The time until the end of the reaction process is set appropriately according to the reaction time of the treatment agent. For example, in the case of enzyme agents, it is set to 20 to 120 minutes. In the case of oxygen-based bleaches, it is set to 15 to 60 minutes. In the case of laundry detergents, it is set to 15 to 120 minutes. In the case of water-repellent agents, it is set to 30 minutes or more. These steps allow the treatment course to be executed based on the optimal temperature and time for the treatment agent. Furthermore, if the garment to be treated (PO) is made of a material that cannot be heated, the "pre-heating process" and / or the "heating process" may be omitted, and only the "non-heating process" may be performed. In this case, since the reaction of the treatment agent will take longer without heating, the reaction process time should be set longer than the normal time. Also, if the reaction process time is set longer when no heating is performed, there is a risk that the PO to be treated will dry out over time, so the spraying process may be performed multiple times, spraying the treatment agent or water onto the PO to be treated.

[0045] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the enzyme course in the washing machine 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the oxygen-based bleach coating in the washing machine 1. As shown in Figure 5, the enzyme preparation course is started when the enzyme preparation course is selected on the control panel 101 and an instruction to execute the enzyme preparation course is given on the control panel 101.

[0046] When the enzyme preparation course is started (SA1), the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 to perform a "preheating process" (SA2). When the "preheating process" is being performed, the control unit 100 determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 30°C or higher (SA3). Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes 30°C or higher (SA3:YES), the control unit 100 moves to the "spraying process" in which the spraying unit 14 sprays the enzyme agent (SA4).

[0047] The control unit 100 executes the reaction process for 120 minutes in the enzyme preparation course. The control unit 100 determines whether 120 minutes have elapsed since the start of the "spraying process" (SA5). This 120 minutes corresponds to the time required for the enzyme preparation to react. In the reaction process of the enzyme preparation course, it is desirable that the temperature of the air in the inner tank 22 be maintained between 30°C and 50°C. Therefore, until 120 minutes have elapsed from the start of the "spraying process" (SA5:NO), it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 30°C or higher (SA6). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is less than 30°C (SA6:NO), the heat pump device 30 is operated to perform the "heating process" (SA6).

[0048] Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes 30°C or higher through steps SA2 and SA3 (SA6: YES), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 50°C or higher (SA7). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is less than 50°C (SA7:NO), the "heating process" by the heat pump device 30 is continued (SA6).

[0049] Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes 50°C or higher (SA4:YES), the control unit 100 stops the heat pump device 30 and moves to the "no heating process" (SA8). These processes are repeated until 120 minutes have elapsed since the start of the "spraying process." If 120 minutes have elapsed since the start of the "spraying process" (SA5:YES), the enzyme preparation course is terminated.

[0050] When the oxygen-based bleach course is selected, as shown in Figure 6, the oxygen-based bleach course is started when the oxygen-based bleach course is selected on the control panel 101 and an instruction to execute the oxygen-based bleach course is given on the control panel 101.

[0051] When the oxygen-based bleach course is started (SB1), the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 to perform a "preheating process" (SB2). When the "preheating process" is being performed, the control unit 100 determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 30°C or higher (SB3). Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes 30°C or higher (SB3:YES), the control unit 100 moves to the "spraying process" in which the spraying unit 14 sprays the oxygen-based bleach (SB4).

[0052] The control unit 100 executes the reaction process for 60 minutes in the oxygen-based bleach course. The control unit 100 determines whether 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the "spraying process" (SB5). This 60 minutes corresponds to the time required for the oxygen-based bleach to react. In the reaction process of the oxygen-based bleach course, it is desirable that the temperature of the air in the inner tank 22 be maintained between 30°C and 60°C. Therefore, until 60 minutes have elapsed from the start of the "spraying process" (SB5:NO), it is determined whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 30°C or higher (SB6). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is less than 30°C (SB6:NO), the heat pump device 30 is operated to perform the "heating process" (SB9).

[0053] Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 30°C or higher (SB6: YES), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is 60°C or higher (SB7). If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 is less than 60°C (SB7:NO), the "heating process" by the heat pump device 30 is continued (SB9).

[0054] Then, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 32 becomes 60°C or higher (SB7:YES), the control unit 100 stops the heat pump device 30 and moves to the "no heating process" (SB8). These processes are repeated until 60 minutes have passed since the start of the "spraying process." If 60 minutes have passed since the start of the "spraying process" (SB5:YES), the oxygen-based bleach course ends.

[0055] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the washing and drying machine 1 in Embodiment 1 comprises an inner tub 22 (container tub) for containing the items to be processed, a spray unit 14 for spraying a processing agent (liquid) into the inner tub 22, a heat pump device 30 (heating unit) for heating the air flowing into the inner tub 22, and a control unit 100 for controlling the operation of the spray unit 14 and the heat pump device 30. During the reaction process in which the processing agent reacts with the items to be processed, the control unit 100 controls the heat pump device 30 so that the temperature inside the inner tub 22 is at a temperature at which the components of the processing agent can react. According to this, by heating the inner tank 22 to a temperature at which the treatment agent can react, the appropriate effect of the treatment agent can be obtained.

[0056] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 controls the temperature inside the drum to an appropriate level that promotes the reaction of the components of the treatment agent (liquid). According to this, by controlling the temperature inside the tank to an appropriate level, the reaction of the components of the treatment agent can be promoted, and the effects of the treatment agent can be obtained appropriately.

[0057] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the processing agent (liquid) is of multiple types, and the control unit 100 controls the heat pump device 30 (heating unit) so that the temperature inside the inner tub 22 (container tub) is at a temperature at which the components of each type of processing agent can react. According to this, when using multiple types of treatment agents, each agent has an appropriate temperature for its reaction. By controlling the temperature for each agent, the effects of the treatment agents can be more effectively achieved.

[0058] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 controls the reaction process time to be longer when the temperature inside the drum is below the temperature at which the components of the treatment agent (liquid) can react. According to this, if the garment to be treated, which is made of a material that cannot be heated, heating is not necessary. In this case, the effect of the treatment agent can be appropriately achieved by extending the reaction time of the treatment agent.

[0059] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 (heating unit) while spraying the treatment agent (liquid) by the spray unit 14 during the reaction process. According to this, the treatment agent can be sprayed while the temperature inside the inner tank 22 is raised by the heat pump device 30, thereby allowing the treatment agent to exert its effects appropriately.

[0060] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 is capable of controlling the operation of the inner tub 22 (storage tub), and the control unit 100 operates the inner tub 22 (storage tub) during the reaction process. According to this, by operating the inner tank 22, the temperature inside the inner tank 22 and the temperature of the material to be treated PO can be made equal during the reaction process, thereby suppressing imbalances in the temperature, moisture content, and effectiveness of the treatment agent of the material to be treated PO.

[0061] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 intermittently operates the inner tub 22 (storage tub) during the reaction process. According to this, by operating the inner tank 22, the temperature inside the inner tank 22 and the temperature of the material to be treated PO can be made equal during the reaction process, thereby suppressing unevenness in the temperature, moisture content, and effectiveness of the treatment agent of the material to be treated PO. Furthermore, by operating the inner tank 22 intermittently, damage to the material to be treated PO can also be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 1 in Embodiment 1 is further equipped with a blower fan that supplies air to the inside of the inner tub 22 (storage tub), and the control unit 100 operates the blower fan at a predetermined airflow rate or less during the reaction process. According to this, by operating a blower fan to circulate the air inside the inner tank 22, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature inside the inner tank 22, and the effect of the treatment agent can be properly achieved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the washing and drying machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the control unit 100 stops the blower fan when the treatment agent (liquid) is being sprayed by the spray unit 14 during the reaction process. According to this method, the scattering of the sprayed treatment agent by the airflow of the blower fan can be suppressed, and the treatment agent can be properly adhered to the PO material to be treated.

[0064] Furthermore, the washing and drying machine 1 in Embodiment 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 32 (temperature detection means) for detecting the temperature of the inner tub 22 (storage tub), and the control unit 100 operates the heat pump device 30 (heating unit) when the temperature sensor 32 detects that the temperature inside the inner tub 22 is below a predetermined temperature of the processing agent (liquid). According to this, the temperature inside the inner tank 22 can be kept constant, and the effect of the treatment agent can be properly achieved.

[0065] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiment 1 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment 1, the temperature sensor 32 is provided in the drying path 33. However, since it is sufficient to detect the temperature of the air inside the inner tank 22, the temperature of the air flowing into the inner tank 22, or the temperature of the air flowing out of the inner tank 22, it may also be provided in the air passage 37 to detect the temperature of the air in the air passage 37, or it may be provided in the inner tank 22 to detect the temperature of the air inside the inner tank 22.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment 1, a drum-type washer-dryer 1 was used as an example, but the washer-dryer 1 may also be a top-loading type.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment 1, a heat pump device 30 was exemplified as the "heating unit," but the "heating unit" is not limited to this. The heating unit may be a drying heater that heats the air flowing into the inner tub 22. Alternatively, the heating unit may be a hot water heater 146 that heats the water stored in the outer tub 21 by heating the water stored in the outer tub 21. When the water stored in the washing tub 11 is heated by the hot water heater 146, steam is generated, and the temperature inside the inner tub 22 also rises. Therefore, the hot water heater 146 can be used as a "heating unit" that heats the air inside the inner tub 22. Furthermore, the hot water heater may generate steam by heating water stored in a location different from the washing tub 11, thereby raising the temperature inside the inner tub 22.

[0069] In the first embodiment described above, a blower fan 31 that circulates air in the washing tub 11 was described as the "blower fan," but the invention is not limited to this. If the air path is unidirectional (air from outside the machine is introduced into the washing tub 11 and discharged outside the machine), the blower fan 31 may be configured to supply air to the washing tub 11.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment 1, a washing machine and dryer 1 was given as an example of a "clothing processing device." However, the "clothing processing device" is not limited to a washing machine and dryer 1, and may also be a dryer, a washing machine without a drying function, or a device in which clothing is stored in a manner in which the storage tub does not rotate and is hung on hangers, and wrinkles can be smoothed out by shaking the stored clothing.

[0071] The processor 110 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 110 may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, the processor 110 may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0072] The configuration of the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or conversely, some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0073] The operational step units shown in Figure 5 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the intent of this disclosure.

[0074] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0075] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0076] (Technical 1) A garment processing apparatus comprising: a storage tank for containing an object to be processed; a spraying unit for spraying a liquid agent into the storage tank; a heating unit for heating the air in the storage tank or the air flowing into the storage tank; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the spraying unit and the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit so that the temperature inside the storage tank becomes a temperature at which the components of the liquid agent can react during a reaction step in which the liquid agent reacts with the object to be processed. With this configuration, the appropriate effect of the liquid agent can be obtained by heating the containment tank to a temperature at which the liquid agent can react.

[0077] (Technical 2) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein the control unit controls the temperature inside the tank to an appropriate temperature that promotes the reaction of the components of the liquid agent. With this configuration, by controlling the temperature inside the tank to an appropriate level, the reaction of the components of the liquid agent can be promoted, and the effects of the liquid agent can be obtained appropriately.

[0078] (Technical 3) The garment processing apparatus according to Technical 1 or Technical 2, wherein the liquid agent is of multiple types, and the control unit controls the heating unit so that the temperature inside the containment tank becomes a temperature at which the components of each type of liquid agent can react. With this configuration, when using multiple types of liquid agents, each liquid agent has an appropriate temperature for its reaction. By controlling the temperature for each liquid agent, the effects of the liquid agents can be more effectively achieved.

[0079] (Technical 4) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 3, wherein the control unit controls the reaction process time to be longer when the temperature inside the tank is below the temperature at which the components of the liquid agent can react. With this configuration, if the garment being treated is made of a material that cannot be heated, heating is not necessary. However, in this case, the effect of the liquid agent can be appropriately achieved by extending the reaction time of the liquid agent.

[0080] (Technical 5) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit while spraying the liquid agent with the spraying unit during the reaction step. With this configuration, the liquid agent can be sprayed while the internal temperature of the containment tank is raised by the heating unit, allowing the liquid agent to exert its effects appropriately.

[0081] (Technical 6) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 5, wherein the control unit is capable of controlling the operation of the storage tank, and the control unit operates the storage tank in the reaction step. With this configuration, by operating the containment tank, the temperature inside the tank and the temperature of the material being treated can be made equal during the reaction process, thereby suppressing imbalances in the temperature, moisture content, and effectiveness of the liquid agent of the material being treated.

[0082] (Technical 7) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 5, wherein the control unit intermittently operates the containment tank in the reaction step. With this configuration, by operating the containment tank, the temperature inside the tank and the temperature of the material being processed can be made equal during the reaction process, thereby suppressing imbalances in the temperature, moisture content, and effectiveness of the liquid agent of the material being processed. Furthermore, by operating the containment tank intermittently, damage to the material being processed can also be suppressed.

[0083] (Technical 8) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to 7, further comprising a blower fan for supplying air to the inside of the containment tank, wherein the control unit operates the blower fan at a predetermined airflow rate or less during the reaction step. With this configuration, by operating a blower fan to circulate the air inside the containment tank, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature inside the tank and ensure that the liquid agent is properly effective.

[0084] (Technical 9) The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 7, wherein the control unit stops the blower fan when the spray unit is spraying the liquid agent in the reaction step. This configuration prevents the sprayed liquid from being scattered by the airflow from the fan, allowing the liquid to adhere properly to the object being treated.

[0085] (Technical 10) A garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 9, comprising a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the storage tank, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit when the temperature detection means detects that the inside of the storage tank is below a predetermined temperature of the liquid agent. This configuration allows the internal temperature of the storage tank to be kept constant, enabling the liquid agent to exert its full effect.

[0086] (Technical 11) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 10, wherein the heating unit is a heat pump device or heater for heating air. With this configuration, the inside of the processing tank can be heated by a heat pump or heater.

[0087] (Technical 12) The garment processing apparatus according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 10, wherein the heating unit is a hot water heater for heating water. With this configuration, the inside of the treatment tank can be heated by a hot water heater. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] As described above, the garment processing apparatus, program, and control method for the garment processing apparatus according to the present invention can be used for applications involving spraying a liquid agent onto an object to be processed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1. Washing machine / dryer (clothing processing device) 10 cabinets 11 Washing machine drum 12 Drive motor 13. Liquid supply unit 14 Spray section 15 Heating and blowing section 17 Doors 18 Water inlet 19 Drain valve 21 Outer tank 22 Inner tank 23 Cylinder part 24 Bottom 27 Flow channels 28 Exhaust vents 29 Air supply port 30 Heat pump device (heating section) 31. Blower fan (blower section) 32 Temperature Sensors 33. Drying pathway 34 Through holes 36 Cover 37 Wind path 100 Control Unit 101 Control Panel 110 processors 120 memory 121 Control Program (Program) 130, 136 tanks 131 cases 132 Liquid supply device 133 Liquid supply channel 134 Water supply valve 141 Liquid supply channel 142 pumps 143 Spray machine 144 Gas supply channel 146 Hot water heater

Claims

1. A storage tank for containing the material to be processed, A spray unit for spraying a liquid into the aforementioned storage tank, A heating unit that heats the air in the containment tank or the air flowing into the containment tank, The system comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the spray unit and the heating unit, The control unit controls the heating unit during the reaction step in which the liquid agent reacts with the object to be processed, so that the temperature inside the containment tank becomes a temperature at which the components of the liquid agent can react. Garment processing device.

2. The control unit controls the temperature inside the tank to an appropriate temperature that promotes the reaction of the components of the liquid agent. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned liquid preparations consist of multiple types of liquid preparations. The control unit controls the heating unit so that the temperature inside the containment tank reaches a temperature at which the components of each type of liquid agent can react. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit controls the reaction process time to be longer if the temperature inside the tank is below the temperature at which the components of the liquid agent can react. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit operates the heating unit while spraying the liquid agent with the spray unit during the reaction process. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The control unit is capable of controlling the operation of the storage tank, The control unit operates the containment tank in the reaction step. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The control unit intermittently operates the containment tank in the reaction process. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The storage tank is further equipped with a blower fan that supplies air to the inside of the tank. The control unit operates the blower fan at a predetermined airflow rate or less during the reaction process. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The control unit stops the blower fan when the spray unit is spraying the liquid agent during the reaction process. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The storage tank is equipped with a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the air in the tank, The control unit operates the heating unit when the temperature detection means detects that the temperature inside the containment tank is below a predetermined temperature of the liquid. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The heating unit is a heat pump device or heater that heats air. A garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The heating unit is a hot water heater that heats water. A garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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