Clothes dryer

Abstract

To provide a clothes dryer which can suppress wrinkles of clothing even though the clothing is not taken out immediately after an operation is finished, and which has improved user convenience.SOLUTION: A clothes dryer includes: a housing 11 including an opening part 121 in a front surface; a water tub 12 provided inside the housing 11; a rotary tub 13 provided in the water tub 12 in a rotatable manner and for constituting a drying chamber together with the water tub 12; a drive part for rotating the rotary tub 13; a steam generation device 50 for generating steam to be supplied to the inside of the rotary tub; and a control device which executes at least one of a washing operation for washing clothing, a drying operation for drying clothing and a washing and drying operation including the washing operation and the drying operation, as a regular operation. After the regular operation is finished, the control device executes a special operation including processing for supplying steam to the rotary tub 13 by the steam generation device 50 and processing for driving the drive part and rotating the rotary tub 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes dryer. [Background technology]

[0002] A washer-dryer having both a washing function and a drying function is known as a clothes dryer. During the drying operation, the washer-dryer rotates and supplies hot air generated by a heater or a heat pump to a water tub and a rotary tub, which serve as a drying chamber, to dry the clothes in the drying chamber.

[0003] During the drying operation, clothes are pressed against the spin tub by centrifugal force, which can cause the clothes to become wrinkled or stiff after drying. For this reason, a washing and drying machine is known that introduces steam into the spin tub during the latter half of the drying operation to suppress wrinkles and stiffness of the clothes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-39436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, sometimes the user does not take out the clothes immediately after the washing or drying operation is completed. In such a case, the clothes may be left in a pile for a long time after the drying operation is completed, and may wrinkle again. In addition, the weight of wet clothes is greater than that of dry clothes, and the clothes are more likely to wrinkle. Therefore, clothes that have been subjected to the spin cycle without undergoing the drying process may be deeply wrinkled if left in a pile for a long time.

[0006] To provide a clothes dryer that can prevent wrinkling of clothes without requiring the user to remove the clothes immediately after the operation is finished, thereby improving user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A clothes dryer according to an embodiment includes a housing having an opening on a front side, a water tub provided inside the housing, a rotating tub rotatably provided inside the water tub and constituting a drying chamber together with the water tub, a drive unit for rotating the rotating tub, a steam generating device for generating steam to be supplied inside the rotating tub, and a control device for executing at least one of a washing operation for washing clothes, a drying operation for drying clothes, and a washing and drying operation including the washing operation and the drying operation as a main operation. After the main operation is completed, the control device executes a special operation including a process of supplying steam to the rotating tub by the steam generating device and a process of driving the drive unit to rotate the rotating tub. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a washing and drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a washing and drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of an example of a washer / dryer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a steam generating device of a washing / drying machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel by a display process of the washer-dryer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] 1 is a chart showing an example of the amount of steam input in a special operation according to the weight and fabric type of the clothes of a washer / dryer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] A chart showing an example of the amount of steam input in a special operation according to the weight of clothes and the temperature of the drying chamber of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]A chart showing an example of the amount of steam input in a special operation according to the weight of clothes and the humidity of the drying chamber of the washer-dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A chart showing an example of the amount of steam input in a special operation according to the weight of clothes and the elapsed time after the end of the main operation of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A chart showing an example of an operation period of the second step in a special operation according to the weight and fabric type of the clothes of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A chart showing an example of an operation period of the second step in a special operation according to the weight of clothes and the temperature of the drying chamber of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A chart showing an example of an operation period of the second step in a special operation according to the weight of clothes and the humidity of the drying chamber of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A chart showing an example of an operation period of a second step in a special operation according to an elapsed time after the end of a main operation of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the control process performed by the control device after the end of the main operation when the wrinkle removing course of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment is selected. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel in a first notification process of the washer-dryer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the control of the special operation by the control device of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a flowchart showing the control of steam supply processing by the control device of a washer / dryer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel by a second notification process of the washer-dryer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 20] A chart showing the amount of steam input and the water supply period of the washer / dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] A flowchart showing the control of steam supply processing by the control device of a washer / dryer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22]11 is a chart showing an example of a predetermined water tank humidity in a steam input process according to the weight and fabric type of the clothes of a washer / dryer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] A flowchart showing the control of the special operation by the control device of the washer / dryer according to the third embodiment. [Figure 24] 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a second determination process performed by a control device of a washer / dryer according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel by a third notification process of the washer-dryer according to the third embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a clothes dryer according to a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Each embodiment can be applied to both a horizontal-axis or diagonal-axis drum-type washing machine shown in FIG. 1 and a vertical-axis washing machine not shown.

[0010] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 20. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the washer-dryer 10 includes a housing 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a rotating tub motor 14, a door 15, bellows 16, a water supply mechanism 17, a drainage section 18, an operation panel 19, and a control device 20. The washer-dryer 10 is also a clothes dryer equipped with a heat pump type drying function, and is a so-called drum type washer-dryer. In this embodiment, the door 15 side of the housing 11 is the front side of the washer-dryer 10, that is, the user side. The direction of gravity, that is, the vertical direction, is the up-down direction of the washer-dryer 10, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is the left-right direction.

[0011] Housing 11 constitutes the outer shell of washer / dryer 10 and is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape from, for example, a steel plate etc. Housing 11 has an opening 111 provided approximately in the center of the front surface which is opened and closed by a door 15, as shown in FIG.

[0012] Water tub 12 is housed inside housing 11. Rotating tub 13 is housed inside water tub 12. Water tub 12 and rotating tub 13 are both formed in a cylindrical shape. Water tub 12 has an opening 121 formed at one end of the cylinder, and a water tub end plate 122 is provided at the other end. Opening 121 is located above water tub end plate 122 in tilted water tub 12.

[0013] Similarly, spin tub 13 has an opening 131 formed at one end of its cylindrical shape, and a spin tub end plate 132 is provided at the other end. Opening 131 is located above spin tub end plate 132 on the inclined spin tub 13. Opening 131 of spin tub 13 is surrounded by opening 121 of water tub 12. Water tub 12 and spin tub 13 function as a washing chamber and a drying chamber for storing laundry.

[0014] Rotary tub motor 14 is provided on water tub end plate 122 outside water tub 12. Rotary tub motor 14 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. A shaft 141 of rotary tub motor 14 passes through water tub end plate 122 and protrudes to the inside of water tub 12, and is fixed to the center of rotary tub end plate 132. Rotary tub motor 14 rotates rotary tub 13 relative to water tub 12. In this case, shaft 141, the rotation axis of rotary tub 13, and the central axis of water tub 12 are all aligned. Rotary tub motor 14 is electrically connected to control device 20, and is driven under the control of control device 20.

[0015] Door 15 is provided on the outer surface side of housing 11 via a hinge (not shown). Door 15 rotates about the hinge as a fulcrum to open and close opening 111 formed in the front surface of housing 11. Bellows 16 connects opening 111 to opening 121 of water tub 12. Laundry such as clothes is put in and taken out of spin tub 13 through openings 121, 131 with door 15 open.

[0016] 1, the water supply mechanism 17 is provided, for example, at the upper left rear part of the water tub 12 inside the housing 11. The water supply mechanism 17 receives water from a water supply source such as a tap and supplies the water to the water tub 12.

[0017] The drain unit 18 is provided on the rear end side of the bottom located on the lower side in the gravity direction of the water tank 12. The drain unit 18 is configured to include a drain port 123, a drain valve 181, and a drain hose 182. The drain port 123 is provided at the rear end, which is the bottommost part of the water tank 12, and communicates the inside and outside of the water tank 12. The drain valve 181 is, for example, an electromagnetic liquid opening and closing valve, and is provided between the drain port 123 and the drain hose 182. The drain valve 181 is electrically connected to the control device 20 and opens and closes under the control of the control device 20. The drain hose 182 connects the drain port 123 to the outside of the machine, that is, the outside of the housing 11, and functions as a drain path for draining water in the water tank 12 to the outside. In this case, the drain valve 181 opens and closes between the drain port 123 and the drain hose 182, that is, the drain path. That is, when drain valve 181 is opened, the water in water tub 12 is drained from drain outlet 123 through drain valve 181 and drain hose 182 to the outside of washer / dryer 10.

[0018] 1, the operation panel 19 is provided at the front of the top surface of the housing 11, and is electrically connected to the control device 20. Various operation keys and the like are provided. Operation panel 19 includes, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal panel, and can display various information related to washer / dryer 10. Note that operation panel 19 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, and in other embodiments, may include, for example, an organic EL panel.

[0019] The various operation keys receive various operations by the user related to the operation of the washer-dryer 10. The operation keys are composed of touch keys included in a screen displayed on the operation panel 19. The user can perform various input operations related to the operation of the washer-dryer 10 by touching the operation keys displayed on the operation panel 19 with his / her fingers or the like.

[0020] The touch panel constituting the operation panel 19 may be, for example, a capacitive touch panel that detects a change in capacitance that occurs when touched by a user's finger. Note that the touch panel constituting the operation panel 19 is not limited to a capacitive touch panel, and in other embodiments, various types of touch panels, such as a resistive film touch panel, may be used. Also, the various operation keys are not limited to electrostatic touch type, and in other embodiments, they may be button type.

[0021] 4, the control device 20 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU 201 and a storage area 202 such as a ROM, a RAM, and a rewritable flash memory, and controls the entire washer / dryer 10. In the present embodiment, the control device 20 controls the driving of the rotation tub motor 14, the drain valve 181, the operation panel 19, and a fan motor 361 of the blower 36, which will be described later, and the compressor 43.

[0022] The washer-dryer 10 may be configured to be connectable to an electric communication line such as the Internet or a mobile phone network via an external router (not shown). In this case, the communication unit (not shown) is communicatively connected to an external device such as an external information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer, or a server installed in a company, etc., via the router and the electric communication line. In this case, the communication unit may be directly connected to the information terminal, etc., by wire or wirelessly. The control device 20 can transmit various information such as the operating status of the washer-dryer 10 to the external device such as an information terminal or a server. The communication unit can receive various instructions from the information terminal, the server, etc.

[0023] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, water tub 12 has exhaust port 21 and air inlet 22. Exhaust port 21 is provided, for example, in the upper front portion of the peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of water tub 12. Air inlet 22 is provided in water tub end plate 122, at a portion slightly above the center of water tub end plate 122. Exhaust port 21 and air inlet 22 communicate between the inside and outside of water tub 12. Exhaust port 21 is an outlet for air from water tub 12 and rotating tank 13, which are drying chambers. Air inlet 22 is an inlet for air to water tub 12 and rotating tank 13, which are drying chambers. Exhaust port 21 and air inlet 22 are both located above drainage port 123.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the spin tub 13 has a plurality of holes 23 and a plurality of communication openings 24. The holes 23 and the communication openings 24 communicate the inside and outside of the spin tub 13. The holes 23 are formed in the entire peripheral wall constituting the cylindrical portion of the spin tub 13. The communication openings 24 are formed in the entire area of ​​the spin tub end plate 132. The holes 23 and the communication openings 24 function mainly as water holes through which water flows in and out during the washing operation including the washing step, the draining step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step, and function as ventilation holes through which air flows in and out during the drying operation. For simplicity, only a portion of the plurality of holes 23 and the communication openings 24 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] 1 to 3, the washer / dryer 10 includes a circulation air duct 30 and a heat pump unit 40. The circulation air duct 30 is provided outside the water tub 12, and connects the exhaust port 21 and the intake port 22. Specifically, the circulation air duct 30 includes an exhaust duct 31, a filter device 32, a connection duct 33, a heat exchanger 34, and an intake duct 35.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the exhaust duct 31 connects the exhaust port 21 of the water tank 12 to the filter device 32. The exhaust duct 31 is formed of, for example, a bellows-shaped hose. The filter device 32 is provided in the upper part of the inside of the housing 11, above the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. A filter 321 is provided in the filter device 32. The filter device 32 removes foreign matter such as lint contained in the air exhausted from the exhaust port 21 by passing the air exhausted from the exhaust port 21 through the filter 321. The filter device 32 is connected to the upstream side of the heat exchanger 34 via a connection duct 33. The heat exchanger 34 is provided in the lower part of the inside of the housing 11, below the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13.

[0027] The heat pump unit 40 has a function of generating dry warm air by dehumidifying and heating the air passing through the inside of the heat exchange section 34 of the circulation air passage 30. An evaporator 41 and a condenser 42 that constitute part of the heat pump unit 40 are provided inside the heat exchange section 34. The evaporator 41 is provided upstream of the condenser 42 with respect to the air flow inside the heat exchange section 34 during drying operation. The air passing through the heat exchange section 34 is cooled by the evaporator 41 and thereby dehumidified. The air dehumidified by the evaporator 41 is then heated by the condenser 42 to become warm air.

[0028] The downstream side of the heat exchanger 34 in the circulating air passage 30 is connected to the air supply port 22 of the water tank 12 via an air supply duct 35. A blower 36 is provided at the connection between the heat exchanger 34 and the air supply duct 35. The blower 36 is configured to include a fan motor 361 and a fan 362, as shown in FIG.

[0029] The blower 36 draws in air in the heat exchanger 34 and discharges it to the air supply duct 35. This creates a flow of air circulating through the water tank 12 and the air circulation duct 30, as shown by arrow A in Figures 1, 2, and 3. In this case, looking at the air flow in the air circulation duct 30, the exhaust port 21 is located at the most upstream side, and the air supply port 22 is located at the most downstream side.

[0030] In this configuration, when the compressor 43 and the blower 36 are driven, the hot air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchanger 34 is supplied from the air inlet 22 through the air inlet duct 35 to the water tub 12 by the blowing action of the blower 36. The hot air then enters the rotating tub 13 mainly through the communication port 24, raises the temperature of the laundry in the rotating tub 13, and removes moisture from the laundry, and then exits the rotating tub 13 mainly through the hole 23. The humid air is then sucked into the circulating air duct 30 through the exhaust port 21. The air sucked into the circulating air duct 30 first passes through the exhaust duct 31 and the filter device 32. The air then flows to the heat exchanger 34 through the connection duct 33. In this way, the air that has entered the circulating air duct 30 from the water tub 12 is dehumidified and heated in the circulating air duct 30, and is then supplied again to the water tub 12.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the heat pump unit 40. The heat pump unit 40 functions as a hot air supply device that dehumidifies and heats the air that has flowed into the circulating air passage 30 from the water tub 12 to turn it into dry hot air and supplies it back into the water tub 12.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the heat pump unit 40 includes an evaporator 41 and a condenser 42, as well as a compressor 43, a pressure reducing device 44, and an accumulator 45. The compressor 43, the pressure reducing device 44, and the accumulator 45 are provided outside the heat exchange section 34. The refrigerant circulates inside the heat pump unit 40 as indicated by the arrow B in Fig. 3. The heat pump unit 40 is configured by connecting the condenser 42, the pressure reducing device 44, the evaporator 41, and the accumulator 45 in a ring shape in this order in the direction in which the refrigerant flows with the compressor 43 as the reference.

[0033] The evaporator 41 and the condenser 42 are each composed of, for example, a tube having many fins arranged at small intervals, and by passing a refrigerant through the inside of this tube, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the air passing between the fins. The evaporator 41 and the condenser 42 function as a heat exchanger.

[0034] The compressor 43 supplies the refrigerant to the condenser 42 by pressure feeding. The compressor 43 is connected to the control device 20, and is driven and stopped under the control of the control device 20. The pressure reducing device 44 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant discharged from the condenser 42 to a low-pressure gas-liquid mixed state. In this case, the pressure reducing device 44 is composed of, for example, a capillary tube, but may also be an electromagnetic opening / closing expansion valve that can be opened and closed under the control of the control device 20.

[0035] The washer / dryer 10 includes a steam generator 50 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5. The steam generator 50 supplies steam to the rotating tub 13. The steam generator 50 is provided inside the housing 11 and outside the water tub 12. In this embodiment, the steam generator 50 is provided above the water tub 12 and at the front end of the upper part of the washing machine 10, and blows steam onto the clothes in the rotating tub 13 from the upper front through the openings 121 and 131.

[0036] The steam generating device 50 includes a steam generating section 51 and a spraying section 52. The steam generating section 51 heats water supplied from an external water source through the water supply mechanism 17 to generate steam to be supplied to the rotating tub 13. The spraying section 52 atomizes the steam generated by the steam generating section 51 and sprays it into the rotating tub 13. In this embodiment, the spraying section 52 atomizes the steam by, for example, electrostatic spraying. In other embodiments, the spraying section 52 is not limited to the electrostatic spraying method, and may atomize the steam by, for example, ultrasonic waves.

[0037] 1, water supply mechanism 17 has water supply valve 171 and water supply path 172. Water supply valve 171 is connected to control device 20 and is driven to open and close under the control of control device 20. Control device 20 drives water supply valve 171 to open and close, thereby supplying water from an external water source to steam generating section 51 via water supply valve 171 and water supply path 172. Note that water supply mechanism 17 separately has a water supply path (not shown) that receives water from a water supply source such as a water tap and supplies water to water tank 12, and a water supply valve (not shown) that opens and closes the water supply path.

[0038] The steam generating unit 51 has a tank 511, a heating unit 512, a water inlet 513, and a discharge port 514. The tank 511 is formed in a container shape and stores water supplied through the water supply path 172 therein. The tank 511 is formed of a heat-resistant metal die-cast with high thermal conductivity, for example, aluminum die-cast. The heating unit 512 is provided below the tank 511 and heats the water in the tank 511. In this case, the water inlet 513 is provided on the upper part of the tank 511 and connects the tank 511 to the water supply path 172. The discharge port 514 is provided in the tank 511 and connects the tank 511 to the spray unit 52.

[0039] The spray unit 52 includes a discharge electrode 521. The discharge electrode 521 is provided at a position through which the steam discharged from the discharge port 514 passes. When a high voltage from the high-voltage power supply 53 is applied between the discharge electrodes 521 and the steam discharged from the steam generating unit 51 passes through an electric field generated by the discharge electrode 521, the water particles of the steam are charged and repeatedly split, that is, Rayleigh fission, which increases the surface area and makes the particles finer. As a result, the steam is further finely split into atomized steam, and is discharged into the rotating tank 13 at an increased spray speed.

[0040] 3 to 5, the washer / dryer 10 is equipped with an intake air temperature sensor 61, a humidity sensor 62, a water tub temperature sensor 63, and a tank temperature sensor 64. The intake air temperature sensor 61, the humidity sensor 62, the water tub temperature sensor 63, and the tank temperature sensor 64 are each connected to the control device 20.

[0041] The supply air temperature sensor 61 is provided in the circulation air duct 30 as shown in FIG. 3, and detects the temperature of the air in the circulation air duct 30. Specifically, the supply air temperature sensor 61 is provided between the condenser 42 and the supply air port 22 and in the vicinity of the supply air port 22. The supply air temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature of air supplied to the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13, which are the drying chambers, through the supply air duct 35, that is, the air heated by the heat exchanger 34 and supplied to the drying chamber. In this embodiment, the supply air temperature sensor 61 directly detects the temperature of the air heated by the heat exchanger 34 and supplied to the drying chamber, but this is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the control device 20 may be configured to indirectly detect the temperature of the air supplied to the drying chamber. For example, the control device 20 can indirectly detect the temperature of the air supplied into the drying chamber based on the detection results of an exhaust temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air exhausted from the water tank 12 and rotating tank 13, which are the drying chambers, and passing through the exhaust duct 31, a compressor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 43, i.e., the temperature of the compressor 43, and a condenser temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the condenser 42, etc.

[0042] The humidity sensor 62 is provided near the exhaust port 21 of the exhaust duct 31 as shown in FIG. 3. The humidity sensor 62 is provided downstream of the exhaust port 21 and upstream of the filter device 32 with respect to the flow of circulating air. The humidity sensor 62 has a function of detecting the humidity in the water tank 12. The humidity sensor 62 is a so-called resistance change type humidity sensor that obtains the relative humidity based on a change in electrical resistance caused by moisture absorption by a dielectric, for example. In this embodiment, the humidity sensor 62 is a resistance change type humidity sensor, but in other embodiments, it may be a so-called capacitance change type humidity sensor that obtains the relative humidity based on a change in electrostatic capacitance caused by moisture absorption by a dielectric.

[0043] Water tub temperature sensor 63 is provided at an arbitrary position of water tub 12 as shown in Fig. 3, and detects the temperature of water tub 12. In this case, the temperature of water tub 12 becomes approximately the same as the temperature of rotatable tub 13 and the temperature of the clothes in rotatable tub 13.

[0044] 5, the tank temperature sensor 64 is provided in the tank 511 and detects the temperature of the tank 511. In this embodiment, the tank temperature sensor 64 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the tank 511. The tank temperature sensor 64 may be, for example, a so-called thermistor.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the washer / dryer 10 includes a weight detection unit 65, a fabric type detection unit 66, and a door open / close detection unit 67. The control device 20 executes a control program in the CPU 201 to virtually realize the weight detection unit 65 and the fabric type detection unit 66 shown in Fig. 4 by software. Note that the control device 20 may realize the weight detection unit 65 and the fabric type detection unit 66 by hardware such as an integrated circuit, or may realize them by a combination of software and hardware.

[0046] The weight detection unit 65 is configured to be able to access the memory area 202 of the control device 20. The weight detection unit 65 detects the weight of the laundry inside the spin tub 13. The control device 20 stores the detected weight of the laundry in the memory area 202. In this embodiment, the weight detection unit 65 can detect the weight of the laundry between the washing process and the draining process. The weight detection unit 65 can detect the current load acting on the spin tub motor 14 by measuring the q-axis current in the vector control of the spin tub motor 14, for example, and measure the weight of the laundry inside the spin tub 13 based on the load. The weight detection unit 65 may detect the load on the spin tub motor 14 from the difference between the commanded rotation speed and the actual rotation speed.

[0047] The fabric quality detection unit 66 is configured to be able to access the memory area 202 of the control device 20. The fabric quality detection unit 66 detects the fabric quality of the laundry inside the spin tub 13. The control device 20 also stores the detected fabric quality of the laundry in the memory area 202. The fabric quality detection unit 66 can detect the fabric quality of the laundry based on the amount of moisture absorbed by the laundry, for example, whether the laundry is mainly made of cotton or chemical fibers, and the ratio of cotton to chemical fibers. In this embodiment, the fabric quality detection unit 66 detects the fabric quality of the laundry by comparing the weight of the laundry when dry detected by the weight detection unit 65 with the weight of the laundry containing water between the washing process and the draining process.

[0048] The fabric quality detection unit 66 classifies the fabric quality of the laundry into a plurality of categories. The fabric quality categories can be set, for example, based on the water absorption characteristics and wrinkling tendency of the fibers that make up the fabric. In this embodiment, the fabric quality detection unit 66 determines the fabric quality of the laundry into two categories, for example, "cotton-based" indicating that the majority of the laundry is made of cotton-based clothing, and "synthetic fiber-based" indicating that the majority of the laundry is made of synthetic fiber-based clothing. In another embodiment, the fabric quality detection unit 66 may determine the fabric quality of the laundry into four categories, for example, "mostly cotton," "mainly cotton," "mainly synthetic fiber," and "mostly synthetic fiber," in the order of the proportion of cotton being higher and the proportion of synthetic fiber being lower.

[0049] The door open / close detection unit 67 detects the open / closed state of the door 15. The door open / close detection unit 67 is not shown in detail, but may be, for example, a mechanical switch. In this case, for example, when the door 15 is in a position that closes the opening 111 of the housing 11, that is, when the door 15 is closed, a part of the door 15 may come into contact with the door open / close detection unit 67, thereby closing or opening the electric circuit. When the door 15 is in a position that does not close the opening 111 of the housing 11, that is, when the door 15 is open, a part of the door 15 may not come into contact with the door open / close detection unit 67, thereby opening or closing the electric circuit.

[0050] The control device 20 can selectively execute a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing and drying operation. The washing and drying operation is a mode in which a drying operation is performed successively after the washing operation. The washing operation includes at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step.

[0051] The washing process is a process in which water is supplied to the water tub 12 by the water supply mechanism 17, and the rotatable tub 13 is rotated by the rotatable tub motor 14 to wash the clothes with detergent and water. The rinsing process is a process in which water is supplied to the water tub 12 by the water supply mechanism 17, and the rotatable tub 13 is rotated by the rotatable tub motor 14 to rinse the clothes. The dewatering process is a process in which the water absorbed by the clothes is removed by driving the rotatable tub motor 14 to rotate the rotatable tub 13.

[0052] The drying operation includes a process of drying clothes. The drying process is a process in which the compressor 43 is driven to heat and dehumidify air by the evaporator 41 and the condenser 42, and the heated dry air is blown into the drying chamber by the blower 36 to dry the clothes. The drying operation may also include a finishing process. The finishing process is performed following the drying process. In the finishing process, the control device 20 also drives the compressor 43, the blower 36, and the rotary tub motor 14. The supply air temperature in the finishing process is set to be equal to or lower than the supply air temperature in the drying process. More specifically, the maximum supply air temperature t1 in the finishing process is set to be lower than the maximum supply air temperature t0 in the drying process. For example, the maximum supply air temperature t0 in the drying process can be set within a range of 65°C to 75°C. In this embodiment, the maximum supply air temperature t0 in the drying process is set to 60°C. The maximum supply air temperature t1 in the finishing process is set to be within a range of 55°C to 65°C, for example. In this embodiment, the maximum supply air temperature t1 in the finishing process is set to 60°C.

[0053] In addition, the control device 20 can selectively execute a wrinkle removal course and a normal course when executing a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation. The wrinkle removal course is a course in which a special operation is additionally executed after the main operation selected from the washing operation, the drying operation, or the washing and drying operation is completed. The normal course is a course in which a special operation is not additionally executed after the main operation is completed.

[0054] The user operates operation panel 19 to select either a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation as the main operation, and also select either a wrinkle removing course or a normal course. Control device 20 sets various courses and executes various operations based on the user's operation on operation panel 19. Note that the user may operate an external information terminal such as a smartphone to select either a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation as the main operation, and also select either a wrinkle removing course or a normal course to have control device 20 execute it.

[0055] When the normal course is selected and any one of the washing operation, drying operation, or washing and drying operation is performed as the main operation, the control device 20 turns off the power of the washer / dryer 10 when the main operation ends. When the wrinkle removal course is selected and any one of the main washing operation, drying operation, or washing and drying operation is performed, the control device 20 puts the washer / dryer 10 into standby mode when the main operation ends. Here, the special operation is not necessarily performed every time after the main operation in which the wrinkle removal course is selected ends. In other words, the special operation is not automatically started after the main operation ends. If a user operation, which will be described later, is performed before a predetermined period P0 has elapsed since the main operation ended and the standby state was entered, the control device 20 starts the special operation.

[0056] The predetermined period P0 can be set within a range of, for example, 120 to 300 minutes. In this embodiment, the predetermined period P0 is set to, for example, 180 minutes. When the predetermined period P0 has elapsed after the main operation selected from the washing operation, the drying operation, or the washing and drying operation is completed, the control device 20 stops the standby state, turns off the power of the washer / dryer 10, and ends all operations.

[0057] A case will be described where the wrinkle removal course is selected and, for example, a washing and drying operation is performed as the main operation. In this case, when the washing operation and the drying operation are completed, the control device 20 puts the washer-dryer 10 into a standby state. During the standby state, the control device 20 does not drive the spin tub motor 14, the blower 36, the compressor 43, etc., but keeps them in a state where they can be driven immediately. During this standby state, the user can open the door 15 without operating a pause key (not shown) on the operation panel 19, etc. In other words, during the standby state, the user can put laundry in and take it out of the spin tub 13 as needed.

[0058] In order to execute the special operation, the user needs to open and close the door 15 at least once. In other words, after the normal operation ends, the special operation is triggered by the user opening and closing the door 15 once.

[0059] While the washer / dryer 10 is in standby mode, the user opens the door 15, leaves the clothes that require the special operation in the drying chamber, and removes the clothes that do not require the special operation from the washer / dryer 10. When the user closes the door 15 again, the control device 20 determines that the user has finished removing the clothes, and displays, for example, as shown in Fig. 6 on the operation panel 19. When the user operates the start key 191, the control device 20 stops the standby mode and starts the special operation. When the user operates the operation end key 192, the control device 20 stops the standby mode and ends all operations.

[0060] Furthermore, the control device 20 starts the special operation only if the open state of the door 15 continues for a predetermined open period S. In other words, even if the user accidentally opens the door 15, if the open state is immediately resolved, the control device 20 will not determine that the user has removed the clothes. In this case, the predetermined open period S can be set within a range of, for example, 1 to 3 seconds. In this embodiment, the predetermined open period S is set to 2 seconds.

[0061] In another embodiment, the control device 20 may be configured to start a special operation even when a user operates the operation panel 19 during the standby state to indicate that a special operation should be started. In other words, when a user operates the operation panel 19 to that effect, the special operation may be executed regardless of whether the door 15 is opened or closed. In this case, for example, in the standby state, the control device 20 may always display a display such as that shown in FIG. 6 on the operation panel 19.

[0062] The special operation is a process for suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the clothes in the spin tub 13 or reducing existing wrinkles. The special operation includes a first process, a second process, and a third process. The first process is a process for supplying steam to the spin tub 13. The second process is a process for drying the clothes and removing wrinkles. The third process is a process for cooling the spin tub 13 and the clothes that were heated in the second process.

[0063] In the first step, the control device 20 drives the steam generator 50 to supply steam to the rotating tub 13. This allows the steam to permeate the clothes in the rotating tub 13. Note that in the first step, the control device 20 may drive the steam generator 50 and also drive the rotating tub motor 14 to rotate the rotating tub 13. In this case, the clothes are agitated, allowing the steam to permeate the entire clothes.

[0064] In the second step, the control device 20 drives the rotating tub motor 14, the blower 36, the compressor 43, etc. to rotate the rotating tub 13 while drawing in heated air into the rotating tub 13. This makes it possible to warm the clothes that have been permeated with steam in the first step and dry them again, thereby removing wrinkles from the clothes. In addition, the clothes are agitated by the rotation of the rotating tub 13, so that the entire clothes can be dried evenly.

[0065] In this case, the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the second step, i.e., the rotation speed of the fan motor 361, can be set to be equal to or higher than the rotation speed of the blower 36 in the drying step. This makes it easier for the clothes to roll up in the rotating tub 13, and prevents the clothes from overlapping, allowing wrinkles to be removed more efficiently.

[0066] For example, the maximum rotation speed x0 of the blower 36 in the drying process can be set within a range of 3000 rpm to 4500 rpm. In this embodiment, the maximum rotation speed x0 of the blower 36 in the drying process is set to 4000 rpm. For example, the maximum rotation speed x1 of the blower 36 in the second process can be set within a range of 3500 rpm to 6500 rpm. In this embodiment, the maximum rotation speed x1 of the blower 36 in the second process is set to 6000 rpm.

[0067] Furthermore, the temperature of the intake air in the second step is set to a temperature lower than that in the drying step. For example, the temperature of the intake air in the second step is set to a temperature similar to or lower than that in the finishing step. This prevents the clothes from being over-dried, and reduces the re-occurrence of wrinkles.

[0068] In this case, the maximum supply air temperature t2 in the second process can be set to be equal to or lower than the maximum supply air temperature t1 in the finishing process. For example, the maximum supply air temperature t2 in the second process can be set within the range of 45°C to 65°C. In this embodiment, the maximum supply air temperature t1 in the second process is set to 55°C.

[0069] In the third step, the control device 20 drives the rotating tub motor 14 and the blower 36 to rotate the rotating tub 13 while drawing air into the rotating tub 13. This cools the drying chamber and the clothes heated in the second step, allowing the user to remove the clothes from the drying chamber.

[0070] The rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the first, second, and third steps is set lower than the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the spin-drying step. The rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 can be set to be equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the drying step. In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the first, second, and third steps is set lower than the rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the drying step. The rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the first, second, and third steps can be set within a range of 30 rpm to 60 rpm, for example. The rotation speed of the rotary tub motor 14 in the first, second, and third steps is set to a rotation speed that causes the clothes in the rotary tub 13 to move up and down slightly, but does not generate a centrifugal force that is strong enough to push the clothes against the rotary tub 13 against gravity.

[0071] The amount of steam input in the first step is set to different values ​​depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the drying chamber (in this case water tub 12) and the weight or fabric type of the clothes in the rotating tub 13, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. In this embodiment, the amount of steam input in the first step is set to different values ​​depending on the temperature and humidity of the water tub 12, and the weight and fabric type of the clothes in the rotating tub 13. In addition, the amount of steam input in the first step is set to different values ​​depending on the time that has elapsed since the end of this operation, as shown in Figure 10.

[0072] 7 shows an example of the amount of steam input according to the weight and fabric quality of the clothes in the rotating tub 13. In this example, the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35° C. or higher, the relative humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH, and the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 60 minutes.

[0073] For cotton-based clothes, the amount of steam injected is set to gradually increase from 5g to 16g as the weight of the clothes increases from 1kg to 12kg. Here, the weight of the clothes means the dry weight of the clothes. In other words, the more clothes there are, the more steam is required to penetrate the clothes. Also, the more clothes there are, the more likely the clothes are to wrinkle due to their weight, so the amount of steam injected is set to be higher.

[0074] Furthermore, when comparing clothes made of cotton and synthetic fibers, the amount of steam injected is set to be 2g more for cotton than for synthetic fibers when the weight of the clothes is the same. In other words, clothes made of a fabric with a lot of cotton are more likely to absorb water and wrinkle than clothes made of a fabric with a lot of synthetic fibers, so the amount of steam injected is set to be larger.

[0075] 8 shows an example of the amount of steam input according to the temperature inside the rotating tub 13. In this case, the fabric of the clothes is cotton-based, the relative humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH, and the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 60 minutes.

[0076] When the temperature of the water tub 12 is less than 5°C, the amount of steam input is set to 1g to 6g for each case of 1kg to 6kg of clothes. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 5°C or more and less than 15°C, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by 1g compared to the case of less than 5°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 15°C or more and less than 25°C, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by another 1g compared to the case of 5°C or more and less than 15°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 25°C or more and less than 35°C, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by another 1g compared to the case of 15°C or more and less than 25°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35°C or more, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by another 1g compared to the case of 25°C or more and less than 35°C.

[0077] In other words, the higher the temperature of the water tank 12, the lower the relative humidity for the same absolute humidity, and the percentage of moisture contained in the air is lower compared to the saturated state. Also, the higher the temperature of the water tank 12, the easier it is for steam to evaporate. For these reasons, the amount of steam introduced is set to be larger the higher the temperature of the water tank 12.

[0078] 9 shows an example of the amount of steam input according to the humidity of the water tub 12. In this case, the fabric of the clothes is cotton, the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35° C. or higher, and the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 60 minutes.

[0079] When the humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH, the amount of steam input is set to 5 g to 10 g for each case of 1 kg to 6 kg of clothes. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35% RH or more and less than 40°C %RH, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is reduced by 1 g compared to the case of less than 35% RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 40% RH or more and less than 50°C %RH, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is further reduced by 1 g compared to the case of 35% RH or more and less than 40°C %RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 50% RH or more and less than 60°C %RH, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is further reduced by 1 g compared to the case of 40% RH or more and less than 50°C %RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 60% RH or more, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is further reduced by 1 g compared to the case of 50% RH or more and less than 60°C %RH.

[0080] That is, when the humidity in the water tub 12 is low, wrinkles are likely to form, so it is preferable to supply a relatively large amount of steam. On the other hand, when the humidity in the water tub 12 is already high, wrinkles are unlikely to form, so there is less need to supply a large amount of steam.

[0081] 10 shows an example of the amount of steam input according to the elapsed time after the end of this operation. In this case, the fabric of the clothes is cotton, the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35° C. or higher, and the relative humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH.

[0082] When the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is less than 30 minutes, the amount of steam input for 1kg to 6kg of clothes is set to 3g to 8g. When the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 30 minutes or more but less than 90 minutes, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by an additional 2g compared to when the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is less than 30 minutes. When the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 90 minutes or more but less than 150 minutes, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by an additional 2g compared to when the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 30 minutes or more but less than 90 minutes. When the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 150 minutes or more, the amount of steam input in each of the above cases is increased by an additional 2g compared to when the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 90 minutes or more but less than 150 minutes.

[0083] In other words, the shorter the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the fewer wrinkles that occur and the deeper the wrinkles that do occur, so the amount of steam to be introduced is set to be smaller.The longer the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the more wrinkles that occur and the deeper the wrinkles that do occur, so the amount of steam to be introduced is set to be larger.

[0084] Furthermore, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to different values ​​depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the drying chamber (in this case water tub 12), or the weight or fabric type of the clothes in the rotatable tub 13, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13. Here, the operation period refers to the period during which the second step is performed. In this embodiment, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to different values ​​depending on the temperature and humidity of the water tub 12, and the weight and fabric type of the clothes in the rotatable tub 13. Furthermore, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to different values ​​depending on the time that has elapsed since the end of the main operation, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0085] 11 shows an example of an operation period P3 of the second step according to the weight and fabric type of the clothes in the spin tub 13. The other conditions are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0086] When the fabric of the clothes is cotton-based, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to 8 to 20 minutes for clothes weighing 1 to 12 kg. When the fabric of the clothes is synthetic-based, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to 6 to 18 minutes for clothes weighing 1 to 12 kg. In other words, the lighter the weight of the clothes, the shorter the operation period P3 of the second step, and the heavier the weight of the clothes, the longer the operation period P3 of the second step. This prevents over-drying caused by applying more heat than necessary when there is a small amount of clothes that are not prone to wrinkles or the clothes are light, and ensures sufficient time for the steam input to evaporate and remove wrinkles when there is a large amount of clothes that are prone to wrinkles or the clothes are heavy.

[0087] In addition, when comparing the fabric quality of the clothes, the operation period P3 of the second step is set to be longer for cotton clothes than for synthetic clothes for any weight of clothes. This allows sufficient time for the steam to evaporate and remove wrinkles from cotton clothes, which tend to wrinkle more easily, while preventing excessive drying caused by applying more heat than necessary to synthetic clothes, which tend not to wrinkle.

[0088] 12 shows an example of the operation period P3 of the second step depending on the temperature inside the rotating tank 13. The other conditions are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0089] When the temperature of the water tub 12 is less than 5°C, the operation period P3 of the second step in each case of 1 kg to 6 kg of clothes is set to 16 minutes to 21 minutes, respectively. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 5°C or more and less than 15°C, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is reduced by 2 minutes compared to when it is less than 5°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 15°C or more and less than 25°C, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is reduced by another 2 minutes compared to when it is 5°C or more and less than 15°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 25°C or more and less than 35°C, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is reduced by another 2 minutes compared to when it is 15°C or more and less than 25°C. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35°C or more, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is reduced by another 2 minutes compared to when it is 25°C or more and less than 35°C.

[0090] That is, when the temperature of the water tank 12 is low, the operation period P3 of the second step is set longer than when the temperature of the water tank 12 is high. As a result, under conditions where the temperature inside the water tank 12 is low and the steam introduced is difficult to evaporate, the heated air is exposed for a longer period of time, making it easier to remove wrinkles. Also, under conditions where the temperature inside the water tank 12 is high, the period of exposure to the heated air is shortened to prevent over-drying.

[0091] 13 shows an example of the operation period P3 of the second step according to the humidity of the water tank 12. The other conditions are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0092] When the humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH, the operation period P3 of the second step in each case of 1 kg to 6 kg of clothes is set to 8 minutes to 13 minutes, respectively. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35% RH or more and less than 40°C %RH, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is increased by 1 minute compared to the case of less than 35% RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 40% RH or more and less than 50°C %RH, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to the case of 35% RH or more and less than 40°C %RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 50% RH or more and less than 60°C %RH, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to the case of 40% RH or more and less than 50°C %RH. When the temperature of the water tub 12 is 60% RH or more, the operation period P3 of the second step in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to the case of 50% RH or more and less than 60°C %RH.

[0093] That is, when the humidity in water tub 12 is low, it is believed that the steam introduced will evaporate relatively quickly, so the period of exposure to heated air can be shortened to prevent the clothes from becoming over-dried. On the other hand, when the humidity in water tub 12 is high, it is believed that the steam introduced will evaporate relatively slowly, so the period of exposure to heated air can be extended to make it easier to remove wrinkles from the clothes.

[0094] 14 shows an example of the operation period P3 of the second step according to the elapsed time after the end of the main operation. The other conditions are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0095] When the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is less than 30 minutes, the operation period P3 of the second process for each case of 1 kg to 6 kg of clothes is set to 7 minutes to 12 minutes, respectively. When the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is 30 minutes or more and less than 90 minutes, the operation period P3 of the second process in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to when the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is less than 30 minutes. When the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is 90 minutes or more and less than 150 minutes, the operation period P3 of the second process in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to when the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is 30 minutes or more and less than 90 minutes. When the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is 150 minutes or more, the operation period P3 of the second process in each of the above cases is increased by another minute compared to when the time elapsed after the end of the main operation is 90 minutes or more and less than 150 minutes.

[0096] In other words, the shorter the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the fewer wrinkles that occur and the deeper the wrinkles that do occur, so the period of exposure to heated air can be shortened to prevent the clothes from becoming over-dried.The longer the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the more wrinkles that occur and the deeper the wrinkles that do occur, so the longer the period of exposure to heated air can make it easier to remove wrinkles from the clothes.

[0097] Next, control regarding the start of the special operation by the control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. At the start of Fig. 15, it is assumed that the main operation selected from the washing operation, drying operation, or washing and drying operation, for example, the washing and drying operation in this case, has ended. It is also assumed that the main operation selected from the washing operation, drying operation, or washing and drying operation is the wrinkle removal course selected and executed by the user.

[0098] When the washing and drying operation as the main operation is completed (started), the control device 20 judges whether or not a predetermined period P0 has elapsed since the end of the main operation. If the predetermined period P0 has elapsed (Yes in step S11), the control device 20 advances the process to step S20. If the predetermined period P0 has not elapsed (No in step S11), the control device 20 advances the process to step S12.

[0099] In step S12, the control device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined period P1 has elapsed after the end of this operation or after the first notification process described below. If the predetermined period P1 has elapsed (Yes in step S12), the control device 20 advances the process to step S13. If the predetermined period P0 has not elapsed (No in step S12), the control device 20 advances the process to step S15. The predetermined period P1 is set shorter than the period P0. The predetermined period P1 can be set within a range of, for example, 10 to 60 minutes. In this embodiment, the predetermined period P1 is set to 30 minutes.

[0100] In step S13, the control device 20 executes the first notification process. The first notification process is a process for notifying the user that a certain period of time has passed since the end of the main operation but the user has not removed any clothes. As the first notification process, the control device 20 can, for example, display characters or images on the operation panel 19, sound a buzzer or the like by an audio device (not shown), or send a notification to an external information device owned by the user to display characters or images on the information device. In this embodiment, the control device 20 sounds a buzzer and displays a message such as that shown in FIG. 16 as the first notification process. In this case, the message urges the user to remove clothes that do not need to be wrinkled because the main operation, the washing and drying operation, has ended. The control device 20 executes the first notification process every time the period P1 elapses after the main operation has ended. As described above, the period P1 is set to be shorter than the period P0. Therefore, the user can receive the notification at least once before the period P0 elapses and the power of the washer-dryer 10 is turned off.

[0101] When the user operates the return key 193, the control device 20 erases the message of the first notification process displayed on the operation panel 19. Note that when the user operates the operation end key 192, the control device 20 may be configured to end all operations without going through the subsequent steps, that is, without executing the special operation.

[0102] Following step S13 in FIG. 15, the control device 20 advances the process to step S14. In step S14, the control device 20 executes a determination process to determine whether the door 15 has been opened or closed. In this case, opening and closing of the door 15 refers to the door 15 being closed again after the door 15 has been kept open for a predetermined open period S. The open period here refers to the period during which the door 15 is open. If the door 15 has not been opened or closed (No in step S15), the control device 20 returns the process to step S11. If the door 15 has been opened or closed (Yes in step S15), the control device 20 advances the process to step S16.

[0103] In step S16, the control device 20 executes a display process. The display process is a process for displaying information that allows the user to select whether or not to start a special operation. In this case, the control device 20 displays, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 6 on the operation panel 19. In another embodiment, a similar screen may be displayed on an external information terminal owned by the user.

[0104] Next, in step S17, the control device 20 determines whether or not there is an instruction to start a special operation. For example, if the user operates the operation panel 19 to instruct the start of a special operation, it is determined that there is an instruction. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the operation panel 19 to instruct the start of a special operation, it is determined that there is no instruction. If there is an instruction to start a special operation (Yes in step S17), the control device 20 advances the process to step S18.

[0105] If there is no instruction to start the special operation (No in step S17), the control device 20 advances the process to step S19. In step S19, the control device 20 determines whether or not a period P2 has elapsed since the display process. The period P2 can be set within a range of, for example, 5 to 30 minutes. In this embodiment, the period P2 is set to 15 minutes.

[0106] If the period P2 has not elapsed since the display process (No in step S19), the control device 20 returns the process to step S17. If the period P2 has elapsed since the display process (Yes in step S19), the control device 20 advances the process to step S20.

[0107] In step S18, the control device 20 executes a special operation, the details of which will be described later. After that, in step S20, the control device 20 turns off the power. As a result, the control device 20 ends all operations (END).

[0108] Next, the process executed by the control device 20 in the special operation will be described with reference to Fig. 17. When the special operation is started, the control device 20 detects the weight of the clothes by the weight detection unit 65 (step S21). This allows the weight of the clothes left in the drying chamber to be known after the user has removed the clothes that do not require the special operation. If the main operation executed before the special operation is a washing operation and the clothes are wet, the control device 20 may compare the weight of the wet clothes at the end of the washing operation with the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 65 in step S21, and estimate the dry weight of the clothes stored in the drying chamber from the weight of the dry clothes at the start of the washing operation.

[0109] In step S22, the control device 20 causes the humidity sensor 62 to detect the humidity of the water tub 12. The control device 20 also causes the water tub temperature sensor 63 to detect the temperature of the water tub 12.

[0110] Next, in step S23, the control device 20 sets the amount of steam input based on the charts shown in, for example, Figs. 7 to 10 according to the temperature and humidity of the water tub 12, the weight and fabric type of the clothes in the spin tub 13, and the time elapsed since the end of the main operation. If the main operation includes a washing operation, the control device 20 can use the fabric type information acquired during the washing operation. If the main operation does not include a washing operation, the control device 20 may be configured to automatically select either cotton-based or synthetic-based, for example cotton-based, which are determined at the time of shipment from the factory. Furthermore, the control device 20 may acquire fabric type information through a user's operation on the operation panel 19.

[0111] Next, in step S24, the control device 20 sets the operating period P3 of the second process based on, for example, the charts shown in Figures 11 to 14, depending on the temperature and humidity of the water tub 12, the weight and fabric type of the clothes in the rotating tub 13, and the elapsed time since the end of the main operation.

[0112] In step S25, the control device 20 drives the rotating tub motor 14. In step S26, the control device 20 drives the steam generator 50 to execute a steam injection process, the details of which will be described later. The steam injection process is a process in which the steam generator 50 is driven to generate steam and the steam is injected into the drying chamber, in this case the rotating tub 13 in particular. As a result, steam is injected into the rotating tub 13 containing the clothes, and the steam permeates the clothes. Furthermore, as the rotating tub 13 rotates, the clothes are agitated, making it easier for the steam to permeate evenly throughout the clothes. The first process includes steps S25 and S26.

[0113] In step S27, the control device 20 drives the compressor 43. In step S28, the control device 20 drives the blower 36. The second step includes steps S27 and S28. In addition, in the second step, the control device 20 drives the rotation tub motor 14. As a result, wrinkles in the clothes are removed or reduced when the steam that has permeated the clothes evaporates.

[0114] In step S29, the control device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined period, that is, an operation period P3 of the second process, has elapsed since the start of the second process. If the predetermined operation period P3 has not elapsed (No in step S29), the control device 20 repeats the process of step S29. If the predetermined operation period P3 has elapsed (Yes in step S29), the control device 20 advances the process to step S30.

[0115] In step S30, the control device 20 stops the compressor 43. This stops the heating of the circulating air flowing through the circulation air duct 30. That is, the control device 20 ends the second step and starts the third step. In the third step, the control device 20 drives the rotation tub motor 14 and the blower 36. This causes the compressor 43 not to be driven for a predetermined period of time, i.e., air that is not heated circulates through the drying chamber and the circulation air duct 30, so that the clothes heated in the second step and the drying chamber can be cooled by the blowing effect.

[0116] In step S31, the control device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined period P4 has elapsed since the compressor 43 was stopped, that is, since the third process was started. The period P4 is the operation period of the third process. The predetermined period P4 can be set within a range of 5 to 15 minutes, for example. In this embodiment, the predetermined period P4 is set to 10 minutes.

[0117] If the predetermined period P4 has not elapsed (No in step S31), the control device 20 repeats the process of step S31. If the predetermined period P4 has elapsed (Yes in step S31), the control device 20 advances the process to step S32.

[0118] In step S32, the control device 20 stops the driving of the blower 36. In step S33, the control device 20 drives the rotation of the rotation tub motor 14. This ends the third process. Also, the special operation including the first to third processes ends (return).

[0119] Next, the steam supply process will be described with reference to Fig. 18. When the steam supply process is started, in step S41, the control device 20 opens the water supply valve 171. This causes water to be supplied to the tank 511 through the water supply path 172 from an external water source.

[0120] In step S42, the control device 20 energizes the heating unit 512. This causes the heating unit 512 to generate heat, warming the water in the tank 511 and generating steam. The generated steam is atomized by the spray unit 52 and introduced into the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13.

[0121] In step S43, the control device 20 determines whether the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature t3. The predetermined temperature t3 is set to a temperature higher than 100°C. The predetermined temperature t3 can be set, for example, within a range of 125°C to 135°C. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature t3 is set to 130°C. If the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is lower than the predetermined temperature t3 (No in step S43), the control device 20 advances the process to step S48. If the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature t3 (Yes in step S43), the control device 20 advances the process to step S44.

[0122] In step S44, the control device 20 stops the supply of electricity to the heating unit 512. As a result, if water is not supplied to the tank 511 for some reason and the tank 511 becomes hot, the heating unit 512 can be stopped to prevent accidents and breakdowns.

[0123] In step S45, the control device 20 closes the water supply valve 171. Then, in step S46, the control device 20 stops the rotatable tub motor 14. This allows the user to immediately remove the clothes from the rotatable tub 13 if the user decides to remove the clothes as a result of the second notification process described below.

[0124] In step S47, the control device 20 executes a second notification process. The second notification process is a process for notifying the user that the special operation will not be performed because water was not supplied. The control device 20 notifies the user by displaying, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 19 on the operation panel 19. The control device 20 may also transmit information to an external information terminal owned by the user to display a screen with similar content. In these cases, the control device 20 may notify the user by a buzzer sound or a voice message from a speaker or the like (not shown). This allows the user to recognize that the special operation cannot be performed.

[0125] In step S48 of FIG. 18, the control device 20 judges whether a predetermined water supply period P5 has elapsed since the water supply valve 171 was opened. Here, the water supply period P5 refers to a period during which the water supply valve 171 is opened and water is supplied to the tank 511. The water supply period P5 can be set according to the amount of steam to be supplied as shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10. For example, an example of the correlation between the amount of steam to be supplied and the water supply period P5 is shown in FIG. 20. In this case, the water supply period P5 can be set within a range of 3 to 45 seconds according to the amount of steam of 1 to 15 g. If the water supply period P5 is shortened, the amount of steam generated will decrease, and if the water supply period P5 is lengthened, the amount of steam generated will increase. In other words, the water supply period P5 is set according to at least one of the weight or fabric quality of the clothes, the temperature or humidity of the water tub 12, or the time elapsed after the end of the main operation.

[0126] If the predetermined water supply period P5 has not elapsed since the water supply valve 171 was opened (No in step S48), the control device 20 returns the process to step S43. If the predetermined water supply period P5 has elapsed since the water supply valve 171 was opened (Yes in step S48), the control device 20 proceeds to step S49. In step S49, the control device 20 closes the water supply valve 171.

[0127] In step S50, the control device 20 judges whether the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature t4. When the temperature of the tank 511 reaches the predetermined temperature t4, it can be considered that the water in the tank 511 has been heated and all turned into steam. The predetermined temperature t4 is set to be lower than the predetermined temperature t3 and higher than 100°C. The predetermined temperature t4 can be set within a range of 115°C to 125°C, for example. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature t4 is set to 120°C.

[0128] If the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is less than the predetermined temperature t4 (No in step S50), the control device 20 repeats the process of step S50. If the temperature detected by the tank temperature sensor 64 is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature t4 (Yes in step S50), the control device 20 advances the process to step S51.

[0129] In step S51, the controller 20 stops the power supply to the heating unit 512. This causes the controller 20 to end the steam supply process (return).

[0130] In a conventional washer-dryer, steam is introduced into the spin tub 13 in the latter half of the drying operation, so that, for example, a special operation is performed on all the clothes stored in the spin tub 13 during the drying operation. However, it is not rare that the washing and drying operations are performed with a mixture of clothes that do not need to be wrinkled, such as towels, and clothes that need to be wrinkled, such as shirts and blouses. Also, the heavier the clothes stored in the spin tub 13, the more likely they are to become wrinkled, and the more difficult it is to remove the wrinkles.

[0131] According to the present embodiment described above, washer / dryer 10 as a clothes dryer includes housing 11, water tub 12, rotating tub 13, rotating tub motor 14 as a drive unit, steam generator 50, and control device 20. Housing 11 has an opening 111 on the front side. Water tub 12 is provided inside housing 11. Rotating tub 13 is rotatably provided inside water tub 12, and constitutes a drying chamber together with water tub 12. Rotating tub motor 14 rotates rotating tub 13. Steam generator 50 generates steam to be supplied into rotating tub 13.

[0132] The control device 20 is configured to be capable of performing at least one of a washing operation for washing clothes, a drying operation for drying clothes, and a washing and drying operation for performing both the washing operation and the drying operation. After the main operation is completed, the control device 20 is configured to be capable of performing a special operation including a process for supplying steam to the rotating tub 13 by the steam generating device 50 and a process for driving the rotating tub motor 14 to rotate the rotating tub 13.

[0133] According to this, the washer / dryer 10 executes the special operation after the main operation is completed, so the user can remove the clothes that do not require the special operation from the spin tub 13 before the special operation is executed. Therefore, the special operation can be executed only for the clothes that require the special operation, so that wrinkles can be effectively removed in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the clothes from wrinkling even if the clothes are not removed immediately after the operation is completed, and it is possible to provide a clothes dryer that is more convenient for the user.

[0134] Washer / dryer 10 further includes a circulation air duct 30 and a blower 36. Circulation air duct 30 is provided in housing 11 and connected to water tub 12 and spinning tub 13 to circulate air inside. Blower 36 is provided in circulation air duct 30 to blow air into water tub 12 and spinning tub 13. In special operation, controller 20 drives blower 36 to execute a process of supplying circulating air to water tub 12 and spinning tub 13.

[0135] According to this, by blowing circulating air onto the clothes after the main operation is finished, wrinkles are easily removed as the steam that has permeated the clothes dries. In addition, by blowing circulating air onto the clothes, the clothes tend to spread out in the rotating tub 13, and the situation in which the clothes overlap can be prevented, so wrinkles can be removed more efficiently.

[0136] In this case, the control device 20 drives at least one of the rotation tub motor 14, the blower 36, and the heat pump unit 40 in the main operation. After the main operation ends, the control device 20 executes a process to stop all of the operations of the rotation tub motor 14, the blower 36, and the heat pump unit 40 before starting the special operation, and puts the washer-dryer 10 into a standby state. Therefore, the user can immediately open the door 15 and take out the clothes that do not require the special operation without operating the operation panel 19 or the like to temporarily stop the operation of the washer-dryer 10. This further improves user convenience.

[0137] The washer / dryer 10 also includes a door 15 and a door open / close detection unit 67. The door 15 opens and closes an opening 111. The door open / close detection unit 67 can detect the open / closed state of the door 15. After the main operation is completed, the controller 20 executes a determination process to determine whether the door open / close detection unit 67 has detected that the door 15 has been opened and then closed. When the door open / close detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been opened and then closed, the controller 20 executes a special operation.

[0138] According to this, after the main operation is completed, the user can open and close the door 15 once to remove the clothes that do not need to be wrinkled, and then the special operation can be executed. This prevents clothes that do not need the special operation from being unintentionally subjected to the special operation, which prevents the special operation from taking longer than necessary and prevents unnecessary power consumption.

[0139] Furthermore, if the door opening / closing detection unit 67 does not detect that the door 15 has been opened and then closed within a predetermined period P0 after the end of the main operation, the control device 20 turns off the power to the washer / dryer 10 without performing the special operation.

[0140] According to this, if the user leaves the clothes for a long time after the main operation is completed, the power of the washer / dryer 10 is turned off, thereby reducing unnecessary standby power consumption thereafter.

[0141] Furthermore, as a determination process, the control device 20 determines whether or not the door open / close detection unit 67 has detected that the door 15 has remained in an open state for a predetermined open period S and then become in a closed state.

[0142] According to this, even if the user accidentally opens the door 15, if the door is quickly released from the open state, the control device 20 will not determine that the user has removed clothes. This further improves user convenience.

[0143] In this embodiment, the control device 20 does not automatically execute a special operation after it is determined that the door 15 has been opened or closed, but waits for an operation by the user, but this is not limited to the above. For example, in a configuration in which the control device 20 automatically executes a special operation after it is determined that the door 15 has been opened or closed, the above-mentioned effect can be further enhanced by determining in the determination process whether the door opening / closing detection unit 67 has detected that the door 15 has remained in an open state for a predetermined open period S and then become closed.

[0144] Furthermore, the washer / dryer 10 includes a circulation air duct 30, a blower 36, and a heat pump unit 40 as a heating device. The circulation air duct 30 is provided in the housing 11 and connected to the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13 to circulate air inside. The blower 36 is provided in the circulation air duct 30 to blow air to the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. The heat exchanger 34 of the heat pump unit 40 is provided in the circulation air duct to dry and heat the circulating air. The control device 20 can execute a first step and a second step in the special operation. The first step is a step of driving the steam generator 50 to supply steam to the rotating tub 13. The second step is a step of driving the heating unit 512 after the first step, driving the blower 36 to supply dry air to the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13, and driving the rotating tub motor 14 to rotate the rotating tub 13. The supply air temperature in the second step is set to be equal to or lower than the supply air temperature in the drying operation. More specifically, the supply air temperature in the second step is set to be equal to or lower than the supply air temperature in the finishing step, which is the final step of the drying operation.

[0145] According to this, by permeating the clothes with steam and then drying the clothes, it is possible to effectively remove or reduce wrinkles. Also, in the special operation, it is possible to prevent the clothes from being overheated and becoming over-dried, which may cause wrinkles to appear again or shrink.

[0146] The optimal amount of steam varies depending on the condition of the drying chamber and the condition of the clothes. If too little steam is added, wrinkles cannot be sufficiently removed. On the other hand, if too much steam is added, it takes a long time to dry the clothes again.

[0147] In contrast, the amount of steam supplied in the special operation is set to a different value depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the water tub 12 or the rotating tub 13, the weight of the clothes in the rotating tub 13, or the fabric type of the clothes.

[0148] This allows the optimum amount of steam to be supplied according to the conditions of the drying chamber and the clothes, so that sufficient wrinkle removal effect can be achieved without unnecessarily lengthening the required time.

[0149] The operating time of the special operation, in this case particularly the operating period P3 of the second step, is set to different values ​​depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the water tub 12 or spin tub 13, or the weight or fabric type of the clothes in the spin tub 13.

[0150] This allows the period for drying the steam to be changed depending on the amount of steam input and the ease with which the steam evaporates, so that a sufficient wrinkle removal effect can be achieved without unnecessarily lengthening the required time, and over-drying of clothes can be prevented.

[0151] Here, if the time that has passed since the end of a main operation such as a washing operation, a drying operation, or a washing and drying operation is short, it is considered that the wrinkles that have occurred in the clothes are few or shallow, and conversely, if the time that has passed is long, it is considered that the wrinkles that have occurred in the clothes are many or deep. In such a case, if the same amount of steam is uniformly supplied, there is a risk that the amount of steam will be too little or too much, and the desired wrinkle removal effect will not be achieved. Furthermore, if the clothes are uniformly dried for the same period after the supply of steam, there is a risk that the clothes will become over-dried or half-dried, which will impair the convenience of the user.

[0152] In contrast, the amount of steam supplied in the special operation or the operation time of the special operation, in this case particularly the operation period P3 of the second step, is set to different values ​​depending on the time that has elapsed since the end of the main operation.

[0153] According to this, the optimal steam supply amount and the operation period P3 of the second step are set according to the elapsed time after the end of the main operation, thereby achieving the desired wrinkle removal effect and improving user convenience.

[0154] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21 and Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 21, the steam input process of this embodiment is partially different from the steam input process of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 18.

[0155] In this embodiment, instead of step S48 in Fig. 18, the control device 20 executes step S61. In step S61, the control device 20 determines whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 62 is equal to or higher than a predetermined relative humidity Q. That is, in this embodiment, the control device 20 determines that the necessary amount of steam has been added when the humidity in the water tub 12 reaches a threshold value. The predetermined relative humidity Q is set according to the weight of the clothes, the fabric of the clothes, the temperature of the water tub 12, and the time elapsed since the end of this operation, as in the first embodiment.

[0156] FIG. 22 shows an example of the predetermined relative humidity Q set according to the weight and fabric quality of the clothes. In this case, the temperature of the water tub 12 is 35° C. or higher, the relative humidity of the water tub 12 is less than 35% RH, and the time elapsed since the end of the main operation is 60 minutes. When the fabric quality of the clothes is cotton-based, the predetermined relative humidity Q is set to increase from 70% RH to 90% RH as the weight of the clothes increases from 1 kg to 12 kg. When the fabric quality of the clothes is synthetic fiber-based, the predetermined relative humidity Q at each weight is set to be 5% lower than that of cotton-based clothes. In other words, the predetermined relative humidity Q is set lower as the weight of the clothes is lighter, and the predetermined relative humidity Q is set higher as the weight of the clothes is heavier. Also, the predetermined relative humidity Q is set higher for clothes with more cotton fabric quality than for clothes with more synthetic fabric quality.

[0157] In addition, the higher the temperature of the water tank 12, the easier it is for the introduced steam to evaporate, so the specified relative humidity Q is set higher, and the lower the temperature of the water tank 12, the harder it is for the introduced steam to evaporate, so the specified relative humidity Q is set lower. Furthermore, the shorter the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the less likely wrinkles will occur, so the specified relative humidity Q is set lower, and the longer the time that has passed since the end of the main operation, the more likely wrinkles will occur, so the specified relative humidity Q is set higher.

[0158] If the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 62 is less than the predetermined relative humidity Q (No in step S61), the control device 20 returns the process to step S43. If the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 62 is equal to or greater than the predetermined relative humidity Q (Yes in step S61), the control device 20 advances the process to step S49.

[0159] According to the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0160] Third embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 23 to 25. As shown in Fig. 23, the special operation of this embodiment is partially different from the special operation of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 16. In this embodiment, when the control device 20 determines that no clothes are contained in the spin tub 13 based on the weight detected by the weight detection unit 65, the control device 20 does not automatically execute the first step. In other words, when no clothes are contained in the spin tub 13, the control device 20 at least temporarily suspends the special operation.

[0161] In this embodiment, the control device 20 executes the process of step S71 between step S21 and step S22. In step S71, the control device 20 executes the second determination process shown in FIG.

[0162] When the second determination process starts, the control device 20 determines whether or not clothes are stored in the spin tub 13 based on the detection result of the weight detection unit 65 (step S72). That is, the control device 20 determines that no clothes are stored if the weight detected by the weight detection unit 65 is 0 kg, and determines that clothes are stored if the weight detected by the weight detection unit 65 is heavier than 0 kg. If clothes are stored in the spin tub 13 (Yes in step S72), the control device 20 ends the second determination process (returns) and proceeds to step S22 in Fig. 23. If clothes are not stored in the spin tub 13 (No in step S72), the control device 20 proceeds to step S73.

[0163] In step S73, the control device 20 executes a third notification process. The third notification process is a process for notifying the user that no clothes are stored in the spin tub 13. The control device 20 notifies the user by displaying, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 25 on the operation panel 19. Alternatively, information may be transmitted to an external information terminal owned by the user to display a screen with similar content. In these cases, the control device 20 may notify the user by a buzzer sound or a voice message from a speaker or the like (not shown).

[0164] This allows the user to take appropriate action when the clothes to be subjected to the special operation are not contained in the rotating tub 13, such as checking inside the rotating tub 13 and placing the clothes therein, or ending the operation if the special operation is not necessary.

[0165] 24, the control device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined period P6 has elapsed since the third notification process was executed. The predetermined period P6 can be set within a range of, for example, 5 to 15 minutes. In this embodiment, the predetermined period P6 is set to 10 minutes.

[0166] If a predetermined period of time P6 has elapsed since the execution of the third notification process, the control device 20 proceeds to step S75. In step S75, the control device 20 turns off the power to the washer-dryer 10. As a result, the control device 20 ends all operations. In other words, if it is determined in the second determination process that no clothes are stored in the washer-dryer 10, the washer-dryer 10 goes into a paused state. Then, if there is no operation by the user during the predetermined period of time P6, all operations are ended.

[0167] If the predetermined period P6 has not elapsed since the execution of the third notification process, the control device 20 advances the process to step S76. In step S76, the control device 20 determines whether or not there has been an operation to restart operation. For example, the control device 20 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the user of the operation restart key 194 shown in FIG. 25. If there has been no operation to restart operation (No in step S76), the control device 20 returns the process to step S74. If there has been an operation to restart operation (Yes in step S76), the control device 20 advances the process to step S77.

[0168] In step S77, the control device 20 determines whether the door opening / closing detection unit 67 has detected opening / closing of the door 15 since the weight detection unit 65 last detected the weight of the clothes. In this case, the control device 20 determines whether the door opening / closing detection unit 67 has detected opening / closing of the door 15 since the weight detection unit 65 detected the weight of the clothes in step S21 of Fig. 23. The definition of whether the door 15 has been opened / closed is the same as in each of the above embodiments.

[0169] When the user opens the door 15, it is assumed that the amount of clothes in the spin tub 13 has increased or decreased. When the opening or closing of the door 15 is detected (Yes in step S77), the control device 20 advances the process to step S21 in Fig. 23. As a result, even if the weight of the clothes changes, for example, when the user puts some clothes in or takes some clothes out of the spin tub 13, the optimal amount of steam and operation period P3 are set according to the changed weight of the clothes.

[0170] If opening or closing of the door 15 is not detected (No in step S77), the control device 20 ends the second determination process (returns) and advances the process to step S22 in Fig. 23. This causes the special operation to be resumed.

[0171] The present embodiment described above also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0172] The washer / dryer 10 also includes a weight detection unit 65 that detects the weight of clothes placed in the spin tub 13. After starting the special operation, the control device 20 executes a second determination process to determine whether or not there is clothes in the spin tub 13 based on the detection result of the weight detection unit 65. If the control device 20 determines that there is no clothes in the spin tub 13, it at least temporarily suspends the special operation.

[0173] This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary special operation when the user mistakenly operates the special operation even though it is not necessary, such as when all the clothes have been removed from the spin tub 13. This reduces unnecessary consumption of electricity and water.

[0174] Furthermore, if the door opening / closing detection unit 67 detects the opening / closing of the door 15 after the special operation is temporarily stopped, the control device 20 causes the weight detection unit 65 to detect the weight of the clothes in the spin tub 13 when the special operation is resumed.

[0175] With this, even if the weight of the clothes changes because the user removes or puts some of the clothes in and out of the rotating tub 13, the optimum amount of steam and operation period P3 are set according to the changed weight of the clothes.

[0176] In the above, we have explained the case where the special operation is temporarily suspended because it is determined in the second judgment process that there is no clothing present. However, even if the special operation is temporarily suspended for other reasons, if the opening and closing of door 15 is detected, the weight of the clothing can be detected again when the special operation is resumed.

[0177] (Other embodiments) In each of the above embodiments, steam generator 50 is provided at the front end of the upper portion of washing machine 10 above water tub 12, and configured to blow steam onto the clothes in rotating tub 13 from the upper front through openings 121 and 131, but this is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, steam generator 50 may be disposed behind rotating tub end plate 132 and water tub end plate 122, and configured to blow steam into circulating air passage 30, in this case, into air supply duct 35. In this case, the direction of blowing steam coincides with the direction of blowing air by blower 36, so that steam can easily penetrate into the clothes in rotating tub 13.

[0178] In another embodiment, in the first step of each of the above embodiments, the steam generator 50 may supply steam while the blower 36 is driven, that is, while air is circulating between the air circulation duct 30 and the drying chamber. In this way, the air containing steam is circulated, so that the steam is more likely to diffuse in the drying chamber and spread over the entire clothes.

[0179] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10... washer-dryer (clothes dryer), 11... housing, 12... water tub (drying chamber), 13... rotating tub (drying chamber), 14... rotating tub motor (drive unit), 15... door, 20... control device, 30... circulating air duct, 36... blower, 40... heat pump unit (heating device), 50... steam generator, 61... supply air temperature sensor, 62... humidity sensor, 63... water tub temperature sensor, 64... tank temperature sensor, 65... weight detection unit, 66... ​​fabric quality detection unit, 67... door opening / closing detection unit

Claims

1. A housing having an opening on a front surface; A water tank provided inside the housing; a rotating tank rotatably provided inside the water tank and constituting a drying chamber together with the water tank; A drive unit that rotates the rotating tub; a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied to the inside of the rotating tank; A control device is provided for executing at least one of a washing operation for washing clothes, a drying operation for drying clothes, and a washing and drying operation including the washing operation and the drying operation as a main operation, The control device includes: After the main operation is completed, when a user performs an operation, a special operation including a process of supplying steam to the rotating tub by the steam generating device and a process of driving the drive unit to rotate the rotating tub is executed. Clothes dryer.

2. A door for opening and closing the opening; A door opening / closing detection unit capable of detecting the opening / closing of the door, After the main operation is completed, the control device executes a determination process to determine whether the door opening / closing detection unit has detected that the door has been in the open state and then in the closed state, and executes the special operation when the door opening / closing detection unit has detected that the door has been in the open state and then in the closed state. The clothes dryer according to claim 1.

3. The control device turns off the power of the clothes dryer without executing the special operation if the door opening / closing detection unit does not detect that the door has been opened and then closed within a predetermined period of time after the main operation is completed. The clothes dryer according to claim 2.

4. The control device determines, as the determination process, whether or not the door opening / closing detection unit has detected that the door has been kept open for a predetermined period of time and then closed. The clothes dryer according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a circulation air duct provided in a housing and connected to the drying chamber to circulate air therein; a blower provided in the air circulation duct for blowing air into the drying chamber; a heating device provided in the circulating air duct for drying and heating the air, The control device is a first step of driving the steam generating device to supply steam to the rotating tub, and a second step of driving the heating device after the first step, driving the blower to supply dry air to the drying chamber, and driving the drive unit to rotate the rotating tub, The supply air temperature in the second step is set to be equal to or lower than the supply air temperature in the drying operation. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The amount of steam supplied in the special operation is set to a different value depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the drying chamber, the weight of the clothes in the drying chamber, or the fabric quality of the clothes. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The operating period of the special operation is set to a different value depending on at least one of the temperature or humidity of the drying chamber, the weight of the clothes in the drying chamber, or the fabric quality of the clothes. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The amount of steam supplied in the special operation or the operation period of the special operation is set to a different value depending on the elapsed time after the end of the washing operation or the main operation. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A weight detection unit is provided for detecting the weight of the clothes placed in the rotating tub, The control device executes a second determination process for determining the presence or absence of clothes in the spin tub based on the detection result of the weight detection unit after the special operation is started, and at least temporarily suspends the special operation when it is determined that there is no clothes in the spin tub. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A door for opening and closing the opening; A door opening / closing detection unit capable of detecting opening / closing of the door; A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the clothes put into the rotating tub, When the door opening / closing detection unit detects the opening / closing of the door after the special operation is temporarily stopped, the control device causes the weight detection unit to detect the weight of the clothes in the rotation tub when the special operation is resumed. The clothes dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A housing having an opening on a front surface; A water tank provided inside the housing; a rotating tank rotatably provided inside the water tank and constituting a drying chamber together with the water tank; A drive unit that rotates the rotating tub; a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied to the inside of the rotating tank; A control device that executes at least one of a washing operation for washing clothes, a drying operation for drying clothes, and a washing and drying operation including the washing operation and the drying operation as a main operation; A door for opening and closing the opening; A door opening / closing detection unit capable of detecting the opening / closing of the door, the control device executes a special operation including a process of supplying steam to the rotating tub by the steam generating device and a process of driving the drive unit to rotate the rotating tub after the main operation is completed, The control device, after the main operation is completed, executes a determination process to determine whether or not the door opening / closing detection unit has detected that the door has been opened and then closed, and if the door opening / closing detection unit has detected that the door has been opened and then closed, executes the special operation, and if the door opening / closing detection unit does not detect that the door has been opened and then closed within a predetermined period of time after the main operation is completed, turns off the power of the clothes dryer without executing the special operation. Clothes dryer.

12. A housing having an opening on a front surface; A water tank provided inside the housing; a rotating tank rotatably provided inside the water tank and constituting a drying chamber together with the water tank; A drive unit that rotates the rotating tub; a steam generator for generating steam to be supplied to the inside of the rotating tank; A control device that executes at least one of a washing operation for washing clothes, a drying operation for drying clothes, and a washing and drying operation including the washing operation and the drying operation as a main operation; A door for opening and closing the opening; A door opening / closing detection unit capable of detecting opening / closing of the door; A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the clothes put into the rotating tub, The control device includes: After the main operation is completed, a special operation is performed, the special operation including a process of supplying steam to the rotating tub by the steam generating device and a process of driving the drive unit to rotate the rotating tub, When the door opening / closing detection unit detects the opening / closing of the door after the special operation is temporarily stopped, the control device causes the weight detection unit to detect the weight of the clothes in the rotation tub when the special operation is resumed. Clothes dryer.

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